-Days after Conqueror Fall-
Volatile and Infinus elites lined Full-Forward's war room, impatiently waiting to hear what the punishment would be for disrespecting the truce. Both sides were on edge, unsure of how either side would react.
Shadows danced closer into the building, belonging to Niro, Valiant, and Yazzo. As their footsteps echoed within, elites flinched and looked away. The feeling of great loss crept into their minds.
Especially when Valiant and Yazzo abruptly stopped behind Niro. She continued to step forward, steadily making her way to the bronze pedestal. Nearby flames reflected off the drying tears on her cheeks, demonstrating the void in her heart.
Arexx emerged from the crowd, keeping a steady gaze on every elite present in the room. While giving a slightly off-puting stare at Ether.
"Niro is here to finalize the penalty for destroying a treaty," Arexx's voice thundered. "As agreed from all parties involved, peace is not guaranteed, but a safe return is. It is in our nature to pacify our desires and claim what we need."
He turned to the side Infinus rested on. "To clarify, the price of a fallen elite is another elite. So we seek to house one of Niro's choosing. Does Infinus and Volatile agree to that?"
Ether felt a shiver run down his spine as he glanced to his right and left. There were so many powerful and dominant fighters that he had appointed as elites. Some of which built strong relationships with him.
Deep down, he wanted to decline. But he knew this was the only opportunity Infinus would get to satisfy the rising civil tensions and bring justice to Kellenas' death.
So he sighed, before firmly nodding. An action that other elites emulated, albeit more hesitantly. Their armors clanked as they moved, resonating in their minds for a possible last time.
Niro took a deep breath, then she paced through the elites. Taking a mental note of each one. She admired Valentine's firm belief in his character, even Sernatacus' battered body.
Jakery didn't flinch when she stood before him, all he did was keep his eyes straight out. Niro grinned slightly, showing interest for a dedicated young brawler. However, she already knew who she wanted.
"I have made my choice," Niro said as she backed up. "Ether Coros," her voice was confident and hopeful. "Beginning on your next arrival to Yarno, you will belong to Ubitwa as a firm ruler."
Elites glanced at Ether's mortified expressions. His eyes were wide and stance quickly crumbled. The thought of leaving it all behind frightened him.
Niro's leather boots thumped as she gently approached the tiny Zesher. She grinned cheerfully as she studied the scrapped paint and symbols on his armor.
"But I am sure you are afraid to leave your loved ones, and that is something I am aware of. So you have the right to bring who is closest to your heart to my city," Niro continued.
It felt like one of those nightmares Ether had every other night, except it wasn't. This one felt realer than any of those ever did. He wasn't sure what to do other than accept.
"Mistress Niro," Ether bowed. "I am heartbroken, but honored you consider me a worthy replacement for Danitour. I promise to return with my family and embrace your traditions."
Valiant glanced over at Yazzo, who kept her gaze focused on their interaction. The two of them were unsure of how possible it was for Infinus to give up their leader, which stunned them when he accepted.
"Then it's official," Arexx announced. "All debts Infinus owed have been washed clean from their record."
After the announcement was over, Volatile was the first to depart. Satisfied they didn't earn any punishments for wrongfully attacking Infinus forces.
Infinus kept their eyes on Ether, who kept his on the floor. It felt unnatural to be standing alongside them at this point. So many powerful elites, yet none were strong enough to hold him back.
"So what's next?" Jakery asked.
Niro brought a hand up to Ether's bowed head. "Consider him your leader for now, but he'll return to Imbushko with some of my most trusted forces. After that, he must return."
The odd blend of scorching flames and frigid winter filled their bodies in a flash, enforcing this was reality. Right now, Infinus was without an official leader. Nobody knew who to elect.
Tinzor and Enoptes were good choices, but they were firmly holding onto their native Legions. That's why there were branches to Infinus. Making one rise to take over the entire thing would be difficult.
However, some began whispering to one another. Their voices speaking of a method of reclaiming their leader, while others urged for Jakery to take Infinus as his rightful ruler.
"I deny my position as leader," Ether announced to his forces. "Let's agree to make unified decisions for now until a leader rises to control Infinus."
Jakery frowned at the thought of somebody else ruling over. He remembered the days it took for Infinus to take hold. Hearing the tale of how Ether fought the starved Feral pack, even the times when Jakery firmly believed Ether and Oria had a secret relationship.
These were memories he'd never forget and would always treasure because of how simple they were. Now Infinus is complex, it felt more like a machine.
He stepped apart from the ground, crossing his arms while closing his eyes. There was nothing that could convince him this was actually happening. It felt too surreal. Then he thought, could he join Ubitwa, too?
Before Jakery could turn around and ask, elites exited the building. Leaving Niro alone with her husband. Ether grabbed Jakery by the shoulder, before bringing him into a close hug.
"Do you remember when I said life is a big game where your victories only serve to benefit your defeats?" Ether's voice crumbled. "For our legacy's sake, Jakery, make that upcoming defeat the best defeat the Coros lineage has ever known."