Tiny thing. Little Shadow.

Shivering. Cowering.

How odd.

It merely stares, with large, yellow eyes aglow, upward, straight at me. What was it feeling?

Something. Something. Fear? Yes. It balls itself up when I venture a hand down towards it, mewling gently, antennae flitting everywhere. No anger. It wasn't a heart it desired. No. This tiny creation craved something simpler.

I gather my experiment up into my arms, to its dismay or pleasure, I am uncertain. It shivers more, vibrating, practically. Ice-cold. Poor thing.

I run a gloved hand across its head gently, soothingly, caressing each antenna individually, grinning all the while. At this, he… it, grows warmer, mewling again. Its body relaxes. Slowly, carefully taking each step, I approach the corridor to the Darkness, my little newborn experiment eyeing the great dark sphere apprehensively.

The lab was cold, but this portal was warm, hopefully comforting. I notice both antennae erect, stock still like ebony soldiers, its eyes, once curious of every wall, instrument, textbook and table now focused directly.

Drawn to it? Afraid? Or curious?

The ebony body began to shiver again, and either eye swiveled up to find my face. Into my coat it burrowed its head affectionately, mewling.

Poor thing.

Against my better judgment, I place the Shadow down before me and shove it into the portal without a second thought, promptly closing it with a wave of my hand afterward.

Plopping down in my seat afterward, I ponder, and I wait.