Even before all this Fox took on many disciples, all in some vain attempt to protect himself, all to have a friend to live eternity with. None were strong enough, none were willing, none saw him more than a master. Some died for him, for his retreat, for his plans. But each and every loss hurts all the same. He cared for them like his own blood. They were his, and casting them off felt wrong, it felt horrifying. What scared him more still is that creeping whisper of death. When fox made the first beast group it was to make a family, and that family died to the emperor of the sun Freadick Brand. A man who thought to take the "law" into his own hands. The next beasts were all old compatriots, who fought by his side many times. They died fighting a Heavenly Defiant monster Hvac of the Deep. He escaped through the smoke a changed man, tired of bloodshed.
You would think he might give up after all of this, but he made the third Beasts, the feared group that is commonly talked about in the modern day. Each member was an orphan, each to the world was seen as expendable. When the final fight went down was when Fox, the cowardest of cowards, was most willing to die. Even then he wasn't able, he watched as all but three of his kids died, and when it was over he disbanded the group, and vowed to never see them again. Everyone around him dies, they were safer away.
That's what he thought until Maricaiss, his oldest son (adopted) found him. He grew strong and old, he had a wife, and he wanted Fox to see his child.
Fox was hesitant, he knew how bad life treated those around him. But seeing his son's face again, lit a spark he long sense thought was extinguished.
Mariciss was a farmer, an honest job. He had a moderate sized house, good land, and a kind hunting dog. His boy was so precious, not even one yet. Maricaiss bagged and bagged his father to come setter down with them. And sadly for Fox's sake he dared to believe.
Three years passed in that quiet home. One day for some inexplicable reason a hippogriff wandered onto the land. The dog was the first to be alerted, but was soon silenced by the angel ranked beast.
Fox was in the fields tending to the crops, he knew something was up before it even happened, he hesitated just looking at the weeds. Once he built the courage he ran with all his might back to the caban, but it was too late. Marciass died defending his wife, she was laying on the ground with the baby in her arms, blood leaking from her neck. Fox killed the already injured beast and took the kid. Holding him in his arms, walking so slowly to not wake the child. He whispered his old war song he would sing with his friends.
"All the good soldiers die in flocks, when men with good whiskey watch their clocks. So may all we worthless deserters, show are commandos the will of their gods…"
. . . .
Fox started to sing the song once again.