Jason- Welcome to the next chapter I'm sure many liked how the last one went?
Zeliska- You killed the General.
Jason- Wait how did you…never mind and no I didn't kill him it was Mark IV.
Talon- You wrote him getting killed.
Jason- Okay where are you all coming from?
Marrissa- We were trying to figure out who tried to kill the General now we know it's you.
Jason- I didn't do it, it was Mark IV.
Zeliska- Oh leave him alone I'm sure he'll bring back the General…right?
Jason-…..uh yeah sure whatever okay time for the disclaimer I don't own anything of Star Wars, Bleach, DC universe, or the general's characters. Time to begin enjoy the chapter everyone.
Sleepover
Outside New York City (Ahsoka's pov)
"Are we there yet?" Liana asked as she was in the back of the car in her baby seat along with her brother and sister.
"Yes we are just be patient Liana," I said to Liana who groaned.
"But I'm bored," Liana whined not liking things to take so long.
"Don't worry honey we'll be there soon," Ichiro said trying to calm his daughter down.
"Okay daddy," Liana said smiling at her dad.
I rolled my eyes when she did that. She's always been daddy's little girl. She does what he says, but when I tell her to do something she doesn't always do them. I keep wondering where she gets her rebellion from. Though whenever I ask that question to the others they keep giving me weird looks like I didn't know where Liana got her rebel side from. I really don't though one day I hope to find out.
I looked behind and saw Barriss was sleeping while holding on to her stuff bear. Jake was watching a movie with his headphones on. Ichiro had set up two mini TVs in the back of our seats so the kids could watch movies and not get bored. There's a third in the middle so Barriss could watch it too, but most of the time whenever we drive somewhere she always falls asleep.
"So Jessica said she's already heading over?" Ichiro asked.
"Uh yeah Katalia contacted me saying she arrived and started making the food for the party tomorrow. However, Jessica decided to stay somewhere else since when she got there Ventrika was giving her the evil look and she felt Katalia didn't like her," I said, remembering Katalia telling me she disliked Jessica.
"Mommy, how come Grandma Katalia doesn't like Ms. Jessica?" Liana asked.
"Well uh sweetie it's complicated I'll tell you when you're older okay?" I said to Liana.
"Fine mom," Liana said sighing and groaning again.
"Ah here we are, we're here kids," Ichiro said as Liana yelled with joy which of course woke Barriss up and caused her to cry. I stared at Liana a bit mad she woke her sister up, "Whoops sorry."
(Katalia's pov)
I stalked around my home to ensure everything was in place. Despite having countless robots to take care of everything I liked to personalize it myself.
Besides sitting in the office directing everything was Markoneous' style. I prefer to go out and about and do things myself.
"Mistress" IG-101 knelt behind me, "The orders you made have been followed."
I smiled at the Magnaguard, "Good. Leave me" I ordered all the droids.
When they had clanked away I turned to an enormous painting that covered an entire wall of a secret room. It was a painting of my beloved. My mate.
His smile warmed my heart even though I had watched him die in my arms. He had done so many terrible things. All for me, I had never questioned him, until he had tried to force me away from him. I had chased after him only to find he had been dying for many years, all in an attempt to make sure I would never die.
"Mark" I ran a finger down his face lovingly, "We had some great times together."
The portrait merely smiled in response. I clicked a button on the side and the picture started moving.
"I will not yield" he declared with his finger raised for emphasis, "I will rule the galaxy"
I smiled at the portrait. It had been programmed to respond with hundreds of different phrases I had heard him say during our time together. "Mark?"
"Yes Katalia" the portrait spoke with his voice, but with no emotion.
"Do you love me?" I whispered.
"I will always love you" the voice answered sincerely.
I was reached for the switch when IG-101 approached, "Yes?"
"Mistress, your guests are approaching."
I retracted my hand and rushed away. Things to do, people to see and all the rest of it.
The portrait moved again. Markoneous looked downright evil.
"You betrayed me Talsein!" he sounded as though he was speaking from beyond the grave, "I will have my revenge!"
I approached the entrance to my home where I saw Ichiro unloading everything, while Ahsoka carried Barriss in her arms, and the twins walking next to her.
"Grandma Katalia!" the twins ran up to me and hugged me.
I smiled and return the hug as I lifted the twins. Since my daughter Katalina is together with Victor it meant I am now part of Hikari and Isamu's family. I didn't mind that the twins see me as their grandma, to me holding the kids and hugging them made it all okay.
"Hey kids it's been a while. My you two have grown up" I said hugging the kids.
"We missed you," Jake said missing his grandma.
"We drew you something," Liana gave me a drawing that both kids drew that was supposed to be of me.
I smiled and held kiss the kids on their forehead, "Awwww thank you kids I love them."
"Hey Katalia, how are you?" Ahsoka asked.
"I'm doing fine, how are things back home?" I asked.
"Not bad, except for taking care of the twins and making sure they stay out of trouble," Ahsoka said.
"We always stay out of trouble mommy," Liana said.
Ahsoka stared at her daughter, "Really? Last week you broke the vase when you tried to use the force."
"That not my fault that Jake's fault. He didn't catch it," Liana said blaming her brother.
"You threw it too high," Jake said defending himself.
"Case close," Ahsoka said as Barriss slept in her arms.
"So is the baby girl ready for the party then?" I asked.
"Yes she is. I hope you're okay with us having the party here Katalia," Ahsoka said.
"It's no trouble, as long of course you guys don't make a mess inside the house," I said as I spotted the twins looking at the expensive vases, "That means stay away from the expensive shiny stuff kids or you won't get any treats."
"Awwwww," both kids whined.
Ahsoka snickered a bit, "I wish I had thought of that."
Ichiro came in carrying the luggage, "Hey Katalia,"
"Hey Ichiro, need some help?" I asked noticing he was having trouble with the luggage.
"No no I got it," Ichiro bumped into a table that caused a vase to fall and break. Everyone was silent for a few seconds till Ichiro spoke, "Oh…uh sorry was that expensive?"
I glared at Ichiro while the kids snickered, "Yes…it was."
Ichiro sets the luggage down, "I'll uh…just go park the car," Ichiro runs out of the house.
"Sorry Katalia," Ahsoka said apologizing.
I sighed, "It's fine watch," I snapped my fingers and a small droid floated over. The droid quickly repaired the vase making it look brand new.
"Whoa," the twins said in awe of what they just saw.
"A new invention the company made. It's going to be for all mothers who have kids that destroy valuable possessions," I explained.
"Now that is something I wouldn't mind having," Ahsoka said wanting a droid to have around the house.
"I'll have one send over to your home, but first," I whistled and three large droids appeared awaiting for my commands, "You three take these luggage's to the guest room."
"Yes Mistress Katalia," the droids responded as they carried the bags to the guest room.
"Now then who wants cookies?" I asked.
"ME!" The twins shouted.
"Uh no thanks Katalia I'm going to go drop Barriss off in her crib. Just make sure the kids don't eat too much cookies," Ahsoka said.
"I know," I said as I led the kids towards the kitchen.
Titan's tower (Normal pov)
Back at the tower the titans were getting everything ready for their trip tomorrow. Victor was packing some meat in a cooler since he didn't trust Jessica's cooking. Mikazuki was busy putting her tofu food in a cooler too. Ryu and Katalina were off talking to the Titans who would be keeping an eye on the tower.
Arella was with her sister as they were talking about Markala being back and confession his love to Rowan. Ryu decided to let Markala return provided he doesn't try anything dumb. The others forgave Markala, except they still didn't like what he did to Rowan.
"So now you and Markala are together. I wonder how mom will feel about that," Arella said as she talked to her sister.
"I'm sure they'll be okay with it as much as they were okay with you dating Ryu," Rowan reminded Arella on how their mom reacted when she found out Arella was dating Ryu.
Their mom doesn't like Talsein much. Considering all he did to her friends and Isamu no one could blame her for disliking Talsein. Still it took a few weeks and with some help from Isamu to help Rachel be okay with her daughter dating Ryu. She did however warn Ryu if he tries anything she would make him pay.
Arella sighed, "I know, but that's different."
"How? Yes he left me on Christmas and mom was pissed about it. But thanks to dad she forgives him as long as I do, and I do," Rowan said.
"I'm still surprised you forgave him in less than a day," Arella said remembering how her sister got mad when she is reminded of what Markala did.
Rowan nodded her head, "I know what he did was bad, but he apologized and finally told me he loves me. I forgave him, have you?"
Arella turned away from her sister, "It's complicated for me Rowan. He hurt you badly and I don't know if I can forgive him for what he did to you."
Rowan grabbed her sister's hand, "I know what he did was wrong and I would be mad too if Ryu broke your heart. But if you forgive him and he does mean his apology. Then I would forgive him too."
Arella smiled at her sister, "Fine I'll try to forgive him. But again if he tries anything, then it's off to the world of pain and suffering."
"Hmmmm we talk about it, but would we ever send someone there?" Rowan asked.
"Not sure, I guess it depends on the guy. I don't think mom ever did that right?" Arella asked
"I don't think so," Rowan said, unsure if their mom ever did send someone to an eternity of pain and suffering.
The doors slide open and in came Victor, "Hey girls uh Markala and Ryu are about to fight."
The twins got up and headed down to the see what is going on. They arrived outside to see Markala and Ryu getting into fighting position. Ryu had his zanpakuto Akai fenikkusu (red phoenix)was unleashed, while Markala had his claws extended.
"Why are they fighting?" Arella asked.
"Ryu and Markala kind of bumped into each other. Then this happened, I didn't almost recognized Markala," Victor said.
"When did my brother evolve?" Katalina asked.
"Well it started in my room an hour ago," Rowan said as she flashed back to what happened.
Rowan's room (Flashback)
As Rowan and Markala broke apart she noticed his fur was glowing snow white, "Markala?"
He gasped and clutched at his chest, "It's happening" he grunted.
"Wha-what's happening?" she looked at him worriedly, "What's wrong?"
Markala looked up at her and his eyes glowed red, "I'm changing. When my species reach a certain age they change." He groaned, "But this one is a fight. My two most important factors are fighting for dominance of my body. I will either turn into a savage animal that only cares about fighting or…"
"Or what?" Rowan grabbed his hand tightly.
He smiled, "You'll be the most important thing in my life."
"Is there anything I can do?" she asked as his tail started to shake violently.
"Stand back" he warned.
She let go and stepped back.
A moment later Markala let out a roar that shattered the window and sent Rowan flying to land on her bed. He hunched over as he grew incredibly taller, easily more than seven feet. His torso and abdomen stretched and contorted as row upon row of muscle grew into line, arms and legs expanded as they turned into solid limbs of muscle. His brown fur turned slightly darker and black spots appeared throughout.
All this happened in the space of a few seconds but for Rowan it seemed a lot longer as she watched him turn into a massive, and very intimidating, figure. The only thing that hadn't changed was his short black hair and his tail.
"Markala?" she asked, "Are you okay?"
He opened his mouth and let out a roar that actually scared her. It was probably one of the few if any times he had actually sent fear through her. She watched with wide eyes as he turned to her.
"Rowan Roth Ishida" he stretched a hand towards her.
She watched the claws retract and felt the smooth fingers brush against her cheek, "Markala."
He leaned towards her and inhaled. His eyes flared brightly and a wide smile grew across his face, "My love" he gently held her face his hands, "My life is yours."
Rowan grabbed his head and pulled him close to her as their lips collided with absolute love between them.
(Flashback over)
The others were surprised by what happened, "I hope Markala will be okay," Rowan said.
"Let's see what you've learned in your absence Markala," Ryu said releasing his spiritual pressure.
Mikazuki and Victor set up a barrier to keep the two warriors from causing too much damage to the tower. That and along with damaging the island that could cause it to sink.
"This time I will defeat you Ryu," Markala said confident he will win this time.
"What makes this time different Markala?" Ryu asked.
"Before I only fought to become the greatest warrior," looks over to Rowan, "Now I fight to be the strongest to protect my mate, Rowan."
Markala let out a thunderous roar and his body was engulfed in a red aura. The others all could sense it as could Ryu.
Ryu sensed the power of Markala and knew this will indeed prove to be very different than last time.
"I guess it can't be helped. You have become very powerful," Ryu raised his sword, "I will honor your new power and resolve by showing you my true power."
"Good, I have been waiting for a long time to see this true power of yours," Markala said, getting ready for Ryu to unleash his bankai.
Ryu's spiritual pressure exploded as he concentrated on unleashing his bankai. The others only heard of Ryu's bankai and only Ichiro has ever seen it. And fight against it. This will be the first time the whole team sees Ryu's true power and what he is capable of.
"Bankai," a bright red light engulfed the island blinding everyone even Markala.
When the light disappeared the others after getting their vision back soon saw Ryu's bankai and they were all shocked. He was wearing a long red and orange coat, no sleeves, he wore red and orange gloves, boots, muscle shirt, and pants. His sword changed form as it looked like a knight's sword, with the blade on fire. The bottom of the sword was in the form of a phoenix with a red orb in its mouth and its eyes were red.
"Akai fushichō fureimingu (flaming red phoenix)," Ryu said as his eyes glowed red.
Markala was amazed by the zanpakuto. He never had seen anything like it before. He has seen Isamu's zanpakuto, but never seen another that was like this before. He could also sense a great power coming from Ryu.
"Are you ready Markala?" Ryu asked.
Markala growled as he let his beast side be unleashed, "Ready,"
Ryu disappeared and tried to stab Markala from behind, but the cat beast blocked the blade with his sharp claws. Markala then began to try to slash Ryu who blocks the attacks. He jumped far from Markala who swung his tail at Ryu who ducked. He then grabbed the tail and tried to cut it off. Markala used his strength to throw Ryu who had a grip on the tail. He threw Ryu across the ground.
Markala jumped on Ryu to try and use his claws on him. Ryu used both feet to kick Markala before he got on top of him. He kicked up and punched Markala. Markala punched Ryu back and also slashed him across the chest making him bleed, but it didn't cut deep enough to cause major damage. Ryu grabbed his sword and sliced Markala's cheek making him bleed too.
Markala charged at Ryu who unleashes one of his attacks. Ryu used a kido spell that shot off a lightning blast from his hand hitting Markala who dragged along the ground till he flipped over and landed on his feet. He growled as he stared at Ryu.
The others were surprised by this fight. They knew Ryu and Markala were strong, but they didn't figure they would be this strong. Markala has become the second strongest member of the team. Mikazuki was the second, but now Markala is the second strongest. Or perhaps is stronger than Ichiro and Ryu who are tied as the strongest.
"Man I can't believe how strong Markala has gotten. I never thought anyone of us would be strong enough to be on Ryu's level," Victor said amazed by the fight.
"I know, he's stronger than me. That's impressive," Mikazuki was amazed like her brother.
"My brother spent many years preparing for this rematch," Katalina smiled to herself.
"Should we stop them?" Arella asked.
"Maybe not, Markala wants to prove he has become stronger thanks to his new resolve. I say let them fight," Rowan said not liking that her friend and boyfriend are fighting. But knows this is something they both need.
"If they almost kill each other Katalina get involve okay?" Mikazuki said.
"Got it."
Ryu and Markala's attacks collided and were in a standoff. Both pushed the other off each other and now were looking for a way to end this fight.
"Markala…let's end this with one more attack," Ryu said wanting to end the fight.
"Fine,"
Both men charged up as they were getting ready to end this fight. They stared at each other ready to end the fight. Markala's claws glowed as did Ryu's sword. Victor and Mikazuki powered the shield to keep it from being destroyed. Both warriors charged at each other ready to end this fight.
"Fenikkusu no ikari (wrath of the phoenix)!" Both their attacks collided causing a huge explosion and bright light to engulf the area within the shield.
The shield began to crack as the twins try to keep it from being destroyed. Rowan and Arella helped out using their powers to keep the shield from breaking. The light blinded everyone for a few seconds and the explosion shook the island along with parts of the city. The light soon died down and the dust of dirt began to settle down.
The others looked over and saw two figures. One was on the ground, while the other had something sharp near the other figure's body. The twins released the shield and ran over to see who won. To their surprise they saw Ryu on the ground and Markala with his sharp claws near Ryu's neck. Both men were panting and were exhausted.
Ryu had his hands up and stared at Markala's eyes, "I yield,"
The others sighed in relief that the fight was over. Rowan walked up to Markala and firmly tapped on his shoulder. He spun around and bowed his head to her. She pulled him into a hug.
"You won," Rowan whispered into Markala's ears.
"I know and it was all thanks to you," Markala whispered into Rowan's ear.
Ryu got up with some help from Arella, "You okay?"
Ryu sighed and nodded. He then turned to Markala. This was the first time Ryu had lost to someone who wasn't Ichiro. He knew Markala earned this fight and deserved the win. He extended his hand out to Markala.
"Congratulations, you were the better warrior today,"
Markala looked to Rowan who nodded. Markala hesitated but soon took the hand and shook it, "Thank you."
The others walked up to Markala and congratulated him. Ryu smiled and, with Arella's help, they headed towards the tower. Arella smiled and held Ryu close.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm okay. He finally found the resolve he needed to win. I'm happy for him and Rowan," Ryu said proud of Markala.
"Me too, I guess he has changed huh?" Arella asked.
Ryu nodded, "Yes he has."
Katalia's mansion (Ahsoka's pov)
I was in the guest bedroom rocking back and forth in the rocking chair trying to get Barriss to fall asleep. Katalia gave us a big room that had a big window so we could see the backyard. It had a fireplace, two king size beds one for me and Ichiro, while the other is for the twins. A mahogany table, telephone for room service, emergency alarm buttons, and other stuff I don't see in any bedroom back home or at a fancy hotel.
It was all nice and I was glad to have a room where I could be with the kids. Whenever there's a big storm we would hear the twins crying. Ichiro and I would rush over to see them then bring them to our beds to sleep. Barriss doesn't cry though. She only cries when she senses something is wrong.
I guess she got that from me. Just like the twins did. They are very strong with the force. Not that I shouldn't be surprised about that. But still the power they possess, if the council was still around they might want to take the kids back with them to train them to control their power. Now however, I can teach them to control their power and teach them not to use them for evil.
The twins were currently playing in the kiddie pool with Ichiro who was teaching them to swim. I smiled and was glad the kids were having fun. Ventrika was here also. She was near the pool and was glad to have some company. The kids love her and don't mind her size. Though I do worry about them when they go riding on her back, who knows what might happen if they aren't careful.
"Hey Soka how's little Barriss?" Katalia came into the room with a bottle of milk.
"She's sleeping, thanks for the milk," I set the bottle down as I placed Barriss in her crib.
"That's good, I'm glad everything is going well with you guys," Katalia said.
"Yeah it is," I stroked Barriss's face and I smiled as I watched her sleeping, "Four years ago if you told me I would one day have a family of my own I would say you were crazy."
"I know, I bet if you told me we would be friends despite all that happened I would say you were nuts," Katalia said knowing after all she did she is still surprised the others forgave her, "Can I ask you something? If you were given a chance to have your old life back with no Forever Empire, but it would mean giving up your new one, would you take it?"
I thought about that question for a bit. I asked herself that question when I was pregnant with the twins. I did want to be back with her friends and loved ones. But after what I went through and fought for, I wouldn't want to give it all up.
"It would be nice to see them again, but I wouldn't give up my family for anything," I face Katalia, "I don't like what you and Mark did. But I forgave you and him long ago, and if it wasn't for you two I wouldn't have met Ichiro or have my family."
Katalia smiled, "That's good I'm happy for you Ahsoka."
"Thanks, mind keeping an eye on Barriss for a bit I'm going to go to the bathroom," I said.
"Sure," I left the room leaving Katalia with the baby.
(Normal pov)
Katalia looked down at Barriss sleeping peacefully. Her smile faded very quickly as her thoughts turned to her own daughter. Marrissa was hell-bent on bringing back the Forever Empire, the organization had destroyed so many lives and if it was brought back to its full power then no-one would be safe.
"Why Marrissa?" she asked softly, "Your father is dead, accept it and move on like I have done."
Who was she kidding? She hadn't moved on. Every night she would lie awake in bed remembering her soul mate. Once her species bonded it was for life. Katalina had bonded with Victor which meant for the rest of her life he would be the only man that had her love. It was both a blessing and a curse.
"You'll be okay Barriss" she gently stroked the baby's face, "After all that your mother has suffered she doesn't need anymore."
She could only hope that her daughter would turn away from the path she was on before someone else died at her hands. If Marrissa succeeded in resurrecting her father's empire… Katalia would never forgive herself.
With that in mind she tapped her ear where a small chip allowed her to communicate with her droid servants, "IG 101"
"Yes Mistress" the Magnaguard answered.
"Increase the security for the party. I don't want anything going wrong."
"As you command"
Katalia turned her gaze back to Barriss. She would not allow any harm to befall this innocent child.
Chapter is over now. The next one will be out next week. I hope everyone liked how the chapter went. Yes Ryu and Markala got their rematch. I hope everyone liked it. It took me a while, but I was able to get this fight in. Thank you General Herbison for the editing and for the last scene in the chapter.
Please leave some reviews and tell us what you thought of the chapter. Nothing negative please. If you didn't like it then don't review then. Well time for me to go. Take care everyone and see you all next time.
Guardian: It seems the General has perished. A pity, he was a good man.
Zeliska: He was my Doctor General Herbison. If he hadn't been so nice to me I'd be an insane lunatic who goes out on killing sprees.
Guardian: You still do that.
Zeliska: Yeah… but not as often as I used to.
Talon: He was my boss, I was his bodyguard, ah all the good times we had trying to preserve the Forever Empire. It cost him his life fighting for what he believed in.
Guardian: Does that mean you no longer care about the Forever Empire?
Talon: To be honest if Marrissa would accept her dad is dead and leave the FE behind I'd be very happy. I don't her to die for it like the General.
Guardian: Then perhaps you should convince her to leave before it's too late.
Talon: Good point. Hey, who's side are you on anyway?
Guardian vanishes.
Zeliska: Weirdo.
