Demon pulled those that remained alive out of the encounter. Syndicate Dust impaired their vision before pulling away, bringing them all to a different location.
There was a moment of shock between the survivors, the surreal feeling one would get after experiencing something tragic. No one muttered a word or moved a muscle.
Except for the tainted one, he crossed his arms and shook his head. Instead of feeling sorrow for all extinguished lives, he hid his smile behind his shattered helmet.
Hysteric laughter caught their attention. Jakery reached down for his stomach, feeling the aftermath of a draining battle. Fresh wounds were a common pattern.
Claw marks spread far and deep enough to draw blood. But not deep enough to pierce any major organs. As he laid there, darkness surrounding him, he learned how lucky he was.
An ember lit up the room, hovering over Ether's fragile hand. It continued to dance and play, giving off no smoke as it burned nothing.
"It was a hard fought battle," Demon was the first to speak. "We have lost great talent today in the shape of Kellenas, Reinforced by Etek Dur. His presence as a leader and an ally will not be forgotten."
Neither of the two siblings commented on it. Each were focused on their own thing. Jakery continued to rub his stomach while his oldest brother lifelessly stared into the flame.
During their silent mourning, more faces came down the tunnels. Ferals, Thawed and Zegi alike. They stumbled through the tight corridors into the giant open chamber.
Light washed over their bodies, causing many to cover their faces at the sight of it. But in due time, they felt comfortable to take their arms away from their eyes.
From the sea of faces, Pearl and Feymor stumbled through. Both of the females instantly lowered their guard at the sight of two distraught warriors.
Pearl dashed through the open area to encase her partner in a welcoming hug. She brought Ether close to her body, making sure every limb felt her loving cold.
"The battle was lost?" Pearl whispered. "It's okay, each soul fought with great power. One day - someday, they will receive our honors. Maybe that day could be today."
Ether brought his other hand up to hold her's. "Kellenas and the rest of our battalion died. But... how? It was a mostly defenseless city and we were pushed back by only a handful before more came."
She placed her cheek against his faceplate. "Maybe it was a giant difference in who we were combating. We should try a different strategy next time."
Feymor chirped, trying to lighten up the mood. "Great Nas was a true Feral. 'e never ceased t'e fig't until 'e couldn't anymore. I know 'e died wit' a furious 'eart," Feymor mourned. "'Ail-'Eart is controlled by Volatile, just in case..."
Jakery struggled to roll himself over. He moved like a wounded animal, only being able to struggle for a brief moment before collapsing.
Two Zegi emerged from the crowd, their strides were gentle. As if they were trying to not frighten the defeated Zesher.
"I refuse to lose anymore forces," Ether announced. "Each time we struck Yarno, they end up winning. They are untouchable by the looks of it and it's three Legions. We won't cause a dent."
"Your concern is understandable. But please, Et'er, me and Qitor would wis' to see our family again. At least make a deal wit' Niro and promise safe passage for us," Feymor urged.
Ether nodded, keeping his head down. "Hopefully I could reach out to Niro. I want to ask her why did the attack happen? Weren't we neutral?"
"Neutral means it could swing for the better or worse," Demon's said with a heavy rasp. "She may have been enraged by the fact you dismissed the offer. It's what the Ferals here said happens."
A creeping sense of rage fought its way through Ether's veins. Trying to take control and lash out for one final attempt against Niro and her Trilogy. But it would've been useless.
He sighed, letting go of all the anger before he could say or act on it. Demon noticed this, even began drafting up a plan to counter it.
"There is a way to fight this," he blurted out. "Ether, do you trust me?"
In response, he shrugged. Despite being siblings, Ether did not know if his brother could guide them to victory. He was a broken creation, an unhinged figure thirsty for a purpose.
"I know how to win against them. All I need is four of the newer elites and three of the older elites. If you can provide me with them, we can pave a path through Yarno to reach the island," Demon explained.
Pearl tightened her grip around her partner. She did not want to let him accept, and neither did he. But it was the last attempt he had. This was a risky gambit.
So he feebly closed his fists, trying to hold back any kind of aggressive reaction after hearing the set up. "But then what? Yarno will be after us and probably invade Imbushko after. If not..."
Feymor took a step back, realizing her entire pack was in his mind. She smiled, revealing her spiky teeth to the siblings.
"What will we do then? We cannot live with our neighbors aiming for our necks," Ether continued.
Demon waved the counterarguments away. "Let them come. The Nine have granted me freedom to act in whichever way benefits this Legion, at a cost. Those costs are... uncertain until I get to them."
A shiver ran down Ether's spine, he was unsure of what Demon meant by costs. It was a cryptic warning, one meant to not ward off victims but to let them know the punishment ahead.
Ether sighed again, this time deeper. "I don't know, I am stuck in a hard place between fighting and leaving. I want to liberate Yarno, it's a beautiful place. But... we keep losing."
Feymor bowed. "Don't be afraid of leaving. T'is is our conflict, not yours. My pack 'as been torn apart, it is up to us to find our way back to eac' ot'er."
Pearl brought her hands up to Ether's shoulders. "No hard feelings in dropping now. Think properly, consider it. I am going to stick by your side, regardless."
In that moment of embracing, he finally found his answer. "We will launch our last attack after I talk with Niro."