Air Battle

* I know we have to face him soon but are we ready? I know Holly, Aaka, Armoaq, and I can handle this but what of the monsters? Or even the soldiers for that matter? If we attack wrong it'll be fatal. We have been lucky this far, suffering no casualties but that won't last forever. Mu may be too strong; by the stats I read on him he could kill us all with ease. Somehow I think the phoenixes alone have to face him, we are the only ones who stand a decent chance. * A sigh escaped from his lips as meditation over concepts of his mind continued. He had separated himself from the sleeping Holly in order to have complete concentration. * Life will be a heck of a lot easier after these battles. Living here with Holly for the rest of my life, living simply with out the stress of my world. * His eyes fell upon her sleeping form with love, a smile forming on his face. * I can hardly wait to meet my daughter. I know she will be as beautiful as Hol. I'll have a family again, something I have lacked for so long now. * Forcing his eyes off his sleeping fiancée he picked up his bible and turned to the book of proverbs, then to chapter 22 and began to read. Every so often he paused to reflect and to think over the words God had spoke through his disciples. Dawn turned to day as he fell into deep meditation, hands clutching the word of God that was encased in black leather. Holly roused slowly, startled by his missing presence until her eyes found him sitting Indian style on the floor. Her legs gracefully carried her to him; he flinched at her touch before his eyes connected with hers.

"Something wrong Genki?"

"No, I was just meditating over what I read." Her lips curved into a smile, gently two fingers lifted his chin and soft lips pressed to his. His body relaxed as he let her love flow into his body, when their lips parted he was blushing, his brown eyes locked on hers.

"You are too good to me love."

"No, I only give you what you deserve." A smirk was seen from her. "Why are you blushing?" he pulled her into his arms.

"Because your love is like a river that flows into me when are lips meet. I can't help but blush with such love between us." A giggle was heard as her eyes looked into his with wonder.

"You can be so silly at times you do know that don't you?"

"I enjoy being such." She caught a slight bit of worry in his eyes.

"Genki what's on your mind?"

"Its just the battle ahead. Do you think we are ready for this? I know the phoenixes are but I worry for the others' safety. Mu's power is incredible, more so then I had anticipated, but the stats show he could kill us with little trouble if we are not careful." Her mind raced a moment as she studied him.

"Genki you were the one who always kept us going in the past even when we thought we couldn't win. We can do this again as long as you help us." She saw the distress he felt inside within those chocolate orbs of his.

"Holly its not just belief. If I have us approach wrong…we'll never have a chance. Firstly, I guess we have to unite the rest of the group if they can't work together this will never work. Secondly, we have to know where Mu is when the time comes and the lands layout. If he is the same as last time we can out wit him. Let's just pray they didn't make him smarter along with stronger. And we'll need to lose the extra bulk. Weapons won't work on him and I'm not sure if the monsters abilities will or not." His voice calm and soft but his heart pounded within. She could feel it, the pounding of his heart, and the fear within him. Knowing he was distressed her hand came to his chest, fingers slowly caressing.

"I know you are very worried about them love, and you are right about uniting but we have to focus on Steve and Lopez first. We can do this if we work together. You know I am as worried as you are but worry won't make it better. Just relax we'll have a plan soon enough." Strength and courage in her voice, something she rarely had as a teen. His eyes locked on hers a moment.

"You're right I'll stop worrying about what I cannot change." Leaning forward he met her lips with his own. A powerful rush filled them both; she could feel his love as he could feel hers. Both began to blush as they relaxed letting their affections grow. When the rush ended, both lightly panted.

"Maybe we should get going Genki. We still have to find Steve after all."

"Very true but it can wait a little bit longer." He pulled her to him again, nipping at her neck. A gasped escaped her in both surprise and longing. "Let us drink of each other love." His voice came softly in between nips.

"Mmm…I suppose we could." Her fangs extended out and softly teased the flesh of his neck now. He growled as his own grew. With a single motion he plunged them deep into her flesh. She flinched with the pain that flowed through her before biting into him. As the blood flowed from their bodies into their mouths deep growls rumbled in their chests. Tiger walked in just as their eyes closed in complete enjoyment. Caught off guard he froze instantly where he was. His eyes widened with shock, his mouth opened longing to say something but his tongue would not move. * What are they doing?! Have they gone completely mad?! * Even as his mind swirled with thoughts he could not speak them. Fear for his friends and pure dismay had frozen his body, holding him hostage to the situation at hand.

Fortunately for him Dianna saw him and dragged him out of the two vampiric youth's room.

"Tiger knock before you enter." He shook his shock off, finally regaining control of his body.

"Have they gone insane?! Drinking ea…"

"They are beast soldiers now. All beast soldiers have a blood lust, they are drinking to avoid killing for it."

"What?!"

"Tiger they would rather drink from each other then kill or hurt someone else." He stared at her unable to believe the words she spoke. Shaking her head she took him back to the others to explain this more thoroughly for them all. *It's easier then explaining it a bunch of times I guess but will they forgive Genki for changing her? *

Genki finally released Holly from his hold, his fangs sliding out painlessly as his tongue caressed her wound closing it for her. His normally brown eyes glowed with a bright green hue. Holly pulled back, her tongue had sealed his wound but blood remained on her lips, he was sure it was to taunt him, her eyes shimmering a transparent electric blue. A mischievous grin spread across his handsome face, his bloody lips pressing hard to hers. Her body went ridged against his a moment before pulling him closer, she had obviously not expected such a reaction. Her hands flowed over his muscled body as her mouth welcomes his blood-covered tongue. Heat and desire flourished in the moments that passed between them until she pushed him away, half shifted and heavily panting. His oddly shaped, half transformed body released her as she willed, his eyes locked with hers in a deep gaze.

"Genki I would love to go all the way but you know I can't with the cub within me." Her voice came soft and loving.

"I know Hun, I understand that, this is enough." A warm smiled greeted his response.

"Lets go make breakfast" he nodded and let her lead him out of their room all the blood was gone form their wounds and lips no one could tell what they had done.

Downstairs Dianna had thoroughly explained everything about the beast soldiers to the monsters who remained in shock. Genki and Holly came down only to be greeted by staring monsters making them feel extremely uncomfortable. Over four months had passed, Holly had gained weight and her condition was now showing to a degree. The monsters knew better then to upset her but couldn't help but be disgusted at what they had heard. * Genki you'll pay for turning her into a blood-sucking beast like you. * Suezo thought with hatred for his former friend. Genki glared at the known source of this uneasiness only getting a shrug in response. The delicious aroma of food changed everyone's thoughts to that of his or her hunger. Holly and Genki ate off by them selves taking comfort in each other. Once all had their fill of food Genki rose and looked around at his group. He saw the hatred in Suezo's eye but ignored it for now.

"We all have to get going. Steve will not be easy but together we can win. If we don't make the first move he will come after us. That I know for certain." All nodded knowing he was right and got to their feet. Genki noticed Holly was cleaning the dishes and nodded to her. "Then lets all get packed and on our way." He left to pack for his future wife and himself as the others went to pack as well.

Seven hours passed with no trouble to be found, but just when the group thought they could relax, a torrent wave of foes came down upon them. Genki quickly rallied his group and sent out the orders of attack. Working as a team the enemy didn't stand a chance. Genki held back conserving his energy for the main fight while Dianna had her fun playing with the enemy. Genki's tracking gear suddenly zeroed in on the military base that was their destination.

"Its about time." He glanced at Dianna who grinned, "why were you playing with them?"

"Must be the cat in me." She showed him her canines and kept stride with him and Holly. Though she was pregnant Holly was not slowed even a step though all this. Coming in view of the base Genki saw a lone form standing there, waiting for them. His body was covered in reddish colored feathers, his bird like head tilted in amusement at them. His large falcon wings folded behind him and his arms crossed as he gazed at them all. Genki shifted along with Holly, both stepping forward ready for attack. Steve was one step ahead of them though and shot into the air at rocket speed. Genki was on his tail in no time with Holly and Dianna close behind him. His falcon wings gave him the advantage in speed, easily dodging and weaving out of reach of claw or energy blast. He struck Holly's chest sending her into a downward spiral. She pulled up in time, Dianna was the next to take a hit, hers coming from behind to her back. Dianna pulled up just barely in time, scrapping her tail on the pavement below. Genki made his move now infuriated. He waited until Steve came at him then used his fire

"Fire spin!" a tower of pure flames formed taking Steve with it. His feathers and skin smoking when it had passed he grinned at Genki. He was grounded but not done. Charging forward at Genki hoping to cause great damage to the young man he hated, he stabbed with his talon clawed hand. Genki was too slow and was skewered. Grabbing his foes arm Genki pulled him closer. With one swift movement he bit into Steve's throat, a maneuver the calculating falcon had not been ready for. He struggled but could not free himself. Holly stumbled over, biting from behind holding his other arm. Dianna tackled his legs biting into his thigh. Struggle as he might he was no match for their combined power and soon lost too much blood. His body went limp against their holds, the women broke away first as Genki struggled to free himself of the taloned hand. Holly and Dianna pulled it out just in time for the rawhei to come down and throw all three to the ground in pain.

"Don't go near them", authority unrivaled in Armaoq's voice. The monsters looked at him then back at Holly seriously worried about her as the electricity pulsated through her body. All they could do is watch just as they had done for the fight. The pain died away in their bodies, as all three lay limp on the ground. A pool of blood under Genki, a dark red spot on Holly's chest and a blood soaked midsection on Dianna showed they had been injured badly. Aaka, Armaoq, and Hasuka came to their sides lifting the three from their resting places and carrying them towards the now abandoned base.

Days later, the wounds had been tended and the patients woke from their sleep but had not felt like moving around much. All had sever headaches and ached all over their bodies. Holly rested in Genki's arms peacefully, they had insisted on never being separated just as Hasuka and Dianna had. Akka sat on the bed softly; brushing the hair out of Holly's face she took her temperature. Holly looked up at her and smiled weakly.

"Rest you need it with the cub in you. I'm just doing routine checks on you that's all. Don't mind me." She smiled at the young girl almost motherly.

"Akka….hav.." her voice croaked, Akka instinctually got her some water. Knowing Holly's tongue was thick and dry, her throat also dry. Holly mouthed a thank you before downing the glass. "Have you ever had children?" she finally said smiling at the idler women.

"Yes, Armaoq and I have had 2 children together and he had a son with his previous wife and I a daughter with my previous…. engagement."

"Can you give me some tips…I don't know that much about babies, only basics…"

"You don't need much more then that child, your instincts will guide you, follow them. Genki will help you with the burdens." Her gaze fell up Holly with love and care. Though she didn't speak of it she had grown very fond of the two and felt motherly towards them because they were so young compared to her. That and vampires didn't mature fully till around 1000 years of age. "Just remember this, your bond with Genki will be what gets you through the hardest of times. Trust in him even when he doesn't deserve the trust he won't let you down if he can help it." she checked Genki's temp waking him up though he stayed silent still groggy. After he downed some water he seemed a bit more wakeful. Akka slipped out quietly as Holly cuddled with him.

"Genki what's your world like?" her voice soft.

"Chaotic, fast paced, dangerous, wonderful, amazing, and astonishing; all rolled into one. Humans test the limits of things flying, building skyscraper buildings that soar thousands of feet into the air. Climbing to the tops of the tallest mountains, submerging thousands of feet below the oceans waves in a metal ship. Sometimes doing stupid and reckless acts just to get a girls attention." He smiled to her "it's interesting and terrifying at the same time" Holly gave him a perplexed look.

"You don't like your world?"

"I like it Hun, its just I prefer this one…with out technology things are much easier, wars less bloody. Things are more peaceful here then in my world. My world is hustle and bustle, little time for rest and relaxation." She thought a moment taking comfort in his arms.

"I would like to experience your world just once Genki to know about how you're live has been. I want to know what you have been through all this time and how your culture thinks and acts." Genki pulled her into and embrace holding her close.

"Holly you know about my culture I have told you about it."

"Genki what is wrong why are you acting this way? Do you not want to return to your world ever?" he didn't speak for a moment causing worry to pulse through her.

"Its not that I don't ever want to go back Holly I just prefer this world to mine. Despite the great technological advances of my world more of them lead to death, pain, and despair, now more then ever. I just don't want you to go through that, I'd like to live in this peaceful place rather then the harsh world I came from." As she listened to his voice she noticed he seemed upset. Her hand came to his cheek and she pulled back to gaze into his auburn eyes.

"Genki I understand that you are upset but would it really hurt if I was to experience your world for say a couple of weeks or a month before returning to its one with you?" he sighed

"The gate may not stay open that long, what if we get stuck there?" he looked down until his gaze was lifted to meet hers, leaning forward her lips softly met his, feeling feather light to him. She let them linger a moment distracting him from his worry.

"Genki" her eyes locking with his in a deep gaze, "I know you worry about my and the child's safety but I still want to try your world. I know you're wary of it but I want to see it to better understand you and how you think of things. You've always seen things differently then us, I would like to know why. I'm willing to take the risk of getting stuck." He sighed

"I know you are but I don't think it's a good idea. We have to close the portal."

"Why Genki?"

"If we alter your world with technology then soon it'll be just like mine, polluted. People acquire asthma more often; cancer and other illnesses have developed from the use of chemicals in the food. People in my world are unhealthy for the most part. Even young children are very over weight now. I don't want my world to cause this one's down fall as well. Even the air isn't clean in my world…. Unless your in a remote region in the country side." She listened intently to his words.

"Genki it's hard to believe your world it that bad."

"Is it? The reason the top ten wanted to take over your world it because they wished to escape the world they helped pollute. Holly rape and murder are common place, people hear about them all the time and have become desensitized to it, not caring whether it occurs most of the time as long as it never involves them or their loved ones. Women are battered and abused, babies killed through abortion, young children raped and molested even by those of the clergy, homosexuality is an open topic and allowed, sometimes encouraged by certain groups. I don't want our daughter or any other children we may have to grow up in such a rotten world." His voice came loud and firm scaring Holly a bit inside. She embraced him as she thought over what he just said. *Can his world really be that bad? Children raped and molested by clergy? *

"What's abortion?" her voice soft muffled by his shirt.

"It's killing a baby while its still in the womb…many women choose to do this each year." His voice filled with remorse, sorrow, and pain. "Most of them never feel even remotely remorseful for killing their own child…neither do the doctors who perform the act for that matter…" he heard a gasp as Holly buried her face deeper into his chest. * How can anyone kill their own child like that? How can a doctor kill a child either? They are supposed to help not hurt. * Genki knew she was upset but hoped she understood now, holding her close he comforted her.

"Genki something has to be done to stop them…"

"People have been trying to stop them for years but unless the government outlaws the practice there will always be places that perform the procedures. Scientists believe a child is not alive really till about 6 months of age…unfortunately a lot of people and doctors believe them…"

"THEY ARE ALIVE!! I felt the life within me as soon as she started to grow, even before I had confirmation I felt her inside my body…I…"

"Shh…Holly I know. I'm not the one you need to convince of that. Calm down." He felt her tears fall against his chest, knowing she felt pain and shock inside.

"But they are murdering…don't they listen to their hearts?!"

"Most are cold hearted, the mothers who do this don't want the child…it's an inconvenience to them. And most of the fathers don't care; they are just in for what they get in bed." He felt her shutter; pushing her back his eyes met hers. "Now do you understand why I don't want you to go to my world?" her eyes looked away from him, despair, pain, and anger in them. Lifting her chin he caught her lips softly. Caught off guard she pulled away looking frightened, she couldn't look him in the eye. He gaze fell on her very concerned and confused.

"Am I inconveniencing you Genki?"

"No Holly, I told you I want this child with you. I just want her to grow up in the safest place as possible."

"A baby is alive from the start…."

"Yes your right, he or she is alive from the moment they enter the womb to the moment they leave. I know that Holly." Finally realizing the problem he shifted to place his hand on her womb. "I have been able to feel our daughters life force in you ever since my hand first came to rest on your womb." Her eyes found their way to his again looking for the sincerity that they would indeed find. She clung to him crying into his shoulder. "Oh Holly, I know I upset you and I'm sorry. I just wanted you to understand"

"I do Genki." Her voice came as a squeak as she cried, "your world is disgusting."

"I know Hun, I know." His arms held her tight as his hands stroked her back softly. "I love you so much Hol, and…" his hand came to rest on her womb once again. "I can't wait to meet our daughter." He heard another gasp escape her lips.

"Genki I'm honored that I please you so much. I never thought I would be able to since I don't know as much as you." Her eyes sparkled with happiness.

"You know much more then you believe you do Hun." Lifting her chin he softly pressed his lips to hers, this time she relaxed falling into his kiss and returning it. He kept it soft, gentle, and loving wanting her to feel what he did and not what his body possible desired. When he broke the kiss her face was beet red. His smile returned as he pulled her close "your such a sweet heart." Her blush deepened making him chuckle.

"Genki when I'm with you I just can't help my self. You treat me so well, no one has ever done anything like this before for me."

"That's because I cherish you and the time I have with you." His eyes gazed lovingly into hers.

"I'm so happy you do." She cuddled up against him obviously tired. "Are there any good things in your world?"

"Yes, but I will speak on those another time. You need some rest." She yawned nodding, kissing her gently he pulled her closer snuggling with her before relaxing and letting his heavy eyelids close.

"Night Genki…" she drifted off exhausted before finishing her sentence.

"Night Hol, sweet dreams my love." he let himself drift off with her, hoping she understood things better now.