The Phoenix's Fire
0 – Prologue
The Castle's banquet hall was more lively than usual, with guests from all over the kingdom of Khetsus. Nobility and commoner, human and Pokékin, citizen and traveler – all were welcome to join the festivities. It was certainly a sight to behold. Vibrantly colored gracidea flowers were carefully arranged throughout the hall. Food prepared by the kingdom's most skilled chefs lay on the long tables that were covered with white cloth. Harmonious background music by master harpists contributed to the festive ambience, as did the cloudless afternoon sky.
The noise slowly softened as everyone paused what they were doing. As quickly as the quiet came, it was replaced with cheering and applause. The princess, for whom this party was thrown, had finally joined them. She wore a beautiful, silky, peachy pink laced gown that matched her silky straight pink hair. When the warm greeting subsided, the princess spoke in a highly refined manner, an eloquence not often seen in maidens on their sixteenth birthday. "On behalf of the King and Queen, and myself, I would like to thank everyone for coming to this banquet. While this is a celebration of my birthday, I wouldn't be where I am today without all of you, and your contributions to our kingdom. So let this day not be about me, but rather everyone here!" As the princess curtseyed, the room was once again filled with cheers and applause. The festivities continued all throughout the afternoon.
"As expected of the royal princess of Khetsus," a tall bard said with a smile, as he approached the princess. He removed his feathered hat and gave an extravagant bow. The princess, glad for an excuse to escape the love-struck son of a noble, politely pardoned herself and greeted the bard.
"I only spoke from my heart," she replied, "Are you enjoying the festivities?"
"Very much so! And I was hoping to repay your hospitality by entertaining your highness and your guests with a story of any subject. I may not look it, but I am a seasoned bard who has traveled to all four corners of this Earth."
The princess's round, blue eyes lit up as she accepted the offer, "If you insist, could you please tell a story about the Phoenix's Fire?"
"Excellent choice, princess," the bard said with a wink. In a booming voice, surprising for someone of his statue he enticed those around him. "Gather around; gather all, for I have a story to tell! Come and listen to the legend of the Phoenix's Fire!"
" In the distant past, after the world had formed,
Conditions were harsh, with frost, droughts, and storms.
But the humans and Pokémon worked side by side,
As partners, and even friends – their destinies tied.
One dark day, a human angered Groudon, the God of Earth.
To horrible fires, drought and death, his resentment gave birth.
Crops failed to grow, thus both humans and Pokémon suffered.
It seemed as if the God's vengeful wrath could not be buffered.
The humans prayed for the heavens to forgive,
To let them return to the peaceful existence they lived.
Ho-oh, the Goddess of Life, looked down from the sky,
Watching as innocent creatures suffered and died.
She flew to Groudon, and spoke on the human's behalf.
Using eloquent words to calm him, and make him laugh.
The God of Earth's anger subsided as he agreed,
To sleep, and forgive the rash humans for their misdeed.
The Goddess descended on the last human village,
Where there appeared to be just few signs of foliage.
The village leader fell down on his knees and pleaded,
"Kind Ho-oh, if we are to live, your help will be needed!"
The gentle phoenix flapped her wings,
More beautiful than diamond rings.
A flame tipped rainbow feather formed,
With pulses of life – a calming warmth.
"The climate will ease, and with this, your crops will grow.
To you, this Fire of Life, I shall bestow.
Share it with all who inhabit this land,
And give those in need, a helping hand.
But please keep in mind this one condition:
Let there be no voice of opposition,
For when five summers have passed, I shall reclaim,
At this very spot, the borrowed flame."
Into the sky, the kind Goddess disappeared,
Back on Earth, both humans and Pokémon cheered.
A summer passed, and they were back on their feet,
With clothes to wear and plenty of food to eat.
Another year passed, as the population boomed.
All across the land beautiful flowers bloomed.
At the sacred location they built a tall tower.
A melodic bell would ring at every hour.
The village prospered, and became known as Bellshire,
Home of the Bell Tower and the Phoenix's Fire.
The third summer had passed, and the world was at peace,
Although jealousy and greed did seem to increase.
Four summers after the Fire had been gifted,
The human's ideals began to be shifted.
They were the center, all else were simply tools,
And all who thought otherwise were naught but fools.
The fifth summer approached, as greed took control,
Of mankind's once pure, and uncorrupted soul.
They met the kind Goddess, in the Bell Tower,
But had no plans to relinquish their power.
"I see the Fire, had served you well,
But now, this flame, I must dispel.
Five years of Life, now I must rest,
In the heavens that is my nest."
The King walked forward, with the feather in hand,
An arrogant course of action he had planned.
"We are grateful, but this power cannot go!
Don't take this personally, Goddess, Ho-oh."
He raised his arm high, giving his men the sign,
To throw down boulders from the top of the shrine.
Companies of archers, made it rain arrows,
As the King disappeared into the shadows.
The enraged Goddess struggled and put up a fight,
But as weakened as she was, she could not take flight.
The phoenix transformed into a destructive flame,
Burning down the tower that was built in her name.
When the Pokémon heard of this treacherous act,
For the fallen Goddess, they rebelled and attacked!
The once peaceful nations were soon engulfed in war.
Bloody and fierce battles – things were peaceful no more.
With the power of the phoenix's fire of life,
The humans had an edge – a weapon for their strife.
Soon the war was over, mostly humans remained.
The few other survivors were repressed and chained.
Souls corrupted, and engorged with power,
While the weak and poor silently cower.
The condition of the world is dire,
As we fight for the Phoenix's fire.
Oh, my friends, pay heed to my story,
Of our fall from the days of glory. "
After the story was told, there was a moment of eerie silence. Almost everyone at the party had gathered around to listen to the tale. Most did not even know of the legend, let alone in such detail. The princess was the first to break the silence with applause, as the others quickly followed suit. The bard bowed extravagantly, enjoying the praise.
"Thank you, your highness, for the wonderful party. And I wish you the happiest of times! While I would love to stick around longer, there's a friend I must meet in the neighboring kingdom," the bard said. With a tip of his hat, the bard pardoned himself, making his way out of the banquet hall. Once in the castle's flower garden, he spread his feathered, tan brown wings and flew into the horizon.
Author's Note:
The Phoenix's Fire originally started as a more silly "epic" styled poem I wrote and updated, inspired somewhat by my adventures with a friend. Soon, the characters evolved and a story actually formed in my mind.
To all readers, comments, questions and constructive criticism are welcomed, encouraged and appreciated.
If some things seem confusing now, don't worry. More will be made clear as the story progresses.
*Pokémon owned by Nintendo
Teaser:
Chapter 1: The Berry Farm