Ready As I'll Ever Be

"Ready As I'll Ever Be" is a [SEASON NUMBER] thread started on [IRL DATE] and finished on January 8th, 2022.
==Summary==
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==Full Text==
Lila Ericson: The day was finally here. The day Lila had waited for for so long had finally here. Looking around at the Jaw, and the events that had led her here, it was not as she had pictured it. The blood moon was tonight. Fitting, as it would signal the death of the parasite that was High Central. The Nixes would be at there height of their power tonight, and tonight only. It was now or never. As the sun drew low in the sky, casting long shadows across the plains, the Commander had to do a final check in with each of the teams, just to make sure everyone and everything was ready.
She started with the beginning stages of their plan. It was easier to keep it all straight in her mind. She made her way quickly towards where they were staging the bulk of their forces and called out to her demonic aunt. "Nala, I'm hoping to do a final check in before tonight."
The Warden: I thought you’d never ask.
Akin to the shimmer of a hot bed of coals, Nala’s essence could be found sparking across the entire Jaw, boosting the communication between Rebellion members as the magically-fueled mental net that they were previously using had been uprooted and was being prepared for transportation through the tunnels. She turned in place, the full height of a translucent woman made of scarlet flame, with tiny strings, chains and threads spreading from her core outwards throughout smoky tents, bustling soldiers and weaponry.
The vanguard is strong, she stated, burning eyes roaming across determined faces. They will be well-prepared to assault the bridge leading to High Central; they can keep their forces from growing out of control. Should we find your sister? I believe she is assisting the beacon-holders.
Lila/Jari: She nods. "Final checks on everything." She says simply. Lila allowed Nala to lead her Jari, who was looking over the beacons, their carriers not too far away, Milae, Blair, Indigo, and Kettil, her brother, four in all. "How are things looking?" Lila asks.
Jari looks up and nods. "Just giving them one last once over. They weren't exactly designed to disrupt an enemy communication system but with the modifications I've done it should do the trick." She looks as some of the vanguard pass by and sighs. "So this is it huh?"
Lila nods solemnly. "One way or the other."
The younger rolled her eyes. "Oh don't be so dramatic, we'll get through this just fine, you'll see."
She smiles at her kid sisters optimism and gently pats her on the shoulder before moving on to the next phase of their plan.
The Warden: Surrounding the main preparation for the ground forces, hundreds of dragons were creating quite the ruckus as they, too, prepared for the fight. Many of them had handlers and saddles, especially the ones rescued from the Conclave and those ridden by High Central valiants searching to end half-breeds, but there were also specific sects that only readied themselves, snorting to each other in their own language, resting and eating to gather their strength. The Warden hailed the nearest ones as they approached. Do your kind require anything further for tonight?
Storm: The flock of Night Furies were talking things over between themselves, very eager to help with getting rid of these nasty people.
Grey had been kind enough to let them settle on her island, so they were more than ready to return the favor.
Since Indigo was busy with a task they'd given him, which he was also quite eager to prove himself with, he'd put Storm in charge of the Furies completely, and was busy memorizing what he would do. The man was all suited up and more than ready for his first real fight for good.
The furies acknowledged Nala with polite sounds, Storm being the one to address her question. "We're doing pretty well. I don't think we need much help, barring maybe a bit more to fill our stomachs, anyway. Many of us have been in raids before. It's nice to be fighting by your side, we look forward to helping." He gave her the politest of nods, formal and all. "We'll all be ready to hop in to fight as soon as you need us to!"
The dragons erupted in many sounds of agreement. Even Furi seemed pleased to be a part of something.
The Warden: Nala responded with a sound duplicating the rumble of their language, wishing them good luck, then turned on her heel, spitting sparks. The nixes will be joining the troops both above and below ground; we should ensure of their preparedness as well.
Lila/Savarthan: Lila nods and moves towards the next staging area where the Nixes were preparing and practicing. The Nixes, though varied in region were all skilled in water manipulation, and were the rebellion's strongest weapon tonight. Despite their varied appearance they all had one thing in common. They all wore a gem, blessed by the moon that would further increase their strength.
"Savarthan, how goes preparations?" She asks as she approaches.
The dark skinned Nix looks up from where he's tossing a small ball of lava back and forth in his hand, a nervous tick he'd developed. "Commander. Things are good, everyone's ready to move out last I checked. As much as I hate to rely on Nokkine crystals they certainly get the job done."
"No scuffles between your people and the above ground Nixes I trust?" Lila says, arms cross against her chest. "At a time like this the last thing we need is in fighting."
He nods. "Don't worry Commander, I've talked to my guys. We can ignore those assholes until this thing is over."
She nods. "Good. Make sure everyone's ready to go on my word."
He simply nods as she begins to head on to the next group.
Diriin/Libulan/Akkey: “She’s a chipper one, ain’t she,” a stranger piped up as the leadership passed him, and although he kept his face friendly enough, one couldn’t mistake the laughing, almost mocking tone in his voice as Diriin lounged on his seat with one free leg swinging.
“Diriin, please. We are all anxious.” Libulan spoke to pacify all parties involved, but even his cold glance towards Savarthan and his company were unavoidable. Still, there was no further escalation as promised.
“That sounds like an all of you problem!” The First of Teleportation laughed outright now, but he let it slide as he surveyed the sizeable crowd of his people stationed in their assigned groups and securing their final preparations. The Rebellion may have zero idea of exactly who he was, but almost every nix within the vicinity knew of him, or at least heard of him, High Council Member and the most powerful teleporter in all of Nokkines and beyond. They paid him rapt attention, and perhaps a dash of fear, “I know what I’m here for, Nio promised me. Teleport all of you to High Central, poof, shwoop, then I get a date with the Nokkines High Prince! Easy-peasy,” the Nokkines royalty stiffened awkwardly as Diriin tilted and leaned himself up towards the prince with a surge of a portal beneath his feet, lifting him effortlessly. There was a rush of plainly powerful magic outwards, which caused many of those nearby to bow their heads against it.
Many, save for one, as vapour crashed against vapour, spraying lightly then falling to reveal Akkey and Liam. Barefoot and a blessed bewilderbeast ice fragment clipped to her dark hair, her eyes flashed under the light of the red moon that was to aid them for the night, giving Diriin a hard, almost annoyed stare, before splitting her face into just as friendly of a grin back at the newcomer, “We are extremely grateful to you, and appreciate you helping us tonight.”
“I’m sure,” Diriin responded in the exact same tone, and a shiver passed through Kaliw and Kanan, who saw it clearly. Council and Agent did not like each other.
A soft tap on a forearm purely in habit as she glanced up at Nala and Lila, the night wind normally cold and gusting through the crowd of silver hair and pale skin. There was a hum of affirmation, “Yeah, we’re ready. It’s your call now.”
Jan 5, 2022
The Felman family held each other tightly as the final preparations were being made. The day had finally come, where they would go into battle together but in separate teams. It took a lot of convincing on Sven, Dagny, and Kari’s parts, but Grey and Brandt eventually allowed Dagny and Kari to join them and Sven in the final battle against High Central. It seemed like they had just gotten back together when they reunited with Sven after he left home to join the rebellion in Grey’s place, and now they had to be separated yet again. However, the plan was simple. Dagny and Kari would join the distraction team with their respective dragons, while Grey, Brandt and Sven joined the Gate Team and Tower Team respectively being that he was more experienced than his sisters. 
“Promise me that you girls will be extra careful,” Grey said as they slightly pulled away with tears in her eyes. 
“We promise, Mom,” Dagny said with a small smile. “SkySinger and Scoot would never let anything happen to us.” 
“I know that,” Grey said nodding and sniffling. “I just can’t help but worry. Your father and I...” she looked at Brandt and then back at Dagny and Kari, “we can’t help but worry.”
“Remember to stay on the dragons, okay?” Brandt said with a raised eyebrow. “And if anything gets too much, just find a place to land, and we’ll come find you after, okay?”
“We’ll be fine, Dad,” Dagny said as they shared another group hug, “we promise.”
“We want to stop High Central,” Kari said. “We want to protect our cousins and our home just like you do. We’ll be careful.”
“Okay,” Grey said with a smile. “We are so proud of you girls...” she looked at her son, “all three of you. Your dedication and courage mean so much to me...as a Chief and as a mother.”
“Me too,” Brandt added. “We’ll come find you when this is all over, okay?”
“Okay,” Kari said before pulling her family into another group hug, “we love you guys.”
“Love you too, sweetheart,” Grey said as tears poured down her face. 
“All three of you,” Brandt affirmed.
With that said, they pulled away. 
“We better get to our teams,” Grey said with a smile. “They won’t wait forever.”
As soon as she said that, the Felman family broke into their respective teams and helped to make the final preparations. 
Jan 5, 2022
Lila gave saw the Felmans say their last goodbyes before the battle, a scene playing out a hundred, if not a thousand fold across the Jaw. She scowled and cursed High Central that such things we're necessary. She gave the family the time they needed before approaching the tower team. Aside from the ground troops theirs was the smallest in scope, and she wanted to ensure that they were given as much time to prepare as they could afford. An attack on the gate was one thing, but who knew what awaited them within the tower walls.
"Grey." Lila said as she approached. The relationship between the two had remained strained since Ai Kauri's interrogation. "I trust that you and everyone else are making the necessary preparations? The time is drawing near and there's only so much time I can grant everyone before we must move."
Jan 5, 2022
Brandt and Sven couldn’t help but look at each other and then back at Lila and Grey as Lila spoke to her hearing the stoicism and coldness in her voice. It was almost as if they weren’t even related. Sven then kept his eyes on Pyro’s saddle as he pretended to tighten it as Brandt couldn’t help but watch. 
Initially, the coldness and stoicism would’ve hurt Grey at the core, but now...she didn’t care. It was almost as if she was numb to it. Whether Lila liked it or not, she was going to be a part of this and help finish what she and King Haddock had started all those years ago. Yes, she messed up in Ai Kauri’s interoggation, and she was sorry she did. However, she was human and made mistakes, and she refused to let that define her...to let Lila use that to define her. She knew who she was and what she was capable of. Grey didn’t even bother to look at her and only focused on tightening Shadow’s saddle for her and Brandt.
“Commander, whether you know this or not,” she said with just as much stoicism, “but I’m fully aware of the time and what we need to do to prepare. Everyone, including myself is doing what we need to do.”
Her jaw tensed in frustration at the sass that her aunt was giving her. She unfortunately didn't have time to address it. "Good. Just makes sure that if there's anything that needs doing to do it quickly. We can't turn around once we've left." She said as she begins to stalk off towards the gate team.
The Warden: As the Commander and the Warden passed through the broken entrance to the Jaw, through which soldiers, messengers and the odd Pookan engineer were pouring in and out, the ground immediately yawned outwards and straight down into a hefty slope. A humongous cavern awaited in front of them, and it was shadowed by a tent of such abnormal size that it appeared to be a little bit absurd. It was only half-open, which allowed for easy access to the excavation, with the rest of the inner space being completely taken up by the shining, hunched form of the construct. It was hunched over, neck bowed all the way to the ground, both forelegs squatting on either side of the tunnel entrance like a hellish guardian. The heavy tent folds flapped and howled in the chilly wind, casting deep maroon shadows over the plains, protecting the giant suit from both element and any spying eyes that would attempt to gain an advantage for High Central. In the semidarkness that the structure cast, there were a handful of lanterns shifting around and inside the construct’s form, and occasionally a handful of either mundane or magical sparks would spit out for several seconds and shower down towards the damp grass below. 
A hiss of crackling frost broke the tense silence, and then a quick bridge of ice sped overhead and into the tent in a wide arc, and it immediately dissolved into puffs of snow as Nio skidded to a stop, dismounting with a thin, lightly-armored doe half-breed on their arm. “Alright, go get ‘em, tiger.” They touched foreheads and then the half-breed sprinted away lightly, towards the vanguard. The Arnasons minus Liam were milling underneath the tent as well, and Nala spotted a much smaller mech-shaped brother of hers and his Catalyst, Alesha, shyly watching the battle preparations. Tucked underneath the breastbone of the sleeping construct was a lanky figure being fussed over by a short goat, who they could’ve sworn they saw back with Jari only a few minutes ago. He was outfitted with the sturdy chest harness of a beacon holder, so he had obviously been briefed and prepared by her, but he was heavily focused on making sure the Bookkeeper in front of him was just as ready as he was.
Darien’s shoulders could be seen in the very back, and as the Warden’s amber glow was cast across the heads of everyone present, he turned and sagged in some relief, making his way over, skirting around everyone in the way to be in front of Lila. He had a noticeable limp, but no walking aid, as his bad leg was now currently outfitted from the knee down by a well-built prosthetic, to make him usable for the night. A few rolls and booklets of parchment reinforced with leather were tucked under his arm, and he was only halfway through being properly armored. “Commander,” he greeted. “I was starting to worry something had happened to you.”
hubwalker1 
She lets out a slight chuckle. "Just checking in with everyone before we head out. Have to, otherwise I'll drive myself mad with worry." Lila shakes her head slightly. "You're going with us to the tower if I'm still completely sane. Do you have any idea what we'll face there?" She asks. The Commander has asked before but she wants, no, needs to be certain that she's checked ever detail she can.
Darien:The Warden: “If everything were the same as when I left,” he replied, shuffling his papers, “I know every step of that Tower.” He grinned darkly. “But I know that won’t be the case. We’re going in as blind as a bat...still, even bats have ways of getting around.” The former magistrate squinted an eye up at the demon, who was focused on the construct, and she mentally flicked his consciousness with a wry emotion. 
A good thing we have five bats, then, though one will be...occupied, she rumbled, still not breaking line of sight on the empty eyes of the mech behind them.
hubwalker1 
Lila snickers softly at that bat comment. "Indeed." She looks over at the various demons around. "Perhaps we could have one of your kin move to the Tower instead. They would be a great help in taking it."
The Warden: My siblings already spoke, and we believe the risk of suppression and subsequent loss is extremely high. If they were to go dark in the ranks of the vanguard, there is enough manpower to escape any antimagic fields, but were we to ascend the tower, the smaller team would then become responsible for the demon’s well-being, and it could unnecessarily slow you and endanger your mission. If the Changeling or the Arbiter is willing to risk what could be extremely devastating for the Rebellion as a whole, I will not stop them, but I would caution them against doing so. 
hubwalker1 
Lila nods crossing her arms. "Guess we're doing this the old fashion way then." She says. She turns back to the old man. "Finish getting suited up and be ready to move out." She says with a firm nod before walking off. "Last stop is the gate team right?"
The Warden: A rapid wave of light flushed across all nearby surfaces and dissipated as Nalaagura searched amongst the surrounding people, then replied, It feels like most of the gate team is already gathered around us, if you wished to speak with any of them. 
hubwalker1 
She nods as she looks around the group. Seeing one half-breed in particular she approaches her. "Tree, it's good to see you. Is everyone almost ready?" She asks. Lila hadn't the woman since at least Deo and Liam's hunting trip, possibly longer. It was good to see her, though she wished the circumstances were better.
The Warden: Leaning forward from her temporary rest against one of the cannons, the wrinkle-eyed tortoiseshell half-breed removed the leftover shard of fowl bone she was using to pick at her fangs and flicked it to the ground. “Ready as we’ll ever be,” she said dryly, signing with her words for Kendra’s benefit. “Ready to toss ourselves at High Central’s walls until they’re covered in our blood.” 
Kendra slapped her mother’s arm and scowled at her and Tree sighed and dipped her chin, her weight replaced back against the cannon wheel again, making it creak slightly. “I’m ready to do what I need to, but we don’t know what we’re up against, Lila. Especially when we head down there.” She jerked her head at the torchlit cavern several yards away.
hubwalker1 
She sighed and nods. "Believe me, I know. I don't like it much either, but if we do nothing then we die anyways. At least fighting we have a chance." There's a few moments pause before the Commander takes a deep breath. "Tell everyone to get ready to move, I'll rally the troops and we can head out." As Lila left once again she sighed, this war had been... Difficult to say the least. "Nala... Can we do this?" She asks, not stopping to even turn her head to look at her.
The Warden: Nala’s breath rolled out in a visible fog of scarlet and sparks. She stepped in front of Lila and placed a large astral hand on either of her arms, the core of her heart glowing and pulsating as she considered the Commander. 
We must do this. And even if it is impossible… Their minds connected, and every stream of thought within Nala’s mind became visible, rivers of emotion, dialogue, memories, calculations, constant communication. In all the deluge that was the demon’s unfathomable consciousness, if there was doubt, it was as small as the shadow cast by the midday sun.
We are the Rebellion, she whispered. We must do the impossible.
Maya had always been a stronghold for her family. Where her sister and husband ventured forth to battles and conflicts regularly, she held and stayed behind to ensure that the people she loved would always have a home to return to. That being said, it was always difficult to wait.
“Please be careful,” she held both Hunter and Iona’s hands in her, a slight quiver in her voice, eyes bright but steady, “Aria and I will be waiting for you.”
“If she could stop being upset with me and accept that she must stay home,” Hunter’s laugh was strained. Aria had cried, wanting to come along, but he told her no. She must stay in Yrus. He pulled her fingers to his lips, brow creased for a moment, before leaning down to give her a kiss on her forehead, “We’ll be back. I love both of you.”
“Love you, Mom,” Iona gripped her tight, snuffling her face into her shoulder for a second like she did when she was a little rabbit, then swiftly turned to meet where Kettil was.
She passed by a fiery red head and a gentle nix that stood close together. “Are you warm? The night is cold for you humans,” delicate fingers clasped Deo’s cloak shut. Malayari gave her a confident smile, perhaps a little unaware of the gravity of the incoming battle but comforting nevertheless. Moonlight cascaded down her long locks, giving it a red sheen, as she wrapped her arms around her, “Come back safe, alright?”
The wind picked up again then, and they heard a hum that disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Akkey stepped out from a portal elsewhere and firmly planted her feet in front of a figure that towered over her, bare arms crossed as if her tiny shift dress was enough to protect against the cold. Her green eyes flashed, almost angrily, but in reality they were rife with emotion and sudden anxiety. A hand shot out to pull Blunt down by the shirt, “You better not fucking die tonight. Stonegit’s gonna be upset if you do,” Her voice turned soft as the final calls to positions rang out. They let others pass them, ignoring the command for a moment. She grit her teeth, then leaned up on her toes to give him a kiss, her words barely audible against him, “I’ll be upset if you do. Please… don’t die on me.” Akkey let her grip on him go, and made to turn and head to her station.
Jan 7, 2022
Her words were broken and scarcely afforded the time to be comprehensible as Blunt kissed her back. He couldn’t believe he was having to say goodbye to her before a battle again. I swear if any of us die right after getting together…
It was a tough thought to think. But then there were other thoughts. Like all those years she had been his best friend. How he always held her close. How much they had helped each other. Suddenly this new, unconventional relationship felt like a lifetime. It didn’t make goodbye any easier. But it helped in other ways.
“Hey, I’ll be armored to fuck with the medical unit behind you guys. And Dixie hired a lot of nasties to help keep us safe. So don’t worry about me.”
She made to leave, and Blunt couldn’t help himself but reach out to grab her back, this time just to hug her. He pressed his sharp nose down into the crook of her neck, and took in her scent as his fingers gripped against her back. “You’re the heart that beats in my chest you know…”
Jan 7, 2022
There was a heat that flushed across her head that was obviously her blushing from embarrassment, but she rolled her eyes laughing, turning to clamp her hands over each of his cheeks, “Of all the times to be a damn flirt, Sir Blunt…” She gave him a kiss, then another, and one more, not knowing when or even if she would able to again.
“Gotta go…” another insistent call rang across the Jaw forced her to step away. She grinned at him, cheeks turning up the corners of her eyes with such softness, “I love you.” Then a portal hummed, and she disappeared.
Jan 7, 2022
“Try not to let her get to you, okay?” Brandt said after Lila walked away from them. “We need to focus.”
“Believe me,” Grey replied as she petted Shadow’s head once she finished adjusting the saddle on her back, “I know. What she thinks of me doesn’t matter. I’m sorry for what I did. I know I made a huge mistake, and I’m not going to let anyone use that to define me. It’s not who I am, and I refuse to miss out on this. This is what Haddock and I had been trying to do for years, and I’m going to back out now. I’m doing this for him, for Lief, for the kids, and for the other half-breeds…whether she likes it or not. I only want to finish what Haddock and I started.”
Brandt smiled as he placed a hand on her cheek watching her lean into his touch. “That’s my girl,” he said before giving her a kiss on the lips. “No matter what, I’m with you.”
Shadow crooned as she nuzzled Grey’s cheek as Grey gently scratched her chin. 
“I’m with you, too, Mom,” Sven said. “We can do this.”
Grey smiled as she pulled Sven into a side hug. “That’s all I ever need,” she said, “my family right beside me.”
Meanwhile, Dagny and Kari mounted their dragons to get ready to move out. 
“We’re staying together right?” Kari asked as she mounted Scoot. 
“Of course,” Dagny said as she mounted her Deadly Nadder, “no matter what, the Felman sisters stick together. Just stick by me, and we’ll be okay.”
“I’m glad that we can help,” Kari said. “We can’t fight with swords, but we have dragons. It’s about time we step up and help.”
“True,” Dagny said, “especially once Sven becomes Chief. He’ll need us to back him up.”
“He would be so lost without us,” Kari replied earning a giggle from her older sister.
Jan 7, 2022
Meanwhile Deoiridh wrapped her arms tightly around Malayari and chuckled softly. “Eh, ah don’t get cold easily.” She said with a soft chuckle before pulling back and smiling at her, sighing softly. “Yari, ah don’t know ye as well as ah wish ah did. So, ah’m hopin’ we ken rectify that a wee bit when ah come back. Does that sound alright to ye?” She asks as she reaches up to gently cup her cheek.
Jan 7, 2022
Malayari raised her brows for a moment, but leaned into the hand with a tender smile. She had become fond of the redhead. The mist that perpetually surrounded her shifted to see her better, “That sounds wonderful.”
Jan 8, 2022
She smiles back as she hears the calls for the soldiers to their positions she frowns a little wishing she had more time. “Ah, feck it.” She murmurs before leaning in and giving her a kiss. Perhaps the last one she would give in this lifetime, full of fear and longing. It wasn’t long, the red-head pulling back after a few moments. “I’ll come back.” She promised before dashing off.