By the end of the day, Ether sat in an empty city. His daughter by his side, and a defeated posture to his already small frame.
Despite impressing her father multiple times, Hylo knew this wasn't one of those times. Ether seemed guilty, almost regretting to encourage her growth.
"Neddy," Hylo's voice was soft and shy.
"Yes, Hylo?" Ether's voice was just as defeated.
He wanted to just shut down and watch the city burn. Because he knew if Infinus attacked with their fullest strength, fires would break out. Which would fuel his heater, thus allowing him to revive himself.
But he couldn't revive someone else, especially if they were as young as Hylo was. He brought his forehead from out of his palm, focusing on the starry sky.
"I'm sorry..." Hylo continued.
Ether was silent, tears dried and shoulders uneasy. There was no proper response to that apology. It wasn't okay to have stayed there, no matter what. Neither was it one of those times where saying 'don't do it next time' would make it right.
This was one of those times where no response was the best response. He felt a strange sense of sorrow, as if it was his fault for not mounting Hylo onto another Sky Beast.
However, he didn't trust other Variants. He wanted to nurture Hylo himself and keep her by his side. But only in times of peace, where she's safe from all conflict.
"Neddy, I see some Ferals coming down the street," Hylo notified.
Instantly after hearing her, Ether shot up to his feet and Tellendor flew from his back. The handle landed perfectly within his grasp as he glared at the distant silhouettes.
Valiant and Yazzo slowed their approach, stepping into the lamplight. Ether didn't budge from his defensive stance, he was eager to see what they were there for.
"Ether!" Valiant called out. "Where is the rest of Kyrosborne? Why are you and your daughter the last ones here? And most importantly, where is Niro?"
"Niro ordered the entire city to leave for somewhere else. And I was supposed to be the last one here, but my daughter followed me... but... I don't think I've seen Niro earlier today," Ether recounted.
Yazzo glanced at Valiant. "This means Niro is possibly still here, waiting for something."
"There is a chance that she believes her words can cease this entire ordeal," Valiant responded. He turned to Ether once again. "Where did she send her residents? I can draft together a few riders to bring some of my forces over."
"I'm... not sure," Ether realized. His breathing got faster as he quickly realized what this meant. "No... that means... I don't know where my family is..."
Valiant halted, Yazzo did, too. Both Ferals exchanged looks, secretly telling each other of how broken Ether seemed.
Yazzo's eyes drifted to the ground, understanding this meant hope was scarce. She wanted to escape with Valiant, to run somewhere else. Just so the two could live a peaceful life.
Alone, away from the conflicts of other people. She pulled Valiant aside, ready to tell him some confessions. Ether watched them walk away, which gave him inspiration.
"Do we have to stand and fight?" Yazzo asked.
"Otherwise, we wouldn't be loyal to Lady Niro. We have to," Valiant answered.
"Perhaps we should run while we still can. Find a home where else around the mountain range and start our own little pack. Just you and me, and our offspring," Yazzo suggested.
There was a look of disappointment in Valiant's eyes. "That would be running away from our duty, Yazzo. I want to be the Neddy of our cubs, too. But we must put the 'now' before all else."
He reached down for her hand. "You feel it too, right? It is the urge to get it over with, and see what the future holds. I am impatient, but loyal. So please, Yazzo. If you feel unsafe here, run to the mountains."
In response, Yazzo gently encased Valiant's palm with her hand. "If you aren't moving, I don't see why I should... but what if we die?"
Valiant shrugged. "We will die like proper Ferals. Except we'll be by each other's sides. I promise to die with you, if you promise to die with me."
Yazzo nodded. "I promise."
"Then I promise as well. But don't think of the negatives, Yazzo. We will survive, no matter what. That is something I am confident in saying," Valiant assured her.
Both Ferals turned their attention back to Ether. Who was talking to a smaller, fiery version of himself. Ether ordered Shora's featureless mold to carry Hylo away to safety.
"... And I know you and I aren't exactly friends, but please do this for me. I am begging you, Shora. Keep Hylo safe, and I promise I'll start respecting you more," Ether talked to his mold.
In response, Shora shot up two thumbs-up. Showing he understood what Ether wanted, and how to get to it. But what Ether didn't know, is Shora didn't care for the respect.
He just wanted to take care of Hylo while his main body held off the invasion.
Ether turned to Hylo, making sure to look at her straight in the eyes. "Listen, don't fight back against Shora. He'll keep you safe and bring you somewhere else. If Shora suddenly disappears, it means that I... y - you know. But if he doesn't disappear by the fourth night, it means I'm alive."
Unlike last time, Hylo understood this wasn't his goodbyes. It was more of an order. Ether was making sure she'd listen this time, so he could at least have one daughter after this ordeal.
Shora picked up Hylo, holding her close in his fiery arms. Then he took off, carried away by fiery wings into the night sky.
Valiant approached Ether, hands turned into fists. "You're making big sacrifices now, Ether."
"Well, if I die, I hope Shora brings Hylo somewhere safe enough for her to survive after he disappears. Now," he turned to the Ferals. "Let's prepare to greet Infinus."