by Max Andren
I was levitated off the floor in a thermal of buoyant energy as I absorbed what remained of their essence—en mass.
Their energy and emotions were like an infusion and I was beyond anemic and dying. I felt renewed and my mortal injuries were healed.
The need for retribution had been the impetus for the collective’s decision to enter me and become one. I would do right by them. I would find a way for justice to be served.
Sarah floated up so that we were eight-year-old face to twenty-three-year-old face. She turned to look at Hulbetto one last time and I noticed he had stopped moving—eyes transfixed to where I levitated above him.
She looked back to me, before moving forward so that my dragon essence could finally be whole and complete.
A concussive force rocked the building strong enough to throw Hulbetto backwards like a limp doll and slamming him into the blood-soaked cairn. I thought I heard a crack before I was lost in a swirling vortex of fire and ice.
Like the very first time I shifted, I was immersed within a kaleidoscope of colors. The collective, both dragon and brethren, and I blended and coalesced into one—and the dragon I was destined to be.
My Phoenix had finally been realized.
I landed on the ground next to where Hulbetto lay unmoving. The cairn had broken his back when he’d been thrown against it and no amount of magic soil would be able to fix that.
The dragons and I were now one and I could no longer feel their individuality. But I knew what needed to be done.
Vengeance was mine, so sayeth my Phoenix.
Hulbetto watched as I approached, knowing his time was up. There would be no stay of execution, especially not for him. He was still benefitting from the dark magic infused soil, as well as residual immortality stolen from my brethren. It was working to my benefit in this case.
He continued to exude evil—scowling at me from where he lay broken and dying. Without a word, I reached out with my claws and shoved them deep into Hulbetto’s chest. I wrapped my talons around his beating heart and held his hateful gaze as I waited for the pain to register.
Before his sight could be taken by death, I ripped out his heart—hard and fast—and crushed it before his evil eyes!
Dropping it to the ground below me, I used my dragon fire to incinerate both him and his evil heart.
In honor of the collective, vengeance had been swiftly delivered and justice served—atonement for my soul.
A wave of gratitude and peace washed over me. I could still sense and feel the collective. They were still with me, just not commanding me. We were in harmony.
“Charani!” I heard Cipriano yell out.
23
Turning I saw Cipriano running towards me with Ian, Isabella, and the twins hot on his heels. I remained Phoenix, which felt massive and magnificent, I must say. I was finally whole and complete and they needed to see that.
I felt Dreah come to stand next to my side, her hand resting on my hip—petting me. I understood that need. I had wanted to pet Cipriano the first time I’d seen his dragon.
We were connected—one orphan to another, though she didn’t know that yet, but she would. Eventually she would understand, but more importantly feel, that she wasn’t alone.
Her grief and sadness at the loss of her parents was palpable, as was her confusion as to what would happen next. Her known world had ended this night and her fear of the unknown was wholly unacceptable.
I sent my calming essence to surround her in love and comfort. I set her mind at ease by letting her know that she would remain with me as my daughter. I let her know that I was in the process of choosing my family. I had chosen her and hoped that she would have me in return.
Our bond as family was solidified with the nod of her head and the swaying of her beautiful auburn curls. She was mine and I was hers. She raised her head to watch the others approach—resolute and unswerving in her courage to stand strong in the face of adversity.
We would face that adversity together, as I was still learning what it meant to be Phoenix. It was assured that I’d screw up—a lot—especially if my most recent track record was anything to go by. Dreah patted my hip.
I looked down at her and realized that by sharing my essence with her, we had connected on a much deeper level. She was offering me comfort in return. My heart swelled with emotion and I cleared my throat.
Dragon fire exploded out of my mouth and my dragon eyes widened in alarm. Luckily, Cipriano and the others were far enough away and out of harm’s way.
We all started laughing. I laughed within my mind, so that I didn’t light anyone on fire. But the others, including Dreah, laughed out loud. It was pretty comical.
Once we subsided, Cipriano stepped up to my Phoenix and knelt before me. He placed his right fist over his warrior heart and bowed his head. Ian and Isabella followed Cipriano and mimicked his actions, as did the twins, Tarrin and Tauric.
“Stand up,” I begged them, “Please, don’t do that. I’m no one’s hero.”
Thankfully, they stood up almost immediately.
I shifted effortlessly for the first time and Cipriano walked forward to pull me to him. It was so comforting to be in his arms. He was my mentor, my brethren, and my brother.
Demonstrative affection was not my thing, but he was family, as were the others. Plus, I needed to set an example for Dreah, to show her that affection was okay.
Though, I guess she and I had already started that process.
“Look at you all grown up and a full-fledged Phoenix in truth,” he said after stepping back—both of his hands remained on my shoulders.
I smiled, “Well, it wasn’t an easy transition, but I managed to make it to this side, despite Hulbetto’s attempts to kill me,” I told them, then added soberly, “he almost succeeded.”
“I’m thankful he didn’t succeed in stealing yet another one of my family members. I think I’ve lost more than enough,” he said before stepping away.
He knelt down to be at Dreah’s level and addressed her directly, “I’m Cipriano, Charani’s brother. Who are you little one?” He asked her.
“I’m Dreah Xavier. And you’re a Phoenix, just like Charani,” she said, then continued, “I know you’re not her real brother. And I’m not her real daughter, but that’s okay, we can still be family.”
The bald honesty of children, they didn’t know deception; and I would always give her the truth, no matter how painful it was.
“Charani, as well as Ian and I are the only Phoenix Dragons left in existence,” Cipriano told her just as forthright.
“Wasn’t she beautiful?” Dreah asked Cipriano, her amber eyes wide in wonder.
“Exceptional, just like you, Dreah.”
“I have lots to tell you. But I think we should leave here now. Hulbetto had an apprentice and he could be anywhere lurking about. He’s extremely proficient with a crossbow,” I added, as both a warning and an acknowledgment of his skill.
I looked over to Tarrin and Tauric, sending them a quick message with my eyes and a little head bob. They were a rare set of identical twins that could have passed for Viking madmen with their blonde hair and Nordic-blue eyes. They were my quiet, gentle giants.
“My lady,” Tarrin began, addressing Dreah as he came forward. He and Tauric knelt in front of her, like warriors of old.
“Would you come with us as we prepare to leave?” he asked her.
She assessed them as only a child could, but with the knowledge and understanding of someone much older. Dreah was only about five years old, but she comprehended things as if an old soul inhabited her young body. She’d been forced to grow up by her traumatic circumstances.
Tarrin continued to hold his hand out for her, giving her the option to accept it or not. I was about to intervene when she placed her little hand in his.
“Thank you, Tarrin. I need to get my mother’s ring before we go. I forgot to earlier when I said goodbye. It’s been passed down through our family for centuries. I wasn’t
supposed to receive it until I turned eighteen…” she paused to collect herself, “I’m just thirteen years too early, but I will do my best to honor the family tradition,” she told us.
“Let me go and retrieve it for you, Dreah,” Tauric offered, as he stood.
“No, but thank you. I have to be the one to remove it from her finger.”
The twins rose and walked with her over to her mother’s brutalized body. I wished Dreah could have been spared the trauma of this night. I wanted to kill Hulbetto all over again! I should have prolonged his death when I had the chance.
I wanted to go with them, but stayed where I was knowing they would take her outside and away from what would happen next.
I kept my gaze on them and stayed connected to Dreah so I could offer help if I was needed. I continued to surround her in the comfort of my essence—much easier to do now that I was Phoenix.
She removed her mother’s ring and held it tight in her fist. I could feel her sadness, but courage and determination were what filled her soul.
She closed her eyes and whispered over her hand in a language I didn’t recognize. I could feel a spike in her energy. Briefly, her aura glowed in her hand, before she kissed her closed fist and the energy faded away in a wink.
She opened her hand with intent of putting the ring on and my heart ached for the fact she wouldn’t be able to wear it. It would be far too big for her, but when she slipped it onto her finger, it fit perfectly.
Dreah nodded her head satisfied and with a little smile on her face. She turned to me and winked, then made her way out—Tarrin and Tauric trailing behind her queenly departure.
Lord, I loved that little girl.
I looked at Cipriano to see that he’d been watching the whole scene and asked, “What do you make of that?”
“Honestly, I have no idea, but that little one has magic.”
Yes, I thought, she definitely did. I would help her to realize her potential, whatever that would be.
“Let’s throw some dragon fire on what needs incinerating and go home,” Cipriano directed Ian, Isabella and I.
We torched everything, essentially erasing all evidence of torture. We had to protect ourselves from the normals or others discovering us. Though torture, dismemberment, and death wouldn’t seem out of the ordinary to normals. Every culture had their own serial killers and murderers.
I flew my way over to the hated cairn and hovered above. There was a residual essence of pain and suffering lingering in the air. It had to be that, as it was the only thing left untouched. Memories embedded within the stone.
No more dragon brethren would have their blood spilled across that blood soaked and stained sacrificial stone—not if I could prevent it.
I landed on it with the massive force of my dragon and the weight of my vengeance. It was obliterated to rubble under me and the echo of a thousand voices trapped within were released. A choral chant of retribution and thanks filled the warehouse and we were held spellbound.
24
What other lost, stolen or hidden objects contained the residual essence of our tortured and trapped brethren? I knew that Aiden was trapped in the Sword of Dramascus, but who else was out there, trapped and suffering? I would locate them all and find a way to release them!
The drampire had a new enemy in me and I would revel in letting them know.
The seven of us returned home to Kansas City and Cipriano’s estate. I spent some time with Dreah getting her situated in her new room, which was close to mine.
She was completely exhausted and slept after having a snack. While she took her nap and rested for several hours, I met with Cipriano and the others in the great room. We had a lot to discuss.
I shared with them what had happened at the warehouse before they’d arrived. The retelling seemed so unbelievable and if I hadn’t just lived through the experience, I wouldn’t have believed the validity of the story.
When I reached the moment of my connection to Aiden, I turned to Cipriano and addressed him directly.
“He was able to break through whatever dark magic keeps him trapped in the sword to give me a message. He’s still strong, Cipriano, and fighting. We will not destroy him! We will find and release him. That’s the only option that’s acceptable. Before he faded away, I was able to grasp a remnant of his essence and tether it to mine.”
Cipriano looked away as grief swept through him.
“Cipriano, look at me,” I demanded gently, “I have him…” I placed my palm over my chest for emphasis, “right here. We will trace that remnant back to him. We’ll find and free him,” I promised.
When I explained, as best I could, about the collective and our integration, Cipriano and the others didn’t seem surprised.
“There’s a prophecy, a myth, a legend,” Cipriano began, “call it what you will, but it has been a part of our oral histories for centuries. It foretells the birth and death of a unique dragon.”
When hope is lost in darkness and death steals that final breath, a Renascent shall be born. When the essence of a thousand dragons coalesce into one, the last true Phoenix shall rise up. The dragon brethren shall be united as one. No longer fractured and fragmented, but whole and strong.
“We believe that you, Charani, are the one. The last true Phoenix. The name you prophetically chose for yourself, Charani, means Phoenix, as you know. You told us tonight that your true name is Sarah, which means princess. You will be the one to bring the fractured clans back together before we are extinct and there are no more dragons to be found.”
“No…No, you must be mistaken. I’m nothing and no one, Cipriano, and I’m okay with that. I don’t need to be someone special. I am no prophecy come to life,” I denied, shaking my head.
“You have to admit, that the words and what happened to you, seem just a little too coincidental,” Ian interjected, with a shrug of his broad shoulders.
“No, actually I don’t admit this,” I said glaring at him and he just winked.
“We want to support and guide you, Sister. You won’t be alone. We will be by your side. We may not be family by nature, but we are family by choice and that makes us stronger,” Isabella said thoughtfully, as she reached out to squeeze my hand.
My head was spinning with all this information and supposition. Could it be true? Could I actually be the last true Phoenix? I told them I needed some time to think about all of this and went for a walk.
I decided to take Dreah on the walk with me so that I could share an idea with her. I’d already explained it to the family and now I wanted to get her opinion since it would affect her the most. Plus, I needed some time to think over the prophecy or whatever you wanted to call it. I couldn’t wrap my head around the concept of me as the last true Phoenix.
There was no way it was true.
Dreah and I went for a walk around the grounds and sat on the ledge of a fountain featuring a magnificent copper dragon caught in mid-flight. It was old and weathered with a beautiful patina to its scales. Dreah reached down to run her right hand through the cold water and I saw the ring was still on.
“Dreah, we were wondering if you would like to have a celebration dinner tonight? To honor your parents, like an evening of remembrances?”
She sat up and looked at me mutely. Concerned I had inadvertently caused her pain, I reached out to get a feel for her emotions. They were just as mute. I reached out with my hand and placed it gently atop her wet one, her ring was under my palm.
I saw auburn hair and a smiling face, an older version of Dreah, giggling and laughing as she chased Dreah and threatened to tickle her to death. She was happy and love was apparent in her voice. A tall robust man with dark hair and eyes suddenly came into the vision and swooped them both up, twirling them in a circle of love and merriment.
“Were those your parents, Dreah?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“Yes, before the bad man came and took us away. That is how I want to remember them, not…” she trailed off quietly
.
I saw what she meant, as my hand was still covering hers and the ring was still touching me. My heart broke for the visions that flashed through my mind of her parents’ torture. Visions that still plagued her.
“I will help you, Dreah. We will all help you to remember them as you want to and eventually those horrible memories will fade and be supplanted by all the happy ones.
“The bad ones won’t go away, they never do, but there will come a time when only the good memories will come to the forefront. The bad ones will fade to the background, still there, but their hold will have diminished and thankfully so.”
I was still working my way through this same process myself and told her as much, letting her know that we could help each other to be stronger.
“I like the idea of a dinner to remember my parents and helping each other too. Thank you,” she said as we walked back to the house, hand in hand.
We were comforting each other and solidifying our pact to slay our demons together. I wondered what her gift was. Her ring felt ancient and there was a powerful energy emanating from it, but I couldn’t grasp its nature or its source.
She was insanely mature for her age and I wished she could just be a little girl happy and carefree. We had that in common, forced to grow up by circumstances beyond our control.
I would make sure that her formative years far surpassed mine. She would know love and acceptance, no matter her gifts, no matter her power, no matter her oddity.
25
The evening was a success and just what we needed. We got to know Dreah and her parents through the stories that she shared with us and in turn, she got to know us. She fit right in to our little family, just as I had.
Family by choice and by divine intervention—or so it seemed to me. The universe at work on a plane that I could neither see nor understand. We were brought together for a reason and a purpose. The key was to figuring out what and why, though quite possibly that would be impossible to do.