The Phoenix Wars: Armenta Paradox—Book 2

By Daniel A. McClean

New heroes arise to battle the ever changing landscape. Lady Carmen Armenta and Lord Andres Jaimes with her brothers Jerry and Isreal unwillingly embark on an adventure to save time itself. As the first round of the tournament comes to an end, time begins to correct itself with the revelation of the Final One Hundredgood versus evil! Shawneita realizes that she has an important task to save whats left of her family. What will happen when time and existence collide?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524694166

Daniel A. McClean

When I was seven, I got lost in the woods behind the trailer park I was living in. It took me several hours to get home, and I felt like strange lights were following me. When I got home and told my parents about the experience, they did what parents do—they dismissed it. That never happened again, but it always made me wonder. What’s really out there? Is anything out there, and what would happen if instead of it finding us, what if we went and found it? I have never been able to shake the experience from my mind, and when I grew up, I figured I might as well write about it. If you can’t believe me in the real world, maybe someone can in the fantasy world. Daniel McClean, 33, was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and loves pop music, anime, swords, axes, collectibles, and any movie with a happy ending. He isn’t fond of endless political babble or living in Dallas, Texas.

Book preview

Contents

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Six

Chapter Twenty Seven

Chapter Twenty Eight

Chapter Twenty Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty One

Chapter Thirty Two

Chapter Thirty Three

Chapter Thirty Four

Chapter Thirty Five

Chapter Thirty Six

Chapter Thirty Seven

Chapter Thirty Eight

Chapter Thirty Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty One

Chapter Forty Two

Chapter Forty Three

Chapter Forty Four

Chapter Forty Five

Chapter Forty Six

Chapter Forty Seven

Chapter Forty Eight

Chapter Forty Nine

Chapter Fifty

Epilogue

Dedication

All of Time can be controlled with the power of a single heartbeat. Every story ever told is real.

In remembrance of my loved ones: Rubie Franklin & Dixon Edwards, Shawneita McClean & Aaron Howard, Kevin & Angie McClean, Aaliyah McQueen, Marcus Jackson, Sandra & David Becker, Richard & Nancy Sutton, Harold R. Cornelius

Special Thanks to: Carmen Armenta, Andres Jaimes, Jerry Armenta, Isreal Armenta-Thank you for being such great friends to me. I hope you will always have me and my stories in your hearts.

My heart goes out to Cristina Richardson (Thanks for being a true friend)

Tonya Richardson (Thanks for being a rock solid force to stand by)

Vickie Michelle Littleton (Thanks for showing me how to love, love)

Chapter One

Almost eighty plus years in the past on Earth, in London, England, Princeton was having his driver get the car ready for him and his lovely wife Jane. Jane said, Today is March 1, 1935. It’s such a beautiful first day of spring. Jane ran past Princeton to the car as Princeton looked up to the sky missing the old days of being in the jungle and swinging among the trees. Jane peeked out of the car window saying, Come on sweetie or we’ll be late for the play. Princeton half-heartedly smiled at Jane as he joined her in the car. Princeton thought, What a beautiful day indeed?"

Meanwhile in present day, NaTerric could feel the anger inside of NaTavis growing out of control as NaTavis said, Time Has No Despair. Clocks appeared on his hands as the hour and minute hand spun out of control which stopped everyone in the moment except for Carol. The numbers on the clocks lifted up off his hands and flew into his chest. The number three was transformed into a helmet with three lines through it, one for his eyes, another for his nose, and another for his mouth. The other numbers formed together to make white and silver numerical armor that increased his muscle mass by thirty percent. His helmet was absorbed into his head as his eyes started glowing white. His hair grew long enough to cover his shoulders and midway down his back. The clocks on his hands became retractable blades. He started to lose control to the phoenix of time, but his rage overpowered it. The transformation continued as the oblivion dragon merged into the power of NaTavis’s rage. Lightning struck his armor changing it to black. Black armored gauntlets emerged under his retractable blades as the oblivion dragon took control and he became Dark Destroyer.

Down the hall, Calandryl walked over to Daniel saying, Uncle come with me. Daniel replied with confusion, I’m your uncle? Calandryl continued, Of course. Now come on I have to get you to safety. Calandryl took Daniel’s hands and led him through a set of Japanese doors. As the doors closed, Dark Destroyer screamed, That bitch has robbed me of my friend and my sister! She dies now! Dark Destroyer unfroze time as he vanished from the City of Time.

A ripple in time formed and spiked throughout the universe. Back in London, 1935, Jane had her driver pull over. Princeton asked, What are we doing? Jane answered, I made us some friends. Meet Lady Armenta and Lord Jaimes. Princeton watched as a beautiful Hispanic woman and man stepped into the back of the car. Princeton nodded his head saying, My lady. My lord. Lady Armenta smiled and replied, Oh please, no formalities, I’m Carmen and this is my husband Andres. Andres turned around asking, Where’s our driver? Princeton, Carmen, and Jane turned to see that day had become night in an instant. Andres looked out the car window asking, Where are we? Princeton ordered everyone to stay in the car. Princeton wasn’t shocked when no one decided to listen to him.

Carmen looked around saying, These buildings are so tall. Jane said, I don’t think that we are going to make it to the theater. Carmen included, I think you’re right Jane. Shataya came running up to the group yelling, You have to get off the streets. It’s after seven o’clock. Then Shataya ran off into the distance. The group heard announcements over all intercoms saying, Martial Law has been declared. If you are found on the streets, you will be arrested and then executed. Jane turned to Princeton as he saw Shataya signaling for them to come inside. All four followed her lead and entered her home. Andres said, Thank you miss. Shataya continued, You four can stay the night, but when the sun comes up, you have to go. Princeton looked out the window asking, What’s going on outside? An invitation appeared saying, Princeton legendary hero. You have been chosen for the Phoenix Wars. You fight in one week. Prepare yourself. The invitation scanned the other newcomers and said, Lady Carmen Armenta, you have been entered into the Phoenix Wars. Lord Andres Jaimes, you have been entered into the Phoenix Wars. As for you Jane Porter, you are not needed in the Phoenix Wars, therefore, you shall be removed from play. Carmen asked, What’s that mean? Everyone was shocked when Jane started to disappear.

Princeton screamed, Jane! JANE! NOOO! Jane’s eyes tiered up as she said, I love you. Princeton grabbed a hold of Jane and the two held each other until Jane was gone. Princeton fell to his knees, pounding the ground and crying. Princeton yelled, Why? The invitation said, We have scanned all four of you, but only three have the potential to win the Phoenix Wars. In no possible futures does Jane Porter ever become important. So Princeton, if you win the Phoenix Wars, we will return her to you. Then the invitation vanished as Carmen leaned down and placed her hand on Princeton’s back. Princeton continued to cry as Carmen said, We’ll find her. Andres looked through the small house and saw that Shataya was gone.

Shataya snuck out to the alleyway when an invitation appeared. Shataya said, No, not me. The invitation said, Shataya, phoenix of innocence, you have been chosen for the Phoenix Wars. You fight in one week. Prepare yourself. Then the invitation vanished. It started pouring down rain as Shataya ran around the corner and hid from the oncoming patrols. Shataya felt like going back to help the newcomers, but she knew her time was limited.

Back at Shataya’s house, Andres announced that the young lady was gone. A bird engulfed in white flames flew through the roof and entered the house. The bird dived down as Andres yanked Carmen over to him. The bird missed Carmen and was absorbed into Princeton instead. Carmen said, This place is strange. Then Princeton passed out. Right as Princeton became unconscious, there was a knock at the door. Carmen slowly approached the door as she asked, Who is it? When Carmen got no answer, she opened the door. A dark haired woman with red eyes entered Shataya’s house saying, Ah, three newcomers. Well my name is Jeanna. That’s all you need to know. Jeanna reached over and grabbed Andres arm and a moment later, Jeanna and Andres were gone. Carmen’s eyes grew huge as she said, Oh my god, what do I do? What do I do?

Shataya made her way safely to a cabin on the other side of the city. Shataya thought, It’s a good thing that I’m practically invisible. Then to Shataya’s surprise, she became invisible. As Shataya walked by a mirror, she noticed that she had no reflection. Shataya took a gasp and became visible again. A list emerged in her hands stating, Because of your rivalry with Starlena, you will gain nineteen new commands and they are listed below. As you activate them, the next one under it will become available.

Shataya’s List

- Telepathy

- Apple for the Teacher

- The Face

- Healing Aloe

- Red Dust

- Evil Eye 3

- Empty Area

- Mysticism

- Class Clown

- Sunflower Man

- Teacher’s Pet

- Innocent as a Child

- Fair Day

- Channeling

- Tulip Woman

- Martian/Human Hybrid

- Corporal Punishment

- Teachers Pet 2

- Red Planet

Shataya said, Telepathy. Shataya watched as nothing happened. Then Shataya looked at the fine print at the bottom of the list which said, Every seventy two hours, the next power on your list shall activate on its own. This was decided by the magistrate to ensure that everyone gets a fair chance at becoming the strongest. Shataya did the math as she said, Okay my telepathy won’t activate now because I just learned invisibility. This is going to be awesome. Wait, if I win against that brute of a man, then what? What are my motivations for this tournament? Do I really want to win this? Two years ago, Shataya was on the streets when Hannah faced Robin Hood and pulled out the win. Ever since then, Shataya thought, If that weak girl could win, then so could she.

Back at Shataya’s house, Carmen was in tears as Princeton woke up. Princeton asked, Why are you crying Lady Armenta? Carmen replied, Some woman named Jeanna took my husband Andres. Princeton said, I will help you get him back. Carmen said, You’ve been asleep for three days. You were running a fever. So I made sure it didn’t get any worse. Princeton said, I thank you for your assistance. Princeton’s eyes turned white as his astral self was pulled inside of his body. Princeton found himself face to face with the white bird. Princeton asked, What are you? The white bird answered, I am unlike my predecessors. I am the time lord phoenix. Princeton didn’t understand as he repeated, Time Lord? Phoenix? The time lord phoenix could see that Princeton didn’t understand as it explained, Time Lords are a race of geniuses who are trapped in a time hole on the planet Gallifrey. I was brought into existence for the sole purpose of freeing my people from this affliction. First though, your new friends need your help. So call out our next command Family and Friends and then touch Carmen.

Princeton noticed he was back in his body as he said, Family and Friends. Then Princeton touched Carmen. Carmen’s body was overcome with a white glow. A few moments later, Jeanna brought Andres back. Carmen ran over and gave Andres a hug. Andres felt Carmen’s heartbeat through the veins on her neck. Andres fangs came down as Jeanna pulled Andres and Carmen apart. Carmen looked at Andres and asked, What’s going on? Before Jeanna could answer another newcomer appeared. A smaller, average looking, Hispanic male with a sly expression on his face appeared behind Carmen. Andres said, Look its Jerry. Carmen turned and ran to Jerry while asking, How did you get here? Jerry answered, I don’t know, but it’s cold and I’m hungry. When do we eat? The white glow extended to Andres and Jerry. Then the three newcomers were blasted forth through a portal as they all landed on the ever flowing meadows that created the Phoenix World.

Carmen said, The beauty here is so amazing. Jerry rolled his eyes as Andres could feel the urge to eat. Jerry looked over at Andres and said, Your husband’s eyes just turned bloodshot red. Carmen turned around and said, Don’t you dare attack me? I don’t care about your new vampire crap. Carmen continued to nag as Andres eyes grew a dark red and he couldn’t hold back his hunger anymore. Carmen turned to run as Andres sped over and bit into Carmen’s neck. Carmen screamed, GET OFF OF ME! Jerry ran over and tried to pull Andres away, but Andres took one hand and grabbed Jerry. A moment later, Jerry was thrown backwards through the air.

Jerry landed on his side as Carmen continued to scream at Andres. The phoenix world could sense the chaos. The family strife summoned three new phoenixes to be awakened. The three phoenixes flew out and joined with the three newcomers. Carmen screamed as her feet moved her whole body. Carmen found that she was now thirty feet from Andres. Carmen realized at that moment that she was the phoenix of travel and her first ability was called Distance. The phoenix of travel explained to Carmen’s mind that the Distance ability allows her to automatically escape unwanted areas of interest. In this case, it allowed you to keep your distance from Andres until he makes you feel safe. You also have the ability to change your venue. Just say the words, Change Venue, and announce where you want to be and poof you’re there." Carmen couldn’t believe what she was hearing as she kept her hands over her bite wound to try and conceal the attack.

Jerry turned over on his back and started admiring the sky as he knew that he was now the phoenix of vanity. Jerry thought, Today is my day. I should do me. Now time to draw. A collection of colored pencils and a sketch pad appeared in Jerry’s hands. Jerry opened the sketch pad and the collection of colored pencils and then put all the items down as a hand mirror emerged in his left hand. Jerry used the hand mirror to judge the exact dimensions of his head and facial features. Then Jerry saw that Carmen was bleeding as he said, You need to shower. Your beauty is fading. The sunlight in this place enhances my natural features. That’s all that matters. Then Carmen asked, What’s wrong with you?

Andres found that he couldn’t move as he realized that he was now the phoenix of rules. The phoenix of rules explained that Andres was currently at level one which meant that he was allowed to make one rule and the cosmos will be forced to follow it. Andres could still feel the blood lust of becoming a newly turned vampire. Andres said, My first rule is that Carmen should be protected from anything and everything. Andres body blasted out a pulse. Then streams of light came down around Carmen. As the streams of light vanished, Andres turned his attention to Jerry. The three of them were engulfed by the white glow as they were catapulted back down to the City of Time. Carmen began filling Princeton in on everything that had just happened.

Shataya, on the other hand, found her reason to win this tournament. Shataya said, I will win because that’s how I’ll reintroduce innocence into the world. Princeton and Shataya were transported to the tournament grounds. Shataya thought, Let’s get this over with, as she said, Battle On." A powerful force of energy overcame Princeton and Shataya.

Princeton (The Time Lord Phoenix) verses Shataya (Phoenix of Innocence)

The time lord phoenix spoke, You need to claim someone as your companion. Princeton asked, Why would I do that? The time lord phoenix explained, You cannot attack or defend on your own. You need to drain energy from a companion of your choice. Princeton said, I will do no such thing. The time lord phoenix continued, Then you will lose. Princeton thought, This tournament can’t be that important. Shataya was using her new power of telepathy to read Princeton’s mind. Then Shataya said, My Heart is Pure. Shataya crossed her arms over her heart which summoned a volley of red hearts. Princeton took the attack. Princeton asked, Was that a healing move because it felt nice. Shataya waited five seconds and nothing happened. Shataya said, You can’t be innocent. Oh well…Evil Eye 2. Shataya’s left eye turned to glass and she blasted Princeton with a powerful laser beam. Princeton was turned from good to evil. Princeton immediately said, I want Carmen as my companion. A large bubble blasted out of Princeton’s body and headed for Carmen.

Andres sped over and was trapped in the bubble instead of Carmen. Andres was pulled into the battle in order to be Princeton’s battery. Princeton could feel the bloodlust of Andres vampire instincts. Shataya could feel that it was time for her to activate her next level as she said, Apple for the Teacher. Carmen watched as an apple appeared in Jerry’s hands. Jerry started floating as he too was pulled onto the battleground. Princeton grew more aggressive by the moment as his mind regressed back to his primal state. Princeton’s hair went from straight and long to long and curly as Jerry walked over and gave Shataya a beautiful red apple.

Shataya bit into the apple as all time came to a stop. Jerry watched as Shataya got younger and younger until she became a child. The rest of the apple flew up and merged with Jerry. Jerry knew that it was now up to him to teach Shataya a brand new ability. Time as well as Shataya’s true age wouldn’t be restored until Jerry succeeded in this task. Jerry stopped looking at his mirror and he handed it to Shataya saying, If you concentrate real hard, you can trap people inside their reflection. Shataya understood Jerry’s instructions. In Jerry’s sense of time, weeks went by until Shataya finally learned the attack.

Shataya became normal again as her own white mirror appeared in her hands. Time resumed and Jerry stepped behind Shataya. Princeton charged with his new vampire speed and grabbed Shataya’s left arm and snapped her bone back. Shataya screamed in excruciating pain as she cried, White Hand Mirror. A white hand mirror appeared in Shataya’s right hand. Shataya shined the white hand mirror into Princeton’s face. The white light of innocence pulled Princeton into the white hand mirror. Shataya smashed the hand mirror which shattered the time lord phoenix. Princeton fell out of the broken mirror pieces as a full vampire.

Princeton absorbed more energy from Andres. Shataya cried as she noticed that her evil eye 2 power had grown significantly. Shataya’s white hand mirror healed itself. Princeton kicked the hand mirror out of Shataya’s hands. Shataya summoned all of her inner energy to activate her next level of power ahead of time as she screamed, THE FACE! Shataya’s face became every horrific thing that Princeton had ever seen all at once. Princeton’s heart stopped from pure fear. Princeton dropped as the bubble surrounding Andres popped.

Winner: Shataya (Phoenix of Innocence)

Andres and Jerry were catapulted yet again as they both landed back on both sides of Carmen. A white vortex opened up and pulled Princeton in as the Gate Crasher repaired the time lord phoenix. Then the white vortex closed. Jerry watched as Shataya was catapulted next to the group. Shataya walked over to Jerry and said, Gracias, as she kissed him on the cheek. Andres laughed as Carmen said, You go boy. Jerry turned away as everyone saw him blush. Then Carmen and Jerry turned around to see that Andres was leaving with Jeanna. Carmen screamed, Hey Jeanna, I don’t know who you are, but you get away from my husband. Jeanna turned to Carmen asking, And if I don’t? What are you going to do about it? Carmen answered, I’m going to kick your stupid vampire ass, that’s what. Jeanna burst into laughter as she said, Please you’re a newbie phoenix. You and your brother, but your husband here has much potential. He’s to be my first so from now on, Andres belongs to me. Jeanna and Andres used vampire speed to disappear into the distance. Carmen screamed, YOU BITCH!

Chapter Two

Later that night, Shataya decided to extend her invitation for Carmen and Jerry to stay another night. The next morning Carmen decided to look on the bright side of things as she had Shataya explain how things worked in the City of Time. Shataya showed Carmen her wrist band and explained that it meant she was supposed to fight for the side of evil, but her phoenix of innocence kept all evil influences from taking her over. Carmen asked, So what do we do now? Shataya said, Anything you want as long as you’re in the house by 7 p.m. Carmen looked over at Jerry who was already staring at himself in the mirror as well as drawing self-portraits of himself. Shataya looked at Jerry saying, I don’t know how much help he’ll be. Carmen asked, Help? Shataya said, I assume you want to go get your husband back. Carmen replied, That piece of shit left of his own free will. Shataya said, Everything isn’t as clear as it seems. When Jeanna turns a person into a vampire that person becomes sired to her. That’s a side effect of Jeanna’s change over ability. Carmen asked, What does sired mean? Shataya continued, It means that your husband didn’t have a choice in the matter. His will is not entirely his own.

As Shataya and Carmen continued their talk, the water park was in full swing. Fitz had found his calling taking care of all the aquatic creatures that the City of Time had to offer. Fitz wasn’t shocked when an invitation appeared. The invitation said, Fitz Challion, phoenix of water, you have been chosen for the Phoenix Wars. You fight in one week. Prepare yourself. Fitz said, Great, this isn’t fair. I don’t want to fight now. I was just getting my life back together. Ah well, let’s win this. Battles always bring me new powers. Then Fitz looked up and noticed that the invitation hadn’t left yet. Fitz asked, Is there something more I should know? The invitation continued, You and your rival Tonya have the exact same number of abilities. So for this match you will start off with no extra advantages. Fitz replied, That’s fine with me. Then the invitation vanished. Fitz walked down to the lake bed saying, "I need a stress reliever. I think I’ll go for a brisk afternoon swim. Fitz didn’t hesitate to take off all his clothes and dive head first into the lake.

Deep within the heart of the city, at a prep school, a sixteen year old boy was just sitting down to lunch when an invitation appeared. The invitation said, Lucius you have been chosen for the Phoenix Wars. You fight in one week. Prepare yourself. Lucius turned to see that everyone in the cafeteria was shocked and then they all started laughing. Lucius stood up yelling, What’s so funny Allen? Allen said, I don’t get why you would be chosen. You have got to be the weakest person in the school. I mean do you even have any powers? Lucius said, Of course I do or I couldn’t be enrolled here. Allen continued, Well come on. Show us all your power.

Lucius screamed, My powers don’t work like that! Allen continued, Of course they don’t. It’s because you don’t have any. The whole school’s going to watch your fight. I bet your opponent is going to take you out in one blow. Lucius took his lunch and left the cafeteria. Allen turned to the crowd asking, Has anyone here ever seen Lucius do any kind of magic whatsoever? All the answers Allen received were no. Allen turned and left the cafeteria as he replied, I’m going to find out what makes him so special. Allen kept his distance as he started following Lucius.

Lucius had one thought on his mind, Get to Tracy’s office. Allen yelled, Lucius, I know you have something in mind. Why don’t you teleport or fly? And how come you’ve never received a cell phone or wrist band? Lucius turned to Allen screaming, Get away from me you asshole! Lucius ran down to the monorail station and bought a ticket to the Hall of Generals.

Back at Shataya’s house, Jerry was still obsessing with his reflection. Shataya asked, How long can he look at himself? Carmen replied, I don’t know. Hey Jerry we have to go. Jerry replied, You go. I have more important things to do, but take this with you. Jerry walked over and handed Carmen a piece of paper. Carmen asked, Why would you hand me a self-portrait? Jerry answered, That way you can always remember how beautiful I am. It will keep you from thinking about your fading lack of beauty. Carmen said, That’s it. Carmen walked over to Jerry and tried to grab the hand mirror out of his hands when Dark Destroyer appeared. Shataya screamed, Oh shit! Dark Destroyer landed on top of Shataya’s house which caused it to explode. Shataya and Jerry were blasted in two different directions while Carmen remained unharmed. Carmen looked over and saw that both Shataya and Jerry were injured.

Carmen ran over to see about Jerry while Dark Destroyer just stood in mid-air. Lucius saw Dark Destroyer and the destruction from a distance as the monorail passed by the location. Carmen didn’t know what to say as she pulled shards of glass and wood from Jerry’s leg. Dark Destroyer kept looking up as an orb of light came floating down. Dark Destroyer said, You wanted to see me. The orb of light revealed its true form as an angel of destiny. The angel of destiny said, Are you ready to leave this place until the second round? Dark Destroyer simply said, No. Kaju Style Change Destiny Mode. Kaju transformed from a long sword into a spear and Dark Destroyer stabbed the angel of destiny. Kaju began rewriting the angel of destiny’s destiny. The angel of destiny screamed in pain as she became a seraphim. (A seraphim is an angel human hybrid)

Dark Destroyer said, All that angelic aura was hiding a beautiful woman. Invitations! Two invitations appeared. One glided over to Jerry and scanned him. The invitation said, Jerry, phoenix of vanity, you have been entered into the Phoenix Wars. Then that invitation vanished as the other invitation scanned the former angel of destiny. The invitation said, Charmaine, seraphim, you have been entered into the Phoenix Wars. Then the invitation vanished. Dark Destroyer smiled as he said, I have somewhere else to be. Dark Destroyer vanished as Carmen got up and ran to check on Shataya. Carmen made sure that Shataya was still breathing. After she saw that Shataya was okay, she ran over to Charmaine. Charmaine’s body was glowing like a light bulb. Charmaine said, All these new feelings and urges. Oh my. What should I do first? Carmen said, My little brother and his girlfriend need doctors. Charmaine walked over to Jerry saying, I got this. Charmaine stood over Jerry as she asked, Why isn’t he healing? Carmen felt a pain coming from her heart as she took a step back. A cell phone covered in white feathers appeared in the air. Then it floated down to Carmen. Carmen grabbed the white feathered cell phone as a wrist band covered in white feathers appeared over Charmaine’s left wrist. Charmaine asked, What’s this for? Then a pitch black wrist band with a J symbol on it appeared over Jerry’s left wrist. Lucius was just stepping off the monorail when a pitch black cell phone with a J embroidered on the back floated down to Lucius’s hands. Lucius thought, I’m supposed to be good.

Back at the remains of Shataya’s house, Charmaine seemed to be engulfed by a dark aura. The same darkness formed around Jerry and Shataya. Jerry’s new wrist band healed his injuries. Shataya woke up as she was filled with evil from her wrist band. Shataya was also healed of her injuries. Charmaine said, That protection spell around her is still weak. Let’s all combine our powers. Jerry and Shataya agreed. Shataya turned invisible as Jerry said, Sister, I used to love you. Now I know my true calling. Carmen said, Jerry, stop this! Jerry said, Only one more beautiful than me can order me around and you sister don’t fit the bill. Jerry and Charmaine stood back as Shataya reappeared right in front of Carmen. Shataya said, White Hand Mirror. A beautiful white hand mirror emerged in Shataya’s hands. Carmen said, Change Venue to the Hall of Generals. Carmen’s body evaporated into white dust before Shataya could attack. Carmen reappeared in the Hall of Generals right in front of Lucius. Lucius was shocked at the sudden appearance.

Lucius said, Cool you can teleport. Carmen recognized the cell phone that Lucius was holding. Lucius said, Names Lucius and you are. Carmen seemed hesitant as she answered, I’m Carmen. Lucius said, You might want to come with me. To Carmen’s and Lucius’s surprise someone walked out of the shadows saying, That’s far enough. State your business here. Lucius turned and said, General Itachi Uchiha. Carmen’s eyes grew huge with feelings of shock and surprise, but she couldn’t explain why she was feeling that way towards a single name. Lucius said, Listen, me and my new friend don’t have time for this. Lucius turned to Carmen and whispered, We need to get to Tracy’s office here in the Hall of Generals. Itachi said, The two of you aren’t leaving. Lucius asked, How did you hear that? Carmen grabbed Lucius’s arms and said, Change Venue to Tracy’s office in the Hall of Generals. Carmen’s body evaporated into white dust as she was transported to Tracy’s office alone. Carmen thought, Well that didn’t work. Carmen took a moment to look around Tracy’s office.

Back in the main hall, Lucius said, Okay I’m leaving. Itachi heard NaTerric say, Scream Deshellium. Itachi dodged NaTerric’s attack as NaTerric said, Whoever you are, I suggest you run. Lucius took off running as Carmen reemerged outside. Lucius grabbed Carmen’s hand and the two ran back to the monorail. Lucius bought two tickets and pulled Carmen on board. As the monorail took off, Lucius sat down feeling disappointed. Carmen put her own problems aside and sat down next to Lucius asking, What’s wrong? Lucius explained, I was chosen to fight next. I have no idea who I’m fighting, but everyone’s stronger than me. Carmen took a deep breath and asked, Will these help? Lucius said, You got them. Carmen asked, What are they anyways? Lucius said, They are Tracy’s pink pills. They will regulate and rank us. Too bad there are only five. So you take one and I’ll take one. Carmen said, Okay you want me to take penicillin, but my stomach doesn’t hurt. Lucius didn’t seem to understand as he explained, No this pink pill will regulate and rank you. Carmen got a leery look across her face as Lucius saw something peculiar in the bottle as he asked, What do those do? Carmen looked in the bottle and saw a yellow and black pill. Carmen thought, Those weren’t there before.

Then Carmen opened the lid and gave Lucius a pink pill and held one for herself. Carmen and Lucius both popped the pills at the same time. Lucius was first to be engulfed by a pink explosion of light which caused a portal to the phoenix world to open up. A new phoenix was awakened as it dove down through the portal and joined with Lucius. Lucius could feel that he was now the phoenix of cleaning. Then Lucius passed out. Carmen was suddenly hit by a pink explosion of energy which caused her to pass out as well.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Fitz was seeing all sorts of commotion being shown over the holograms. Fitz asked, Why is this world so dramatic? Fitz made his way back to his lake house and started playing solitaire on his coffee table. Back on the monorail, Carmen woke up and knew what to do. Carmen grabbed Lucius’s hand and said, Change Venue, take us to Charmaine. Carmen’s and Lucius’s body evaporated into white dust. Carmen and Lucius reappeared in front of Charmaine, Jerry, and Shataya. Jerry asked, Why must she disgrace us with her presence? Carmen opened the pill bottle and swallowed all the remaining pills.

Carmen felt immense pain as she collapsed. Black, yellow, and pink bursts of energy merged with Carmen. The phoenix of travel felt all new energy awakening inside of it. Everyone heard NaTavis’s voice say, The phoenix of travel has been restored. Charmaine asked, What does that mean? Carmen signaled for everyone to grab hands Dark Destroyer could sense a new kind of power awakening as Carmen said, Change Venue take us all to the heart of the phoenix world. All five people were transported to the well that was hidden deep in the heart of the phoenix world. Carmen said, When I give the signal, I need everyone to dive into the well. Charmaine took a step back saying, Okay, it’s official, you’re crazy. Carmen said, I can’t stop the tournament, but now I know if we each jump in the well, we will have a better chance at one of us winning this thing. Carmen called for an invitation. When the invitation appeared, she grabbed it and jumped in the well. Jerry said, I’m too beautiful for such an ugly leap.

Charmaine said, I’m already tired of you. Then Charmaine pushed Jerry into the well. Lucius said, This girl is adventurous, as he took the leap of faith. Shataya said, No matter what happens I’m going into round two. Shataya jumped into the well. Charmaine said, Now it’s time for me to leave. Charmaine turned to walk and tripped over her own foot and fell backwards into the well.

All the excess energies were pulled from the five upstarts as their minds and bodies were evened out. A beam of light blasted out releasing Shataya. Shataya landed safely on the ground right next to her shattered home. Shataya looked down and watched her wrist band crumble into dust. Shataya thought, Is this a good thing? Two beams of light blasted through time and sent Carmen and Jerry back to London in March of 1935. Carmen watched as her cell phone and Jerry’s wrist band crumbled into dust. An invitation appeared in front of Carmen saying, Stay here and live your lives as normal as you can. Your phoenixes are intact and you will be contacted when it is your turn to participate in the tournament. Then the invitation vanished as Carmen thought, What about Andres?

Another beam of light blasted Charmaine onto Dark Destroyer’s back. Charmaine grabbed on for dear life as she could feel that she was now a phoenix carrier. Charmaine could feel that she was the Phoenix of Kindness. Charmaine watched her wrist band crumble into dust. Charmaine could feel the rage coming off of Dark Destroyer as she said, Kindness is all that Matters. Pink teardrops rained down over Dark Destroyer healing him of his uncontrollable rage. Dark Destroyer detransformed back into NaTavis.

As NaTavis and Charmaine landed safely on the ground, Shawneita and Rita were already waiting. Shawneita yelled, You need to get away from our husband. Charmaine noticed that her pink teardrop rain had stopped. Lucius on the other hand was blasted straight to the battleground. Lucius found himself face to face with Fitz. Then Lucius looked down and watched his cell phone crumble into dust. Fitz said, You’re just a kid. I’m sorry for what I have to do to you. Battle On.

Fitz (Phoenix of Water) verses Lucius (Phoenix of Cleaning)

Fitz said, Poseidon Board. A blue surf board with a white stripe down the middle appeared under his feet. Fitz stood on the surf board as Lucius felt a wave of water hit his feet. Lucius looked down to see that the water was rising rapidly. Lucius said, Chanting. The immediate area began to smell like a field of flowers. Lucius said, Oh I don’t do well in water. Fitz said, Damn that fragrance is refreshing. Lucius saw that Fitz was enjoying the smell as Lucius asked, Are you hypnotized? Fitz answered, No I’m not. I’m just enjoying the smell of fresh air that you created. Lucius said, Great, you don’t even take me serious. Fitz asked, Should I? I can sense that you’re a phoenix. But you haven’t announced what phoenix you are. Lucius replied, You might know me by my alter ego Dark Monk.

Fitz replied, Ooh scary. Lucius asked, Why won’t anyone take me serious? Fitz said, All this is televised so announce your position and then you can try and take me out. Lucius replied, I’m the phoenix of cleaning. Then Lucius snapped out of the hypnosis and found that he was up to his chin in water. Lucius started wading in the water wandering, How did the water get so high? Fitz said, See my blue surf board hypnotizes anyone who looks at it. You newbies are all the same.

Lucius took a deep breath and sucked his head under the water. Fitz said, Underwater Breath. An air bubble formed around Fitz’s head in the shape of a helmet. Then Fitz dived into the water saying, Fissure. An opening in time allowed an alternate future version of Fitz to step back in time. Fitz could see that it was him when he reaches A rank. Future Fitz said, Shamoo. The level of the water rose by nineteen feet. Lucius shitted on himself as an orca whale swam through the water and swallowed him whole. Shamoo encased Lucius in a protective bubble before it regurgitated Lucius through its blow hole. Lucius flew up and splashed down on the water.

Future Fitz said, You can kill him if you want, but right at this moment, he’s on no one’s radar. So I would use him as a spy. Fitz said, Thank you for that, but I choose to just end this. Future Fitz said, All you have to do is pop the protective bubble and it will count as two wins. Fitz replied, Fine. Fitz walked over to Lucius and said, Scolding. Then Fitz punched the protective bubble with the power of hot water. The protective bubble didn’t break as Future Fitz burst into laughter. Future Fitz said, You’re trying to destroy an A rank ability with a C rank power. An invitation appeared saying, Fitz, phoenix of water, because we invitations can no longer sense your opponent Lucius, you are hereby the official winner of this match due to a forfeit.

Winner: Fitz (Phoenix of Water)

Future Fitz was still smiling as he stepped back through the fissure. The fissure closed as Lucius watched the invitation disappear. Fitz said, Go live your life Lucius. You are no longer a part of this tournament. Lucius said, I have to go find Carmen, but where do I even look? Fitz was transported back to his beach front home. Lucius asked, How am I supposed to get back home?

Back on the Gate Crasher, Beta said, Yet another has slipped through our grasp. Alpha said, We knew there would be a few loop holes. That’s okay, Fitz is moving on. I don’t mind him winning and becoming king. Beta continued, Then all of us would really have it easy.

Chapter Three

Deep within the Orion Nebula, a shuttlecraft was just exiting a white hole. To the pilot Patrick, no time had passed since he went missing over three hundred years ago. Patrick checked his thrusters and propulsion. Patrick looked out of the shuttle window and saw one of the massive 6th race’s ships. Patrick looked over and saw that his brother David was still unconscious. Patrick punched David in the arm as David frowned before he woke up. David asked, What did you hit me for? Patrick answered, Because I wanted to. David punched Patrick back. Then Patrick hit David again. Then David punched Patrick harder. The two brothers continued to punch each other for the next twenty minutes until both brothers got tired. An invitation appeared as Patrick and David jumped to the side of the shuttlecraft. The invitation said, Patrick Renfro, phoenix of belief, you have been chosen for the Phoenix Wars. You fight in one week. Prepare yourself. Then the invitation vanished.

Patrick and David were too confused to put together why a piece of paper was talking. David said, I don’t think we’re in our universe anymore. Patrick replied, I have another concern. David asked, What is it? Patrick asked, How did the two of us get on a shuttlecraft? David shrugged his shoulders as one of the 6th race’s ships put a tractor beam on their shuttlecraft. David said, Looks like we are going aboard the Enterprise. Patrick smiled and continued, Star Trek sucks.

Meanwhile in the Soul Society, Calandryl had enrolled his uncle Daniel into the Soul Reaper Academy that way he could learn how to use his zanbato Mimi with more control than before. Calandryl made his way back to his dorm which he shared with his associate Dixon. Calandryl sat down on the couch feeling extremely exhausted. Calandryl said, It’s hard work brainwashing my uncle. An invitation appeared saying, Dixon, phoenix of debt, you have been chosen for the Phoenix Wars. You fight in one week. Prepare yourself. Then the invitation disappeared.

Dixon turned to Calandryl yelling, This is your fault! We were in the clear! Free of this tournament, but no…..you had to go get your uncle and for what? Calandryl said, Don’t worry you’ll win your match. Dixon said, We weren’t supposed to be in this tournament at all. By doing so we have altered our own time stream. Who knows what future we will return to now? Calandryl laid back on the couch saying, Who cares? We traveled back in time to change the future. What better way is there than to do it ourselves? Dixon screamed, You don’t have to fight first! Calandryl asked, Why are you worried? Our phoenixes haven’t been created yet. So no one in this time period will have a clue as to what to expect from us. Now how can I help you prepare? Dixon said, I have an idea. Calandryl decided to follow Dixon’s lead.

Elsewhere in a parallel dimension, a young human girl, by the name of Marie Woods, was waiting in line to buy a new image reality game called, The Phoenix Cipher. Marie was half black, half white and about one hundred and thirty pounds in weight at exactly five feet tall. As Marie walked home, she saw that the box for the video game had no pictures and no explanation of what kind of game it was. Marie decided to run home as she thought, I can’t wait to start killing zombies. This better be the new zombie game or I’m taking it back to the store. Marie felt her pocket and realized that she didn’t have her receipt. Then Marie stopped running and sat down thinking, I need a cigarette. Why am I working so hard to get home? When I could just take a free car that’s parked around the corner.

Marie walked over to a blank canvas of a car and pressed the button for the car randomizer. Before Marie could choose a car, she realized that she was standing ten feet from her front door. Marie walked inside and put the new game into the image reality machine. Then Marie grabbed her pack of cigarettes and ran off to take a poop. The image reality disc began loading as it scanned Marie’s whole house and learned the layout. When Marie flushed the toilet and put her cigarette out, the scan stopped. Marie washed her hands and finally made her way back to the living room.

When Marie walked out of the bathroom, she saw that her whole house had been cleaned. Marie’s eyes got big as she yelled, What the fuck? Marie took a moment to explore her newly cleaned surroundings. Then Marie walked over to her image reality machine and put on the interface goggles. The image reality machine said, Calibrating physical and mental status now. Marie thought, What does that mean? Then she asked, Can you hurry up? I really want to kill zombies. Then the image reality machine said, Welcome Marie Woods to the Phoenix Cipher. In this game everyone chooses a phoenix. The phoenix you choose will determine your various powers and growth potential. Please choose now. Marie was given a choice of forty different phoenixes. Marie looked at the lines thinking, I’m not fixen to read all this. Marie remembered that she had to put on the interface gloves. So she reached down and slipped the computer sensor gloves on.

Then Marie picked the phoenix of 1313. The image reality machine said, Currently only two levels are available. Which do you choose? The 6th Race’s Main Ship or the Soul Society. Marie thought, Zombies would most likely be in the soul society, as she said, But I always wondered what deep space is like. The image reality machine said, The 6th Race’s Main Ship has been chosen. Prepare for transport.

Unbeknownst to Marie, her whole body was transported to the 6th Race’s Main Ship, right as Patrick’s and David’s shuttle was being docked. Marie felt dizzy for a moment as she started to focus on the detail of the ship saying, This stuff looks so real. Marie touched the side of the ship when she saw Patrick and David being escorted in chains. Marie noticed her computer terminal was flashing. Marie looked down and opened up her menu. Sagittarius saw Marie using her menu and could sense that she didn’t belong. Sagittarius walked over and touched Marie. Marie said, Log Out. Then Marie vanished back to her living room. David asked, Where did that other lady go?

Back in Marie’s living room, she took off the sensor gloves and the image reality goggles and turned around to see Sagittarius standing there. Marie screamed as Sagittarius detransformed back into Josey. Marie yelled, "How did you get in my house? You’re a video game character! OH MY