-Two days after the attack-
Enoptes rested his forehead in his palms as he honored along with several of his elites. They were gathered in the arena to discuss a potential strike against Yarno.
Regardless of what other elites and warriors wanted, the Ophus branch was going to strike against anyone and everyone who belonged to their enemies.
Yanas sat in corner of the opened arena, leaning against the wall with her father's knee plate in hand. She ran her fingers over the cold piece of armor, trying to linger in the past for a while longer.
Four sets of footsteps echoed closer to the inside, sounds that Enoptes and other elites instantly turned to. These were the elites who they invited over to talk with.
Valentine, Decka, Krim, and Suth. Each one had their own advantages if they joined the attack. But it was a matter of if they wanted to join or not.
"I am glad to hear from you all again," Enoptes greeted the group. "Now, to not waste anybody's time. I am sure you all heard about the conflict in our border."
Krim cackled. "Mhm, yup! You have to give it to those guys, though. They sure know how to keep the pressure. Many of my Ferals tell me about vessels coming in and continuing to strike or send in reinforcements."
Enoptes' eyebrow rose. "Mm? Their leader got killed and the killer stuck with the head, at least that's what my warriors told me... is it possible there's somebody else in power?"
"Ha!" Valentine joined in. "That guy cannot die, at least not yet. But with his head missing, there should be a massive delay, right?"
While they talked, Suth scanned the room full of elites. They had their armors equipped, ready to begin fighting in a moment's notice. Except for the trooper that sat away from them.
She stared at her, trying to figure out why she was there to begin with. Until Yanas glanced up and realized she caught someone's attention. Suth broke out of it, then walked over.
Yanas' heart began to race, she wanted to kick Suth across the jaw and dash out of this place as quickly as she could. But she was frozen in fear. Unable to do much aside from keep her eyes down.
"Trooper," Suth said with a gentle tone. "Why are you here in a room full of savages and undisciplined brutes?"
No response.
It was all Yanas could do, sit in silence and hope the unwelcomed visitor lost interest in her. But Suth was too invested in what she could be doing there.
Normally, elites leave their offspring with their mates or teachers. So their time could be spent in learning the foundations of survival against other Variants.
But when they bring their kids places, they never bring them to a place where the tone was so serious. They were called to pledge loyalty and commitment to their war. Not a place for kids.
Enoptes walked closer to the roaring flames, the smoke escaped from a large hole in the ceiling. They popped and cracked until he stopped moving, causing them to go silent.
"We have endured defeat by their hands so many times. We lost elites and warriors. Hedix and Kellenas to name a few. And Ether is begging for peace between us all," Enoptes continued.
He turned to face the group of four. "So it is time for us to strike back, join us in our attempt at taking territory and killing those vermin."
Decka stepped back, shaking his head as he did. "My name should not be stuck to conflict anymore. I will serve to defend but not to kill. Besides, I've got Variants to teach."
Suth sat down beside the trooper, keeping her company. Not realizing Yanas secretly wanted her to disappear or out-right die on the spot.
"I will not attack directly, but I can aid. Digon has been growing restless lately and visions have become... intense. We can perform rituals to assist," Suth answered.
Valentine and Krim both replied at the same time. "I'll fight."
Upon answering, Valentine felt bitter about his decision. Doing this could result in a civil war between allies.
"We have more power now," Enoptes announced. "Decka, you can stay and attend to your personal life."
"Do not take this as me denying your call," Decka clarified. "I would join, but what these conflicts ended up killing my only joy along with my only trooper. Letting it take more would be the death of me."
Enoptes nodded, putting his hands behind his back. He watched Decka walk out of the shade and away from the arena, the black jacket he wore moved like water as the breeze went by.
Suth glanced at Yanas. "You're a quiet girl, aren't you? Smart but very anti-social? I was in a place like this at one point during the previous war. I know you will become a devastating force someday."
"You have taken a lot of interest in Yanas," Enoptes mentioned. Now all eyes were on the duo. "That girl right there is daughter to the same leader that ordered his champion to kill your brother."
Upon hearing that, Suth's eyes widened. "Q - quill... I... n - no. This is someone else, she didn't order him to do it. She is innocent and young, if you don't want her then I can keep her."
Valentine placed his hand over Enoptes' shoulder. "Daughter of Kas, hm? Raise her right or she'll erase you."
With that, he walked out of the arena. Slowly stepping over the wooden floorboards and through Krim. The Feral kept his eyes on the crowd, where a saddened elite stared back.
After so much time, he could finally give Reveria the gift he mentioned back when Yarno and Imbushko were neutral with one another: the gift of another partner.