Phoenix Rising

by Anne, Melody

  Elise was great, but Evelyn had spent so much time alone, that being in camp with such a close-knit group was a bit overwhelming once in a while. Everyone was so grateful to be together after years of separation that they were talkative and curious, and it was hard for her to handle when she wasn’t used to it.

  “That’s fine darling. I’ll be right here when you need me,” Elise said with a warm smile, and a soft pat on Evelyn’s arm before she walked away. Evelyn nodded her appreciation before hurrying to the small patch of berries.

  She let out a sigh and felt the tension slowly leave her muscles as she picked the juicy ripe berries and filled her basket. She didn’t mind chores. She actually had missed working like this. It reminded her of the garden she’d nourished at her home so long ago.

  This work was mindless and kept her busy doing something. It was tranquil and relaxing. Evelyn sighed and allowed herself to slip into the happy place she hadn’t visited in quite some time.

  Each new day that dawned made her grateful for the decisions she’d made throughout her time. Yes, there was pain in some of those choices, but a person couldn’t truly feel unless they felt everything, and pain was a part of that.

  To skirt through life with no knowledge of real emotion would be an existence Evelyn wouldn’t ever choose. There were times she was envious of those who’d never suffered heartbreak. That was something no one should bear, although everyone seemed to. It was all just a part of living.

  It felt good to smile now. She began humming as the sun warmed her neck and the berries soothed her hunger.

  Life was going to be okay again.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Alison

  Ali awoke from a nightmare with a gasp, shaking so hard her teeth were clattering together. She felt cold sweat covering her already chilled body. Her thin outfit did nothing to protect her.

  She sat up and frowned. It was late, the moon was high in the sky and the stars scattered. She’d thought it would be a little warmer close to the ground, away from the wind, but maybe she needed more protection, protection that tall trees within the forest could offer her.

  The forest seemed far away, but if it were her only option, Ali would have to make the journey. Lately it seemed nothing was going right for her. She couldn’t sleep, her food supply had run out once more, and she’d traveled more in the last couple days than she’d traveled her entire life.

  Ali was hoping that, under better conditions, she could get a bit of sleep. Every time she’d tried to rest she had woken within minutes because of the nightmares.

  Her encounter with the soldiers in the city had been one of the most terrifying experience she had ever had. They had looked at her so coldly and with not an ounce of humanity. She was an insect in their eyes. She was nothing to them, or to the strange man and woman who had come and saved her, yet had callously walked away, leaving her alone again.

  Ali stood up, looking at the cold hard ground she’d used as a bed for the night. It looked like a miniature crop circle. The plants and weeds around the small little nest made the flat ground stand out starkly.

  Her mother had told her about that once. They had been watching a movie together long ago, and a brief scene had appeared, displaying a crop circle. The sight had confused Ali, but her mother had always had answers to alleviate her confusion.

  She missed being with her mom, and having another person there to keep her company. She missed real beds, and real food. Ali wished that time could go back and they could be together again.

  She slowly took another step forward, and continued to trudge through the field that she’d decided to take a break in. In the distance was a line of trees. The idea of moving through the forest was petrifying, but the city was even scarier.

  It was so strange to look around and notice how different everything was. The once perfect fields were covered in weeds that were as tall as she. No crops had been planted and cared for in years and it was noticeable. It reminded Ali of just how alone she was.

  Maybe it was just how she’d be forever.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Vyco

  Vyco slithered through the forest, shaking out his limbs. He laughed, wondering what an outsider would think if they saw him. He probably looked like one of those mortals trying to dance.

  It was ironic how innocent his actions looked. In reality he was still getting used to Devon’s body. His soul was traveling through each inch of the form, making connections, making it his own. It was taking a lot longer than usual, because this was not a regular immortal, but Vyco knew he could overpower the being.

  What a feisty little thing though!

  He was definitely fighting him every step of the journey. He was trying to keep control of the body, but Vyco was proud to know he wasn’t making any headway. No, Vyco had much more control and practice when it came to this. He had made a living over controlling other’s bodies after all.

  I won’t give up.

  “You will eventually,” Vyco told him.

  I have a reason to stay.

  “Your reasons aren’t as strong as mine,” Vyco said with glee.

  Love will always win.

  “Oh, Devon, you poor foolish being. Love is a pathetic emotion the mortals like to spout about. It means nothing in the end. The only thing that means anything is power, and that’s what I have and you don’t,” Vyco taunted.

  You’re mistaken. I will prove you wrong, Vyco.

  “We will see who wins this battle,” Vyco said with another joyous laugh. He was slightly irritated at the pinch of doubt he felt though.

  “Finally,” Vyco murmured, satisfied to see the leafy forestry as he stepped into a new area.

  This was a place Vyco recognized with clarity. Not because the area was exciting, quite the opposite actually, judging by how empty it was. There were no streams or monumental trees that could be attractive, or edible fruit or vegetation.

  What drew Vyco to the spot was the power of the location. This was one of the few locations on the planet that held a deep enough connection, and had a strong magical root, where a portal between the heavens and earth had been drawn up and used.

  Vyco glanced around and checked that all was clear. There was no sign the portal had been used recently, although that might be because the minion who went through was high enough and smart enough to know better than to leave visible tracks of its behavior.

  Vyco wanted to avoid a run-in with any minion in his current predicament. He could probably fend for himself and fight off an attack, but he needed to avoid that at all costs, so he could save his energy and regain his strength. Any use of his abilities would be a setback that he didn’t want to deal with now.

  He slowly led Devon’s body out from behind the bushes, feeling open and vulnerable in the empty clearing. Vyco set his shoulders, angry that he would ever feel such a pathetic emotion. He was the ruler of the underworld; he was above all that.

  Vyco lifted Devon’s head and walked the last few steps toward the portal’s opening. He knelt down and quickly drew the necessary runes; at least this part was easy.

  As soon as the last line was carved into the dirt, the colorful portal burst into the air. It had been so simple; it was child’s play. Vyco chuckled, wondering how some minions could ever have a problem with such a simple task.

  He stood up and stepped through the portal, relishing the swirling vortex of power surrounding him. He felt so empty wandering around the earth as if the atmosphere didn’t hold nearly enough energy to keep him satisfied.

  He was finally home.

  The dark. The cold. The flickering of flames, and the faint hint of screaming. This was what perfection felt like. Vyco grinned and moved through his kingdom, careful to avoid detection.

  Where are we? The panicked voice of Devon sent more satisfaction through him.

  “We’re in my territory now. You will dim so much faster here.”

  No. I will learn how
to use your own power against you.

  Vyco growled at the words, but then he pushed Devon further back. He wouldn’t allow the weak being to dampen his mood.

  He knew the area better than any other, so there wasn’t a problem finding his way. He knew exactly how to get to the throne room without detection, without moving through his castle. Hopefully Jessica would be there, and his plan could finally begin.

  He pushed forward with expectation.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Sadie

  “I still feel like it’s a bad idea to separate from Phoenix and Jayden,” Brian said for what felt like the hundredth time.

  “I know, but we all agreed this would be for the best. How are we going to hit the most area and create a peaceful world if we stay together? Apart we cover more ground, and the two of us are definitely capable on our own,” Sadie explained once again, rubbing her hand over his arm in an attempt to soothe his nerves.

  This was their first mission alone, and it was a terrifying prospect, but Sadie was up for the challenge. She wanted to do all she could to help the world and to help Phoenix. She also wanted to prove herself. Forever she had been seen as weak and incapable, and now she wanted to show that wasn’t still the case.

  “I guess I’m just scared. You are my world. I know you’re tough, and with your powers you’re a force to be reckoned with, but the idea of something happening to you is unbearable.”

  “And you don’t think I feel the same about you? You don’t think my heart didn’t stop when you were injured before our wedding? You are my reason for living. But in the world we live in we can’t let fear hold us back. We can’t be selfish.”

  “How did you get so intelligent?” Brian asked, staring at his wife in adoration. She was amazing, and he didn’t know how he got so lucky as to be with her. She just had this ability to make any situation, no matter how bad, better.

  “Maybe you rubbed off on me,” Sadie joked.

  “Maybe,” Brian mused. “All right, I think the area is pretty close from what I’ve heard from the elders.”

  “Is there a secret way to enter, or do we just wing it?”

  “Hopefully scouts will be in the area and spot us. That would be the best case scenario, then they could lead us directly to their sanctuary,” Brian said. He really hated not having all the facts. Being helpless wasn’t something he was good at.

  The two of them were looking for a group of rebels who had made their stand in California. Larry had gotten a hold of them not too long ago; communication with such a large group would greatly aid in the war effort. Sadie and Brian had volunteered to speak with the group, leaving Phoenix and Jayden available to continue with their journey. They’d meet up later.

  “What interest do you have in our sanctuary?” a high feminine voice asked from behind the couple.

  Sadie and Brian spun around to face the speaker and were shocked to be confronted by at least ten individuals. They weren’t doing too well if they’d been snuck up on.

  Brian quickly pulled himself together to respond to the question. “My name is Brian, and this is my wife, Sadie. We come from a group of rebels by the new coastline. Larry, one of the leaders of our group, has sent us here to speak with you, as was agreed upon.”

  “From the little interaction I’ve had, Larry is a good man,” the girl, standing front and center of the group, replied. She was a petite lady, short and thin. Her face had angular lines, reminding Sadie of a cover model on a magazine she had seen long ago. Despite being dressed simply and not having access to basic supplies, this woman was absolutely stunning.

  She was also still suspicious, not letting down her guard. That was most likely how she’d survived so long.

  “Have you spoken with him?” Brian asked. She didn’t look old enough to be in a high position of power, able to speak as their leader.

  “Of course,” the woman replied. “I wouldn’t be a good leader if I didn’t spend time talking to possible allies.”

  Brian didn’t say anything, shocked she was their leader. Sadie glared at him.

  “Women can be leaders, too,” Sadie adamantly told him.

  “Sorry,” Brian grumbled, feeling his face heat up with embarrassment.

  “No hard feelings,” the lady responded. “I’m used to your reaction. Let my men search you and remove weapons, and then I can take you to meet the rest of the group before we talk.”

  Brian was unsure about that, but he knew the drill. His group would have demanded the same thing if someone came into their camp.

  “Okay,” he finally said.

  “We would love to,” Sadie agreed.

  “I’m Samantha, and this is Eric and Mike, my council. You’ll get everyone else’s names as we go along.

  The search didn’t take long, and then they were moving through the forest. They hadn’t been far away from their base.

  “I know it doesn’t seem like much, but we are always on the move, so it’s pointless to waste precious time and resources to create a perfect place,” Samantha told them.

  “You won’t hear any judgment from us. We were just uprooted from our safe haven. We’ve shifted bases to a woman’s property, and it’s been wonderful, but nothing compared to what we had,” Sadie said.

  “Would the two of you like to join us for a meal? We can save talking for later,” Samantha said, motioning toward their dining area. The place wasn’t traditional in any sense of the word. There wasn’t a table, instead a series of logs had been cut into pieces, the higher pieces were used as a table platform, while shorter pieces served as chairs.

  Beside the table was a large fire pit, filled with smoldering coals, and over that was a huge pot with stew cooking that smelled delicious.

  “I’m impressed,” Sadie whispered, looking around the camp. They had a large group, but few supplies, yet they seemed to be getting by with no problem. The entire group worked together seamlessly and efficiently. She could see how they’d lasted so long throughout the war.

  “Take a seat,” Samantha said, not able to hide the proud grin that Sadie’s awe had provided.

  “You don’t have to serve us; we don’t want to be a bother,” Brian argued.

  “Sit down,” Samantha demanded. “You are my guests.”

  “All right,” Brian conceded. Without any more prompting the two sat next to each other at the makeshift table. Slowly the dining area filled with more people. Samantha came back with bowls of stew for both of them, and one for herself. She then proceeded to sit down to the right of Sadie.

  “Thank you,” Sadie said. “This smells delicious.”

  “Then dig in,” Samantha responded easily, dipping her own spoon into the mixture.

  Sadie dug in and brought the delightful mixture to her mouth before she paused. She could swear she’d heard rustling from the tree line.

  “Samantha, is everyone at camp eating with us?” she asked uneasily.

  “Yes, except the people who are watching the perimeter around the camp where we found you two. They will eat once they get switched.”

  Sadie glanced at the tree line once more. She’d grown to trust her gut feeling, and she definitely felt uneasy about this.

  “Aren’t you hungry?” Brian whispered, noticing she hadn’t even taken one bite of the stew. He was already halfway finished with his meal.

  “I don’t have a good feeling,” Sadie responded, never taking her eyes off the tree line.

  Before Brian could respond, the place Sadie had been fixating on had separated into two sections. Between the devastated trees stood Johnathan, looking unlike anything Sadie had seen before. Not a hint of warmth existed in his once bright eyes. His lips were pressed into a cold, hard line. He held a sword in his hand.

  Samantha immediately stood, her face white, her hands shaking. Despite the obvious fear, she worked up enough courage to speak, “What business do you have in our camp?”

  “It doesn’t seem to me like
you have any room to be asking any questions, little woman,” Johnathan replied with a humorless laugh. He took a step forward, and scanned the crowd, reveling in the fear. He could handle that. The power was intoxicating.

  “You have no right to talk to our leader with such disrespect,” a man at the far end of the table said, immediately jumping to his feet. His hands were balled into fists and his face was already turning red as he reached for his weapon.

  “If only you had experienced true power, you would know what I can and can’t demand. And really, I can demand just about anything I want. I’m not above doing anything to get it either,” Johnathan said, amused that he could cause such a reaction in the young man.

  Sadie glanced around. Everyone was terrified, and Johnathan seemed happy about it. It didn’t add up. This couldn’t be the same man who had watched over Phoenix and her while they were growing up. This couldn’t be the same overprotective brother. How could those protective instincts change into a willingness to harm others?

  No matter how it happened, she needed to stop it. If he decided it was what he wanted, he could wipe out this entire group, and it seemed that if he did he would hold no remorse over the action either.

  Sadie took a deep breath and stared at Johnathan, knowing he hadn’t seen her or Brian yet, and hoping that her plan would work and at least a molecule of his humanity was still intact.

  “Johnathan,” Sadie said loudly and clearly, standing up on her seat so she was clearly visible. “This isn’t you. This isn’t the man I grew up loving. This isn’t the man who protected me and his sister through thick and thin.”

  Brian stood beside Sadie and wrapped his arm protectively around her.

  Johnathan looked up and stared at the two of them. Sadie could swear she saw a hint of shock appear on his face before it slipped away, replaced by the cold mask he seemed to prefer.