Reincarnated as a Phoenix

<Wow! That's so interesting!>

<Good to know little one>

Mother really does like hearing my stories I guess, father still seems interested but it's clear not as much, I can definitely tell who I take after boredom wise.

All of us are now properly inside the cave with me and Petra sitting inside the nest while my parents are obviously laying down once again, Minos is still out hunting it seems, he's probably having the time of his life right about now.

As for what I said, I basically just went into quick details on how we met, what we've been through and all that type of stuff. I've purposely left out things regarding the empire, I'm still unsure how much to actually want to reveal but I still need to give them good warning.

<Little phoenix, who were your parents if you don't mind me asking?>

I guess even father has questions, I'm slightly also interested in this and Petra seems willing to answer.

"My mother's name was Zeldermir and for my father, never knew him"

Father takes a second to pause after Petra's response, it seems he's thinking on something.

<Darling, do we know that dragon?>

<I'm a little confused as well, she sounds familiar but at the same time, not>

Both my parents are confused on who Zeldermir is then, all I know is that she apparently knew a prophecy that predicts that I'll cause the world to end but with the amount of vagueness, it could literally mean anything.

It could just be their memories playing up, they are extremely old with father basically being a dinosaur.

"It matters little anyway, she passed away a long time ago, over five hundred years now"

Petra's seems fine talking about it, I'm guessing she didn't have the best relationship with her mother then. Father seems to have realized something now though.

<Wait, your mother was that dragon? Black in colour and a prophet, correct?>

"Correct"

<You remember her Dermak?>

<We only met once or twice, don't take this the wrong way little phoenix but your mother was a complete bitch>

<Dermakvar!>

Mother rightly whacks father on the back of the head, he deserves that for calling someone's mother a bitch. He seems to dislike everyone so it's not surprising that he dislikes someone else. Petra has a complete unexpected response that surprises all of us though.

"Heh, she was a little on the nasty side, think you're being a bit kind"

Damn, did Petra hate her mother then? Let's not press too much on that then.

<Little one, make sure you never let this little phoenix go, she actually has a sense of humour unlike some people>

<She's probably was just being polite Dermakvar, you are extremely insensitive at times>

<Maybe, but I still like her regardless>

At least father approves of her, think mother wouldn't care who I brought back though. Although, she did say something about mating which seemed weird but I don't want to bring that up again.

Petra seems to have a happy smile from everything being spoken about, I guess she's finding my parents slightly funny to be around. I'm guessing that's a good thing then.

Just as I'm about to move on and bring up the troublesome subject, another dragon returns from the hunt.

"Cu?"

The brown dragon Minos returns landing into the cave and instantly has a confused look on his face.

'Damn, he's gotten even bigger now, not much but still a fair amount. Ah, should check that as well, status'

[Name: Minos | Species: Dragon | Level: 48]

[Health 3,250/3,250]

[Stamina 3,702/5,500]

[Magicka 3,250/3,250]

'It's been two months, maybe three since I last saw him and his health doesn't seem to be reduced so no curse, that's good. Has he even levelled though? Aesa, has he made any progress or not?'

[<Target -Minos- has levelled 5 times since last update 72 days ago>]

I'm honestly starting to feel a little bad for him, my levelling is a hell of a lot quicker than his but then again, I'm encouraged to kill humans for my EXP. I wonder if that might be related to the prophecy as well, maybe that's the encouragement for turning to the dark side.

To get max level, I'd have to kill loads or really high levelled people. Ah forget it, I'm not going to figure out what this prophecy really is and the more I think about it, it might just make it worse. Think there was something about trying to prevent a prophecy ends up causing it so best not to think so heavily on it.

Back onto Minos now, he's looking a bit confused with Petra. He very slowly starts walking towards us both.

<Minos, this is Ikarus's friend Petra>

<She won't hurt you littlest one>

Maybe it's down to her scent being similar to mine, his head doesn't know what to do with it. Hopefully, he also doesn't think we've mated but then again at his age, he won't have a clue what that even is.

He ignores my parents and now has come to where Petra is, she seems to know how to handle this unsure young dragon though.

"You're a cute little dragon, not as much as much as your sister but it's a very close competition"

"Cu!"

Okay, I actually feel a little betrayed now, he's started rubbing himself up against Petra. Sure, it's nice that he likes her but still. Wait, did Petra just call me cute as well? Ah, forget it, I'm more pissed at brother than to focus on something like that. I did kinda like it though.

"Damn it Minos, you forgetting that your older sister is here or something?"

This little shit! While he's still doing that, he's actually looking at me like he prefers Petra or something, is this his rebellious stage where he starts to resent his older sibling?

"Heh, that's probably enough for now, your sister is starting to look a little jealous"

Minos now decides to turn his attention away from the blind lady but swiftly gets rejected.

"No, traitors don't get affection, you go over there to the other side of the nest"

"Cu..."

His sad cus don't work when I'm annoyed at him, I saw the look in his eyes. It's almost as if the little shit was trying to steal Petra away from me. Wait a second, why do I keep thinking things like this? I'm starting to lose my mind now, even more so than usual.

Both parents give a silent chuckle at what just happened anyway, Minos has also moved to the other side of the nest, he doesn't deserve head pats. It looks like he's going for a quick nap as well, that hunt must have tired him out a bit. He strangely didn't bring anything back so he probably ate while out.

I really should get back on topic, I can never focus around my family.

"Anyway... there is something else you two need to know but you cannot get involved otherwise I won't tell you"

<What is it little one?>

<Yeah, why can't we get involved Ikarus?>

"Because you two will think it's a good idea to go burn down an entire city. This is not one of those times that every human deserves to die. It shouldn't have gone down like that in the first place"

In all honesty, I'm not even that opposed to getting my parents to burn the capital down anymore. I just feel like there will be dire consequences if I take that route, my parents may be absurdly strong but there must be something stronger out there, something that can even take down dragons if they step out of line. I'd say something like Gods but I've seen little of their existence apart from priestess having a voice inside her head, there does seem to be some higher power at least from what I can tell.

<Little one, we have more control than you'd like to think>

<It's only ever when you're under threat that we get like that Ikarus. Thankfully, you have a good choice in friends now so our worries aren't as strong>

It sounds like mother likes Petra; I think that's what she means. I guess dragons appreciate strength, or it might just be because she's a phoenix, I don't care that much to ask.

"Regardless, you still need to try and remain calm about it... Father, you might need to cancel your reward to the empire"

I'll start off like this, then hopefully I can share more information slowly with them. It's the enslaving dragon part I'm mostly worried about.

(Dermakvar) <Why?>

"I think I have a rough idea what your reward to the prince might be. If you plan on selling yourself into servitude, that won't be happening since I'm planning to kill him"

...

A small silence happens but then father responds, he doesn't seem all that bothered though.

<That's not entirely correct little one, I never once swore servitude to the little mortal>

Am I mistaken then?

"I'm confused, it sounds like you've sold yourself to the empire basically as a slave, at least that's what I think"

Of course, I'm only going off what Petra said to me. Father didn't outright deny it though, did she have the right idea?

<There's a little more to it than just that, there is nothing about protecting the little blonde mortal so you're worry is unneeded>

Okay, now I am confused, if he's sold himself in service to them, then shouldn't protecting the prince be the top of his priorities?

"But wouldn't me killing the prince go against your deal?"

<The empire is all the landmass to the northeast of these connected lands. The agreement never said anything about protecting one mortal in charge, it was to protect against everything else except humans>

That's the agreement then? That sounds weird, why is this such a big deal if he doesn't have to involve himself with humans? Especially now knowing the empire's dragon enslavement methods, this seems to go against the point of it all. Petra has already confirmed with me that they're both clean from the crest, we agreed if she didn't say anything about it when we entered, there would be no reason to worry.

"What would you need to protect the empire from if it isn't humans? Or anything else that resembles humans like elves or beastmen?"

<Anything little one. Whether it be rogue dragons, disgusting wyverns like the wyvern king or even other threats like demons or angels, that's just a part of it. If you wish to kill the little mortal and someone else takes over, then that is meaningless towards me>

<There is a little more to it than just that Ikarus but it isn't something you need to worry loads about>

If only these two knew...

This does seem unexpected though, was the prince that worried about other enemies who aren't humanoid? He seemed like this is best deal the empire could ever make, I haven't heard that much about stuff like this except from the odd passing comment like the mage saying something about demons a long time ago. Could they all be returning one day?

I'm starting to feel like something is missing here, could this also be related to the prophecy as well? Urgh, the future is really looking bleak.

Even Petra seems a little surprised about something but it's not what I was expecting.

"Ikarus, the way you made your parents out, was expecting a much different reaction"

<What did little one say about us?>

<Hopefully Ikarus was nice in her description>

I may have gone into great detail once or twice that they're emotional wrecks. I mean, they kinda are but I might've come across a little mean. Think I'm sweating now that they've asked her that.

I do love my parents but damn, they can be a little overbearing. Mostly mother, father seems more like a guy you might have as a drinking buddy then an actual father, I guess he does have some paternal instincts. I'm not complaining about it, I know a lot of people only have one parent alive, some don't have any. I'm really lucky in that sense.

"It was only things like how much she missed you and stuff like that, doubt you'd want to hear about it"

<We miss you too Ikarus>

<Little one...>

They actually bought that!? She really helped me dodge a bullet there, it's a good thing she didn't tell them what I really said. Sometimes Petra, I don't deserve you...

"Okay... so it's perfectly fine for me to kill the prince and you're still stuck in your agreement protecting the empire from threats that aren't human, isn't that great?"

<Little one, this isn't something you really need to worry about. Me and your mother have been protecting this mountain range for a very long time, protecting the rest of these lands won't be that difficult, just might have to deal with the occasional pissed off God or two as well but shouldn't prove impossible a task>

Do I tell him about the slave crest then? Urgh, still haven't decided yet, there was something he just said that seems a little off, it sounded like a throwaway joke type comment but didn't sound right.

I can hear Minos snoring a little now, he really can sleep through anything.

"Did you just say something about a pissed off God?"

<It's nothing really, sometimes in the past, the Gods used to pay the occasional visit to the mortal lands. There's something about mortality that they crave, the lifestyle mortals live is attractive to immortal beings, really don't understand it in all honesty>

<Ah, I remember what your father is talking about>

<It's really not all that interesting a story though. One God escapes from the higher realms and wishes to live down here and another comes down to return her back but she refuses and it ends up causing a volcano to erupt killing half the elves>

That's what caused the volcano to erupt in the elven lands!? How the hell can he say that isn't important?

Ah yeah, in the top corner of the elven continent is a lava spewing volcano. When it last erupted, the entire elven lands were effected and it came close to being unliveable, it's cleared up a lot now though but even then, the elven continent is still harsh to live in and it sounds like they don't even have countries over there, don't know all that much about it though.

"Funny you should say that, the howling forest is close by as well and the dwarfs live in those mountains also. There not on the same landmass but it's still somewhat close by"

Petra's just joined back in, that's where the howling forest is as well? The dwarfs must live in the mountains and the forest must be below it then, think that's the case.

<You've been around quite a lot little phoenix>

<Me and Dermak haven't been over there since the volcano erupted, you've definitely seen a lot Petra>

"The longer you live, the more you see I guess"

<We really should get out at see the world more>

<Hmph, why do I feel like you're moaning towards me?>

Father takes a grumpy tone towards mother, it's clear what she was implying there.

<That's because I am Dermak, you never want to do anything anymore except wyvern hunting. You're slowly turning into an old, grumpy lizard>

<That's because I am old darling, it probably wouldn't be the worst idea though. What places are nice to visit little phoenix?>

"There's definitely some beautiful places around, just need to do know where to look, suggestions at the top of my head..."

Petra and my parents start discussing some more bits and then after a little while, I'm introduced back into the conversation a while later. Petra is interesting but the things my parents were asking about were just locations and places she's seen, I'm really a third wheel in their conversation. I was still paying attention throughout it though.

<Ikarus, both of you are definitely staying the night if your friend is okay with it, no arguing>

<She's quite the interesting little phoenix>

Well... my parents definitely like her, I guess that's a good thing. They haven't tried setting us up like with Zeki nonstop so I'm unsure if they would approve but it's a very good sign.

Sighhh, I really need to slow down these types of thoughts, we haven't even held hands yet...

__________

Later on that same day, close to it being night, I've finally decided on something but I need to ask Petra beforehand.

Everyone is still in the cave but I've decided to spend some time back in human form for a little while, no particular reason why though.

"Petra, do you think it would be okay to tell them about you know what?"

I'm whispering into her ear, this enslaving dragon thing I feel needs her opinion first just in case I say something stupid. She also responds whispering, both parents don't notice this otherwise I'd feel like they might say something, or maybe they're just being polite, not sure.

"Should be, they seem calmer than you first described, doubt they'll even see it as a big deal"

Is she being serious? Shouldn't finding out something like your entire species is getting targeted for enslavement be a big deal?

Anyway, I speak to father who is still laying down from earlier, you'll be surprised how long dragons can lounge about doing nothing when they've already eaten.

"There is something you need two should also know, it's just I'm unsure how well you'll take it"

<We'll remain calm Ikarus>

<No promises but you do worry too much little one>

At lease they understand my reservations, I guess? I'll just come out and say it then. Hopefully, that city still remains untouched. Too much wasted EXP if they burn it down, I really shouldn't think like that...

"The empire have been trying to enslave dragons for ages, they even have that white haired mage doing it for them, the prince in particular seems to be in control of the whole operation as well"

...

Why aren't they having any reaction to this? Are they about to blow a fuse?

<That isn't that big of a deal Ikarus>

<Something like that really isn't worth a worry little one>

Ikarus currently does not understand current situation, eh?

"Are you two mad!? They literally tried it with Minos and I, why are you so calm about this? They're probably trying to enslave you as well when you go wyvern hunting father"

I don't get an answer from my parents straight away but from Petra who is sitting alongside me in the nest, she seems to have a better understanding on what's going on.

"Think they might've already known about it Ikarus"

That's why? Is she being for real?

"You two seriously knew about it already?"

<Every little mortal has unrealistic dreams and such, it's always been a thing that little empire have tried for centuries now, haven't given it any thought for a while>

<This is one of the reasons we prefer the solitude Ikarus, it normally stops these types of things happening. Enslavement isn't that big of a deal, it's more of a worry when there's no counter to it>

There's dragon arrogance and all that but this doesn't seem right, mother is so overprotective yet the chance of me or Minos getting enslaved by the empire isn't that big of a deal? Well, only Minos, I'm protected.

I'm starting to think this slave crest is actually shit, my parents can probably break out of it easily or it doesn't actually affect your mind that much, those two are the only things I can think of why they'd be like this.

<Little one, I keep telling you not to worry too much about such things. If you really thought it would be that easy to enslave us, you don't give us enough credit>

"Ikarus, if there's anything I've learnt throughout the years, dragon confidence isn't something to be taken lightly. Your parents have a lot more experience than I"

<Those two are both right Ikarus, you can relax a little bit more>

Now all three of them are against me, I guess Petra did say not to worry about it too much as well. Looks like I'm going to stop concerning myself over this, who cares if the family gets enslaved anyway? Sigh...

I'm still killing that little weasel and that bitch though, I will make sure of that, this doesn't change my thinking in the slightest. Just get the locations of ten dungeons and that's it for them.

At least it's a good thing those two don't fancy burning down another city hearing this, sometimes I realize I don't know my own parents at all...