𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧

44 - phoenix and the serpent's curse

┌── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──┐

Phoenix and the Serpent's Curse

From the ashes of his former self, the Phoenix was reborn, his spirit as bright as a flickering flame, filled with deep wisdom yet devoid of past and human sentiment. He was like a blank page, carefully drawn on by the unseen hand of the Weaver.

The Weaver thoughtfully made him a safe haven in what he loved most - studying stars. With careful hands, she took away the chains of emotional torment that once held him down.

In the heart of the city, he apprenticed under the well-known Star Seekers, a group that truly understood among others who felt happiness, sadness, and anger. He watched the big show of human feelings, a show he couldn't understand.

But in this busy dance of life, he didn't notice the quiet beat that echoed inside his bright feathers.

One ordinary day, their city was graced by the Divine Lady, carrying a sense of mystery and heavenly beauty. She sought knowledge of the stars and the mechanical intricacies of the world. The Weaver and the Guardian introduced her to the Phoenix, starting a strong friendship that shone brighter than day and night.

With the Divine Lady, Weaver, and Guardian, the Phoenix felt like he was floating in a sea of friends and fun. One night, as they all laughed and talked about stars and dreams, the Phoenix watched from a distance. He wondered, "If I can't feel happiness or friendship like they do, if I can't feel the joy of love, the excitement of new things, or even the deep sadness of losing something, am I truly human?"

In all their shared times, the Phoenix felt like he was just a shadow. While they laughed freely, he stayed quiet, feeling like an outsider looking into a world he could never be a part of. Their loud laughter surrounded him, but it was a song he couldn't join in on. The feelings they showed, so real and clear, were so different from the hidden mask he wore.

Retreating to the silent sanctuary of his tower, he stood before the cosmic mirror. A tidal wave of realization crashed over him. He was no mortal. He was an entity forged from fire and age-old wisdom. In desperate need for clarity, he sought the Guardian.

The Guardian met his gaze, eyes deep with understanding, barely containing a smile. "At last, my ethereal flame, you've glimpsed your own reflection."

He wasn't real. He was like a dream, always on the edge of a world he'd never truly be a part of.

The Phoenix finally accepted who he was. A creature of endless knowledge and fire, no longer held back by wanting to be human. With a clear goal, he got ready to meet his true path, ready to ascend.

└── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──┘

**********

"Is that all there is?" Y/n asked, her brows knitting in mild intrigue as she flipped through the empty pages that followed the story. It was odd, really, that a tale supposedly so grand should end so abruptly, with many more pages left blank.

In the heart of Y/n's lab, Y/n and Zhongli stood engrossed. The surroundings were a testament to the intriguing nature of Y/n's work, with Jarvis's semi-constructed synthetic body drawing Zhongli's attention.

The echo of their muted dialogue was the sole performer on the grand stage of the vast room. Xiao had taken his leave, duties calling him away, leaving Y/n and Zhongli as the exclusive audience. In this quiet interlude, Zhongli reverted to his customary male form, leaving Y/n intrigued.