The Phoenix King

Strangers

After school, Sam and Hunter stopped by to hang out. I couldn't stop thinking about that kiss and seeing my dream woman in real life.

"Dude, are you even listening," Hunter said.

"Sorry, I was just thinking about," I started to say.

"You're lady friend," Hunter said jokingly.

"No, my new idea for my project," I said.

"Good, we'll help you. What is Axel's inner self?" Sam said. They all pretended to be deep in thought.

"Look, I don't need help I just need to paint the first thing that comes to mind when I think about me," I said.

"Didn't you do that already," Hunter joked.

"Your inner self is kind and creative. You're passionate and brave," Sam said. Hunter was looking at her kind of funny and she began to blush. I didn't pay much attention to it because I was still busy thinking about what happened early today. Sam and Hunter stayed for another few hours but then they left. I laid on my bed thinking about everything. I couldn't stay focused for long. I kept picturing her long black hair and red lips touching mine. I suddenly felt someone sit on my stomach.

"What the hell!" I shouted. I opened my eyes and saw her. "Oh, it's you."

"Alexander, I need your help," she said.

"I still think you have me confused with," I began to say but she just leaned in closer I stopped talking. I thought she was going to kiss me again.

"I'm not confused. I know who you are, you just don't know," she said. "My name is Selene from the planet Callisto. I know this must be a lot to take in but you are the Phoenix King, ruler of Callisto and the Terra galaxy."

"You lost me at Callisto," I said to Selene. "That is crazy and I just realized I don't even know you. How did you get into my room? Into my house?"

"I followed you and I know you don't remember me but I am your betrothed," she explained. "I don't know what happened to you but you were killed in battle and when you resurrected you were gone."

"What?" I asked.

"I know this is confusing and hard to explain but you're the phoenix king and as such, you can never die," she said. "You have the phoenix spirit in you and all of its powers."

"Powers, phoenix, king, WHAT?" I shouted.

"Don't be afraid and please believe me," she said. "Your planet is in danger and your people need you." I grabbed her face and saw all the concerns and hopelessness in her eyes. I wanted to take it all away but I didn't know-how.

"I don't know if I can believe you," I told her. "This all sounds so crazy." She shot up from the bed and stood beside me. I sat up on my bed and looked at her. She looked like she was thinking about something. She reached out her hand and I thought she wanted me to grab it but suddenly water appeared and she turned it into ice and crushed it in her palm. I looked at her in shock and got up from the bed. I almost slipped on the ice on the floor.

"How did you do that?" I asked her.

"I am a trinity spirit," she said. "I can control water, fire, and air."

"Really," I said. "Um, can I do that."

"Oh you can do that and much more," she said proudly. "You are the most powerful being in the galaxy." I was in shock. How could I be powerful and from another planet?

"How do I use my powers?" I asked. She stayed quiet for a moment.

"All this time, you never once accidentally used any of your powers?" she asked me.

"No," I said.

"How is that possible," she said. "Everyone that is born with a spirit learns to manifest and grow their power at the spirit temple but the Phoenix king has lived many lives that you should just naturally know how to use them."

"Oh," I said.

"I'm sorry, I don't know how to explain how your powers work but I could try to train you," she said. "I just need to hurry." I was so confused but somehow I believe her. This is all so weird and surreal but I know I can trust her.

"I have to go but I must protect you now that I know where you are," she said.

"So I will see you again," I said.

"Yes, I will come back soon," she said. She walked right out my bedroom door and out the front door. I was so confused. My parents were at work so I know I was good with that. I did my homework and started sketching a bit after that. I soon fell asleep and dreamt of my mysterious new friend.

The next day, I got ready for school and Hunter stopped by for breakfast. My parents were always kind to Hunter and Sam. They were good people. I had a simple but nice life. Was I ready for anything else? Did I really want to leave my old life behind and explore something new? We headed out to pick up Sam and then went straight to school. I kept wondering when I would see Selene again. I walked to my locker and got my books out. I noticed a girl talking to the principal. I couldn't see her face but that long black hair and body. I started to cough in embarrassment. I wanted to follow her as the principal led her away. Sam brought me out of my trance and we walked to homeroom. As soon as we entered I saw her. Sitting by the window was Selene. I was shocked and yet delighted to see her. She looked normal today. Hunter noticed me staring at her.

"HOLY s**t!" he shouted. "It's her."

"Her who?" Sam asked pushing Hunter to take a look for herself. "OMG."

"DUDE! Go talk to her. I dare you," Hunter told me.

"No!" I demanded. Selene quickly turned around and smiled at me.

"Wow, dude, do you know her," Hunter said.

"No, not really," I said.

"Come on just hurry up and take a seat," Sam said. As soon as it was time for lunch I looked everywhere for Selene. She was pinned to her locker by a group of guys trying to flirt with her. I was annoyed so I just walked over to her and grabbed her arm. I pulled her outside, hearing all the guys say "what's your problem."

"Why are you here?" I asked her.

"To protect you and be near you," she said. Her words instantly calmed me.

"You look, nice," I said hesitantly. She just smiled at me.

"So your just a normal human," she said.

"Yeah, I guess so," I answered.

"I mean no offense. It's just the Alexander I knew was so much more," she said. I sort of did feel offended but I can't live up to a superhuman other planet being. "This place is so simple and nice."

"It is," I said.

"My planet is at war without you," she said. "I'm sorry, I know saying all of this is too much but I can't help but feel hope again after I finally found you. I have searched everywhere for you." Her words did make me feel like I owed her something but I can't do much for her. Sam came looking for me and she noticed I was standing very close to Selene. She grabbed my hand and said we were going to be late for our next class.

"Axel, I know you think you know her but you don't. She is technically a stranger," Sam said. Her words hit me hard. I know she is a stranger but she does seem familiar to me not just because I have been drawing her my whole life. I don't think I ever told Hunter or Sam that I have been dreaming about Selene and drawing her since I was little. This happened all so suddenly but it happened for a reason. Somehow this is all my destiny and I can feel it slowly stirring inside me.