A new day has come, and it's finally time to head off to battle! I would like to say that my spirits are high, but there are a few small issues. For one thing, I'm still less than confident in our chances. Further, it's 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 as well. Still, that isn't a major concern. It's a rational one, no question, but I have to have faith that everything will work out.

It was the visible welts under the fur of Slave's flanks that were more of a distraction than my unvoiced concerns. I couldn't stop staring at them, and the black cat had made no effort to hide them, either. Quite the contrary, she seemed to be downright proud of them. Still, in a strange way, it does inspire confidence. I have no idea how much damage a single rat can inflict, but from the noises alone, the strikes sounded really rough, and if she can endure that and still wear a smile? Well, obviously a wolf can hit a lot harder, but it's still nice to know that she can take a hit if need be. Of course that's hardly news. I knew that much from my own drawn out battle against the pair.

I can smell the scent markings from a good ways away, of course, but once we truly do arrive in the domain of the pack, there's no denying it. Aside from a much stronger smell, the entire environment feels different, somehow. The air feels heavier, and more oppressive. Although I need no more proof of where exactly I am (this isn't my first trip here, even if the others had proven to be 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.

"I 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 fact 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, both of whom appear to be completely at ease.

"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 is 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 that she's unhappy. Not afraid or deeply concerned, just annoyed.

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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 'fair fight', you'd need a hundred more allies to come even close to rivaling my power. Those two scrawny critters won't make a lick of difference. I will make you mine."

"As much as I would like to see that..." Vile says, finally speaking up, "...and also make a wide variety of detailed diagrams, capturing the act from as many angles as possible..." myself and the alpha share a unique moment of solidarity as we look to one another with uncomfortable expressions, "...I'm afraid that 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, a sinister grin which even puts the mighty AbyssalWood Alpha on edge. "Good. I was hoping that 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.

"Stand back, Squire. 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 with 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 tiny house cat. Vile hops up onto my own back, a somewhat unpleasant situation given her lack of cleanliness, but there are far more important things to worry about.

I say that, even as my own worries melt away. The confidence of my new allies, as small as they may be, is very much infectious. It's time to settle this score, once and for all.

---

Vile: "It's about time that we're fighting that damned wolf. This has been taking forever!"

Squire: "What are you complaining about? We just had a boss battle! You haven't had time to get bored yet!"

AbyssalWood Alpha: "She does have a point. I've been trying to be patient here, but it hasn't been easy."

Squire: "I've been busy! Nobody said that you had to just stand around and wait for me to show up!"

AbyssalWood Alpha: "I'm a boss monster. That's kind of my thing."

Slave: "He's right. Why do you think that me and my mistress hung around that old storage shed for so long? Being a boss encounter isn't all fun and games. There's a of responsibility involved."

AbyssalWood Alpha: "Thank you! I'm glad someone understands!"