7 Seizing the power for himself

Then he got up from his seat and ran after Scott, and caught up to him. Scott was riding a bike. Jagnar followed him, keeping his distance. He knew Scott was on his way to meet Jean.

As the wind rushed through his hair, Jagnar pursued Scott on the winding road, his determination fueling his swift movements. The engine's roar and the blur of the passing scenery intensified his focus. He had to reach Scott, had to intercept Jean before it was too late.

After what felt like an eternity, Scott's bike came to a sudden halt near a tranquil lake. Jagnar skidded to a stop, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and dread. The weight of the impending encounter with the Phoenix Force pressed heavily upon him.

With bated breath, Jagnar watched as Jean materialized from the depths of the lake, her form radiant yet ominous. She approached Scott, who trembled in fear and desperation, his eyes darting anxiously in search of his beloved Jean.

Sensing the urgency of the moment, Jagnar's instincts took over. Without hesitation, he propelled himself forward, shoving Scott aside and reaching out to seize Jean. His hands made contact with her shoulders, and a surge of energy surged through his body, a testament to the immense power contained within the Phoenix Force.

Gritting his teeth, Jagnar closed his eyes tightly, focusing his mind and projecting his thoughts towards the swirling tempest within Jean's being. "Phoenix, hear my words," he whispered with unwavering determination. "I know you are in there, yearning to let yourselves out. I can be your host."

Silence filled the air as Jagnar's plea hung in the balance. The atmosphere crackled with raw energy, a storm of orange-golden hues enveloping Jean's form. The very fabric of reality seemed to tremble under the weight of their connection, as if the universe itself recognized the gravity of their interaction.

Through the veil of closed eyelids, Jagnar sensed a subtle shift. Slowly, he pried his eyes open, revealing a sight that both astonished and unnerved him. Jean's eyes, once filled with uncertainty and turmoil, now radiated an incandescent glow, mirroring the flames of the Phoenix.

"Foolish brat, hmm," a voice came from within.

Unyielding, Jagnar maintained his grip on her shoulders, refusing to release his hold. The violent energy coursing through the atmosphere intensified, rumbling like distant thunder in a symphony of power and chaos. Through it all, Scott's voice pierced the tumultuous air, his words lost to the tempest surrounding them.

With his last reserves of determination, Jagnar raised his voice, his cry resounding amidst the maelstrom. "Phoenix, heed my plea! I offer myself as a vessel worthy of your boundless might. Together, we shall forge a destiny beyond the limits of mortal comprehension." He tried to appease the cosmic entity.

Suddenly, an eruption of energy burst forth, engulfing the scene in blinding brilliance. The world seemed to dissolve into an overwhelming radiance, swallowing all sense of time and space. In that blinding moment, Jagnar's consciousness succumbed to the overwhelming power, and he descended into the realm of oblivion.

Jagnar was abruptly overcome by a sensation he had experienced once before—the feeling of being violently ripped from his reality and transported to another plane of existence. The turbulent energies surged around him, their chaotic forces pulling at his very being. Time seemed distorted, elongating the seconds into an eternity.

In the midst of the swirling maelstrom, Jagnar's eyes fluttered open, revealing a disorienting sight. He stood within an abyssal expanse, an ethereal space devoid of light. Before him, two towering pillars loomed, their imposing presence adding an air of ancient mystique to the surroundings. And there, seated atop a throne adorned with molten lava, was a figure—dark and foreboding.

Jagnar's gaze fixed upon the figure, his jaw involuntarily dropping in astonishment. The being exuded an aura of impenetrable darkness, its form slowly solidifying into that of a human. It reclined upon the fiery throne, an embodiment of eerie calm amidst the chaotic void.

As the figure's silhouette coalesced, its presence radiated a sense of raw power, captivating Jagnar's senses. The figure, shrouded in darkness, seemed to possess knowledge that transcended human comprehension.

Jagnar's mind reeled with a mix of awe and confusion as he stood before the enigmatic figure seated upon the fiery throne. The darkened space seemed to pulsate with an otherworldly energy, casting an eerie glow upon the scene.

With a voice that resonated through the depths of his being, the figure addressed Jagnar, referring to him as a "dear little one." The weight of its words hung heavy in the air, causing a shiver to run down his spine.

Startled by the acknowledgement, Jagnar stammered, "Are you... speaking to me?" The magnitude of the encounter and the realization that he had transcended realms, left him in a state of both awe and trepidation.

The figure on the throne exuded an air of confidence and familiarity as if it had anticipated Jagnar's arrival. Its words carried a tone of amusement and intrigue. "Indeed, little one," it responded its voice a melodic blend of curiosity and enigmatic charm. "I did not expect someone from your world to breach these ethereal boundaries. It seems there may be a purpose to your presence, it may have been done for a reason who the fuck knows. Anyways, that aside, I heard what you said, and it was really interesting."

Jagnar's mind raced, trying to comprehend the significance of the situation. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, one thing became clear—the entity's interest had been piqued by Jagnar's previous actions.

Caught between fascination and uncertainty, Jagnar managed to gather his thoughts. "What I said before... It caught your attention?" he inquired, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

A shadowy smirk crossed the figure's countenance, though it was barely discernible amidst the obscurity. "Indeed," it replied cryptically. "You hold a certain resonance, an intriguing spark amidst the vast expanse of existence. There is a potential within you, a potential that could shape destinies and transcend the boundaries of what is known."

Jagnar's confusion deepened, and his desire for understanding grew stronger. He found himself drawn to the figure, yearning to unravel the mysteries that shrouded their encounter. Yet, before he could voice his inquiries, the figure spoke again.

"Our paths will cross again," it murmured, a hint of anticipation in its voice. "Until then, focus on your growth and your ascent to true power. Unleash the depths of your potential and become a force to be reckoned with. Fear not, for the phoenix shall find its way to you. Seek out the girl you mentioned, hold her during her moments of rampage, and witness the transformation that awaits."