The sun was beginning to set by now, and the day was finally coming to an end. A day that they would remember for the rest of their lives as one of the worst they had ever experienced. They would never be able to come back from.. such a tradegy, and although all of them were pained by this occurrence some were more effected than others.

By the time Blackhole had returned to the group, he had noticed Tree still hadn't arrived. Yet, Blocky had by now.. which struck concern in Blackhole. Blocky was being consoled by the rest of the group, so he assumed that everyone had it handled and he didn't need to come over. Everyone was back there, now.

Blocky looked incredible miserable, however... Blackhole did feel guilty, but he really wanted to see if Tree was doing okay.

Blackhole had floated back into the forest where he last recalled Tree wondering off. Nobody had seen him since so, Blackhole assumed he was still in the same place. He passed through the trees gracefully, careful not to touch any of them so that he wouldn't destroy them. Luckily he could fly so he had a better overview of the area, making not a sound as be maneuvered through the trees.

Tree was upset about Bottle.. Blackhole didn't blame him. He too was of course dissapointed it had never been her.. that Four blatantly lied to their faces. Blackhole felt like it hadn't quite sunk in yet for him, he was still processing it. He .. didn't think it would ever quite sink in. He had trusted Four.. and..

After all of that, Blackhole was the one who ended up killing them.

He said he would be able to do it.. but.. now it had happened it felt like a distant memory. Maybe he was trying to ignore it had happened.

Blackhole steadied himself once he noticed Tree sat by a small river, able to hear the trickling of water from where he was. He didn't make a sound, watching Tree from behind as he sat in silence. He seemed to have his hand close to the water; feeling it as it passed him by. Blackhole idly waited, not sure how to approach him.

He was his best friend.. he should know how to do this. Blackhole edged closer. "Er.. Tree..?"

Tree jumped, splashing the water with his hand as he violently jerked it. He exhaled afterwards, able to recognise that voice anywhere. "Blackhole.. you ..startled me, goodness.." he exhaled loosely, his words barely making it to the other object.

"I'm....sorry I've been gone so long. I know you must be concerned and whatnot. " Tree apologised after a moment of recollection, turning his head over to view the other. He rested his hand on his lap, crossing his legs. He was careful when he moved since his arm still hurt, Blackhole able to see his cast from where he was.

It was the arm that Tree didn't use, luckily. Blackhole didn't move, knowing if he got closer he would probably hurt Tree or risk doing so. "Oh, no.. it's, uh, fine. I know you're just.. thinking."

"About.. Bottle, yes." Tree confirmed, his eyes trailing towards the water to view his distant reflection. "I.. I know it's not that bad. I just.. can't..believe I didn't recognise that it wasn't her." He grumbled, frustrated with himself. "..I.. can't believe Four did that to me. That they did that to everyone. How could.. they lie? And kill Clock.. and ..hurt me and others, too. I was looking in his eyes when he.. hurt me, Blackhole. He didn't care..not one bit."

"I..I'm sorry." Was all Blackhole could say
"I..Itsuh, gonna take a while for um.. everyone to like, get over this... " he mused, watching Tree mess with the water by dipping his fingers into it gently.

"I..it will. I should probably go...back. I want to be there for the others.. and Lightning is probably worried about me." Tree supposed with a mumur, Blackhole able to tell he didn't really want to go back yet but.. felt responsible anyways.

"You don't .. have to go back yet.. Tree-"

"I should, though." Tree went to steadily stand, his legs weak from being sat down so long. He brushed off his body with three brisk motions, dust from the ground floating off of him. The sky looked dull.. it seemed like it would rain soon, meaning the others would probably go in their shelters.

"Mh.." Blackhole watched, his gaze trailing to the ground, even if Tree couldn't tell. He listened to the motion of Tree moving, before deciding to speak up. "Tree.. I need to tell you something... "

"Oh..?" Tree turned, tilting his head in curiosity at the floating object. He observed him for a moment, admiring his starry features. "...What.. is it, Blackhole? I'm listening."

"I..It's not bad." Blackhole reassured, but still sounded unsure. His voice lacked confidence was all. "..Uh.. I ..mean, at least I don't think it is.." he faltered, his voice soft. Tree could hear the uncertainty lingering in his tone, softening up in his presence.

".. It's alright." Tree was interested..what could he possibly want to say? He sat back down carefully, crossing his legs again and resting his arm on his leg, his eyes fixated on his friend. Blackhole seemed to be hesitant to say, not responding immediately. It was like he was trying to find a way to say it, but Tree couldn't really tell.

"I.. found out that.. I-I uh, have ..Xs.. powers.."

Tree blinked. "..Wh..what? You.. " he furrowed his eyebrows. ".. From.. from Four..? How.. do you know..?"

"I.. went off from the others earlier. And..uh, when I was alone..I.. realised I could shape shift."

Blackhole wasn't expecting such a sudden and positive reaction from Tree, but flinched physically as the bonsai plant leaped up in joy, putting a hand over his mouth. "N..No way- no.. really? I.. Blackhole, this is amazing! Aren't you happy? Oh my sapling.. do you not understand how.. fantastic this is?" Tree was trying to encourage him, moving his hand to his side. Blackhole observed his smile.

"You're ...not...?-"

"Not what? Blackhole- don't you realise? You don't have to.. stay far away from others. You'll be able to touch things.. haven't you always wanted to do that..?"

Blackhole picked up on this, it not having clicked before. He was only thinking the powers would be convinent for the group.. he had never thought about how he would now have the ability to touch things. He had transformed into Lightning, another floating object, so hadn't touched the floor or anything. He had been so happy by the news he immediately went to go find Tree.

But... Tree was right. He had never experienced the ability to feel things physically before.. he couldn't get too close to anything without destroying it. He couldn't even get close to anyone without killing them. But.. now he could. With the abilities.. of course.

"C-Come on, Blackhole. Do it! Er.. how about Pen, or something?"

Blackhole supposed so. He did what he did before, just think hard enough about the object he wanted to turn into. Tree waited eagerly, amazement growing within him as he watched him sink down to the ground, and eventually.. he became Pen.

The two of them stared at each other, no words escaping either of their mouths. Tree couldn't believe his eyes, about to speak up until Blackhole wobbled, staggering forward. Tree quickly rushed to support him, holding the other object by his upper arm.

Blackhole didn't expect that, a little scared of the sensation of touch. His eyes were drawn to where Tree wrapped his hand around his arm.. it.. felt warm... it felt weird to be held.. it felt like nothing he had ever felt before. Tree couldn't take his eyes away from the other objects face.. he had never been able to see Blackholes facial expression before, well, nobody could.

It.. felt nice to know how he was feeling. Blackhole awkwardly laughed "U-Uh- sorry.. I-I can't like, walk or anything. I.. don't know how." He finally managed to say, struggling to keep himself up. Tree blinked into reality.

"R-Right! Uh, transform to Lightning, then." He stammered, a smile on his face subconsciously.

He shapeshifted from Pen to Lightning after a moment, relieved to be off the ground. Tree noticed something that each of the objects he transformed into had in common...they all had sparkles in their eyes, literally. Like stars.. maybe it was because it was still Blackhole. But he was glad that he was able to tell the difference between the real objects and Blackhole by using this.

Tree noticed how distant and shocked Blackhole seemed as he transformed to Lightning.. now Tree could actually read his facial expressions it was kind of cute..I mean convinent.  "..How.. does it feel?" Tree wondered quietly, his grip still on the other objects arm despite the fact it didn't need to be.

"What..?"

Tree smiled at how confused he looked. "How does it feel to be able to .. feel things."

Blackhole looked over to his hands slowly, curling his fingers curiously. It was such a strange sensation... he.. wasn't sure how to get used to it. He had never used hands before so, wasn't too sure how they worked. "..I.. feel.. pretty odd. This is .. very weird.. is.. this really what it's like for everyone?" He opened and closed the metallic hands repeatedly, amazed at how it felt.. he glanced up at Tree again, his focus back on the bonsai plant.

"I've never been able to like.. be .. this close to someone before..." Only Four had been able to grab him, but.. this was so much different. He moved one of his hands in awe and reached for Trees face, tracing his leaves with his unsteady hand. Tree winced, Blackhole stopping. "Oh, uh, sorry." He awkwardly apologised.

"It's okay, Blackhole..really." Tree gently chuckled, his eyes lidded. This changed so much.. not just for the group but for Blackhole himself. This was completely knew for him.. he could do so many things that he was never able to do before.

Tree noticed Blackhole was wondering off into thought again.. he probably was just overwhelmed. He had never been able to be so close to someone without killing them so.. this was a completely new and strange experience.

"Are.. you going to tell the others?" Tree checked. Blackhole thought about this, looking to the ground. "Uhh.. I mean, why not..? Let's not be too uh, lively though. Blocky is still really upset about today..."

"Ah, of.. course.." Tree faltered with a dry throat, remembering the death of Clock. He felt hurt overcome him so quickly pushed that thought away. "..I'm..so happy for you, Blackhole. I never thought I'd be able to get anywhere near you, not like this.." he observed with a hum, almost as if he was talking to himself. Tree subtly took Blackholes hand in his, tracing the robotic fingers with his own.

Of course it was odd that he was in the form of Lightning but.. it was still Blackhole. He could feel Blackhole tense up as he grabbed his hand like that, so let go. "Oh, ..sorry, was that too unexpected? I know you're getting used to this.." Tree quickly forced himself to apologise, backing up a little in guilt.

"N-No- it's alright. I'm uh, like.. just not used to it, that's all..." He supposed, his words trailing off and his thoughts leaving as Tree went to hold his hand again, the feeling of warmth returning. It was such a strange feeling, but.. he didn't mind it. He was happy to share it with Tree... Blackholes hand clutched softly around Trees, his gaze focusing on their hands.

Blackhole made a sound of surprise as Tree unexpectedly yanked him fowards for a hug, his hand slipping from Trees as the bonsai pulled the flying object to his body to embrace him. Tree didn't have his other arm available, but he didn't care, embracing the object he never expected to get to hold. Blackhole was clearly hesitant and was still for a moment, but soon after replicated Trees actions and slipped his hands around the bonsais neck, holding onto him.

So.. this was what hugging felt like.

It was.. nice. He lay into Tree comfortably, finding peace. This.. was everything he had wanted. He felt so relaxed, shutting his eyes to let his mind drift.  He wondered what it was like to sleep.. eat, walk. Even making expressions was a whole new experience for him.. he just wanted to stay there hidden in Trees neck, but knew they would have to return soon due to the dark.

He didn't speak up until Tree did, though, which was after a few more minutes. The bonsai plant parted after their lengthy hug, looking into Blackholes tired and sparkling eyes. ".. Mh. Well, time to head back. Are you ready to transform back into yourself..?" Tree tapped his shoulder with his finger gently, the feeling of Blackholes comfort still lingering on his body where he had been.

Blackhole nodded, his arms falling to his sides. "Uhh.. yeah.." he agreed eventually, backing up from Tree to make sure. He enjoyed the moment like this a little longer, before using the powers to return to his original form. Tree felt so happy.. Blackhole had been the closest he had, yet he was the only one who Tree couldn't actually get close to. Now all of that had changed.

"Come on, we should go tell the others." Tree lead, beginning to walk forwards. "I'm sure they'll be just as happy.. " Tree flashed a smile at the floating object, before heading back to where they came from.

A sensation of joy spread throughout Trees body.. bringing him back into a good mood. As amazing as this was for Blackhole, it would also be great for the rest of the group. Now Blackhole didn't have to keep away, and everyone would be able to tell how he felt. He would be able to get involved.. yet still able to transform back into himself. Tree did have one worrying thought on his mind, though.

If he could transform into others.. did that mean he could die as them?

That thought pestered him, but he was trying to not worry about that too much right now. Tree forced a gentle smile, neither of them talking on their way back as they were both so lost in their own thoughts and amazement. Tree wondered what Blackhole was thinking, his mind must have been everywhere.

He hoped it was in a good way, though. Tree noticed the group ahead so sped up, eager to tell the news. He had to remember that the mood was still low, though, weary that Blocky and the others were upset about what had happened still. Pen noticed Tree and Blackhole approaching, waving to greet them kindly. A few noticed him do so, turning their heads in that direction.

"T-Tree!" Lightning blurted mindlessly, louder than he meant to. He floated up happily as Tree made his way over, hovering downwards to him. "Are.. you okay? You were gone for a while.. I-I didn't wanna disturb you." Lightning explained sheepishly, relieved as Tree nodded a few times to comfort him.

"I am, Lightning. Thank you for your concern.." his eyes trailed over to the group by the fire, noticing how upset some of them seemed. He cleared his throat, attempting to get Golfballs attention. It worked, but she wasn't to happy about it.

"I do have a name, Tree." She grumbled in offense, scolding him. "But what."

"I have.. some er, good news." Tree weakly smiled at her, grabbing the majority of attention, since right now all her wanted was good news. Gelatin perked up, curious. "Seriously? Wassup?" He wondered with sudden energy, interested by this news

Blackhole finally made his way over through the dull forest, the lighting in the area being minimal, apart from the flames produced by the fire, as well as Firey himself. The group didn't have to be explained to as they walked Blackhole hover just behind Tree, confused for a few moments as Tree wasn't telling them anything.. before their questions were resolved. They watched then, in awe, as Blackhole slowly shapeshifted into an object, Lightning again since this would be the easiest option.

Golfball couldn't speak, but in a good way. Her words were lodged in her throat as her eyes rested on where Blackhole had just been. The reality seemed to set in more as Tree suddenly clung to Blackholes hand, to show that he could interact with him physically.

" ..Blackhole has Xs powers. "

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