Resurrection

It is night again. The sky is covered with clouds and the moonlight is bright. There is a gentle breeze blowing over the land. The sand shines in the moonlight. The blood drips down the side of the fallen leader. A bright light slowly approaches the cold body. The light transformed into a being, almost human and also something much more. The god-like being removed the sword lodged in the chest and hovered its hands over lost one and spoke:

"I am here, my son, to guide you on your journey back to life."

The blood stopped spilling. The wound began to heal. The holy-one breathed into the lungs of the dead man. Life returned to him and he sprang up. He looked into the eyes of the Savior. Peace ran over him and his breathing slowed. He bowed his head as he thanked the Savior for bringing him back to life.

"Why? Who?" the man struggled to ask.

"Destiny calls your name, my son. I am Kayotic." the god said

The man was confused. "Lord Kayotic... What does that mean?"

"You will find out soon enough. Now, leave this place. In a few years a new Empire will rise. Go to a village called Vypor and settle there." the god ordered.

The man turned to leave and then he noticed the sword that was lodged in his chest. He reached out and grabbed the weapon. It felt warm in his hand. He sheathed it on his hip and headed off to the temple. As he walked, he noticed several dead bodies along the path. Suddenly, a flood of memories slammed into his mind. His eyes opened wide in surprise. He remembered everything that happened that day. The battle, the death of his friends, his escape from the Titan and the death of his own soul. The events of that day replayed themselves in his mind. He fell to his knees and wept.

"Out of the ashes, the Phoenix will rise." Kayotic said, placing his hand on the shoulder of the man, "Your destiny lies beyond the horizon, my son."

The man found himself in a familiar place. He looked to the north and saw chaos. Where a mighty kingdom once stood, now there is only destruction. He stands in silence and watches and the tower of light crashes down into the sea. Nothing remained, a tear fell from his eyes. He knew, deep within his heart, that he had a part to play in the fall of Light. He whispered a prayer as the tears rolled down his face.

"Do you regret what you have done, my son?" the god whispered

"Yes. I was too selfish. I didn't want this. I just wanted to go beyond, to the other world where the gods and Titans live. Where my father is." he replied

"A monster now rules Golden Gate. A creature born of darkness. Eyes glow red for his lust for blood." the Mighty one said

"Krimson Reagon." he said

"Do you remember who you are? Do you know what you have to do?" Kayotic said

"I am Phoenix Flame. I will do as you command Lord Kayotic, the bringer of Life and the Light-bearer." Phoenix said, kneeling before the Almighty.

The god steps to the side revealing a portal. He gestured for Phoenix to walk through. The mighty warrior stepped forward and entered the gate. Phoenix is transported outside of the Kingdom of Dusk. He looked around and saw a beautiful woman who was loading a wagon full of goods. Phoenix quickly runs over there and greets her.

"Please let me help you with those. They look heavy." Phoenix says, extending his hand.

"Oh, thank you," she said, "I'm Mary. Mary Tourner."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Phoenix Flame." he said

"Flame?" she said, "But.."

"Allow me to help you. Where are you headed?" Phoenix asked

"Well, the towers fell and there are rumors about a new village called Vypor. It's booming right now." she replied

"The Towers? Crow and Raven? They fell?" Phoenix asked

"Raven was blown up and Crow Tower still stands but Dominus was killed yesterday." She said

"May I join you? The roads are dangerous. I can protect you." Phoenix suggested

"Yeah, I would love the company." Mary said, happily.

Phoenix climbs into the wagon and they both travel to the newly formed village Vypor. The journey would take a few days to reach the village. The two traveled together and talked. Mary told him about her family and why she left them behind. Phoenix shared his story. At first, Mary was cautious about letting a stranger ride on her wagon with her. But when she saw the determination and strength in his eyes, she warmed up to him. Phoenix revealed his true identity and Mary gasped in shock.

"I knew your name sounded familiar!" Mary said looking at him with bliss, "When I heard the people talk about you I got excited. I admire you."

"Thank you Mary, you are so kind." Phoenix said smiling.

They arrived in Vypor and settled down together. Soon after, they were married. Together, they started a small shop selling equipment to the locals. Life was good and the couple became great parents to their two children. Their lives were simple and quiet, but happy nonetheless.

A few years went by, and the Empire of Dython was in full swing. Ash and Cinder, the children of Phoenix and Mary, were of age to go on their own. Ash decided to become an Adventurer. Cinder wanted to travel around the continent and explore the other kingdoms. Their parents remained in Vypor and continued their lives there in peace, but always worrying about their children.

One day, while Mary was helping out at the shop, she received a message from Ash. He wrote that he had set off eastward with a group of Adventurers and had become a Silver Tag. Mary was worried about her son and sent a letter to him. When the mailman came to deliver the letters, Mary read her son's letter. The letter said nothing more than:

 I will be back soon, Mother.

It wasn't much, but it meant everything to Mary. Phoenix and Mary kept the store open and running and waited for the return of their kids.