The Dragon and the Avatar

Chapter 37: The Calm Before the Storm

Half a week has gone by since our meeting with dad and we've all been busy with war preparations. Once we got back we sent word out to all the other nations asking for support and thankfully they all agreed to help us as we pushed in deeper into the Spirit World setting up camps all around the entrance of the portal. Everything was almost ready before we make our final push to Serena's fortress which will still take a few days cutting it rather close since we'll arrive just before the Winter Solstice. I walked through the camp as soldiers from all nations readied their armor and supplies which was graciously provided by Asami who also built us a few tanks for the firebenders and Earthbenders like what was used back during the 100 year war but with a few more modifications. I walked to the end of the Camp where a larger tent was set up with banners of each Nations symbol. I pushed open the flaps and came across General Iroh, Firelord Izumi, Chief Beifong, Tenzin and Tonraq who were gathered around a map of the Spirit World provided by Lucy after she and Levy went to the Library.

Iroh: "Ah good you're here we were just finishing up our plan on taking this stronghold fortunately we still have enough time to make it there with plenty of time before the Solstice the only problem is the enemy force." I nodded walking up to the table crossing my arms a bit as I glanced over the map as they put a few pieces signifying our army and Serenas. "Our scouts have reported that the enemy is heavily armored and very very well trained, they also noticed that they seem... different almost as if they aren't human nor Spirit like." I nodded grimly.

Me: "Lucy found a book the other day that explained more about Serena's conquest to take over the world as he used Dragon Humanoids that he actually created for he didn't want to use the "filth" of humans or Spirits." Iroh put his hand to his chin in thought.

Iroh: "I see did it say anything on how we can beat them easily." I shook my head sadly getting a few sad faces from the others until I realized something.

Me: "Wait I just realized something, if Serena created them then maybe if I defeat him his army will disappear." They all looked at one another and Tonraq was the first to speak.

Tonraq: "That's a risk we'll have to take I'm not planning on letting Korra get controlled by this lunatic, can I trust you to save my daughter?" He said with a stern yet pleading look making me smirk a bit as I looked at him eyes full of determination.

Me: "Of course chief Tonraq you can count on me now if you excuse me I have to plan with my team can I expect us to move out within the hour?" I said glancing over at General Iroh who just nodded to me. "Good I'll leave you to it then." I pushed open the flaps making my way towards a smaller tent just a few paces away with the symbol of a Dragon on the front. I pushed through to see some grim faces as everyone was on edge for what's to come. Levy and Lucy were in the corner speed reading through a stack of books that were probably thicker than Gajeels biceps. Gray and Juvia were having a quiet talk and seemed a little closer than normal as Juvia would occasionally place her hand on Gray's. Olivia and Wendy were in the other end of the tent preparing some armor supplied by Asami as Livi adjusted Wendy's straps so they didn't slip off her shoulders as it seemed just a few sizes too big for the little dragon. Gajeel was passed out on the couch in the middle of the room yet I could tell he wasn't truly sleeping as he seemed to tense. I clapped my hands together getting everyone's attention as I walked past them all taking a seat at the head of our own little war table with a map of the Spirit World as well. "Alright time for your briefing we've come up with a new plan now." They all shuffled closer gathering around the table as I placed small pawns signifying our army and the enemies and then a special pawn with the head of a Dragon for our squad. "Thanks to Lucy I feel like I've found a way we can defeat Serena with as little casualties as we possibly can, First General Iroh will distract his army on the field as our squad pushes our way to the castle as fast as we can for I feel that Serena's army is connected to him and will disappear if we defeat him meaning we won't have to waste our time with the whole army." They all nodded in approval and I leaned in a bit more resting my head on my hands a bit. "But I plan on taking just a few of you inside the castle with me as I want the rest to support the soldiers on the field for they'll need your new powers, field team consists of Juvia, Wendy, Lucy and Levy you four will help create our opening before returning to battle Lucy and Levy in particular will be equipped with some new lightning tools supplied by Asami as well as a few "Special" tools as well and you will always be accompanied by either Juvia or Wendy you two can decide which ones you would like to take as your partner." They nodded in agreement glancing at one another as if they've already made their decision. As for Gray, Gajeel Olivia and myself we will infiltrate the castle and defeat Serena personally plus I'm sure you're all itching to get some payback from earlier." Gray and Gajeel smirked at that as they cracked their knuckles.

Gajeel: "Damn right those bastards won't see what hit them thanks to these new powers from your pops." I smiled at that leaning back in my chair.

Me: "Alright then, prepare to move out we leave within the hour." They all nodded giving me a salute before heading off to pack their things and I found myself staring at the map just a little longer mostly at the castle. "Don't worry Korra I'll save you, no matter what."

We packed everything up rather quickly as we loaded all the trucks up with our supplies of both food and ammunition for our special toys Asami whipped up in impressive time as well given she only had a week to do it. I watched as the soldiers boarded their transport trucks and noticed Mako and Bolin in the bunch as well which made me both happy and concerned for they were dear friends to me and didn't want them to get hurt but they know what's at stake here as well as the consequences so I'd expect nothing less from them. Tenzin and his Airbenders took to the skys to scout ahead and place down a forward base just at the base of the desert were we can set up for the final assault while the rest of us pushed on foot. I walked over to my squads personal transport as everyone was wearing light yet protective combat armor all with the symbol of a Dragon on the chest. As we drove off I couldn't help but take one last look at the portal thinking that I may never come back here. I quickly shook that off turning away from it attaching my own personal armor to me as it had golden etchings stitched into it as well as a Golden Dragon symbol splashed across my chest and I leaned back to get some much needed sleep.

When I awoke next we had set up a smaller camp just to sleep in and refuel our bodies. I decided to stroll around to try and keep my cool and I could see all of the tension on each soldiers face as they knew what was to come tomorrow since that's when we'll arrive on the battlefield. I climbed up a small hill that overlooked the camp reaching in my pocket to grab a smoke a bad habit I ended up picking up whenever I needed to relieve stress when someone came up to sit next to me.

Olivia: "You know smoking's bad for you right?" I just chuckled a bit puffing out a cloud a smoke into the night sky.

Me: "It's a bad habit I know but as a Fire Dragon it calms me even more for some reason." She laughed lightly and we sat in silence for a few minutes. "I have to say I'm nervous beyond hell right now."

Olivia: "You're not the only one everyone down there is nervous as well and I couldn't blame them really, tomorrow is basically what decides the fate of the world if we fail here then we may never get this chance again since Serena will destroy the world." I nodded at that still gazing up at the night sky the bud of my cigarette hanging off my lip.

Me: "I won't let it come to that I promised to protect Korra forever and I'd be damned if I let Serena take her from me now plus dad said we can do it with the help of his power and I trust his word for that so for now let's just enjoy this night as long as we can." She smiled at me and leaned up against me a bit as she slowly drifted off into sleep. I looked at her for a bit then to the camp and then back to the nights sky. "I won't let Serena have his way with my world for I am the Flame Dragon King and as a King I protect those I care about no matter the cost."