A New Arrival and New Challenges

When morning arrived, Genki and Holly awoke still in each other's arms.

"Genki, I'm sure the others are worried about us by now."

"I'm sure they are…I wish we could stay as we are." She smiled,

"That's very sweet of you Genki, but we can resume this when this is over with and we are married." He kissed her cheek and rose stretching. "That we can and I intend to." She giggled as she got up. They both went into the small bathroom taking a shower and switching into some fresh clothes from the closet, which happened to have some. Once ready they stepped out the door heading for the kitchen, holding hands.

The monsters were already up busily eating breakfast as the soldiers conversed. The soldiers had risen earlier to do some training exercises. Armaoq sat alone waiting patiently for the two lovers to appear. *Suezo does not seem to understand either of them. He will find out about there being lovers soon enough. * Hasuka sat quietly next to Dianna his hand on hers softly, he was the first to see them emerge and point them out to the soldiers. The monsters flocked to Genki and Holly asking a thousand questions at once.

"One at a time guys." Genki said loudly silencing them all with his booming voice.

"Guys we're fine really." Holly assured, "just a little hungry is all" Armaoq approached them.

"I knew you would succeed" Genki gave him a thumbs up making the others stare at them.

"You…became one?" Pixie stuttered.

"Yes" Genki stated following Armaoq as he motioned them to follow.

"I will make you some special herbal tea to help with your hunger as well as some breakfast." Genki studied him for a moment.

"Alright, thanks man." Genki walked to the CD player putting on a different CD, Going to his pack he riffled through it as Holly sat down and the music started in the background. Smiling he pulled an aged book from his bag then took it over and handed it to Holly. Taking the blue leather covered book she flipped through it raising a brow at him.

"This is a lot to read."

"It is but it's important. This is only the New Testament the Old Testament is twice as long. Here I'll make it easier for you." Returning to his pack he pulled out some page markers he used. Taking the book again he marked off the entire chapter of Romans, Hebrews, and Revelations. Then handed it back to Holly. "Those 3 books are the most informational and important. They outline the rules and what is to happen."

"Books within a book? And they predict the future?"

"Yes" she gave him a disbelieving look.

"I know it seems unorthodox but what is written there will come to pass. Revelations is the chapter of prophecy, Hebrews and Romans just explains the rules of being a Christian and what you should do." He paused. "Each book within this book has a different author though Paul and John wrote several of the books there are many authors non the less. But all who wrote these books were apostles or servants of God, God working through them at the time they wrote this. Though the bible leaves many gray areas with out answers it does answers the more important questions." She nodded understanding.

Unfortunately the monsters had heard this conversation.

"You're trying to convert her!?" Suezo bellowed.

"Suezo..." Holly started only to be cut off.

"You bastard what gives you the right…"

"Suezo" Holly said a little louder.

"That she has to convert to your religion."

"Suezo!!" he stared at the angry Holly "He is not forcing me! I want to learn more about his religion. I want to convert for him if I feel I can." Suezo gulped and took a step back.

"Suezo you know me better then that. I love her, I wouldn't force her into something especially not conversion." Holly calmed as Genki rubbed the small of her back gently.

"Sorry," Suezo peeped.

"Its fine." Genki stated making Holly look up at him

"But you were just insulted…"

"Very interesting things about us Christians," Armaoq commented bringing then their tea, which both gladly took. "We don't retaliate, just forgive and forget." He chuckled.

"You're a Christian?" Dianna asked.

"I am."

"Hey, Genki did you know?" she asked looking at him.

"I did dear sister, it's not hard to recognize a brother of the fellowship."

"Brother of the fellowship?" Pixie gave a quizzical look as he grinned.

"Christians are brother and sisters in spirit with in the covenant created by Jesus Christ."

"Sounds foolish. Like a fool looking for gold." Suezo stated rather rudely. Holly was about to yell at him when Genki put out his hand to stop her. She stared at him not understanding why he stopped her.

"Suezo, I would rather be a fool in the eyes of man and monster then a fool in the eyes of God. I will continue to preach the foolish cross of Christ and this fool will find his gold in a crown when I die." His voice was very calm and firm, this threw Suezo completely off guard. Genki glanced around, "all those who are Christians raise your hands." To the monsters and Holly's surprise all the soldiers raised their hands along with Armaoq, Dianna, and Hasuka.

"You going to start a holy war?" Suezo antagonized.

"No, only making a point. Before you start, I don't believe in witch-hunts. They are corruptive, those who participate them have forgotten their savior."

"Savior?" Pixie inquired.

"Jesus Christ of Nazarene was the Son of God who came to earth as a man. Those he came to save killed him. His blood washes us of our sins. He died on the cross and rose again on the third day."

"So let me get this straight, you serve a man who was killed and resurrected?" Suezo mocked.

"He was not any man he was the Son of God and through him we receive salvation." Genki sipped his tea. "I have nothing further to say to you." He closed his eyes enjoying his tea. Holly sipped her tea watching Genki with confusion. Defeated Suezo hoped off to be alone, as the others stared at Genki.

"Genki, why did you stop me?" he looked over at her calmness in his eyes and voice.

"Being persecuted comes with the territory. I'm used to it, let him say what he wants if he will not listen he is only hurting himself."

"Genki that's nuts! Are you saying you are to take persecution silently?"

"I am. Paul and John, two of the most respected apostles of God, were persecuted."

"And if it gets violent?" Tiger piped up.

"Paul was stoned, flauged, beaten, and imprisoned but he never lost his faith and prayed, sang, and praised God even in jail. He still continued to preach the gospel of Christ, he did not retaliate, only told the truth when on trial, he bless those who cursed him. This I the Christian way, we do as God commands us." He was yet again stared at.

"Did this Paul have a wife? I'd feel sorry for her in the case if he did." Hare probed.

"No, Paul never married and said he would not for his own reasons."

"Genki as I recall he advised those of the gospel not to marry." Dianna piped up. Hasuka took over for Genki.

"I think your mistaking what he said against marriage with the adversity towards women that was later added to the NKJV."

"Am I?" she raised a brow.

"Yes, Paul said specifically not to marry just to have a wife or husband, if it is not for love then it will only bring pain. It is better to be alone if you are not in love and if it will keep you from your destiny."

"He is right" Armaoq interjected Genki nodding.

"Genki what was the aversion to women?"

"Depending on the version of the bible since it was translated from Hebrew. There are some things that down women, especially when it comes to a women preaching in the church. Women were seen as easily deceived and manipulated by evil because of what happened in the book of Genesis. But from what I have read man was more in trouble then woman."

"I don't know where you got that brother."

"Well dear sister, eve ate from the tree of knowledge though God told her and Adam not to. Eve was deceived from the snake because she was not trained, fathered, and mentored like Adam. Nothing happened until Adam ate from the tree, and then God came down on them to punish them. Adam knew better then to eat from there and he knew of deception. If Adam had not eaten of the tree I doubt eve would have been in much trouble. What's worse is Adam tried to put all the blame on Eve." Thinking a moment she shrugged.

"If you think so."

Armaoq brought Genki and Holly their meals; Genki thoughly enjoyed his though Holly seemed a bit troubled now.

"That was excellent."

"Thank you Genki. We must find Aaka my wife she is looking for Windbird and Shadow phoenix's stone as we speak."

"Alright, how do we locate her?"

"Our stones will do it. Yours will find any phoenix it is not a limited stone." Genki gripped Holly's shaking hand. …Let nothing come between us Holly, I do not have aversions to women… Her grip tightened.

…I have many questions…

…Read the book first. What it does not answer I will… He stood " now if we are done with our religious debate lets get moving."

"Yeah" the all shouted, Genki swiped a couple of CD players and got the CD out of the player then placed them in his pack. Once all were present and packed they boarded their aircraft and took off after Genki determined they would travel southwest, continuing on their long journey.

7 weeks later…

On their journey they fought many smaller bases taking them out with ease. Restocking when necessary. Each day Genki checked the stone, and each night Holly read the bible. Though Genki helped her understand what it was saying he left her to interpret it on her own for the most part. One night Holly made a surprising discovery. She hid this discovery for 3 weeks unsure of how to break the news to Genki. * I don't want him to be hurt or feel he has to do something because of me. * Not to long after this they came upon a base that looked like it had a bad run in with someone. Smoke rose into the sky from some of the buildings, vehicles, and weapons. Genki landed noticing rotting corpses already maggot infested and heavily decaying in the hot humid air all around the base. Holly hid her face in his chest not liking he sight at all; it made her sick to see all the bodies.

"Is this Aaka's work?" Genki asked narrowing his eyes.

"Yes, this is her style of fighting. They must have got in her way or assaulted her."

"Good guess Armaoq." A voice echoed through the air piercing the silent and sending shivered through all of them except Genki, Dianna, and Armaoq. Looking into the air Genki saw her, with a smirked she landed gracefully before them her black wings folding as she was hugged by her husband. She wore a tight, black, leather tank top with gun clip holsters on it. She also wore tight, black, leather pants and a leather jacket with a rebel wolf on the back. He silvery hazel eyes pierce right through them all, her black hair cut just above her shoulders.

"Aaka I presume? If looks could kill you'd kill instantly with those eyes." She chuckled at Genki's comment.

"Yes, I really should learn to relax. Just used to fighting" she smirked.

"That would be appreciated."

"Did you find the stones dear?"

"I found Windbird's stone. Phoenix come here."

"Me?" Genki blinked.

"Yes, you. Only the phoenix can use all seven stones. You should be able to locate the wind phoenix with her stone." He approached taking the stone he tried to use it but nothing happened. "Don't be impatient young phoenix you will need to synchronize with the stone first. Wear it a little while you will soon be able to use it." he raised a brow but put it around his neck. "Come lets get something to eat and some rest" she motioned for them to follow. Genki nodded, grabbing his and Holly's pack he followed, Holly following close behind, the others behind her.

They put their bags in their rooms and went and sat in the living room while Aaka and Sky made dinner. Jax, Tower, Siren, and Balanka played billiards while they waited. Armaoq pulled out his flask and began to sip from it. Genki sniffed the air wrinkling his nose at the smell.

"What is that?"

"Blood wine and whiskey." He offered the flask to Genki. Holly watched shocked as Genki took a swig of the contents of the flask. Handing it back to Armaoq he cleared his throat.

"That is certainly strong stuff. You could degrease a car engine with that."

"That you could, but you don't seem to have any problem with it." he raised a brow.

"I have been intoxicated many times before while I was under command. It was either drink or drown." He nodded.

"Understood, keep in mind it's a choice and you have a duty now."

"Could I?" Armaoq smiled and tossed him an extra bottle of it. "Thanks." He gave him a high five then retreated to his and Holly's room. Taking a long drink of the concoction he laid back on the bed thinking. *Things keep getting harder and my stomachs not helping matters. I feel like I might be sick. I wish I knew why there was so much tension in the air between the group members. * Holly rose quietly slipping down the hall and into the room, seeing Genki on the bed with the bottle she frowned.

"Genki?"

"hmm?"

"Why are you drinking that? Are you trying to get drunk?" He opened his eyes and looked to her.

"I can't get drunk Holly…my stomachs bothering me is all."

"And that's your cure?" she asked sarcastically raising a brow.

"It's a proven fact that the cultures in lite alcohol helps with stomach and digestive problems." She came over, sitting next to him she took the bottle and sat it on the near by table. He gave a quizzical look but that quickly faded when he noticed the look in her eyes. "What's wrong, Holly?" tears began to fall as he sat up and pulled her into his arms.

"Genki there is so much hate and tension in the group now…Suezo doesn't approve of you at all…"

"Does he have to approve?" his voice gentle.

"I want him to, he's like a brother to me."

"It's alright Holly, I'll try and settle things with him. But part of his disapproval comes from his strong feeling towards you."

"What are you talking about?" she stood angry with him now at his suggestion.

"Holly please calm down… ask the others they will tell you the same." She slapped him, and then gasped at what she had just done. Genki's eyes showed that he was badly hurt by this, though nothing could be seen in his face. "If you don't believe me that fine. Ask the others you will find out for yourself." Taking the bottle of the table he stormed out of the room.

Armaoq saw him in the hallway and the red mark on his cheek. Hearing the crying Holly he looked at his wife who nodded and followed Genki. Knocking on the door he entered cautiously.

"Holly are you alright dear?" she shook her head tears streaming down her face. He came over and sat next to her gently putting his arm around her to comfort her. She cried into his shoulder, Tiger saw this and was about the growl when Armaoq motioned him in. Tiger came in; jumping up on the bed he nuzzled Holly's side. "What happened?" his voice very gentle and soft.

"Genki said Suezo was jealous of us, I slapped him." Her sobs grew heavier as they exchanged looked.

"Holly, I hate to say this but Genki was telling the truth…." Tiger said in a gentler voice then usual, Holly gasped in shock then buried her face in her hands as the two tried to calm her.

Genki sat out side throwing his booze back; Aaka came and sat next to him.

"That's not the answer."

"What would you know?"

"I know a lot, Armaoq and I have fought many times, and drinking or getting drunk only delays healing."

"Even if I tell the truth I get burned…"

"You are a Christian…persecution, tests, and hardening comes with the destiny. Even Paul was stoned for speaking the truth." He looked over at her as she took his bottle from him.

"She didn't want to hear the truth…"

"Most people would rather live in bliss then know a painful truth." Her hand gripped his shoulder firmly. "You must go to her she needs you, especially now. If you really are a Christian then step up the plate Genki." He looked down sighing.

"I know what I must do…but it's not what I want…."

"You do not choose your path Genki… you are guided…" He rose and headed back in to the room. Hearing Holly yelling.

"I don't care he was being a jerk…he shouldn't have said that!!" Genki sighed lowering his gaze, Aaka made him look into her eyes.

"You must show her the truth…you both must get through this together… she needs a wake up call."

"I know"

"Better a fight now then when you are married Genki." He nodded taking a deep breath he walked into the room. Holly looked away,

"Get out!" she demanded.

"No, I won't get out. It time you faced the truth Holly." Armaoq and Tiger slipped out of the room not wanting to be in the middle of a fight and closed the door. Heading back to the living room with Aaka.

"What?!"

"You heard me. Suezo has been acting this way for years. You just never wanted to see it, you are blind to the truth."

"How dare you! He doesn't love me that way!"

"How do you know? He approved of us together until we became a couple, he's against our marriage and you know it. He said so with his own mouth just last month. And he glares at me if we mention out future life together."

"You're lying!!!" he caught another one across the face before he grabbed her from behind holding her still despite her struggling. "Let Go!"

"No. Are you going to break your promise Holly?" she froze, "Are you going to let him and this come between us after you said nothing would come between us." * I did promise… * "You need to see the truth. We all said nothing when you were younger though we knew…. we made a vow not to so we wouldn't hurt you… but you have to know the truth. I figured you'd be more mature now and be able to handle this like an adult, but you are not acting up to my expectations." She looked down tears falling again, she gasped as he lifted her up and put her on the bed, she finally looking into his face seeing both pain and concern in his eyes. She sensed some fear from him as well. "You know I don't want to hurt you but I'd rather not keep this from you and lie to protect you. Would you rather have me tell you a lie or the truth?" she looked away refusing to look at him again, he in response pulled her to him resting her head against his own chest. "Holly, I love you and I need you… I'm only doing what I feel it right…" She finally held onto him so upset she was shaking uncontrollably.

"I need you too…especially now…it's just...Suezo is my brother…in my mind…"

"I know love, I know. We can have a conversation with him about this and clear everything up if you want."

"That might be the best thing to do…Tiger told me you weren't lying…"

"I know things are hard for you, I wish I could make them easier."

"You can't…Genki I…need to talk to you about something…"

"Go ahead" his voice clam and gentle, she felt reassures by his tone.

"I …are you…when did you want to have kids?" he blinked unsure of what this was about.

"Whenever you feel you are ready…I'm not the one who has to carry them for 9 months… though I wish I could take some of that burden." She looked up at him tears forming again before hugging him tightly and crying into his chest. "Holly?"

"Genki…*sniff*… I'm…*cough cough* " he rubbed her back,

"You're making your self sick just calm down and relax a bit." She nodded finding comfort in his arms and thinking on how to word what she was about to tell him. After a few minutes Genki moved his hand to her stomach placing right above her womb making her gasp. "You're pregnant aren't you?" his words very soft, just barely a whisper in her ear.

"How did you know?" her words equally soft,

"I could sense a difference in you."

"I found out three weeks ago…I'm sorry…"

"Its alright" he cut her off.

"But I should have told you sooner…" her voice was shaky.

"Shh…shh...Holly there's no reason to be afraid."

"I don't want to force you to be a father if…."

"Shh…shh…" he held her close rubbing her back softly. "Hol, I'm honored to be the father of your child…I wanted to be a father and your husband you know that." She looked up at him still teary eyed. He kissed away some of her tears catching them on his lips.

"You're alright with this?"

"Yeah I'm down with it. Not the best timing but I'm still excited about this and happy."

"We'll have to tell the others…"

"I know love, but first lets eat." She giggled at him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

They rose and strode to the kitchen, holding hands and took their seats, Holly's tear stained face got several worried glances. Tiger was surprised at how little time it took for them to patch things up.

"I was beginning to wonder about you two." He said with a smirk.

"Thanks for the concern Tiger, but we worked things out." They smiled to each other. Aaka brought them their plates, the food still hot. Both began to eat, Holly watched Suezo from the corner of her eye.

"You two have a lovers spat?" Pixie smirked raising a brow.

"Yes, but we straighten out our misunderstanding." Holly saw Suezo frown and mumble under his breath while glaring at Genki. * He was telling the truth… * after they finished eating they looked to each other nodding. Genki gripped Holly's hand under the table.

"You have something to tell us?" Hasuka inquired making Dianna raise a brow. * So he is alert and perceptive after all *

"Yes, we do" Holly smiled to Genki. "I 'm pregnant guys." She said proudly. Everyone's mouth fell open in shock as they stared at them both.

To be continued……