In the training grounds hidden behind the golden towers of the Phenex estate, the sun was beginning to set, casting amber light across the red stone courtyard. The sky burned with warmth, but nowhere near as brightly as the boy who stood at its center.
Riser Phenex, Still just ten years old, stood barefoot on the scorched marble platform. His shirt was discarded, his chest lean but growing more defined with training. Gold eyes flickered like twin embers, and a soft heat shimmered around his form. Slowly, he raised his right hand to the sky.
"Ignite."
Flames burst forth not wild and chaotic like an untamed blaze, but focused, dancing along his arms like silk. With deep breath and practiced concentration, he allowed the fire to flow across his skin, coiling around his back, legs, and chest like a living cloak.
Then he whispered the name of a character he envisioned to become, one who can Explode like a living star
"Just like Johnny Storm."
In an instant, Riser's entire body erupted into glorious blue fire, the intensity of it rivaling the heart of a star. Unlike the typical Phenex flames, which flickered like ethereal wisps, Riser's fire roared. It moved with will and most astonishingly, it didn't burn him. It empowered him reaching heights that would be unbearable to others, but to him this was just a start soon no one would be able to withstand his might.
He soared into the sky, bursting upward like a living comet, his fire blazing a trail behind him.
From a balcony above, Lord Phenex watched his son with arms folded, eyes contemplative.
"He's refining it," said a voice beside him.
Ruval Phenex, tall and poised, stood with a calm smile on his face. "That fire isn't just magical. It's something else. Something born of his imagination."
Lord Phenex nodded. "He's reshaping the very nature of Phenex flame."
Burning Imagination so bright most can't even realize the truth in those words
Back on the ground, Riser landed softly, his flames slowly receding until only heat shimmered around him. He exhaled, sweat beading across his brow.
He sat beneath the shade of an ivory column, breathing slowly. His thoughts weren't on rest, though they were on application how can he go even farther beyond.
"I want to push it further," he murmured. "Flames that move like wings fire that strikes like fists a body that can adapt, even in close combat. A fighting style born of living flame themselves."
In his mind, he visualized it a hybrid style of hand to hand combat and mid air maneuvering. Not just magical blasts, but flame augmented martial skill. It was the difference between a noble with power and a warrior with purpose.
He grinned. "Johnny Storm would be proud."
Still even with all that training he still dreamed of Earth, to rule it make it his own backyard
Later that evening, Riser joined his father in the study. Lord Phenex sat at his polished obsidian desk, scanning reports from agents within the Underworld's political courts.
"You've been progressing," his father said without looking up. "The training grounds are marked with flame scars again."
"I'm developing something new," Riser said as he sat across from him. "Not just spells, but a way of fighting. A form that lives in fire."
Lord Phenex smiled faintly. "That's the pride of the Phenex our flames are not merely weapons. They are expressions of will."
Riser leaned forward. "Father, I want to request something."
Now Lord Phenex looked up.
"When I come of age I want to be granted a territory in the human world. A place to govern, to oversee, and to make into something of value."
Lord Phenex blinked, then studied his son carefully. "That's an ambitious request. Most heirs wait until they're adults before they even begin considering that responsibility."
"I'm not most heirs," Riser replied, golden eyes burning with calm conviction. "The human world is where so much energy flows belief, culture, conflict. If I build something there, I'll grow. And I want to prove I can be more than just the boy chosen for a marriage contract."
For a moment, silence lingered.
Then Lord Phenex nodded. "I will bring it before the council of lords. When the time comes we will see."
Riser bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Father."
While that was taking place another thing caught Riser attention The Bond of Siblings
That night, Riser wandered into the garden atrium that connected the estate's east and west wings. A soft giggle met his ears before he even stepped inside.
Ravel, Still just four years old, sat on a floating cushion of soft wind magic. Her golden curls bounced with each spin as she clapped in delight. A pair of maids watched nervously from a distance, unsure how to keep her entertained safely.
Riser smiled. "Having fun, little phoenix?"
Ravel turned mid-air and beamed. "Big Brother you came to watch me fly!"
She launched herself into a clumsy glide, flapping tiny flame wreathed wings. Riser caught her with ease and swung her around once before setting her down.
"Watch this!" she said, puffing her cheeks. She raised her hand, trying to mimic his flame gesture but instead of elegant fire, a puff of warm smoke popped from her fingers.
He clapped warmly. "Amazing. At this rate, you'll master fire magic before your wings grow in."
Ravel pouted. "You're teasing."
"Never," Riser said, kneeling beside her. "You're already amazing little sister."
They sat beneath a tree shaped like a spiraling flame native to the Phenex territoryand looked up at the night sky.
"Will you go away someday leaving me behind?" she asked almost in worried frightened tone.
He looked down at her gently. "Maybe. To the human world. But never so far I won't return. You're my baby sister, Ravel. I'll always come back."
She rested her head on his shoulder. "Okay. But promise to bring me candy from the humans."
He laughed, warm and full. "It's a promise of a life time."