A new day had come, and it was time to head off to battle! I would like to say that my spirits were high, but there were a few small issues. For one, I was still less than confident in our chances. Further, it was one thing to put myself at risk, but another entirely to drag innocent (well, sort of) creatures into my fight and put them in danger. Still, that wasn't a major concern. It was a rational one, no question, but I had to have faith that everything would work out.
It was the visible welts under the fur of Slave's flanks that were more of a distraction. I couldn't stop staring at them, and the black cat made no effort to hide them, either. Quite the contrary, she seemed downright proud of them. Still, in a strange way, it did inspire confidence. I have no idea how much damage a single rat can inflict, but from noise alone, the strikes sounded really rough, and if she can endure that and still wear a smile? Well, obviously a wolf would hit far harder, but it was still nice to know she could take a hit if need be.
One can smell the scent markings from a good ways away, of course, but once we truly did arrive in the domain of the pack, there was no denying it. Aside from a much stronger scent, the entire environment felt different, somehow. The air heavier, more oppressive. Although I needed no more proof of where exactly I was (this wasn't my first trip here, even if the others were rather brief), it came soon enough.
Within moments, we were partially surrounded by a semicircle of powerful, thick furred canines who stared at us with amused and hungry eyes.
"Wasn't sure I'd ever see you again." The large grey furred male says as he steps out from the crowd, "And it looks like you brought some snacks to celebrate our pairing. How thoughtful of you."
I growl at him, both at the idea of our 'pairing', and the idea that he's calling my friends snacks. Wait? Are they really my friends? Eh, close enough. I calm myself as I look to both Slave and Vile, who both appear to be completely at ease and unconcerned.
"I, that is to say, we are going to win this time." I say confidently, until that confidence gives in to thought. The current situation was problematic to say the least. I continue, with a far less confident voice. "A three on one fight would hardly be fair, of course. It's only reasonable that you choose two allies to fight alongside you."
At this Vile casts a nasty look in my direction. In truth, most of her looks would qualify as 'nasty', regardless of their intent, but I can tell she's unhappy. Not afraid or deeply concerned, just annoyed.
Meanwhile, the wolf pack laughs at my words, the alpha along with them.
"Who exactly do you think you're talking to?" the large wolf says. "If you wanted a proper 'fair fight', you'd need a hundred more allies to come even close to rivaling my power. Those two scrawny critters there won't make a lick of difference. I will make you mine."
"As much as I would like to see that..." Vile says, speaking up, "...and also make a wide variety of diagrams, capturing multiple angles..." my ears fall, the subject matter making me suddenly very uncomfortable. On the plus side, even the alpha fidgets a little at the words, clearly disturbed as well. "...I'm afraid we can't let that happen. We need to help Squire here pass through these woods, and we're not leaving until she does. You're free to simply step aside and less us continue, of course."
The alpha grins. "Sorry, I don't see that happening."
The rat grins back, that sinister grin which even puts the AbyssalWood Alpha on edge. "Good. I was hoping you would say that."
I crouch down and growl, pulling my sword from it's scabbard, holding it sideways between my jaws, ready to fight.
"Squire, step back. Slave, you take point." Vile says, as she hops off of the back of the feline. The black cat makes no objections and shows no concerns, simply nodding in understanding.
"Sorry I can't accept that. This is my fight." I reply.
"Do you have any experience in group combat?"
I blink, giving the matter some thought before I shake my head. "No. I don't, sorry."
"Don't worry about it. Just step back and do what I tell you." Vile says. "Trust me."
I'll admit, I'm still very much uncertain, but those words are enough. They've been willing to come with me this far, and put their trust in my cause. It's only reasonable that I return that trust. I step back, as Slave faces off against the canine who looks all the more massive compared to the small housecat. Vile hops up onto my own back, a somewhat unpleasant situation given her lack of cleanliness, but there are more important things to worry about.
I say that, even as my worries fade away. The confidence of my new allies, as small as they may be, is very much infectuous. It's time to settle this score, once and for all.