Valiant watched his battalions take flight and depart for forts and strongholds surrounding Hymo. Hordes of white wings took flight with the dying shades of dusk over their feathers.
Beasts screeched in a low, disciplined tone. Boasting their surprisingly well-educated aspects. Hoping they'd earn a treat if they impressed their riders.
However, each Sky Beast was unknowingly carrying many warriors that would never come back. With elites arriving from all over Volatile to aid in striking down Hitirus for good.
Including Danitour. He rode with his battalion, which would be the fourth to strike. Warriors closest to him knew the reason why one of his ears was missing and even had an underlying distaste for Infinus because of it.
What none of them were aware about was who would be helping them in this attack. Valiant was unaware of Danitour's history with Infinus. After all, it was one of the many things he threw away after dawning a nickname.
On the ground, Valiant and Yazzo marched down groups of warriors. Checking over their gear and weapons before sending them on nearby Sky Beasts.
Acidic green splatter decorated shields and breastplates. Topped off with random pieces being slightly melted by Valiant's own goo.
More elites arrived at the war-ready city. Except these would not be fighting, these were going to help with the beasts and manage weapons.
Crates full of ammunition for their firearms dawned carts as four elites brought them out and parked them beside each other. Allowing workers to distribute the bullets among battalions.
The tension of a hardworking city was the only ambience left inside their walls. In a way, it was their death songs. The last many would ever see of their loved ones.
Each warrior knew Conqueror wasn't going down easily, let alone Hitirus. They'll be confused as Volatile warriors fill their skies and beasts storm their barriers.
Leveling the towns leading up to the main city itself. Where they would challenge Hitirus until he got sick of dying so much, forcing him to give up and flee.
However, other whispers suggested this was a setup. Hitirus being ordered to not die until Centinents' crown was his wasn't a secret.
Causing a few Variants to question if Hitirus even knew of such a limit. How many deaths until he gave up? Does dying and reviving tire him out? Will he even care?
None of those questions matter now that the attack was planned out. It was too late to go back and rethink their plan.
Yazzo waved a Sky Beast over, letting it know the nearby warriors were ready to mount. One by one, the small group boarded. They turned to their families behind, waving and promising a return.
Except for one warrior. She held onto her little brother, hoping his presence would grant her pity. But Yazzo hesitantly denied it. Just like the warrior, Yazzo understood just how dangerous this was.
In ways, she could relate. Even if she didn't have much family left inside the Trilogy, but there was someone close to a father. And oddly enough, it was a Yonie.
"Be brave," Yazzo encouraged the warrior. "That trooper will be next in line after you serve your term, be his role model. Show him what a trained and disciplined Volatile warrior can do."
The warrior looked down at her brother one more time, then whispered something something into his ear. A closed off helmet hid her emotions from the rest, making it difficult to tell what she felt.
All Yazzo could see was her body expanding and contracting, taking in a breath of courage. Then she stepped forward, climbing onto the beast's back and joining her allies.
"Do not be afraid of losing her," Yazzo turned to the warrior's brother. "She will be back in less than four days. So will the rest of the Legion. We'll return triumphant, trooper."
She turned and approached a different group. Leaving the trooper alone with no one to place a warm hand on his shoulder. Eyes down and sorrow glittering in his watery eyes.
Despite the sorrow, Yazzo turned her back to the trooper. Leaving him in her shade as she approached incoming Cemtrin and Sarorin.
In that moment, the trooper felt alone and isolated. Even if he had parents to come back home to. The feeling of having one less voice in the house after being used to it lingers for hours.
And he was unsure if his sister would even survive such an attack against Hymo.
Elites gave orders to beast masters, telling them the road was clear for them to dash towards their destinations. Sarorin branded with the signature acid burn along their horns took the lead.
Koroth steadily shrunk as the mighty beasts stampeded, leveling everything in their way. Leaving the Cemtrin, who were also branded with the acid burn, but on their foreheads, to follow.
Valiant checked the last battalion, then turned to the elite. They exchanged a brief look at one another, a silent agreement that one might fall. If one did, they'd have to look after the other's legacy.
Once their exchange was settled, the elite boarded the Sky Beast. Its puffy white feathers repositioned themselves, getting into proper positions for flight.
Then it erupted out of the area. Its four wings flapped in unison, causing gusts of wind to wash over the city. The riders held on tight to knobs placed along the saddles, a massive contrast to the Infinus riders.
Yazzo stepped beside Valiant, bowing her head in submission. "The last groups are leaving now. How will we meet with Infinus?"
"I'll ask my Oracles to send messages over to select elites. That way, they'll know when Infinus arrives and how they'll greet them," Valiant replied.
"Mmm," Yazzo's voice got lower. "Then where will you place me?"
Valiant gestured for her to follow. "By my side, Yazzo. You will fight with me."
A sense of pride and joy filled Yazzo's mind, she always enjoyed merging her fighting style with Valiant's. During large fights, Valiant would spit acid everywhere. Then she'd go in and slaughter everybody within the blink of an eye.