-During the battle, Noraqatul-
The rider landed, getting off the beast's back while carrying Yanas. She felt incapable of doing anything right, all she could think about was getting enough oxygen in her lungs and the injuries she received while protecting her ill mom.
Warriors crowded around the beast. "What happened? Who is this?"
"Yarno is attacking the border, somebody tell Enoptes to send over some riders and reinforcements as quickly as possible. I am unsure how long we can last out there," the rider replied.
He carried Yanas in his arms, forcing the crowd to move out of the way. They studied her gold and white armor, including the scratched golden knee plate placed on her right knee.
Which was the last thing she had that belonged to Kas, after the war was done, she returned to salvage what she could. Making a small set of unprofessionally made armor and broken sword.
She continued to breathe heavily, something that devolved into a panic attack. Her red eyes got even redder with salty tears as they escaped, she breathed even harder and began screaming for her overseer.
But just like the last remaining Light Legion beast master, she was dead. Killed by Hitirus' careless push against Imbushko.
Enoptes walked out of a small metal shifting building after hearing all the voices. He watched the rider place Yanas on the ground, before ripping portions of her armor off.
Revealing more of her chest and ribs in an effort to let her lungs expand enough to give as much air as it could to the rest of her body.
Seeing her panic caused Enoptes to run back inside to get two large cups of water. When he came back out, he used the first cup to pour over her body and face. Then the second he held it in his hand.
"Hey, hey, its okay. We're not going to hurt you, just try to recover," Enoptes turned his attention to the rider. "You! Mobilize reinforcements and send them over to your fort. Then go to Encur and request their help."
Upon receiving orders, the rider took off running into the crowd. Yelling at other Variants to put their armors on and mount a beast. This was an all-out assault, neither side was about to hold back.
Hundreds of Ophus forces ran indoors and prepared themselves to aid against whoever caused this much damage to the poor trooper. Slowly awakening the parental instincts of every Zegus.
"M - my..." Yanas struggled to speak. She choked on her own spit, causing her to stop breathing and begin coughing. Her face turned red and voice dwindled. "H - he...."
Enoptes pressed down on her stomach, forcing the built-up gasses inside to open up her windpipe. Allowing her to breathe normally again. He held the trooper in his arms like a father would.
"Young trooper," Enoptes whispered. "What happened? Who shook you?"
Instead of responding, Yanas began to cry hysterically. She felt ashamed of herself, being at the care of her enemies and weeping like a baby before them.
She wished her overseer was there to comfort her, not whoever this elite was. But this still wasn't comfort. It was more shameful to her than anything.
"Here," Enoptes whispered to her. "Drink some water, I've got some soft clothes coming for you here in a minute. Just give it time, okay? When you're covered up, I'll bring you some food and give you a proper bed."
Yanas placed a hand over Enoptes' forearm, keeping it in place. Pretending like it belonged to Kas instead of this nameless figure.
In time, he picked her up and so another Zegus could dry the chilling water off her bruised and cut skin. Marks of healed injuries and unforgotten wounds lingered across her young body.
Next thing Yanas knew, she was wearing a long-sleeved shirt. Warm and soft to help her relax, she finally reconnected to her childhood when Kas would give her similiar gifts.
The memory caused her to stop crying as much because she felt somewhat at home. Imbushko, these clothes, even a very committed figure by her side. It reminded her of Kas.
"Are you okay, girl? What's your name?" Enoptes asked.
"M - mine..?" Yanas struggled to speak.
Realizing how much of a task speaking was to her, Enoptes wrapped an arm around her shoulders and helped her to another nearby building. The smell of a stranger's home felt strong inside.
She dragged her feet across the warm wooden floor, trying to find little things that could help her think back to when she was an extremely young trooper.
But the only thing she could notice was a one-handed axe hanging over a fireplace. The flames swirled and popped underneath, consuming wood and casting their light across the room.
"A - th... tha - that..." she mumbled, trying to piece together a sentence. "A - a..."
Exhaustion took its toll on her, causing her to collapse on the carpet Enoptes had in the room. She continued to look at the axe, hoping he would notice.
When she rested her head on the wool, Enoptes realized what she was trying to say. Causing him to reach for it and bring it closer for her to see.
"Do you mean this thing? It's a repaired relic from the previous war. Not sure if you know about it, and its funny that you're wearing gold and white. Because it belonged to Kas, one of the Light Legion's leaders," Enoptes told her.
Upon hearing what exactly this was, she tried to take it from Enoptes' hands. Causing him to hold her down, she was too weak to begin moving like this.
"Calm down! Do you want it? Why?" Enoptes tried to get her to speak.
"B - because that..." small doses of adrenaline pulsed through Yanas. "That belonged to... m - my commander."
Enoptes lowered the axe, seeming almost shocked at what he just heard. So shocked he thought it was a prank, but this was too perfect to be one.
He knew Kas sent his wife and only kid away, and now a random girl appeared wearing the same colors as the Legion her dad owned. And now she claimed Kas was her father.
"I cant believe it... rest up, we'll talk then."