Hylo and Azir waited patiently at the playground, watching their peers play the weirdest gave they've seen: 'tag.' To Hylo, it seemed like a clumsy version of 'takedown.'
Except Variants didn't tackle each other to the ground, they just tapped their playmates and ran away from them. An obvious sign of them softening up from their natural instincts.
Zegi would never go easy, especially against other Zegi. It was always a competition to see who had the most strategic approach, quickest takedown, and agile escape.
Azir whistled while swinging his feet beneath the chair he was sitting on. His eyes were closed, focusing on the sweet music he produced.
Not long after he began whistling, Hylo tugged on his arm. Bringing attention to Ether, who appeared to be in an argument with some of the guards and caretakers.
"I am telling you, take these kids and bring them to the Sky Beast Arena. Do it for them," Ether urged. "We don't know how long it'll take for Infinus to get here, but I trained that Legion. They are quick and relentless."
"We're sorry, sir. But we cannot bring these children anywhere without the permission of their parents," a caretaker replied in an honest tone.
Ether sighed. "I don't give a Stram's ass about that! Bring those fucking kids to the Sky Beast Arena right now. Which do you want to see? Them screaming because arrows are raining down on them or them sleeping somewhere safe?"
The guard approached Ether, hand opened to push him back. "Excuse me, but you can't use that kind of language here. We understand your -"
"What do you understand, ass-kisser?!? Niro herself is the one calling this order, I am just enforcing it. Do what's right and obey. Otherwise, I'll be the one taking them," Ether snapped.
Hylo and Azir exchanged a look of confusion and concern, they've never seen their father like this. He was always calm and loving, never bending under any kind of pressure.
And now, of all times, he was. Something was seriously off, Hylo could tell. Her first instinct was to take lead, just like Decka taught her in the past.
"Baby Azir!" Hylo called out his name. Which caused Azir to whistle his name with a wide smile. "Come with me, we need to go now."
Azir slid off the chair, then reached out to hold hands with his sister. Which she took. Now together, the duo ran across the schoolyard until they reached Ether and the rest of the staff.
When they arrived, Ether took a step back, then Tellendor came erupting out of his back. The weapon hovered over his arm as he pointed right at the nearest guard.
"Get out of my way, unless you want me to teach these kids what actual violence looks like!" Ether snarled at the guard.
Hylo jumped in between the two parties, facing her father while waving at her teacher. "Neddy, what is happening?"
Ether kept Tellendor in place with an opened hand. "Infinus is coming to destroy Kyrosborne. It wouldn't be too much of a reach to leave now while we have an opportunity."
An idea popped into Hylo's mind, almost like an instant knee-jerk reaction. She left Azir here, while running back to the other school kids. While she ran, she screamed about Infinus' arrival.
Which frightened many. They awkwardly stood in place, almost planted on the spot from fear. Until Hylo yelled at them, ordering everyone outside to run towards her Neddy.
In minutes, dozens of icicles, cubs, troopers, and babies ran towards the cluster at the school's gates. The guards stepped aside, knowing it was too late to stop anybody from leaving.
"What did she do..?" one of the teachers muttered.
Ether grinned. "She is putting the useful lessons in life to good use. As a Coros should be doing."
Azir looked up at his Neddy with big, sad eyes. Which instantly triggered Ether's motherly response. He reached down for Azir and situated him on his back.
Hylo continued to call out instructions and pointed at Ether, so everyone knew where to go. In the moment, Hylo truly felt like a successor to her father. She was acting the same way Ether was.
Bringing those around her to new heights while remaining calm and strong herself. She embodied the massive waterborne ice mountains, showing she was as cold as an actual glacier to the situation.
When all the school kids gathered at the gate, Ether directed them to wait for him down the street. Including the staff, who all obeyed Ether's words. They finally caved into the seriousness in his voice.
They all hurried past, making a chorus of shoes stepping on the stone sidewalks. Ether watched them all go, and patiently waited for his daughter.
"My tiny Hylo," Ether smiled at her. He waited for her to get closer before dropping on one knee. "You did amazing, good job. But promise to do this more often when I'm not there with you guys."
Both Azir and Hylo looked at Ether with a concerned face. They were frightened at what this could imply. Was he going to die in this final stand?
"Don't say that Neddy, you'll always be by our side!" Hylo replied. "I know you will, because you are very big and powerful!"
Ether held back tears. "Y - yeah, thank you, Hylo. Let's uh... go - go to the Sky Beast Arena. Those teachers and all are uh... yeah, come on."
Hylo and Ether ran towards the arena, wind thrashing their hairs all around. Azir held on tight onto his father's shoulders, not wanting to let go of the soft, smooth texture. He prayed to the Nine nothing bad would happen to Ether.
Yet survival wasn't about praying or wishing for the best, it was about action. Ether's mind was already set on what he wanted to do.
When Infinus comes to knock down their doors, Ether would stand before them. Tellendor in his hands. And when the first warrior steps into his home, the fine edge will cut deep.