[Hellion Brothers : Book#2] Rebirth of the Phoenix

Chapter Twenty Three

I was inside the lake, but I wasn't exactly drowning.

The flame created some sort of ball of energy that made it seem like I was inside a bubble made of fire. My power must be at its peak already-- way beyond my control anymore. Since I knew there was nothing I could do, I just closed my eyes and surrendered myself to its will.

When my ability completely took over me, weird images started flooding my brain. They were images that I've never seen before in my life, yet felt strangely familiar. Now, I'm somehow watching people with old--no--ancient clothes, and they were performing some sort of ceremony or ritual.

.......then I saw HER.

A silhouette of a long haired woman enveloped by pure flame in bright colors.

She was carrying a baby which she started to envelope with her flame. Instead of crying, the baby just smiled innocently and his eyes twinkled with orangey color. I then realized that she was the Phoenix spirit. Much to my surprise, she shifted her attention at me. At that moment my surrounding warped back to the lake, and I was surprised to see myself standing in the middle of the ice just like I did before I fell into the water. I saw the Phoenix standing just a few feet in front of me, and it has taken the form of a very beautiful woman with eyes and hair of fire. She was so magnificent, beautiful, and so natural but magical at the same time. She gave a feeling of comfort and safety that I couldn't help but just stare at her in awe.

"WHY DID YOU COME TO ME, MY CHILD?"

The Phoenix's voice that echoed in my brain was neither of a female nor a male, nor an elderly or a child. Instead, it sounded like a lot of people talking at the same time--men, women, elders and children. It was amazing how it all sounded majestic, grand and magical. Like a sophisticated choir.

"I-I need to seek for your advice my Great Spirit." I couldn't help but stutter a bit, considering that I was in the presence of the great Phoenix spirit.

"WHAT KIND OF ADVICE DID YOU SEEK?"

She smiled as if she has been expecting me to ask that very question.

"About the ability that you bestowed upon us... How come that I end up absorbing it all instead of sharing it with my partner the way you've originally given it to us?"

"IT'S BECAUSE YOU LACK FAITH, MY CHILD."

Still smiling, it started to slowly walk towards me. I felt the urge to step back, but for some reason my feet remained rooted to the ground.

"YOU DO NOT HAVE FAITH FOR YOUR PARTNER. YOU LOVE YOUR PARTNER MORE THAN YOUR OWN LIFE, BUT YOU DO NOT THINK YOUR PARTNER FELT THE SAME. YOUR DESIRE TO PROTECTED HIM ALONE WAS WHAT MAKES YOU LOSE BALANCE."

I was shocked to hear the Phoenix's explanation. So all of this chaos was actually my fault at the first place? I never thought that loving someone so much could be the cause of his death.

"Can I fix it?" I asked nervously.

"WE SHALL BE REBORN INTO THE TWO OF YOU AT THE SAME TIME, BUT THE PROCCESS WOULD BE DANGEROUS FOR YOUR MORTAL BODY. IT COULD BE DESTROYED AND YOU MAY PERISH."

"I have no problem with that," I said without even thinking twice. At this point, the Phoenix was already right in front of me. I looked straight into her flaming eyes, showing that I was ready to do whatever it takes to ensure Chanyeol's safety. The Phoenix's face softened and she reached out to gently cup my face. As it spoke, I was surprised to hear a female voice this time. And even more surprising, the voice sounded so sad... And lonely.