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@starlighthome74
PINNED ✏️
hi! my name is katherine 'kik' wright (they/them)
i like to read, i like to write, I'm mostly interested in history and literature.
please feel free to interact! I'm trying to be more social, and people told me to get a tumblr.
[Kik shivers on the floor, bound at the ankles and wrists, blindfolded, and gagged. The Fabric around them is strong and multicolored, shining in the dingy room. They pant through the gag, trying to lay on their stomach as much as possible. The room smells a little like burned flesh.]
( @starlighthome74 )
Footsteps clamor nearby. Tinky slides into view, looking around.
Kik? Kik?!
The familiar smell of burnt flesh stings. He spots them in their painful state, heart pounding.
Oh, Lo - oh, shit-
OK, Summoning isn’t what we need. Let’s see…
What do we need?
Weaknesses.
Our version of the Book had no weaknesses. What makes you think this will?
Who else would know?
They didn’t have many options.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆There's a hesitation. He opens his eyes and looks to Kik.☆
"...can I have a hug? Please? I'm—"
☆And he cuts himself off before he apologizes again.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik smiles, nods, and then pushes themself to stand. They open their arms, and when Star Watcher steps into them, Kik pulls him into a very warm, very tender hug. One hand soothingly rubs at his back. They smell like their magic does, like a winter's night and a campfire. He can feel their heart beat steadily in their chest.]
[The back section of the Book is filled with all sorts of notes and observations written by Kik, their own variety of experiments and research into what the Book was capable of. If the Lords are looking for a weakness of the Black, it's in that section. Kik wasn't about to let Edwin have this knowledge for himself, it seemed. Part of it even coincided with some of the notebooks Edwin had written, parallels to be drawn between the ways Kik's magic behaved under duress...]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Bliklotep tilts his head at the two, brow slightly furrowing. Pokey settles on a passage, almost at the back.
Black Altars, thin veils…rudimentary.
He reaches a specific part, reading it thoroughly. It’s nothing special - the auras around the Altars had been similar to the child’s own, ramping up in energy if Kik was highly emotional.
We’ve confirmed none of us have the Gift?
The others nod. Pokotho frowns. The magic in Kik, and by proxy at the brothers’ Altars, could get even stronger with enough emotion. But what would that do? They would not be attempting another damn Summoning.
Harming them is out of the question?
Tinky takes a long look at the teen.
…Pretty much.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆He doesn't hug them back, simply shrinking in on himself. There's a small fear that he'll say the wrong name or do the wrong thing or maybe hurt them on accident because that's happened before or maybe freak out over something—☆
☆Stop. Just breathe. It's fine. We're okay.☆
"...thank you."
@starlighthome74
[Kik holds him for a moment longer before pulling away, smiling at him.]
"'Course. It's what friends are for, right?"
[The pages begin to flip on their own again, and a piece of lined notebook paper falls out and flutters to the floor.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
[Kik shivers on the floor, bound at the ankles and wrists, blindfolded, and gagged. The Fabric around them is strong and multicolored, shining in the dingy room. They pant through the gag, trying to lay on their stomach as much as possible. The room smells a little like burned flesh.]
( @starlighthome74 )
Footsteps clamor nearby. Tinky slides into view, looking around.
Kik? Kik?!
The familiar smell of burnt flesh stings. He spots them in their painful state, heart pounding.
Oh, Lo - oh, shit-
OK, Summoning isn’t what we need. Let’s see…
What do we need?
Weaknesses.
Our version of the Book had no weaknesses. What makes you think this will?
Who else would know?
They didn’t have many options.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆There's a hesitation. He opens his eyes and looks to Kik.☆
"...can I have a hug? Please? I'm—"
☆And he cuts himself off before he apologizes again.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik smiles, nods, and then pushes themself to stand. They open their arms, and when Star Watcher steps into them, Kik pulls him into a very warm, very tender hug. One hand soothingly rubs at his back. They smell like their magic does, like a winter's night and a campfire. He can feel their heart beat steadily in their chest.]
[The back section of the Book is filled with all sorts of notes and observations written by Kik, their own variety of experiments and research into what the Book was capable of. If the Lords are looking for a weakness of the Black, it's in that section. Kik wasn't about to let Edwin have this knowledge for himself, it seemed. Part of it even coincided with some of the notebooks Edwin had written, parallels to be drawn between the ways Kik's magic behaved under duress...]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Bliklotep tilts his head at the two, brow slightly furrowing. Pokey settles on a passage, almost at the back.
Black Altars, thin veils…rudimentary.
He reaches a specific part, reading it thoroughly. It’s nothing special - the auras around the Altars had been similar to the child’s own, ramping up in energy if Kik was highly emotional.
We’ve confirmed none of us have the Gift?
The others nod. Pokotho frowns. The magic in Kik, and by proxy at the brothers’ Altars, could get even stronger with enough emotion. But what would that do? They would not be attempting another damn Summoning.
Harming them is out of the question?
Tinky takes a long look at the teen.
…Pretty much.
@theorangestarwatcher
[Kik shivers on the floor, bound at the ankles and wrists, blindfolded, and gagged. The Fabric around them is strong and multicolored, shining in the dingy room. They pant through the gag, trying to lay on their stomach as much as possible. The room smells a little like burned flesh.]
( @starlighthome74 )
Footsteps clamor nearby. Tinky slides into view, looking around.
Kik? Kik?!
The familiar smell of burnt flesh stings. He spots them in their painful state, heart pounding.
Oh, Lo - oh, shit-
OK, Summoning isn’t what we need. Let’s see…
What do we need?
Weaknesses.
Our version of the Book had no weaknesses. What makes you think this will?
Who else would know?
They didn’t have many options.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆There's a hesitation. He opens his eyes and looks to Kik.☆
"...can I have a hug? Please? I'm—"
☆And he cuts himself off before he apologizes again.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik smiles, nods, and then pushes themself to stand. They open their arms, and when Star Watcher steps into them, Kik pulls him into a very warm, very tender hug. One hand soothingly rubs at his back. They smell like their magic does, like a winter's night and a campfire. He can feel their heart beat steadily in their chest.]
[The back section of the Book is filled with all sorts of notes and observations written by Kik, their own variety of experiments and research into what the Book was capable of. If the Lords are looking for a weakness of the Black, it's in that section. Kik wasn't about to let Edwin have this knowledge for himself, it seemed. Part of it even coincided with some of the notebooks Edwin had written, parallels to be drawn between the ways Kik's magic behaved under duress...]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
[Kik shivers on the floor, bound at the ankles and wrists, blindfolded, and gagged. The Fabric around them is strong and multicolored, shining in the dingy room. They pant through the gag, trying to lay on their stomach as much as possible. The room smells a little like burned flesh.]
( @starlighthome74 )
Footsteps clamor nearby. Tinky slides into view, looking around.
Kik? Kik?!
The familiar smell of burnt flesh stings. He spots them in their painful state, heart pounding.
Oh, Lo - oh, shit-
[Kik watches the reactions, sees all the fear and confusion and something inside them sparks dangerously. Rage boils and bubbles in their chest, melting the icy layer of fear that held them in place.]
[They're getting quite tired of feeling like nothing they do matters. They were getting really fucking tired of feeling like they could never protect their family, their home. The words of Their Father echo in their mind, singing and burning and wrapping around them like the tentacles had:
You can do nothing.
Fuck that. They could do anything. And if they couldn't do, then they'd try. And they'd prove it. Their copy of The Black Book rumbles where it lays among the rest of their items in response.]
"No. The scars can stay."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
The Black Book rumbling startles them. They stiffen and scramble to huddle together before noticing it’s Kik’s magic. Their own fear, hinted with anger, still hangs heavy.
…You’re sure?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆He looks to the book, tilting his head slightly.☆
"Hm. Would you look at that."
@starlighthome74
"I'm sure."
[There is a certainty to them that is... different than before. It carries in the tone of their voice, in the set of their jaw. Something changed.]
"It's okay, He isn't here. I was in the Black. It's safe here."
[Their magic tastes different. A lot more potent, thick and cedar-smelling, like winter in the woods. It fills the room as they think.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Their magic isn’t oppressive, yet still a different kind of familiar. The smell and cold it brings is enough to snap them back. A few of them breathe it in.
Right. Right. See? We’re fine, brothers. We can come up with a plan. We’re going to be OK.
The other four trail him as he stands and paces.
To kill Him? Can it be to kill Him?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Their magic is new, but not unwelcome. He thinks of Christmas time and of the movie nights that came with it. Of rest and of gossiping with—☆
☆Kill?☆
☆Quiet. Please.☆
@starlighthome74
"If you want it to be."
[Kik's voice is even and mild. They stand, slowly, expression a little unreadable. Their eyes are a slightly different color, colder.]
"But that's up to you. Whatever happens, I'm not letting him hurt any of us again."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Blinky winces.
As much as I hate to say it, we can’t start that without knowing any weaknesses He has.
Pokotho gets up to lift Kik’s Black Book out of their things, opening it carefully to flip through.
They won’t be in there.
You want to use ours? He’ll censor that even more.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Kill. They said kill. They said—☆
☆Relax. Breathe. He can't be killed.☆
☆I know!☆
☆Then stop talking.☆
☆Hmph.☆
☆Who made you the boss?☆
☆Shut up.☆
☆He has a good point.☆
☆We're the same person?!☆
"Shut up."
@starlighthome74
"He's hurt. Whatever damage Starry and I did, He's still recovering."
[Kik stares off into space, and the smell of cedar begins to shift to camp fire and flame. It's not uncomfortable, in fact it would feel comforting to anyone who knows Kik, the smell of camp fire and the hearth follows them everywhere. But it's larger than it was, powerful.]
"He is in pain."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokotho glances at the Star Watcher oddly, disregarding him in favor of the Book.
…With fire.
So we know He’s not impenetrable.
Yes, but if it’s just that…
@theorangestarwatcher
☆It takes him a while to focus. That's not to say it's quiet for him, though. When he does focus, he tries to back away from the group.☆
☆I don't wanna hear this.☆
☆Too bad, spacey.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik's Book feels warm in Pokotho's hand, responding to him with it's magic bubbling to the surface, spells aching to be spoken and whispered. A beat thumps through the cover, badum, badum, badum. Like a heart beat, slow and steady.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokey lays both hands on the pages, listening to the soft bump.
What about her?
The four snap to him.
What about her?
Pokotho tilts his head at the Book.
…
You don’t even know if she would want to. We don’t know her feelings on Him.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆At some point, he reaches a corner of the room. The body's eyes close, but he's still watching. From the outside, he looks distracted or zoning out.☆
☆Obviously, we can see the dude's hella focused on all of this.☆
"Calling me 'dude' isn't helping."
☆I wanna leave.☆
☆We're staying.☆
☆Why? So we can keep suffering?☆
☆We suffer either way. Get used to it.☆
☆I've had billions of years to get used to it! You get used to thinking about yourself!☆
☆I'm not doing this with you—☆
☆Coward.☆
☆...excuse me?☆
☆Fight! Fight! Fight!☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik has noticed the change in Starry's demeanor, the change in focus. Concerned, they watch him as he settles before finding their way beside him.]
"Are you okay?"
[The Book's pages flip on their own, as if trying to show Pokotho something.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
You think any person He’s met doesn’t hate Him?
Bliklotep turns to watch Kik and Starry at the concerned question. Pokey lets the pages do what they need.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆I bet I could name someone!☆
☆Can you keep quiet? For once?☆
☆Ooh, someone's watching~! I mean, who wouldn't? We're a trainweck.☆
"...hm?"
☆Not now.☆
☆Aw, why? I'm just tellin' the truth.☆
"Oh. Sorry, Kik. 'M just a little..."
☆He waves his hand dismissively, smiling sheepishly.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik smiles gently at him.]
"Yeah, I get that way too sometimes."
[They reach and gently take his hand, squeezing it in their own. They don't pry, they don't feel like that would be useful. Instead, they'll stand with him.]
[Kik's copy of the Abdominal Tome is not an exact replica, and as it flips itself open to the middle pages that becomes more and more apparent. Little notes hug the margins, sticky notes decorate passages, some passages are even added to the Book, providing relevant information. Kik's handwriting is neat and small in black ink. They knew a lot more about The Book than anyone had previously thought: and this was proof.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokey slides his hands under the cover to pick the Book up gently. He traces the notes.
Tinky.
T’noy hops on the bed next to him at the call, peering down at the Book.
…Willabella didn’t know half of this.
She knew what we told her. This isn’t exact.
Yeah, well, it never is.
They look at each other.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆There's a slight jump at them touching his hand, but he relaxes quickly.☆
☆Smart kid! That book seems real important. I wonder if—☆
☆Would it kill you to keep your mind out of trouble?☆
☆As a matter of fact, yes. Yes, it would.☆
☆You're insufferable.☆
☆I'm not actually going to do anything. 'M just bored.☆
☆Really? Is all of this not entertaining enough for you, your majesty?☆
"Lords, be quiet. None of you are helping."
☆Wasn't trying to.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik watches him for a moment, taking in the murmuring, how he didn't seem entirely present. They frown, thinking.]
"Starry?"
[They sit in front of him, pulling his hand to their chest, where their heart beats steadily.]
[A passage stands out, written in Kik's hand with smudgy graphite pencil:
'It's been five days since the last time Edwin has tried to use the Book, and I think it's safe to say that whatever I tried worked at repelling his advances. However, that would mean that I have some sort of control over this copy. I can't say for sure, but it seems that the Book can recognize it's user. Or, at the very least, it recognizes me.
The original Tome also seems to recognize it's user, especially what that user might want. Interestingly enough, I think I have copied a fraction of the power in my studies. I'm not sure how all of this relates. -K.W.'
Edwin was not the only one researching, it seems.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Smart kid. Refusing access.
We can’t use our own. But they can use this one just fine. Useful.
What are you trying?
They shift on the bed to make room for Wiggly.
Nothin’ yet. This Book has more their magic than ours.
That’s a bad thing?
Not necessarily.
@theorangestarwatcher
"...?"
☆It takes a while for his mind to register the movement.☆
☆Real useful.☆
☆Shut it.☆
☆Pbbt. Make me.☆
"Oh."
☆Listen here—☆
☆Nuh-uh.☆
☆...I'm sorry, what?☆
☆I'm not gonna listen to you. Not when you're such a failure. I know a group of kids that would agree.☆
☆...That's it. That's it!☆
☆I'm going to kill you.☆
☆We. Are. The same. Person! Get along!☆
☆All of you! Quiet!☆
☆...☆
☆...☆
☆...☆
☆...welcome to the party. Missed ya.☆
"...thanks. Um, thank you. Sorry about all of this."
☆They can't hear us.☆
"...right."
@starlighthome74
[Kik shakes their head and smiles gently up at him. Their heart continues to beat steadily, their chest rising and falling with each steady breath. Kik has put aside their own thoughts and calculations for the moment, instead focusing on Starry.]
"You don't have to apologize. Do you need to talk about it? Or just breathe?"
[Kik's copy of the Black Book flips it's pages again, opening to the section detailing the spell to Devour a Soul. A sticky note is folded to hide it's text, tucked close to the spine where it would be less visible. Unless someone was looking for it.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Nibbly. Kik’s a Waylon descendant, right?
Hm? Yeah.
Then their magic would be similar.
Blinky doesn’t take his eyes off Starry and Kik. Though whether he’s bored or concerned isn’t apparent.
Devour a Soul…
Tinky pulls the sticky note out and unfolds it.
@theorangestarwatcher
"Just need a second. Sorry."
☆He manages a smile. It feels more nervous than anything.☆
☆We're going to blow a fuse if you all keep fighting.☆
☆We're the same person.☆
☆Act like it, then.☆
☆Ooh, sharp words coming from you, mister.☆
☆Not now. You can argue with me all you'd like later, but not now.☆
☆Buzzkill.☆
"...finally, thank the Lords—"
☆Though there's still noise and thoughts and this and that swimming around his head, the peace is helpful. He breathes. Closes his eyes. All of them.☆
@starlighthome74
"Take all the time you need. I'm here."
[Kik sits with him, calmly, and waits.]
[The note is written in graphite again, smudged a little on the edge by what looks like a Kik-sized finger.
'Definitely not my first choice for garnering enough strength, but an option none the less. My test worked, and I was able to absorb the soul of a rabbit. The resulting power allowed me to summon enough of the Black to hold Court with the Void (page # 132). It didn't feel like the void, but a deal has been made/I was able to summon something, so I suppose it had to have worked. Regardless, I proved that this Book can be used like the original Book. -KW']
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
T’noy grins a little, muttering the note aloud. The others’ eyes light up.
Oh, you do have something in ya.
Is this from your timelines?
‘Course not. This whole timeline hadn’t been built.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆For a while, he just sits there. Their heartbeat seems to help him.☆
"...m'kay. Sorry."
"It's okay. You're okay. Do you want a hug? A snack?"
[Kik doesn't seem to mind being there for him at all. In fact, they seem happy to help.]
[Kik's Book almost purrs in response. If the Lords wanted more secrets, it would gladly show them. It recognizes them, even in human form, and is still Their Tome, despite the fact that Kik's magic is what it is imbued with. In fact... The parts that require blood seem to be... Kik's blood.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
[Kik shivers on the floor, bound at the ankles and wrists, blindfolded, and gagged. The Fabric around them is strong and multicolored, shining in the dingy room. They pant through the gag, trying to lay on their stomach as much as possible. The room smells a little like burned flesh.]
( @starlighthome74 )
Footsteps clamor nearby. Tinky slides into view, looking around.
Kik? Kik?!
The familiar smell of burnt flesh stings. He spots them in their painful state, heart pounding.
Oh, Lo - oh, shit-
[Kik watches the reactions, sees all the fear and confusion and something inside them sparks dangerously. Rage boils and bubbles in their chest, melting the icy layer of fear that held them in place.]
[They're getting quite tired of feeling like nothing they do matters. They were getting really fucking tired of feeling like they could never protect their family, their home. The words of Their Father echo in their mind, singing and burning and wrapping around them like the tentacles had:
You can do nothing.
Fuck that. They could do anything. And if they couldn't do, then they'd try. And they'd prove it. Their copy of The Black Book rumbles where it lays among the rest of their items in response.]
"No. The scars can stay."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
The Black Book rumbling startles them. They stiffen and scramble to huddle together before noticing it’s Kik’s magic. Their own fear, hinted with anger, still hangs heavy.
…You’re sure?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆He looks to the book, tilting his head slightly.☆
"Hm. Would you look at that."
@starlighthome74
"I'm sure."
[There is a certainty to them that is... different than before. It carries in the tone of their voice, in the set of their jaw. Something changed.]
"It's okay, He isn't here. I was in the Black. It's safe here."
[Their magic tastes different. A lot more potent, thick and cedar-smelling, like winter in the woods. It fills the room as they think.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Their magic isn’t oppressive, yet still a different kind of familiar. The smell and cold it brings is enough to snap them back. A few of them breathe it in.
Right. Right. See? We’re fine, brothers. We can come up with a plan. We’re going to be OK.
The other four trail him as he stands and paces.
To kill Him? Can it be to kill Him?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Their magic is new, but not unwelcome. He thinks of Christmas time and of the movie nights that came with it. Of rest and of gossiping with—☆
☆Kill?☆
☆Quiet. Please.☆
@starlighthome74
"If you want it to be."
[Kik's voice is even and mild. They stand, slowly, expression a little unreadable. Their eyes are a slightly different color, colder.]
"But that's up to you. Whatever happens, I'm not letting him hurt any of us again."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Blinky winces.
As much as I hate to say it, we can’t start that without knowing any weaknesses He has.
Pokotho gets up to lift Kik’s Black Book out of their things, opening it carefully to flip through.
They won’t be in there.
You want to use ours? He’ll censor that even more.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Kill. They said kill. They said—☆
☆Relax. Breathe. He can't be killed.☆
☆I know!☆
☆Then stop talking.☆
☆Hmph.☆
☆Who made you the boss?☆
☆Shut up.☆
☆He has a good point.☆
☆We're the same person?!☆
"Shut up."
@starlighthome74
"He's hurt. Whatever damage Starry and I did, He's still recovering."
[Kik stares off into space, and the smell of cedar begins to shift to camp fire and flame. It's not uncomfortable, in fact it would feel comforting to anyone who knows Kik, the smell of camp fire and the hearth follows them everywhere. But it's larger than it was, powerful.]
"He is in pain."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokotho glances at the Star Watcher oddly, disregarding him in favor of the Book.
…With fire.
So we know He’s not impenetrable.
Yes, but if it’s just that…
@theorangestarwatcher
☆It takes him a while to focus. That's not to say it's quiet for him, though. When he does focus, he tries to back away from the group.☆
☆I don't wanna hear this.☆
☆Too bad, spacey.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik's Book feels warm in Pokotho's hand, responding to him with it's magic bubbling to the surface, spells aching to be spoken and whispered. A beat thumps through the cover, badum, badum, badum. Like a heart beat, slow and steady.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokey lays both hands on the pages, listening to the soft bump.
What about her?
The four snap to him.
What about her?
Pokotho tilts his head at the Book.
…
You don’t even know if she would want to. We don’t know her feelings on Him.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆At some point, he reaches a corner of the room. The body's eyes close, but he's still watching. From the outside, he looks distracted or zoning out.☆
☆Obviously, we can see the dude's hella focused on all of this.☆
"Calling me 'dude' isn't helping."
☆I wanna leave.☆
☆We're staying.☆
☆Why? So we can keep suffering?☆
☆We suffer either way. Get used to it.☆
☆I've had billions of years to get used to it! You get used to thinking about yourself!☆
☆I'm not doing this with you—☆
☆Coward.☆
☆...excuse me?☆
☆Fight! Fight! Fight!☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik has noticed the change in Starry's demeanor, the change in focus. Concerned, they watch him as he settles before finding their way beside him.]
"Are you okay?"
[The Book's pages flip on their own, as if trying to show Pokotho something.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
You think any person He’s met doesn’t hate Him?
Bliklotep turns to watch Kik and Starry at the concerned question. Pokey lets the pages do what they need.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆I bet I could name someone!☆
☆Can you keep quiet? For once?☆
☆Ooh, someone's watching~! I mean, who wouldn't? We're a trainweck.☆
"...hm?"
☆Not now.☆
☆Aw, why? I'm just tellin' the truth.☆
"Oh. Sorry, Kik. 'M just a little..."
☆He waves his hand dismissively, smiling sheepishly.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik smiles gently at him.]
"Yeah, I get that way too sometimes."
[They reach and gently take his hand, squeezing it in their own. They don't pry, they don't feel like that would be useful. Instead, they'll stand with him.]
[Kik's copy of the Abdominal Tome is not an exact replica, and as it flips itself open to the middle pages that becomes more and more apparent. Little notes hug the margins, sticky notes decorate passages, some passages are even added to the Book, providing relevant information. Kik's handwriting is neat and small in black ink. They knew a lot more about The Book than anyone had previously thought: and this was proof.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokey slides his hands under the cover to pick the Book up gently. He traces the notes.
Tinky.
T’noy hops on the bed next to him at the call, peering down at the Book.
…Willabella didn’t know half of this.
She knew what we told her. This isn’t exact.
Yeah, well, it never is.
They look at each other.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆There's a slight jump at them touching his hand, but he relaxes quickly.☆
☆Smart kid! That book seems real important. I wonder if—☆
☆Would it kill you to keep your mind out of trouble?☆
☆As a matter of fact, yes. Yes, it would.☆
☆You're insufferable.☆
☆I'm not actually going to do anything. 'M just bored.☆
☆Really? Is all of this not entertaining enough for you, your majesty?☆
"Lords, be quiet. None of you are helping."
☆Wasn't trying to.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik watches him for a moment, taking in the murmuring, how he didn't seem entirely present. They frown, thinking.]
"Starry?"
[They sit in front of him, pulling his hand to their chest, where their heart beats steadily.]
[A passage stands out, written in Kik's hand with smudgy graphite pencil:
'It's been five days since the last time Edwin has tried to use the Book, and I think it's safe to say that whatever I tried worked at repelling his advances. However, that would mean that I have some sort of control over this copy. I can't say for sure, but it seems that the Book can recognize it's user. Or, at the very least, it recognizes me.
The original Tome also seems to recognize it's user, especially what that user might want. Interestingly enough, I think I have copied a fraction of the power in my studies. I'm not sure how all of this relates. -K.W.'
Edwin was not the only one researching, it seems.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Smart kid. Refusing access.
We can’t use our own. But they can use this one just fine. Useful.
What are you trying?
They shift on the bed to make room for Wiggly.
Nothin’ yet. This Book has more their magic than ours.
That’s a bad thing?
Not necessarily.
@theorangestarwatcher
"...?"
☆It takes a while for his mind to register the movement.☆
☆Real useful.☆
☆Shut it.☆
☆Pbbt. Make me.☆
"Oh."
☆Listen here—☆
☆Nuh-uh.☆
☆...I'm sorry, what?☆
☆I'm not gonna listen to you. Not when you're such a failure. I know a group of kids that would agree.☆
☆...That's it. That's it!☆
☆I'm going to kill you.☆
☆We. Are. The same. Person! Get along!☆
☆All of you! Quiet!☆
☆...☆
☆...☆
☆...☆
☆...welcome to the party. Missed ya.☆
"...thanks. Um, thank you. Sorry about all of this."
☆They can't hear us.☆
"...right."
@starlighthome74
[Kik shakes their head and smiles gently up at him. Their heart continues to beat steadily, their chest rising and falling with each steady breath. Kik has put aside their own thoughts and calculations for the moment, instead focusing on Starry.]
"You don't have to apologize. Do you need to talk about it? Or just breathe?"
[Kik's copy of the Black Book flips it's pages again, opening to the section detailing the spell to Devour a Soul. A sticky note is folded to hide it's text, tucked close to the spine where it would be less visible. Unless someone was looking for it.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Nibbly. Kik’s a Waylon descendant, right?
Hm? Yeah.
Then their magic would be similar.
Blinky doesn’t take his eyes off Starry and Kik. Though whether he’s bored or concerned isn’t apparent.
Devour a Soul…
Tinky pulls the sticky note out and unfolds it.
@theorangestarwatcher
"Just need a second. Sorry."
☆He manages a smile. It feels more nervous than anything.☆
☆We're going to blow a fuse if you all keep fighting.☆
☆We're the same person.☆
☆Act like it, then.☆
☆Ooh, sharp words coming from you, mister.☆
☆Not now. You can argue with me all you'd like later, but not now.☆
☆Buzzkill.☆
"...finally, thank the Lords—"
☆Though there's still noise and thoughts and this and that swimming around his head, the peace is helpful. He breathes. Closes his eyes. All of them.☆
@starlighthome74
"Take all the time you need. I'm here."
[Kik sits with him, calmly, and waits.]
[The note is written in graphite again, smudged a little on the edge by what looks like a Kik-sized finger.
'Definitely not my first choice for garnering enough strength, but an option none the less. My test worked, and I was able to absorb the soul of a rabbit. The resulting power allowed me to summon enough of the Black to hold Court with the Void (page # 132). It didn't feel like the void, but a deal has been made/I was able to summon something, so I suppose it had to have worked. Regardless, I proved that this Book can be used like the original Book. -KW']
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
[Kik shivers on the floor, bound at the ankles and wrists, blindfolded, and gagged. The Fabric around them is strong and multicolored, shining in the dingy room. They pant through the gag, trying to lay on their stomach as much as possible. The room smells a little like burned flesh.]
( @starlighthome74 )
Footsteps clamor nearby. Tinky slides into view, looking around.
Kik? Kik?!
The familiar smell of burnt flesh stings. He spots them in their painful state, heart pounding.
Oh, Lo - oh, shit-
[Kik watches the reactions, sees all the fear and confusion and something inside them sparks dangerously. Rage boils and bubbles in their chest, melting the icy layer of fear that held them in place.]
[They're getting quite tired of feeling like nothing they do matters. They were getting really fucking tired of feeling like they could never protect their family, their home. The words of Their Father echo in their mind, singing and burning and wrapping around them like the tentacles had:
You can do nothing.
Fuck that. They could do anything. And if they couldn't do, then they'd try. And they'd prove it. Their copy of The Black Book rumbles where it lays among the rest of their items in response.]
"No. The scars can stay."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
The Black Book rumbling startles them. They stiffen and scramble to huddle together before noticing it’s Kik’s magic. Their own fear, hinted with anger, still hangs heavy.
…You’re sure?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆He looks to the book, tilting his head slightly.☆
"Hm. Would you look at that."
@starlighthome74
"I'm sure."
[There is a certainty to them that is... different than before. It carries in the tone of their voice, in the set of their jaw. Something changed.]
"It's okay, He isn't here. I was in the Black. It's safe here."
[Their magic tastes different. A lot more potent, thick and cedar-smelling, like winter in the woods. It fills the room as they think.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Their magic isn’t oppressive, yet still a different kind of familiar. The smell and cold it brings is enough to snap them back. A few of them breathe it in.
Right. Right. See? We’re fine, brothers. We can come up with a plan. We’re going to be OK.
The other four trail him as he stands and paces.
To kill Him? Can it be to kill Him?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Their magic is new, but not unwelcome. He thinks of Christmas time and of the movie nights that came with it. Of rest and of gossiping with—☆
☆Kill?☆
☆Quiet. Please.☆
@starlighthome74
"If you want it to be."
[Kik's voice is even and mild. They stand, slowly, expression a little unreadable. Their eyes are a slightly different color, colder.]
"But that's up to you. Whatever happens, I'm not letting him hurt any of us again."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Blinky winces.
As much as I hate to say it, we can’t start that without knowing any weaknesses He has.
Pokotho gets up to lift Kik’s Black Book out of their things, opening it carefully to flip through.
They won’t be in there.
You want to use ours? He’ll censor that even more.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Kill. They said kill. They said—☆
☆Relax. Breathe. He can't be killed.☆
☆I know!☆
☆Then stop talking.☆
☆Hmph.☆
☆Who made you the boss?☆
☆Shut up.☆
☆He has a good point.☆
☆We're the same person?!☆
"Shut up."
@starlighthome74
"He's hurt. Whatever damage Starry and I did, He's still recovering."
[Kik stares off into space, and the smell of cedar begins to shift to camp fire and flame. It's not uncomfortable, in fact it would feel comforting to anyone who knows Kik, the smell of camp fire and the hearth follows them everywhere. But it's larger than it was, powerful.]
"He is in pain."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokotho glances at the Star Watcher oddly, disregarding him in favor of the Book.
…With fire.
So we know He’s not impenetrable.
Yes, but if it’s just that…
@theorangestarwatcher
☆It takes him a while to focus. That's not to say it's quiet for him, though. When he does focus, he tries to back away from the group.☆
☆I don't wanna hear this.☆
☆Too bad, spacey.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik's Book feels warm in Pokotho's hand, responding to him with it's magic bubbling to the surface, spells aching to be spoken and whispered. A beat thumps through the cover, badum, badum, badum. Like a heart beat, slow and steady.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokey lays both hands on the pages, listening to the soft bump.
What about her?
The four snap to him.
What about her?
Pokotho tilts his head at the Book.
…
You don’t even know if she would want to. We don’t know her feelings on Him.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆At some point, he reaches a corner of the room. The body's eyes close, but he's still watching. From the outside, he looks distracted or zoning out.☆
☆Obviously, we can see the dude's hella focused on all of this.☆
"Calling me 'dude' isn't helping."
☆I wanna leave.☆
☆We're staying.☆
☆Why? So we can keep suffering?☆
☆We suffer either way. Get used to it.☆
☆I've had billions of years to get used to it! You get used to thinking about yourself!☆
☆I'm not doing this with you—☆
☆Coward.☆
☆...excuse me?☆
☆Fight! Fight! Fight!☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik has noticed the change in Starry's demeanor, the change in focus. Concerned, they watch him as he settles before finding their way beside him.]
"Are you okay?"
[The Book's pages flip on their own, as if trying to show Pokotho something.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
You think any person He’s met doesn’t hate Him?
Bliklotep turns to watch Kik and Starry at the concerned question. Pokey lets the pages do what they need.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆I bet I could name someone!☆
☆Can you keep quiet? For once?☆
☆Ooh, someone's watching~! I mean, who wouldn't? We're a trainweck.☆
"...hm?"
☆Not now.☆
☆Aw, why? I'm just tellin' the truth.☆
"Oh. Sorry, Kik. 'M just a little..."
☆He waves his hand dismissively, smiling sheepishly.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik smiles gently at him.]
"Yeah, I get that way too sometimes."
[They reach and gently take his hand, squeezing it in their own. They don't pry, they don't feel like that would be useful. Instead, they'll stand with him.]
[Kik's copy of the Abdominal Tome is not an exact replica, and as it flips itself open to the middle pages that becomes more and more apparent. Little notes hug the margins, sticky notes decorate passages, some passages are even added to the Book, providing relevant information. Kik's handwriting is neat and small in black ink. They knew a lot more about The Book than anyone had previously thought: and this was proof.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokey slides his hands under the cover to pick the Book up gently. He traces the notes.
Tinky.
T’noy hops on the bed next to him at the call, peering down at the Book.
…Willabella didn’t know half of this.
She knew what we told her. This isn’t exact.
Yeah, well, it never is.
They look at each other.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆There's a slight jump at them touching his hand, but he relaxes quickly.☆
☆Smart kid! That book seems real important. I wonder if—☆
☆Would it kill you to keep your mind out of trouble?☆
☆As a matter of fact, yes. Yes, it would.☆
☆You're insufferable.☆
☆I'm not actually going to do anything. 'M just bored.☆
☆Really? Is all of this not entertaining enough for you, your majesty?☆
"Lords, be quiet. None of you are helping."
☆Wasn't trying to.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik watches him for a moment, taking in the murmuring, how he didn't seem entirely present. They frown, thinking.]
"Starry?"
[They sit in front of him, pulling his hand to their chest, where their heart beats steadily.]
[A passage stands out, written in Kik's hand with smudgy graphite pencil:
'It's been five days since the last time Edwin has tried to use the Book, and I think it's safe to say that whatever I tried worked at repelling his advances. However, that would mean that I have some sort of control over this copy. I can't say for sure, but it seems that the Book can recognize it's user. Or, at the very least, it recognizes me.
The original Tome also seems to recognize it's user, especially what that user might want. Interestingly enough, I think I have copied a fraction of the power in my studies. I'm not sure how all of this relates. -K.W.'
Edwin was not the only one researching, it seems.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Smart kid. Refusing access.
We can’t use our own. But they can use this one just fine. Useful.
What are you trying?
They shift on the bed to make room for Wiggly.
Nothin’ yet. This Book has more their magic than ours.
That’s a bad thing?
Not necessarily.
@theorangestarwatcher
"...?"
☆It takes a while for his mind to register the movement.☆
☆Real useful.☆
☆Shut it.☆
☆Pbbt. Make me.☆
"Oh."
☆Listen here—☆
☆Nuh-uh.☆
☆...I'm sorry, what?☆
☆I'm not gonna listen to you. Not when you're such a failure. I know a group of kids that would agree.☆
☆...That's it. That's it!☆
☆I'm going to kill you.☆
☆We. Are. The same. Person! Get along!☆
☆All of you! Quiet!☆
☆...☆
☆...☆
☆...☆
☆...welcome to the party. Missed ya.☆
"...thanks. Um, thank you. Sorry about all of this."
☆They can't hear us.☆
"...right."
@starlighthome74
[Kik shakes their head and smiles gently up at him. Their heart continues to beat steadily, their chest rising and falling with each steady breath. Kik has put aside their own thoughts and calculations for the moment, instead focusing on Starry.]
"You don't have to apologize. Do you need to talk about it? Or just breathe?"
[Kik's copy of the Black Book flips it's pages again, opening to the section detailing the spell to Devour a Soul. A sticky note is folded to hide it's text, tucked close to the spine where it would be less visible. Unless someone was looking for it.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
...you sure?
[Kik doesn't shift their focus from Starry, focused in on trying to figure out what might be wrong. Figure out how to move forward.]
[They glance at the Watcher.]
"We'll all be okay. I'll see to it."
[Kik shivers on the floor, bound at the ankles and wrists, blindfolded, and gagged. The Fabric around them is strong and multicolored, shining in the dingy room. They pant through the gag, trying to lay on their stomach as much as possible. The room smells a little like burned flesh.]
( @starlighthome74 )
Footsteps clamor nearby. Tinky slides into view, looking around.
Kik? Kik?!
The familiar smell of burnt flesh stings. He spots them in their painful state, heart pounding.
Oh, Lo - oh, shit-
[Kik watches the reactions, sees all the fear and confusion and something inside them sparks dangerously. Rage boils and bubbles in their chest, melting the icy layer of fear that held them in place.]
[They're getting quite tired of feeling like nothing they do matters. They were getting really fucking tired of feeling like they could never protect their family, their home. The words of Their Father echo in their mind, singing and burning and wrapping around them like the tentacles had:
You can do nothing.
Fuck that. They could do anything. And if they couldn't do, then they'd try. And they'd prove it. Their copy of The Black Book rumbles where it lays among the rest of their items in response.]
"No. The scars can stay."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
The Black Book rumbling startles them. They stiffen and scramble to huddle together before noticing it’s Kik’s magic. Their own fear, hinted with anger, still hangs heavy.
…You’re sure?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆He looks to the book, tilting his head slightly.☆
"Hm. Would you look at that."
@starlighthome74
"I'm sure."
[There is a certainty to them that is... different than before. It carries in the tone of their voice, in the set of their jaw. Something changed.]
"It's okay, He isn't here. I was in the Black. It's safe here."
[Their magic tastes different. A lot more potent, thick and cedar-smelling, like winter in the woods. It fills the room as they think.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Their magic isn’t oppressive, yet still a different kind of familiar. The smell and cold it brings is enough to snap them back. A few of them breathe it in.
Right. Right. See? We’re fine, brothers. We can come up with a plan. We’re going to be OK.
The other four trail him as he stands and paces.
To kill Him? Can it be to kill Him?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Their magic is new, but not unwelcome. He thinks of Christmas time and of the movie nights that came with it. Of rest and of gossiping with—☆
☆Kill?☆
☆Quiet. Please.☆
@starlighthome74
"If you want it to be."
[Kik's voice is even and mild. They stand, slowly, expression a little unreadable. Their eyes are a slightly different color, colder.]
"But that's up to you. Whatever happens, I'm not letting him hurt any of us again."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Blinky winces.
As much as I hate to say it, we can’t start that without knowing any weaknesses He has.
Pokotho gets up to lift Kik’s Black Book out of their things, opening it carefully to flip through.
They won’t be in there.
You want to use ours? He’ll censor that even more.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Kill. They said kill. They said—☆
☆Relax. Breathe. He can't be killed.☆
☆I know!☆
☆Then stop talking.☆
☆Hmph.☆
☆Who made you the boss?☆
☆Shut up.☆
☆He has a good point.☆
☆We're the same person?!☆
"Shut up."
@starlighthome74
"He's hurt. Whatever damage Starry and I did, He's still recovering."
[Kik stares off into space, and the smell of cedar begins to shift to camp fire and flame. It's not uncomfortable, in fact it would feel comforting to anyone who knows Kik, the smell of camp fire and the hearth follows them everywhere. But it's larger than it was, powerful.]
"He is in pain."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokotho glances at the Star Watcher oddly, disregarding him in favor of the Book.
…With fire.
So we know He’s not impenetrable.
Yes, but if it’s just that…
@theorangestarwatcher
☆It takes him a while to focus. That's not to say it's quiet for him, though. When he does focus, he tries to back away from the group.☆
☆I don't wanna hear this.☆
☆Too bad, spacey.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik's Book feels warm in Pokotho's hand, responding to him with it's magic bubbling to the surface, spells aching to be spoken and whispered. A beat thumps through the cover, badum, badum, badum. Like a heart beat, slow and steady.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokey lays both hands on the pages, listening to the soft bump.
What about her?
The four snap to him.
What about her?
Pokotho tilts his head at the Book.
…
You don’t even know if she would want to. We don’t know her feelings on Him.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆At some point, he reaches a corner of the room. The body's eyes close, but he's still watching. From the outside, he looks distracted or zoning out.☆
☆Obviously, we can see the dude's hella focused on all of this.☆
"Calling me 'dude' isn't helping."
☆I wanna leave.☆
☆We're staying.☆
☆Why? So we can keep suffering?☆
☆We suffer either way. Get used to it.☆
☆I've had billions of years to get used to it! You get used to thinking about yourself!☆
☆I'm not doing this with you—☆
☆Coward.☆
☆...excuse me?☆
☆Fight! Fight! Fight!☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik has noticed the change in Starry's demeanor, the change in focus. Concerned, they watch him as he settles before finding their way beside him.]
"Are you okay?"
[The Book's pages flip on their own, as if trying to show Pokotho something.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
You think any person He’s met doesn’t hate Him?
Bliklotep turns to watch Kik and Starry at the concerned question. Pokey lets the pages do what they need.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆I bet I could name someone!☆
☆Can you keep quiet? For once?☆
☆Ooh, someone's watching~! I mean, who wouldn't? We're a trainweck.☆
"...hm?"
☆Not now.☆
☆Aw, why? I'm just tellin' the truth.☆
"Oh. Sorry, Kik. 'M just a little..."
☆He waves his hand dismissively, smiling sheepishly.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik smiles gently at him.]
"Yeah, I get that way too sometimes."
[They reach and gently take his hand, squeezing it in their own. They don't pry, they don't feel like that would be useful. Instead, they'll stand with him.]
[Kik's copy of the Abdominal Tome is not an exact replica, and as it flips itself open to the middle pages that becomes more and more apparent. Little notes hug the margins, sticky notes decorate passages, some passages are even added to the Book, providing relevant information. Kik's handwriting is neat and small in black ink. They knew a lot more about The Book than anyone had previously thought: and this was proof.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokey slides his hands under the cover to pick the Book up gently. He traces the notes.
Tinky.
T’noy hops on the bed next to him at the call, peering down at the Book.
…Willabella didn’t know half of this.
She knew what we told her. This isn’t exact.
Yeah, well, it never is.
They look at each other.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆There's a slight jump at them touching his hand, but he relaxes quickly.☆
☆Smart kid! That book seems real important. I wonder if—☆
☆Would it kill you to keep your mind out of trouble?☆
☆As a matter of fact, yes. Yes, it would.☆
☆You're insufferable.☆
☆I'm not actually going to do anything. 'M just bored.☆
☆Really? Is all of this not entertaining enough for you, your majesty?☆
"Lords, be quiet. None of you are helping."
☆Wasn't trying to.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik watches him for a moment, taking in the murmuring, how he didn't seem entirely present. They frown, thinking.]
"Starry?"
[They sit in front of him, pulling his hand to their chest, where their heart beats steadily.]
[A passage stands out, written in Kik's hand with smudgy graphite pencil:
'It's been five days since the last time Edwin has tried to use the Book, and I think it's safe to say that whatever I tried worked at repelling his advances. However, that would mean that I have some sort of control over this copy. I can't say for sure, but it seems that the Book can recognize it's user. Or, at the very least, it recognizes me.
The original Tome also seems to recognize it's user, especially what that user might want. Interestingly enough, I think I have copied a fraction of the power in my studies. I'm not sure how all of this relates. -K.W.'
Edwin was not the only one researching, it seems.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
[Kik shivers on the floor, bound at the ankles and wrists, blindfolded, and gagged. The Fabric around them is strong and multicolored, shining in the dingy room. They pant through the gag, trying to lay on their stomach as much as possible. The room smells a little like burned flesh.]
( @starlighthome74 )
Footsteps clamor nearby. Tinky slides into view, looking around.
Kik? Kik?!
The familiar smell of burnt flesh stings. He spots them in their painful state, heart pounding.
Oh, Lo - oh, shit-
[Kik watches the reactions, sees all the fear and confusion and something inside them sparks dangerously. Rage boils and bubbles in their chest, melting the icy layer of fear that held them in place.]
[They're getting quite tired of feeling like nothing they do matters. They were getting really fucking tired of feeling like they could never protect their family, their home. The words of Their Father echo in their mind, singing and burning and wrapping around them like the tentacles had:
You can do nothing.
Fuck that. They could do anything. And if they couldn't do, then they'd try. And they'd prove it. Their copy of The Black Book rumbles where it lays among the rest of their items in response.]
"No. The scars can stay."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
The Black Book rumbling startles them. They stiffen and scramble to huddle together before noticing it’s Kik’s magic. Their own fear, hinted with anger, still hangs heavy.
…You’re sure?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆He looks to the book, tilting his head slightly.☆
"Hm. Would you look at that."
@starlighthome74
"I'm sure."
[There is a certainty to them that is... different than before. It carries in the tone of their voice, in the set of their jaw. Something changed.]
"It's okay, He isn't here. I was in the Black. It's safe here."
[Their magic tastes different. A lot more potent, thick and cedar-smelling, like winter in the woods. It fills the room as they think.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Their magic isn’t oppressive, yet still a different kind of familiar. The smell and cold it brings is enough to snap them back. A few of them breathe it in.
Right. Right. See? We’re fine, brothers. We can come up with a plan. We’re going to be OK.
The other four trail him as he stands and paces.
To kill Him? Can it be to kill Him?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Their magic is new, but not unwelcome. He thinks of Christmas time and of the movie nights that came with it. Of rest and of gossiping with—☆
☆Kill?☆
☆Quiet. Please.☆
@starlighthome74
"If you want it to be."
[Kik's voice is even and mild. They stand, slowly, expression a little unreadable. Their eyes are a slightly different color, colder.]
"But that's up to you. Whatever happens, I'm not letting him hurt any of us again."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Blinky winces.
As much as I hate to say it, we can’t start that without knowing any weaknesses He has.
Pokotho gets up to lift Kik’s Black Book out of their things, opening it carefully to flip through.
They won’t be in there.
You want to use ours? He’ll censor that even more.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Kill. They said kill. They said—☆
☆Relax. Breathe. He can't be killed.☆
☆I know!☆
☆Then stop talking.☆
☆Hmph.☆
☆Who made you the boss?☆
☆Shut up.☆
☆He has a good point.☆
☆We're the same person?!☆
"Shut up."
@starlighthome74
"He's hurt. Whatever damage Starry and I did, He's still recovering."
[Kik stares off into space, and the smell of cedar begins to shift to camp fire and flame. It's not uncomfortable, in fact it would feel comforting to anyone who knows Kik, the smell of camp fire and the hearth follows them everywhere. But it's larger than it was, powerful.]
"He is in pain."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokotho glances at the Star Watcher oddly, disregarding him in favor of the Book.
…With fire.
So we know He’s not impenetrable.
Yes, but if it’s just that…
@theorangestarwatcher
☆It takes him a while to focus. That's not to say it's quiet for him, though. When he does focus, he tries to back away from the group.☆
☆I don't wanna hear this.☆
☆Too bad, spacey.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik's Book feels warm in Pokotho's hand, responding to him with it's magic bubbling to the surface, spells aching to be spoken and whispered. A beat thumps through the cover, badum, badum, badum. Like a heart beat, slow and steady.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokey lays both hands on the pages, listening to the soft bump.
What about her?
The four snap to him.
What about her?
Pokotho tilts his head at the Book.
…
You don’t even know if she would want to. We don’t know her feelings on Him.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆At some point, he reaches a corner of the room. The body's eyes close, but he's still watching. From the outside, he looks distracted or zoning out.☆
☆Obviously, we can see the dude's hella focused on all of this.☆
"Calling me 'dude' isn't helping."
☆I wanna leave.☆
☆We're staying.☆
☆Why? So we can keep suffering?☆
☆We suffer either way. Get used to it.☆
☆I've had billions of years to get used to it! You get used to thinking about yourself!☆
☆I'm not doing this with you—☆
☆Coward.☆
☆...excuse me?☆
☆Fight! Fight! Fight!☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik has noticed the change in Starry's demeanor, the change in focus. Concerned, they watch him as he settles before finding their way beside him.]
"Are you okay?"
[The Book's pages flip on their own, as if trying to show Pokotho something.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
You think any person He’s met doesn’t hate Him?
Bliklotep turns to watch Kik and Starry at the concerned question. Pokey lets the pages do what they need.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆I bet I could name someone!☆
☆Can you keep quiet? For once?☆
☆Ooh, someone's watching~! I mean, who wouldn't? We're a trainweck.☆
"...hm?"
☆Not now.☆
☆Aw, why? I'm just tellin' the truth.☆
"Oh. Sorry, Kik. 'M just a little..."
☆He waves his hand dismissively, smiling sheepishly.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik smiles gently at him.]
"Yeah, I get that way too sometimes."
[They reach and gently take his hand, squeezing it in their own. They don't pry, they don't feel like that would be useful. Instead, they'll stand with him.]
[Kik's copy of the Abdominal Tome is not an exact replica, and as it flips itself open to the middle pages that becomes more and more apparent. Little notes hug the margins, sticky notes decorate passages, some passages are even added to the Book, providing relevant information. Kik's handwriting is neat and small in black ink. They knew a lot more about The Book than anyone had previously thought: and this was proof.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
[Kik shivers on the floor, bound at the ankles and wrists, blindfolded, and gagged. The Fabric around them is strong and multicolored, shining in the dingy room. They pant through the gag, trying to lay on their stomach as much as possible. The room smells a little like burned flesh.]
( @starlighthome74 )
Footsteps clamor nearby. Tinky slides into view, looking around.
Kik? Kik?!
The familiar smell of burnt flesh stings. He spots them in their painful state, heart pounding.
Oh, Lo - oh, shit-
[Kik watches the reactions, sees all the fear and confusion and something inside them sparks dangerously. Rage boils and bubbles in their chest, melting the icy layer of fear that held them in place.]
[They're getting quite tired of feeling like nothing they do matters. They were getting really fucking tired of feeling like they could never protect their family, their home. The words of Their Father echo in their mind, singing and burning and wrapping around them like the tentacles had:
You can do nothing.
Fuck that. They could do anything. And if they couldn't do, then they'd try. And they'd prove it. Their copy of The Black Book rumbles where it lays among the rest of their items in response.]
"No. The scars can stay."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
The Black Book rumbling startles them. They stiffen and scramble to huddle together before noticing it’s Kik’s magic. Their own fear, hinted with anger, still hangs heavy.
…You’re sure?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆He looks to the book, tilting his head slightly.☆
"Hm. Would you look at that."
@starlighthome74
"I'm sure."
[There is a certainty to them that is... different than before. It carries in the tone of their voice, in the set of their jaw. Something changed.]
"It's okay, He isn't here. I was in the Black. It's safe here."
[Their magic tastes different. A lot more potent, thick and cedar-smelling, like winter in the woods. It fills the room as they think.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Their magic isn’t oppressive, yet still a different kind of familiar. The smell and cold it brings is enough to snap them back. A few of them breathe it in.
Right. Right. See? We’re fine, brothers. We can come up with a plan. We’re going to be OK.
The other four trail him as he stands and paces.
To kill Him? Can it be to kill Him?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Their magic is new, but not unwelcome. He thinks of Christmas time and of the movie nights that came with it. Of rest and of gossiping with—☆
☆Kill?☆
☆Quiet. Please.☆
@starlighthome74
"If you want it to be."
[Kik's voice is even and mild. They stand, slowly, expression a little unreadable. Their eyes are a slightly different color, colder.]
"But that's up to you. Whatever happens, I'm not letting him hurt any of us again."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Blinky winces.
As much as I hate to say it, we can’t start that without knowing any weaknesses He has.
Pokotho gets up to lift Kik’s Black Book out of their things, opening it carefully to flip through.
They won’t be in there.
You want to use ours? He’ll censor that even more.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Kill. They said kill. They said—☆
☆Relax. Breathe. He can't be killed.☆
☆I know!☆
☆Then stop talking.☆
☆Hmph.☆
☆Who made you the boss?☆
☆Shut up.☆
☆He has a good point.☆
☆We're the same person?!☆
"Shut up."
@starlighthome74
"He's hurt. Whatever damage Starry and I did, He's still recovering."
[Kik stares off into space, and the smell of cedar begins to shift to camp fire and flame. It's not uncomfortable, in fact it would feel comforting to anyone who knows Kik, the smell of camp fire and the hearth follows them everywhere. But it's larger than it was, powerful.]
"He is in pain."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokotho glances at the Star Watcher oddly, disregarding him in favor of the Book.
…With fire.
So we know He’s not impenetrable.
Yes, but if it’s just that…
@theorangestarwatcher
☆It takes him a while to focus. That's not to say it's quiet for him, though. When he does focus, he tries to back away from the group.☆
☆I don't wanna hear this.☆
☆Too bad, spacey.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik's Book feels warm in Pokotho's hand, responding to him with it's magic bubbling to the surface, spells aching to be spoken and whispered. A beat thumps through the cover, badum, badum, badum. Like a heart beat, slow and steady.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokey lays both hands on the pages, listening to the soft bump.
What about her?
The four snap to him.
What about her?
Pokotho tilts his head at the Book.
…
You don’t even know if she would want to. We don’t know her feelings on Him.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆At some point, he reaches a corner of the room. The body's eyes close, but he's still watching. From the outside, he looks distracted or zoning out.☆
☆Obviously, we can see the dude's hella focused on all of this.☆
"Calling me 'dude' isn't helping."
☆I wanna leave.☆
☆We're staying.☆
☆Why? So we can keep suffering?☆
☆We suffer either way. Get used to it.☆
☆I've had billions of years to get used to it! You get used to thinking about yourself!☆
☆I'm not doing this with you—☆
☆Coward.☆
☆...excuse me?☆
☆Fight! Fight! Fight!☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik has noticed the change in Starry's demeanor, the change in focus. Concerned, they watch him as he settles before finding their way beside him.]
"Are you okay?"
[The Book's pages flip on their own, as if trying to show Pokotho something.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
[Kik shivers on the floor, bound at the ankles and wrists, blindfolded, and gagged. The Fabric around them is strong and multicolored, shining in the dingy room. They pant through the gag, trying to lay on their stomach as much as possible. The room smells a little like burned flesh.]
( @starlighthome74 )
Footsteps clamor nearby. Tinky slides into view, looking around.
Kik? Kik?!
The familiar smell of burnt flesh stings. He spots them in their painful state, heart pounding.
Oh, Lo - oh, shit-
[Kik watches the reactions, sees all the fear and confusion and something inside them sparks dangerously. Rage boils and bubbles in their chest, melting the icy layer of fear that held them in place.]
[They're getting quite tired of feeling like nothing they do matters. They were getting really fucking tired of feeling like they could never protect their family, their home. The words of Their Father echo in their mind, singing and burning and wrapping around them like the tentacles had:
You can do nothing.
Fuck that. They could do anything. And if they couldn't do, then they'd try. And they'd prove it. Their copy of The Black Book rumbles where it lays among the rest of their items in response.]
"No. The scars can stay."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
The Black Book rumbling startles them. They stiffen and scramble to huddle together before noticing it’s Kik’s magic. Their own fear, hinted with anger, still hangs heavy.
…You’re sure?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆He looks to the book, tilting his head slightly.☆
"Hm. Would you look at that."
@starlighthome74
"I'm sure."
[There is a certainty to them that is... different than before. It carries in the tone of their voice, in the set of their jaw. Something changed.]
"It's okay, He isn't here. I was in the Black. It's safe here."
[Their magic tastes different. A lot more potent, thick and cedar-smelling, like winter in the woods. It fills the room as they think.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Their magic isn’t oppressive, yet still a different kind of familiar. The smell and cold it brings is enough to snap them back. A few of them breathe it in.
Right. Right. See? We’re fine, brothers. We can come up with a plan. We’re going to be OK.
The other four trail him as he stands and paces.
To kill Him? Can it be to kill Him?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Their magic is new, but not unwelcome. He thinks of Christmas time and of the movie nights that came with it. Of rest and of gossiping with—☆
☆Kill?☆
☆Quiet. Please.☆
@starlighthome74
"If you want it to be."
[Kik's voice is even and mild. They stand, slowly, expression a little unreadable. Their eyes are a slightly different color, colder.]
"But that's up to you. Whatever happens, I'm not letting him hurt any of us again."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Blinky winces.
As much as I hate to say it, we can’t start that without knowing any weaknesses He has.
Pokotho gets up to lift Kik’s Black Book out of their things, opening it carefully to flip through.
They won’t be in there.
You want to use ours? He’ll censor that even more.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Kill. They said kill. They said—☆
☆Relax. Breathe. He can't be killed.☆
☆I know!☆
☆Then stop talking.☆
☆Hmph.☆
☆Who made you the boss?☆
☆Shut up.☆
☆He has a good point.☆
☆We're the same person?!☆
"Shut up."
@starlighthome74
"He's hurt. Whatever damage Starry and I did, He's still recovering."
[Kik stares off into space, and the smell of cedar begins to shift to camp fire and flame. It's not uncomfortable, in fact it would feel comforting to anyone who knows Kik, the smell of camp fire and the hearth follows them everywhere. But it's larger than it was, powerful.]
"He is in pain."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Pokotho glances at the Star Watcher oddly, disregarding him in favor of the Book.
…With fire.
So we know He’s not impenetrable.
Yes, but if it’s just that…
@theorangestarwatcher
☆It takes him a while to focus. That's not to say it's quiet for him, though. When he does focus, he tries to back away from the group.☆
☆I don't wanna hear this.☆
☆Too bad, spacey.☆
@starlighthome74
[Kik's Book feels warm in Pokotho's hand, responding to him with it's magic bubbling to the surface, spells aching to be spoken and whispered. A beat thumps through the cover, badum, badum, badum. Like a heart beat, slow and steady.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Kik? You good?
[Kik's hands run up and down the texture of the scars on their leg. Raised burns that curl around their thigh. Something unreadable remains in their eyes.]
"I'll be just fine."
[Kik shivers on the floor, bound at the ankles and wrists, blindfolded, and gagged. The Fabric around them is strong and multicolored, shining in the dingy room. They pant through the gag, trying to lay on their stomach as much as possible. The room smells a little like burned flesh.]
( @starlighthome74 )
Footsteps clamor nearby. Tinky slides into view, looking around.
Kik? Kik?!
The familiar smell of burnt flesh stings. He spots them in their painful state, heart pounding.
Oh, Lo - oh, shit-
[Kik watches the reactions, sees all the fear and confusion and something inside them sparks dangerously. Rage boils and bubbles in their chest, melting the icy layer of fear that held them in place.]
[They're getting quite tired of feeling like nothing they do matters. They were getting really fucking tired of feeling like they could never protect their family, their home. The words of Their Father echo in their mind, singing and burning and wrapping around them like the tentacles had:
You can do nothing.
Fuck that. They could do anything. And if they couldn't do, then they'd try. And they'd prove it. Their copy of The Black Book rumbles where it lays among the rest of their items in response.]
"No. The scars can stay."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
The Black Book rumbling startles them. They stiffen and scramble to huddle together before noticing it’s Kik’s magic. Their own fear, hinted with anger, still hangs heavy.
…You’re sure?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆He looks to the book, tilting his head slightly.☆
"Hm. Would you look at that."
@starlighthome74
"I'm sure."
[There is a certainty to them that is... different than before. It carries in the tone of their voice, in the set of their jaw. Something changed.]
"It's okay, He isn't here. I was in the Black. It's safe here."
[Their magic tastes different. A lot more potent, thick and cedar-smelling, like winter in the woods. It fills the room as they think.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Their magic isn’t oppressive, yet still a different kind of familiar. The smell and cold it brings is enough to snap them back. A few of them breathe it in.
Right. Right. See? We’re fine, brothers. We can come up with a plan. We’re going to be OK.
The other four trail him as he stands and paces.
To kill Him? Can it be to kill Him?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Their magic is new, but not unwelcome. He thinks of Christmas time and of the movie nights that came with it. Of rest and of gossiping with—☆
☆Kill?☆
☆Quiet. Please.☆
@starlighthome74
"If you want it to be."
[Kik's voice is even and mild. They stand, slowly, expression a little unreadable. Their eyes are a slightly different color, colder.]
"But that's up to you. Whatever happens, I'm not letting him hurt any of us again."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Blinky winces.
As much as I hate to say it, we can’t start that without knowing any weaknesses He has.
Pokotho gets up to lift Kik’s Black Book out of their things, opening it carefully to flip through.
They won’t be in there.
You want to use ours? He’ll censor that even more.
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Kill. They said kill. They said—☆
☆Relax. Breathe. He can't be killed.☆
☆I know!☆
☆Then stop talking.☆
☆Hmph.☆
☆Who made you the boss?☆
☆Shut up.☆
☆He has a good point.☆
☆We're the same person?!☆
"Shut up."
@starlighthome74
"He's hurt. Whatever damage Starry and I did, He's still recovering."
[Kik stares off into space, and the smell of cedar begins to shift to camp fire and flame. It's not uncomfortable, in fact it would feel comforting to anyone who knows Kik, the smell of camp fire and the hearth follows them everywhere. But it's larger than it was, powerful.]
"He is in pain."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
[Kik shivers on the floor, bound at the ankles and wrists, blindfolded, and gagged. The Fabric around them is strong and multicolored, shining in the dingy room. They pant through the gag, trying to lay on their stomach as much as possible. The room smells a little like burned flesh.]
( @starlighthome74 )
Footsteps clamor nearby. Tinky slides into view, looking around.
Kik? Kik?!
The familiar smell of burnt flesh stings. He spots them in their painful state, heart pounding.
Oh, Lo - oh, shit-
[Kik watches the reactions, sees all the fear and confusion and something inside them sparks dangerously. Rage boils and bubbles in their chest, melting the icy layer of fear that held them in place.]
[They're getting quite tired of feeling like nothing they do matters. They were getting really fucking tired of feeling like they could never protect their family, their home. The words of Their Father echo in their mind, singing and burning and wrapping around them like the tentacles had:
You can do nothing.
Fuck that. They could do anything. And if they couldn't do, then they'd try. And they'd prove it. Their copy of The Black Book rumbles where it lays among the rest of their items in response.]
"No. The scars can stay."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
The Black Book rumbling startles them. They stiffen and scramble to huddle together before noticing it’s Kik’s magic. Their own fear, hinted with anger, still hangs heavy.
…You’re sure?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆He looks to the book, tilting his head slightly.☆
"Hm. Would you look at that."
@starlighthome74
"I'm sure."
[There is a certainty to them that is... different than before. It carries in the tone of their voice, in the set of their jaw. Something changed.]
"It's okay, He isn't here. I was in the Black. It's safe here."
[Their magic tastes different. A lot more potent, thick and cedar-smelling, like winter in the woods. It fills the room as they think.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
Their magic isn’t oppressive, yet still a different kind of familiar. The smell and cold it brings is enough to snap them back. A few of them breathe it in.
Right. Right. See? We’re fine, brothers. We can come up with a plan. We’re going to be OK.
The other four trail him as he stands and paces.
To kill Him? Can it be to kill Him?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆Their magic is new, but not unwelcome. He thinks of Christmas time and of the movie nights that came with it. Of rest and of gossiping with—☆
☆Kill?☆
☆Quiet. Please.☆
@starlighthome74
"If you want it to be."
[Kik's voice is even and mild. They stand, slowly, expression a little unreadable. Their eyes are a slightly different color, colder.]
"But that's up to you. Whatever happens, I'm not letting him hurt any of us again."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
[Kik shivers on the floor, bound at the ankles and wrists, blindfolded, and gagged. The Fabric around them is strong and multicolored, shining in the dingy room. They pant through the gag, trying to lay on their stomach as much as possible. The room smells a little like burned flesh.]
( @starlighthome74 )
Footsteps clamor nearby. Tinky slides into view, looking around.
Kik? Kik?!
The familiar smell of burnt flesh stings. He spots them in their painful state, heart pounding.
Oh, Lo - oh, shit-
[Kik watches the reactions, sees all the fear and confusion and something inside them sparks dangerously. Rage boils and bubbles in their chest, melting the icy layer of fear that held them in place.]
[They're getting quite tired of feeling like nothing they do matters. They were getting really fucking tired of feeling like they could never protect their family, their home. The words of Their Father echo in their mind, singing and burning and wrapping around them like the tentacles had:
You can do nothing.
Fuck that. They could do anything. And if they couldn't do, then they'd try. And they'd prove it. Their copy of The Black Book rumbles where it lays among the rest of their items in response.]
"No. The scars can stay."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
The Black Book rumbling startles them. They stiffen and scramble to huddle together before noticing it’s Kik’s magic. Their own fear, hinted with anger, still hangs heavy.
…You’re sure?
@theorangestarwatcher
☆He looks to the book, tilting his head slightly.☆
"Hm. Would you look at that."
@starlighthome74
"I'm sure."
[There is a certainty to them that is... different than before. It carries in the tone of their voice, in the set of their jaw. Something changed.]
"It's okay, He isn't here. I was in the Black. It's safe here."
[Their magic tastes different. A lot more potent, thick and cedar-smelling, like winter in the woods. It fills the room as they think.]
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
[Kik shivers on the floor, bound at the ankles and wrists, blindfolded, and gagged. The Fabric around them is strong and multicolored, shining in the dingy room. They pant through the gag, trying to lay on their stomach as much as possible. The room smells a little like burned flesh.]
( @starlighthome74 )
Footsteps clamor nearby. Tinky slides into view, looking around.
Kik? Kik?!
The familiar smell of burnt flesh stings. He spots them in their painful state, heart pounding.
Oh, Lo - oh, shit-
[Kik watches the reactions, sees all the fear and confusion and something inside them sparks dangerously. Rage boils and bubbles in their chest, melting the icy layer of fear that held them in place.]
[They're getting quite tired of feeling like nothing they do matters. They were getting really fucking tired of feeling like they could never protect their family, their home. The words of Their Father echo in their mind, singing and burning and wrapping around them like the tentacles had:
You can do nothing.
Fuck that. They could do anything. And if they couldn't do, then they'd try. And they'd prove it. Their copy of The Black Book rumbles where it lays among the rest of their items in response.]
"No. The scars can stay."
@thesiblingsoftheblackandwhite
