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[It takes Syaoran a moment to puzzle together who this is-- he didn't know anyone named Glitch, but the voice sounded familiar-- when the mention of them being kids jolts his memory. Oh. The blue hair, the electrical powers... who else in Deerington could that be? At least this saves him the awkwardness of asking for his name now, anyway...]

... hey Glitch. Just Li's fine, if that's okay.

[Not because he was mad at him or anything-- it was just a name-intimacy thing is all! (Usagi only got a pass because she nearly died in his apartment, unfortunately)]

Anyway, I should be apologizing for August, not you. I... wasn't the best person at that age, and I did a lot more harm to you than you did to me. Save the smoothie money and don't worry too much about it.

[There's a contemplative silence for about a moment or two, before he continues.]

As for the tattoo, I haven't went out of my way to show anyone, but it's kind of hard to miss. It's on the palm of my left hand.

What's going on? Is something happening with our tattoos, or with who's seen them?

[ When he gets the response, Glitch is already on video looking in at the camera. ]

All right well, if you're sure.

Anyways, right. Tattoos. No nothing's happened to them recently it's actually about October.

Not sure if you saw but this guy named Shiro posted a bunch of stuff about what goes on in that month. One of them being is people can turn into monsters and the only way turn back is for someone to touch your tattoo. So, you should share it with people you trust.

[ He's completely, serious when he delivers this info to Li. Then he rolls up his own sleeve to show off the small, simple antler tattoo on his right shoulder. ]

This is mine. In case something does happen to me I want to be sure someone can turn me the fuck back.

[Oops, okay, guess we're doing video then! Probably easier to show him this stuff this way, anyway.

He listens intently as Glitch explains, his face growing more grim and resolute by the second. He'd heard a fair bit about October from Vira-Lorr, and from the Dog Keeper's timeline, but this was an entirely new detail he wasn't aware of. His lips purse as he notes the tattoo on Glitch's shoulder, filing away it's location in his head for future reference, and finally lets out a small huff of air.]

I didn't see this Shiro person's post, but I've been filled in on some of the other... things to expect for October. Like a sea of blood, and special incense... and the monsters too, of course. But this is the first I've heard about the tattoos, so... thank you for letting me know about that, in any case. I appreciate it.

[He's also a little surprised Glitch trusts him enough to show him, to literally put his humanity in his hands in the worst-case scenario, but... well, the other boy did save his life once. Of course he would return the favor.

The camera wobbles a little as Syaoran adjusts his grip, opening his left hand completely so Glitch can see the stylized antlers and moon upon his palm. Oddly, there are a number of bandages upon the tips of his fingers, but... that could be nothing, right? Right.]

Like I said, mine is pretty hard to hide, but... if the worst happens, I trust you to help turn me back as well, if you're able.

[ Glitch is already sending Syaoran a link back to Shiro's announcement. ]

This has all the basics in here. Save a copy, do what you need to. Just be sure you and yours are stocked up for the month.

[ It's hard not to tag notice of both the mark on the boy's palm and the bandages decorating his fingers. ]

Left palm. Got it. I'll commit it to memory.

Though question, Li; what happened to your fingers?

Edited 2020-09-30 03:30 (UTC)

[Welp, guess he's going to turn off the feed for the next ten minutes to read this, then! There were definitely things there that Vira-Lorr and the Dog Keeper's post didn't cover, and one thing in particular sent a shiver down his spine.

Don't look at the moon.

Would his magic be okay during all of this...? Would it wind up being more compromised than it was before? Did he even have a chance, if the transformations stemmed from feelings that were all too easy to have here?

... no, he's not going to dwell on that now. Like Glitch said, they just had to do what they could to prepare. He clicks back on the feed, looking a bit more shaken than before, but he nods his head.]

... got it. Thanks for sending that my way. I'll make sure to tell whoever I know about this.

[It's a testament to how much this had rocked him that he doesn't immediately acknowledge Glitch's question, and when he does, he starts a little in his seat. Shoot. Of course Glitch would see these before he had taken any of his healing tea...!]

I-It's nothing!

[Yep, that definitely sounds fishy, and even Syaoran's aware enough to realize it.]

They're... they're just cuts, alright? It's not serious.

[ He might not have pried if Syaoran hadn't given him an answer like that. It's like catching a kid reaching into the proverbial cookie jar. He frowns slightly, because no, he's not playing stupid. ]

Okay, sure, they're just cuts and probably, totally nothing life threatening.

But, your tone is making me think you got into some shit.

So...we can do this one of two ways. [ And he raises his index and middle finger up and wiggles them slightly; ] You can make an excuse up and hope I buy it or you can trust me with what actually happened.

[Ugh. Damn his honest nature! It made it too hard to hide things when it mattered! He's silent and a bit sullen for a moment, weighing his options. He could try for the excuse and leave it at that, but... well. Glitch had gone far enough to leave him with some extra info about October, and trusted him with his tattoo location. Maybe he could tell him what he was working on, at the very least...

So, with a small sigh, he relents.]

... fine.

I'm... trying to make some blood incense for October, okay? I figure since I have the supplies on hand, I could try to replicate what the town gives us in case it's not easily available next month. I haven't tested it out yet, but it's kind of hard to do without anything from October around.

Anyway, the cuts are just-- something that's needed for this whole process, that's all. [aka blood] Sodder gave me this healing tea in my basket recently, so they're usually gone by the next day as it is. It really isn't anything life threatening.

[ Glitch is mildly horrified at what he's hearing. Syaoran cutting his fingers open and bleeding to make incense? His mouth parts for a moment like he tries to find something to say but closes it. This happens several times.

This is feeling like the dome all over again, young kids having to do things they shouldn't need to to survive. But what is he suppose to say?

Stop? Don't do it? Syaoran at least sounds like he at least isn't being stupid about it which he never doubted. So, finally he speaks; ]

No, I get it, kid. You're wanting to do your part, keep the people you care about safe. That's admirable.

I guess I just... [ he sighs a little before continuing; ]

You shouldn't have to. I know realistically you have to, but...you shouldn't need to.
[ Saying he's just a kid probably wouldn't help, it might set the other boy off so he just says; ]

I'm sorry you've been thrown into this shitty place. I trust you know what your limit is so take care of yourself.

I'm here if you need me.

[Somehow, the shocked and horrified reaction on Glitch's end was worse than any chiding. If he got scolded, at least Syaoran knew he could argue against it... but to see the other boy rendered speechless by his actions made him feel guilty in ways he couldn't explain. He hadn't thought too much about nicking his fingers to get the blood he needed, as he'd done so plenty times by accident with his sword, but... just because it didn't bother him didn't mean it couldn't bother others. The idea that someone might actually be shaken by this wasn't something he had stopped to consider.

His shoulders slump as Glitch speaks, his face a mix of guilt and a bit of stubbornness. The fact he wasn't talking down to him or trying to dissuade him against it was a plus, but even so...]

I know I shouldn't have to, or shouldn't need to, but... I want to. If I have something at my disposal here that can help others, I want to use it however I can. I don't mind dealing with a cut or two if it means everyone else doesn't have to suffer worse.

[There's almost something bittersweet that enters his eyes then, as he continues:]

Besides... I'd rather be here so I can look after someone important to me, then have her suffer all alone in this place. So I honestly don't mind it.

[Well... that's not entirely true-- there's plenty about this place that he hates, but he'll take it if it means Sakura doesn't have to deal with it on her own.]

... thank you, though. [He's quiet for a moment, and then:] It might not mean much, but... I'm here if you need anything, either.

[Of course, he's younger and less experienced around hardships compared to Glitch, so advice might be off the table, but he'd be there if the other boy needed it, be it with supplies or an extra fighting hand.]

[ This whole situation seems messed to him. A kid feeling like they need to do something this drastic to protect someone. Despite Deerington have a handful of positives Glitch still can't help but hate what this place makes people, children do. It's a lot to put on someone's shoulders and Glitch knows that. He carried so many burdens at home. ]

Yeah. I get you, Li. Trust me. When I was your age I did plenty of things to keep the few people I cared about from suffering the least.

[ Even though Syaoran offered him something of a shoulder Glitch is hesitant to take it. If only because Glitch can't help but scream on the inside that it isn't fair to make a kid do this. But, what good would it do to disparage Syaroan's efforts? Nothing. Just a lot of hurt feelings. At least if he took it he could at least make sure the other boy didn't do anything foolhardy. ]

Yeah. If something comes up I'll be sure to come to you. We gotta make up for what we lack after all, right? And I'm probably gonna need a little badass by my side this month.

[ Still he pauses and shifts the conversation slightly; ]

So, this girl is a friend of yours and in town? Who is she? Maybe I can help out a bit.

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