The Phoenix soul: A legend Arises

Chapter 11 "Unwanted Gifts"

Lynx trailed Prince Thrain from a distance, deviating from his intended path home. His curiosity got the better of him. As he turned a corner, he spotted thugs surrounding Thrain.

"Those scum," Lynx muttered, recognizing the group. He'd crossed paths with them before.

The thugs mocked Thrain, their leader sneering, "You think you're tough? The weakest of the three princes, and those rumors about your defeats? All lies. Let's teach him a lesson."

Thrain's eyes flashed with warning. "You shouldn't have done that."

A flicker of flame danced in Thrain's gaze, but the thugs didn't flinch.

With a snarl, they charged forward.

Thrain's breathing grew ragged, his anger simmering. The thugs' disrespect towards Ryker ignited a fierce fury within him. He knew this wasn't the right way to harness his powers - letting anger consume him would only lead to chaos. But Thrain couldn't shake off the rage.

His right hand, the focal point of his power, trembled with restrained energy. Golden veins pulsed beneath his skin.

Just as Thrain's control began to slip, Lynx burst onto the scene, unleashing blasts of flames that sent the thugs scrambling. They dodged and weaved, avoiding the inferno.

"This brat! Damn you, Lynx!" one thug snarled, recognizing their new adversary. "The universe must be smiling on us, delivering two prize punching bags at once!" Another thug chuckled, "Looks like our luck's changed – we get to beat up royalty and the infamous Flamebringer!"

The sudden commotion shattered Thrain's rage, and with it, the golden vein that had surfaced beneath his skin disappeared from view. He watched, fascinated, as it vanished. His breathing steadied as Lynx intervened.

"Easy, Prince," Lynx said with a sly grin, "step back and enjoy the show. I've had the pleasure of acquainting these thugs with the pavement before. Consider it a repeat performance."

Lynx's confident tone and fluid movements reassured Thrain, who nodded and took a step back, his eyes still fixed on the spot where the golden vein had briefly appeared. He wondered what it meant. His eyes shifted to lynx.

—--

Lynx stood tall, then slammed his left foot into the ground, He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and whispered, "Reminisce on your wildest experience, bring forth the anger, let it take control."

Thrain's eyes narrowed, intrigued by Lynx's words.

"The bastard's using that mode again!" one thug shouted, recognizing the signs. The group unleashed a barrage of flames, but Lynx had already moved.

With lightning speed, he sidestepped the inferno and grasped a balcony railing, using the momentum to swing onto the wall. A string of sparks danced across the stone as he dodged the flames with ease.

Lynx landed gracefully before the thugs, his fists clenched. His eyes snapped open, now a deep, fiery red, like polished pyrope. The darkness around his irises seemed to deepen, as if the very embers of his soul were burning brighter.

The thugs charged, flames dancing at their fingertips. Lynx met them head-on.

A flurry of punches and kicks erupted, Lynx's movements a blur as he wove between the thugs' attacks. He caught a flaming fist and twisted, using the thug's momentum against him.

A swift kick sent another thug crashing into the wall. Lynx seized the opening, delivering a rapid combination of strikes that left the thug crumpling to the ground.

As the last thug lunged forward, Lynx grabbed his wrist and spun him around, slamming him into the stone floor. The thug's flames fizzled out as he lost consciousness.

In mere moments, the thugs lay defeated, their flames extinguished. Lynx stood victorious, his chest heaving with exertion.

Thrain watched, awestruck by Lynx's fluid movements and mastery of combat. "How do you do it, Lynx?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lynx's gaze locked onto Thrain, his pyrope-like eyes gleaming. "Pyrope Mode, Prince," he said, his voice low and husky. "Experience is just a catalyst for its true potential."

"We should get out of here," Thrain said, his gaze drifting towards the newcomers, their menacing presence spreading like a stain.

Lynx nodded curtly. "Follow me, I know a shortcut."

Without waiting, Lynx took off, his legs devouring the distance. Thrain hastened to keep up, but Lynx's speed was astonishing. His long strides left Thrain struggling to match the pace.

Thrain's breath quickened, his heart pounding in his chest. "Lynx, slow down!" he called out, but Lynx didn't relent.

They weaved through narrow alleys, Lynx's agility allowing him to navigate the tight spaces with ease. Thrain stumbled, his feet faltering, but Lynx's grasp on his arm steadied him.

"Keep up, Prince!" Lynx shouted over his shoulder, his pyrope-like eyes gleaming with intensity.

Thrain gritted his teeth, forcing himself to maintain the breakneck pace. Sweat beaded on his brow as they burst through the winding streets, leaving the thugs and danger behind.

Just when Thrain thought he'd collapse from exhaustion, Lynx halted abruptly, pulling Thrain into a secluded courtyard.

"We're clear," Lynx said, his chest heaving, though his eyes still shone with a hint of Pyrope Mode's lingering energy.

Thrain doubled over, gasping for air. "Next time... warn me... before sprinting."

Lynx chuckled, his grin mischievous. "No promises, Prince."

Sparks immediately flickered out from Lynx's eyes, and their fiery intensity returned to normal. His stance faltered, and he swayed.

"What's happening?" Thrain asked, swiftly grasping Lynx's arm to steady him.

Lynx's voice was laced with fatigue. "Oh, it's nothing important, just the side effects of using Pyrope. It grants you great strength but leaves you weak afterwards. That's why it's only used as a last resort."

He paused, taking a deep breath. "I'm actually surprised you kept up the pace with me while I was in Pyrope mode.

Lynx smiled weakly, regaining his balance. I'm good to walk now, thank you, Prince," Lynx said.

Thrain released his grip, watching as Lynx took a cautious step forward. "You sure you're okay?"

Lynx nodded. "Just need to recharge. Pyrope Mode takes a lot out of me, but I'm fine Prince"

"Drop the royal titles, Lynx. Just call me Thrain, unless we're not alone," Thrain replied.

"Alright, Thrain!" Lynx replied, his voice squeaking slightly.

Thrain fell into step beside Lynx, matching his slower pace. "We should find a safe place for you to rest."

Lynx nodded, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "I know a place nearby."

Thrain's expression turned stern. "No," he said sharply. "You're coming with me to the Palace."

Lynx's footsteps faltered, his gaze locking onto Thrain's resolute face. "You can't be serious," he said, a hint of incredulity creeping into his voice. "I've never set foot in the Palace. And wouldn't my presence there...complicate things for you?" His tone was laced with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

Thrain's expression remained unyielding, his features chiseled from granite. "No, it wouldn't," he stated, his voice firm and devoid of emotion, leaving no room for debate or questioning.

—---

As they approached the grand entrance of the Palace, the imposing gates swung open, revealing two stern-faced guards. Their eyes swept over Lynx, their gazes lingering with disdain.

"What's this?" one guard sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "A peasant accompanying Your Highness?"

The other guard snickered, eyeing Lynx's worn attire. "Looks like he's been dragged straight from the gutters."

Thrain's expression darkened, a flicker of annoyance dancing in his eyes. He took a step forward, his voice low and menacing.

"I suggest you focus on your duties, rather than commenting on my guest," he warned, his tone slicing through the air like a razor's edge.

The guards exchanged uneasy glances, their smirks faltering. With a swift nod, they stepped aside, allowing Thrain and Lynx to pass.

"Welcome, Your Highness...and your companion," one guard muttered, his words laced with begrudging respect.

As they entered the Palace, Lynx's eyes widened, drinking in the opulence and grandeur. Thrain's hand rested on his back, guiding him forward, a silent reassurance in the face of the guards' open disdain.

******

Thrain's chamber doors burst open, shattering the tranquility of the moment. Lynx's enthusiastic chatter came to an abrupt halt.

Instructor Gunther stood in the doorway, his rugged features stern. "His Majesty has commanded me to bring them to you," he announced.

Behind Gunther, three stunning women glided into the room.

First, there was Akane, with porcelain skin and raven-black hair framing her heart-shaped face. Her piercing emerald eyes sparkled, and her slender figure was draped in a flowing crimson gown.

Next to Akane stood Hikari, with golden locks cascading down her back and sapphire eyes that shimmered like the night sky. Her curves were accentuated by a fitted, sky-blue dress.

Lastly, there was Emiri, with rich, mahogany skin and ebony hair styled in intricate braids. Her full lips curled into a subtle smile, and her athletic build was showcased in a vibrant, turquoise garment.

Together, they formed a mesmerizing trio, their diverse beauty earning them the title: the Three Bijins.

Lynx's eyes widened, awestruck. Thrain's expression remained inscrutable, his gaze fixed intently on Gunther.

"These are the Three Bijins," Gunther declared, his voice firm. "Akane, Hikari, and Emiri. They will attend to your needs, as commanded by His Majesty."

As Gunther departed, the door closing behind him, Thrain's gaze lingered on the Three Bijins. His mind stirred with curiosity and a hint of wariness.

"What am I supposed to do with them?" Thrain wondered, his thoughts shrouded in confusion. His father, the King, had never gifted him anything, let alone three exquisite women.

_____