Kei, Kazumi, Asami and Akihito remained in the little forest home as the months passed. The three shifters were hard at work; gathering information, protecting Akihito and sending messages to those who were loyal.
For the sweet, innocent, little phoenix; time passed in innocent bliss. He became chubbier by the day, as Asami just couldn't resist spoiling him. The baby phoenix stole their hearts as he toddled of after Asami day and night. Sleeping in the wolfman's lap while Asami worked late into the night.
Sadly, things could not stay this peaceful for long.
News came of war and tragedy.
Lord Yama Junpei had declared war upon both for and ally alike. Within two weeks time, Lord Yama had ordered the deaths of over three thousand of his very own people. Most of them ordered for no other reason then because he was angry and frustrated. Some were even ordered for his and his lover, Sudou's amusement.
The skies above both the Human and Mystic Realms began to darken. Just as they done so twenty years before. Nightmares started to plague Akihito's nights. Lord Yama had learned of his son's survival and sought to punish him for his escape by using the nightmares. Asami fought against the intrusion but his magic was weak still. Even with Kei and Kazumi's help, there was not enough strength to do much more than lesson and weaken Lord Yama's attacks.
As things worsened, humans began to flee their homes. Some fled to other countries in hope of finding sanctuary. Others gathered courage and joined rebellions against Lord Yama. A few fled into the Mystic Realms. These were the humans who had long ago pledge loyalty to the Royal Phoenix Family, Takaba. Even now they kept true to that loyalty and were allowed to find sanctuary in the Mystic Realm.
While those of the Mystic Realm were heartened to see this loyalty, they were devastated by betrayal. General Sakazaki had led battles against his own kin and had a hand in the queen and prince's kidnapping. Twenty years later he was still standing by Lord Yama's side. He wasn't the only Mystic Realm being to take Lord Yama's side. And not out of fear.
It was deep in the night when the glow began. Knowing what it meant, the three shifters bundled up the baby phoenix so not a speck of light could be seen. When dawn broke, the left behind their forest house and raced for the ruins of Phoenix Castle. Spells were whispered to send word to those who were loyal. It was time.
❤ PHEONIX ❤
The alter was in ruin but it could still be used. Large columns of pink marble stood proud even in their broken state. They stood at the four corners of the platform. In the middle stood a three foot wide, three foot long, five foot high alter. Gathered around the alter's platform were those who were still loyal to the Takabas. It was a heartening sight to behold. Human and Mystic standing side by side on this most holy day. Standing at each ruined column was a member of the inner royal court.
Kirishima Kei from the House of Werecat. Dressed in royal blue robes, his head crowned with a silver diadem adorned with rubies. He was beta to the Alpha were. It was his duty to safe guard the Royal Phoenix and his mate. Kirishima Kei would govern of the realm and keep order and peace. He was the brains of the advisers.
Suoh Kazumi from the House of Werebear. Dressed in black pants made of a thin, almost see through material. His chest was bare, as were his feet. Upon his strong, muscled biceps were thick bands of silver adorned with amethysts. He like his companion, was beta to the Alpha were. It was his duty to safe guard the Royal Phoenix and his mate. Suoh Kazumi would lead into battle as the field marshal. He would keep the realm safe from enemies. He was the muscle of the advisers.
Nari Takato from the House of Mer. Dressed in crystal blue wrap that tied at the left hip. His legs, feet, chest and arms were bare. About his neck was a silver torc fashioned into a sea dragon. From the sea dragon's mouth and tail hung pearls caught from the sea surrounding the Phoenix Castle. His shoulder length blond hair fell freely but for the four braids at his right temple. Nari Takato was the Royal Phoenix's personal companion and bodyguard. It was his duty to safe guard the seas as the admiral. He was the confident of the advisers.
Mutai Kou from the House of Fae. Dressed in shear, flowing top and leather leggings. He wore knee high leather boots. His hair was fashioned into multiple braids flowing into one single braid. Black opals decorated his ears. Mutai Kou was the commander of the aerial forces. It was Hus duty to safe guard the skies of the realm. He was personal companion and bodyguard to the Royal Phoenix. He was the jokester of the advisers.
❤ PHOENIX ❤
Flames lit up in pots of oil. The eight foot Alpha were in full shift, approached the alter. In his clawed hands was a tiny baby phoenix, aglow with a bright light. The Alpha, Asami Ryuichi, p!aced the glowing phoenix upon the alter. Stepping back, he knelt down upon one knee, head bowed. The four at the columns knelt upon one knee, heads bowed. Those gathered around the alter's platform followed the movement. Together their voices rang out in an ancient chant.
"Ashes to ashes, arise our dear ruler.
"Ashes to ashes, may our beloved white flame arise.
"Ashes to ashes, may your ever burning fire rain down upon us.
"Ashes to ashes, we pledge ourselves to you, oh wise ruler.
"Ashes to ashes.
"Ashes to ashes.
"Ashes to ashes.
"Ashes to ashes."
The glow burst into a hot flame. Ash fell and the baby phoenix was no more. Wind blew in from the four corners, gathering the ash. Around and around the ash and wind went. Until it was a towering vortex. The wind stopped. The was now gone. White flames burst from the alter, spilling twenty feet into the air. A loud screech came from within the white flames. The flames filtered away. Now upon the alter stood a six foot bird. White of feather. White flames spilled from its head, tail and wings. Awe spilled over all who had gathered. The Great White Phoenix had risen. The Phoenix King Takaba Akihito had taken his place at the throne at last.