Rebirth

Without hesitation the Enforcer darted into flames that stood between him and Hector. The pain was excruciating as the flames consumed his body yet he still found the strength to grab both of the children and fly away to an open space, then darkness surrounded him.

* * *

"So much for being obedient," Levi told his father, his voice full of contempt. "That fool! And I was beginning to like him, why would he risk his life for a mere…mere mortal? They are replaceable but we are not."

"Maybe that’s what he was trying to show us," replied his father. "That each life is important and irreplaceable."

* * *

"Petre!"

Petre slowly opened his eyes and stared at the young boy in tears, that was quietly observing him. The child managed to give a small and hearty laugh of delight upon seeing that he had already woken up. A laugh full of joy and innocence, a laugh that lifted his spirits, a laugh that he would never forget.

"Don’t die Petre," said Hector with a pained look in his face.

Petre blankly looked back at Hector, his strength was drained and his vision was failing him. So this is how it feels like to die Alona, he thought as he remembered the dreadful day of the giants’ assault. I’m sorry Alona, it’s all my fault!

"No! Oh god! Please Petre, don’t die, we need you, I need you!"

With all his remaining strength, Petre sang to Hector the song that Alona sang on her death bed, her last words for her champion.

~

"No! I will not let you die!"

"Your are what this world needs, the symbol of justice, man’s champion. Arise…"

* * *

Grandpa Mitri watched as the last of the flames died down.

"No more," said his grandchild who began to weep. "No…more."

Sadness crept over them. Grandpa Mitri gave his grandson a hug to comfort him yet he never took his eyes of the tree. Suddenly, gold and red flames began to burst out from the ashes where the Enforcer once was, and out of the flames came forth an eagle like bird with a beautiful plumage of gold, sable and red.

~

Grandpa Mitri stared with awe at this magnificent creature that was right in front of his eyes. Never in his life had he dreamed of seeing this mythical being. In one graceful movement, the phoenix soared into the air and scanned the darkness below. Suddenly, an ear splitting sound broke the silence and luminous lights of every color began to light up the sky.

"Happy New Millennium Arvin," Grandpa Mitri told his grandson who was keenly watching the fireworks display. The phoenix’s rebirth is now complete. A new era has begun.