Reborn as Error

171 - Feather Fault

I had wandered for a bit looking for anyone. I knew that at let someone was present but the large domain made it hard to pinpoint an exact location. A good place to hide out in but a pain to find anyone.

While walking my thoughts did drift to just how far I've come and what I've managed to do since coming here. My life isn't perfect, peaceful, and tranquil but I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. The occasional chaos is welcomed since I can handle it.

Even those times I was alone I still ended up back with others when I needed them. I could live with that for many more years to come.

My wandering had soon taken me to the area for sparing or training in general. I saw Dust, Killer, and Scoundrel just watching whatever was going on. I heard Dust said the word 'kid' and figured very quickly that they were watching Gradient probably sparing.

Based on what I was seeing I assumed it was Horror which I was fine with. He wouldn't hurt the kid on purpose.

"Y'all are screwed you know that?" Scoundrel said with a chuckle.

"Come on, we can't stop him and the kid is doing fine." Killer said though his tone was off despite the grin he carried.

What happened next was definitely something I needed to go over and again in my head.

Before I could speak up to make my presence known Nightmare suddenly popped up in the space between Scoundrel and Killer. He did not look happy. I couldn't hear what he was saying but I knew angry grumbles when I heard them.

I walked over and looked into the area before spotting a sight that made me forget everything.

Gradient was fighting, training, sparing against that horrid winged Dream that has been a thorn in my side on more than one occasion. Of course I wasn't happy.

"What the hell! What is going on?!" I glared towards Swad as everyone snapped their attention towards me. Gradient looked confused and a bit sheepish while Swad just beamed.

"Error! There you are! I was wondering when you were going to show up!" The winged pain flew right me, but he didn't get far thanks to Nightmare. His tendrils snapped out and grabbed Swad.

"I'm not having this, you can chat with Error later." Nightmare said sounding and looking rather pissed before sinking into the ground and taking Swad with him.

It was so brief and sudden I almost questioned if what happened really did happen. When my thoughts did catch up I was quick to focus on the three that just stood there watching Gradient fight Swad. I started yelling. I can't even remember what I said I was so livid that the bird was anywhere near my kid.

Then Dust broke through my parental anger saying they had stumbled upon it and saw Gradient with him. With my attention now towards my kid the three I was yelling at fled the scene. I didn't care though. I just walked over to Gradient who seemed to realize something wasn't quite right. I took a breath so I didn't yell at him.

"Kid, what were you doing fighting that... other Dream. I'm sure you know he's not exactly the safest one to be around."

"Don't we live with-"

"Hey, don't try to change the subject. The ones we live with now I trust despite who they are. I was trust that winged menace. You could've been seriously hurt. How did he even get here? Why were you fighting him?"

Gradient waited for my words to stop and studied my face before responding.

"I'm sorry Baba, it's just I was bored of the usual training and wanted a bigger challenge. I happened to come across that yellow feather-"