Chapter 73: Two Second Chances
The Green Meadow had been a haunted plain since Littlefoot, his friends, Jill and Stone jumped through the time portal to chase after the Red Phoenix. All their parents and a few others were still standing in the same position desperately awaiting some sort of signal from their children. The magic wall of fire that the Red Phoenix had conjured up had disappeared the moment Littlefoot and his friends took the brave decision to pass through the portal and into the human realm. The sergeant's dog, Zephyr, was the only reminisce of human contact with the Great Valley besides the body of Jason which lay peacefully in the soft, sweet-smelling grass that swayed in the gentle breeze.
"How long have they been gone?" Petrie's mother croaked sorrowfully, "It seems like they've been gone for ages."
"There's been no sign of any of them. I do hope they are all right," Ducky and Spike's mother said desperately.
"If they are with those humans, anything could have happened to them," Mr Threehorn growled stomping the ground.
"We can't give up hope. I'm sure the children are fine," Grandma Longneck said but Mr Threehorn grunted objectively.
"How can you say such a thing! Since their kind have come to our Valley, we've seen nothing but destruction and chaos!"
"But all that was brought about by that one human. The other humans who had survived along with Jason told us this before that evil human attacked us," Grandpa Longneck replied as nervous chatter began to break out," the humans helped us on numerous occasions but they fell victim to his scheme."
"But that doesn't justify the fact that the humans have caused so much misery to our Valley," Mr Threehorn continued to argue, "and why were our children involved in the first place? I still blame that human child Jason for everything that has happened here."
"Mr Threehorn!" Grandma Longneck gasped horrified, "Jason was just as much of a victim in all of this as us! That poor child lost his life because of one human's plan to get those coloured stones. Our children felt a great loss for that boy and they made the decision to do something about it because they felt they could whether we approved of it or not. Our children made their own choice but for now, all we can do is sit and wait for their return."
"But…what makes you think they'll come back?" Ali's mother questioned curiously.
"I know Littlefoot is fine. Something in me is constantly telling me that he is all right," she replied confidently which invoked a deathly silence as each and every parent's thoughts turned to their children all with a muted prayer they'd return to them…safely.
Suddenly, the meadow flickered a bizarre shade of neon blue and stray sparks of electricity snapped and crackled in front of them. The crowd of awestruck adults slowly backed away from the spot as all eyes locked on a tiny blue sphere hanging in mid-air. All of a sudden, the electricity cracked louder and the sphere stretched up and out into a thin disk of swirling, endless blue. After a few tense seconds, a number of small, wailing figures came shooting towards them. They tumbled out of the vortex and landed in a messy heap in the centre of the surrounding ring of elders. Gasps of shock and amazement filled the meadow as the bodies untangled themselves from one another and they stood up.
"I don't believe it…we're home!" Littlefoot beamed just as he locked eyes with a pair of faces he felt he hadn't seen in years, "Grandma! Grandpa!"
"Littlefoot!" the two elderly brontosauruses cried overjoyed to see their grandson bounding over to them safe and well.
"We are back Spike! Yep, yep, yep!" Ducky chirped merrily as their mother saurolophus charged forward and gripped the both in a tight hug. Petrie, having seen this mother near the back, made a beeline for her outstretched arms and clasped himself around her and sighed.
"Me sooooo glad to see you again Mama!" Petrie gleamed.
"Oh my Petrie…" she said holding her son closer.
"Cerie! Cerie!" two squeaky voices piped as Dinah and Dana danced and spun around Cera's ankles like two mad Catherine wheels.
"I never thought I'd say it but it's great to see you twins," Cera smiled as a huge, looming shadow suddenly towered over her. Cera gulped at the size of the silhouette on the ground and slowly looked up to se her father's mighty stature staring down on her.
"I'm sorry I ran off Daddy! I..I-I…I didn't mean to…I mean…I had to…" she stammered.
"Oh Cera, don't you worry about a thing," Mr Threehorn said softly, "all that matters now is that you're safe." Cera was astonished by her father's reaction. She was at least expecting a grounding or at least babysitting duties until the turn of the season but all she got was a heart-warming smile and a gentle homeward welcoming. As his words sank in, Cera nuzzled her father and the Threehorn Twins quickly joined in.
From atop his perch on his grandfather's head, Littlefoot looked across the meadow, watching all the greetings and loving cuddles and nuzzles his friends were receiving from their folks, until he came to rest upon Ali at the opposite end of the irregularly arranged circle. He smiled as her mother nuzzled her affectionately; he felt glad that they had managed to return back to the Great Valley before her migrating herd had moved on. Suddenly, the blue portal, that had quickly been dismissed once Littlefoot and his friends had tumbled out of it, crackled and sparked lividly but the doorway appeared to be shrinking.
"Oh no! The light is getting smaller," Littlefoot called from his high viewpoint.
"But…Jill and Mr Stone have not come through yet!" Ducky gasped as her mother finally released her and Spike from her hug.
"They survived too?" Petrie's mother asked.
"Yeah, they helped us. I just hope they made it…" Littlefoot said as he was lowered to the ground. The gang all huddled in the middle of the ring, eagerly watching the Chronos Doorway for any signs of Jill or Stone. The portal was getting dangerously small and there was still not contact with either of the former Red Phoenix squadron members.
"C'mon Jill…c'mon Stone…You've just gotta make it…" Littlefoot chanted in his head as he remain unblinkingly fixed on the doorway. All of a sudden, two tiny specks in the infinite blue of the steadily receding doorway could be seen getting gradually bigger and gradually louder. Within a few seconds, the portal shot out two figures, one after the other in rapid succession, onto the grass before collapsing on itself and disappearing from sight. The six kid dinosaurs' faces lit up as the black ball split and divided into two instantly recognisable figures.
"Oooohhhh my head! Jeez! If that's the future of public transportation, think I'm gonna stick to the bus," a male voice sounded.
"Whad'dya whining about! That was a rush! Wouldn't mind going again just for the fun of it," a female tone exclaimed playfully.
"Jill! Stone! You made it!" Littlefoot beamed bouncing over to them promptly followed by the others.
"And at what point did you think we weren't Mr Littlefoot?" Jill smirked winking at him, "It's good to see everyone made it back in one piece." Stone smiled but was sharply alerted to a familiar sound he hadn't heard for a while.
"Zephyr! Come 'ere boy!" he beamed holding his arms out as his trusty Alsatian leaped into him tackling his owner to the ground, "Okay, easy fella!" Stone pleaded as Zephyr pasted his face with his tongue overjoyed to see his trainer again.
The gang laughed as Stone fought to throw the gleeful dog off him so he could stand up again. As the sergeant righted himself for a second time, the slightly apprehensive group of adults moved in on the happy reunion.
"We must thank you for bringing us back our children safely. I'm sure you were both the main reason said graciously bowing down to Jill and Stone who were stood to attention.
"Just carrying out our mission sir," Jill reported saluting, "Littlefoot and his friends' safety and return home was our top priority I can assure you."
"Yeah, and they even saved us on a few occasions too!" Stone admitted with a cheeky smirk, "we needed them just as much as they needed us." The gang smiled at his words.
"So what exactly happened?" Ali's mother asked stepping forward.
"It's a long story, hope you've got the time," Stone warned.
"We're all ears," Grandma Longneck verified as everyone leaned in closer.
"Okay, ready kids?" Jill smiled as Littlefoot took the floor.
It took the group a fair while to get through the whole story, with a few of them jumping in and interrupting each other. The elders were spellbound by the tale and gaped at each other once Littlefoot and the others had finished.
"And all this happened whist the Red Phoenix was defeated?" Grandma Longneck asked clearly lost in the sea of tricks, traps and monster attacks.
"Yeah but once we got the Doorway working, we just jumped right in," Cera said flatly.
"The Doorway? That's what that strange, blue ball of light was just now?" Mr Threehorn queried.
"Uh huh and it was all thanks to Littlefoot and his magic stone that made it work," Ali announced making him shy a little.
"How'd you do it Littlefoot?" his grandfather asked intrigued.
"I...I can't really explain it but…I saw something show me. A shadowy figure from my dreams I had a while ago," Littlefoot said airily, "it's funny though. It kinda reminded me of Jason in a way."
"Well, the strangest thing is, when Jason first activated the Chronos Doorway…he did exactly the same thing," Jill told them.
"Really?" Littlefoot smiled enjoying the idea of his resemblance to what Jason did before him. Suddenly, something in Littlefoot's mind that almost filled him with dread. Unable to shake off the vision he had just mentally pictured, he gazed passed the rows of feet and bodies to see Jason's body lying in the grass beyond the circle that had formed around them. Without saying a word, Littlefoot slowly weaved his way through the crowd and stopped next to Jason's silent position as the blades swept alongside him in the wind. The others followed close behind and each stood over the boy who looked like he was in a peaceful slumber.
"We did it Jason…" Littlefoot spoke mentally as if he was communicating with his human friend by means of telepathy, "it took a lot of effort but we defeated the Red Phoenix and stopped her plans like I promised you we would…I know it's what you would have wanted…I only wish you were here to see it too." Littlefoot looked up at his friends who were all showing the same downfallen expression with the attempt to hide their sorrow behind a brave smile.
"Here Littlefoot," a voice said to him. Turning around, Littlefoot saw Jill standing there with something in her outstretched hand.
"Jason's stone…" he said looking up at her. Jill nodded.
"Take it…I'm sure you'll agree that it should be back where it belongs." With a solemn nod, Littlefoot carefully took the gold pendent in his teeth by its ruby and wandered back over to the ring surrounding Jason. With a long sigh, Littlefoot lowered his head and gingerly placed the gold pendent on Jason's chest and slowly backed away again.
"There…where it belongs," he whispered softly. Determined not to let his emotions take control, Littlefoot raised his head high and scanned the growing smiles slowly emerging on his friends' faces. Jill walked up behind him and gently laid a hand on his back.
"Be glad. At least he can rest in peace now," she said looking him in the eye.
"Yeah. We stopped the Red Phoenix. It's…it's what he would have wanted," Littlefoot smiled.
"You all did great back there in our time," Stone happily admitted sensing their low spirits, "I did have my doubts but I have to say that if it wasn't for you guys, I don't think Jill nor myself would be standing here now." The gang all smiled at the young sergeant as he patted Zephyr who stood obediently by his side as he continued, "even though we lost Jason, I'd consider this mission a success. We crushed the Red Phoenix and you helped save our kind from extinction. We are indebted to you."
"We couldn't have done it without you. You help us get home," Littlefoot said. The others nodded.
"We made quite a team didn't we?" Jill smirked.
"So what happens now? Now that everything is over?" Ali asked as Jill wandered to stand beside Stone.
"Looks like we've got to find a way back to our own time," Stone replied which made the gang fidget uncomfortably.
"But…why would you want to go back knowing the mess your world is in? Wouldn't you prefer to stay here?" Cera suggested.
"Sorry Cera, we can't do that," Jill said shaking her head.
"Why not?" Ducky protested feeling a little hurt.
"As generous as your offer is, we've caused enough trouble to your homeland. We've got our own home to return to, despite how desolate it seems."
"Yeah and we've got so much to correct. There's bound to be survivors on other countries we can contact. We'll have to rebuild what's left of our civilisation; start afresh and learn from our mistakes," Stone added.
The gang all looked at each other for one of them to say something but nothing came to mind.
"Don't worry. This time we'll make sure lunatics like Westwood don't go around creating genetic hybrids hell-bent on world domination," Stone sniggered.
"How will you go about returning to your time?" Grandpa Longneck quizzed lowering his head to speak at eye level.
"We'll have to raid what equipment is left in the complex in the woods not too far from here. It might take a few days but I'm sure we can find something there. Hopefully, the time door generator we used to get here is still operational. It's the same one Jill was testing up in the hills on the outskirts of your Valley. Westwood must have used the same thing to get to the human world from this time as well," Stone explained.
"Yeah. With a bit of luck, the Stones of Essence will work for us one last time so we can at least get back to the year 2113," Jill said with a hand on her hip.
"I see," Grandpa Longneck hummed, "so how would…"
Suddenly, the sky erupted with thunder as thick, dark clouds rolled over the sun blotting out the light.
"Whoa! Where did those dark clouds come from?" Stone exclaimed dipping low as if the thunder made a swooping slice at his head.
"Dunno. It never normally clouds over that fast," Cera said staring up to the grey heavens. More thunder cracked and lightning danced over the smothering blanket patched over the sky.
"I do not like this…oh no, no, no!" Ducky quivered huddling close to Spike as the erratic storm worsened. Lightning flashed and tore across the terrain mercilessly accompanied by deafening thunderclaps and roaring winds.
"What's going on? The weather's going crazy all of a sudden," Mr Threehorn grunted as Dinah and Dana quickly took shelter under him.
"Perhaps there could be whirling winds on the way," Grandma Longneck suggested but Jill shook her head.
"No…this is no ordinary thunderstorm," she reported sternly.
"Whad'dya mean?" one dinosaur asked feeling a little unnerved.
"Something's wrong. Something like…a disturbance in nature's balance. Something's not right about this…I can feel it…" Jill said potently.
"I know what you mean…I can sense it too," Littlefoot agreed. A cold shiver tickled his spine unpleasantly and it quickly spread to the others.
"What is it? What's the matter?" Ducky's mother asked but before anyone could answer, the meadow flashed a brilliant white forcing everyone to shield their eyes from the glare.
"What the hell's going on?" Stone shouted dropping his hand from over his eyes but the meadow suddenly burst into an echoing cackle.
"Look! Up there!" Ali suddenly cried out gazing up at the skyline. There, hovering in mid-air was a rippling image of a large bird with its wings stretched out to their maximum span. The image rippled and wavered as it glowed a fiery red.
"What is that thing!" Mr Threehorn bellowed in amazement.
"Oh no! No-no-NO!" Littlefoot gasped in realising fright.
"It…it can't be! It's impossible!" Jill gaped throwing a hand over her hanging mouth. The gang huddled together in fear as they watched the fiery bird suddenly screech like a falcon and swooped down to the ground where it exploded into flames. Jill and Stone hopped backwards as a shadowy figure stood up in the heart of the blaze and slowly walked out of the flickering flames.
"No! You're…" Cera wailed fearfully as she and the others instantly recognised the figure as none other than the Red Phoenix.
"Surprised to see me?" she cackled wafting the fire behind her so it swayed like a dance partner, "I've gotta hand it to you; you really did pull it over on me back there. I must congratulate you all on attempting to get rid of me…but I am much too strong for you to defeat." Jill and Stone quickly raised their guns but the Red Phoenix dashed at them and disarmed them both with a swift grab and dismantled the weapons before their eyes. Enraged as she looked at her barrel-less pistol, Jill charged forward and spun at high speed to deliver a devastating reverse roundhouse to the Red Phoenix's head. To her surprise, her boot stopped short of its target. Turning to face her, she saw that the Red Phoenix had caught her foot effortlessly with one hand. With a sly smirk, the Red Phoenix threw Jill's trapped foot upwards launching her into an uncontrollable somersault which sent her crashing on top of Stone and Zephyr.
"The almighty Phoenix squadron still resort to brute force to win their battles. So predictable," the Red Phoenix sniggered as she scanned the horrified faces staring at her, "so this is where the little heroes dwell. I never noticed how wondrous your landscape was while I was under Westwood's brainwashing orders."
"H-how can you s-still be…?" Littlefoot stuttered.
"…Alive? Dear sweet Littlefoot. I am destined to fulfil my task of preserving beautiful, natural establishments such as this. And the only way to accomplish that is to eradicate the humans from the planet. It is fate…a fate that cannot be rewritten and I won't admit defeat until I've carried out what I am supposed to do."
"No! We won't let that happen!" Stone yelled in anger running at her. The Red Phoenix smiled sweetly as Stone threw a punch which she caught psychically without budging an inch. Stone struggled to move from his frozen position as he felt his body being lifted off the ground.
"Arrgghh! PUT ME DOWN!" Stone spat lividly but he quickly regretted his words as the Red Phoenix pressed a hand on his stomach and launched him backwards into the crowd bowling them all over. The Red Phoenix laughed mockingly aloud as she followed them up, watching them getting to their feet again.
"A very close call back in London but now there is nothing to save you this time."
"Still resorting to your petty magic tricks Phoenix?" Jill snorted.
"Because of my resurrection with Stones of Essence, I won't be moving on as long as they are still in circulation. Their limitless energy will constantly lead me to their location no matter where…or when they are," the Red Phoenix said as her hands became swamped in a dark mist, "once I reform the Heaven's Eternity Crystal, I will continue my task……and I'll destroy all those who stand to oppose me." With that, the back mist suddenly lifted off her hand and merged to form a threatening black ball of dark matter that hovered just in front of her face.
"This must stop! You will not harm the children!" Grandpa Longneck bellowed stepping in front of Littlefoot and his friends. The other adults promptly hopped forward to shield the gang from harm.
"No Grandpa! Don't!" Littlefoot cried knowing his grandfather could not comprehend what the Red Phoenix was capable of conjuring up. As the children pleaded with the elders to back down, Jill and Stone stood ahead of them all.
"Phoenix! You wouldn't dare! You wouldn't murder these innocent families…" Jill screamed but the Red Phoenix narrowed her eyes at her dangerously.
"……Watch me…"
Arm extended, the Red Phoenix struck the ball which shot at supersonic speed towards the defensive barrier that stood in front of Littlefoot and his friends.
"No!" the gang cried in unison. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the black ball came shooting at them. Suddenly, something flashed past everyone's line of sight like a lightning bolt. It moved so fast it was impossible to make out what it was. A blue, blurring streak of light passed through the air and sliced through the dark ball, cutting it in half where it erupted into gaseous wisps. As the black fog cleared from the air, in the centre of the impact point was a crouched figure with a blue, incandescent blade swung behind it. The figure slowly stood up and turned to face the crowd who were all amazed by its entrance.
"I…I don't believe it!" Littlefoot gasped feeling his spirit suddenly soar. Stood in between him, the adults and the Red Phoenix was a boy wearing blue jeans, a black-hooded jumper with a coiled silver dragon embodied on the front. In his right hand was a glowing, blue blade and around his neck was a gold chain with a glistening red, triangular ruby encased in the gold frame which hovered over his chest.
"Jason! He's alive!" Ali cried utterly astonished.
"Impossible! I robbed you of your life force. There's no way could have survived!" the Red Phoenix growled enraged but Jason completely ignored her. With a growing smile, he made his way over to his friends. Infuriated, the Red Phoenix launched a quick energy shot at him but without even looking, Jason raised a hand and deflected it right back at her knocking her over.
"Jason! You're all right!" Littlefoot exclaimed bounding over to meet him.
"Littlefoot…my dear friend. It is so good to see you again," Jason sighed wrapping his free hand around his long neck. In an instant, the rest of the gang galloped over to greet him.
"Jason! You back!" Petrie cawed perching on his shoulder.
"It's great to see you too Petrie. All of you," Jason beamed.
"But…where did you come from?" Ducky asked as she tried to restrain Spike from lapping at his face.
"I was here all along. You…all of you. You returned my stone to me and thus returned my imprisoned life force…you brought me back," Jason smiled.
"Nice to see you up and running again kiddo," Jill said clapping him on the back.
"Thanks Jill. Oh, by the way, I nicked your Laser Blade to take out that ball of dark matter. Closest thing to hand," he said deactivating the energy weapon and handing the handle back to her.
"But…the battery was dying," Jill said puzzled examining the weapon, "yet you charged it up to a power level I've never seen. I've never seen a Laser Blade glow BLUE before. Usually green means it's at maximum charge."
"Must have overcharged it. That's one for the records I think," Stone joked.
"Jason…" a soft voice then called from overhead.
"Grandma…Grandpa. It seems like a lifetime since I saw you last," Jason sighed happily hugging their noses as Littlefoot wandered over to join in.
Suddenly, an explosive roar rang out from the other side of the field and a tall silvery column of energy shot up to the darkened sky.
"You! You should have stayed dead boy! Now I will have to obliterate you along with your meddlesome friends!" the Red Phoenix screeched, "Come now!" Littlefoot suddenly jumped forwards.
"No way! This time, we are going to stop all this for good. Now we are all together, we will defeat you!" Littlefoot yelled valiantly.
"Yeah!" the others chanted in unison but Jason stepped out in front of them.
"No!" he shouted.
"Huh? What?" Littlefoot said staring at Jason open-mouthed.
"None of you are to get involved. You've fought your battle…now it's time for mine."
"What! You're going to fight her by yourself? Are you crazy!" Cera grunted.
"This is a personal matter. I must defeat her alone. I've left too much for you to do…now it's my turn."
"But Jason…" Littlefoot pleaded.
"Sorry Littlefoot. I don't want anyone else to get hurt because of her. No one else is going to die by her hand and I am going to see to that," Jason said taking a step forward but Littlefoot craned his head in front of him; his eyes wide begging him not to do it, "I know now what I must do. This…this is my destiny…and I must fulfil it." Littlefoot felt helpless but he understood exactly what he meant.
"Please…be careful," he whispered hoarsely.
"I will. Stand back and wait for me…okay?" Jason replied. Littlefoot nodded as he watched him walk out into the field.
"Jason!" Jill suddenly shouted to him. As he turned, she threw him her Laser Blade. With a mod, he continued to march towards the spot where the Red Phoenix was waiting.
"Go kick her ass…" Stone said lowly cheering him on as the crowd watched from a distance as Jason stood poised directly opposite the Red Phoenix who stood with her arms folded wearing a spiteful look.
Chapter 74: Family FeudThe raging thunderstorm continued its wrathful attack on the Great Valley skyline. The ripping, gale force winds came and went like crashing waves on an airy rough, airy tide. Jason stood, focus unbroken, on the Red Phoenix just across the way from him. His emotions running raw making every nerve tingle and burn from the tips of his fingers to his toes. The Red Phoenix stared him down; she could sense something dangerous just by the way he was standing and the transfixed gaze of his eyes.
"Your persistence is admirable. Even in death, you could not rest peacefully or pass on to the next life," the Red Phoenix said somewhat impressed. There was no sign of her normal mocking, sarcastic tone.
"I can pass on…not yet. Not knowing of your evil purpose for existing," Jason snarled. The Red Phoenix sniggered.
"Not a very nice thing to say to your mother," she joked.
"Don't say that!" Jason snapped angrily.
"Why not? It's the truth and you know it is whether you want to accept it or not," she argued forcing Jason to fall silent, "I could go through every moment of our lives from the day you were born, to the day we were separated seven years when Westwood shot me down in our escape. I could tell it to you like I was reading it from a book."
"If so, then tell me this…" Jason said but something was hurting him inside the more he heard, "if you are really my mother I adored so much back then, why would you turn on me? Why decide to eradicate everything the human race as strived to accomplish. Why destroy the human race?" The Red Phoenix placed her head in her hand for a moment allowing enough time for the audience of dinosaurs to slowly creep forward to a safe listening range.
"Even having explained it countless times before, you expect me to reiterate myself again? Fine…I wanted to allow the planet to thrive and bloom into the natural wonder that it was destined to be; I want to allow it to reach its full potential. Humans are a catalyst that hinder this process with their 'accomplishment' succeeding at the cost of the planet's well-being," she said slowly, "Humans destroy, everything they touch. The natural riches that try so desperately to flourish turn to dust at their development plans. Pollution, deforestation, eutrophication, waste dumping…the list is endless." The Red Phoenix began to pace up and down restlessly as her own words tormented her filling her with anger.
"I want to help restore the Earth to the natural beauty it has always longed to be and it is the Stones of Essence that will assist me. I can see they were the planet's final call for help and I'm acknowledging it."
"But why seek a solution in destroying everything. If everything is gone, then how can anything hope to survive?" Jason retorted.
"Because it is the only way. Clearing the land to make a fresh start. A new beginning without the poison that cripples its development."
"But what about me? If you were really my mother, how could you try to claim my life and those of my friends and still think you have a just cause?"
"As I said before, the souls of the Stone bearers must be at one with their power source. When I first confronted you, I was confused, still under the influence of Westwood's drugs and chemical treatments which left me brainwashed. It wasn't until I stole your life force that I realised who the real enemy was."
"So even in knowing this, you still sort to destroy us all?"
"I'm sorry Jason, but what I have decided cannot be turned upon. My fate is written…as I'm sure you know…so is yours…" Jason felt something shudder inside chilling his blood.
"Yes…I too know of my fate…" he said sounding downfallen. With a solemn nod, Jason tightened his grip on the Laser Blade in his right hand and activated it, "My fate…is to stop you."
With that, he slowly raised the glowing, blue, overcharged energy blade pointing it at the Red Phoenix who grinned slyly.
"So, you really think you can do it?" she edged, "you honestly think you can strike me down…your own mother?"
"Stop saying that!" Jason yelled, "Even though what you say about your past may be true, you're not my mother as far as I'm concerned! You have no soul…you're nothing more than a nightmare from the past brought back through hell-spawned methods and experiments. You are no better than ANY of the monsters that have emerged from the Red Phoenix Corporation's hell-hole!"
"I'm sorry you see it that way Jason. You've left me with no choice," the Red Phoenix signed as a long vine-like tentacle sprouted from her right hand and locked rigid with a shimmer of light making a biological sword surrounded by a magic sheath, "this time…I will have to kill you by physically destroying you. Either way I will continue my mission."
"I won't allow that to happen. This madness goes no further…" Jason said eyes locked on her.
"Then you'd better hope your spoken fate was not a false prophecy because you'll have nothing to return to if you fail." Jason's body flushed very hot. He grasped his ruby in his left hand for a moment, feeling his racing heart accelerate as he readied himself.
"Are you ready?" she asked flicking her weapon that cut the air with a dangerous swishing sound. Jason's eyes narrowed as he rolled the Laser Blade over his hand, caught it and held it outstretched at her face.
"Be warned…I won't hold anything back…" he replied precariously. The Red Phoenix's twisted smile returned as she waved him on.
"Then come on……COME AT ME!"
Jason snapped his Laser Blade down to his side and charged at the Red Phoenix roaring, his blade scorching the ground as it dragged along the grass. The Red Phoenix continued to smile not budging an inch as he ran full-speed at her head on. The thunderstruck audience held their breath as Jason's blue blade vaulted high over his head and came down with its neon, blurring tail to strike deathly blow right between the Red Phoenix's eyes. There was a blinding flash forcing everyone to shield their eyes as thunder boomed in the murky heavens above them. The glare slowly dissipated, fading from view revealing Jason and the Red Phoenix entangled in a fierce sword fight. The streaks from the overcharged Laser Blade laced the air with electric ribbons ghosting every sword slash which clattered with the Red Phoenix's magic shielded tentacle. Sparks of stray energy leapt from each strike, block and counter as neither fighter conceded a hit. Parrying a swipe to her abdomen, the Red Phoenix made a high slash at Jason's face who countered with another overhead swing. The two blades smashed into each other directly between their eyes instantly switching the fight into a grappling battle.
"Not bad. Your skills are actually better than I first envisioned," the Red Phoenix drooled pushing on her weapon trying to force it through Jason's guard.
"I'm glad you think so," Jason replied pushing into her harder, "but this is just the beginning. I'm just getting warmed up."
"Good…coz so am I," she said dangerously.
The grappling continued as the audience looked on awestruck. Jason strengthened his grip and leaned into the Red Phoenix forcing her to take a step backwards but all the while, the Red Phoenix's tentacle was growing brighter. All of a sudden, the Red Phoenix's weapon flashed into Jason's eyes and an invisible force threw him backwards. Shaking his head to throw off the daze, Jason looked up at the Red Phoenix from on the ground as she cackled over him.
"What kind of dirty trick?" Jason scorned still a little shaken.
"I don't remember agreeing to any rules," she gloated, "as far as I'm concerned, anything goes."
"You're going to regret that!" Jason growled but it just made her laugh harder. Angered by her mockery, Jason folded his legs in, rolled on to his back and flicked forwards and up to his feet. With his weapon in hand, Jason roared and charged headlong back into the fight. He slashed down and across at the Red Phoenix's torso but she hopped backwards out of harm's way. Jason followed up with a lunge, blade extended at full arm's length, at her stomach but she sharply knocked his weapon up and out of his grasp. With the opening, she thrust her tentacle at his chest but Jason swiftly jumped back and narrowly missed a follow-up, horizontal slash. Having rolled to one side, Jason caught the spinning Laser Blade in a reverse grip and launched the butt of the handle into her stomach. The Red Phoenix winched and staggered back slightly from the impact and made a weak block against a rapid succession of high and low attacks. Stumbling back as Jason laid into her, the Red Phoenix made a quick swing at his supporting leg which he instantly brought up out of range and shoved it heavily into her chest. The Red Phoenix flew backwards but managed to gain control of her flight and flipped over to her feet. She looked up in fury but gasped to see Jason almost on top of her again. She crouched down as he swiped at her head allowing his attack to over throw itself. There, she backflipped to her hands and kicked Jason under his chin throwing him into a crazed somersault. The Red Phoenix gracefully flicked over to her feet again as Jason recovered from the surprise counterattack the best he could by landing on his hands and knees. Slightly winded, Jason coughed trying at catch his breath when someone shouted out to him from the crowd.
"Jason! Look out! Above you!" Jill yelled urgently. Glancing up to the blackened sky, Jason saw the Red Phoenix airborne and was coming down on him, weapon aimed down, trying to plunge it through his spine. Unable to shift in time, Jason held the Laser Blade up over him but the powerful force behind the dive-bomb clashed so hard with his faltered guard that it threw him across the grass. Jason rolled over onto his back, his body aching and stinging in the cool grass as he panted wearily. His recovery was short-lived as the Red Phoenix attempted to pounce on him again. Ready for her second time around, Jason rolled his legs up as she came down sinking her weapon into the ground. With her blade temporarily out of action, Jason pushed up vertically into a handstand planting both feet solidly into her face. Caught off-guard, the Red Phoenix sprawled backwards landing on the base of her spine as Jason sprung from hands to feet; weapon at the ready.
Hopping to standing again, the Red Phoenix smirked as she watched Jason, stood poised awaiting another attack.
"He's good. I'd expect nothing less from the guardian of the Warrior's Heart Ruby," she said to herself, "I can't take him head on…I need to get round him." Then, she got an idea.
"Good, you're doing well Jason. Just what I'd expect from a keeper of a Stone of Essence. Nice work my son," she called over to him.
"Shut up!" Jason shouted defiantly.
"Now, let's see if you can impress you dear mother some more," she smiled.
"Shut up! SHUT UP!" Jason screamed. He kicked off the ground and sprinted towards her as the Red Phoenix did the same. The crowd gawked from the sidelines, the skies roared and danced with lightning and thunder as they approached each other in a deadly game of chicken. Taking the first opportunity, Jason attacked at blinding speed, half-expecting another grapple but to his amazement, his blade flew further than the point where their weapons were due to clash but hit nothing but air on the other end. The Red Phoenix was no longer in front of him. Bewildered, Jason suddenly heard the sound of rushing wind breeze past him and a rustling in the grass behind him.
"Jason! Behind you!" Littlefoot shouted. Whipping around, Jason caught the glimmer of something out of the corner of his eye. Unsure of what it was, he instinctively raised his sword but the force of a blow from the Red Phoenix knocked it out of his hand. Overcome by surprise, Jason felt a hand lock around his throat and lift him off the ground.
"Let…let go…of me!" Jason choked.
"I told you. You can't defeat me," the Red Phoenix grinned enjoying watching him suffer.
"You…you cheated. You tel-teleported…you dirty…" Jason spat loathingly but the Red Phoenix tightened her grip.
"There's no such thing as honourable fighting dear boy. Now, that was easier than I expected…how would you like to die?"
"Jason!" the gang cried.
"Stay…back! Don't…get…involved…" Jason shouted the best he could through his restricted windpipe.
"Jason…not again…" Littlefoot sighed unable to bear the thought of losing him again.
"You'd still prefer to play the hero's role. Prefer to suffer than call for help or admit defeat," the Red Phoenix smirked darkly squeezing even more.
"I won't…" he croaked.
"What's that?" the Red Phoenix asked airily pulling him closer.
"I won't…admit…defeat…to you," Jason managed to say. The Red Phoenix screwed up her face.
"You what?" she hummed in confusion. Suddenly, she felt something hit her hard in the stomach. Folding in with the blow, she loosened her grip on his throat a little but quickly felt another impact further up her body, in her chest. To her disbelief, Jason had tucked his legs up, began planting his feet into her and was literally walking up her body. Before she realised what was going on, Jason's third step was directly in her face and he gave an almighty kick off and flipped, head over heels, to his feet. As he finally touched the ground again, Jason clasped his smarting throat, coughing and spluttering as his airways opened up fully once more. However, his recovery was extremely short and he failed to notice the Red Phoenix running at him. Looking up, he was quickly cracked across his face by a heavy roundhouse kick sending him shooting backwards into the base of a tree which shuddered on impact.
"Jason!" Littlefoot cried springing to his aid followed closely by the other members of the gang.
"Littlefoot…guys…" Jason sighed exhaustively before collapsing.
"Poor Jason. He's so tired," Ali said sympathetically.
"He's done enough. Now it's our turn," Sergeant Stone announced glaring at the Red Phoenix who looked shaken from Jason's surprise escape. Jill nodded and stood shoulder to shoulder with him ready to launch into action on command.
"So…you two think you can do better?" the Red Phoenix growled. The humiliation of Jason's escape fired up into a burning rage, "I dare you…if you think you can…I dare you to step forward." Defiantly, Stone paced forward as did Jill. Unamused, the Red Phoenix stroked her glowing weapon and waved them on.
"No…don't…" Jason pleaded feebly but Jill and Stone had already taken off and were heading into the fray. Too worn out to move, Jason watched in fear as the two of them attempted to continue the fight he felt he was supposed to finish.