Morning. Yes, definitely the worst part of the entire day.
As it opened its eyes, a soft growl emerged from them. Even if the outside world had a nice, sugary grassy smell, the ridiculously harsh sunlight was making them force their eyes shut, and their head felt like it was throbbing just seconds later. If the monster were able to imagine what being hit by a car felt like, it would more than likely fit what the intense headache would be like—Powerful. Very, very powerful indeed. It was handicapping enough to make the creature go at a full stop, freezing and turning their face from the lights just because it was that unbearable. The red stripes that went from over their eyes to the extremities of the lips almost looked like exaggerated tears, and it began to show a frown.
Without the headache, the monster would be fine, and would constantly check out of the sewer drain in hopes of catching prey. This morning is going to be a rough one.
It remained still, waiting for the headache to pass. The pain was more than plentiful, making them wince whenever they heard or saw a sudden noise or light. This morning was very clear proof that it was making it go in what was assumed to be misery. Never had they gone trough so much discomfort for so long—After twenty-seven years of being in a dormant state, it expected to be stiff and uncomfortable for a bit, which is normal. What wasn't, however, was that inability to move over the simple but overpowering pain.
After a few minutes, the issue seemed to begin to pass. It tested its limits by moving its head around with shut eyes—All looks well. Now with opened eyes… Yes, so far so good. The lazy eye was going in and out of orbit by command, which is to be expected. Slowly at first and then a bit faster, the creature began to pace around the insides of the sewer drain. The headache, at this point, was almost gone.
Now deciding that it is fit enough to hunt, it peeked their white face out of the sewer drain. Smiling to look appealing and friendly, they looked around, and seeing that there were no kids for now, they retreated back in. The darkness of the habitat was very different than the bright morning of Derry, and its face made it very clear. They preferred the darkness so much more than sunlight. It was easier on their eyes, and on their mood as well.
Suddenly, there was a noise. It sounded like a great occasion for the amazing taste of fear…
It hurriedly came back, already starting to drool uncontrollably, and peeked out, hiding their mouth. It stood still for a very long time, anticipating some innocent prey to come to them… but nothing happened. The little human was just stupidly walking their pet, immediately fleeing upon seeing their face in the sewer drain. Obviously disappointed, it began to walk away yet again, and decided that maybe prey would be further down the sewer. It lazily dragged its feet away from its nest, and began to slowly creep around in hope of scaring their prey.
The hunt has now begun.
-
Ebony was sitting in the middle of their room, playing with their toys. Their dolls were homemade but crudely fashioned—They had a plump body and stick arms, as well as button eyes, hands and mouths. The hair was made out of threads of wool and silk to mimic thick human hair, and the stitching was barely noticeable, but still there. It was Ebony's father that crafted the toys as a teenager, only to pass it down on his kid. The thought was nice to Ebony, who dearly loved their faher, and were very careful when they played with them.
They made the dolls kiss, fight and dance, completely forgetting about the chores they were supposed to do earlier. The small pile of dust and dirt was sitting solemnly beside the long white broom, a broom that was about twice Ebony's size. They have a smaller broom, but insist on using the big one since it ''makes them feel like an adult''—That term is used rather loosely, since their apparent fertile imagination was still high and in its prime. In fact, it was so important that the child's father would get concerned about bullying, getting hurt, or worse, taken from him.
Ebony, as innocent as they are, didn't really seem to be too bothered about that, as they kept playing with their toys and talking to their imaginary friends. They were happy in their little world and their rather special circle of friends, and that was all that mattered to the elderly man. As long as the kid was accepted, it was all that mattered to him.
Suddenly, Ebony began to hear hurried voices outside. They go to their window and take a peek… It's the Losers! And there seemed to be a new guy as well… A dark-skinned teenager. Curious to meet him, they walk out their room and go to the dryer and washer to pick up their dried thin coat. Quickly wearing it on, they begin rushing downstairs, and see their father watch the TV as he was about to fall asleep. Just to be sure if they are allowed to go, Ebony comes up to them silently and slowly, and tap him on the shoulder. Startled, the man reopens his eyes, and looked at their kid with a tender gaze as soon as they realize it's just them.
''Dad…?'' Ebony's voice was soft and as sweet as candy. ''Can I go 'n talk to m' friends outside?''
The father's voice was so so gentle as he talked to his kid. ''Yes, y' can go, m'darling, but don't stay out too late, a'ight? You can stay as late 's the sun falls.''
Ebony stretched their small arms to their father's large belly. He picked them up, smiling tenderly, and hugged them tightly and with what felt like pure love.
''Thanks, dad,'' Ebony chirped, ''I'll make sure t' not stay too late.''
The elderly man's grey eyes lit up with happiness, and let his kid go. He let them run to the door, and watched as they came out to meet up with their friends. He wasn't worried about anything at the moment, but the one thing that came to his mind was why they were so attracted to these kids lately.
Watching through the door, he smiled as he saw Ebony approach the gang, with them greeting them back with no hesitation—They looked very happy to see the younger kid… As long as Ebony made friends that acted well and accepted them, it was all that mattered. Slowly, and while starting to feel discomfort around the shoulder, he slunk back to his cozy old chair, placed his hands on his large belly, and fell to sleep rather quickly. He'd hopefully be able to get the pain away quickly, as it didn't feel too bad for now. In seconds, he went from completely silent to snoring much like how a boar would do so.
Meanwhile, Ebony walked up to the gang. Their favorite has always been Richie, the one that kept making sexual jokes. Even if it was adult stuff, the way he'd say it was always rather funny, and the innapropriate jokes always made Ebony feel like they were a bit more of an adult, or at the very least, more mature. Bill, the head of the group, was stuttering especially badly at the beginning of the past month, but it seemed to start to pass- Thank god-, which was a good thing for the concerned Ebony. Beverly's short hair looked as lovely as always, and she always had such a bold and accepting attitude that Ebony loved and adored. Ben has always more than a trick up his sleeve with his extended knowledge about history and coincidences… Ebony had always been fascinated by their smarts.
They noticed that Eddie and Stanley weren't around too, what happened to them? They walked towards the slightly taller Beverly, and asked.
''Hi 'dere! Where's Eddie and Stanl'y?'' Ebony sounded rather confused.
''Oh, hey— Eddie is still recovering from his broken arm. Stanley decided to stay home for a bit,'' Beverly claimed, ''Because he isn't feeling too well.''
''Huh. Probably embarrassed that my shlong is longer than his!'' Richie's joking tone sounded somewhat serious.
''That isn't saying much.'' Beverly's comeback made the new guy snicker.
The gang giggles for a bit, before everything goes more silent. Ebony then speaks up again, but this time, towards the newcomer.
''So… What's y'er name? I'm Eb'ny,'' They greeted, ''Nice t' meet ya!''
Mike didn't seem to know exactly what to do towards such a young kid being in the group, but introduced himself anyway.
''Well, mine's Mike.'' That was all he said, but one could pick up a weak smile.
The awkward greeting ended well! Ebony might've just made a new friend.
''Oh, n' Bill,'' Ebony kept going, ''Did y' find Georgie?''
Ebony saw Bill about to speak, but he shut his mouth instantly. Beverly looked at Ebony with a knowing gaze. The younger kid instantly began to feel bad.
''… M' sorry, Bill, I was just…''
''It's alright, Ebony. Everything's g…g-g-going to be alright.'' His stuttering was what affected the kid the most. Usually, one would laugh at it, but it sounded uncontrolled and desperate.
To try to distract the gang a little bit, Ben whipped out his little book from his backpack, and smiled at Ebony. The little kid looked back at him, and is now more than curious. It was very easy to make Ebony shift their attention to something else, and Ben knew it. They didn't want their little friend to be sad, after all.
''Guys, guys—I found some new things about… it.'' Everyone immediately shifted their attention to the chubby teen. ''There are even more coinciding deaths right here, all within gaps of twenty seven years.''
''Twenty seven?'' Ebony repeated with amazement. They could never believe how smart Ben has always been.
''Yes, twenty seven years. Kills ranged from tens to dozens, and even hundreds of people around our age and younger. They were all under eighteen, and were often guided to places like sewer drains, rivers, and lakes. Signs of it were always things like floating objects like balloons, or eerie feelings in places where you should be happy.'' Ben flipped some pages, and showed the book towards the gang. ''As you can see right here…'' He points on some pictures of the pages. ''It was always in dark corners or in places where it just couldn't be, such as schools or in popular places like the White House.''
Soon, the rest of the Losers began to talk to each other, overlapping the others' sentences.
''Last time we saw It, they would turn in our deepest fear.''
''Remember when Stanley got bit? Holy shit, that was terrifying!''
''Damn, and I thought my nightmares were enough to make me wet my pants!''
''Fuck's sake!''
Eventually, the overlapping voices became more coordinated, and were in hushed whispers.
''…I'm still so fucking afraid of clowns.''
''Pretty sure Eddie is still a germaphobic.''
''Georgie…''
Finally, the whispers died down, and the teens laid eyes in a confused Ebony. They took a deep breath, and once it was their turn, began to speak up. They sounded very serious.
''M' worst fear is bein' left alone without havin' anyone t' love forever and ever…''
Everyone looked somewhat surprised, even the joker, Richie. One would see a weak frown grow in his face, but it soon went away. To try to amp the mood, he spoke up as well.
''… Damn, Ebony… I was also going to say I'm afraid of the Kool-Aid man, but whatever.''
Everyone giggled and snickered for a bit, even Mike and Bill. For once, Richie's jokes were appropriate for their age, and it was also the first time in ages since he was funny. Ebony cracked a smile, and stifled a weak laugh before everything felt serious again.
''Alright, so…'' Beverly had a questioning look towards Ben, who was flipping his pages. '' How do you think we could defeat It? How can we make it go away for good?''
Ben looked at her in the eyes for a moment, and began to think. Ebony watched him anxiously, waiting for a smart remark to come out his mouth.
''I'm gonna be honest here... I'm not too sure,'' he simply said, ''I have no idea- Oh, wait!''
Ebony's eyes lit up, and cracked a grin as he told his idea to the Losers.
''Maybe It's like werewolves... We'd need a gun, and silver bullets,'' He said, ''or like vampires, in which we shove a stake on their heart.''
''Dude, does it even have a heart?'' Richie looked very skeptical. ''Between the both of us, It looked pretty much heartless last I saw them.''
''Well, It could have one!'' Beverly's remark was like an echo in Ebony's mind. ''How do you think It's alive? If we won't be able to kill It, we can at least push it away for another 27 years and make it starve.'' Bill looked approving of her suggestion.
While the gang was talking about their encounters, Bill also looked at little Ebony. They looked like they were in some sort of trance, or like they were really deep in thought. It was also very clear they had very little idea on what's going on- All that talk about ''It'' and the thoughts of the atrocities it has done were still vague... but why?
The only thing they seem to know clearly is that some monster took Georgie away, as it is clear that they miss him just as much as Bill does. Bill watched them with an attentive gaze as Ebony kept listening to what the gang was speaking.
It could have one. It could have one. It could have one.
A few hours have passed since Ebony's arrival with the new member of the Losers. The more they took the time to listen to the teenagers and not dift away to their imagination, the more they would hear about the atrocities It would have supposedly done.
Children were stolen from parties and easter parties only to be ripped apat and eaten- Ebony never thought such a cruel action was even humanely possible. It wasn't just the teenagers, either... Children as young as 5 would get stolen and eaten away, never to be seen again by their worried and terrified families. It was like an entire horror movie being spoiled by each kid of the Losers' Club, with members telling each and every part of said movie by nodding and whispering to each other. Now, they had a much clearer idea of who It was... and it was nothing less than a bloodthirsty creature that lives on the fear of others.
Ebony, seeing the sun fall down, realized they were late. After bidding their friends goodbye for the next day, they began to walk away. After explaining that they promised their father that they couldn't stay too late, the Losers seem understanding, and let them go. The concrete floors were gently scrapped as the young kid walked awkwardly with boots that were just one bit too large. They hummed a little tune as they went on...
There was a nice gentle breeze that would dance in their hair. It was soothing and somewhat cold, hinting that night would come pretty early. Ebony thought it felt very nice to feel the weak cold temperature brush onto their face, and also began to think about what the Losers have said during the sunlit day. What was the ''It'' thing they couldn't stop talking about? Was it some sort of underwater monster? Or a criminal? No, criminals don't live for hundreds of years. What if those stories were all just some sort of scare tactic, and nobody actually got killed? But then... Georgie has been taken by that It creature, so it has to be true. It has to. How else would Georgie suddenly disappear?
The thought of his long-gone friend made Ebony quite upset. They shed a few tears, but quickly wiped them away, trying to keep their mind off of this by thinking of It. How does one actually see them? That's the question that needs answers. It can't just suddenly kill someone- No, there has to be a way it is done.
Just as they were about to turn towards their home while they kept making all sorts of theories, they look at the sewer drain that is just in front of the large beige house. It was rectangular in shape and looked fairly large as well. It looked so dark in here, oh so dark. It just—...What would happen if you saw what was on the other side?
Maybe darkness isn't as scary as most people claim so. In fact, the dark felt quite nice. Ebony decided it was worth it to try it out, and approached the drain slowly on all fours before deciding to stick their head inside.
They looked around in the darkness. Ebony's eyes widened to try to see better and even stuck their head even deeper inside the drain to hope something was in here. All they saw was pitch black—Not a figure, no monster, nothing. Maybe Ben wasn't exactly telling the truth about the monster attacking kids trough the sewer drain?
''Hello?'' They could hear their voice repeat itself inside the shadows. ''Is anyone 'ere?''
No response.
The deep shades of eldritch, brown and some sort of murky green were the only thing that popped up to the kid's face, but otherwise, nothing happened at all. Feeling a bit bummed out, Ebony decided to take a closer inspection to see if anything was living here at all. Leaning towards the darkness, they lurked their head in there, squinting to look around better. Everything they made that had a sound would let out a dying echo- Even their breathing. It was the only thing that actually made Ebony wonder why they were suddenly starting to get nervous.
Despite their fear, curiosity was powerful, so they kept their head inside the drain, and they waited. Aaaand waited. The more they stood still, the more they felt like they should pull out, leave their things, and run away as fast as the possibly can. There was no strange sound, and nothing was moving... so why was Ebony feeling so scared?
''Huh.'' They tried to sound unimpressed, but their voice shook with fear.
Suddenly, something was slowly rising. With a careful look, Ebony could recognize a floating oval shape- A balloon, perhaps? It had a thick of-white string firmly attached to it, and seemed still as it would rise, and then go in one direction. The sight made Ebony a bit more afraid, but it didn't quite freak them out just yet.
Finally, they backed away, catching their breath to try to calm down, after seeing the balloon. After all, it's not like anything is here, anyway, and it's too scary in here to keep going. Ebony walked away, and took a few steps away, looking back at the sewer drain before finally starting to look away.
''Well, hiya there, Ebony!''
Whatever decided to suddenly speak in the drain sounded high-pitched, like an adult talking down to a little kid.
They turned back after hearing their name, and saw a pair of sweet light blue eyes. Unsure if they should approach the sketchy clown, they examined the smooth pale face for a bit, lightly squinting their eyes to show they weren't trusting.
The clown was not really colourful, but didn't seem particularly strange to Ebony's eyes- Their hair had a deep shade of rust under the sewer drain. Their enormous forehead made Ebony wonder how much brains there's in the creature's head, and their red lips, nose and cheetah-like lines went from over their eyes to the corners of their lips. Their childish demeanour gave them a strangely friendly aura.
Stranger danger, Ebony... Stranger danger.
They watched with a doubtful glare as the clown began to stretch their long arms, revealing their darkened costume and their silky white gloves, and rested their head onto said crossed arms. They had a very lively gaze, and looked eager to meet the child. Since that... sketchy-looking clown looked a bit friendlier than initially, Ebony decided they should have a go, knowing that the drain is just in front of the house and that their father would save them if anything happened.
They braced themselves as they took some steps closer to the clown. They didn't move, and looked even more happy to see them, showing a wider smile, and at the same time, their buck teeth. Ebony crouched, and looked at the stranger right in the eyes.
''Uh... Hello d'ere.'' Ebony did their best to sound calm, but sounded a bit awkward. ''Why did 'ya talk to me?''
''Surely because you were looking for something here... right?'' The response was almost instant, like it was scripted.
Ebony paused for a bit, and then replied. ''Yeah. I didn't... Uhh, I dinn't expect to see ya there.''
''You didn't seem quite happy to see me neither...'' The clown pushed up a bit more of a worried face.
''I- no... I shoul'n't even be talkin' to strangers like you,'' Ebony hushed, ''m' dad said so.''
The sewer clown raised their head, and looked intrigued... or were they? They raised their eyebrows- Well, if they were to have eyebrows, they didn't have any- and looked impressed at Ebony's knowledge.
''Very wise of you, Ebony, such a smart kid you are.'' The light blue eyes seemed to grow just a shade darker. ''Your dad must love you very much, doesn't he?''
''He does, r'lly. We are really close toge'her.'' Ebony was already starting to warm up to the clown, liking their enthusiasm.
''That's great, Ebony.'' Everything felt a bit eerie and silent shortly after.
To avoid the creepy silence from rising, the child spoke up. ''Also, Mr. Clown... I don' wanna sound rude, but what's y'er name?''
The creature then presented themself. ''I am Pennywise, the dancing clown! And you... are Ebony. Are we strangers, now?''
''Nah, not r'lly! Nice to meet ya, Pennywise!'' Ebony grinned, starting to appreciate their new friend. '' And how do ya know m' name?''
''I heard it, and knew it was you.'' Pennywise's gaze was stuck to Ebony's face.
''And... Uuh, its that's a'ight to ask, why are you in a sewer drain?''
''A storm blew me away...'' The clown played a weakly worried expression. ''It blew the whole circus away.''
''Are ya okay? Do I need to pull ya outta 'ere?'' Ebony was understandably worried for their new friend.
''Have you ever been in a circus, Ebony?'' The kid couldn't understand why Pennywise would dodge their question.
''Pennywise, will you be okay down there?'' They sounded more insistent, this time.
The clown looked a bit confused, like something went out of plan. Before Ebony could begin to doubt anything, it went back to locking its gaze with the child's, swallowed hard, and began to act humbled.
''I'm good, Ebony. I have my little circus right here. Speaking of circuses, wanna come in here?'' They looked interested in the kid once again. ''There's popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs... You'll love it here.''
''Thank ya, Pennywise, but I can't go down 'ere. Dad wouldn't like me talkin' to someone like you, and sewers sound gross.'' Poor little Ebony sounded very polite.
''Oh, it's fine. If you change your mind, you can always join the circus!'' Pennywise stiffled a weak giggle afterwards.
''Really?!'' Ebony looked suprised. Joining a circus by itself?!
''Of course! I have a few ideas on what you could do... Oh, I know! You could be a ferocious animal trainer!''
''Oh, I dunno how to train animals. I ne'er had one.''
''Oh, really? Then I could teach you. It's quite easy!''
Ebony smiled at Pennywise, their eyes gleaming with interest. ''Thank you, Pennywise!''
They then looked back at their house, hearing their father walk in the garden to water his tree shoots and various wildflowers. He looked at the little kid, and gestured them to come towards him.
''Shoot, I gotta go, Pennywise- I'll be back tomorrow morning, I promise!''
Pennywise simply nodded, grinning form what felt like ear to ear, and watched Ebony walk away.
They are seen skipping, their boots thumping on the ground like a happy rabbit, and hummed as they approached their dad. It wasn't much of a long distance, so they could see their garden very quickly. The sweet, sweet bed of plants and tree sprouts looked so beautiful in the ending sunset...
''Yeh, dad?'' Ebony's eyes were still gleaming from joy.
''Eb'ny, sweetie... what were ya doin' in the sewer?'' He sounded quite worried.
Ebony froze, and instantly answered back. ''I made a new friend. He lives in the sewer drain.''
''Huh, is that so, sweetie? I'm glad you made a friend, but don't you think you two could talk in a nicer spot? Sewer drains aren't that clean, and can be dangerous.''
''Yeah. Sewers are gross.'' Ebony giggled innocently. ''I didn't want to see all o' the yucky slime and stinky stuff in 'ere!''
''Let's not forget 'bout aaall those bacterias, creeping for your... Pretty lil' face!'' The big bear suddenly grabbed his daughter by the shoulders, watching as they scream and then laugh heartedly. ''Now, now, Eb'ny, let's do y'er chores before ya go to sleep, a'ight?''
The pair went back in the house after tending briefly to their plants, and Ebony went back in their room, brushing the floors gently with the enormous broom. After throwing away all the dust in their trash can, they went downstairs to give their dad a kiss to say goodnight, and rushed back upstairs before falling back to sleep.
The elderly man looked happy for a bit, but as soon as he heard Ebony rush upstairs, his look was filled with worry. Deep down, he was ridiculously concerned about the idea of his daughter going in the sewers, and possibly go back while deathly ill. The thought of taking care of his child reminded him of his... his deceased wife. That amazing woman whom he cherished for life.
He lazily grabbed a rectangular frame, and looked at it for a long moment. In the picture that was in there, Ebony, as a little baby, was cradled in the old woman's arms, and she was kissing her husband. Everything looked so joyful, so innocent, and the trio looked very happy together... Only for her to be vanished a month later from a type of cancer. Tears welled up his eyes as he smiled at the framed picture, reminding himself of all those amazing things that he did with his wife, the main one being the adoption of Ebony. Yes, they were taken in their arms, and not by blood, but by love.
Blood might be thicker than water, but paper ink was just as valuable. It was the same ink the old couple used when they finally signed the adoption papers.