Before Verago rejoins Corona to face Kizin, the black-and-emerald jaquin visits his father inside his nest, who is enjoying its comforts and is oblivious to the temporary migration. Verago doesn't consider him elderly yet but he does fear for his life. Though Verago was never quite able to connect with his father, Primavega is the only one of his parents still alive. "Father. I figured I could find you here. We must seek refuge elsewhere. Something powerful and malicious is coming this way."
"Verago. Pleasant to see you. But what do you speak of?" Primavega asks in confusion.
"An enemy is heading this way that could very well end our way of life here as we know it… We must remain careful – and vigilant. Follow me now."
Hesitantly, the black-and-emerald jaquin bigger than Verago does as he's told. Outside of his nest, he asks his son: "What do you mean? Is there a fire?"
Verago stops in his tracks in mid-air. He turns around with a confused gaze over something he never before had heard of. "Fi-re? What is that? A monster also?"
"Uhm, not quite. An anchimon is a monster. Fire is… Hrm. Have I never told you, son?"
"No, you never did." Verago replies coldly as in his eyes he'd been deprived of valuable information.
While both black-and-emerald jaquins continue fleeing the Palace Perimeter, Primavega says: "Verago, fire is a dangerous thing. It is a destructive force. Fire is hot and it feeds on anything that cannot escape from it. It harms anything wooden and flesh in its path while leaving unrecognisable shells of their presence in its wake."
"That sounds unsettling – terrifying even… How do you know about this?"
"I have seen it, son. I kept at a safe distance while exterminating it with fellow brave souls. It took us a while and great effort to put out the flames it produced. But what may be equally as unsettling is that humans found ways to harness its power and use it for their own goals."
"Why would they do such a thing?"
"Because humans are reckless beings, Verago… Never forget this. Once, they brought – fire sticks… No, that is not how they called it. What was that word again? Hrm… I seem to have forgot– Ah! Torches. That is what they call it. They brought torches into Vallestrella at night, back when they were allowed to roam around freely. They claimed to use those sticks to control small fires and help them see in the dark. When we found out that they unleashed this power in our jungle, even by accident, we immediately forbid the use of any such human inventions here."
"A wise choice. Fighting this – fire seems like an eventful ordeal…"
"I will be honest with you, son. It was the most frightening experience I ever had."
"I understand. Then, it must please you that Miguella and Diestáy have led the human delegation out of Vallestrella. With that in mind, I dearly hope that the malicious force that is coming for us, this Kizin, will be less of a threat than fire."
By now, both arrive at the cave. Verago notices how it's already filled with many a jaquin, both young and elderly. Verago and Primavega see a myriad of colourful eyes looking back at them. Both see fear emanating from their eyes. None know what's going on except that their lives are in danger, were they to remain inside the Palace. All of them are eager to return for this cave is dark and now also crammed, an unpleasant place to be for a long time. It's the exact opposite of the Palace with its broad and naturally lit corridors, its marbled floors and walls. Verago rather not want to be here either, also because he dislikes seeing all of his fellow kin like this. "Myra!" he calls out.
From within the crowd, Myra starts hastening to him. "Verago. Here you are. I thought you were with king Corona." she says hurriedly as she takes him outside to escape the cacophony of sounds.
"I brought my father here. And – I wanted to see you one last time, just to tell you how much I love you." he comments with anxiety emanating from his eyes due to the idea of leaving her and Skylar behind.
"Aw… I know that, silly. And you very well know that I love you with my whole heart, Verago.' Myra comments and realises she has to bring his troubled mind to other thoughts, 'Do you remember how we first met? It was special. That, as well, is a moment I will forever treasure… Tell me, what is most dear to you?"
"You are, of course. You are my world, my rock, my empathy, Myra. What about you?"
"Our family." she replies without a moment's hesitation.
"Why do I come to think that this is the number one answer?"
"And everyone has a dream they wish to come true. Is yours any different?"
"I have already obtained everything from my first goal: you. Your love, your beauty – your cunning. It is more than a wish come true; my dream turned into reality. And with our son Skylar, everything seems complete. And for a week, I have a new dream. Not sure if you want to hear it now."
"Try me." she inquires curiously and sends him a warm smile.
"Alright. I have been a general for some time now. I feel the need to surpass this rank one day. I want to become king… And you – you will become queen."
"Guau. Look at you, being bold and all. I would not mind a bit more rational thinking, though."
"I am determined. That is all."
"Hee hee. Keep dreaming, honeybird. You know well that Miguella will ascend the throne after su padre… But dreaming is important. Without setting standards there are no goals in life." the white-and-blue jaquin says after which she bunts heads with him.
Making contact like this always produces a serene sensation in Verago. It is one he can enjoy greatly, and he wishes dearly this feeling would linger. Yet, Myra doesn't let him. "Okay. We will leave this for later. I must go back inside. I have to tend to their needs. Migs especially. He is so nervous right now, the poor youngster. His parents had to leave him to join king Corona, being unable to calm him down."
Verago nods at her without saying anything. The black-and-emerald jaquin watches his mate enter the cave and see her disappear into the crowd. She's heavily dedicated to playing her part in this cause. Now, he must do his. He turns around and takes to the skies. Like Migs' parents and many others, his presence is required someplace else.
Shortly after, Verago rejoins Corona and his fellow generals. He finds them standing on top of a steep hill, together with the royal siblings Miguella and Diestáy who took the humans back to Avalor. All of them overlook the sloped terrain before them. In the distance and close to the horizon, a dust cloud rises. Something heavy is thundering through the area and toward the observing jaquins. All know what causes the ominous sight…
The jaquin king sits down quietly. His gaze is distant, his face without emotion. Verago watches him carefully. He seems disturbingly calm as if unwilling to confront the oncoming menace. It seems as if he's ready to accept fate. "We all understand, king Corona." Zephyr suddenly says.
Verago obviously missed part of an ongoing discussion, which becomes more apparent as Thunder states: "Yeah! We will do whatever it takes… We will take down this primaeval monster as we have done with all other aberrations of Chatana. She will not get away with this threat either."
Verago knows how the purple-and-gold jaquin general can jump into the fray. He adds cautiously: "We must avoid losses to our cause. We must observe its every move and ascertain its motivation. Let us only attack when Kizin least expects it, so the initiative of combat will lie with us. This shall be our advantage to gain."
"Verago. Good of you to join us.' Corona says and beckons over the black-and-emerald jaquin whom he holds in good esteem, 'If I may be honest with you… We stand here now at a time of increased turmoil. Changes have mounted in just a few days, changes that came without prior notice. Through them, I can feel control slip from my paws as if I am no longer making the calls. As king of the jaquins, I have wondered how my reach as a ruler has come to diminish this much. Just a few days ago our lives were mundane. We had issues that we thought were problematic and challenges that seemed complex. Hrm… Do you remember? How our lives were before this ordeal? We simply led our lives with each of us having a role to fulfil. Those problems we faced now seem petty in comparison to this ordeal. I yearn for that time."
"I understand what you are hinting at, king Corona. I long back to that life too. My days were well balanced, spending time with both the Skyguard and my family."
"Ah! Speaking of which. Verago, where is Myra? I expect her with us like so many of the others."
"I sent her to the cave. She can help the elderly and the weak to get there and take care of cubs and youngsters. They are all frightened."
"Is she coming back before Kizin has reached us?"
"No. I do not think–"
The black-and-emerald general goes silent. So much is coming at him right now, weighing heavy on both his mind and shoulders. Being one of three generals to lead the attack against this unknown adversary that has instilled fear in every jaquin's heart, he has no idea how the battle will unfold. Moreover, he's also a father who wants to see his son grow up and protect him from harm. But what if he attains wounds? Or worse, what if he dies and leaves behind his family… How will they cope with his passing? How will Skylar grow up without a father? There are simply so many thoughts racing through his mind…
Corona eyes Verago and sees him struggling with himself. "Verago, ¿tienes miedo?" the blue-and-indigo jaquin king asks calmly.
"Yes… I am afraid. I fear for my life, of what I will leave behind which is vulnerable without my protection. In this, I fear more for the future of my mate and son, yours and the clan."
"Then you have much to fight for. Harness that power. Fight fiercely and decisively, but always listen to your mind. May your wings carry you swiftly and may your claws strike true."
Zephyr nods slowly. He glances at Verago and Thunder before turning to Corona. "With that in mind, we can face any threat. For if we can make it through the darkest of nights, we will have a brighter day."
Corona smiles at the grey jaquin. No matter the situation, Zephyr always has words which bring about hope and encouragement. "Well spoken, Zephyr. Then let us hope that the oncoming night will not prove too dark…"
Corona stands up. The blue-and-indigo king looks at his three generals. "Alright!' he says and releases an exasperated sigh after which he states with a stern voice, 'Each of you collect a part of the Skyguard. Thunder, you will coordinate the attack. Appoint Diestáy as your captain, he can lead well despite his young age. If need be, appoint your daughter Tornado captain as well. Verago, Miguella is the captain of your team. You will flank Kizin from the right. Zephyr, Cruz will be the captain under your command. You will flank Kizin from the left… Thunder, will you do the honour?"
Thunder's face is bereft of any emotion. The way he swiftly turns his head towards the Skyguard standing behind them, however, betrays a certain ecstasy in him. He takes a deep breath and issues the same well-known command as he did against Marimonda: "Skyguard! Wings up, claws out!"
All of the Skyguard immediately put up their wings straight and extend their claws. It's similar to the fight against Marimonda when Thunder bellowed this same command. Each member of the Skyguard is ready for any command the generals will issue them. All the other jaquins behind them, mothers, fathers, and adolescents ready to start a family, find themselves breathing heavily due to the thrill, while some even start twitching in suspense and anticipation of what's to come.
"For the generals!" all of the Skyguard call in response to Thunder's command.
"For the king!" Verago shouts.
"For VALLESTRELLA!" Corona shouts from atop his lungs and starts running himself into flight.
Verago, Zephyr, and Thunder quickly follow, in close pursuit by Miguella, Diestáy, and the Skyguard. Behind them follow all other adolescent and adult jaquins who are capable of fighting. An enormous flock of about 50 colourful jaquins fly out to meet Kizin. "Victory will be ours!" Zephyr proclaims loudly.
"Roar for victory!" Thunder bellows and everyone behind the generals starts roaring fiercely.