DRAGON IN THE SHADOWS - 1st book in the cat analysis trilogy

Chapter 8: Midnight Revealed

     The blue light appeared to be dimmer, and Peter began to experience the tingling sensation again, but found that when it disappeared, he was still one with midnight.
     Oh no, what's happened now?!  Peter asked, obviously scared.
     It appears we are trapped as one. Midnight answered calmly.
     So, we can't separate then, can we?
     No. At least, not now.
     What do you mean not now?
     We need a remote area where we can combine energy.
     We need more energy?
     Yes.
     Well, I need to go to work. What do we do now?
     We go to your work and see if we can find a remote place there. I have enough energy for both of us because of my two forms.
     Ok, but what do I tell Lucinda?
     Tell her that I have transported somewhere unknown due to high-energy release rates.
     Ok. Peter recited the information to Lucinda, and she instantaneously adopted a worried look.
     "What happens if he never comes back?" She asked.
     "I'm sure it won't come to that, however, I still need to go to work, so keep an eye out for Midnight and I will be back tonight."
     "But peter, make sure you look for him as well."
     "I have a link with him, so I will feel him if he is near. Goodbye."
     Peter walked out the door, hopped into his car and drove off to work.

     When Peter arrived, he went inside and immediately set to work on his latest project. The work was hard and time consuming, but well worth the effort. The whole while he had kept a close eye out for any remote rooms that could be of use.
     By the time he had finished running the first two tests, he found an old paint shed on the far side of the lab.
     He walked over, cautious of bystanders, and slipped into the room.
     All right, we're in a remote room.
     Good, I will now attempt to share my energy with you.
     Peter experienced a sensation much like that of an electric shock and felt a burst of adrenalin and energy surge through his veins.
     Ok, said Midnight, now we will separate. Focus on me and I will focus on you.
     They were engulfed in blue light and Peter felt himself being pulled away from Midnight.
     When the light disappeared, Peter found he was standing next to Midnight's dragon form and heard footsteps coming towards the shed door. THUD, THUD, THUD.
     Quick! Transform back! Peter yelled in his mind.
     I am trying to. Nearly there. 
     But it was too late. The door swung open and Eddie stuck his head in. He saw Midnight and nearly fell on his face in fright.
     "Is that... It can't be...", He muttered in shock. He closed his eyes and shook his head vigorously while Midnight transformed simultaneously.
     Eddie opened his eyes slowly only to find Peter standing in front of him with Midnight the black cat purring next to him.
     "Is something the matter Eddie?"
     "N-n-no", Eddie stuttered.
     "...You really don't sound ok."
     "I-I'm fine."
     "Sure?"
     "...Yes." By now his stuttering had faded significantly.
     "Ok. Let's get back to work, shall we?"
     "Sure, but why are you in here?"
     "I saw Midnight run in, so I came to check it out."
     "Right." They walked back to their workstation as Midnight ran out the door and continued to work on their tests. After test 5, Eddie asked Peter,
     "Was there really a dragon there?" Peter mentally called for assistance from Midnight and the cat instantly told him that if he saw Midnight's dragon form, then he should be told the truth.
     Peter looked around for any potential bystanders and confirmed it with a short nod.
     "Oh. I thought I was seeing things."
     "No, but keep it down. It's kind of a secret matter."
     "Oh. Right."
     "Right." Peter looked at his watch. 4:00pm.
     "Whoa!" Peter exclaimed, "Time seems to fly these days. Well, see you later Eddie!"
     "Bye"
     Peter hopped in his car and drove home to prepare dinner.
     He got home and found that Lucinda had already prepared it. She had spun her chair around to face the large window on the left hand side of the room and was now staring into the snow-filled landscape, all the while patting Midnight.
     "I saw you found Midnight." She said happily.
     "Yes," he said, "but it seems he came after me."
There was a short silence followed by Lucinda getting up to remove the chicken from the oven.
     "The days are getting colder," she said, "And we are running low on wood."
     "That's why I've decided to go on a wood hunt tomorrow and see what I can find."
     "Ok," she said, "but it is freezing over tonight, so it will be very cold tomorrow."
     "I know. I will take Midnight with me."
     "Why?"
     "If we can merge forms then we can preserve heat through the tough scales of the dragon."
     "Ok, but stay safe."
     After 10 minutes of complete silence, they finished their dinner and decided to have an early night sleep.
     "See you in the morning Peter."
     "Yep." He went to his bed and instantaneously fell victim to his waking dreams.