A/N: Consider this a Valentine's Gift from me to all you awesome readers out there because I love you all so much! Also, just wanted to say thanks to the two people who actually reviewed:

To Smiles1998: Thanks! I'm glad you like it!

To Obsidian The Ghost Faced: I'm really happy about your comment! It made me smile really big. Like this :D Your review actually got me off my butt to actually start this chapter.

I wanted to say thanks to everyone else who even viewed this story. I honestly didn't think it was going to be this popular….So, THANKS EVERYONE! Seeing your views on the traffic chart thingy makes me smile…a lot.

….

Yeah…I'll stop now….

ENJOY GUYS! :D

Phoenix Territory

Chapter One

{Part Neuf}

~Review Time Kiddies!~

After the exchange, Mystique Sonia spoke, "Miss Lark? Why didn't you tell us the entire story?"

Lark turned back toward Sonia, "Oh! That's right! You see I only gave you the shortened version because I knew we were not going to have enough time."

"Enough time?" Peacock Queen asked.

"Yes, because it is only a few minutes before Dawn."

That statement unleashed a whole new state of chaos. Everyone was now getting into battle-mode.

However, even with all the frenzy going on, two people stood calm.

"Are you ready, Lark?" Lin Chung asked while balancing on his staff.

Lark sighed, "As ready as I'll ever be…"

But she couldn't help thinking to herself, 'Jin…..You're such an idiot…"

~At BIG Green~

CLASH!

CLANG!

SCREECH!

ROAR!

One every level of Big Green the sounds of preparing for war could be heard. The Air Force was making sure the planes were fit for the air currents with enough ammunition to take care of the avian enemies. The Sailor Brothers armed Sammo to the teeth (figuratively and literally) with weapons. They would easily be able to beat their aquatic counterparts. Lastly, all the land creatures, human and animals, were training for what was to occur on the terrain battlefield. This is where we find both First and Second Squad with Commander Apetrully and Woo the Wise; working together to come up with a strategy to beat the soon-to-be-arriving opponents.

(….working together….?)

"That's a stupid plan, Kowloon!"

"At least it's better than your idiotic idea, Mighty Ray!" Kowloon smirked and in a mocking tone said, "'Let's just beat 'em up!'"

"Take that back!"

"Make me!"

(….That's more like it…)

Fighter from both sides tried to intervene, but were soon pulled into the petty argument as well. The Commander and Woo were trying to break up the fight, but were failing miserably…

"…Does this happen often, Young Warrior?" Lark asked whilst watching the scene with a sort of fascinated look on her face.

Lin Chung sighed as he looked at his comrades, "Unfortunately, it happens more often than you would think, M'Lady."

She glanced down at him with a smile, "I know how you feel. Jin and His Family are the same way."

Lin Chung looked up, "…the ones you mentioned in your story?"

Lark gave him a big smile, "Exactly."

"That must be terrible." He looked over at his friends still fighting, "Just thinking about them having god-like powers and retaining the same mentality… It sends shivers down my spine."

Lark threw her head back and let out a laugh; which in turn garnered the attention of the others.

"What's so funny!?" Alpha Girl growled out at the chuckling pair.

"Nothing at all, Miss Angry Leader." Alpha Girl had to be restrained at that one, "Merely reminiscing is all." Lark finished with an innocent smile. Before Latifah, or anyone else for that matter, could comment, Red-Face Kwan barreled into the room.

"Commander! Highroller has begun the attack!" Apetrully and Woo stood in shock before it finally hit them.

Highroller. Was. Attacking…

"AHHHHHHHHH!" Needless to say, the two started to freak out and run around in circles.

Mighty Ray looked on in disgust, "Forget them! Let's beat 'em up!" The rest of the teams shouted out their agreements and headed out to the combat zone. The Commander, Woo, and Kwan followed soon after yelling things like: "Hold it soldiers! We still need a plan!"; "Wait up, guys! I wanna see! I WANNA SEE!" and "Maybe we do not have to fight! Let us offer them gold instead!"… Now just two occupied the meeting room.

The taller of the duo spoke up once the sounds had faded, "Care to accompany me to the rooftop?"

"It would be my pleasure, Lady Lark." They shared another laugh, and made their way to Big Green's Summit.

To await a third.

~Review Time Number Deux Kiddies! ~

Jin snorted, "I know right? It's already dawn."

Highroller and the rest of camp looked at him and then at each other when it finally hit them, 'It's Dawn!'

A gigantic smile came to Highroller's face, "Lord Huojin! It is Dawn!"

Jin looked at him as if he was stupid, "Well, yeah. I just said that, didn't I?"

Highroller face palmed, "No, milord. What I meant was that it is the time to attack Big Green! To get back your mate!" That last part did it.

Jin stood up straight, fists clenched, and when the Sun appeared over the horizon bathing Jin in Its light, he became the Fire God that all fear. So, with his hair and arms aflame, he turned to Highroller, "Alright, Tiny Human. Let's do this."

~Oh, look! It's the Bad Guys! ~

The same sounds of war could be heard coming from the antagonists as well. Only, during the preparations one could hear Highroller's sick sadistic cackle of glee every now and again.

The Animal Royalties that were still loyal to Highroller readied their armies and got into position awaiting Highroller's command. Soon all noise died off and the Villain's makeshift camp became quiet and still. No sound was uttered as Highroller made his way towards the front lines. Every soldier, whether it is bear, eagle, or chameleon, had their eyes trained on their Leader, waiting for the command that would again set them into motion.

Highroller watched the Horizon until the Sun had finally shown itself entirely, "Animals! Today is the day! Today is the day we finally get our revenge on Big Green!" Every creature bellowed their happy agreements.

Highroller turned in the direction of his enemies and pointed, "Come! It is time to destroy those goodie-goodies once and for all!" His armies roared once more before charging across the field. All fully ready to win.

This action left two figures behind again. The shorter of the duo spoke up, "Well? What are you waiting for?" The taller, with hair and eyes still ablaze, smirked down at the other, "I could ask you the same thing, Tiny Human." Highroller started to sputter indignantly while Jin just smiled.

"Don't worry! I'm leaving now….and I'm taking you with me."

"WHAT?!"

The Fire God threw his head back and laughed, "I don't want you to miss anything! At least this way you'll have a front row seat!"

"Bu-bu-b-but!" Huojin laughed again before picking Highroller up by the back of his robe and taking off at a fast-pace toward the battlefield. To Highroller, the God looked as if He was eager to join into the fray, but that wasn't the case at all. It wasn't the war that made Him hurry….

'Lark….'

ON TOP OF BIG GREEN! ~~

The Sun had started its path across the Sky a little while ago, and as Lin Chung glanced at the landscape, both above and below him, he could see his friends engaging in battle with Highroller's forces. Although, something didn't quite sit right with him….

"Where is Highroller and The Fire God?" Lin Chung mused out loud; which caught the attention of his taller companion.

"I just sensed Him and the Little Criminal a while ago… No idea where they went."

BOOM!

Both of their heads snapped quickly to where the sound came from. Only to see a thirty foot column of fire. Headed straight towards Big Green.

To them.

Lark, with a deadpan expression on her face, finally spoke, "Found Him."

The two shared a smile and simply waited, knowing that the other two would get here eventually.

Meanwhile with Jin and Highroller~~

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!" Highroller screamed as he was flung over Jin's shoulder and surrounded by a torrent of flames.

"HAHAHA! I'm surprised you can utter any sound at all, Tiny Human!" Jin laughed and continued on his way, only this time as a giant blazing tornado tearing across the battleground. The sight stunned both sides, but not for long. Each faction began to fight again. Their immediate enemy was far more important in their minds.

When Jin finally made it to the line where water meets land near Big Green's fortress, He let His element die out and unceremoniously dropped Highroller from his perch on His shoulder. Jin stared at the water for a few moments before trailing His gaze upwards toward the turtle-shaped dome. Until His eyes landed on two lone figures at the very apex of the stronghold that hid His Lark from Him.

'Well, perhaps…not anymore…'

Jin braced his feet and bowed His head. Highroller could hear an occasional grunt come from the God, "What's happening? What's going on?"

The Volcanic God turned toward Highroller and he could see a thin sheen of sweat covering His body, "Soon you will see, everyone will see, exactly why my worshippers call me 'The Fire Beast'." Jin then straightened up completely with His arms spread out wide. 'I must be getting old…This was much easier a couple of centuries ago….'

He let out an unnatural screech and burst into flames, 'There we go.'

Highroller crawled away in fear, for Jin was no longer standing there. Highroller could now see how He had earned that name…along with several others….

The Phoenix King stood before him now with wings outstretched and their span longer than the Lotus Tree is tall. His body was almost as immense as Big Green and every inch of Him was emitting a brilliant light and warmth that was reminiscent of the God's fiery crater of a home.

Highroller could do nothing but stare at the Fire God's new form. He couldn't believe that Jin, Jin- 'that bi-polar idiot!', was this fear-invoking, awe-inspiring creature of legend. With one more ear-piercing shriek, The Phoenix took off into the Sky, headed straight towards Big Green's headquarters.

'To my mate.'

~While this Super-Special-Awesome Transformation Sequence was Taking Place…~

"He stopped. Why?" Lin Chung asked while sitting on his staff again (at least this way he doesn't have to look up at her anymore). Lark was staring at Jin down below them, with such excitement she was practically jumping up and down. She looked at Lin Chung out of her peripheral, "Watch this, Young Warrior. You will enjoy it."

SCREECH!

Their eyes whipped to Jin again and to Lin Chung's surprise the human-like figure was gone. Instead, a glorious bird of myth stood in His place.

Lin Chung let out the breath he didn't realize he was holding, "The Phoenix King."

Said Divine Creature rose up high above the conflict below and flew up blacking the Sun's rays with His magnificent size. The Phoenix stayed suspended in midair like that for a while, if only to have everyone bask in His radiance.

"Show off…" Lark mumbled under breath. It was almost as if He had heard her for as soon as Lark stopped speaking The Fire King dove toward her perch on Big Green command center's pinnacle.

The masses down below gasped as the fiery beast headed straight for the two. They had all stopped fighting long ago to see what would become of an interaction such as this. Highroller on the other hand…

"Quick!" He whisper-yelled to the animal royals on his side. "Retreat! With that idiot confronting them personally, He'll find out the truth!" The animals, plus the Zebra Brothers, gulped in fear and immediately went to gather their respective troops. Each was hoping to make a quiet getaway. They knew what Jin was like when it came to His mate, and not a one of them wanted to end up impaled on a stick being toasted over the fires of His Volcanic dwelling….

At the very last minute, Jin pulled up slightly and landed in front of the two individuals in His human form. Jin just stood there staring between the both of them for a few moments before finally opening his mouth to speak, "…. So what? Was I not short enough for you or something?" Lark and Lin Chung looked at each other taken a back for a second before it dawned on them.

"…. You're stupid."

"Oh! So is this insignificant mortal smarter than me? Is that why you left me? Did you leave me willingly?!" Jin asked heatedly while slowly advancing on Lin Chung, fully ready to maim.

"JIN! Really?! You're goi-" Lark started to tell the Fire God off when Lin Chung interrupted; "Lady Lark did no such thing, Lord Huojin. She would never do that. As for the reason she is here, it is because my team and I rescued her." The other two looked on in slight amazement. One couldn't believe this small creature stood up to Him, and the other couldn't be happier for she had an inkling of where the Young Warrior got his spirit from.

Jin, not wanting to stop being mad yet, decided to prod for details. "Oh? From who, exactly?" He glared down at Lin Chung with His arms crossed.

"Whom, Jin. Whom…." Lark said in an exasperated voice gripping the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger. Jin turned toward her about to say something undoubtedly foolish when Lin Chung spoke, "Highroller."

Huojin froze, "….What did you say?"

Lin Chung had to tilt his neck to an almost painful angle due to the God's height, but he eventually was able to look into Jin's confused carmine eyes, "Highroller kidnapped your Companion. We rescued Lady Lark from his dungeons and brought her here. To show you the truth. To show you we are no threat."

"HA! I already knew that! ... But what you say is true? Lark? Is it?" Jin's voice was laced with betrayal and a slight undertone of almost desperation. Even though Highroller was a human, He had grown fond of the short villain and his band of animals. Especially those Zebra Siblings, they amused Him.

Well, more like fond of their reactions whenever He said or did anything really. Whatever the reason though, Jin wasn't happy being tricked and didn't want it to be true, but His mate took care of that. "Tis true, Jin. When I would not show this High Roller person to your Volcano, he captured me and went about his merry way." Lark rested her hand on Jin's upper arm and gazed up at Him, "…. It is over now though. I am here, and we can go back home now."

The Fire God wrapped His arms around His mate and nuzzled His face in her neck, familiarizing Himself with her scent again. Jin sighed and rested His chin on top of Lark's head. He looked down at the grey-haired human, "If that is the case, then I must thank you for returning my Song-Bird to me." He let go of Lark and took a few steps until He was standing in front of Lin Chung.

Big Green's armies were watching the entire exchange. Every one of them worried for Lin Chung's safety, so they couldn't help but let out another collective gasp of fear as they saw The Phoenix-turned God stepping meaningfully toward their friend. They saw the Fire god bend down toward Lin Chung and–

"WAIT! DO NOT DO ANYTHING RASH, MY FRIEND!"

Jin straightened up as He observed the weird being wobbling towards them somewhat out of breath. 'Who slightly smells of monkey…?' He had a bemused look on His face when the Monkey Human finally reached them.

"Commander Apetrully! What are you doing up here?" Lin Chung asked concern filling his words.

"I merely wanted to reason with The Phoenix King! By offering Him gold!" The Commander held up said pile of gold to the God.

They all looked confused , "Reason with Him, why Commander?"

"Well…wasn't He going to harm you?" Now, Apetrully was the one confused.

Lark giggled, "Not at all, Little Leader!" She took a few steps forward and put her hand on Jin's shoulder, "Far from it in fact!"

Apetrully looked up at Lark, "Really?"

Jin spoke up this time, "I was merely going to give him my blessing in the many upcoming endeavors he will have to face."

"Oh, my! What glorious news! ….Does this mean you will be joining Big Green?" The Commander asked eyes wide and hands clasped in silent expectation.

Jin smirked, "Well, actually I-"

"I AM MIGHTY RAY! FEAR MY EYEBALLS!" Lightening flew from the area the overly obnoxious voice was coming from and headed straight towards Jin….

Who promptly deflected it with a wave of His hand into another direction.

The small group turned and saw both Second and the rest of First Squad standing off to the side more than ready for battle, "Hands off the Commander and Lin Chung otherwise you'll have US to deal with. Got it, Featherbrain!?" Alpha Girl said with her arm outstretched pointing at Him and her club resting against her shoulder.

Huojin looked at each of them before bursting into a fit of laughter, "Hey! What's so funny, buddy?!" Kowloon yelled.

Jin quieted himself down, but He still had a smile on His face, "I shall kill you now, yes?" At that His hand burst into flames ready to consume and burn anything they touched.

The "heroes'" adrenaline rushes officially faded away at the sight of the fire-wielding giant with the inhuman grin on His face.

"Don't."

Everyone's attention quickly turned to the seemingly forgotten Lark. She tightened her grip on Jin's shoulder, "Don't." She looked up at him, "They have been so nice to me… Not to mention, they are the Young Warrior's friends and teammates." She whispered into His ear.

"Really?" Lark nodded. Jin looked over at Lin Chung and let His Fire die down, "So be it."

Jin lifted His clawed forefinger and pressed it to the middle of Lin Chung's forehead, "You protected what was mine-" Lark scoffed. "Now I'll protect you….. Well, in a way…. I give you my blessing, Young Warrior, for I know you will need it." Jin smirked again and let His arm drop to His side. The Phoenix King's mark was left in its place: a smaller version of Himself in animal form all ablaze. It glowed for a few seconds before disappearing.

Jin clapped His hands together making everyone jump, "Well now that issue is done with…." He quickly scooped Lark into His arms despite her protesting that she 'could walk just fine, thank you!'

"Shut up. I'm taking you home." Jin turned back to the humans, "Sorry we can't stay and chat, but you know… Anyways, thanks." He bowed His head to Lin Chung once more and unfurled his crimson colored wings.

"Bye Young Warrior and Friends! Don't forget to visit!~" Lark yelled over Jin's shoulder as they took off.

…

"What just happened?" Sonia asked completely bewildered at the situation.

"O.K. Good. At least we're not the only ones left out and totally confused this time." Alpha Girl said as she dropped her club and sighed.

Apetrully looked down at everyone still down below, "Trying to explain this to everyone else is going to be a chore."

"No kidding, Commander." The two squads turned to look at the newcomer.

"Kwan!"

"I came up here to inform all of you that Highroller's forces retreated some time ago while we were distracted…. Now why would he do that I wonder?" If his face could get any redder it would have at this point.

"If Highroller stuck around any longer than he did, then he would be within target range of Lord Huojin's attacks." Lin Chung stood in front of Kwan and looked him in the eye, "Highroller tricked Him and stole His mate. I shudder to think what kind of torture Highroller would have gone through if he did stay." Kwan grunted and nodded his head in understanding.

"So, wait a sec!" They turned toward Mighty Ray, "Was that the God Lark said that I was like?!"

"You? Like a god?! That's a laugh!" Kowloon doubled over from laughing so hard.

"Hey! I am to like a god!" Only more laughter could be heard in response.

"Grrrr! That's it!" And so another wrestling match occurred that again grew to involve both squads.

Red faced Kwan, Apetrully, Woo, and Lin Chung stood off to the side watching the fight. Kwan, without tearing his eyes away from the brawl, spoke, "Well, I suppose we should start gathering the others and explaining the situation."

"Oh, most definitely! Come along, everyone!" The Commander shouted enthusiastically. No one did. They just continued to fight. Apetrully sighed dejectedly.

"Don't worry, Commander. The three of us will go with you." Lin Chung said with a tiny smile.

Kwan grunted his consent, "Good thing, too. Bringing them would give us more trouble than what we are going to have regardless."

The Commander lowered his head, "All right then, we shall leave them here and go explain everything to everyone else."

Lin Chung and Kwan nodded and began to follow when Woo, who was close behind, spoke, "And after that is done we will have another order of business to discuss."

Lin Chung let out a small 'hmm?' to show that he was listening. "The next issue is to pick which God we are visiting next!"

The three males in front stopped dead in their tracks and turned, "What?!"

The fighters behind him stilled completely, "WHAT?!"

Woo looked around at all of them and tilted his head to the side shrugging his shoulders, "….What?"

…..

"NO!"

"Awwww…"

A/N: OMG IT'S THE END!

…

…..

Nah, I'm just kidding, but it is the end of the Phoenix Territory Arc. Next chapter will start the new god series…..Guys it's gonna be CHAPTER TWO! AHHHHHHH! X3

On another note, I just don't know about this chapter….. it seems…. Idk….. Maybe its just the fact that my finals are in a few days and I'm just seriously stressed out…. Yeah that's probably it….

Anyways! I want you guys to review or PM me about what you guys thought. I really want to hear from you!

Also! Remember all those names from last chapter? You do? Well, I want you to pick one. Send it to me in a PM or a Review.

One more thing, I just wanted to thank my reviewers and readers one more time along with my chemistry study group (even though I'm not even in chemistry) and VSQ. If it wasn't for you guys this chapter wouldn't be possible. T-T

…

Otay, I'm done now. :D