Here's chapter 37! Sorry for the delay, folks!

Enjoy!

Rainbow Legend: Spirit of the Dragon

Chapter 37: The Battle Plan

Hal and the others quickly returned to their ship to recharge their rings and to help Aya. She laid in the infirmary bed as they transfer the Green energy into her.

"When you finish charging, you'll be good as new again, Aya," Hal implied. "We'll figure out a way to protect you from the yellow energy.

"Perhaps, even in my civil form, I am not as powerful as I calculated," she said with a downed tone in her voice.

"Hey, we just had a bad day, that's all. We'll get a rematch soon."

Koren then came with Razer and Kilowog with him. "Well, Raheem told me that Gin had estimated there are about 30 yellows lanterns and 40 Biogons."

"That's good!" Kilowog said, punching his fist into his hand. "That means we each get to beat a bunch of yellows and their lizards!"

"Kilowog, we couldn't even defeat three Yellow lanterns and it was hard enough fighting against three Biogons. And that was with our ring power!" Avian argued. "Without our green energy, I don't even want to guess the odds!"

"Perhaps with our indigo allies, we might be able to turn the tide," Aya suggested.

"Aya, you haven't seen what those monsters could do. I have," Razer admitted. "Just the sight of the Biogons so close, just... just..."

"Let me guess, made your heart stop? Put ice in your veins? Scared the crud out of you?" Hal guessed while Razer nodded with guilt, though he didn't want to agree.

"Yes, something like that."

"All warriors feel fear at one time or another, Razer," Avian came to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "There is no shame in that."

"Everyone experiences fear but only the most valiant among us can face that fear... and master it," Kilowog explained.

"As a lantern, our mission comes first, but as a Terragonian warrior, my heart tells me that we must stay, even at the risk of our lives," Avian decided.

"But Avian, you don't have to do this alone," Razer said.

"Sometimes, fate makes our choices," Avian told him. "Now is the time to fight... now is the time to face our fears. That is, if you all agree with me."

"All the way, Dad. All the way," Koren said with determination. Kilowog, Aya, Razer, and Hal all decided to stay and fight.

In the village center, all the elders and Indigo lanterns were gathered around to discuss their plans of evacuation.

"We must gather our things and flee to the mountains!" One member implied.

"With winter coming?" Raheem asks him, leaving him silent. "That's just as dangerous as facing the Yellow Lanterns! We must fight!"

"At this rate, it's the only choice we have," Indigo-1 agreed to him.

"You are correct," They heard Koren coming to them with the crew. "We intend to fight the Yellow Lantern Corps!"

The indigo lanterns gasped. "Without your rings? The green energy has no effect against them!"

"That's why we're going to need your help!" Koren said. "You were once warriors! Tonight, you will be warriors again!"

"But how?" Raheem asked. "There's so many of them!"

"Maybe, but we have the field advantage." Avian implied. "You indigo lanterns know your land better than any of us. All we have to do is make a plan and fight smarter."

The lanterns murmured as they discussed their plans and decisions. Some of them looked very nervous, but others are willing to fight despite the odds.

"Thank you for your support, Green Lantern Avian, but I must ask. You must have fought these Biogons you spoke of in your experience. What should we do in your opinion?" The indigo leader asked.

"Well..." Avian thought for a moment as all eyes were on him. He then spoke sincerely. "There's no reasoning with the Biogons though we share some dragon qualities. Usually, they run in packs of just ten or so, but because of their new leadership, it's obvious that the danger has risen." Some of them began to worry, but they let Avian continue. "When I was very young, we were invaded by the Biogons and we were outnumbered. We stood and fought as bravely as only we Terragonians can, but still, we've suffered many losses, so I can't guarantee your safety. However, if this was my tribe, I'd say fight them! Fight with our wits and we can win so that we can make sure these invaders never dare to return! The risk is great but I think worth it. Plan well and we can achieve our victory!"

"If Avian says fight, then I'll gladly fight for my friends and for this tribe!" Raheem declared, earning many agreements from the others.

"Wow! Who knew Avian would go that far?" Hal was amazed.

"Of course. He's a warrior, but a wise one. He wouldn't suggest it unless he thought we have a chance," Kilowog said.

"Everyone!" Indigo-1 spoke out, silencing the tribe. "If everyone agrees, then yes. We fight! We'll fight for the honor of the Indigo tribe and to make this world safe for all who dwell here, now and forever!" Everyone agreed to their leader and yelled in agreement. "We must work together and obey my every command. You must also rely on the knowledge of our comrade Avian and devise a battle plan. All that considered, are you prepared to follow me now? Onto victory?"

"YEAH!"

"We're yours, Indigo-1!" Munk agreed.

"For the Tribe and our home!" Raheem yelled out which many shout out their battle cries.

After a while, Indigo-1 has asked the crew to meet with her as well as Raheem and a couple of indigo members. They were gathered inside Indigo-1's home as she discussed their plans.

"I am thankful that you all gathered here as I've asked. The decision has been made. We'll fight them, but we must plan ahead. Before I begin, do you accept any decision or positions that I will give to you?"

"Anything you ask, we'll gladly follow, even if we're not indigo lanterns," Hal nodded. The others did the same.

"Fine, then Raheem, Avian, your task will be to gather up the rest of our young indigo lanterns and train them so that they're ready for battle. There isn't much time, so you must work fast."

"Will do," Raheem agreed.

"Crest, you'll be my head scout. Track the enemy's progress and report back to me. Stay close to the river and take Koren and Razer with you."

"Yes, ma'am!" Crest saluted, with Koren and Razer nodding their heads.

"Kilowog and Munk, you'll try to strengthen our defenses. Built support walls and traps, just in case," she instructed.

"They won't know what hit them, except for my hammer," Kilowog grinned.

"Gin, you'll gather all the women, their young, and those who can't fight and lead them to a safe location out of danger," Indigo-1 ordered which the cybernetic warrior agreed without argument.

"I'll have Aya construct something for us to fight against the yellow energy," Hal added. "That way, we'll have a fair fight."

"I will run various tests until I succeed, Hal Jordan," Aya said.

"Now the only problem is Sinestro. If only I was alone with that guy in order to have a one-on-one battle," Hal said.

"Try separating an army from its leader," Razer muttered. "It won't be as easy as listening to Kilowog's useless drill protocols."

"I heard that!" Kilowog hollered.

"I'm sure we'll find the answer soon," Koren said while getting up to leave with Crest and Razer for patrol. "Let's just do our part and fast."

"Agreed," Indigo-1 agreed. "I'm coming with you. I know the area better. The rest of you, do your best."

With that decided, everyone went to do their jobs. They will do their best for they have until tomorrow.

In the village, Gin gathered all the females and the young and began their travel to the safe area. He saw that the children were scared of the battle to come.

"Don't worry, kids. With any luck, you won't have to hide for long. As soon as they're gone, you can come back," he assured them as they continued on.

In the forest near the village, Avian and Raheem began to train their warriors for battle. Most of the warriors had their staffs for practice.

"The enemy may have stronger warriors and larger numbers, but we know the area. They don't. Use the field advantage to master our stealth and speed." Avian instructed as he transformed into his dragon.

"When you're out of ring energy, use what you have. Your claws, fangs, speed, endurance, and anything you're good at to fight," he demonstrated as he swiped a thin tree with his tail, cutting it. "Now, pretend I'm a Biogon. Attack me!"

Avian held his ground as various members attacked him. He also gave them pointers while they trained. "Don't attack them head on, immobilize them until you get a clear shot!"

Raheem was impressed by his fighting style and teachings. He turned to his students as he demonstrated his jumping skills and agility to them.

"Next," he ordered. One of them tried to imitate Raheem's jumps, but fell after his third jump, though he was unharmed.

"Keep trying. Next!" One by one, they've practiced until most of them succeeded in their training. "Your turn!" One member managed to reach the same length as Raheem and even managed to attack its targets with clear shot. "Good! Now you're getting it! Who's next?"

As they trained, Kilowog and Munk helped the other villagers build traps, defense walls, and even weapons made from trees with bamboo-like bark.

Hal and Aya were on the Interceptor, creating an invention that may block the yellow energy. "How's it going, Aya?"

"From the Biogon's armor that I gathered from their deceased bodies, I have found small traces of Aurem in them. It seems the Yellow Lanterns had made these for the Biogons to implant fear on their enemies."

"Great," Hal muttered sarcastically.

"However, I believe I have managed to create this." She showed him a special copper bracelet with a small indigo sphere on it. "Utilizing the indigo lanterns' mystic energy and some herbs that are effective against Aurem, this invention will negate the yellow energy as long as this sphere stays intact."

"Good work, Aya. That solves one of our problems. Let's hope it'll help us win this battle."

Meanwhile, as the scouting group arrived to the outskirts of the village, they reached to where a dam is located. Beneath the dam was a small river where it flows down into a path downstream. Koren took a look round. The sun was starting to set after a few hours had passed. He knew it was only a matter of time before the Yellow Corps arrive to the village.

"We're running out of time. There must be some way to break the army apart," Razer said.

"If we must, we might take our last stand here outside the village," Indigo-1 replied.

Koren, on the other hand, was glancing at the dam and noticed the large amount of water in it and the river below before turning to his friends. "Razer, how deep do you think the bottom of this ledge is?"

"I don't know," Razer replied. "What are you getting at?"

Koren nodded down the canyon and Razer followed his gaze towards Crest.

"What?" Crest asked indignantly. "What are you looking at?" But then he realized they were looking past him and he turned round to see the water dam filled with water. "That's our dam. Why are you staring at it?"

"Koren, I can't believe I'm saying this, but you're a genius!" Razer admitted.

"I have my moments," Koren replied modestly and quickly turned to Indigo-1. "Indigo, do you think we can use your dam for a plan I've devised?"

"What are you suggesting?" She wondered.

"Biogons are strong, but they are terrible swimmers. Think you can stall the yellow lanterns for us to lead the Biogons away from them? If we break the dam to fill the area with water, it may drift them away enough to give us a fighting chance!"

"That may work," Crest agreed.

Indigo-1 nodded in agreement. "You have my permission. I'll alert the others of your plan. We must prevent those monsters from sticking with the yellow lanterns…no matter the cost. Go back to the tribe and explain this to the crew. We will do all we can to give you time. The rest is up to you."

"Come on guys, there's no time to lose!" Koren cried out.

"Koren, a moment, please," Indigo stopped him.

Koren nodded , though he wonders what she wants. "You guys go on ahead. I'll catch up." The others left, leaving Koren alone with Indigo-1. "Is there something wrong?"

"I just want to give you some words of wisdom." Koren wondered, but lets her continue as he listens. "Even in our darkest hour, any army we make cannot win this war alone. But maybe, only one can."

"One what?" Koren wonders.

"One. A single being can make a difference between victory and defeat. Even if he or she has a slightest amount of courage, it can turn the tides of war. Hal Jordan may be the one to fight against Sinestro alone, but I have a feeling that in the near future, you'll be the one who would turn the upcoming war and only you is needed."

"Me? What do you mean?"

"There's only one person to answer that: you. When the time comes, you'll have to look inside yourself for the answer," she wisely stated.

Koren was confused, but also a little worried of this advice. "I appreciate your wisdom, Indigo-1, and I thank you for your words." He slightly bowed his head and headed back to the village.

As he ran back to the village, Indigo-1 watched them with mixed hope in his eyes. "Let's hope this is enough."

That night, the villagers were all fast asleep despite the battle that will happen soon. After a full day of training, they'll need the rest to recuperate their energy for the fight. The crew also rested in their tent, all except one.

Koren had opened his eyes in the middle of the night. He turned to see everyone sleeping peacefully, including his father who was inside the tent this time. He tried to rest again, but he couldn't. He just sighed and quietly left the tent without waking anyone up. Koren walked for a while until he reached at the hill where he could looked at the village view below. As he watched, he became deep in thought as he reminisced what Indigo-1 told him.

'Even in our darkest hour, any army we make cannot win this war alone. But maybe, only one can.'

"How could one person makes a difference? How could I?" He said with a sigh.

"You can't sleep, can't you?" Koren was startled by the sound, only to sigh in relief when it was just Indigo-1 coming to him and sitting next to him. "You should restore your strength for tomorrow. Is there something bothering you, young one?"

"No," He lied without looking at her.

She understood the child and just spoke softly. "I know what you're thinking, Koren. Have no fear, young one… we'll make it."

"I don't understand," Koren replied. "You said that one day, I'll make a difference for a future war. How can you be so sure?"

"I can't explain it, but somehow, I can see it in your eyes and also by your heart," she said thoughtfully.

"But I'm just a child. A child with one of the powerful weapons in the universe. That's only the reason why everyone needs me. It's because of this Gauntlet," Koren sadly mentioned.

"Whatever way anyone looks at this Gauntlet, it doesn't change who you are. The Gauntlet is only a tool. The real hero is you. Heroes, like the Green Lanterns, are chosen by their hearts. Everyone is chosen for a purpose and yours will come."

"But how can I make a difference on my own, Indigo-1?" Koren asked. "How?!"

"Anyone can make a difference when they have a heart full of courage and compassion, like yours." Indigo reassures him. "Sometimes the universe depends on the power of one." She then created a small guitar like construct and played it softly, singing a beautiful song as Koren listened to her.

You must always remember

Life can be a challenge
Life can seem impossible
It's never easy
When so much
Is on the line

Koren became sadden when he recalled all the difficulties he endured in the past. Memories of him losing control of the red energy, the fury of the red and yellow lanterns, and even the loss of many allies.

But you can make a difference
With courage
You can set things right
A gift to dream
And make dreams real
Is yours and mine

The power of one
Begins with believing
It starts in the heart
Then flows through the soul
And changes the world
Imagine how life will be
When we stand in unity
Each of us holds the key
To the power of one

Memories of his and his friends' victories then flowed in his head and also the friendships and good times they created together. Koren dreams where they would achieve to create a peaceful world where everyone could depend on one another, living with equality, hope and love.

Each of us is chosen
There's a mission just for you
Just look inside
You'd be surprised what you can do

Koren realizes that his new powers is what made him special and recall the times he had used them to help others and to protect them from harm. And he did them on his own, but with his friends' spirits in his heart.

The Power of one
Begins with believing
It starts in the heart
Then flows through the soul
And changes the world
Imagine how life will be
When we stand in unity
Each of us holds the key
To the power of one

One by one
We can make the world
A much better place

The power of one
Begins with believing
It start in the heart
Then flows through the soul
And changes the world
Imagine how life will be
When we stand in unity
Each of us holds a key
It's inside of you and me
Each of us holds the key
To the power of one

The power of one

Koren now felt stronger and more confident with himself. He believed Indigo is right for some reason. Indigo-1 one could see it in his eyes, shining with a new light.

"Indigo-1, thank you. I won't fail your tribe or you."

"I know. But I should be the one to thank you for staying," she said with a smile.

"You can thank me when this is all over," he said and then returned to his tent for his rest because he'll need it.

It wasn't long until the sun was beginning to rise over the village. Avian was the first to wake up as he stared at the sun. He was worried but controlled his emotions for he'll need a cool head and a strong will and heart for this fight.

"It's time."

Hope you like it!

I don't own the song "The Power of One" by Donna Summer. But I suggest you hear it in case you haven't because it's a beautiful song!

Next chapter: the final battle against the Yellow Lanterns!

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