The Phoenix King

For The King And For Callisto

I didn't think it was possible to miss someone so much. Even my parents have begun to fade from my memory. I have some things still lingering but I just don't feel they're lost as I did before. I think I miss them but this agonizing pain I feel in my heart is for her. I couldn't see Selene's beautiful face anymore. I was happy that Lady Serenity came so I could finally gaze upon her beauty and not feel shame. I have this strange feeling. I know she would never hurt Sam so why can't I just let it go. Noctis and Hunter keep trying to make her out to be a villain. She is incredibly sweet and caring. I know Sam isn't a liar either but she didn't really see what happened. I wish I could just say "ENOUGH!" and have them drop the issue. Sam lately has been bad-mouthing Selene too. I saw Selene slip out after dinner and I had to follow her. I actually have been keeping a close eye on her. Always wishing I could get closer. Kissing her tonight was something I needed to bring me some clarity and bring my focus back. I love the way her lips taste and I love how she makes me feel. I can feel my spirits awaken and want to burst out of my body when I touch her. 

The battles have been intense but slowly I can feel us closing the gap. We have liberated 5 planets and won 15 battles. We are trying to show the universe that I have returned and will keep them safe. Noctis thinks we can take a much-needed break soon. I was happy to have him. Between Maze, Noctis and Hunter I felt I could manage this king thing with ease. Noctis was the one who told me to have Hunter watch Selene for me. It was easier to know he was there when I couldn't be. I think things are coming together and it couldn't be better. 

~

"It's hard to gather information Selene when we are always being watched," Cloud said to me.

"I know but we have to allow it, for now, find out as much as you can and stay hidden," I told him. Things were becoming too tense. Hunter followed me endlessly and Noctis glued himself to Axel. I knew Axel would find his way out of this fog but I wished it was sooner rather than later.

 Lady Serenity invited all of us to the valley of Dune. It was very beautiful. Lady Serenity and I walked ahead of everyone. Cloud and Venus were close behind us followed by Axel, Sam, and Hunter. Then, it was Noctis and a few of his men.

"Are you excited about the fire spirit festival?" Lady Jessica asked me.

"Of course," I said.

"Must be thrilling to see all the high council members," Noctis said. "Especially Gabriel, right Selene."

I didn't respond to his comment. I looked back to see a concerned and puzzled look on Axel's face.

"Axel, let's walk over there," Sam said very cheerfully. She took his hand and ran off towards the canyon.

'The preparations are going along nicely," Lady Serenity told me.

"That's great," I said softly.

" I know it bothers you but remain strong," she said in our secret language. I nodded and walked ahead. Cloud quickly came by my side.

Suddenly, we heard a scream and Samantha came running towards us.

"There are these monsters and there attacking Axel!," Samantha shouted. Noctis and his men quickly ran off to help him.

"Cloud, protect Lady Serenity!" I demanded. I took Venus and pushed her behind me. "Samantha, stay with Hunter and Cloud. She was about to roll her eyes but saw a crawler heading towards us. I took a defensive stance and waited until it was close enough to attack. I threw as many fireballs as I could at it before it diminished. 

"There's more headed this way," Cloud told me. I created my ice sword and Cloud pulled out his. I blew them away with a gust of wind. As soon as they got back up and ran towards us, Cloud and I began to fight them off. I cut off their heads off and stabbed a few in the heart. Cloud was showing no mercy as well. I saw one running towards Venus. I ran to her aid and blasted him away with my air spirit.

"Are you okay?" I asked her. She nodded and I gave her a gentle hug. I heard Samantha scream again and turned to see the crawler landed on top of her. I knew I didn't push him towards that direction but somehow he landed on top of her. Axel came running to her defense and killed the crawler with his fire blast. She quickly jumped up and gave him a tight hug.

"I was so scared, I didn't know what to do and why Selene threw him at me, "Samantha cried.

"You should have protected Samantha, not only is she your king's concubine but she has no spirit power, unlike your handmaiden," Noctis said.

I didn't answer him and just looked at Axel.

"Is this true?" Axel asked. "Why would you protect Venus if she can protect herself." Axel looked so upset and he diverted his gaze.

"Alexander!" Lady Serenity shouted. "If you are so worried about your concubine then maybe you should leave her at the palace." He still would not look at me in the eyes. He took Samantha in his arms and walked her back to his ship. I took a deep breath and went to the trinity spirit church.

I mediated for what seemed like forever.

"You should have protected my friend," Axel's voice broke me out of my concentration. "She could have died because of you." I didn't say anything.

"I'm sorry," were his last words before he walked out of the church. I closed my eyes again. I stayed focused trying to find the answers I needed. Suddenly, I saw flashes as clear as day. I saw Axel's home and his town. I saw Noctis, Samantha, and Hunter. The pieces didn't fit together just yet but I knew they would. I quickly left and went back to the palace.  I heard yelling from the grand hall. I wasn't going to enter the room but Cloud was there being yelled at.

"I don't feel safe here, with her and them," Samantha said to Axel.

"They are not leaving," Lady Serenity said.

"Axel, you're the king, Why don't we leave?" she whined.

"I can't leave the palace, I mean where would we go," he said.

"Not leave the palace but leave this planet," she said. He looked shocked and didn't answer her just looked at me intently.

"Sire, you cannot leave," Paul said with anguish.

"He can, he never asked for any of this, our parents died because of this stupid spirit crap," Samantha said. "You can leave Axel, please let's go and start over."

"You brought all of this on to us and we have been here for you bro but enough is enough we can't do this anymore," Hunter said. Noctis remained silent but looked very amused.

"I, I will stay, but after the war is over I will leave and go back home," Axel said.

"This is your home," Lady Serenity said.

"This is what our King has decided. So let us win the war for the king and for Callisto," Noctis said.