"So, you're the son of my source? It seems like the method worked eventually. A Dragon and a Phoenix, finally having a child together." A woman's voice spoke out in the cold expanse. "Don't worry, I am just a remnant. I sensed a familiar energy outside and then another that felt like my own child. So I called you here. I hope it wasn't too much trouble?" The voice continued.
"It hurt at first. But it's gone away now. I'm more surprised that I had such a reaction. I already knew my mother wasn't here. But I guess… if there was a remnant spirit of one of the owners of my mother's source, there would naturally be a familial feeling. Even now I feel saddened knowing that you're not really here. But I also know my mother is alive and well." I said softly. "Though I was trying to avoid transforming into this form while I was here. I know the Phoenix Clan is a Matriarchal Clan. And it doesn't bode well for me right now." I added.
Then the voice's figure appeared in front of me, in her phoenix form. "It's your first time taking this form isn't it? Otherwise the ones outside wouldn't be so surprised. Don't worry about it too much, the women of my Clan won't treat their man poorly. Especially when their man is so good looking. Your feathers are simply amazing. I'm sure that this generation's Empress will only allow the best and brightest to compete for you." Ice Empress's Remnant said with a smile. "For now, let me teach you how to transform back and forth. Then you can worry about other things." She added.
"Compete?" I said, confused. "Never mind, I'll naturally know about it soon. For now I need to learn this transformation first. That or I need to get really adept at this body of mine." I added.
"You're too cute, I'm sure the ladies you don't capture you will be missing out on quite a large deal. After all, with feathers like yours it's clear your offspring will be strong and much easier to have. Which is one of the big challenges of my Phoenix Clan. And it seems to have only become worse over the years." The Ice Empress said. "Enough with that talk, I won't get the chance to see my grandchildren, so let's focus. I'll show you the transformation method first. Then after you nail it, I'll teach you the rest of our Clan's methods and language." She smiled.
In the next moment the Ice Phoenix Empress had started transforming into human form. She performed it slowly. I made sure to watch and take note of everything. It didn't take long before I thought I had it. I tried to transform back into human form and… Success. She finished her transformation and started clapping.
"You really are talented. It usually takes newborn Phoenix until they reach 1000 years old before they can take human form. Even if they are above average the time taken won't be much different. You can already be considered extraordinary by our standards. Are you ready to begin learning everything else?" The Ice Phoenix Empress said, asking if I wanted to continue.
"I am ready. But I have a request. Can you fill me in on the "Yin-Yang Joyous Unification Art"? I've seen it and modified it multiple times. But something always seemed missing. I even thought it was called the "Yin-Yang Joyous Re-Unification Art" at some point. Do you know why?" I asked.
"You will naturally know everything soon. With aptitude like yours, I'm sure all of the information will be sorted out by you in no time. But yes, the Art that I and the 3rd generation Dragon Emperor had created was indeed called "Yin-Yang Joyous Re-Unification Art" And it was designed to give birth to a being that would have the qualifications to rival the Ancestors." The Ice Phoenix Empress said, putting a finger to my forehead and transferring all of the knowledge of the Phoenix Clan to me.
"Sun's Burning Shine and Moon's Nether Glimmer… I, see… The threat of the Ink Clan had been sensed by you two. And in an abundance of caution you developed a method to help avoid complete disaster. But, even if the Dragon and Phoenix Clan's were united into one being. It would still be far from the Yin-Yang twins." I said… and then it hit me. "Oh, I see now… So it was like this?" I sighed.
"Indeed, We knew it wouldn't have been possible for it to work on a whim. And much even more than that, there wasn't much time either way. So we tasked a pair to take our sources after death, to a remote place in the 3000 Worlds. Where they would decide on their inheritors. Then they would join together and realize my lover's and I's, our dream. Of a child that would be able to calm the Ancestors of Sun and Moon." The Ice Phoenix Empress said, saddened at her lover's death, but smiled at me. "Unfortunately, we couldn't stop deterioration from happening. So some of the information was lost to time. Only I have a remnant of my former self left, and thus I am the last one alive with this information in complete form. Until you came along." She added, patting my head with a motherly touch.
"I will definitely make sure my parents get this information. Perhaps they will have an easier time conceiving now that this will be in their arsenal. Thank you, Source Mother." I said, opening my eyes.
"I do have one more request, now that you have finished learning everything. I want you to tell your mother to live well and cherish every moment she has with her lover. Because, once they are lost, the memories are all you have left." The Ice Phoenix Empress said, slowly vanishing after having spent all of her energy to teach me everything I needed to know.
"I promise, I won't let you down. And I promise my mother will learn the truth. My family will be forever grateful to the two noble souls." I said, wiping the tears that had suddenly formed. "I'll have an even bigger gift for when I first meet my mother. I should leave the nest now. I'll take this time to practice my form." I thought, making a fist and then headed for the exit.