Part 22

Everyone was silent. They had never seen something like that. Where did this palm come from? Where did the black substance come from? What happened?

All of this was going through the heads of those involved. Except for Ichibe. He was thinking about what he wanted to eat afterwards.

He was thinking of some Sushi probably. Yes, Sushi was a good idea.

"Well then, let's finish this now shall we."

Ichibe around the goo, that was Vuk and made his way to the front of the train.

It was now time to deal with the Phoenix Force. This world was not ready for cleansing or destruction. So, it either had to go, or Ichibe was going to rename the hot bird.

He arrived together with the other mutants, to see Jean being bound by some restraints. Xavier was trying to reach her in her mind and it didn't seem like he was making good progress.

Or so it seemed. Because in the next moment, Jean erased the restraints and hovered in the air. She then looked at Ichibe.

"You again. Why do you still try and talk to me? Are you after this power?"

"I think you should know this by now. Young Jean.

Sigh, it is now finally time to solve this conundrum. If you would please give me some of your time, I shall explain everything to you and those involved."

Jean thought about it for a moment. This man who called himself a monk was the only one that never tried to attack her. He always said he wanted to talk.

And no matter how many times he pushed him back, he always comes back.

What's more, he was just about to open his mind to her, when the others attacked him.

"All right, I shall listen to what you have to say. But make no mistake, should you try to use me, I will kill you."

"Uuuu, ominous. Well then, shall we begin?

As you must know by now, you are the host of one of the oldest cosmic entities called the Phoenix Force. The Phoenix Force is a force of destruction and rebirth. It represents the life that has not yet been born.

The Phoenix Force is an immortal, indestructible, and mutable manifestation of the prime universal force of life. Born of the void between states of being, it is the nexus of all psionic energy which does, has, and ever will exist in all realities of the Multiverse.

You see the first time it took notice of you was when you were still a child. It was when your friend Annie Richardson died. You see, you unknowingly linked your mind with your dying friend.

Your mind was then dragged to the 'other side'. This would have been a problem. Due to this, the Phoenix Force felt your mind transcend the physical realm, a mind that resonated with the Phoenix's energy.

So, the Phoenix broke that connection you had with Annie, using some of its energy and keeping watch over you.

Over time it felt a kinship towards you and chose you as its host.

That's the reason why it chose you."

All those that listened marvelled at his words. It was unlikely that he would tell her something like this and then try to use her. So, the mutants started to trust Ichibe slowly.

"Then what do I do now? How am I supposed to have a normal life?"

"Normal? Something like that doesn't exist.

As for what you should do, that is completely up to you. Personally, I am not happy that the Phoenix Force didn't give you a choice on the matter, but it is what it is now.

But the choice is still yours. You may decide to stay its host, or you can refuse, and I'll take it out.

Should you decide to keep it, you must know that you will have to take up the role the Phoenix Force did. At least somewhat. You will cease to be only human.

You can of course also do nothing and just stay the way you are."

The others got suspicious for a moment again. 'take out' the Phoenix sounded a lot like what Vuk wanted to do. But he said it was her choice.

"You can take it out?", Jean asked.

"Did she tell you to ask that?"

"…"

"Hahahaha…", Ichibe had to laugh. The naïve Phoenix Force seemed to be a bit scared.

"If I say that I can do it you can be sure that I can. Maybe it's better if we talk with her in person?"

Jean thought about it for a moment. She then nodded her head.

Ichibe brought his hand to Jean's head and in the next moment, he entered her mind.

When he opened his eyes, he stood in front of Jean and a giant Phoenix was behind her.

Ichibe had his signature smile and waited patiently for them to speak.

"So you are the boy that claims, he can sever the connection I have with Jean? Quite the arrogance you have. Don't you think?"

"No. I'm not arrogant. That is a useless character trait to have. If there is something I am confident in, it's my power and the extent of it.

So make no mistake, I can handle a chicken easily."

There was that cheeky smile again.

That got the Phoenix Force furious it seemed. Strange, you would assume something this old, would have its emotions under control.

"Impudent boy. Do you think that the Soul Stone is anything to me? I am the Phoenix Force. As you said I am one of the oldest cosmic entities in existence.

You would be better off, fearing me and asking me for forgiveness."

Ichibe had a thoughtful look on his face.

"No. I don't have to ask you for forgiveness. Everything I said has been the truth up to this point.

And just because you are old, doesn't mean that you are the strongest. You had better remember this.

The Soul Stone and I are one. We are something greater than before. But make no mistake.

The Soul Stone is not the source of my power. Not even close."

"Oh? Then what is your power boy?"

"I am the Monk who calls the real name … Ichibe Hyosube!"