The Meeting Point [BEF]

Chapter 1: Night without cold

Changes are a very serious matter. No one likes facing them, or they find it difficult to accept their new reality, as they may have lost something or someone, perhaps even themselves. Although, it’s also possible that you’ve gained something, like in the case of the Collector.

In the dense forest of the Unknown, a small boy with albino hair was walking slowly north, searching for his new friend. His feet ached from walking, his eyelids were heavy, and night was beginning to fall. He couldn’t go on like this, so he decided to lie down under a tree to rest.

His exhaustion and the cold air made him feel even sleepier, but he didn’t want to; he couldn’t give up just yet.

-Do you give up so soon?- someone asked from the darkness.

The sleep that was consuming him vanished when he heard that voice. -Wirt!- he ran straight to hug him.

The light from a small lantern helped illuminate them. It was barely visible how the little one hugged a young man with antlers and a gnome hat. The young man simply stroked his head.

-Why are you so far from the cabin?-

-I should be asking you that question!- he exclaimed, annoyed. -You said you’d be back before nightfall! I waited, waited, and waited!- He pulled back a little to look at his face.

A lump formed in his throat. -I thought you were going to leave me...- he said.

Wirt could only feel a bit of guilt. Without saying anything, he continued stroking the boy's hair as consolation. After a moment, they separated, and he extended his hand to the little one, who obediently took it. They walked in the direction of the cabin, and thanks to his new friend and the light from his lantern, he wasn’t as afraid of the dark anymore; he felt safe with him, even knowing that he was The Beast that roamed the woods.

-I'm sorry I took so long...- Wirt said in a sad tone.

The apology took the little one by surprise, but he quickly responded with a smile. -It's okay, what matters is that you're here now.- Even though his feet hurt, he made an effort to keep up with Wirt's pace.

-Yes, about that... I won't be able to stay the whole night.- Wirt admitted, embarrassed. After those words, the boy's smile faded.

He stopped walking. -B-but why?! You promised you’d stay with me tonight!- A child never forgets their promises and always keeps them. Why couldn’t the grown-ups do the same? -You said you’d read me a bedtime story! And that Greg would be with me too!- He even let go of Wirt’s hand.

The lantern illuminated Wirt's silhouette in the darkness, especially his antlers and gnome hat. However, the glowing, colorful eyes belonged to the magic of the Beast."**

-I haven’t forgotten my promise, but I can’t fulfill it tonight. The hope and desire to escape from some people have vanished, and I need to go after their souls.- he explained, hoping to remind him of his main duty.

Red, yellow, and blue, from the pupils to the corners of his eyes; seeing such colorful eyes in the middle of the darkness could be frightening or unsettling, but to him, they were beautiful. They looked alike, except his own were reddish and yellow.

-So I found an alternative. Someone who can keep you company tonight.- Hearing his friend's solution made his anger turn into curiosity. A new possible friend?

-Who? Is it someone from your old group of friends? Wirt, tell me who it is!- Seeing his excitement, Wirt resumed walking toward the cabin, with the little one following and continuing to ask questions about who it might be.

[...]

After walking for a long time, he began to recognize the path to the cabin, though one detail caught his attention. The nights could be cold, but tonight it was freezing. He looked down, noticing how the ground felt softer, slippery, and colder.