A/N: Here it is, a chapter I've been so excited to write for a long time! Introducing Phillip's new Palisman, Currant! You may have noticed the little goober in the cover art :P
Special thanks to Eris, who I comm'd to draw the little fella. They're in the cover art on Phillip's shoulder, and a separate image I comm'd of currant is on my Twitter.
Oh, I have both Twitter and Tumblr. WA_Stokins on both. Go follow me if you're so inclined.
Phillip had since calmed after his little heart-to-heart with Luz, and he was settled in his room for a cozy evening. He was studying a book of the Boiling Isles geography. It was built on the carcass of a long-dead Titan. You know, with his arm reaching to the sky and its legs so bent it almost looked like it died in the midst of standing up.
He found the isles, as a whole…A bit morbid. Just a bit. But mostly, he found it amazing. He couldn't help but be in awe of how, despite seemingly the worst of conditions, witchkind found a way to not only survive - but thrive.
Of course, he was snapped out of this focus when he heard the door to his bedroom open. "Hey, Phillip." Amity said as she entered. "We got something for ya." In her arms was the cardboard box from Hunter, before she plopped it down on his desk.
"What is this?" He asked, as he closed his book and raised a confused eyebrow.
"Open it and find out!" Luz said with a smile, walking into his room behind her girlfriend. Behind the two lovebirds, followed a curious Ghost who could sense something in the air…
So, he swiftly opened the flap on top. The only thing in the box looked to be a…
A statuette? Of a bird?
He pulled it out and inspected it closely, before putting it down on the desk. "It's a very nice piece of decoration, thank you." He'd just assumed it was a knick-knack, truthfully.
'Well, at least he didn't eat it.' thought Luz, as she gave a small laugh. "Oh, Phillip, ya dork - It's a Palisman!"
"A...Palisman?" He paused. He'd read about Palismen in a basic magic book, though it didn't have much information. Just that they were lifelong partners with a witch, able to focus and amplify their natural magic.
"Yea, but- it's not awakened yet…You need to state your deepest wish, and that'll form an unbreakable emotional bond." Amity explained, pumping her first determinedly.
He picked the statuette back up, and stood up from his chair. Turning away from the two, looking out the window at the moon. He held the Palisman close to his heart. "Here we go…" he muttered, Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes.
"I want to fix all of the damage I've caused. Not just with Hunter…With everyone."
The entire room waited with baited breath as he spun back around. For a moment, the statue was still, before it began to give off a soft glow. A glow that encompassed it, making it look like a miniature galaxy.
Eventually, the light dissipated and what was left…Was a Crow. She had deep purple feathers, and opened her eyes with a gentle 'Caw!' before looking up at her owner.
With wide eyes, Phillip stared at his palisman. A soft smile on his lips, he muttered "Why, Hello there!"
Luz and Amity both looked at each other, cautiously optimistic. I mean, he had to be telling the truth, right? He was a good liar, but good enough to trick a palisman? They still had doubt in their mind, but…It was momentarily put at ease.
Stringbean slithered out from her owners neck, as all three of the Palismen met on the floor. "Does she already have a name?" Phillip asked, as he watched them play for a moment.
"No, their name is up to you." Amity shrugged.
"Well…How about…Currant. I think that suits you well." Phillip said after a moment of thinking. Currant let out a caw of approval, before flying in the air and perching on her owner's shoulder.
With that, he turned his attention back to Amity and Luz. "May I ask… Who carved my Palisman? Was it you? If so, you did an excellent job." He said, giving a small bow.
"Oh- nope, wasn't me…The carver, uh…Wished to remain anonymous for the time being, but- let's just say he was an old friend." Amity felt the back of her neck tense.
"Well, tell them I said thank you." Phillip said, as he gave his palisman a soft pet on the head.
