Chapter 7: Rise from the ashes

Location: Toriton 8

The planet was blockaded; Dodrando army transports circled the planet, awaiting anything that might try to leave the planet. It was a rocky planet…warm and devoid of life. Electrifying and the remaining guardians infiltrated the small outpost that had been spotted. They silently approached the door that pulsed with Sicron's energy. The plan was for Erick to find out the situation through the safety of his shadow traveling ability. Once they knew what was happening, they could come up with a plan. Erick stepped into a shadow and disappeared. He moved from that shadow, to the next in the next room. He looked out into the room; the door was on the back wall, to the right of Black Phoenix. If they moved quickly they might be able to take him out before he had a chance to retaliate. He watched the scene, eyeing Phoenix closely. Twice now had he out-fought him, he needed to find some sort of weakness.

"Come here dearest." Black Phoenix called to Aileta. Aileta stopped her dance and walked over. She stood in front of him, trembling in fear. Phoenix motioned for her to get closer. She did. "I never took the time to truly see your beauty. I can see why David loved you so much. I almost feel bad for cutting up your sparkling face with my star attack." He said. Aileta blushed, was he really complimenting her looks…or just mocking her. "But since your husband is dead, I'm the closest you have…so how about a nice kiss, right here." He said grinning. Now Aileta knew he was mocking her, but she had no choice-obey, or die-and as long as she lived, there would be a chance that she could avenge the one he loved. She leaned foreword, mouth open ever so slightly. Phoenix took this moment to really cause her pain. When she was close enough, Phoenix shot his oversized toung into her mouth and down her throat. He let it slide up and down her throat as she gagged and gasped for breath. Eventually Phoenix brought his toung back into his own mouth. Aileta dropped to her knees and coughed uncontrollably. Phoenix smacked his lips and smiled. "You were right master Sicron, this is way too fun." The three laughed, making Erick grit his teeth with anger…if he had teeth at that moment. Eventually Aileta was breathing normally again.

Erick looked upon her with pity. She had gone through so much in her life, so many living nightmares. Now she was reliving them all. Erick nearly jumped out of the shadow to comfort her, Phoenix shot his gaze to the spot where Erick was observing. He held up his finger and a ray of energy shot from it. It struck Erick and he fell out of the shadow in pain.

"Heh, you are way too predictable." Phoenix mocked. Ollrack on the other side of the door heard the blast.

"He's down. Move." Ollrack shoved the door open and the guardians ran in.

"Oh please, not his maneuver again." Black Phoenix said. He stood up and faced the remaining guardians again. This time Ollrack made the first move, he ran at him, sword drawn. But Phoenix countered; he ducked the initial slash and picked Ollrack up. He threw him over Sicron and Ollran into the wall. Ollrack felt some of his bones snap from the impact. Tiffany was no different. Phoenix now hoped Electrifying would provide a challenge…then he changed his mind. "Seal of wrongs." Another circular pattern appeared on the floor under Electrifying. He tried to back away but a force field stopped him. "This is a different kind of seal. It won't set you free until you have paid for all the sins you have committed through extreme pain…I'm curious…what sins, have you committed?" He sneered. Electrifying stared at the seal below him. It began to glow, then he felt it, the searing rush of pain…he was wrong, he hadn't repaid all his debts to those innocent he killed. He remembered every sin, he could see newborns burning from his own flames, planets exploding, riches and prizes fell into his hands. In reality, it was only a second…but for Electrifying, it seemed like an eternity. When it was done, and the seal disappeared and he fell to the ground. "Master, may I do away with them now before they become a nuisance again." Phoenix asked.

"YES, PLEASE DO SO." Sicron said. Black Phoenix walked over to Erick first, who was just starting to get to his feet.

"You should have joined us when you had the chance, your shadow skills would be well respected…now you pay the price for your ignorance." Black Phoenix drew his sword and held it above Erick.

"NO!" Aileta screamed. Black Phoenix turned to see her running at him. Not even the weight of the chains could slow the punch she landed in his face. Black Phoenix stared at her for a moment.

"Fine, if that is what you wish; your death will bring much joy to my master." He struck her side, just to see blood gushing from her body. Aileta yelped in pain. He sliced at her again. Aileta tried to back away from him, but Sicron enjoyed the display, and tightened the grip. Ollrack reached into the bag he had been carrying. "By the way…I quite enjoyed the kiss, but I do wish I could do it again." He snickered. "Say good bye." Phoenix said as he raised his sword to finish her.

"AILETA, CATCH!" Ollrack threw Aileta's whip sword at her. She caught it and quickly slapped the sword across his chest. Phoenix backed up and looked down. A trail of cuts were embedded across his chest, he slowly bled from each. Phoenix had seen thousands at his feet before, blood was all too familiar with him, but for the first time…it was his own that he saw. Phoenix didn't like having anger guide his sword…but this time he just let it go. He ran and lunged for Aileta. Aileta countered this time by wrapping her sword around his. Phoenix yanked on his own sword. He pulled Aileta's sword out of her hands…but in its whip form, it dragged Phoenix's out of his hands too. They both stood there, weaponless.

"I won't let you win Phoenix. I won't let you get away with killing my husband…killing David, my love." Phoenix groaned. He looked over to Ollran, who nodded.

"No…no Aileta. I didn't kill him…I couldn't have." Aileta stared at him confused. "And do you know why?" Black Phoenix began to transform. His tail shrank slightly, his claws melted away, his scales lost their blackish color and smoothed out. Eventually, he was a human in oversized armor. He took off the helmet that dangled off his head. He opened his eyes…no longer cold and penetrating, but a familiar deep blue. Aileta gasped, they all did, even Sicron…except for Ollran who wasn't surprised at all. "Because I am David." He said.