As you watch the slaves being set free from their Chains,you realize.You still have a long way to go,in order to liberate this country from any trace of NATO presence and activity.
The Journey to a happy end,is a long and exhausting one.But you never felt more ready then now,to take it on.
Snapping back to reality,you look around as everyone is doing they'r assigned roles.From organizing supplies left by the Americans to calling-in Support and Reinforcements.
"Chief ! Got what you asked for,here is it." Sergey yells,as he runs over,he hands you a bag of,what seems to be Roubles.
"Thanks Sergey,you got transport back to Town ?" you ask him.
" 'Course i do ! I don't want to waste another moment in this City." he says,annoyed.
"And the Nest ?" you ask,reminded by the previous...incident.
"Miss Katya sent me a Document,sending it now.She also added that her Husband will take care of the City Operations from now on.All we have to do is survive..i guess." Sergey says,worried with a hint of sarcasm.
You look at the Document he sent you,it's a Promotion !
"She has to be fucking kidding me..." you say,angered.
"Chief,it's a promotion...you should be happy,you know ?" Sergey adds,confused.
"I am happy ! But...also angered,i don't want this.I hate fame,can't stand it." you say,thinking of the Future of the Foxes.
"You can always turn it down..." Sergey says,checking his Ammo Count.
"I will send it back.I hope she understands." you say,tapping away on your Device.
The Message reads,
"Miss Katya,with all my respect for you and your Work,i have to decline your Offer.
I am not interested in sitting at a Office 24/7,nor am i interested in leaving the People that count on me for many things,like keeping them safe and fed.
I hope you understand.
"
Message....Sent
With this done,you stand up from the Box you sat on.
"Safe Road Comrade.I'll see you back Home soon." you tell Sergey,he looks confused,again.
"Uh..Chief,where are you going ?" he asks,worried but also confused.
"I made some deals around the area...not gonna let it slip." you say,waving at him.
"Alright,stay safe and return safe ! Otherwise my Wife will kill me." he says,with sarcasm.
"Yeah yeah,tell her i will be back in one piece." you say,searching for your Foxes.
After listening for they'r Voices you find them,they are eating at a Campfire,the Wind and the previous Stress must've exhausted them.
"Hey you two,are you alright ?" you ask them,kneeling in front of them.
They Nod in agreement.
"We just want to know something Master..." Kate says,sounding concerned.
"What is it ?" you ask them curious.
"We want to know more about you !" Katie adds,almost yelling.
You laugh a little at they'r Request,but soon you simmer down.
"Alright,let's get you two back to the Apartment,we all need some rest.Then,i will fill you in on the Plan for the rest of the day." you say,patting they'r heads.
Together you move towards the Apartment building you stayed at previously.
After a short 15-20 minute Walk in the city,you arrive.
Slowly you three make your way up to the same Apartment.
Having arrived at the Door,you let the Foxes enter first.They smile with a happy Tail wag they enter.
"Owner,can we eat ?" Katie asks,remembering that they ate just a few minutes ago.
"Sure,you two must be very hungry." you say,getting your Mask,Vest and Gun off of you.
Slowly you search through your Bag for something that isn't Beans again,you find Canned Meat and Pickles.But the Pickles are expired...no pointing in risking it.You get the Pickles out of your Backpack.
Finding nothing else in your Backpack,you lay the Cans of Meat on the Table,and start the Burner.
The Foxes are wagging they'r Tails,excited for the Meal.
After a few minutes you hand them each a Can,leaving you..with a few Protein Bars and a Can of Beans.
"C-Can we f-feed you again ?" Kate asks.
"When we are back at Home,you can.For now,you two eat up." you say,looking at the Beans,waiting for them to warm up.
"Owner,you can't just give us the best stuff and let yourself eat the remains..." Katie says,annoyed.
"Sorry Darlings,but this is how i want to do it." you say,opening your Can of Food.
You take your first spoon of Beans,they taste spicy.Nothing you can't handle.
"Master are you alright ? You face is red." Kate asks.
"Sorry *exhale* this is very *exhale* spicy." you say,struggling to talk.
The Foxes giggle at your Struggling to eat,then it slowly turn into full Laughter.
"Aren't you two *exhale* having a fun time ?" you say,sarcasm filling your Voice.
"Sorry Owner,but you are two funny when you eat spicy food.We need to make you more of it at Home." Katie says,calming down.
"Please don't." you say,taking a serious tone.
The Foxes start breaking out in laughter again.
A very familiar voice breaks your Spicy Adventure,
"Very Admirable Milord,not many Men would do this nowadays." the Daemon remarks.
"True that friend..true that." you say,in your Mind.
Together you enjoy the Meal with the Foxes,making them laugh is becoming a norm during meals.
"Alright,fun aside...we need to get to work.I organized...some deals with the Surrounding Traders a while back." you say,putting your,now,Empty Can aside.
"We are listening." the Foxes say.
Slowly you explain to them the Deals you made with local and Surrounding Traders a few weeks ago,before you met them.
They seem to be very intrigued by the Sounds of they'r Voices and the excited and rather fast wagging of they'r Tails.
"You got it all ?" you ask them.
"Yes Master !" Kate answers,with happy Tail wags.
"Me too Owner !" Katie adds,also happily wagging her Tail.
The meeting point of the Deal was a Trading Outpost not far from this City.This is the most famous one,for all of it's Wares from local Stockpiles of Armaments and Personal Protection.
Looking at the Time,you decide to take a Rest before getting back into the Action.
"Master,can we sleep on the Couch,that Bedroom is not to our liking." Kate says.
"Neither is it to mine.I'll get the Blankets then." you say,searching for them.
The Foxes make a nice and cozy spot perfect for a Third and final person.
You found the Blankets and hand each of the Foxes one of them.Leaving one for yourself.
The Couch is extended already and it's also at the perfect length for your Feet as well,not only for the Foxes.
They Cuddle up to you,resting they'r Head on your Chest.
"Master,did we get your heart beating~?" Kate asks.
"A little bit." you say,a little scared.
"You never had a Girlfriends before,right ?" Katie adds.
"No and i am very glad about that." you say,waiting on them to ask more.
"Why ? You where so alone until a few weeks ago,when you met us." Kate says,worried.
"You see,i never had one before,because i always was working on myself.To best myself." you say,stroking they'r Backs.
"For what reason ?" Katie asks.
"Because,i believed that one day,i will meet someone,that...will need me.The way i am,not need me because i had money or a Super Car or what other reason.That special someone are you two..." you say,squeezing them tight.
"You're a Meany Master,why do you tease us...." Kate says,you can hear her Tail wag.
"I don't mind you teasing me or Kate,but...we want to tease you as well." Katie adds,she also wags her Tail,you can see it move under the Blanket.
"Once we are at home,you can tease me all you want.That will happen quite soon." you say,scratching they'r Fox Ears gently.
They relax they'r Bodies,clinging on to you more.They must really enjoy this.
"Master,how long will we rest ?" Katie asks.
"For another 20 minutes,why ?" you ask the Foxes.
"We have to tell you something." they say,after looking at each other.
"I am listening..." you say,worried.
They start to speak of the Past,when you three first met.They weren't sure if you were going to hurt them or do other things to them.So they decided to follow you,behave like they are defenseless,and when you weren't watching,kill you.
"B-but,when you gave us your only Meal...we weren't sure what to think anymore." Kate adds.
"We thought you where just acting,trying to do the same to us.But when you said we should eat everything.." Katie says,starting to cry.
"T-then we saw you left with nothing but a chocolate bar in your Hands,we immediately knew you were a kind soul.We couldn't resist but to feed you." Kate adds,finally..also starting to cry.
"Before we knew it you asked us to stay at your Place,then w-w-we immediately didn't want to do anything else other then take care of you." Katie adds,wiping her tears.
"Why did you two want to take care of me that day ?" you ask them,slowly stroking their backs,trying to comfort them.
"We saw that you where abandoned !" Kate says,breaking into deeper crying.
"We couldn't kill you anymore,even if you wanted us to !" Katie says,also succumbing to the crying.
"It's okay,there is nothing wrong in that.You were simply cautious of me,there is no shame or bad intention behind that." you say,now patting they'r Heads.
"W-will you still keep us after we tell you that ?" Kate asks.
"Like i will ever say no to you two.And after thinking of getting Marriage rings for us,it would be shameful for me to throw you out.Just that thought makes me shiver." you say,squeezing them tight.
They eventually calm down and they'r breathing comes back to normal.
"Thank you Master,we will stay with you forever." Kate says,putting her Arms around you'r Torso.
"Thank you so much Owner,we will always be yours." Katie says,doing the same as her Sister.
"No...Thank you two for keeping me by your Side." you say,looking at the Time.
You tell them it's time get moving.
You three get your Gear on and leave the Apartment.
Together you move out of the City,passing through the now Captured Russian Outpost.
There you made a Short stop,to get the Foxes some Headsets.You put them on their Human Ears and plug them into the Radio on they'r Chest.
"Now you two look really Tactical !" you tell them,they smile at you.
"Thank you Master !" Kate says.
"Thank you Owner !" Katie adds.
You have 5 hours until you have to start to find a Resting place for the Night.
Starting to walk towards the Outpost,with high hopes and with a happy Stomach,the trip shouldn't too long.
The Foxes seem to enjoy the Walking,they also get to see the Surrounding Area and Wildlife.
At a few occasions they stop to admire a Tree Species or Wild Animal,be it a Bird or a Stag.
A few hours pass,it's now 3:24PM,only two hours left until you need to find Shelter.
"Right there you see it ?" you ask the Foxes.
"We do,is that it ?" Katie asks.
"Map says that it's.Let's check it out." you say,taking the lead.
Getting closer and closer onto the Outpost you start to Sign written in Russian,this is a good...sign.
The Foxes don't seem to be stressed or worried,another good sign.
The Outpost is surrounded by a Wall of Concrete High Walls,there seem to be no Guard Towers.But you can hear walking behind the Wall.
Deciding to go around and find the entrance,you notice that it clearly says at the Gate, Russian Trade Outpost.
Finally,you enter the Outpost,you are greeted by the Guards who recognize your Clothing.
"Good Day Comrade ! How can we help you ?" the Guard says,cheerfully.
"We are here to see Deya,the Trader." you say.
"Ah ! The Chief ! Welcome to our humble Outpost,please be informed that you have a permanent 20% Discount on any Ware you buy or trade,order from Deiya" the Guard says,happy to see a allied face.
Deiya - very famous Russian-allied Trader,she gets her wares from various Location,her Information Network is the most reliable in the Local Area.She allied with the Russian after she witnessed the difference between NATO and Russia.
She originally had plans to go with NATO but they would've underpayed her by about 76% of any Wares she would sell to them.
She has two Sister,while she is the Oldest one at age 28 while the others are 26 and 20.
"Thank you Comrade,how is the local Activity ?" you ask the Guard,hoping he understands what you are trying to tell him.
"Not too good,high activity around the Crossroads,main Trading route is cut off and they are jamming our Communications with our Allies.
"Blast it.I'll check in with Deiya and come talk to you again,take care." you tell the Guard.
"You as well Comrade.The Foxes are with you ?" the Guard asks.
" 'Course,they're my Girlfriends,for now" you say,hoping to tease your Foxes more.
"I Apologize Chief,take care then !" the Guard says,closing the Gate behind you.
The Outpost is a small assembly of Houses in the Middle of a Road,with lots of Trees and Vegetation around it.
"Best Cover is Natural Cover" - the Outpost's Motto.
Upon looking around a bit,you see quite a bit of Guards patrolling,you greet most of them with a Headnod.
"Master,what are we buying ?" Kate ask,concerned.
"Don't be concerned Sweetheart,i won't overspend." you say,looking for the Outpost's HQ.
Soon,you stumble upon it,you must've walked past it while you entered the Outpost.
You knock on the Door three times,letting the ones inside know that you are not Threat.
Soon after the Door Opens,it's Deiya herself.
"What do you want Scav ?" she asked,angered.
"I am not Scav Deiya,it's Dan Walker...the Stalker." you say.
"Dan ?! How the fu--I mean,how are you ?" she says,nervously as she let's you enter.
"I am fine,yourself ?" you say,as you enter her House,that also houses her Shop,it's quite Large also.
You notice someone small is hiding behind Deiya,it couldn't be one of her Sisters,as they are almost as tall as her.
"Who are you hiding Deiya ?" you ask her.
"I found her ab--Oh my Goodness,a-a-are they with you ?" Deiya starts to explain but is quickly Interrupted by her looking at your Foxes.
"They are with me Deiya,don't worry about it.They don't bite,they only bite me." you say,sarcastic.
You can hear growling behind you,coming from your Foxes being teased,once more.
"I-I-It's a pleasure to meet you Empresses,please make yourself at home." Deiya says,as she realizes your Foxes are Empresses.
"Please don't stress over out pressence,out Master is the biggest one here you should stress about." Kate says.
"What do you--" you say surprised before you get elbowed in the ribs by Katie.
The Small Being hiding behind Deiya seems to be a Fox as well,just like Deiya.
"Hey little one,come out..." you say,kneeling down.
A small Foxgirl appears from behind Deiya,she has some bruises on her arms and legs,her Clothes are cover in dirt.
"What happened to you ?" you ask the Girl.
"Mommy and Daddy didn't want to see me anymore...so they threw me out." the Girls eyes fill with Tears but she quickly stops herself from crying.
"I'm sorry to hear it...you are quite strong to not cry.Once you will grow up you will much Stronger and Healthier." you tell her.
"O-Okay..." the Girl says,sobbing.She still isn't crying,she must be mentally strong from birth.Something very common in Foxes.
"Dan,can i have a moment,under four Eyes ? Please." Deiya says.You nod in response.
"I am Dan,can i know your's ?" you say to the little Girl.
"I am May,it's nice to meet you Dan." the Girl says,looking up at your Foxes.
"These two are with me,this is Kate and Katie." you say,introducing your Foxes.
"H-Hello Kate and Katie,i am May." the Girl says.
"Master,please go talk to Deiya,we will stay with the Girl and help her get cleaned up." Kate says.
"No no,please don't make yourself work." Deiya quickly says.
"Please rest assured,we took care of our Owner as well,just like this." Katie adds.
"Wait ! I am not a Baby anymore !" you say,sarcastic.
"You still are,now go talk you two !" Kate says,dominantly.
"Yes Ma'am." you say.
Together with Deiya you go into the next Room.
Here she tells you about how she found May,abandoned and lost as she was heading back with her Wares.But then,she got ambushed by NATO troops,she had to run together with May and her Escort,leaving everything in her Car.
"I'm glad everyone made it out in one piece" you tell her.
"Same here but...what do i do with May,i can't possibly help her grow up.Not in this Shithole of a place." Deiya says.
"If not you..then who ? You got your Sister's to help you." you tell Deiya,reassuring her.
"Yeah,but they are occupied with the Garden House,the Water Pump failed twice today." Deiya says.
"Tell you what...i'll get the Pump going and also ALL of your Wares including your Car,but you have to keep May." you tell her,feeling that this might sound wrong.
"Dan you can't make deals with Small Children....but you already convinced me.I don't have to keep her safe and fed alone,i have my Sisters to help." Deiya says,convinced and motivated.
Together you go through the Details of where the Water Pump gets it's Water from and where exactly her Car,more of a truck actually,is.
With this done,you had back into the Shop and fill in your Foxes on everything.But first,you ask Deiya for a Guest Room for your Foxes,while you sleep on the Couch.Your Foxes agree,annoyed that you once more,take the worse Option and give the Best to them.
You hope that one day...they will understand what you do for them,is only.To keep them Happy and Safe.