Detrass unearthed himself from the icy chambers of his core. The ice fell and shattered on the scorched statue.
Ether's eyes widened in shock, he couldn't comprehend how Detrass survived an attack made by a bellowing force. Let alone all the snow.
"Ah..." Detrass sighed. "You tried to cleanse my city by destroying non-hosts, hmm..?"
"H - how..? What?" Ether stuttered.
"Don't be foolish," Detrass chuckled. "It barely did anything to my Third Rule, your friend is completely safe, and Yazzo is still thriving. I know what kind of tactics Light uses, so I thought I would counter."
Before either side could break out into a blinding battle, a third voice chimed in. This one laughed while coughing, trying to sound better before speaking.
"If they follow such a pattern, I can't imagine this Legion not being a shard of the former. Light may be gone, but I can sense you're here for the slaughter," Valiant cackled.
While Ether glanced up at the odd Feral, Detrass brought down a heavy hand to the side of his face. It was powerful enough to shatter the statue further upon feeling the impact Ether had against it.
Majestic gold wings sprouted out from his back, allowing him to drag himself off the ground and overhead. Trying to buy himself enough time to bring out Tellendor.
The weapon roared to life, igniting the skies in a mystical gold. Detrass reached for his back, taking a two-handed axe out of its sheathe.
"In Digon's shadow the true protectors unify," Detrass watched the metals along the blade turn blue. "So bring your hell upon me and let me bask in the glory of your Legion's Fall."
Ether spun around, hurling an orange version of Tellendor towards Jakery and Yazzo. It erupted right over the Feral, knocking her off his brother's back.
Valiant's tongue swirled in his mouth, building up the toxin needed to melt away the threats. He watched his elite clash with the foreign leader, blue and furious oranges collided.
Focused energy from both weapons pierced the eardrums of anyone in range. Golden wings flapped once, unleashing the fury of ancient solar winds against Detrass.
As he flew back up to the grey skies, he was unaware he had given up an advantage. Detrass held onto his ankle, effortlessly yanking Ether to the ground.
Detrass delivered a powerful knee that bent the armor around the stomach. Ether spat blood into his helmet, the metallic taste lingered for a while.
Before Ether was free from the trap, Detrass brought down the handle of his axe onto the back of his head. Staggering his opponent long enough to force him back on his feet.
The axe's edge dug itself into his stomach, shattering the armor even more. Detrass reached up for an armor plate along Ether's breast, he tore it out and beat him over the head with it.
"Your abilities are all for show," Detrass taunted. "Don't you realize your mistake?"
Vision blurred, Ether struggled to assess the situation. He crawled away, trying to recover from the beating. As he fought against his injuries, Tellendor hummed.
"Fortitude. That's what shapes a Zegus. If my little Shora want's to compete, you need to reach for the Will you were given. Use that instead of your stamina and muscles."
Detrass stood over the downed Zesher, an arm on his axe. The metallic handle weighed it down, making it feel the right weight to chew through armor.
Ether grunted, Tellendor was right. He had a lot more strength left before caving in, those years since the Light-Infinus War shaped his Will to become stronger.
But now wasn't the time to utilize it, he was badly beaten and bruised. However, there was a way to go on for a little longer. Ether pondered about it as he watched Detrass loom over him.
Then he agreed to it. A sharp, fiery screech dazed the defender for long enough to feel drained of all heat. When he snapped out of it, he realized Ether was pulling something out of his heart.
An invisible force struggled out of his body, trying to snap back in place. But the attacker would not allow it. The longer both parties struggled, the stiffer Detrass got.
Until he was nothing but a frozen Thawed, submerged in absolute zero. Ether forced the heat into his own heart, claiming it as his and feeling his injuries mend together.
Valiant dropped down beside Ether. "I recognize you. Infinus Legion leader, eh?" he laughed. "Wonderful, wonderful, just great. Don't you agree, my friend?"
Tellendor growled as it formed in its wielder's hand. The reflective sword sparked like a dancing star above.
"We did not have to end up fighting. This city, Hail-Heart, it did not need to get destroyed. You know that, I know that. Yet you came by and attacked!" Valiant laughed manically. "Beautiful city, full of lively folk."
"Not when your people attacked me!" Kellenas roared. "You speak of lively and peace yet lash out against my pack when we took a tour of Olavin-Faa."
Valiant nodded, trying to keep it together. But before he could do anything more about it, he used his elbow to deliver a quick blow to the side of the incoming alpha's head.
Only to feel several tentacles wrap around the entire arm. Demon loomed over the leader, keeping a straight arm out. In response, Valiant's tongue swirled and licked his own face.
Acid drooled across the melting, green cheeks. It steamed silently, ready to devour the Distorted's entire arm.
Ether noticed his allies were in control of Valiant, so his mind instantly switched over to Jakery. Who was pinned against a ruined wall.
Yazzo continued to claw at his stomach, trying to draw out blood and eventually organs. Which was working. All the major layers of armor were stripped clean.
Volcanic fury encased Ether, he took aim for Yazzo's head. Tellendor hummed in agreement, causing slivers of blinding light to bloom from it.