While the night provided much-needed cover against enemy surveillance from above, the cooler temperature provided soothing relief from the hard work the Port-O-Bea troops were putting in. With the trees protecting them, Leon and Hops were in a light sparring session, testing each other's weaknesses and waiting for any updates on the situation ahead. Three days since Jamal and their remaining troops stumbled back into the closest camp and returned with the unfortunate news. Ever since then, their divisions have been doing nothing but preparing and waiting for the command to attempt another advancement. Supposedly, this incoming plan would change the tides for them and truly let the world know what was going on.
"How much longer?" Hops hissed through, taking a quick jab to his side.
"Longer for what?" Leon replied, holding his arm up to block a stinging kick.
"For us to be waiting here. I know things didn't go as planned, but we can't be standing around hoping for the best while the whole world is struggling right now. Each day that passes is another day Youden and the rest of 'em get stronger and more adaptable."
Pulling back a bit, Leon pulled his hands back as Hops stared into the sky. Even he couldn't help but agree with the sentiment. The whole atmosphere had changed since the initial attack and the opportunities the people had were slowly fading away. That sinking morale would only do their enemies wonders.
"Well, I don't blame them. It's really my fault." Another voice popped into their conversation.
Both men looked back to see Jamal watching the pair with a smirk on his face. Out of all people, they would expect him to be the least pleased. No one had seen him in several days, likely to reflect on future decisions and input to give to the advisors, but it was a sight they could only be grateful for.
"Wow, you've really decided to show up out of all times." Hops laughed away, "Why am I not surprised."
"I know I've been gone for a short time, but it was all worth it. Everything's going to be okay." Jamal raised his arms over their shoulders, keeping the trio close.
"Uh, huh." Leon slowly shook his head, "And how so?"
"Yeah, I'm interested to know how as well," Hops added.
"Me and the advisors have spent the last day finalizing a spearhead attack that in theory would grant us the opportunity to gain a foothold across the river."
"Wait, really!" Hops widened his eyes, "And the risks?"
"As you could probably guess," Jamal stated before taking a deep pause, "We'll have to concentrate around half of all our divisions and much of our army in order to attempt this. Basically, we have one go or it's all over."
That brought back the once-familiar silence among them, as the chirping and calls of the night birds sounded around them. It was never good when these operations would become decisive factors for the rest of the world, and yet that was simply what great people did. What real legends persevered through in order to achieve their desired outcomes. Even with the likes of people such as Youden, they had a dream, a mission, a goal that they would do everything possible until any possibility for one to succeed was eliminated. That idea would be the spark for ingenious opportunity or a trap leading to despair and misfortune for thousands of people.
"But like I said, it will all be good. After all, we are the Viligantes of Power. We don't give up that easily. I truly believe that this is going to change everything. Everything will be in our favor." Jamal ensured them, keeping his head up.
"And when exactly do we attack, so at least we have time to prepare?" Leon was a bit skeptical still, "Surely, this had been taken into account?"
"Of course. In two more days, in the early morning, will everything be decided and we'll see what happens from there. I just hope you all are ready for what's to come. They won't know what hit them."