View source for 14386/LCR Part 4: Darkness

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2022/05/15
|Location=Backyard - Xavier's School
|Synopsis=A chat with the various forms of Kit lead to them being back where they belong, has left Kit with the key to unlocking a new aspect of his magic and has likely taught those involved a little more of exactly what dangers can come from whatever power the Aardwolf possesses.
|Cast of Characters=10042, 9766
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>It's late in the night, the stars are out and the weather is cold, but Jackal doesn't seem to mind any of this. His white fur almost blends into the snow beyond the school, or it would if it weren't for the black stripes that cover most of his body.<br><br>He looks a lot calmer now that he's outside and away from the others, though it might just be that he's let his fur lower back down, revealing that he is almost as slender as this dimensions Kit, though he's far more muscular and has a few more... bad habits.<br><br>One of those habits being indulged in once again as he holds the tip of his claws up to the end of a cigarette, breathing back the first few hits worth of the thing in one, long drag. Any observation of the young man at the moment would reveal how very, very twitchy he is, whether it's the fact that his tail is always tense, ears are always moving or the fact that his fur never fully settles back into place. He's in a hyper aware state even now, when he believes he isn't going to be bothered for the moment.

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's like he's a kitten playing with a ball of yarn. Eventually, he's going to get tangled with no way to wriggle his way out until he mews for help. But there's no mama cat that's going to come help, there's no big human ready to risk a few nervous scratches to free the ball of fluff from the tangled strands of yarn. No, Jax is going to have to untangle this one on his own, and he's going to have to do it in a way that he's not used to... using his noggin. It's a handsome noggin, he'd be the first to agree, but not particularly noted for its tendency towards deep and incisive thought.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It could be that's just lack of advertising.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And his noggin, for whatever reason, has prompted Jax to begin talking to Jackal before any of the others. Maybe it's the stress he can sense, maybe it's the hunted look, or the constant show of bravado... but there's something about this one that tells Jax he's more likely than the others to be honest. And honesty is what he needs, because an aspiring football star and would-be rock star can only spend so much time trying to untangle the mysteries of the multiverse before his brain overheats.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Luckily it's nice and cool out, and the only thing betraying Jax leaving the warmth of the mansion is the soft crunch of the snow under his bare paws. He's still dressed as he was when the confrontation happened in the common room, showing he must have come straight out before talking to anyone else. His fur will keep him warm. Probably. There's certainly enough of it.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So just in his sleeping shirt and a pair of shorts, Jax sits himself down on a snow covered bench, close to and looking at Jackal.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Behind him, in the dark, more figures move seemingly at random, a small contingent of cats prowling around in the snow.

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>The instant there's a sound or a hint of movement, the darkness around Jackal suddenly swirls together to become more tangible, his fur goes immediately on end and his attention turns to Jax, though the swirling shadows never fully take form into anything as he realizes who it is.<br><br>He's identified the cat and it seems like he's calming down at least, though he's apparently fairly on edge.<br><br>He takes another long drag and watches the feline take a seat on the bench, letting the smoke roll out of his nostrils before he gives a simple, "What do you want?"

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Same thing I wanted ten minutes ago. Which, you know, isn't the same I wanted half an hour ago. Half an hour ago, all I wanted was to continue my nap." It's fairly dark out, and Jax's eyes are glowing. The gentle blue eyes that most people see are gone in the night, replaced by two reflective orbs that seem to flash white with reflected illumination. The end result isn't scary, he's not going for scary, but it's not... Jax. It's not the happy go lucky fluff ball that tends to amble around amiably and play the clown. This is the shape and outline of an apex predator, silhouetted against the dark garden, with nigh on a dozen other reflective eyes flashing occasionally behind him.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kit's not okay. You know that. I know that. They all know that..." he gestures at the mansion, where the others are probably still gathered "... but half of them are too worried for themselves, and the other half only care about themselves. There's maybe one or two in there that'll give me a straight answer, and I'd have to beat around the bush for hours to get that far. Don't got that long, 'cause I'm actually pretty notorious for having no attention span. So ten minutes... that's already a stretch for me."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He pauses for a moment, to let that sink in. "If I still want the same thing after ten minutes, it's something serious. Something I really, deeply care about. And I care aobut Kit. I want him to be okay. And you're going to help me."

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>"I know that some extra-dimensional version of me decided to drag me here against my will," Jackal mutters, still studying Jax for a few moments before he sighs and turns his back again, adding, "And what if I can't help you?" before slipping the cigarette back into his maw. <br><br>He's going through the thing fairly quickly and when he gets a little low on one? He reaches into his pocket for the pack. His ears are twitching still, constantly twitching and every movement of his body seems calculated. He doesn't fidget, but he does shake ever so slightly and his body is endlessly tense, more so than this dimensions Kit would be.

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It was his book that did that, I think, not him. Not that it matters, you're here now. For now." English. Often times it's inadequate to express the nuances of inter-dimensional travel, although in fairness that is putting an unfair burden on the language. You'd probably need writing that moves by itself to do it justice.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You can help. Because you're one of the only versions Kit has called that can actually think for himself. You already suspect what's going on, and what can be done about it. But you're worried it's a trap, that someone's pulled you here to ambush you."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The eyes finally blink, and when the orbs are visible again they're no longer looking directly at Jackal, but at the roof. "I met a hunter a little while ago. Tried to ambush Kit while we were having a picnic. Can't imagine what that's like, being hunted your entire life, having to check every corner twice..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The orbs look back, and Jax's tail sways for just a moment behind him, brushing the snow. "Actually I do. Kind of. There's only one hunter that actually wants to kill me, but there's hundreds that just wanna ambush me. And they can do it legally, out in the open. It's not the same, I know. But this place is safe. My own Kit wouldn't be here if it wasn't, and anyone trying to get in here uninvited... let's just say it never happens."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then, with an exaggerated motion, he brushes the snow off the bench next to him, and pats the surface. "So why don't you come sit with me? Relax for a moment."

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>The mere mention of a hunter gets Jackal's attention, but he doesn't go over and sit, nor does he stop scanning his surroundings. "Legally, there's a word I haven't heard in a while." he says with the faintest of chuckles. "And trust me. I have a good reason to think being dragged to another dimension is some kind of trap.. Wouldn't be the first time they've tried it."<br><br>He might not be willing to sit down, but at very least he's visibly relaxing, though that could also be the nicotine he's practically drowning his brain in at the moment as he lights another cancer stick off the cherry of the first. Then something seems to get his attention and he turns to look at Jax again, tilting his head a little. "Book...? Wait, which book?" After all, he might be a different version, but Jackal seems to have at least some of the same knowledge as this dimensions version.

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's hard to miss the sudden attention being paid, which Jax will take as a good sign. "He was reading a book. The book decided he was in trouble, so someone trapped inside the book, calling themselves an avatar of something or other summoned help. Pretended to be Kit too, didn't fool me for a moment."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And at that, Jax taps his nose.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wrong smell. He sent us into Kit's mind. And there I saw anger chained to Kit, I saw confusion, I saw humiliation and loathing. I mean, good thing nobody ever looks in my head 'cause it's half nothing and half chaos, but I could tell he's ... in trouble. Like he doesn't know where to go from here."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A sigh, and Jax reaches up to slick back his hair, flattening his ears momentarily in the same gesture. "It's hard to explain this, man. My whole ambition in life is literally to be paid to chase balls. I don't have a head for magic." That, at least, seems to be the literal truth. But is it the technical truth?

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>Jackal just shrugs and murmurs, "Sounds like he's going through what I went through when I was twelve.." Then he pauses for a moment before giving a little shrug and adding, "Probably not for the same reason though. Or at least, I'd certainly hope not."<br><br>Then Jax says that last little bit and Jackal just kinda laughs and shakes his head a little. "Ain't really that smart myself if I'm being honest. I learned how to use my magic out of necessity, but I don't understand it well enough."

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And now there's an almost laugh. Progress! So Jax gives a self deprecating shrug. "You still know infinitely more than I do about it. And if it's something you've gone through, you can help. Like I wish someone could have told me about this whole shedding twice a year thing, and how dangerous doors can be to tails. Had to figure that stuff out by myself, 'cause none of the people I knew were giant cats. So much stuff you need to know about being a cat that nobody can tell you about... and other cats won't, 'cause a lot of cats are jerks."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then the volume and cadence of his voice softens, as if he's making a personal admission. "It's hard to grow up being unique. You know that. Everyone who lives here knows that, 'cause everyone who lives here has that problem. But we can't help Kit. At least we could figure most of my problems out 'cause they weren't too different from actual cats, but how do you help a magical aardwolf? I mean, where do you find one of those?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hint. Hint. Massive, massive hint.

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>There's actually a moment where his ears stop, which for a man who is always twitching? Probably not a normal phenomenon. Then he gives a sigh and gives Jax another glance and asks, "How often does he come back home smelling like blood..?"<br><br>It's a blunt question, but it gets blunter and possibly a little accusatory when Jackal adds, "And I don't mean his own. If he's anything like me, that boy's been fucked up left, right and center for half his life already."<br><br>Thankfully, it would be an easy question to answer, since it doesn't happen.. Or at least, he didn't come home for a while when and if it did. <br><br>Then again... There was that week that he disappeared for some reason and a quarter of the schools staff went out to try and find him..

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Blood? Nah nev-" Click. There was a section in maths that he had to study not too long ago, concerning statistics. Survivor bias, it was called, and the concept of it comes back to Jax just as he was about to make that quick assessment and easier answer. And so he stops, and thinks (which detractors will always say happens so rarely it should be marked on the calendar as an event), and then amends that statement.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I've never smelled him coming home with someone else's blood on him. But that doesn't mean anything, 'cause there's days he doesn't come home." Ah yes. Some sense is being made. "There was an incident a while ago. He's pretty torn up about it, even saw it as a flashback in his head. Some guy was bullying a kid, Kit tried to teach the guy a lesson, guy turns out to have powers, bad things happened."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brief pause, as Jax's ears flicker, a sure sign of deep thought. "In the mind scape, it was that thing which we think symbolises his anger that did the damage."

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>There's a little pause as Jackal listens to Jax, keeping his eyes on him for a moment and even after the cat stops talking, he just sort of stares at him for a few moments before he gives an almost annoyed, "... Did they survive?" There's something more than just the simple question in those words. He's looking for something. <br><br>The mention of the thing that represented Kits anger though? That brings more questions, "The thing in his head.. Was he controlling it? Or was it the one in control?"

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah, they lived. Barely." It's strange to discuss this with Jackal, especially because it took a while for Jax to hear it from Kit. Somehow talking about it feels like a betrayal of trust, but then again... he's technically talking to Kit from elsewhere. We can add Jax's mind to things not well suited to multidimensional encounters. "I think he even went to look them up in hospital afterwards. He's a nice guy... he tries to be nice." Yeah, that had to be amended again.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But the second question has the cat thinking again. "We saw it three times in his mind. Once during the incident, and it was absolutely in control. Then again in a flashback when he was trying to get out of the compound, but got teleported the moment he went over the wall, straight into the pond. Was another thing there then too, but he sent that one away. Anger thing was there but didn't really do anything. Last time we saw it though, it was chained to him, and he was in control."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For a moment, Jax replays that mental flashback in his mind's eye, and then shrugs. "Much as anyone can be in control of that thing, I suppose, but I'm worried he was using it to open a door. I mean... there were a hundred other ways of doing what he did, but he had the anger thing slash the lock open."

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>And that gets an almost hurt look from Jackal as he mutters, "So he chose Hate," and snuffs out his cigarette, then walks over and finally plonks himself down on the bench and adds, "question now is whether or not he surrendered to it."<br><br>Then, Jackal holds his paws out in front of him and the shadows around him slowly start to creep around his wrists, the fur they touch suddenly burning away, replaced by some kind of metallic fabric.<br><br>For what it is, it's a surprisingly fast process when the shackles and chains form, the shadows bleeding into reality in the form of a massive creature, the same creature that was in Kit's head, is now flesh and blood in front of the two, crouches and sitting like some kind of macabre hound shackled to its masters wrists.. Or at least, that's how it might seem at first..<br><br>But there are no locks on the shackles, there are no seems or any way to take them off. "They're a byproduct of our family line as far as I can tell.. Happens occasionally when your fathers power literally comes from denizens of hell."

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the shadows coalesce into reality, and the chains come into view, Jax's eyes visibly widen. His fur stands on end just looking at the thing, and it takes all his willpower not to hiss at it. After a few moments he recovers his magnanimity, and gets a good whiff of that new creature. Smoke, sulphur... he knows that smell. That exact smell. Or, perhaps... not quite.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's... that's the thing alright. Smells almost the same." And since this is a time for being /exact/, he even clarifies that. "Same composition of smells, just... it wasn't as strong in Kit's mind. This thing smells more like it than the other one, if that makes sense?" Olfactory theory, it's almost as hard to explain as multidimensional travel, but it's one thing Jax's mind is absolutely wired for. "So it's hate, not anger." Yeah, massive difference. And a worrying one.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But there's a more pressing issue, and Jax turns his head enough to be able to look directly at Jackal. "So how do we get these shackles off you?"

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>"You don't." Jackal and the creature are speaking in unison in those two words, then both of them look at Jax and Jackal explains, "My shackles became permanent the first time I took a life of my own accord. I ceased to be.. Whatever your version of me still is and became a Champion of Hate." Then the creature leans in to study Jax for a moment before it explains in it's own, disturbing way, "He called into the void for strength, he knew my price."<br><br>It's a harsh truth, but in some cases there aren't happy endings. "The pact of a Champion isn't something you can break. Not with how mine was made, at least."

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When you look into the void, the void stares back. It's something Jax had heard said plenty of times, but this is the first time that he's actually looking at a being of said void. He doesn't blink. Not because he's trying to make a point, but because for a moment he has forgotten how, until the strong smell of the thing jolts his brain into sudden overdrive. "See any hate in me? You'll have to look pretty deep." And now he is looking at the thing with some defiance. He knows hate. That is to say, until now, he thought he knew hate, but after this he will know hate even better. Not that scary up close.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We do what we gotta do, man, I'm not gonna judge you for whatever happened that made this..." a vague indication towards the creature "... happen. Just wish I could help you make it not have happened, but that's kind of impossible in life, isn't it? 'cause life sucks a lot of times."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then a deeper insight, spurred by the recollection of scents from the others. "I could always kind of smell it on you, and I can smell other things on the others. They're all champions of something, aren't they? Pride, envy, lust, all that stuff?"

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>Jackal shakes his head as the creature, the chains and even the shackles vanish from sight, drifting away on the air like mist. "Honestly? I wished it didn't happen too, for a while. But honestly? It was either this or die with the rest of my family and I'm sort of fond of being alive." Then there's a sudden jump and even a snarl from the white-furred yeen as a crackle of pale green energy forms around his shoulders, into a pair of arms.. <br><br>There is a Kit, hugging a Kit and the best distinction between them? One is black, the other is white.. This is Shadow, who speaks in barely a whisper, saying, "No one is going to hurt you and no one is going to judge you.. So, can we just be calm?"<br>"GET OFF'A ME!!"<br><br>Then a yeen literally goes flying a few feet and lands on his back with a thud and a gasp and Jackal is on his feet, fur once again up and eyes black as he snaps, "Damnit.. DON'T SNEAK UP ON ME!!" Woops..<br><br>Jackal stands there for a moment, visibly trying to calm down, right up until he takes two steps and literally plonks down in the snow. Well, that's one way to cool off.

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I get it man... breathing is addictive. Life grabs ya and won't let go. Don't think anyone has ever been blamed for..." But whatever Jax was going to say is interrupted by Shadow pouncing Jackal, and the inevitable happens.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For a moment, Jax just breathes deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. It's an oddly human gesture. So when he stands, there's no doubt that there's a whole lot of frustration being held in check, just barely, by a cat whose personality appears to be a mile wide and an inch deep... but which may very well shelve very deeply away to almost abyssal depths once away from the obvious shore line. "Will you two finally knock it off?!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;First off, he stalks over to where Shadow lays, glowering. "You don't need to fix everyone! Your own happiness, your own value, isn't determined by how people around you feel. Helping someone doesn't mean grabbing them and trying to make them feel better. It means talkign to them, getting to know what's wrong with them, what bothers them, and then helping them overcome their own issues with a bit of help from yourself. Nudge, don't cling!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And after that tirade he offers the white furred yeen his paw to help him up, before stalking over to Jackal.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You've been to dark places, my friend, and you reached out to the dark because it's what you knew. You though it was your friend, and now that you know it's not, now that you're chained to the dark, you're doing the best you can. I get it. I'm not here to judge your choices, I ain't here to tell you that what you did was wrong. Just that it's not the choice everyone would have made, but it's the choice you made in the end. There's nobody that can fault you for that."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brief.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pause.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But you gotta start seeing that your choice was personal, and that not everyone will see it that way. You don't gotta convince them, that's pointless. All of them, all the others, they made their own choices, and for their own personal reasons. It's done. So stop being sensitive about it when they needle you, 'cause that way the darkness only gets stronger. You're chained together, that don't make you the slave."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then, too, he offers Jackal a paw up.

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>Shadow sits up almost instantly after skidding to a stop, then notices Jax coming over and when the feline starts talking? His ears just sort of, fold back.. "I.. usually don't try to help.." he says with one of those all-too-fake sort of smiles. "Him and I are opposites, from the sound of it.." There's a smell of moist, cold rot that caresses the air around him as a collar forms around his neck and a figure starts to form behind him, swirling into existence from the yeens very shadow. It's the figure of a woman, though distorted and cloaked like before. "I didn't want anyone to feel the sorrow I felt.. So I learned to be unseen." His words are spoken in unison with the quiet voice of the cloaked figure behind him, though eventually it speaks of it's own accord. "Sometimes all we can do, is try to help. Even if it will never mean anything."<br><br>Eventually Shadow takes the offered hand and stands, offering a little smile before he looks to Jackal, his head tilting a little as he gives a simple, "Sorry.. I didn't mean to startle you."<br><br>Jackal finally huffs, his fur slowly going down as he hears the apology, then looks to Jax as he approaches, listening to what he says and giving a faint sigh as he explains, "I wish you were right." Then he takes the offered hand and stands, looking at Jax for a moment before he explains, "As for being sensitive?" He just sort of chuckles and shakes his head, "Not the first one to tell me that, though normally I don't try to be this kind either." Then he gives a shrug and muses, "But you're right. I'll try to keep that in mind going forward." <br><br>It takes a moment for Jackal to look at Shadow again, but when he does he just gives a sigh and states, "Next time, ask before touching." rather flatly, but gives a little shrug after and adds, "Apology accepted."<br><br>After a moment, there's a slow, quiet clap that can be heard from nearer to the doors of the school, coming from a tall, slender yeen with tan fur and stripes of a strange, almost metallic gold. He seems much older than the rest of the version of Kit, but for some reason he seems no less familiar. For the moment, he remains quiet, doesn't approach and the only show of his presence is the slow, quiet clapping, punctuated by a gentle smile.

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"All you can do is try. Try and succeed, try and fail, try and tread water... the important thing is try." This is said for the benefit of both Shadow and Jackal, but secretly Jax is pleased that some progress is being made. There's some work ahead if they ever want to form their own football team, but the foundation is suddenly there, something solid to build on. Now, if only...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The slow clap doesn't startle him as much as annoy. It's the kind of ovation you get from someone determined to be a pain, someone determined to point out in exact detail how futile any of your attempts are. Someone who, most likely, isn't even aware that's what they're doing.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So with ears swiveled to the fore, and his head canted slightly to the side, Jax faces the new yeen. "Look, I've got the champion of sorrow and the champion of darkness here, so if you're the champion of sarcasm you can knock it off, understand? I'm not in the mood."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deep breath!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Practice what you preach!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sorry 'bout that, long day, my nap got interrupted." It's with another pleasant smile that Jax walks across the snow to the tan and gold yeen. "Come to join our little gathering?"

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>"Come to warn them, actually." comes a soft voice, though the lips of the golden-striped yeen don't exactly seem to move. "The one who dreams is destined to wake soon." Then he studies Jax for not much longer than a few seconds before he adds, "And it's understandable. I'd assume no harm was meant."<br><br>Every movement from the tan and gold yeen is sluggish, calculated and precise, though his tone sounds rather cold and emotionless, even if there is an attempt made to sound anything but.<br><br>Jackal just sort of sighs and rubs at the back of his head as he mutters, "And here I was hoping I wouldn't have to go back so soon.." Then he gives a shrug and starts towards the door, stopping by Jax to give him a glance and a little smile. "I'll think on what you've said, because you are right.. I may be bound to Hate, but I shouldn't let myself be a slave to it."<br><br>The tan furred yeen turns after a moment and both him and Jackal turn towards the door, the embodiment of hate following for a moment before it dissolves into mist and tails off into his shadow.<br><br>Shadow meanwhile, sticks around for a moment, then walks over towards Jax and watches the other two. He watches them start off, trying to make sure they're out of earshot before he turns his attention back to Jax and tilts his head a little. "First time, by the way? Dealing with a break like this I mean.." he asks, rather curiously.

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Then it's nearly time we face what comes." Jax responds to the tan furred one, with a half smile. Nope, not gonna worry at all about the fact that the greatest decision his friend will ever have to face is right there just over the horizon, and rapidly accelerating towards them. "Thanks for the warning."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And when both tan fur and Jackal head for the door, Jax calls after them. "Hey, just remember... choices you made in the past? We gotta live with them, but they don't have to define us our entire lives. Be safe man, both of you. And if you ever need to come talk... well, I'll be here." He's not quite sure how they'd get back, but he hopes, really do hopes, there's a Jax somewhere waiting for them in their own realities.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Because one thing is for certain. Without a Jax in his life, his friend tends to make some seriously radical decisions.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The coterie of cats comes slinking back, after having spent a lot of time just out of sight. They're still a bit suspicious of Shadow, but there's some cautious creeping closer to him.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah." he answers the white furred one, looking up at the room where his friend still sleeps. "And if I've got anything to say 'bout it, it'll be the last too."

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>Shadow actually laughs a little and shakes his head slowly. "Probably wont be.. The one thing that connects us all is our magic." Then he turns his attention to Jax and explains, "This isn't the first break for most of us.. It's my third, his fourth.." he says with a motion to the departing Jackal. "and him?" He stares at the departing tan furred version of them and admits, "I have no idea how often he's dealt with it.."<br><br>Then, he takes something out from under his collar and offers it to Jax, giving a little smile. "These breaks are part of our existence, but it's also how we grow stronger. Though I'll admit, this one was more chaotic than it probably should have been." The item he offers Jax is a small piece of ribbon, tattered and torn and obviously well loved. "Give this to him when he wakes.. He'll know what it is immediately."

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And in how many of those breaks did you come across me? Or any friends that stood with him?" Jax asks, taking the ribbon as if it's a sacred relic. He's no expert, but he knows a childhood memento when he sees one. But before he just blindly gives something to his friend after a moment of crisis, there's something he needs to know.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This won't bind him to some form of choice, will it? He's not going to become the champion of something all of a sudden? 'cause no offense, but seeing how all the others turned out by throwing in with some kind of ... metaphysics, it don't seem to be working out too well. The only thing I see is that, with nobody to rely on, he's gonna to rely on an aspect of himself, or an aspect of magic, or an aspect of whatever. When what he really needs right now is to be able to rely on his friends."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A rather intense look follows. "So, no mysteries, no fooling around, no nonsense. You give your word that, when I give this to him, he won't turn into one of you."

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>"It's a choice, but not one that binds him to a spirit." Shadow says plainly. "It'll allow him to grow at his own pace and it will give him a safer way to initiate a break.. One that won't cause as much damage to your reality." Then he looks to the now fading embodiment of Sorrow and explains, "And for what it's worth? Three of us have become Champions.. Myself, Jackal and Rage.. As for the number of times I've seen one like this?" His ears fold ever so slightly as he admits, "This is a first.. Normally we're solitary creatures, but yours made a choice that none of us did. Well, almost none of us.."<br><br>Then Shadow looks to the ribbon and explains, "That cloth represents a choice to remain as he is, or to become stronger in his own way. There is something he's been striving for, but it's something that eludes him. That's part of why these breaks happen." Then he looks to Jax and adds, "Might want to talk to him though before he uses it.. It's not a choice he should make without consideration from his friends."

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sound advice. Thanks man." And his easy smile returns, perhaps with a tinge of sorrow in it. "Same offer applies, by the way. If you need someone to talk to, I'll be here. And I'd like to think that, in your reality, there's someone like me too. Maybe try to find them? Because I can't imagine there's a world somewhere without a Jax in it. That'd be an empty reality." That last bit he says with a wink, and then opens his arms to invite Shadow in for a hug. If anyone of the yeens needs it, it seems this one does.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then, of course... time to go wake up a sleeping yeen.

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>Shadow would accept the offered hug, though for something so timid, he's also apparently REMARKABLY strong. "I'll see if I can find them then." he says with a smile, then noses at the felines cheek before his form simply vanishes into a sudden blur, like a mirage dissipating into the air.<br><br>By the time Jax makes it up to Kit's room, the Yeen is already sitting up in bed, rubbing at his head a little. There's a little stretch and a wide yawn, then he stands up and walks over to a desk and a pitcher, grabbing himself something to drink.

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Really though, Jax should have at least gone back to his room to change, but oh well. Shirt and shorts it is... besides, he's pretty sure his friend won't mind. There's a surprising amount of determination about his strides, still a silent as ever, and before long he's knocking on Kit's door. Knocking, and letting himself in. "Hey man, how you feeling?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The way Jax looks, as if he's been sitting out in the snow for a while, and the fact that he didn't wait to be invited in probably means something is afoot. His tail swishes out of the way while he closes the door, and looks at his friend. "We ehmm... we gotta talk 'bout something. Probably best if you sit down first."

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>Well, that's.. different? Kit notices Jax and tilts his head for a moment as he downs his drink, then walks over to his bed, grabs his blanket and walks over to Jax, wrapping the blanket around him as he says, "You look like you've been outside." Then the comment about them needing to talk and the yeens ears almost immediately fold back as he asks, "What's going on?" almost looking a little worried.<br><br>As for sitting down? Nope, he doesn't look like he's sitting down at the moment, nor does it look like he's going to, at least not right away. Worried yeens tend to not relax too well.

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ooh, warm! Jax's ears perk right up when gets a blanked wrapped around him, visibly snug and happy in that cocoon. He sits himself down on the bed, and from the recesses of the blanket produces the frayed ribbon. "While you were sleeping... there was some kind of ehm... magical event. An avatar from a book you were reading pretended to be you, got found out, told us you were in trouble and ... had to make a choice. It ... sort of... sent us into your dreams."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah, the more he talks about it, the more absurd it sounds. He can only hope his obvious signs of sincerity will convince his friend.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And a dream version of you warned us that you were getting close to a choice, and from what I could tell, a pretty big one." Is he even telling this right? "Anyway, when we got back from your dream, there was a..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay, probably best to use the terms the others used.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... a break. There were versions of you here, all kind of different, all... I dunno, just different. And they didn't seem to like each other very much. We got them together, finally, got them talking, and turns out that they're all you, but with different pasts, different decisions. Some of them... some of them chose some very dark things. All for their own reasons, and I told 'em you can't second guess someone's choices, and..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nope, this isn't working. So instead he looks directly into Kit's eyes, with that same quiet intensity.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm here for you, okay? When you feel like you want to reach out to the darkness, or find your answers into some dangerous book of magic, or whatever, I'm here for you. To talk, to help, to... to... I dunno, to make sure you don't become a slave to rage, or sorrow, or darkness, or logic. To help you, even if I don't understand half of this magic stuff."

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>Kit just sort of listens, ears perked forward and head tilted to one side, but when Jax mentions Rage and Sorrow he gets this weird look in his eye and wrinkles his nose. "So you know about them, then.." he says with a little nod, then rubs at the back of his neck and explains, "My family has a history of becoming Champions, they aren't the only spirits or daemon who are available to me though." Then he gives a little chuckle and adds, "Actually, I've been considering options other than becoming one, there's a lot to gain from it, but I don't like the idea of having two other people permanently in my head."<br><br>Then the yeen gently nuzzles against Jax's cheek and smiles a little, "I know, it's just a little difficult sometimes to talk about these sort of things. Hell, even I don't fully understand my magic, no one in my family does save for my grandpa and all he's told me is that it can be different for everyone who has it."

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jax's arm wraps around Kit's shoulders immediately, and pulls the yeen into a hug. He still doesn't understand all of it, but he's glad that from the sound of things he still got here in time to stop his friend from... well, from becoming something completely different. "Trust me, from what I've seen, becoming a Champion sucks. Every one of you that's done it has regretted it." Well, he's sure of two, and fairly certain of the third. A safe bet, probably.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"One of them said... that you can grow, without having to rely on these breaks, or without becoming a champion. Told me to give you this..." and the ribbon is duly handed over, with as much dignity and ceremony that a blanket wrapped Jax can muster. "Said you'd know what to do with it, and that we should probably talk before you did."

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>Kit just wraps his arms around the feline and holds him close, chuckling a little as he muses, "hon? My dad's a Champion. I actually understand that form of magic better than my own." Then he gives a playful little grin and adds, "But again, my dad's one of them and he's flat out nuts.. Not exactly my style." Then he licks Jax's cheek and when he's given the ribbon? He stares at it for a moment before he perks up and asks, "So, let me get this strait.. While I was asleep, there were other versions of me and one of them gave you this..?"

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's very hard not to purr when being hugged by your best friend and having your cheek licked. Oh, who is he trying to fool? He purrs like a diesel engine.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And nods, of course. "Yeah. He asked if it was my first time dealing with a break, said it wasn't his first, and then gave me that ribbon to give to you. Look, I don't understand it, not all the way anyway, but from what I could tell... all the other ones? They never had anyone to look out for them."

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>"Honestly, until you and Jean found me? I was sort of the same way.." Kit admits with a little shrug. "Sometimes it's easier to be alone, but between that and what I have here?" He gives a little grin and rests his chin on Jax's head and hugs him a little tighter before loosening his grip ever so slightly. "I prefer being here than on my own. Especially if you're here with me."<br><br>Then he turns his attention back down to the ribbon and explains, "This is a focus.. Think of it like an arcane 'how to guide', but more of a one time use sort of deal." There's a little pause before he looks back to Jax and adds, "My grandpa told me about these, but I didn't think they actually existed." as he sort of fiddles with it in one paw. "They're a way for someone like me to gain power, but they're supposed to be remarkably rare and most magi can't even use them.."

:'''{{#var:9766|Jax (9766)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They say everything happens for a reason." Jax happily murmurs, with the weight of his friend's chin on top of his head. And Kit prefers being here, especially if Jax is with him? Yeah, those ears blush instantly. After the stress and, yes, anger of the last few hours, this is a nice change.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, we find someone who can help you figure out the focus. If it means you don't have to become chained to some kind of shadow thing, or turn into..." Pause. There were more horrible yeens there than the Champions. "... If it helps to prevent this from happening to you again, then whatever I can do to help, I'll do. But you gotta promise me... no pacts with creatures of darkness, no reading..." And as he points to where the magic books once lay, he's surprised to see it's actually gone.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huh. Guess it really did run away."

:'''{{#var:10042|Kit Killovarras (10042)}} has posed:'''<br>Kit looks towards where the book once was and tilts his head, then perks up a little and laughs a little as he explains, "If you're talking about the book, that was more me asking a family friend for advice.." Then he looks around for a moment before he shakes his head and frowns, "And yeah, it does tend to just up and vanish like that sometimes." he says with a shrug, then looks down to Jax and nods. "As for pacts? Yeah, I'll promise that one for certain, I don't plan on making any. Like I said, not exactly my style."<br><br>Then his attention goes back down to the ribbon and he shakes his head. "It's not as easy as that.. Like I said, it's sort of a one time use thing and they're usually made specifically for the magi they're --" He pauses in what he's saying as the ribbon starts to slither up his arm, coining around it slowly as he finishes the thought. "Made specifically for the magi who are meant to use them.."<br><br>Yeah, tattered piece of ribbon just decided to be a little more animated than it should be. That's not freaky at all.
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