*AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter was written in collaboration with Blazey_Dally (Specifically featuring his OCs)
**WARNING: This chapter includes graphic elements, such as blood. Younger audiences or audiences who are sensitive to this type of content are advised to not read this chapter!
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Koko's eyes widened at the distant explosion that took place in Phoenopolix. His heart raced, and without hesitation, he turned to the Phoenix Gang, his expression serious. "We need to get back to Phoenopolix immediately. Something's not right."
Brando, Blas, Bliss, Iggy, Olga, Dom, and James exchanged concerned glances, their determination kicking in. They joined Koko, along with his parents and the others, ready to face whatever awaited them.
Pyroneer Town
As they approached the exit to Pyroneer Town, a sudden obstacle presented itself in the form of Rohan and Butler, two rivals with newfound powers granted by Sugo.
Rohan, with a cocky grin, declared, "You won't be passing through here so easily." Butler, standing next to him, manifested duplicates with various elemental abilities.
Brando locked eyes with Rohan, a longstanding rivalry surfacing. "We don't have time for this, Rohan."
"Oh, but you will," Rohan smirked as he began to speed around Brando.
Brando couldn't take it and used his telekinesis power to stop Rohan from speeding and throw him against a nearby wall really hard. This only resulted in Rohan growing angry and throwing a couple punches at Brando really fast. Brando yelped and kept on fighting Rohan by trying to drain his magical energy. However, no luck.
Meanwhile, Blas, Bliss, and Iggy stepped forward, facing Butler.
"Go on, mechanic pup," Butler smirked. "Show me what you've got!"
Blas growled and used his time power to slow Butler down. However, he only did it to one of Butler's clones without knowing. This resulted in Butler managing to hit Blas nonstop. Iggy tried to intervene by wrapping Butler in ink, but his clones managed to stop him.
"It's quite a bunch! I don't think my new space power might do any effect," Bliss feared.
The battle continued, a clash of magic and determination. The powers bestowed upon Rohan and Butler proved challenging, weakening the four quickly. But as the dust settled, they found renewed strength and fought back fiercely.
"We won't give up that easily!" Blas yelped.
In the midst of the chaos, Blazer smooched Blas' cheek, a playful smirk on his face. "Quite handsome, Blas. Your strong self is quite a sight to behold." Blas blushed, caught off guard, and couldn't help but giggle.
The battle intensified, a combination of spells and clashes. Rohan and Butler growled in frustration as they realized the four pups' resilience. With a defeated glare, they retreated, heading straight to Phoenopolix.
As the dust settled, Koko turned to the victorious group, a proud smile on his face. "Well done, pups. Now, let's continue to Phoenopolix and find out what's going on."
Blazer winked at Blas, teasingly adding, "Maybe I'll stick around for more of those heroic moments of yours."
Blas only blushed and looked away for a bit, which made Blazer giggle.
Caloa Desert
The scorching sun beat down as the team ventured into Caloa Desert, a challenging landscape filled with towering tornadoes. They carefully navigated the sandy terrain, eyes on high alert to avoid the colossal twisters circling around. In the distance, a dark gray cloud loomed over Phoenopolix, taking the shape of a tornado with hints of blue and pink—familiar colors resembling Sugo's fur.
Koko's urgency deepened. "We have to move faster. Phoenopolix is in trouble, and that tornado... it's not just a natural disaster."
As they approached the entrance to Pyroneer Mountain, a new threat emerged in the form of Dane, Droy, and Duna—Dom and James' rivals. Each of them now possessed unique powers bestowed by Sugo. Dane created illusions, Droy transformed at will, and Duna manipulated dreams, inducing nightmares.
Dom squared off against Dane, determination etched across his face. "Illusions won't save you this time."
James faced Droy, his eyes narrowing. "Time to see if you can transform your way out of this."
Dom tried to use pyrokinesis against Dane, but it did not work as Dane returned the attack with an illusion of an alt version of Dom using pyrokinesis against the real Dom. Dom then tried to use fire absorption to absorb the heat from Caloa Desert and combat Dane, but before he could do so, Dane created an illusion of Dom's own parents attacking him with shadow powers.
"What's wrong, Dommy? Are you struggling to fight me?" Dane chuckled evilly.
"I won't give up too easily!" Dom growled.
Meanwhile, James used metal morphing in order to tackle Droy and cause an injury. However, Droy transformed into a statue before James could do so, resulting in James falling to the ground in a bit of pain.
"Poor James," Droy giggled. "Steel can't do shit this time. Can it now?"
"Just wait and see..." James growled, determined to put an end to Droy's transformative attacks.
The battles were fierce, a clash of magical abilities. Dom and James struggled against the new powers but refused to yield. As the skirmish unfolded, they managed to overcome Dane and Droy, their tenacity shining through.
Duna, however, proved to be a formidable opponent. She cast a dreamscape, trapping Dom and James in a realm of nightmares.
"NO! MAKE IT STOP!" Yelled Dom as his nightmare was about replacement within the Phoenix Gang.
"No... please..." James whimpered as his nightmare was about his previous owner abusing him with the help of James' former siblings.
Just as surrender seemed imminent, a shadowy figure appeared—Kage, the morphing ninja they had encountered at the Ninja Training Center.
Kage swiftly intervened, defeating Duna with calculated precision. As the dreamscape shattered, Dom and James gasped for breath, their nightmares fading. James, grateful for Kage's timely assistance, nodded in appreciation. "Thank you for stepping in."
Kage, his voice a whisper of shadows, replied, "Stopping Sugo is in my interest as well. He's trying to turn Phoenopolix into his own weapon of destruction. I'll aid you on your journey."
Pyroneer Mountain
The group, now strengthened by Kage's presence, entered the cave within Pyroneer Mountain. Darkness enveloped them as they delved deeper, guided by the subtle glow of magical crystals lining the cave walls.
As they walked, Kage explained, "Sugo's plan involves manipulating the very fabric of magic. The tornado at Phoenopolix is a manifestation of his dark influence. We must reach Phoenix Bridge and confront him before it's too late."
Bliss glanced at Kage, a mix of curiosity and caution in her eyes. "How did you know we needed help?"
Kage chuckled, his form shifting like shadows dancing. "I've been keeping an eye on your progress. Your strength and determination are commendable, but this battle requires a united front."
WITH KOKO AND ASPEN
As the team ventured deeper into the labyrinthine cave of Pyroneer Mountain, Aspen and Koko found a moment to share a heartfelt conversation about the future. The dim glow of magical crystals illuminated their path as they walked side by side.
Aspen glanced at Koko, a knowing smile on his face. "Koko, there's something on your mind. I can feel it."
Koko hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Aspen, you've been a great friend, and I can't help but feel something more. It's hard to put into words."
Aspen chuckled softly. "You're not alone in feeling that way. I've noticed it, too. And you know, I feel something for you as well."
Koko's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and relief washing over him. "You do?"
Aspen nodded. "Yeah, and I appreciate your honesty. So, what's on your mind?"
Taking a deep breath, Koko looked directly into Aspen's eyes. "Aspen, I love you. I want to keep you happy and safe, no matter what."
A warm smile tugged at Aspen's lips, and a gentle blush colored his cheeks. "Koko, I appreciate your feelings. Let's talk about this after the final battle, alright?"
Koko grinned, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. "Deal. After the battle, we'll celebrate together."
As they continued their conversation, a moment of silence hung in the air. Then, unexpectedly, Aspen broke into a playful smile. "What if I were to say I accept?"
Koko's eyes widened, and then a burst of joy radiated from him. "Really? That calls for a celebration!"
Aspen chuckled, meeting Koko's gaze. "Let's focus on the battle first. But, yes, I'm open to what the future holds."
Koko's heart soared, and the two shared a sweet, passionate kiss—a moment that would mark the beginning of their official relationship.
WITH BLAS AND BLAZER
Meanwhile, not far away, Blas and Blazer found a quiet spot to discuss matters of the heart. Blas looked at Blazer with a sincere expression. "Blazer, you've changed something in me. I feel different, in a good way."
Intrigued, Blazer raised an eyebrow. "Changed? How so?"
Blas simply smiled and leaned in, planting a soft kiss on Blazer's lips. Blazer blushed, taken aback by the unexpected gesture.
Blas pulled back, his eyes reflecting genuine affection. "That's what I mean. You've made a difference in my life, Blazer."
Blazer, still blushing, couldn't help but smile. "Well, I'm glad I could do that for you."
WITH DOM AND DOND
Finally, Dom and Dond shared a quiet moment amidst the cavernous surroundings. Dom opened up about his past relationships and how they had shaped him. "Dond, I've been through a lot, and it's made me more confident about who I am. I want to share that confidence with you."
Dond, touched by Dom's sincerity, wiped away a tear. "Dom, you mean the world to me. What are you saying?"
With a smile, Dom took Dond's front paws in his. "Dond, will you make me the happiest person alive and be my partner for life?"
Dond's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he nodded vigorously. "Yes, Dom, a thousand times yes!"
Their joyous moment culminated in a tender kiss, sealing the promise of a shared future.
A FEW MINUTES LATER
As the happy couples exchanged smiles, they approached the stairs leading up to Phoenix Bridge—a symbolic ascent toward the challenges and triumphs that awaited them. The echoes of love and commitment lingered, adding warmth to the anticipation of the battles yet to come.
Phoenix Bridge
The team ascended Phoenix Bridge, their footsteps echoing against the backdrop of the colossal tornado that engulfed Phoenopolix. The ominous noise emanating from within the vortex intensified, accompanied by relentless lightning strikes. Time was of the essence as they quickened their pace.
As they approached the swirling tempest, a looming threat materialized— the Mecha-Phoenixinator. Towering above them, it was a formidable creation controlled by Dane, Droy, Duna, Butler, and Rohan. The rivals reveled in their creation, a fusion of their newfound powers, ready to annihilate Koko and the Phoenix Gang.
Dane's robotic voice echoed, "Behold, the Mecha-Phoenixinator—a masterpiece designed for your destruction!"
THE FINAL FIGHT AGAINST THE RIVALS
The team faced the mechanical monstrosity, preparing for the final showdown. The Mecha-Phoenixinator advanced, its mechanical limbs flexing in anticipation. The ensuing battle was fierce as the Mecha-Phoenixinator proved to be far more powerful than anyone would ever thought.
"Gosh, they seem too powerful!" Brando said in a worried tone.
"We can't give up yet," Dom yelled. "The fate of Phoenopolix rests on us now!"
"But how are we even going to defeat them?" Blas said as he tried to slow the giant robot down.
"Not sure," Bliss replied while trying to use her space powers against the robot, "but we must keep on trying!"
Rohan's robotic voice echoed, "What's wrong? Can't fight us all in one? Come on and try!"
Brando growled and unleashed his magic outburst, a powerful beam that weakens an opponent's magic energy level. This had an effect as the robot began to weaken a bit. Blas then took the opportunity to speed around the robot, making the five rivals within it feel dizzy. Kage morphed into Blas in order to trick the rivals, which worked as they thought they had Blas, but instead they had Kage. This allowed Blas to blow a time bubble at the robot, which paused it and the rivals from making any further moves.
"This should keep them still for now. The bubble won't last for too long," Blas panted.
"Maybe..." Olga wondered as she began to focus, slowly transforming into her dragon form and utilizing her inner dragon energy to unleash dragon pulse against the robot.
This resulted in a small explosion as the robot collided to the ground. The Phoenix Gang cheered as they thought they successfully did it. However, the robot got back up, still functioning as if no injury was ever caused. The Phoenix Gang gasped and were determined to put an end to the Mecha-Phoenixinator once and for all.
Brando, Blas, Bliss, Iggy, Dom, and James clashed with their rivals, each trying to outmaneuver the other. Olga tried to use another dragon move, but The Mecha-Phoenixinator's strength was overwhelming, combining illusions, transformations, dream manipulation, duplication, and speed into one mega power. The Phoenix Gang fought valiantly, but the odds seemed insurmountable. In one ultimate blow, the Mecha-Phoenixinator injured most of the Phoenix Gang members, with Brando having his arm injured in the process, and Blas struggling to breathe as he was crushed against the ground really hard. The other members were severely injured, but Dom and James were still able to continue to battle.
As the battle reached a critical point, the Mecha-Phoenixinator raised a built-in chainsaw, poised to strike Dom down.
"I don't mind doing favors to those who can't stand you, fire shit," Dane, within the robot, smirked.
"Kiss this world bye bye!" Droy yelled as he was about to slice Dom into pieces with the Mecha-Phoenixinator.
Dom thought this was the end for him. "Go for it then..."
"DOM, NO!" James screamed in panic.
In a selfless act, James intervened, pushing Dom aside and...
*SLICE!*
With a severe slice, James took the devastating blow through his left eye. His eye came off as a result, and James yelped in pain, bleeding through his missing eye nonstop while kneeling on the ground.
Dom gasped at the devastating sight as he ran up to James. "James!"
The pain seared through James, and he collapsed in front of Dom.
"Dom... I'm glad you're okay..." James coughed. "Please... keep fighting..."
With that last phrase, James fell into a state of unconsciousness. Dom's eyes widened in shock and fury as he witnessed his friend's sacrifice.
"James..." Dom said in tears.
Dane, Droy, Duna, Butler, and Rohan reveled in their apparent victory. The Mecha-Phoenixinator malfunctioned, its mechanical limbs jerking sporadically.
"Looks like he's caught out of sight!" The rivals within the Mecha-Phoenixinator laughed in a maniac way possible.
Amidst the chaos, Dom's anger surged, manifesting as an orange glow enveloping him. With a primal scream, and in an uncontrollable state, he soared at the Mecha-Phoenixinator, passing through its metal exterior. The robot malfunctioned further, its systems destabilizing.
"Malfunction... Malfunction..." The Mecha-Phoenixinator said nonstop.
"THAT WAS FOR JAMES! AND FOR MY FAMILY!!!" Dom screamed as he wrapped the Mecha-Phoenixinator inside a ring of fire, burning the robot with all his might.
"NOW SUFFER WHAT THEY SUFFERED!!!" Dom barked out loud.
"Malfunction..." The Mecha-Phoenixinator said once more before going into a state of madness. "Enemy spotted... must... E L I M I N A T E !"
The rivals, infuriated by Dom's interference, retaliated. They used whatever means available within the Mecha-Phoenixinator, slicing through Dom's back. Dom yelped in pain but refused to succumb. Unfortunately, he now couldn't do much as he was left a bit paralyzed as the slice went through a bit of his spinal cord.
"DOMINIC!" Koko yelled in tears.
Dom didn't respond to his cry. He only laid down and panted in pain, slowly closing his eyes. Within seconds, Dom fell into a state of unconsciousness like James.
*BOOM*
A series of thunders stroke down near them. Unable to witness his own team in this state of suffering any longer, Koko's eyes glowed with a rainbow of colors. Fairy wings sprouted from his back as he shouted, "ENOUGH!"
Koko engaged the Mecha-Phoenixinator in a relentless assault, delivering powerful punches and energy blasts with his spheres of light.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
The final blow erupted in a dazzling burst, causing the Mecha-Phoenixinator to explode into pieces.
The rivals, now severely injured, lay scattered amidst the wreckage. Koko, his wings vanishing, rushed to his fallen team.
"Are you guys alright?" Koko asked to the injured team members.
"We're fine... thankfully..." Brando coughed in a bit of blood and pain.
"But Dom and James..." Olga said with a concerned look despite the injuries.
Koko gasped as he, alongside the injured Phoenix Gang, Koko's parents, Aspen, Blazer, and Dond, went and surrounded Dom and James. Blas, still recovering, managed a weak smile. "You guys fought bravely."
"James, your eye... it's missing..." Iggy whimpered.
"Dom... please wake up..." Bliss whimpered as well.
"Dommy... my love..." Dond cried while being hugged by Aspen and Blazer, who were comforting him.
As Koko held the unconscious forms of Dom and James in his arms, tears streamed down his face. "Please, wake up," he pleaded, his voice choked with emotion. The rest of the team gathered around, their concern palpable.
Aspen approached, her eyes reflecting worry. "Koko, they fought bravely. They'll be okay. I'm sure they will..."
In a heartfelt moment, Koko's tears fell onto Dom and James. Unbeknownst to him, his tears held a magical essence that began to work wonders. As Koko cried, the wound on Dom's back and the scar on James' eye started to heal. Dom stirred, groaning, and opened his eyes. James, too, regained consciousness, blinking in surprise.
Koko's eyes widened as he hugged them tightly. "You're okay! I thought..."
Blas, grinning, clapped Dom on the back. "Looks like Koko's tears are magic. Who knew?"
Dom chuckled, feeling the renewed strength in his legs. "Well, I guess they are. Thanks, Koko."
James, touching his healed eye, grinned. "Yeah, thanks. I can see again through my left eye."
"That's quite... surprising..." Koko said. "Am I just now discovering more about myself?"
"Who knows? Maybe you're a magical being like me after all!" Brando smiled.
"Maybe..." Koko wondered.
A FEW MINUTES LATER
The team shared a moment of relief, but their attention was soon drawn to the defeated rivals. Bruised and battered, Dane, Droy, Duna, Butler, and Rohan groaned, gradually regaining consciousness. Koko, Dom, and James stood, ready to confront them.
Dane, weakly raising his head, admitted defeat. "Sugo... his plan is beyond taking over Phoenopolix. He wants to rebuild Earth in his own image."
Blas, arms crossed, demanded answers. "What's his endgame?"
Duna, wincing in pain, sneered. "He's opening a new realm filled with everlasting nightmares within Phoenopolix. If you dare to enter, then you'll witness chaos beyond imagination."
As the rivals confessed Sugo's sinister plan, they passed out, leaving the team to contemplate the impending danger. Suddenly, a haunting laugh echoed through the air, and Sugo's voice rang out, "Dare to enter this new realm, and witness everlasting nightmares!"
Koko's determination flared. "We can't let him succeed. We have to stop him."
The team aides, Coral, Felix, Tangie, and Taurro, arrived, explaining the dire situation. Sugo had infiltrated the Phoenix Hideout, taking control of the Phoenix. A loud noise erupted, signaling the emergence of the corrupted Phoenix from the giant tornado.
Coral spoke with urgency, "Sugo has twisted the Phoenix into a weapon of chaos. It's wreaking havoc everywhere."
Koko, fueled by resolve, declared, "We can't let this madness continue. We have to enter that twister and stop Sugo."
The team entered the giant twister, willing to save Phoenopolix, and possibly the world they love.
MEANWHILE
As they stepped into the swirling vortex, Sugo, perched atop the Phoenix Hideout, smirked. "Phase 2 is about to unfold. Enjoy the nightmares."
Meanwhile, Anton, who was forced to help Sugo with his plan, sensing the impending danger, attempted to sneak away to aid the Phoenix Gang. However, Sugo intercepted him, stopping him in his tracks. "Where are you going? I still have plans for you!"
Sugo's laughter echoed as he possessed Anton's shadow, morphing it into his own sinister silhouette. The shadow enveloped Anton's mind, altering memories to make him believe he was Sugo.
Anton, now under Sugo's control, with the same eye color as Sugo, smirked menacingly. "I am Sugo, and I hold the key to your nightmares, Phoenix Gang."
With a wave of his hand, the Phoenix Hideout transformed into a labyrinthine maze, challenges and obstacles awaiting the unsuspecting Phoenix Gang. Sugo's evil laugh reverberated, confident that victory was within his grasp.
"Enjoy this little game while it lasts... 'cause I know you won't last!"
TO BE CONTINUED... THE END OF PART 2!