News broke out that Raistin became a grandfather. His son Iro had a child who was half Phoenix half Iredescent. Raistin was unaware of the pregnancy until Iro revealed it to him the night his son was born, wanting to surprise his father by keeping his wife's pregnancy under wraps until it was time to reveal.

Raistin was officially "the happiest grandfather in the entire universe." If previous parties weren't grand enough, this party certainly was.

"More like overkill," said Luciu, once again noting Raistin's exaggerated exclusiveness in flame décor. There were fireworks everywhere, self-made by the Phoenix. Flames danced in ribbons and fancy designs, in the sky and far from reach so people wouldn't get hurt by the flames. Raistin purposely kept the flames at low heat so that even if somebody did manage to get close, they wouldn't get seriously burned.

Because fire was more easily seen at night than in the day, and because Iro's son was born at night, the celebration was held at night and would last after dawn.

The irangels were curious to see how the Phoenix's son looked like more than they were interested in seeing the baby. Unlike Raistin who was usually seen at Mirror Castle, Iro preferred to live a quiet life away from the crowd and glamour. Few have seen Iro and his wife. Now everyone would know how the second and third Phoenix looked like.

The irangels and Iredescents excitedly oohed and aahed as they watched Iro walk inside the castle with his wife and child. Raistin cried tears of happiness at the sight of his family, feeling honored to have a son and a grandson.

Iro Fenice bore a striking resemblance to Raistin Fenice. Black hair was the dominant Phoenix trait for the physical appearance of every Phoenix. But the eye colors were different, and so was the color of the Phoenix flames.

In contrast to Raistin's long messy shoulder-length black hair, Iro's long unmessy thigh-length black hair was halfway pulled back in a ponytail. Iro's eyes were a gorgeous ocean blue with a golden sheen that indicated he was a finned Iredescent; Iro was the first and only Phoenix that could turn into a merman.

Iro was indeed the perfect mix of Raistin and Tereza. One could see that he got the pale white skin and light purple skin shimmer from Tereza, and the black hair and slim attractive body from Raistin. Iro was calm and quiet, a very peaceful person, and he had a fun mischievous side where you could tell he was definitely Raistin's son.

Iro's wife, Antha Leeiyor Fenice, had long straight raven black hair that trailed down her back and almost touched the floor. Her wings looked like dragonfly wings, shimmering pink and purple with swirls of indigo blue that sparkled like the night sky.

A beautiful shimmering magenta pink gown hugged Antha with indigo blue sleeves that matched her wings and Iro's eyes. Antha was as pale as Iro, her skin light and sparkly in appearance. Her eyes were andalusite dark brown with amethyst purple shimmer. It was almost impossible to see an unsmiling Antha; she was always smiling, a warm smile curling around her lips, even when relaxed while reading a book, or in this case, holding her newborn son, Crimson Fenice.

Crimson had the same black hair as Iro and Raistin, but his eyes were crimson red. He didn't cry like most babies did; he was quiet and observant. Crimson was dressed in a red formal outfit consisting of a long sleeve shirt and pants. He did not have a golden sheen in his eyes, indicating he would become a winged one. His fair skin sparkled more than Iro's skin. While Iro's sparkles were light purple, Crimson's sparkles were crimson red.

Raistin, of course, didn't sparkle. The sparkles were due to the Iredescent lineage that Iro and Crimson shared. Raistin was the original Phoenix, and Iro and Crimson were half Phoenix half Iredescent. Thus, the shimmer and the fire combined.

Following the Fenice family were more family members, ones that would become very important in Crimson's life. Antha's sister, Mirella Leeiyor, married a winged Iredescent named Suduko Tristanle. They had a son named Tren Tristanle, who was born soon after Crimson's birth. While Crimson was born just after midnight, Tren was born in the day, just hours after dawn. The two would become very close, like brothers rather than cousins.

Light danced upon Suduko's tall muscular physique, highlighting the silver glitter on his deep blue wings. The reflection of fireworks appeared in Mirella's almond-shaped smokey topaz eyes, shining brightly with her glossy black hair. Her lacey white and pink wings amazed the sapphire blue jewels on her gold and light pink kimono.

Tren had midnight blue hair and deep blue eyes, appearing very much like his father with the same blue skin shimmer and dark tanned skin. He was to be a winged one, since he didn't have a golden sheen in his eyes. He wore a shimmering deep blue galaxy outfit with purple sparkles that caught the disco lights.

Tren was the complete opposite of Crimson. Instead of staying still and sitting patiently in his mother's arms like Crimson, Tren was sitting up and looking around, wanting to get out and explore. Mirella had to constantly coax him back, trying to hold him steady, while Antha had no problems with Crimson.

Everyone cheered as they entered through the magnificent arch that led to the outdoor garden part of Mirror Castle. There were red ribbons scaling throughout the columns, waving excitedly like the wings of irangels and Iredescents.

Glow-in-the-dark roses illuminated the black rose petals that scattered around the red ribbons. Glitter rain descended softly, disappearing into shimmers upon contact with skin. Hedgehogs ran jovially around the garden, enjoying the strawberries that fell from the food tables.

Or rather, gently pushed from the food tables, as Irina intentionally dropped some strawberries on the ground for the hedgehogs to enjoy, choosing the best ones for them.

Hedgehogs surrounded Irina, following her everywhere she went. They sensed her kind, gentle demeanor and peaceful nature. This phenomenon was why Irina was called "the Hedgehog Lady" because of her love and care for hedgehogs.

The irangels were astonished by the number of hedgehogs in attendance. No matter where they went, hedgehogs always followed Irina and Yyoz. The Hedgehog Man was currently attending to some artwork while the Hedgehog Lady elegantly strode over to the beverage table to pour herself a cup of tea.

After a moment of surprise, Kirrie rushed over to Cole, exclaiming, "Did you see all the hedgehogs? I've never seen so many in one place! They are absolutely adorable!"

"Even Iredescent animals want to see the new Phoenix," Nend said, appearing from the pylor trees that created the illusion of glass. "A new Phoenix is an even rarer occurrence than the occurrence of the Black Rose."

"So does this mean both Iro and Crimson are eternals like Raistin?" Cole asked, curious to learn more about the Phoenixes that lived among the Iredescent people. It was surreal to see a myth as reality, a storybook entity that was a regular presence here on planet Iredescent. Had someone told Cole that a firebird existed on a sparkly planet, he wouldn't have been able to believe it unless he saw the truth with his own eyes.

"Iro and Crimson are immortal. Raistin is the only eternal," Nend clarified. "It was in Japan, when Iro scraped his knee while climbing up a mountain and started bleeding, that it was possible to study Phoenix DNA for the first time.

"Iredescent blood is shimmery purple, and human blood is red, but the blood of a half Phoenix half Iredescent is actually dust. Purple and yellow dust. The purple is a dust version of the Iredescent n-r element, and the yellow dust is an unknown element from planet Yaryar. The two dust colors constantly swirl around each other in a forever dance."

"A perfect harmony," Cole murmured. "As if the two elements are meant for each other."

"There is no doubt that they are meant for each other," Nend said confidently. "Raistin and Tereza are the perfect example, as are Iro and Antha. I have no doubt that Crimson's future wife will continue the perfect harmony between Phoenixes and Iredescents."

The irangels and the Iredescents continued to watch the celebration of Crimson's birth. Raistin's fireworks brightly lit the pitch black night, rising above the glitter rain, the glow-in-the-dark flowers, and the black roses.

"For once, an outdoor celebration," said Viraj, smiling happily as he sent some flowers to vine up the columns. He thrived in outdoor settings, as befitting his ability to create flowers.

"I'll say," Luciu said in approval of the change in scenery. "Was someone else in charge of the celebration?"

Amanda shook her head, saying, "No, Raistin just felt like doing it outdoors. I guess it's so that he could let out all the fireworks he wants."

"Of course," Luciu said drolly upon the mention of fireworks. "Why am I not surprised."

Though he criticized Raistin's recent obsession with parties, Luciu secretly thought it was brilliant of Raistin. He certainly knows how to make sure none of us feel nervous, Luciu thought, deducing the reasoning behind all the excessive partying.

He had seen the Native American Iredescents when they first arrived on planet Iredescent, wanting to start a new life but uncertain of what exactly it would entail. Iredescents like Tal, Zvizda, and Nend, and non-Iredescent people like Raistin and Saunduit, helped make their new lives easier to transition to. Hence, the many causes for celebration to allow the arrivals from Earth to meet Iredescents and learn more about the people, while also having a good time and enjoying their life on planet Iredescent.

Raistin was beyond overjoyed to see Crimson. He kept showing off his grandson, speculating how wonderful he was and how "there is a third Phoenix now! This is a most joyous event!"

Tereza rolled her eyes to heaven. "You should've seen the day Iro was born. You would've thought it was a supernova."

"It was the birth of a new world," Raistin said in response. "My world."

Still, everyone was happy. A Phoenix was a rare legend, a one-of-a-kind being. Raistin's overly enthusiastic reaction was understood, though Luciu thought he could be a little too enthusiastic.

As the irangels were approaching the lines of tables where all the food was, Demian noticed to his delight that Civic's Russian Napoleon tort was one of the many cakes on the dessert table. Even more delightful was the fact that he made five Russian Napoleon torts (tort was the Russian word for cake).

Demian was too preoccupied with the cake to notice anything else. While German chocolate black forest cake remained his favorite dessert, Russian Napoleon cake was definitely his second favorite. If Civic made a German chocolate black forest cake, I would be in heaven, Demian thought, already on his second slice.

Demian drank a glass of whole milk, enjoying the fresh cool milk and the delicious flakey cake. He looked around, noticing everything else for the first time, since his attention was fully focused on the cake. Everyone around him was smiling, talking, eating, and generally having a really good time.

Demian had just gotten a third slice on his plate when he heard a disturbing thought.

Kill her.

Demian froze. Not moving his head, he looked around with his eyes, trying to determine where the thought had come from. Everyone's thoughts were happy and cheerful, none as remotely dark as what he just heard. What....?

Demian set the knife down, surprised it took much effort to do so. Demian stared at the knife, wondering why it was so hard for him to set it down on the table. It was as if his hand had turned to lead, the knife a heavy weight unlike steel. Then he realized a very horrible truth.

Demian turned towards Valerie, feeling as though he was looking at her involuntarily, like he couldn't help himself.

The pull of the connection led his eyes to the sight of Valerie as she stood talking with Raistin and his family. The firelight caught the sparkles on her shimmery red and purple ballgown. The stars twinkled in her vibrant purple eyes, her smile as warm as candlelight. A purple shawl draped around her shoulders, her lush long red hair reaching to her knees in beautiful waves.

So beautiful, Demian thought, entranced. However, the dark voice commanded, Kill her.

No! Never! Demian's eyes narrowed, his eyes panning the area to try to learn the direction. A sinking feeling sunk like a rock in the ocean depths as Demian realized the dark thought hadn't come from a person; it had come from the awakened darkness.

A distressed thought momentarily interrupted Demian from the dark thought, from the dark voice of the awakened darkness. His heart caught in his throat when he looked at Ariel, meeting the hurtful expression on her crestfallen face.

It was the same hurtful expression he had seen once in her memories. It was a past he was glad to rid the Iara twins of.

Ariel and Orion Iara had abusive parents. Ariel was the one that was beaten physically while Orion was the one they yelled at. Their mother, Daciana Iara, smoked cigarettes every day, making Ariel cough and feel sick because she was allergic. Orion kept wishing their father, Niran Iara, would stop yelling, making Orion want silence more than anything. Ariel's disdain for cigarette smoking and Orion's longing for silence influenced what their abilities would become when they became irangels.

Demian remembered the night he had snuck into their shared dorm room, remembered drenching the Iara twins in Axe spray and having Cole teleport them to the glass building where he turned them into irangels.

He remembered seeing Ariel's naked body in the cylinder, her red hair splayed out. He remembered seeing Orion in the cylinder beside her, the Iredescent n-r element and blood taking their human lives away and giving them irangel lives where they would never be abused again.

It was no surprise that the abilities of the Iara twins stemmed from the things they wanted most at the time they were abused. Ariel's ability to influence people to quit smoking and Orion's ability to control volume resulted from their rough upbringing.

A twist in the story retelling of Hansel and Gretel, Demian thought, determined to give the siblings a happily ever after.

Thoughts of betrayal pierced the veil of dismay, pouring pools of sadness from her eyes, as Ariel said to Demian, You're looking at her again. Why are you constantly cheating on me with your eyes? I know you want her. You're just scared to hurt me. Ariel sighed heavily, blinking back tears. Don't you love me at all?

Demian tried to respond, his attention focused on her flowy sunset pink dress that reminded Demian of romantic walks on the beach. Ariel's long floor-length orange red hair was reminiscent of a sunset, especially with seashell earrings and nude heels. I've got to take her to the beach sometime, Demian thought, momentarily distracted.

The darkness in his mind twisted the image of Ariel, turning it into Valerie. The two women shared a few similar characteristics, though the glaring differences stood out like an ocean and a forest.

Valerie was slim and thin; Ariel was curvy. Valerie was quiet and introverted; Ariel was playful and outgoing. Valerie was a flame, a burning candlelight from afar; Ariel was the sun, shining brightly in close proximity.

Because of the connection, Demian knew he would always feel something for Valerie. That and the fact they were destined for each other.

Ariel was the one who kept him grounded. Taking hold of the ground Ariel provided for him, Demian pushed away the influence of the darkness, thus pushing himself away from Valerie.

"Ariel," Demian spoke verbally, taking hold of Ariel's hands. "I do love you."

"The same way you love your destined?" Ariel's eyes glimmered with surfaced anger. "You promised not to look upon Valerie with wanting. That you would hold me and our child in your gaze. Why then, do your eyes betray?"

"Ariel – "

Ariel snatched her hand away, moving back from Demian. "Of course, with a body like hers, it's no wonder you lust for Valerie. It's difficult for you, now that I'm pregnant. I'm not fun anymore, so you screw with my mind instead of my body."

Demian gripped her arms gently. "Ariel, it is because you are pregnant with my child that I can no longer be with Valerie."

"But you are connected to Valerie, and everywhere I go, I am reminded of the destined love between you two," Ariel said tersely, the hurt surfacing from amid her anguished thoughts. "How do you think I feel knowing you are forever connected to another woman? Valerie can move on all she wants and she can hide her feelings, but there is no escaping the truth. It's like a permanent thread that can't be cut, wrapped around you two for eternity." 

"Ariel – " Demian said, attempting to speak, when Valerie herself came by, smiling cheerfully with the irangels. Raistin and his family were nearby, and the irangels gathered around Valerie to entreat her with requests for black rose petals to see who could toss them in the air the highest.

Upon the sight of Valerie, Ariel's anger reached its boiling point. Like a kettle spitting water, Ariel spat hateful words, burning like hot water on skin.

"This is all your fault!" Ariel yelled at Valerie, releasing fury from unrestrained anger. "You connected with Demian and it's your fault he still loves you!"

Valerie's face became ashen, her good mood instantly becoming grim. "I didn't choose to connect with him. I wasn't even aware of it when it happened."

"That's because you were being led astray by a handsome stranger that just so happens to be the creator of irangels," Ariel said back, becoming heated. "He's my boyfriend, not yours!"

"Good for you," Valerie responded, keeping her voice neutral.

Ariel's irritation overtook Valerie's passiveness. The steaming kettle flew off the stove, hurling insults and blame.

"Good for me? Is that supposed to be a joke? You slept with him almost immediately after you turned into an irangel! And now he can't stop looking at you. He hardly notices me!"

Valerie attempted to speak, but Ariel wouldn't let her, frustrating Demian and confusing the irangels. The steamed heat settled in the air, disrupting the joyous atmosphere. Even Raistin and his family paused in their cheerful chatter, glancing curiously at the drama that unfolded from a jealous woman and a love rival.

"It's your fault for everything! You should've connected with Civic, but you connected with Demian. My Demian. I'm pregnant with his child, but he still loves you because you are his destined. Such a fated love or whatever. Arrgh, I hate you so much! You should never have turned into an irangel! You should've stayed human, out of my life forever!"

A stunned silence gripped the tense atmosphere, startling the irangels and Iredescents with the public announcement of the first irangel child. Though Cydtin already knew, he sensed the surprise and shock from the irangels, their thoughts accusatory rather than celebratory. Some began to wonder whether the pregnancy was intentional or accidental. Both Demian's and Ariel's thoughts confirmed it was accidental.

Since his own former fiancée had died with an unborn child, Cydtin felt the need to assist Ariel, to protect her from further emotional distress. Cydtin gently took Ariel's hand and led her out of the garden, leaving the irangels in a state of quandary.

Raistin sighed in disappointment from the disruption of a very special event. "What am I gonna do with these people?" he said to nobody in particular.

Valerie was struggling not to cry. Tears covered her eyes, but she willed herself not to cry, forcing herself to hide her painful emotions, not wanting anyone to see them. She felt a horrible sensation in her chest, knowing it was the familiar emotional pain she always had to conceal.

A sparkly hand landed on Valerie's shoulder, momentarily distracting her. It was Desmond, his voice strong and uplifting.

"Hey, don't take Ariel's words to heart. Things happen for a reason. I for one, will choose to celebrate the news with a glass of tonquels. Wouldn't you join me, Black Rose?"

Valerie tried to politely decline the drink offer, but she couldn't speak, afraid to cry should she say a word.

Noticing that she was having difficulty in trying to hold herself together, Cole briskly pulled Valerie into a brotherly hug. Valerie sank into Cole, hiding her face in his chest. Only then did she allow tears to escape.

Demian felt tears sting his own eyes from the crying of his destined. He felt Civic's cold gaze on him and turned, expecting to see his glaring eyes. He was surprised to see what looked like sympathy rather than anger. Civic didn't say anything, just quietly staring at Demian.

Unable to deal with the volume of thoughts rushing from each individual like multiple waterfalls, Demian spread his wings and took flight. Demian heard another pair of wings after him and saw Civic catch up to him in his peripheral vision. His body tensed, unsure why Civic was following him. Probably to lecture me, Demian thought, sighing inwardly.

Demian flew for another distance before resting on a high tree branch overlooking the faraway Mirror Castle. Civic landed right beside Demian, taking a moment to enjoy the view, before going over to sit beside Demian.

"We're definitely the elite now," Civic said, remembering how Demian had referred to those who knew the secret of the irangel origin as the elite few. "I see you've continued to repress important secrets."

"You're not mad at me?" Demian asked tentatively. Civic's thoughts were mostly nostalgic, recalling various events of his irangel life on Earth. He sensed a hint of jealousy as Civic remembered the day he first met Demian and Valerie.

"No," Civic responded, his thoughts returning to the present. "The only angry person is Ariel. I'm just shocked that she feels so much hate towards Valerie."

"Because of the connection," Demian murmured, feeling like he had screwed everything up when he got together with Ariel after his breakup with Valerie. He had arrived on planet Iredescent and learned the bitter truth about the connection, only to realize that he was unable to be with his destined because of his girlfriend's pregnancy.

Civic faced Demian fully and placed a hand on his shoulder, saying, "Hey, the connection is neither your fault nor Valerie's. You two just happened to connect with each other, and I get that. I just want you to be honest with me about something." Civic fixed his dark brown eyes on Demian, waiting until he looked back at him, before he asked, "Are you still in love with Valerie?"

Demian sighed quietly before responding truthfully, "Yes, I love Valerie. I will always feel something for her, just like she will always feel something for me. Neither of us can help that because of our connection."

Civic watched him closely, satisfied that Demian was completely honest. After a long moment, Civic glanced towards Mirror Castle, recalling how it appeared so much like Demian's mirrored wings.

"I used to feel so alone, but I'm no longer alone. I wanted a woman who is like me in many ways, and Valerie is that woman. We have much in common with each other. I always saw Tiae and Cloridy as my close friends, though they tried to become my wife." Civic chuckled at the memory of his dear friends, the two fashion designers who always vied for his attention. "I imagine they'll find some 'tall, strong, handsome, sparkly Iredescent husbands' here on Iredescent."

"Without a doubt," Demian agreed. "I think Cloridy already found one in Desmond. Tiae is still on the prowl, but she'll find one sooner than later."

"Cloridy and Desmond are so perfect for each other. Both are very mischievous," said Civic, thinking that the two couldn't have been better paired.

"You're lucky you can't hear their thoughts. All they think about is sex."

"Poor you, man. I know it's graphic. Cloridy always had....strong sexual tendencies." Much like Ariel, Civic thought, regretting it soon as he remembered that Demian could read minds.

But Demian took no offense, saying, "My Ariel is similar to your Cloridy. Ariel is fun, cute, playful, ready for anything. She lights up my life in a way no other woman does."

"Then you should focus on her and the light she gives in your life," Civic advised.

Comfortable silence enwrapped the two irangel men as they continued to look upon the scenery. Mirror Castle sparkled even from far away, shining with the hue of bright fireworks that colored the castle in red and purple.

Inside Mirror Castle, Valerie was in her room, standing and looking out the window at the night sky. Her gaze captivated the stars, appearing in her purple irises like silver glitter. The outdoor garden appeared like jewels that fought for attention, but the fireworks stole the show.

Valerie jumped at a quiet knock at the door, stiffening almost instantly. But when she heard Raistin come in and say, "Hey, Black Rose! It's me," Valerie immediately relaxed, putting away her formal demeanor.

"Hey, Phoenix," Valerie said, turning around to face Raistin. The relief on her face appeared as bright as the fireworks that continued to light up the night sky. Valerie went over to Raistin, feeling the need for a hug. Raistin readily hugged Valerie, literally keeping her warm with his natural body heat.

Valerie closed her eyes, feeling her stress evaporate from Raistin's warm, comforting hug. She rested her head on his shoulder, feeling entirely at peace.

After a few moments, Raistin released Valerie and had her sit at the divan. He sat beside her, saying, "Hey, try to enjoy the rest of the night. There's plenty of leftover cake and specialty desserts, including pressed fruit juice. I know you love tiramisu. Plus don't you wanna see Crimson again? You've got to admit, he's the cutest baby ever."

"You're right," said Valerie, eager to accept Raistin's suggestion, as a way to distract herself from her depression. "I should enjoy the rest of the celebration. It is a very special event."

"I'll go with you," said Raistin, linking his arm with Valerie's.

Valerie allowed Raistin to lead her, appreciating the direction and guidance from her mentor. Raistin's cheerful outlook, his laidback personality, his wisdom, and his friendship helped her greatly. Just being around Raistin was a stress relief for Valerie.

The legends returned to the celebration, reuniting with Raistin's family after enjoying a wonderful slice of tiramisu and a fragrant cup of tea.

Crimson looked up at Valerie, his eyes seeming to study her. Valerie gave him a black rose, making sure it didn't have any thorns, so it wouldn't hurt him. Crimson took the black rose, admiring the flower with interest.

Valerie went over to Tren to give him a thornless black rose as well. Tren looked at the flower in confusion before he got bored and tossed it aside, making Suduko pick it up and hold it.

A black rose petal fell from the flower, landing on the ground. Nobody noticed since their attention was elsewhere, but Crimson noticed.

His crimson red eyes focused on the black rose petal, looking at it from where he was in his mother's arms. Crimson watched the black rose petal lift from the ground and float into the distance, blown away by the small wind caused by people walking and moving around.

His crimson red eyes followed the black rose petal, his mind wondering where it would go. People blocked his view, prompting Crimson to turn his attention back to the woman that created the black rose petal, but she was far away.

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Music:

"Roses Never Cry"
by Heatbeat

"Bittersweet"
by Ellie Goulding

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