Chapter 17: The Phoenix and The Dragon

It hadn't even been up to a week before the first attack came.

Helios hadn't expected them to have mobilized forces so quickly, but he figured Averys must have anticipated the outcome earlier than he thought. He was glad he had begun briefing his men even before the council, so the first wave was easily swatted aside.

Sol had led the charge while he ventured out secretly to visit Yam. The Dragon King had been infuriated with his behavior in the Land of the Moon. Not only did Helios declare war, but he also abandoned Yam, leaving him to fend for himself against his three new enemies.

They had arranged a meeting in a disclosed location, not so far off the coast of the island Yam ruled. Helios hadn't expected it to have been out in the open, though. But he understood why. If a fight were to break out, he would rather Helios turn trees and plants to ashes than buildings.

Helios had been as careful as he could, walking instead of flying, so he would remain as discrete as possible. The location was a large cluster of trees, a perfect spot for them to notice any intruders that dared follow them.

It was a location they had used many times, whenever they needed someone to confide in. Helios looked back at the previous times they had gathered here fondly, as Raijin had also been present.

Raijin was Helios' opposite. Where he was fiery, Raijin was always calm, careful to think before he did anything. He was similar in personality to Yam, but he was more reserved. He would have never wanted a war, either.

But in the end, it was his carefulness and strictness that killed him. Heading out to the Land of the Moon earlier, as he always did, made him an easy target. One that Averys exploited immediately. Although he knew there was nothing he could have done, Helios still blamed himself for his death. Perhaps if he had conspired with the rest in private, in this cluster they had made theirs, maybe he wouldn't be dead.

Helios had spent hours mourning his friend's death, regretting his impulsiveness. Alas, there was no more time to sit around and mourn. As he entered the forest, he carefully looked around, ensuring he wasn't followed, before taking a sharp left. He took another ten minutes, walking randomly between the large trees, before he finally headed towards their meeting spot. He was still paranoid about being followed, but he couldn't waste any more time.

Within minutes, he got to a small clearing, nodding at the white-haired man who sat on the ground, bored.

"You took your time, I see," Yam noted, tilting his head.

"I was making sure I wasn't followed," he explained. "After what happened to Raijin..."

Yam's eyes hardened. "Averys wouldn't dare. Unless he's bringing Typon and Louis, I can't possibly see how he would kill either of us."

"Fair point," Helios agreed. "I presume he attempted such after I left?"

"That Crow was more than prepared to butcher me the second you flew away," Yam grumbled. "Louis, that pitiful coward, interceded and said it wouldn't be fair sport if I died there."

"I apologize," Helios said, guilt clogging his throat. "I would have burned them all alive if I had stayed."

"Your temper is rather troublesome," Yam scoffed. "Nevertheless, we've gotten what you wanted. This war will tear our world apart, Helios."

"You say it like it is my fault."

Yam spread his hands out and laughed. "It's not? An assassination attempt would have been more plausible. An all-out war is only going to ruin everything we've built."

"And if the assassination had failed? We would have been right back here, standing in this damn forest as a war brewed all around us."

"We could have still tried, Helios." Yam sighed, pinching his nose. "Nevertheless, what's done is done. We need to strategize. It's three versus two."

"I don't see what the problem is. Our armies are more than capable enough to crush the three of them to the ground!"

"I wish I could share your confidence. But we may need to request men from Olympus."

"You want to drag Raijin's people into this war?" Helios asked, a frown showing his uneasiness. "I do not think they would involve themselves in our matters."

"Why not? Their master was our close friend."

"They may not share his kindness. Look at it this way, Yam. They would be aware Averys orchestrated their masters murder, and they may not want to risk his wrath when he finds out they have sided with us."

"You're saying we can't protect them?"

"I'm saying we can't be at two places at once," Helios argued. "Averys would destroy them himself if they interfered. And as you said, they outnumber us three to two. They could easily spare thousands of men and raze Olympus to the ground."

Yam went silent, pondering Helios' words for a moment.

"We can move their people into our lands instead," he suggested. "We can protect and make use of their forces."

"Move millions of people across the map? Won't that still be a risk?

"One of us can secure their safety," Yam shrugged. "Besides, if we do it soon and unexpectedly, Averys will not anticipate it till we are almost done transporting everyone."

Helios chewed on his fingers, nervousness creeping in. He was reluctant to ask Raijin's men for their help because he had indirectly been the cause of his death. If he had never summoned them to the Land of the Moon, Raijin would have still been alive. He wanted to decline, but Yam's idea was a logical one. He just hoped Raijin's men didn't try to murder him on the first chance they got.

"Don't tell me you're afraid." Yam smirked, giving Helios an amused look. "Quite unlike you."

"I'm not afraid," Helios grumbled. "I only feel guilty. After all, my summons caused Raijin's death. I could do without killing innocent men, especially after I caused the death of their king."

"Ha! You're afraid." Yam taunted.

Helios rolled his eyes, the nervousness slowly seeping out. "How soon can you reach out to them?"

"At any time," Yam said. "I can have ships ready within a week's time if they agree."

"And if they don't?"

"I believe they know better. Their current leader, Raijin's right-hand man, is thirsty for vengeance."

"That wiry boy?" Helios recalled a skinny man who looked no older than twenty accompanying Raijin the last time they all met at the Land of the Moon. He had assumed he was his son or younger brother.

Yam nodded. "He has grown quickly. He should be wise enough to accept our offer."

""I apologize for being pessimistic, but what if he goes over to Averys side? Like Louis did?"

"Then we will fight for our lives, my friend."