Niro sat within her bedroom, crying once again. She felt horrible for letting her people down after so long without war. It was as if Infinus came in like a gust of wind, and took a chunk of her with them.
The amount of pain and regret felt true in her tears as they touched her lips. Letting her savor the salty liquid, reminding Niro that she was still touchable.
"You think this is the end?" Arexx emerged from behind the door. "Niro, my sweet peace-talker. You can't quit now, not when we still have one last line of defense against the impending threat."
Despite knowing what he meant, Niro continued to cry desperately. Hoping her tears would conjure up a solution to the problem. Unknowingly wasting time in the process.
Infinus was already tearing apart through Yarno. Claiming towns and holding down cities. While the sun began to set, and all warfare would have to cease.
"Still think this is lost?" Arexx fell silent. "You may not see it, but I am sure you're the last ray of hope for this region. We need you, Niro. So you can guide us to safety."
Arexx stepped closer. "Don't you remember Neva? How about Veneskul? These were two very adored peace-talkers among your posse. Both of which died. Now you must make sure you -"
"Enough!" Niro's defeated voice cried out. "Enough... p - please... Neva is dead, so is her adorable fam - family..." she struggled to speak over the massive clog in her throat. "I don't know how much I can endure."
"Nobody knows how much they can endure, Niro. That is why we try," Arexx replied. "While you're in here crying, you could be out there organizing Sky Beasts to carry residents to safety."
Niro fell silent, not even her weeping escaped from her throat. She sniffed, trying to clear up as much sadness as possible.
Despite being clueless as whether or not Neva and her family did actually die, Niro instantly assumed they did. Sending her into an infinite tunnel of sadness and grieve for her elite.
"My sweet Neva..." Niro mumbled. She rose from her seat, taking the time to wipe away the tears. "Wh - what can I do?"
Arexx stepped aside, letting her see the door. "Let's find Ether and see if he can convince the attackers to turn around. They are from the same Legion, after all."
A surge of courage pulsed through Niro's veins as she forced herself to suck up her emotions. Something bigger was at risk: her city.
Thousands of Variants lived in Kyrosborne, all ranging from different ages and backgrounds. It was her duty to ensure that they live, even if it costs her own life.
Niro stepped past her partner, taking to the streets in search for willing residents who could aid with readying up Sky Beasts and putting families on them.
Pearl and Etherna happened to walk across the other side of the street when Niro came out. They didn't pay much attention to the leader, especially after hearing the news.
Both Thawed hurried to get back home, so Ether could guide them on what to do next. Until Niro called out to them, hoping they'd stop and listen.
Which they did. They turned, so did dozens of other passer-bys. Everyone looked at Niro as she made the announcement to begin collecting what they could in order to escape the city.
"My precious Variants! I need your help in bringing us out of the current threat we face. As you know, Infinus has stormed our region like a wildfire," Niro's voice was clear.
"I need extra hands to gather Sky Beasts, and extra mouths to alert other Variants of what's going on. So please, I urge you all to assist in whichever way you can!" Niro continued.
Etherna tugged on Pearl's arm, urging her to rise up and help. Which Pearl did without hesitation. She emerged from the forming crowd, coming into Niro's line of sight.
"Lady Niro," she called out. "I am more than willing to assist in holding Infinus off until the last beast departs."
Niro frowned at Pearl. "I am unsure how you can handle a Primed, but don't risk it. Go to the Sky Beast Arena and notify the trainers about the situation. They'll gather every Sky Beast we have."
Despite wanting to dawn her armor again, Pearl obeyed. She disappeared back into the crowd, throwing Etherna onto her back, allowing her to go faster without the fear of losing her.
She cleared the streets quickly as Etherna yelled about the incoming attacks. Variants emerged from within homes and windows, checking to see what was happening.
They watched Pearl run through the roads, under lamplights, and through busy districts. Word got around Kyrosborne fast, even reaching Ether.
He heard about the news, causing him to drop his hammer and run out the door. Leaving his shirt hanged on the hanger.
In his mind, he couldn't believe what was actually happening. Infinus was coming to destroy the peace in Yarno, even after deals were made and stories concluded.
Even he felt like it was a surreal decision, one that he hoped Decka wasn't behind of. He prayed Jakery didn't have any involvement either, otherwise the encounter would be personal.
Workers followed Ether out of the building, all unsure of what the next step was going to be. Until they saw the raging determination dance in his eyes.
"All right, we need to pack up and go!" Ether turned around to face his co-workers. "Return to your homes and warn your neighbors. Tell them to meet up at the Sky Beast Arena. As for you, just run back home and gather what you can."
He glanced down the street for more possible directions. When he found none, he stepped back towards the street.
Encouraging the others to did the same and hurry back home. Just like Ether was doing, except he was dashing towards the school.
Wind rocked his hair all around, even planting it against the sticky sweat on his forehead. He felt the frigid cold air from an incoming winter storm cool off his body, but not mind.
Deep down he was praying there would be enough time to bring Hylo, Etherna, Azir, and Pearl onto beasts. As for him, Ether was confident he could figure out a way to survive.