In the realm beyond mortal perception, a gathering of light convened.

"The pieces move as foretold," observed one consciousness to another. "The Hero and the Shadow, childhood friends reunited."

"The Harmony is at risk," warned another. "The Shadow's power grows beyond our calculations. His teacher was not accounted for."

"Vex," intoned a third, the name itself causing ripples through their collective being. "Ancient one, breaker of bonds, walker between worlds. His interference was... unexpected."

"Yet perhaps necessary," suggested the first. "The balance requires both light and dark. A Hero needs a Villain."

"But must it be his dearest friend?" asked a consciousness younger than the others. "The pain this will cause..."

Stolen novel; please report.

"Pain shapes the Hero," replied the eldest. "Tragedy forges strength. It has always been thus."

"And the Shadow? What of his pain?"

Silence spread among them.

"Sacrifices must be made," the eldest finally said. "The Pact must be renewed. Only the Hero can face what comes, and only after loss has tempered him."

"Then the Shadow is doomed," said the younger consciousness sorrowfully.

"Not doomed," corrected the eldest. "Transformed. What emerges will be necessary for what follows."

"They love each other," protested the younger. "Surely that counts for something?"

"It counts for everything," said the eldest. "That is precisely why it must be tested in fire."

The gathering dispersed, leaving the younger consciousness watching the two friends beneath the oak tree, unaware of the forces converging around them, unaware that their reunion was both blessing and curse.

Unaware that their story had been written long before either drew breath, and that the what happens next would tear them apart in ways neither could imagine.