"Good man.", Mulan gave a small smile. "Certainly quite the force we're already planning to assemble.", Haku said.
"Well, we've said it before, Haku, this war might finally be over after one more battle; it'll probably be the toughest... but; victory never comes without some cost, especially the final victory.", Emma told him.
The rest of the originals nod in agreement. Eric replies, "I will have my army for Zuri to lead...I need to stay here and protect Ariel in case if this supposed doomsday weapon approaches Cair Paravel.".
King Triton blinks in curiosity, "I would understand if it was only once, with you protecting Ariel on the ship back on the island, but twice, it's a coincidence. Is your guilt holding you back?".
Eric exhales, "Partly, yes, but there's...", glancing at Ariel who smiles at him softly with a subtle nod, and Eric continues, "There's also the fact that I'm to be a father.", with a sheepish, proud chuckle.
A gasp sounded out, and Ariel widened her eyes with a smile, "Eric, Zuri, they're fluttering!", rubbing her belly bump as she sat on one of the chairs around the war table. Tiana has told Ariel about several things of pregnancy including flutters which is like gentle tickling from the first movements of a baby or two.
"How... How long?", Triton asked. "For a bit, Daddy...", Ariel said. "Certainly before I was even restored to life... I know it's strange but... it just happened. We only knew truly before we returned to Atlantica though we thought it was best to keep it from you for the time being, what with me being alive again and all.".
"Oh, Ariel...", Athena wrapped her arms around her daughter. Ariel smiled widely as she hugged her mother, and Theodore smiles brightly, "That means I'm an uncle?". Zuri laughs softly, "Oh, totally. They're gonna love ya.", ruffling her brother-in-law's hair.
Triton widened his eyes, " 'They?' Twins?", and Eric smiles softly, "Haku was kind enough to check the genders. You got a granddaughter and grandson.".
Triton was a bit shell shocked by the news; it seemed everything had changed so fast this week... so many he thought long dead returned and with them came even more life.
"I know it's a bit to take so suddenly, your majesty...", Eric chuckled. King Triton glances at his wife and daughter and son, and then glances at Zuri and Eric, and nods to himself, "I'm coming too.".
Athena gasps, "Triton!", and Ariel looks at him, "Daddy!", and Triton looks at them, "My army and my trident will turn the tide somewhere in the final battle. I want you two, and Theo to be safe, and if Eric is here to protect you all, I will be content to know that you are safe, and even if I want to stay forever with you, Athena, I am a king first of all, and if Frollo wins, there is a chance Atlantica will be attacked.".
"Jeez, now I'm starting to worry the more I hear about whoever wants to join us.", Pippa admitted to Adam. "I can't blame you; I don't like not knowing much about what Frollo's got in wait for us.", Adam said.
"The fog of war, it can be terrifying.", Pippa kissed his cheek. "But, then again, we've faced the odds before which were way more against us...". Adam smiled softly, "Oh, I sure remember...", before glancing at Mickey, "What about Congo?".
Mickey replied, "Shere Khan and Tarzan couldn't go fight on behalf of their triplet children, but their generals, Timon and Pumbaa are leading many of the people who wants to fight.", and Emma blinks, "Oh, I can do a portal for Pocahontas and her people to arrive here, so you don't have to worry, Haku.".
Haku exhales in relief, "Cair Paravel is one of the safest, secure places ever. I'd be glad of it. Will you do that this afternoon after we talk more?", and Emma smiled, "Yep, I can do that.".
Amelia replied, "As it's too far inland, the navy couldn't make it in easily like King Triton's army, but may I make a suggestion? If you somehow could have cannons, perhaps it would break off the lines of Frollo's armies as to pick them off like ants.".
"Not a bad idea.", John said. "Certainly would catch them off guard if the power of a navy could be brought to shore. Though doubt it would do much against any dark shield.".
"Well, thankfully we have some solutions for that, such as Triton.", Jason chuckled. Emma mused thoughtfully, "If we combine the air support with man-made grenades and mini cannonballs, like for example, the Martags's blue lightning blasts to the cannonballs, and the griffins to carry boulders and drop them on man-made grenades, the first few lines of Frollo's armies would be scattered and disorientated, if not killed on the spot.".
"At least we'll probably have the advantage on the battlefield...", Logan said. "The problem I'm thinking of is Frollo and his fortress. I'm sure where he is a true fortress...".
"So was Tremaine's and we got through that fairly easy.", Pippa reminded.
Zuri pointed out, "But that was golems and tactical surprise. This is different. Mickey said that it's triple layered of dark shields, and if Frollo's armies have messengers, they are only able to be allowed all through the three layers to inform Frollo. And we don't know what the fortress looks like, only that it's almost hidden in the mountains.".
"Well, all we can do is prepare as much for the fight... though if we can at least get close and find the place, that would be good.", Emma said. "You're in charge of our little group, what do you think then, Emma?", Zuri asked.
Emma exhaled, "One last question. Your majesty, are you coming too?", and Mickey nodded, "I am. I am fighting for my people, my homeland of Narnia, and my family. I may be a king, but I was a magician first, and battle magic is my forte. You will need all the help you need.".
"I am glad to hear that, Mickey. Walt shall be proud of you.", spoke a deep, velvet voice, and all eyes whip around to see a great, golden lion walking out of the sun beams in the window, and Mickey gasped, "Aslan!", kneeling down in respect.
"There's no need to bow to me, old friend.", Aslan chuckled as Mickey stood up, "I'm sorry... I just... why are you here?". The rest of the group thought the same of Mickey's question.
Aslan smiled warmly, "Narnia borders Frollo's base across the river, I can say, and I have connections with the Talking Animals in the mountains. They have showed me a path for all the armies of your allies and such to use in the mountains, a valley pass, if you will. Lady Emma, your portals isn't able to be of use nor Prince Adam's mirror up close to Frollo's base for the layered dark shields is more susceptible to good magic unlike Tremaine's dark shield. The closest you could travel yourselves by portal is the Pridelands, I am afraid.".
"I had a feeling we would be having to do a march and all.", Emma sighed. "But am I to guess there is more to your visit then? You wouldn't come here just for that.".
Aslan chuckled softly, "Nothing gets past you, Lady Emma. Via the smallest Talking Animals which is mice and shrews, they have taken up risky excursions through the dark shields by hiding in the forces' food and clothes, and I have the most dreadful, terrible news.", before sighing heavily, "There's a dangerous foe hiding under the mountain base of the fortress, and his name is Chernabog. Only your dragon forms can injure and kill him, original six.", with a nod.
Mickey gasped with wide eyes, "The Prophecy!", and Aslan nodded, "Indeed.", and everyone was confused, with Emma demanding, "What prophecy?".
Mickey replied, "Last year, long before winter was approaching, I was witnessed to Rapunzel receiving a vision and a prophecy, and when I first heard it, I was confused myself, but over time with your arrival, I was starting to realize that it was coming true.", before taking a deep breath and recited, 'Six Dragons. Like fire, they shall transform the world, and upon an equinox, the world will be saved.' ".
"That certainly has fit us to a T.", Jason said as the group looked at each other. All knew of the Chernabog from Fantasia; pretty much the Devil himself. And pretty much it was for sure now that Frollo was merely a pawn to him for sure. The issue is... how does one fight the Devil himself? Even in their dragon forms...
Aslan nodded softly, "I can see disquiet conflicting with your determination, original six. All I can say is that when dark becomes light, you will know what to do.".
The group nodded; all of them quickly knew what he meant there. It would be a tough fight; but Aslan did have faith in them.
Mickey exhaled, "Will you come, Aslan?", and Aslan shook his head, "No, but I will lend all my allies of Talking Animals and Sentient Trees to fight. I am to stay near Cair Paravel to protect. After all, I have made a promise with your father. I have built Cair Paravel with Deep Magic, but your father has made it a home, and so it will remain a home with all who stays to be safe.".
"I understand.", Mickey nodded. "Still, I suppose we still have plenty of time to prepare...", Emma said. "After all, we're probably going to have to wait for quite a few days or a week or so before most of the other forces arrive. Give us more time to prepare for the coming battle.".
Aslan nodded, "Good. Better to take some time like a snake in the grass than a panicking chicken in the fox's den. Before I go, here's my part of the war.", putting his front paws up on the war table, and breathed on the hologram, and two-colored lines was revealed; red and blue.
"The red line is the path for the land armies to march, through the valley pass, and the blue line is the river path King Triton's army is to use. They will line up at various points, hence the ability to camp at night and talk more of the battle plan. The paper map will have the paths marked for you.", Aslan spoke.
"Thank you, Aslan...", Mickey smiled as Aslan returned it. "You've done well in these times of trouble, Mickey, take pride in that.", Aslan said before he started to vanish. "And be strong, all of you, for the true end of evil amongst the lands for many generations lies in your hands.".
They bowed their heads to Aslan, and Emma echoed their unsaid words, "We will.", with a determined nod. Aslan nodded, and then vanished with an echoing faint roar. "The Chernabog...", Logan sighed. "Why did that not cross our minds?".
"He's done a good job keeping to the shadows for sure, but at least now we know rather than being surprised.", John said as the others agreed. Better to know now than later.
Minnie spoke, "Like you said, Emma, it will be a while before the armies come. So, let's break for lunch, and no more battle talk for the rest of the day. I can see many of you are desperate for some sleep, and of course, within this afternoon, to fulfill Emma's promise of bringing Haku's intended and such.".
"Certainly, we have some folks here that need some time to catch up with one another.", Emma smirked as she looked over to Triton and his family.
Ariel blushed, smiling softly as she rubbed her baby bump, and Athena chuckled, "Indeed. It's strange to be human, on feet, but over the past night and to now, I can see the appeal.".
Triton smiled, "Is there plenty of room for all of us?", and Mickey nodded, "Of course. This is a big castle after all. We do have plenty of guest bedrooms and such.", opening the door to the corridor.
"Good, as she said, we need time to catch up... for instance, I need to know my new son.", Triton chuckled as he put a hand on the young teen's back.
"I think all of us need to spend what time we have with friends and family, before we move out.", Emma smiled as she squeezed John's hand. The rest of the Talons had the same thought with many of their close companions.
Haku smiled widely, "Then let's eat some lunch, so you can have some energy for a portal to the Congo, with Adam's mirror assistance! Feels like ages since I saw Pocahontas and Koda...".
Emma nodded, "Understood.", and John smiled, "It'd be good to catch up with Sarah, my sister some more. Let's head to the dining rooms/the kitchens.".
"And it'll certainly be good to spend some more alone time...", Jason added as he rubbed Mulan's shoulders. "You know that we also have to do something else while we're still here in the kingdom, you know that, right?", Mulan smirked.
Jason wondered lightly, "Swordfighting practice? I bet you would want to go back in the swing of things, considering that you are General again.".
"Uh, no, not that.", Mulan chuckled as she leaned up to his ear. "I think I really should have you meet my folks.", she told him as he blushed, "Oh.".
Jason exhaled, seeing Mulan's warm, encouraging smile, and then kissed her on the nose, with a soft smile, "If that's really what you want, my blossom flower, I'll go with you.".
Mulan smiled even more brightly, kissing him on the lips, and smiled, "We'll go this afternoon. My village is not far. We'll be there by sunset, but first, there's a place halfway as a stop. I usually have my mid-snack there, and Khan enjoys it. Oh, Khan, I hope he's in the stables...".
Jason smiled, "Tell you what, we can take some lunch along, and check on the stables. I bet Buck is there too. We can eat lunch while we saddle up the horses, eh?". Mulan nodded, "Sounds like a great plan.".
Everyone soon parted their ways amongst the castle; mostly taking most of the short downtime before the final confrontation would come. And obviously, everyone did have the grim feeling that if things did go bad, at least there hopefully would be few regrets of not spending what time that was given with those closest to them.
For Mulan and Jason, the two of them were at the stables where they found the horses patiently waiting on them. "Khan... I must have worried you something great...", Mulan said as she petted her loyal steed.
Khan nuzzled Mulan with nickers and burrs, happy to see his beloved mistress, and neighed out to Buck who was headbutting Jason with a nicker, and Jason laughed, "I know, I know, I'm sorry I took so long. But hey, did you practice racing in the pastures, hmm?".
Buck neighed smugly with a nicker, and Jason smiled, "Good to know.", leading Buck out of his stable room as Mulan led Khan out of his stable room, and Buck burred, nibbling and nuzzling Khan, looking at the couple before them with bright eyes and smiles as Khan nuzzled Buck with a nicker.
Mulan blinked, "Well, I'll be...Looks like you have to buy Buck permanently as your horse, Jason. Khan is smitten with him.", with a warm, approving smile.
"I think I might just have to... but right now, I think I'm just going to let Buck be for the time being, at least until this is all over. Besides, who do I buy him from, again?", Jason rubbed the back of his head.
"Oh, just from the stable master and all, not too difficult, though, as you said, not the right time.", Mulan replied.
Jason nodded, "Yeah, just rent him out for the day and night. Don't worry, Buck, you will be together with Khan once the war is over. And besides, you're not a war horse like Khan.", and Buck snorted stubbornly with a neigh.
Mulan giggled, "Sounds like he ain't liking the idea.", and Jason sighed, "Look, Buck, there isn't enough time to train ya into a war horse, since from the map, it looks like probably a week of marching and all.". Khan nickered and whinnied to Buck, having a conversation of horse language.
"Not like we're going to make a charge or something...", Jason whispered over to Mulan. "I mean, for me and the rest of the Talons, we're probably sneaking through some passes or something to get to the fortress. Take out Frollo and the Chernabog; what's left of the dark forces will crumble. We've proven that time and again when those creatures lose their leaders."
Mulan nodded, "True. But our incoming armies will have to fight the dark forces, and as General, I'd have to be on the side of Mickey to command the Narnian army.".
"But you'll have Khan and all, what's Buck to do?", Jason chuckled as the horses continued to talk. "Well, either way, I doubt Buck is going to let Khan come along without him, so guess we'll probably have to accept that.", Mulan gave a small laugh.