Okay WOW…it's been over a year since I've updated this! I hate how time goes too quickly… Sorry sorry!!
Lots of things have happened! As several of you may already know, there was a significant death in my family quiet recently (and a quite many things before that), so it's been even harder to find time to sit down and type out this stuff. Though it has already been a few months, it's not something you just get over. I know some of you think that way, but it's definitely not true. Even for a person like me, where nothing bothers me easily…And there has just been too many things that need immediate attention. But finally….the next chapter is here! HOWEVER!!!! There are a few ISSUES that need to be addressed FIRST, so PLEASE READ THIS NOTE!!!!!
FIRST: Don't message me (whether through this site or AIM or MSN) with just a message to update, especially if you aren't going to inquire about what is taking me so long. I am quite aware of the passage of time, and I don't need people telling me the exact number of days it's been since I last updated. This brings me immediately to the next issue…
SECOND: When you message me OUTSIDE of this site, PLEASE state how you got my contact info! It pisses me off when I ask "who are you" and I get "I'm , who are YOU?" in reply!
And guys...this is another serious issue...STOP SENDING ME THOSE EMAILS ABOUT MSN SHUTTING DOWN!!! It's just a damn rumor!!! IT'S NOT HAPPENING!!! I've asked the MSN guys myself, and no, MSN is NOT shutting down, and there is no fee to use the free service after any point, SO STOP SENDING ME THIS CRAP!!!! I'm getting it from people I don't even know, and then people from those people's buddy lists! It's REDICULOUS::breathes:: my god...
Okay, on with the story...it's basically just an explanation chapter…a little action in there too, but mainly just a lot of talking…so enjoy if possible?
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Chapter VI: The City of Phoenix
A streak of light flooded the room, illuminating the shadows from the night before.
Hilary moaned as the light penetrated her eyelids, pulling her out of her dazed slumber. "Where…"
Her ruby eyes opened, and all she could do was stare at her new surroundings.
The brunette found herself situated on a plush canopy bed, with lush fabrics draped around it with matching comforters and sheets. "Where the heck am I?!"
The events of the previous night were all a blur to her as she threw off her sheets and scooted out of the enormous four-column bed.
Finding her way through the forest of sheer curtains draping from the columns of the bed, Hilary's feet touched a plush carpet, impossibly warm beneath her toes.
Bookcases lined another wall, each shelf full with thick books. Hilary walked over to investigate, shivering slightly as her feet left the carpet and contacted with cold marble. She suddenly noticed her temperature dropped considerably, and her gaze dropped to examine the cause. Her clothes had been changed to a thin, white gown. A long slit traveled up the sides of her legs, her collar drooped slightly right below her collar bone, and the fabric was elaborately decorated with matching embroidery; a perfect nightgown.
Slightly puzzled by the gown, she turned her gaze back to her surroundings, her skin now accustomed to the room's temperature. Looking up, another gasp escaped her throat at her surroundings.
She glanced around the room, admiring its rich crown molding that ran all over the walls, which had been painted a warm red.
There was a fluffy couch toward the far end, along with two matching chairs, all situated around a solid wood table as a conversation area.
Going back over to the bookcases, she allowed her fingers to run across a number of bindings, their titles all engraved with strange characters that Hilary wouldn't recognize under normal conditions…but what startled her was that they all made perfect sense to her.
Walking past the bookcases, she came to a window. She hadn't noticed a window before…but when she looked out, her breath immediately left her lungs.
The room she was in was high…very high! The teen knew that she had to be in some sort of castle, judging from the furnishings that surrounded her…but this was ridiculous!
Below were hundreds, if not thousands of different buildings all situated behind a large wall that curved out of her view. She looked for the building she was in, but couldn't find its foundation. With a growl, she forced the window open, inviting a fierce breeze inside the room.
Carefully, she stuck her head out for a better look, and gasped in shock. Her room was apart of another building…a castle in fact…and the largest she had ever seen!
But what scared her most was the fact that it was floating in mid air!
"This is impossible!" she exclaimed out loud. She definitely wasn't in the forest anymore.
The brunette retreated back a few steps, her eyes wide in shock.
Suddenly, something appeared in front of her window. It was a small girl, a few years younger than Hilary herself. She had long, blonde hair that fluttered next her in the wind, and two golden wings flapping pleasantly behind her. "Good morning my lady!"
Hilary gawked, her eyes growing even wider. A winged creature had appeared in front of her window, and actually spoke to her! Before she could do anything else, it was gone.
That was it…Hilary collapsed on the floor and screamed for her life.
Just when she thought her lungs were going to burst, the door flew open, revealing two more of the winged creatures.
"My lady! What is wrong?!"
She screamed again, backing up until she ran into the foot of the bed.
"What is wrong?! Do you not recognize me?!" the creature grabbed her shoulders gently. "It is Kobold!"
Kobold…that name sounded familiar…
Hilary suddenly gasped. It all came back to her in a flash. She must have passed out sometime after Kobold tossed her to that crimson phoenix!
"Kobold! Where am I?! What…how…" she pointed to various things in and out of the room, completely flustered. "There was…and….floating?!!?" She felt like fainting again.
The phoenix chuckled. "Fear not, my lady. You are in the city of the Phoenix! The Black Phoenix cannot reach you here."
"So you fought them off?!" Hilary sighed. "Where's your friend…Kai, was it?"
"He is on patrol at the moment. He should return soon." An anxious look crossed his handsome face. "At least he better…"
"Your Excellency, the ambassador will arrive shortly! We should prepare…" The second phoenix's voice was slightly more feminine, and had a calming effect on the tense air.
"Yes!" Kolbold turned his attention back to Hilary. "I am sorry things have unfolded in this manner…but Anemone will assist you in getting ready for today's events. She will also answer any questions you may have."
With that, the brunette phoenix left with his companion, opening the door as a small girl bounded into the room in their place.
"You!" Hilary pointed at the girl as she collapsed on the floor in a great bow.
"I am very sorry for frightening you earlier, milady!" The golden phoenix's voice was slightly high in pitch, revealing her age to be very young, compared to everyone else Hilary had come into contact with so far. "Please allow me to be of service to you during your stay!"
Hilary was unsure of what to say. "Uh…sure…"
"Thank you very much, milady! You are very kind!" The girl rose to her feet and rushed to the confused teenager, still huddled against the bed. "Come! We haven't much time to prepare!"
Anemone pulled the girl to her feet and rushed her to the other end of the room. Hilary was surprised to find the already enormous room had another room attached to it…a private bathroom with a dressing area…and a fully stocked closet.
"The Ambassador will arrive here within the next few hours, so you'll need to be ready by then!" The blonde's wings drooped slightly as she stared at all the clothes in the closet. She sighed, "there is a lot of work to do…"
"Uh, Anemone, is it?"
"That's my name!" She flipped around to face Hilary, her face stretched in a sincere smile.
"What the heck is going on?!"
She paused for a moment, almost dumbstruck. "No one told you?!"
"All I was told was that the Black Phoenix…or something was trying to kill me…and…oh my gosh! The guys! Where are my friends?!" The brunette grabbed the golden phoenix by her shoulders, demanding an answer. "Are they here? Are they safe?!"
"Oh, the other humans you were with? I heard something about them…"
"Well?!!"
"Last I heard they were still in the forest, but they are safe."
Hilary sighed, thankful they were still alive. "Can't you bring them here too?"
"You'll have to speak to Lord Kai about that…when you see him, that is." The girl smiled awkwardly. "But we have to get you ready now! Let's see…" She turned to study the contents of the closet.
After a few minutes of staring at the numerous layers of gorgeous fabrics, Anemone seemed to decide on something. She extended her palm toward a high shelf, far beyond her reach, and closed her lilac eyes in concentration. A lovely purple glow formed around the garment in question, and slowly it rose off the shelf and floated down into the phoenix's waiting arms.
"Eheh…more magic…" Hilary had just about her full of magic for her life time. But she was starting to wonder if she could use it too.
Anemone coughed slightly as she brushed all the dust off the silk cloth she was holding. "This is the Robe of Summoning. It's only worn on special occasions. All the other ones you can wear whenever you wish."
"Robe of Summoning? Does that allow me to do something special?" Hilary cocked an eyebrow at the fabric as her attendant took it to a counter and began unwrapping it.
"You, milady, are the Summoner of the Phoenix tribe. You hold the most important role to us!" As the words left her mouth, she revealed the robe from the dusty cloth that protected it.
It was a beautiful crimson color, trailing down to the floor. The sleeves were sheer, and the collar was somewhat low-cut, but gold embroidery in the form of a phoenix trailed across the gap, down the side all the way to the floor.
"It's…beautiful!"
"This is just the robe…there is more to put on you." Anemone smiled at Hilary's shocked expression.
"I'm glad this is only for special occasions…"
Hanging it up on a railing, the young phoenix turned to exit the room. "I'll leave you to take a bath if you want. You probably want to freshen up from being outside for so long! I'll come when you are ready." With another smile, she disappeared, leaving the brunette alone in the huge room.
---
Hilary took her time with her bath, enjoying every minute of it. The bathtub was actually a small pool, with scented water and every soap she could imagine. She had to wonder if the water had some healing properties to it, for it melted away all her muscle aches and tension she had received from the events onboard the ship and in the forest. But it couldn't take away the nagging questions in her mind about what she was doing here, and if her friends would be alright until she could get to them. Anemone had mentioned something about being a Summoner? She would definitely have to ask Kobold about that one…the little phoenix didn't seem to know much more than that.
The teen finally realized that the water wasn't going to turn cold, so she decided it was time to get out of the bath and get dressed. She stared at the gorgeous dress before her, the image of crimson feathers floating down in her mind. Shaking her head, she focused on getting the dress on.
It took a while, but she managed to get the thing on. Hilary stared at herself in a full length mirror, grimacing slightly. She looked ridiculous! She wasn't meant to wear anything this beautiful!
"I'm too damn plain!!" She reached for one of the fasteners to change into something else, but was stopped by a sudden voice.
"You look so lovely, milady!" It was Anemone, again.
Hilary screamed slightly. "My God..stop sneaking up on me!"
Immediately, Anemone fell on her knees in the same great bow as before. "I'm soo sorry milady! Please forgive me!!"
"It's alright! Calm down…and stop calling me "milady"…my name is Hilary." She smiled at the young girl as she got to her feet again. All of this ancient politeness was creeping her out.
"Well…alright…" Anemone seemed timid about the idea, but accepted it quickly and got on with business. "The Ambassador is just about here, so we must hurry and get you ready!" She rushed into the closet and returned with a few more items. "Here!"
The blonde laid out some matching slipper-like shoes for Hilary to step into, and set some type of head piece on the counter.
"After we get you dressed, Kobold is going to explain everything you will have to do. And then after the Ambassador leaves, dinner will be served, and you will be free to tour the palace, and I'm sure Kobold will answer any questions you have." Anemone took a thick piece of matching cloth and wrapped it around Hilary's waist, securing it tightly behind her so that two tails trailed the ground.
The teen felt butterflies curl up in her stomach. She was almost scared again, just when she was beginning to trust these creatures. Yet she was beginning to feel used, and she didn't like that. But she wanted to help them, and apparently that was what she was there for in the first place…
"Here you go!" Anemone used her wings to level herself with Hilary in order to put the head dress on. It was a thin golden crown that drooped down her forehead, a bright emerald in the center. The phoenix helped arrange her hair to cover the crown in a more comfortable fashion, and then smiled with her approval. "You are all ready to go!"
Hilary only sighed at herself in the mirror. "Thank you Anemone." She smiled at the girl.
There was a knock at the door. "My lady, are you ready?" It was Kobold…on queue, of course.
"Yeah, come on in…and stop calling me that…it's just. Hilary."
The phoenix bowed as Hilary made her way toward him. "I apologize for my haste, but we must go to the throne room and prepare for the arrival."
With that, Hilary was following the auburn-winged phoenix through the halls of the palace. With every step they made, she found something new to gawk at. From the never-ending view of the city, to the floating shelves that lined the hallway and foyers, Hilary knew she was going to be exploring this place for a while.
"We are meeting with the Ambassador from an estranged group of tribe members. We are still unsure whether they have joined with the Black Phoenix tribe, and this meeting is to sabotage us or not, but nevertheless, we are duty-bound to meet with any Ambassador who comes to us on friendly intentions."
"And why do I have to be here?"
"The Ambassador may want an audience with Lord Kai, but he still has not arrived. In the case that he will not be here if he is asked for, you will have to speak in his place…or at least appear to be in his place…"
"How the hell am I supposed to know anything about this place?! I don't even know what I'm doing here!!" Hilary stopped walking for a moment. "You said these…Black Phoenix people want to kill me…how do I know that this Ambassador won't want to kill me, too!?"
"No one will attempt an attack behind these walls. It is impossible, even. Anyone allied with the Black Phoenix tribe cannot pass through our gate. We would spot the color of their wings miles away. And there is no spell that can break through our shields.
Hilary wasn't sure what all of that meant, but she took some comfort from it. "But I still don't know what I have to do, or how to do it!"
"I would not worry. Lord Kai will not be late."
---
Soon enough, the teenager found herself seated on a enormous throne behind a myriad of sheer curtains, barely thin enough to see the silhouettes of Kobold and God knows who else on the other side.
There was a rumble of chatter every so often, the phoenixes mumbling about something she really couldn't understand just yet. Though, at the moment, she could really care less about what they had to say. She was just biding her time until she could speak with Kai about her friends.
The chatter ceased instantly as the grand doors parted, and three new figures appeared. Their shadows were visible as they neared the curtain, allowing Hilary to try and examine the newcomers.
"It is a great honor for me to be in the presence of such great power once again!" An eloquent voice finally broke the silence. "It has been far too long my lord…"
"He thinks Kai's behind this curtain!" Hilary started to panic slightly, straightening her posture to try to appear official. "Where is he anyway?!"
She had been reassured that the blue haired phoenix would arrive on time, but of course, that wasn't the case.
"My lord is pleased that your people have considered renewing their bonds with the city…and understands that the insight you have learned from the foreign lands will be beneficial in the safety of our tribe." Kobold's voice replied softly.
The Ambassador bowed at the auburn phoenix and grinned. "Most assuredly." His head readjusted to the curtain, his eyes glowing and smirk growing wider. "I am curious about a rumor I have been hearing…"
"Yes?"
"Apparently our tribe members have been slightly…spooked…about this rumor of humans entering our land. I would like to know about the situation, if I may."
"Those reports have not yet been confirmed, and I can assure you, your Excellency, that if a human were to cross into our borders…we would be aware."
"Is that so…" He turned his back to the curtain.
Hilary had a worry deep in her gut about where this conversation was leading. What would happen if this ambassador found out about her being there?
"I trust you would…dispose of them properly…if that were the case." The phoenix's voice grew darker…deeper in tone as the words passed his lips.
Hilary shot to her feet, but caught herself as she was about to rip open the curtain.
Kobold panicked for a split second, but quickly regained control of his emotions.
"Ahh…a reaction." The Ambassador turned his full attention to the figure behind the curtain. "Tell me, Lord Kai…would you not correct the situation if it were to arise?"
Suddenly his figure was obscured by a larger one as Kobold jumped in between the two. His voice thundered, echoing in the spacious throne room. "I do not like the tone you are taking your Excellency!" Green eyes narrowing, feathers ruffling, he caused the other phoenix to retreat a step. "You know our policies, so explain your statement to us. Certainly you aren't suggesting…"
"There is a reason why my people separated ourselves from this island…" his attention refocused on Hilary, still standing. His voice was growing even more different, as if a new person was coming out. "We found enlightenment. And in an enlightened world, there is no need for pathetic humans!"
He suddenly lunged past Kobold and ripped through the curtain, revealing a startled Hilary, retreated backward until her legs hit the throne and she collapsed into its seat.
Suddenly, the voice changed. "You…you are the Summoner?! What luck! I cannot believe Lord Kai would show you so easily!"
Ruby eyes went wide. "What are you talking…"
"Run away! He is not who he seemed!" Kobold extended his arm to the guards on the other side of the room. "Cease him, quickly!! His heart has seen the darkness!"
"My lord will be pleased with the service I have done today!" The Ambassador threw off his cape, letting his wings stretch out.
His feathers began to turn black, ruffling outward as he powered up an attack.
Kobold gasped. "An Iridescence spell?! But how?!!"
"Long ago….for great power…I severed my bonds with the Phoenix tribe!" He began a strange chant as his palms glowed purple, his eyes shining bright red.
Hilary let out a fierce scream as the glowing ball of light finally shot out for her.
"No!" Kobold cried. "Get out of the way!" The phoenix leapt out to protect the brunette, but was too slow. He wasn't going to make it in time!
Hilary cringed as the attack nearly hit her, but suddenly she heard the sound of glass shattering and falling to the ground somewhere behind her.
"Barrier!" A rough voice exclaimed.
Instantly, she heard the attack ricochet off something hard. She opened her eyes to see a light reddish glow in front of her, forming a wall and separating her from the black-winged phoenix.
"Master Kai! You have arrived just in time!"
"Obviously," came the same voice. "What is your quarrel here?" He demanded, glaring at the intruder.
Hilary turned around as the barrier disintegrated and the mysterious figure took a few steps to stand beside her. The brunette couldn't help but gasp at what she saw.
Standing before her was what appeared to be a boy, around her age, with slate blue hair and a pair of glowing crimson eyes. His tattooed face was roughed up a bit, discoloring the cobalt blue triangles across his cheeks. His clothes were in the same condition. He wore what was once a white cloak over a silver chest plate and a tattered pair of pants. The phoenix had appeared to have been in some sort of fight, for blood stained random areas and he appeared to be soaked to the bone. It must be raining outside…
Hilary could only guess his wings were hidden from view behind the cloak. Either that, or they were much smaller than any of the other phoenix's she had seen.
This was the phoenix that had saved her from the boat! She could only stare in wonder as she finally was able to get a good look at him.
Suddenly, his voice stopped her in her thoughts. "Forgive my rude entrance Mistress Hilary." He bowed his head slightly at her.
"How did you…" Hilary started. How did he already know her name?!
"So, the Great Kai finally decided to show his face! It looks like you have had some trouble…"
His crimson eyes stared at the intruder, examining the situation. He noticed the multi-colored feathers. "An Iridescence spell." He seemed intrigued. "How did a low-class minion, such as yourself, ever learn that spell? I assume your master put it on you."
That earned a loud growl from the black phoenix, but he quickly regained his composure. "It fooled your guards, in fact, it fooled everyone here!"
"But it can't fool its creators." Kai narrowed his gaze once again, this time pushing Hilary behind him in preparation to fight. "I assume that your party is now associated with our enemies?"
Suddenly, a different, more sinister laugh filled the chamber. "Tell me, Kai…what is it like to fight with your bare hands all these years? Don't you miss your power? Why don't you join us?" A new voice spoke through the body in front of them.
Kobold looked at Kai, completely shocked while Kai tried to hold his gaze.
"You…" The bluenette growled, completely enraged.
"So you have finally succeeded in bringing your Summoner back, but you are too late! We will destroy your pathetic tribe! You will pay for locking me away! THE BOTH OF YOU!!!"
With that, the intruder launched himself at Hilary and Kai, causing the phoenix to jump into action as well.
"Stand back!" Kai shoved Hilary behind him and re-created his barrier.
"You've already been too weakened!" The black phoenix roared. "You have no power to defeat me!"
Kai grunted, feeling his shield weakening already.
The guards in the room quickly zoomed in, but were blasted back by another spell.
"Lord Kai! Allow me to…" Kobold started conjuring a spell, but was silenced as Kai cried out, releasing a sudden burst of power, sending all the energy back at the enemy.
With a pained cry, the intruder was caught off guard and was sent flying down the long room into a couple guards that were just picking themselves up after the attack.
Kai sighed, his hand clasping against his left shoulder.
"Oh no!" Hilary gasped. "You're hurt!"
"This is nothing to worry about." He straightened himself up. "I apologize for not introducing myself properly Lady Hilary. As you now know, I am called Kai. I am the protector of this city, and a guardian to you, the chosen one..."
Hilary could only stare stupidly at the blue haired phoenix, blinking a few times. Now she had a guardian?!
"Ugh…" Kai suddenly cried in pain despite his efforts to contain it. He collapsed on his knees, and then fell face first toward the floor.
"Master Kai!" Kobold flew to him, catching him just before he hit the ground. "We must treat those wounds!"
"Let me help!" Hilary stated, tugging at the soaked robes on his shoulders.
"No…don't!" Kai protested, trying to shrug the girl off him, but the pain prevented him from doing much to stop her.
Hilary succeeded in pulling the cloak over one of his shoulders, revealing his hidden wings. What everyone saw shocked them.
His wings had almost disappeared completely! Whether they had been ripped off or not, Hilary couldn't tell. But the remaining feathers were now falling out with every slight movement that was made. Her instincts and the panic on Kobold and the others' faces told her that this was not good.
"Call for Tisphone!" Kobold picked the injured Kai up as he had caught him and rushed past Hilary toward a place in the castle she had never been to yet…the royal apartments.
Shaken up by everything, Hilary followed, not sure what else to do. She watched as Kai's arms flapped around by Kobold's leg as he stormed down the hall. "Is he…going to…"
"Get on my back, we haven't much time."
The brunette paused for a minute, before realizing what he meant. She then jumped up as best she could, locking her arms around his neck as he spread his auburn wings and took off with great speed.
Suddenly, a glowing orb surrounded them. "It is still raining outside. We won't get wet with this." Kobold explained as he finished forming the barrier around them.
"Wha…?! Ou..outside?!!"
She couldn't help but scream as he headed out a window into the open air outside the palace, then straight up like a bullet. Kobold's speed surprised her, even though this was the second time she had experienced it. Though…hanging onto his back made it a little scarier than before…
Rain pelted against the glow of the barrier, yet it didn't break through.
They reached one of the mid-levels of the palace before he made a sharp turn and dove through another window, and flew down the hallway, irritating a few scribe-like phoenixes carrying papers and scrolls.
Hilary looked over Kobold's shoulder at Kai. It was hard to believe that those massive wings she had seen on the boat and when he helped save her from those black phoenixes had been reduced to ragged stumps no longer than two feet. And the lovely crimson color...the end of the wings had been charred black, the rest quickly following an ugly grey.
Suddenly, the teen felt gravity return to her as Kobold's feet touched ground again. She slipped off his back, nearly losing her balance in the process. He jostled Kai, earning a pissed off moan, and sending a powdery substance to the floor.
Hilary gasped. "Ash?! Is he…?!"
"Not yet…just remnants of his wings. We still have time; the arrogant fool has used too much energy." Kobold glared as he kicked open a door and shouldered his way inside.
Hilary took her time gazing about the room as the auburn phoenix took Kai over to a bed in the corner, setting him down gently on his side and began removing his armor. At first, the brunette thought this might be Kai's room, but she saw multiple beds, and dismissed it as the hospital wing of the castle.
The room was bright, with a large skylight that took up most of the ceiling. It was deep as well, with several rows of beds that lined the walls.
Loud crashes of metal hitting the floor brought Hilary's attention back to the two phoenixes. Kobold had started a spell over his master, his hands glowing an emerald green.
"The…western front…" Kai tried to form a sentence but the energy radiating into his body appeared to cause him pain as well.
"Silence now…regain your power."
The younger phoenix groaned and rolled onto his back. "That's enough…leave…me be." He suddenly passed out, and Kobold discontinued his spell and stood up with a sigh.
"My lady…"
"Please don't call me that…"
He bowed. "Forgive me, Lady Hilary...what color do you think his wings are at this moment?"
The girl cocked an eyebrow at the bodyguard, as if he had gone insane.
"I understand the absurdness of the question…but please, answer it."
Hilary glanced down at what was still visible of the wings. "I'd say a charred crimson…"
Kobold sighed again, his eyes closing in a downtrodden expression. "I feared as much…listen to me milad….Hilary…to everyone else his wings are slate."
She frowned at him, but was prevented from saying more as the doors parted and a new phoenix rushed to the bed.
"Tisphone." Kobold's voice oozed with relief as she neared.
"Again?" The lady let her hands hover over the motionless Kai below, as if sensing the situation through her fingertips and palms. "I see…" she stepped back and turned to Kobold. "I will tend to his wings first…it will be a few moments."
That was their cue to back away. The auburn phoenix ushered Hilary to the other side of the room as Tisphone got to work.
---An hour later---
Kai was fast asleep on his back, his hidden wings now revealed and spread under him. The damaged tips had been removed, allowing for healthy feathers to take their place. This Tisphone person apparently did a good job of salvaging what was left of them. The injured wings had already grown a foot since they had gotten there.
The brunette was once again enthralled with the slate haired boy before her. All his armor and that cape of his hid a strange glowing emerald that had been infused into the space between his collar bone, and the strange glow radiating from it captivated her.
Suddenly she was broken out of her trance. "You must never tell anyone what you see here…" Kobold said, a serious tone in his voice to match his expression.
"Why?" Hilary seemed a bit confused. "I'm sure everyone here has seen Kai…"
"His wings. You mustn't speak of his wings!"
Hilary's confusion reappeared on her face.
"You are the only one to see their true color…but Kai uses a spell to…"
He was cut off by the sound of the great doors opening at the other end of the room. The doctor had returned.
"I'm not sure how he will react if he knows you have seen…but there is an important matter…of life and death resting on his shoulders. No one must know of the crimson wings…the phoenix of Crimson Legend." His voice was only a whisper.
The brunette gasped. She had heard of this before…but where?
"How is his condition Tisphone?" Kobold asked, breaking the silence. It was at his words that Hilary realized the other phoenix had entered the room.
"His physical body has expired. Once he gets some rest, he should be fine." The other phoenix replied, bowing her head as she reached Kobold. "I thought he would have learned by now…" Her trained hand reached out to touch the emerald jewel on Kai's chest.
"Has this happened before?!" Hilary seemed astonished.
"Oh, yes."
Kobold sighed miserably, crossing his arms over his chest. "Kai…has yet to learn reservations."
Tisphone folded her white wings behind her as she continued her follow-up examination, extending her hands over Kai's chest and closing her colorless eyes.
"Forgive me, this is the castle's healer. She can cure any infirmity…"
"Not every infirmity, Kobold…the Great Darkness still runs amidst our peoples. It cannot be cured." The healer opened an eye at the rusted wing phoenix in almost a lecturing glare.
"Is she…"
"Indeed, young mistress…I am without sight. But do not second-guess my abilities." The corner of her pale lips perked up into a smile at the brunette. Her hands began to glow with a bright red light. The aura extended to cover Kai's body, his chest raising up slightly as the energy entered through the emerald.
After a few minutes, Kobold seemed to get impatient. "How much will it take?"
"He recovers quickly on his own, so this will be all." Tisphone let her hands fall, the aura ceasing. "I will return when he awakens."
"Thank you."
The phoenix nodded to the warrior as she passed then turned to Hilary. "It is nice to meet you, my lady." She smiled at the brunette, bowing elegantly before leaving the room.
Smiling after the healer, the brunette asked Kobold, "How could he use up that much energy?" she took a seat next to the injured phoenix, and absentmindedly straightened a bluish bang that refused to cooperate with the rest. It was annoying her.
"He went out to investigate a sudden disturbance off the island's coast…alone…" The phoenix sighed. "He thought it had been created magically. I suppose something attacked him up there…probably another member of the Black Phoenixes. He will have to tell us when he wakes up…"
"Like that storm that sunk our ship?!" Hilary exclaimed.
Kobold nodded. "They have sensed your arrival, and now that you are out of their reach, they will be doing anything in attempt to get you."
"So you mean to tell me he's been out there all this time?!"
Kobold shrugged, his expression saying he was disapproving of his lord's actions as well.
"Why me? What's so special about me?!"
"You are a descendant of a line of humans that once protected our great land after the Great Dranzer sealed himself away…"
She had heard this story before. "Dranzer sealed himself in Kai." It was more of a statement than a question. If it were true, then the words of her attacker earlier would make sense.
Kobold gasped. "How…"
"I was told about the Crimson Legend when I was a young child. And when you mentioned it just now…I made a guess!" Hilary smiled, proud of herself.
"I am at no liberty to say no more." Emerald eyes glared at her with seriousness. "Kai must deal with your questions from this point. But you must stay silent about all matters concerning this…"
She nodded. He seemed almost too touchy about this matter…it must be really important, if not dangerous. But now she had the leverage to get Kai to talk.
The doors opened again, this time Anemone fluttered inside. "There you are! I've been looking all over for you!" She grabbed Hilary's hand, concern etching her young face. "You are not injured, are you?"
"I'm fine Anemone." The brunette smiled gratefully at the child-like phoenix.
Her lilac eyes brightened at the news. "Oh, I'm so glad! But please, allow me to take you back to your chambers! You look exhausted from the recent events!"
Hilary looked over to Kobold, who only nodded.
With a soft sigh, she took Anemone's outstretch hand and let her lead her back to her designated room.
As soon as the girls were out of the room, a groggy moan came from the figure below. Kai's brow furrowed slightly before his eyes parted open. "Where…" He sat up, holding his chest as he winced in apparent discomfort.
"Take it easy my Lord." Kobold reached out to help him sit up, or maybe push him back down, but it was futile. Kai shoved his hand off him and slouched over his lap slightly, piecing together his last thoughts.
"Where's Hilary?" He was more alert now, apparently he remembered everything that had happened.
"She is safe. You have quite a few questions to answer as well. She knows…"
"Hnn…" Kai's attention turned to his wings. They were back to their original size now, and original color. "I'm going to need more reagents."
"I planned ahead." Kobold handed him a small bottle of glittering dust, earning a grateful smile from the smaller phoenix.
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For those of you who don't realize…those reagents are used for the spell Kai uses to turn his wings a different color…I don't think I really made that clear '
And there are quite a few hints to what may happen later too, so if things seemed random…they will all make sense later. At least this is what I plan on…
ALSO…a big thanks to Kimkizna and StarlightAngel101 (or is it Yin-YangAngel101 now? ") They have been a great help in plotting things and stuff.