The Phoenix King

Old Enemies

I wasn't sure why I went to the church. It took me twenty minutes to decided to head over there and another six to actually step foot in there. As soon as I entered I felt this strange energy surround me. I looked around and saw water flowing around the entire room and a huge wall of fire. It was so windy in here but strangely I wasn't cold. Selene was meditating in the center and I didn't want to disturb her.

"I'm glad you came Samantha," she said.

"I want to help Axel," I told her.

"I know, so come kneel," she gestured. I kneeled down beside her. I closed my eye but I wasn't feeling anything but awkward. I didn't know how to do this or what I should be feeling.

"Selene? I don't think it is working," I told her.

"It wasn't going to happen in 3 seconds Samantha, you just have to stay focus and concentrate," she said. I tried to stay focused but I was still not sure about a lot of things.

"I can't do this," I said and stormed out. I didn't make it too far because I bumped into Noctis. Selene came after me.

"Please, just try a bit longer," Selene said.

"May I suggest a friendly duel," Noctis said. I was confused. Was he suggesting I fight Selene?

"I don't think that is a good idea, she should try to call a spirit first," Selene explained.

"Well, we both know spirits come to us when we are in need, a duel might just be what she needs to bring out a spirit within her," Noctis said.

"The odds of her having a spirit are slim and a duel would not be safe," Selene declared.

"I'm not weak and I think it is a good idea," I told them. I was annoyed that Selene thought I couldn't take her. I mean I probably couldn't but she was supposed to be helping me and she sounds like she doesn't think this will even happen. So she basically is just wasting both our time. Selene protested a few more times until she finally gave in. Noctis lent me his sword. Selene began by telling me how to hold it and lunge at her. She blocked my attacks of course and then lightly came towards me.

"How is she supposed to summon a spirit with no real threat," Noctis pointed out.

"I will not attack her with any force," Selene said.

"Please, just fight, don't kill me but really fight me," I told her. She sighed and started to move a bit faster but still, I could feel her holding back.

"Just one little spirit power won't hurt her," Noctis teased.

"Yeah, it's okay, go for it," I yelled. She didn't use her powers so I became upset and used as much force as I could to attack her. She blocked the first few hits but I was moving so wildly I think I took her by surprise. I even slashed her arm at one point. I wasn't even aiming for it but I was just swinging my sword everywhere. I took one finally stance and ran towards her ready to hit her on her side when all of a sudden I felt a fireball come at me. I couldn't move fast enough but I did fall to the ground before it hit me. I scraped my whole face and felt my body ache at the sudden impact with the ground.

"WHAT THE HELL!," I heard Axel shout. He came running towards me and he helped me lift me off the ground. Before Selene could say anything Noctis had spoken.

"Sire, it was my idea. I did not think Selene would use so much force." Selene never once defended herself.

"Sam? what happened?" Axel said angrily.

"I don't know, I didn't see where it came from but I think it was he," I didn't finish my thought. Axel sighed so many times. I knew he didn't want to believe it but he knew Noctis was an air spirit. The fireball could have only been fired by her. She didn't look sad or apologetic. She was just calm and looking at all of us talk about what had just happened.

"Selene, I think you should go and stay away from Sam," he said. "For now," he added. She walked away so gracefully I almost felt bad. I know I egged her on but I was not expecting her to come at me like that. I spent the entire morning with Axel until he went off to battle. It was nice. It was like old times like it was just me and him.

~

"I think I know who stole the king's ashes all those years ago," I told Cloud. He looked at me confused and then I told him what had just happened. He was just as concerned as I was. We needed to find proof before revealing anything. I decided to not tell Maze anything as well. He was kind and a friend to me but he was still loyal to the king and his closest friend. I had Cloud send Hunter on errands every day to keep him out of harm. He was now my guard but he was not fitted for the role.

  Some days had passed and I was not allowed to go to battle and I was not allowed to be around Sam. She was always with the king so I just stayed in my chambers and went to church. Axel never once came to look for me. I knew he was conflicted and I didn't want to cause him more stress so I just stayed away. I heard he made another speech as he won another battle. That made 12 so far, he was making good stride but his people were not pleased when they noticed I was not there. As the trinity spirit, I am looked at like a miracle and when Alexander went missing I was there only hope. I gave speeches and met with the people of the galaxy. I told them I would find Alexander and bring him home. They grew close to me and I to them. They thought of me as their queen even before we had the chance to perform the ceremony. I also knew Samantha must be feeling the pressures of being near the king and having to be something more for him and his people.

"The council members must gather in the grand hall," Venus said as she brought me my tea.

"What do you think this is about?" Cloud said. I looked at them both and smiled.

"She has finally arrived."