As Dr. Umba'aku's portal closed, the Commander of the Normals incendiary team began one final check. After weeks of planning, Operation: Blackfire was a go.
"Command to HQ," he stated. "Go Command," the radio crackled. "We've arrived at Checkpoint Alpha. Proceeding towards target."
"Copy Command," the radio replied. Back at Normal HQ, the Boss and Dr. Umba'aku studied the vital signs of the incendiary team. With over 150 soldiers currently within the realm of the fae, the Boss was well aware that this Operation was a massive undertaking. Both Remy and Umba'aku appeared to have outdone themselves in preparing the soldiers for this event, coupled with the intricate planning of every move the battalion would take.
Operation: Blackfire called for the insertion of the battalion a mile and a half from the fairy capital city. The issue of remaining human sized within the realm of the fae was critical, both Remy and Umba'aku working to counter that effect. After much experimentation, the Normal were able to succeed. This meant that the fairys would be facing titanic sized soldiers, relative to fairy size. When the Boss saw this he couldn't help but smile. The idea of Godzilla destroying a city filtered into his mind. Now imagine what 150 Godzillas could do the fairy population. If Operation; Blackfire and the turning of a Solar Guardian succeeded, the Normal would find themselves in an advantageous position.
"Command," HQ stated. "Alpha target is a click and a half away. Proceed at best possible speed. Alpha target will become aware of your presence in t-minus 5 minutes. Counter measures are green however, expect heavy resistance."
"Copy HQ," the Commander stated. Turning to his lieutenants, the Commander gave the signal. The troops were to remain spaced to prevent the possibility of killing other soldiers from an explosion. This meant the teams were spread out in a skirmish line, stretching the length of a football field with reserves covering the flanks. The entire formation resembled a square with a small reserve force centered in the middle. If someone in the front rank were to fall, another would instantly take their spot so that their would be no break in the line. During simulations the Normal calculated that this formation would account for fairy casualties to run as high 85%. If the team could equal half that or better, the mission would be viewed as a success. Regardless, their primary mission was to make sure the fairy capital was reduced to ash.
While everyone was blissfully unaware of the attack to come. Spark and Connor were blissfully in love and the two had agreed to marry each other after their school year had ended. But before they walked down the aisle, they wanted to talk to both of their parents about it first. They had decided to talk to Spark's parents first as they thought Nina still needed a little time to grieve from Jacob's passing. They were both now in Spark's family home with her parents and siblings there.
"Mister Arion, Miss Nova, you both know I love your daughter more than anything and since my dad....has been gone, I don't want to wait for our future to come, I want to make our future together now, so that's why we've come here. You might think I'm rushing into things, but I have thought this over a lot and so has Spark. That's why I've come to ask you for your daughter's hand in marriage." Connor explained his heart out to Spark's parents.
Arion and Nova looked at each other and smiled then made their way over to Spark and Connor and put a hand on their shoulders.
"You have always had our permission, Connor. I have always viewed the Morelands as being like a second family and I would be honored to have you as a son in-law." Arion said to Connor.
"It warms my heart to see you and my little Spa'kalth have grown so much before my eyes. Spark, I've seen how much this boy loves you, he's a keeper and I can't wait to see you two walking down the aisle." Nova said as Spark tried not to cry before hugging her mother.
"Awesome! So when's the wedding sis? Me and Midna are going to want to consult you on bridesmaids dresses." Star said excitedly to her sister.
"Come on Star, he only recently just asked me and....he uh....doesn't have a ring yet." Spark admitted rubbing her arm. "Besides, it could be you that gets married before me." Star frowned, playfully pushing her sister before smiling.
"You could find one at the shop, heck, you know what? I'll even let you two pick one out free of charge." Midna graciously offered.
"Oh, Midna? Really? You would do that for us?" Spark asked as Minda nodded and Spark now hugged her sister.
"I could also arrange some music for you guys." Zee offered the two as everyone else began discussing wedding plans.
While they were takling about wedding plans, Arion was getting an odd feeling in the back of his neck as he went to the window to look. "Dad," Spark asked, seeing the look on her father's face. "Is everything okay?"
Before he could answer, his family was surprised as a young fairy burst through the door. "General Arion," he exclaimed. Spark and her family turned in alarm, noting the fairy appeared to be a messenger from the castle. "We are under attack!"
"ATTACK?!"
Arion raised his hand, silencing his family, the red, battle scarred fairy sporting a grim expression. "Where," he said firmly. "Less than a mile from the capital," the fairy said quickly. "They approach quickly. Queen Glitter sent me to help organize a defense."
Arion nodded, glancing at his now anxious family. Save Spark, none of his children had faced battle. Looking into their eyes, he could see their fear and uncertainty. "Everyone," he said calmly. "To the castle immediately. Spark, Connor, I will need your help in formulating a defense. Star, take Midna and report to the council." Spark and Connor nodded, quickly gathering up some supplies as Star now rushed towards the castle with Midna in tow. Arions gaze now rested on his son Zephyr. "Zephyr," he said. "You will accompany me as we speak with the Queen. I have an important task for you."