Part b of the story by BHS and Napalm

**********
   Napalm turns the page of the news paper in front of him. His eyes scan a picture of a badly scarred island in the middle of the lake. A slight smirk crosses his face as he begins to scan down the article. His thoughts are interupted by the a sharp ding. He looks up to see the little white oven timer on the counter has gone off and for a moment forgets why it was set. Suddenly, memory stricks him and he puts the paper aside walking over to the large matel doors of the oven. He smirks again as he wishes he'd thought to have a fork in his hand, just to see what kind of reaction he might get. He puts the thought aside and unlatches the door, opening it
wide as a tremendous wave of heat rushes out.
   "Hooowwwlloooooooooooo in there!"
   Blue looks up, "Oh, are we done?"
   "Well, thats what the timer says." Thoughts flash briefly to the fork again and he shakes his head. Blue gets up wearing the lab coat, gadgetts hanging out the pockets, and picking up the cards. Devion walks slowly from the oven chamber, no longer wearing his lab coat, or anything for that matter.
   "Thanks for the games of Scrom."
   "Dev? What happened? Get hot?" the wolf winks. Blue grins as he leaves the oven. "Watcha got there, Blue?" Devion mumbles something and goes off to a nearby closet, retrieving another lab coat.
   "Don't know what this does." The dog pulls out a gadget and presses a button on it. Napalm and Devion duck as a laser fires from the end of the device. "Cool." Blue looks at the mark made in the wall.
   "Blue! Dont go wreaking my friends house, it's your first visit. I didn't blow it up till the third time I was over at least." The dog looks down at the device then at Napalm, then sets the device down in his pocket.
   "Sorry." Blue looks down. Devion seems not to notice, walking absently around the room, filling his pockets of his fresh lab coat with odd gadgets from around the lab. Blue takes the coat off and lays it on the table, but puts the cards in his pack.
   "No, keep it, I have more..." the owl says. "And besides, you won it fair and square."
   "So, Doc, am I cured?"
   "What are those cards made out of anyway Dev, something new you
invented to resist heat?" Napalm asks.
   Devion shrugs. "If not, I guess we'll find out soon enough. As to the cards, yes, a little improvement I made to a chemical most mortals use. Nearly indestructible. I'm thinking of calling it Deflon."
   Blue looks around. "What's next, Nap."
   Napalm looks up a bit surprised. "Oh! Well, I guess we see the Elder Phoenix. You should come too Dev, this is important. And dress appropriately."
   The dog looks down. "Uh, I don't normally wear anything, what should I have?" Devion nods and hangs the now wieghty lab coat on a hook as we walk out of the room.
   "Actually, that's what I meant." Napalm winks.
   "Oh, okay"
   "Wearing clothing when you appear before the Elder Phoenix isn't inexcusable, but it is considered...rude."
   "Lead on, oh mighty Phoenix."
   The trio walk into the main room, Devion goes into a small closet while Napalm and Blue continue outside. "Come on Dev...anytime now...." Napalm self-consiously glances at his wrist, though there is no time piece on it. He taps his foot, then the chamber is shaken and a loud creaking comes from the walls.
   Blue looks at Napalm. "Does he always do that." Napalm looks up smiling, watching as sunlight floods the chamber from above. The ray of sunlight grows outward, in a circluar pattern, widening to a large circle, eventually large enough to accomodate the wingspan of several phoenix.
   "No, just for special occasions...or to show off."
   The dog looks up and asks, "What's that?"
   "It's the way out...quicker than that tunnel we came in on."
   Devion walks quickly from the house, turning around to make sure the
door is locked securely, apparently forgetting the back door was blown off.
   "Okay," the owls says, "are we ready?"
   Blue walks over to Devion and says, "Thank you for your help." In a rare show of coherency Devion looks up at Blue and smiles. He blushes a deeper red and coos a few times in a definite show of pleasure.
   "Well," the wolf interrupts. "I suppose we should get going, we have a lot of explaining to do." He glances at Blue meaningfully, clearly asking if he is ready.
   Blue nods to Napalm, "This should be interesting." Napalm and then Devion take several paces away and each goes through the transformation that by now the dog is becoming familiar with. In a few moments the phoenix are ready, one of them, Blue is pretty sure its Napalm, but its diffucult to say with certianty, extends a wing so that he may board. Blue climbs on the phoenix and prepares for the trip. The two phoenix launch with incredible speed toward the opening, Blue's going through just before the other. They turn as one, flying at the highest speed Napalm will go while he's carrying a rider. As they get underway, the riderless phoenix goes up several hundred feet and acts as a lookout while the others stay
low. After several hours of flight and unknown miles later the silence of the flight is broken.
   "We are getting close, you will need to hold on especially tight...the lava passages are extremely hard for a rider, and if we lose you in there, you may drown before we can find you." The dog holds on tighter, and nods. Napalm suddenly pulls and incredible turn, going upside down but angling downwards so they are rushing straight at a large and very active volcano.
   "KKEEWWLL" Blue yells out then takes a giant breath. Napalm slows somewhat as he nears the lava but the impact is still incredible as they submergein the lava. Napalm pulls a tight upward turn, and then a long series of incredible stomach churning twists and turns. After a good two minutes of this they suddenly spring with incredible speed from a large lava pool into an underground cavern. Blue takes a very deep gasp of air, panting. Napalm lands on the cavern floor, extending a wing so that the dog may dismount. The dog slides off, gasping still. Devion lands a few seconds later beside the two. Blue looks up and around. A phoenix, several feet taller than the other two approaches on talon. For an avian he
walks with surprising grace and dignity, the wings folded gracefully at his side. He approaches nodding at the two Phoenix's. Napalm and Devion bow low before the other.
   "Napalm, Devion, nice to see you back. I take it there is a matter for the Eldest." the Phoenix asks.
   "Yes, I fear this is not a social call. I bring grave and terrible news. It is most urgent and requires the attention of the Eldest Phoenix immediately."
   He looks at Blue, "and I guess it involves you, Mortal." Napalm remains silent, allowing Blue to speak for himself.
   The dog straightens up. "Blue Heeler SunFire. Well, it kinda involves me, but, not really."
   Napalm smirks, "He is an ally in this matter, he has served well already in uncovering the unfortunate news I bring and will continue to aid us in the resolution of it." The phoenix looks at Napalm, then Devion, then finally back to Blue.
   Blue looks at the phoenix. "You better believe I'll aid Napalm."
   Napalm smiles, in an odd avian fashion at this. "He is quite loyal. However, as I said, this is most urgent, we must speak with the Eldest immediately." The phoenix looks up from Blue at napalm, then nods.
   Blue looks at Napalm, "Don't forget to mention about Angel."
   The phoenix starts to turn away, then stops.
   He turns to Blue, "What do you know about Angel?"
   "I don't understand as much about what we do know."
   "Phibius, please," Napalm urges more. "I will explain all as soon as you take us in to see the Eldest...we have little time for this"
   "Okay, okay. Follow me" Phibius motions and moves off down a corridor. Napalm walks slightly ahead of the group, taking a position of spokesmanship for the group. Devion indicates that Blue should walk even with him. Blue follows Devion's instructions and follows Napalm even with Devion. Phibius takes the three into a huge, underground cavern. The colums of rock decorateing the place. Coloured rock around giving dazling light displays. He steps aside and motions the three to enter. Napalm takes a position halfway into the emense hall, looking around and recalling may other times when he had stood here. He looks up to see a huge throne,
elaborately decorated. He gazes with respect, and even a little awe at the figure adorning that throne. On that throne rested a phoenix, very plain, as a phoenix goes, yet easily twice the size of Phibius, dwarfing all in the chamber. The huge phoenix stands up as the others enter. Blue watches Napalm for the proper formalities. Napalm bows low again, as do Devion and Blue a split second behind.The larger phoenix bows low in return.
   "Hail and welcome to you both, Napalm, Devion." his voice resounds incredibly in the cavern, dwarfing that of the other phoenix on all counts. "It is good that you return again, but as usual it is not good news we are brought."
   "This is true, Eldest Phoenix." Napalm starts. "I bear a message I hoped never to bring...hoped that no phoenix, mortal, or vaporous apparition should ever bring...." Napalm takes a deep breath before continuing. "Eldest Phoenix, it is with the most deep and profound sorry and regret that I inform you...our most ancient and hated enemy....is again among us." There is a pause, ending just as the last resonating note of his voice fades. "Morlong lives...." All save Napalm and Blue give a squack of shocked
surprise, even the Eldest Phoenix, his eyes growing noticably larger at the news.
   Phibius says, "That's impossible, we defeated him."
   Without turning Napalm speaks, "I assure you Phibius, it is most possible." Phibius fumbles for some words. "In fact..." Napalm goes on while Phibius for once cannot find his usually free tongue, "I have my own theory as to how this has been achieved...and how he plans to continue to survive beyond his time."
   "Impossible, he is mortal and should have died"
   The Eldest Phoenix collected himself quickly and indicates a good point by Phibius. "Yet you forget Phibius, what was it I taught you about Morlong, the last thing he researched before we found and destroyed him? Do you forget so soon? You were present, not to mention reminded only a meer millenia ago in our discussions."
   "I remember them. But I didn't think that it was truely possible"
   "Phoenix do not lie, Phibius. If Napalm says that Morlong is alive, then we may rest assured it is most possible. Please continue Napalm."
   Blue blinks and thinks when the Eldest Phoenix says that they don't lie.
   Napalm nods, "If it pleases you Eldest, I would like to tell the story in a more complete fashion, so you will come to know how this knowledge was acquired and why I believe what I do." The Elder Phoenix indicates that he should continue with a wave of his massive wing. Napalm begins to recount their story, in truely impressive detail, starting with the first attack in the forest. The Elder Phoenix stops him as the name SunFire is mentioned.
   "SunFire...I know that name....It has changed over time but I still recognize it.
   Blue looks at the elder Phoenix, "I'm a SunFire."
   "Ahh, you, little one. I had wondered what part you might have to play in all this."
   "Blue Heeler SunFire at your service." The Elder phoenix stands and bows, this time obviously to the dog. Blue returns the bow.
   "It is a true honor to have one of the noble SunFire among us again."
   "Thank you. All I know of your race I've learned from my friend, Napalm; but your's is a very honorable race."
   "Thank you, SunFire, you honor us again." The Eldest Phoenix smiles in that strange avian manner. "We feared your line destroyed. We are pleased to find we are mistaken about this. Obvoiusly your gifts have not diminished either. Or else you would not have arrived here."
   "The gifts are still intact; as well as, some additions that were manipulated into the geneline.
   "If I may, Eldest," Napalm carefully interupts. "I should continue to explain, there is much of his history reavealed in this as well." The Eldest Phoenix nods and resumes his seat. Napalm nods in return and continues on, still in great, almost, tedious detail. The Eldest merely nods at each passing fact. When he reaches the start of the fight here he ends stating "..and then we came here, through the lava tubes as usual."
   "So, that is what happened to Angel..." the Eldest comments, "her loss diminishes us all. We cannot abide this attack upon us and there can be no doubt that it is indeed Morlong we are dealing with. I will summon all the phoenix to meet and discuss this before we act further. We have much work to do. In the meantime I suggest you, honorable SunFire, enjoy the seldom used areas of sleep and refreshment used by your ancestors so long ago, I assure you they are still in perfect condition."
   "Thank you." Blue bows. The Eldest indicates that all except Phibius are excused and waits until the others have left before issueing Phibuis the command to summon the others. Blue followws Napalm to the area he's staying in. As they clear the hall, Napalm and Devion assume their mortal forms again.
   "Ugh...I always hate going back to this body...functional, but..somehow constricting." Napalm comments.
   "HEY, I happen to like this body." Blue retorts. "Of course it's the only one I have."
   "Yes, I don't mean to belittle your opinion, but you don't know its like to be a phoenix. It is a feeling I have not felt in any other form. But perhaps it is just the feeling of one in their natural form......" he trails off.
   "There probably is a natural feeling for one's true form."
   "Well," Devion states. "I'm going to head to my quarters and see what I can come up with to aid us in this." Napalm nods to Dev and watches as he walks off.
   "Thanks again Devion." Blue calls after the departing owl.
   "Yes..." Napalm comments again, "well, I have quarters here as well, but little enough to help us in this. The machines of war I and our architect have built are all I work on, and I need him to complete construction on our latest. I suppose I'll show you to yours."
   "Okay." the dog waves for the wolf to lead on. Napalm leads off down a smaller passage made of lovely carved stone. "Unless you would like me to stay around."
   "Stay around where?"
   "AH, nevermind, I don't think I have the knowledge to help you in any way. Lead on to my quarters." Napalm nods and continues, arriving at a large and intricate stone door. He places a paw on the door and mutters a few words, a soft green glow flowing from his palm to the door, and it swing open. Blue steps in to find a surprisingly bright and airy feeling room. The well kept tapestries depecit long ago battles with the ancient SunFire herald desplayed on them. The furnature would cost a king's ransome anywhere else. The four poster white oak bed occupies one wall, while a desk and washbasen occupy another. He turns to see a wardrobe on the third wall. He walks in on the plush carpet looking around. "Nice"
   "Well, we wouldn't want to be accused of being poor hosts. We have a reputation you know." Napalm smiles warmly. Blue chuckles. Napalm notices an old water clock on the elaborate oak and cherry desk.
   "Well, I'm tired. I've been baked, dried, and submurged." Blue walks over to another door, looking in gives a cheer. "But first I think a bath is in order."
   "Yes, and it is getting late, besides, it will take the others a good 9 hours to gather the others. You will want to be present at the meeting."
   The dog looks slyly at Napalm, "but do you think there is warm water here?"
   Napalm laughs out loud. "If not I think I can help arrange some."
   "I think I can to." Blue steps in the room and fills up the oak bathtub with water. Napalm stays out in the main room, looking over the various items, not really paying attention to them, but losing himself in thought as he does. The dog comes out about 20 mins later, and plops on the bed. "Ahhhh, I feel better now."
   "I should let you sleep, my friend. I'll return in the morning to help you prepare for the meeting. It should be entertaining."
   Blue yawns, "Well, don't forget to bring some food with you, some of us mortals have to eat."
   Napalm points to a small button next to a table. "Push that and tell it what you want." Napalm grins.
   Blue notices it as sleep comes quickly. "Okay, see you later." He falls into a deep sleep.
   Napalm smiles warmly, looking at his sleeping friend. "Sleep well, my friend." He seems about to add to the sentance but for some reason stops and leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Napalm walks thoughtfully down the hallway. He walks without thought of where he is going and doesnt really care. He emerges into the main entrance chamber without much thinking and starts to turn towards the passage that will eventually lead to his rooms.
   "Napalm," Phibius motions over as Napalm is jolted out of his thoughts. "The Eldest would like a word with you." He starts walking, then stops and turns. "Why are you hanging around with a mortal anyway. Who is he really."
   "He is who he says he is, and he is my friend. All the rest you heard when I spoke to the Eldest."
   Phibius looks up and down Napalm. "You are spending too much time with the mortals, you even keep their form here. Really a SunFire? I thougth they had all died out or were weakend" Napalm looks down, forgetting that he was in his terrestrial form. He shifts back quickly. "That's much better. As I said, the Eldest would like a word with you"
   "You are too hard on mortals Phibius, always have been. When you consider that they only have a meer 80 years on average to aquire and pass on all that they know, they do very well. We can learn much from them." Napalm begins walking toward the Elder Phoenix's study.
   Phibius grunts, "Yeah right. We know so much more then them, have so much more power and control. What can they do in their short lives that we haven't done and perfected?" He walks slowly towards the chamber as they talk.
   "I'll remind you that Morlong is a mortal. If we are so perfect, why does he still live?"
   Phibius lets out a slight avian noise at that statement. "He has learned too much of our ways, the same could be true of your 'friend' there."
   "Morlong? He didn't learn how to steal life and animate the dead from us. It is obvious he can do both now. As to my friend, he is to be trusted completely. He is every bit a SunFire, and the reputation and esteem given his ancestors is due every bit to him as well. I have known him long enough to attest to that personally."
   Phibius walks a bit in silence. Napalm smiles a bit. Phibius seldom could out whit him, despite his supposed talents in public speaking.
   "Does your friend possess ALL of the supposed SunFire powers?"
   "I'm not certain. What was the complete list of powers the orignal SunFire was given?
   Phibius looks at Napalm with a grin. "Well, the SunFire's have an immunity to fire, and bright light. They have the ability to create a miniture version of a sun for a limited duration. They can regulate their body temperature in cold weather. They can create a colour show that dazzles and confuses people. And, they can start fires given tinder."
   "Then yes, the powers are 100% intact." Napalm stops at the door to the study, waiting for Phibius to act. Phibius growls a little, then opens the door usuring Napalm in.
   "He's expecting you." Napalm walks in and bows to the Eldest Phoenix, who motions that he take one of the specially designed seats around the table. He nods also to Devion as he takes a seat across from him.
   "I see."
   "Napalm, Devion," the Eldest starts, "we have some time before the others arrive. I wish to first have a full update on the SunFire. What is the strength of his inherited powers at present?"
   "As far as I can tell, 100% Eldest."
   The Eldest nods as Phibius moves behind him and listens in. "Very well, his powers could be useful if we need to infiltrate Morlongs new stronghold....once we find it of course. Now, what about this dread mage you two encountered. Anything new to report?"
   "Nothing that I observed. We didn't give him enough time to cast many spells, so it is possible they have a wider array than previously."
   "I must agree." Devion chimes in. "Napalm disabled him quickly and we thought it best to finish it off while it was thus weakened."
   "Very well." the Eldest continues. "We shall assume it's powers have been increased, it would be consistent with Morlong's past performance and what little we know of him now. What is the state of the war engines we used in that assualt on Morlong's last stronghold Phibius?"
   "They are still in good condition, but if the armies have been increased, we might want to modify them." Phibius responds.
   "Most definitely, what improvements have you come up with Napalm, this was partially your invention.?"
   "I myself have come up with little, as you recall it was my job of aiming them, adjusting for wind variances and such. However, Cambric mentioned a more efficient design for the power funnel after the last battle. Though it has never been tested it is supposed to be able to punch through a force shield of twice the strenght used on Morlongs last stronghold."
   "Good, see if you can have that tested. If we can't get inside the forcefield, magical or otherwise, as there is little doubt he will be using modern technologies as well, we will not me able to mount any offensive at all. Morlong learned long ago not to keep any open flames in his castles." All present chuckle in remembrace.
   "That scar Angel gave him really ticked him off." Devion states. All laughter ceases at the mention of her name. Devion looks appropriately embarressed.
   "It is just as well. So, we are to assume Angel is in his hands now?" Napalm nods slowly. "Very well. Then, assuming he still has not found a way to kill us yet, we will assume she is capitive, doubtlessly being tortured." Napalm stiffens at this but turns back to the Eldest. "Well, Napalm, you and the SunFire seem to be good at gathering information. When he awakens take him and search some more of the Awardings facilities. I will trust your judgement and that of the SunFire as to exact procedures. I will make you informed of any developments when you return. Devion, devote your time to researching the new explosive you explosives you mentioned...at your place." There is another ripple of laughter, but it dies quickly. "Take care young ones. I don't want any of you becoming The First. Good fortune." Napalm and Devion stand, bow and depart together. As they leave they hear Phibius say something in a rather heated tone though its difficult to make out. The Eldest's deeper,
more resonating tones answer it, but the study was designed to muffle and distort sound so even his words cannont be understood. Napalm and Devion shrink to their mortal form, Devion's glasses reappearing on his beak. They each exchange a knowing look before heading off together down the hallway.