Hi everyone who have been reading the Sixth and Seventh Reality! I have to post this one-shot because some of you might be thinking "why can't the Thin Man have a happy ending" etc? So this one-shot is kinda a sequel to the Sixth Reality and a little over a midquel for the Seventh Reality. The only warning I have are morbid thoughts on how one should die. Other than that, enjoy!

Reunion

In the city streets, the lamps flickered in the heavy rain as the Thin Man appeared with his hand at the brim of his hat, an act of greeting to the child who stood a few feet in front of him. To the Thin Man, it was odd to see himself now confronting his past - Mono. Before, the man was just like this child, feeling somewhat resigned to the resentment the world had for him. The Thin Man watched as Mono took off his paper bag and let the rainwater sweep it away. He faintly recalled the emotions he'd felt at that time.

Enough is enough. I am tired of always hiding myself from the cruelty known as life.

Closing his eyes for a moment, the Thin Man felt tired as well. Tired of how fate played him like a fool while dragging in the life of the little girl who was his friend. And now, he would perform his last act for the whole world to see.

With his right hand reached out, the Thin Man was ready to use his powers. Suddenly, he caught it. That determined expression on the boy's face. Mirroring him, Mono raised his left hand to combat the Thin Man. Together, their powers clashed. Black particles surged through the Thin Man as he tried to push - trying to get close to the boy. Mono copied his movements as white particles surrounded the boy's small body. The frequencies were getting higher and higher until the Thin Man fell back. The curving buildings behind them started to crumble from the powerful force.

Getting up, the Thin Man tried again, manipulating the Transmission to his advantage. However, the boy struggled to get the same results, tuning the Transmission around him as the tall man felt his body shifting and bending to Mono's powers. Once more, the Thin Man crumpled and scrambled back to his feet. This time, the street lights were flickering around them.

Even though he knew who the clear winner would be, he gave everything he had. Once more the two were locked in combat. However, with more ease now, Mono had better control, fueling his powers with his determination to fight. To fight against the world that had been nothing but cruel to him... to fight for the future he stubbornly wanted to see through to the end... and to fight for his friend who was waiting for him at the confines of the Signal Tower.

Overwhelmed, the Thin Man fell. The battle was over. A winner was chosen. Then again, the victor had already been decided. As he tried to get up, the towering man looked up to meet the eyes of his younger self.

Looking at the boy's shocked face, he gave a sad laugh. If only things had been different back in his time. His form was starting to fade as his role ended in this world - in this reality. Did that mean he would die in this world? If that was so, then it would be a bittersweet story for him. He had only one regret. He wouldn't be able to see his Six again if that was the case. After all, he'd left that reality behind to save this seventh world's versions of themselves and she would forever believe that he hated her, unable to forgive herself for her betrayal. A sad story for two children.

However, he hoped he'd made significant changes that would change the fate of his past self and this Six's future. No longer would Mono have to suffer the cycle of endless hatred and that poor girl's heart might finally recover from such tragedies. In a way, the Thin Man felt a little envious of them. Regardless, it was for the sake of these innocent children trying to find a little bit of love in this cruel, dark world.

"You're... fading," Mono gasped.

"Indeed, I am... as I am no longer needed," the Thin Man admitted, resigning to his own fate, whatever it may be.

"Why? Why did you do all of this?" the boy demanded.

The Thin Man wasn't sure what Mono meant by that. Though he didn't really have to answer the question, did he now? Willing the sun box into his hands, he passed the item to Mono. The boy was hesitant upon looking at the box in front of him. Knowing him, he might suspect a trap. The Thin Man could see his younger self's expression, his confused eyes begging for answers.

"I'm betting all my coins from this moment on. I wish you the best of luck, Mono. Go...go save her. Perhaps, this time, she can save you." The Thin Man looked at his younger self, giving the boy a nod.

It was over. Finally, it was over. His part was done. He had already left everything behind. All that was left was for these children to decide now. Closing his eyes, the Thin Man faded from reality.

~oOo~

Soundless, empty, colorless. The Thin Man didn't understand. Where was he? Didn't he die? Why hadn't he faded away from existence? The answer was so simple. He wanted to return. He still desired to return home, back to the reality where he came from. Detaching himself, the tiny thought and emotions shone bright. The new moon was starting to regain its light as it transitioned to a full moon. The Thin Man's form glowed and disintegrated, revealing a ten-year-old boy.

Having broken free from the pile of consciousnesses, Mono was at a loss. He didn't know where he was. Was he caught in between the Transmission from one reality to another? There was still time before the seventh reality lost its Transmission. But how could he go back to the sixth reality? The Signal Tower over there was gone after he had gone back in time.

A soft chime, a melody playing. The void around Mono started to change. From an empty white space, white stairs descended down, leading somewhere. It brought back memories to Mono before he'd become the Thin Man, back when he was trying to search for Six at the Signal Tower and had to run through many doors and stairs. Perhaps this was the same.

It couldn't hurt. The boy shrugged to himself. Following the stairs, the boy ran and ran. He would continue running until he heard her voice. Six!

Trying to locate the source, Mono found a window to gaze down into the sixth reality. He could see her, he could see Six! She was lying in bed, all curled up. He could tell it had been days, as the rain around Pale City had turned into snow. The white powder had accumulated until it was probably twice his height! Focusing his attention on Six, he could see her body trembling, her breathing faint. She was holding something in her hands, but what it was, he didn't know. She was suffering, enduring... but she was also waiting - waiting for him - waiting to reunite with him.

Six, I'm coming, Mono replied as he continued up the stairs.

He could hear her soft, distant voice whispering, Mono, I'm going to see you...

Very soon, Mono finished. Continuing to run, he could see his reality. He was returning home!

~oOo~

In the Pale City - in the sixth reality as the former Thin Man had dubbed this world - there was a room in an apartment building. Inside this room was a bed, in which lay a dying young girl. She was hungry and her stomach growled, but she ignored it. Days had passed since she last ate, so her body had grown weaker. The chill in the air grew as the snow continued to fall, affecting her body as well. It didn't matter how she got out anymore.

Death would have been a kinder fate for children like you

Six knew that Mono would repeat his fate. As the Thin Man, he would be defeated by his younger self and die.

There was nothing left in this world - in this reality - for her. No family who was waiting for her, no home she could return to, no friends she could visit. Betraying Mono was the last push for her as her hope faded away. So here she was, waiting for her life to be claimed. Despite that she didn't care how she died, Six found herself feeling unsatisfied. A part of her wished she'd suffered more - to make up for the pain she had caused to kind people.

The Bullies had told her in the boy's bathroom that they were going to dissect her when science class started. How would it have gone? To have her body be cut open as blood splattered? Having her insides torn out of her and splayed about as she laid helplessly? Having her cries and screams drowned out by the malicious laughter of the Bullies? Pointlessly hoping despite knowing that her friend wouldn't be able to save her? Perhaps it had happened in another reality. Maybe that was why Six could imagine it very easily. Of course, she wouldn't have died despite all that. No, she would have survived the entire process - endured that long because the souls she had consumed at the Maw would have been sustaining her body, delaying her death as she felt the intense pain of her torture. A very slow, agonizing death would have awaited her. And by the time she ran out of souls that kept her living, the crows would feast on her body after the Teacher discarded her like broken trash.

However, she wasn't in that world. She was in this one. A world where it was she who couldn't save her friend, not the other way around. Either betray him - letting him live to grow up hating her - or save him - only for her to eat him. Continue the loop in the hope that something could change or end it with a disastrous conclusion. Regardless of her choice, she would die alone. Her hunger mercilessly clawed at her stomach and the unbearable pain was similar. It just happened on the inside instead on the outside. It was also a slow, agonizing death and she would accept it without any objection. Enduring and pushing, enduring and pushing... Perhaps it was better that she died this way. If she was dissected, she would only last until a few hours. Here, it had been days. The souls within her weren't in a rush to preserve her body and that was why it was taking so long. The girl briefly wondered if the collections of past Monos would be satisfied with this. What about her Mono? Would he want this? Maybe. Maybe not. It didn't matter anymore.

She just wanted to see him again and ask to be forgiven. In order for her to do that, she had to die.

If my death can make you a little happier after my betrayal, then I'll gladly surrender myself to it.

Her stomach continued to growl, pleading with her to get food. A painful, slow growl, but she continued to endure it. Her shadow panicked, demanding that she live. Useless complaints, a buzzing annoyance. Her body had grown too weak that she couldn't even move anymore. Even if she wanted to eat, she couldn't. She was tired. Tired of everything. It had gotten to the point that she couldn't even hear Shadow Six anymore. Once she died, her shadow would fade away too.

Maybe in another life, we could be together... For the sake of that new world, please free Mono from his fate. Please do what I couldn't have done in this life, Six...

Breathing shallowly, the only thing the girl could hear was the slow beating of her heart as it grew faint and weak. Curled up in her bed, Six had the two most important items with her. Two items that reminded her of her two friends. She was still wearing her bright yellow raincoat. In her arms, clutched tightly to her chest, was the ruined paper bag. She was still waiting, wishing for her mind to fall into an eternal slumber.

Please, take me away from here. Whisk me away to that distant dream... where I hope I will see you again.

~oOo~

A soft wind gently blew the vibrant green grass. There was a pleasant rustling sound from a tree as petals fluttered to the ground. A lovely melody was playing from a small trinket. A soft hand gently caressed her cheek. Stirring, Six slowly opened her eyes to be welcomed by the warm, bright sunbeams that managed to crack through the tree branches to shine on her face. Wincing at the intensity of the light, she shielded her eyes with her hand. As she rose from her spot, her hood fell back to the nape of her neck. Raising a hand over her mouth as she yawned, the girl rubbed her eyes awake. Six found that she had been sleeping in a bright, grassy field... staring up at a great tree with lovely pink blossoms. Beautiful, bright red cherries hung on the branches and Six became mesmerized by the pretty orbs.

It was a pleasant afternoon. There was a small cottage up ahead that was surrounded by many flowers. The melody continued to play, but it wasn't the same song Six was familiar with. It was different. The tune told of a reunion - togetherness. This place... it was like it was out of a children's book!

"You finally woke up, Six." A voice - a girl's voice - spoke as the music stopped playing.

Recognizing that gentle, silvery voice, Six gasped as she turned her head around. Sitting behind her was a girl with long brown hair, styled in a braid that was secured by a red ribbon. Nona. She was wearing a white dress and a lovely smile on her face. Her caramel eyes tenderly gazed at the younger girl. She looked so beautiful, like an angel. Beside her was a golden music box that has been playing its tune.

"Did you sleep well? I hope my lap was comfortable," Nona chimed happily.

Six didn't respond, still shocked at seeing Nona again. When she recovered, she gave a small nod, feeling her cheeks burning a bit. Nona giggled at the young girl's reaction before wrapping her arms around her. Six's body tensed, but eventually melted as she slowly returned the gesture, nuzzling her head into the older girl's shoulder. It was different when Mono had hugged her. Something about a girl's touch was different, but the embrace was comforting nonetheless.

"We've been waiting for you, Six." A boy's voice spoke up as the girl felt something being put on her head.

Breaking the tender embrace, Six turned to look at a boy whom she'd never met before. The boy had short, dark brown hair and long bangs that covered his face. He had on a blue shirt and stale blue pants. Like them, his feet were bare. Six frowned a bit at the sight of this boy. Had they met before? Ah, but they had, hadn't they? This boy was the Nome who had offered her a sausage. Touching whatever it was the boy had put on top of her, Six could feel the soft petals of flowers adorning her head.

Confused, she looked down and inquired, "Why?"

"Hm?" the boy looked at her, tilting his head to the side.

"Why? I-I ate you... And Nona, I couldn't save you... Why? Why are you two being so kind to me?"

Remembering those sad times caused tears to form in her eyes.

"Oh, Six." Nona gave her another hug. "It wasn't your fault, right Seven?"

The boy - Seven - nodded, "You didn't know. Even if you did, you couldn't control it. So please, don't carry your guilt anymore."

"Come on, Six." Nona stood up, pulling Six to her feet. "Let's go play! Let's have fun!"

Nona and Seven started to run across the endless field of flowers, laughing and playing as the cherry tree showered pink petals over them. The young girl was hesitant, puzzled by the two's carefree and fun-loving natures. However, this was the dream she'd always wanted. If it was a dream, that meant it wouldn't last, would it? Figuring that she might as well enjoy herself before the dream ended, Six joined them, giggling and smiling happily as she played.

So bright, so colorful! Her heart beat rapidly as she chased after her friends. Running and tumbling down the grassy meadow, rolling around the endless field of flowers, splashing their feet in the cool river... After so much joy and laughter, the three friends rested under that great cherry tree, simply enjoying the view while making flower crowns. Nona presented Seven with a crown as the boy did the same. In Six's hands was a crown she'd made for someone. She continued to wait for him, but began to feel anxious.

Will he get mad at me?

"Can I join in with you three?" a voice called out to the trio.

Gasping, Six turned around, surprised to hear his voice. It was him! He was here!

"Mono!" Getting up, she ran up to him, tears in her eyes, "Mono, I'm so, so sorry! I-I didn't-"

She was immediately embraced by the boy as he held her tightly, "I know. I know why you did it and I forgive you." Tears were in his eyes as well, "I'm sorry too, for what the Thin Man did to you. Even though he was my future and I wasn't him... will you forgive me?"

Forgiven. She was forgiven. Nona, Seven, Mono... they all forgave her. She had friends, she was loved, accepted.

"Mm-hm." She muffled her reply as she nuzzled her head against his shoulder.

"You don't have to be alone anymore, Six," Mono told her as he gently broke up the hug.

"He's right, Six. We're here for you," Seven remarked as he and Nona surrounded her.

More tears flowed down as she cried, but these weren't tears of sorrow or regret. They were joyful. Nona took out a handkerchief and softly wiped away her tears as she dabbed the piece of cloth on her face. Seven, who was holding Six's crown, passed it to the girl once Nona had finished cleaning. Six, turning towards Mono, placed the crown on the boy's head. The four of them began to play happily, forgetting about all their worries. They all smiled and laughed without care, holding each other's hands, never to let go. A bright, happy dream.

~oOo~

The Pale City. It had gained its name since no one there could ever view the sun. Maybe back when it was a city full of life, they once had. However, having been distorted for so long, the city had become a pale imitation of itself. It was always cloudy, sometimes raining or snowing. But on this morning, none of that was happening. The clouds finally parted as sunlight started to break through the dark, fluffy mass. The city had been covered in white as the snow sparkled at the reflecting light.

At the center of the city, there used to be a tower, but there wasn't any sign of it anymore. The former resident of the Signal Tower had left to return to the past a few days ago, leaving the tower without a host. For a few days now, the tower had crumbled until nothing could be found from it. No one would know about the tower except one child. But where was this lone child who knew of the tower's existence?

A tiny ray of sunlight managed to travel down to an abandoned building, reaching its way to the body of a girl. A frozen tear had rolled down the smiling girl's cheeks, glistening like a morning dewdrop. No longer was she in pain from hunger or from the cold. The girl would forever sleep, enjoying the sweet dream she finally got to have.

What could she possibly be dreaming about? No one would know except both you and I.