4:00 am. Almost time to meet up with Nought.

Same time every day. Not ideal, but certainly worth it.

By all rights, Helo and Nought should never have met. But thanks to a rather unfortunate work party with Helo’s host, a long, inebriated slumber set the groundwork for a chance encounter.

Helo, not used to this sort of freedom so late in the morning, took the opportunity to travel the local streets. No goal in mind; simply a unique situation and a curious shadow. Seeing other kindred beings with their hosts was nothing strange, but seeing them on your own terms? That was something rare.

It was perhaps the sensory overload of all this happening at once that prevented Helo from noticing the only other separated shadow on this particular sidewalk.

At least, until the two collided.

Now, shadows don’t impact objects the same way you and I do. When encountering a solid object, they simply contort to its dimensions. No real contact or change is involved. But two shadows meeting each other? That’s something truly special.

You’ll note, when two shadows overlap, they both become darker and more “solid” at the point where they meet. That is to say, they become more complete.

Under normal “shadow and host together” circumstances, the shadows observe this, but don’t feel it. Or at least, they don’t regard it as any more than a byproduct of their host’s daily life.

But two independent shadows? Well, let’s just say that the implications are positively blush-worthy.

Nought immediately leaped back. Simply seeing another separated shadow, let alone doing… THAT with one, was no ordinary occurrence. Nought’s host worked late and partied even later. By the time that period of freedom came around, nearly everyone else had already rejoined. Suffice it to say, social activities weren’t a strong suit.

Helo, on the other hand, was much more accustomed to dealing with others. The night, by its very nature, doesn’t provide many places for shadows to roam. Remember, we’re talking about shadows here, not dark places. So they’re essentially forced to gather wherever the light is strongest. Combine that with the fact that most shadows experience their independence at night, and you’ve got a crowd going.

“I’m sorry. That was my fault,” Helo communicated, “are you alright?”

Nought recoiled slightly, still shaken and unfocused by the turn of events. Helo backed off slightly, taking a more subdued stance.

“Are you normally separated around this time?” Helo continued, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around at night.”

Reacting to Helo’s body language, Nought relaxed slightly. The gap between the two stopped increasing.

“I’m Helo,” Helo said, maintaining the space between them, “may I ask your name?”

Nought’s stance suddenly betrayed a touch more confidence. With a pause to gather strength, the reply came.

“I’m Nought.”

