Hatching A Plan

Saru and his comrades awoke with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to shatter the monotony of their daily lives. In the kitchen, Saru took the lead, infusing it with his infectious enthusiasm, transforming it into a culinary haven where he artfully blended flavors and textures to craft a delectable feast. Meanwhile, Raven and The Mad Wolf made their way to the training grounds, their eyes burning with unwavering determination. They were ready to test their limits, refine their skills to perfection, and wholeheartedly embrace the challenges ahead. Amid this atmosphere of transformation, Aryan remained serenely nestled on the couch, blissfully unaware of the dynamic changes unfolding around him. With meticulous precision, Saru plated the sumptuous dishes on the dining table. Raven and The Mad Wolf returned, their faces radiating anticipation for the promising day ahead. However, the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked bacon and eggs roused Aryan from his slumber, drawing him to the table where he took a seat with a contented yawn. "Good morning, guys. What's on the agenda for today?" Aryan inquired, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Saru turned with a warm smile as he poured steaming cups of freshly brewed coffee. "Well, it seems the sages wish to meet with us again to discuss our strategy for the impending clash with the Kingdom of Death." Raven leaned back, intertwining his fingers behind his head. "Saru, do you truly believe we are prepared for this?" Saru locked eyes with The Mad Wolf before responding confidently, "I believe we are. While magic battles may pose a challenge, most of the Kingdom of Death's members are swordsmen." Raven let out a sigh of relief. "That's reassuring. I have complete faith in The Mad Wolf's ability to handle the magical threats." As Saru placed a jug of orange juice on the table, he reached for the plates piled high with eggs and bacon, generously sharing them among his companions. Saru served himself last, a testament to his unwavering dedication to their well-being. After their meal, a commotion outside drew their attention. Saru looked out and spotted the great sages. "Well, they certainly didn't need to come all the way here," Raven said, chuckling nervously. "It's almost as if we're wanted criminals in Eldoria." Saru gathered his gang, forming a united front, as the great sages approached. "Let's see what they have in store for us," he said, preparing for the unexpected. The great sages motioned for them to extend their arms, and Saru's group complied. In a flash of light, they found themselves teleported into the heart of the castle, inside a room with a table. The sages took their seats, starting with the eldest sage, Aric Stormweaver, introducing himself. Baelor Fireforge, Thalorin Sunfire, and Elowen Starcaster followed suit. Saru noticed Elowen's gaze lingering on him, prompting him to ask, "Is something on your mind?" She paused briefly before responding, "As sages, we have the ability to delve into people's memories, and I couldn't help but wonder: Can you truly fight the Kingdom of Death when someone you know, like Yuki, is on the enemy side? I know you care for her deeply and don't wish to harm her. She was like a sister to you. Seeing her as an enemy must be agonizing." Saru briefly looked away, his face reflecting a mix of emotions. "Of course, I can manage, but it's painful. Yuki was always there for me, and her loss felt like losing a sister. Seeing her as an enemy... I can only hope it's a terrible nightmare I'll wake up from, and we'll share a laugh about it someday." Saru stood up and walked to another room, with Elowen following him. "I'm sorry; I should have stayed quiet," she said. Saru shook his head. "No, it's fine. I'm just angry that I lost her to the enemy's side. I can only hope that if we do cross blades, she'll realize what she's lost." Returning to the table, Saru and Elowen rejoined the group. The eldest sage, Aric Stormweaver, stood up and addressed them, revealing their plan to raid the Kingdom of Death that night. The enemy knew they were in Eldoria, and the military was ready to act at any moment. Saru listened attentively as Thalorin, another sage, proposed infiltrating the castle through the undefended side. Saru, however, had a different idea. "Attacking the castle from the rear is a safer bet. That side is genuinely unguarded. We'll need a distraction, though." Raven interjected, offering to be the distraction. "Captain, I've got a new move I want to try out." Saru quickly responded, "No, it's too risky for you. I don't know who would be the right person for the job because not only will you have to survive an arrowstorm, but you also have to dodge the fireballs they throw when their defenses fail." With confidence, The Mad Wolf spoke up. "Saru, I'll do it. I have some experience in magic, and I feel like you trust me more than anyone else." Saru hesitated but eventually relented. "It's not about trust; it's just that I fear losing any of our team members. We promised to return, and I couldn't bear facing the village with your lifeless bodies in my arms, explaining our failure. Remember that little girl mourning her brother's loss? I do." Saru's group fell into a contemplative silence, their gaze shifting toward the sages, awaiting their response. Aric finally broke the silence, saying, "Okay, we'll proceed with Saru's plan." As night descended upon Eldoria, the sages summoned their military power, a force of over a thousand up-and-coming mages. Saru watched the spectacle unfold from the sidelines. Raven approached Saru, speaking softly, "Tonight's the night, Captain. Not only will we take down a kingdom, but you might also have a chance to reunite with your sister." Saru chuckled, putting his arm around Raven. "I just wish my eldest sister could be here. Incurable sickness is a cruel fate." Raven looked at Saru with empathy. "You know, you're still very human, Saru, and that's not a bad thing. It means you still have a heart." Saru laughed. "Well, you have a heart too, my friend. The ones without hearts are the slave traders." Raven nodded in agreement. The Mad Wolf walked up to them. "I'm excited. That scumbag king has really made my life hell. He marked me as a criminal and put my family to death, all because I made a sword that can control elements. I just happen to have that sword with me tonight. I crafted it years ago when me and Saru's father were still a team. It's hard to believe that even he was marked as a criminal, even after I pleaded with that king. Saru, I want you to use this sword in tonight's battle." The Mad Wolf handed Saru the sword he smirked and said."It's heavy, but if it packs a punch, that's all that matters to me." Aryan finally caught up with the gang. "Hey guys, do you think we can really do this? I don't want to cast doubt at the last minute, but I can't help but be nervous." They all laughed as Saru put his fist in the middle of their circle. "Let's make it back alive to tell the tale." The gang extended their fists into the circle, and even the Eldoria military joined in, forming a powerful unity. Saru spoke with determination, "One of us will have to live to tell the tale and pass it down to future generations!"