Hey everybody, so this story was something a write a long time ago when I first started fanfiction and for some reason I decided to post it with out proof reading. I didn't really care about it but then I posted the stop SOPA thing and I got two new follows. Anyway, I was struck with inspiration to write this chapter and here it is. I can't promise more chapters, but I'm thinking about rewriting the first two. Like I said though, I've kinda lost interest in The Phoenix.
I don't own Rise of the Guardians.
The red headed spirit kept a calm exterior as the guardians forced her to sit down at a conference style table. She noted the intricate details carved into the solid oak. Yetis, Christmas trees, presents, the usual holiday junk. And wondered how long it would take her to turn it to ash. A smile played at her thin lips imaging the beautiful flames licking at the ceiling, devouring the whole room. No, her smile grew into a wicked grin, the whole Pole.
On both sides, elves and yetis alike were armed with buckets of water nervously eyeing their reluctant guest. Just waiting for a chance to douse her. Phoenix gave them a flirty wave that had it come from anyone else it might have registered as a friendly gesture. North's helpers shuffled their feet and gripped tighter on the handles of the water buckets for protection. Not that it would help. The big four and their frosted fifth took their seats.
The Sandman was to her right, keeping an authoritative watch. The Phoenix had learned form past experience that the guardian of dreams' dream-sand extinguished her fire. For a few seconds. He'd probably been tasked with keeping her in check. Good luck with that Sandy, she thought, you'll need it.
The Tooth Fairy sat, or rather hovered over the next chair. The green feathered woman whispered to her annoying baby tooth's, making sure to stay in between them and the green eyed girl at the foot of the table. She nervously clasped and unclasped her hands every time she looked Phoenix's way, but avoided any eye contact. Just for that Phoenix let her gaze linger on Tooth a moment before moving on to the next occupant.
Santa Claus had claimed the seat at the head of the table directly across from her. Unlike Tooth he met Phoenix's eyes head on. As if he was telling her, this is my house. I will defend it. Despite that she guessed he approved, to some extent, her presence.
Most amusing however was the death glare The Easter Bunny was aiming in her direction. You set a guy's arm on fire one time… Bunnymund's paws were balled up in tight fists, shaking with anger. His ears were flat against his skull, and Phoenix could see sharp teeth as he bared them at her.
She blew him a kiss. Any time you want to go fluff N' stuff, I'm right here.
Last and least, to her left leaning on his shepherd's staff, was Jack Frost. Like Sandy he'd probably been tasked with neutralizing her if…when she got out of hand. In the very back of her mind The Phoenix wondered if she could take him. She was, literally, in his element all the way out here in the North Pole. Oh well, she thought, cross that bridge when you come to it. Unlike the others he didn't look at her with anger or fear, just innocuous curiosity. The Phoenix wasn't sure how she felt about that. Either way it was annoying. And unsettling.
Phoenix leaned back in the chair and propped her soot-coved firemen's boots on the clean tabletop. She thought about why they'd called her in, but she wasn't scared. Why should she be? Nothing that might require severe punishment came to mind. The worst thing she'd done recently was that stint with the leprecon. The pyrokinetic had gotten away with far worse then trying to burn down his magic rainbow and steal his gold. He started it. And besides her…talent was a necessary evil. Manny couldn't find anyone who was better at what she did then her. That floating rock would never get anyone who actually wanted the job and he'd wouldn't curse someone else with it.
North cleared his throat breaking the tense silence, "Phoenix, we 'ave brought you here…" that was when she got bored and tuned him out. She listened vaguely as he went on about Pitch Black, end of the world as we know it, children in danger, blah blah blah…what else is new?
Her green eyes rolled and landed on Jack Frost. He smirked
She held her hand up to her face, palm up, gently closed her fist and blew on it softly. When she uncurled her fingers dancing in the center of her palm was a small orange flame. The reactions were instantaneous.
Bunnymund visibly flinched reliving his first encounter with fire under Phoenix's control.
Tooth's jaw clenched, her anxiety giving way to anger as memories came to mind of the Tooth Palace after the fire bird's first and last visit.
North's eyes merely narrowed as he paused in his speech before starting up again.
The Sandman's body stiffed, but he made no move to put her out.
As before Jack didn't seem to be scared or angry. But then again he didn't have a reason to be. They haven't met before.
Should she give him a reason?
The fire flickered then slowly started to change shape. It moved and pulsed and then settled on the form of a small bird. It had a plump body, a short beak and squaretail feathers like a sparrow. It spread its bright wings and resettled on its mistress' extended index finger.
With almost tender strokes The Phoenix ran her thumb pad down her bird's back. She was amused to see out of the corner of her eye frosted looking on with fascination. The bird she'd named Amic cocked his head at the winter spirit. Jack blinked in surprise.
It looks so alive, he thought, I wonder if it's hot?
Phoenix let Amic alight on the tabletop. With a few hops he stood looking up at the snow bringer. Jack shot The Phoenix a questioning glance, she merely propped her elbows on the table, and rested her chin on interlaced fingers. Her face held an innocent expression that was fused with a form of mirth Jack didn't recognize.
Tentatively he reached a hand toward Amic, halfway it stopped. Bird and boy both glanced at The Phoenix as if asking permission. She answered the two with a single nod and Jack gently brushed his forefinger down Amic's head. Finding it wasn't hot he let the bird perch on his hand and moved it close to his face for a better look.
The Phoenix was just about to change Amic into a good old fashion fireball to flair up in Jack's face when North's words registered,
"…and after you become guardian…"
"Whoa," She jumped to her feet as Amic evaporated, "that's what this is all about?" there were no words of protest. No one particularly wanted the fire hazard to stay so no one made a move to persuade her to.
"Really?" She promptly burst out laughing. Knee-slapping, side-acheing, laughter. Finely she straightened up and wiped non-existent tears out of her eyes.
"Oh come on guys I haven't been that bad lately. Do I really need this kind of punishment?"
"Punishment?" Jack questioned, quirking an eyebrow. But that only made her laugh again.
Suddenly The Phoenix felt an all too fimilure tug from deep in her gut. The force was enough to pull her almost a foot in the direction of a large double door window.
Saved by the bell.
"Well…it's been real, but I've got work to do." With quick strides she reached the window and pushed it opened.
"Work?" Bunny scoffed, "what you do isn't work. What you do is burn down anything you see fit."
"Ouch Bun," she purred stepping up on the sill, "that hurts. That really hurts my poor little heart." She lightly rested a hand below her clavicle.
There was no answer. No one made a move to stop her or join in the hollow laughter.
"You know what?" she sobered up, addressing what she knew every one was thinking, "You're right. I don't have a heart."
And then she fell.
Jack rushed to the window just in time to see The Phoenix, a great bird made of fire, soar away majestically at high speeds. And then with a few beats of its enormous wingspan, it disappeared over the horizon.
So that's it, I hope you all liked it. Shoot me a review or something...I don't know. Maybe I'll continue it, it all depends if I feel motivated. We'll see.
No promises,
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