The Riseof

Absitinvidia

By: W.T.P. Markwalder

www.lulu.com

© 2011 by William P. MarkwalderRegistration Number: PendingAll rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publishers, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, or journal.

1st Printing

ISBN: 978-1-257-76784-7PUBLISHED BY LULU.COM

www.lulu.com

Printed in the United States of America

~ ~ ~Special thanks to,

Kathi L. H. Dempsey.Without her, Baalat would have a different name.

~ ~ ~

Chapter 1Chapter 1Cliff Diving.

Standing at the edge of the cliff, Phoenix watched the sunset against the horizon of the vast sea. The salty breeze flowed through the fiery colors of his hair as it lay against his relaxed shoulders. His wings rose and fell with each breath, their feathers silent to the wind. Stretching his arms out to the side in a yawn; his wings extended out their full span crossing out the setting sun.

Ali stepped up a few feet behind him, sighing as her gaze shifted from him to the colors of the setting sun. Resting his wings along his back he turned and walked back towards her. Ali spoke to him.

“Rachael wanted me to come tell you dinner is almost ready.”“Have you ever wondered why evolution’s path varies so much?”“What?”“Never mind, I’ve just been thinking too deeply again.”“Oh, ok then.”

Ali briefly rubbed his arm attempting to bring comfort to his mind before she turned back to join the others.

Looking back at the nearly completed sunset, Phoenix walked back to the edge of the cliff. His body fell forward over the cliff’s edge as if it were pushed. The moist humid air rushed over him as he fell, his eyes closing on the way down. Sharp sea worn rocks below reached up long jagged fingers that seemed to be clawing at the air for his body. Like a parachute opening, his wings stretched out catching massive pockets of salty air launching him back up towards the rock face edge of the cliff.

Flying past the top, his hands grabbed hold of someone that wasn’t there. A small disembodied yelp came from his empty hands as clouds swirled up around his body. Shooting up through the vast landscape of weightless cotton, the darkening of the vast night

~1~

approaching he drifted there holding an unseen form in his arms. There was disembodied laughter coming from within his arms as

the moons light bathed the new puffy landscapes of clouds just below his feet. The laughing died down as a familiar female’s body filled the void within his arms, her back against his chest. Phoenix held her tighter as he rested his head on her left shoulder.

Swinging her feet playfully, she pulled his arms tighter around her waist. She had four wings of her own; they were a slightly brighter red then his with red embers sparking off of them ever so often. Her hair, fell past elegant shoulders, it was mostly straight with a slight curl at the bottom. Her eyes were the deep red true to a fresh rose, both beauty and danger vying within. Phoenix spoke affectionately to her.

“You really caught me off guard there.”“So, I’m getting better then?”“Always.”“You aren’t cross with me then?”“Well…”“Oh no.”

She bit her lower lip in anticipation as her mind raced at the possibilities of what he might do to her for knocking him off the cliff.

Phoenix grinned impishly at the look of worry on her face. Without warning he tossed her several feet into the air above. Her arms and legs sprawled out attempting to grasp onto something. Leaning backwards, Phoenix fell below the clouds winking up at her. Quickly regaining her composure, she glared down at him, playfully shaking her finger, her lips pressed into a tight smile.

Spilling air from her wings, she plunged down into the clouds; violently they swirled around her body as she exited below them. Her eyes searched the sky around her, looking for any sign of him. Her irises fractured out changing the colors of the world around her. She now saw things in a whole new light spectrum. Things hidden in the white light stood out in this new kind.

In the distance, she could see the mesmerizing colors of the once white light radiating into the atmosphere from the large sphere she and Phoenix had previously made in the sea as a beacon and memorial. Even with this new outlook on the world, she did not see him; that is, not until he wrapped his arms around her waist as he floated in the air behind her. As if lost in thought she asked him a question.

“How many more still haven’t shown up?”“A few hundred. They are on their way to it though.”“You’re sure?”

~2~

“You don’t trust me?”“No, nothing like that. I just want to be sure everyone is there.”“I won’t start until everyone is there.”“Promise?”“Yes, I promise.”

Phoenix closed two of his wings around Anastasia and himself, pressing her close against his body. Falling backward into the air currents his other two wings held them along a gentle glide.

~3~

Chapter 2Chapter 2Lost And Found.

Sarah entered the glass sphere, as several others followed behind her. Its walls had rows and rows of seats neatly spiraling down to the bottom. The light that had been seen emitting from inside the sphere on the outside had no source inside the great sphere. It was indeed bright and spacious but there was nothing emitting an intense bright light of any kind. The walls looked like there were made of white marble with light gray veins running through out it. In fact the entire ‘room’ was made of what appeared to be white marble stone.

Most of the crowd inside was shaken by the destruction of The Tower. To them it was a home they could go to when they had no other, a place to call their own, to have a family when outside they had none. Sarah had seen herself as one of the lucky ones. She had a family on the outside, or she hoped she still did. It wasn’t clear to her how far the explosion’s hands reached out.

She glided down effortlessly to an empty row of seats, her face cradled within her hands trying to wake-up from what seemed to be a dream. Regret started to sink in then, regret that she ever saw that Agent as a child. Regret that she ever wanted to grow up to be as strong and confident as that Agent. If only she hadn’t seen that Agent take down that Fallen Phoenix just outside her parents castle grounds, she would have grown up normal. Or what she thought was normal, a life as a hidden citizen in a world over run by a species that hated what it didn’t understand.

Her thoughts continued to raced about in disorganized chaos as to how life might have been if she had never gone to study and train at The Tower.

“Then we might not have met each other.”A male’s voice broke her from her thoughts. She turned out of her thoughts to see the owner of the voice.

~4~

Beside her was a young male, appearing to be a few years older than she was. His hair was cut shoulder length, strawberry blonde waves throughout its layers. His eyes were gently focused upon her, holding a look of affection as a smile danced across her face. His azure colored wings fell loosely on his back, relaxed and barely moving as he breathed. He spoke calmly to her, a sense of worry in his voice.

“So, where have you been staying the last few days? I’ve been worried about you.”

Absentmindedly she looked up at the hole as still more flew in.“Sarah? Where have you been staying?”

She hung her head, staring at her feet.“Sarah, please answer me.”“With Anastasia…”“Isn’t she with the outlaw you and Agent Frank were supposed to be hunting?”“Yes.”“I’m not sure I understand.”“Please, don’t be mad at me.”

She met his gaze, deep concern on her face.“I won’t, just tell me.”“Phoenix… err… the outlaw wasn’t what the Council made him out to be like.”“What do you mean?”“Can you answer me something?”“Yes, but…”“If we were both murdered and for some reason I wasn’t able to rebirth and you were, would you avenge my death?”“Of course I would, but what does… oh.”“That’s all he did, and the Council labeled him a Fallen Phoenix and put him into exile.”

Tears were falling from Sarah’s eyes as she looked into Thomas’ now understanding eyes.

Thomas wrapped one of his wings around her, pulling her in closer, holding her in his arms as she wept lightly. It was then he noticed that the small chatter in the vast round structure had become a low mummer. Looking around, everyone’s face was turned upward looking at the hole at the top as the out-law Phoenix and a female dropped calmly out of the sky.

Phoenix’s eyes surveyed the room as they descended to a rising platform. Sarah lifted her head from Thomas’ shoulder as she too watched them. Anastasia spotted her among the now crowded rows

~5~

and waved friendlily to her. Hundreds of eyes turned their focus onto Sarah, nervously she waved back, the small chatter grew louder. Thomas saw Phoenix just as he nodded a small greeting toward him. Bewildered he raised an eyebrow returning a curious look.

Thomas continued to watch them as they landed on the pedestal; Phoenix with his arm around Anastasia’s waist. Thomas leaned into Sarah closely so only she could hear him.

“Who’s that with him?”“That’s Anastasia.”“No… can’t be?” “That’s how she truly looks… or how she used to look.”“But she looks so different from when she was at The Tower.”“It’s hard to explain and they really haven’t told me all the details about it.”Thomas turned back to looking at Phoenix standing in the

center of the pedestal; a stone podium grew up in front of him as two stone benches grew behind. Sarah whispered into Thomas’ ear.

“He should take his sunglasses of for this.”Anastasia sat on one of the benches as the eyes of the room

shifted their gazes back unto Phoenix as he straightened his long coat. Clearing his throat Phoenix spoke up loudly so everyone could hear him.

“I know that most if not all of you still see me as The Tower’s most elusive Fallen Phoenix to date. This combined with the fact that you were taught that they were dangerous, destructive, and very manipulative. I’m sure that most of you are looking down at me in both hate and disgust for what I have done as of lately. I am not proud of it and I do grieve for those lost due to it. I can’t change that The Tower and the surrounding city no longer exist, and I’m sure that most if not all of you would not believe me if I told you the reasons why I did what I did. I’d like you to take a second however and think back to the last few minutes before you fled The Tower. I’m positive you’ll remember receiving a message from The Towers Central Computer Systems warning you what was about to happen. A program of mine has been running on the computers there and one of its tasks was to read over and analyze each of your files, including your physiological evaluations. Each of you received that warning because that program factored that you were not one of the ones that blindly follow orders. Among other factors. I know that many of you saw The Tower as a home and family,

~6~

one of which I have taken from you; but I would like to think that if we all work together we can build a new one up from the debris and ash. One that is free of envy or ill will towards one another. Something like that may seem impossible to have but I’m willing to get as close to it as we can get it. Somehow we can build a new world side by side with the humans, no longer living in the dark hiding from them. Just because they feared us in the past does not mean that they have not matured. I believe that now we can show our true selves to them. We were once seen as gods, even as angels to them. Now we can rise back up and reveal ourselves again. With our centuries of knowledge we can make a better world for both Phoenician* and humans alike to live in.”Phoenix stepped down from the podium, sitting on the empty

stone bench. A low mummer swept throughout the round structure. Standing up from her seat Anastasia stepped up to the podium nervously clearing her throat. The mummer barely died down. She cleared her throat again, but gained no respect.

A small anger grew in her. Her head hung looking down at the podium as she closed her eyes. Phoenix casually took out some cotton and plugged his ears with it. Anastasia lifted her head up towards the ceiling letting out a highly intense scream that echoed up and out of the structure. A small crack stretched across one of the lens in Phoenix’s sunglasses.

Silence fell throughout the room as the remnants of her scream faded. Everyone’s undivided focus was back onto the platform.

“Thank you. Some of you may or may not recognize me. Some of you were my closest friends at The Tower, others were merely acquaintances. But whether you knew me as Anastasia the top of her class out spoken girl you could talk to about anything, or as Anastasia the girl you passed in the hall on your way to a lesson, doesn’t matter. I was to be Agent Franks replacement and to take over his hunt for the ‘Fallen Phoenix’ you see behind me. And as some of you know, an Agent needs to know everything about their target in order to successfully capture it. But I wasn’t told everything about this one. The council deliberately concealed evidence from me. Only I thought I was told everything. I was all gun-ho on capturing him and bringing him in for his sentence.”

Anastasia bit her lip and glanced over her shoulder looking for a moment at Phoenix before resuming her speech.

*fu'nee-shun

~7~

“Permeate death. The council feared what he knew, what he was, so much that they wanted him dead. This hate they harbored became like a sickness for them, and soon spread to the rest of us. We were told horrific stories about him and what he had done. In short, we were lied to. The scary thing is he’s not the first one they lied to us about. There were countless others. Other Phoenician’s that knew too much about something or spoke their minds. They too were hunted down just the same as the real Fallen Phoenixes were. Treated the same way as a vicious criminal all because they spoke up and wanted to take a stand against a corrupted council. We were blindly told that we could live and learn in an open free environment free from the fear and hate that the humans had for us; a safe place where we could build and learn on each others ideas. But it was all a lie! We were living in a closet dictatorship. Freedom of idea and speech was fine so long as it was the same idea’s and views of the council. For far too long we blindly followed them because that’s all we knew, because they would never let anyone stand up and say otherwise. We were so scared of the outside that we allowed this to happen. But now we have been given a chance to start over. A chance to create the lie we lived, but this time for real. A true place where one can speak their mind. Where you can truly build on others ideas. Where we can all live without fear of the humans, because in all truths we are the stronger species. We can be the more peaceful level headed species. So I stand before you, as a former classmate, an Agent and I say to you all that I will stand here next to this ‘Fallen Phoenix’ and help build a new city for all of us to live in. A city, not just a tower, but a full city. And I now ask who else will stand with him and help build our new future?”

With the last bit of her words fading out in the room, silence prevailed. Looking around at the vast crowd she worried that nobody would join them.

Thomas opened his wing and arm from around Sarah, and stood up. A look of confidence on his face, he spoke up with conviction in his voice.

“I’ll help.”Sarah smiled joining him.

“I’ll help.”All eyes were back on them, Anastasia smiling lightly at them. Slowly others stood joining them, but many remained seated.

~8~

Chapter 3Chapter 3Nowhere, U.S.A.

Rachael walked out of the house into the screened-in porch as a cool autumn breeze blew through the large pecan trees in the front yard. It was an old farm house on the outskirts of a small rural town. Ali had taken Rachael and Mai to this dwelling when Phoenix and Anastasia took flight back out over the sea just a day earlier.

Ali was in town at the local market buying groceries to stock the cupboards and old icebox in the kitchen. Just like Phoenix, Ali was able to fold her wings into her back giving her the ability to walk about town without drawing attention to herself, other than she was a new comer.

Rachael was sitting on the porch when Anastasia fractured into focus, her back leaning against the homes doorway; her arms folded across her chest. Dust swirled up into the air from her sudden appearance causing her to sneeze several times. Nonchalantly, Rachael passed her a box of tissue.

“Where’s Phoenix?”“He’s setting up a safe haven for the survivors to stay while he scouts for an area large enough for us to start building our new city.”“How did it go with them?”“Well, we got some supporters, but there are still a lot that aren’t sure what to think or do right now. They aren’t sure what to believe or who to trust. The ones that are willing to help have good hearts and will help the others come along in time.”“What is going to be done about the news reporters and other humans that were there and saw what happened?”“Phoenix wants us out into the open now, not to hide in the shadows anymore. He wants us all to live together in the new city.”

~9~

“Any idea on what the city will be called?”“Well since the idea is to build one on the ideals of no envy or ill will to one another it’s only fitting to name it Absitinvidia*.”Anastasia folded the used tissue into her pocket and stepped

into the house. She turned on some music while pulling her hair back into a ponytail and started to clean up the layers of dust up while dancing around to the music.

It was the first day they were in their new home; which was evident that it had been some time since it was lived-in prior to their arrival. Rachael stepped down off the porch to take a walk around the house to the yard in back. Ideas of flowers and gardens appeared in her mind as she felt the cool moist dirt between her toes.

Living in a penthouse in a large city didn’t give much room for one to exercise their natural green thumb. She could see rose bushes creeping up one of the dead trees in the spring and patches of lilacs growing in abundance all around. Even though her gardens weren’t there yet she could see them vividly in her mind.

It was getting dark as the fireflies began their nightly dance by the time Ali got back from the market. It wasn’t that the house was that far from town, but still walking is slower when you’re accustomed to flying. The house was brightly lit, illuminating the yard when Phoenix walked up the footpath. There was calmness to the air as the moon crested over the roof adding its light to the yard. Phoenix stopped just a couple of feet from the porch. He could hear laughter coming from inside the lowly farm house.

A forgotten warmth filled him as he stood there letting the moon brighten the night around him. Since his realization of who Anastasia is, getting her back and the ordeal over the fall of The Tower, Phoenix hadn’t had a chance to take the time to let it sink in how much his life was different now. Smiling slightly, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small glass orb with swirling black liquid inside.

Ali was still putting away groceries while Anastasia had to fight her from sampling what she was making for dinner. Rachael couldn’t help but chuckle lightly at the commotion in the kitchen as she prepared the dinner table. The house rumbled slightly as Phoenix walked through the front door and hung up his coat.

“I’m really going to miss my armchair in front of the fireplace.”

Phoenix said thinking out loud to himself.Bright ruby red flames erupted suddenly climbing up on the wall

*ab-sit-in-'wi-de-a

~10~

perpendicular to the front door. River stones began to pull themselves together on to the wall creating a fireplace. A second burst of flames formed an armchair in front of the newly formed fireplace. Phoenix stood there for a moment trying to think if he created the fireplace and armchair absentmindedly or what. He didn’t have to mull over the notion for too long when he felt Anastasia’s arms wrap around his waist.

“You weren’t the only one missing the fireplace and the armchair. I really did appreciate you recreating my room back at the penthouse; but to tell you the truth, I liked sleeping in your room, in your bed. It felt right.”“It has been so long since I’ve been around another fellowMeraphorn*, I kind of got use to being the only phoenix that could manifest things into existence. I’m very pleased to see you’re getting used to the unlocked abilities. With you by my side I don’t see anything getting in our way of building Absitinvidia.”

Anastasia smiled coyly to Phoenix’s remark. “Sweetie, just before you came inside, the house seemed to

shake slightly, do you know why?”He pulled her around holding her close in front of him before giving his answer.

“In the morning you’ll see, but I don’t want you to go outside until then ok?”

She nodded timidly knowing his surprises were usually worth the wait.Even with fending off Ali while making dinner it turned out rather

charming. Rachael had even made a centerpiece with some of the wild flowers she picked from the yard. The dinner was full of laughter and of old stories as everyone enjoyed each other’s company. Mai had even projected a hologram of himself to sit with everyone at the table. He ate the digital representation of the meal so it wasn’t as obvious that he was just sitting there with an empty plate in front of him.

*mehra-forn

~11~

Since Phoenix hadn’t yet installed the proper wiring and power amplifiers for Mai to project himself without putting a strain on the house, they ate their dinner under candle lights so that he could use the energy he needed. Every now and again Ali would alter his appearance for her own amusement since he was still using her old terminal. He’d get mad but since everyone was having fun it didn’t bother him as much. The dinner was long over by the time the crickets had stopped their chipping just outside when everyone called it a night.

The dishes were done and put away and everyone was sound asleep in bed when Anastasia crept downstairs and towards the front door. She stopped momentarily before opening the front door to listen for any signs of movement from upstairs. She tightened the straps of her robe around her waist before opening the door and walking outside. There in the front yard at least fifteen feet tall was a large black metal rose shimmering in the moon light. Its stem twisted and curled in and around itself at the bottom creating a strong support to hold the rose high in the air.

«This must have been the surprise he wanted me to see in the morning. It looks just like the rose table he made me that night I accidentally dropped one of the black glass orbs in his room. At that time it grew wildly and I was afraid of it because I had never seen anything like it before, but this is what it must look like when you purposely break one of those orbs and know how to control its growth.»

No sooner had she finished her thought that the silence was broken as Phoenix whispered in her ear.

“I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist sneaking outside as soon as everyone went to bed. It’s ok, because I was counting on you too. Just like this rose, my love for you will never wilt. No matter where we live there will always be a black metal rose for you as a tribute of my love for you.”

Anastasia wrapped her arms around Phoenix’s neck pulling him closer as she kissed him passionately her wings lifting slightly as he embraced her kiss and held her tighter in his arms.

~12~

Chapter Chapter 44Our Founding Parents.

Absitinvidia, now founded and was growing in to a large town by the time winters first snow hit the ground. Plans were being put into motion to have Phoenix meet with the United Nations. Absitinvidia was at least one hundred miles from the nearest city giving it plenty of growing room along with a buffer so the citizens could live within it unrestricted until the humans have been prepared for their reveal.

It took some old favors to be called in but Phoenix had an audience to speak at a summit of all the world's leaders. It was there he would unveil the citizens of his new city.

“If I could successfully prove to the leaders of the many nations that the Phoenicians aren’t a threat but more of a peaceful genus then we can accelerate both of our evolutionary status.”

Phoenix sat at his desk in the business luxury class train car, Rachael sitting across from him sipping a cup of tea.

“You're going to have a tough time convincing them this. They will have many questions for you once you open your wings in front of them.”“Yes, but that'll be small potatoes once they realize my wings are the tip of the iceberg.”“I don't think you should show all your cards just yet. Only little bits at a time. Let them get used to you.”“What should I tell them about the others; I can't come out saying I'm the only one.”“Well in a sense you and Anastasia are the only ones of your kind left. The others are all Secnals* right?”“Unfortunately...”

*sek-núl

~13~

“Well so then don't show them you have four wings, only show two, and pass yourself off as a Secnal in the beginning.”“I don't want to start our relationship with the rest of the world based on a lie.”“OK, I see where you're coming from and normally I'd agree. However you will come off less threatening if they didn't think you have all the abilities that you do. At least a Secnal is less threatening then a Meraphorn. I mean think about it this way, you’re a military strong country, which would you fell less threatened by? A group of beings that can fly, heal themselves and are highly intelligent on many backgrounds. Or, a group of beings, even a small one at that, that can create anything out of nothing, can cause mass destruction with a simple thought as well as create massive structures just as easily with more knowledge then a Secnal.”“Honesty the first group sounds less threatening. But eventually the truth about Anastasia and myself will come out. Then what will be done? Instantly any trust will be thrown out because of the lie.”“OK, well then don't volunteer any information. Treat it like you're interviewing for a job. Don't mention the negatives and highlight the positive of the Meraphorns.”“Well that won't be hard, after all Meraphorns don't go chasing others off of a world because they fear them. It's the Secnals I'll have to shine a positive light on.”“That's another thing, I know your past feelings about them and what they did, but the other humans don't. Don't paint them the bad guys when it's their city. They're your close cousins on the genetic tree and you're trying to bring them into the light. You must put aside any negative feelings for them otherwise you may influence the wrong feelings in the humans and they will never accept your kind.”“You're right, so very right, after all I need to trust that my program choose the right ones to warn. In fact I'd be surprised if any of them knew of the actions of the Secnals from the past. I've just held onto that anger for so long it soured my perception of them as a whole. I want you to be there when I give my speech so I don't put my foot in my mouth.”“Wouldn't it have been better if Anastasia had come with you instead of me?”“No, I need her back there; I don't want a bad relationship between our neighboring cities. If we can remain on good

~14~

terms with them and even help them out, we could have a buffer or at least allies that could warn us of trouble heading our way.”“I'm not suggesting I didn't want to come with you, but I think that she could have helped you with your speech, after all she grew up most of her now past life thinking she was a Secnal.”“Yes, but If I can't convince the leaders that we aren't a threat then there is no use trying to share our 'toys' with them. I won't have us go back to the shadows now after all this time of living there. I want my children to be able to walk down the street with their wings out if they wished. To be able to go flying in the day time without having to dart from cloud to cloud. This is our time to be seen again.”

~~~

“Ali where are the papers for Liquadia. I can't find them on my desk anywhere.”

Anastasia dug through the papers on her desk, she needed them before she could meet with the mayor of Liquadia.

“Have you checked on the end table next to the chairs by the window?”“Found them, thank you.”“We've got forty-five minutes before the meeting.”“Ok, I'll be there in less than three. Is the car at least ten miles outside their limits?”“Yeah, the driver is waiting for you to land. Are you sure you don't want me to come with you? This is the first city we're reaching out to.”

Phoenix had came up with the idea that a car be waiting just a few miles outside of any city so they can simply fly to the car and drive in saving time. People were not yet ready to see them fly in and land. Besides, Phoenix thought it to be more fun to have to plan, and coordinate meeting up with cars of trusted people in order to visit and setup meetings with the neighboring cities.

Liquadia was the first city Anastasia had planned to try and befriend. It was also the closest city to Absitinvidia. She had spent the prior night rehearsing the presentation to them but she really didn't know how to present what the majority of citizens were that lived in Absitinvidia. The world was kept in the dark for so long that she didn't want it to come as a big shock. Anastasia stood on the balcony of her office double checking she had everything she needed for the

~15~

presentation.Closing the balcony doors behind her she took flight. She used

the time flying to get from her office to the pick-up car to clear her mind. It was a beautiful day the sky was full of cumuli clouds all around her. As she traveled towards her ride she couldn't help but wonder how Phoenix was doing with meeting with the leaders of the world. She was glad she just had to meet with one city mayor at a time, and only the ones of the neighboring cities.

She could see the black sedan parked on the side of the road just below and proceeded to descend to the ground landing next to it. The driver, an older gentleman of around sixty years of age, got out of the driver’s side door and opened the rear passenger side door for her. The windows were tinted dark and a clean business suit was hanging up in the back seat. Anastasia folded her wings into her back and got inside the car. The driver waited outside.

Anastasia quickly changed out of her casual clothes into the business suit. The suit, unlike her casual clothes, didn't have wing slits in the back. She didn't fly to the city so why would she show up to the meeting with slits in the back of her suit. If the mayors and their advisers wanted proof that she was what she claimed to be she would schedule an appointment back in Absitinvidia where it wouldn't be out of the norm for her to have her wings out.

She knocked on the window signaling to the driver that it was ok for him to get back into the car. As they drove off she got a call on her cell phone. It was Phoenix.

“Hey sweetie, I'm on my way to the first meeting with Liquadia's mayor. How are things going for you in D.C.?”“Well I'm still waiting for them to call me to tell me what time slot they put me in the agenda. But Rachael and I were talking and we've come to the agreement that we're going to tell them about the two different types of phoenixes. I'm going to lay our cards out on the table and see how things go. If they accept us then all the better, if not well let’s just hope that we get an alliance with the surrounding cities and keep it at that. Rachael tried to talk me into passing myself off as a Secnal since they don't appear as threatening as Meraphorns do. I didn't want our relationship with the world to be started with a lie.”“Well I agree with you, but I also see where she's coming from.”“So you think I should present myself as a Secnal?”“No, do what you said you were and lay your cards on the table. If they see you being open and honest with them, you

~16~

might get a better response then if you held information back that could get out sometime down the line. I'm showing up to my meeting with my wings in my back, but I'm telling them what and who we are and if they want proof then they can schedule an appointment to come to Absitinvidia.”“So you're driving from Absitinvidia to Liquadia?”“Sort of, I'm doing what you suggested. I flew to a car that was waiting for me ten miles outside of the city.”“Is Ali with you?”“No, she's working with Mai in organizing the paperwork and filing whatever forms and papers we need in order to meet with the other mayors.”“I really wish she would have gone with you.”“You don't think I can take care of myself if things get sticky?”“No, but she has a keen sense for listening to any electrical frequency’s around her so if a silent alarm was tripped or anything like that, she could've warned you so you two could get away.”“You really think it could come to something like that?”“Maybe it's just old habits, I'm still thinking of the past and how scared humans get when they don't understand something new, and even though we aren't new, we're new to them.”“I'll be fine, besides I know how to open portals like you so if I need a quick getaway I can always do that.”“I'm so not used to someone else with the abilities that I have yet. In fact...”Phoenix's phone went silent. A second later he appeared next

to Anastasia in the backseat of the car.“Kiss for you.”

Phoenix kissed Anastasia before vanishing again. Almost in a state of bewilderment Anastasia still held the phone to her ear when he came back on the line.

“I love you sweety, good luck with your meeting.”“Yeah... you too, you nutcase.”

Hanging up her phone the driver knocked on the tinted window between the front seats and back. This let her know they were pulling up to the City Hall. She put her cell phone back into her purse and collected up her papers for the meeting as the driver opened the door for her.

“Thank you Charles. Remember, if things get dire in there, I'll teleport myself to safety and give you a call. Then I want you to get out of here just in case they come after you.”

~17~

“Yes Ma'am.”“Alright, here goes nothing. Actually here goes a lot of stuff.”

Anastasia said nervously.She walked up the stone steps into the main foyer of the

building and up to the receptionist at the front desk.“May I help you?”“Yes I have an appointment at 1:30 with the mayor.”“Name please.”“Anastasia RemRoDeo, I'm from Absitinvidia.”“Ah yes, the new city we've been seeing develop. I'm curious, it was just less than a year ago it was only a very small town named Appleton. How did it become Absitinvidia so fast?”“Well, if things go well with my meeting I'd be glad to give you a tour of our town, that might help answer your questions.”“Well alright, go ahead and take a seat I'll let the mayor know you're here.”

Anastasia sat down in one of the chairs against the wall in the foyer. She checked her watch for the time. She had arrived twenty minutes early.

Ten minutes had passed when the receptionist spoke up to Anastasia again.

“Ms. RemRoDeo*, the mayor is ready for you now.”“Thank you.”

Anastasia collected her papers and followed the receptionist down the hall to the mayor's office. She nervously smiled and took a deep breath before going through the door.

*rim-ru-de-oh

~18~

Chapter 5Chapter 5Congratulations, It's A Sister City.

“Ah Ms. RemRoDeo. Welcome to my city. To what do I owe this visit?”

Standing in front of one of the windows was a rather short older woman dressed in a light peach power suit facing Anastasia. Her hands were behind her back with a cheerful demeanor about her. Anastasia’s mind drew a blank on the mayor's name, Ali would have kicked her if she knew she forgotten the mayor's name. Thinking quickly she looked at the nameplate on the desk.

“Well Ms. Judith as you may know I'm a co-founder of your new neighboring city Absitinvidia.”“That's a Latin name right?”“Yes, it is. It means...”“To hold no envy or ill will towards one another.”“Yes that's right.”“I took Latin in college. Never really used it however. No need of it in politics, but when we got news of your new city I had to look it up. So what can I do for you?”“I came to your city to inform you of ours, and possibly to create a mutual friendship between our cities.”“I had my secretary clear my schedule for today when I learned I would be meeting with someone from Absitinvidia so I'm all ears.”“Well, our citizens aren't your average citizens. Did you hear on the news about the collapse of the Nationalities Inc. building?”“Yes, I remember that, it was all over the news channels. There's still footage showing up on the internet where people recorded seeing beings with wings flying out of it before it fell. A lot of people say they're fake or a hoax. All I'd like to know is if all that footage is fake then who's benefiting from it.”

~19~

“Well that footage isn't fake or a hoax Ms. Judith. Those winged beings are the majority of the citizens in Absitinvidia. They're phoenixes. More specifically the type of phoenix's they are, are called Secnals.”“Excuse me Ms. RemRoDeo, but I thought phoenixes were birds of fire. Not what I saw in that footage.”“Well yes that used to be right. We did start out as birds of fire, and other elements.”“We?”“Yes I'm a phoenix as well. I'm just a different one then the ones you see in the news footage. I'm what is called a Meraphorn phoenix.”“Ok so Ms. RemRoDeo, you're telling me that phoenix's are no longer fiery birds anymore; they're those beings that were see on the news and internet and that you yourself are one and there are two different kinds.”“Yes.”“So if I believe what you're saying, then are the Meraphorns wingless phoenixes? And Secnals are the ones with wings.”“No I have wings as well. Four in fact, I can just fold them into my back so as not to draw attention. I know this is a lot to take in for you, but if you would like proof. We can schedule a tour of my city for you. Then you'll be able to see our citizens and myself with our wings out.”“Where did all of you come from? Are you extraterrestrials?”“No. We've actually been living on this world longer than humans. People used to see us more in the beginning, but then they started to fear us so up until the fall of Nationalities Inc. we lived as a hidden race among the humans.”“I think I need a drink.”“I'm sorry, this must be a lot to take in but our founder of Absitinvidia wanted to bring us out into the public eye. Let us be known to the world and to share our technologies and knowledge with the humans. To live along side them instead of in the shadows. You see the Nationalities Inc. was a front for our academy. We lived, learned and a lot of us grew up there. But the council that ran it grew corrupt and that's why it fell.”“Right, so if you're the co-founder of Absitinvidia, why didn't the founder come and meet with me?”“Well, that's because he's meeting with the leaders of the world. I'm going around to our neighboring cities extending an olive branch in a manner of speaking, while he's bringing us to

~20~

the light and eyes of the world itself.” “I don't want to sound like I don't believe what you say, but would it be possible for me to take a tour of your city today; we could perhaps continue our meeting in your office. This is just so extraordinary that I'd like to see it for myself.”“You know, I don't know why we would have to wait for an appointment, yes I would love to show you my city.”“Oh good, I'll just have my secretary prepare my helicopter.”“I'd like to ask you, is your helipad on the roof?”“Yes it is, why?”“Can people on the ground see it?”“Not that I know of.”“Then I can show you my wings before we get to my city. And I'll fly alongside your helicopter there.”“Really? That would be impressive.”“I'll just have to grab my change of clothes from my car and I'll meet you on the roof then.”“I'll be ready in 30 minutes.”

~~~

“I still think this is a waste of a good suit jacket.”Phoenix remarked to Rachael as they waited just outside of the doors into the meeting hall of the World Nations. It was the day after Anastasia’s meeting with Liquadia's mayor and Phoenix had still not heard anything on the outcome of it.

“Yes, well you can always manifest a new one. Beside it wouldn't be professional if you went inside with one of your shirts that have slits in the back. In any case aren't you one for making striking presentations? What's more impressive than seeing your wings burst forth from your back tearing your jacket apart. That'll also give you a chance to demonstrate you abilities to manifest items with fire as you create a new shirt.”“You're right. I think however that the biggest selling point I need to bring up is our advancements in medicine. The third-world countries will really love that, especially when they learn how cheap and easy it is to cure a lot of diseases.”“That coupled with Absitinvidia's growing food production systems you can help end hunger.”

The doors opened as one of the guards poked his head out and indicated it was their time to speak.

Following the guard inside, Phoenix noticed the meeting room

~21~

wasn't very quiet. Granted it was a warmer welcome then he got when he spoke back in the Glass Sphere of Light; yet it didn't change the fact that this was the largest group of humans he had spoken too in a long time. Laying his notes on the podium he took a deep breath.

«Look up into the third balcony in front of you.»Phoenix heard Anastasia’s voice in his head and glanced up. He could see her sitting in the front row in the third balcony. Seeing her there made him feel better.

“The chair acknowledges Mr. Phoenix CENSORED from the new city Absitinvidia. Mr. CENSORED has filed the proper papers for a hearing with us. You have thirty minutes Mr. CENSORED.” “Thank you Madam Chairman. And I thank all of you for allowing me this time to speak. I am aware that all of you watched the news footage of the Nationalities Inc. building's collapse. I'm here to refute the rumors that the winged beings seen escaping the building were a hoax. They in fact do exist and have existed for a very long time. They are not mutants, angels, demons, or aliens. We are phoenixes.”

The room filled with a great commotion with his last statement. Phoenix paused in his speech as the Madam Chairman banged her gavel.

The room grew quite again.“Mr. CENSORED, I apologize for the interruption of your time. But your claim is rather outlandish to say the least. What proof do you have that there is truth to it?”

Phoenix looked to Rachael and back up to Anastasia. Both of them nodded. He stepped back from the podium and bent forward placing his hands on his knees.

“Are you alright Mr. CENSORED?”As the Madam Chairman finished her sentence Phoenix's wings erupted out of his back. All four of them spread wide outstretched their full thirty-foot span. The entire house was in a full uproar now.

Phoenix straightened back up as little wisp of flames formed a new shirt on his chest replacing the one that lay in shreds at his feet.

“Will this suffice as proof Madam Chairman?”“My god man what has happened to you?”“If I may continue with my presentation. We phoenixes have lived amongst you humans for many a millennia. We've been recorded throughout your history as well but only as myth. We went underground, so to say, because of the growing fear you humans had for us because you didn't understand us. For the few of us that can, as I've demonstrated, fold our wings into our backs, we lived and worked alongside you. And the ones that

~22~

could not fold their wings into their back, well they worked and lived in the Nationalities Inc. building, which was just a cover. We are tired of living in the shadows and I hope to believe that the humans of this world have matured enough to accept us. We offer on the table the sharing of our medical discoveries, our advancements in technologies, and our achievements in agriculture. With our medical and agricultural improvements alone, disease and famine can be something of the past for any country no matter their financial limitations.”“That is a very impressive speech Mr. CENSORED, but I couldn't help notice that from the footage of the beings or phoenixes as you call them, that they had two wings where as you have four. Can you clear that up for us?”“Gladly. Yes in fact the phoenixes you all saw had two wings. They are from a branch of the phoenix genealogical tree called Secnals. Whereas for myself and one other come from the branch called Meraphorns. Now I don't want anyone to feel threatened by us, our species is of a peaceful nature. I'm not saying we don't have our bad apples. Every group has a few. We have our own methods for keeping them in check. And I can assure you that whether we are or are not welcomed as part of your world that if a bad apple arises we will promptly take care of it. I do want to make this clear. We will not share any advancements that we have that can be used to further any sort of war conditions.”

A light mummer grew once more as Phoenix paused to take a drink of water.

Once more the Madam Chairman banged her gavel bringing silence over the room again. She cleared her throat and looked first to her right at her fellow chairmen, then to her left.

“Mr. CENSORED, regrettably we are unprepared to make a final decision in lieu of the evidence and presentation you have given us today. I fear it may take some time for us to come to a conclusion. Until we can come to a final decision we shall be keeping a close eye on your city... Absitinvidia and putting youthrough a trial run until we have made a decision.” “Thank you for your time Madam Chairman, and thank you world representatives.”

Phoenix collected his notes and scraps of jacket and shirt on the floor and followed Rachael out the room. Anastasia met them out in the hall a smile on her face.

“I'm so glad I didn't have to do that.”

~23~

“It's the waiting game now. Rachael did you leave anything in the hotel room?”“No, I left the room keys on the nightstand as well.”“Good.”

Phoenix placed an arm around both Rachael's and Anastasia’s waist pulling them close against his body. A moment later they left the hall, the city, the state and were back in Absitinvidia.

~24~

Chapter 6Chapter 6Misjudging Book Covers.

A loud thunderous explosion could be heard in the distance, birds flew up from the trees as the wind of a shock wave blew through the leaves. A minute later Ali came running down the dirt path up to the house her wings out. Rachael and Anastasia ran out from the porch and met her as she went to collapse to the ground. The brown paper bag of groceries fell from her arms to the ground. Anastasia supported most of her weight as Rachael looked her over for injuries and questioned her.

“What happened? Are you ok? What’s wrong?”With an exhausted breath she only replied back with two words.

“Rogue Hunter.” “This isn’t good Rachael, we need to get her inside and get a hold of Phoenix. A Rogue Hunter is bad.”

Anastasia and Rachael carried Ali inside and laid her down on the sofa. Not too long after the porch exploded with great force. A tall being with jet black wings stood in the doorway. Anastasia grabbed Rachael and Ali’s hands and fractured them out of the house before another large pulse of energy could hit them. They reappeared twenty miles away where Phoenix was helping a local farm. Before he could say anything Anastasia grabbed him by the arm.

“Rogue Hunter!”She fractured him back to the house several yards behind the Rogue Hunter. She then fractured herself back to Ali and Rachael to tend to them and protect them if needed.

Phoenix got over his surprise and bewilderment as soon as the Rogue Hunter turned and looked harshly at him. An eerie silence fell between the two as they stared each other down.

“Phoenix CENSORED, the Council of The Tower may no longer be, but there are still many Rogue Hunters out there that would

~25~

love to have your head as a trophy for their wall. There is nothing anyone of them wouldn’t do or give to be in my place now, staring you down. But do you truly know the difference between them and me?”“Their lives weren’t spared by me while I stood on the Council.”“That's right. It's been a long time Phoenix. You're no longer in hiding, that's not very wise you know.”“No one is in hiding anymore; I've brought us out to the eyes of the humans. They know we exist.”“The Council would have never stood for that you know.”“Yes, yes but this is a new time, a new age. I've already spoken to the leaders of the world and they have agree to give us a trial run until they can decide on accepting us or not.”“And what do you plan to do if they don't accept us?”“We will still live in the open, but we won't share our technologies. We are currently in the process of befriending our neighboring cities. Already Liquadia is allied with us.”“You and Anastasia are going to have to do something about the other Rogue Hunters. You know they don't follow the same rules as an agent.”“Yes I know, I need to do something that'll bring them all to me.”“What will you do with them? You know there is no reasoning with them. They aren't indebted to you like I am.”“Yes, but they are still just Secnals, somewhat. This means they are limited to what they are able to do. I think Absitinvidia could use a bastille*. I know the limitations that Secnals have, so a prison can be built that they can't break out of. And since a Meraphorn is the only one that can use portals and fracture abilities, they can't escape that way. Yes, I think a bastille will do just fine for holding the other Rogue Hunters. Would you like to be warden of it, that way you can ensure it is run properly?”“You know the reason they became Rogue Hunters was because they learned skills not approved by the Council for ways of being a Secnal.”“Still, my offer stands. Do you wish to be warden?”“Well with no Council, and with you bringing us to the light, I'm out of a job so let me think on it for a bit.”“The offer will be there when you are ready. Now about this blowing up the front of my house. The heck were you thinking?!”

*ba'steel

~26~

“It got you here to see me fast didn't it?”“You know you're going to do some building before you go right.”“Bodgers.”

~~~

“What is a Rogue Hunter Anastasia?”“Rachael you don't even want to know. They're genetical abomination the Council cooked up to act as super assassins to hunt down the Fallen Phoenix's too out of control for an Agent to handle. They were considered a fail-safe until certain abnormalities in the genes turned them into ruthless killers. They didn't wait for an order from the Council to go after a particular Fallen Phoenix anymore. Luckily for the humans the Rogue Hunters saw them as too easy to kill and wanted the challenge of a Fallen Phoenix.” “That's horrible! And the Council allowed this to happen?”“Well, the Rogue Hunters grew so unstable that they either died off or...”“Or what?”“Or, they evolved.”“Into what?”“Well, the genes used to create them came from the most genetically superior Agents, or...”“Another or?!”“Or, Agent in training...”“What are you saying Anastasia? Are you saying that there are Rogue Hunters that have bits of your D.N.A. in their makeup?”“I did some illegal hacking, and the ones that didn't die, the ones that evolved... were the ones that had parts of my D.N.A. in them.”“Does Phoenix know!?!”“He knew of the program that started the Hunters, but as far as whose D.N.A. was used, I don't think he does.”“You're Meraphorn now, you have to go back and warn him before its too late!”“But I need to be here with you two in case that Rogue Hunter comes here.”“Trust me Anastasia, we'll be fine, you have to go warn him.”“Alright.”

Anastasia fractured out of view leaving a rather aghast looking

~27~

Rachael behind tending to Ali.Fracturing back in the front yard of the farm house Anastasia

stood prepped for a fight or something. That is something other than seeing the Rogue Hunter she had seen just minutes before, reconstructing the front of the farm house and porch. Phoenix was lounging in a lawn chair reading a book and drinking a glass of cold lemonade under one of the pecan trees in the yard.

“The blazes is going on here Phoenix?”“Oh hey sweety.”“Don't 'Oh hey sweety' me! I came back here to see you in the heat of battle with a Rogue Hunter to warn you about something critical. Not to see you lounging about while the Rogue Hunter plays contractor. Explanation please.”

Her hands were on her hips and a very irritated look on her face.“Heh, I’m just full of surprises huh?”“Explanation, NOW!”“So cute when you're angry, alright, alright. That particular Rogue Hunter is an old friend of mine so to speak. When I sat in on the Council I saved his life. He's been indebted to me ever since.”“But he attacked Ali!”“I did not. She saw me and knew what I was and panicked.”“You blew up the front of our house”

Anastasia was talking directly to the Rogue Hunter now.“Well I am rebuilding it aren't I? Besides, I got to talk to Phoenix a lot faster than having to explain who I am and what I’m doing here.” “Jonathan why don't you come take a break, I don't want any shoddy work done because you're distracted.” “Shoddy work indeed, Phoenix you should know me better than that.”“I'm trying to give you an excuse to take a break.”

Anastasia pinched the bridge of her nose between her eyes.“I'm surrounded by children.”“Not yet, wink, wink.”“Oh shut up Phoenix.”Jonathan, the rogue contractor, set his tools down and joined

Phoenix in a lawn chair. Phoenix pulled Anastasia down onto his lap wrapping his arms around her waist.

“Don't think you're off the hook that easily.”“Heh, didn't you say you had something critical to warn me about?”

~28~

“I don't think I want to tell you now.”Anastasia crossed her arms and stuck her nose up looking away from Phoenix.

“Heh, so cute.”“Shut up, I’m mad at you right now.”

A glint flickered in Phoenix's eye and a coy grin placed itself on his face. He slowly started to wiggle his fingers on Anastasia’s waist.

“Quit it.”Phoenix wiggled his fingers abit more. Anastasia snickered a bit.

“I said quit it.”Phoenix's grin grew bigger as she started to struggle trying to not laugh and stay mad at him. He now started to really tickle her sides and stomach. Anastasia now was laughing loudly as she squirmed against his fingers trying to fight his hands off.

“Ok, ok... I'll... tell you... just please... stop tickling me.”Phoenix finally stopped tickling her and pulled her down close to his face kissing her softly. She bit his lip as the kiss ended.

“Ow”“Well, next time you might stop... after the second time I ask you to.”

She winked at him.“You two are something else. If I didn't know better, after seeing that little display of affection, I would have never pined Phoenix as being the powerful being he is. All that strength and power between you two and it's not gone to your heads. How Phoenix was ever labeled a Fallen Phoenix I'll never fully understand.”

Anastasia turned glaring at Jonathon.“Don't you have a home to rebuild?”“Only because he loves you, I'll respect you. I'll get back to work.”

Phoenix laughed lightly as Jonathon returned to building.“Ok, so now, what's this critical information?”“Oh right. Well about the Hunters Project, do you know who all they pulled D.N.A. samples from?” “No, just that it was supposed to come from the best Agents they had at the time.”“Best Agents, AND Agent in training sweety.”“Pardon?!”“It wasn't just from the best Agents in the field. I guess my class scores and performances caught their attention and they used a D.N.A. Sample from me as well.”“Didn't you know what it was going to be used for?”

~29~

“Well at the time I didn't know I had special D.N.A., I didn't know I was really only half of a complete Meraphorn. They told me it was for a very important research project and that my sample would be with some of the finest Agents in the field. Regretfully I have to admit that did stroke my ego at the time.”“That's right; your D.N.A. wouldn't have been completed at that time. So wait, what's the matter, only a few Rogue Hunters are alive now, the rest died. How do you know the ones with your D.N.A. are still alive?”“Well when they started to die, that sparked my curiosity. And well, you aren't the only one good with computers. I hack the projects files and the ones that died were the ones that didn't have samples of my D.N.A., yet, the ones that did... Well they evolved. The few surviving Rogue Hunters are the ones with my D.N.A. in them.”“That means...”“That means; Jonathan has my D.N.A. as part of his genetic design.”“Ha, ha, ha.”“What's so funny?”“That's probably why they went rogue on the Council in the first place.”“That's not funny Phoenix. This is serious. Doesn't my partial D.N.A. make them even more powerful than a regular Hunter, even so more powerful than a Secnal?”“Depends on how much of you D.N.A. is in their design. But a nifty thing about it only being an incomplete sample you gave them in the beginning means they butchered it up even more to splice it in with the other samples they had. I mean just take a look at Jonathan over there; we can safely say that since he is a living Rogue Hunter that he has a bit of you in him. But now watch him as he works, notice how he's not doing anything special or using any abilities that a Secnal doesn't have.”“I don't think we should take this lightly none the less. This really worries me. Besides, why did he want to see you anyway?”“Oh that, yeah he was just coming by to tell that even though the Council no longer stands, that there are still Rogue Hunters that would love to have my head mounted on their wall.”“I'm going to smack you so hard Phoenix! When were you planning on telling me this?!”

Anastasia had a very cross look on her face now, her arms crossed once more.

~30~

“And don't even think about tickling me this time.”“So cute.”

Anastasia grabbed his tongue as he stuck it out playfully to her.«Well now what difference would it have made if I told you. Yes I was going to tell you.»“When!?”«When you got back with Rachael and Ali.»“You were going to tell me though?”«Yes. I’m mean look at how Jonathan made his presence known. It's not going to be really hard to see, or well hear a Rogue Hunter coming after me. They like the show, the appearance. They think it invokes fear. But in reality it just lets others know when they're coming.»

~31~

Chapter 7Chapter 7Love Under A Feral Moon.

The farm house had been repaired long before winter’s first snow as Anastasia’s black metal rose cast its omniscience glow over the snow in the front yard. The chimney breathed clouds of smoke and soot as Phoenix walked up the pathway to the house. The snow melted around his feet from his body heat. He was carrying an old leather bag slung over his shoulder, a smile upon his face. It had been a considerably good year. They were still under a trial phase with the United Nations, but they had allied themselves with the other surrounding cities. Trades were going well and the bastille had been built with a few Rogue Hunters already residing in it. Sarah Remlic played warden to the residents of the bastille, as Jonathan never decided on whether he wanted to or not.

Phoenix stopped to look up at the rose smiling. He waited as the moon continued to cross the sky. Soon the rose stood silhouetted momentarily against the full moon. Phoenix's smile grew coyly as he continued up to the porch steps and in to the house. He placed the leather bag down next to the coat rack. Hanging up his black Rough Rider coat small trails of smoke rose up towards his face. Next he felt Anastasia’s arms wrap around his waist as she laid her head sideways between his shoulder blades.

“Welcome home sweety.”“It smells delicious in here.”“Ali's been cooking pastries all day. Why aren't your wings out?”“I sprained one while getting something for you.”“Aww, I’m sorry. Here let me help.”

She slipped her hands under his shirt and began rubbing his shoulder blades. She could feel the energy of his unmanifested wings swirl beneath his skin. Her hands pressed and rubbed his back firmly. The small hairs on the back of her neck began to stand-up as energy

~32~

began to flow from his back and down her arms.“Come with me.”

Her voice was soft and smooth as she drew him along behind by a belt loop. She led him up the stairs and down the hall into their room. Laying him down on his stomach on the bed she straddled his body. Licking her right index finger she ran it up the back of his shirt leaving a seared line in the fabric. Tossing his shirt aside she resumed rubbing his back.

The warmth of her hands soothed his muscles as they pressed deeply into his flesh. A soft deep red glow grew from Phoenix's back as her hands moved against his skin. Anastasia smiled mischievously as deep ruby red flames traveled down her arms across her hands and around her fingers. She pushed more and more of her energy into his body until a great force erupted from his back. Large wings of pure energy splayed open illuminating the room.

“Ahh, that's so much better.”Phoenix sighed as his wings of energy slouched down along the bed and the floor.

“I wasn't expecting for wings of energy to come out sweety.”“Just as strong and powerful as my physical wings, but more giving to the surrounding environment.”“Sometimes you talk too much.”

Bending over Anastasia kissed his back just below his neck.The room around them fractured out from them as Phoenix

turned over keeping her atop his body. Pulling her close against his body as their embrace took a more vertical alignment. His wings took on solidity as the energy wings were replaced by his feathered wings. The world snapped back into alignment around their bodies. Phoenix held her in his arms, her legs falling from around his waist, as they glided up in the night air. Rising up higher above the clouds the moonlight glistening in her eyes. Their bodies loomed in the night sky becoming silhouetted against the moons light.

~~~

“Does anyone know what's in this leather bag by the door?”Rachael called out to the house, but received no reply. She knelt down to open it stopping momentarily when she noticed it was fastened by a length of red leather with Phoenix's insignia hanging from it.

“Phoenix...”She whispered to herself, a tinge of annoyance in her voice.

~33~

“He's been getting rather distracted lately. Ah well, I'll just take this up to their room.”

Rachael knocked on Phoenix and Anastasia’s bedroom door, no answer, she tried the knob. It was unlocked so she opened the door just enough to set the leather bag inside the room to the side of the doorway. A bright light flashed as Phoenix and Anastasia fractured back into the room, she lay in his arms under the covers of the bed. Rachael quickly but quietly closed the door a light blush on her cheeks.

Walking back downstairs a curiosity rose in Rachael's mind as to the contents of Phoenix's leather bag. He had bound and sealed it closed for some reason, but then it must not have been that important if he could have forgotten it that easily. She sat in his armchair in front of the fireplace letting her mind drift off in her thoughts. It wasn't too long after when she was disrupted by a knock at the front door. Getting up she answered the door, Thomas stood in front of her a bit out of breath.

“I'm sorry for such a late intrusion, but I’m looking for Ali. Is she here?”“I'm not sure, come in and sit down on the sofa while I go and see if she’s in her room.”“Thank you, it's a matter of importance that I speak with her.”“I'll be right back then.”

Rachael dashed up the stairs as Thomas sat on the sofa, his azure wings held close to his body. An uneasy look was on his face as his leg agitated up and down anxiously. Rachael descended the stairs a few minutes later.

“I'm sorry she's not here. Is there something I can help with?”“No, there is a problem with an experiment she and I were working on and I need her help.”“Have you checked the computer servers in the basement in City Hall?”“I checked there first, then I went to the bakery that stays open late, but she wasn't there either. She's not answering her phone also.”“If I may ask, what were you two working on?”“I can't give details on it just yet, but it has come up missing. It's of a time sensitive nature that I find it and restore it to its container.”

For an instance Phoenix's leather bag flashed in Rachael's mind.“About how big was it, can you tell me that much?”“Not very big, it could easily be carried out of the lab, but for

~34~

someone to have done that, they would have to be loony.”Rachael's mind raced, could Phoenix's bag contain the missing item. But why would he have taken it, he could have just asked for it from Thomas or Ali. But what if he did and they told him no? Did he take it anyway? What could it have been that he could not have simply manifested it himself?

“Well I apologize to have disturbed you so late Rachael, I really must get back to my search for Ali.”“Ok, I’m sorry I couldn't be any more help to her location.”

Rachael showed Thomas to the door and flopped back down into Phoenix's armchair. What was in his bag? She couldn't take it now, she was going to go sneak up and take a look.

Slowly she crept up the stairs again and down the hallway to his bedroom door. Carefully she opened the door and peeked inside. Anastasia was still asleep in his arms and he still appeared asleep as well. She knelt down and grabbed the top of the bag cautiously she pulled it back out into the hallway. She closed the door quietly once more. Feeling rather proud of herself that she had retrieved the bag and without making a sound.

She crept down the hall to her own bedroom door and slipped into her room. Turning on the lamp on her desk, she sat on the foot of her bed, the bag at her feet. She studied his insignia which hung from the leather strap binding the bag closed. It was an old symbol he hadn't used in a while, but she had seen him use it one other time. He used it on a footlocker that used to sit in front of his bed. She once over heard the incantation he used to open it. Remembering the words she crossed her fingers and recited them.

“Within my love resides.”She then kissed the insignia as she had seen him do that time.

The symbol glowed bright red and unfastened the leather strap of the bag. Taking a deep breath she opened the bag. Inside was a deep ruby red material that swirled about like thick water. A soft flowery scent filled her nose as she watched the material swirl about. Her curiosity rose once more as she slowly moved her hand into the bag extending her index finger. In likeness a small portion of the material seemed to reach up towards her finger at the same time.

“I wouldn't do that if I were you.”“Phoenix! You surprised me.”“I wouldn’t have pinned you for the snooping sort.”“What?! Oh this? I can explain.”“Well I’m willing to hear your explanation, but would you mind if I reseal my bag.”

~35~

“I'm sorry.”Phoenix walked over from her doorway and knelt down by the bag rewrapping the leather strap around the top.

“Ok, what's your explanation now?”Her face grew pale as he looked into her eyes. She felt embarrassed. Not for getting caught, but that she was snooping.

“Well, Thomas was just over a few minutes ago looking for Ali. He said an important project they had been working on had come up missing.”“And you thought I took it?”“Well, I...”“Tsk, tsk Rachael, you should know better. I know the project they're working on, and what's in this bag is not it.”“What is in that bag then?”“It's a gift for Anastasia.”“But what is it? It was moving like water but it looked thicker and I could swear it was trying to touch me as well.”“It's a very, very special fabric I've created. It's intuitive in nature and made in the same fashion as my glass orbs.” “What is it for?”“Well that particular batch is designed so when she wears it, it becomes a dress, but she can have her wings in or out without having to have slits in the back or having it be a backless dress. It reacts to her movements and emotions acting as a second skin in sorts. I was planning on giving it to her tonight, but things went a little differently.”“Why was it reaching for me if you made it for her?”“It's a special material; it uses the natural energy of the wearer to behave, in a manner of speaking. If you had touched it, you wouldn't have been able to get it on because it would have started pulling your energy. Anastasia naturally produces an abundance of energy like I do so she'd be able to wear it without feeling the pull. But you're a different story.”“Oh. I shall like to see her wear it then when you give it to her.”“Well I don't know Ms. Snoop.”

He smiled looking up at her, the tip of his tongue sticking out at her.“I said I was sorry. I let my curiosity get the best of me.”“Yes, well, be that as it may, I think I'll call you Ms. Snoop for a few days.”“*gasp* You better not!”

Picking the leather bag back up; he slung it over his shoulder walking towards her bedroom door.

~36~

“G'night Miss. Snoop.”Rachael threw a pillow at him, missing and hitting the wall instead. As he left through her door she noticed fresh scratches on his back.

“Oh my.”She whispered to herself.

~37~

Chapter 8Chapter 8The Gifts of Spring.

Ali had been found the next morning; she had taken the experiment with her that night and forgot to leave a note for Thomas. When he asked why she never answered his calls, she told him she had dropped her phone in a puddle and hadn't gotten around to getting another in time. The experiment was back in its containment and they continued their work on it.

Sarah's sunny disposition was an extreme contrast to the bastille she watched over. She enjoyed observing the Rogue Hunters; there was never a dull day. On the slow days she knew something was up and just sat back to watch what happened. They would try to break out but each time they would fail. She ran the bastille as she saw fit, Phoenix trusted her moral compass. He worked with her in the beginning in writing up files for each Rogue Hunter they had; categorizing their traits and abilities. He did not leave until she felt she was confident in handling any problem that would arise.

Thomas would take breaks from his projects and studies and eat lunch with her every day. Some days their lunches ran over as they became captivated with each other’s stories. But when they finished their lunches, he would return to his projects and she would go on her rounds. So far there were only five Rogue Hunters housed in her bastille, still there were more out there. These five were the first to come after Phoenix to claim him as a trophy.

Once word got out of how he was trapping any Rogue Hunter that came after him, their attacks slowed. One of the captured was able to use a crude portal to get into the city limits. But once inside she went straight for Phoenix's energy signature. This landed her right into one of the cells in the bastille. He had charged several canisters with his energy and kept his own at a much lower level so they would go for the decoy first. It was like a bug zapper for Rogue Hunters.

~38~

There would have been six Rogue Hunters but the sixth one went after Anastasia to try and draw Phoenix out. Before Phoenix was even aware a Rogue Hunter had her, she fractured its head from its body. That's why there are only five Rogue Hunters instead of six.

Phoenix was relaxing on his back on the roof of the farm house enjoying the sun as it warmed his face. Spring was in the air and Rachael's flowers were blooming all over the yard. Gust of wind swirled the scent of lilac all over the yard. Yawning lightly, Phoenix closed his eyes. He laid on the roof listening to the sounds of spring. The song birds had return and were singing to one another. The bees were active flying from flower to flower in the garden. And the occasional woodland creature could be heard scurrying about in the trees.

“POUNCES!”Phoenix opened his eyes in time to see Anastasia descending downward towards him. Before he could react she landed atop his body and cuddles into his arms.

“I have something for you. I've been waiting till spring time to give it to you. It's what I brought home that night you rubbed my, back.”“Heh, I remember that night. It was around the same time you called Rachael 'Miss. Snoop' for a week.”“Yeah, she took a peek at your gift and I caught her.”

Anastasia chuckled lightly.“I was wondering. So what is my gift?”

Snapping his fingers, Phoenix's leather bag appeared on the roof next to them still bound by the red leather strap and insignia.

Sitting up, but still straddling his waist, Anastasia reached over and pulled the bag closer. She looked closely at his insignia.

“Cute.”She kissed the insignia which caused it to untie the leather strap of the bag.

Opening the bag, the sunlight shimmered off of the fabric within as if off the water of a lake.

“What is it?”She asked him, a puzzled look on her face.

“It's buneydle* fabric of the highest grade; it took quite abit of energy for me to make it.”“It's lovely.”

Anastasia reached her hand into the leather bag and pulled out the fabric. She held it close to her chest standing up. Folding her wings around her body a deep red light flashed from between her feathers.

*bú-nee-d(u)l

~39~

Opening her wings once more she held her cloths folded neatly in her arms as she stood over Phoenix barefoot in the dress made from the special fabric. Her hair was pulled back into a pony tail. The same insignia that had fastened the leather bag close, she now wore as an elegant necklace.

The dress fell just a few inches past her knees. It was reminiscent of a sundress. The material held close to her body gracefully showing her curves. With elegance Anastasia’s wings folded themselves into her back, the dress moved fluently altering itself as she did so. A warm spring wind picked up ruffling the bottom of the dress as she gazed down smiling at him. The sun gave her exposed skin a radiant look and for a split second Phoenix could feel a single tear form in his eye from her beauty. She sat down beside him, her legs folded together.

“Thank you for the lovely gift.”“Since your can't wear you black metal rose, I wanted to make something just as special for you that you could wear.”“You are so special to me Phoenix.”

Phoenix smiled, repositioning his body so that he could lay his head in her lap.

~~~

A large thunderous boom echoed through the halls of City Hall. Ali ran out of one of the labs in the basement as smoke billowed out behind her. She used her arms to support herself against the opposite wall coughing and trying to catch her breath.

“Blasted *cough* complexity.”Breathing easier she stormed back into the lab slamming the door behind her.

A holographic form of Mai exited the elevator at the end of the hall. An aggravated look apparent on his face. Silently he stormed down the hall and through the labs door. Ali was sweeping up the remaining pieces of what looked to be one of The Tower's security pods.

“What are you doing down here!”“Crap! Mai, if you're going to act like you have a body then add audio steps to your walk so people can hear you coming and going.”“For me to do that, I'd have to have speakers installed throughout the building.”“Oh come on, are you serious? Think more creatively. Since you already have the appearance via a hologram that you're a

~40~

person walking about, just build a very small robot that can project your image AND, give it a set of speakers to give the sound of footsteps. It doesn't even have to be that complex of a robot. You only need something with three wheels, a hologram projector and a speaker.”“You sound like you've done something like that before?”“Hey, before I had my body and Phoenix was still in The Tower's good graces. He made me a little robot with an added microphone and camera so I could 'walk' the halls with him.”“I'll make a note to draw up a blueprint for one to be made. Now what are you doing down here? I’m working upstairs and I get interrupted by a loud explosion that was traced to your lab.”“Don't get your circuits in a bunch; my project has a snag in it that's really complex. But I'll figure it out.”“Too complex huh? Want me to take a look at it?”“You? Ha, you were going to have speakers installed in the whole building just so people could hear your footsteps. No, I think this is complex enough as it is without your help.”“Well can you at least try to keep your explosions to a minimum?”“Oh ha, ha, ha. You're lucky you’re not in my old terminal or I'd give you a case of amnesia.” “Well I have real work to get back to, try not to blow yourself up. The janitor won't be in until Monday.”

Mai's projection turned around and walked back out the lab's door. Ali stuck her tongue out at him as he left.

Thomas walked into the lab as Ali got back to sweeping up the debris. Setting his satchel down on one of the tables he sat in the desk chair adjacent to it.

“Why is the hallway so smokey?”“Freakin' pod exploded.”“Are you ok?”“Yeah, but we need a new pod.”“Well we can get a new one.”“How did your lunch go with Sarah today?”“Very well, thank you for asking.”“How are things going over there?”“Well the inmates are still conspiring on different ways on how to escape. Sarah's making a bloopers video to show Phoenix and Anastasia.”“Ha! I'd like to see that as well.”

~41~

“I'll let her know. I understood the reason for Agents and that was fine, but when the Council came up with the Hunters I was one of few that protested them. I was exceedingly horrified when I found out there were Rogue Hunters. It was barely a relief when they informed us that the Rogue Hunters only went after Fallen Phoenixes. But even that is chaotic. They were no different then the Fallen Phoenixes they were going after. Phoenix being the exception of being called a Fallen Phoenix of course.”“So you must really worry about Sarah's safety working as the warden there huh?”“Normally I would say 'Yes', but Phoenix took me through himself and showed me how secure all of it is. And unless Sarah actually goes into a cell with one of those Rogue Hunters, I don't have to worry about her safety.”“You don't think she won't do that?”“No, I know her better than that.”“I know it's not really my place, but you do know she was the one that removed Agent Franks wings right?”“Yes, she told me. I made a mental note not to ever get on her bad side.”“Yeah she's got that whole sweet and innocent thing going for her, until you piss her off then it's, 'Oh gods get out of the way.'”“Ha ha, her sweet and innocent, that's a good one.”“What she isn't?”“No, I wouldn't want her to be either. She's just got a naturally cheerful demeanor. She's like a cute little kitten, with a bad temper.”

Ali burst out laughing joined by Thomas.“Well enough talk about my sweet, what say we go get another pod?”“Yeah, let’s try and get some work done, I have plans tonight.”Putting the broom and dustpan away Ali grabbed her keys off

her desk and followed Thomas out the lab door and down the hall. Stopping in front of a large storage closet she unlocked the door and grabbed a dolly. Closing and locking the door back they proceeded down to the elevator doors.

Getting into the elevator they continued down to the second basement where among other things, their replicas of the security pods were stored. Strapping one onto the dolly they headed back up to their lab and connected all the tubes and cables.

Ali turned on the lab's computer that was connected to the

~42~

pod while Thomas returned the dolly to the storage closet.“Well looks like this pod's systems check out. I'll go ahead and fill it with the fluid.”“Alright. I put the keys in the top drawer of your desk.”“Thank you.”

~43~

Chapter 9Chapter 9The Calm Before the Storm.

Jumping down from the roof, Phoenix and Anastasia headed inside as the sun fell below the tree tops. The sky seemed to be painted with a wide range of colors from the brightest oranges to the deepest purples. Smoke was billowing out of the chimney a sure sign that the fireplace was lit. It had become custom now for Rachael to set the table and for Ali to prepare the meals. In this fashion, fewer fire extinguishers were needed in the kitchen. After each meal, Phoenix and Anastasia would wash the dishes together.

Closing the front door behind them, Phoenix took his empty leather bag upstairs. Anastasia sauntered into the kitchen, her mind elsewhere. Ali was busy looking for some spice she required for the dinner she was cooking. Every so often she would go through and taste what was in her pots to make sure her seasonings were blending properly. Anastasia popped up sitting on an empty section of counter space humming a soft tone to herself.

Rachael entered the kitchen pausing momentarily when she saw Anastasia in her new dress. Taking notice to her entrance Anastasia smiled.

“Do you like my new dress Miss. Snoop?”Rachael now in a huff crossed her arms.

“I was rather glad when he stopped calling me that. But yes, your dress is very beautiful.”“I'm just teasing you, thank you.”“You won't be calling me that now will you?”“No, I just find it amusing that the years you lived with him alone and you never got into anything he didn't want you to. And the first time you do and it's a gift for me.”“I didn't know it was a gift for you.”

Ali turned from her cooking holding a wooden spoon.

~44~

“Well even though you didn't know it was for her, he did seal it.”“I know; I just let my curiosity get the better of me. That's all nothing else.”

Anastasia hopped down from the counter and walked over to Rachael still standing in the door.

“It's ok. I still love you.”She gave Rachael a big hug even though her arms were still crossed. Barely a moment passed before a look of fear grabbed hold of Rachael's face.

“Anastasia! Let go!”Shocked Anastasia pulled away.

“What's the matter?”“Won't your dress pull energy from me if it's touching me?”“What? Oh no. Once it's being worn, it'll only pull from the person wearing it so it makes it completely safe to be touched by others.”

The look of fear faded from Rachael's face.“Oh, I’m glad. I’m not a phoenix like you are and it scared me when I realized I was touching your dress. It really is a beautiful dress; I just wouldn't want to die by it.”“Heh, no worries.”The sound of a pot boiling over injected itself into the air. Ali

turned back to her cooking mumbling under her breath as she cleaned up the mess on the stove and down the side of the culprit pot. Rachael joined Ali in cleaning up the mess as Anastasia grabbed a carrot and left the kitchen going back into the living room. Phoenix was sitting in his armchair in front of the fire place reading a book.

Anastasia sat on the arm of his chair gazing into the fire trying her best to eat the carrot loudly. Phoenix smiled a small half smile as he continued to read. Growing impatient now and done with her carrot, Anastasia began to swing her feet so that they knocked against the chair. Phoenix just sighed and turned a page in his book. Now becoming restless Anastasia turned sideways and fell backwards into his lap. She now lay atop the book he had been reading.

“Well now, when did you come in?”Phoenix said playfully.

“*gasp* You mean you didn't notice me before?”“Don't be silly. You were eating that carrot louder than a rabbit with a megaphone. Although the rabbit might be a bit cuter.”

Anastasia slugged his arm.“Meany.”“I'm only teasing.”

~45~

“You better be.”“You're not getting vain are you?”“No, I don't even have a mirror in our room.”“That's because you can see your beauty in my eyes.”“Are you sure you're not the one getting vain?”“The day you start seeing me use hair products and wearing bright cloths, you can slap me until some sense gets knocked into me.”“I'll remember you said that. Oh look at that, your shirt looks rather bright right now.”

Anastasia grinned playfully. Phoenix cocked an eyebrow and smiled back as his fingers began to tickle her stomach. She began to laugh uncontrollably. In their moment of fun Rachael poked her head through the kitchen door.

“Ehm. Dinner's ready you two.”Catching her breath Anastasia reacted.

“Thank you, we'll be right in. *giggling* Stop, it's time for *giggles* dinner.”“I heard. This is more fun at the moment.”

Taking hold of Phoenix's hands, Anastasia caught her breath once more.

“I'm going to find your ticklish spot one of these days, then it's on.”

Giving him a light peck on the forehead, Anastasia popped off his lap and headed into the dining room. Phoenix placed a bookmark on the page he had been reading and placed the book back in the book case following Anastasia into the dining room as well.

Being better at preparing a table for a meal rather than preparing the meal for the table, Rachael had made it a habit to have fresh flowers from her garden as the centerpiece of the dinner table each night. Ali had cooked a simple potato stew with cubed ham and mixed vegetables mixed in. Flaky dinner rolls on the side salad completed the meal. Phoenix was the last to sit at the table. A fifth place setting had been made as Mai still enjoyed 'eating' meals with everyone. He lived in the servers at City Hall but he had a terminal at the farm house for occasions as this. He still ate virtual food.

Placing his napkin in his lap Phoenix raised his glass in a toast.“To good friendship and good food.”

They all raised their glasses to the toast and took a drink.“So Ali. What is this mystery project you and Thomas are working on now?” “Well you were bound to find out sooner or later. I've been very

~46~

frustrated that even thou I used Meraphorn blood to aid in the creation of my body, I’m stuck with having only two wings like a Secnal.”“So you and Thomas are working at cracking the D.N.A. coding for four wings huh?”“Yes. If it's not one thing it's another. Every time I think I've made head way, wham! We get knocked back to square one, even if we made it down four squares. Every time I think I've made sense of how it works, as soon as I think I understand it, it changes on me. Like it knows I’m trying to crack it.”

Chuckling Anastasia spoke up.“And how’s that any different then how Phoenix is? And I'd imagine if you used a sample of my D.N.A. it would be just as frustrating.”“But I want four wings too. It just isn't fair. I mean I can see it not working if I used Secnal blood to base my body's creation off of, but I chose Meraphorn, Phoenix's blood, for a reason. He created my conscious life as an A.I. so I see him as a father at times and an older brother at others. I wanted to use his blood as the base so that maybe on a genetic level we could be considered family.”“But Ali, you are family. Back at The Tower I considered you family even before you had a body, back when you were just the intelligence on my terminal. I designed you to learn and evolve your own style of thinking and behavior. I didn't limit anything on you wanted to learn or not. I, in a sense, raised you and you grew up better than anyone could have hoped for. You learned and developed just like a real child, because you spent most of your childhood in a computer that allowed you to grow and evolve much faster. We may have had our disagreements but that's natural. That night when you showed me your body, I was filled with so much pride and joy because you had finally learned to leave the digital world to live in the analog. Even if you didn't use my blood to make your body I think everyone here would still agree with me that you are family and nothing can change that.”

While most of the table was misty eyed they all still nodded in agreement to Phoenix.

“I'm not refuting that I’m not considered family, but I still want more. I want a more direct link or correlation that I am family. I want, even though I know it won't happen, to be able to donate an organ to you if you need it. I want to have a

~47~

family tree. To be able to have a linage that could be traced back. And even though you created me I like the idea that I could be considered your baby sister through blood.”“Well don't you have that now? You used my blood as a base so that puts you in the tree, which starts your linage.”“But I feel, and I know it's me, I feel that until I have four wings, I am not truly a part of your tree. That I might as well have used Secnal blood.”

Clearing her throat, Rachael interjected their conversation.“Not that I have two cents to throw in with this discussion, but have you sat down and figured out what abilities you have? I mean to say, what if you have Phoenix's ability to change appearance. If you have that, then couldn't you give yourself four wings?”“She makes a good point Ali.”“I never thought of that. How would I go about testing to see if I could change my appearance?”

Mumbling to himself, Mai spoke.“I so hope she does have that ability. She'll stop blowing up the labs in City Hall then.”“Tomorrow morning I'll show you how to test to see if you have that ability.”The fire cackled in the hearth as it cast long shadows on the

walls of the living room after dinner was over. Phoenix and Anastasia were cleaning up the dishes as Rachael and Ali made their way upstairs to their rooms for bed.

“Why don't you just tell her how to have four wings already just in case she doesn't have the ability to change her visual aspect?”“Because if she had four wings, her personality would change, how she thinks would change. You should know that.”“But mine didn't really change; yes I did get a bit more confident. But I’m still me. Why would she be different?”“Well since she didn't really start out as a living being, her mind works so much more differently. It was never restricted in development; she could learn anything by either scanning it or downloading it and would remember it forever. If she found out how to get four wings, just the process alone for them to grow and alter her would force her mind to sort of start over. That's her only flaw. That since she can't figure out how to get four wings even though it's right there in front of her means her mind as it is right now wouldn't be able to handle the changes and

~48~

adapting needed for four wings.”“But couldn't you do it for her?”“I don't even know if she can rebirth like we can. Her body has never had to go through that. Her mind went through the evolving so when she wanted to make her body she put all of those evolutions in it to start with. There really is something to be said about going through an old fashion rebirthing. It cleans out the bugs so to speak. And if she were to go through a rebirthing with her body now, I don't know what the end result would be. I don't even know what the end result would be for a forced rebirth.”“Yeah I remember she didn't even understand the process to explain it to me when we had to go through it together.”“I know it's hard to say, but I think if she doesn't have the ability to change her appearance, she's going to have to come to terms with only having two wings. I’m going to need you to have my back on this if need be.”“I always will. I just hope she does.”“Me too. I wish there was a way to test a rebirthing for her so I would know the outcome so that would be a load off my mind.”“Well I don't think anyone will go after her.”“I don't think so either, but there are still Rogue Hunters out there.”“Well dishes are done. Do you want me to make you up a cup of your black rose petal tea before bed?”“Only if you have a cup with me.”Folding the dish towel over the cupboard door to dry, Phoenix

kissed Anastasia lightly just below her right ear before leaving the kitchen and picking up the book he had been reading from the book case, he than sat back into his armchair. A few minutes later Anastasia entered the living room with two cups of tea. She set Phoenix's down on the end table next to his chair and closed his book setting it next to his cup. She then sat in his lap once more.

“I'd rather read you over any book.”“Sweety?”“Yes?”“I have a surprise for you.”“Do you?”“Yes, but you won't get it for a few more months.”

Phoenix wrapped his arms and wings around Anastasia tightly a smile on his face.

~49~

Chapter 10Chapter 10Baalat.Baalat.

A new moon rose in the night sky as an unusually cold wind ruffled the fabric of her hooded cloak while she walked along one of the side streets down town. Walking from street lamp to street lamp she eventually made her way to the exterior walls of the bastille. Playfully she ran her finger tips against the outer wall leaving black inlaid scratches trailing behind. She held a playful skip to her stride as she went past the entrance to the bastille; taking a sideways glace she smiled mischievously up at it.

Turning down the main street she sat on one of the benches, propping her right leg onto her left knee. Sitting there she watched the traffic lights flashing yellow as there was few to no traffic at this time of night. The cold wind picked up once more displacing her cloak. Sighing softly she stood up. Turning she headed down toward the local bar. Impishly she laughed to herself while walking through the doors.

“Sorry, we're getting ready to close for the night.”The bartender called over to her as she walked in. She replied with a silky sweet voice.

“Oh I’m just here to get one teensy weensy drink, and then I'll leave.”“Well I don't have any place to be tonight. Alright one drink and then we're closed.”“Deal, I'll take a shot of Absinthe, hold the sugar cube and ice water.”“That's a rather strong drink for this time of night.”“Heh heh, I’m more of a night person.”“Well, not my place to say who can handle what I pour.”

The bartender poured her the drink and went back to wiping down his counters.

“So I’m new in town. Could you suggest a place to stay the

~50~

night?”Looking up from his cleaning he noticed she had removed her hood and was looking almost longingly at him. Her eyes were ruby red with a black ring around the iris. Her hair fell long and straight past her shoulders with artificial red highlight throughout it. Coyly she brushed her hair over her right ear as she awaited a responds.

“Well, erm. There's a nice hotel about three blocks down and two over. They have decent prices there and a continental breakfast.”

Leaning forward on her arms onto the bar top she allowed for her robe to expose some of her skin.

“I was hoping for something a bit cheaper, and possibly for one night only.”

She then drank her shot down all at once.“Um, there's a cheap motel four blocks from the bastille. They don't charge more than fifty dollars a night. If that's more of what you were looking for.”“I was thinking of someplace abit closer than that, and cheaper. Would you, perhaps, happen to have a spare room here at the bar I can stay the night in? I would be every so grateful.”

She began twisting her hair around her finger as she pouted her lips a bit.

“I'm... I’m sorry but there are no extra rooms here. I have the only one upstairs.”“I would be every so grateful.”

She reiterated.“Well I...”“Didn't you say you don't have plans tonight either. I could give you some company if you'd like.”The bartender's heart was racing now as so was his mind.

Usually women didn't start coming on to him until after a few rounds and usually not this strong or as well articulated at that. He'd be a fool to turn her away, she was rather becoming after all. But something inside him kept stopping him from accepting her offer. She must have noticed his internal turmoil as she slowly licked her lips smiling after wards.

Barely catching himself as his knees almost went out from under himself. He couldn't stand it much longer, when would he ever get a chance like this.

“Well I suppose you could stay the night in my bed and I'll sleep on the floor. It wouldn't be very gentlemanly of me to turn you

~51~

away on a night such as this.” Hoping up on to the bar top she crossed her legs leaning forward resting her arms loosely on his shoulders, she whispered into his ear.

“I'm a very, very light sleeper.”She then nipped his earlobe and hopped down walking to the stairs in the back that led upstairs. He heard the upstairs door open then close, dropping the glass he had been holding.

Getting the broom and dust pan from the back he swept up the broken glass and threw it away in the trash. He then headed to the front door locking it and turning the open sign off. Hurrying to the back of the bar he paused at the bottom of the stairs. That same nagging feeling came over him. He couldn't help the feeling of dread that came from his gut.

Sun light beamed in through the stained glass windows of the bar as the hooded woman descended the stairs. The bartender had fallen asleep in one of the booths, never making it up the stairs the previous night. She placed a soft hand on his shoulder shaking softly to wake him. Slowly he opened his eyes holding up his hands to block the light shining in. Startled for a moment he looked up at her remembering the night before.

“I was rather disappointed when you didn't come, upstairs last night. Your bed was rather, cold.”“I was too tired from cleaning last night to walk up the stairs so I decided to sleep down here.”“It's a shame. My name is Baalat if you'd like to know.”“Well I’m sure you have some place to go, so I'll unlock the door for you. Don't worry about the drink; consider it a welcome to the city gift.”Getting up from the booth he unlocked the front door

nervously smiling at her. His mind still wondering if he missed out on something or not. She polity nodded and left the bar. The playful skip back in her walk.

~~~

Sarah had landed in front of her bastille when the scratches in the wall caught her attention.

“What the...”Walking down the sidewalk she followed the trail along the wall until it ended just before the wall did. Taking her cell phone out of her pocket she dialed a number while still staring at the scratches in the wall.

“Hi it's Sarah, I’m sorry to call so earlier but is Phoenix awake

~52~

yet? There's something he needs to see down here at the bastille. … Ok, well have him call me as soon as he gets up.”

She hung up her cell phone placing it back into her pocket.Reaching her hand up; she touched one of the black

scratches, pulling her hand back immediately.“Ouch!”“Are you ok Sarah?”

Sarah jumped, startled.“Phoenix! I thought you were going to call me back.”“Well I was just coming downstairs when Rachael told me you called. When she said it had something to do with the bastille I knew I had to come down right away.”“Well I’m glad you did. I just landed not even ten minutes ago and I noticed these five parallel scratches down the wall. They start here and go all the way to the entrance before stopping.”“Well did any of the surveillance cameras catch anything?”“I haven't made it inside to check yet.”“Well let’s go in and see.”“What do you think could have done this?”“The outer wall isn't as strong as the inner walls so it's easier to damage, but still it looks like someone ran their fingers along the wall. And the way it travels, like they were skipping while doing so.”“The curiosity is bugging me, let’s go in and see the footage.”

Inside Sarah's office they intently watched the footage of the marked wall from that night. As it neared 2am a shadowed figure came into frame placing its hand onto the wall and leaving the black scratches behind. As Phoenix guessed the figure did indeed walk with a playful skip.

“Can you get the figure to come in any clearer?”“No, we're using High Definition cameras running their feedback along fiber optic cables. So whatever is there, knows they're being watched and has the ability to mask their image.”“I thought Anastasia and I were the only ones that could... That's a Rogue Hunter Sarah.”“You think so? But it's not even interested in your baited trap. Wouldn't they try to go after it?”“From what Jonathan has told me, word has gotten out about my trap. So this Rogue Hunter is ignoring it on purpose. There's almost something familiar about it though.”“Well the camera's only show around the bastille so we don't

~53~

have any footage of where they went.”“And at that time of night I doubt anyone was out to have notice either.”“I'll still have the surrounded area interviewed just in case.”“Good plan. Keep an eye out, and if you do spot someone acting out of the norm let me know.”“You know I will.”

Phoenix left Sarah's office and fractured himself back home for breakfast.

~54~

Chapter 11Chapter 11Lurking In Plain Sight.

The sun was high in the sky as it neared noon by the time Sarah and two other investigators walked into the bar just up the street from the bastille. They had spent the better part of the morning going from business to business. To apartment to apartment interviewing people to try and turn up any leads on the Rogue Hunter from that night. A timid waitress greeted Sarah as they came inside. She nervously held a set of menus in her hand.

“May I help you Ms. Remlic?”It wasn't often that Sarah had to go out like this, but being she was the warden for the bastille, everyone in the city knew who she was. If anyone ever saw her with her small note pad out and a sentry, they could be sure she was looking for someone.

“We're going around collecting statements from everyone in the area on anything or anyone suspicious they may have seen last night around 2a.m.”“Well, last night got pretty slow around mid-night so Mr. Richards, the bartender, let me take off early. He lives here however so he would be the one to ask. I didn't see anything out of the normal when I left and I live in the cul-de-sac on the other side of town.”“And where is Mr. Richards now?”“He's more than likely in the backroom.”“Thank you.”Sarah and her group headed to the back of the bar. As she

neared the door to the backroom the bartender pushed through the door backwards carrying a case of beers.

“Excuse me Mr. Richards?”“Yes? Oh, I’m sorry Ms. Remlic. I didn't realize it was you. How can I help?”

~55~

“Your waitress tells me you were here around 2a.m. last night. I’m curious as to whether anything out of the normal happened around that time. Or if you saw anyone out of the normal.”“Well as a matter of fact, just a few minutes before closing, a young woman came in here. I know it was around 2a.m. because I was just getting ready to lock up.”“A young woman you say? What about her makes her stick out compared to your other patrons that come in here?”“Well she came in wearing a hooded cloak for one. She also had these eyes. Her eyes reminded me of some of my Phoenician friends' eyes. Or well of your eyes. Not so much as in color, but in how they seem to look into people. Her eye colors, if this helps, were red irises with a black fringe.”“You say her eyes were like that of a Phoenician’s?”“Yes.”“Did you happen to see what color her wings were?”“Well I didn't see any wings on her. If she has any, they must be rather small because they didn't show under her cloak. That or she can close them into her back like our Lord Phoenix and Lady Anastasia can.” “Other than her eyes, what else made her stand out to you?”“Well for one, she only ordered one drink, and before she had that, she was hitting on me hard. Now I may not be as handsome in my thirties as I was in my twenties, but usually the women don't start hitting on me until they've had a few.”“And this is odd for you?”“Well I’m no male model mind you.”“What did she do after her drink?”“She asked if I knew of a cheap place to stay the night. I told her of the hotel on 5th and Winnefer, but she wanted someplace closer and cheaper. I then told her of the motel just down the street from the bastille. However she asked if I had an extra room here at the bar she could stay the night in. Well I have the only room here, but she still insisted. I didn't want to just turn her out on the streets since she told me she was new to town.”“She told you she was new to town?”“Yes, oh had I not said that earlier?”“No you didn't.”“I'm sorry; it's been a rather busy morning.”“Continue on.”“Well I offered her my bed and I had planned on sleeping on

~56~

the floor. After I locked up I went to head upstairs for the night when I got this strong gut feeling that something was wrong. I don't get these feelings often but when I do I listen, and I’m still around kicking. I ended up sleeping in one of my booths last night, never making it upstairs.”“So do you know if she stayed in your bed last night?”“Honestly, I only went up to shower and a quick change of cloths before coming back downstairs. I didn't pay much mind to whether my bed was slept in or not.”“Do you mind if we go upstairs and have a look around?”“What's this all about Ms. Remlic?”“Well, there was an incident at the bastille last night and Phoenix and I have strong beliefs that there is a Rogue Hunter in the city. And this young woman you encountered may be that Rogue Hunter. If in fact she is, then it is good you listened to your gut last night. Otherwise I would have been here sooner writing up the paperwork for a murder investigation.”“Geez really? Well my gut hasn't let me down yet so I'll keep listening to it.”“So may we go upstairs?”“Yes of course. Please excuse the mess; I haven't had company up until recently. Oh and I forgot to mention, but before she left, she told me her name was Baalat.”

Sarah nodded jotting the name down on her notepad and led her team upstairs to the studio apartment.

Putting on a pair of gloves she began with the bartender's bed room. It wasn't long into their search when she came across a black feather within his tangled bed sheets. Placing the feather into a sealed bag they continued their search. After an hour of searching she called it quits. They didn't find anything more than the one feather.

Back downstairs she thanked the bartender and waitress for their time. She assured them an undercover sentry would be posted at the bar for their protection until the Rogue Hunter was caught. She instructed the two investigators to continue interviewing the surrounding area as she took the feather to the labs in the basement of City Hall.

Entering the lobby of the building she stopped at the front desk. The secretary sat in front of her computer with a phone head set on. Her autumn orange wings wrapped around the back of her chair as she sat typing in appointments into the computer. Her strawberry-blonde hair was pulled back in a bun with a pencil stuck through it.

“Is Dr. Ali in her lab today?”

~57~

“Yes Ms. Remlic. Shall I phone her to let her know you're here?”“Just call her and tell her I’m on my way down.”“Yes miss.”

The secretary buzzed the door open leading to the elevators that led to the basement. The hall wasn't that busy as she waited for the elevator, impatiently pressing the down arrow button.

The elevator doors opened, out stepped a casually dress young woman with deep dark blue wings and black hair with artificial red streaks in it that framed her familiar face. She nodded politely to Sarah giving her a small smile as she walked passed and out through the locked door into the lobby. Sarah entered the elevator heading down to Ali's labs.

Ali's door was slightly opened inward as loud harsh words echoed out into the hall as Sarah headed towards the lab.

“Are you ok in here Ali?”“What? Yes, yes, yes, I’m fine Sarah. It's this blasted machine that's aggravating me right now.”“Are you busy right now?”“Nothing I can't take a break from, before I break it.”“Well I don't know if Phoenix's had a chance to tell you yet...”“About the Rogue Hunter last night?”“Yes. Well I may have found a lead on who it might be. The local bartender, Mr. Richards, which owns the bar not far from the bastille. Well he met her last night.”“So it's another female Rogue Hunter is it?”“Seems so.”“Great.”

Ali said dread latent in her voice.“I know, well this one calls herself Baalat, and we recovered this black feather that might belong to her.”“Need me to construct a model from the D.N.A.?”“If you don't mind.”“It's no problem, but I'll have to ask Mai for help. My computers down here are busy working on a project of mine and they won't be able to handle that task yet.”“Ok. The sooner you get one made up, the sooner fliers and broadcast can be made.”“I know. So this one didn't go after his trap huh?”“Nope. Ignored it completely. It could be a ploy, but she may be smarter than the others.”“This means she’s more trouble for Phoenix.”“Well I have to get back to the bastille. Give me a call when

~58~

you have a mock up made please.”“Yeah, I’ll start work on it now.”

Sarah shook Ali's hand and left the lab heading back to the elevators.

~~~

Phoenix paced in his office at City Hall as classical music played. Stopping once in a while as if he figured something out, but shaking his head 'no' in disagreement to whatever it was and continued to pace. Rachael sat in one of the chairs next to the window in his office reading a book. Each time Phoenix stopped pacing, she would look up at him anticipating his reflection on his thoughts. When he went back to pacing she went back to reading her book.

His office walls were covered in books of all types from varying degrees of knowledge. The floor was a rose stained walnut with an Oriental rug under the large oak desk. A Victorian style desk lamp sat on one corner of his desk as papers and books covered a vast majority of it. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling. The sun's light that shown through the windows cast hundreds of rainbows all over the office as the light made its way through the crystals. Phoenix's Rough Rider coat hung on the cast iron coat rack next to his office door.

“Phoenix do you want me to get you a pot of black rose petal tea?”“No thank you.”“Is it this unknown Rogue Hunter that has your mind so busy?”“Yes. Sarah called me a few minutes before you came in and told me that someone did have contact with the Rogue Hunter. Turns out it's a female named Baalat.”“I don't know what it is about the female Rogue Hunter's, but they seem more unstable then the males. Or maybe unstable is the wrong word. More unpredictable.”“Personally I'd rather deal with a female Rogue Hunter over a male any day. Less collateral damage to deal with half the time.”“What's got you so concerned about this one?”“Well she's already displayed an ability none of the other Rogue Hunters have shown. This makes me wonder what else she can do. Sarah said she recovered a black feather that she believes belongs to this Baalat and has already given it to Ali to generate a profile and model from the D.N.A. I have a

~59~

feeling that this feather was left on purpose. Like she's leaving a trail of bread crumbs.”“You think she wants to get caught?”“No, she's making this a game, she's trying to draw me out which means she may go after anyone near me, even you.”“Do you want me to stay at the farm house until she's caught?”“No, that would be playing the game. If she's going to try and mask being unpredictable by acting predictable, then we can’t be predictable.”“I barely caught that.”“Yeah, it's confusing. But she's already shown to not be predictable like the other Rogue Hunters by not falling for the trap, by not creating a big scene announcing her arrival, and as far as I know she hasn't tried to kill anyone yet.”“Then do you think she's going to be different from the others like Jonathan is?”“No, she marked the outer wall of the bastille. She showed us she has claws and is willing to use them by doing that. No, she's leaving a trail so we do find her. But she wants to see how we handle her crumbs. If I had you stay at home until she was taken care of, and had the others under sentry guard, that would be predictable. Not doing that would be unpredictable to her and would leave her pondering our moves.”“Heh, she's you and you're Agent Frank.”“That's not funny.”“Just a little bit it is.”

Phoenix stuck his tongue out at Rachael as she snickered to herself over her observation of the situation.

Phoenix's office phone rang breaking the mood in the room. Uncovering the papers on his desk that hid the phone, Phoenix answered.

“Phoenix here.”Ali was on the other line.

“Phoenix, do you have some time?”“If it's news on the feather I do.”“Then come meet me down in my lab, I called Sarah and Anastasia as well so they'll be here as well. Don't bring Rachael yet.”“Alright, I’ll be down there in a blink of an eye.”

Phoenix hung up the phone and sternly looked at Rachael.“Rachael I need to go down to Ali's lab. She said it's not time for you to see this and request you not to come. Can my little

~60~

snoop trust me on this and not sneak down?”“*gasp* The one time I ever do any snooping, and it's going to haunt me the rest of my life huh?”“Once I find out what's up I’ll tell you ok?”“Fine, this little... snoop... will comply with your request.”

She said with a sour look on her face.“It'll give me a chance to straighten up this messy room you call an office.”

Phoenix walked over to her and took her right hand in his, looking down into her eyes.

“Thank you for understanding.”Her heart skipped a beat as it usually did when he touched her. She still wasn't over her feelings for him. Letting go of her hand he faded out in a puff of smoke.

~61~

Chapter 12Chapter 12Seeing Double.

Phoenix and Anastasia faded into view at the same time in Ali's lab. Ali was sitting at her desk drinking a cup of coffee. Compared to the rest of the lab, Ali's desk was very neat and tidy. Phoenix walked over to her desk but his wings knocked over papers and books on a nearby table.

“That's why I fold my wings into my back when I work in my lab, and Thomas straps his to his back.”“Duly noted.”

Phoenix arched his chest forward pushing his wings into his back; Anastasia simple let hers fade out in a bit of smoke.

“Sarah should be here any minute. The bastille is only a few blocks from City Hall. I’ll wait until she's here before showing you two the results.”

Phoenix nodded as Anastasia cleaned up the books and papers he had knocked to the floor.

“Before she gets here. Why did you not want me to have Rachael come down and see this as well?”“Ali didn't want Rachael to see this?”“No. I had to talk her into staying up in my office.”

Setting her coffee cup down Ali cleared her throat.“I think we all know that she still has feelings for you Phoenix, and I didn't want her to see the results because of what they tell us. No, I don't think it'll be a good time just yet.”“You know she compared this Baalat to me and me to Agent Frank. How Baalat is trying to outsmart me as I’m trying to outsmart her.”

Anastasia burst into laughter.“She's got a point there, now that you think about it. It's not just with this recent Rogue Hunter. You had to outsmart the other

~62~

five as well. Granted they were easier but still. You might as well be an Agent going after Fallen Phoenix's.”

Phoenix stuck his tongue out at Anastasia.“You two have got a real sick sense of humor.”“Oh is my sweety not in the mood to take a joke?”“Oh ha, ha, ha, the mere fact that I was ever considered a Fallen Phoenix was a joke. Believe me, if I really was a Fallen Phoenix, there would have been a lot more death and chaos in the world. They would have had to send all their Agents, Hunters, and Rogue Hunters after me to even try a shot at catching me.”“Yeah, or they could have just sent Anastasia after you. That would have worked too.”

Ali said smiling at Phoenix.“Is today 'Pick on Phoenix' day? Did I miss that memo?”“You know, I am a co-founder sweety, I can make it an official holiday.”

Anastasia smiled at Phoenix sticking her tongue out at him.“This is for me making fun of you nearly getting hit by an airliner back in Ali's room in the penthouse isn't it?”“No, but now that you bring it up...”Before Anastasia could finish Sarah walked into Ali's lab finishing

a half eaten sandwich. Throwing her sandwich wrapper away in the trash she joined the others sitting at Ali's desk.

“Thomas was disappointed that I had to cut our lunch short but he'll get over it.” “I'm sorry to have disturbed your lunch Sarah. I just figured you'd want the results as soon as possible.”“No worries. I’ll just make him a pan of brownies tonight to make up for it.”

Ali snickered to herself remembering the conversation she and Thomas had about how Sarah is.

“Good now that everyone is here I’ll start with my findings. First off, the feather you brought me wasn't black. At least not completely. It was black fringed in dark blue. I ran its D.N.A. through the data base of the cities citizens to rule them out as a possible owner to the feather. Lucky it didn't belong to a citizen. I then took it a step further and made a mock up of it from its D.N.A.. Now before I show you all that, I'd like to first say that thanks to Mai having kept the D.N.A. records of all the Agents and Councilmen of The Tower I was able to trace back all of the donors to this particular Rogue Hunter. That's the good

~63~

news.”Phoenix interrupted Ali.

“What's the bad?”“I'm getting there. The bad news is, not that many samples were used to make this Rogue Hunter. Four were only used in fact. And the top two almost in equal parts were Agent Frank's and Anastasia's D.N.A.”“WHAT!”

The other three exclaimed all at once.“The other two donors were just your average run of the mill Agent's. But it was Agent Frank's and Anastasia's D.N.A. that played the biggest role in this Rogue Hunter. Now that I've told you all that, you're going to want to brace yourself when I show you the mock-up.” Ali pressed a key on her keyboard causing the lights in the lab

to dim and a holographic image to form just to the right of her desk. The form first started out about five feet eight inches tall with long hair past her shoulders. Once the basic form was made more details went into it. The hair turned straight and jet black in color. The eyes had red irises with a black ring. And her face looked almost exactly like Anastasia's.

“I just saw that girl earlier today except she had red streaks in her hair not just solid black.”

Sarah blurted out. As the wings took shape. There was only two and they were slender in shape. Now seeing full wings covered in the feathers instead of just one by itself. It was apparent that the feathers weren't just black but gave a deep blue hue to the wings as well.

Neither Anastasia nor Phoenix could take their eyes from the mock-up as they sat there in bewilderment.

“Ali... can you tell us what abilities she might have?”“No not at this moment I can't Anastasia.”

Still fixated on the mock-up Phoenix spoke.“I think it's safe to say that she can conceal her identity when she wants to. I got that much from the security footage from the cameras at the bastille. And I’m willing to bet that she can alter her vision just from looking at her eyes.”“Phoenix, how, how are you taking this?”

Breaking his gaze he turned to Ali.“How do you mean?”“Well it's pretty obvious that she looks almost identical to Anastasia. Will you still be able to catch her like the others?”“It's, it's just a coincident that she looks like Anastasia. I can't

~64~

let my feelings for her cloud my thinking or judgment in catching this Rogue Hunter. In fact she was probably counting on it to throw me off my game. That's why she intentionally left a feather behind. I’m starting to think that the two of you are right in comparing this situation to Agent Frank and me. I’m going to have to out think me, in a sense.”“I've already printed up pictures for you Sarah so you can post them and get them on TV. The more people that know what she looks like the less likely she'll be able to hide.”“No. Ali, Sarah, no pictures of her, I don't want to put the people of our city in danger. Just let them know that there is a Rogue Hunter in the city but that we are in the process of catching 'him'.”“But, it's a 'her', not a 'him'.”“Sarah, you have to think farther than three steps ahead. If we say it's a male Rogue Hunter, then she will think there is another one out here. She won't stand for the competition so it'll be a distraction for her to find him. Hopefully it'll be enough of a distraction to make her slip up.”“You've had to do this before haven't you sweety?”

Anastasia asked him.“No, but if I have to look at this like I’m trying to catch me, then I must out smart me. And if an Agent had pulled a stunt like that, it would have caught me off guard. Not enough to catch me but enough to make me second guess my moves.”

Anastasia looked confused.“Sweety, how would an Agent pull a stunt like that on you? I can see if you were a real Fallen Phoenix and saying that there was another one in your territory. But you weren't a real Fallen Phoenix. So how would that have worked?”“I am a real Meraphorn however. So an Agent would have to get it out that there was another Meraphorn. And since I know they were chased off by the Secnals, then I would have wondered if it was you the Agent was talking about. Mind you they would have had to pull this stunt before I found you.”

Sarah exploded in laughter.“Man could you imagine the look on Agent Frank's face if he heard this plan of how to catch you. He'd probably have a heart attack from the pure joy of it.”

Phoenix shook his head in a sad way.

~65~

“Yeah, the poor bastard. I really miss making him look like a fool.”“Aww, does somebody miss being hunted?”

Anastasia teased him.“Kinda. At least with an Agent I didn't have to worry about them going after the ones I love. They strictly stuck with their targets and if the Council approved it, then they tried to find the ones hiding them. There was a type of honor with them. Not like a Rogue Hunter. Anyone is fair game if it gets them their target.”“But Phoenix that's the thing. Rogue Hunters go after Fallen Phoenix's. And now that the Council is no more, who's to say who is and who isn't a Fallen Phoenix. Why are they still coming after you?”“Because I’m one of the most elusive and powerful phoenix's they know of.”

Anastasia cleared her throat.“So what does that make me?”“The most powerful phoenix they don't know about.”“Oh. I can live with that.”

Phoenix took hold of her hand and kissed it.“So Phoenix, what are we going to do about this Rogue Hunter?”“Simple Sarah. She'll be looking for another Rogue Hunter. So we'll give her one?”“You're not releasing one of mine!”“Don't have to. I’m sure my good friend Jonathan would be willing to lend a hand. After all, he owes me his life.”“Do you think he'll do it?”“Won't know until I ask him. But 'til I get a hold of him to ask him, get the word out that there is a male Rogue Hunter in the city. She might slip up before he even gets here. Ali, thank you for doing this for us; I think we should all get back to what we were doing.”Phoenix shook Sarah's hand and gave Ali a hug as he left out

the lab with Anastasia. She followed him back upstairs to his office. His now clean office. Rachael was back to reading her book in front of the window when they walked in.

“Well how did it go?”“I couldn't get a straight answer from Ali of why she didn't want you there but I will say this Rogue Hunter will be a challenge. The D.N.A. that makes her up is mostly Agent

~66~

Frank's and Anastasia's.”Rachael dropped her book.

“Excuse me?”“Yeah, we were all shocked as well.”“Phoenix is there ever going to be a time when you aren't being hunted by one thing or another?”“I hope so Rachael, I hope so.”

~67~

Chapter 13Chapter 13I Spy With My Little Eye.

Baalat walked out of the fashion store carrying several bags, a pleased smile gracing her face. Buying a new wardrobe helped her blend in with the rest of the citizens of the city. It wasn't always appropriate to wear a hooded cloak. Now she wore a pair of black skin tight pants with high-heel shoes and a v-neck shirt that showed her mid-drift. She kept a snap in her step as she walked down the sidewalk to the corner. An electronics store had televisions on display in the window. Waiting for the light to change a news report came on.

┤We interrupt the following scheduled television programming for this important announcement from Sarah Remlic.“As of 2am last night we have evidence that there is a Rogue Hunter in Absitinvidia.”

Baalat smiled to herself.“Although we don't know yet where he is. We do know that he is only going after Phoenix CENSORED. In order to aid in the capture of this male Rogue Hunter. We ask that any citizen that notices something or someone suspicious to please call the bastille hotline and report it. Remember, even thou the Rogue Hunter's primary goal isn't you. If you stand in his way of getting Phoenix, he will take you out.”We now return you to your scheduled programming.├

Baalat's smile had faded, replaced with a scowl as she growled lightly. Storming away from the electronics store she crossed the street disregarding the do not cross signal. A bus and cab nearly missed her as she continued down the sidewalk on the other side.

Anger was clearly within her eyes as she entered the hotel the bartender had suggested to her the first night she arrived in Absitinvidia. Once in the empty elevator heading up to her floor she unleashed a vicious scream that echoed throughout the elevator

~68~

shaft. By the time the elevator doors opened she had regained her composure and calmly walked out onto her floor. She tossed her bags onto her bed as soon as she got in her room. Sitting on the end of the bed she stared at her reflection in the mirror. She was completely alone in the room.

“Another Rogue Hunter here after MY Phoenix.”«Well we can't have that now can we?»“He's MINE!”«Sounds like the other Rogue Hunter arrived the same time we did last night.»“You don't think it could be a trick do you? I left a feather behind. I even told that pathetic human my name.”«But if it isn't a trick we'll have to deal with this other Rogue Hunter first. We can't have someone else mucking up our plans.»“What should we do?”«Keep an eye out and watch how Phoenix handles this other Rogue Hunter. Sooner or later they should find our feather. If not. We'll just have to leave a bigger calling card. Something like a dream invasion.»“Oo, we haven't done one of those in a while. I wonder what Phoenix's mind feels like inside.”

Baalat fell backwards onto the bed pulling the blankets up around her orgasmically. She became overwhelmed with the idea of being inside her prey's head.

Getting herself tangled up in the sheets, she had to fight them off of her. Standing back up she smoothed her shirt back down while walking over to her room’s window. Peering out over the cityscape below, she watched as a mix of both humans and phoenixes walked the streets below. Every now and again a phoenix would fly past her window. The sun was setting and night would be there soon.

Turning around, Baalat left out of her room and headed to the hotel stairwell going up to the roof. In any other normal city, a hotels roof access would be off limits. But here in Absitinvidia, almost no roof was off limits. They were both entry and exit points for phoenixes coming and going. With the amount of phoenixes that flew daily even if a human tried to jump off a roof, the odds were very favorable that they would be caught by a random phoenix flying by. Then again this was in theory. There had been no reported suicides since Absitinvidia was established.

Stepping out on the roof she nodded politely to the hotel's bellhop stationed there for the roof. There was a second roof on the

~69~

roof itself for wet weather. There was also two rows opposite each other of changing rooms. Though many shops and stores carried clothing with slits in the back for wings. Some phoenixes still liked to change out of the cloths they flew in, and into something cozier.

«Where are we going?»“I was feeling cooped up in that room. You know I can't stand the feeling of being trapped. It drives me mad.”«More so then you already are?»“Shut up.”Baalat licked her finger and tested the winds direction. She

then turned back to the bellhop who was still watching her. Smiling coyly she blew him a kiss and did a back flip off the roof. In shock he ran to the edge of the roof just in time to see sleek elegant dark blue almost black wings form on her back and catch an updraft.

“Geez, I thought I'd have to dive down after the first human to jump off of a roof here.”

The bellhop said to himself as he walked back to his post.Baalat rode the air currents as they took her around the city.

She went flying past the business areas and around homes and apartments. A lot of homes had pictures painted on their roofs. Some of classic art, others had family crest painted on, and others just had patterns.

“I suppose in a city where phoenix's can fly about in the daylight whenever they want. People get creative with doing stuff that can be seen from the air.” «Hey, let’s play a game.»“I'm not in the mood; I just want to clear my head.”«Oh come on, you'll like this one.»“What?”«I spy with our little eye something that begins with 'P'.»“Something that starts with 'P' huh? Ok give me a second to see if I see it as well.”

She gazed all around her at the sky and city below her.“Give me another clue.”«Ok, it's something you've always wanted.»“Something I've always wan... Phoenix!”«Shh you dolt. Do you want him to hear us?»“Where do you see him?”«He's flying just to our right leaving City Hall.»“I see him. He's moving fast. Do you think he's found the other Rogue Hunter and is going after him?”«Maybe. If so we won't have to worry about taking out the

~70~

other Rogue Hunter.»“I want to fly in closer to him.”«I wouldn't. What if he sees us?»“Well what if he does? I mean that Remlic chick said they were looking for a male Rogue Hunter. So they don't even know about us yet.”«Still we should stay back and wait and see. No use giving ourselves away so soon.»“Very well. He fly’s so gracefully. Don't you agree?” «He'll be ours soon enough.»Circling back around she returned to the hotel roof. The sun

was setting and the air began to get too cold for her. As she landed back on the roof she hummed a tune to herself. Even though Phoenix was keeping his energy low so that Rogue Hunters went after his baited traps in the bastille, she could still feel his energy from that distance. Hunting Phoenix was going to be very different for her then the other Fallen Phoenix's she had gone after.

Reentering her room she changed into a nightgown and crawled into bed. It wasn't long before she fell asleep and found herself in a dream she'd had before. It was all too familiar to her and she knew it was about going after Phoenix.

In her dream he was a rare stag out in some enchanted forest and she only had one shot to get him. At least this is how the situation presented itself to her in her dreams. In her dream she saw herself as a huntress moving silently with the world tracking a mighty stag as it grazed on the clover in an opening in the trees as sunlight broke through the canopy shining down on her prey. She moved silently ever closer careful not to step on anything that would give her away.

The air around her was charged with energy as she neared her stag, but still she crept closer until she was in range. As she pulled her bow back taking aim posed to fire she could hear a rustling in the bush behind her. She then woke up before seeing how the dream ended. She never got to see what was behind her or if she got her stag. But she saw this recurring dream as a sign that she was suppose to go after this stag, this phoenix.

Whether he was really fallen or not it didn't matter to her. All she knew is that she had to have him. She couldn't tell if it was for the glory of saying that she caught him or if it was for something else. There was a driving force within her that demanded Phoenix.

~71~

Chapter 14Chapter 14Faux Wings.

Phoenix sat cross legged above the clouds thinking as he was bathed in the moons light. His wings sat motionless on his back. Up above the clouds he could see all the stars of the night as their lights flickered all around him. In the distance he could see the deeper gray of a storm cloud heading in his direction. Lightning flashed brightening the clouds nearby. He counted the seconds between the lightning and thunder just to see how far the storm was to him.

With the small wind that blew up at that altitude the storm slowly grew larger and larger as it came closer. He could smell the rain in the air. It reminded him of the night he trailed both Agent Frank and at that time Agent Anastasia. The rain fell cold and hard on his skin that night. Being a fire based phoenix first and foremost over anything else, rain was rather painful to his skin. Especially cold rain. Each drop felt like an icy needle as it hit.

That night wasn't as bad for him, or at least he didn't remember it being as bad. Then again his mind was preoccupied as he watched Anastasia flying just above Agent Frank. Thunder cracked deep and loud bringing him back out of his memory and focusing on the world presently around him. The cloud was much closer now as he could start to feel water droplets land on his skin. He fell backwards into a swan dive through the clouds. Far below he could see the luminescence of Anastasia's black metal rose in the front yard. The porch light's glow barely reached the base of the rose but it helped Phoenix gain his bearings.

As he raced the ground to see who would get there first the screen door on the porch opened. Standing there looking up at him was Anastasia. The porch light scarcely shown her face but it was enough he could tell she was smiling up at him. Still posed in a swan dive his wings flared out catching pockets of air drastically slowing his

~72~

decent to a near stop. The air that his wings caught was forced down and ruffled her dress as he landed. Resting his wings against his back she strolled down the steps of the porch to stand in front of him.

“Ali wants to talk with you.”“Dare I ask about what?”“With the commotion over Baalat, you forgot to show her how to alter her appearance so she doesn't know if she can or can't do that.”“Oh that's right, I completely forgot.”“Well she's a bit upset over it. I think trying to find the four wings bit of the code is putting a strain on her. Thomas even said that she snapped at him today. She did apologize later and he said he understood, but still that's not like her. She really wants four wings.”“I'm almost curious....”“Yes?”“It just occurred to me, that if it turns out that she doesn't have the ability to alter her appearance. That part of the genetic code is much simpler and less risky than for four wings. Granted altering her appearance to have four wings isn't permanent, but it is better than nothing.”“You've been thinking in the clouds again haven't you?”“It does help clear my head of all the cobwebs.”“Well come on inside so she can remind you herself. She's been waiting for you ever since she came home.”

Phoenix followed Anastasia inside, latching the screen door closed behind. Anastasia continued into the kitchen leaving him alone with Ali in the living room.

Ali sat on the sofa with two crossword books open in front of her and one in her hand doing all three of them at once. Looking up from the one in her hand she bit down on the end of her pen.

“You've forgotten something Phoenix.”“I've also been recently reminded of it as well. I’m sorry I forgot Ali.”“I'll forgive you this time. You might not be so lucky next time however.”

She stuck her tongue out playfully towards him.“You know, just before I came in side I had an epiphany about something that you might just like Ali.”“Really? You're going to tell me how to get my four wings?”“No. But if it does turn out that you don't have the ability to alter your appearance in order to achieve the four wings look then I

~73~

will show you how to use the D.N.A. to give yourself that ability. It's much simpler then the D.N.A. for four wings.”“Awe, I suppose. But mark my word, I will have four wings. So then, what is it I need to do to see if I already have the ability to alter my appearance?”“I had wanted you to do it in the day time, but I suppose now is as good as any. Just close your eyes and clear your mind. The only thing you need to think about is a standard full length floor mirror. See yourself as you are now standing in front of the mirror and look at your reflection in the mirror. Concentrate on the reflection and visualize it changing to how you want to look. See your refection change but not yourself that is standing in front of the mirror. Once the reflection is as you want it to look, then simply step into the mirror as your reflection steps out at the same time. If you do have this ability then once the refection has taken your place then when you open your eyes your body will look like the reflection.”

Ali set her crossword book down and placed her hands on her lap as she closed her eyes.

Phoenix turned his armchair around so it was facing her on the sofa. Sitting in his chair he watched Ali closely. A few minutes passed before she sighed and opened her eyes.

“Ok what do you think?”“Um, what did you change?”“Well I wanted to start small just in case. So I changed my wings color.” “Aww, Ali, you have to have your wings out of your back in order for me to see the change.”“Duh, I feel stupid now. Just a second.”

Standing from her seat she stretched her hands above her head together. Bringing them down in front of herself slowly amber wings unfolded from her back.

“Amber wings huh? Well I wasn't expecting that.”“I know, I love my maroon wings but I wanted to see what amber wings looked like. So wait, does this mean I have that ability?”“Yes it does.”“Yay!”

Ali leaped over the coffee table running over to Phoenix and giving him a big hug as he sat in his chair. Straightening back up, she sat on the edge of the coffee table.

“Now Ali, your wings won't stay that color mind you.”

~74~

“They won't? Well that's ok, like I said I like my maroon wings better.”“Yes but it also means when you do change your appearance to have four maroon wings. You won't be able to hold that change for long. On average, only between thirty-six and forty-eight hours before you change back. Then you have to wait eight hours to do it again.”“Well poo. I guess I shouldn't really complain, at least I can give the appearance of having four wings. Will they work as well? Can I fly like I have four wings?”“Of course. They will act like a normal set of wings. You just won't get the other benefits of actually having four wings. You won't be able to glide with two while using the other two to hold something or shield yourself from something. They won't be as quiet as four wings or as strong. Just to name a few. But you won't feel the extra weight from them and they will work for normal flying and you can fold them into your back with no problems as well.”Exiting the kitchen door Anastasia paused in mid-stride when

she saw Ali's wings.“Amber wings?”“Yeppers. Turns out I have the ability Anastasia.”“Well that's a relief. Did he tell you the time limitations?”“I did. I also told her in short what she can and can't do when she creates her four wings.”“Well now there will be three phoenix's going around with four wings huh Ali.”“You bet. Until I get to the store, can I borrow a few shirts designed for four wings? All of mine are for two.”“I can do you one better hun. Since I can manifest things like Phoenix, tonight after we finish doing the dishes I’ll join you in your room and we'll spend a few hours creating a new wardrobe for you. How's that sound?”

Ali sprang up from the coffee table hugging Anastasia even tighter then she did Phoenix.

“I'm so glad you're my step-mom.”Anastasia blushed, as she hugged Ali back just as tight, tears forming in her eyes.

“You're so sweet Ali.”

~75~

Chapter 15Chapter 15Wicked Dreams.

Phoenix sat in his office chair at his desk in City Hall reading through books appearing to be centuries old. He read only by his desk lamp even though the moons light shown through the windows. Stopping every now and again from taking notes with a quill made from one of his own feathers. He would read over his notes comparing them to what was on the page in the book before continuing to write.

Time seemed to move slowly as he read, but each time he looked up, it appeared as if minutes were turning into hours. Phoenix had already called home letting Anastasia know he would be home late as he had become engrossed in his studies. She had appeared in his office shortly after with a plate of dinner for him. She joined him for dinner and took his plate home once their meal was finished.

Phoenix looked up from his note taking glancing over at the grandfather clock that stood opposite the windows. It neared three-thirty in the morning. As he looked back down at his notes, something caught his eye in one of the chairs by the window. Looking back up at the chairs, he noticed someone sitting there. She held her head hung, her legs were crossed, and hands folded on top of her knees.

“Why have you given up looking for me?”Phoenix dropped his quill.

“You were so close to finding me, but you gave up.”“But I have found you.”“And yet, I am not with you. Have you forgotten me already?”“Who... who are you?”“You have forgotten me. … And, and you were so close to finding me. We would have been together once again. But, but I see that you have... replaced me.”“You are not who you are trying to portray yourself as. Who are you?”

~76~

Phoenix's words were cold and harsh.“Why, with all the time we lived and loved each other... and you told me... you told me you would never forget about me. You told me that... that night we were ambushed.”“You! Are! Not! Who! You! Portray! Yourself! To! Be!”“I was your love. I was your equal. We were the only ones of our kind left.”“You are a false lie!”“But, but then you made my replacement. You've replaced me with a false love.”

Phoenix woke up from his desk in a cold sweat. The sun light just cresting the horizon. The chairs by the windows still empty, but the dream still remained solid in his mind.

~~~

“Oh such a mind.”«It was rather interesting the memories he held.»“I do, I do feel bad for using that one against him.”«Are we getting soft?»“Preposterous!”«But still, we feel bad don't we.»“Yes. Before... with other Fallen Phoenix's... taking something painful of theirs and twisting it back onto them was a rush. I felt so much power from their pain as I did it. But this time when I did it. I could, I could feel his pain from that memory.”«Don't you mean 'we' could feel his pain.»“We both know I’m the dominate one.”«Ah yes that card again.»“Well it is me who's sticking her neck out all the time. You're just the one that stays in the dark, running your mouth.”«Now don't be like that. After all, didn't we have fun in his mind.»“Yeah, we did.”

Baalat fell backwards on her bed holding her pillow close to her chest hugging it.

The rising suns light illuminated her bedroom as it ascended from the horizon. Her wings lay stretched out hanging over the sides of her bed as her fingers dug deep into the fabric of the pillow.

“You know while I was in his mind... It felt familiar to me.”«But this is the first we've gone after him, since he came out of hiding.»

~77~

“I know.”

~~~

Phoenix faded into his bedroom his head hung with wings pure black. Anastasia rubbed her eyes as she pulled the blanket up around her shoulders while sitting up in bed. As the sun filled the room with light Phoenix remained in the shadows.

“What's the matter sweety? Your, wings are black.”“I'm...”“Come sit on the bed with me.”

Phoenix remained standing.“Sweety, what's the matter?”“I had a bad dream...”“Would you like to talk about it?”“I'm not sure.”Getting up from the bed Anastasia wrapped the blanket

around herself as she walked over to where he stood. Lifting her hand up she placed her fingers on the temples of his head. Almost flinching away from her touched, Phoenix stopped himself from doing so. Anastasia closed her eyes looking into his mind. She went back to that night just after she left him when they finished dinner together.

She watched his mind as it studied and took notes as if she were fast-forwarding time. As she neared the point just before his dream she could feel a new presence in his mind. Watching his mind at its normal speed; she watched as he fell asleep at his desk into the start of the dream. She watched as his dream played out before her, his wings began to emit a dark heavy smoke that settled at his feet.

“That was no dream sweety; that was a nightmare. Is this the first time you've had this... thing?”“Yes.”

Placing her arms around his body, she embraced him. Winching as she did so, his body gave off a strong negative energy that was painful to her. She ignored her own pain however as she held him closer still.

“I... I don't think that came from my own mind.”“Just before you fell asleep, something new entered your mind. I could feel the difference. I think that's what caused you to have that dream.”“What, what was that.”“I think it was our little Rogue Hunter.”“I thought that memory was behind me once I got you back. But, she dragged it back up just as fresh as the night it was

~78~

created. And twisted herself into it.”“She's trying to instill doubt into your mind. She knows about me now as well.”“I... need to rid myself of this feeling.”“How?”“I'm going to form a present for this Baalat since she has brought this horrid memory, feeling, back to me. I knew I would never forget it, and I didn't want to. But I did want it to remain where it was. Now that she's brought it back up. She deserves a gift.”“You're... going to reward her?”“Buneydle fabric is a very powerful material. Its properties are based on the type of energy used in its creation.”“I see. So buneydle fabric made from this negative energy you have...”“Would be a fitting gift for her don't you think?”

Smiling Anastasia placed her head on his chest.“I think a gift for her would be a lovely idea. Is there anything special I can do for you to help?”“I think, a nice back rub afterward would be pleasant.”“My hands will be waiting then.”“I need to leave for a few hours to make it.”“By yourself?”“Where I will be, I am the only thing that can enter and exit.”“Dinner will be ready at seven.”“I'll be back in time.”

Phoenix's eyes opened fracturing him out of the room. Anastasia remained, still standing where he was, her arms still wrapped around where his body had been.

“As you make your gift for that becknor*, I shall plot my revenge on her for making you feel this way. This I can promise you my love.”Anastasia closed her wings around her body allowing the bed

sheet to fall to the floor. Ruby red flames danced about beneath her wings as she dressed herself for the day. The bed made itself as she left their bed room heading down the hall towards the stairs. Rachael met her in the hall still rubbing her eyes.

“Is Phoenix home yet?”“He's, working on something special for the little Rogue Hunter.”“Really? Did something happen?”

*bek-nor

~79~

“I'll tell you over breakfast.”“What's that feeling that's in the air?”“I'll tell you over breakfast.”Anastasia made breakfast that morning; she took pleasure in

picturing Baalat's head as the eggs she cracked open to scramble. Before she finished making breakfast Ali darted into the kitchen grabbing a slice of toast and cup of coffee before telling Anastasia she was heading to the lab early this morning. Her four maroon wings out and perky as she left the house.

Anastasia sat down at the table with Rachael. She took a few bites of her breakfast before Rachael spoke up.

“What happened last night?”“Phoenix was visited by that Rogue Hunter.”“Is he ok?”“Physically he is. Emotional he's hurt.”“What did she do to him?”“She entered his dream and gave him some very horrible feelings. She brought back his, memory, and posed herself as me. She twisted herself in his mind and played with his emotions of me, of how we were in the past before that tragic night. She worked her claws trying to make him think I was her replacement, that she is his true love.”“That's so cruel. Where is he now?”“He's somewhere making a gift for her.”“*cough* Pardon?”

Rachael choked on her coffee.“Yeah, my reaction was similar when he first told me. No, he's taking that negative energy her dream caused him, that's what you feel in the air, and making a special buneydle fabric for her.”“I don't think I understand the fabric then. Isn't that the same stuff he made your dress out of, and now he's going to make something for her out of it?”“It's a very unique material Rachael. Whatever emotion or feeling and energy you use to create it, is what it'll give and radiate to the owner. He made my dress from the love he has for me, using the purest form of his energy to do so. But with hers, he's using that pain, and hurt coupled with all that negative energy to make hers. Once she has it on, she'll feel all of what she made him feel. And if I know him, she'll feel it worst.”“Won't she be able to take it off?”

~80~

“Depends on what he makes from it. If it were up to me, it would be a straightjacket. That memory would drive anyone insane seeing it night after night as he did. How he kept his sanity I don't understand.”“I think and this is just my opinion, but I think that even though it was so painful for him to relive he still was able to see you again as appose to losing his memories of you altogether. Keeping that one, allowed him to remember you, and the lives you two shared.”“That's sad all in its own. The one memory of me he could keep and it had to be that memory. That horrid, horrid memory. I have it now since we went through the rebirthing together but I didn't have to go through all those nights reliving it over and over again. It's because she used that memory, posing as me in his dream, making him feel all of that pain and sorrow again, that I will make her pay for what she's done. My Phoenix maybe strong and powerful with abilities that at times are inconceivable, but when you mess with his heart, you're messing with my love.”“Do you think it's wise, with your current condition, to go after her?”“I'm not too far along that anything bad can happen.”“Does he know you're planning to do this?”“No, and he's not going to. I’m not the timid little Anastasia I used to be back at The Tower anymore. I’m just as powerful as he is which is going to be her downfall. Her mind games won't work on me. I know who I am, and I know who he is. She will feel my wrath.”“I think it's time to switch you over to decaf.”“Oh ha, ha, I’m serious.”“Well, when will he be back?”“I told him dinner was at seven tonight and he told me he'd be back by then.”“I'll call Ali and see if she'll make him his favorite for dinner.”“I'll take care of his dessert.”“Changing the subject. I’m curious, how is buneydle fabric made?”“It's not really made, it's formed. I know that doesn't make sense but it's rather beautiful. It starts out as an intangible element. Usually a thought or emotion. The weaver uses their energy to create a loom. It's no physical loom mind you, purely made up of their energy. Then they keep that

~81~

thought or emotion in mind as they slide the empty shuttle back and forth. The fabric begins to form as this happens. It's the process of envisioning the emotion flowing from your mind into the shuttle as the thread. There are five grades to buneydle fabric. The grade is based on how much energy and emotion was put into the creation. The first grade is with hardly any focus on the thought or emotion and minimal energy. Whereas the fifth grade is your full focus and attention on the thought or emotion as you literally pour all of your energy into its creation.”“So judging on how he feels about you, your dress he made is of the highest grade?”“That's right. And whatever it is he's making for her, he's probably making at the highest as well.”“But why so high for her?”“Well if you make buneydle with an emotion, then the higher the grade you make it, the more of the emotion the wearer feels when they wear it. Each time I wear my dress, I can feel his love all around me. It feels like I’m always in his arms and he's right there with me even if he isn't.”“Oh wow. That must feel wonderful.”“It truly does. It's also a very hard gift to top.”“So then, with her gift of all that negative energy and pain and sorrow being woven into it...”“She'll be in her own private hell.”“Now I know this is the human woman in me, but I'd want more then revenge if someone did that to who I loved. I'd want blood.”“Don't think the desire hasn't crossed my mind. But after the lecture he gave me over that one Rogue Hunter that went after me to try and get to him. I’m going to be good, in a sense. Besides, it would be more pleasing to know she's locked up with that fabric on her for the rest of her natural life. Feeling those emotions every day and every night. And since buneydle acts as a second skin at grades three and up, it'll never get dirty, and she'll never have to take it off to bathe.”“See, it's for that reason there I wish I was born a phoenix instead of a human. You're all able to see the angles of situations so much faster then we can. I would have just been lead by the desire for revenge and blood. By the time I would have thought of it that way, it would have been too late.”

~82~

“It's one of the benefits of living as long as we do. Eventually events repeat and we see the outcome differently. Seeing things and events happen enough times and it becomes second nature.”“So the world gets predictable?”“In a sense. But it still changes and grows, so something that might have happened a few hundred years ago might happen again, but it'll have a different look or flare to it. Besides we grow and expand our knowledge as well. When you live as long as we do, there is no book you haven't read.”“See that would be another bonus I think. There are so many books I want to read, but when I compare my time here to that of Phoenix's or yours, I can't possibly see how I can read them all. Phoenix told me to just take it one book at a time and when it's time for me to move on; I’ll be surprised as to how many I got to read after all.”“Is that why you would go out shopping for books back when we were at the penthouse?”“It's one of the reasons. I’m looking for one book in particular though. I’m not even sure it's real but I still look.”“You're not sure if it's real?”“No, I saw myself reading it in a dream a long time ago and the next day I went to several books stores looking for it. In fact that's where I met Phoenix. He was in one of the book stores I went in. He was reading a book sitting in a chair drinking a cup of coffee.”“Really?”“Yeah, I saw him while looking for my book and sat down in the chair just across from him. He looked up from his reading and remarked on the necklace I was wearing. It was a silver chain with a phoenix hanging from it. We met at that bookstore once a week after that. Usually it was to talk about the books we had suggested the other should read.”“No, I meant 'really' as in he was really drinking a cup of coffee?”“Oh, heh, yeah that was before I introduced him to the black rose petal tea.”“Was this back when he was at The Tower?”“Yes, it was just before they labeled him a Fallen Phoenix. Of course I didn't know anything about all of that at the time. It was a month or two later that he showed up at my door, his wings were out and he looked tired. At first sight I nearly

~83~

fainted but he caught me and carried me over to my sofa. That's when he explained it all to me. I've been with him ever since.”

~84~

Chapter 16Chapter 16Crazy Is Spelled B.A.A.L.A.T.

Dinner was set on the table as Phoenix walked through the front door. His leather bag made a rather unpleasant sound as he dropped it to the floor, giving an unworldly scream. His wings feathers were back to their normal deep red fringed in black color but he still hung his head. Reaching his left hand up he rubbed his right shoulder attempting to bring comfort to it. The house gave the appearance of being empty as he went to slump down into his armchair.

“Eep!”Standing up quickly from his chair he looked to see where the voice came from. His chair remained empty.

“I must be too tired from my project. I’m hearing things.”Phoenix rubbed the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes still standing in front of the chair facing it.

“Silly sweety. You're looking at the world in the wrong light.”Opening his eyes Phoenix just caught the last bit of Anastasia fracturing into view in front of him. She smiled at him as she hung her arms loosely on his shoulders while leaning her body against his.

“Change your vision for the white light spectrum. You're still looking at the world a few spectrums above it.”“I must have forgotten to do so when I finished.”Phoenix's irises fractured out from there center reassembling

themselves back together in a different configuration. The white light spectrum faded into view for him as he could now see Ali sitting on the couch and Rachael in the dining room putting the last final touches on her centerpiece. Anastasia fractured back into view once more, still with her arms on his shoulders and body pressed against his. She smiled as she glanced over his shoulders to his wings.

“I'm glad to see they're back to their true colors. Is this a sign that you've rid yourself of all of that negative energy?”

~85~

“The energy is gone, and no one is to open my bag at all this time...”

Ali snickered to herself from her crossword book as Phoenix looked over to Rachael.

“But the feeling is still there from it.”Phoenix continued.

“Well after dinner I’ll rub your back for you as I said I would. I’m grateful that the negative energy is gone, but what will it take for the feeling to leave as well?”“I know the truth of who you are love, but that creature has instilled doubt. And I know that its doubt based on a lie and I know the truth, but she used that strong memory to give the doubt power.”“You still have faith in who I am don't you?”“Yes, and it's the faith and love that I have for you that gives me strength against the doubt. I feel in my heart that you are my true love and I know that is fact. The problem exists in my mind. I know it was a lie and trick but still it left a tiny voice that says, 'What if it's true?'”

Anastasia placed her head on his chest listening to his heart beat as she fought against the anger she felt against Baalat. Ali closed her book setting it on the coffee table in front of her.

“Phoenix, you should be smarter than that, after all you created me. You were also constantly out smarting Agent Frank as he tried to outsmart you. In fact you were, just a few nights ago, working on out smarting this Baalat. And now you're saying because of this one trick she's done, she's out smarted you?” “Before I would have said 'yes' but now that I’ve removed all that negative energy and only the doubt remains. My plan is still in effect. I will continue on as if her trick didn't affect me and we'll see if we can draw her out.”

Phoenix lifted his head high with a crafty smile on his face. Reaching his hands down he grasped Anastasia by her waist lifting her into the air. As he looked deeply into her eyes he spun her in the air.

“You ARE my love. You are not a false replacement. I HAVE found you. Even if my only memory of you was a painful one, I still remembered you, never forgetting you. Just as I promised you that night.”

Phoenix spoke with power and conviction in his voice.

~~~

~86~

Baalat sat on the edge of her bed once more looking at herself in the mirror. Her right knee shock anxiously as she chewed on one of her fingernails. Her room's lights were all turned off and only the crescent moon's light illuminated her room.

“Where is he?”«He'll show up. There's never been a time when a dream invasion hasn't infuriated our prey to come to us.» “Then where is he? It's taking too long. He should be here by now. I used that memory because it was the most painful for him, for me. He should be here now!”«What are we going to do with him once we have him?»“I don't know, I don't know, I don't know, I want him, I want him, I want him!”«Are we becoming obsessive over him?»“Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! HE'S MINE!!”«Don't you mean ours?»“HE'S MY PHOENIX!!”«But... aren't we... the same?»“*growling* He's my Phoenix, you are just a voice in my head, he's MINE!”

The mirror cracked with her last exclamation.

~~~

Phoenix began to feel better as he ate the dinner Ali made for him. He especially felt better after twirling Anastasia about in the living room. It quieted the voice down considerably. His proclamation of his love for her took quite a lot of power from the doubt in his mind. He knew in his heart its words were meaningless. And as further proof, Anastasia's touch relaxed and calmed his mind. This is something she has always been able to do for him.

Every now and again the leather bag would let out one of its unworldly screams momentarily quieting dinner. Phoenix explained to everyone that it was simply feeling the joy they were having from each other’s company during dinner and crying out in pain from it.

“So Phoenix, what did you make from the fabric for her?”Rachael smiled at him as she awaited his answer.

“Well, once I was done making the fabric I didn't know what to make from it. And while I sat there I could hear a sweet soothing voice.”

Phoenix smiled looking over at Anastasia.“So I made it into a straightjacket.”

~87~

“You heard me?”“I thought it was a rather good idea.”“What color is it Phoenix?”“Black. Well no, Rachael it's not completely black. It has inlays of dark blue patterns throughout it. So it'll match her wings nicely.”Phoenix used his spoon to make a small volcano almost three

inches tall out of his mashed potatoes. Glancing up from his creation he looked directly at Ali. She caught his eye with her spoon still in her mouth.

“Don't you dare.”Anastasia looked at Rachael as Phoenix's crafty smile returned.

“Don't you dare do it Phoenix.”Ali reiterated, but he continued staring at her. She held her spoon in her hand pointing it at him.

“I'm warning you Phoenix.”Phoenix's potato volcano erupted gravy with such force it

splattered Ali in the face. Anastasia and Rachael both burst out laughing. Ali wiped her face with her napkin.

“That's IT! I warned you!”Ali jumped up from her chair and began to chase Phoenix around the dinner table. Anastasia and Rachael continue laughing harder at the two. The leather bag nearly shrieking out constantly in pain from their joy and laughter.

~88~

Chapter 17Chapter 17Death Brings About A Conscious.Sarah was on her rounds the next morning checking up on all of

her residents. She stopped for a minute or two in front of each cell jotting down notes on the occupants within. Reaching the last cell she had to check, the owner inside stood up from his bed. He stood five feet eleven inches tall. His wings were deep purple with a white streak down the center of each feather. They were worn and battered from past fights he must have gotten in. His face was old and aged appearing as if he was a human man in his late fifties.

He was one of the very first Rogue Hunters caught in Phoenix's traps. Walking with a slight limp towards the window of his cell he stared Sarah down as he neared. She held her composure not fearing him at all.

“We all know she's here, you know warden.”“Who's here?”“You know who I speak of. Baalat.”“You know her?”“We all do. Us Rogue Hunters have to keep tabs on each other as well. Can't be crossing into someone else's turf. But every single one of us in here knows she's here in your precious little city. She's here for Phoenix just like the rest of us were.”“And you're telling me this why?”“Well, let's just put it this way. I’m one of the few Rogue Hunters that knows whose D.N.A. they got. I look as old as I do because I got the least amount of Agent Anastasia's D.N.A. and it's not as strong as it used to be. I’ll end up dying in here soon there's no stopping it. But before I do, because I hate that becknor Baalat so much. I figure I'd warn you about her. She actually is crazy. Not like what you all may think of the rest of us Rogue Hunters. Do you know what I’m saying?”

~89~

Sarah just stared at him her pen posed to write if needed.“I'm saying that she's hears a voice in her head and actually talks with it. Now I’ve seen some crazy things in my existence but when you see someone having an argument with the voice in their head you know they're too far off the deep end.”“So are you going to tell me how to stop her, or are you just wasting my time?”“Ha, there's no stopping her. She always got her target no matter whom or what stood in her way. And since she's after Phoenix you all might as well give up. She'll get in his head and twist him all up inside. He'll be putty in her hands when she's done with him and he'll willing give himself up to her. I’ve seen it happen countless times with other Fallen Phoenixes, and Agents.”“She went after Agents as well?”“Yeah, or did you not know that warden?”“So you're saying that the only code of conduct you Rogue Hunter's followed of only going after Fallen Phoenixes she broke?”“Among other things. She, however, like the rest of us saw humans as too weak to go after. But a Fallen Phoenix or Agent was fair game to her.”“And she killed them all didn't she?”“Eventually.”“Eventually?”“See the funny thing about crazy, is that it likes to play with its toys before it breaks them. If you catch my meaning.”“I see.”“Like I said, the only reason I’m telling you all this is because I hate that becknor so much and I’ll be dying soon anyway. But I’ll tell you one more thing before I shut up.”“Yes?”“Well, I must have had luck on my side one night and I caught her in a good mood. Must have been after one of her kills or something, but I came across her in a bar one night and we got to drinking. And she told me of her dreams of going after the 'Great Elusive Phoenix' and that she wasn't going to kill him like all her others.”“What's she planning on doing than?”“Well she didn't tell me, but while she was talking about him she had this look in her eye. You know what I’m talking about. That look girls get when their talking about the guy they love and

~90~

they sorta drift off.”“So you're saying she's got a thing for him?”“All I’m saying is; you can be sure she's going to get him, but she's not going to kill him. What she's going to do with him I can't say. That's it warden, I’m done talking.”“Well, thank you. When your time grows near, you let me know what you want to eat as a last meal. I’ll do my best to see you get it.”“No need to try and treat me kindly, I simply want to be able to say to myself in my last breath that of all that I did do here, I at least did one thing nice.”Turning away from his window he limped back over to his bed

and laid down. Sarah jotted down a few things he did say so she could inform the others. She knew he wasn't lying to her about what he said. Phoenix had taught her how to tell when a Rogue Hunter was lying and she believed in all honestly he was telling her the truth.

Making it up to her office after her rounds she transcribed the notes she had taken from her rounds into her computer under each person’s file. It was still three hours before lunch but she hadn't had any more work needing to be done. With Baalat being the only new Rogue Hunter in the city no other new ones had shown up.

“...The others must know she's here so that makes Absitinvidia her territory so they won't show up. I guess that's the only good thing that's come from her showing up here.”

Sarah said to herself.With no new residence there was no new paperwork to fill out.

And since Baalat hadn't cause any property damage since her appearance that was another batch of paperwork she didn't have to work with. Sarah started to grow impatient just sitting at her desk watching the surveillance monitors.

“That's it. I can't just sit here waiting for that Rogue Hunter to show herself. I’m going to do some old fashion Agent work and see if I can track her down.”Getting up from her desk she gathered up a few things as she

left her office.“Going out Ms. Remlic?”

It was Evan her receptionist. He was the only human that worked in the bastille. Built like a line backer he had received the proper training in subduing a Rogue Hunter.

“Yes Evan. If I get any calls just take a message and if for some reason Thomas comes before I get back let him know I should be on my way back.”

~91~

“Would you like for me to tell him where you're going?”“I'm not heading anywhere right now; I’m doing what you would call detective work.”“Ms. Remlic you wouldn't be trying to find the Rogue Hunter Baalat now would you?”“I'm tired of waiting for her to make a move.”“Would you at least allow me to phone Lord Phoenix so that he may accompany you?”“No, there's no need to bother him with this.”“I'm sorry Ms. Remlic, but he's informed me that I must contact him on any investigation into the Rogue Hunter Baalat.”“Really Evan?”“Yes Ms. Remlic.”“Well I’m sure this one time you can look the other way can't you?”“I'm sorry Ms. Remlic but if watching horror movies have taught me anything, that when a situation just like this comes up. It's always the dumbest thing to 'look the other way'. It's for your own safety, and in no way does it say you couldn't handle yourself against a Rogue Hunter.”“So whether I want you to or not, you're going to call Phoenix anyway and let him know what I’m up to?”“I would rather incur your wrath then his Ms. Remlic if something was to happen to you and I didn't inform him prior.”

In a huff Sarah turned around returning to her office. She slammed her door as she went inside.

As she dropped hard back into her chair one of her own feathers puffed up from the force of her sitting down and drifted down to her desk. Picking her feather up; she looked at it absentmindedly. An idea struck her mind. Standing up with almost the same amount of force as sitting down she once again left her office.

“Evan I’m going to meet Ali at City Hall. If anyone needs me they can reach me there.”“Yes Ms. Remlic.”Sarah entered Ali's lab, not to long after leaving her bastille,

with a goal in mind. She wasn't going to go looking for Baalat, but who's to say she had to actually go anywhere to look for clues about her. She had already found a clue that could prove very useful.

“Ali are you busy right now?”“I know it doesn't look like it, but I assure you counting the number of ceiling tiles on the ceiling while you've hit a scientific road block is a legitimate experiment.”

~92~

“I'm sure it is. But can I distract you from that for a few hours?”“What's up?”“You still have Baalat's feather, you know the one she left for us on purpose?”“Certainly.”“Well do you think we can sit down and try and figure out her abilities from it?”“Well, I don't know. I was rather keen on finding out how many ceiling tiles are up there.”“Uh-Huh, Phoenix definitely designed you. Come on, you're bored, I’m bored. Let's actually do something about it.”“Alright. Let me get it out of the closet in the back.”Rolling backwards in her chair Ali headed for the closet in the

very back of her lab. Using her thumb she unlocked the biometric lock that secured the closet shut. Fiddling with boxes, bags, and jars inside she finally came across the envelope that contained the feather. Scuffling her feet, she worked her way slowly back to her desk.

“So, do you want to build a copy of her and see what abilities she has, or some other less dangerous method?”“Less dangerous.”“Aww, I thought you were just as bored as I was. Alright, a computer generated copy then.”Ali dropped the feather back into her D.N.A. analyzer. Her

computer began building a virtual body based off of the D.N.A. from the feather. Before too long they had an exact replica of Baalat on the computer screen.

“Alright, let’s make this a bit interesting. I’ll just drag her over to the sandbox and 'wake' her up and we'll see how she behaves and acts.”“You have a sandbox in your computer?”“Not a real one Sarah. In computer terms, a sandbox is a safe location on the computer where nothing can be changed, altered, or can spread. Usually one is used for testing a program you're not sure of. If it turns out to be a virus or trojan it doesn't really infect your computer so you're safe. If it's a turns out to be a safe program, well its better safe than sorry.”“I see. Well let’s see what she's like then.”

After a few short keystrokes the virtual Baalat was up and moving about on the screen.

“Nifty thing about a virtual version is I can make it so we see and hear whatever she's thinking.”“Really?”

~93~

“Wanna see?”“Yeah.”

A few more keystrokes later and a very familiar voice came through the speakers.

«Where are we and how did we get here?»Sarah fell out of her chair as Ali rolled back from her desk.

“That sounded just like Agent Frank...”“Ali, didn't you say his D.N.A. played a strong part in Baalat?”“Yeah... That was Agent Frank's voice!”“You know today I was told that Baalat listens to and has conversations, even arguments with a voice in her head from one of the Rogue Hunters.”“I think it's safe to say that the one having the arguments with Agent Frank; is Anastasia's D.N.A.”“Yeah.”

Ali and Sarah just sat there staring at the virtual Baalat lost in their own thoughts of the light shown onto them about Baalat's inner mind.

~94~

Chapter 18Chapter 18The News That Requires New Thinking.

Sarah followed Ali home that night; they were going to present their findings about Baalat to Phoenix together. For as long as she had lived in Absitinvidia, this would be the first time Sarah had visited Phoenix at home. It wasn't that she didn't have the desire to visit, after all her best friend Anastasia lived there as well. She was just too focused on her work at the bastille along with building up her relationship with Thomas. Now they could pursue each other openly since they weren't living in The Tower anymore.

Thomas wasn't being trained to be an Agent at The Tower, his field of interest was more into science and philosophy. The Council had put in place regulations on phoenixes of different caste having relationships with each other. An Agent especially could not have a relationship with a non-Agent. The Council saw it as a security risk since Agent's were privilege to more detailed and secret information then the rest.

As they glided down into a soft landing in the front yard Sarah took awe when she saw the tall black metal rose in the yard. Ali walked right past it, having seen it hundreds of times now.

“You coming in Sarah?”“Who made this lovely rose?”“Phoenix, he calls it a tribute to his love for Anastasia.”“It’s beautiful.”“Well come on.”

Sarah regained herself following Ali into the house.Both Rachael and Anastasia were reading in the living room.

Rachael was on the sofa and Anastasia in Phoenix's armchair. It was warm weather out but there was still a fire going in the fireplace. Only its flames were blue and the room seemed cooler then outside.

“Where's Phoenix at Anastasia?”

~95~

“He's on the roof, why?”Anastasia looked up from her reading to look at Ali. Noticing for the first time that Sarah was with her as well.

“Sarah!”Surprise in Anastasia's voice as she jumped up from her reading she darted over to Sarah giving her a hug. Sarah returned the hug as Ali left outside, jumping up to the roof to fetch Phoenix.

“I was wondering when you would come by and visit me at home. All I ever see of you now a days is either at the bastille or when Ali calls us all together for a meeting in her lab.”“I know I’m sorry, I’ve just been kind of busy with work. Thomas and I are working on a stronger relationship since we're out of The Tower as well.”“Yeah I forgot about that stupid rule the Council put in about different caste dating. I still think you and Thomas had guts doing it at The Tower anyway.” “Well I only dated someone from another caste. Not like I went after a Fallen Phoenix or anything.”

Both cracked up laughing together as Ali came back inside followed by Phoenix.

Everyone but Ali took a seat in the living room as she ran upstairs to grab her laptop from her room. Moments later she returned with the laptop and a small card table. Within minutes she had her laptop all setup with the virtual copy of Baalat on screen.

“I have some rather surprising news about our recent Rogue Hunter Baalat. Sarah came by my lab earlier today with the desire to find out what abilities Baalat has. I created a virtual copy of her from the D.N.A. in the feather she had left behind that first day she arrived. Once the copy was made we wanted a closer look at her thinking so I turned on that feature in the program used to create her. You won't believe what we found out.”

Sarah stood up joining Ali.“Before we tell you our finding's I want to add something to the presentation real quick. On my rounds this morning the last resident I had to check up on gave me some rather interesting information about Baalat. He said he was dying and wanted to do at least one good thing before he died so he told me what he knew about her.”

Rachael interrupted Sarah.“And how do you know he was telling you the truth about what he told you of her?”

~96~

“Phoenix taught me the tell, tell signs a Rogue Hunter shows when they lie. I believe in all my heart he was telling me the truth. He said she was crazy, that she hears and talks with a voice in her head. He also told me that she didn't just go after Fallen Phoenixes; she also went after Agents as well. He told me she wouldn't kill her prey right away but would play with them for a bit then kill them.”“Like a cat will play with a mouse before killing it.”“Yes. Now he went on to tell me that he came across her in a bar one night by accident and she must have been in a good mood because they had some drinks together. And she confessed to him her desire to catch Phoenix. She said she wasn't going to kill him but she didn't tell him what she was going to do to Phoenix. He said she talked about Phoenix like a school girl with a crush.”

Anastasia smiled looking over at Phoenix.“My little casanova.”“Not funny.”

Phoenix folded his arms. Sarah cleared her throat before continuing on.

“My informant went on to say that once Baalat has a target, no one can get in her way to stop her from getting it. That she'll twist her way in their mind so much they end up coming to her. He said he'd seen it happen to both Fallen Phoenixes and Agents alike.” “Well she's already tried to get into Phoenix's head and he's still here with us.”“That just means she's going to keep trying Rachael.”

The cup of tea Anastasia had been holding in her hand began to boil.Sarah nodded to Ali sitting back down so she could continue

with her own presentation. Ali turned up the speakers on her laptop.“Now what you're about to here is from inside Baalat's mind.”«What is this place and why can't we get out of it?»

Anastasia dropped her cup of tea.“Sarah and I were surprised to say the least when we heard this voice inside Baalat's head. Remember, both Anastasia's D.N.A. and Agent Frank's make up a lot of Baalat's genetic design.”“Then if it's Agent Frank's voice in her head, then it must be my feelings for Phoenix that drive her to catching him but not killing him. And if she's going to keep going into his dreams I’ll be waiting for her.”

Phoenix sighed heavily.

~97~

“I had just gotten used to being able to sleep normally again, and now I have to deal with this. I’ll just go to her and try and keep my head long enough to entrap her in the jacket I made for her.”“You will not! Can't you see that's what she wants you to do? She wants you to come to her. Didn't you hear what Sarah said? She makes her prey come to her! And you’re sitting there actually saying that that's exactly what you're going to do.”

Anastasia stood up anger and frustration in her eyes as she slapped Phoenix.

The room fell silent as Phoenix sat in his armchair in a state of shock. Anastasia continued to peer down at him still infuriated. Phoenix's wings began to change color once more only this time they grew a lush red.

“So cute when you're angry.”Phoenix smiled playfully up at her. The rooms gaze shifted from Phoenix back to Anastasia. Tears had started to form in her eyes.

“Shut up.”Bending down Anastasia kissed his cheak where she had slapped him. Naturally he pulled her down on to his lap holding her in his arms. Sarah broke the tension.

“Well Phoenix, are we going to continue on with your plan of waiting for her to show herself?”“No. Going by what your informant said, she won't reveal her location to us. We can't sit and wait for her any longer.”“So we're finally going after her?”“Yes. Now since Jonathan didn't want to be the bait to draw her out. I think I’ll play bait since it's me she wants.”“You seriously want me to slap you again don't you?”

Anastasia's hand was raised again posed to strike.“Well do you have a better plan?”“I think as it stands now, you're in no condition to try and work on a plan for catching her since they all appear to involve you going to her in some way or fashion. And you were the one that didn't want our actions to be predictable.”“So then what should we do?”“We don't do anything. I’m going to get her. You got to catch five already, I want to get a few too.”“I don't want you to put yourself in jeopardy like that.”“Oh but its ok for me to see you risking your life?”“It's not just you that you're putting into jeopardy now.”

Phoenix rested his hand on Anastasia's stomach.

~98~

Chapter 19Chapter 19A Dreamy Ambush.A Dreamy Ambush.

“I just don't get him Thomas.”“What don't you get love?”“I went to Phoenix's after work so Ali and I could update him on some new information we found out on Baalat, and I just don't get him. He's ready to just go to her just like all her other victims.”“From what Ali tells me, there's time where even she doesn't get him. From my understanding Anastasia's the only one that understands Phoenix.”“That's another thing.”“What is?”“I don't get her either. I mean we were so close back at The Tower. But ever since she became his other, she seems so different.”“How do you mean?”“I don't know how to explain it. But we used to spend every day with each other. We would tell each other everything. But now that she's whole, I don't know maybe I’m just reading into it too much.”“Is she really that different?”“I don't know, maybe I need to be more available to her as well.”

Thomas leaned over kissing Sarah softly as she turned over to go to sleep.

Anastasia laid awake in bed watching the shadows the candle on the nightstand next to her side of the bed cast. She held Phoenix in her arms asleep as his head rested on her shoulder. As she gazed up at the shadows on the ceiling she began to reflect back on how different her life was now that she had Phoenix in it. Before Phoenix

~99~

had found her, she lived her life thinking she was a Secnal. She grew up thinking she was a Secnal. After all her parents were.

But then again they did confess that they weren't her real parents. They had found her when they were a young couple out for a walk in the woods. That's where they found her; a small infant with a pair of light red wings smiling up at the sun. Since she only had two wings they naturally thought she was a Secnal as well. They took her home and raised her as their own. When she was old enough she went to The Tower to learn everything she could about being an Agent.

Phoenix started to stir in his sleep bringing her back out of her memories. Brushing his hair out of his face she placed her fingers on his temple. Closing her eyes she found herself watching his dream as it took place. It was his, their, memory of the night they were ambushed in the forest. Anastasia had never had to relive the memory as a dream as Phoenix had, but seeing it so vividly she felt as if she was the one having the dream.

She could feel the wind blowing against her face; she could feel the grass under her feet as she stood in her pajamas. The hooves of horses running vibrated through the ground and air as they neared her. The memory played itself out before her, only she wasn't in the carriage with Phoenix as it truly happened. The air became charged around her, then suddenly the ambush. Hooded beings landed and forced the driver to pull over, in seconds they had the carriage doors opened. Catching the occupants within off guard, the hooded beings knocked them out cold.

Phoenix was the first pulled from the carriage. A cloth bag was thrown over his head. They then bound his hands behind his back and feet together. Anastasia watched very closely from her vantage point as they dragged the only other occupant from the carriage. The tree's bark she held her hand upon as she watched began to smoke as Baalat was pulled from the carriage. Anastasia fought herself to stay hidden as she watch them string up Phoenix by his arms dangling from a tree in front of the imposter. He came to just as they finished strapping Baalat down.

Through tears and cries of pain Baalat did something unnatural to the memory. She spoke to Phoenix.

“You must remember me! You must find me! I’ll wait for you my love. I’ll wait for you in the city you will build. You must find me in your city. I’ll be there for you in one of its auberges *. Please find me, remember me and come to me!”

The world around Anastasia dissolved away as the memory and

*ow'behrh

~100~

dream ended.She released herself from his mind finding herself still lying in bed

with him in her arms. Only now her side ached. Looking down she saw his arm wrapped tightly around her. The candle only gave barely enough light that she could see the portion of his wings not covered by the blanket. They had become solid black once more. Only this time she could not feel the negative energy radiating from his body.

“I know where to find you now Baalat. I will hunt you down for what you're doing to my sweety. You may think he's yours but you're just a cheap knock off of the real thing. I’ll use his gift he made for you and throw you into the bastille myself.”

Phoenix's grip on her side lessened giving relief to her.“I love my Anastasia.”

He said talking in his sleep as his wings returned to their normal color. Anastasia kissed the top of his head.

~~~

Baalat rolled over onto her side looking out her room's window. An overcast sky dissipated the moon's light evenly.

“Do you think he'll come to me now?”«I think you made it clearer where you are now so he should come.»“I discovered something while in his dream tonight.”«He's hiding something that we can't get to.»“Yes. I wonder what it is.”«You don't think that the female he's with now is the original from that memory do you?»“No, I’m the one from his, our memory. I have to be, it's so familiar to me. I can see it all play out before me even before I see it from his memory.”«Then what do you think it is that he's hiding from us?»“I'll just have to ask him when he shows up. I’ll give him until tomorrow night to show up.”«And if he doesn't?»“Then I’ll go to him...”«We've never done that. It's too dangerous.»“He's worth it. Besides once I have him and I’m in his arms, he won't let me go, much less send me to that bastille of his. Once he feels me he'll know I’m his love.”«So then what do we do now?»“We'll it's my turn to sleep. Doing a dream invasion is tiresome

~101~

and I don't want to look tired when he shows up tomorrow.”Baalat closed her eyes drifting off to her own dream.

It was the same dream she's always had, where she's a huntress going after her stag. Her dream played the same as she crept closer to her prey as it grazed on the clover in the opening between the trees. She watched each step she took making sure she didn't step on anything that would alert her prey to her location. As she knelt down to take aim the stag looked up from its grazing. It turned its head looking straight at her. Even though she knew she was well covered by the brush she held her breath.

The mighty stag reared back on its hind legs as four majestic wings opened from its back. They had feathers that were a deep red with black along the edges. The wings folded around the stags body binding it completely within. A great breeze rushed through the forest towards her as she stared mystified at her prey. Its wings opened back revealing Phoenix standing where the stag had.

This was solid proof for Baalat that this dream was what she always thought it was. Proof that she would be hunting Phoenix. His head turned again looking in her direction. That's when Baalat could hear the all too familiar rustling sound behind her and she knew her dream was nearly over. Only when she turned, as she always did to look behind her, she did not wake up. Still kneeling on the ground her bow and arrow lowered to the ground, she looked up. Hovering only an inch or two in the air off the ground looking back down at her was another young woman that look nearly just like her only with deep red hair and dark ruby winds. Her four large wings opened spreading large and wide.

Anger was in her eyes as she reached her hand down towards Baalat's throat. Baalat was frozen with fear as she felt the young woman's hand close against her throat and lift her body up off of the ground. Rage latent in the woman's voice she spoke sternly.

“I will remember you, and I will find you.”With a loud thud Baalat found herself on the floor in her room having fallen out of her bed still in a cold sweat.

“What was that?”Her voice trembled with fear in it.

~102~

Chapter 20Chapter 20Phoenix Explains It All.

Baalat remained tangled in her blankets while sitting on the floor in a state of both shock and fear as the morning's light crept through the slats of the curtains. Her gaze remained on the face she had seen in her dream. The young woman that looked so much like herself. Who was she, was it herself, the other mind that lived within her own? Was that it? Had her other mind taken over to claim Phoenix as its own? She couldn’t make heads or tails of her thoughts. The fact that the other voice remained silent all the while she tried to understand the dream made her distrust it even more.

Anger grew within her at the idea that it was the other mind that would steal her Phoenix from her. In a fit of rage she shredded the bed sheets standing up from the floor. Sitting back on the foot of the bed, she stared into the cracked mirror.

“Where are you?!”No answer came.

“Where are you!?!”Still her voice was the only one she heard.

“You ARE planning on stealing him from me aren't you?”Her voice was very cold and harsh now.

Getting up she slammed her fist hard against the glass of the mirror completely shattering it to the dresser below. Only a few shards remained inside the frame. She stared down what remained of her reflection, a partial forehead and eye.

«*yawning* Well someone isn't a morning person.»“So you are still in there. I know what you're planning on doing.”«I haven't the faintest idea as to what you're talking about.»“Don't try to play me; I know you're planning on stealing Phoenix from me!”«Wow you HAVE gone off the deep end to think that.»

~103~

“If I knew how to rid myself of you, I would have by now. You're nothing more than another Rogue Hunter encroaching on my territory! And you know what I do to Rogue Hunter's that don't respect my territory.”«How dare you make such threats to me! Who do you think you are talking to me like that?»“I AM Phoenix's love! There is no equal to me!”«And you really think he'll actually love you when he finds out you hear voices in your head? You actually think he'll love you once he learns of all the murders you've committed?»“I'm his true love; he'll love me no matter what I’ve done!”«You keep telling yourself that. I think we should just kill him like all the others we've killed. Who needs him?»“I need him...”«For what? Huh? You really think you need someone when you've lived all this time with no one. There is no body alive that can live up to your expectations. No possible being that will understand you.»“He will...”«You are a foolish girl. How you ever became the dominate mind I’ll never understand. If someone should be rid of a mind, I should be the one rid of you. I should be the dominate, no the ONLY mind.»“You're the corruption in my mind; you're the one that egged me into doing all those killings. You're the one that talked me into going after Agents as well as Fallen Phoenixes. If I didn't have you, he'd love me even more.”«You really think he wants you? You're a fool, but I’ll play your game to watch you break when you realize he doesn't want anything to do with you.»“You're a cruel liar.”«Well now isn't that the pot calling the kettle black.»“I hate you.”«The feeling is mutual. But hey why wait until tonight to see that he won't show up. Why not go to him now. After all if I really am a liar then the sooner he see's you the sooner you can have your fairytale ending to this miserable excuse of a life.»“I will. And if I am wrong, then he'll strike not just me down, but you as well.”«It'll be worth it to see your fantasy world crumble down. When it does I’ll step up and be the dominate mind. Then I’ll kill him like you should have done.»

~104~

“I'll kill us both before I let you harm him.”«We shall see.»

The last large fragment of mirror fell breaking as it hit the dresser below it.

Baalat cradled her face in her hands as she wept into them. Another Rogue Hunter she could deal with, but when it's in her own head. It was just too much for her. All this time she thought it was a friend, when all along it was an enemy waiting for her to grow weak. She didn't care if her love for Phoenix made her weak, she knew it was true. All she had to do was go to him and everything would be ok. He could help her get rid of the voice in her head and he'd forgive her for what she had done. She knew he would, he would love her because he had always loved her. She knew he was no true Fallen Phoenix, but even if he was, she'd still love him.

~~~

Anastasia sat on the porch swing humming a soft lullaby as she sipped on a cup of black rose petal tea. She couldn't help but smile. She had found where Baalat was and even invaded her dream just as Baalat had invaded Phoenix's. Once she knew Phoenix was safe and wasn't going to try to go after Baalat himself, she would. Her heart felt light almost aflutter, filled with joy as the dress Phoenix made her radiated his love. Soon his tormentor would be in the bastille in the gift he made for her; this brought even more joy to Anastasia.

The front door opened allowing the smell of fresh baked brownies to pour out into the screened-in porch. Rachael stood in the doorway looking out into the front yard her gaze almost in a trance.

“Are you feeling ok this morning Rachael?”“Hum? Oh yes, just fine. I was just trying to decide on if I should plant flowers along the path up to the house.”“That would be pretty. Is Ali enjoying her day off?”“You know she is. She's in the kitchen baking up a storm. If she keeps cooking like this I’ll have to dress a little less titillating.”“You know you could always just say no to indulging in Ali's confections.”“I know, but they're so good. If I had wings, I could just burn off the calories by flying.”“You could always take up jogging or swimming.”“Yeah, but I'd rather be able to fly. The sense of freedom where not even gravity is a law you have to follow.”“You feel restricted here?”

~105~

“No, not living here, but yes in this body.”“You really want to be a phoenix huh?”“More than you can imagine.”“Even with all the trouble you've seen Phoenix go through?”“His trouble wasn't because he was a phoenix. It was, is political and fears other's have towards him.”“Well it's the fear because of the type of phoenix he is. If I had become whole while The Tower reigned supreme I too would have ended up being labeled a Fallen Phoenix because of the same fear they held with him. That's one of the positives of being human. People don't fear you because you're different.”“No, instead they hate you because you're different.”“Fear and hate are just two emotions that I don't think the world will ever be rid of. No matter how much Phoenix wants it to be.”“Anastasia...”“Yes?”“Is there something you or Phoenix can do to make me into a phoenix? I mean Ali started out as a computer program and she's a phoenix. I can't be that far from it.”“I'm sorry, but the D.N.A. that makes you is far too different then the D.N.A. that makes me or Phoenix. Ali was able too because she used his D.N.A. to create her body. So she started off with phoenix D.N.A. You'd be starting with human. A human can't survive a rebirthing. In fact it's called spontaneous combustion for a human.”

Rachael turned sideways in the doorway sliding down the frame until she sat on the floor. Dismay apparent on her face as she pulled her knees up to her chest.

“It's just not fair.”Phoenix walked up from the sidewalk to the porch a brown

paper bag in his arm.“What's not fair Rachael?”“I can't become a phoenix.”“Why would you want to?”

Rachael folded her arms hiding her face in them as she began to cry.“Oh dear. I’ve said something wrong haven't I?”“I don't want to believe that with the years you lived with her, you've never once caught onto how much she wanted to be a phoenix.”“She did mention it a few times, but I guess I was so lost in my own mind that it just didn't click.”

~106~

“*sobbing* Why can't I become a phoenix Phoenix? And I don't want to hear that my D.N.A. is incompatible. I’ve seen you do things that by the laws of nature and physics shouldn't be possible. Why can't I be a phoenix?”“I don't know how to answer that.”“*still sobbing* Codswallop!”

Phoenix nervously looked at Anastasia. She just looked back at him as eager for an answer as Rachael was. An agitated Ali stormed out of the kitchen barely stopping herself from tripping over Rachael in the front doorway.

“Phoenix, I need the milk I sent you to the store for now.”Phoenix passed the brown paper bag to Ali.

“Why's Rachael crying in the door way?”Ali looked sternly at Phoenix.

“What did you do?”“I didn't do anything.”“*crying lighter now*He won't tell me why I can't be a phoenix.”“Is that all?”

Ali knelt down next to Rachael placing a hand on her back.With tears still in her eyes Rachael looked up from her arms at

Ali. Her mascara had left small black trails down her cheeks and the look of dismay was still on her face.

“Ali, *sniffling* why can't I be a phoenix?”“Aw, sweetheart, it's because I’m not done with my latest project. That's why.”

Rachael's eyes widened as Ali smiled gingerly at her. Phoenix and Anastasia's glanced at each other then back at Ali.

“Ali, what is this project you're working on?”“I was actually expecting Phoenix to ask that. Well it's more of a side project of mine that I took up working on while I was trying to figure out the four wings bit from Phoenix's D.N.A. I mean who's to say that there aren't other people that want to become phoenixes. Just because they were born human doesn't mean that can't change later in life.”“It's not just the D.N.A. that makes up a phoenix Ali.”“Sure it is, I’ve seen Secnal D.N.A. as well and even though it's not as complex as Meraphorns. It's still Phoenician. I mean just take a look at what we've seen when I took Baalat's D.N.A. and made a virtual version of her. Are you telling me that there is more to being a phoenix then just the D.N.A.?”“Well yeah there's...”“Don't tell me that it's the years of living they've had. The

~107~

rebirths they've gone through, or the lives they've lived. Everyone starts somewhere. And if you're saying there is some mystical life-force that makes a phoenix a phoenix as well, then I’ll never be a phoenix because my life didn't start out living. Even more so how would you explain the virtual copy of Baalat? That literally has not life-force and yet it has the same appearance even mind as the real one.”

Rachael had wiped her tears away now and was sitting with more conviction as she listened to Ali confront Anastasia and Phoenix.

This time it was Anastasia that looked to Phoenix for the answer. He simply hung his head shaking it.

“You're right Ali. When you boil it all away, a phoenix is its D.N.A. All of its experiences in life and memories even its personality is stored in the strands of D.N.A. But when you start with phoenix D.N.A. you can create a phoenix. There is a foundation to be built on. But the major flaw you come across. The really big one that even the Council wouldn't listen to me on. Was when you take the D.N.A. for a phoenix and try to make a new one from it. Then those memories, experiences and personalities of the donor phoenix are encoded into the new creation as well. They only cared about the experiences,that's why they choose the best of the best to get D.N.A. samples from to create their Hunters. But can't you see, even you've admitted it just now, the memories and personalities are carried over as well. Look at what we're dealing with, with Baalat. Crying out loud she has Anastasia and Agent Frank in the same mind. The only real possible way you might have a chance at achieving your projects goal is if you had phoenix blood that had no memories, experiences, or personalities encoded into it. As far as I know, every single phoenix alive and dead has all of those. Human D.N.A. is far too weak to be able to try and graft phoenix D.N.A. to. Even if by some miracle you could, in order for the transformation to be completed a rebirthing must be done. The human body cannot survive a rebirthing. But once again if a miracle could be pulled off that the human form would last long enough for the rebirthing to properly work. When they rise, because no experiences, memories, or personalities are encoded in human D.N.A. they wouldn't be the same person they were before the process. They would have to grow up like a regular phoenix child does. Learning everything all over again as well as developing a new personality. So if you even managed to pull off those two

~108~

miracles for Rachael, after she went through the rebirthing she wouldn't be Rachael anymore. Everything she has ever learned, experienced or...”

Phoenix looked directly into Rachael's eyes making sure she was looking back into his and listening closely.

“...loved, would be no more.”

~109~

Chapter 21Chapter 21Into the Past He Can Remember.Rachael remained in her room the rest of the morning sulking

while playing her music very loud. The only person she'd allow into her room was Ali when she had treats. Phoenix was grounded from leaving the house; that is unless he was accompanied by someone to and from where ever he was going. He ran too high of a risk of falling into Baalat's trap by going to her. Whether he would admit it or not, the fact remained Anastasia didn't let him leave her sight. She didn't even allow him to fracture himself someplace or even use a portal.

Phoenix sat cross-legged on the roof drawing on a pad of paper as Anastasia sat directly behind him leaning her back against his. It was much too loud to draw inside but that wasn't the real reason Phoenix was outside. As long as he wasn't on the ground but elevated he felt or believed, he could think clearer.

“Sometime last week Rachael told me how you two met.”“Did she?”“Yeah, it was in a book store and you were reading a book while drinking a cup of coffee.”“That was all the way back when I was still at The Tower.”“She said it was only a few months before they labeled you a Fallen Phoenix.”“It's funny, we'd meet at that book store once a week to talk about the books we had been recommended by the other to read.”“What’s funny about that?”“The funny part is that all the books she'd recommend I read were all books I had already read.”“Did you tell her that?”“Na, I enjoyed her company. At that time she was the only human I knew that actual had a positive attitude to phoenixes

~110~

as far as if they were still around today.”“She said that she nearly fainted when you showed up to her door with your wings out.”“That was an eventful night for the both of us. I had just barely escaped three Agents. Ditching them long enough to focus on her energy and portaling myself to where she lived.”“She never invited you over to her house?”“She did. But I never took her up on her offer.”“Why not?”“I liked us just being friends. I didn't want things to get serious.”“Oh.”“She was the only person outside of The Tower that I knew and trusted. So that's why I went to her. That was the first night she made me a cup of black rose petal tea.”“I can't help but wonder... I know how she feels about you, and well did she ever make a move on you while you lived with her?”“She did at first. But I turned her down politely. She was hurt,but I sat her down and explained why we couldn't be more then good friends. She didn't want to accept it in the beginning but she came around eventually.”“Phoenix?”“Yes?”“When did your, our, memory of that night come back to you?”“I've always had it; only in the beginning it wasn't as clear and vivid. Only the emotions and flashes of you were there. It was the images of you I saw that drove me to go into deep meditation to remember the entire memory. Once I had it back I went to the psychologist at The Tower and talked with him on the memory and the emotions it brought about. I know now that was a mistake. But this was when I still trusted The Tower and the Council. I also thought that our psychologist had a doctor patient confidentiality like the humans do with theirs. Apparently what you said on his couch would be relayed to the Council if it was important enough.”“Is that how they caught you up and labeled you a Fallen Phoenix?”“No, they suspended me from sitting in on their meetings. If you remember. I did kill. Only three times at that. But it wasn't the fact that I killed, that gave me the label. It was Who I killed.”“Hold on before you continue. I have some questions. They let you sit in on their meetings? And you could have gotten

~111~

away with three killings if they weren't anyone special?”“Yes to both. I didn't grow up at The Tower; I didn't even take any classes while I was there. I taught some but that's beside the point. I lived there because I had no other place to go. When I rebirthed that night, I was lost and confused. My memories were really messed up. By dumb luck I stumbled into a tavern that was a cover, or safe house for phoenixes before The Tower was built. I didn't have all four of my wings out when I collapsed to the floor only two. Naturally they thought I was a Secnal in trouble and gave me food and shelter until I was stable enough to leave. When I left I wasn't lost or confused anymore but my memories were still broken. I had made my way to China while looking for where I belonged. And that's where I met an old wise man who knew what I was even without my wings being out. He's the one that taught me how to go into deep meditation to recover and repair my mind. He allowed me to stay with him until he passed away. He said I was lucky for him. I thought it was lucky that I found him. Especially him. His culture tends to favor dragons over phoenixes. It was while staying with him and mediating that I found out that I wasn't a Secnal but a Meraphorn, that I had two more wings still dormant in my back. Once I learned I had four wings I was so happy. His home was high up in the mountains where you could always see the sun set unhindered by trees or buildings. When I learned how to open all four of my wings I would fly up to the peak of his roof and close my eyes while balancing on one foot as the sun set in front of me to meditate. I would stand there balanced with my wings spread as far as they could feeling the wind caress each feather as it moved the air around me. When he passed I moved on again. I went to America and found a nice secluded patch of land that was miles from civilization. I stayed their working on manifesting items. At one point I had a rather large mansion. Each and every bit of it down to the smallest nail I had created out of nothing. I lived there for a few decades working on perfecting my other abilities. By the time I was ready to leave that home and move on I had progressed to meditating above the clouds. I could go back so far in my memories I could see all the lives I had lived all the people I knew. I had our life back in my memories and the only memory that remained broken was of that night. I disassembled my home and rejoined civilization. That's where I found The Tower. They were very interested in me in the

~112~

beginning. I could go and do whatever I wanted. But in the back of my mind that memory nagged to be fixed. So I did; I fixed that memory and that's when the dreams started to happen. That's why I went to the psychologist. That's why I killed three councilmen. And that is why I was labeled a Fallen Phoenix. However before they labeled me one they used old magic to remove all of my memories of my past lives only leaving what I had of that current life. Now whether they meant to or not there was one memory I was able to keep. That tragic memory was the only one that remained.”“Do you...”“Do I regret that being the only past life memory I could keep?”“Yes.”“No. Because it kept your memory alive for me.”“Would you still have found me if you didn't have that memory?”“I believe so. I found you at the tower and you only had a slight resemblance to the memory I had of you. But I was drawn to you. I knew you were important to me. Being around you brought peace to my mind. Do you remember that night I laid next to you in my bed?”“Uh huh.”“Even though I could only feel your touch through the blankets, your touch calmed my mind and I was able to sleep without reliving the memory. Ever since I had repaired that memory I would see it over and over again every night. This went on for a little more than ten years. That night I laid next to you was the first night in ten years where I didn't relive that dream. Even if Ali hadn't found out who you were I still would have chosen to be with you.”“So whether you found out who I really am or not we would have ended up together?”“Yes. And eventually we would have gone through a rebirthing together and it would have been a glorious surprise to see you rise as you are now, not knowing you would beforehand. You were my love in my past lives. You're my love in this life. And you will be my love in our future lives. When I made your dress for you, it wasn't just my purest form of energy that went it to it. It wasn't just my love that went into it. It was all of the moments I have spent with you in this life, the love I felt for you in that memory and the love I knew I would feel for you in our lives to come. If buneydle fabric had any more grades to it, your dress

~113~

wouldn't be made from grade five fabric, but from grade nine at least.”“Then if you love me that much to have made my dress like that, how can that doubt she placed in your mind have any power at all?”“It gets weaker and weaker each day I’m with you. Even now after I've told you what my life was like after that night and how I went about making your dress, I don't feel the doubt in my mind. It's when she invades my dreams that I feel and hear the doubt loudest. If this is the start of the kind of attacks I’ll be getting from Rogue Hunters, then I think it's wise to say the next rebirthing evolutionary change would be mental barriers. That's one of the reasons I have been meditating lately. I’m trying to figure out some mental barriers now before the rebirth. But she has your D.N.A. inside her helping her get into my mind. Into my dreams, my memories.”Anastasia faded from view suddenly causing Phoenix to fall

onto his back. She reappeared moments later sitting next to him with a small plate with some of Ali's treats on it and two glasses of milk.

“You know, sometimes you talk in your sleep.”“What do I say?”“Mostly you tell me that you love me.”

Anastasia laid her head down on his chest listening to his heart beat. If she listened close enough she could almost hear his heart beat sounding as if it was saying 'My love, my love, my love...'.

Phoenix took a bite of one of the brownies on the plate as he set his drawing pad down next to him. Using his finger he drew his picture in the sky. The lines and shapes grew more detailed as he focused more on the image in his mind. As he finished putting the last few details in, Anastasia look up to his drawing. He had drawn her asleep in his bed back when she first arrived at the penthouse.

“Did you watch me when I slept there?”“No, this is from a night I had gotten up and went to my balcony for a late night flight. You and Rachael were already asleep. I looked back to you in my bed before I opened the doors. You were so beautiful and it looked so right for you to be asleep in my bed that as I flew I couldn't help but see myself falling asleep and waking up next to you for the rest of our lives.”“You seem to always know just what to say to make me feel so special to you. That's why I hate what Baalat has been putting you through.”

~114~

Anastasia leaned up supporting her upper body with one arm as she looked deeply into Phoenix's eyes. With a small look of remorse she kissed his forehead. His eyes closed putting him into a deep sleep.

“I'm sorry sweety, but I don't want you to try to fly off to Baalat. Even if your intentions are good, she's one Rogue Hunter you won't be able to capture. I’ll take care of her for you and once she's locked up in the bastille with her jacket on she won't be able to bother you anymore in your dreams. I’m going to take care of her tonight.”Anastasia lifted his body and glided down from the roof with

him in her arms. Ali was waiting for her holding the screen door open. She carried him up to their bed tucking him in. She kissed his cheak before returning back down stairs.

“Thank you for helping me with that Ali.”“He's not going to be too happy to know you're doing this.”“I know, but he's not the only one that can come up with a plan to catch a Rogue Hunter.”

Anastasia closed her wings tightly around her body. Ruby red flames rushed over her as her wings changed color. No longer were her feathers their reddish color but now they were red with black along the edges. As the last feather changed she opened her wings. Instead of Anastasia standing in front of Ali, there stood Phoenix.

Ali stood impressed as she walked around the Phoenix that stood before her.

“It's rather astonishing what you've done. I don't see anything out of place. I think Baalat will genuinely believe you're really Phoenix.”“That's what I’m counting on when I go see her tonight.”

~115~

Chapter 22Chapter 22Emotions Galore.

Ali was able to coax Rachael out of her room to sit bedside to Phoenix for Anastasia. She would watch over him making sure he didn't prematurely wake before Anastasia was done with her mission. Anastasia entered the bedroom to check on Phoenix before she left. Rachael looked up from her reading, dropping her book. She looked back down at Phoenix asleep in bed, then back at Phoenix standing next to the bed.

“Ok that's a new one. Phoenix I didn't know you could make a copy of yourself. Does Anastasia know about this?”“Silly, I am Anastasia.”“No, you're Phoenix.”“No, I’m Anastasia. I altered my appearance to look like Phoenix. I’m bait for Baalat.”“Ok, prove to me that you're really Anastasia and not Phoenix. Tell me something only she and I would know.”“I know that you still have strong feelings for Phoenix that he keeps a blind eye to. That if you could have it your way and I wasn't in the picture, you would be his love.”“Not good enough. Try something else.”“Alright. I hugged you wearing the dress Phoenix made for me from buneydle fabric and you freaked because you were afraid it would start drawing energy from you.”“It's that obvious that I still have strong feelings for him?”“Yes.”“I'm sorry. I know it's not right for me too, after all you are his love.”“Don't feel sorry hun. If it bothered me, I'd say something. No, I trust you and I trust him. If it makes you happy living with him just so you can be around him then so be it.”

~116~

“I'm sorry. I’m such a mess with the feelings I have for him. And I’m sorry for not believing you when you said you were really Anastasia. You just look exactly like him.”“That's what I’m going for. There is just one thing that I’m not certain of.”“What's that?”“Well, I rather not mention it because of your feelings for him.”“No go ahead, if it's the factor that'll decide if she takes the bait or not then you need to know.”“Well I know I have his look down, but I don't know if I have his touch right. You know that feeling you get when he touches you.”“I know. Well... … why don't you give me a hug and I’ll be able to tell you if you feel like him.”“Are you sure? It doesn't have to be a hug you know.”“I know, but his hug is his signature. He hugged me once years before he brought you home. And I’ll never forget how it felt for as long as I live.”“If you're sure.”“I am. Just try your best to hug me like he hugs you. Using not just your arms but your wings as well.”“Right.”

Anastasia/Phoenix stepped up to Rachael as she stood from her chair. Closing her eyes she felt his warm arms wrap around her waist drawing her closer as his wings folded around her. The energy of his wings rushed through her body as an overwhelming since of love and protection flooded her mind and heart. She rested her head on his shoulder basking in the feelings.

Anastasia/Phoenix reopened his wings pausing slightly before releasing Rachael from the embrace. Rachael's arms remained around his waist for a few minutes after the hug was over. She didn't let go until Anastasia/Phoenix cleared his throat.

“I'm sorry. I kinda got lost there.”“It's ok. So was it anything like his?”“Uh-huh. Just as I remembered it. Only... he didn't let me hug him as long as you did.”“... Rachael?”“I'm sorry Anastasia, I’m sure you don't want to hear me talking like this to you.”“Rachael?”“Yes?”“Your heart is pure and there is no fault with the love you have

~117~

for Phoenix. I’m just curious, but the reasons you gave us earlier as to why you wanted to become a phoenix weren't the real reasons were they?”

Rachael turned away looking at the floor as her cheeks became slightly flushed.

“No, they weren't.”“I didn't think so. You wanted to become a phoenix to have more time with him didn't you?”“How come you can read my emotions and feelings so much better then he can? I mean he told me a long time ago that we couldn't be anything more than good friends and I had to come to terms and accept it whether I wanted to or not. But my feelings for him have never gone away.”

Tears started to form in Rachael’s eyes.“I mean ever since I saw him in that book store I knew I wanted to meet him. That's why I sat down across from him. I don't know if he's told you this or not, but I even invited him to my home a few times. He declined each time. I used to live in an apartment before he came to me that night. After that night he moved me into the penthouse. He made sure I never had to want for anything again. He let me live my life like I wanted to. I could do and learn whatever I wanted to without the fear of being judged by those around me. If I read something in a book that happened a long time ago, I knew I could go to him and he'd explain it to me if he lived then. If he didn't he could find the answers for me by using Ali while she was still at The Tower. I could never do any of that, or live like I wanted to ever in my life before him. And then I made the stupid mistake of telling him how his touch, even if it was his hand brushing against mine in passing, made me feel. After I did that, I can swear he almost never touched me again even if by accident. I confronted him on that one night when I was mad over something else and he told me he didn't want to do anything more that would make it harder for me since we couldn't be a couple. That was something else I had to accept but didn't want to. I had to accept that because I opened my mouth I was the reason why he would scarcely touch me. I know he wasn't doing it to be mean or cruel, his intentions were the opposite but it was worst for me. I have no right, but I still feel some jealousy towards you because of how affectionate he is with you, and how he'll just out of the blue kiss you with so much passion before going back to whatever it is he was

~118~

doing. And please, please, don't say anything because even though I’m envious of it, if you two stopped showing your affections, it would be as bad as when he stopped touching me. I know how happy he is now that he has you; I can see it in his face and his actions. I’ve never seen him like that the entire time I lived with him. I can't have him change just because of my stupid emotions. I can't do that to him when he's done nothing but good for me.”“Isn't it torturous for you though?”“I've come to the conclusion that I’m only here for a blink in time compared to how long he lives for, I don't really have any say with what he does because eventually I’ll just be a memory for him. I don't want it to be a bad memory or one with regret. It might be vain of me but I want the memories he has of me, even if they are just for a small span of time, to be happy memories that he'll looked back on some day and smile when he thinks about me.”“You're really fixated on only living for a short period of time compared to us huh?”“Even if I lived for one hundred years, that's only a fraction of his life. Barely a slice of the pie.”“Then why are you worrying yourself with how much time you have left instead of just enjoying it. Life is meant to be lived. If you're going to just dwell on how much you have left then why stick around? I can't do anything about your feelings for Phoenix, but I’m not going to take him from you. If it makes you happy to live in the same home as him, there's nothing wrong with that. He, no, WE already see you as family. Just because your time is limited doesn't make the time you have with us any less special. I mean come on Rachael; most humans have never even met a phoenix, much less lived with one for over ten years. He trusts you, he knows you have a kind heart. And just because you can't have a closer relationship then what you have with him now, doesn't mean what you two already have isn't special already. He'd risk his life to protect you if you were in any kind of danger.”

Rachael was sitting on the edge of the bed in tears by now as Anastasia/Phoenix sat in her chair.

“I know and he has. I was walking home from the library after dark one night reading a book I had just checked out when a group of thugs tried to attack me. There had to have been six of them with both knives and guns. I was so scared that I was

~119~

seconds from bursting into tears. They were yelling and screaming at me demanding I hand over my purse and valuables. Some were even threatening to rape me in the alley. The next thing I knew Phoenix had landed in front of me. His wings were pure black with waves of bright red flames burning off them. He glanced over his shoulder just long enough to tell me to close my eyes. When I did all I heard were a few gun shots followed by terrified gargled screams. Their screams only lasted a few minutes before he knelt down next to me and told me I could open my eyes again. He had three gun shots in his chest and was bleeding but there was even more blood on his wings. He stopped me from looking over his shoulder but I did manage to catch a glimpse of what lay behind him. The main thug that had first threatened me was sprawled on the ground with his throat slit open and his guts hanging from a large gouge in his stomach. I could only imagine what the rest must have looked like. Phoenix picked me up in his arms and flew me back to the penthouse. I dressed his wounds as best as I could before I broke down crying. That's the night he hugged me. When I was in his arms all that fear I had just vanished and was replaced by the feeling of safety and security with love. I knew then on that no matter what, as long as Phoenix was there I'd be safe from anything. I later confessed that I did see what happened to one of my attackers, and I was wondering how they got cut so badly when he didn't land with a dagger or sword. He told me that if he's pushed far enough that his long feathers become sharper than any bladed weapon. That's why his wings were covered with so much blood.”

Anastasia/Phoenix closed his wings around his body as a deep ruby flame rushed over them. Opening her wings back up Anastasia was sitting as her normal self across from Rachael. She leaned forward slightly pulling Rachael towards her giving her a hug. Rachael accepted the hug letting herself cry on Anastasia shoulder.

A knock came to the bedroom door as Rachael blew her nose on the tissue from the box Anastasia had manifested for her on the bed. Anastasia got up from the chair answering the bedroom door. It was Ali.

“I heard crying and was wondering if everything was alright?”“Everything's fine. We were just having a rather emotional conversation.”“Is everything ok now?”

Anastasia turned back to look at Rachael. Rachael nodded that she

~120~

was fine now.“Yeah, we're good in here.”“That's good. I also wanted to let you know that if you're still going to go play Phoenix, it's getting dark out. I know you wanted to do it before night fall.”“Thank you Ali. I’ll just change back real quick and then go catch myself a Rogue Hunter. If things go according to my plan, I’ll be back before sunrise.”“Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?”“No, I don't want anything happening to you. Besides, both you and Rachael have told me how convincing my Phoenix appearance is so I doubt she'll attack me. I’m going to trick her into willingly put on the jacket. Once it's on it'll drain her energy enough that I can just carry her to the bastille.”“You really think it'll be that easy?”“No, it just sounds like it is.”“Remember, you and Phoenix went through that rebirthing together, that did more than just give you back the other half of your D.N.A. you have his memories and you know how he would react. Use that as well and you'll be fine.”“I would be fine even if I just stormed in after her as myself. But since she posed as me in his dreams. Why can't I pose as him in real life? An eye for an eye right?”

Ali smiled.“Right.”Anastasia closed her wings back around herself transforming

into Phoenix. Ali headed downstairs. Looking back into bedroom to Rachael sitting on the bed smiling at her. Rachael leaped up from sitting, wrapping her arms around Anastasia/Phoenix. Tears swelling back up in her eyes.

“You had better come back to him.”“I will.”

~121~

Chapter 23Chapter 23Such A Pretty Long Coat.

Baalat sat anxiously on her bed staring at her room’s door. She waited for nightfall to hit before she would go to Phoenix. Despite her other mind egging her on to go sooner she wanted to be in his arms for the first time under the moons light. The sun had just fallen below the tree line but still gave off just enough light to show it was still setting.

Baalat jumped, startled with the sound of someone knocking on her rooms door. Nervously but still sounding sweet she called to it.

“Who is it?”The voice that replied through the door was much more loving then when she first heard it that night in his dream.

“I've found you haven't I?”Her heart became a flutter as she unlocked the door.

Phoenix stood before her in the hallway with a wrapped gift in his hands and a smile on his face. She stared into his eyes becoming lost in them.

“Well, now that I’ve found you after all this time, may I come in?”

Snapping back out of her trance, she blushed while smiling.“Yes I’m sorry. I’m just so excited that you're here. Is that... Is that a present for me?”“Yes it is. It's something I made special for you.”

She took the hem of his Rough Rider coat pulling him into her room. The broken pieces of mirror had been cleaned up, but she had requested not to have it replaced.

Phoenix sat on the edge of her bed where she had sat so many times before. His wings lay relaxed on his back as he looked up affectionately into her eyes. This caused her to blush deeper. Phoenix handed her the gift purposefully touching her hand as he did so. The feeling of energy she felt from his hand overwhelmed her forcing her

~122~

to sit on the edge of the dresser behind her. “Well, go ahead and open it.”

Regaining her composure she nodded excitedly. Reaching down to her ankle she pulled a small curved dagger she had strapped there and used it to cut the ribbons that tied the box together.

Lifting the garment out of the box she held it up in front of her. It was a long coat that looked like his. It was made of an unusual black fabric that had inlaid deep blue patterns throughout its design.

“It's beautiful. What is it?”“It's a coat like mine, but I made it out of the highest grade of buneydle fabric. All of the emotions and energy you make me feel went into making it. When you wear it, you'll feel everything I feel from you.”“Aww, that is so sweet thank you so much.”

She smiled greatly, setting it down next to her on the dresser.Phoenix stood from the edge of the bed pulling her back up.

She leaned in close against his body, her arms hugging his waist. He wrapped his arms around her pulling her tighter against his body as his wings folded around her. She moaned in happiness and contentment. She could feel his power rush over her body filling her. She knew this is where she belonged; she knew the voice in her head had been wrong. Phoenix did come to her and he did embrace her and all was right in the world.

Lifting her head from resting on his chest she looked up deeply into his eyes. Phoenix gazed back down into hers a coy smile on his face.

“My Phoenix, I have a question for you.”“Yes?”“I have to admit, I did visit you in your dreams to show you where I was so you could find me.”“I know.”“And well, one time while I was there I notice there was a part that I couldn't get to. What's in there?”For the first time since altering her appearance to that of being

Phoenix, Anastasia had no idea what Baalat was talking about. She had his memories and knew his mannerism but as far as a secret area of his mind. She had no idea what it could be. Was this a test? Was Baalat testing her to make sure she was really Phoenix? She had to think quickly and decide whether it was a trick or not.

“Why, that's where I keep my most cherished memories of you. I keep them locked away so nothing happens to them.”“Oh, ok. I’m so glad I’m back in your arms again my love.”

~123~

“Well I did promise I would remember you and find you.”“You've kept that promise lovely.”Phoenix opened his wings from around her pulling her back

away from him but still smiling at her.“Why don't I help you put on your gift so I can see how well it fits you. I’m rather eager to see if you look as beautiful in it as I had imagined you would.”“Alright. I do love the colors you chose for it.”

Baalat turned around to pick up the jacket from the dresser. She gave it to Phoenix before holding her hair up with one hand as he guided her free arm into one sleeve. She then transferred which hand held her hair up so he could put her other arm in its sleeve.

Releasing her hair she allowed it to fall elegantly onto her back on top of the jacket. Pulling the waist strap around she fastened the jacked closed. Baalat turned around to face Phoenix.

“Is it just as you imagined it would look.”He smiled back at her.

“Yes, but you should have a mirror so you can see how pretty you look in it.”

Baalat's smiled faded as a look of worry placed itself on her face.“What's the matter?”“I... just don't like mirrors.”“Can't you make this one exception for me? I want to see the look on your face when you see how pretty you look in it.”

She bit her lower lip thinking quickly. What if her other mind came back with the new mirror. Would it be then that it chose to take over and kill her Phoenix? But then she couldn't really say 'no' to him. He'd suspect something then. She'd have to risk it.

“Ok, I’ll call the front desk and have them bring a new one up.”“No need too.”

Phoenix raised his hand to the empty frame. Deep ruby red flames filled the empty frame with a new mirror.

“There we go. Why don't you turn around and take a look.”Holding her breath and closing her eyes she turned to the

mirror. Phoenix rested his chin on her shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her waist holding her tightly in his arms. This calmed her mind and gave her confidence to open her eyes. The coat was very well fitted to her body around the chest and flaring out past the waist. Phoenix whispered in her ear softly.

“I will remember you, and I will find you.”It was Anastasia's voice. Baalat was suddenly filled with shock and fear as she looked at Phoenix's reflection in the mirror. It was that same

~124~

woman's face from her dream grinning back at her. Acting on impulse she turned quickly around and a few feet back from Phoenix, only it wasn't Phoenix standing in front of her. Baalat's voice shook with fear.

“Who are you? Where's my Phoenix? What have you done with my Phoenix?”“I think you mean to say, what have I done with my Phoenix.”“That's... that's what I said.”“No, no, no. My as in Mine, not as in yours.”

Anger invited itself to Baalat's emotions.“He's mine! Only mine.”“You poor diluted child. I'm the original. You're just some knock off of some incomplete D.N.A. I donated back at The Tower. It's not you in that memory of his. It's me. It's not you that he loves. It's me. It's not you that he sleeps with every night. It's me.”“You're a retched liar! You stole him from me! I want my Phoenix back right NOW!”

Anastasia simply laughed.“He was never here. It was me all along.”“You lie!”

Anastasia became Phoenix once more in front of Baalat. Baalat collapsed to the floor curling up in a ball crying.

“*sobbing* You're lying, I know you are! I know he was here. I know he held me. Bring him back to me. He's mine.”“No, he's mine. I will tell you one truth. That jacket you're wearing he did make. And he did make it with all the feelings and emotions and energy you made him feel.”Becoming Anastasia again she knelt down to Baalat and

touched the coat. It screamed out its unworldly scream. Immediately the coat's properties took effect on Baalat as it began to radiate all of the pain, sorrow and negative energy Phoenix had created it from. Her crying stopped only to be replaced with her screaming as she became overwhelmed by the buneydle fabric.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!”«AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!»

Her scream intensified as more and more of the pain and sorrow flooded her mind and body until the window in her room shattered.

She clawed and tore at the jacked to get it off but each time she did it just held onto her tighter repairing itself as she damaged it. Anastasia stood over Baalat smiling down at her a sense of accomplishment filled her. She ripped off one of the bed sheets from the bed and wrapped Baalat up in it. Making sure she was secured

~125~

Anastasia hoisted her onto her shoulder and leaped out the broken window catching a strong thermal. Flying the few blocks it was to the bastille she smiled to herself at the muffled screams of Baalat.

Sarah was waiting just outside the front gates of the bastille in her pajamas when Anastasia landed. She followed Sarah inside and down the corridors to the special room that had been built just for Baalat. It was completely padded on the floors, walls and ceiling. It was padded with the same buneydle fabric Phoenix used to make the coat. Anastasia set Baalat down on the floor just outside the room’s door and unwrapped the blanket from around her. Instantly her screams were unmuzzled and echoed throughout the halls. She still fought at the jacket to get it off but now it had taken its true form of a straightjacket. Anastasia picked her up by one of the straps looking her directly in the eyes.

“This is for all of the pain and sorrow you have caused MY Phoenix. This is for posing as ME in his dreams and memories. And this is for thinking YOU could ever have HIM.”

She then threw Baalat into the room. Sarah closed and locked the door.

“*yawing* Ok, I’m going back home to bed. Tell Phoenix not to worry about coming in to help with the paperwork for Baalat. I’ll take care of it. I can fill her abilities in from the feather she left and the rest I’ll get from observing her.”“Thank you again for coming in so late to help me Sarah.”“Shoot all I did was unlocked the place for you. You did the rest. She won't be able to bother Phoenix anymore in that room. Thomas created a mental barrier over it with Ali's help. No thoughts go in, no thoughts go out.”“Well tell him thank you for me. Next time I see him I’ll cook him dinner.”“*yawing* You have a good night Anastasia.”

Anastasia hugged Sarah.“Thank you for being such a good friend.”

~126~

Chapter 24Chapter 24Jonathan Is Not Indebted To You.Anastasia was in such a good mood after leaving the bastille

she decided to walk all the way back home. The cool night air acted as if it were dancing alongside her as she strolled down the sidewalk. As she walked she hummed a light melody to herself. The traffic lights were already flashing their amber lights as there was scarcely a car driving around.

“It's a rather calm night tonight.”Looking to her left she noticed that Jonathan was walking with her.

“Um-huh.”“I don't know if you knew this or not, but I got to watch you carry Baalat off to the bastille.”“Did you now?”“I did. I’m rather impressed. I’m also curious as to how you did it. But I won't ask, nor will I listen if you tell me.”“Who were your D.N.A. donors?”“I never wanted to find out. The only one I’m sure of is that you're one of them.”“So tell me Jonathan. How is it that you became indebted to Phoenix?”“That old story? Heh, I’ve never had to tell it. Then again no one has ever asked either.”“Well I’m asking.”“I'll tell you don't worry, but mind you I’m only doing so by my choice. I’m indebted to him, not you.”“I didn't realize it was such a favor for a story. But if you feel that way you don't have to tell me, I’ll just ask him in the morning.”“Don't be like that. I said I’ll tell you so I’ll tell you.”“Fine, fine so long as it's your choice.”“It is. It started back when he had only been at The Tower for a

~127~

few years. He was allowed to sit in on their meetings and even got to voice his opinion on topics they'd talk over. Whether they considered his opinion or not was up to them. It had been two years after the approval of the Hunter project when I was called before the Council. I was one of the first Hunters that turned rogue. And it was because of my first 'free lance' hunts that I got summoned before them. He sat in the middle of all the Councilmen at their table during my trial. At the time I was scared out of my mind. I didn't know what drove me to act outside of the guides of a Hunter, what it was that made me go rogue. And I knew that I'd be destroyed because of it. The fact they were putting me through a trial was merely a technicality. I was not a natural born phoenix so I literal had no rights. But he took a stand before all of the Councilmen and argued a case for me out of thin air. He convinced every single one of them not to have me destroyed. When they sent me away he followed me out the door. Once we were alone in the hall he told me that he knew what drove me to go rogue. That it was only a matter of time before all the Hunters went rogue. I was simply one of the first. It was the drive within us to fight or rebel against the corruption that was in the Council. I cannot speak for my fellow Rogue Hunters, but as for myself, I researched ever single Fallen Phoenix I went after. I made sure they were true Fallen Phoenixes and not an innocent labeled a threat by the Council. I owe my life to Phoenix, and since there is no way I can repay my debt to him I will be forever indebted to him and only him.”“Yes you've said that. Then if it's not too much for you, why are you walking with me now?”“Err... I merely wish to show respect to you for your recent capture of Baalat. You would have made a great Agent if you stayed on that path. No one else has been able to do what you did tonight.”“Well, thank you than. But you didn't have to walk me home.”“I didn'....”

It was then that Jonathan noticed they stood at the start of the path that led up to her home.

“Thank you for the story Jonathan, would you like to come inside for something to eat or drink?”“No thank you, I really must be going. Remember, I’m onl...”“Only indebted to Phoenix, yes I know. I won't forget it.”

Jonathan bowed respectfully to Anastasia before he took flight

~128~

heading south.The porch light was still on as Anastasia made her way down

the path. She stopped to look at her black metal rose in the late moon light. That's when she noticed something different about it. It had two bud's growing just a few feet below the main flower. The two were made of the same black metal but appeared to have a warm glow radiating from their cores. She wondered to herself if they had always been there or not.

The screen door opened with Ali holding a cup of hot coco in her hand. She was wearing light purple bunny slippers on her feet and a pair of pajama bottoms that didn't match the pajama top she had on. Anastasia turned away from her rose heading up to the porch with Ali. Ali handed her the cup of coco.

“Well tell me how it went.”“It went very smoothly. It was almost too easy to catch her. But I think it was because she truly believed I was Phoenix. She let her guard down and that made it so easy to get her.”“And the jacket?”“I got her to put it on herself.”“*laughing*Really?”“Yep, I made it look like the woman’s version of Phoenix's Rough Rider coat. She probably would have still put it on as a straightjacket if he asked her to.”“And the cell at the bastille?”“I don't think she'll be getting evicted from that apartment anytime soon.”“Well now that's over with what do we do about Phoenix?”“What do you mean?”“Well Sleeping Beauty got a kiss to wake her up, what's he going to get?”“Who say's I should wake him? Why can't we have an all girls weekend?”“Oh you're bad. *snickering* But seriously we should wake him.”“Alright. Do you think he'll be upset with me?”“You'd know better than I would.”“HA! I gotta an idea in mind if he is.”

Anastasia set her empty cup down and raced upstairs to their room.Rachael was still reading her book at Phoenix's bedside. She

greeted Anastasia with a strong hug as she entered the room.“I'm so glad you're back.”“If you like I’ll take you to the bastille tomorrow so you can see her.”

~129~

“I don't know if I want to or not.”“Let me know if you do and we'll make a day of it. Like going to the Rogue Hunter Zoo.”

Anastasia stuck her tongue out playfully.“Did you enjoy being him tonight?”“You know what? I did. I can see why he's so affectionate with me, because it's so much fun for him. I got to see how she reacted to his touch and his embrace through his eyes. As it all happened, so many things ran through his mind. He's got it all down to a science almost. I can see now why he avoided his touch with you now. And it goes so much deeper then what he told you. When he touches someone of the opposite sex a bit of his energy is literally transferred. When I touched Baalat's hand tonight as him, she actually became weak in the knees and had to immediately sit down. I was laughing to myself inside when she did that.”“I know what you mean, his touch was getting addictive for me, and when he stopped I thought I was going through withdrawals.”“Well I was coming up here to wake him up, but he just looks so peaceful right now I think I’ll just climb into bed and go to sleep with him. Thank you for watching him for me. And don't beat yourself up over your feelings anymore, ok.”“I'll try not to. If you're going to bed now I’ll go ahead and head off to mine as well. In the morning you'll have to tell us all how it went.”“Good night Rachael.”“Good night Anastasia.”Rachael picked up her book from the nightstand and left the

room. Anastasia closed her wings around her body as her clothes place themselves folded on the dresser. She then crawled into bed snuggling into Phoenix's arms as her wings closed into her back. For the first time since she had laid him down earlier that day he moved turning so he could hold her better. She soon found herself asleep and in sweet dreams.

~130~

Chapter 25Chapter 25A Visit To The Zoo Postponed.

Phoenix awoke the next morning drawing a quick deep breath in as he sat quickly up in bed. Sitting up with such force he accidentally uncovered Anastasia still asleep next to him. He looked down at her as she remained asleep in one of his long t-shirts. Her body was still curled as if he was still laying with her. As he sat there looking at her, his memory of the previous day came back to him.

Careful so as not to wake her, he got out of bed. Leaning down he picked her up gently in his arms. She nuzzled into his chest as he carried her out of the room and downstairs. The house was quiet; Ali and Rachael were still asleep in bed. The sun was just breaching the horizon as he stepped out onto the porch. The cool air rushed up to greet him. Cautiously he opened his wings from his back pushing them downward to the ground he lifted up into the air effortlessly.

Soon he hovered above the clouds the suns light throwing wild colors over the cloudscape below them. Looking down to Anastasia as she wrapped her arms around his neck the mornings light irradiated her form. Slowly her eyes opened, her gaze met his and she smiled. A cool wind rushed past them making her aware they were outside. Her eyes grew wide when she realized they were miles up in the air.

“I was thinking of dropping you from up here for that trick you played on me yesterday... But once I came up here and the suns light touched your body I had a change of heart. I know you were only looking out for me, and I can't hold that against you. It's just that you're so special to me that I don't like the idea of you putting yourself in dangers way.”

She smiled at him.“Well I did it. I caught her. She's in the padded room in the bastille right now.” “How did you do it?”

~131~

“You'll be proud of me. I was a very clever girl.”She was practically beaming as she smiled at Phoenix.

“Since she was so found of posing as me in your dreams and memories. I posed as you in real life. I used her own feelings for you against her just as she used your feelings for me against you. She willingly put on your coat. Of course I had it looking like a woman’s version of your Rough Rider coat.”“*chuckling*You got her to put it on willingly?”“Yep. Got her to look at herself in the mirror as I stood behind her. That's when I changed back to looking like myself instead of you. You should have seen her face when I did that. It was indescribable. Sarah said you don't have to worry about going down there to help her with the paper work, she'll take care of it herself.”“Well now that won't be very fun. Now that I don't feel that doubt any more, or the desire to go to her, I kinda want to go to see how she's enjoying the jacket.”“Well I was trying to talk Rachael into going to the Rogue Hunter Zoo. If she comes around to wanting to go, I suppose if you're a good boy, you can come too.”

Phoenix gave a heartbroken frown.“I have to be good? That's not fair.”

Anastasia simply smiled back to him as she gave him a light kiss.

~~~

There was no peace in the halls of the bastille after Baalat's arrival. Her screams of tormented pain and anguish echoed throughout the barren corridors.

«GET THIS THING OFF OF US!!»“DON'T YOU THINK I’M TRYING!”«TRY HARDER!! WE CAN'T TAKE MUCH MORE OF THIS!»

Baalat twisted and thrashed about her room as she fought with what little strength and energy the jacket did not take for itself.

Sarah sat in her office filling out Baalat's paper work as she listened to music through her headphones. She was interrupted from her work by Evan knocking on her desk to get her attention. Pulling her headphones off, she placed her focus, as best she could with Baalat's screaming in the background, on Evan.

“I'm sorry to walk in Ms. Remlic, but with all the noise here I didn't think you'd be able to hear my knocks on your door anyway.”

~132~

“It's alright Evan. What do you need?”“Well Ms. Remlic. You have some guest waiting outside your office.”“Well who are they?”“I was informed not to let you know.”“*sighing* Alright, let me just put these papers away and I’ll be right out.”“Ok Ms. Remlic.”

Evan left her office.Sarah exited soon after rubbing her temples as she could feel a

headache coming on. There in the front office stood a tall slender young woman with jet black hair and artificial red streaks throughout it. On her back was a single pair of very dark blue slender wings. The young woman turned to face Sarah.

“Ba... Baalat...? But How!?”Baalat smiled widely at Sarah. She winked as deep ruby red flames washed over her body transforming her back into Anastasia.

“*laughing hysterically*I got you so good Sarah.”“That wasn't very nice Anastasia!”“You should have seen the look on your face when I turned to face you.”“That was a mean trick. ... Geez I wish she would just stop all that screaming!”“Isn't her cell, sound proofed?”“Yeah, but that girl has a set of lungs on her.”

Phoenix walked in at that time with Rachael holding his hand.“To be fair Sarah. It's not entirely her fault. The straightjacket and padded cell I made for her is rather demanding as an emotional strain.”“Is there anything you can do to shut her up Phoenix?”“Is she really that bothersome?”“She's been doing nothing but screaming like that ever since she was brought in last night!”“I see. Well have you tried anything yet to silence her?”“No. I’ve been busy with her paper work, and my men here seem to be too spineless to try anything.”

Evan tried to look busy.“I'm not talking about you Evan. You may have been trained in how to deal with a Rogue Hunter, but I don't expect you to actually handle one.”“It's not that I wouldn't Ms. Remlic. It's just with Baalat, she can get into people’s heads and make them do stuff. How am I

~133~

supposed to protect myself from that?”“You know Sarah, Evan makes a very good point. None of the other Rogue Hunters we've gotten had that particular ability so we didn't consider it. But Baalat has revealed a security flaw in our bastille.”“Well Phoenix what do you suppose we do about it?”“Thomas had the right idea with putting a mental barrier on her room but that was for my benefit. We need to take measures where there is not only a barrier for the few residents. But something where it wouldn't matter who came in or lived in or by, they would all be protected.”“I will talk with him to see what it would take for this to happen. I’ll ask when he comes in at lunch today. As it is, we'll be eating outside of the bastille for obvious reasons.”

Phoenix turned to Rachael.“So until we get this risk taken care of, we'll have to reschedule your little outing to the Rogue Hunter Zoo.”Rachael sighed in relief. Even though she was there, the only

reason was because Phoenix had talked her into going. The idea of seeing a phoenix in that sort of light didn't sit well with her. How a phoenix could be so violent and malevolent was a side she did not want to see in them. Phoenix was convinced that if she was to see and know the good from phoenixes, she must also see the bad. Even if they were cooked up by some mad scientists in a sense, they were still considered phoenixes.

~134~

Chapter 26Chapter 26Reasoning Behind A Big Decision.Thomas and Ali had put together a temporary station in the

bastille as they installed the same digital mental barriers used in Baalat's room in all the other cells. Now it didn't matter who came in whether to visit or to reside, no thoughts could go in or come out of any of the cells. Even though it was a small fix, it would have gone unnoticed if Baalat had never came. There had been a great debate among the group as to how to silence Baalat's constant screaming. Rachael even suggested cutting her vocal cords out. Even though she had some playful supporters, Phoenix didn't allow it.

Instead she was muzzled and once a month she was given an injection that paralyzed her vocal cords. She was still unable to break free of the straightjacket which kept her energy down very low. Along with the room itself, she was very easy to manage. Sarah was very civil in how she worked out the scheduling of Baalat's stay. She saw no reason to add on more suffering and discomfort than what Baalat was already going through with the jacket and padded room.

Of all the Rogue Hunters at the bastille, Baalat was definitely being treated the best. She was not allowed to leave her room, but a nurse would come in to bathe and feed her each day. Sarah monitored her on the closed circuit surveillance cameras at least an hour each day. Once in a blue moon she could tell when Baalat had adapted to the energy drain of the room and jacket because she'd have more fight in trying to get it off. It wouldn't last though. The jacket and room would adapt itself to her new energy levels and she'd go back to being her subdued self.

Sarah caught herself feeling sorry for Baalat when ever she saw her crying in a ball in her room. She wasn't sure if it was a real jester or a ploy. Either way she did feel sorry for her. Phoenix only had to relive the memory every night if he slept. But it wasn't just the memory he

~135~

used to craft that batch of buneydle fabric. It was all the negative emotions and feelings that came with it. Baalat had to go through and deal with all of it all day everyday whether she wanted to or not.

~~~

It was late in summer as a warm breeze blew through the backyard of the farm house. Johnathan had spread the word to the rest of the Rogue Hunters that Baalat had been caught. Once the news had made its rounds Absitinvidia wasn't troubled by surprise visits from Rogue Hunters. This is not to be confused with the notion that there still weren't any out there, they simply did not go after Phoenix anymore. They resumed going after the last few Fallen Phoenixes the Council had marked as such.

Anastasia relaxed on one of the lawn chairs reading a book. She was now showing. Even though she could 'feel' what she would be having, and even though Phoenix had offered, she still wanted it to be a surprise. She may not have been able to make a gift that would 'top' the dress Phoenix made for her. But adding another branch onto his family tree she felt came pretty close.

Rachael seemed to be more excited then Anastasia was over the new life growing inside of her. It could also have been the fact that Phoenix and Anastasia both came to Rachael to ask her if she would like to be the godmother. Even though godparents were a human tradition Phoenix felt it was the right thing to do. The gestation for a phoenix was just two months less then that of a human.

Rachael came outside carrying a babies book in one hand and a book of baby names in the other. She sat down on the lawn chair beside Anastasia.

“You know Rachael, you're acting more of an expected parent then Phoenix and I are.”“Well I don't know what it's like for phoenixes, but a baby is a very exciting thing for humans. Even if it's not theirs, but a friends or family members, it's just as exciting.”“Oh I’m not saying it's not special for phoenixes. We just don't go about being as fruitful as humans are.”“Not to get personal, but since I’m going to be the godmother and all, why aren't there just as many phoenixes as there are humans around. I mean, there should be a lot more since they have been here a lot longer.”“That's it right there, because we live longer, if we multiply like humans, we'd have to inhabit more then one planet. Humans

~136~

are born, they grow up, they live and they die. Phoenixes are born, they grow up, they live, and rebirth. On rare occasions, when you look at the course of time, does a phoenix actually die. Humans die and are born at an even pace so even if an area has a lot of humans residing in it, they still aren't over populating the planet. It's a very carefully thought out decision that a phoenix couple must make to choose to bring a new born into the world.”“So I guess that makes it extra special that I’ll be it's godmother.”“Even more then you think, godparents are a human tradition that phoenixes don't usually practice.”“So why now, why me?”“Well, that's something you'd need to ask Phoenix. The way I see it. So far you've met a phoenix, lived with a phoenix, fell in love with a phoenix, are considered part of a phoenix's family and now you'll be a godmother to a phoenix's child. You are literally living a life that no other person has ever lived before. And I’m sure no other person will ever live again. You may not live as long as we do, but I think Phoenix is giving you 'more bang, for your buck' with your life.”“I mean when you lay it all out like that, I really have lived a pretty special life these past years. But there is something you did leave out.”“What's that?”“I got to see phoenixes fall back in love.”

Anastasia blushed.Rachael just smiled at her as she placed the baby names book

onto her lap.“So, have you two come up with any names yet?”“No, since we're leaving the gender a surprise we can't really come up with any names.”“Well you can always pick one for either outcome.”“True, but it wouldn't seem as special.”“How did you get your name?”“My adopted parents gave me it. They were more of a spiritual couple. They could tell I wasn't a new born phoenix when they found me. Even though when they found me I was an infant they could tell that something must have gone wrong with my rebirthing. My name means, of the resurrection.”“Things can go wrong with a rebirthing?”“Yes, it's not very often, and it does seem random when it

~137~

happens but things can go wrong. Normally when an adult phoenix goes through a natural rebirthing, they rebirth as a full grown phoenix. When a phoenix goes through a forced rebirthing, usually brought about by a premature death, that's when complications can arise. It also depends on the way they died. When I rebirthed, years had past since my death and as we know now, Phoenix had half of my D.N.A. mixed with his own. So when I rebirthed I had to grow up all over again. My body's age was 'reset' so to speak. That's why when you asked me back at the penthouse how old I was, I told you that I was four thousand five hundred and thirty-nine. Now that doesn't mean that my body was that old. You see when ever a phoenix goes through a rebirthing a color coded marker is placed in it's genes. The markers are like rings in a tree, just not one for every year. We can then trace the markers back to get an idea of our age if for some reason we've forgotten. At the time I rebirthed my marker stated that I was four thousand five hundred and ten years old. I had been living in the new body for twenty-nine years before Phoenix found me. Once Phoenix and I went through the joined rebirthing, I got the rest of my genetic markers back. I’m now in the eight thousands.”

Rachael gazed back at Anastasia with a very confused look on her face.

“So, you measure your age differently from how old your body is?”“*lightly laughing* Yeah. If you really want to get technical, Phoenix and I are only about two years old if you go by our bodies age. But we go by the age of our existence. And as of the recent century for legal forms or what not we go by how old we appear. Granted before Phoenix found me my body really was twenty-nine.”

Rachael hung her head chuckling.“Well now this explains a lot. I’ve been living with two phoenixes going through their 'terrible two's' phase.”

Anastasia joined her laughing.Phoenix fractured into view in front of Rachael and Anastasia

an opened envelope in hand. He was practically beaming as he smiled. Rachael wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes as she looked up to Phoenix.

“You're in a good mood.”“I'm in a very good mood. I just got a very important letter in the mail today.”

~138~

“Yeah, who's it from?”Phoenix tried his best to act nonchalant about the letter in his hand.

“Oh nobody really... Just the United Nations.”Anastasia sat up in her chair.

“What's the letter say?”“Oh nothing really, just that...”“Just that, what?”

Phoenix was back to looking very excited.“Just that... they've finally made a decision! As of today Absitinvidia, along with it's citizens of the phoenician race are regarded as apart of the world. In fact all phoenixes are a part of this world whether or not they reside in Absitinvidia or not. I brought us to the light and eyes of the world and they welcomed us with open arms.”

Anastasia and Rachael were just as excited about the news as Phoenix was now.

“I've already dropped a copy of the letter off at the news station and they'll be making a special broadcast of it tonight.”“That's great news Sweetheart. Your dream of bringing phoenixes out of the shadows has come true.”“Oh that was just a small project I had. Not my dream.”“What's your dream?”“It's already coming true. I just have to be a little more patient.”

~~~

Later that evening Phoenix knocked on Rachael's bedroom door. The smell of lilacs spilled out into the hallway as she opened her door to let him in.

“I have a favor to ask of you Rachael.”“You need me to do something?”“Yes, it's not really customary for me to do it. And I thought you might have fun.”“What is it?”“Well I'd like for you to throw an infant bathing party for her.”“You mean a baby shower?”“That's it, yes if you could. I’ve never had to plan one or what not and I know she's never been to one, but it is somewhat a tradition I always thought was interesting. ”

Tears were welling up in Rachael's eyes.“Sure, I’ll throw her a baby shower, but it won't be a favor.”

~139~

Chapter 27Chapter 27Spoiler Alert.

It was the morning of the baby shower, or as Phoenix called it, the infant bathing party. Ali had taken Anastasia out shopping so Rachael could decorate the backyard. Rachael had only been to one other baby shower in her life, but she had found plenty of books on how to organize and throw one. Not wanting anything to go wrong with the refreshments she hired a professional caterer for the party. It was amusing for her. She didn't have to really decorate the yard that much with how her gardens and flowers grew. She mainly strung up lights and put up a few tables and chairs.

As the sun made it's way to mid-day Rachael had just finished getting things ready when Sarah arrived. She was the first of the guest to show up.

“So what happens at a baby shower?”“You've never been to one Sarah?”“It's sad to say, but before the fall of The Tower I didn't really know any humans. I was just becoming an Agent and that would have set me up with business relationships with some companies but nothing more.”“Huh... Well its a party thrown for an expecting mother by her friends and family where she is given gifts for the baby.”“So it's like a pre-birth birthday party?”“Um, I’ve never thought of it that way, but yeah, it's kinda like that.”“Do the gifts have to be for the baby, or can they be for the mother as well?”“The expecting mother can receive gifts as well, why?”“Well I didn't know what a baby shower was, so I just got Anastasia a gift.”“That's fine. You're the first guest to arrive. I sent Ali on a mission

~140~

to keep Anastasia busy while I set everything up, and her guest arrived. She doesn't even know this is happening.”“So it's a surprise baby shower? You sure do have some unusual customs. So when is Anastasia suppose to be back anyway?”“Just after 1:30.”“Oh I’m really early then. Is there anything I can do to help?”“I pretty much have everything all ready, so we're just waiting for the other guest to arrive.”“Who all's coming?”“Well, there's the mayor from Liquadia, you, and a few people from City Hall.”“You didn't invite her parents?”“... crap. No, I don't even know who they are much less how to get a hold of them.”“Ah ha, a job for me. I’ll get her parents here while you welcome the other guest.”“Thank you so much Sarah. I don't know how they could have slipped my mind. Do they even know she's with Phoenix and what-not?”“I think the last they knew of her, she was at The Tower. But who knows if she's spoken with them since then.”“Were they not on good terms?”“Nothing like that, they're just tricky to get a hold of. But no worries, I’ll get them both here.”

Sarah winked as she saluted Rachael. Rachael playfully saluted her back, as Sarah took flight.

Not to long after Sarah's departure did the mayor of Liquadia arrive. She had her driver carry a large gift for her before sending him back to wait in the car. Rachael played hostess as the rest of the guest soon arrived just before one o'clock. It was nearing the return time for Anastasia and Ali with no sign of Sarah. Rachael was practically kicking herself for forgetting to invite Anastasia's parents. It wasn't that it slipped her mind, but in a way she didn't think about Anastasia's parents because Phoenix didn't have any. Or any that she knew of. As she thought to herself on whether or not Phoenix had any parents she was interrupted by one of the tech girls from City Hall.

“So Rachael, how much longer before Anastasia arrives?”Looking down at her watch, a rush of panic flooded her. In ten minutes Anastasia would be there and Sarah was still not back with her parents.

“Oh, she'll be here in ten minutes.”“Ok, did you want everyone to hide and then yell out 'Surprise'

~141~

when she gets here?”“No, it's not really that kind of a surprise party. I think she'll be surprised enough to be getting this kind of a party don't you?”“I'm not sure, she was one of the first phoenixes I ever met. Do they have the same traditions we have?”“Hm? Oh no, Phoenix wanted me to throw her this party. I guess since phoenixes are in the world's eyes now, he wants to share in some of our customs.”“Oh ok.”

Satisfied with her answers she excused herself to speak with someone she recognized.

Meanwhile Rachael was still stressing on where Sarah could be. It was down to the final minutes. She tried calling her cellphone but the prerecorded message stated she was out of her coverage range. Rachael thought this was odd since she knew Sarah had nationwide coverage on her cellphone. Had she left the country to find Anastasia's parents? Would she make it back in time? Nope.

Ali was already leading a blindfolded Anastasia around to the backyard of the house. Ali directed her to the seat of honor before removing the blindfold where Anastasia was greeted by all of her friends. While Ali explained to her what a baby shower was, Rachael brought her over a plate of snacks and a cup of soda.

“This is all so amazing Rachael. Thank you for putting this all together for me.”“Well I can't take credit for the idea of it. Phoenix came to me and asked if I would throw you a baby shower, or well he first called it an ' infant bathing party'.”

Everyone laughed.“I'm glad to see all my friends here, but where is Sarah?”“She's um... She's putting the final touches on a special gift for you?”

Anastasia smiled anxiously.She was still overwhelmed with the whole idea of a baby

shower. It was more then just a gathering of friends for her to celebrate the coming of a new offspring. An occasion as this rarely happened, and one had not been celebrated before. As the party progressed everyone enjoyed themselves. That is everyone but Rachael, she still was worrying over where Sarah could be on the inside, on the outside she didn't show signs.

Anastasia began to open her gifts as everyone sat around making comments on the presents as they were shown off. The mayor of Liquadia had brought a baby crib along with baby monitors. A few

~142~

of Anastasia's friends from City Hall had gotten baby clothes with little slits in the back for wings. When it got down to the last gift Anastasia noticed it was from Sarah. She knew now something was up as to why Sarah wasn't there.

Glancing over at Rachael she opened the gift. Inside was a scrapbook. On the cover was a picture of Sarah and herself after they met each other at The Tower. Tears started to form in her eyes as she opened the book and took her time going through the pages. Sarah had spent quite a lot of time in putting the book together. It had notes they had written each other, pictures of different times they had done things together, and a immense amount of other memorabilia.

When she had finished going through the book she blew her nose and wiped away the few tears that had managed their way down her cheeks. Someone placed their hands over her eyes from behind. She heard Sarah's voice next.

“Ok so the scrapbook was from me. This next surprise, we'll say it was from everyone ok. Are you ready?”“Uh huh.”

Sarah removed her hands. Anastasia focused her eyes. Standing in front of her were her parents.

Her mom was a few inches shorter then she was with long brunet hair down to her waist and two elegant wings with silver feathers with an orangeish peacock design in the center. Her Father stood over six feet tall with a burly build. His wings were dark brown with veins of a deep emerald green running through the feathers. Anastasia could no long fight back the tears that had started from the scrapbook. Getting up quickly she hugged both of her parents together.

As she stepped back from them her mom looked her over before smiling.

“Well you sure have grown up since we last saw you. And looks like you've done more then just grow an extra pair of wings.”

She smiled while gesturing to Anastasia's stomach. Her father cleared his throat and tried his best to sound stern, but was doing a rather poor job of it.

“I would have hoped my little girl would have first brought home the man responsible for this before it got this far. You maybe my little princess but I think I still have the right to meet your suitors.”“I know I’m sorry daddy. But you do know him, or of him even if you haven't met him yet?”“I do, do I?”

~143~

Giving her father her most innocent look she smiled at him.“Daddy, he's Phoenix.”“Well I would hope he's a phoenix. Not that I have anything against humans.”

He gave a half smile to Rachael.“No daddy, he's Phoenix, you know, Phoenix CENSORED.”

Anastasia's father fainted. Her mother just took her hand and smiled sweetly to her.

“Well I know love isn't always perfect. Your father won't ever admit it, but he wasn't exactly 'Mr. White Knight' when I met him after all. Besides I can't be too upset with your Phoenix.”

She paused momentarily while placing her free hand on Anastasia's stomach.

“After all, I’ll have twin granddaughters because of him.”Anastasia's eyes grew wide as her mouth opened in shock.

“MOM! I was waiting to find out. That way it would be a surprise. I didn't what to know want I was having.”“Oh I’m sorry dear, I wasn't aware. Now you do know that once this little party of yours is over your father and I will be staying the weekend so we can meet the father of our grandchildren.”

Rachael smiled while leaning in so only Ali could hear her.“I bet Phoenix wasn't expecting this when he asked me to throw her a baby shower.”

Ali and Rachael snickered together.

~~~

Phoenix looked up from his notes as he sat at his desk in his office in City Hall. A look of confusion apparent on his face.

“I have an eerie feeling that I’m going to have a very stressful weekend.”

He took another sip of his tea and went back to taking notes from the book he was reading.

~144~

The Rise of AbsitinvidiaThe Rise of Absitinvidia Glossary:Glossary:

AAAbsitinvidia (ab-sit-in-'wi-de-a): A city born from the destruction of

The Tower, based from the human Latin language meaning; let there be no envy or ill will.

Agent (ey-junt): A highly trained official which works for The Tower, usually following orders or assignments given to them by the Council. An agent's job is varied. They could be inserted into places of high power to aid in the concealment of the Phoenicians from the general public. An agent could also be intrusted with the capture of a fallen phoenix depending on their skills.

Anastasia (ah-nah-stah-SEE-uh): 1. Of the resurrection.2. Breaker of the chains.

Auberges (ow'behrh): A hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers.

BBBastille (ba'steel): A jail or prison.

Becknor (bek-nor): A derogatory term based from the original phoenix language that is used to show great disrespect and hate for one.

Buneydle fabric (bú-nee-d(u)l fa-brik): A material that has intuitive properties. It has the unique to change and alter it's form and texture depending on the emotion and movement's of the wearer. This material is special and can be dangerous depending on its grade. While a lower rating is safer to wear

~i~

some qualities of the higher grades are not present. This material uses the natural energy of the wearer to change and alter itself. The higher the grade the stronger the wearer must be or it could be lift threatening.

CCCouncil (kawn-sul): A group of elder phoenixes serving in the

administrative capacity of The Tower acting as a governing

FFFracturing (frak-churing):

1. In relation to the eyes. A Meraphorn, it is when they change their vision so they may see the world around them in a new light spectrum.2. In relation to entering or leaving an area. A Meraphorn can 'fracture their surroundings or their environment to leave that particular plane of existence.3. In relation to time. A Meraphorn may 'fracture' time, this process will allow them to either stop or continue the moment in time they wish to. This process does not allow them to move forward or backwards in time. Only to start or stop it.

HHHunter (hún-tur): A phoenix that has been trained in specific ways to

apprehend a Fallen Phoenix. Similar to a bounty hunter.

~ii~

MMMeraphornsMeraphorns ((mehra-fornsmehra-forns)):: The very first breed of phoenixes from the The very first breed of phoenixes from the

evolution of the more popularly known bird. Meraphorns are evolution of the more popularly known bird. Meraphorns are the most powerful breed of phoenixes when compared to the the most powerful breed of phoenixes when compared to the others. Only two remain on earth. The rest left several others. Only two remain on earth. The rest left several thousands of years before the human race becamethousands of years before the human race becamedominate species. Though there were only two Meraphorns left dominate species. Though there were only two Meraphorns left there were a great deal of Secnals.there were a great deal of Secnals.

PPPhoenician (fu'nee-shun):

1. A member of an ancient Semitic people who dominated trade in the first millennium B.C..2. A member of the phoenix species.

RRRogue Hunter (rowg hún-tur): Highly skilled Hunter turned assassin.

The Council would use one of these as a last resort for getting a Fallen Phoenix. Ironically there is little to no difference between a true Fallen Phoenix and a Rogue Hunter.

SSSecnal (sek-núl): A breed of phoenixes born after that of the

Meraphorns. Not as powerful as the Meraphorns, the Secnals ended up driving off the Meraphorns and killing the two that remained.

TTThe Tower (dhee taw(-u)r): A building appearing to be average on

the outside, but is rather large and anything but average on

~iii~

the inside reaching several stories below the surface. It is the core of operations for the capture of fallen phoenixes and the training of new agents.

~iv~