OH-HO-HO, WHAT’S THIS? A LEAF OFF THE OL’ TREEBEARD? (floats over, circles, PEERS AT with that scathing eyeball wide) YOU SMELL AN AWFUL LOT LIKE A DANGLING PLOT THREAD.

--

Yeah, and no. I’m from a different timeline. One where the heist worked.

(He growls out the word. Seems like the apathetic kid recently got a little fire to him.)

I’ve heard stuff like that before--that all I do is hang around, waiting. Sawyer doesn’t know how lucky he is. The whole multiverse works on such stupid rules that he got his whole world and his family back.

He was still cold. He was still colorless and empty. But now he felt all those things, and it was exhilarating. Outwardly, he was just as quiet as ever, but on the inside, his mind was on fire.

Bill prodded the remnant with his cane. HE’LL BE FINE. HE’S HAD PRACTICE. He floated down to Hollow’s level, where he lay curled up on the floor. HEY. KID. ALL THAT CIPHER NOT AGREEING WITH YA?

Hollow opened his eyes. Still empty and cold, but now a sickly, translucent yellow.

He got to his feet and gave a small smile.

“Say something?” one of the henches ventured. Bill shushed them.

Hollow tried to walk, swaying dizzily on his feet. Then he broke down into giggles. “G-God, that was so stupid! Did you see his face?” The remnant sank to his knees, tears streaming down his face. “I feel funny...like...”

Bill was watching him with undisguised intrigue. LIKE WHAT, KIDDO?

“Like...” Hollow suddenly collapsed again, holding his head in pain. There was a disturbing pulsing sounds that was getting louder and louder. White roots erupted from his back and dug into the floor.

Bill jumped back a safe distance away. THOUGHT SO. C’MON, GUYS, LET’S LEAVE HIM TO, UH... ASSIMILATE. I’LL COVER ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE.

He does normally keep things quiet, but that doesn’t mean that he’s talking to anyone I should be concerned about.

He could be talking to Dale.

...

Don’t pretend you don’t know exactly what he’s talking about. Look, it’s not my job to tell you everything. It’s just...

[Colorful Headcanons]

Frost Blue: does your muse enjoy the snow and cold? or are they the type to enjoy summer more?

((He has faint memories of the seasons because of Sawyer, but he has never experienced them as himself. He doesn’t really care either way.))

Burnt Umber: how stable is your muse, mentally and/or emotionally?

((He’s miserable and angry a lot of the time, and the times when he’s halfway cheerful aren’t much better. It’s a relief in a way when his Cipher calls him to do what he was created to do, even if he has to crush the guilt before it grows.))

Currant: what's something that absolutely disgusts your muse (can be a person, place, thing, etc.)?

( send me a copic color for a headcanon )

frost blue: does your muse enjoy the snow and cold? or are they the type to enjoy summer more?

peacock blue: is your muse honest? what sorts of lies do they tell, if not?

lapis lazuli: does your muse prefer the idea of exploring the depths of the oceans, or the boundless expanses of space more?

reddish brass: how likely is your muse to step up and take the role of a leader? are they willing to take the challenge, or are they more apt to being a follower?

burnt umber: how stable is your muse, mentally and/or emotionally?

champagne: does your muse drink (alcohol)? are they a heavy drinker, if so?

tea orange: what is something that your muse is fascinated with?

malachite: has your muse ever done anything that they winded up feeling incredibly guilty for in the end?

olive: is your muse prone to feeling envious of others? if yes, what is it that they typically feel envious over?

vermillion: is your muse courageous, or would they consider themselves to be more of a coward?

coral: what is your muse's romantic and sexual orientations?

bougainvillaea: would your muse consider themselves as blunt, or do they beat around the bush instead?

currant: what's something that absolutely disgusts your muse (can be a person, place, thing, ect)?

crimson: how passionate is your muse about the things they love most?

raspberry: what food and/or drink can your muse not get enough of? do they indulge in it often, or is it something reserved for special occasions?

baby blossoms: does your muse have a favorite scent? what is it, and why?

mallow: what sorts of things might remind your muse of those close to them? any scents, objects, sounds?

aubergine: does your muse prefer the day, or are they more of a night-owl?

acacia: how much does it take for your muse to hate someone?

cadmium yellow: what subjects or topics does your muse avoid, because they bring up harmful / painful memories?

honey: when your muse loves someone (whether it be romantic, platonic, or familial love), how do they show it?

chartreuse: if you had to describe your muse with a color, what color would it be and why?

anise: when it comes to self-care, what does your muse do to take care of themselves? do they take care to spend time on it, or do they feel they don't deserve it?

new leaf: what message would your muse send to their past self, if any?

moss: how easily does your muse adapt to any new situations they're thrust into?

silk: does your muse care about appearances much? do they spend a lot of time on their own appearance, or do they just go with the flow each day?

sanguine: does your muse typically have an optimistic, pessimistic, or some middle ground outlook on life?

atoll: if your muse could go anywhere, without any restrictions whatsoever, where would they go? why would they go there?

cool grey: if your muse could ensure one thing for certain in their future to come, what would it be?