Volume I: Forged

Chapter 19: Til We Meet Again

Phil hadn't been waiting on the small grassy knoll for long. He had come a bit earlier this time, just to watch the stars. It had been a long time since he had had the stars to himself. The night sky stretched on to the corners of the horizon, inky black and endless, swaddling the earth and her inhabitants in her rich, dark cloak.

Phil smiled, feeling a baby breeze brush across his bare face and arms, smelling of grassy fields and old trees. It was refreshing, really, to be here alone and surrounded by peace.

"You're early."

Phil wasn't surprised at the voice—he had been expecting this particular visitor.

He turned around, hands clasped behind his back, a massive blue tiger approaching almost silently. The muscles rippled under the night-blue fur, the infamous angry red scar tearing from his eye all the way to his left flank. Where he walked, electricity zapped and sparked delicately in the damp grass.

"Hello, Beast," Phil greeted politely, smiling at his old friend.

There was a ripple of powerful, old magic—and the Ancient shifted to his human form. A young man, face weathered by far much too time already, eyes holding the kindness of a thousand hearts and the wisdom of a thousand kings.

"Long time, Angel," the young man responded, dipping his head.

"Too long."

The two stood in comfortable silence for a few minutes, just enjoying each other's presences. Phil knew the young man was reaching for his magic, seeing what had changed since their last encounter.

"Your magic is dim," the Beast pointed out, face worried.

Phil just smiled.

"There's been talk among the Council."

"About?"

"They say you're causing trouble."

"And what exactly do they think they're going to do about it?"

The young man shuffled his feet. "You've already—"

"I've done nothing." Phil's smile grew tight-lipped and cold, and his shoulders stiffened just slightly. "My deal remains intact, and I have done nothing against the laws."

The Beast bowed his head, focusing on the dirt. "We really could use you, Phil." His voice was quiet, the use of Phil's actual name telling just how much he was hurting. "I could use you."

Phil's smile softened, and turned sad. "I can't, James. You know I can't. You would have me put everything I love in danger?"

The Beast shook his head, looking as though he regretted saying anything. "No, Phil. No, I wouldn't. Not again."

The silence came again, this time just a bit more taunt.

"What do you want, James? This was not meant to be just a pleasantry visit, was it?" Phil's voice was kind, not accusatory. Just asking.

The Beast bit his lip, and it was plain that he was not eager to have this conversation. "I have a favor to ask. A rather—large—favor."

Phil's smile didn't waver, encouraging him to continue.

The Beast was the Ancient of Compassion, and one of the few kind Ancients left that still had a heart for the broken souls in the Kingdoms. Phil could spare him a few minutes to gather his thoughts and explain himself.

"I have a—child," the Beast said. "Not of my own blood—" he added quickly, seeing the light shock on Phil's face, "—but one that I have claimed. He is mine."