Here's Part 2! Sorry about being so pokey, I wasn't home for half of my
Christmas break so I couldn't write or update for about a week. Keep
reviewing, those of you who did, thanks and thanks to those who reviewed
BOTH my stories, it was very kind of you. On with the show~
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'Knock! Knock! Knock!'
"It's open!" yelled Genki from his laptop, tapping away furiously. He glanced over his shoulder to see a younger version of himself walk in the door, a book bag slung over his shoulder and blades in one hand.
"What'cha doing, bro?" asked the boy, throwing his bag and blades on the couch where he would sleep.
"Putting the final touches on the video game I have to show Mr. Chang tomorrow." Genki kept on going; not even noticing his younger brother had come up right behind him.
"You're still working on that? How do you come up with that stuff anyhow? No normal guy in his mid twenties could come up with a boy being transported into Monster Rancher, having all sorts of adventures, fighting lots of battles, and ultimately beating a bad guy named Moo in full detail. The way you talk about it some times makes it seem like you've actually done it, except for that's totally unreal and couldn't really happen, right?" Tai laughed to himself as the thought about the possibility of that happening.
Genki smiled sadly as he remembered the friends he had left back in the Monster world. "The impossible is sometimes possible, Tai, who knows?" sighed Genki, leaning back in his chair. He hit save and pulled out the CD that the game was stored on. "When are Mom and Dad coming back again?"
"Not for four weeks so you're stuck with me until then," teased Tai, plopping on a chair carelessly. He loved staying at Genki's apartment, away from his parents and all their rules. These next four weeks he would have complete and total freedom! Or so he thought....
"Why don't you get your skates and we'll go down to the park so you can show me those new moves you were talking about," suggested Genki, reaching for his own which were right beside him.
"Alright!" shouted Tai, grabbing his and rushing out the door as fast as his legs would take him. Genki chuckled, taking his time as he followed the hyperactive kid to their destination. He may no longer be as younger or full of energy as he once had been, but he could still skate, and his skills from his travels had certainly not lost their edge, as most peoples would have.
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"Shall I call the troops together, sir?" asked a Durahan, saluting smartly before a huge human wearing a black uniform.
"Yes, Captain Durahan," replied the man, studying the insignia that hung everywhere in the room. It was a large fist clad in black chain mail crushing a red Phoenix, their banner of war.
"As you say, General Ironfist," said the Captain respectfully. He saluted again and began to walk away.
"Oh, and captain?" called Ironfist, halting the monster in his tracks. "If it's not done in five minutes your head will roll."
"Yes, sir!" yelled the Durahan over his shoulder as he ran down the hall to the barracks as fast as he could.
"We'll crush that dirty resistance," muttered Ironfist as he pulled his left hand out of his cloak, a hand made of spiked metal strapped to a stump. "Or I'm not General Ironfist..."
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Holly stood at the far edge of a field, watching the approaching army and gathering thunderclouds almost indifferently. "Another day, another battle," she murmured to herself, smiling the faintly. The setting sun bathed her in a red light that set her eyes a blaze in anger. "This time we'll be ready..."
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Genki stood beside his brother, watching as the younger boy loaded the new version of MR 300XP for computers onto his laptop. The beginning was a Phoenix diving towards the screen, turning away just before it looked like it was going to pop out. Only this time it DID pop out of the screen!
Tai's eyes grew three times larger than normal as Genki sweated, watching the miniature Phoenix soared around his room before landing on his shoulder.
"Greetings, Genki," said the Phoenix courteously. "Do you remember me?"
Genki laughed, showing the now glowing imprint of the Phoenix on his right hand. "How could I forget, you gave me a permanent reminder," he answered wryly. Tai's mouth dropped open, eyes still huge, as he as he stammered out an accusation.
"You said that it was from a burn from when you were younger!" he finally managed to cry.
"It was from a burn of sorts..." mumbled Genki, thinking back to how he got it.
"Ok, there is a mini Phoenix in my brother's living room that just flew out of the computer and he and my brother are talking like they're old friends. Either I'm going insane, this is a dream, or there's something you never told me," stated Tai, hoping it was the last one.
Genki sweated again, wonder how in the world he was going to explain this one to his brother. "You see," he started, letting it all flow out in a big rush. "I was sucked into the MR world before you were born and spent a long time there but when I cam back only a half an hour had passed so mom and dad never knew and now the Phoenix is here probably to take me back again..."
"Hold up a sec," cut in Tai, "You mean that the story line for the video game was real? That it really happened to you? That all the characters like Holly, Pixie, Tiger Moochi, Suezo and Moo, they're all real?" Genki nodded and eyeballed the boy as Tai did a back flip and whooped for joy. "I'm going to get to meet them all!"
"Who said anything about you coming along?" asked the Phoenix indignantly, ruffling his feathers in disgust.
"You aren't going to leave me, are you?" Tai asked Genki, putting on big, sad puppy eyes.
"He's right," Genki told the Phoenix, "I can't just leave him here, he's my responsibility even if the MR world is in trouble."
"If you think it's alright, them he may come," relented the Phoenix reluctantly.
"Alright!" whooped Tai, "I hope time hasn't passed much there because the Holly chick is HOT, not to mention that General Pixie..."
"Sorry to burst your bubble, kid, but time has passed. Holly is still about Genki's age and Pixie is easily twice your own," interrupted the Phoenix dryly, narrowing his eyes at the boy.
"Oh man! Do you have any idea how lucky you are, bro?" whined Tai.
"Genki's not as lucky as you think, as I'm sure you'll soon see," retorted the Phoenix, "Go grab those shoes with wheels and get a hold of your brother's hand."
"Why?" asked Tai as he obeyed, his and Genki's blades in one hand and the other grasping Genki's tightly.
"We have to leave now, I'll explain the details along the way, but I warn you: I'll be dropping you straight into some very messy business..."
"Can't be any worse than the scrapes I got into last time," said Genki, puffing out his chest a little.
"I think you'll be surprised..." With a bright flash of red, the trio was gone.
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"General, the troops are awaiting your orders ma'am!" reported a Hare; standing at attention near the door of the tent he was in.
"At ease, solider," replied the General neutrally, her face almost completely unreadable. Long brown hair plaited down her back swished gently as the General paced for a moment, he second in command standing near by silently.
"Have the troops move into position without alerting the enemy," she ordered quietly, eyes darting towards her second in command who nodded her agreement.
"Yes ma'am, General Holly..."
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Genki and Tai stood still as they traveled down a red and gold tunnel, feeling as if they were on a super-fast moving sidewalk at carnival or something.
"There have been many changes in the Monster world since you were last there, Genki," explained the Phoenix as they moved along, still perched on Genki's shoulder. "The Western Continent and the Eastern Continent are at war with each other. An idiot named Liam united the Eastern Continent under him as ruler and decided he wanted to expand his borders so he attacked his neared neighbor, the Western Continent. They've banded together under Holly as their leader and are determined to drive the invaders completely out of their lands. Liam died recently and his successor is General Ironfist, an amazing leader who just appeared from the ranks and seems determined to crush all who stand before him in defiance.
"I'm sorry to say that I can't give you an actual quest this time, Genki. You will have to decide what's best on your own. We are about to arrive, and all I can do now is tell you a legend that I believe will help you. It was written right after the first defeat of Moo, a few weeks after we both died.
'when brown becomes ice
and a heart cold as stone
the boy shall be found
and brought back to his own
the foes shall collide,
a bloody massacre in sight
and shall only be prevented
when two of old unite...'
"What does it mean?" asked Genki, feeling the winds around him shift and knowing they would be parting company very soon. "Why is it so important?" The Phoenix launched himself from the young man's shoulder, disappearing in the distance quickly.
"That you must find out for yourself," replied the Phoenix, his voice drifting on the winds. "Make your choice wisely, you can only do it once and no turning back. Good luck, Genki..."
"Hey! What about me!" cried Tai as the tunnel vanished and they found themselves over looking a bloody battle between two vast armies, one clothed in red and the other black. Genki strained his eyes to catch a glimpse of any he might recognize as they crouched behind the top, not wanting to rush into the wrong side. Tai was in shock, having never seen an actual battle before.
Both were now dressed in dark blue clothes and a cape with a small pack on their back, roller blades on their feet and staff a piece. Genki also had a dagger at his side, but didn't event think of using it since killing was not really his thing.
Genki's sharp eyes caught a face he recognized and he surged forward, leaving his poor brother to struggle along in his wake.
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Holly fought with skill and precision that amazed most, paralyzing her enemies with her cold glare before she ran them through calmly. The sword she used was made to match her dagger exactly, and already its deadly beautiful blade was stained with blood.
"Keep driving them back!" she roared over the noise, being on the front lines of her side. "We have them on the run!" An arrow meant for her heart struck Holly in the shoulder as a well-timed kick in the stomach sent her sprawling.
"Holly!" cried Pixie, boxed in from her by a group of nitons that were determined to keep her back even at their own death. {I'm sorry, Genki} she thought as she fought for all she was worth {I couldn't keep my promise...}
Holly glared up at the gloating Joker above her, closing her eyes and accepting her fate as its scythe was raised to cut off her head...
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Genki laid low the black troops who were in his path as his shot like a lightning bolt through the battle, striking before they even knew he was there. Keeping his eyes trained on Holly, he left his younger counter part to stumble along behind him. Tai cracked over the head with his staff any who woke up after Genki's strike and did his best to keep up with his brother. This was certainly not what he had expected.
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Pixie watched in horror as the events unfolded before her in slow motion. The nitons continued to throw themselves before her as the Joker raised his scythe for the final blow, grinning wickedly as he took careful aim.
A blue blur caught her attention as it crashed into the Joker, sending his flying back over his side to land several feet away. The young man bent down, snapping the shaft of the arrow and pulling out the head as quickly as he could before wrapping it in some strips from his cloak.
Pixie had finally managed to blast all the nitons away and get to Holly's side as the young man helped her to her feet. Holly muttered her thanks, not looking at his face and Pixie did not recognize him as she glanced up to make sure he was on their side. She picked up her blade and whispered something to Pixie, walking towards the back of her army.
"RETREAT!!" roared Pixie, running after her to catch up. Genki could see from behind that both her wings were lamed and she would never fly again.
"Where are they going?" panted Tai, finally having been able to catch up and watching the two sides break apart.
"I don't know, but we better follow them," answered Genki, taking off as he did.
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"Bring me that archer and the Joker who screwed up!!!" ordered Ironfist as he marched down his hall, one of the two that were following him scuttled off to do as he said and the other staying silently.
"Of all the times for those imbeciles to let her slip away!" he ranted on. "One more blow and that cold-hearted whore would've been dead! Her army crushed! Without her they are nothing but a bunch of headless chickens!"
"If I may remind you, sir, it was not the men who screwed up but that young fighter who appeared out of nowhere and went to her aide," said the Commander who was still following him.
"Do we know where he came from?"
"No, sir."
"Have any of the men seen him out there fighting before?"
"No, sir,"
"Do we even know if he is on their side?"
"No, sir."
"THEN WHAT THE HECK IS HE DOING OUT THERE?!!!" roared Ironfist, whirling around to face his Commander.
"Sir, since he is new maybe he can be persuaded to join us," advised the Commander, "What if all he knew was than a pretty lady was in trouble and when he realizes he won't get crap for his effort we can win him over."
The General thought about it for a minute, his frown turning to a smile when it dawned on him. "Brilliant, Commander," he admitted grudgingly. "Brilliant."
"There is always another day, sir."
"Yes, Commander," agreed General Ironfist with a sly smile, "Always another day..."
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Genki skated along, weaving in and out of the crowds of monsters and humans as Tai followed him closely. Few in the crowd even spared them a glance, most were helping fix what they could after this last battle, helping the injured and burying their dead. Though not as many had died in this skirmish as others had in the past, but they were gone none the less and those who had known them mourned their lose.
They spotted a large tent with the army's banner (a red Phoenix on a dark blue background) over the door plus the double gold rings around the bird that signified the rank...Head General.
"Was that Holly you saved back there?" asked Tai as they approached it, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"I think so, Tai," replied Genki, hesitation woven through his voice. "But she sure didn't act like the Holly I knew before."
The guards standing in front of the door of the tent stopped them with their spears. "Who are you, what's your rank, and what business do you have with the General?" asked one gruffly, a Ruby Knight that was far past his prime.
"I am Genki, the one who was here before, and I wish to speak with General Holly!"
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Pixie heard the sounds of a scuffle outside the tent and hurried to see what the problem was. She knew Holly was still busy trying to clean her wound and wouldn't need her for several minutes and didn't worry about being missed.
"Stop this at once!" she ordered, recognizing the young man by his clothes as Holly's rescuer. "This man saved the General's life, he shall be granted an audience if that is what he wants."
"Huh, we sure showed them!" bragged Tai as he got off the guard he'd be throttling. He may've had Genki's looks, but in many ways not his heart.
Pixie looked at Tai for a moment, the surprise and disbelief obvious on her face. "Kid? Is that you?" Tai was too stunned to speak as she came over and tousled his hair fondly. "We'd expected to see you a lot sooner ({not to mention older} she added mentally) but it's still great to have you back."
"Whoa! Back up a sec!" exclaimed Tai. "I'm not who ever you're talking about and don't ever mess with my hair again, you know how long it took me to make it look nice??"
"Pixie," said Genki, stepping up beside her. "Meet Tai, my younger brother."
Tai bowed mockingly, his eyes glinting slyly. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Pixie," he drawled. "Genki told me all about you before he told me you were real."
Pixie didn't hear what he said, she was too busy giving Genki a hug. "Do you know how long it's been, kid?" she demanded when she let him go.
"Hey! I never said how long it would be, did I?" asked Genki innocently.
"You always do seem to like to show up right when things are at it's worst," admitted Pixie, leading him and his brother over to the tent. "So how old are you, Tai?"
"14, Miss Pixie," answered Tai, doing his best not to drool.
"Then he was born right after you returned?" Pixie asked Genki.
"Yep. I found out the day I got back," admitted Genki, grinning boyishly as he hadn't done in years.
"Genki, I should warn you of something," sighed Pixie, stopping them at the door of the tent. "Holly's not the same as when you left, and many things have changed..."
"Even I could've told you that," cut in Genki, pushing aside the cloth that covered the entrance. "But how bad could it be?"
{If only you knew} thought Pixie as she followed him sadly. {If only you knew...}
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Holly sat at her desk in the outer room, studying a map as and making notes on a pad of paper that sat in her lap. She wore a loose shirt and pants with sandals, the weather being unusually hot for this time of year, and still had her hair braided down her back.
She heard someone enter and said, "Come here, Pixie. I need to ask you something." Her voice was cold and neutral, sending shivers up Genki's spine.
"Holly, there's someone here to see you," sighed Pixie, ignoring what she had just said.
"Unless the Phoenix boy himself has returned I don't have time," growled Holly, her voice completely void of any emotion. She still had not glanced up at the pair and was unaware of Genki's presence.
"What if it is him?" asked Genki softly, looking at the mark on his had which had become more prominent. "What if the Phoenix boy, or should I say Genki, has returned to you?"
Holly froze suddenly, looking sadly at the mark on her own hand, which the other two couldn't see. She looked up, eyes flickering slightly in a way that gave Pixie some hope...But instantly the hope was shattered as Holly composed herself and put her cold mask back in place.
"It's good to have you back, Genki," she replied civilly, "Pixie will give you a tent for you to stay in and show you the ropes around here. Dinner's a 6 p.m., you're late you don't eat."
"Thank you," said Genki, not being sure what to do. This was certainly not the type of welcome he had been expecting.
"Now if you'll excuse me." Holly got up and walked quickly to her private room, letting the curtain the covered the entrance fall behind her.
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Pixie lead Genki and Tai through the streets of the of their bustling encampment, gathering supplies they would need and introducing them to important people they would need to know like the Captains, Sub-Commanders, and Sub-Captains.
"Pixie, what happened to Holly?" Genki asked bluntly when he got his tongue back.
"A lot, in fact. As far as what made her the way she is now, no one's really sure," replied Pixie, ordering two cots and bedding at the same time.
"Did you tell her about me?" asked Tai impatiently as he shifted his bundle of clothes and boots to his other arm. They started walking again before Genki answered.
"No, I forgot to," he replied, getting a glare from his younger brother because of his answer. "Hey, I'm sorry bro but I was a little more that very shocked to find out that one of my best friends is now the exact opposite of what she was when I left!" Tai grumbled something under his breath, but didn't say anything they could hear and let the matter drop.
"Here we are," said Pixie when they arrived in front of a fairly large tent, their things that they had ordered already set up inside. "Gees you guys work fast," observed Tai as he threw his stuff on the cot in the outer room, throwing himself into the bean chair beside it. Genki vanished into the inner room and left his stuff there before coming back out and waiting to see what Pixie would say next.
"So what do you boys want to do now?" she asked, standing with her arms crossed. "Stay here and rest until I come an get you for supper or go and see some more of the camp so you can get more familiar with it."
"I want to go see more!" said Tai energetically, getting up and skating in circles around the inside of the tent.
"Then I guess we go," shrugged Genki, walking outside the door. "Which reminds me, I haven't seen any of the ld gang other than you and Holly. Where is everyone?"
Pixie hung her head and said, "I'll explain everything over dinner." Her tone of voice told Genki all he needed to know, they were gone and weren't coming back. Things had definitely changed here, and most were not for the better...
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There you have if folks, part 2~! Hope you enjoyed it, be kind and read and review. Next chapter might come real fast since I live in Charlotte and it just snowed a whole 6 inches! No school for at least the rest of the week and maybe part of the!!
Anyways, Happy New Years and good bye till next time~ Butterfly
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'Knock! Knock! Knock!'
"It's open!" yelled Genki from his laptop, tapping away furiously. He glanced over his shoulder to see a younger version of himself walk in the door, a book bag slung over his shoulder and blades in one hand.
"What'cha doing, bro?" asked the boy, throwing his bag and blades on the couch where he would sleep.
"Putting the final touches on the video game I have to show Mr. Chang tomorrow." Genki kept on going; not even noticing his younger brother had come up right behind him.
"You're still working on that? How do you come up with that stuff anyhow? No normal guy in his mid twenties could come up with a boy being transported into Monster Rancher, having all sorts of adventures, fighting lots of battles, and ultimately beating a bad guy named Moo in full detail. The way you talk about it some times makes it seem like you've actually done it, except for that's totally unreal and couldn't really happen, right?" Tai laughed to himself as the thought about the possibility of that happening.
Genki smiled sadly as he remembered the friends he had left back in the Monster world. "The impossible is sometimes possible, Tai, who knows?" sighed Genki, leaning back in his chair. He hit save and pulled out the CD that the game was stored on. "When are Mom and Dad coming back again?"
"Not for four weeks so you're stuck with me until then," teased Tai, plopping on a chair carelessly. He loved staying at Genki's apartment, away from his parents and all their rules. These next four weeks he would have complete and total freedom! Or so he thought....
"Why don't you get your skates and we'll go down to the park so you can show me those new moves you were talking about," suggested Genki, reaching for his own which were right beside him.
"Alright!" shouted Tai, grabbing his and rushing out the door as fast as his legs would take him. Genki chuckled, taking his time as he followed the hyperactive kid to their destination. He may no longer be as younger or full of energy as he once had been, but he could still skate, and his skills from his travels had certainly not lost their edge, as most peoples would have.
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"Shall I call the troops together, sir?" asked a Durahan, saluting smartly before a huge human wearing a black uniform.
"Yes, Captain Durahan," replied the man, studying the insignia that hung everywhere in the room. It was a large fist clad in black chain mail crushing a red Phoenix, their banner of war.
"As you say, General Ironfist," said the Captain respectfully. He saluted again and began to walk away.
"Oh, and captain?" called Ironfist, halting the monster in his tracks. "If it's not done in five minutes your head will roll."
"Yes, sir!" yelled the Durahan over his shoulder as he ran down the hall to the barracks as fast as he could.
"We'll crush that dirty resistance," muttered Ironfist as he pulled his left hand out of his cloak, a hand made of spiked metal strapped to a stump. "Or I'm not General Ironfist..."
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Holly stood at the far edge of a field, watching the approaching army and gathering thunderclouds almost indifferently. "Another day, another battle," she murmured to herself, smiling the faintly. The setting sun bathed her in a red light that set her eyes a blaze in anger. "This time we'll be ready..."
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Genki stood beside his brother, watching as the younger boy loaded the new version of MR 300XP for computers onto his laptop. The beginning was a Phoenix diving towards the screen, turning away just before it looked like it was going to pop out. Only this time it DID pop out of the screen!
Tai's eyes grew three times larger than normal as Genki sweated, watching the miniature Phoenix soared around his room before landing on his shoulder.
"Greetings, Genki," said the Phoenix courteously. "Do you remember me?"
Genki laughed, showing the now glowing imprint of the Phoenix on his right hand. "How could I forget, you gave me a permanent reminder," he answered wryly. Tai's mouth dropped open, eyes still huge, as he as he stammered out an accusation.
"You said that it was from a burn from when you were younger!" he finally managed to cry.
"It was from a burn of sorts..." mumbled Genki, thinking back to how he got it.
"Ok, there is a mini Phoenix in my brother's living room that just flew out of the computer and he and my brother are talking like they're old friends. Either I'm going insane, this is a dream, or there's something you never told me," stated Tai, hoping it was the last one.
Genki sweated again, wonder how in the world he was going to explain this one to his brother. "You see," he started, letting it all flow out in a big rush. "I was sucked into the MR world before you were born and spent a long time there but when I cam back only a half an hour had passed so mom and dad never knew and now the Phoenix is here probably to take me back again..."
"Hold up a sec," cut in Tai, "You mean that the story line for the video game was real? That it really happened to you? That all the characters like Holly, Pixie, Tiger Moochi, Suezo and Moo, they're all real?" Genki nodded and eyeballed the boy as Tai did a back flip and whooped for joy. "I'm going to get to meet them all!"
"Who said anything about you coming along?" asked the Phoenix indignantly, ruffling his feathers in disgust.
"You aren't going to leave me, are you?" Tai asked Genki, putting on big, sad puppy eyes.
"He's right," Genki told the Phoenix, "I can't just leave him here, he's my responsibility even if the MR world is in trouble."
"If you think it's alright, them he may come," relented the Phoenix reluctantly.
"Alright!" whooped Tai, "I hope time hasn't passed much there because the Holly chick is HOT, not to mention that General Pixie..."
"Sorry to burst your bubble, kid, but time has passed. Holly is still about Genki's age and Pixie is easily twice your own," interrupted the Phoenix dryly, narrowing his eyes at the boy.
"Oh man! Do you have any idea how lucky you are, bro?" whined Tai.
"Genki's not as lucky as you think, as I'm sure you'll soon see," retorted the Phoenix, "Go grab those shoes with wheels and get a hold of your brother's hand."
"Why?" asked Tai as he obeyed, his and Genki's blades in one hand and the other grasping Genki's tightly.
"We have to leave now, I'll explain the details along the way, but I warn you: I'll be dropping you straight into some very messy business..."
"Can't be any worse than the scrapes I got into last time," said Genki, puffing out his chest a little.
"I think you'll be surprised..." With a bright flash of red, the trio was gone.
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"General, the troops are awaiting your orders ma'am!" reported a Hare; standing at attention near the door of the tent he was in.
"At ease, solider," replied the General neutrally, her face almost completely unreadable. Long brown hair plaited down her back swished gently as the General paced for a moment, he second in command standing near by silently.
"Have the troops move into position without alerting the enemy," she ordered quietly, eyes darting towards her second in command who nodded her agreement.
"Yes ma'am, General Holly..."
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Genki and Tai stood still as they traveled down a red and gold tunnel, feeling as if they were on a super-fast moving sidewalk at carnival or something.
"There have been many changes in the Monster world since you were last there, Genki," explained the Phoenix as they moved along, still perched on Genki's shoulder. "The Western Continent and the Eastern Continent are at war with each other. An idiot named Liam united the Eastern Continent under him as ruler and decided he wanted to expand his borders so he attacked his neared neighbor, the Western Continent. They've banded together under Holly as their leader and are determined to drive the invaders completely out of their lands. Liam died recently and his successor is General Ironfist, an amazing leader who just appeared from the ranks and seems determined to crush all who stand before him in defiance.
"I'm sorry to say that I can't give you an actual quest this time, Genki. You will have to decide what's best on your own. We are about to arrive, and all I can do now is tell you a legend that I believe will help you. It was written right after the first defeat of Moo, a few weeks after we both died.
'when brown becomes ice
and a heart cold as stone
the boy shall be found
and brought back to his own
the foes shall collide,
a bloody massacre in sight
and shall only be prevented
when two of old unite...'
"What does it mean?" asked Genki, feeling the winds around him shift and knowing they would be parting company very soon. "Why is it so important?" The Phoenix launched himself from the young man's shoulder, disappearing in the distance quickly.
"That you must find out for yourself," replied the Phoenix, his voice drifting on the winds. "Make your choice wisely, you can only do it once and no turning back. Good luck, Genki..."
"Hey! What about me!" cried Tai as the tunnel vanished and they found themselves over looking a bloody battle between two vast armies, one clothed in red and the other black. Genki strained his eyes to catch a glimpse of any he might recognize as they crouched behind the top, not wanting to rush into the wrong side. Tai was in shock, having never seen an actual battle before.
Both were now dressed in dark blue clothes and a cape with a small pack on their back, roller blades on their feet and staff a piece. Genki also had a dagger at his side, but didn't event think of using it since killing was not really his thing.
Genki's sharp eyes caught a face he recognized and he surged forward, leaving his poor brother to struggle along in his wake.
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Holly fought with skill and precision that amazed most, paralyzing her enemies with her cold glare before she ran them through calmly. The sword she used was made to match her dagger exactly, and already its deadly beautiful blade was stained with blood.
"Keep driving them back!" she roared over the noise, being on the front lines of her side. "We have them on the run!" An arrow meant for her heart struck Holly in the shoulder as a well-timed kick in the stomach sent her sprawling.
"Holly!" cried Pixie, boxed in from her by a group of nitons that were determined to keep her back even at their own death. {I'm sorry, Genki} she thought as she fought for all she was worth {I couldn't keep my promise...}
Holly glared up at the gloating Joker above her, closing her eyes and accepting her fate as its scythe was raised to cut off her head...
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Genki laid low the black troops who were in his path as his shot like a lightning bolt through the battle, striking before they even knew he was there. Keeping his eyes trained on Holly, he left his younger counter part to stumble along behind him. Tai cracked over the head with his staff any who woke up after Genki's strike and did his best to keep up with his brother. This was certainly not what he had expected.
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Pixie watched in horror as the events unfolded before her in slow motion. The nitons continued to throw themselves before her as the Joker raised his scythe for the final blow, grinning wickedly as he took careful aim.
A blue blur caught her attention as it crashed into the Joker, sending his flying back over his side to land several feet away. The young man bent down, snapping the shaft of the arrow and pulling out the head as quickly as he could before wrapping it in some strips from his cloak.
Pixie had finally managed to blast all the nitons away and get to Holly's side as the young man helped her to her feet. Holly muttered her thanks, not looking at his face and Pixie did not recognize him as she glanced up to make sure he was on their side. She picked up her blade and whispered something to Pixie, walking towards the back of her army.
"RETREAT!!" roared Pixie, running after her to catch up. Genki could see from behind that both her wings were lamed and she would never fly again.
"Where are they going?" panted Tai, finally having been able to catch up and watching the two sides break apart.
"I don't know, but we better follow them," answered Genki, taking off as he did.
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"Bring me that archer and the Joker who screwed up!!!" ordered Ironfist as he marched down his hall, one of the two that were following him scuttled off to do as he said and the other staying silently.
"Of all the times for those imbeciles to let her slip away!" he ranted on. "One more blow and that cold-hearted whore would've been dead! Her army crushed! Without her they are nothing but a bunch of headless chickens!"
"If I may remind you, sir, it was not the men who screwed up but that young fighter who appeared out of nowhere and went to her aide," said the Commander who was still following him.
"Do we know where he came from?"
"No, sir."
"Have any of the men seen him out there fighting before?"
"No, sir,"
"Do we even know if he is on their side?"
"No, sir."
"THEN WHAT THE HECK IS HE DOING OUT THERE?!!!" roared Ironfist, whirling around to face his Commander.
"Sir, since he is new maybe he can be persuaded to join us," advised the Commander, "What if all he knew was than a pretty lady was in trouble and when he realizes he won't get crap for his effort we can win him over."
The General thought about it for a minute, his frown turning to a smile when it dawned on him. "Brilliant, Commander," he admitted grudgingly. "Brilliant."
"There is always another day, sir."
"Yes, Commander," agreed General Ironfist with a sly smile, "Always another day..."
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Genki skated along, weaving in and out of the crowds of monsters and humans as Tai followed him closely. Few in the crowd even spared them a glance, most were helping fix what they could after this last battle, helping the injured and burying their dead. Though not as many had died in this skirmish as others had in the past, but they were gone none the less and those who had known them mourned their lose.
They spotted a large tent with the army's banner (a red Phoenix on a dark blue background) over the door plus the double gold rings around the bird that signified the rank...Head General.
"Was that Holly you saved back there?" asked Tai as they approached it, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"I think so, Tai," replied Genki, hesitation woven through his voice. "But she sure didn't act like the Holly I knew before."
The guards standing in front of the door of the tent stopped them with their spears. "Who are you, what's your rank, and what business do you have with the General?" asked one gruffly, a Ruby Knight that was far past his prime.
"I am Genki, the one who was here before, and I wish to speak with General Holly!"
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Pixie heard the sounds of a scuffle outside the tent and hurried to see what the problem was. She knew Holly was still busy trying to clean her wound and wouldn't need her for several minutes and didn't worry about being missed.
"Stop this at once!" she ordered, recognizing the young man by his clothes as Holly's rescuer. "This man saved the General's life, he shall be granted an audience if that is what he wants."
"Huh, we sure showed them!" bragged Tai as he got off the guard he'd be throttling. He may've had Genki's looks, but in many ways not his heart.
Pixie looked at Tai for a moment, the surprise and disbelief obvious on her face. "Kid? Is that you?" Tai was too stunned to speak as she came over and tousled his hair fondly. "We'd expected to see you a lot sooner ({not to mention older} she added mentally) but it's still great to have you back."
"Whoa! Back up a sec!" exclaimed Tai. "I'm not who ever you're talking about and don't ever mess with my hair again, you know how long it took me to make it look nice??"
"Pixie," said Genki, stepping up beside her. "Meet Tai, my younger brother."
Tai bowed mockingly, his eyes glinting slyly. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Pixie," he drawled. "Genki told me all about you before he told me you were real."
Pixie didn't hear what he said, she was too busy giving Genki a hug. "Do you know how long it's been, kid?" she demanded when she let him go.
"Hey! I never said how long it would be, did I?" asked Genki innocently.
"You always do seem to like to show up right when things are at it's worst," admitted Pixie, leading him and his brother over to the tent. "So how old are you, Tai?"
"14, Miss Pixie," answered Tai, doing his best not to drool.
"Then he was born right after you returned?" Pixie asked Genki.
"Yep. I found out the day I got back," admitted Genki, grinning boyishly as he hadn't done in years.
"Genki, I should warn you of something," sighed Pixie, stopping them at the door of the tent. "Holly's not the same as when you left, and many things have changed..."
"Even I could've told you that," cut in Genki, pushing aside the cloth that covered the entrance. "But how bad could it be?"
{If only you knew} thought Pixie as she followed him sadly. {If only you knew...}
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Holly sat at her desk in the outer room, studying a map as and making notes on a pad of paper that sat in her lap. She wore a loose shirt and pants with sandals, the weather being unusually hot for this time of year, and still had her hair braided down her back.
She heard someone enter and said, "Come here, Pixie. I need to ask you something." Her voice was cold and neutral, sending shivers up Genki's spine.
"Holly, there's someone here to see you," sighed Pixie, ignoring what she had just said.
"Unless the Phoenix boy himself has returned I don't have time," growled Holly, her voice completely void of any emotion. She still had not glanced up at the pair and was unaware of Genki's presence.
"What if it is him?" asked Genki softly, looking at the mark on his had which had become more prominent. "What if the Phoenix boy, or should I say Genki, has returned to you?"
Holly froze suddenly, looking sadly at the mark on her own hand, which the other two couldn't see. She looked up, eyes flickering slightly in a way that gave Pixie some hope...But instantly the hope was shattered as Holly composed herself and put her cold mask back in place.
"It's good to have you back, Genki," she replied civilly, "Pixie will give you a tent for you to stay in and show you the ropes around here. Dinner's a 6 p.m., you're late you don't eat."
"Thank you," said Genki, not being sure what to do. This was certainly not the type of welcome he had been expecting.
"Now if you'll excuse me." Holly got up and walked quickly to her private room, letting the curtain the covered the entrance fall behind her.
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Pixie lead Genki and Tai through the streets of the of their bustling encampment, gathering supplies they would need and introducing them to important people they would need to know like the Captains, Sub-Commanders, and Sub-Captains.
"Pixie, what happened to Holly?" Genki asked bluntly when he got his tongue back.
"A lot, in fact. As far as what made her the way she is now, no one's really sure," replied Pixie, ordering two cots and bedding at the same time.
"Did you tell her about me?" asked Tai impatiently as he shifted his bundle of clothes and boots to his other arm. They started walking again before Genki answered.
"No, I forgot to," he replied, getting a glare from his younger brother because of his answer. "Hey, I'm sorry bro but I was a little more that very shocked to find out that one of my best friends is now the exact opposite of what she was when I left!" Tai grumbled something under his breath, but didn't say anything they could hear and let the matter drop.
"Here we are," said Pixie when they arrived in front of a fairly large tent, their things that they had ordered already set up inside. "Gees you guys work fast," observed Tai as he threw his stuff on the cot in the outer room, throwing himself into the bean chair beside it. Genki vanished into the inner room and left his stuff there before coming back out and waiting to see what Pixie would say next.
"So what do you boys want to do now?" she asked, standing with her arms crossed. "Stay here and rest until I come an get you for supper or go and see some more of the camp so you can get more familiar with it."
"I want to go see more!" said Tai energetically, getting up and skating in circles around the inside of the tent.
"Then I guess we go," shrugged Genki, walking outside the door. "Which reminds me, I haven't seen any of the ld gang other than you and Holly. Where is everyone?"
Pixie hung her head and said, "I'll explain everything over dinner." Her tone of voice told Genki all he needed to know, they were gone and weren't coming back. Things had definitely changed here, and most were not for the better...
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There you have if folks, part 2~! Hope you enjoyed it, be kind and read and review. Next chapter might come real fast since I live in Charlotte and it just snowed a whole 6 inches! No school for at least the rest of the week and maybe part of the!!
Anyways, Happy New Years and good bye till next time~ Butterfly