RISE OF THE PHOENIX (The Phoenix’s Tears)

The Phoenix’s Tears

Months into Queen Kaen’s reign, the South Region had begun to heal. Under her rule, peace returned, the economy flourished, and the Central City shone with beauty and balance greater than ever before. To the people, she was a beacon of grace and strength. But inside Kaen's heart, storms raged.

No one—not the council, not even her children—knew of the secret acts she had been taking. Her children, Renji and Arya, were deeply focused on their personal training. Renji secluded himself in the secret royal grounds where his father once trained, a place hidden from the world. Arya, young but fierce, had also begun learning the art of combat.

Though Kaen felt herself slipping further into the shadows of her grief, she knew she couldn’t abandon her children. They were her last light. The world didn’t know that Queen Kaen was more than just a ruler—she was a vessel to the Divine Phoenix, a mythical bird of eternal flame and resurrection. Only her late husband had known this truth.

She had magical abilities beyond imagination, powers that could have saved King Raiku—yet she had hidden them. She had feared their consequences. And so she blamed herself, cursing her own survival. Her Phoenix gift wouldn’t allow her to die; it granted her instant healing, restoration—immortality, even. But she hated it. Every breath felt like a burden.

One quiet night, Kaen walked silently through the palace halls, her heart heavy with sorrow. As she passed the old training grounds, she saw Renji, drenched in sweat, pushing himself far beyond his limit. His resolve was unshakable, but exhaustion consumed him. He finally noticed her presence, turned to her with weary eyes, whispered, “Mum…” and collapsed to the ground.

She rushed forward, but when she saw he was only asleep, she smiled through tears. Kneeling beside him, she gently placed her hand on his chest and, for the second time since Raiku’s death, called upon her Phoenix power to heal someone.

As the healing flames faded, the world around her suddenly shifted. Darkness wrapped around her, and two colossal eyes opened before her—burning, ethereal, and shaped like those of a bird. A divine light filled the space as the great Phoenix materialized, glowing with gold and crimson flame.

The bird’s eyes narrowed in rage.
“Why are you trying to kill yourself, Kaen?” it asked, its voice echoing in her soul.

She was taken aback, overwhelmed by the beauty around her and the force of the voice. Her lips trembled.

“I hate myself…” she confessed. “I couldn’t protect him... I couldn’t protect the one I loved.” Tears streamed down her face.

A softer voice broke through her sorrow.
“You shouldn’t hate yourself. You did nothing wrong.”

She turned—and there stood Raiku, her beloved. The Phoenix circled him, wrapping him in its light.

“Dear…” she whispered.

Raiku smiled.
“I was the one at fault. If I had listened to you... I might still be alive. I acted selfishly, and I’m sorry. I forced you into a life you didn’t choose.”

The Phoenix let out a deep, resonating cry—then smiled. A smile so radiant, Kaen couldn't help but mirror it through her tears.

Then the Phoenix spoke again:
“Kaen, take your children and leave the South Region.”

Raiku turned, shocked.
“Why?”

The Phoenix’s flames shimmered as it answered:
“The North King’s aim was not only to kill the South King… but to erase the entire royal bloodline. He is not done. Kaen is not safe. Neither are the children.”

A chill ran through Kaen’s heart. She understood at once.
“But… where will I go? I know of no place safe from him.”

The Phoenix replied calmly:
“Start packing your things. In three nights, return to this sacred place. Summon me. I will take you somewhere safe.”

Raiku nodded.
Kaen ran to embrace him, but he had already begun fading away. She stopped, smiled at him through her tears, and watched him vanish with the Phoenix into the glowing void.

As the vision ended, Kaen found herself kneeling alone in the training chamber. She gently carried Renji to his room and tucked him in. Then she passed Arya’s room and found her fast asleep.

Back in her chambers, she began quietly gathering her things. She now knew: this palace was no longer home.
The secret place was more than training ground. It was mythical. And the time to leave was coming.