Ether and Etherna found Decka watching over Orako and another Feral. Decka's sudden yells and orders deafened the distant sounds of growling, taunting, and bodies slamming against each other.
"Orako, watch that lock!" Decka notified. "It is common for Ferals to take your back and exploit you that way. Use your legs to throw yourself onto your back, she'll get dazed after being crushed."
Per Decka's orders, Orako grappled tight onto his partner's knees, then threw himself down. She groaned, releasing the air in her lungs as her grip got loose.
"You should've wrapped your legs around him, Veshka," Decka corrected. "Even while staggered, you could've had at least a little resistance afterwards."
"Neddy," Etherna turned to face Ether. "That is the same Feral that came by earlier today, she pecked Orako's forehead and dragged him away with a hug! Now they're training..?"
"Makes sense, this is the training grounds," Ether replied. He stepped beside Decka, who continued to keep his gaze on his students. "Good evening, Decka."
He quickly glanced over at the duo before smiling and giving a firm nod. "Big and little Ether," he joked. "Glad you two are here, your Feral is practicing with a sweet one he brought to me."
The female struggled off the softly pact sand, keeping a hand on her head while recovering. She kept her eyes closed shut, same with her mouth, fearing some rogue particles of sand might enter.
In response, Orako rolled onto his side. Regret and sorrow filled his mind, prompting him to encase her in a warm embrace. The duo got up together, then they checked on each other.
"Didn't think he had relationships with other Ferals," Ether plopped Etherna down. "And what is he practicing exactly?"
Decka chuckled. "He didn't tell you? Your son is working on his own Code, he calls it Code of the Rampager. Maybe he'll give you lessons someday."
Upon hearing his father's voice, Orako turned over to see them. His toothy grin appeared on his face as he jogged towards them, seeming proud of himself.
"Neddy! You look better now, what happened? Did Yarno hurt you?" Orako eagerly asked.
Ether shook his head, deciding to beckon him closer for a walk. A request that Orako accepted, standing beside his father and together they walked away from the arena.
Soft sand turned into rough soil, slightly bothering the Feral cub's feet. He glanced down at his Neddy, waiting for him to speak.
"About that, would you like to move with me and the rest of the family to Yarno? I purposefully killed one of their elites out of self defense and Niro replaced them with me," Ether quickly explained. "Because of that, I have to return soon."
Orako frowned, growling lowly. "What? You are... joining them? No, no that isn't right. Can't you defy?"
"I am a Coros member, Orako. When I am cast into one's debt, I am forced to pay it," Ether replied in a calmer tone. "You don't have to come if you don't want to, but I'd love to have you by my side."
"No," Orako stopped walking. The sweat on his body reflected the orange sky. "I will stay here and join Eterra. Their new alpha couple is begging me to form a sub-pack full of Scalers."
Ether nodded, understanding the sense of duty. "Then you will stay. Hopefully you don't take offense to me joining their ranks. I love Infinus dearly. I built it from the ground up. But I know I have to carry principles Solice set for me, while being an example to my kids."
Orako lingered on Ether's last few words. He was being an example to Hylo, the aspiring warrior, Etherna, the quick learner, and Azir, the beloved Yonie. But why would they learn submission? Orako thought.
"I'll see if I can visit someday, so me and Pearl can see what you built with your hands. Also, I heard you became a Third Rule Host, I'm proud of that," Ether warmly smiled. "Use it well."
He returned to Etherna, leaving Orako behind to think of the future. Deep down, both parties were badly hurt by the news. It was a separation neither side wanted. But it had to happen.
During his vulnerable period, Orako made a revelation. At the end of the day, he wasn't truly Ether's son. He came from the Hori Hori pack, prideful Ferals with no fear of their surroundings.
Orako turned to the arena, catching Ether in his gaze. He realized why his 'Neddy' was so submissive to foreign forces. Ether was tiny compared to the rest. In a fight, Ether would get wobbled and rocked repeatedly.
"I'll let you run and hide with your new folk," Orako muttered. "But from your departure on, if I ever see you or any of your offspring, I'm putting the prideful Coros to the test."
Ether picked up Etherna, then he turned to Decka. "You probably heard the news."
"Yeah," Decka tossed a water bag at the Feral. "It is sad to see you go, that leaves Jakery as the last Coros in Imbushko."
"I can't imagine being the last as something to be proud about," Ether commented. "You're the last sunset elite."
"A title I am not too proud of," Decka stared off into the distance. "If Trijunn wasn't such a wretched creature, I would've had my own son or daughter right here with me. Now I am nothing."
Ether reached up to his shoulder, coating the gray wool shirt with his firm palm. "You're something precious, Decka. Withstanding so much punishment without the urge to fight back. That takes Will power."
Decka nodded. "Ever since her death..." his voice crumbled. "I don't know what's life. Quinn was a precious Zegus to me, I promised her my body as a tool for comfort and resistance."
"Then can you promise me your mind as a tool for Jakery's betterment?" Ether purposed. "I want somebody to look after him and make sure his emotions don't dictate his actions."
"An advisor..." Decka locked eyes with Ether. "I promise to overlook your sibling."
"Thank you," Ether turned to leave. "You were one of my best, and a name I'll paint my new banner with. Goodbye, Decka. Hopefully we see each other one last time before I leave."