Stopping directly in front of the Phoenix, Kratos cast out his blades, using them as grapples that caught on either side of the bird, just in front of its wings. The Phoenix went berserk, flapping and thrashing, burning hotter and trying to escape the punishment. With a powerful tug, Kratos dragged the Phoenix from its perch and knocked it flat on its breast in front of him. Ignoring the fiercely burning feathers, Kratos jumped onto the firebird’s back. It surged upward, dropped one wing, did everything possible to dislodge him.

Kratos held on firmly to the grapples and reined them in to gain better control. The Phoenix took to wing, rolling over and banking suddenly in further attempts to unseat him.

It would take more than this to deter Kratos now. He bent forward and guided his fiery transport toward the open mouth of the stone Phoenix far out to sea. The Phoenix understood that it would be free if it obeyed his commands.

On powerful wings blazing, the Phoenix carried Kratos toward his goal: the Temple of the Fates.

God of War II, Chapter 44