Given An Unwanted Second Chance

Chapter 11

I could sense the tension from the others.  They didn't want to remain in the open like this.

I knew the likelihood of the Star Sanses finding us was low at the moment and I just wanted a moment of peace with everyone.

I wouldn't quite say they were my friends...not yet.  That would take time for me.

Gradient breathed slowly against me.  I glanced at him every now and then, finding myself feeling peaceful with a child in my arms.

It was nice.

"You know, you guys can go back to the base, if you'd like.  I doubt the Star Sanses will be coming here anytime soon."

"And let you get kidnapped for like the 18th time?  No thank you."  Killer remarked.

I shook my head.  "It's been twice.  Thrice if you want to count Gradient semi-kidnapping me."

"Do you think you had kids of your own?"  Cross pondered.

I quickly shook my head again.  "Definitely not.  I wouldn't've offed myself if I had a little one depending on me to survive.  Not that I would consider myself mentally stable enough to even begin thinking about having a child to take care of."

"Again, the attachment you have with that god-kid is very obvious."  Dust said, looking at Gradient.

"Maybe I took care of other kids at times, but having a child of my own is very different."

"I've not seen you this at-ease before."  Cross whispered.

"Holding someone like this feels natural...as if I've done it before.  It's calming."

"Calming effects...are good.  Maybe holding Gradient...is a good healing...process."

I closed my eye, letting out a light breath.  "Gradient's a good kid with some less-than-stellar parents.  He doesn't despise them, so they're doing something right, at least.  Dream's helpful in that regard, too."

My eye opened suddenly as there was a shift in the aura of the AU.  It was neutral-positive, so it wasn't affecting me one way or another, but SOMETHING happened and the atmosphere changed.

I looked down at Gradient who still slept peacefully.  I looked around, my eye narrow.  Something...or someone...powerful arrived in this AU.

"What's wrong?"

"Something's changed.  There's...something or someone powerful in this AU who just arrived.  I can feel it."

The group stood up suddenly, drawing their weapons.  "Error likes to frequent this AU due to the night sky."  Dust said quietly.

I stayed seated, keeping my arm around Gradient.  My tendrils curled protectively over the sleeping child.

"We need to get out of here."  Cross muttered.

I looked down at Gradient, gently shaking him.  "Gradient, wake up."

Gradient shifted slightly but didn't respond otherwise.

"Uhh...G-Gradient? "

No response.

I carefully unwrapped my arm from around him, picking him up in a basket carry before standing.  "Gradient...!  Uh, guys, he's not waking up."

Cross glanced back.  "Your aura.  I forgot the boss could do that as he never really used it.  It's a weak kind of aura, but susceptible monsters can fall asleep around you and not be waken up unless out of contact."