The Phoenix Rises -T (Original Fic)

[Lei Wulong]

Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Science Fiction, and Satire.

This story belongs to a series of novels that I'm in the process of writing. This here is a rough draft. The series is aptly named, The Phoenix series. In order of release date, this book is supposed to come first, even though chronologically it comes RIGHT AFTER The Phoenix.  Unlike the prequel, this story isn't as violent and dark.  There won't be really any mature themes, except maybe a very tame sex-scene (might write the untamed version as it would seem dumb to put in a sex-scene in an otherwise PG-13 rated story).  And there will be mention of drug use and prostitution.  And well, there is a scene later on in the story where people get shot in the head.  But it's more family-friendly than The Phoenix.

[Lei Wulong]

The Phoenix Rises

Chapter 1 

It was nighttime. It was dark. The moon was full. The ground was covered in beautiful powdered snow. It was an ominous, dark, dreary evening. That was when one would see a woman in a hospital gown exiting a burning building. She was bare-footed, extremely pale, and carried a baby with her, while a little boy followed her, grabbing the pale woman's gown. The little boy had long, wavy black hair, and adorable little almond-shaped bright blue eyes. Like the woman, he was pale. He was also wearing a hospital gown. The baby was wrapped in a white blanket with red stains all over it. The pale woman's hair was long, red, and curly and out of control. It went down to her hips... some strands were even sticking up. This woman wandered through the snow, with no known destination except for shelter. She knew her kids weren't going to survive very long out in the cold weather. Thankfully, this woman knew how to survive. After all, she is a survivor.

“Mama... Mama... I want food.”

“We will get food, young one. We will... We will get food.”

The little boy smiled, not looking up at his mother as she looked down at him. His eyes always faced forward or to the side. He also tightly tugged at his mother's gown without even looking up.

Eventually, the woman found a nice little shelter to stay at. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. There everyone could get some rest and the mom could start a fire and keep everyone warm. She can probably find food for herself and the boy. She hands the baby to the boy as she crouches to be at eye-level with her son.

“Zachariah... Mommy is going to get food. Watch Anastasia while I am gone.”

The boy nodded in understanding as the mother went off, foraging for food. After several minutes, she found a reindeer. Her emerald green eyes glow as the reindeer was ignited. The little boy did not react to what was happening at that second.

But when the boy figured out what was going on, the mother was happy. Her poor son is blind. She's been trying to teach him how to be aware of his surroundings. She had faith that this boy was going to grow up to be strong, just like his father. Eventhough he was blind, she had faith in him. She grabs the burned carcass and shares it with her son.

“Mommy. Where are we going?”

The woman smiled. “America.” This was her next chapter. Now she shall go to America. “It is known as the land of the free. We shall be free there. You, me, and Anastasia. We’ll be free from this.”



Three months later… Spring 1995…

The redhead’s hair was still long, but she had it tamed now. She was now at a gas station, dressed in a nice zebra print blouse, tucked into a high-waisted teal tight pants and a pair of nice black flat shoes. She also had on an apron. On her nametag, it read, “Alise” as this was this woman’s name. She had been minding her own business, sitting around sighing to herself.

Oh, Sheng-He… if only you were still alive… I managed to build a great life for myself… can’t you see?

And just as she kept her eyes off of the store, she soon found herself with a gun in her face by a masked man. She did not flinch, nor panicked. She stood still, slowly raising her hands up in the air.

“Alright, ma’am, put the money in the bag! NOW!”

Alise shook her head. “I apologize sir, but unfortunately I am not going to do what you had just requested. Rather, waving a gun in my face does not provoke fear, but rather pity and stupidity.” Her eyes narrowed.

The thug was shaking. He still held the gun in her forehead. “DO YOU WANT TO DIE?”

“I do not wish to die, but I do know for a fact that you are not going to kill me. You are no killer. You are but a thief. And thieves do not kill for money.” She smirks. “So… I would suggest you drop that weapon and go rob some other store. I do not have the time, nor the energy to_”

The thug who held Alise at gunpoint was later knocked unconscious by an unknown man. Alise frowned at the stranger as he knelt over and started handcuffing the perp. “Look! Did you not see! I had this situation under control! And you just come in and knock him out! I was trying to teach this idiot a lesson.”

“Tch. And let you get your store robbed if it doesn’t work out. No way.”

“I really had everything under control! I was not going to get robbed!”

“Seems to me you were trying to talk your way out of it like Axel Foley.”

The stranger stands to his full height, and Alise got a good look at him as he got a good look at her. His long, ebony locks were down, straight and neatly combed. He had really pale skin, and the one thing that really caught her attention were his almond-shaped ruby eyes. Those weren’t contacts. Alise knew… those were real eyes. This man seemed so familiar. Her heart skipped a beat as the two stared at each other. Finally, the stranger broke the ice. He reached out his hand for Alise to shake.

“I’m Jack Fang. I’m the local plainclothes detective in the area.”

“Nice to meet you.” Alise shook his hand, smiling. “I am Alise.” His hands felt cold.

“Well, anyway… I better get going. I’ll take that criminal off your hands, mademoiselle.”

“Yeah. Go on then. Get that idiot out of my sight!”

Fang smiles and drags the would-be-robber out of the gas station. Alise knew that this wasn’t going to be the last time she’ll see this handsome stranger. Even after he was long-gone, Alise still felt that pounding feeling in her heart.

Alise finally got off of work and got in her small yellow 2-door Geo. She pulls up to the daycare center and went to go pick up her two kids. Alise enters the building and the care-takers called the name of her two children. Alise watched as her two kids, Zakk and Anna, both walking to their mom, as they ran to hug her. Alise smiled as she went to grab the rest of their stuff and walked them out to her car. She lets the passenger seat down as she sets her two kids in their car seats and fastens them up.

“How was your day, Mom?” little Zakk asks his mom.

“It was a good day. Had a stupid man try to rob the place.” Alise responds to her son.

“And you stopped him!”

“Yes, I did. I took care of him. And the police came in and arrested him. Everything went very smoothly.” She smiles after fastening her son up.

Alise then lets her seat back up and jumps in and starts the car.

“Mommy is tough!” Anna said outloud.

“Mommy is tough! And strong!” Zakk added.

Alise got the car going and shifts it into first gear. “Well, kids. How was your day?”

“It was great! We got to watch Sesame Street! It was awesome!” Zakk piped up.

“I’m glad. Learn anything new?”

“I just learned some of my alphabets… but… it’s a little hard… I don’t have eyes…”

Which was true. Zakk wasn’t the same ever since the lab kidnapped them both right after Sheng-He’s death. He used to be able to see, but then one day, when Alise was nursing her son, she noticed that he no longer responded to her visual cues and he almost starved. The doctors checked on him and discovered that he had just suddenly lost his vision. Alise wondered if his vision loss had to do with the shots that Dr. Ivanoff injected the poor baby with. Giving infants chemicals and hormone shots will actually mess up their development and growth, and in Zakk’s case, it affected his vision. Thankfully, they escaped before they could do any more damage.

“It’s okay. Say, you kids want ice cream?”

“YAY! ICE CREAM!”

“Great! Let’s go to the Moo-King!”

“YAY! MOO-KING!”

Alise then drove her two children to Moo-King. Once there, she gets out of the car and treats her two children to some delicious ice cream. Alise felt really happy. Even though her husband is no longer with her, she’s moved on quite nicely for a better life. She had two amazing children whom she adored, a friendly neighborhood, and a safe haven. Alise has never been happier before. Until she met her husband she never knew what it was to be happy. And now she knows. Alise smiled at her two enthusiastic kids, and watched as they both indulged in the delicious ice cream. As much as Alise hated it, looking at her two children reminded her of their fathers. Looking at Zakk, he certainly inherited his father’s characteristic Asian high-cheekbones. She also noticed that he, too had dark hair like his father. Unlike Sheng-He, her dearly departed husband, her son had that nice, beautiful, silky raven hair. Just like that cop she met earlier today. Maybe that’s why she was attracted to him. He reminded her of Sheng-He just a little. Though Zakk was wearing sunglasses, he had those beautiful bright blue eyes, whom Alise had no idea Zakk inherited those from, but his eyes… they were the same shape as his father. Once more, like his father, his skin was slightly tanned. Zakk took so much after his own father. However, she did note that Zakk somewhat inherited his mom’s curly hair texture. His hair was straighter, while Alise’s hair had more curls and was kinkier.

Alise then looked at little Anna. She looked so much like her. She had those nice, beautiful curly blonde locks kinky as Alise’s own hair. She was as light-skinned as her mother, with the nice ivory skin-tone. Alise knows that girl is a spitting image of her when she was her age. Anna did, however have a pair of beautiful deep lavender eyes. Once again, Alise had no idea where this eye color came from. For the most part, one could tell that Anna was definitely Alise’s kid. But as for Zakk, it would be a little harder, but the boy does have his mother’s eyebrows and her nose. Unlike Zakk, Anastasia’s father was someone else. Alise, while she was in the lab, had been taken against her will and was artificially inseminated by some unknown sperm donor. Alise wondered if the father had purple eyes, or blue eyes, or grey eyes, or that Alise produces children with unnatural eye colors. Alise herself wasn’t the most-natural-looking person, either. Having waist-length orange-red hair with a few strands of blonde in her hair, as well as fair skin, free of freckles and moles, and bright green eyes. She’s had people give her strange looks, as well as people giving Anna the same looks. Genetics was still a new thing that was being studied. There was so much more to learn.

After her two lovely children were done eating, she took them back home, where she let them play in the backyard, ate dinner, and she put them both to bed. Alise tucks in both Zakk, and Anna, as the two shared a bed. She kisses their foreheads and told them goodnight. Alise sighed to herself, as she, too was very exhausted. Alise takes her a nice, relaxing shower. Afterwards, she steps out, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around her naked, petite form. She pours herself a glass of wine, and ignites the cigarette, with her eyes glowing, igniting the stick. She sighs quietly to herself.

As nice and happy she is, Alise still was missing a few things in her life. Like sex. She misses that a lot. She also misses going on assassination missions, and bombing things. But now that she is in America under the name of a Russian refugee, Alise Khanganova, she must live a normal life. Wasn’t much of a problem for this woman. But nowadays, life just seems… boring. She’s stuck in a dead-end job with a crappy car, living inside a trailer. But she will find herself a man. She’ll get used to this new life of hers… and most certainly she won’t have to worry about running anymore. Alise then sighed, finishing up on the cigarette as well as her glass of wine before heading off to bed.

She situates herself under the sheets, sets her alarm clock and groans quietly to herself.

“Things will only get better from here on out.”

[Lei Wulong]

The Phoenix Rises 

Chapter 2 

Alise wakes up and sees herself strapped down by titanium braces to a table. She couldn’t move, as not only was she held down by titanium braces, but she was pregnant and heavy. She really didn’t have much flexibility. The best that she could do is squirm and set fire to the men who did this to her. Unfortunately for her, these scientists come equipped with fire-retardant suits, so of course it didn’t work. She watches as a man in a hazmat suit grabs her son, and injects him with needles. The baby is crying as Alise panics. She was helpless and couldn’t do anything for her child. She screamed out for him and tried to get free.

“ZACHARIAH!!!!”

At that second, Alise sprang awake, with her son in the bed next to her. He hugs her as he waits for his mom to calm down before speaking.

“Mommy, did you have a bad dream?”

Alise nods. “Yes, son, I did… It was a horrible dream…”

Zakk hugs his mother, holding onto her tightly, never letting go. Even though the boy was only 3, he was a pretty strong boy. He wasn’t your average kid. Alise knew that it was all the drugs that Dr. Ivanoff injected in her poor, helpless son. Zakk at the age of 3, is able to pick up his own peers, despite his small size. And he can also carry his sister, who was around his size, with ease. He can even carry his fair share of groceries when they go grocery shopping. Little Zakk could possibly be the strongest human in existence. Of course, the day-care women punished Zakk and some parents demanded that Alise take him to the doctors to check out his muscle growth. Of course, she never did that. She’s afraid of what doctors will discover once they examine his son. They’re gonna see all the drugs that they pumped in her son, and then they’ll take him away. Nobody is equipped to handle a strong, powerful, toddler like Alise is. Not only strong and powerful, but a fire-breathing one, just like his mom.

“You’re safe here, Mommy. I won’t let the bad guys hurt you.”

Alise believed her son was fully capable of protecting her, despite his lack of vision and age. He will find a way. Zakk was one tough cookie.

Sheng-He, is this the gift you left me behind?

As much as Alise wants to enjoy the peaceful town of Dodge City, she knows that it won’t be long before the Russians come for her. She hasn’t even gotten a US citizenship, just yet. That will be her next step. Maybe perhaps the Americans will protect her if she is one of them. Plus, her son needed to be trained. He killed Dr. Ivanoff, the man behind it all. So of course, naturally, Zakk should be able to defend his own mother.

“Mommy, do you want me to sleep with you?”

Alise nods. “Yes. Please… I feel so much safer.”

“Okay.” Zakk lets go of his mom, to let her lie down in the bed and get herself situated in the bed, as Zakk appeared to be… watching her. But he’s blind. So he’s really just waiting for her to get situated.

“I’ll keep an ear out. I’ll let you know if I hear anything suspicious.”

“Okay, Zacheraiah. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. After all, you’re my Mommy. I won’t never let anybody hurt Mommy again!”

Alise gets up to kiss her son on his forehead, and played with his long, thick, silky, curly black hair. She smiled at Zakk. She reminded her so much of his father. Though Alise has made peace and moved on, she still can’t help but think about her dearest Sheng-He, when she sees Zakk. It wasn’t before long that Alise finally managed to fall asleep, with her son guarding her. Though he may be young, Alise felt so much safer now than ever before.

Alise wakes up the next morning, with her son who had fallen asleep while guarding the door. She quickly gets up, wakes up her son and daughter and gives the two a bath. After bathing them and getting them dressed, she also fixes their breakfasts and feeds them. Not too long after, she gets the kids strapped in the car. She then drops them off at the daycare, hugging and kissing her children before telling Zakk that she had a surprise for him at the end of the day. Zakk smiles, and walks his little sister into the daycare.

Alise knows her son is capable of learning how to defend himself. He’s strong, he has full-motor control, and he’s already taking the initiative to look after his own little sister.

Alise is back at work, as usual, working the cash register. However, that handsome Asian from before, Fang returned. As Alise knew he was going to come back. The ruby-eyed man smiled.

“Ah, I’m surprised to see you so soon.”

“Why? I work here.” Alise tilts her head in confusion.

“Well, I mean… after yesterday. Being held at gunpoint. I kinda’ figured you’d take the day off, but here you are.”

“Well, I see why… but it was not that traumatic. I knew I was in no danger.”

“Well, you see, that guy had just successfully robbed a gas station, and since I was in the area, I was dispatched to catch him. Glad I caught him just in time, though.” He smiled. Fang had such a charming smile.

“As I said earlier, I was in no danger.”

“Yeah, and right you were. As it turns out, the gun that the robber used… it was a toy.”

Alise laughed. “As I said, I knew I was in no danger.”

“Yeah… You’re sharp. Well, anyway, so... I’d better get going.” Fang then pays Alise the money for his gas. “You keep the change.” He winks.

“Yeah. Well, have a good day.”

Fang gives Alise a thumbs up.

Not too long after Fang left, she noted that there were several men in suits wandering about in the store. Alise eyed one of the men, and quickly retreated in the back and asked for her manager to take over, as she told him that she’s afraid that the FBI may accuse her of being a Communist, and hides out until the men in suits disappear. Alise should have known. Her past was eventually going to catch up to her no matter. She had to move away again. After the coast was clear, Alise asked her boss if she could take the rest of the day off, and he agreed.

Alise picks up her kids from daycare, as Zakk could sense the urgency.

“Mommy! Is everything okay?”

“Yes, Zacheriah. Everything’s fine.”

“Okay. So, what about my surprise?”

“Ooh! Can I watch?” Anna asks.

“Yes, Anastasia, you may. You children will know once we get home!”

Alise then thought long and hard about moving away. Her children already made friends. It would suck for them to just suddenly move out. But it had to be done.

Once at home, Alise took Zakk and Anna outside. She let Anna sit down in a chair, while she instructed Zakk to stand up in the middle of the backyard. Alise then stands right in front of him.

“Zacheriah, you desire to protect us. You cannot do so without knowledge. And I am going to help. There will be bad people after us.”

“Bad people? What about Dr. Ivanoff?”

“He’s dead, Zacheriah. You made sure of that. Now, his followers, on the other hand, not so much. They may be coming for us soon. The best I can do is equip you with the right tools necessary to help defeat them, and protect both your mom and your sister.”

“Is Anna gonna’ be next?” Zakk asks his mother.

“Why yes, of course. When she gets older. We can train her. But right now, Zacheriah. I will only be training you.”

“Okay, where do I begin?” Zakk asks.

“Let’s start with your posture.”

Alise then sets Zakk up in the correct posture for her fighting stance, as Zakk was blind, this was the only way that he would learn how to stand correctly. She kept pushing him, testing the stability of his stance. Once she was sure he learned it, Alise congratulated him and began to move on to teaching him movements. She moved his feet, and helped him learn how to walk. It wasn’t long before Zakk managed to learn that. She then moved on to retreating. Once more, Zakk seemed to be able to pick up on this. After an hour or two, Alise decided that she was done training her son.

“But Mommy! I want to learn more!”

“Before I teach you more. Promise me… this. You are only going to use my teachings only on people who wish to seek harm to you and I. Okay? Do not use it on bullies. Only on people who wish to kill you.”

Zakk nods. “Yes, Mommy.”

“Good.” She kisses her son before retreating back into the house. “I shall fix you dinner to eat.”

Later on, while the kids were sleeping, Alise made a personal journey to Hal-mart. She made her way into the store to go buy a map of the country. She wanted to find somewhere remote and quiet like the town that she is in. While Alise was shopping, she noticed the same suited men from earlier were in the building searching for her. She quickly buys the map and runs straight to her car. But before she could get in her car, someone stops her.

“Hello, good evening ma’am. I’d like to make a proposition for you.” The man asks in a British accent.

“I do not talk to strangers!” Alise slammed the car door. She starts her car, and takes off in a hurry. As she floored it and left.

“I need to find Fang! He is a cop. He can help.”

Alise drives to the police station, and enters the building. She steps up at the receptionist window, nervously shaking as she looked around. Police stations always made her nervous. Especially what they would do to her if they found out what she had done in her earlier years. Herself and Sheng-He. They’ve done a lot of illegal things. But of course, this is something new. That was four years ago. This is now.

“Um… I would like to see Jack Fang. I am a friend of his…”

“Actually, he’s not here right now. But is there anything we can do for you, ma’am?”

“Well… um… I need… to… speak to him.”

“Lets’s see, hold on for a moment.”

Alise nods as she waited a moment before being handed a piece of paper. It had Fang’s contact information. She leaves the police station and calls Fang at a local phone booth.

“Hello?” It was Fang.

“Jack! Hey, listen, this is Alise, the girl from the gas station…”

“Ahh, yes, I remember you. Hey, what’s up?”

“Um, well look! I need your help! You’re a cop and I think you might be able to help me with this…”

“Okay. Let’s discuss this in private then. Come see me at my place. I’ll be waiting.”

“So what’s the address?”

“It’s 101 Bland Rd. Apartment B. I drive a teal-colored car. Now, where are you?”

“I’m at the police station.”

“Well, from there, you’re going to get back onto the main road. Then you are going to drive down and get-off on Sideboard Rd. Make a right down there… and then two streets over, make another right, and then keep driving until the sign for Medowlake Apartments appears. Enter the establishment and park right next to that teal Dodge. Okay?”

“Yeah. I got it.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

“Thanks.”

Alise hangs up and gets in her car and drives to Fang’s place. She does as instructed and finds his car. It was a nice new car, all pretty and shiny. So new, that in fact, he had the temporary tags on it that was expired exactly 20 days from now, which meant that Fang had just recently bought this nice new car a week ago. Alise knocks on the door as Fang lets her inside. He instructs her to take off her shoes and make herself comfortable. Fang himself looked comfortable, wearing just a pair of plaid pajama bottoms, and a white ripped t-shirt that showed off his pale, muscular arms. His hair was especially shiny, with Alise thinking he had just gotten out of the shower and his hair hadn’t fully dried yet. Alise takes a seat on the couch, sitting next to Fang.

“Before we begin, would you like a glass of water?”

Alise nods as Fang got up to fix Alise a tall glass of ice water and put it on the coffee table and allowed Alise to reach over and grab the glass for her to sip. Fang then slouched in his posture, turning his head toward Alise, looking extremely relax and laid back.

“Go on, then, mate.” Fang announced.

“Well, you see… I think I am being stalked.”

“By whom, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Some British man. Really rich guy. He was surrounded by men with suits and… he asked me to be his prostitute.”

“Did he really just outright go, ‘ey, oi need yoh to go shag some wankers here, honey’?”

“No, he just said that he had a proposition for me.”

Fang jumps up from his seat and retreats into his bedroom. Not too long after, Fang returned with a file. He showed her a photo of the same man who spoke to Alise.

“This man, his name is Donovan Wales. Not much is known about him, except he has a British accent. Was this the man who spoke to you?”

Alise nods.

“Interesting. So, my suspicions were correct. I’ve been tracking this organization for quite some time now. I’ve noticed that they’ve taken quite an interest in you.”

“So you are fully aware that these men are following me?”

Fang nods, holding his hands up. “Well, actually, I never noticed until recently. I’ve noticed that the gas station you work at, there’s always this van parked across the street, monitoring the gas station. Of course, I went in and checked to see if this was a front for one of their drug operations, but I was wrong. Turns out that they were spying on someone, and that someone happened to be you. So my next question is, why you for prostitution?”

“Well… you see… before I came to this country, I was from The Soviet Union. And I ran away and travelled across Europe as a prostitute. I serviced many men, and ended up getting pregnant by two different men. Even as pregnant as I was, I had to still service the men. I had no choice. It was the only way I could support myself, and now my two kids.”

“I see…” Fang nods. “I’m sorry to hear that…”

“It is perfectly okay. I escaped that life. I moved to Kansas just three months ago, trying to start a new life. And now, the men whom used to employ me at the brothel I worked at, appeared to follow me here, too.”

“Something doesn’t sound right.” Fang’s eyes narrowed.

Alise looked a little nervous. Did Fang catch her lie about her being a prostitute who worked at a brothel?

“Usually, when mob bosses look for whores, they don’t go look for the ones that they… hold on! You were employed by Donovan Wales? In the past?”

Alise shook her head. “No, I was employed by someone else… some guy named Pierre… he was French.”

“French? This is a lot bigger than I expected!”

“And I worked for the Yakuza, too. I am afraid that because I used to work for them, that they are looking for me… probably going to kill me.”

“Don’t say such things. I’m not going to let you die, under my watch, okay? It’s gonna be alright, Alise, okay?”

Alise nodded. “Yeah… I just do not want my two children involved.”

Fang placed his hand on Alise’s shoulder, causing the young woman to tremble at his touch. His ruby eyes were full of intensity, as she stared at him. He was very serious.

“Trust me. Alise, I give you my word. I’m going to arrest these men, and I’m going to put them to justice. I am going to make sure you and your two children live a normal life, okay? Do you believe me? Do you have my trust?”

Alise nodded.

“Good.” He lets go and leans back. “I’ll go on ahead and take you home. I’ll look into this and I’ll let you know if anything comes up. Also, I’ll go ahead and have a tow-truck drop your car off at your house. What’s the address?”

“1234 Generic Dr.”

“Okay. I’ll let the tow-truck driver know. You should have your car by morning. If not, call me, and I’ll escort you to work.”

Alise nods once more as Fang gets up and slips on some house slippers. He grabs his car keys and waits for Alise to put on her shoes before escorting her to his car. He unlocks the car as he opens the door for Alise to get in. He starts the car and pulls out as Alise sat down and gave Fang directions. It was a bit of a drive to Alise’s trailer.

“So, Jack… may I ask you a question?”

“Ask away.” He smiled.

“Your eyes… they are red. How did that happen?”

“Oh. Well, apparently, I was in a coma far too long, and lost all pigmentation in my eyes. Now it is red. Same with my skin. They kept me in a room with no windows, so… I didn’t get enough Vitamin D. Well, at least that’s what they told me, anyway.” He grins. “I’m not a vampire, don’t worry. I’m harmless.”

“Hm. I find that fascinating.”

“Oh? You do?”

“Yes. The human body is amazing. Being able to adapt to anything makes it incredible.”

“Indeed it does. I never thought of it this way. My co-workers don’t believe me. I mean, I look like Michael Jackson after he bleached his skin and all. I look kind of like a freak.”

“Eh. You look fine to me.”

“I do? Thank you?”

“If you think you are weird, look at my daughter. She has purple eyes. I do not know who the father is, but I do not recall servicing a purple-eyed man.”

“What about grey eyes?”

“Maybe. I do not remember. I have serviced many men. I might have. I will never know.”

“Well, of course…”

“Yeah. Forget I asked that.”

Once Fang dropped Alise off at her trailer, she waves bye as she steps in the house. While she steps inside, Fang gets out of his car, as he notices a Jaguar parked nearby. His eyes turn yellow, as his pupils were no longer round. They became slitted as Fang observed the car. He got a clear image of the car, and wrote down the license plate number. Fang also looked at the tailpipe and noted, with his heat vision that it was still warm. It had been driven recently. Fang’s eyes go back to the normal red hue, his pupils become rounded once more, as he gets back in his car and drives
off.

Gotcha!

[Lei Wulong]

The Phoenix Rising 

Chapter 3 

Alise walks into the house, to be greeted by Zakk, who had been sitting on the couch waiting for her.

“Mommy! Where did you go?”

Alise sat down next to her son. “Mommy went to the store. I did not want to wake you, but it appears you knew I was gone. You do have potential.”

“Of course. I can tell.”

Alise then scoops Zakk into her arms. “C’mon, Zacheriah, time for bed. You have a big day tomorrow.”

“Okay…” Zakk crossed his arms.

“We are going to do more training tomorrow. After daycare.”

“Yay! I can’t wait!”

Alise then places her son in bed next to his sister. She kisses his forehead and tells him goodnight. She closes the door behind her and retreats into the living room. Once more, she pours herself a glass of wine and lights herself a cigarette.

“Jack can’t know I used to be an assassin for the Yakuza…” She mumbled. “He’ll arrest me.”

She then grabbed a note that was left by the British guy. She reads it, as it is a note instructing where to meet for her job. Alise really needed to get away from Kansas. They’re onto her now. She doesn’t have the money to move her trailer, nor the right car. So, she might as well kill this guy and use the money to move out. Because why not? It’s easy cash.

“But then I’ll leave Jack behind.” She mumbled once more. “I’ll have to take him with me.”

Alise then sighed, pouring another glass of wine. “So, I kill this guy, get paid, and retire. That sound like a plan… Jack should never know…”

She then grabs the bottle and just drinks it straight without sipping on it. After emptying the bottle, she drinks the rest of the glass, and smokes the rest of her cigarette.

“Oh Jack… Of all things, why did you have to be a cop? Why could you have not been someone like a thief? A civilian? An NRA member? But nooo… you had to be a cop. A flatfoot! A pig! One of the boys in blue! A Gumshoe! Just why? Why? Whyyy?”

Alise later found herself sobbing. She gets up and grabs another wine hidden in a cabinet that only she can reach, and pops the cap and drinks the wine straight out of the bottle.

“He is gorgeous! He is friendly! He is suave! But he is a copper!

Anna wondered what was going on, as their mother was making all these noises. Zakk was wide-awake and sat up to answer his sister’s question.

“It’s that grown-up juice, Anna. It makes grown-ups act weird. Mommy said not to drink it. Only grown-ups can drink it.”

“Why drink grown-up juice?” She replied.

Zakk shrugged. “I don’t know. Grown-ups are weird.”

After Alise stopped sobbing and crying and lamenting in her drunken tirade, she eventually passed out on the couch, dropping her still-lit cigarette butt on the floor. Thankfully, the house did not catch on fire, nor did it ignite.

“There’s also the grown-up sticks we can’t play with.” Zakk added.

“Grown-up sticks?”

“You know? The stuff that makes you cough? The thing that Mommy lights up with her super powers.”

“Those things.”

“Yeah. I don’t understand why breathe those if it makes you sick.” Zakk shrugged.

“Mommy said not to smoke it.”

“For a good reason.”

After the trailer was all calm and quiet, Anna and Zakk both laid back down in bed. Just as Zakk was about to sleep, Anna asked her half-brother one more question.

“Zakk! Is Mommy going to be okay? She sounds sad.”

“Yes, Mommy is going to be fine. She always is.”

The very next morning, Alise woke up with a horrible headache and nausea. She had to get her kids to daycare and go back to work. This time, very hungover. Alise had to push through, her head aching, and hurting every second. Smoking made her head hurt even more. She steps outside during her smoke break and was greeted by Jack Fang of all people.

“Hello? May I speak to you?”

Alise tipped her cigarette. “Going to have to ask my boss about this.”

“Already did. Told him that it was related to those men from earlier.”

“Go on.” She looks away, not making eye-contact with Fang.

“So, anyway, after I dropped you off at your place, last night, I saw a car. Just waiting, watching, and spying on you. I got the license plate number and looked it up in the DMV. Turns out… it belonged to a man name Douglass McDowell.”

“And he is?” She finally makes eye-contact with Fang, anger in her eyes.

“A lawyer who defends criminals.”

“And what could a lawyer who defends criminals possibly want with me?” Alise asks, realizing the irony in her statement.

“I feel that he may have secret connections with this underground drug empire known only as NARCO. Which stands for ‘North American Rouge Commandos’. Apparently, they are looking to recruit some prostitutes for their ring. They might be preying upon single mothers like yourself, to help transport drugs through the act of ‘private shows’. I feel like you may be key to taking this whole organization down… by going undercover as a mole.”

Alise pondered about this for a second. She has the right skill-sets to join the police. She knows how to kill people. She’s a great fighter, and she can follow orders. But, she doesn’t want to work for a corrupt government. Working with NARCO is not that much better. However, if you work for NARCO, you can easily retaliate, while working for the government, one wrong move and they can erase you out of existience.

“I understand that this is a painful thing for you to do, but I’ll give you time to think about it. Let me know if you made a decision by tomorrow.” He pats Alise on the shoulder. “Hm?”

Alise nods. “I shall give you a definite answer by tomorrow.”

“Alright. Have a good day, Miss Alise.”

“Likewise, Detective Fang.”

Once Fang left, it gave Alise time to figure out and decide whose side she should be on. Kill someone for millions of dollars? Risk having Fang find out about her true colors. Or work for free? Possibly gain Fang’s approval. It was a tough decision for her to make. She was going to have to think over this. It was such a difficult decision. After spending several hours at her job, pondering about her actions, she finally had her answer.

She gets off of work and meets with her client. She meets him at a park and stares into Donovan’s cold, blue eyes, as he handed her the file and a briefcase full of money. His eyes, they greatly contrast Fang’s warmer, gentle, ruby eyes. She really didn’t like this man, but she needed the money. Alise nodded in understanding as she knew what had to be done.

While her two children were frolicking on the playground at Mr. Arnold’s, Alise looked through her files. According to the paperwork, her target is a man by the name of Senator Mark Hamilton. Apparently, he is loyal to President Ronald Reagan. He is to die because NARCO needs the war on drugs to continue. That way the cost of drugs will stay up. Alise could easily show Fang this pamphlet. But she wasn’t going to. It would comprise her mission. Not to mention, she didn’t want Fang to find out about her past. As Alise figured out her plan of action, she heard a plop sound. She turned to see that Zakk had managed to fall off the playground. Alise quickly ran to him as parents gathered around Zakk.

“Are you the mother?”

Alise nods. “Yes. It is I.”

“Want me to call the ambulance, or are you going to take him?”

“I got him.”

Alise scoops her injured son in her arms, calling for Anna before grabbing their shoes and getting in her car. Alise hurriedly made it to the trailer, and took care of the injured Zakk. She noted that he had dislocated his shoulder. Alise pops it back into place. Of course, that hurt the poor boy. Zakk wanted to train, but Alise told him some other time. She tended to the poor boy and eventually put him to bed.

Finally, night fell, and the kids were asleep. Alise decides to grab the briefcase out of her car, and opens it once she makes it into her bedroom.

Ahah! $500,000! Not bad! She counts it again and again and again. She knew that she could definitely run away now and start a new life, but she runs the risk of being hunted down. So Alise knew she had to go through with the assassination. But first, she had to call Fang.

Before she could do anything, someone knocked on her door. Alise answered it. It was Thelma Kitts, the neighbor.

“Hello Mrs. Khanganova. I just… would like to see if your son would be interested in going to Justice’s 4th birthday party on Saturday?”

Alise had forgotten about the friends that her children made, and how they would leave them behind. She smiled at the taller woman. “Well, I will think about it. I shall give you an answer later.”

“Okay! See you later, neighbor!”

Alise closed the door, finding it unusual that that woman would invite her to a party that her kids won’t attend since she is going to kill the Senator and move away.

Alise returns to her room and grabs the phone and calls Fang. He picks up.

“Hello?” She loved hearing the sound of his voice… she almost forgot to speak.

“Oh yes! Jack! It is I, Alise. I just called to let you know… I decline your offer.”

“I kind of figured so. I was actually going to tell you not to bother. I uh… I’m sorry for making such a rash request. I mean, NARCO isn’t really my biggest priority right now. It’d be great to put an end to their organization, but they aren’t really… well, too harmful per say.”

Alise wasn’t sure about Fang. Of course NARCO is harmful. They’re trying to corrupt the US government and take it over. Unfortunately, Alise had already declared that she was going to kill the Senator. It was too late to change her mind.

“Also, Jack, I am moving away. I was wondering if you would like to come with.”

“Hm? You want me to come with you, to wherever in the world you want to move to?”

“Yeah.”

“Interesting. Well, Dodge City is my home, unfortunately. Plus… I don’t just randomly follow women across the country. Sorry.”

“Eh. I thought it was worth a shot. Well, anyway, I am going to bed.”

“Good idea. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Jack.”

Alise hung up from the phone and sighed to herself. She was now more determined than ever to go and kill the Senator. Jack Fang wasn’t going with her, so be it. That is just that. There wasn’t anything Alise could do to change his mind. Of course, she was a hopeless romantic. Of course Jack doesn’t like her! She’s a killer! He’s a cop! Even if things were to happen in her favor, it still wouldn’t work out. Some things just weren’t meant to be. Oh how Alise wished to one day gaze upon those ruby eyes every day… the dream that would never come true. She was going to have to move on and accept it. They just weren’t meant to be. Sometimes life throws in a few hurdles and phonies and fakes. That’s the sad reality of this world. But know she was sure that she had to kill the Senator. She didn’t care about what will happen to Fang anymore. Right now, she needed to get paid and escape to Oregon.

[Lei Wulong]

The Phoenix Rises

Chapter 4

Fang sighs to himself after he got off the phone with Alise. He was flattered that the woman wanted him to come with her when she moves away. It was a nice gesture on her part, but he couldn’t do it. He had a mission to fulfill. His job is to find out what the CIA is planning. As an FBI agent, he was stationed in Dodge City, Kansas, where an informant has mentioned suspicious activity involving the CIA and Alise. Under the guise of the fact that he believes that NARCO has a secret operation in Dodge City, Kansas, Fang was given permission to investigate the criminal organization, when in reality, he is following some leads regarding the CIA. So far, it was a rumor getting nowhere. The van belongs to Donovan Wales. He hasn’t found proof that the CIA is there. Maybe it was all just a ruse.

Laid out on the coffee table was a file that Fang received by his informant. He flipped through and it contains information about Alise. So far, her story lines up, not that Fang ever thought she would be lying.

“She was born in Russia. She has two children with different fathers. The first child is Asian, makes sense with the Yakuza, and the second child is European.”

He couldn’t see why the CIA wanted her, but then, he flipped to another page, and was startled with the results. He saw a collage of images of Alise when she was younger. There were photos of her holding a gun. There was another photo of her with a black crow perched on her shoulder. The last one looked like a wanted poster, as she stared at the camera intently with those bright green eyes. Fang couldn’t help but notice something very familiar about those eyes. He couldn’t understand why, but they did look familiar. Fang finally got to the next page, a police report in the UK that happened in July 18th, 1985. Apparently, Alise is this mysterious, assassin known only as “The Phoenix”.

"There is no conclusive evidence to prove that this poor young teen was indeed this rumored, “Phoenix”. However, before we could do any further investigation, she had left the country later that day after giving us information on the Milieu’s operations here in London. She provided accurate information and witnesses say that she was the one responsible for the deaths of criminals in the organization. As we had no jurisdiction in wherever she fled to, we could not press charge, nor could we finish this investigation. I feel that the girl did not act alone, but rather was an agent from Russia sent to dispatch the Milieu. Or she worked for the Syndicate whose power still continues to grow…"

Fang saw the picture of the young girl. She is definitely Alise. Is this why the CIA is after her and why NARCO has taken an interest in her? She’s an assassin. Fang did note that there were no more sightings of this girl across Europe.

“Perhaps she retired and moved to Japan to start a new life. Maybe her past caught up to her, and she moved to the US, hoping to try again. Poor woman.”

Fang didn’t see her as a monster, but rather he pitied her. She was rumored to have been a terrorist in a team of ex-Russian military members known as Mertvaya Zona. Oddly enough, there was no record of her involvement in the Russian military. Nor were there any criminal records or any birth records of her. It was almost as if she never existed so to speak.

“Somehow this doesn’t exactly line up. There are doppelgangers everywhere, and The Phoenix is a blonde, ruthless, emotionless woman. Alise is this sweet, nervous, kind mother with red hair. But there’s no denying that she was in Europe and Japan…”

Fang examines more contents of the files, and stumbled upon something unbelievable.

“So, that’s what the CIA is up to...”

Fang then puts his files away in a filing cabinet in his bedroom and he quickly gets dressed. Something told him that the information he needs on Alise will be found over at her trailer. Sneaking around shouldn’t be hard. After all, Fang naturally blends in with the dark. He shows up, parking half-a-mile away from the park and walks his way into the residential area. He sneaks around, searching for the CIA or any signs of possibly some espionage going on. His eyes were currently yellow with the slitted pupils as he had night-vision. He could see everything going on, every detail, and every animal that was lurking about. Suddenly, he saw a couple of drunk residents staggering about. He quickly ducked and hid in the shadows. Due to his choice of clothes, Fang was practically invisible to bystanders. Once Fang was out of the couple’s sight, he makes his way back through the park. He looks around to see if there are any suspicious figures in the park. So far, there are none. Fang was hoping to find some CIA agents lurking about, but with no avail, he has not found a single agent. All he keeps finding are NARCO agents. He sighs to himself as he realizes that it was all a farce.

However, Fang looks around, sniffing the air as he noticed something was off. He makes his way toward Alise’s trailer, and secretly peeked through the window. He saw that the floor was hot, and Alise was passed out in her bed. His eyes adjusted and saw that there was a fire in the house. He quickly drew out his gun and shot the window. He jumps right in and grabs the sleeping Alise in her bed. He carries her out of the trailer, and places her safely on the porch. He runs back in, looking for Alise’s two children. He wakes them up and escorts them safely outside. Fang runs back in, filling up Alise’s foot bath tub full of water, and ran to dump it on the fire. He attempts to put the fire out, but is unsuccessful. He couldn’t figure out how to put it out, until suddenly, the fire went out. He turns around and sees that Zakk was behind him.

“Sometimes Mom forgets to put out her grown-up stick when she falls asleep,” Zakk says to Fang.

“So… how has she not burned down the house yet?”

Zakk shrugged. “Grown-ups are weird.”

“Does she realize how dangerous it is to smoke, and drink at the same time? Especially late at night?”

“My mother does stupid things when she drinks grown-up juice.”

Fang makes his way outside and carries Alise back to bed. He tells Alise’s two kids to go back to bed. Fang then patches up the broken window and goes off on his way. His looks around more, trying to find the CIA, but he finds nothing. Nobody is watching her. The CIA isn’t after her, and Alise is not The Phoenix. They both may look alike, and come from the same country, Alise isn’t The Phoenix. She couldn’t be… Fang sighs as he returns home.

“Maybe this whole operation was a sham… my informant was wrong. Or maybe I have to dig a little deeper. Besides, I should probably rest and keep an eye on that woman…”

[Lei Wulong]

The Phoenix Rises
Chapter 5

Alise got word that her target will be throwing a rally in the stadium in town. She had been finding a method of killing the Senator without making it look obvious. She needed to make it look like an accident. She couldn’t just shoot him. Not to mention, they would have to run a background check on her and they would find nothing. She wouldn’t be able to get a gun. She couldn’t rear-end him. This was the 1990s. People don’t drive Mercury Bobcats. She could somehow poison him, but again, that would be too obvious. When she kills someone, it had to look like an accident. Most of the time. The only time is if assassinating someone would send a message. This mission needs to look as covert as possible. If it looks like an assassination, the government will be suspicious, but if it doesn’t they will blame it on a tragic accident.

Alise finally had an idea. There is a wire in the engine bay that regulates speeds while on cruise control. If she could somehow sabotage that wire, it will look like a horrible accident. Nobody is going to think murder or sabotage. The car will be destroyed. It was the perfect crime. She smiles.

“Now, after he dies, I can collect the money and be on my way.”

Alise then calls Fang’s house. He wasn’t there, so she called his work. He wasn’t there either, but she was going to call him later on tonight. After all, Saturday was her day off. Then she had more work to do. It wasn’t before long that Fang managed to call her back.

“Hello? Miss Khanganova?”

“Ah yes, just call me Alise.”

“What’s up?”

“Well, first off,” Alise crosses her legs. “Thank you for saving my life, and not letting my house burn down.”

“It was nothing. So, you’re not going to ask me what I was doing in your house?”

“That is another thing I was going to ask.”

“You see, I thought maybe those guys who are after you would be watching you. But I was wrong, and you dropped your cigarette while you were sleeping, as well as the liquor. You were knocked out, so I couldn’t really do much.”

Alise sighed. “Yeah, I have been drinking myself into a stupor lately. I should honestly be more careful about this. Considering, that sometimes, if I drink too much, I tend to pass out. But then I get hungover the next day.”

“And your kids are aware of this behavior.”

“Of course they are. Why should I hide the truth? Hiding the truth from a child will ruin them. They will not be prepared for the real world.”

“So, you tell your kids about the dangers of drinking and smoking?”

“What dangers?”

“Like, if you drink, you make bad decisions, and drink too much your liver will go out.”

“Hm? So, it kills my liver, huh? And I make bad decisions? Interesting, indeed. So is that what causes being hungover?”

“You don’t know about how bad drinking is? Nobody told you that drinking ruins your body?”

Alise shrugged. “That is the only way I can calm myself down and unwind. It is too much stress for me. Let me guess, cigarettes cause cancer? Of course, but I rather get cancer than to suffer from the stress and anxiety. Besides, people with too much stress are more likely to die than people who get cancer.”

“You might end up having to remove your jaw, or have your throat removed and have to speak through a microphone pressed up against your throat.”

Alise laughed at Fang. “Me get cancer? Honey, please… it is impossible.”

“It can happen to you. I’m serious.”

Alise then sighed, lighting up her cigarette. She puffs a smoke before finally continuing. “My children are perfectly fine. They will grow up to be strong. Stronger than us all…”

“Well, obviously you called for a reason, not to hear me criticize your parenting style and your life choices. So, what’s up?”

Alise paused to cough up the cigarette smoke. “Ugh. I swear… some tobacco got in my throat.”

“You’re smoking while we’re talking, too!”

“So what? Like I said, I will hear your criticisms and concerns later. Besides, I am going to invite you to a gathering of sorts.”

“Gathering?”

“Yes. The Senator is coming to town. I would like you to attend.”

“Wow, and you have a thing for politics. I didn’t think…”

“Fang, I came from a country with a strict Communist regime. Of course I care about politics. In fact, as soon as I got my citizenship, I voted for Bill Clinton. We could not handle second-term President Bush.”

“You got that right.” Fang laughed.

“Anyway, I would like for you to attend… Large crowds make it the perfect opportunity for NARCO to go and swipe me.”

“True. That’s an issue. You’re right about that. Well, I’m supposed to patrol the area, anyway. Sure, I’ll attend the rally with you.”

Alise smiled. “Alright. I shall see you tomorrow.” She finishes her cigarette.

“Likewise. And be careful out there.”

“I shall be careful.” Alise hangs up the phone right then.

She gets up and puts her cigarette away. Alise then walks out of her trailer, ready to head to her next destination. She was headed to a junkyard. No one was going to take this woman seriously. That was why she bought a book on automobile repair for her Geo. Using the information that she got, she was going to the junkyard and getting a cruise control switch. Then, she is going to the library to read about the cruise control and its functions. She was going to sabotage the Senator’s car. It was going to look like a complete accident. Nobody is going to suspect anything. After all, parts in cars malfunction all the time.

Alise parks her car at the designated parking area. She steps out, dressed up nicely as she fiddled with her hair. She also carried a nice tool box, so she can grab the parts that she needs. She also had to look like she had no idea what she was doing. She needed a man to escort her to the car that she needed parts for. She walks in the building and his handed a ticket for entry. She then makes her way to the gate, and shows the man her ticket, and she was in. Alise enters the yard, and wanders about. She was fascinated by this spectacle. There were rows of vehicles stacked upon blocks… some of them missing various parts, and others mostly intact. It just fascinated her.

So this is where a car goes to die… left in this lot, for the scavengers to go and pick at its parts…

Alise wasn’t sure what to find. All she knew were the Hondas, Toyotas, Dodges, and Fords. Maybe she can look for a part for an old Dodge. Fang drives a Dodge. To her luck, she sees a man with a wrench skulking about.

“Hello, eh-excuse me, do you have a moment?” She walks up to the man.

“Hello, how did you get in here?”

“Well, um… My husband needs parts for his car, but he is at work… and uh… he sent me to grab it.”

“Intersting. Well, what part are you looking for?”

“He said he needed a cruise control switch for his car.”

“And what does he drive?”

“A Dodge Diplomat.” Alise said. She didn’t know much about cars, but she did know about the Dodge Diplomat. She almost bought that car, but decided against it, as she wanted something… well… cuter. Plus, it looked too much like a cop car.

“What year?”

“1985.” That was the year Alise first met her husband.

“Well, then, let’s help you find it, ma’am.”

Alise was led by this man, who took her to where all the Dodges were. Finally, Alise saw a chocolate brown one, that was rusted out a bit. She then watches as the man opens the door, and grabs the knob.

“Here you go.”

Alise shook her head. “No, he was looking for that box. You know, under the hood?”

“Ah, the cruise control box! Not the switch itself!”

The man went under the hood and retrieved a blocky device. It looked like something that you put in your computer.

“Thanks. Alise says to the man.”

“Anytime. Any other part that you need from this?”

Alise shook her head. “No, my husband just wanted me to grab the box. That is all.”

“Alrighty then, want me to walk you back?”

Alise nodded. “Sure.”

The man then assists Alise and leads her back to the entrance. The two waved bye as Alise made it to the front desk and paid for the part. She then makes her way back to her car, and sets the tool box behind the seats in her hatchback. She makes her way to the library to do some much needed research. She gets on the computer and began to research how the cruise control works. She writes down her notes and findings on a scrap piece of paper, and prints out a few diagrams. Alise then pays the printing fee and thanks the librarian for allowing her to use the internet. Alise then picks up her kids from daycare, and takes them back home. Tomorrow was a big day, and it was going to be show-time.

Alise applied some makeup to her face the very next day. She had everything mapped out. First she was going to go to the rally with Fang. Second, she is going to sneak away to go use the restroom, when in reality, she is looking for the Senator’s car. Then, she is going to pop open the hood and find the cruise control box, and remap the wires. Then, she is going to close the hood of the car and walk back to the stadium. Fang will ask her what took her so long, as Alise would tell him that she got lost. After the rally is over, she and Fang and the kids will all leave. Then later on, when the news comes on tonight, the Senator would be dead because of speeding. The car will be crunched up enough to where there is no sign of sabotage. It is the perfect crime. Nobody will notice or suspect anything. And then, Alise will finally get paid and say goodbye to Fang and move out. And then start over again. She really wished Fang could come along, but it was for the better.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, as Alise ran to answer it, while Zakk and Anastasia waited on the couch, playing a game. Alise tells Fang to have a seat, so that Alise can get ready to go. As Fang sat down, Zakk seemed pretty hostile toward him, moving away.

“So, you must be Zakk. I’m Mr. Fang and I_”

“Hush! I already know who you are.”

“Well, good to know.” Fang smiles.

Zakk protectively held his sister close by. “I don’t trust you. You smell weird.”

“I’m sorry if this cologne is offending you.”

“If you go anywhere near my mom, I will kill you!”

Fang flinched at Zakk’s remark. How could a small kid his age even known what it means to kill someone. He couldn’t be serious.

“I’m serious, Fang. I will kill you!”

Such strong language for a small kid. Yet, this boy seems to be quite mature for his age. Fang found this
intriguing. He appears to be well-behaved. Perhaps Alise isn’t an irresponsible parent after all.
Finally, Alise stepped out of the bathroom. She fluffs out her long hair and flexes her legs.

“So, how do I look?”

Fang couldn’t believe his eyes. This woman was so gorgeous. The green matched her lovely eyes, as well as her hair. She was so… majestic. He couldn’t say a word… he was so speechless.

“Mommy, you look pretty!” Anna shouted.

Zakk shot a glare at Fang, reminding him of what he would do to him.

“Alright, now, shall we take off?”

“Yeah.” Fang stands up as Zakk does the same.

“You lead the way.” Alise smiles.

Fang lead Alise out to his car, totally ignoring Zakk’s threat as he grabs her hand. However, he felt something burning in his legs as he then found himself getting shoved off the porch by a pint-sized kid who wasn’t even 3 feet tall. Fang got up, dusting himself off as he opened the car door. Zakk takes a seat in the front, demanding that the car seat be put in the front.

“Whoah, there, buddy, you can’t sit here.”

“Why not?”

“Well, this car has an airbag.” Fang declared as a matter of fact.

“Air bag? What is that?” Alise asks in confusion.

“It’s like these bags of air that blow up when you get involved in a wreck. But it moves so fast, though, it can cause harm to a small child, but it doesn’t do much for an adult.”

Alise nods. “So… this airbag… is this a new safety feature?”

“Yes, of course. It was implemented in all cars as of 1990. Your Geo doesn’t have them, I see.”

Alise moves the car seats in Fang’s car as she sets her kids up. Alise finally gets in the car. There were chills coming down her spine. This was going to be her first kill in a little over 3 years. It was going to be awesome.
The four made it to the rally, taking their seats as the Senator began his speech. Senator Hamilton did good to rally the crowd and get everyone fired up. Alise sat and waited for her cue to leave.

“Ever since the introduction of the War on Drugs, what do you think happened? That’s right, or military spending has gone up, crimes have skyrocketed, and there are too many incarcerated criminals that outweigh the citizens here in the US. If we as Americans are to set an example for our allies overseas, we need to stop arresting people for victimless crimes, and legalize all drugs!”

Of course, Alise knew that this was his campaign. She had to be careful not to get too enamored in this. She had to get to his car before the whole thing was over.

“Mommy, what are drugs?” Zakk asks Alise.

“Son, I will tell you later, but right now, I need to go to the restrooms.” She announced, getting up.
Fang nods in understanding. “Be careful, okay?”

Alise nods, leaving the stadium. She weaved her way through the crowd, trying to find an exit, but however, she spotted someone, with a large gun. Alise knew what was going to happen.

This man is going to steal my kill! I’m not going to let that happen!

Alise tries to confront the assassin before he gets her kill by jumping up in the air and climbing the railings until she sneaks up behind the assassin. Before she could do anything, it was too late. Senator Hamilton was shot and killed. This guy stole her kill. Alise kicks him, hoping to push him off the balcony, but he catches himself and kicks Alise. He places his hidden gun down and engages in hand-to-hand combat with Alise. He sends in several punches, with Alise blocking him and countering him with a knee to his chin. The assassin recovers quickly, but not quick enough for Alise to kick him once more. The assassin hands Alise his gun, as she smacks him in the head with the butt of his rifle. Alise tosses the weapon away and holds the assassin at knifepoint.

“Normally, I would ask you who you take orders from, but it would be pretty useless, would it not? Considering as an assassin, you are trained to endure the harshest of interrogations, so I should kill you! That will send a message to your boss. If you ruffle a Phoenix’s feathers, you will get burned…”

Alise then attempts to slit this man’s throat. She found her wrists were stiff. She attempted to use her other arm
to hack this man, but it was still immovable. Alise couldn’t understand why she couldn’t kill this man. She had no problems taking a life. But however, she couldn’t find herself being able to kill this man.

“What’s wrong? Has The Phoenix gone soft?”

Alise looks in shock, dropping her knife. This man knew who she is. What’s going on?

“Perhaps having those two kids made you soft… in the end, you’re just a woman, through and through.”
Alise was at a loss of words. The assassin handed Alise his weapon, and told her to hold onto it for him, as he made his grand escape. Alise then put the weapon down and ran off, through the crowd. She finally sees Fang with her two kids.

“Oh thank goodness, Alise! You’re okay!”

Fang hands Alise Anna, as Zakk was being held against his well by Fang. He looked pretty ticked off.

“I am very happy that you are safe, as well.”

“Who’d thunk that Senator Hamilton would be assassinated?”

“It pains me very much that those poor people just witnessed someone get killed… think of the children…”
Fang and Alise find his car and sets everyone in the car. Alise joins him as well, leaving the stadium behind. It was nothing but madness. All Alise ever thought about was why couldn’t she kill this man.

Tori, please… promise me one thing… you won’t kill someone unless it was life or death…

Those were indeed Sheng-He’s last words, but it didn’t matter. This was a matter of life or death. If Alise didn’t kill this man, they were going to come after her, and he knows that her two children exist.

“Is something the matter?” Fang asks Alise.

“A storm is coming.” She muttered.

Fang looks up in the sky and saw some rain clouds heading in their direction. “Indeed it is.”

[Lei Wulong]

The Phoenix Rises
Chapter 6

Fang makes it back to the trailer, as Alise tells Anna and Zakk to go outside while she and Fang sat down on the couch to talk. Alise asks Fang if he would like a glass of water and she goes in the kitchen and hands him the glass as the two sat down and talked about what had transpired today.

“Fang, I think I know who killed Senator Hamilton.”

Fang raised an eyebrow. “You know who is behind it?”

“Not exactly, but I have my suspicions. I think NARCO did it.”

“Nice theory. What makes you think that?”

“You see, as far as I know, NARCO is trying to ship out drugs. So, if Senator Hamilton wants to legalize all drugs, the NARCO empire would fall.”

“Makes sense. Wanna’ hear my theory?”

“Sure, who do you think killed Senator Hamilton?”

“The CIA.”

“The CIA?”

“Yes, it is the CIA. 25 years ago, ever since, organized crime has been on the rise. On top of that, they have been conducting secret assassinations against our leaders who disagree with their master plans.”

“Hm. Sounds exactly like the KGB.”

“Pretty much. They also have the NSA wiretapping, tracking down innocents, and kidnapping children for science experiments. They will stage something outrageous so that the citizens will be distracted. For instance, Bush staged the bombing in the World Trade Center. Those bombs that the terrorists used, those were OUR bombs. They wanted to have Americans hate Muslims so that they can continue doing illegal experiments while all the US citizens are going after Muslims. For all we know, they may even be doing genetic experiments on people after invading the USSR in 1982.”

“Genetic experiments in the USSR?”

“I know, it sounds weird, but think about it!”

Alise wasn’t sure what to believe now. Maybe the guy who killed the Senator was the CIA. It made sense. Why else would the assassin know who she is? Or he is an agent of NARCO. It made her head spin.

“If so, why kill the Senator and not legalize drugs?”

“Because the criminals made a deal with the CIA to share some of the profits made by selling drugs. Also to supply them with more experiments as they get more and more people from prisons and rehabs. The police know nothing of this. They’re just following standard protocol, but in reality, they’re actually aiding the CIA.”

Alise nods in understanding. “So, how did you come to that conclusion?”

“I am an experiment with the CIA. Don’t believe me, I can prove it.”

Fang leaned forward and pushed his hair to the side, revealing a barcode on the back of his neck. The same one that Alise has. And one that Zakk and Anna both have. What is this?

“I know, I know, it’s probably a really cool tattoo. But seriously, look at this!”
Fang breaks the glass on the side of his table and slits his wrists. He was bleeding for one second before the cut finally healed without a trace. Alise’s eyes widened.

“My DNA matches that of a star fish. Yes. A star fish. It also matches a pit-viper. Hardly human.”

Alise couldn’t believe it. Fang was one of them. Well, that explains why he was so pale… But usually para-humans look very human-like, but then again, why does Anna have violet eyes? Alise’s eyes are a very bright green. Zakk’s got blue eyes, but he’s half. So some half-Asians do have blue eyes, but Alise doesn’t have blue eyes. She doesn’t have violet eyes either. Was this some kind of sick joke?

“I’m sure there are more abominations like me out there. I’m not the only one. There were others. I’m sure that they are all hiding… but I’m not gonna run away anymore.” Fang sighed. “I used to be a normal guy, ya’ know. Had a life, but then I got kidnapped and turned into a monster. Like I said, I’m not the only one…”

Alise finally spoke. “You are not the only one…” Alise whispered.

“I know…”

Alise held her hand out and ignited it. “I am one of those abominations, too…”
Fang was also shocked. Everything was coming together now. It all makes sense. Of course! The CIA is after her because she is one of the escaped test subjects.

“I fled from Russia 3 months ago and moved here to flee from the scientists. I am one of Russia’s original experiments. I am not from the CIA, but I am from the secret USSR military. The CIA is trying to replicate it. As I can tell, it is a work in progress…” Alise takes note of Fang’s unusual eye color and his pale skin. “You’re probably one of the more successful trials. You are the most human-looking.”

“I heard about that… that was you? And your family?”

Alise nods. “It was indeed. Zakeriah did most of the work, though. I did not do much. I was heavily weakened by the drugs that they put in me to sedate me. He set fire to everything and we were able to escape.”

“So… you’re telling me… that your son? The little one? Set fire to that lab?”

“As I had mentioned before, I was too weak to do such a thing. Zakeriah on the other hand, he had the strength and resolve to get us free.”

Fang looks back on the incident several days ago. When the fire went out, Zakk was behind him. Did Zakk put out the fire? But he’s blind! And he’s only three! Fang then remembered Zakk threatening to kill him, and he sounded like he meant it. Was he really aware that he killed some people? Or was it something that he copied from what he saw on TV?

“So, this thing passes onto the next generation? You can breed with other humans?”

Alise didn’t like the term breeding. It made her feel like she was a monster, not a person. It made the justification for seeing her as property all the much easier.

“Interesting. I thought it would be incompatible, seeing that our DNA is like only 60% human.”

“I am only 30% human.” Alise added.

“Maybe that’s because you were created, and I was modified. Do you think the CIA has time to wait until a fetus is fully grown, better yet keep tabs on the mother before they get results? The CIA isn’t concerned about creating a race of superior humans like the USSR was. No… The CIA is trying to defend our nation from outsiders! So they kidnap people and turn them into monsters.”

Again, Alise did not like the term, monsters. Though, it was pretty cool to meet another… super-human like herself, but it still made her feel at unease. If Fang was kidnapped from his home, and turned into what he is now, does this mean that there are others like Dr. Ivanoff out there, who will use her to try and take over the world. Of course, it never ends.

Zakk runs in from the back, interrupting the two adults. “Mommy! What’s taking you so long? You said you would be out there to train me.”

“Zakeriah, go back, Mommy and Mr. Fang are having grown-up conversations. I will be out there soon, I promise.”

“Okay.” Zakk then walks back outside.

Fang looks at Alise in amazement. “He’s really mature for his age…”

“Of course. He saw his own father die with his own two eyes.”

“And was that why he went blind?”

Alise shook her head. “Actually, doctors do not know the cause of his blindness. All I know is that one day, Zakeriah started crying and I noticed that he no longer responded to my visual cues. The doctors took him, did several tests and determined that he had gone blind.”

“Do you know what caused it?”

“I have no clue. All I heard was that for whatever reason, the corneal nerves responsible for his eyes… just stopped working. It was as if his eyes gave up on him. He was tired of seeing nothing but white and being trapped in a lab. I think that is the true reason why my son went blind.”

“I see… That is interesting. Well, I won’t keep you two long. I’ll keep an eye on you for the next couple of days, and in the meantime… I’ll give the whole moving away a thought. Us para-humans need to stick together, right?” Fang smiles, as he stands up and heads to the door.

“As I said earlier, if you need anything, just call me, okay? And be careful.”

Once Fang left, Alise headed outside in the back and saw that Zakk was ready to fight. She saw him trying to spar with his sister, but it didn’t work, as Anna was just a little girl, and she couldn’t kick or do anything. Alise steps in, and sets Anna down in her chair while she went ahead and trained Zakk.

“Alright, son, show me what you have learned so far.”

Zakk sends in a punch to Alise, as she dodges, and sticks her foot out and trips her son.

“You need to adapt.”

Zakk then turns to the source of his mom’s voice and this time tries to kick her, but Alise catches his leg with her foot, and as a result, the poor boy loses his balance and falls once again, this time on his butt.

“When people block your kicks and dodge, you need to adapt. The bad men are not going to stand there and wait for you to go and hit them. You must adapt to their moves. It is not going to work if you do not adapt! Now, go! Hit me!”

Zakk got into his stance, and sends in a roundhouse. Alise ducks and catches his leg, as he was short and only 3.
The roundhouse was a great move, but thankfully, Alise was a small woman, and she could catch his leg if she ducked. Just as she flipped him over, Zakk managed to pivot himself and kicked Alise in the face. She dropped him, held her jaw, not believing that at his age, he managed to pack some intensity in his kick. Zakk was a prodigy, and he was learning really fast.

“Mommy! Did I adapt?”

“Yes, son, you did. You managed to adapt.”

Zakk smiled.

“Now, then, I suppose we should keep training.” Alise smiled. “You are doing well.”

“Alright! Do you think I can fight good?”

“Yes, you have potential. I can see it. You will be very strong. Strong indeed. But you still have a long way to go.”

Alise throws a kick, expecting Zakk to react and block it, but he gets hit, and flies back.

“ZAKK!” Anna screamed.

Zakk hits the fence, landing on his face, tasting the dirt. He gets up, coughing up the dirt. Alise lunged forward, and kicks Zakk once more, as he failed to dodge her attack.

“You need to be able to block and dodge oncoming attacks. The enemy will have you on the defensive. You must learn to block and dodge.”

Zakk gets up, as Alise then swings a punch. She was watching, seeing if her son would react, and he didn’t. As a result, he was hit. That was when Alise realized how Zakk’s handicap was actually affecting him. As a blind person, he cannot see her throw punches and attacks. He doesn’t know what she is doing. As a result, he is hit, and has no way of defending himself or preparing for what the foe is about to do. He can throw punches, and kicks quite well, but if he can’t defend himself… he can’t get stronger. Instead of throwing punches, Alise stops and helps her son up, treating any injuries that she may have given him.

“Zakeriah, I feel that you cannot get stronger unless you figure out how to defend yourself. If you cannot defend yourself, then, I feel that you cannot protect us. I will have to leave it up to your little sister.”

“But you said I was strong!”

“You are, but if you cannot defend yourself, you will go nowhere. Until you can figure out how to defend yourself, do not train with me. Get stronger, first.”

Alise then walks back into the house, watching Zakk walk with his sister back in the trailer. Alise noticed how Anna would assist Zakk and help him go up the stairs. Alise noted, without Anna, Zakk will trip and fall down the stairs. Hence the incident at Mr. Arnold’s. Zakk was separated from his sister. Therefore, he had no idea where he was going, nor did he have a sense of direction. So, thus, he fell off the playground and dislocates his arm. He is confused as what he thought was a safe area turned out to be a hole, and he fell right through.

“Zakeriah, listen, I am very confident that you can figure this out. You are my son, after all.” Alise tilts her head as she smiles.

“I am sure I will, Mommy.” Zakk replied. “I will make you proud.”

[Lei Wulong]

The Phoenix Rises

Chapter 7

After Alise tucked her two children into bed, she grabbed her wine, and did her usual routine. Drinking the wine, while catching up on some soap that she had been behind on, thanks to working at her job. Good thing they had invented VHS tapes. That way, she can program it to record an entire episode of Melrose Place. She didn’t have to be there to watch it, she could just go onto work and miss the show and watch it later. Alise knew that she was going to miss Fang, and was elated to know that he may be coming with her. Still, it made her wonder about what the CIA was planning, if indeed they did create Fang. But Alise thinks that Dr. Ivanoff did it. Only this sick, twisted man would brand these people like objects. Maybe Fang is wrong, and the CIA has nothing to do with this. Before Alise could figure things out herself, there is a knock on her door. Was it the neighbors again? Alise gets up, setting the wine down as she answers the door to see two men in suits. One man held up his badge.

“What is that you require?” Alise asks the two men.

“Miss Khanganova, I’m Ron Hilbert with the FBI. And this is my partner, Agent Chase Malone. We have a search warrant and have reason to suspect that you had a hand in assassinating Senator Hamilton.”

Alise smiles. “Ah, well, too bad. I did not assassinate him. But feel free to come in. You shall not find anything here. Also, be a bit quiet, while you are at it. My children are sleeping.”

She allows the two agents inside her house, and sits back on the couch. She tries to go back to watching her show, but the taller agent, the man who had the badge, sits on the couch with Alise.

“I’m going to ask you a few questions. What were you doing at the rally?”

“I was simply there to show my support with Senator Hamilton. His legalization drug law is a bit stupid to be honest. What does he want? More drugged out people? C’mon, that is not how America will get better. We have to punish those who use drugs because they are a menace to society.”

“So, you’re against his proposal?”

“Of course I am.” Alise had a slight hiccup. “As I have stated above, it is stupid and stupider.”

“Well, witnesses saw you holding a gun.”

“Witnesses were wrong. I did not hold such gun. Why would I hold a gun? Do you not know?” Alise pointed at herself. “Where I come from, guns are banned! I refuse to use such dangerous weapon! And of course, there is another huge problem! My children are going to possibly stumble upon said weapon and of course possibly kill either I, themselves, or everyone who is around surrounding us. So no, you are wrong. Witnesses are wrong. I did not hold a gun. Check the prints! I guarantee you that my prints are not on the gun, therefore I did not touch it!”

The other FBI agent returned with the briefcase. Alise totally forgot she still had that in her house. This was a dead giveaway. Alise knew she had to play her cards right. She had to be careful.

“What’s in here?”

Alise thought that the FBI agent already opened the case. He’s probably going to play mind games on her, and see if she is lying. Alise could tell him that she was going on a vacation, but that would be lying. She had to tell him the truth. Maybe they’ll leave her alone.

“This is just money that I have saved up since I got here in America.”

The FBI agent opens the briefcase. He pours out the money. Alise dives in and catches the money.

“How rude! You do not have permission to dump out all the money that I have worked hard for!”

“Impossible. You work at a minimum wage job and only worked there for only three months. There is no way you can save up $500,000.00 in only three months working full time with $2.25 an hour.”

“Some of this money came from overseas. You cannot just assume that I made it all here…”

“If that’s the case, you would be living in better living conditions.”

“I am still broke at the end of the day.”

The FBI agent came behind Alise to handcuff her. She sighed as they cuffed her.

“May I call my boyfriend to come and take care of my two kids while I am being imprisoned without a trial?”

“Fine, sure.”

The FBI agent escorts Alise to her phone. Just as she had them where she wanted, she kicks the agent behind her, turns around and heads to the exit. Another agent blocks her kick, as Alise kicks up the remote with her free leg and hits the man in the side of the head. The agent goes down, and Alise manages to open up the door with her feet. With two men going after her, she slides to knock down an agent, making sure to kick his head as he went down. Alise rolls backwards to avoid an attack and launches up in the air and knocks the other man off his feet. She was finally in the lead.

Finally, there was a taser gun headed straight for Alise, but she dodged it, ducking as she shifted and suddenly appeared behind her opponent. She kicks him down the stairs and jumps on his back before hopping on the roof of a black Chevrolet Beretta. She turns to the agents who were struggling to get up.

“I am innocent. I did not kill the Senator.”
She then frees herself from the handcuffs and sprouts a pair of firey wings on her back and flies away.

---

“I came here as soon as I could! What happened?”

When Fang showed up, he saw one of the FBI agents was rubbing his jaw as little Zakk was trying to beat up the other agent while little Anna was crying.

“The suspect got away.”

Zakk finally stopped trying to beat up the agent as he sat down and crossed his arms.

“You mean Alise?”

“Yeah. She’s the killer. She’s working for NARCO and we have proof.”

Fang looks in confusion. “She’s innocent! She didn’t kill anybody!”

“Well, take a look!”

The agent grabs the brief case and shows Fang the money. “She’s an undercover assassin.”

“She’s an ex-prostitute! That money could have been what she was paid for to do as a prostitute!”

“Stop trying to defend your girlfriend! She’s an assassin!”

“Just because she was coincidentally there with me when the Senator died doesn’t mean she killed him. That woman is innocent!”

“Did you ever take your eyes off of her?”

“Yeah, she had to go pee. After that, the Senator was killed and everything went haywire. And no, she didn’t kill him. She did not carry any weapon of sorts with her. The Senator was shot by a .50 caliber rifle. There is no way she could hide it in her purse.”

“Maybe she left there so she could kill him, and have no murder weapons.”

“Are you implying that she intentionally attended the rally with the sole purpose of killing Senator Hamilton?”

“Of course. Witnesses even saw her holding the gun.”

“Impossible! The gun is too big for her. She can’t hold the damn thing!”

Fang scoops the girl in his arms as he grabbed Zakk’s hand and headed out to his car.

“I’ll take care of the kids. Go find the real killer.”

Once Fang managed to get the two kids in his car, he couldn’t help but wonder. Maybe it was true. Alise did kill Senator Hamilton. All he could do is investigate.

[Lei Wulong]

The Phoenix Rises

Chapter 8

Fang finally made it to his apartment. He struggled with getting Zakk out of the car as he insisted on staying. He demanded that Fang take him to his mother. He wasn’t sure how to tell the small boy that his mother is a fugitive wanted by the FBI for murdering a Senator. She’s probably going to end up in prison for life. Maybe it is true. Alise is an assassin. Maybe that’s why she was trying to run away? That’s what NARCO wanted with that woman.

“Where is Mother?” The blind toddler asks.

“She’s not coming back, I’m sorry.” Though he somehow doubted that. Alise seems to really care deeply about her children. She wouldn’t be the type of woman to just up and abandon her two children whenever it is convenient.

“She is coming back! Just you wait and see! I will prove you wrong!”

“I hope so.” He really honestly did.

Just as he unlocked the door, Zakk immediately ran in the dark, as Fang wondered what was going on, and as soon as he turned on the lights, there’s Alise, hugging her son.

“Mr. Fang said you weren’t coming back! I knew he was wrong!”

“Really, is that so?”

“Yes, indeed. Well, you’re a fugitive, and I figured you probably ran off, just as you planned to do earlier.”

Alise then sets her son down, as she grabbed the sleeping Anastasia. She then leads her son to Fang's bedroom, where he will be sleeping, as well as letting Anastasia sleep next to him. After Alise got her two children settled in, now was the time to explain herself to Jack.

“Well, Detective… looks like I need your help. NARCO set me up.”

“What do you mean they set you up? Out of every person in the world, why pick you?”
“Because, Jack, I am no who I say I am. I apologize, but I have been lying to you. I am Hi No Tori, the famous assassin for the Yakuza who killed thousands of victims. Or, in Europe, they call me The Phoenix. I used to be a terrorist, then I quit and tried to live a normal life. It didn’t work, so I became an assassin.”

“So the files… that was really you…” Fang couldn’t believe it.

“Files?”

“Yes, an informant told me that you used to be a violent and vicious killer, but I couldn’t believe it, seeing that… you’re a mother. Now… I know the truth.”

“My husband was executed by the Yakuza as I fled to the United States under a fake name. I did not want my son to have the same fate as his father and I. So I decided to give the normal life thing another try. As I never learned from my first try, I really cannot live a normal life. So I was going to kill the Senator at the rally.”

“Wait? Hold on? You were seriously going to kill Hamilton?”

“Yes. NARCO was paying me a lot of money. I could not resist. That money… I can give my children a better life than the one I had.” Tears started streaming down her face. “Jack! I wanted to use the money so I can run away! Run away forever! I am tired of it! The past keeps coming back to haunt me! I might as well die as my husband had done… as it is my fate! I love my two kids very much. They did not ask to be brought in this horrible world! They deserve so much better than this!”

Fang instinctively comforted the crying Alise. He held her in his arms, soothing her. It was still so much to take in. This poor woman was only trying to provide for her kids. She’s a trained killer trying to exist in a peaceful world. Of course she was having a hard time.

I might actually have a solid case here… Fang thought to himself. There was a way for Alise to get out of this without losing custody of her two kids.

“Listen. Alise. Mark my words. I’m going to find the real killer and clear your name.” He held both shoulders and stared her in the eyes.

“You will not lose your kids. They will live a very happy life with their mother.”

The woman nodded wiping away her tears.

“You can sleep on the couch here, tonight.” He suggested.

“Thank you, Jack.” She smiled.

“It’s the least I could do for you.”

After Alise fell asleep, Fang decided to follow her, not too long after. He took a sleep on the sofa next to Alise, watching the beautiful mother as she slept. He sighed. Running away with her sounded like fun, but once again, he needed to figure out who he is. It was indeed tragic. The life of an assassin is a sad and lonely one. Fang wondered if he was once an assassin. Only time will tell. Eventually, Fang passed out and fell asleep.

“Good morning.” Jack greeted Alise as she woke up.

Alise scratched her head a little before stretching and answering Jack. “Good morning…” She groaned as she was half-awake.

“So… how did you sleep?”

“Okay, I suppose…” Once the woman sat up, she grabbed her pack of cigarettes that was in her pocket and grabbed one and began smoking before Fang stopped her.

“What is the issue?”

“I’m not allowed to smoke in here.”

Alise sighed. “Of course, stupid landlords. This is why I live in a trailer… do you at least have some alcohol so I can get drunk?”

Fang shook his head. “No, I don’t have that either.”

Alise sighed. “Of course, you are a copper. You cannot drink or smoke.”

“Nothing to do with that. I just don’t participate in self-destructive behavior.”

Alise groaned. “Good for you, ‘Mr. My life is so perfect’.” She said, using air-quotes at her last statement.

“Hey! My life isn’t perfect!”

“Obviously, you do not feel frustration, helplessness, hopelessness, and despair…” The Russian woman ran her fingers through her hair.

“Whenever I smoke a cigarette, get drunk, or take care of the kids, these voices go away.”

“Voices?” Fang never thought Alise was schizophrenic. She seemed pretty stable. She might be an alcoholic, but for the most part she is very stable.

“Yes. They tell me that I am worthless. I am a horrible mother. I cannot be normal… I am unlovable and…”

“Shh… shhhh. That’s enough, Alise.”

“I hate being alone with theses thoughts.”

“I know, it sucks.” He places a hand on Alise. “But you have to fight back. Drowning yourself in liquor is not going to work. Sure, the thoughts go away, but once you sober up, they return.”

“What am I to do? I have been framed. I am going to jail. My children will be sent away and slaughtered once their parents discover the truth.”

“Shhh… listen to me, Alise. Just focus on my words.”

Alise became silent as she stared at Fang, intent on listening to his words.

“What I said last night is true. We will find the real killer. We will clear your name. You will still have custody of your kids. Everything will work out in the end for you.”

Alise nodded.

“But now that I have your attention, here is how we are going to do this: first we need to find evidence that you didn’t kill the Senator.”

“Good luck with that.”

“If you are truly innocent, that should not be a problem. I can talk to the witnesses who claimed to have seen you shoot the Senator. Maybe they were paid. Perhaps you can tell me about what you were doing during the incident. When you were on your way to the 'restroom'. I can look into that. Possibly go meet up with a lawyer. There’s got to be some loose ends.”

“I suppose that had to be done…”

“And because you are a fugitive, you cannot go anywhere. Stay here. Okay? I’m going to work soon, so just stay here and let me find some evidence, okay? I'll prove your innocence.”

Alise nodded.

“Also, if you had just let the FBI arrest you, you probably would have stayed in jail for a short period. Then you would have gone to trial. It’s not like you get arrested and you’re in jail forever. Since you evaded arrest and attacked several officers, proving your innocence is going to be much harder.”

“Where are my children?”

“I dropped them off at their foster home for the time being. Don’t worry Alise, they'll be safe. I think it would be best if you and I focus on stopping Donovan.”

“What if they find out about their abilities?”

“We’ll deal with it when that happens. But I trust the family. The mother is a stay at home mom, and the father is a business owner. They’re being well cared for. Don’t worry Alise.”

Alise nodded. “Okay. I am counting on you, Jack. Clear my name for me.”

“I will.”

“Anyway, I am going to get going. When I get back, I will discuss my findings with you.”

Alise nodded as Fang then later left the apartment. She found herself left alone at the apartment. She prepared herself some breakfast, followed by her turning on the TV to see what was on the news. She wasn’t surprised when she saw that the police were doing a manhunt on her. Alise really was counting on Fang to help her clear her name. She flipped the channel to find some shows she could watch. To her dismay, there was really nothing to watch on TV. All the daytime soaps come on TV later. She tortured herself for a few hours watching the shop channel as there really wasn’t much else to watch.

I should have just taken the money and ran… and here I am stuck here…

That was when Alise had an idea. Perhaps she can go back to her trailer, grab the money, find her kids, change her identity, and put this whole mess behind her.

I cannot stay cooped up here forever. Sorry Jack.

Alise then got a pen and paper and wrote down a goodbye note. She posted it on the refrigerator and heads on out toward her home. As Alise stepped out she realized that she couldn’t get home without incident. Stepping back in, the fugitive had to think fast. If she stole a car, that would get her in more trouble, considering that she will also be kidnapping her kids,. Maybe she should flee to Canada, considering she already messed up America. She wanders into Fang's bedroom looking for an elaborate disguise. However she took a second to look at a collage of photos on a cork board. One picture in particular stood out. It was a picture of Fang hooked up to some machines with a question mark on it. Alise remembered Fang telling her that he was in a coma. She took note of this picture. Was he trying to figure out who put him in the coma?

She then saw some more images of what looked like to be Fang unconscious on a beach, followed by more pictures of him in a body bag. Finally she saw a note that says something about multiple gunshot wounds, and partial brain damage.
What is he investigating? Is he really trying to figure out who put him in a coma?
It made her really want to know Fang even more. Especially with the sight of him in a body bag shot at multiple angles with no wounds. However, Alise had to focus on getting a disguise. She grabbed a coat, followed by a ball of clothing and a fedora with a pair of shades. Now she looked like a pregnant woman trying to get out of the Sun. Alise made her way out of the apartment complex and managed to get a ride with a taxi to take her to her trailer park. Once Alise was there, she noticed a few cops had swarmed the place. She sheds her disguise so she could climb in through the open window. As she got in, she was careful not to make a sound as she searched for her briefcase, only to discover after overhearing from a cop that the money she received was fake.

“It seems like the client really wanted her to take the fall.”

Alise couldn’t believe it.

“Of course. Perhaps we should interrogate her. She can point us in the right direction.”

“We need to make her a deal. How about if she helps us arrest her client, we'll give her a shorter sentence.”

“She probably would want her kids back.”

“No, we shouldn’t. We don’t need them growing up to be murderous sociopaths like her.”

Alise snapped. How dare they? Driven by emotions, Alise carelessly revealed her location and jumped in front of the two FBI agents that she met yesterday.

“My children will grow up to be contributing members of society! They will go to college! And I am not a murderous sociopath! I did not kill Senator Hamilton!”

“Miss Alise Khanganova, you are under arrest. Anything you say can and will be_”

Alise climbed out of the same window that she came in. As she ran, the police were all chasing her.

“Stop resisting, we'll tase you!”

Alise kept running. She quickly ducked and slid as one of the officers fired a taser gun. Alise then continued her escape. A car pulls up in front of her. She quickly clears it by jumping over the car and rolling as she kept her momentum. She ran as fast as she could, but it seems like no matter where she runs, the police will catch her. Her future looked pretty bleak. Maybe she should just go to jail, count on Fang to clear her name, and possibly lose her kids forever. Just the thought of them being raised by foster parents was still too much for her to handle. Alise is the only person fit to raise her kids. Not some rich people who got nothing better to do. How will they deal with Zakk? Oh and what if Anna unlocks her abilities? Alise couldn’t just bear the thought. With no money and no car, how was she going to get her kids back?

Left with no other option, Alise had to use her abilities. She quickly made her way to a woodsy area. As planned, the police followed her. Her eyes glow green as flames erupted from the bushes and the fire spreads to the cruiser driving over the flames. This gave Alise some time to find cover and hide there. Everything worked as planned. The police are too busy trying to flee the scene to even worry about her. Alise then ran and found a good hiding spot at the base of a tree. She hung out there for a while.

Jack is probably pissed off at me… Alise thought to herself as she rested. In my defense, I killed nobody.

After Alise assessed that the situation was resolved, she emerged from her hiding spot and began heading to town. Once she arrived, a green Jaguar arrived, with Donovan inside the backseat whispering for Alise to get in. Alise accepted Donovan's aid, despite her being pretty angry with him.

“You caused a bit of a fuss, eh?”

Alise nodded. “It was not my intention. I was only trying to get my money.”

“Well, I will be happy to deliver the rest of the money. After all, the job is finished.”

“Yes. We will not have to worry about Senator Hamilton.”

“Ahh, yes. Now, we just have to put my own Senator into office and just watch everything unfold. You get to live a nice and cozy life with your two children. Looks like we all win!”

Alise noted, Donovan did not even notice that Alise did not kill the Senator.

Maybe Jack was right. It was the CIA.

“So, how about my pay?”

“I will give you the money when we get to my hide out.”

“Good. I am ready to leave.”

“Such a shame. You had a brighter future if you joined our ranks.”

Alise has heard that line before. That is usually what her clients say before they attempt to kill her. Alise stood on guard for danger.
Once the destination was reached, Alise stepped out of the car and walked in the warehouse to find a bunch of people moving boxes and using a forklift, as well as loading things onto a trailer. Donovan motioned for Alise to follow him. She did so, hoping to be somewhere isolated so that she could go take out Donovan. She was finally lead into an office where two of Donovan’s bodyguards closed the door behind them. The English man takes a seat at his desk, leaning forward as he grabs a cigar and lights it up.

“What about my pay?” Alise asks her client.

“Of course. As a business man, I understand the importance of getting paid. However, you and that FBI agent… Hmmm... you sure do spend an awfully lot of time with him.” He puffs the smoke. “Almost as if… you have been telling him things.”

“I told him nothing.”

“And somehow I find myself not believing you.”

“He knows nothing.”

“You are right. Even if you told him everything you knew, he still has nothing. However that leads me to your extra assignment.”

“Extra assignment? No thanks. I just want to take the money and leave.”

“Normally, I would be happy to pay you the rest of the million, but that FBI agent is really a thorn in my side. I will double your pay and clear your name if you kill that FBI agent for me.”

“And if I say no…”

“Well, I keep your cut of the pay, since you caused a lot of publicity. Quite sloppy indeed. Looks like The Phoenix is out of practice.”
Alise took this as her time to attack. She disarms the man in a suit to her right. In retaliation, the other suited man began firing at Alise, who slung the man she disarmed to use him as a human shield to absorb all the bullets. When the guard emptied his clip Alise shot the man five times before pointing her gun at Donovan.

“Now, that’s the Phoenix we all know and love!” Donovan set his cigar aside clapping his hands.

“You gave me counterfeit money that I would not be able to use.”

“Hah! You are a lot smarter than you lead on.”

“You set me up.”

“Of course. I cannot have a killer running around ruining my reputation. I knew that if you killed Senator Hamilton, you would make it look like an accident. He had to die a public execution. So of course all resources will be on you. The FBI will be too distracted to worry about my business expanding elsewhere. Once you get convicted and put in prison for life, the CIA will overlook my money laundering in exchange for your two precious children. With you in jail, without mommy dearest to protect them, the CIA will be studying them, possibly giving me the same gift that you have and I will be unstoppable.”

Alise fires her gun out of rage as Donovan ducked under the desk. When Alise's clip was empty she sets fire to the entire room, only to trigger the sprinkler system, rendering Alise’s powers useless. As Donovan poked his head up from under the desk to gloat about how he always comes prepared, Alise seized the opportunity to dash over there and hold Donovan in a headlock with her thighs, ready to snap his neck into two.

“If you ruffle a Phoenix's feathers, you will get burned.”

As Donovan struggled to get free, he slipped a hand in his pocket to grab a pocket knife. He stabs Alise in the thigh, giving himself freedom from Alise's grasp for him to get up and catch his breath. Just as he does this armed men barge in the office, shooting at Alise. She uses the knife at fast speeds to deflect the bullets before dashing forward to stab a man, grabbing his gun and using it to shoot the other armed criminals. While Alise was occupied, Donovan made his escape.

After Alise took out the thugs, she exited the office, running around, looking for Donovan. As she ran, she faced more opposition, and with her gun she was able to take them all out. After running toward the exit to find Donovan, she watches as he hops in the car. Alise chases him and just as she was going to catch him, Alise was knocked unconscious by a swinging door on the side of her head. Afterwards, Donovan has his men stuff her in a trunk.

“Should we kill her?”

“Personally, I think we should drop her off somewhere where the police will find her so they can arrest her. Killing her would be merciful. She needs to suffer.”

The men nodded.

Alise was later dropped off on the front porch of her trailer. She was set down in an upright position. However, Fang was already there, looking for Alise. Donovan’s men pointed their weapons at the FBI agent.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Special Agent Jack Fang. How nice to finally meet you.”

Fang stood his guard. He didn’t have his weapon out as he was outnumbered. “Likewise, Mr. Donovan Wales, sir.”

“I wish we had met under better circumstances, but you and I both know that you need to die.”

Fang was surprised that Donovan wanted to eliminate him that quickly. However it meant that he almost unraveled the plot and killing him would stop the progress.  Knowing this, Donovan will be behind bars as well as his entire drug empire will be shut down as well.  This is encouragement that Fang needed to stop Donovan.

“I should have seen that coming.”

Fang prepared himself for battle, as one of the thugs shot Fang square in the face. Fang collapsed and fell backwards as parts of his brain scattered across the door as he slumped down. Donovan’s thug placed the gun that they shot Fang with in Alise’s hand as they quickly jumped in the Jaguar and left in a hurry before the witnesses would get a chance to spot them.

Unfortunately for Donovan, the normally fatal shot to the head did not effect Fang. Once the coast was clear he finally exhaled as he panted. Wasting no time, he grabs the unconscious and wet Alise and placed her in his car. He had to do something about the blood. It wasn’t long before the neighbors appeared. Thinking fast, Fang’s claws emerged from his finger tips as he slashed himself in the shoulder in order to bleed before retracting his claws back into his skin. He panted and heaved.

“Those men… green Jaguar… shot me in the arm… they got away.”

“Should we call the police?”

Fang then dug into his pocket to grab his badge. “I am Special Agent Jack Fang with the FBI. I'll report this to police right away. Everything is under control ma'am.”

The woman nodded and disappeared as Fang got back to his normal posture. And now he is very hungry and thirsty. He finds that this usually happens after recovering from an injury that would be otherwise fatal to a normal person. He uses so much of his calories to heal himself. After carefully grabbing the gun that shot him, and placing it in an evidence bag, and cleaning up the blood. Fang is against tampering with evidence but nobody would believe him if he told them that Donovan shot him in the head and tried to frame Alise for it. Some things are best left unknown.

[Lei Wulong]

The Phoenix Rises

Chapter 9

After Jack placed Alise on the couch he ran and placed some blankets and a towel over her, watching and waiting for the woman to eventually come to. He didn’t expect a woman of her caliber to be knocked unconscious, but he saved her and that was all that mattered. He'll take care of Donovan later, but right now he had to somehow prove that Alise was innocent. After taking one more quick look at Alise, Jack retreats to his room to grab some files. He sets it down and thumbs through them, trying to continue his investigation. He's onto something. His attempted murder proves just that. If he can figure this out, he can successfully link NARCO to the CIA and Senator Hamilton's assassination, as well as Alise's innocence. Though she was formerly an assassin with strong ties with the Yakuza, Jack knew this woman was innocent. Not to mention, they found blatant counterfeit dollars in her briefcase and the man who shot him placed his gun in Alise’s hand, wanting to put her prints on the weapon in order to put Alise behind bars. But what would NARCO possibly gain from getting her arrested other than shifting the blame on her. There was something more sinister going on. She wanted a better life for her two children and Jack couldn’t fault the single mother for doing that. As he read and analyzed the files, Alise groaned as she got up. Hurriedly, the raven-haired detective put the files to the side and quickly turned his attention to his guest.

“Mmm… Jack… what happened?” Alise asked upon gazing her eyes on Jack.

“You were knocked out. You were about to get framed, but I got rid of the evidence.”

Alise jumped up. “But how? How did you find me?”

“They came to me. And tried to kill me. They were trying to frame you for my supposed ‘murder.’ And as you can see, that didn’t work. I had to destroy the evidence because nobody will believe me if I tell them, hey Donovan shot me in the face and tried to blame you.”

Alise nodded. “Yes, nobody will believe it. So your regenerative factor heals you from fatal injuries.”

“Yes. It does. But I end up dehydrated and famished afterwards.”

“I see…”

“Donovan Wales might have been trying to dispose you. He’s covering his tracks. He knows I’m onto him. But no matter what dirt we try to dig up, that damned lawyer always manages to sweep it under the rug.”

“Of course he is! He just revealed his entire plan to me!”

Jack was surprised. What criminal mastermind would reveal his plan to someone he is trying to eliminate? “Really?”

“He said that he made a deal with the CIA to assist them in capturing my two children. And he wanted Senator Hamilton eliminated. So he killed two birds with one stone. Put all the publicity on me. As I got in prison, my two children get taken away by the CIA. And more people become addicted to crack. He wins.”

Jack nodded. “I knew that the CIA was involved. And they know about your abilities. They’re about to learn about mine.”

“I should go kill him!” Alise shouted in fury.

Just as Alise was going to get up and confront Donovan, Jack took ahold of Alise’s shoulders.

“Listen to me, I want to stop him as much as you do, but the only way to stop him is if we work together and throw him the book. Killing him will only make things worse. We have to expose him for who he is. We must let him pay for the ultimate crime.”

“He framed me and wants to steal my children!”

“I know, but we’re going to stop him. Together.” Jack tightened his grip on Alise’s shoulders. “Once we do, America will thank us, and your name will be cleared, and you might be able to get your citizenship and we can just go about our daily lives. If we’re lucky, we might be able to link this to the CIA and arrest the corrupt members.”

Alise nodded. She didn’t really care about justice. All she wanted was her two children back and Donovan's head on a stake. And really, she wanted to be with Jack more than anything. “Thank you for helping me.” Alise said, impulsively kissing Jack on his cheek before hugging him.

“I’m just doing my job. Like I said we both need to cooperate if we’re going to take down the CIA. You have information that I can use to take him down. Of course nobody will believe you, but they will believe me.”

Alise releases from her embrace as she kept her distance from Jack, respecting his personal boundaries. As the man sat on the couch next to her. “What shall you do after we defeat Donovan?”

“Well, I have to go back to Washington DC and pick up another case that they plan on assigning me.” Jack said. “After that, I don’t know… do more research on what the CIA did to me.. and what I am.”

Alise then placed her hand on Jack's shoulder. “Maybe I can help you find more information about your origins.” She gave him a warm smile. “We should help each other out.”

“I would appreciate that.” He smiled.

The two found themselves locking eyes once more. The two just couldn’t look away as they stared at each other. Alise just couldn’t help but notice how warm and kind and trusting Jack’s ruby eyes are. Even though she has only known him for a short time, she really wanted to be with him. Jack saw Alise as this beautiful dainty little woman, but also tough as nails. She is also a very loving and caring mother, doing all she can for her children, not wanting the assassin life for her kids. Normally, he wouldn’t want anything to do with people who kill for money, but Alise was just a victim of circumstance. In his eyes, she’s a good woman. Killing people or not, her intentions were pure. Plus, truth be told, Donovan really should die. His lawyer will always find a way to bail him out of jail. She should kill the damn lawyer, too. Good thing Alise doesn’t kill random people for sport. Not to mention, she should work for some organization that executes people that dare threaten the safety of the world, instead of just executing people that the mob wants her to kill.

Without even thinking, Jack pulled Alise closer as he leaned in to envelope Alise’s small mouth with his own. She responded by tilting her head to give Jack more room to kiss her. She moaned softly as she opened her mouth to let Jack kiss her intensely. Jack really didn’t know what he was doing. He just knew he felt such an intense attraction toward her, and that’s just what one does when they feel this intense desire.

Jack’s hands wandered as he slid his hands down her sides, finding its resting place on her hips. Alise’s hand still rested on Jack’s cheek, but her other hand was behind his head, running her fingers through his smooth, silky, raven mane. Her scarlet nails massaged his scalp, encouraging the FBI agent to kiss her harder.

His tongue met Alise’s tongue, swirling around and tangling as the two melted into each other. He releases his mouth as Jack began kissing Alise’s jawline, nibbling at the soft skin as he took in the feminine Jasmine smell that Alise gave off. She allowed Jack to tilt her head however he wanted to nibble at her neck, hungering for her.

The two release for a moment, panting against each other as Jack rested his forehead against hers. The two continued to stare deeply into each other’s eyes, seeing the intense desire that the two had for each other. Their hearts fluttered in anticipation and excitement, as Alise trembled when Jack caressed her cheeks. She never though he’d return those feelings. Jack never really showed much emotion, other than being joyful and making jokes all the time. This is the most emotion she’s ever seen Jack express, adding so much more to his mysterious allure.

“Jack…”

“Alise…”

“I want this… I want you… I want us…”

Jack swallowed at the comment. He wasn’t sure how he felt about this. He didn’t have time to commit to this woman. With his current situation, it makes it impossible to have an actual relationship. Not to mention, this woman is a fugitive and has strong ties with NARCO.

Alise, noticing Jack being silent looked up at him staring into his eyes, seeing the hesitation and fear in his eyes. “Do you not want this?” She asked wanting a clear answer.

“I… I’m sorry. Alise, you’re great. But I just don’t think I can do this.”

The two backed away awkwardly. However, they both still felt the passion and the heat.

“You deserve an explanation. I have amnesia. I can’t remember anything about my life prior to waking up in a coma a few years ago. I don’t know anything about who I am. There was no hint or evidence of my past life, telling me who I am. I was found somewhere off the coast of Florida. I was found on the shore, completely naked. Nobody knew who I am, and where I was from…” His emotions were raw. He didn’t seem to have a problem opening to Alise about this. “I became a detective so I can figure out who I am and why I showed up on a beach, naked. I might have had enemies, and if you and I got together… I just don’t see us being very happy together. What if the CIA finds me and kidnaps you, and your kids, and I.”

“Jack… listen to me,” Alise began, straightening her posture. “What is the point of life if all you do is run from the past? Why not enjoy the present and build a new future? This memory loss is a gift… you were given a chance to start over and live your life the fullest. You can find happiness. You can learn new things without worrying about what the scientists did to you.”

“But I need to know who I really am before I can move forward! You already know who you are. You’ve been here on this Earth much longer than I have. Far as I’m concerned, I was only born 2 years ago! If you count my amnesia as a rebirth.”

“You know who you are, Jack. You’re an FBI agent trying to do your best in this world. You want to find the truth about yourself. That is who you are. You were an escaped experiment who has managed to assimilate into a normal life.”

“You don’t even know. Do you know what it’s like to wake up one day, with no memory of your life. You don’t know who you are. Doctors tell you that your memories will return, but no matter what happens, your memories don’t return. You even wonder if you’re even human at all. You don’t know your age, where you’re from, or even if you left behind a loving wife and kids. I assumed that I’m Taiwanese, because I don’t know… it was a random Asian country that I thought of. Besides… when I hear the word Taiwan… something tells me… that’s home. Yet… I don’t know where to look. Until I discover my past… I won’t get into a relationship.”

Touched by his words, Alise placed her hand over Jack’s hand. He was right, she could never know how much pain he felt. The misery of having to deal with the fact that he never had a childhood, parents, or even a home because he couldn’t remember it. Alise could relate to having no parents, childhood or a home, but she remembers. Jack doesn’t remember anything.

“I am sorry. I had no idea. I was being selfish… I…”

“It’s a lot to sink in. I know. I’ve never really gotten close to anyone to tell you this. Just as I feel myself drawn to Taiwan… I feel myself drawn to you. Like… I think we might be connected. And… well…” He looked away rubbing the back of his neck, showing his awkwardness. “You’re kind of cute. So… there’s that.” He laughed nervously, masking the pain as he lightened the mood. “But… I will admit… I’ve never had these… feelings… before. Well, obviously I have amnesia… and I’m just learning all over again.”

“We are connected. We are friends. That is the connection that we have. We have mutual attraction. And here we are… connected.”

“Connected…” He repeated, entangling his fingers through Alise’s fingers with the hand that she held.

“Yes. I wish to strengthen this connection. Jack, I want you to know, you are not alone. We are not alone. You do not have to be alone… We can do this… I can help you. You can help me. We can help each other…”

“I’ve personally… Uh… I don’t remember how relationships work. And I guess you can say that I am a technical virgin… with my amnesia and all… it’s going to be a bit of a learning curve…”

Before Alise could say anything, there was a knock on the door. Jack signaled Alise to hide in a closet somewhere as Jack ran over to answer the door to allow his co-worker in.

“How are the kids?” Jack asks before allowing his co-worker to sit down on the couch.

“They’re adjusting just fine. The blind boy is very feisty. He keeps saying that he will kill the social worker and the police and get his mommy back.”

“Yes, but he’s just scared. Give the child a break. He lost his mother. And knowing the woman, she’s probably going to come back for her two kids.”

“The fact that she has a three-year-old child that know the word, ‘kill’ further proves the point that she did kill the Senator. She also assaulted Hibbard and Malone.”

“I honestly think she’s innocent. I think she got framed. They gave her counterfeit money. Plus, the kid probably was secretly watching TV while his mother was asleep. We all do that, don’t we?” Jack said, defending Alise. “Plus, late-night TV nowadays is pretty hardcore.”

The detective nods. “But back to the topic on the counterfeit money, maybe that was what the client used as insurance in case the assassin bails. I know you’ve been watching her closely, but, don’t let her good looks fool you. She’s a top-secret assassin working for NARCO.”

Jack crossed his arms. “Well, she told me that Donovan Wales approached her for a job, at which she declined.”

“Donovan Wales? The Donovan Wales?”

“Yes. If we play our cards right, we’ve got ourselves a solid case here. Personally, judging by her testimony, I feel that she was framed. I think perhaps she had knowledge of the assassination on Senator Hamilton. And because she had that knowledge, she attended the rally, wanting to find the assassin. And once more, Donovan knew she was contacting me, so he thought he would plant evidence on her, so that she takes the fall.”

Alise had been listening in on the two. She could only imagine how little Zakharyia and Anastasia were feeling. Her poor unfortunate children. She hoped Jack would help her clear her name. It did show that Jack does honestly care for her, as he is defending her.

“Well, your little ‘lady-friend’ doesn’t exist. According to reports, Miss Khanganova and her two children don’t exist. She just suddenly showed up three months ago. She arrived from a plane that was from Poland. She had a passport saying that she and her children were all from Ukraine. However, there is no file on her very existence.”

Which did happen. Alise managed to flee to Poland and boarded a plane, using a fake ID that she purchased after robbing a bank. She got IDs and passports and birth certificates for her children and herself as well. As before she got kidnapped by Dr. Ivanoff, her husband referred her to a man who would give her fake papers so she could start her new life in Huntington, New York. But of course things happened, and Alise moved to Parsons, Kansas. It’s a nice little town with mostly friendly people. She can also blend in so much better than she did in Japan.

“Agents Hilbert and Malone both mentioned that she claims to have made her money through her time in her ‘homeland’ after saving up money to move to America.”

Jack nodded. “She told me that she was a prostitute. She wanted to move to America to escape that life.” Which is true. Alise did say that before confessing her true past transgressions.

“And there’s also a rumored assassin in Europe who killed countless of people without discrimination. There’s a little girl whom the police believe is the Phoenix, back in 1985, but she just ‘disappeared’.”

“Yes, I’ve read that report. But it’s a longshot. I don’t think Alise is The Phoenix. I think The Phoenix more than likely died. Since this was 10 years ago. I really doubt so suddenly, The Phoenix makes a comeback. If Alise is indeed The Phoenix, I don’t think she’d be that sloppy as to hang around here in Dodge City. If anything, if The Phoenix did indeed kill the Senator, it was not Alise. Donovan’s framing her. He’s using these rumors to his advantage to put an innocent woman behind bars. He's about to do something big and with everyone focused on catching her and arresting her, he will be able to get away with his drug deals.”

“That makes sense.” The investigator nodded. “If she declined his offer, why did she accept the money though?”

“That I don’t know. But either way, I still believe she is innocent and we've got a bigger conspiracy going on. We'll have to get the DEA involved. Plus we should all keep an eye out for a green Jaguar. I suspect that there might be something suspicious going on.”

“Also, are you okay?”

“Yes? Why do you ask?”

“We got word from a witness that you were shot by some men driving a green Jaguar.”

“Well, I was shot in the arm, but it’s okay now. The bullet barely grazed my skin.” He said. “They were aiming for my head, but I moved out of the way and they missed. But it still hurts like Hell.”

“You really should get that wound checked out. Also if Donovan personally shot you, why was he at the suspect's trailer? Better yet, why shoot you instead of being civil?”

“He was probably going to frame Alise again. Make it look like she killed me, considering she has the perfect motive. And she doesn’t have an alibi. So she has the opportunity. But she doesn’t have the means. You guys searched the trailer and her car, correct?”

The detective nodded.

“Did you find anything?”

“Other than the briefcase full of blatant counterfeit money, we found nothing. No poison, no illegal substances, we didn’t even find any knives other than her kitchen set.”

“Exactly!”

“However, there are multiple witnesses who did see her holding a weapon.”

“And were there any prints on the gun?”

“No. No prints.”

“And Alise wasn’t wearing gloves!”

“How odd. Are you suggesting that the witnesses were paid off?”

“Considering how rich Donovan is, it is not beyond the realm of impossibility. But we better keep searching for the truth.”

“Well, I’ll leave you to it, Fang. We’ll look into the witnesses and see if they made any recent transactions.”

“Alright, thanks Detective Graves. It’s nice working with you, sir. We’ll get to the bottom of this, together, okay?”

“We will.”

Right after the homicide detective left, Alise was free to come out of hiding. Alise takes a seat next to Jack.

“Just a quick recap. So basically, what you told me is that Donovan is after your kids because he made a deal with the CIA to exonerate his crimes and allow him to mass-produce drugs without fear of law enforcement and in return he must supply them with your kids so that the CIA will experiment on them.”

Alise nodded. “Yes. And Donovan desires my powers, too.”

“And the CIA is going to give a drug lord those powers. Great idea…” Jack said in sarcasm. “Yeah, I see how that’s going to work out. But why would the CIA want people to be hooked on drugs?”

Alise shrugged.

“Perhaps maybe that’s a source of income for them. The CIA was smuggling drugs for the Columbian cartels and in return they got paid a lot. Maybe the CIA is helping Donovan because they want money. Money to discover our abilities and how to replicate it and keep it from falling into the wrong hands. Alise, I think we’ve stumbled upon probably the biggest conspiracy ever.”

“Conspiracy. I like that word.”

“And Donovan wants you to rot in prison while your kids are experimented on. That’s a new kind of low. Sounds to me that he has some mother issues. He constantly targets women I find. Possibly, Donovan has a grudge on his mother and sees all women the same way. I think he might be slipping. Donovan is from England, yes? Maybe his mother was a Scot… and you resemble her. And in a way, he’s taking out his own aggression on his mother. That’s the only explanation as to why he’s been so careless. It really was not a good idea to just shoot me and leave me there instead of checking whether or not I survived.”

“If he did shoot you in the face, he has no reason to check your pulse.”

“True, but there are plenty of reports of people surviving getting shot in the head. You know this, Alise? Right? There is a certain area that you aim that you shoot at in order for it to be fatal. You know where I’m talking about?”

“Yes. Whenever I conducted my missions, the best way to shoot someone fatally is to aim for the base of the neck.”

“Right.”

“Because it severs the connection between the brain and the rest of the body and it kills them instantaneously as does decapitation.”

“Yes. I’m not sure if I can survive getting my brain severed. Never done that, and I don’t want to. But considering that I survived with chunks of my brain missing and it isn’t affecting my cognitive abilities, I’m pretty sure I can survive massive nerve damage.” He sighs. “I’m practically immortal. You’ve lived with your abilities for awhile, do you heal?”

“Yes, I can heal. But not like you can. My healing factor doesn’t work instantaneously. It works faster than the average human being. So if I get shot in the head, I am dead. But shot elsewhere, I can still survive. And the only powers I have is the ability to control fire. I just learned how to set things on fire just by looking at it. I also just learned how to materialize fire and create wings that fully function and allow me to fly away.”

Jack nodded. “I don’t have any elemental abilities. All I know is I can just turn into a wild animal and I can heal from every wound. And I can track down someone based on scent and I can see in absolute darkness.”

Alise nods. “I am sure that comes in handy. Perhaps you were designed to be a soldier in battle. The claws are weapons you will always have on you. Healing so you do not die. Perhaps tracking so you can kill your foes. You are essentially the perfect assassin. I do not have such useful skills, rather setting people on fire is the best I can do.”

Jack covered his mouth as he yawned. “Well, I’m going to go to bed now. So goodnight Alise. I will see you tomorrow morning.”

He gets up and abruptly leaves Alise as she gets herself settled on the couch. She was pretty annoyed that he just decided to get up and leave in the middle of a really good conversation. The two were getting along so well. Is this why he suddenly pulled away? Is he forcing himself not to like her? She couldn’t help but feel bad for Jack. He is a very lonely person, Alise thought to herself. If only he would let me in…

She turned on the TV not at any particular channel and just went to sleep listening to people talk.


Alise later woke up in the middle of the night after hearing some strange noises. Alise gets up to investigate as she heard what sounded like Jack getting beat up by someone. Alise walks past his bedroom and watches as Jack tosses and turns in his bed. He grips the sheets tightly as he huffs and groans in agony. Alise immediately jumps in the bed and shakes him, trying to wake him up from this horrible nightmare that he’s having.

“Jack! Jack! Wake up!” She shouted.

But her voice couldn’t be heard as Jack was twitching and flinching as he groaned. It wasn’t long before Jack went limp as he threw his head back. Alise didn’t know what had just happened. She checked his pulse. It was nothing. Did he just die in his dream? However, it wasn’t before long that Jack’s heart started beating again and he gasped as though this was his first breath he had taken before finally waking up and clutching his forehead.

Alise scoots away, allowing the man some time to breathe and process what had happened.

“It’s the same damn nightmare…” He sighed. “I end up with a splitting headache at the end of it…”

Alise nodded as she wasn’t a stranger to nightmares. However, in hers, she doesn’t have a headache afterwards.

“I can’t make out my surroundings… I wonder this was a piece of my old memory…” He began trying to explain this to Alise. “But… what I remember, I’m getting shot at by some teenagers… and… each time… I feel the impact, and I fall to the ground. They shoot my leg, my thigh, my back, my arm, my chest, everywhere, before finally putting me out of my misery with a final shot to the head. I never see who did it, because I’m getting hit by all these bullets. I think I was shot at least ten times before I finally died. I felt it, my death. I remembered… my last thoughts were of how I had such a fitting death. Dying as a scum on the streets… the same way I entered the world.”

“Do you think you were resurrected?”

Jack sighed. “If I was… then that would mean I was just some random nobody that the CIA picked up and resurrected. I was just a victim of gang violence…” He rubbed his forehead even more. “I swear… sometimes… I could just feel the blood dripping all over my body.”

“It is likely that you could have been slaughtered for sport and just brought back to life. As you said, the CIA kidnapped people nobody would miss. You were probably one of those people.”

“Maybe… but… I always thought… someone missed me? I have tried looking into missing persons that looked like me… but… I found nothing. I guess I’m not American like I thought I was.”

“Well, at least now… you have someone who will miss you.”

“Yeah, that’s true.”

Jack then rubbed his temples as he laid back down in bed. He pulls the blankets up as Alise slides off the bed, but he grabs Alise by her wrist, preventing her from going anywhere.

“Please… stay… with me…” He whispered.

“Okay.” Alise said, climbing under the blankets. She was glad that Jack wanted Alise to join him in bed.

“Do you need some aspirin or headache powder?”

“Don’t bother. My regenerative healing factor automatically metabolizes all foreign substances to the point where drugs like alcohol, crack, and sedatives don’t affect my body at all. I have to suffer through this one. Having regenerative cells actually sucks more than you realize. Sometimes Alise, the pain is so unbearable that I literally just black out.”

“Okay… what do you need me to do?” The redhead really had no idea what Jack wanted with her and why he asked her to stay. His headache was really impairing his thinking.

“Just… be there for me. Hold me. Lie down next to me. Just you being here makes this whole thing bearable.” He managed a weak smile.

“Okay.”

Alise reached out and held Jack. She wrapped her arms around his back, spooning him before kissing the back of his neck. Jack then rolled over, embracing Alise in his arms as he held her head against his chest.

“What do we do now?” Alise asks Jack.

“We worry about stopping Donovan. Then we clear your name, get your children back, and we all go back to our normal, everyday boring lives…” He tenderly strokes Alise’s hair.

“I meant us. Where is this going? I do not want to deal with you sending me mixed signals. Please tell me, Jack… is this going anywhere, or is this just a fling?”

“Well… I really want a relationship with you. I honestly want that. But I don’t know how this can work. What if I regain my memories and discover that I had a lover?”

“She probably moved on. To be honest. You have been dead for at least 2 years now. Probably even longer than that. I am pretty sure she knows you died. You should move on, too.”

“Yeah, I should, shouldn’t I?”

“Yes. You should. Considering that you do not even remember her, she probably never really left that big of an impression on you. Not to mention your last thoughts were not of people you loved, but rather how you felt that you deserved to die the way that you did.”

“True… but quick question.  You said you lost your husband,  yes?  Well, what if he were resurrected and had amnesia and suddenly he remembers you a few years later?  Would you take him back?”

Alise shook her head.  "As much as I loved Sheng-He, he really was not a good man for me, Jack.  He robbed banks and stole cars.  He and I got into an argument over how this is not the type of life we need for our son, and well he promised me he would try to live an honest life.  And well, he broke that promise." Alise sighed.  "Yes, we loved each other and yes I loved him, but I have moved on.  All I feel is just nostalgia.  I need to be with a more honest and decent man.  You are honest and decent, Jack.  Like you, he was born on the streets and died on the streets.  That man you were before is gone.  Even if you do remember, you will not go back to the man you once were."

"I don't know about that."

"I am willing to stick around and find out." She smiled.  “I want us to go out on dates, have pillow talks, and just enjoy each other’s presence.  Please Jack, just forget about the past and move on.  Allow yourself to be happy.”

“Alise. I want the same thing for us. But after this case is done, I go back to Washington, DC.”

“I plan on moving out, myself, also.”

“Where to?”

“Maybe I will move closer to you.”

“Maybe.” He kisses her forehead. “But whatever happens, we will find a way.”

“Yes.”

The two were silent for a minute before Alise finally said something.

“Jack…”

“Yes, Alise?”

“Thank you for taking care of my children for me.”

“You’re welcome.”

Finally, it wasn’t long before Alise finally fell asleep. Jack was still awake, watching Alise and stroking her hair. He eventually falls asleep, too.

[Lei Wulong]

The Phoenix Rises

Chapter 10

Alise wakes up the next morning alone in bed. She sighs to herself as that meant that Jack just got up and left her. She really didn’t need him to play with her emotions like that. He had to stop leading her on and sending her false signals. She honestly did not need that right now.

She continues hiding and prepares her a meal. Jack didn’t leave a note or even mention anything about his whereabouts or any clue or indication that the two even cuddled together last night. He is being very hot and cold.

Why do I have to like him? He’s such a coward! Can’t even confront the past! What a coward!

Alise slammed the fridge before violently scrambling the eggs. She was furious with Jack. Even worse, she hasn’t smoked in three days and she hasn’t had alcohol. Alise just could not focus anymore. She stopped cooking the eggs and sighed.

“I cannot just stay cooped up in here forever! I cannot go out because the police will catch me! What is a sad desperate woman like me to do?”

Alise sat down on the couch and watched TV. That was the best she could do. Just watch TV and relax.

As Alise sat down, she was a little calmer as she thought about Sheng-He. Yes he was bad for her. He is an awful husband, but at least he wasn’t a coward like Jack. Sheng-He knew he was going to die. Instead of fleeing and running away, he stayed behind and confronted his enemies head on, knowing full well that he was going to die. That sacrifice was an honorable act of bravery and courage. If Sheng-He was a coward and continued to flee with Alise, it was no doubt that she and her two kids would be alive right now, living in Kansas. She could relax, be happy, and enjoy life thanks to the sacrifice.

Just as Alise was in her thoughts, she sensed something dark. Without hesitation, Alise turns off the TV and runs and hides in the closet again as she heard the door unlock. She knew this wasn’t Jack. Jack was warm, kind, and friendly. This man was bloodthirsty and hungry for blood.

Correct was Alise as the men that came in the house were more of Donovan’s bodyguards. They all searched the house, looking around as Alise stayed in the closet.

Maybe I should page him!

However, the phone is on the other side of the living room and she would get caught. Alise stayed silent as she observed the men.

“Who’d thunk that this man was immortal?” One of the thugs said.

“Ah, yes. I should have noticed. No wonder that woman was hanging out with him. It does complicate things, but I still have a plan.” Donovan replied to his subordinates.

“Maybe we should just kill the broad and capture the man!”

“He might have some drugs that makes him survive getting shot in the head.” Another thug suggested.

“I’m pretty sure if we can find the formula for it, we can add that to our products. If it makes people survive injuries, then they will keep coming back for more.”

Alise stayed hidden as the men scrounged around the house. However, she heard one more thing:

“We should probably kill the woman. She’s too dangerous to our operation. We can worry about the FBI agent later. Right now, we know The Phoenix can be killed. Plus, we should capture the FBI agent instead. He’s so much stronger than The Phoenix.”

“Where is The Phoenix?”

“We’ll find her soon enough.”

Alise waited patiently for the men to leave, but she heard them say one more thing.

“What is this?”

“Somebody was making scrambled eggs!”

“It’s fresh.”

“I think someone is here…”

“Come out! We know you’re here!”

Alise stayed hidden.

“You honestly think you can hide from us! We’ll find you!”

No matter what happens, Alise stayed hidden. However, Alise knew she had to change her hiding spot. Thinking fast, Alise silently escaped from the water heater closet and quickly hid in the utility closet and stuffed herself in a washing machine.

“I know you’re here!”

Alise really doubted that they were going to search the washing machine. She realized in hindsight, she should have hid in the dryer, as she didn’t have to compact her body so much, but she was already in the washer anyway.

“We know you’re here!”

Finally, five minutes pass before the men gave up.

“Maybe nobody really is here.”

“I don’t think the FBI Agent would leave some perfectly good eggs out. And leave his skillet on.”

“Maybe he's scattered brain like that! His brains were literally scattered all across the trailer!”

“Doesn’t matter. He survived that. If I can get his powers, nothing will stand in our way. Just think about it, Reginald! We already got the White House in our pockets. What about England? The world is ours, my friend!”

Once Donovan and his goons finally left, Alise crawled out of the washing machine and stretched her body before making her way to the TV and left Jack a page, with the message, “7734 505”. Hopefully Jack understands that.

Thankfully he did as Jack calls her back not too long after.

“Oh my God! Honey, is everything okay, sweetheart?”

Alise blushed. Maybe she and Jack are officially a couple.

“Donovan came by to see you. He knows that you survived. He knows about your powers.”

“That’s bad. Very bad. Are you okay?” There was so much concern is his voice. He was really worried, not to mention he kept asking her if she was okay.

“Yes, Jack, I’m fine. He didn’t see me, but what he said was disturbing.”

“Go on, I'm listening.”

“He said that he wanted your powers. He wants to take over the world! He's insane! Worst of all, he wants to capture you and just kill me.”

“And you think he was going to murder you if he found you?”

“Yes, he said that I was a loose end. He said that you were much more powerful than I.”

“Somehow I doubt that. You’re much more powerful. You’re not immortal like me, but you have better range and versatility. I am just good at close-quarters. Though I am skilled with a gun.”

“Then you are in good shape. You are probably more powerful than I. Not just because of your healing, but you have claws and useful combat skills.”

“But Donovan isn’t a combatant. So he is stronger if he has your powers. Yes I can heal, but I still get hurt and feel pain. He could probably get defeated if you just shatter every bone in his body. Yes, the wounds will mend itself but he will feel every bone getting crushed. I imagine how much that would hurt. I passed out in agony when I jumped out of a building and broke two legs. Damn, that really hurt. And I don’t think I can survive getting chopped up into pieces.”

Alise enjoyed hearing Jack talk about the extent of his healing abilities.

“But anyway, I have some good news and bad news. Good news, we found enough evidence that rules you out as a suspect. But the bad news is that you still have to go to jail.”

Alise groaned. “Why must I go there if I am innocent?”

“You assaulted two officers twice, while escaping arrest. Which unfortunately, you will have to serve some jail time. But… I have a lawyer that will take your case. They can help you get out of jail immediately.”

“Are you suggesting that I should go to jail?”

“Yes. I think you would be much safer there. Donovan wants you dead. You may be able to return home, but he will find you. I believe you would be much safer there.”

“But what if he kidnaps my kids? Jack, that’s what he wants! I cannot go to jail!”

“I got people watching over them. They should be fine.”

“And what if Donovan pays them off!”

“I really doubt he’s going to do anything that careless. He’s a very smart man. He should know by now that we’re all onto him. So he’s going to have to lay low. Whenever we get so close to stopping him, he’ll cut all criminal activities and take out a few loose ends. You are a loose end. He is going to find you, and putting you in jail would not only guarantee your safety, but also it will get his attention. In the meantime, I’ll arrange for a lawyer to meet with you and the prosecution to give you a plea bargain. In exchange for the information that you will provide them with Donovan’s schemes, they will drop the charges.”

“Do they know that you have been harboring a fugitive?”

“No. I never told them that. I just said that I believe that you are innocent and you only fled because you were scared. But seriously, Alise… next time… if you get arrested, just let them arrest you and put you in jail. And get a good lawyer.”

“Remember Jack? That was what Donovan wanted to begin with. You are forgetting this. Donovan knows who I am. He knows what I am capable of. And he fears me. He knows that he cannot safely kidnap my children as long as I am around. But having me locked up in prison ensures that he will get away with it, consequence-free.”

“True, true, true. But like I said, your children will be safe. And going to jail will put Donovan behind bars.”

Alise didn’t want Donovan behind bars. She wanted him to die. Defeated, Alise sighed. She really honestly did not have much of a choice. The safety of her children is all in Jack’s hands now. “Fine. I shall go turn myself in.”

Though humiliating Donovan is a much more fitting punishment. Death is way too easy for him. Perhaps having Donovan publicly shamed will guarantee his death.

“Good. We will be in touch soon. Bye.”

“Yes, indeed. Oh and by the way, Jack, why did you leave me home alone without_”

He had already hung up. Alise did not like this one bit. Maybe things would be better off if the two just parted ways and Alise continued her life without him.


Alise made her way down to the station and walked in as she held her arms out. “I surrender.” She says to the police. The police cuff her and take her belongings before walking her to the booking station to get processed. They take her mugshot and her prints. Alise watched as the police placed her hand on top of a scanner. Within minutes, the police places Alise’s hand on the scanner again. Once more, no results. This was really testing her patience. Finally, the police officer looks at her hands and examines them.

“Hmm… you don’t have any fingerprints.” One officer said.

“How did you manage to get into this country?” Another officer asks.

Alise did not know what to say. She never had fingerprints. She was born without them. “I got my papers.” Alise said. “They let me in.”

“Hm… in spite of the lack of fingerprints.”

“I was born without them.” Alise said, answering truthfully.

“That’s impossible. Every human being here is born with fingerprints. Did you get your fingerprints surgically removed or altered in any way?”

Alise rolled her eyes. That is because I am not human… humans have prints… I do not. “No. I am telling you, I was born this way.”

Alise wasn’t born with foot-prints either. And lastly, she has no belly-button. All humans have belly buttons. It is this beautiful connection that they share with their mother. Alise had no such connection with her mother. Alise never even knew her mother, let alone her father. This was another thing that separated her from the pack.

“Well, the fact that you managed to make it to this country as an immigrant is fair enough. But we’ll have to have a doctor analyze your hands.”

“I was also not born with foot-prints.” She said. Alise really didn’t want a doctor to give her a physical. Last time she did that, the doctors wanted to keep her in the hospital for further analysis. Alise was forced to kill everyone in that hospital. Consequently, Alise suffered a serious infection that cleared up later, thanks to her rapid healing factor. Her healing factor wasn’t as good as Jack’s but it was good enough to keep her from dying.

“The doctor will be the judge of that.”

Afterwards, the police walk Alise down the hall, placing her in her cell after releasing her cuffs. And closing the door behind them. Alise is immediately reminded of her time in the lab. The walls were white, and all she had in this tiny room was a bed, a sink, and a toilet. She screams to herself, whimpering and crying as she relieved the abuse that she suffered. Her heart began to beat as her temperature rose and her body began to sweat. Alise backed herself in a corner, hugging herself as she cried. She screamed repeatedly as she ignited her cell. The white paint melted and dripped as Alise found herself stuck in the past.

“Nemaye! Budʹ laska, prypynitʹ! Ne chipayte mene! Ne torkaytesya do mene!” Alise shouted in her native tongue.

Eventually, the firefighters run in, grabbing Alise, forcing her to her feet. Alise screamed at the fireman as she even resorted to biting him. She screams at him, punching him before finally she gets free. Just as she was about to set fire to the firefighters, she is slammed against a wall. Alise doesn’t see that the police are trying to protect her from the fire and restrain her. What she sees is Dr. Ivanoff’s hired muscle restraining her and taking advantage of her weakened and sedated state. She of course fights back. She manages to bite off a chunk of the officer’s flesh as she ran and made her escape. Alise stopped, hearing the crying of a baby. She ran to comfort the child but couldn’t find the child. However, she found herself later tased and was forced into submission. Alise heard the baby cry more and more, but she later found herself being held as Jack’s voice snapped her out of her trance. She looked up and the crying stopped and she was no longer at the laboratory that she burned down, but a county jail. And Jack was holding her.

“It’s okay now. Alise… it’s fine. You’re safe. Don’t worry.”

Tears fell from her face as she laid there. She felt warm and peaceful. This felt right.

“Listen, we’ll put you in another cell, okay. Don’t freak out… okay. You’re here in Kansas. You will be fine. Your children will be fine… everything will be fine.”

Not too long after Alise came to her senses, the police put her in another jail cell. Alise is put in there, and once more, she panics. However, Jack decides to ask the police for permission to give her something. Unsure of what Jack is up to, Jack reaches in his pocket and hands Alise a bird feather that came off of a hawk and tucked it behind her ear. This helped Alise snap back into reality.

“A reminder. Just letting you know that you are not trapped here against your will. The lawyer will get in touch with you tomorrow. Okay?”

Alise nodded. She kisses Jack and thanks him.

Jack gets up and walks away as Alise was left in the prison cell alone with her thoughts and a feather. She got comfortable on the bed, staring at the feather. She thought of her pet raven that she once had.

Ooh… Polnoch… what a good friend you were…

Alise remembered meeting the bird on the streets. It was about to die with a broken wing, but Alise took it in and nursed the bird back to health. The bird eventually became her partner. However, it was short-lived when she and Sheng-He helped get an ally into power. The bird was unfortunately killed in the struggle, but Alise would never forget this bird.

Maybe I will have another pet of my own. Maybe I will have to talk to Jack about this…

[Lei Wulong]

The Phoenix Rises

Chapter 11

Alise was relieved when she heard the door to her cell open. It has been three days. Jack promised her that she would be out of prison by the next day, but instead, she is staying longer. During her stay, Alise got into a fight with an inmate who tried to kill her. Alise fought back and was able to defend herself, but she got locked up in solitary confinement. On top of that, the prison food was horrible. Once the door was opened, it was the warden and the police who were going to escort her out of her cell.

“Oh finally! It took you long enough!” Alise said.

They eventually lead her down in the interrogation room where the lawyer, prosecutor, and homicide detective from earlier sat. Alise was set down in a chair across from everyone.

“How are things going for you?”

Alise did not like that question. “Are you seriously going to ask me such a stupid question?”

“Well, I was kinda hoping that you would just complain about how awful the conditions are, but I can understand why you snapped. Anyway my name is Detective Don Graves. I’m the detective assigned to the case.”

Alise nodded.

“Obviously we couldn’t have your boyfriend interrogate you. It’s a major conflict of interest.”

“So are they going to take him off the case?” Alise asks.

“No, since he is a special FBI agent who was sent here to track down Donovan’s dealings. He has been helpful in spite of his bias. But I am convinced. So tell me about your first meeting with Mr. Wales.”

Alise was going to tell the truth. She wants to see that man suffer. “He approached me for a job. He wanted me to kill Senator Hamilton. But I declined and fled the scene.”

“Yes, as evidenced by the photo taken of you speeding out of the parking lot.”

Alise was glad that Det. Graves was backing her up.

“But… I eventually went back and got the money so I could run away. I went to the rally and fought his assassin in hand-to-hand combat, but he got away. He kept trying to toss his gun at me in order to frame me. The man was a blue-eyed blonde like Donovan, but he had a scar on his face.”

“That explains the witnesses who saw you with a gun.”

Alise nodded. “Then later on, I tell Donovan that I killed the Senator. He believed me and wanted me to kill Jack. Then he tries to kill me. I managed to escape and make it out alive. And I know Donovan sells drugs. He admitted to his criminal empire. His shipping plant is a ruse. He is not packaging items. He is hiding his drugs and shipping them across the country to his distributors.”

“So, he's selling drugs across the nation.”

Alise nodded. “He is also plotting to kidnap my two kids for the CIA.”

“The CIA? What would they want with your two kids?”

“They are going to perform scientific experiments on them. I cannot tell you why. I hope that you trust me when I tell you this.”

“It doesn’t make any sense! Why would the CIA want Mr. Wales, a foreigner hardly US citizen, to kidnap your two children?” The prosecutor asked. “Special Agent Fang told me that you had information on Mr. Wales. And now you’re trying to tie this with the CIA?”

“She speaks nothing but the truth.” Alise’s lawyer finally said. “My client is telling you everything she knows. Even if it sounds strange, if that is what Mr. Wales is plotting, then so be it.”

“And you got to remember, the CIA isn’t no stranger to working with drug dealers to get what they want. If you recall, the CIA was working with contraband for the Columbian Cartel for funding. What your client here is saying, isn’t too far-fetched. But what is really far-fetched is the fact that the CIA wants her two children.”

“Because. I am The Phoenix. They know who I am. The CIA wants to train my children into killing machines like I once was. I do not want that for them. This is why I move to America for better life. It appears that my past has caught up with me.”

“That does explain why you had bouts of Vietnam Vet Syndrome, despite being too young to have been involved in the Vietnam War. I imagine that you were involved in a lot of fights to the death.”

Alise nodded. “But that is enough. The past is the past. I already did my time. Now I just want to move forward with my life.”

Everyone nodded.

Alise’s lawyer then slid over a piece of paper for her to sign.

“Sign this. This is the terms and conditions of your release. You are free, only if you assist us in tracking down Mr. Wale’s drug operations and get him behind bars.”

Alise nodded and signed the paper.

Det. Graves and the prosecutor both shook her hand and lead her out on her way. She then turned to her lawyer as the two walked down the hall after Alise was freed from her cuffs. “So, will I be able to get my children back?”

“You would have to contact the social worker.”

Alise nodded. “Do you have their number?”

“Yes. I will write it down for you. You can be in touch with them. Though I do recommend that you find yourself another job.”

“Yes, I am going to have to find somewhere to work. But I have a criminal record.”

“Yes you do. But you are a bit easy on the eyes. You shouldn’t have too much of a problem.”

The lawyer then handed Alise a card.

“The name is Scott Pence. I’ll be your lawyer assigned to your case. Special Agent Fang appointed me.” He held out his hand for Alise to shake. “I took quite an interest in your story.”

Alise shook the man’s hand. “Good to know.”

“One thing is for sure, I do know how to get you out of serving two years of jail time for evading arrest.”

“I am listening.”

“We can do a psych evaluation. According to witnesses at the precinct, you have Vietnam Vet Syndrome. You evaded arrest on account of insanity plea. The police should not have been rough with you.”

“You feel like they are being rough with me?” She was curious.

“According to the reports, the police fired their taser at you twice, but missed.”

Alise nodded.

“Also, they didn’t read you your Miranda Rights. Therefore, it was wrongful arrest.”

“Really?”

“However, the next arrest I cannot think of anything that makes you look good. But I can say that because of the past experience, you might have been shell-shocked. That arrest went as it was supposed to, but I feel like if we justify your actions the jury will see you as innocent.”

“But I thought they were going to drop the charges.” Alise was confused.

“Oh, yes, they are. But they have found you as a suspect again, due to the fact that the gun you were holding had your prints on it. Upon scanning your prints at the precinct, you don’t have fingerprints.”

“Of course.”

“But you are free to live your life until the trial.”

Alise nodded. “Cool. Thank you for your help, Mr. Pence.”

“Anytime. Do you need a ride home?”

“Yes, I do. I need to get to my car to do a little job searching.”

“No problem.”

Alise collected her belongings and made her way to the lawyer’s car. He had a nice Lincoln that had a phone car. She got herself situated as she continued her conversation with her lawyer.

“Do I owe you money?”

“No, actually, Jack hired me. So you’re fine.”

Alise was grateful. She couldn’t afford a lawyer. “So, what is next?”

“I say get a psych screening by a psychologist so that way we can prove that you have Vietnam Vet Syndrome.”

Alise nodded. “And we also need to prove to the social services that I am fit to get my children back, yes?”

Pence nodded. “Yes. That too, will make you look better. Get your kids back. Find a job. We need to convince the jury that you are an innocent woman. You’re an attractive young woman. You’re also petite and you don’t look like someone who would be able to hold a large gun properly.”

“Yes.”

Once the two were at Alise’s trailer, she waved a farewell to the lawyer and made her way back at home. She got to her phone line, and immediately called a therapist that the lawyer recommended and get a pysch evaluation. She schedules an appointment a for the next day. Alise then calls social services. They tell her that she can come pick up her children after the psych evaluation. Alise was saddened by this but had to accept it. Afterwards, she calls her lawyer and tells him everything.

Once everything was complete, Alise was finally free to do whatever she wanted. She was home now. She can finally smoke that cigarette that she has been trying to smoke for five days now. She finds her cigarette packet and grabs her cigarette and just as she lights it, she stares at it. All this suffering and pain she feels… is it worth it to poison herself even more? Alise grabbed the box and read the contents on the label.

SURGEON’S GENERAL WARNING: Smoking By Pregnant Women May Result in Fetal Injury, Premature Birth, And Low Birth Weight.

Alise was slightly horrified by this revelation. She knows smoking is bad for you. She knows that it is poison. Alise is aware of this. Hence why she continues to smoke. Alise hoped she may leave this world and end her suffering. But she didn’t want to leave her two children behind. However, now she realizes that these cigarettes don’t just poison someone who wants to die, they also poison those around them. Alise wondered… what if she had smoked back in Japan? What if she did it while she was pregnant? What if baby Zakheriya was born early and died? What if Alise miscarried? She could not live with herself.

Alise made this conscious decision. She is going to put away the cigarette and stop smoking. Alise gathers the carton of cigarettes that she had purchased and every single last box of cigarettes and gathered them all in the carton. She carries everything outside in her backyard and sets it on fire. Alise watches as the smoke filled the air.

She wanted to live a normal life. Start another family with another man. That’s all she really wanted. And now that she’s let go of what was holding her back, Alise had a new perspective on life. Smoking kills. Not just the smoker, but her unborn child, and all around her. That was why Jack was so snarky about her smoking. He cared about her. He didn’t want her to die.

“Beautiful fire… what’s the occasion?”

It was now dusk as the fire began to settle. Alise was slightly startled when Jack appeared.

“I am finished poisoning my body.” Alise said bluntly.

“That’s good to know. So… I’m guessing you’re going to quit smoking?”

Alise nodded. “I find that I do not want a future where my children are without me.”

“You’re right. How are you holding up?”

“I am not okay. I just got out of jail! I got into a fight! These inmates attacked me because I ruined their chances of finally being able to smoke crack. Then, I get thrown into a box just for defending myself. The food is horrible. Jack, you told me to go to jail. Look at what happened!”

“I’m sure you’re happy to be free?” Jack rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “I’m sorry that had to happen. I’m an FBI agent, Alise. I cannot just give you a free pass… just because you’re my girl.”

“Oh. So now we are together huh?” Alise crossed her arms.

“I did a lot of thinking, too Alise. After what happened… that night when I had my nightmare… that was when I knew. I wanted to be with you.”

“Really now?”

“Yes. I am telling you the truth, but unfortunately, how I feel is entirely irrelevant to the matter at hand.”

Alise rolled her eyes.

“Luck would have it, Donovan managed to raid the mansion and kidnap your two children.”

“Excuse me?”

“Yes, Alise… Donovan took your kids. While you were in jail.”

“And did I just warn you that this would happen?”

“I just didn’t think he’d be that careless. I didn’t account for his carelessness!”

“Do you not see, Jack! Donovan is a man consumed by greed and power. He does not care about being careless. He wants power. He wants to be in control. Jack, I warned you!”

“Yes, you did warn me… but instead of just pointing fingers and admitting who is at fault, we need to focus! You see, Alise… you should do the honors of getting your kids back.”

“Finally, you see reason.”

“Right now, you and I are going to march right down to Donovan’s mansion and get your kids back.”

“I like the sound of that.”

“C’mon. Let’s go. In my car, now.”

Alise nodded and was immediately lead to Jack’s car by his slender, yet smooth, and warm hands.

[Lei Wulong]

The Phoenix Rises

Chapter 12

“Here’s the plan. Now, the DEA is supposed to do a drug bust on Donovan’s warehouse that you were briefly at.”

Alise sat in the car with Jack as he drove onward toward the mansion. It was a long drive as Donovan’s mansion was on the outskirts of Parsons. A lot of Kansas is in the middle of nowhere, and the man strategically had one of his houses out in the middle of nowhere. Alise then watched as Jack grabbed a twinkie from the center console box and began munching on it.

“I really doubt that we are going to find anything there. But maybe we’ll find something.”

“And what about my children? We have to get to them before the CIA gets to them.”

“I believe that Donovan might be hiding them in his mansion getting them ready and prepped to be transported. God forbid he drugs them.”

Alise almost snapped but she remained calm. In order for this to work, she has to remain calm.

“So, we’re just going to some classic breaking and entering and see if your children are there. If so, we can set Donovan up. I can lead the police there to his position by calling them.”

“And how are you going to do that?” Alise asked Jack.

Jack instructed Alise to put her hand in his pocket. Alise fished around in his pants and finally grabbed the object. It was some small black phone with an antenna. Alise held the phone in her hands and examined it as she pressed the button. It suddenly became bigger as the flap folded out.

“It’s a cellphone. It allows you to call people like you would if you had a payphone. You can call anyone anywhere at any time. No wires. I use this for work.”

Alise nodded, staring at the phone.

“But that’s my plan.”

“What if we do not find Ana and Zakk?”

“We check the warehouse. Donovan could be hiding them inside of shipping containers.”

“Then what was the point of going to his mansion if he might be hiding my children in his shipping containers?”

“The point is to get information. We need to confirm what we know. We also need to set him up. Alise, remember, the goal is to save your kids. If we rescue your kids and kill Donovan, the CIA will find someone else to get them. But if we get the police to see Donovan kidnapping your kids, and shipping drugs, and the CIA is involved, jackpot! Not only will all those men who dare harm your kids will be put behind bars, but also your children will be safe.”

Alise nodded. That was a roundabout way of doing this, but Jack was right. The best way to protect her kids is to put those responsible behind bars. Not only will it put those bad men away, but also if anyone wants to kidnap her kids again, there will be more public outrage.

“I’m glad we’ve come to an understanding. And I’m sorry I didn’t protect them, Alise.”

“You can apologize as much as you wish, but until we get Zakhariya and Anastasia back, I am not going to forgive you.” Alise was still mad at Jack, but willing to cooperate with him. He’s the only shot that she has at getting her kids back.

Once the two arrive at the mansion, Jack intentionally parks his car off to the side. He opens the trunk to reveal that there are three large coolers. Jack opens one cooler to grab a sandwich and begins eating it as Alise stared at him in confusion.

“We are here, Jack! What are you doing?”

“It’s really hard to fight on an empty stomach.” He grins in spite of the food in his mouth.

After Jack finishes eating the pair walk up to the gates.

“So here’s the plan, I’m going to_” Jack couldn’t finish as Alise had appeared to phase through the gates as she was now on the other side.

“I see… clever girl. You use fire to create an illusion of yourself and used that same fire to propel yourself in the air on the other side, giving off the illusion that you just phased through the wall. That intimidates the average human with an untrained eye. Impressive.”

“You are correct. How did you figure this out?”

“Tracking movement is another one of my abilities. I can see movement and react to it faster than the average person.”

“I see. Now, show me, how are you going to get over here?”

Jack then hops on the wall, and climbs up the tree, finally doing a somersault to land on the other side as he tumbled. Jack then gets up from his crouching position.

“I saw this in a Jackie Chan movie one time. Had to see if that trick worked. Another specialty of mine, as long as I watch you do the movement, I can learn it instantly. So I’m basically a copy-cat. However, I cannot copy that fire move you just did because I don’t have that ability, but if I did, I’d do the same.”

Alise nodded.

Jack says I am stronger than him. He is clearly a better soldier than I am…

“Alright, we stay together no matter what happens. Okay?” He whispered.

“Okay.” Alise agreed.

The two both crept in the shadows, sneaking their way through the manor. It was a labyrinth. The two had no idea where to go or what to do. They would hide in the shadows, whenever a guard walks by. Eventually, they walk past the dining hall, where Donovan’s voice echoed.

“She got out of jail! Can you believe this?”

“They’re onto you! I told you, we should have invested in the police station.” Douglas, Donovan’s lawyer replies.

“Look, I already got the White House in my pockets. I’ve got the CIA in my pockets, too. It’s not like I really need the police station anyway. If anything, once I deliver those brats to the CIA, nobody will touch me.”

“You’re being reckless. With The Phoenix out of jail, and it’s no doubt that she knows her kids have gone missing. Donovan, you’re going to die. The Phoenix will come get you.”

“Not if we play our cards right and shut down shop and go into hiding.”

“The Phoenix never misses her target. All who are targeted by she are granted a death wish.”

“Of course, she had the power to shut down the Milieu. Just think about it! What if you and I both had the same powers? And the FBI’s powers, too. We can build armies. Conquer nations. We can be the most powerful men in the world! Think about it!"  Donovan than turned to one of his men.  "Are the brats ready?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good... let us be hasty.  We need to make the drop in an hour."

Alise was just about to go attack Donovan and finish him right then and there, but Jack held her shoulder, and dragged her back.

“Let’s go find your kids.  Donovan says that we have an hour to get to them.  We shouldn't waste any more time.”

Alise nodded.

The two made their way through the halls, looking for her children. As the two walked, Alise accidentally bumped into an armed guard. He immediately opened fire, but Alise quickly swung her legs down to knock the man over on his stomach, and she quickly rolls over and snaps his neck. Jack whistled.

However, the guards were now alerted as they all tried to shoot. Jack told Alise to hold onto him as he charged through, being used as a human-shield. Alise clung tightly onto Jack’s hair as they ran down the halls, and once the men were at an angle where they could shoot Alise, with one swift motion of her hand, Alise sent out some flame-shuriken that sliced the guns. The flames eventually died upon hitting the walls. Once Alise was now facing all of the gunmen, she gets into a stance as Jack does the same. The men approach the pair, with Alise assuming a crouching position. Jack then charges at one of the men and performs the same attack that Alise did earlier, sliding under the man. However, instead of snapping his neck, Jack just punches the back of his head, knocking him out. The man tries to punch Alise, but she catches his arm and takes him down, and breaks his arm. While she is doing that, another man tries and kicks her. Alise, still holding the man’s arm, sways back to avoid the kick, and snap the man’s elbow, putting him intense agony. She then grabs his head, and snaps his neck in order to shut him up. She has her back on the man’s back, and pushes onto the man, hopping as she wraps her thighs around her attacker’s neck, taking him down as she snaps his neck.

Meanwhile, Jack is assuming a boxing stance, ducking and weaving as the men attack him. Once he finds one opening, he does a sweep kick on all the men. Once one man gets up, he lunges at Jack to stab him. Jack takes the stab, groaning in pain. He didn’t anticipate it to hurt that much. He then reels the attacker closer, and swings him around, using him as a battering ram against his opponents. Jack then yanks out the knife, tossing it to Alise, who leap in the air to catch the weapon. She catches it, smiling as she knew what to do with it.

“Thank you, Jack!”

Now all that remained were 5 men and the two were surrounded. Jack and Alise were both back-to-back. Alise then put the knife in her mouth as Jack assumed another different fighting stance. All five men charged at the pair at once. Jack sent in a super punch at one man, knocking the wind out of him. The other man then tries to knee Jack, who catches the knee with his own leg, and sends in three lightning fast kicks to his face, bloodying him. He then finishes him off with a roundhouse to the side of his temple, immediately knocking him unconscious.

On Alise’s side, the three men charged at her, as Alise then does a back handspring, jumping in the air as she spun around, and used the momentum to throw her knife right through one thug’s neck. Upon landing, she quickly rolls to her left to avoid a kick. Once she found an opening, she touches the man, and immediately sets him on fire. As he burns, Alise then keeps her palm flat, as she uses the force to rip through his throat, killing him instantly.

Onto the last opponent. The guy reached forward, trying to tackle Alise, but Alise used use momentum against him, allowing him to fall to the marble floors, head first, snapping his neck, killing him instantly.

No more opponents were left as Jack noted that Alise killed every last one of her men, while Jack’s men are all still alive. He couldn’t fault her for it, as that is all she knows how to do.

Eventually the pair left the halls and chased after Donovan. With no more bodyguards, Alise quickly surrounded everyone in fire. She holds her hand out, pointing at Donovan.

“Now talk! You must tell me where you hid my children or el_”

Jack’s eyes detected movement coming from Douglas. Within a split second later, he saw something shiny. Jack knew that Douglas was just about to shoot Alise. He was surprised that Alise wasn’t reacting to this at all. Jack could tackle Douglas. But then, the bullets would ricochet and hit Alise. Jack then thought about pushing Alise out of the way. Alise was still going to get shot. Douglas now had his gun at waist level. Immediately, Jack jumped in between Alise and her hostages. When Alise says “hid my” Douglas finally had his gun out in the ready position and immediately open fire. He tried to shoot Alise, but he couldn’t react in time to Jack’s interference as he suddenly jumped. The gun was fired three times, hitting Jack in the shoulder, stomach, and side of the head. Alise let the fires die down as she caught Jack, sending her flying back. Just as Alise was going to get up and chase after Donovan and Douglas, she tried dragging Jack with her, but he was still bleeding and wounded. He managed to stand up, moving sluggishly. Alise then stopped what she was doing and assisted Jack. She helped him walk out of the burning mansion. Once the two were out, Alise set Jack down next to his car, checking the wounds. He was still bleeding.

“Jack! What is wrong with you?” Alise ripped up a piece of cloth, pressing onto one of Jack’s wounds in his stomach. She couldn’t get his shoulder, nor could she get his head. It seems that this man is really going to die here.

He smiled weakly. “I took too many hits, Alise…”

“What do you mean?”

“Healing takes up calories… if I don’t eat enough food… I won’t heal anymore…”

“Where is the food?”

“Open up the trunk… go and make me a sammich…” Jack grinned.

Alise didn’t have time for Jack’s jokes, but went ahead and did as she was told. She grabbed some bread, meat, and applesauce. She then gives it to Jack, holding the food up for him to eat it. As he ate, she noted that his wounds were healing. She gave him more food before finally, Jack was okay. When he was, Alise hugs him tightly, crying as she does this.

“I thought you were dead!” She screams.

“I probably would have died. Unfortunately, that is my only weakness. That’s why I was eating so much.”

Alise lets go of Jack and he reaches his thumb out, wiping away Alise’s tears. He has his hand on Alise’s hip and leans forward.

“You took a bullet for me… you knew you would die.”

“That’s correct. I was feeling hungry. But I didn’t want you hurt. I just couldn’t stand the thought of watching you get hurt.”

“I would have been fine.”

“It didn’t matter. I didn’t think of that. All I thought was no matter the situation, you were going to get hurt. I just didn’t want you to get hurt. It’s because I love you. I know, I’ve been denying it, but Alise… I love you. I just can’t imagine a future without you.”

Alise was touched. “Jack, I love you, too! I just could not imagine my future without you, either. I just want to be with you…” She leans forward. “Jack, I love you!”

The two dove in for another kiss. This one was as passionate and hot as the one before. Alise placed her hands over Jack’s hands, massaging his knuckles as she encouraged him to keep going. For that moment, Alise completely forgot about her two children that were about to be sent to the CIA to be experimented on. Right now, she wanted to enjoy her time with Jack. She wanted this man so badly.

Their tongues soon entwined as they were bound together. Jack’s hands wandered as Alise allowed him to undo the belt that was at her waist. He tosses it to the side, as he lifts her shirt up, just so he could slider her pants off, down to her knees. During this, Alise unclipped Jack’s belt that held up his jeans, opening the fly as she mounted him. The two released from the kiss, for Alise to place both hands on Jack’s shoulders as she stared lovingly into his eyes. The two kiss once more, full of passion, love, and lust.

Jack opened the car door as he places Alise on her back in the seat of the car. He maneuvers himself on top of the woman, placing his forehead against hers as the two made love. Sweat poured as Alise’s body began sticking to the leather upholstery. Jack then fishes for Alise’s hands, entwining them as he held them over her head. Eventually, Alise arches her back as the two reached their plateau. Jack’s claws and fangs emerge for a split second before fully retreating inside his skin.

The pair gasped for breath as Jack then rested his head on Alise’s shoulder.

“Jack, I love you.” Alise said.

“I love you too, Alise.” He smiles facing Alise. He places both hands on the side of Alise’s head, holding her face in place, staring at those deep emerald pools. He kisses her one more time, this time soft and gentle instead of passionate and hard.

[Lei Wulong]

The Phoenix Rises

Chapter 13

Alise and Jack both quickly redressed themselves after the events that had just transpired. Alise climbed out of the car, reaching for her belt as she fixed her clothes. Jack tried to straighten his hair back the way it was, but the two’s hairs were a mess.

“We really should not be making children, when we got children of our own to rescue.” Alise said to Jack after finally getting herself dressed.

“Yeah. But what we did… was real. It was genuine.”

“I agree. I do not regret what we did. But we still need to save Zakk and Ana. After we do this, we can make love to each other again.”

Jack eventually got himself presentable. “Alright, so… here’s the plan. Donovan’s probably going to make the drop at the warehouse.”

The two get in the car as Jack starts the engine. “Once we can confirm their location, I’ll call the dispatch to go get them.”

“What if we are too late?” Alise asks Jack.

“…” He didn’t know what to say. Considering that the two had sex at probably the worst possible time, he didn’t want that to be the case. He hoped that having sex didn’t ruin their timing.

“Seriously! What are we going to do now if the CIA gets them?”

Jack’s claws emerged from his fingertips. “I say, in that case, track them down, slaughter Donovan and call it a day.”

Alise noted that his warm, inviting ruby eyes are no more. Now instead, his eyes were golden and cold. He had bloodlust in his eyes.

“What about throwing the book at him? What about publicizing his wrongdoings? What happened to that?”

“The system is too corrupt. We have to take matters into our own hands and kill that son of a bitch.”

“Listen, Jack. Please… we are not going to kill Donovan! We are going to throw the book! We can save my children! The CIA is not going to get them! We can do this, together! Jack! We got this! We can save them! It is not too late!”

Alise has seen this before. She didn’t want Jack to slaughter people like she once did. He would kill even his friends. She had to snap him out of it. Thankfully her words came through as Jack’s claws returned to his skin as his eyes returned to its usual ruby shade. Alise has killed people before, but only in defense and she’s crossed the line many times. She is used to it. But Jack… he is fresh. He has not had his first kill. She does not want him to be corrupted by his first kill.

“You’re right Alise… we’ve got this. We’re a team.” He smiled as he faced her before grabbing another twinkie from his glove box.

The two eventually made it to the warehouse. Jack had already called the police beforehand so they should be on their way. Alise caught sight of Donovan’s Jaguar and immediately set fire to it.

“Now why did you have to go and do that?”

“Because he deserves it for hurting my children.”

“Fair enough, but you’ve attracted attention.”

Jack pointed at the army men who hopped out of a black van. They all started to open fire. Alise set fire to the van as all the men jumped out and started shooting at Jack. Alise ducked as bullets pelted the car. She heard the rumbling of the engine as Jack drove around, playing chicken with the agents. However Alise peeked her head up for a split second before a stray bullet hits her in the shoulder.

Jack smells the blood. He pushes Alise out of the car, before finally driving straight into the CIA van. The teal Dodge collided with the vehicle, causing a massive explosion that caused a hole in the warehouse.

“Jack!” Alise shouted as she watched everything happen.

Jack emerged from the fire, his clothes burned, as well as his face. Eventually, his burned skin repaired itself without scars.

“Your kids! They are over there! Inside that box over there! Hurry!”

Alise stood up, holding her injured shoulder. She runs over to the box, as Jack does the same. However, she sees Donovan opening a box, and sees her precious daughter, Ana, chained up and gagged.

This sight infuriated Alise. She screams as fire consumed her entire body. Firey wings emerged from her back, as well as a tail-feather. Her hair stood straight up as her clothes burned from her body. Alise was naked as the fire covered her breasts ands hips. She also had fiery talons on her legs as well as fire covering her forearms. The Phoenix emerged as she uses her fire abilities to melt the chains to free her children. However, Douglas shoots The Phoenix. She shields the bullets with her wings as her daughter, Ana was freed. Zakk, too was freed as well.

“Mama, what are you doing?” Ana asks Alise.

The Phoenix turns to Douglas and holds her hand out at him, setting him on fire, burning him into ashes instantly. When Jack arrives on the scene, he witnesses the lawyer just get cremated instantaneously. He was sure that poor Anastasia was going to be scarred from this.

He covers the eyes of Ana. “Alise! Don’t do this! Remember, we have to keep Donovan alive! He has to pay for his crimes! That was the plan, remember!”

Just as Donovan was about to get cremated, The Phoenix’s flames die as Alise is back to normal, covering her naked body. Jack then takes off his burned shirt and tosses it over to Alise in order to cover her naked body. It was burned, but Alise's "sensitive" parts were at least censored and that was what really mattered. Alise straightens it out as she felt better and now had a much more confidant pose. She backs Donovan in a corner.

“You are going to tell us everything.” She said.

Jack picks up the gun that once belonged to Douglas and points it at Donovan. “Yes. Tell us everything.”

Unfortunately, before Donovan could say anything the police arrive on the scene. They go in and safely escort Ana and Zakk away from the scene. Donovan laughs at the police.

“You wankers really think you’ve won?” He laughed, grabbing a hidden gun from his suit jacket pocket.

The police point their guns at Donovan.

“Donovan Wales, put down the weapon! You are under arrest!”

He just sneers. “No matter what happens, I’m in control. Always. I still win.”

Everyone watched as Donovan then puts the weapon in his mouth. He pulls the trigger and fires. Blood and brains splattered all over the concrete as Alise gasps in shock. With Donovan dead, what’s going to happen now? They can’t arrest him. And they can’t arrest Douglas.

“Did he seriously just get away with this?” Alise asks.

“Honey, calm down… look, he didn’t win. We’ve already got enough evidence linking the CIA to this mess. Plus, your children are free.”

Alise nodded. She then runs to where her children were being held and hugs them. She squeezes them tightly as Jack stands there, awkwardly, shirtless watching the reunion unfold.

“Is the bad man gone now?” Ana asks Alise.

“Yes, he is gone. Forever.”

“Don’t tell the kids that, Alise.”

“Why not? They will find out either way. Better sooner than later.”

Jack then kisses Alise on her cheeks. He checks out the wound on her shoulder, examining it. “You might need to get that checked out.” He suggested.

“Yes, I do. Will you do the honors?” She asked.

“Can we go home now?” Zakk asked finally.

“Well, Um… we would but um… here’s a problem. I don’t have a car.” Jack rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

“That is correct. I guess we are all walking home now.” Alise scoops Zakk in her arms, while Jack grabs Ana and scoops her up in his arms.

The couple held hands as they walked out of the warehouse together.

“Nice night out for a walk, eh?”

Sometime later…

It was now fall as Alise stepped outside to grab the mail. Alise stepped through the leaves on the sidewalk as she made her way to the mailbox, clutching her now swollen abdomen. She wore a simple saffron dress with an empire waist. As Alise got the mail, she returned inside the house to see Jack sitting on the couch, watching TV. Jack had been watching the news when he saw the names of several CIA agents that were all sent to jail, facing prison for life. He was dressed in a white tanktop and a pair of cotton sweatpants with no shoes on. When Alise walked back in with the mail, he watched eagerly as Alise took off her shoes and sat back down on the couch next to Jack. Jack protectively wraps his arms around Alise’s abdomen, letting his hand rest over the center. This was were his child laid. He rests his head on Alise’s neck, watching those dainty little fingers at work. Once Alise opens the envelope she reads the contents of the mail.

“Well, Jack looks like I am now a US citizen.”

Jack smiled as he looked at Alise. The two kiss briefly before letting go.

“Now that you are a US citizen, what are you going to do?”

Alise held her left hand out to examine the diamond-banded engagement ring that Jack gave her a week ago. She smiles before turning her head to place both hands on Jack’s cheeks.

“I should get my GED. Then we can start a family together.”

Jack smiled. “Well, we're starting a family now, aren’t we? Before your GED?”

“We shall see soon.”

She reaches forward as she pulls Jack in for a deep kiss. It was passionate and tender as the two really loved each other. Alise thought about the future and what it might bring as she was hopeful about what may happen.