Phoenix Tales: Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Truths Revealed1

Jackor laughed coldly as he stared down at his latest victim. “Aren’t you a pretty little thing?” He looked down at the woman and pulled out his sword; it’s tip lying against her throat. “Very pretty.”  He reached down to touch the woman’s cheek seeing the pearl tears stream down it. “UNHAND HER THIS INSTANT!” Jackor and several of his men turned towards the elf lord. “What do you want? WE found her first!” He kicked the woman down again and she cried out painfully, curling up into a ball. “Leave her alone. If it’s a fight you want…come after me.” Phoenix shivered in her ball, /No Hyacinthe…don’t do this!/  Hycinthe pulled out his own sword, /I must Phoe…I should have protected you long before now./ He went into the ‘guard’ position his brown eyes flickering with a gold hue. “Are you going to stand there all day or do you want to dance with the Sadist?” Jackor growled and charged after him, “I’ll teach YOU TO MESS WITH LORD JACKOR!” Hyacinthe grinned and lightly stepped aside, slamming his elbow into Jackor’s back as he ran past him. Jackor’s back gave a sickening crack and Hyacinthe turned to the others. “Anyone else want a taste?” Two armed men charged forward one coming from behind and one from the front. ‘This should be fun,’ thought the Sadist to himself. He sliced at one man’s head and leapt into the air letting the other man’s momentum fall on the sliced one’s blade. As the other’s turned to flee Hyacinthe raised his hands and aimed directly toward the running group. “DARK ARROW!” A huge mass of energy blasted at the men, causing them to fall to the ground either in ashes, or burned alive.2

As he came down he ran over to Phoenix’s curled up form. “Phoe…are you ok?” He gently picked her up and she laughed quietly, “That’s a good question…one I’m not sure I know the answer to.” He shook his head and looked over her for wounds. She lay quietly in his arms as he ran his hand over her chest. “You got a couple of cracked ribs and a bruised one…but other than that you’re ok.” He looked down at his young queen and smiled gently. “Were you worried about me?” Phoenix grinned a little, “Me? Of course!” She leaned closer to him and kissed him gently on the lips. “Why wouldn’t I?” He laughed, “Oh I don’t know…maybe for once you’d think I could take care of myself!”3

She laughed and the winced at the cracked ribs, Hyacinthe picked her up slowly and carried her in his arms. “You, on the other hand, need to be taken care of.” He looked her dead in the eye, “Don’t deny that you’re not hungry. I can sense it.” He felt her shiver in his arms. “Don’t worry…take mine.” She looked up at him startled, “But…” He looked around and found a place to a sit by a stream away from where the blood had been shed. “Shh…no buts. You need my energy for once.” He kissed her forehead. “I promised to protect you once…I don’t intend to break that promise, Phoenix.” She wrapped her arms around his neck gently, and he in response held her close running his hands down her back lightly. “Go on…” She shivered a little and leaned close to his throat, “I’m sorry if I hurt you Hyacinthe.” She kissed his throat gently before kissing it again sinking her lengthened canines into it. Hyacinthe held her possessively in his arms, afraid that if he let go she might stop. He felt some of his precious warmth flood into her body, her skin warm to the touch, and softer than anything he had felt before. She fed on his blood, careful never to take too much, for it was true what she had often told him in her dreams. She loved him as deep as any other woman could. Although she was sorry when she pulled away, she was content with her control. She licked the wound clean and she watched it heal before she curled herself closer to Hyacinthe, tucking her head under his chin. He held her close and tucked her hair away from her face behind her ear. “Better now?” She nodded tiredly. “Shh…sleep now. I’ll keep you safe, loved one.” He looked up at the nearly totally dark moon and sighed gently. Her skin felt so much softer in this realm than in the one of dreams…but he would never hurt her. He ran his hand down her back and silently slipped into her dreams.4

Meanwhile…5

Anjiru and Angelus were talking quietly, Angelus sitting in Anjiru’s lap looking up at the distant moon. “I wonder what happened to Phoenix. She never had a chance to tell us.” Anjiru shrugged and kissed Angelus’ cheek lightly. “Come now…what is it you want to know? You knew she would be alone for 2000 years what makes you think anythin’ happened?” Angelus turned his head to look at Anjiru. “Because she didn’t say a thing about Hyacinthe until I brought him up while we were talking.” Anjiru looked puzzled. “What does he have to do with anything?” Angelus sighed, “That’s what I want to know…” Vin walked toward them soon followed by Magi, “And something I might be able to explain in terms you may understand for once.” Angelus glared at him, “Hey cut it with the cracks for once…tell us.” Magi shrugged. “It’s quite simple really. They are soul-mates.” Anjiru cocked up his eyebrow, “Eh? They’re what?” Magi sighed and sat down leaning against a tree. “Soul-mates. Ones bound at the soul to a degree that they know what the other is feeling, thinking, and doing. Often times this takes several millennia to find a soul-mate, but once found it is often said that when found one will find true happiness.” Angelus remained silent a moment and then looked at Magi, “I got that part…but…who exactly IS Hyacinthe?” Magi looked at them both. “Do you truly wish to hear this? Because if you do you must swear never to tell another soul about it.”6

Angelus and Anjiru nodded, “Now tell us who is he?” Magi crossed his arms, “Be prepared…this may take awhile.”7

“Hyacinthe Maroic is the High Lord of the Tsingini. Youngest son of Slasuna Maroic and Reliciel Tranguna, Hyacinthe is next in line for the King of the Elements.” Angelus’ eyes opened wide. “SAY WHAT?!?” Magi grinned. “Each Element is ruled by a King or Queen as you all know.” Anjiru nodded but still looked puzzled by the whole thing,  “Yes, but does that mean that Hyacinthe is the ruler of ALL the Elements?” Magi nodded, “Yes…but he cannot rule.” Angelus sat up looking startled, “Wait I’m confused…why not?” Vin moved closer to Magi looking at the two angels. “If you would be QUIET I will explain.” Angelus looked sullen. “I’m sorry.” Magi looked at him, “Apology accepted, now back to what I was saying…” Anjiru rested his head on Angelus’ shoulder and whispered quietly in his ear. “I suggest we shut up and let him talk.” Angelus nodded and turned his full attention to Magi. “It is often shown that a Queen is more powerful than a King when it comes to the Elements, probably because they can create life as well as take it away. Well there was once a time when ALL the Elements were ruled over by a select King and Queen. Now it is nearing that time again for them all to be bound to one King and Queen…but this can only occur with a pair. Can either of you guess why?” Anjiru thought for a moment. “Because a female is more susceptible to fall before men but can create strength in numbers more easily and can learn new elements easier?” Magi blinked and looked at Angelus, “Where did you get him again? He is quite right.” Angelus shrugged, “I told you he’s wiser that most people would think for his age.” Magi shrugged, “Alright then, as Anjiru said they have to be a pair. Yet there is a catch to this said pair…as you know Angelus, it is usually the ruler of the element who chooses his or her Chosen.” Angelus nodded and reached for Anjiru’s hand. “Of course…we are both Kings in our elements but we chose each other as our own Chosen.” Magi nodded, “Yes well in this case…the King alone chooses his Queen. Never the other way around, the results would be…a bit catastrophic. You see, the Elemental Kings have a unique ability to find a match for themselves…whether she is an Elemental or not. It appears as though Hyacinthe had chosen Phoenix as his Queen…now there is another twist to all this.” Magi looked at the two, “Remember Hyacinthe said he knew her through her dreams before she met Sky, and yet after she met Sky she fell in love with him. Hyacinthe had let her go find love as well…just to make sure she was his and his alone.” Angelus looked at Magi, “Wait…didn’t Hyacinthe say he was at Phoenix’s birth?” Magi nodded slowly and looked back at Angelus, “Yes…he felt a connection from wherever in his mind he had drifted…to Phoenix. He’s been bound to her at the soul…and always has…he’s just been waiting for her to reincarnate to her present form.” Anjiru hesitated a moment before wrapping his arms Angelus, “How long did he have to wait? And…is there a real reason why she’s a virgin still to this day?” Magi sighed quietly and pulled out his black book, the Book of the Magi. “He has been waiting several millennia for this young Queen. And the reason she had to remain a virgin? It’s been prophesized that the Queen of the Elements shall be crowned as such…and there is a little quirk in Phoenix’s bloodline, on her mother’s side to be exact too.” Magi’s eyebrow twitched, “You know a bit of how painful it is for women to give birth right? Well double it.” Angelus raised an eyebrow, “Say what? Wait you mean to tell me that Phoenix is going to have TWINS the first time around?” Magi nodded, “That’s right…” Angelus sat up, “But Phoe doesn’t have a twin!” Magi grinned, “No she doesn’t…somewhere wandering this world…she has a set of twin brothers…or rather their reincarnations.” Anjiru stared at Magi, “Wait…reincarnations?” Angelus hesitated a moment before asking his question, “We’re the twin brothers aren’t we?” Magi set his book down and raised his hands, “Calm down, Angelus is right you’re her twin brothers…the reason why they died is because they loved each other more than just in a brotherly way…and were killed by Phoenix’s great-great-great grandmother…who never tolerated Phoenix’s mother to begin with. But Phoenix’s mother loved you both, she, along with Crystal, brought it to the attention of all the Clan that it doesn’t matter who loves who, it’s love.” Angelus and Anjiru looked at each other then back at Magi and said in unison, “Who was Phoenix’s mother?” Magi sighed, “I cannot tell you that. It is forbidden by all of the Elemental Queens and Kings to even utter. All I can tell you is that she was stripped of her power much too young…and that she would have been a promising Queen of Fire…considering what she was. Perhaps Hyacinthe and Phoenix will raise that ban when they finally rule. I hope this is so…it is time for Phoenix to know the truth about her mother…not the half-truths told to her. I don’t even think she remembers her…but we are drifting off topic.” Angelus stood up. “But…alright…but we WILL ask Hyacinthe about this.” Magi nodded in agreement, “I would love to hear the truth finally revealed, but do you now understand who Hyacinthe is?” Anjiru nodded from the ground and closed his eyes for a moment, “Indeed this reveals much to me. But I must ask,” he opened his eyes and looked at them all, “Will Phoenix accept Hyacinthe? And if she does…when will he ask her to be his?”8

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Dawn shown down on Phoenix and Hyacinthe’s sleeping forms, causing ripples of fire to run through Phoenix’s hair as the light moved through it. Hyacinthe stirred as it began to shine on top of them and opened his eyes to look at Phoenix’s still sleeping form clinging to him as though she were scared he would disappear. He smiled gently watching her sleep. He had found his true Queen…but would this Queen accept him? He ran his hand down her cheek gently hoping not to wake her. ‘She looks happy when she sleeps…as though she has no care in the world and the burdens of the past no longer exist.’ She stirred a little only to press herself closer to Hyacinthe. He ran his hand through her long hair and held her protectively. In the distance he thought he heard the sound of horses…that is until it came closer. Hyacinthe hesitated and then moved, not enough to wake her, but enough to stand with her in his arms. She shivered gently slowly waking as the hoof beats moved closer. “What’s going on Hyacinthe?” He slowly eased her into a standing position. “Someone is coming Phoenix, I need you to find someplace safe…I don’t want you getting hurt.” She looked up at him, “Hyacinthe…” He looked down at her and was surprised as Phoenix kissed him. “I’m not leaving you alone out here when I know I could help!” She looked at him her eyes reflecting an emotion he hadn’t seen in a long time…love. “I’m not leaving deserting another love again.” He nodded a little and then tugged at her chin, “Promise me you won’t get hurt. I don’t want to loose you.” She smiled gently her fangs somewhat extended although not noticeable unless you looked her full in the face, “I’ll never leave you…I promise that to you.” He kissed her forehead, her eyes, her cheeks, the tip of her nose, to that full, willing mouth. “I’m glad you say that Phoenix…” Then, he heard a horse rear and turned to look who had decided who had brought the cavalry.  10

A man sat atop of a magnificent palomino stallion, the stallion’s mane blowing in the new morning’s wind. “Where is the woman? The supposed cause of a massacre that happened last night destroying an entire band of my troops?”   Hyacinthe raised an eyebrow and looked to his side out of the corner of his eye and saw where Phoenix had been a gorgeous copper-colored Arabian mare. “Woman, milord? It is just my horse and I out on a small trip to the next town.” The stallion fidgeted underneath the man. “I see you ride a mare…any reason as to why?” Hyacinthe grinned at the stallion’s fidgeting, ‘Ah…now I see what you are trying to do…instead of being a cat you turned yourself into something that would agitate the man to leave…good girl.’ “My lord, she was a gift from my mother, I never refuse a gift from her, besides she’s tall enough for me and fast.” The man smirked then and Phoenix had a thought run through her mind, ‘Uh-oh, he’s gonna put a wager on a race…and if he wins he’ll get me!’ “I have a wager for you…” Hyacinthe read Phoenix’s mind even though she hadn’t sent it telepathically. /Shh…calm yourself Phoenix…I’ll never let him take you./ “What’s the wager?” The man, being shrewd, hopped off his horse and strode over to them. “I challenge you to a race my good sir. Your mare against my stallion. If you win we shall provide you and your horse safe passage to your destination…I assume you also companions a ways off so we will pick them up on the way.” Hyacinthe raised an eyebrow and then narrowed his eyes. “And if I loose?” The man smirked and moved his hand to touch Phoenix’s neck and she snapped her teeth at him, her nostrils flaring in anger. “I wouldn’t touch her milord, she’s mean to anyone but me and my companions.” The man growled, “If you loose…I get your mare.” Hyacinthe looked at Phoenix, “You think you could do it girl?” Phoenix tossed her head and nickered softly, What other choice do we have? He patted her nose. “You’re on…but before we race…what would be milord’s name?” The man mock-bowed to Hyacinthe, “The name is Timozel. I serve under his grace, the reigning Duke Darkax.” Hyacinthe looked startled and felt in his heart, Phoenix wanting to run in fear. /No love no! Listen to my voice…everything will be alright Phoenix. I won’t let him take you!/ Phoenix shuffled behind him and laid her head on his shoulder and he absently stroked her nose sending waves of calm to her. “What’s the matter with the mare?” Hyacinthe looked at Timozel, “She is just a little agitated…she doesn’t usually like racing stallions.” Timozel nodded and went back to his horse. “Mount up stranger…we race from here…to the Ancient Willow…it’s a 2 mile race…are you ready?” Hyacinthe patted Phoenix’s cheek gently and mounted onto her back. She sidestepped unused to the weight on her back and looked back at him. /Next time…I ride. Just guide me with your knees and one more thing, make sure that stallion doesn’t get close to me./ “Let’s run…or do you not want to dance anymore?” Hyacinthe eased Phoenix into a trot. “Ready girl?” She stomped her hoof to the ground. /Ready as I’ll ever be…hold on tight./ One of the Timozel’s soldiers brought out his sword. “At the drop of my blade…the race shall begin.” Hyacinthe felt Phoenix tense underneath him and felt as though everything had just slowed down as the blade fell. Suddenly he felt as though he had been blasted from a cannon as Phoenix went into a full gallop out pacing the stallion by several feet that quickly turned into yards. Hyacinthe looked behind him and saw Phoenix’s tail flying like a defiant flag in the dust. “So far so good…let’s hope they don’t know any shortcuts.” Phoenix neighed in reply and continued her speed until they were almost there before she slowed herself down to a trot her sides heaving with exhaustion. Hyacinthe slid off her back and ran his hand down her sweat-streaked neck. “Shh…don’t worry dear one…we’re almost there turn into something so that you can rest awhile…I’ll carry you awhile.” She nickered tiredly and turned into a small tabby cat and hopped into his waiting arms.  Hyacinthe absently ran his hand down her back feeling the soft coat, and heard something he wasn’t used to hearing…a purr.  He smiled and then walked on not seeing much change in scenery other than the fact the trees began to grow taller, and the woods darker. Phoenix stirred when it was nearly pitch where they were standing. /I’ll turn back into my other form…you can’t see what I can./  Hyacinthe nodded in agreement, afterall a vampire could see more than a Tsingini when it comes to natural darkness. She leapt out of his arms, careful not to claw him and turned herself back into a horse and nosed him. /Come on…I hear him./ Hyacinthe’s eyes widened and he swung onto her back and she was once again galloping at full speed…and they both heard the sound of galloping hooves behind them. “Come on Phoe!” Phoenix quickly lengthened her stride turning it into a flat out run. The wind from the speed whipped into his face but he clung on to her mane as they raced off. Timozel urged his mount on and soon they were upon each other…racing neck and neck. Timozel grinned and swatted at Phoenix with the tip of his sword trying to make her stumble, except that Hyacinthe caught the blade. “Now that isn’t very nice…” He flipped the blade out and tossed aside into the rows of trees and the race began in earnest. He leaned closer to Phoenix feeling her heaving heart and harsh breathing. “Come on Phoe…you can do it…only a couple more yards…and then we’ll be home free.” He felt Phoenix’s muscles bundle beneath him…and soon he felt like he was flying in the wind…and realized that Phoenix was moving so fast that it appeared as though her feet never touched the ground. He wrapped his arms around her neck and whispered encouragements into her mind, since telling her would be useless now because the wind would carry his voice away.  She snorted at his encouragements and leapt over an incoming log into a wide meadow…there stood the old willow. She raced on until she was right against it, her sides heaving with the work. Hyacinthe slid off her back and rubbed her neck and watched Timozel ride up his own stallion in much worse shape. “You’re right, that one is a fast lady. How about we trade instead?” Hyacinthe growled defensively. “Nope…you named your bargain and it’s time you paid up. Me and my lady here shall go locate our companions and you and your men shall meet us at this meadow at sunset.” 11

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Anjiru and Angelus were practicing with their swords when Hyacinthe found the group again. Phoenix was trembling with the effort to keep still as he slid off. “My lady, turn into your true self…your too weak to keep that form.” She trembled and Hyacinthe caught her before she hit the ground, her fiery red hair covering her face. “Rest now my Queen…rest.” Hyacinthe’s soothing and gentle voice allowed Phoenix to drift into slumber without being disturbed when he moved to set her down gently on the ground. Suddenly he felt two blades at his throat and he looked up to see Angelus and Anjiru’s sword hilts. “What did you do to Phoenix?” Hyacinthe blinked a moment from the glare of the swords and the sunlight and looked at the angels. “She’s tired because she was forced into a race that saved us the trouble of traveling by night and being over taken by anyone.” Magi was leaning against a tree nearby studying his book, Vin and Marie at his feet playing with one another. “And why would we want to get moving so soon, my lord?” Hyacinthe took a look at him sidelong. “Because…the Day is nearing Magi.” Angelus looked between Magi and Hyacinthe never moving his sword. “What day?” Anjiru pulled away his sword gently and looked between Phoenix and Hyacinthe a moment. “Your Prophesy tells you something is coming…a Day of Reckoning I suppose.” Hyacinthe smirked a little, “You could say that…if you were in Phoenix’s shoes.” He closed his eyes a moment and bowed his head. “The anniversary of the destruction of the Michinazyu is approaching rapidly. Phoenix and I have discovered that her Father still lives and now resides as a local Duke.” His eyes shot open, “I also have sensed that Carmellia has returned to the land of the Living…and more powerful than before.” Angelus removed his sword and looked heavenward. “We’re screwed.” Magi remained quiet and then spoke his thoughts aloud; “You’re going to bind yourself to Phoenix before then aren’t you? That’s why you have been trying to keep as close to her now as ever. If Phoenix reigns as Queen…” Hyacinthe smiled, “Then those two would have to face entire Elemental Court. And there is another reason I want to move as quickly as possible.” Anjiru cocked an eyebrow; “Don’t tell me you want her in your bed THAT badly do you?” Hyacinthe glared at Anjiru, “This soon? No I don’t, but the sooner we get my Queen to her proper place, the quicker she can reach her full potential as a Elemental Queen.” Magi looked up startled a moment, “You mean she will be able to awaken her mother’s heritage as well as her own? Fire and Ice bound into one being alone?” Angelus nodded a second, “I see…you forgot an Element Magi…” They all looked at him startled. “Phoenix knows one other element…Anezka taught her in secret before she died among the others of the clan.” He looked at the others, “The Queen of Wind has started to teach the True Elemental Queen what was her birthright to know…ALL the Elements.” Hyacinthe stood slowly looking at Angelus, “I know…She has the potential in every single form. But one I fear…yes there is one side of her that I will fear.” Magi smirked a little. “Can I take a guess…your scared she will learn something that a woman should never control.” He looked up a little, “For why should one who gives life…take it as well?”13

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Darkax smirked at a small ebon mirror. “My my my…this is certainly about to turn our plans a bit…don’t you agree Carmellia?” Carmellia sank down by his side, her long black hair falling in waves down her back, her outfit revealing much of her ivory skin beneath. “Indeed…but do not worry my lord…the War is about to begin as planned.” A servant stepped into the room saluting to the two, “Your Grace, the Necromancer has arrived as ordered.” Darkax smiled deviously and laughed coldly, his blood red eyes glowing with an insane glint, “Come Carmellia…it’s time to play a game. After all…there is one weakness Phoenix has…that we can manipulate anyway possible.” Carmellia raised a perfectly crafted eyebrow, “And what is that, my liege?”  He laughed and looked back at the image in the ebon mirror, Phoenix’s image appeared in it and Darkax ran his finger down her cheek. “The answer is quite simple…it’s Death itself.”15