Chapter Text
In almost every great civilization there has been a myth about a magical bird with the ability to end it’s life engulfed in flames and then be reborn from it’s own ashes.
It’s a powerful image and one that must speak to something fundamental in human beings, the way it’s appeared in so many incarnations, separated from each other by space and time. It’s an impressive creature, and it’s abilities wondrous, but standing on the porch of the house whose foundation Bess once laid a hundred and thirty-something years ago, Jensen though maybe the tale of the Phoenix was more an allegory than a myth.
A way to portray the human ability to change, evolve and decide for themselves who they wanted to be. Like the Phoenix, people could set aflame their old life and rise from the ashes as someone new.
As he observed the people walking over and around the well-kept ranch, Jensen smiled to himself as the plaid and jeans disappeared and they were all transformed. Chris long hair became a turquoise plume of feathers flowing from the top of his head down his back, Jared’s strong arms hammering the steel into submission became powerful, large wings and Jeff's eyes observing everything became sharp and golden.
Lance and Jim's feathers were a little rugged and had lost it’s shine but they were still impressive creatures. Omundson sparkled in every color of the rainbow, shimmering as he spread his wide wings for everyone to adore. Alona’s light frame looked so delicate as she sat on the porch railing and Jensen could see her magnificent tail of long lavender feathers flow down behind her. Kim’s looked like she was already on fire as the bright crimson plume of feather trembled and swayed in the wind.
And Colt, his coat a shimmering silver as he stood in such calm, indisputable majesty observing them all.
They were all Phoenixes and every single one of them had chosen this ranch and this family. Some had started their lives far away from here but like that bird of fire, they had burned their old selves to ashes and been reborn in these mountains. Some had been born here but chosen to stay or to come home again.
Jensen had left and tried to reinvent himself in San Francisco. But you can’t be reborn if you're not willing to burn the old you. Jensens journey was never about rebirth. It was to remind himself that he’d been born a Phoenix and he didn’t want to be anything else.
So, here we are at last.
If you're reading this, you've come to the end of a long story and I hope you've enjoyed it. I know there's been a lot of new faces; I love them all and I hope you've enjoyed getting to know them. If I've left you feeling confused, take a look below and you'll find the Spoiler versions of all the Family Trees and a Timeline for The Phoenix Ranch.
I started this story in August last year, my intention was to write a short story to jump start my creativity again since I was feeling a little burned out after finishing Fucking Kodiak, Alaska. I had a vague idea about wanting to put Jensen on a horse and Jared in chaps, obviously I accomplished that. But this story quickly spiraled out of control and instead of a short smutty gay cowboy story, it became something I didn't plan, as stories tend to do.
I've been completely engrossed in a whirlwind romance with this story for the past eight months. It's been intense and my head has been crowded with people constantly talking to me. I've not really been able to do anything else than write this story or do all the work surrounding it, researching, trying to get all my facts and dates right. Building this family and discovering how it all fits together. I'm hopelessly behind on all my shows, I have a stack of unread books in need of love and attention, video games waiting to be played and work I've been discreetly putting off in favour of sneaking in writing session when the office has been empty. But, for me it's been 800+ hours well spent.
I hope the time you spent reading this feels if not good, than at least not wasted.
Thank you for reading.
Xenodike
