Given An Unwanted Second Chance

Chapter 28

Gradient showed me all the art he'd been working on ever since he came to be.  I saw his oldest drawings and managed to follow the haphazard timeline of drawings and improvements.  I had to say, the kid was really good at art for being physically a few years old but mentally 15 or 16.

After a while, though, I sensed Gradient growing tired.  I glanced at him as he yawned.  "Tired, huh?"

Gradient frowned.  "Yeah...to be honest, I didn't get much sleep while you slept before.  Not because you were in my room or anything!  I was just too worried to properly sleep."

"You should probably get some rest, then, kiddo.  Don't worry, no one is gonna kill anyone else while you're sleeping."

"I sure hope not!  Fresh is...interesting but kinda scary."

"He does give off strange vibes..."  I murmured.

Gradient gathered up all his drawings and neatly placed them back where they had all been.  He looked over at me sitting on the floor.  I sensed hesitation.  I just tilted my head.  "Whatcha hesitating about?"

He smiled weakly.  "Oops.  Emotions, right.  I...can I have a hug before I go to sleep?"

I chuckled quietly, standing up and opening my arms.  "C'mere, silly."

Gradient ducked his head slightly and I sensed shyness, but it dissipated pretty quickly as he came over and hugged me.

I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tightly.  "Good night, Gradient."

He looked up at me, smiling brightly.  "It never gets dark here, but good night, anyway, Eclipse."

I chuckled once more as he let go, heading to his bed.  I turned around after a moment, opening the door and shutting off the light before quietly closing the door after I exited.

I let out a heavy breath before heading downstairs.  My soul felt weird as I walked, though.  Like it was straining for some reason...

I then realized I was still in my human form.  Did shapeshifting for long periods of time not work?

I paused about halfway down the stairs, focusing on my soul for a moment.  It still ached, but I could sense that staying in my shapeshifted form for much longer might actually start hurting.  So before I continued down, I closed my eyes, letting go of the little concentration it took to keep myself in my human shape.

After a few moments, I opened my eyes.  Well...eye.  I was back in Nightmare's form.  My soul still ached, but it no longer felt like it was straining.

Not gonna lie, I really wanted to stay in my human form.  It made me feel less...intrusive.  Unfortunately, it didn't seem like I could do that.

I let my tendrils slither their way out of my back, allowing me to stand straighter before finishing my descent.

Cross was the first to notice my presence, only seeming mildly surprised to see me in my main form.

I asked a question, not failing to notice the startled Stars at my voice change since my form changed.  "I suppose shapeshifting takes energy...or at least more energy than what I have at my disposal."

"Are you okay?"  Cross asked.

I nodded.  "My soul just felt weird...like it was straining to maintain the other form.  I guess it's something I have to train up to endure or leave for emergencies."

"Where's Gradient?"

"He just went to bed.  Said he didn't sleep well before."  I answered quietly, putting my hands in my jacket pockets.