“What do you want me to do about it?”

Sage sat in her chair, looking over the report Ubel sent over as she asked the three sitting before her.

Virgo jumped to her feet, filled with anger. “That bastard rigged our clansman to explode and then treated them like heroes! Why are we letting him get away with that?!” She slammed her fist against the table as she stared straight into Sage's eyes, demanding an answer.

Sage looked at her and then at the two foxkin, Crux and Orion, that were quietly sitting next to her with their ears flat against their heads and flames raging inside their eyes.

Sage heaved a sigh and opened a hidden compartment underneath her desk to pull out a slim stack of papers.

She slid the papers across the table.

“What is this?” Orion asked, confused at how calm Sage was acting. He had always known her to be someone who was quite hot-headed.

“Read them. Then you’ll understand the reason why we’re not making a move.”

Virgo took the papers, sat down, and began to read them with Crux and Orion staring over her shoulders.

Hey, Sage and Ubel said I should write this will in case I die haha. How could I, Skit, the greatest fox-kin to ever be born in the clan, die on a simple scouting mission? Still, you never know what can happen on the battlefield, right? Hell, I’ve been a hunter all my life. Who's to say I’ll make it back alive?

I guess the only reason I’d leave this is for my parents and Virgo... As long as she… No, I will make sure she returns. Then I’ll leave this letter to my beloved, who I never expressed my real feelings for. Yah, I like that.

Virgo, if you’re reading this, sorry. I didn’t come back with you. Hopefully, I died in a cool way and not in a pitiful manner. I’ve been told by Ubel that once this battle is over, I can be brought back to life. So if I have to brave death for us to advance, then I’m fine with dying.

As long as I can protect you, it’s all worth it. When I come back I’ll give you a proper proposal by hunting the largest prey I can find for you! But for now, I know it’s a little cowardly, but I want to say it in this will.

I love you, Virgo.

Sincerely, the best in the village, Skit.

Crux whistled, “I knew that he liked you, but for it to be this bad? Damn, what a warrior. He shouldn’t have had to die like tha—”

Drip, drip, drip.

Tears fell from Virgo's eyes. Her hands shook and crumpled the papers Skit's will was written on, but she was too overcome to notice. As her emotions took control, Virgo began to dry heave

“Hey, hey now! Are you ok Virgo?!”

The large boy, Crux, touched her shoulder worriedly.

Orion, who had been in a daze over the revelation, was shocked back to reality by Crux’s voice.

“Is this real? He’ll be able to come back to life?”

“You didn’t hear? Have you all been in a hole since coming back from the operation? Ubel told everyone here that the dead can come back after this ‘event.’ In fact, what’s your excuse for your ignorance, Orion?” Sage scoffed as she looked at them in surprise before rolling her eyes at Orion.

“Been in a coma since this morning, Chieftain.” Orion gave a deadpan response.

“I’ve been closed up in my room reflecting on the mission...” Crux whispered as he scratched his cheek in embarrassment.

“Is this the truth? He can come back?” Virgo asked as she glanced up with trembling hands, her eyes filled with hope.

“Yes, or at least that’s what Ubel says. But it’s no guarantee. Apparently, we have to win this war to have enough points to bring them back, and even then they might not have enough for everyone.”

“How can you trust that devil's words?!”

“Urist confirmed it, and since he was chosen by our God I ‘have’ to trust his words.”

“And if he’s lying?” Orion asked.

“We’ll kill Ubel, and figure out what to do with Urist when that time comes. Is that all you three wanted to ask?”

Sage simply stated.

Wiping the tears from her cheeks, Virgo’s eyes gradually became focused.

“So that Skirt can come back to life... I will prepare myself and do my best in the upcoming battle!”

“Heh, if you're fired up then I won’t hold back as well.” Crux slapped Virgo’s back as he roared with laughter.

“Since the doctors have discharged me from the hospital, I shall be joining the battle as well.”

Orion, pumping himself up, added.

“Good! Now get out of here, I still have to go over the final plans Ubel sent me.”

Sage waved the three off and picked up her cup only to notice that it was empty. She turned and yelled towards the back room.

“Eins! More tea!”

“Coming right up.”

A cute rat-kin boy quickly trotted out of the back room with a small pot in his hands and filled Sage’s cup with tea.

The three fox-kin arched a brow at seeing the rat-kin reduced to a mere servant. They had seen rat-kin in battle before, and they were fierce warriors despite looking so cute and harmless. They never expected one of those powerful fighters to be lowered to the point of serving tea, even if it was for their acting chieftain.

Noticing how they looked the rat-kin up and down, Sage grew agitated, “What? Urist lent him to me as a show of good faith. I’m just using him to brew the tea, so get lost all of you!”

The three quickly left the house to avoid their Chieftain's anger and reignited their determination.

I will fight for you, Skit. I promise to bring you back. Virgo clenched her fists with newfound strength and headed out to prepare for battle.

***

A little while later, a knock sounded on Sage's door.

“Eins! Go get the door, I'm busy.”

“As you wish.”

Ein walked out of the back room and headed over to the entrance. He opened the door only to see the cool beauty Sel standing on the other side.

“I have a message for Sage.”

“Come in.”

Eins got out of the way, and Sel walked over to stand in front of Sage.

“Sit down.”

Sage demanded, and Sel obliged.

“Speak.”

“I have come with a message from Commander Ubel. We will start the march to the outposts in the afternoon and set up for the night. Then we shall attack tomorrow, two hours before midday. He also wished to thank you for the scouts you supplied. With them by our side we were able to quickly check the forts we have yet to capture. With their information we are positive that we will not be flanked without warning.”

“Is that all?”

“No. He wished to ask how you dealt with your people.”

“They are pacified for now, but you tell Ubel that he better keep his word or only death awaits him.”

“Understood. I’ll be sure to relay your message back to Commander Ubel.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

“Then you may leave.”

Sel stood and gave a quick bow before she walked out of the house.

Sage mulled over her thoughts as the door closed.

So tomorrow is the big day then. I almost thought the day would never come. Wait for me Mama, I will rescue you no matter what.