A Phoenix Reborn

The phoenix is a timeless entity. As much an idea as a living creature. You may try to strike us down but we will never be completely stifled. From even the slightest of sparks the phoenix will rise again to stand against evil.

-Lukas Urfang, Founder of Phoenix Wing

---

In the depths of night, a pair of wizards stand solemnly along the beach of the Caershire lake. Hardly a word passes between them, the significance of what they’re about to do weighs too heavily on them to permit the exchange of small talk.

“Are you sure about this Raphael?” Ryllae asks, she folds her arms across her chest shivering slightly from the night time chill.

She can barely see his face in the dim light of the moon, but from what she can discern, his expression is convicted, “Of course, she didn’t deserve that fate… and we need her. I was gone when Phoenix Wing needed me most, if I can give us something back to make up for that then hell yes I’m going to do it.”

Ryllae can’t find the words to respond, I was there… and it didn’t make a bit of difference… She can’t help but wonder if Raphael had been leader from the start, if he’d won the competition instead of her... maybe he’d have been able to prevent all of the terrible things that happened to their guild. Rather then trying to clean up the mess she left behind. She finds herself unable to meet Raphael’s intense gaze any longer, instead her eyes trail to the waves falling quietly on the sand. She takes a few deep breaths along with the rhythm of the delicate crests, attempting to calm her anxiety. But she still can’t manage to shake the shame of her failures.

He frowns slightly, and places a hand on her shoulder, “Hey, I see that look on your face. None of this was your fault Ryllae, you understand? You were a great leader, don’t question that.” 

She grips her arm awkwardly, still unable to look at him, “I… A-alright.” But no matter how much she tries to believe his words… she can’t help but feel like Minerva would never have let Phoenix Wing fall into this state. I wonder if this screw up is finally bad enough that she’d be disappointed in me… It was no small feat to let down the incredibly patient woman, but perhaps Ryllae had finally achieved it.

Raphael’s gaze drifts to something behind her, and his expression rapidly shifts to a gleeful smile, “Almeric! Over here!” he calls out.

Turning around, she sees their old friend has arrived at the crest of the hill. Recognizing them, he waves broadly and practically tumbles down the slope to meet them. “Hey!” he greets, and Raphael pulls him into a hug before he can say anything else.

“It’s good to see you.” Raphael says, patting him on the back.

Almeric returns the gesture, “You too. I was surprised to get your letter, is something wrong?” he inquires.

Raphael draws back, “I’ll explain once Lucius gets here. It’s kind of a lot to go over more than once…” he explains.

Almeric raises a brow at him in curiosity, but respects his decision and doesn’t question him further. Finally he turns to Ryllae and gives her a once over, the discomfort he feels at seeing her is palpable. “Hey Ryllae…”

“Hello Almeric.” she responds curtly.

He coughs slightly, “I’m... really sorry about what happened. Especially losing your girls, that must have been hard.”

Of course, he’s still taking responsibility for his brother’s misdeeds. Even now. This conversation has been a long time coming, she and Yume have been in the wind for a while now, and she hasn’t spoken with Almeric since before she left. She shakes her head in response to his apology, “Don’t be sorry. I’ve seen them, and they’re happy and safe. That’s all I ever wanted for them. My daughters have the right to make their own decisions.”

Almeric’s eyes go wide in surprise, “Wait, you’ve seen them?! I mean that’s good but...” he takes a moment to carefully consider his next statement,  “Was he with them?”

Talk about a loaded question, “Yes. Yes he was.” she confirms.

For a moment his unspoken follow up question hangs in the air between them,

“Are you going to tell me where Otto is so I can bring him to justice?”

And her unspoken reply hovers alongside it,

“I can’t do that, not without endangering my daughters too.”

And he understands that, it’s what prevents him from asking. Vesi may have the right to choose her own path, but the one she’s selected is riddled with danger. And now Ryllae stands as one of the few lines of defense between her and the Guardians. A responsibility she doesn’t take lightly. 

It’s a strange thing, to keep a secret from Almeric. He’s one of her oldest and most trusted friends… but Margaret, Vesi, and their entire guild’s safety was now tied to Otto’s, and she would do anything for her daughters. That much she’s certain of. 

Just as the silence is threatening to suffocate them, she hears a familiar drawl in the distance, “Ah, there you guys are! Sorry I’m late. Is this really the west side of the lake? Coulda sworn west was that way…” Lucius appears scratching his head in confusion.

And immediately the suspense between them shatters. That was one of Lucius’s best qualities, he could bring levity to the crushing weight of a black hole. He jogs over to meet them smiling broadly, completely oblivious to the uncomfortable discussion he’s thankfully interrupted.

Raphael smirks at him as he approaches, “Yes Lucius, I’m pretty sure the sun sets in the same place every day.” he taunts. Ryllae chuckles lightly for the first time in a while. 

And just like that, they’re back together. The old team. All four fit together perfectly, like pieces of a favorite jigsaw puzzle that they haven’t attempted for some time. All smiling and happy and hugging… For a little while anyway.

Lucius scoffs, “Yeah yeah, whatever. You know, when I said you guys needed to come up with less dreary reasons for us to meet up, a creepy midnight gathering wasn’t what I had in mind.” 

Raphael grins smugly, “Oh trust me, you’re gonna want to be here for this.”

“Really? Don’t tell me you’ve actually called us here with good news for once.” Almeric presumes.

He nods, “Great news actually. Why don’t you tell them Ryllae?” he offers.

She can feel their eyes on her expectantly, and she takes a deep breath, “So… it’s kind of a long story. Do you guys remember when that sickness struck the guild? And we had to find Cyrus so he could send us back in time to stop it? But… when we found him… he was dead. But then I brought him back to life?”

Lucius nods, “Yeah, that was a really powerful ability, I’d never seen you use that before.”

“Yeah um… it was a special ability, actually. Phoenix: Resurrection. A secret spell passed down through Phoenix Wing’s history from leader to leader that can only be used once per caster. It’s channeled using the power of the previous leader, so Minerva gave her magic to allow me cast it. That’s why she was suddenly powerless.” she explains.

She gives them a moment to process before continuing, “Well… I’ve had a lot of time to think about all that’s happened. I’ve talked with Yume and my daughters and Raphael and… my time as leader is over. I’m ready to retire. So… I’ve passed on my magic to Raphael officially.”

Lucius blinks at her in surprise, “Wait, you can’t use any magic at all anymore?!”

She shakes her head, “No… but it was my duty to fulfill. Minerva did it, the leader before her did it, and countless more before them did as well. The role of leader comes with many sacrifices.” And my magic was just the most recent one…

Raphael steps up, “And some day I’ll do the same. But for now, the point is… I can cast Phoenix: Resurrection. And I know exactly who I’m going to use it on.”

Almeric is visibly stunned, “Wait, what?! You’re… you can…” he contemplates for a moment, “This place, this is where she died, isn’t it?!” he glances around them in rapid circles, and Ryllae nods confirming his suspicion, “You’re bringing her back?!” 

Raphael smirks, “I will, as soon as you stop talking over me.” 

Almeric nods furiously and wrings his hands together, “Do it then.” 

Raphael turns his back to them to face the water, clearing his throat he begins channeling the ancient magic. As he taps into the spell, his body begins to emit a brilliant golden glow, and Ryllae inhales sharply at the sight. Such a rare magic. A literal once in a lifetime spell, and she was about to witness it for the second time. Perhaps there really is no end to the world’s miracles.

He spreads his arms wide, and begins reciting the familiar incantation, “Rise up from within, the undying power of flame.” The light from his body extends to the lake, and the water begins to glow a bright gold that cuts through the murky darkness of the night, “Envelop the soul and revitalize it as new. With the greatest depths of my power, I deny the unstoppable forces of nature.” the lake answers his call, churning and thrashing without apparent cause. The now enormous waves cast gorgeous rays of bright light and shadow against the shore, “Manifest the undying light! PHOENIX: RESURRECTION!” 

As he completes the spell a golden projection of a Phoenix erupts from the surface of the lake, soaring high above them. It lets out a powerful shriek that sends a chill up her spine and echoes through quiet night. The mystical bird spreads its wings wide, filling the sky with glorious light. It’s so bright, it isn’t long before Ryllae can’t stand to look any longer. She shields her eyes from the intense glow and waits for the spell to complete.

When at last she opens her eyes again, she gasps. Standing before them in the shallows is the legendary water dragon slayer and their treasured friend, Freyja.

She blinks and looks around, “What the… what the hell happened? My head hurts like crazy, how much did I drink last night?” she looks over to the group and raises an eyebrow, “What are you all staring at?”

Almeric is unable to control his emotions anymore, he lets out a choked sob and runs at her arms extended, not caring about the water. She barely catches him and staggers back slightly.

“Whoa, watch it! Nearly tackled me…” she complains.

Almeric sniffles slightly, “Hey sis… you’ve got a lot to catch up on…” 

She suddenly realizes he’s crying, and her brows furrow in concern. Her tone shifts to become serious and sympathetic, “Yeah…? Alright Almeric. Tell me everything. From the beginning.”

---

Ryllae and Raphael step into the guild’s work out room apprehensively, knowing they’re not likely to receive a warm welcome. They quickly spot the person they’re looking for, in the corner practicing alone as was his usual habit these days. He lashes out angrily at the punching bag, as if it were personally responsible for all the suffering he’s endured, “Galen…?” Ryllae calls into the room.

He spins quickly, frustration at their interruption evident on his face, “What?” he spits.

Lucius and Almeric follow them into the room and Galen’s expression shifts apprehensively, it’s been a while since he’s seen them. Especially all four together. He’s undeniably curious, in spite of his recently developed attitude problems. After all, when these four were together, something exciting was always bound to happen.

Raphael steps out of the doorway to make room, “We’ve got a surprise for you.”

If someone were to ask Ryllae to define the word ‘joy’, she would do her best to describe the look on Galen’s face as Freyja walked into that room. Though she fears no words within her vocabulary could ever do it justice.

His appearance in that one crucial moment is an image she’ll never forget. It was full of restored hope and happiness. The kind of hope Phoenix Wing so desperately needs right now. And it gave her a crucial reminder. Sometimes… all it takes is a tiny spark for a glorious rebirth.