The week passed by quickly. Prelinsa spent much of that time getting out, sometimes just taking a walk, but today going on a full out run. It felt liberating being able to move her body as much as she wanted, the chilly wind whipping past her face, without being limited by getting sick. The last time Prelinsa had been able to run so freely was when she was quite a bit younger, before her illness got as bad as it was now.

Being active also helped keep her mind off of her various worries and anxieties for the near future. In Prelinsa’s mind, such things weren’t worth being preoccupied with, since for the time being, she couldn’t do anything about them. But they still lingered in the back of her mind, nagging at her. So running was good – it was simple, fun, and let you see new places. Prelinsa had found a number of good places for food this way.

Speaking of food, Prelinsa knew not to take it for granted, and always made sure to thank the service workers, whom she gained a newfound respect for after the brawl at The Friendly Fox. It was still a bit of an odd feeling, having good food, water, and shelter on a regular basis again. That wasn’t something she’d had for a long time.

Having circled around the neighborhood, Prelinsa arrived back at the entrance of Bridgewell Apartments. The winter workout gear had done a good job wicking up her sweat, and she didn’t feel cold, wet, or ill at all. It was a terrific feeling, no matter how many times she did this.

Taking the elevator back up and entering the apartment, she took off her jacket and hung it up on the coat rack. She also removed the ear warmer from her fox ear, and began taking off her shoes.

“Welcome back, Prelinsa!” Missus B. said. She was sitting down at a table, reading something on her phone. Missus B. had been staying in touch with a number of the slum dwellers rescued from the slavers, so she was probably keeping up with messages from them.

“I’m home, Missus B!” Prelinsa still didn’t feel comfortable calling her ‘mom.’ Missus B. understood this, and had reassured Prelinsa previously that there was no need or rush.

“Make sure ya get ready on time for the gathering! No need to dress up super nicely, but at least look decent enough.”

“I know!”

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The two of them were driven to the location. It was an open auditorium in a big park, typically used for music concerts, with plenty of seating. A number of speakers were placed in important locations, and security guards took standby. A lot of people were already present there, conversing with their neighbors. Prelinsa spotted a number of familiar people from the Commune. She felt her lips curl and the disgust creep onto her face as she spotted Vincent and his mother, Gladys, some distance away. It was unfair that someone like Vincent still had his mother around. Luckily, the two lycans didn’t seem to notice her.

Missus B. peered over to where Prelinsa was looking at, then put a hand on the young teenager’s shoulder. “Don’t let ‘em get to ya, Prelinsa,” she said quietly. “You’re a better person than both of ‘em. Take deep breaths. If ya wanna vent to me later, ya can, but now’s not the time and place.”

Prelinsa nodded silently, still seething. She inhaled and exhaled a few times.

“We’ll keep well clear of ‘em.” Missus B. made her way through the crowd in the opposite direction. Prelinsa glanced back, then followed. They found some empty seats and took them, waiting for the speech to start.

“May I have your attention,” a voice said over the speaker system. “The Matriarch will now begin her speech.”

The crowd went silent.

Matriarch Kirith Silvermoon stepped onto the stage of the auditorium. She carried her staff with her, but her mask was off to one side, so that her face was visible.

“Good afternoon,” she said, her voice loud and clear. “I am Kirith Silvermoon, the Matriarch of House Silvermoon. I have gathered you all here to talk about recent events, about your future, and what House Silvermoon has planned for you.”

Prelinsa listened attentively, adjusting her head so that her fox ear tilted towards the speakers.

“Firstly. I would like to apologize. You have all faced great suffering, persecution, and violence that no person should ever have to experience. Had I acted sooner, perhaps that pain could have been reduced, even if only slightly. But I did not, and for that, I am truly sorry.”

The Matriarch bowed deeply, pausing and allowing that to sink into the crowd. There were some murmurs. The Matriarch stood upright again.

“While I cannot say that such tragedies will never happen again, House Silvermoon will do its utmost to prevent them moving forward. Therefore, we have taken action. For too many years, House Crimsonstar has ruled over the North Realm with despicable policies that allowed slavery and inequality to persist. They destroyed the mana streams, ruined the environment, and reaped all the benefits for themselves. They are responsible for the suffering that you have all experienced. And so, during the past two weeks, House Silvermoon been waging war against House Crimsonstar. We have uncovered evidence of their crimes, dismantled slave trafficking rings, and shed blood in numerous battles.”

She slammed her staff. “As of today, House Crimsonstar is no more! They have been purged from existence, and shall never rise again. All the individuals who harmed you have either been slain, or imprisoned and sentenced to heavy punishments. Anyone who tries to assist them shall be found equally guilty. Let it be known throughout the Realms that their injustices shall not be tolerated!”

More murmurs abounded, followed by applause, cheers, and shouts.

“In their place, House Silvermoon will take governance over the North Realm,” the Matriarch continued. “We are already beginning restoration efforts to the areas most in need, and plan to enact reforms against slavery and inequality. Should any of you wish to return to the North Realm, know that we, House Silvermoon, will do all we can to provide a comfortable standard of living for you. We are also employing people to assist in the restoration, and would be honored if any of you would take part. If you join the restoration, know that our efforts will heavily prioritize restoration of the mana streams. We will focus on building up alternative and renewable energy sources, as well as nature reserves, to allow the streams time to recover. We will restore balance and make the North Realm prosper once more!”

She stopped to allow the audience to react again. There were some positive reactions at the prospect of a good life and employment. And everyone was onboard with letting the mana streams heal.

“However,” she continued, “we understand that some of you may not wish to return to the North Realm. For those people, House Silvermoon welcomes you to stay and begin new lives here in the East Realm. Regardless of your decision, we will provide all of the same guarantees for you. You will be provided food, water, shelter, and basic income. Additionally, we have enacted a new service that will help you quickly find education and employment, whether you return to the North Realm or stay here in the East Realm.”

More murmurs, and cheers, and applause.

“I want you to all hold your heads up high. You are here because you faced one of the darkest and most cruel sides to personkind. We must never forget that, or else we risk repeating the same tragedies again in the future. But for right now, you can all look forward to a brighter future. Each and every one of you is now beginning a new chapter in your life. One where you will be rewarded for your efforts, rather than punished. Regardless of which direction those efforts take, you will have the support of House Silvermoon every step of the way.”

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She bowed once again.

“Thank you for your attendance! May the light of fire illuminate your path.”

Prelinsa clapped. The audience clapped loudly. People started to get up, move around, and talk about what they had heard. Prelinsa could overhear some people nearby talking.

“Do you really think she means all of that?”

“I’ll only believe it when I see it.”

“I think she means well.”

Some people reacted much more negatively.

“What good is a ‘sorry’ now? My son is already dead.”

“This is all bullshit. If the Silvermoons have so much power, they should use it more.”

Missus B. patted Prelinsa on the shoulder. “Come on. You have your private talk with the Matriarch, yeah?”

Prelinsa nodded.

“Hey! I thought I recognized you!” A familiar voice suddenly called out. One that she definitely didn’t want to hear.

Prelinsa turned standing. “What do you want, Vincent?” She asked, glowering at the lycan as he made his way over.

Vincent sneered. “What, I’m not allowed to just say hi?”

“Ignore him, Prelinsa,” Missus B. urged quietly. “Ya know he’s just trying ta get under your skin.”

Vincent pressed onward. “You know, I’m surprised to see you here! I thought you must’ve died with how sick you are,” he said. “How did you make it?”

“I had help.”

Vincent snorted. “What, from your mom? I don’t see ‘er, only Missus B. Where is she, anyway?”

“Not here,” Prelinsa replied icily.

“Gone, huh? Poor, ugly Prelinsa. I guess Missus B. is the only person left who still-”

“No, Prelinsa! No!” Missus B. yelled.

Prelinsa punched Vincent in the face, sending him reeling. The people around them fell silent, stepping back and making some space.

Vincent seemed shocked for a few moments, holding his hand to where Prelinsa struck him. He hadn’t expected her to deal the first blow. However, he quickly recovered. “Arrrgh! You stupid-!” He transformed and lunged forward, trying to bite at Prelinsa. Prelinsa yelled and ran at him, aiming to punch him in the head again.

“Security!” Someone shouted.

“Make way!” A big bear wearing the security uniform quickly tackled Vincent and pinned him to the ground. Vincent thrashed and struggled, but couldn’t break free. Meanwhile, Missus B. held the furious Prelinsa back.

“Let me go! He went too far!” Prelinsa screamed.

“Prelinsa! Calm down! It’s not worth it!” Missus B. urged.

“Vincent! My son!” Gladys raced over, her face livid with anger. But two more security guards quickly held her back before she could get involved. She growled furiously at them.

“May I ask what is going on?” The crowd parted as the Matriarch approached, holding her staff upright. In her anger, Prelinsa hadn’t even noticed her until she spoke.

“We greet the Matriarch!” The security guards who weren’t directly involved bowed.

The Matriarch stepped over and looked down at Prelinsa, her expression difficult to read. It seemed like she was judging her silently. Prelinsa wilted, her fox ear drooping as all the muscles in her body went slack.

“Missus Brunswick. Please release Prelinsa. I have much to discuss with her.”

----------------------------------------

The Matriarch led Prelinsa to a heavily soundproofed room in the back of the auditorium, used for music practice. The room had been cleared out, with only a table and chairs standing in the middle.

“We will not be heard here,” she said, shutting the door and locking it. “Take a seat.”

Prelinsa nodded timidly, doing so. She still felt embarrassed about the Matriarch witnessing her angry outburst.

“…Before we discuss what I brought you here for, I wish to clarify something,” the Matriarch continued, taking her own seat. “I will not judge you for your anger. Anger is just one of many emotions. One that is sometimes justified, and even useful. I can only judge you if I know the cause of your anger. However, you have the right to remain silent.”

Prelinsa swallowed, gathering her thoughts.

“…That guy, Vincent. He knows I don’t like him. He said my mom is gone, and he did it on purpose, to provoke me. His mom’s still around, too. It just… feels so unfair.”

“I see. You lashed out at him because your emotions for your mother are strong. I believe your anger is justified. Feeling that your situation is unfair is also natural.” She paused. “However, attacking someone purely out of anger is something I cannot condone. A fire without control is only destructive. Let this be a warning that you must not be consumed by your emotions.”

“Uh. This means I won’t be learning the Path of the Phoenix, huh?” Prelinsa’s fox ear drooped even lower.

“If you learn the Path of the Phoenix, what will you do with it?” The Matriarch asked calmly, replying with a question.

“I… I want to use it to become stronger, so I can protect and help people in need. So that they won’t have to go through what I did,” Prelinsa said earnestly, doing her best to look the Matriarch in the eyes.

“That is a good motivation,” the Matriarch said, nodding. “One that anyone should find worthy of pursuing. But there are other ways to accomplish it. The Path of the Phoenix is far from the only way to find strength.”

“Well, for me, it is.”

“If you learn, do you understand what kinds of dangers you will face?”

“I’ve heard stories. About people not just burning to death, but being cursed by phoenixfire and burning in pain for years until they die.”

“There would be a risk of physical danger to yourself, yes,” the Matriarch agreed. “But that danger can also extend to the people around you. You must be mindful not to let your fire grow out of control. Otherwise, you can cause great harm, even if you mean well.”

Prelinsa felt guilty, as charged. The Matriarch allowed her to dwell on that thought. “…Self-control is something that can be learned by anyone,” she continued. “Simply lacking it is not a good reason to avoid teaching you. A willingness to improve, and the results of that willingness, are what matter. I believe you have that willingness, and with guidance, can produce results. But this is not enough. It seems you are not yet aware of all the other dangers you can face.”

“Like what?”

“Because of the power you gain, there will be people who seek you out for their own desires, both good and evil. This will happen as long as you live anything other than a solitary life. Even those with good intentions may turn on you if you fail to satisfy them.”

“…What do you mean?”

“The power of the Phoenix can solve problems that are otherwise impossible. That means people will have very high expectations of you. But ultimately, there is only so much you can do, and as a person yourself, you will inevitably make mistakes. How do you think people will react if you only solve some of their problems, but not others?”

“They would… get angry and want me to do more?” Prelinsa asked, realizing that she herself was one of those people the Matriarch spoke of. While she had been saved, her mother had not. And she had gotten angry about it, and lost her temper, even feeling briefly like the Matriarch and House Silvermoon hadn’t done enough.

“In so many words. By becoming a Phoenix Warrior, you would become an idol to the masses. You wish to help people, and they will praise you for your efforts. But at the same time, they will despise you greatly for not doing more. You will become both respected and hated, feared and adored, admired and envied. Your resolve and motivations will be tested to their limits,” the Matriarch said. It was hard to tell, but she had a slightly sad look to her face. “There would be other risks to your mental wellbeing, as the fires of life and death will greatly increase your lifespan. With mastery, you may well become immortal.”

“What kinds of mental dangers? What’s so bad about living forever?”

“As a long-lived individual, you will bear witness to entire eras of history, and see the world change in ways that you cannot possibly imagine. You will watch those whom you love grow old and die, while you continue to live on. All of this, and all of the turbulent feelings that the masses hold for you, will become your burden to bear. I have known people who were crushed by that burden, and met their ends as a result. Either by their own hands, or at the hands of others.”

The Matriarch closed her eyes, reminiscing. Eventually, she opened them again.

“…Knowing all this, do you still wish to learn the Path of the Phoenix? Is it still the only way for you to gain strength?”

Prelinsa thought about the Matriarch’s words for several, long moments. They were all real and scary possibilities that she hadn’t really considered. But at the same time, they didn’t really change her outlook.

“Yes,” she replied, clenching her fist under the table. “I’m sick, so if I don’t do anything about it, then I’m going to suffer and die young anyway. Even if it’s dangerous, the Path of the Phoenix can cure me. I’d rather suffer and die doing something I chose to do, rather than waiting for it to happen because of something I can’t control. And I’m tired of being sick, too. My mom died because she was defending me, all because I was sick. I want to be strong and healthy so I can help others, instead of weighing them down. I’ll work hard to make that happen.”

The Matriarch stood up, taking slow steps around the table towards Prelinsa. “Your determination is admirable,” she said. “You have a good character, and a strong desire to overcome your weaknesses. You have a rare perspective on life and death that is shaped by your circumstances. You’ve experienced injustice, and that drives you to help others.” She stopped in front of Prelinsa. “But you are experiencing difficulties that make you impatient and frustrated. Volatile, like a wildfire. Your emotions are a double-edged sword. Be mindful of them. They can either motivate you, or consume you. In some ways, seeing you reminds me of myself, when I was much younger.”

“…What does that mean?” Prelinsa asked.

The Matriarch offered Prelinsa her hand.

“Come with me. I will teach you to become a Phoenix Warrior.”