*AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter was written in collaboration with my best friend and mutual friend!
Broca, Spain
AT KOKO'S PARENTS' HOUSE
Koko sat nervously at the dinner table, his parents and the Phoenix Gang gathered around. "I've been thinking," he began, "what if we open a Phoenix Café in Broca, Spain?"
His parents exchanged glances before his mother spoke up, "That's quite an ambitious idea, mijo. Are you sure about this?"
The Phoenix Gang members, known for their adventurous spirit, nodded in approval. "Sounds like a plan! Bringing the Phoenix Café to Spain would be legendary!" Blas exclaimed.
With the support of both his parents and the gang, Koko felt a surge of confidence. "Great! Let's make it happen."
THE NEXT DAY
The next day, they gathered to discuss potential locations. Brando couldn't help but express his concerns. "Opening a café in Spain is a bit something, don't you think? We've got a good amount of Phoenix Café locations going in our hometowns already."
James chimed in, "But Brando, this type of expansion was quite a success. This is just another opportunity!"
After much debate, they stumbled upon a location that seemed promising, albeit in a state of disrepair. Koko's parents, observing the run-down building, hesitated.
His father sighed, "Maybe it's not the right place, mijo. We should consider something else."
Koko, however, saw potential where others saw ruins. "No, papá. We can turn this into something amazing!" Determined, he convinced his parents and the gang to join forces in transforming the derelict space into a modern café.
DAYS LATER
Days turned into weeks as they worked tirelessly, rebuilding the place from the ground up. The gang brought their skills to the table—literally, in some cases—while Koko's parents offered invaluable advice and guidance.
As they painted walls and installed new fixtures, Koko's mother couldn't help but express her initial doubts. "I never thought this would work, mijo. But you've proven us wrong. ¡Buen trabajo!"
With a proud smile, Koko replied, "It's not just me, mamá. It's all of us together."
The renovated café started taking shape, blending Spanish charm with the contemporary style of Phoenix Café. Brando, witnessing the transformation, admitted, "I had my doubts, but this might just work."
LATER AT NIGHT
Once the physical work was done, the focus shifted to the operational side. Koko found himself facing a crucial decision, voiced aloud in a late-night conversation with James. "Who should I hire to run the place when I'm busy?"
James leaned back, sipping his coffee. "You need someone reliable, Koko. Someone who shares our passion for the Phoenix Café."
Lost in thought, Koko replied, "I want someone who understands the essence of what we're building here."
INAUGURATION DAY
As dawn approached, they finalized their plan for the café's grand opening. Koko, standing in the midst of the refurbished space, felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. The gang, his parents, and the potential employees-to-be gathered for a pre-opening celebration.
Reflecting on the journey, Koko addressed them all, "We turned a forgotten place into something beautiful. Now, we just need the right person to ensure it thrives."
With the grand opening unfolding, Koko continued to face the dilemma of finding someone trustworthy to manage the café in his absence. In a move that surprised everyone, he turned to his best friend, Hector. "You know this place and the Phoenix Café spirit as much as I do. Take charge while I'm away, Hector."
Hector, honored by the offer, replied, "You can count on me, Koko. I'll make sure the flame keeps burning."
As Koko set out on his journey, he found himself in a desolate area, the perfect spot to explore and find the elusive coffee bean Hector had raved about. The air was thick with anticipation as Koko ventured deeper into the unknown.
HOURS LATER
After hours of searching, he stumbled upon a hidden treasure—a grove of coffee trees, each bearing the special beans Hector had described. Excitement surged through Koko as he carefully harvested them, envisioning the unique flavor they would bring to the Phoenix Café.
Returning to Broca, Koko wasted no time. At Phoenix Café, he gathered the gang and his parents, eager to unveil his discovery. "I present to you the key to a new era for our café—the special coffee bean!"
The gang marveled at the beans, and Koko's mother asked, "Can you really make something extraordinary out of these, mijo?"
Determined, Koko nodded. "I believe so. Let's experiment and see what magic we can brew."
In the café's bustling kitchen, Koko worked his magic, combining the special beans with precision and care. The aroma filled the air, promising a sensory experience like no other.
As the first cup was ready, Koko presented it to the gang and his parents. "To new beginnings," he toasted.
At first sip, the consensus was unanimous—this was something extraordinary. The rich, velvety flavor danced on their taste buds, leaving them in awe.
However, as the caffeine from the special beans coursed through Koko's veins, an unexpected twist unfolded. At first, everything seemed normal, but gradually, a euphoric sensation took hold. Koko's eyes widened, and he chuckled nervously.
Brando, noticing Koko's change in demeanor, raised an eyebrow. "You alright there, Koko?"
Koko, trying to compose himself, replied, "I've never felt so... energized. This is amazing!"
The gang exchanged amused glances, but their laughter faded as Koko's euphoria intensified. Koko's mother, concerned, asked, "Mijo, are you sure this is just the coffee?"
Attempting to shake off the effects, Koko reassured them, "It's probably just a strong blend. I'll be fine."
As time passed, Koko's high reached new heights. He started seeing vibrant colors, and the world around him seemed to twist and turn. Laughter echoed in his ears, and he couldn't help but join in, the lines between reality and illusion blurring.
James, growing worried, whispered to Brando, "Is this normal for special coffee beans?"
Brando shrugged, "I've never seen anyone react like this. Maybe we should get him some water?"
In the midst of the chaos, Hector, now managing the café, entered the scene. He observed Koko's state and shook his head. "You really went all out with those beans, didn't you, Koko?"
Koko, with a mischievous grin, replied, "Best coffee experience ever!"
As the discussion continued, unexpected visitors arrived at Phoenix Café. Aspen, Blazer, and Dond, friends from Koko's past adventures, entered the lively atmosphere. The gang greeted them warmly, unaware of the coffee-fueled chaos that awaited.
Aspen, noticing Koko's peculiar behavior, pulled him aside for a chat. "Koko, something's not right. Are you feeling okay?"
Koko, with a wide grin, grabbed Aspen's cheeks and exclaimed, "Aspen, listen. We have that chemistry going on, not like chemistry class, but the chemistry of love. It's an extraordinary bond, like the alpha and omega, intergalactic creatures traveling the seven galaxies beyond time and space."
Aspen, taken aback, exchanged bewildered glances with Blazer and Dond. "Koko, you're not making any sense. What's going on?"
"The chemistry of love," Koko replied while hugging Aspen and squeezing his fluffy cheeks.
"I have a feeling he's referencing us," Blas said while exchanging concerned glances with Bliss, in which she shrugged in response.
"Koko... can you let go of me, sweetie?" Aspen asked in a bit of worry.
"Never," Koko replied while hugging him tighter. "We are one~!"
After Koko responded to Aspen's command, he was overcome by a burst of energy. With an impish gleam in his eyes, he dashed through the café, causing a whirlwind of laughter and confusion. The gang tried to catch up, but Koko was on a caffeine-fueled rampage.
As Koko ran through the streets of Broca, the chaos escalated. He declared, "I shall conquer Broca and turn it into Koko Land, a realm of endless coffee and laughter!"
The Phoenix Gang, now faced with a situation beyond their control, attempted to reason with Koko. Brando shouted, "Koko, snap out of it! This isn't the plan!"
Ignoring their pleas, Koko continued his wild antics, turning the once peaceful town into a canvas of caffeinated madness. Residents watched in amazement as Koko danced, sang, and proclaimed himself the ruler of Koko Land.
Hector, witnessing the chaos, knew he had to intervene. He approached Aspen and said, "We need to find a way to counteract whatever happened to Koko. This is getting out of hand."
Aspen nodded, determined to help his mutual friend. "I've heard of a rare coffee bean that can neutralize the effects of other beans. If we can find it, maybe we can bring Koko back to his senses."
The duo embarked on a quest to locate this elusive antidote. Meanwhile, Koko's antics reached new heights. He climbed onto rooftops, proclaimed wild theories about the universe, and even attempted to recruit townsfolk into his imaginary Koko Land army.
BACK AT PHOENIX CAFÉ
Back at the café, the Phoenix Gang brainstormed ways to contain the chaos. James suggested, "Maybe we should use his love for coffee against him. Offer him a cup of regular coffee to sober him up."
Brando added, "And we should probably avoid encouraging his conquest of Broca. That might be a good start."
MEANWHILE
Aspen and Hector, scouring the outskirts of Broca, stumbled upon a hidden grove with the antidote beans. Aspen explained, "These beans have a calming effect. If we brew them, we might be able to bring Koko back to reality."
IN THE MEANTIME
Back in the town center, the Phoenix Gang attempted their plan. They offered Koko a cup of regular coffee, hoping to break the caffeine-induced spell. Koko, momentarily distracted, took the cup and took a sip. The effects seemed to wane, and for a moment, it looked like they had succeeded.
However, Koko's eyes widened, and he exclaimed, "This is a plot to overthrow Koko Land! Fear not, my loyal subjects; we shall prevail!"
As Hector and Aspen returned with the antidote coffee beans, Dom, James, and Dond worked tirelessly to distract Koko from any more caffeine-induced adventures. They engaged him in wild imaginings, hoping to keep his mind off the temptation of the special coffee beans.
BACK AT PHOENIX CAFÉ
Meanwhile, Blazer collaborated with Blas to construct a unique coffee machine. Its purpose was to brew a specific type of coffee that would induce sleepiness, providing a solution to Koko's hyperactive state. The intricate machine took shape in the back of Phoenix Café.
Blazer explained the plan to the gang, saying, "This coffee will calm Koko down and help him get some much-needed rest. It's a blend specially designed to counter the effects of the special beans."
As Koko continued his crazy antics around the empty streets of Broca, the gang implemented their strategy. Blas showcased the new coffee machine, unveiling the sleep-inducing concoction. The aroma wafted through the café, calming the bustling atmosphere.
Koko, still in the midst of his imaginative escapades, caught wind of the new creation. Intrigued, he approached Blas, who eagerly offered him a cup of the sleep-inducing coffee. Koko hesitated but took a sip, the calming effect gradually taking hold.
Dom, James, and Dond continued their imaginative storytelling, weaving tales of fantastical creatures and daring adventures. The combined efforts of distraction and the soothing coffee seemed to be working.
As Koko's eyelids grew heavy, Blas whispered to Blazer, "I think it's working. He's finally calming down."
Just as Koko succumbed to a peaceful slumber, Hector and Aspen returned with the antidote coffee beans. Demarion and Keegan greeted them, eager to share the latest developments. "Blas made a coffee machine, and it seems to be working. Koko's finally taking a nap."
The Phoenix Gang gathered, relieved smiles on their faces. Hector handed the antidote beans to Aspen and said, "Let's brew that cure. We need Koko back to his normal self."
In the kitchen, Hector and Aspen worked together to create the antidote coffee. The rich aroma filled the air, signaling a remedy for Koko's caffeine-induced misadventure.
As Koko slept peacefully, the gang and Koko's friends exchanged stories of the day's events. Demarion chuckled, "You missed quite the spectacle, but I'm glad you guys found a way to handle it."
The concoction brewed, Aspen carefully approached Koko, who was still in a deep slumber. Gently lifting his head, Aspen allowed him to sip the antidote coffee. The magic of the special beans slowly faded away.
Koko stirred, opening his eyes to find the familiar faces of his friends and the Phoenix Gang. Confused, he asked, "What happened?"
Aspen, with a warm smile, replied, "You went on a little caffeine adventure, but we managed to bring you back. Blas even made a special coffee machine to help you get some rest."
Koko, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment, mumbled, "I must have caused a lot of trouble."
The gang and his friends exchanged knowing glances, but instead of scolding him, they enveloped Koko in a group hug. Words weren't needed; the bond between them spoke volumes.
TIME SKIP
As days passed, Koko found himself reflecting on the journey of Phoenix Café in Broca, Spain. With the grand opening behind them, he decided it was time to entrust the business to his best friend, Hector. The day of departure arrived, and Koko gathered the Phoenix Gang at the café.
"I can't thank you all enough for everything we've built here," Koko said, addressing his friends and Hector. "But I've decided to leave the Phoenix Café in Broca to Hector. I have some unfinished business back in the United States."
Hector, though surprised, nodded in understanding. "I'll take good care of it, Koko. You can count on me."
Days turned into nights, and the time to say goodbye approached. Koko, accompanied by the Phoenix Gang, thanked his parents for their support. Koko's mother hugged Koko tightly, tears in her eyes. "You've grown into an amazing person, mijo. We're so blessed to see you again in such great conditions."
Koko's father, equally emotional, added, "Take care of yourself, son. We'll always cherish the memories we've created here."
They shared a final hug, and Koko, with a heavy heart, departed for the airport with the Phoenix Gang. Koko, while recalling his best moments in Spain, wagged his tail, sensing the bittersweet atmosphere.
AT THE AIRPORT
Upon arrival at the airport, Koko's parents surprised him with tickets to travel to the United States with them. The unexpected gesture left Koko and the Phoenix Gang elated. However, as the group prepared to board the plane, Hector made a heartfelt decision.
"I'm staying in Spain, Koko. Broca needs me, and I've got the café to run. Take care, amigo."
With a tight embrace, Koko bid farewell to Hector, who left with Demarion and Keegan back to Broca. The departure marked a poignant moment as Koko and the remaining Phoenix Gang, along with Aspen, Blazer, and Dond, and, of course, Koko's parents, boarded the plane.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
AT THE AIRPORT
The flight brought them to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they were greeted by a mysterious figure at the airport. Koko's parents, Aspen, Blazer, and Dond were asked to attend to other matters, leaving the figure alone with Koko and the Phoenix Gang.
Puzzled, Koko asked, "Who are you, and what's going on?"
The mysterious figure, revealed to be Anton, broke into tears. "I'm sorry, Koko, but I had to do this under Sugo's command."
Before anyone could react, Anton pulled out a gun loaded with memory swap tranquilizers. A shot rang out, and each Phoenix Gang member, excluding Brando who hid in silence, succumbed to the tranquilizing effects.
As the Phoenix Gang members fell into a state of unconsciousness, Anton teleported them to their respective hometowns. With a heavy heart, he whispered, "I hope you find happiness in your new memories for now."
Anton then disappeared from the airport, leaving chaos and confusion in his wake.
"Please forgive me afterwards..."
MEANWHILE
Brando, who had witnessed the entire scene from the shadows, quickly approached Koko's parents, Aspen, Blazer, and Dond. His urgency was palpable as he explained the situation, "We need to find Koko and the Phoenix Gang. Anton just erased their memories and sent them to who knows where."
Concerned and bewildered, Koko's parents, Aspen, Blazer, and Dond joined Brando in searching for the missing friends. However, Koko and the Phoenix Gang were nowhere to be found in the airport.
In the midst of their frantic search, the team aides—Coral, Felix, Tangie, and Taurro—arrived to pick them up from the airport. Brando wasted no time in sharing the alarming news, and together, they swore to work as a team to find their lost friends.
Phoenopolix, Land of the Phoenix
The team aides, possessing unique abilities, swiftly teleported themselves, Brando, Koko's parents, Aspen, Blazer, and Dond to Phoenopolix. Inside the Phoenix Hideout, they gathered to strategize on their next move.
Coral spoke with determination, "We'll use our abilities to track down Koko and the others. We won't rest until they're back safe and sound."
Felix added, "We'll need to piece together the clues and find out why Sugo orchestrated this."
Aspen, Blazer, and Dond, determined to reunite with their mutual friends, nodded in agreement. The group huddled together, planning their journey to retrieve Koko and the Phoenix Gang from the grip of altered memories and uncertain destinies.
"Koko, guys... wherever you are, we'll come save you guys..."
END OF CHAPTER