Project Phoenix

Chapter 3: Project Phoenix

When I wake up, I feel different. I sit up and my back feels heavy. I look back and am astonished at what I saw. Wings. They weren't white, they were red. I look down at my feet, but they aren't feet, they're talons. When I stand up I examine the rest of me to see if anything else is different. I have a long,  feathery, red tail. I put my head in my hands and feel something sharp. I have a beak.

"I can't believe that you changed all at once." Jayden said. I looked over and saw that he was now a complete tiger. "You know what you are, don't you?" Jayden asked. "You're a Phoenix. I like how it matches your name."

"Now what am I supposed to do until the world comes to it's end?" I ask. 

"Well, if I were you, I would start training. That's what I'm gonna be doing. So if you want to join me, go right ahead."

Since I have nothing else to do, I might as well start training. And if it's going to help me become stronger I should probably do it. "Jayden, how are we supposed to train if we have animal bodies?"

"We're still able to move, right. Hey, don't worry, I'll help you." Jayden replied.

"Thanks." I sent him a soft smile. I'm glad I get to spend a little bit more time with Jayden. I mean, since we are stuck here until the world changes. Who knows how long that could take. 

Once I get used to my wings and how they work, I start to move them in different motions. Jayden said that helps strengthen them. I also start to do the same with my talons, pretend to grab things, and wiggle them. I'm not sure how to strengthen my eyesight so I hope it comes naturally.

While I was strengthening my talons I start to watch Jayden train for a while to pass time. Apparently, he figured out how to do push-ups. When he was done he found out that I was watching him. "I didn't know watching me helped you become stronger." Jayden teased. 

"I'm just really bored." I told him. Even though that's not entirely true. "So is this all were gonna do until these evil scientists change the world?" I asked sarcastically. 

"Well I don't know you very well, so why don't you tell me a little bit about yourself." Jayden said. 

"My favorite color is sky blue. I love milk chocolate and strawberries. My favorite animals are a giraffe and a peacock." I replied.

"Let's see. My favorite color is royal purple. I like crab and red velvet cupcakes. Not together though. And my favorite animal is a black panther." Jayden told me. 

Not the things I expected he would like. But I guess that's what makes him special. I decide to lay down on my back for a while. Then, I remember my family. How horrible they must feel without me. And Claire, I miss them all. I shed a tear and Jayden asks me something. "Phoenix, are you okay." He came over to comfort me. 

"Yeah. It's just that I miss my family and friends. I'm glad I told my parents that I loved them before I wen't to Claire's house. Oh, and Claire. The last time I talked to her was over the phone. I never truly got to say good bye. And my sister, Pandora. We were best friends. I helped her with everything." I started crying as soon as I finished telling Jayden about my personal life. 

"Phoenix, I wasn't very close to my family. My dad died when I was five and my mom always had work to do. I lived with my aunt most of the time. She was like my second mom. I did have an older brother, but he was in college."

Then, something I didn't expect happened. Jayden hugged me. It was nice long comforting hug. "Phoenix, no matter what happens, I will always be with you." It was nice getting hug when I needed it but it was also a little weird hugging a tiger boy. But I enjoyed the hug. 

I feel like Jayden and I are going to get along really well. He has a nice attitude, is friendly, and has feelings for me. 

We hear the door start to creak open and Jayden lets go of me. "I need you both to come with me." One of the scientists said in his freakish voice. 

Where are we going now?