Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2016 11:07 AM, Post Subject: Rebirth

She was all right, thank the Gods.  She stripped a piece of cloth from her clothing and bound the wound on her arm, which was probably a good idea for her to do.  She wouldn't want for the wound to get infected.  "Don't go thinking it's okay for you to die if you're just going to be reborn, okay?  I don't want to see a friend of mine get killed, no matter what.  That said, I'm glad you're safe."  He wiped the blood off his sword with a cloth, then sheathed it.  His hand hurt doing that.

"My hand hurts, I must have sprained something doing that."  He looked down at his hand, he had torn some of the skin off his knuckles with that attack.  He should probably wrap that hand up in cloth to stop the bleeding.  She got up and started to fall, but nearly fell over, he rushed to her side and helped her sit down.  "Are you sure you're all right?  We should take a break.  We have to take care of our wounds.  I'm afraid you may have hit your head in that fall, you shouldn't walk, or you might get hurt again."  The rain was still coming down as he looked up to the sky.  It was cold, and they needed something to keep animals away.  He pulled the backpack off his back, and pulled out a handy torch, he pointed a finger at the torch and released a small fireball that lit it up with a warm, orange flame, a puff of smoke lighting up from the torch.  "There, now we'll be warm," he said with a smile.

Author: Pyzis, Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 2:53 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

Pyzis watched the pain in the ferocious animals eyes as Hiro stabbed it. Then as suddenly as the beast had jumped onto her it was gone in a burst of flame as he punched it with a fist of flames. She gladly took the offered hand and rose, happy to see that the beast didn't. Silently she took stock of her injuries, aside from a bump on the head and a gash on her arm she was in one piece. She winced as she ripped off the bottom of her tunic and bound the bleeding wound awkwardly with one hand. 

"I will be fine, I took a nasty blow to the head from my fall and a cut on the arm, but I'll survive. Thank you for helping me, I couldn't get my arms up to light it on fire," she huffed angrily. Pyzis wasn't one to let another save her, but this was one of those moments that you are simply grateful to be alive. Though as a Phoenix she would have just been reborn again had she fallen. Pyzis shivered at the thought; it was painful being consumed by fire until you became ashes and rose again. She wasn't very keen on repeating the process so soon after having done so. 

"Are you okay? Did the creature hurt you?" she asked, a look of concern flashing across her face. It seemed strange to her to care whether the man had been injured or not. She hadn't formed any relationship with a human her whole life. Now here she was being saved by someone she would call a friend in the least. 

Pyzis brushed the dirt off of her clothes and raised her uninjured arm to the back of her head. A goose egg was forming and tender to the touch. She swayed slightly before sitting down on a large rock just off the path. There would be no way to help Hiro if he had been hurt if she passed out from her head wound. As she looked at her right hand, she noticed it came away dry, at least, her head wasn't bleeding. Blood and long hair were the worst things to combine; it would take hours to wash it out once it dried. 

"Mind if we take a break, I'm a little dizzy from my fall," she grimaced as she moved her injured arm. The makeshift bandage was soaked with blood, and she was sure it would need tending to sooner rather than later. She couldn't bring herself to care, only to sigh as she relaxed on the rock. 

Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 11:05 AM, Post Subject: Rebirth

He had a feeling she would not want TOO much help.  He did feel some kind of attraction toward her, but he was trying to keep that in check.  She wouldn't have had any time in the past for any kind of love, considering she's spent much of her life locked up in a cage.  That puts a damper on one's life, and expectations for romance.

"That's fine, I'm glad you have some kind of skills, I don't know what kind of life you had before you were caged up.  I imagine you'd have an easier time in a regular old fashioned forest, rather than a jungle or rain forest like this place."  He stopped as she stopped.  He thought he heard something through the silence of everything else in the area.  A growling noise.  Uh oh.

A dark shape lunged toward Pyzis from out of the shadows.  Slamming into her and knocking her to the ground.  It was a wild cat of some kind.  A large beast with dark fur, and razor sharp claws and fangs.  Pyzis tried to stay strong, but the monster was a fierce beast, preparing to claw and mangle her.  Hiro quickly drew his blade from the sheath on his side.  He needed to move fast.  He rushed toward the giant beast, sword at the ready.

"Get away from her!"  Hiro screamed in rage as he lunged forward, plunging his sword into the beast's torso, causing it to release loud, primal scream.  Hiro wasn't done yet, he held the sword in with his left hand, and drew back his right, remembering the techniques he was taught by his father, Sabishii.  He focused his strength into that right hand, curling his fingers into a fist, roaring flames starting to leap from his knuckles, covering his whole fist.  He thrust his fist forward in a powerful, fiery punch, striking the giant cat where it's kidneys would be, knocking it off poor Pyzis, and sending it flying through some bushes and slamming into a rock.  He heard the impact.  It did not get back up.  Hiro stood there panting, sword in one hand, covered in blood, his other hand still curled into a fist, still smoking from burning the fur right off that giant cat's side.  He opened his right hand, and stared at his hand, still feeling the adrenaline rush, that should have hurt his hand, but he wasn't feeling it yet.  It was injured a bit.  He shook out his hand.

"Are you okay?  Are you hurt?"  He looked toward Pyzis, who was on the ground, and he offered her his hand.  That bruised and slightly bloody hand.

Author: Pyzis, Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2015 12:07 AM, Post Subject: Rebirth

Pyzis smiled warmly at Hiro; she realized that he still held her hand and quickly pulled away. While he was kind, and great company, Pyzis didn't want to send the wrong message. She hadn't been a human in so many years she forgot how strongly the attraction between males and females affected them. In fact, she was feeling more friendly towards him than she had planned to begin with. It was a physical thing she had never truly understood. Her first life had been cut short before she had experienced any attraction and the second filled with more pain than anything else. Ther had been no opportunities in her life to be attached to any one person. Her entire existence had been devoted to duty and serving others. 

"Hiro, I will manage on my own. I'm sure someone would trade food and lodging for work. I'm a good cook and am willing to do most labor, I know for humans money matters, but to me being free is all I ask for. I'm decent at living off the land, but not here in the jungle." she chatted. The rain was letting up, and the flame in her palm was keeping the chill at bay. As she looked at the man with dark hair, she heard a rustle in the underbrush to their left. Her eyes scanned into the high plants, but it was impossible to see far in the tangle of vegetation. Pyzis froze in her tracks as she felt something was off. The birds that had been singing moments ago had gone silent as had the tree frogs. 

Suddenly a large black shape jumped out of the bushes and tackled Pyzis to the ground. With a gasp, she felt the air rush out of her lungs as her back hit the dirt. Water dripped down on her from the canopy into her eyes. In her shock, the fireball in her hand had been snuffed out. A large jungle cat pinned her down with its paws on either side of her face. With a snarl it bared sharp white teeth, it's maw close enough that Pyzis could smell its meaty breath. She tucked her chin and set her yellow eyes on the beast, challenging it with all the courage she could muster. With her arms pinned to her side, there was no way she could summon fire to her. She only hoped Hiro was quick enough to help, lest she be forced to resort to snarling back. 

Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2015 10:00 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

She was so kind, he couldn't help but want to help her.  When they met, he thought she was going to kill her for catching her bathing, but she didn't have any kind of malicious thoughts about that.  She was innocent.  She was pure.  She needed to be protected.  He would help her on her way, and make sure nothing bad happened to her.

"I have some money, I can get you a cloak of your own when you get there.  I guess you can just owe me a little bit, if you don't want to accept a freebie, or something.  When you figure out a way to get money, you can just pay me back whatever it costs.  I can't just let you out into the world with just the clothes on your back, and possibly catch your death of cold and exposure."  Hiro told her, anticipating any reservations she would have against accepting such an offer.  She started channeling some magic through her hand into a warm flame.  His body started to feel warm from the heat of that flame.  "Thank you, that feels good."  He smiled toward her.

"Yes, I would guess staying low would be the best move.  For the rest of the world to know, you're just an ordinary human girl.  People wouldn't try to take you for tears, though I've seen vile people who would kidnap a girl just because.  Some people are just evil.  You have to remember, some people can't be trusted.  But most people I hope aren't that bad.  There's good people, and some who are bad.  It's up to you to find people you can trust to call friends."

Pyris wondered if the Goddess of Fire would help her.  She asked Hiro for aid in finding Lady Rhylana.  Hiro gave a moment of thought.  Maybe it would suit him to find and meet this Goddess as well.  Who knows what he could learn from her.

"Sure, I'll help you out.  I'd like to meet the Goddess as well, so it'd benefit both of us.  I've only learned fire magic, and it came innately through my heritage.  I'd just like to learn more."  He looked toward her, smiling warmly.

Author: Pyzis, Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 4:21 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

Pyzis took the cloak and sighed as she put it on her shoulders. Hiro's warmth still clung to the cloth and seeped into her skin. With a blush she looked away from him, she had noticed that the cloak smelled rather nice. Not that she should be embarrassed since they had only just met and he had seen her practically naked already. She had forgotten how nice it was to have company and Hiro was so noble she found herself drawn to him. He told her how his motives were pure, and she smiled at him, her yellow eyes taking in the happiness that radiated from him. 

"As I have nothing to my name, one would think money would be my first goal. I can't make myself care about anything other than the fact that I'm free," she admitted as she tied the cloak. The rain was pouring harder, and more than a few drops had made their way to the two of them. She lifted her right hand and summoned a small flame to it, hoping the warmth of it would be enough to reach Hiro. Pyzis found herself feeling guilty that she had taken his cloak.

"Thank you for the cloak and the information. I need to know as much as I can if I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb. If I start asking people who passed years ago, everyone will know something is up. I'm betting being inconspicuous is the best move for now. If I fit in, then I will be less likely to be captured." she mused as they continued through the rainforest toward the village.

Py pondered what he told her about the Goddess Rhylana. If she were a victim herself then she would likely understand Pyzis' situation better. Maybe she could offer some insight as to why she couldn't transform. Though perhaps as the Goddess of fire she could re-light the flames inside of her. 

"Hiro, do you think she could help me? I've never attempted to contact any of the Deities, but if they can help, then I will do what I must in order to transform again. I can't let my gift be wasted again." she said while clutching the cloak tighter around her. 

Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 2:31 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

Hiro smiled warmly at Pyzis, helping her catch her balance.  "I think I would have troubles walking if I were just kept in a small cage for years on end, and not let out to walk around.  You were a phoenix, a bird, and used to flying in the sky until you got captured and locked in a cage.  It's quite all right."  She expressed happiness that he wasn't obsessed with power or wealth.  "I need money of course to buy equipment, I need to train to get stronger, but I don't seek power at any cost, or wealth either.  I won't stab someone in the back just to get ahead.  It's not the right thing to do.  Dad would tan my hide if I did something like that.  Not that he's ever struck me before, besides just training with wooden swords and what not."

He felt raindrops coming down from the tree canopy.  They were lucky the trees were sheltering them from the bulk of the rain, but it was still very humid, and still wet, despite that.  Pyzis was trying to keep herself dry as the rain came down on them.  She only had the clothes on her back.  "Do you wish to borrow my cloak?  The first thing you should probably buy when we get to town is a good cloak.  It'll keep you dry in the rain, keep you warm in the cold, give you shade in the sun, and keep you inconspicuous when you wish not to draw attention."  He offered her the cloak off his back to keep her warm and dry.  He didn't mind if she borrowed it.  He wanted to be polite and help the girl.

"He said Dimitre was a horrible, evil man who was more concerned about his own power, than the people he ruled over or his own followers.  He had a city he ruled over with a puppet, and he ruled it with an iron fist.  He also beat his own child, Rhylana, when he found out she became a deity of fire, seeing the elemental powers as she governed as below his own darkness.  That's what he told me.  It does make me feel bad if that's how her own father treated her like."  He scratched his head.  "I've never met either of them, but the way Dad talked, he was on first name basis with a bunch of Deities."

Author: Pyzis, Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2015 2:15 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

Pyzis blushed as Hiro offered to help her steady herself. It was silly that she was having as hard of a time as she was, but when you never have to look at where you step it's hard to get back into the habit. She took his hand greatfully and thought about his words. Pyzis had never heard of Dimitre, but she had plans to go visit the temple as soon as she was settled. She would have to keep an eye out for the man, if Hiro's noble father had had an issue with him then maybe he had a point. She had no idea that there had been a change in the Deities over the last few decades. In fact the only way she knew that Rhylana exsisted was a scrap of paper she could read from her cage during her captivity. 

"I'm fine, I just forget that I have to watch where I put my feet." Pyzis smiled sheepishly at Hiro. "I'm glad to hear you are trying to make a name for yourself through good deeds. It's hard to find people anymore who aren't obsessed with power or wealth. Hence how I ended up in captivity. I know I have power, but I've never sought to use it for my own uses. I've always found it hard to try and put myself before others." 

Pyzis looked up at the sky and felt drops of warm tropical rain begin to fall. With a sigh she wrapped her slender arms around herself, trying to keep as dry as she could. At least the canopy above was thick enough that few drops made it down to them, though they were usually the large ones that rolled off of huge fronds. She followed Hiro, and wondered what she would do next. If this village had a place for her to employ herself for a few weeks, she may be able to get herself situated enough to travel to a bigger city. The only things she had were the clothes she wore and it was depressing to think about starting over with no possesions at all. Pyzis couldn't complain about any of that because now she finally had freedom. 

"Why did your father hate Dimitre? I know nothing of the Deities as they stand now or as they have been over the last forty years." she asked. If she knew a little more about the world around her she wouldn't stick out as much once she made it to a larger city. It was hard to blend in if one didn't even know what was happening with the Godhead. 

Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2015 9:19 AM, Post Subject: Rebirth

"Yeah, I've been taking small jobs, and doing stuff to try and make cash, and build a name for myself since I got here," he said, "I've been trying to do good deeds."  He lead her into the forest after she finished dressing.  As they traveled, she seemed to have great difficulty moving about.  She kept tripping over roots and branches, and having a real hard time.  He was confused at first, because he wasn't having troubles, but then he realized, she was a bird for forty years, and didn't have to worry about walking all that time.  "Do you need help over there?  I realize you probably haven't walked much in a long time."

She asked him if he knew much about the Goddess Rhylana, the patron deity of fire.  He thought back about what his father said about deities of fire.  "He kept talking about an older deity of fire before the current one.  He brought up a girl named Caitlin who became a Goddess of Fire.  But then something happened, and a new Deity was chosen to replace her.  The only real thing I know is that she's related to a person Dad HATED.  The God of Darkness, Dimitre Knight.  Dad hated him.  So I don't know what to think of Lady Rhylana."  He reached his hand toward her to help her back onto her feet.  "Are you okay?"  He smiled toward her.

Author: Pyzis, Posted: Sun Nov 1, 2015 1:59 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

Pyzis listened intently to what Hiro had to say, it seemed as if there were still as many bad things in the world as when she had last enjoyed it. At least this young man had ridden the land of on monster. His Father really did have a huge reputation and Pyzis could only imagine what it would feel like to live up to something like that. Since she had no family, she knew of she could do as she pleased. With a sigh, Pyzis pulled her long hair over her right shoulder and began playing with it. She waited until Hiro was done dressing before she responded to him. 

"It sounds like you have been very helpful since you made it here to the rain forest. I'm glad to have met you and not someone else who isn't as valiant. I would love to have company while we travel to the village. I don't want to get stuck outside without supplies," she reasoned. Pyzis knelt and laced up her boot while she let Hiro lead the way into the dense undergrowth. She hadn't walked on human legs in forty years, and it was taking some getting used to. As she followed him, she kept tripping on roots and fallen branches. Each time she sighed getting a little more frustrated with the limitations of not having wings. If she had them, she could simply fly above all this mess and make it to the village in minutes. Of course, that wasn't an option, and she would have been hesitant to leave her current companion anyway. He was gentle, and that was what she needed right now.

"I'm sorry for how I reacted back there; I didn't mean to flinch when you touched me. I haven't been touched by another human being in so long I forgot that it is a common gesture. I don't mind it simply surprised me." she explained. The knot of fear in her chest loosened as she told him. Hiro was not her former master, and he would not beat her. "Just be patient with me and tell me if I talk to much or pry too much. If it's quiet, I feel like I am back in my cage."

Pyzis watched her feet as she admitted to him her weakness, she knew she had only just met the man, but he had already saved her and two women since entering the rain forest. She hadn't heard anything though of the Diety he mentioned. Pyzis had never let herself rely on any of them and only recently requested help from the Goddess of fire. If this Angela was as, he said maybe she could help her learn more of the arts of healing humans. Though Rhylana had offered her help too.

"Do you know much of the Goddess Rhylana? I know she is the patron of fire which would be me since I am a creature entirely composed of fire," she inquired. The sky was turning dark and Pyzis could feel the moisture gathering in the air. The low undergrowth seemed to catch at her legs and was bound and determined to keep her on the floor. She found herself mumbling and growling ans she brushed dirt off her knees like a small child who couldn't keep her footing. It was embarrassing, but as she wasn't used to human legs and she was still weak from malnourishment, she didn't would simply have to deal with it.

Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Sun Nov 1, 2015 1:07 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

He smiled at her, though she seemed surprised that someone touched her on the shoulder.  She started asking a lot of questions about what he said, and about his childhood.

"Well, the other day, I was going through the rain forest, tracking down an ogre I was tasked with killing by a village, and I picked up its trail, it was attacking two women, one a girl younger than me, and one was a little older than me.  I defeated the ogre, and it turns out the young girl was one of the daughters of a Goddess, the Earth Mother Angela.  She's a Goddess of Fertility and things that grow out of the earth.  I imagine she's a goddess of life, and she tasked me with acting as a body guard to her daughter, who had sneaked out of the house to learn about the forest.  She paid me in advance for the task, and also has compensation for the money I would have earned dragging the ogre's head back to the village.  She said my father did tasks for her in the past, though I never got to ask him about it.  I don't know much about her besides that.  But I imagine she could help with learning how to heal or use potions," he said, recalling the story to her.

"As for my past and my father, I lived in a small town with my father and mother.  He said he was always a bit of an errant knight,  only briefly serving a royal family.  The family was dishonest to him, and made him do things he didn't like.  He was called the Phoenix Knight before that though.  He said he trained under a group of magical knights in a faraway land, but a lot of them were killed when they were betrayed by a fellow member.  I don't know much besides that."

He walked over to his belongings, using a cloth to dry himself before getting his clothes back on.  She had gotten dressed too, so he gave her privacy.  He heard a rumbling in the distance, dark clouds were gathering ahead.  It seemed was a storm approaching.  "I came from a small village a little ways east.  We can travel there together, Pyzis."

Author: Pyzis, Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 4:05 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

Pyzis gave Hiro a small sad smile, he was doing his best to help her stay cheerful and she appreciated it immensly. There wasn't much that she could do about what had happened but she knew she could change what happened from here on out. It was not Hiro that was making her sad, and the memories were something she would have to learn to live with. The touch on her shoulder made her jump. It had been forty years since she had been touched by someone. How strange was it, the gesture of kindness that hiro offered. She felt the warmth radiate from his palm onto her chilled skin. It cut through the sadness and brought her comfort, more so than she would admit outloud. 

"Thank you Hiro, it means a lot to me to have you here. To have someone to talk to and someone to listen mostly. I have never heard of the Church of Earth though. Who are they? Where are they? I just want to learn the trade, I guess I feel resposible for all those lives I could have saved. I know that it wasn't my doing, I wasn't the one trapping a helpless person, but I know what I can do and I know it was wasted. What city are you from? Tell me about your home, I want to hear about all that I've missed. Was it a small place or a large city? Did you grow up at a court where your Father served?" She rambled off questions to him. Pyzis knew she was simply trying to keep her mind away from the darkness that threatened to overwhelm her. There was a shadow that seemed to have crept into her mind, always at the edge of conciousness. It was the madness and she knew that with light and laughter it would slowly ebb away.

Pyzis stood up and walked behind Hiro, hoping he didn't mind, but she was getting a chill from the brisk water. She went to her things and donned her simple travel skirt, blouse and belt. The garments were the same as she had had last time she had turned into a Human. The well worn clothes had been set in the sun so when she finally got them on her skin she felt as if they were radiating warmth. Her sensitive, tingling skin had finally calmed and her long chocolate hair had dried and fell in long curls down her back. She lifted her chin and stared at the blue sky high above the tropical trees. There were clouds gathering and since Pyzis knew this was a rainforest it was only a matter of time before they were both soaked. 

"Do you know where the nearest village is? I have nothing and I don't feel like making a home here in the jungle no matter how beautiful it is. Or do you know where we can take shelter? I think it's going to rain and I just had my bath for the day" Pyzis asked Hiro. She had come here by air and hadn't seen much since she had been wracked with pain. Hiro must  have come on foot and if so he may have seen something nearby. 

Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 6:15 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

Hiro listened to Pyzis recall the time she spent with the alchemist.  He was hoping there'd be SOME kind of bright side of it, but there was none.  He felt bad for her, having to go through that for forty years.  She seemed moved to tears about it.  There had to be some way of cheering her up.

"I'm sorry for bringing it up, I was hoping there was a silver lining in there, but apparently not.  The guy was a bastard.  I'm sorry."  He placed his hand on her shoulder reassuringly, looking into her eyes.  "But you'll never have to go through that again.  I can't imagine spending forty years like that, and I'm only sixteen.  But you must be incredibly strong to survive that.  Stronger than I ever could be.  You need to go out there, and live life to the fullest.  Save people, do good deeds.  Unfortunately, I don't know healing magic, nor alchemy or herbalism for potion brewing.  I wish I could help you with that.  Maybe someone who's part of Church of Earth could help?  Shouldn't they know all about healing using plants and potions?"  He didn't know if that would help or not, but it was the first thing he thought of to say.

Author: Pyzis, Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2015 6:29 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

Pyzis shuddered, thinking about the man that held her captive wasn't something she wanted to do. She supposed that it was an eventuality so why not now in the sun and warmth with someone else her to stave off the fear. He had been a young man when he had inherited her from his father. Most Phoenix's were passed down within one family, but this man had been known as a weakling. He had suffered his entire life from a terminal illness and Pyzis had healed him at his father's behest a few times by then. Instead of keeping her in the Family house he had spirited her away to his lab and kept her underground in a cage. Before she had been allowed to roam the grounds, spread her wings and change between either form at will.

"The Alchemist that held me did not speak to me though I had known him most of his life and spoke to him while in human form multiple times. He trapped me in a cage next to his desk and I was only allowed light when he was in his study. I only had my own thoughts to keep me company for forty years, my prayers to the goddess of Fire and Destruction that were never verbally returned. I know she sent me the strength to keep me from going mad." Pyzis dropped her head into her arms. A small tear trickled down her face, but she tried to focus on the present. 

Next to her sat a beautiful young man with raven hair the air was full of the sounds of bird calls and the water around her thighs was cool. With a cleansing breath, Pyzis shifted the subject and raised her eyes to Hiro's. "My goal is to make up for all the lives that were lost while I was selfishly locked away. There are so many who could have used my tears that didn't get the opportunity to. I know for now that I can't transform, therefore I can't heal. I was planning on finding someone who could teach me about herbs and potions so I can do what I can until I've recovered enough to change." Pyzis looked within herself to the smouldering flame within. It should have been burning with an intensity that was ready to consume her at any moment. It was beginning to worry her that the flame wasn't brighter, this had never happened to her. Perhaps it would only take a few days rest until she was recovered. At least that was what she was hoping.

Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2015 9:41 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

HIro didn't know much about phoenixes besides what his father had told him.  "He always said he thought part of the phoenix was still within, and that was why he was born with such powerful fire magic, because Grandpa Kenshiro was a swordsman with no magic, and Grandma Sasha was a healer-cleric of some kind.  Maybe some of that magic made its way to me too, because I have fire magic as well, though Mom IS a fire elemental too, after all."  She seemed really happy that she had someone to talk to.  Being stuck for forty years with no one else to talk to must have been a drag, insanity even.  "So the guy who had you locked up didn't even talk to you?  Kept you locked up like some kind of lab rat?  My dad had a pet phoenix, but he talked to him and kept good care of him, but he never talked back.  I guess all phoenixes aren't born equal.  What a bastard to keep a beautiful phoenix like you locked up like that."

She asked him about himself, since he talked so much about his family.  He gave it a moment of thought before talking.

"Well, I'm here looking for adventure, looking to make a name for myself, to surpass and prove myself to my father.  I want to be a great warrior, in the long line of Kouens.  I set forth from the house, after turning sixteen, got some equipment from the house, a sword and shield, some supplies, and found a mage that could teleport me anywhere, I ended up around here in this forest.  Dad was surprisingly okay with me going out on my own.  Mom wasn't as happy about it.  I don't know where to go exactly, other than to big towns, to find jobs to do, questing to accomplish, adventures to be had.  I'll go anywhere the wind blows."  Hiro moved through the water and sat up next to Pyzis, smiling.  "Do you have any plans?  What goals do you have?  If you just resurrected or were reborn, or whatever, I imagine you have things you've been dying to do since being locked up."

Author: Pyzis, Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2015 9:33 AM, Post Subject: Rebirth

Pyzis listened intently to the story, anything that involved her own race fascinated her. Since she lacked memories of her own hearing others was all she had. It sounded as if Hiro's father was an amazing man and that Hiro felt that he had a lot to live up to. She let her body float up upon the water, the feeling almost reminiscent of the sensation of flying. Her first instinct upon being freed had been only to fly, to feel the rush of the wind through her feathers. The flight hadn't lasted nearly long enough when Pyzis had felt her body heat up to the point where she couldn't stay in the air any longer. She knew what that heat meant and she had landed here among the beautiful tropical trees and large flowers of the rainforest. 

"That is amazing, I have never heard of a side effect from being healed by a Phoenix while pregnant but if one sacrificed their life then that may do it. Hiro, the sound of another human being's voice is music to my ears. To have my conversation returned by something other than my own internal voice is heaven. Solitude is something that does not befit me." Pyzis floated her way over to the shallows of the pool and sat half in the water with her slender legs drawn up against her chest to cover anything that might leave Hiro uncomfortable. The chill had finally seeped into her bones and she wanted to feel the sunlight caress her skin and mirror the warm embers that always emanated from within her. She brought her wet hair over her left shoulder and ran her fingers through it separating the strands so they would dry in the long curls she liked. 

  "I do have to say, thank you I haven't had a conversation in forty years and I also haven't had anyone look out for my best interest in even longer. You are great company to be keeping. But you have told me of your family, what of you? Why are you here in a jungle and where are you headed?" She asked. Pyzis breathed in the thick moist air and watched as a vibrantly colored frog hopped up a fern a few feet away. It was so strange to her to be seeing living things again. It was strange to be so excited to be seeing things that are so simple. 

Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2015 2:01 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

She explained that there was no way to tell she actually was a phoenix until she had enough strength to actually turn back into her phoenix form.  She asked him to talk about himself, and about the whole Phoenix Knight thing his father was.

"Hm, where to begin?  My father came from a faraway land, he told me he trained with a group of elemental knights before making it here.  He said something about my grandmother being saved by a phoenix when she was pregnant with him, and some of that magic rubbed off on him, or maybe it was something like it sacrificed itself so she and my father could both live.  But I never got to meet her, she passed away from sickness some time ago, so I couldn't ask her for an explanation.  Dad is really strong, he's human, but became like a fire elemental, he'd mastered fire magic, light magic, and learned the other elements.  They say he couldn't be burnt by mortal flames despite being born a human.  He trained in volcanoes, and the heat didn't bother him.  I saw him transform once, into some kind of phoenix hybrid form, where he had feathers all over his body, and looked like a phoenix, while still remaining humanoid.  He's a great swordsman and blacksmith, he made a sword that could take on any element.  It's amazing.

"My mother is a fire elemental that Dad saved in his journeys, she's not as strong physically or magically as Dad is, but she's really nice, she's kind and loving.  She said she owed Dad her life.  I don't know anything about her family though.  I decided to move out on my own, since I recently became sixteen years old.  I can't learn everything about life from my parents, I can't leech off of them forever, so I need to stand on my own two feet and become a true man.  I know I have great potential at fire magic, because of both of my parents, and Dad taught me swordsmanship.  But I need to be someone different from him.  The chivalry he talked about seems too limiting though, the knightly honor he had, if I can't attack an enemy by surprise, how can I gain an upper hand against someone who's stronger than me?  I wouldn't want to die in a fight just because of certain rules that were self-placed on me."  Hiro continued to wash his body, getting the grim off his skin.  The cold water, the waterfall, everything seemed so peaceful here.  It was enjoyable.

"I hope I'm not boring you with that rant there, it's something I picked up from Dad, I guess, being talkative."  He looked toward Pyzis and smiled.  She was so pretty, but would she understand any feelings he was feeling right now?  Was it just the close proximity to her, or was there something there?  He'd never had a girlfriend before, just some friend who happened to be a girl, but didn't seem to show interest in him, preferring to throw rocks at him because he stumbled upon her bathing.

Author: Pyzis, Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2015 10:51 AM, Post Subject: Rebirth

  Pyzis hadn't thought of it in such a way. Her first life had been very short so she hadn't had any real relationships and her second her been so hostile she had assumed it was rare in a person. Human nature was still so new to her, at least she knew for now that she couldn't transform into a phoenix anyway. There was a flame deep within her breast she could always feel raging when the Phoenix part of her wanted out, right now it was hardly smouldering. Since this was only her second rebirth Pyzis had figured it was simply a matter of time before she could take her other form again. She cocked her head quizzically as she peer at Hiro she was happy that he was willing to help her and in all honesty she was beyond exhausted. The act of being burned alive was a tiring one to say the least. If he was as honorable as he seemed maybe she could get some rest while she regained her ability to fly.

  "Although I appreciate your help and honesty I can't change into a Phoenix for now. I'm not too worried about being captured in human form since there isn't really a way to tell I'm a Phoenix. But tell me about yourself, you said your Father was a Phoenix Knight but I have not heard of this. What are they? Where do they come from? Tell me about this realm, do you know anything about this area. I've been held captive for so long I don't know anything of the world." Pyzis said as she dipped her long chocolate hair into the cool water. She brought the strands over her shoulder and began working the soot and tangles out. The tiny fishes were still beneath the surface, tickling her belly in particular. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the sound of the running water, trying to remember the last time she had had a real bath. Hiro was a helpful youth and Pyzis was grateful that she had come across someone as valiant as he. Had her over excitement for company been in the presence of another it was true that her freedom may have been very short indeed. 

Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2015 9:05 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

He moved through the water to get closer to her.  She displayed her fire magic to him, and explained about herself, maybe a little too much.  Her tears could heal people, and she told him how to produce them.  She was locked up for forty years, force to heal an old man with her tears over and over again until he died, and she was set free.

"Wow, that's terrible that someone would do that.  It doesn't matter if you're a person, or a phoenix, or even a dog, you don't treat living beings like that.  Though I would be careful who you tell about your tears thing about.  I would never want to hurt you, but other people are not so trustworthy.  Be lucky you came across me instead of someone who would lock you up again, and do terrible things to you again.  You could've been stuck right back in a cage like you were before," he warned her with a firm tone.  She seemed innocent, she wasn't luring him in or anything.  He started rubbing water against his body to wash away the dirt on his skin.  "Cheer up though, you've got me here, and I can protect you from harm.  I'll oblige your chatty nature."  He took his hand out of the water and ignited a flame.  The flames danced and flickered from his fingers.  "We might have some things in common.  I also learned the art of fire magic," he smiled at her and laughed happily.

Author: Pyzis, Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2015 8:50 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

Pyzis listened to the enthusiastic youth, his explanation as to why he thought she'd hit him made sense. If she had been chased off in such a flurry it would be hard to forget. She listened as he nervously told her of his parentage and ambitions. Pyzis was so consumed with the fact that she was free that she hadn't given a thought to what comes next. She had no home, no family, no friends nor wealth, but it didn't matter because here she was. She had legs, she was bathing in a pool in a jungle breathing humid tropical air. What would come would come and Pyzis would take it in stride.

As he undressed Pyzis turned to give him privacy, though he wasn't unattractive it was that she had never been in human form long enough to understand the difference between male and females. She was interested however in the fact that his father was a Phoenix night. This she had no knowledge of, her first life cycle had lasted a mere 14 years before she perished during a hunting trip. After that she had been held in a dungeon, so there was little she knew of her people along with the world.

"To be honest I don't know much of my own race, I do know what I am and if I grow old enough in Phoenix form or die early I am reborn. In my human form I am a master of fire." She said as she raised one palm above the water line and conjured a small ball of fire. "I know I can heal with my tears only in my Phoenix form and I can only produce tears of my own accord or through torture. I must admit Hiro, you are the first person I've spoken to for forty years. My last master held me captive and forced my tears to heal his frail body from a wasting disease that kept returning. So if I ramble or ask many questions it's simply because I crave the conversation of another human being. I also know that yes all of us have a human form though not many use it since they cannot heal. Also most serve a family for centuries and many lives. I was freed because the alchemist was the last of his line, thank the Gods."

Pyzis watched as the young man entered the chill waters and felt so much comfort in having her conversation returned. Instead of one sided prayers she knew helped but she couldn't hear the response. He was answering her menial questions and wanted to spend more time with her. She couldn't be happier, finally she was not stuck listening to internal thoughts or a crazy alchemists mutterings. Even if he was barely of age, at least he was willing enough to entertain a Phoenix who had brushed with insanity.

Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2015 5:35 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

Hiro seemed to calm down a bit when she said she wouldn't hit him.  She didn't seem like an average woman who freaked out when a man who was not her lover saw her in barely anything.  But he still couldn't hide that crimson blush on his face.

"Well, long story short, I accidentally stumbled upon a girl who was bathing once, she was a childhood friend, she screamed and threw stones at me.  She called me a creep and a pervert.  I had no ill intentions.  She got over it eventually, but she never let me forget it."

He scratched his head, trying to figure her out.  She introduced herself as Pyzis, and she was a phoenix, not an angel.  She explained she just was reborn and that it hurt.  She started asking him a lot of questions.

"Well, to begin with, my name is Hiro Kouen.  I'm an adventurer, just starting out.  I'm looking to find a name for myself.  For a phoenix, you sure look like a human, but my father could transform into some kind of phoenix-hybrid form.  He used to say he had a phoenix soul within him.  I inherited his fire magic, but I'm not as skilled as he is, at least not yet."  He was getting a little overwhelmed by so many questions.  "Honestly, I thought you were an angel because your beauty is dazzling.  I haven't seen such a . . . beautiful woman in my home village, which was some distance from here.  I'm sixteen years of age, I'm seeking adventure and to perform acts of heroism.  I want to surpass my father, and the rest of my family.  So I started off from home and started my journey."  She asked if he would be more comfortable if she got dressed, or if he joined her.  "Been wanting to wash off, so I'll join you, if it's truly okay with you."  He took off his crimson coat, with the golden phoenix crest.  "You know, my father called himself a Phoenix Knight.  Are you truly a phoenix?  He was obsessed with them, but I too find the flames they give off beautiful.  Can all phoenixes turn into humans?"  He then took off his black shirt, his boots, and his pants, but stopped there, having nearly taken off his undershorts.  He was so nervous, and he nearly fully disrobed in front of her!  "Calm down, Hiro, she's not asking you to sleep with her, she just wants to bathe with you . . . right?  It's just bathing with a beautiful, almost naked, older woman, nothing to fret about . . . right?"  He started wading into the water, rubbing some of it onto his arms.  "Oh, it's cold, but it feels good, Pyzis."

Author: Pyzis, Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2015 11:24 AM, Post Subject: Rebirth

  Pyzis was enjoying the cool water against her overheated skin, the lingering effects of having just been entirely consumed by fire. The little fishes that nibbled at her skin tickled her bare flesh and the sunlight streaming in from the canopy above, reminded her that she was free to go where she pleased. While splashing around she must have been deep in her own thoughts because suddenly there was a young man on the banks. He was raven haired and had very pretty eyes. She tilted her head to the side and stared at him curiously. He was falling over himself and calling her an angel. While she was completely confused as to why he would think she was some sort of holy being a smile crept to her face. 
 "I won't hit you, why on earth would anyone do that? This isn't my river, nor my waterfall so you can feel free to enjoy its beauty too." 
  She moved deeper into the pool so that the water came up to her breasts since obviously her lack of clothing was bothering the youth. Maybe if she talked a little more he would feel more comfortable.
 "I'm Pyzis, no angel that's for sure. I'm a phoenix. I came here because after being reborn hurts like a bitch and these waters seemed a good place to recuperate. What is your name? Why are you here in the jungle?" 
  Pyzis looked at the young man again, he was younger than she by at least a few years, not to mention a few lifetimes.She hadn't been in human for in so long she forgot what it was for a man to see a woman bathing. All the silly customs didn't' matter when you had spent a life in bird form. She felt no sense of shame, only joy that she was finally free.
  "I promise I won't bite if you want to join me. The water is very refreshing or if you will turn around I can get dressed if that makes you more comfortable. How old are you? Where do you hail from, and why on Earth would you think me an Angel?" She knew she was peppering him with questions,  but this was the first time she'd spoken to anyone in forty years. The sound of her own lilting voice made her want to start singing! It was a wonder she was still even remotely sane. The prayers she had sent to her patron had been the only thing that kept her together. Now she was here watching this startled young man and probably scaring him off with her inquiry.

Author: Hiro Kouen, Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2015 10:47 AM, Post Subject: Rebirth

Finally, after wandering for what seemed like forever in the forest, Hiro finally found his way to a river.  He'd been lost for a awhile, and was hoping he could find somewhere to take a break, get something to drink at the least, maybe wash off his body at the most.  The river had lead him to a large waterfall, into a pool of water.  He rushed to the water, taking a gulp of water from his hands, then dunking his raven haired head into it.  The water was so cold against his skin, it felt refreshing, and so good.  He opened his blue eyes after he raised his head out of the water, and the sight he saw with his sapphire eyes shocked him.

He thought he saw an angel.  She was beautiful, with gorgeous curves, and long brown locks.  Was he drooling?  No, it was just water dripping from his face from when he dunked himself under the water.

"Wow, so pretty.  Gorgeous!  Are you an angel?"  She was nearly naked, just in her under clothes.  Then he realized he was staring at a half naked woman who was probably going to kill him for catching her like that.  "Ah!  I'm sorry, don't hit me!  I'm sorry!"  He found himself stumbling to stand up, afraid this angel was going to strike him down for catching her nearly naked.  Isn't that was angels did?  They were known for their beauty, but also their holy rage.

Author: Pyzis, Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2015 5:42 PM, Post Subject: Rebirth

  Pyzis felt the burning agony begin deep within her belly, a slow smoldering pain that began to roil out consuming her entire body. Flames erupted from her feathers and she knew the hardest part was over, once she was aflame the inner heat began to lessen. It had been what felt like an eternity since her last rebirth, she had managed to live for forty years serving her previous master. He had kept her in her Phoenix form the entire time, chained in his study in a large golden cage. She had been coaxed to shed tears over his crippled, slowly dying body, healing the sickness of his skin but not his mind. This rebirth was freedom, she relished as the flames grew brighter and seared white before her eyes. 
  Suddenly it was over, her burnt blackened feathered body lay on the dirt beside a beautiful waterfall. A moment later a red glow Emanated from her corpse and she transformed became human again. Pyzis lay there, every nerve still tingling with pain while she caught her breath. She was covered head to toe in black soot, but all she wanted was relish in the soothing waters before her. After donning her small clothes, Pyzis stood and absorbed the view before her. A small pool with a trickling waterfall flowing over large rocks spelled out sanctuary to her over sensitive nerves. Taking a tentative step forward she felt the cool water on her toes. 
  Pyzis had forgotten what it as like to have such long awkward limbs, after spending years in her bird form the sight of the ground being so far away was almost dizzying. She took a few large strides forward and began to wash the soot off of her legs. Her long dark brown hair fell across her face and she began to giggle. There were tiny fish in the pool! They were assisting Pyzis in her cleaning efforts but it tickled. The sound of the waterfall mingled with her laugh made her realize that she no longer served a master. She was free to roam the world again, to heal those in need and to make her own fate. It had been a lifetime ago since she had had the liberty to even stretch her wings and fly. Obviously that would have to wait but for now she enjoyed splashing about the pool, washing away the dirt and confinement.