Final Obstacle in Destiny's Way

When the couple woke the next morning both seemed refreshed and relaxed. Holly enjoyed her time with Genki just as she always did.

"Hol you feeling better?"

"Yes much. Thank you Genki." He smiled pulling her in to a deep kiss. Holly didn't resist and just laid her head against his shoulder when they finished. Feeling his hand caress over her womb provided much comfort. He'd been right their child was fine she could feel it in her heart. "Genki when this is over where would you like to live?"

"Hmm? Well maybe some place off by its self in the woods or by a lake. I think it would be a nice change. I've always liked the peace of nature. Something hard to come upon in my world without a lot of money." Her eyes came up to his a moment. "That sounds nice." She paused, "can it be near a village, a small one. I know you like to be off by your self now but I still like being around people."

"Of course huh. If you wanted to live in the village it would be fine. You know I will do anything for you."

"I know but I would like both of us to be comfortable." He smiled.

"You are so thoughtful love." A smile crossed her lips.

"What about our daughters name?" he blinked.

"I think you should name her." She smiled to him gently.

"If you insist dear." He held her closer, she enjoyed the feeling of his body next to hers. "How about I think on the name a bit."

"That's fine Hun. But we should get going soon. Lopez awaits us and we need to get to him before Mu does after all."

"I know I just love being with you peacefully."

"So do I but we will have eternity for that after we complete our task." She nodded rising with a yawn. Genki rose stretch then walked over to get dressed. Holly followed, though Aaka was right about the bruise.

Once dressed both walked down stairs. They were up before anyone else so they decided to make breakfast for everyone. It didn't take the duo long and the smell of French toast, bacon, and sausage filled the air. Genki even made some hash browns for them all. Slowly the delicious scent lured their companions down stairs to the table. Breakfast was served to all who waited though Genki gave Suezo his and was very protective of Holly around the yellow eyeball now. It didn't take long for the hungry monsters to finish and want a second helping. Both were used to this and happily dished out more while they themselves ate. When all the food had disappeared both Holly and Genki rose catching the attention of everyone in the room.

"It's time to go find Lopez. He will be the final beast soldier we must face before we fight Mu for the final time. I do hope you are all ready." Genki's voice boomed with more strength then before.

"More importantly we all must come together as one team other wise we will never prevail in the fight ahead." Holly surveyed the entire group, "I know we all have our differences but if we don't work as a team like we did before we will fail. Suezo you and I will talk later. As for the rest of you who have been fighting no more of that other wise Genki and I will have to come into it. Do not make us finish a fight!" Holly's spoke as though she were giving orders to a military unit. They all nodded in agreement they knew what must be done now. The young couple looked at each other a moment.

"Get packed, we leave in one hour." Everyone sighed and took off for their jobs. Genki went to ready the vehicles while Holly packed.

Within the hour perfectly they were off for their last fight. Genki had the radar location over one eye again following it to his target, Lopez's Base, he wouldn't stop now, no matter who was afraid, this had to happen. * Lopez is very formidable. He knows all my moves just as I know his however he doesn't know Holly's or the other phoenixes. He also doesn't know my phoenix powers. Even so he will be the hardest of all. * Though some of the monsters doubted Genki's ability to guide them they said nothing about it. They waited watching the road ahead and watching their friends.

Several more hours pasted before the group came to the mountain range. The fort was in site but the vehicles would not make it up the steep slopes ahead. Frustrated Genki gritted his teeth.

"Alright everyone bundle up we have to hike up to his fort. Everyone stared at him a moment except Holly then nodded getting ready. He walked over bundling up and carrying extra weapons. His love met him in front of the group also carrying some artillery. Her eyes held determination in them making the monsters relax knowing she knew what they were up against. Finally they began to trudge up the mountainside Genki and his lover in the lead the monsters in the middle of the soldiers for added strength. Golem carried the yellow eyeball, who had little ability to grip anything in the snowy realm of the mountains with only his tail and tongue as instruments.

The bold young man lead ruthlessly keeping the pace up and driving the group forward. In the back of his mind the fact that time was of the essence nagged at him. He knew if they did not make it there before Mu learned he could absorb the other soldiers' powers, they would surely lose in vain of fighting him. His face was stern yet cold as he moved on, his powerfully trained legs taking the abuse well. His love slipped banging her knee but he pulled her to him and helped her move forward. The monsters became exhausted and had difficulty keeping up even with the soldiers help. Holly made him notice the poor shape of their friends and pointed out a cave near by. Reluctantly he moved them into the cave. He said nothing to his comrades as he went off to be alone. Holly's eyes conveyed her concern though she said nothing as she drank the hot tea made by Sky. A crash echoed through the cave along with a roar and a growl. Everyone jumped to his or her feet. Tiger and his little brother started to run towards the source when Aaka and Armaoq lifted them off the ground and sat them back with the others like pups. Both wolf monsters growled at the indignity.

"I will go, he is alone but angry. Stay put." He nodded to his wife before changing into his were form startling everyone but Holly, who had seen him this way before. He trotted off towards the young man paying no attention to the monsters who gawked at him.

Genki slammed his fist into the wall of the cave over and over his supernatural strength cracking the stone. Armaoq carefully placed his paw on the young mans shoulder. Genki glanced to him anger pulsating through his eyes. "Calm your self son this will help nothing."

"They all move to slow at this rate we won't beat Mu. I let them rest a week but all I get is a group who can only climb a measly five hours!" his voice held his disposition for the group. "Even Holly can go further."

"I know, I agree with you but they are limited in ways that we are not. As immortals we can go with out rest or food for days but put out our max each day. They are but mere mortals trying to keep up. Though the large monsters seem to have little trouble keeping up. Even the tigers are wearing down."

"How can we beat and enemy if he gains more power cause, and we can't act when we need to?" the old male made him sit down and calm himself before answering.

"By having faith and patience. God did not bring us this far to lose. Yes, we are traveling too slowly, but God never rushed anything he wanted done."

"I know but if this group is so divided that they hate each other we can't possible win."

"Who says the monsters are destined to fight?" Genki glanced at him with shock.

"They would kill me if I left them behind."

"Maybe so but it may be best. I doubt they will be of much help, their powers are limited the most they can do is fight the enemy soldiers now but I'm doubting their strength."

"They were stronger years ago. We all worked at a team reading each other's moves as one. But now that may be impossible. The soldiers will never agree to working with the monsters. The monsters are weak and troublesome to them."

"Yes but even if they fight who is it that has to finish the job?"

"The phoenixes…" he looked down, "they would get in the way at most."

"My point exactly. I don't like leaving friends behind but when we are to fight Mu we must go alone."

"I will speak with Holly…"

"You must give the order…not her."

"They will never stay if she doesn't make them."

"They will stay if we fly." The old wolfs eyes were gentle but his voice strong.

"Very true." Holly moved from behind the rock she was hiding behind. Genki and the old male watched her a moment, her eyes conveyed her confusion and hurt.

"You would leave them behind Genki?" her voice held a quiver and anger.

"Holly how long have you been listening?"

"Long enough, now answer me."

"I would if it will keep them out of harms way. And out of the phoenixes way." A loud smack echoed through the cave. Startling the group who was now curious. Aaka knew what had happened. Genki stood staring coldly as his fiancée affected very little by the slap across the face. His stare sending a shiver though her. "Holly are you that foolish?" she stared at him in surprise. "Would you rather me put them into a situation where death is surely the end result? Fine they can come if they die their deaths are on your shoulders and heart not mine." Genki wandered off deeper into the cave mumbling, "Father was right all women are nothing but trouble most of the time." Holly stood in shock then looked down; a furred paw raised her gaze. Her eyes began to tear up as she looked into the old male's eyes. "Let him cool off. Do not return to the others. I will send Aaka to you. There is much you must hear from her." She nodded and sat down only after the wolf left, did she start to cry. As promised Aaka soon appeared, though Holly did not notice till the woman wrapped her arms around the crying girl. Holly looked over at the vampress; tears stained her cheeks and continued to flow.

"Shh…child it's alright."

"No" she choked shaking her head, "No its not…Genki surely hates me now…I hit him for wanting the leave the others behind…." Holly felt the older women's hand rubbing her back gently.

"Child listen to me. Genki doesn't hate you. He is just upset right now. You did jump to conclusions and hit him without warning."

"I know but leaving them behind…that's…"

"Very wise Holly. He was thinking of their welfare. Like Armaoq I don't think the monsters will be able to do much against Mu. They are not the ones destined to fight. Genki worries for their lives, he doesn't want them in unnecessary danger." Her eyes widened as she stared at the vampress a moment.

"But we do everything together as a team…"

"Holly the monsters are not working as a team with the soldiers. Genki was also upset because they are now holding us all back. Even you could have kept going. Time is of the essence you and I both know that. So does Genki and he doesn't like wasting time. He was taught in the military to do it fast, silently, and effectively. He is so used to that that he can't handle the way things are going now. It's too slow, too bicker-some, and too disorganized for him." Holly's eyes found her feet, hot tears burning in her eyes. The older women held her close, comforting Holly, who soon burring her face in Aaka's shoulder. A gentle hand rubbed the crying girls back with mother like care.

"He must hate me now…"

"You slow nothing down Holly."

"I defended my friends…but I forgot to think about how my love felt."

"He doesn't hate you, his love for you is eternal. He is frustrated with you. He doesn't know how to deal with you some times."

"How can he, I hit him without a thought about it?"

"Because he loves you and because as a Christian he will never hold a grudge against you. His religious belief is the only thing that has kept him going all these years. Through all the grief and sorrow. He knows he must go through pain, sorrow, anguish as his tests from God he accepts that but he knows he's loved and needed as well." The young woman was silent for a long time deep in thought. * Genki told me we would be tested…did I fail the test? Did I fail him? Did I fail God? …Oh Genki I'm so sorry…I can't do anything right…I love you so much but I always seem to hurt and burden you. * "Holly go to him, tell him how you feel and explain your actions. He will understand but also listen to him."

"How can I when…"

"Holly" the vampress's voice grew stern, "you never get any where in life if you don't keep on trying till you get it right. Never give up hope child, he loves you and he always will." She felt the young woman's grip tighten around her and returned it with a gentle hug, her hand rubbing the girls back once again to sooth her.

"I'll try" Holly finally softly responded, fear reverberating through her voice.

"Calm yourself first child. Do not fear your future husband he doesn't want that of you."

"I don't fear him. I fear failing him again."

"You have not failed him until you give up."

"Thank you Aaka." Her voice barely audible now.

"Your welcome Holly."

"Why do you call me child?" a smile crossed the older woman's face.

"Because you are so much younger then me and I feel a connect with you. As if I should help you in a motherly way though I can't take your mothers place. And I would not try to."

"Thank you Aaka. Your words help a lot and I would like to have your wisdom to guide me."

"I would be honored to be able to give that guidance." She finally made Holly smile. With a sigh Holly stood Aaka released her without hesitation. "Now go to him." she nodded and found her feet carrying her towards her lover once again. The older woman watched her go before retreating back to Armaoq so they could speak with the others.

Genki sat alone head in his knees; a sniff could be heard from him testifying to his crying. Blood dripped from his hands, knuckled still leaking out precious life force. But he didn't care the pain comforted him he loved the feel of his blood exiting his body. It took his mind to a different plain away from emotional pain. Holly's silent footsteps reached his ears but he ignored them. As she came around the corner she looked upon him with a horror stricken face. His blood now coated his hands and pants. Some even pooling on the floor below. She witnessed him flexing his hands releasing more of his life force from within. Quickly, with a slight hesitation, she found herself moving towards him. Kneeling at his side she took her handkerchief from her pocket and ripped it in two. Taking his hands the cloth was soon tightly wrapped around the bleeding knuckles. She found herself reaching out and gently rubbing his back. He sat motionless before her, ignoring what she had done.

"Genki I realize your angry with me. I'm sorry that I hurt you again. I seem to have failed you in that once again. I was wrong to strike you."

"You didn't fail me." His mumbled and muffled words came to her ears.

"Genki please forgive me for my foolishness. I'm not worthy of your love nor God's love. I failed you both and failed my test." Her eyes dropped to the ground as hot tears threatened to fall once again. Suddenly a soft touch lifter her eyes. They met with his, to her surprise no angry was within them only sadness and confusion.

"You did not fail me or God. Even if you failed the test what's more important is that you learned from it. God will sometimes test us in ways He knows we will fail to teach us a lesson about something. You only fail God by turning away from Him not by failing a test." His eyes searched hers a moment, discovering her new confusion and her sincerity and sadness. In an instant she found herself in his arms, knowing by his cool wet cheek against her neck that he had been crying.

"I'm so sorry Genki. I know words can't change the pain I put you through…"

"Its alright sometimes we need pain."

"I should have talked with you first."

"Yes, you should have. But we all do foolish things at times."

"I guess so."

"I didn't want our friends in a situation were it could lead to fatalities for no reason. If Mu can only be fought by us I would rather not endanger their lives."

"I know that now. I wasn't thinking clearly before."

"Its alright Holly. You're forgiven. I love you always." He felt her grip on him tighten in response he held her firmly to him comforting her with his warmth.

"Thank you Genki. I'll always love you as well. And I'm sorry the others are slowing you down."

"I suppose I can't expect much from them. They lack training and experience in certain area's." he felt her relax in his hold. "We should get back"

"I know…" she pulled back, catching his lips in a firm and loving kiss for a moment.

"Well work it out with them alright?"

"Sure Genki." They rose together and began their way back to the others.

"What they fought?!" Hare exclaimed.

"Yes, but say nothing they are coming. You will know what about very soon." As the old wolf finished his words the couple came in to the room of the cavern and sat down. Both had washed away their tears on the way back. Genki was the first to speak.

"I've been thinking about something for awhile now. If Mu is too strong for regular attacks I want you all to hang back out of dangers way. There's no need to risk your lives in vain." Everyone but the phoenixes stared at him.

"Genki we're a team chi."

"I know that Mocchi but I would never forgive my self if you were killed in the final battle because I miscalculated. Before we stood a chance because he was a normal monster but now he has some beast soldier abilities. His power is greater than any monsters or beast soldiers combined. No technology could hurt him; no normal attacks could faze him. The only way any of us stand a chance is if all of the phoenixes can launch an attack as one." Tiger looked directly at his friend then at his brother, who nodded.

"He may be right. If they enhanced him we may not stand a chance. Look how little damage our powers already do to normal beast soldiers much less combined with an already powerful monster."

"I agree with Tiger, the probability of us winning under those circumstances is very low."

"Genki we're a team though." Pixie protested.

"Listen if all of the phoenixes fail then at least we'll go down fighting it may be enough that he is weakened so you guys will have no trouble finishing him off."

"A contingency plan." Everyone's focus turned to Dianna.

"Yes, a back up for something that could happen. Basically everyone who is not a phoenix is in the second wave of attacks. If the first wave fails the second wave can hit move hard. Our job will be to try and kill him so you don't have to fight him but if we can't we will make sure and weaken the hell out of him at the very least. The most important thing is that we win. We need you guys to be fresh ready to go if we do fail. Which means you don't initially fight. You wait to see what happens with us." Hare looked like he was pondering something for a bit then smile.

"A very logical and simple plan Genki. You are a real tactician at times."

"Thank you Hare." He paused, "one more thing we have to move faster before Mu figures things out. If he absorbs Lopez's power we won't stand a chance no matter what. We have to get their first and destroy Lopez."

"You mean we have to push ourselves harder." Greywolf stated plainly and simply.

"Yes" they all nodded to him understanding now. "Get some rest now. We leave early tomorrow morning." Everyone found himself or herself in bed very soon, those who were exhausted were out as soon as they laid down. Others thought about what Genki had spoke on.

"Hasuka do you believe we can win?"

"Yes, Genki will pull us through no matter what."

"I'm almost afraid to die."

"So am I." She felt his strong arms pull her closer. "Don't worry love you won't die alone or in vain."

"Thank you Hasuka." He found her lips on his showing tenderness and love to him.

"Aaka do you think they are ready?"

"I am unsure. We will soon see. Genki may unite this group yet. He has great wisdom and experience for his age."

"Very true. But he has much to learn yet."

"Given time he will learn though. I believe in his abilities and judgments."

"Then may God guide him."

"Amen."

Holly found herself curled up next to her love. Genki had long since passed out from exhaustion. She found herself wondering if he was all right but related it to his blood lost after a time. * Genki I promise I will try my best to be an understanding and loving wife to you. I will try to talk things out instead of jumping to conclusions from now on. God I am sorry I failed my test, please forgive me and give me the strength to carry on now to help Genki in this task. Please help us to defeat this evil and save this world from destruction. In Jesus name amen. * As soon as her eyes closed she was asleep dreaming of the day she and Genki got to see the child that was within her and the day she was married to him.