บท 8: Resurrection
After manipulating the life force surrounding him, the phoenix within him awakened, summoning his consciousness to his mental realm. He floated in the void of his mindscape with the phoenix in front of him.
The phoenix before him was quite different from when he had seen it in Firehair's mindscape. While in Firehair's mindscape, it had burned with scarlet flames, seeming to be an incarnation of Doom that sought only destruction. But the one in front of him radiated an aura of both destruction and life-giving force.
The burning figure of the phoenix looked at him with eyes that held intelligence far surpassing that of a normal animal, a look of scrutiny in her gaze.
"You are an interesting mortal. In eons of existence, the number of times I couldn't read a creature's mind has been handful. But in the end, most of them were defeated, leaving only a few exceptions—those who were the mightiest beings in the multiverse.
"But you, who are nothing but a mortal, could stave off my intrusion into your mind. I have to say, I'm intrigued," said the phoenix, the cosmic force of rebirth, in an indistinguishable voice.
"Mortal, tell me, how is it that you could protect your mind against me?" asked Phoenix.
"It's Adam. My name is Adam. Stop calling me mortal; I have a name. Also, I should be the one asking: why are you in Firehair's body? Why did you enter mine?" he questioned in return.
"I sense defiance in your words, mortal. Well, Adam, I will still answer your questions.
"I represent the force of life and death across all of reality. I am the nexus of all psionic energy present in existence. To manifest my powers in the material world, I need an anchor powerful enough to withstand my vast psionic reserves.
"I need a host to channel my powers. The little girl who awakened her abilities was the most suitable host on this planet, so I granted her my powers.
"But she let her mind be clouded by hate, turning me into a force that sought only destruction—until you came, with the same potential as her. So I divided part of my power and bestowed it upon you. At present, parts of me dwell within both of you," said Phoenix.
"So you're the reason I could save Highwalker. But why didn't you stop Firehair from destroying everything?" asked Adam.
"Adam, you must understand—I'm a force of life and death. The responsibility for how my powers are utilized depends upon the host. If you seek destruction, destruction is what I am. If you seek life, then I will be life," replied Phoenix.
"So you're saying your powers don't distinguish between creation and destruction?" said Adam.
"It is as you say. But Adam, you still haven't told me how you can keep me from reading your memories," asked Phoenix.
"It's a mystery to both you and me. I'm just as ignorant as you regarding my mind's defenses," said Adam.
"If that's the case, then I hope to find the cause before your short life ends," replied Phoenix.
"Me too, Phoenix. But don't worry—I'm confident I'm not dying anytime soon," said Adam, boastful of his powers.
"If you weren't inherently strong, you wouldn't have survived the process of becoming my host. Now, go outside and use my powers as you see fit. Don't disturb me unless you solve the puzzle of your mental defenses," said Phoenix.
Driving him out before he could ask more questions, Adam felt a newfound awareness of Phoenix's powers as he stood before the corpses of human and mutant tribes.
He channeled the phoenix's power, igniting in cosmic flames that covered the area where the corpses lay. The flames, which should have scorched the remains, didn't burn them. Instead, the corpses pulsed with life force. Hearts awakened, pumping blood—these fires resurrected the dead members of both tribes.
Firehair stared at the resurrected members in disbelief, while those brought back to life appeared dazed, still fresh with memories of their deaths.
But the confusion didn't last long. The humans who had been revived began attacking Adam's companions, picking up primitive weapons to resume the killing. Before more lives could be lost, Adam intervened.
"Stop your attacks," Adam telepathically commanded, arresting their movements. Once everyone was immobile, Adam entered the minds of the hundred or so human tribe members. With surgical precision, he erased all memories associated with their hatred for mutants and implanted a strong command in their subconscious to view him as their leader.
"From now on, you listen to me. I make the rules now," said Adam, commanding the humans, who obeyed without disagreement.
"Wake up, Highwalker. We have a tribe to lead," Adam said, nudging Highwalker telepathically awake.
Highwalker woke up in confusion, unsure how he was still alive after being so close to death.
"You are...?" asked Highwalker, looking at Adam in confusion.
"This should clear your doubts," Adam said, sharing his memories of the events.
It didn't take Highwalker long to understand what had transpired. His newly heightened psionic powers were far stronger now, thanks to Adam helping him realize his potential.
"Adam, let's leave and find a new place. It's not safe here anymore," said Highwalker.
"There's no place where we'll be welcomed, Highwalker. Don't worry—there's no one left from the surrounding tribes who opposes us. If there are, they're now on our side," said Adam.
"Adam, I saw you tamper with their minds in your memories. I don't agree with defiling another's mind for our acceptance," said Highwalker.
"I understand, my friend. I agree tampering with minds is wrong, but my only other solution would've been to kill them. I know their fear and hatred are misguided. Don't worry, Highwalker—I promise I won't use my powers in a way that harms them," replied Adam.
"I will believe your words, Adam. For now, I have no reason to doubt you. What will you do next?" asked Highwalker, gazing at the members of both tribes.
"Before, I just wanted to find a place to stay for a while. But now, realizing what this world offers, I know it takes more than one individual to survive it all," said Adam, looking at the stars before turning his gaze back to the resurrected tribes.
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