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you could compare doi to a puppy . both love to move around and play , freely running and jumping and exploring the world around them . so , what happens when you take away a puppy's freedom ? if you tie a cold metal chain around its neck and don't let it run , anymore ?

now , that's exactly what * he * did . doi's own naivety lead himself astray . 

trying to walk around , but the chain kept him inside and away from any doors . a caged bird . always singing but never to be heard .

his father , roy gribbleston , caused all of this . doi became rude , arrogant . so he , roy , punishes him . throwing him in a house with ravenous dogs , watching them harm from the side - lines . watching the once kind and curious eyes be enveloped by fear .

inoffensive dogs . dogs needed to be kept away from each other , or else they'd become fortis .

a dog alone cannot do much , but if two - no , six get together , it's a different story . yet , they don't understand it's wrong . they have no context of what's good , and what's evil . when they realize they don't have to obey , everyone is dead . at least , roy will be .

now , doi lives in constant fear ; not even in his sleep is he safe . once an all - consuming black void , now filled with horrors . 

nightmares played like movies . movies filled with horses , trees , and wasps . things doi was afraid of .

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this day was no different ; doi waking up in a cold sweat , shooting upwards into a sitting position . reaching behind , and under his picture frame before placing on hearing aids .

looking around , he noticed the lack of his friends , along with a certain lamp . with curiosity , he slipped out of bed ; not bothering to change out of pajamas . the soft patting of feet against carpet as he walked , and peaked out his doorway . he didn't see anything , but he did hear chatter . multiple voices speaking amongst themselves ; one voice much prominent than the others , another giggly and sing - song .

it didn't sound like usual horrors , or else one of the objects would've awoken him . as quickly as he could , gripping onto the rail , and stumbling down the stairs . stopping dead in his tracks seeing . . . random people in his home . . ? of course , he didn't go unnotice . 

doi wasn't quick to realize , but a yarn - headed someone was staring right at him . paper face blending into a pastel rainbow . they crawled — a crawl turning into a walk , then into a sprint . their movement were that of a toddler's . hobbling , but quick . making their place right in front of the steps in mere seconds . ink - like knees knocking together in order to keep their balance . black hands grabbing onto the railing's end . leaving ink residue where hands were placed .

doi's mouth opened to scream , but nothing came out . he was frozen in place , staring wide eyed at the humanoid . the ink creature started bouncing with joy . their paper face falling off , and showing another with an excited grin drawn on . a squeal emitted from them , " LOOK ; " the sudden yell caught the rest of the teachers attention . one even leaning trying to get a view of what had gotten the smaller one's curiosity . " i have legs LIKE YOU !! isn't that FUN ?! " they almost topple over trying to show their legs . a laughable sight if one wasn't frightened . and oh ,, doi knows that voice too well . the strange appearance now made sense to him . this was ,, sketchbook , and the others are the ' objects ' , he supposes .

all he could do was grit his teeth in a forced smile . " m - hm ,, " he hummed with a reluctant nod . sketchbook was more than eager , taking his response as an invitation . " come , come !! you wouldn't want to keep us waiting for any LONGER ?? " with that said , sketch didn't get doi a second to respond . immediately dragging the other onto the floor . tumbling into a ' w ' - shaped sit , yanking doi down with them . 

glancing around the room ; it was easy to tell who was who . sketch had white paper for ,, everything , including their dress . ink - hardened limbs that moved stiffly , with untamed pastel hair that curled in every direction . a paper face that fell off to show a different emotion . they were the cacophony of sharp bow on violins , the squeaks and whistles of clarinets . sketch wasn't the greatest , but they tried , and they failed . they tried to teach of creativity , and taught to regret it .

tony was old - fashioned , and wearing multiple clocks ( all of which were wrong in time ) . slicked back hair , eyebrows drawn into arrows , along with a red mustache . a dark blue tail coat , that had slacks to match . he held a cane that was striped with gold and blue , too . instead of pupils , his eyes told the time ; always having an expensive look . 

larry was in a onesie , and burly . long , white curly hair that was topped with a lampshade . in the place of a nose was a light switch . colorful eyes constantly moving in a hypnotic way . it's hard to describe larry , a lullaby with no rythym or rhyme . he was the most predictable - unpredictable person this side of clayhill . doi dreams of larry drowning him . when oil is up to his neck ; larry doesn't hesitate to push and hold him under . those same dreams where he watched larry's face contort into a smile like he was truly happy .

he remembers them all too vividly , and he wishes he didn't . sketchbook , who had destroyed his passion . tony , who had caused him hearing loss . lastly , larry , who had corrupted his dream and unconsciousness . he couldn't draw , check the time , or simply fall asleep with ease anymore . too scared of what'll happened , what they'll destroy next . they left physical , mental imperfections onto him . after a day , he was no longer the carefree man he used to be .

blue hair sticking to tan skin with sweat . fingers interlocking as the awkward silence became unnerving . none of the healthy band were there , neither was colin; . though , he expects they're in another room . maybe , the game room and kitchen . tony was at the side of the couch ; quite upset on how doi ruined their conversation . body leaning the vast majority onto his walking cane . working eye staring him down . if a stare could kill , doi would be limp . he was being silent , unusual . the sounds of cogs turning , and ticking emanating off him . 

though , it wasn't long until sketch tauted out a goodbye . " i'll ,, get the others !! ,, don't have TOO much fun !! " they ' ran ' off into another room , still unused to having feet . " so . . . doug ? doi ? close . i don't care . we're not going to hurt you , kid . i think we all need a day off with ,, whatever's happening . " the man wearing a romper , and lampshade broke the silence . he was slouched on the couch ; sleepy - eyed , and painted with a scowl . a singular eye hiding behind a billow of cloud - like hair. " take it down a notch , okay ? be less you . you could help us all with that . " words dragged out and spun like silk , larry takes his time speaking . it’s only a testament to the growing annoyance he is graced with while in the presence of his . he then offers a carless shrug , a toothy grin being drawn on . an elbow digging into the arm rest ; resting the majority of his upper weight on a fist . 

doi gave another hasty nod , showing he understood . trying his best not to anger larry , nor ,, anyone for that matter . he peeked through eyelashes as larry patted the spot next to him . tony walked with a limp , before sitting at the end . " now , where had we left off with ? " 

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minutes had past ; conversations flying between the three of them . a ditty even daring to slip through the teachers once , or twice . topics of the machine , time , and so on . doi giving a sheepish answer with every question , statement . though , it was visible the two didn't enjoy his responses . 

soon , the exchange died down . a ' peaceful ' silence lingering throughout the air . doi opened his mouth , and repeatedly closed it . stuttering on how to properly word his question . " ,, do you really m — " his question was abruptly stopped when a certain someone ran in . a giggling mess covering the sounds of clicking heels not far off . " i couldn't get colon; or the healthy band , but - but - but !! i did manage to find shrignold !! " doi scooted closer towards larry , trying to seek cover from who was soon to enter . the sounds of sketch ushering shrignold inside were excited . as if , meeting with an old friend .

shrignold gave a still hand , a wave without motion . irisless eyes dull , as if there wasn't any light . a minute - look at him shows a priest's outfit , and the sheen of human cosmetics recognizable . doi remembers shrignold , wandering hands and flat teeth , a melody with no words that hurt his head even when he wasn’t listening . the flapping of wings , repetitive words , a coquette crooning a song to an audience of disciples — or maybe he’s lost in fantasy again , the visions he fell into when no one wanted to catch him .

doi was chewing on his lip , and staring at the floor . nervous that so many of his so - called ' friends ' surrounded him . tony finally tuned in , " haven't you found out why we're like ,, this ? " white gloves unmoving from their settlement , but he does extend his arms for emphasis . tony didn't dislike the change , but it was an accustimtion he deemed a waste of time . this is when doi brightened up ; a smile in the place of a previous frown . " oh !! i could get my dad , or — or i could get harry ! they would kn — " again , doi was cut off . though , not by sketch , but by larry . " doi . " larry huffs out in a stern voice . the dreamer finally having enough of his childish demeanour .

" we would love your help . really , it'd make my day . but , the problem is a little more difficult than that . " and it is . it's not a problem that is as easily solved as just speaking the words into existence . stretching fingers together , and pointedly gesturing to everything so heartily pitiful in front of him . " do you really think you can bring roy here ? your dad brought you here , and left you in a home filled with animated objects . you're not . . . the brightest bulb in the chandelier . " he struggles for the right phrase , fingers snapping in eureka when he comes across it . a way to be a little less cruel about everything , and when he opens his mouth it sounds like he never even wanted to be kind . " all you can do is just run around , whining , and crying . what makes you think he'll come back just from you asking ? "

everyone in the room was taken aback from larry's sudden outburst . doi's lips began to tremble , further proving the other's point . yet , the dreamer acted like he had done nothing . slumping further into his previous position . they all should be used to his antics by now , and his intrusive nature . how he stalks about like a neglected wallflower , completely unbothered unless provoked . shrignold exchanged glances with his counterparts before prowling over towards the two ." is that how you treat your dear friends ? i can't even begin to fathom what horrors you put shrigis through while i'm away . " the fact larry may raise his voice at him flies right over him . the atmosphere being in venomous thoughts alone , but this is larry and larry’s buttons had always been easy to press .

shrignold placed a gravel - grayed glove onto larry's shoulder . thumb caressing , in a soothing manner . " we love our friend , right ? we must be kind , we simply adore shrigis ! " instead , larry rolls his tongue against the roof of his mouth and lets a thick coat of saliva gather between his teeth . doi doesn't like him , and neither does larry . a mutual estrangement . shrignold leans down , whispering in a stern voice . " in fact , i should take you to see father to rid you of your violent ways . " with that said ; the butterfly gave larry's shoulder a squeeze , before moving into an orans' posture . " well ? what're you all waiting for ?? shouldn't we be learning of our vessels by the one with experience ? " a gloved hand directed towards doi ; palm up , and showing the absence of knowledge . 

it was obvious to doi that most of them couldn't walk , nor stand easily . glancing behind him he saw sketch proped up behind the couch . tony with an arm through sketch's arm crevice , and the other occupied by a cane . he thought for a moment . do they need to eat ? sleep ? he'd let out a little , ' ah ,, ' in thought . he wasn't used to being asked what to do . instead , constantly being commanded of what to think , say , and do .

then , an idea came to mind . 

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' a sleepover . . ! ' he'd think as he felt the different fabrics in his wardrobe . something borrowed , something torn , something that was left in the rain . picking out the same calico dungaree he always wore . it'd be a good time for them to get along — or — for them to be at eachother's necks .

after a bit of fumbling with shoelaces , and the adjusting of overalls he was off downstairs . tony was reading aloud , sketch peering over his shoulder , and shrignold leaning behind them . sketch's head on top of hands that rested on the clock's shoulder . from what doi has heard it seemed like a children's book . larry seemingly fell asleep along the arm rest .

tony peered up from his reading ; the stairs not exactly the quietest . signaling the bluette over with a signal flick of a glove . then , he proceeded reading , not waiting for doi to come besides him . " he crawled about for hours crying , but his mother couldn't hear him for ira was a mute . this is where the story gets interesting . " he stopped a moment to show the picture . a poor drawing of a spider crying , a tall building looming far behind . " now , i'm going to tell you something he may do . if he doesn't get his head cut off , i'll cut my own . " tony remarks in a joking manner . sketch thought , taking it as a serious statement . " what do you think we HAVE in our heads , tony !? can we REGROW our heads ?! " doi couldn't help but giggle while he kneeled besides the sofa .

" i don't think you have anything in that inky head of yours , dear . " tony responds , with a smirk on his face . thumb and index flipping the page . sketch gives an offended gasp , paper face falling off and reappearing as dumbfounded . pushing off tony , and falling backwards . not caring as they fell right onto larry who jolted awake . " well , I think it'd be filled with birthday cake and confetti !! " sketch was shoved back onto tony , letting out a small ' woah ! ' . falling on top of tony who'd just raise the book so they'd fall into his lap . looking down at them , unimpressed . sketch staring up at him with a goofy smile . " there's only one way to find out ; i'll cut your head . " the clock replies .

now , this alarmed doi who vigorously shook his head no . he wanted a day where no violence takes place . " settle down , you two . wouldn't that be an intimate moment for another time ? " shrignold informs , in a low voice . tony nods , adjusting his monocle . arms resting around sketch as they sat in his lap . sketch giving a small ' yuck ! ' in response . " you both can rough and tumble later . i may even join , too . " of course , shrignold didn't mean it . he was docile , against violence . he could choose to disperse the situation , or he could let them paint the whole room red .

tony cleared his throat before he started reading . " he opened his mouth , and discovered a lake in a crater on his tongue . he was thirsty so he drank from the lake . this proved to be a fatal mistake . as the lake was really a cake filled with poisonous snakes , and ira died . " the clock spoke in a monotone voice , face reflecting the same emotion . doi let out a small , ' oh .. ' a frown on his lips . tony licks the tip of his gloved thumb , before flipping the page once more . . . 

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" the end . " tony says as he closes the book . handing the book into doi hands , " may you place this back on the shelf ? " doi gladly did as asked , humming under his breath . it's a new song , did you know that ? played on a tonewheel organ ; it sounds more impressive than a regular piano . as he was placing it on one of the shelves , he couldn't help but look at the framed pictures . harry , robin , and him . how he missed them so , he didn't understand why they had to leave . shaking the thoughts away , he quickly placed the book away , and made his way back . it was best to forgive , and forget .

while doi was distracted ; sketch had still wanted to play on theirs and tony's agreement . they were using a normal - sized pencil as a weapon . tony soon startled as sketch tried to ' sneak ' an attack , wrestled them to the ground . made out of lead , and brass tony was much heavier than his smaller counterpart . overpowering the younger with ease . " HOLD STILL . do you really want to do this ? i don't know if you'll come back . " tony says with authority , and sketch stops wiggling . sketch agreed , and nodded . tony straddling them with a raised fist , hesitating as to what to do . 

he slammed brass knuckles into ink neck ; one , two , three . . . 

hands that went to grab tony's wrist going limp at their sides . tony doesn’t stop , slamming his fist into sketchbook's neck over , and over until the hard ' flesh ' gives way , sketch's neck splitting apart , hardened flesh tearing and giving way under relentless assault , until he feels their windpipe crumple under his hand , and he hits it again for good measure . it was too late to turn back , now . sketch's head was abysmally taken off . ink was pooling around the two . their paper face sliding off , and revealing multiple wide open eyes . and oh , he was terrified . 

doi stood starstrucked , in too much shock for tears to spill . palm over mouth , he wanted to vomit at the sight alone . the man was backing away , before he was the one to be gored . he never had liked sketch , but he'd never wish of their death . he watched shrignold's usual smile turn horrified . the room went completely silent . poor boy could never catch a minute break . tony grows anxious . give me a reaction , he begs , any reaction ; come back , come back , i grow tired of waiting , respond — . 

then , tendrils of ink shot out of sketch's neck and pulled head to body . a disgusting squelch was heard as it connected . he sighs in relief , such a theatrical noise that it’s nothing less but fit for a movie — perhaps , that's where he got it from . sketch was barely able to sit up before tony wrapped his arms around them . hunched over and covered in blood , but he couldn't bring himself to care . a wave of dizziness hits him , the strong smell of ink overwhelming his senses .

of course , sketch had the break the intimate moment . " i want to do that , AGAIN !! " tony couldn't help but chuckle as he let them go . " maybe , " slipping off of them to raise to his feet . his knees grind , and shriek as he raises himself . and oh — , one leg gives out ; forcing the clock to kneel with a thump . heavy metal hands grabbing his cane to push himself up . larry moved to outstretch his hand ; tony placing his one somewhat unbloodied glove , and being helped upwards . before sketch got up they replaced their now ruined mask . placing their weight onto their feet and hands before standing . 

tony took a second look at his watch ; its hands were broken off and laid at the bottom . it's almost quarter to nine , time to have a bath . it was up to the others to clean his mess . he has an important schedule to attend to . with his problemed trot , he left inky footprints wherever he stepped .