bsumone | ❝ temper us in fire ❞

Gaja was one of those creatures who, generally, had few complaints. The main one he had was that his lifecycle was always approximately one hundred years. It couldn’t be exact. It showed first in the way his brightness began to fade from bright red to practically blond. Once it was pale, the weakness crept into him. He couldn’t travel as far, either on land or through the skies. Oh, yes, he still tries to fly in even that state. Gaja’s not ashamed to admit he usually falls out of the sky near the end of his days.

He plummeted out of the sky this time, too. The wings of his true body simply couldn’t carry him any longer. The hole he created when he fell was more like a small crater. If he changed shape in the air, it would hurt more when he crashed. Gaja was closer to civilization than he liked to be when this happened. It could be a few days more before he burned, but he wouldn’t have the strength to go far, which put everything around him in danger. The end of his lifecycle was the only time he had no control over his fire, hence why it was able to burn him.

This time, he managed to land in a small copse of trees… and not in someone’s backyard! Still, his crash caused the earth to rumble and shake. And it took most of his remaining strength to claw his way out of the hole and stagger out of the thicket. That would definitely be flammable! The trees opened into a more open space – a beautiful garden. Gaja stumbled a bit further before collapsing on a lovely decorative bench. At least he’d be able to enjoy something pretty before he died this time.

Edited 2023-07-23 02:09 (UTC)

Cian loved to spend time in the library. Tucked away in a high corner surrounded by books to read. His father hated and sometimes locked him out of the library for that reason but he'd found another way in today through forgotten servant passageways. It was why no one knew where he was and why he had a great view of the creature falling from the sky then stumbling into the garden.

His father would have the poor thing destroyed somehow. Of that he was sure. And if his readings were correct then that was a phoenix which would be such a cruel thing. It had to be at the end of its life...

Looking around in worry, he made sure that no one else had noticed before opening the window of the library and floating out. Slipping through the garden, he came upon the creature. Biting his lip, he wondered if he should do anything but also knew he had to.

So he moved over to gently rest a hand on the delicate creature and whispered so very softly to it. "I'm going to get you somewhere safe to be reborn..."

Then he moved to gather the bird into his arms, tucking the head against his shoulder before he used the shadows to quickly move back into the library then through the secret passage to his room. Looking around, he headed into his bathroom, the one place guards wouldn't go, and carefully settled the poor thing into the tub. This way he could keep the ashes safe and avoid fire damage.

He's very lucky that the one who found him 1) wasn't a threat to him in his weakest time and 2) recognized what he was immediately. Which could make him a danger, yet he rushed to hide the bird away in a place that would be safe for both of them. As much as Gaja disliked being wet, this would be the safest place. And, when the time came for him to burn, spraying the shower on him wouldn't put the flames out, but it would keep them localized to him in the bathtub. As long as his ashes didn't wash away, he'd be alright.

So he didn't struggle when the seemingly young man picked him up to spirit him away. Gaja remained still and calm, making it easier for his rescuer to carry him. He's light in a bird's shape. He's light in his human shape, too. He's sure it didn't matter what form he took. He could sense power from this one. It resonated in the air when he spoke in that oh-so-soft whisper. Some sort of siren? Or something similar. No, no, sirens usually stuck to the sea (usually).

Caoineag? But didn't they usually take the shape of women? Pretty as his rescuer is, Gaja's pretty certain his was a male shape. They also tended, as he recalled, to be near water. Washerwomen, they were sometimes called. Well, he's met plenty of water spirits who were more than capable of existing away from water. At least, for a time.

Curiosity got the better of him. He's unable to articulate human language in this form and squawking would just draw attention after his rescuer worked to keep his presence secret. So, he did the only thing he could: change his shape. The next time Cian looked in the bathtub, he'd find a tall, thin man curled up in it. Dark eyes peer up at him with gold flecks shimmering in them. They're wide and curious, but decidedly unafraid.

"What are you?" he asked, almost eager to get the question out.

Cian blinked at the human shape but wasn't startled. This was a phoenix after all. Of course he would have a human form. Moving closer, he rested on the edge of the tub. The bathroom was huge, much like the entire estate really. After all, his family was beyond wealthy. Death was a profitable thing as his father loved to say.

He'd never cared about money though. Likely never would.

Pitch black eyes watched the bird calmly and that soft whisper came from his lips again. "Banshee..."

He knew that banshee didn't come in male form but that was why his family was so protective of him. Why his father was so pushy about preparing him to be the one to take over the family. Tried to harden his son since he didn't like how soft he was.

It’s not like the business of death was ever going to end. Almost everything died. Very few were able to come back from it as the same being they were before. Even Gaja struggled after each rebirth to fit the pieces of his life back together. Sometimes it took entire years for the holes in memory to fill in.

Gaja’s eyes widened a little. He’s met banshee before, even heard stories of the rare male banshee. But he’s never met such a creature! Despite his exhaustion (it’s surprising how tiring plummeting out of the sky into the earth can be!), a smile pulled at his lips. How exciting to meet someone so unique! He squirmed a little in the bathtub to push himself upright. Drawing his knees up, he rested his arms across them, peering up at his rescuer the whole time.

“Thanks for helping me.” He kept his voice just below conversational. He didn’t know if it would be troublesome for the banshee for him to be here. “What’s your name? I’m Gaja.” He wanted to know the name of his rescuer, if nothing else. He’d understand if he wasn’t very chatty.

"Cian," he whispered so softly. "Cian Brennan."

Not everyone was aware of his family unless they were familiar with the darker parts of the world. But he mostly gave his name because if the phoenix did know of his family then he'd know of their nature. And how they were cruel to those that didn't belong to them. It was enough to scare him and disturb him and he was part of this family. The heir to everything actually.

"No one will come in here. But...please...be quiet."

Because he really wanted to help him. Something he couldn't do if the compound found out what he'd done.

Brennan Gaja mouthed silently. Oh, yes, he knew of them. They're a large part of the reason he gave creatures who deal in death such a wide berth. That and, he just figures a creature of life, such as himself, might not be a welcome guest.

Looks like Cian proved him wrong. Even if it's only Cian who's welcoming him.

Gaja nodded and dropped his voice to a whisper. Nothing nearly as quiet at Cian, but quiet enough.

"I understand," he assured. But ehn Gaja cocked his head to the side, the motion making his bird-like nature clear. "You're the heir, right?"

His dark eyes dropped and he nodded slowly. He was the heir. It was the truth. So there was no reason to hide it really. Like it or not, that was his role in life. His father liked to remind him of that every single day. He sighed a little then lifted his gaze again.

"You are safe if you hide here."

Because compared to the rest of his family? He truly appreciated and respected the balance between life and death. How necessary both were to each other. It was something he always had to keep to himself though because his father hated to hear it.

Ah, a reluctant heir. Well, that in addition to Cian rescuing him did much to endear the banshee to Gaja. He tore his eyes away from his rescuer to take a look around the room. Other than a bit of food, it had everything he needed: a safe place to burn, a toilet, some privacy.

“I don’t know how long it will take,” he explained quietly. “It could be a few days until I burn.”

"This room will not burn and I will find you food to eat if you tell me what you consume."

He was going to get in so much trouble if they were caught. His father was already upset with him. For being so soft for death. Yet the idea that death could only be cold and cruel? That scared him. To think his father could harm such a beautiful creature like this who only wanted to exist...

"And you will not hurt me."

Gaja could easily agree to everything Cian uttered. He nodded to assure him that, yes, indeed, he would bring Cian no harm. Why would he when Cian was putting himself at risk for him? Even if he wasn't, he had no reason to bring harm.

"I will not," he murmured quietly, just to make it absolutely clear. "But you can't be too close when the fire starts." Even if the flames didn't touch Cian, they were so very hot. Putting Gaja in the bathtub had actually been a brilliant idea.

"I can eat anything," he added, still quiet. "I prefer meat if it's an option." Any kind will do.

"Oh... And thank you."

Cian didn't bother to argue that heat wouldn't bother him. Or fire. So he'd stay close when the time came. If it burned his clothes away then so be it. He'd just get dressed in a new outfit later. But the last thing he wanted to do was flee when this creature really needed him.

For food though... Well, his clan didn't really eat. He'd have to sneak food away from the creatures who they used as slaves to bring here. Luckily, what they fed them was meat so that shouldn't be too difficult.

He lowered his gaze and his cheeks seemed to grey a bit. A sign that he was blushing. "...you're welcome."

Gaja has very little experience with banshee, so he’s not sure how his fire will affect Cian. He definitely doesn’t want to harm him, inadvertently or otherwise. This was the only time in his lifecycle when he wasn’t in control of his fire, which made him more wary of what and whom it could hurt.

Honestly, Gaja’s a raptor so Cian could bring him a rat and he’d pick it clean. He’s really not picky when he says ‘meat.’ He’ll be thankful for anything Cian brought him. Thankfully, his appetite usually wanes in the days before his burning.

Gaja offered a tired little smile in reply. Oh, logically he knew Cian was also protecting his property – Gaja would’ve felt bad if he’d destroyed such a lovely garden. And possibly part of Cian’s home. But he’s also very grateful that Cian brought him to a place where he can burn in safety. All it takes is one gust of wind to scatter his pile of ash.

“If you have things you need to do, you don’t have to babysit me. I won’t go anywhere, you have my word.”

"Father is...not home."

So he didn't have anything to do, anywhere to be. If his father came home? Well he'd have a lot to do. Studying and training to be the next leader of the clan. All things he absolutely hated to do. But he had no choice in the matter because there was no one around to speak up for him. He was the clan's next hope in a way.

"I can go away. If you don't like..."

Company.

"No, no, no!" He murmured urgently. Gaja even began to reach out to try to catch him if he started moving away. It's not just that Gaja's a social creature (despite his often solitary life); it's also that... he simply doesn't want to be alone while he's dying.

"Please stay if you can."

The touch surprised him since he was so rarely touched in his life. And him carrying him to safety truly didn't count. Licking his lips, he looked up at him and then shifted back closer again while still letting him hold his hand.

He would stay. He really would. He'd only leave if he said he was hungry so he could get him food and for no other reason.

If Cian wasn't pulling his hand free, Gaja would certainly keep hold of it. That cool skin felt good in his grip. During these last few days, Gaja's body burned with fever, as if his fire burned out of control inside his body in preparation to engulf him. Touching anyone was a relief, but Cian even more.

"I'm usually alone while I'm dying," he explained, still keeping his voice low and quiet. Though he dies regularly, it's still a frightening thing to do alone.

There was a great sadness that appeared in his eyes at that confession and he looked like he might truly cry. Since the day he came to be his father had always showed him death as a terrifying and isolating thing. It scared him to be part of him, broke his heart to watch poor souls suffer in loneliness as they passed. As shy as he could be, he was a compassionate soul and that won out over everything.

Cian slipped into the bathtub with the phoenix and settled into his arms to wrap his arms around his waist. To rest his head against his chest. He wouldn't let him be alone. Not this time. He would make sure that this beautiful creature would die and be reborn knowing someone was there.

Gold-flecked eyes go wide, staring in utter surprise as Cian climbed into the bathtub and settled against him. The weight was slight and cool against Gaja’s feverish body. Blinking a few time, he finally exhaled a long breath and wrapped his arms more tightly around his savior.

He didn’t notice the wetness pooling in his eyes at the gesture.

But then worry sprang into them. He could burst into flame in seconds or days.

“The fire…”

"I won't burn."

Fire couldn't harm him. He knew that. So he'd stay here and lose his clothes to this and that way Gaja wouldn't have to be alone. No more lonely deaths if he could help it. They were too sad.

"Phoenix fire is unlike regular, earthly fire," he uttered. Would Cian really be safe? Ah, Gaja hoped so. Even with his renewed warning, Gaja didn't loosen his hold on the other. If he really could withstand the fire... There was no reason to let go, right?

"I might not remember you after..." Another important warning. A reborn phoenix, thankfully, didn't return to life with a newborn's mind. No, Gaja would know who and what he is, he'd understand complex language and ideas. But there were always holes in his memory after. He could remember people and his relationships to them from some earlier point in history. He could easily forget where he was and how he'd gotten there. Most of it came back with time, but he couldn't guarantee that he would remember Cian rescuing him from the garden.

"It's alright." They barely knew each other anyway. It wouldn't hurt to not be remembered. He would just take care of him and make sure that he came out of his rebirth alright. So he could be strong enough to get away without his father hurting him somehow.

He didn't want his father to hurt him...

Cian nuzzled against his chest and closed his eyes. "Just as long as you aren't alone..."

This was the period in any phoenix's lifecycle when they were most vulnerable to harm: those days leading up to their immolation and the days or weeks immediately after they've emerged from the ash. Not only because of the physical weakness but the fuzzy memory. Having someone who's willing to protect him is important to Gaja. He wants to remember that, this person who helped out of our pure kindness.

Gaja curled his fingers into the fabric Cian wore (for now), sighing gently at how cool the slight creature felt against him. It was the same relief as running ice on one's skin on a hot summer day. He clung to that, only letting go if Cian needed to move.

It didn't take more than a day for the fire to begin eating through Gaja's flesh from the inside. Once that started, his burning was typically short. Excruciating in its pain, but short. It was done and over in a matter of minutes, during which Gaja didn't make a sound. Or rather, he stopped existing in a matter of minutes. All the soft and fatty tissues burned away quickly, leaving only the bones and teeth behind. They, too, burned to ash within the passing of an hour, if even that long.

And when It was over, Cian would be left with a pile of ash in his bathtub. It's actually a pretty safe place to be as long as no one runs the water to wash Gaja down the drain. There's no wind that could scatter his remains here. No animals to come snooping and bat at the pile. No, this was very safe.

A day passed. Then another. A third came before that simple pile of ash seemed to shift and wiggle subtly like something very small was buried beneath it and trying to emerge. By the morning of the fourth day, the pile was gone and Gaja remained... In his bird form. But his plumage was no longer faded as it had been when Cian found him. No, now the bird was a spectacle of bright fiery oranges, reds, and yellows, though his colors were mottled with ash.

The fire burned away all of his clothes but he didn't mind. When nothing but ash was left, he made sure that the bathroom was protected, lingering there whenever his father wasn't demanding his attention. So he was there when the bird emerged from the pile of ash. Resting against the side of the tub, he watched the beautiful bird slowly coming to life.

Reaching out, he gently stroked his feathers to brush away the ash. To reveal the colors now that he'd been reborn. A quiet little smile came to his lips as he watched him, giving him time to come to and see that he was safe and in his new life.

A part of him was already mourning sneaking him out of here though. Then he'd go back to his lonely life again. Longing for companionship and fearing what his father wanted him to be. But this was...not really a choice he had so far as he could tell. He could only just exist like this and try to save this one person who didn't deserve all of this.

Gaja knew he was indoors. Bathroom, specifically. A very safe place for a phoenix to burn as long as the shower curtain and towels were tucked away. So someone brought him inside. Probably this pretty fellow sitting beside him, helping him preen the ash from his feathers. That gesture felt like trust. If this being wanted to do him harm, he could've done so already.

He chittered quietly, occasionally clacking his bill to express his gratitude. For some reason, Gaja knew he needed to be quiet. That memory remained. As well as the vague sense that he could, in fact, trust Cian. That animal instinct was always strong when he was first reborn. Normally, he wouldn't let anyone this close to him in this shape, let alone allow them to touch him.

After a few minutes of trying to get the ash off his plumage without shaking it out indoors, he let out an audible huff and stretched forward to nuzzle his bill against Cian's cheek.

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