Ferals chirped each other awake very early the next day, their nocturnal instincts were active. The high-pitched sounds resonated within the occupied homes, waking the Zegi inside.
In minutes, the entire battalion rose from their slumbers. Wounds were still fresh over their battle-beaten bodies.
They made their way out the door, stumbling into a white world. Intense snow fall made it difficult for Ferals to maintain their footing and keep warm. Many began to doubt this play.
Cyclone roared into the frigid morning sky, his glowing green eyes glistened in the white blanket. "My Ferals, Olavin-Faa birthed us to withstand the harsh cold winters of Yarno. We don't realize this because it is the first time we endure with no shelter."
"But when the flakes first fell on our heads as cubs, the Neddy that held us on her back tucked is between her breasts. Ensuring she would shiver while we grew warm and safe," he continued.
Despite hearing their leader encourage them, the Ferals knew words could only bring them so far. They weren't like Zegi, who had the ability to transform into Thawed if enough time passes.
A transformation that was happening as they spoke. Zegi slowly shivered less and less, adopting a Thawed's natural resistance to cold weather to start off.
However, Cyclone had one last trick. He inhaled, drawing in as much frigid air as he could. Then he sharply exhaled, unleashing sharp winds to hack back the snow on the ground.
Large pathways leading further away from protection replaced the fine white powder. The ground was still frigid, but at least they were capable of stepping through.
"Follow him!" Demon ordered. "Cyclone will lend Ferals the footing required to push on. All of my men, keep close to them. In case a Feral freezes or falls, they deserve to be brought back home."
Every Infinus force heard and understood. They took formation around the pack, who stuck close to each other. Body warmth was the only thing keeping them going.
Once the battalion was ready, Cyclone unleashed roar after roar. Blade-like gusts of air tore the snow to bits, pushing them out of the way.
Demon followed behind everyone else, he took tail to ensure everyone was being watched. While he walked, Demon grinned behind his mask.
This entire situation fit two purposes: a head start on the next destination before the Trilogy finds and combats them. And to prove the pack's worth.
Connisko would be useless to his plans if they weren't capable of enduring the very thing they were born into. It was in the genetics of a Feral, the very fabric of their being.
Unlike any other Variant, when nature lashes out, a Feral is always the first to growl her hand away. This case was no different. If more died than survived, Connisko could safely be discarded.
Which was why he did not simply move Cyclone's Ferals back home to Olavin-Faa, it would have been too easy. There was nothing stating he couldn't do that when the Nine offered him the opportunity to participate.
Mounds of snow crumbled as iron boots crushed them into the ground. Infinus kept spirits up by singing War Tunes. 'Little, little pawn' lingered in the still air as they continued forward.
Shortly after, another War Tune surfaced. One that sounded familiar to the Ferals. It was called 'Heed her, Dear mistress mine.' They listened to the Zegi sing in unison.
Keeping their marching in sync with the melodies, which encouraged them to participate. They did not know the lyrics, but they knew how to hum.
For hours, they continued through the snow. Humming, singing, and stomping forward. Their next location would be Nasagna, a trading post between two major cities.
Decka would join them there, or cause a distraction to lure the Trilogy away. But unbeknownst to them, a Self-made Siege was on its way. In the form of a Thawed, Thresher hybrid.
Hitirus was on the prowl, restlessly pursuing his targets through the blizzard. It was only a matter of time until a war machine found them.
But for now, they were safe. Demon brushed snow off his jacket, the metallic-like glove ringed like a weapon as he did so. It was surprising to him how nobody mentioned his new attire.
Especially Jakery, who worked closely with Valentine. Demon's suit was inspired by it. The jacket, elegant pants, and mask. The only differences were he was not a 'Crimson Lover' and the gloves.
"Kananako, inkaber (Hold on, do you feel it)..?" Ferals whispered to each other.
They ceased their hums, falling silent. Only noise to produce the melodies Infinus sang to was the howling winds and the distant roars.
Cyclone was exhausted, forcing himself to continue roaring for the sake of his pack. In his mind, he acknowledged the bravery of each one. Lingering on their faces and enjoying their laughter.
"Anika, nospheir (Keep calm, we have a stalker)..." some Ferals whispered to their neighbors.
Demon felt what they were feeling. It was the type of emotion a prey animal would feel if a larger beast was stalking them.
"Hold!" his voice cut through the winds. "Raise your guard, we are being watched."
Zegi and Thawed alike lifted their weapons, readying themselves for whatever ugly creature would show its head through the blizzard. Pikes, swords, shields, everything was guided towards the outside.
From that point on, they stepped with caution. Hoping the feeling would go away on the next step. But nothing changed. The sky was still a soothing grey from snow and the winds were still flowing.
Between roars, Cyclone breathed in to catch his breath. Until another roar interrupted his own tempo. This roar was a lot more intense and nasty, almost bloodthirsty.
Two lights pierced through the world in front of them. One was cyan and the other purple. Both eyes shifted colors steadily.
"Infinus, surrender to my might!" Hitirus cried out through the storm. "If you do, I might consider handing you to Niro and her friends. But as of right now... the best option would be to pretend like I am going to slaughter you all."