The Phoenix soul: A legend Arises

CHAPTER 4: "AWAKENING THE WARRIOR"

As the Phoenix's words hung in the air "I have come with a warning" Thrain's mind raced with trepidation and curiosity. What calamity could warrant the attention of a legendary being, a creature of myth and lore?

The Phoenix's gaze pierced through his thoughts, as if anticipating his inquiry. "But before I reveal the nature of this warning," she continued, "you may pose three questions to me, child. Ask wisely, for I detest interruptions when my words are spoken."

Thrain's eyes locked onto the Phoenix, his thoughts already racing with the possibilities.

"Alright, he thought to himself, ask reasonable questions, Thrain, don't fuck this up."

Thrain's inner dialogue urged caution, but his voice emerged steady as he asked the first question:

"Why me?" he asked.

The Phoenix's gaze seemed to deepen, her eyes burning with an inner fire as she considered his inquiry. Her response was deliberate, each word chosen with care.

"Child, you have been chosen for reasons beyond your understanding, yet within your grasp."

Thrain's face darkened, frustration etched on his features as he felt the Phoenix's response sidestepped his question.

But before he could react, the Phoenix continued, her voice unwavering.

"This, is also exactly one of the reasons why I chose you, you have courage... courage to even look at me with those eyes showing your anger and not shying away."

Her words caught Thrain off guard, his anger momentarily giving way to curiosity.

"I chose you because you're a loser," she stated, her tone matter of fact. "A loser with potential."

Thrain's eyes narrowed, a mix of emotions swirling within him.

He took a deep breath, composing himself. "What do you mean by 'loser with potential'?" he asked, his voice measured

He clenched his jaw, regret instantly setting in. "I just wasted a question," he thought, self-criticism flashing across his mind.

"You've consistently strived for what's right, despite lacking the means to achieve it," the Phoenix said. "Your mental fortitude and inherent goodness are remarkable. However, your physical vulnerability has been a hindrance."

She paused, her gaze piercing.

"But here's a truth: you've tapped into my power, drawing from the source itself. Unbeknownst to you, your inner strength has unlocked fragments of my essence, amplifying your resilience."

"I must correct you, though," she continued. "You believe I've intervened on your behalf in the past. Not so. You've inadvertently harnessed my energy, channeling it to fuel your own potential."

"However, there was one instance where I did intercede: when your brothers sent those flames to consume you. I shielded you, ensuring your survival."

"The time for inquiry is almost over," the Phoenix declared. "Pose your final question, Thrain, and choose wisely, for there will be no further opportunities."

Thrain began brainstorming, weighing his options carefully. There were countless questions swirling in his mind the Phoenix's history, its elusive nature, and many more. However, one particular phrase she had uttered captured his attention: "the main source."

"You are the spirit of fire," he said, his voice filled with determination. "Are there other sources besides you?"

"I am flame itself," the Phoenix declared, her voice burning with intensity. "I am the singular, primal source. Humans have long been misled, attributing the origin of fire to dragons. But the truth is, dragons derived their fiery essence from me. They, in turn, shared this gift with humans, or perhaps humans usurped it – the circumstances are of little consequence. What matters is this: I am the fire itself, the wellspring from which all flames flow."

"Human potential is impressive, indeed," the Phoenix acknowledged.

"They can ascend to remarkable heights of strength and power. However, your path has been distinct. By tapping into my essence, you've awakened to the primal source, the fundamental force that underlies all fire. This direct connection has elevated you above your fellow humans, who have either learned from or usurped the knowledge of dragons. Your bond to the source makes you inherently stronger, Thrain, setting you apart from those who wield fire through secondary means."

"A remarkable feat, Thrain," the Phoenix said, her eyes shining with a warm, golden light. "You are not the first to tap into the primal source, but you are the second, a testament to your exceptional potential. It has been an eternity since another has achieved this milestone. Congratulations, for you have joined an elite rank."

The Phoenix's expression turned solemn, her gaze intensifying.

"Now, let me reveal to you the reason I have chosen to manifest before you," the Phoenix declared. "Xarathys, the Devouring Blaze, threatens to break free from his ancient seal. Soon, the bonds that hold him will shatter, unleashing his fury upon the world."

"Xarathys wields the Infernal Flame, a power that ravages not only the body but also the soul. His fire enslaves, turning its victims into mindless, puppet-like servants. Their will is shattered, their thoughts consumed by an eternal, burning agony. Those who fall to his flames become extensions of his dark power, forced to do his bidding."

"His malevolent influence extends far beyond the flames. Xarathys's presence corrupts the land, twisting reality to serve his twisted desires. His dark magic spreads like a stain, infecting all it touches."

"The other dragons, once mighty and numerous, have all but vanished. Hunted and slaughtered by humans, they have retreated to the shadows. Only a handful remain, and they have abandoned their ancient conflicts with humanity. They hide, waiting for a time when they might reclaim their lost glory."

"But Xarathys is different. He will not rest until humanity is brought to its knees. His return will signal a new era of darkness, one where his infernal power reigns supreme. The seal that holds him will soon break, and when it does, the world will tremble before his fury."

"Why can't you do it?" Thrain asked, his voice trembling.

Thrain's boldness was met with an unsettling gaze from the Phoenix. Her eyes seemed to pierce through his very soul.

"I am now but a shadow of my former self," the Phoenix began, her voice laced with a hint of sorrow. "My powers have waned significantly since your kind and the dragons acquired their abilities. I am capable only of watching and warning."

"Even at the height of my strength, I wouldn't have intervened if Xarathys's goal was solely to eradicate the Fire Race," she continued. "However, his ambition extends far beyond that. He seeks to extinguish all life, including the innocent creatures of the world and... others."

The Phoenix's pause hung in the air like a challenge, leaving Thrain to wonder about the mysterious "others."

"The balance of the world depends on your actions, Thrain," she urged, her voice intensifying. "You must confront Xarathys and put an end to his destructive plans."

Thrain felt the weight of responsibility settling upon him, his heart racing with the gravity of the task ahead.

Thrain's eyes pleaded for answers. "Why didn't they do it? The one who first awakened, like me?" he asked, uncertainty etched on his face.

The Phoenix's gaze turned somber. "I told you three questions only, Thrain. But I shall answer this. You can do it, as I said, you've awakened through me, and you are stronger."

Her voice paused, heavy with the weight of history.

"He didn't do it because he was killed. That was his last act sealing the dragon. Now, his power fades, and a warrior is meant to rise against the dragon."

As she spoke, the air around them began to shift. The Phoenix's form started to rise, and the atmosphere brightened. The wind stirred, whipping Thrain's hair into a frenzy.

Suddenly, blue flames engulfed Thrain, their intense heat coursing through his veins. He felt his strength multiplying, his wounds sealing, and his resolve hardening.

The Phoenix's final words echoed through the roaring flames: "Rise, Thrain, and claim your destiny."

In an instant, the flames vanished. The wind died down, and the light faded. The Phoenix disappeared, leaving no trace of her existence. Thrain stood alone, transformed, and ready to face the darkness that loomed ahead.

The silence was palpable, punctuated only by Thrain's steady breathing. He felt the weight of his newfound power and the burden of his mission. Xarathys, the Devouring Blaze, awaited him.