I don't think this chapter needs any warning, but it is dialogue heavy. Enjoy!
Chapter 5: Battle against Fate
Leaving the Hospital and venturing on further into the city, the children saw many people jumping from their balconies, cutting off their lives. It was a horrible sight, to end one's life and cut it short when there could be so much more to live for. Tightly squeezing Six's hand, Mono found courage within himself to continue onward. As the children made their way through many Viewers' houses, the inhabitants paid them no mind, their gazes transfixed to the screens of the TVs.
Entering a home from a high building, the two children cautiously climbed some debris. However, upon landing, the roof and the walls started to collapse as it had been in disrepair for a very long time. Running to the door, Six and Mono pushed the wooden barrier down, tumbling into the next room. Quickly getting up, they ran as dust flew at their faces. Coughing, and with her sight taken by the dust, Six tripped on a loosened floor plank. Mono couldn't see what was happening, but he was sure his friend was right behind him, so he jumped. It was a long fall and Mono couldn't remember when he blacked out.
Slowly, the boy groggily awakened, the light of his flashlight flickering in his face. It was too bright; he averted his sight from the light, pulling the plank off of him just as his flashlight died.
"Six?" he called out to her.
A small whimper came from his left and when he turned, he saw the girl trapped in the rubble. A sofa was on top of her, but luckily, the wooden planks cushioned the furniture, saving her from getting crushed. However, it kept her trapped and it wouldn't be long until the planks collapsed under the sofa's weight. Understanding how dire her situation was, Six struggled, trying to get herself out of the debris.
Immediately, Mono rushed to her aid as she reached out. Grabbing hold of her hands, he pulled her out just before the planks finally gave in. Groaning, the boy looked up and his eyes met Six's. Realizing that they were staring too much, both turned their sight away. Getting up, Mono slowly pulled his friend to her feet.
"Are you okay, Six?" he questioned in concern. "Maybe we should rest..."
The girl looked down at her legs and tried taking a step. She nearly stumbled, but eventually regained her balance. Looking at his face, she replied, "... It hurts a bit, but I can manage."
Still concerned, Mono held her hand before walking slowly to the door. After opening it and entering the hallway, the boy could hear static noises. A TV was nearby! Feeling a tug on his sleeve, Mono turned to see Six. She had a look of worry in her eyes as she looked at him, desperately pleading with him to not go near the TV. But very soon, he'd feel drawn towards it! He couldn't help it!
Fully turning to face her, the boy tried to sound reassuring, "It'll be okay, Six."
She still didn't look convinced, but gave a small nod as the two of them entered the living room. Immediately, the Transmission hummed more strongly and loudly than ever from the TV. Letting go of Six's hand, Mono covered his ears as he walked closer to the screen.
"Mono!" Six called out with her hands covering her ears.
He couldn't hear her with that constant buzzing in his head. He needed to tune it. Placing his hand on the glass, Mono tuned the Transmission until the corridor straightened. Entering the long hallway, the boy ran to the end of the hall.
~oOo~
The Thin Man waited as he sat in his chair. The ticking of the clock grew louder and louder. This was it! This was the third time! Lifting his head a bit, the Thin Man stared at the door. He was becoming anxious, but he could sense it. Mono was on the other side of the door. Knowing that Six would try to cut the Transmission, the Thin Man focused his thoughts on the girl.
Six, please... whatever you do, don't interrupt this. It is necessary for this to happen.
He could sense the confusion in Six's mind as she hesitated to stop Mono. The Thin Man could only hope that he sounded friendly to the girl, to bid the boy time to open the door. Hearing the handle being tugged on from the other side, the door slowly creaked wide open. He smiled. It was time to put his plans to action. Raising himself from his chair, his past self suddenly left his view.
He could see them on the other side of the screen. Six was panicking while Mono was still drawn to the TV. Placing his hands against the screen, the Thin Man pushed through until he came out of his prison. Standing up felt... strange. He had been mostly sitting for so long that his legs were stiff. Ah, and his back too as he tried to stand up straight. Looking down, he could see the end of Mono's coat at the end of the exit. Walking out of the door, the Thin Man walked slowly into the bedroom.
It was strange seeing a familiar scene from a different perspective. He could see Mono under the bed and if he leaned over a little, he could catch Six's distinctive yellow raincoat. The girl tried to hide with his past self, but tripped on a block. She was only a few feet away from him.
The Thin Man could feel it. He had to get back to the Signal Tower. He could not stay outside for long. The girl took a quick glance at him. The adult couldn't tell if that was fear in her eyes. Most likely it was. After all, back when he was in this situation, he was scared as well. However, with his new role, it hurt to see her look at him with such a fretful face.
The man internally sighed as he could see Mono cowering under the bed and Six reaching her hand out to him. A futile action, but he would have done the same if he was in the girl's position. Holding his hand over Six, he pulled her away from the floorboards, cringing as he had to hear her terrified scream.
~oOo~
Mono couldn't believe his eyes. His friend, his first and only friend he'd ever made was taken away from him! This was different to when she was taken by the Bullies. Back then, he couldn't do anything when she was kidnapped. This was different! He could have done something! She was right there! She was reaching out her hand! And yet, he cowered, subdued by the sounds of the Transmission until her scream pierced through as she was taken away. The boy felt ashamed of himself. He'd failed her. The moment Six was taken away, a Glitching Remain of her was left behind.
"Six?" Mono quietly called out as he crawled from his hiding spot.
The Glitching Remain didn't respond, simply fading away and leaving him alone. Running out of the bedroom, Mono returned to the TV in the living room. The box was still on with the screen shining its white light in the room. He had to find Six! He had to get her back! Placing both of his hands against the screen, the determined boy found himself falling into an endless mass of flesh and eyes. Eventually, breaking through a TV, Mono landed on a mattress.
Wandering around the house, the boy came across a remote. It might come in handy, especially if it would help him distract the Viewers whose eyes were glued to their screens. Fiddling with the remote, Mono would turn the TVs on and off before teleporting through them. He had to get closer to the Signal Tower. It was certain Six was being kept there.
~oOo~
At the top of the Signal Tower, the Thin Man sighed to himself as he stood in front of a familiar door. Truth be told, he was nervous. It had been so long since he talked to someone, especially to a mirrored version of his friend. From the many realities he could remember, many past incarnations of himself never confronted the girl after he captured her... that was, until towards the end when he would change her into a monster. At the moment, as the Thin Man stood in front of the door, he could sense the little girl being hesitant on the other side of that room. She knew he was outside and didn't dare to make a sound.
Sighing to himself, the Thin Man spoke, "I won't harm you." More silence. "I promise that I won't harm you. I merely wish to talk."
"... And how do I know you are telling the truth?" her voice inquired, suspicion and caution lacing her words.
Clicking his teeth, the Thin Man replied, "Very well. I shall make this simple. You may choose to open the door that separates me and you. As for myself, I shall stand where I am with my hands behind my back. But do know that I won't leave until you've opened that door."
Even more silence. As he waited, the Thin Man sighed. Had his Six been this cautious as well? Though, perhaps first impressions did matter. The previous Thin Man had looked down on her. But he wasn't doing that. Instead, he was waiting outside the door, trying to have a civil talk. He would face her and look at her as an equal, not as vermin. Eventually, his ears perked up at a sound inside the room. Most likely, she was dragging a stool to reach the door handle.
Click.
The door unlocked, and very slowly, it opened slightly. The Thin Man could see the girl peeking out of it. While he could see her small form, she had to look up since he was so tall. She had a look of concentration on her face, trying to study his expression. She observed him, examining his facial features, trying to solve him like he was a complex puzzle she couldn't figure out quite yet. It brought back old, fond memories to the adult. He could see her frowning. Had she realized it? Seeing that he did indeed have his hands behind his back, Six hesitantly opened the door a little wider. However, she stayed mostly behind the wooden barrier to use it as cover.
"What is it you wish to talk about?" she asked uncertainly.
"Do you recognize me?" he queried.
Six had a look on her face that clearly said she did. However, at that question, she averted her gaze from his face, simply nodding. "Why?"
Confused by the question, he quickly recovered, "Please elaborate."
"When Mono was tuning the Transmission... You asked me to not interfere - that it was necessary. Why?"
"I needed Mono to open the door. Otherwise, I cannot help the two of you," the Thin Man answered honestly.
The girl turned her head to look at him again, trying to see if there were any lies in his tone. She clearly didn't trust him and the Thin Man was fine with that.
"Why are you trying to help us? Aren't we... aren't I a threat to you?"
"No, you aren't," he answered. Seeing her confusion, the Thin Man sighed, "I'll cut to the chase. I am Mono's future. In another reality, I was... betrayed by another version of you. I came back in time to stop this fate from befalling onto Mono - again."
"Why are you telling me all of this?" There was no longer suspicion or distrust present in her tone, only curiosity.
"I want you to know my past and the reason why I ended up like this," he replied, becoming puzzled.
Something was different. The Thin Man could sense it. The girl in front of him didn't have the same reaction as his Six. In fact, she looked like she already knew him and that was why she was being cautious. What was going on? This wasn't like when she was remembering and forgetting like before. Was this because he repeated the reality he came from instead of picking a different one to start over? Or was this a result of the weakened loop? Had it become so strained that Six was able to resonate with other iterations of herself and gain bits of information? Curious, he took a step closer to the door frame.
Abandoning the door to take a few steps away from him and retreating further into her room, the girl inquired in a small voice, "Are you going to kill me?"
At this question, the Thin Man's eyes widened, "Why on earth would you think that, Six?!"
"Because I - because countless versions of me had betrayed you. If you hate me... wouldn't you want to kill me?"
The adult sighed as he entered her room, "I don't hate you and I missed my Six. I treasure all the moments I had with her. However, I still don't know why she let me go. If she let go because of what the other me did, it would be justified. If she did it unwillingly, she would live in remorse. Wouldn't you agree? You, who is the closest version to her?"
The girl tensed. If she did betrayed Mono, she would feel guilt. So she nodded. "Mm-hm."
Sighing again, the Thin Man crouched down a little, "Six, I have to know. Should you choose to repeat fate, I have to know. Why would you let go of Mono?"
Six was not looking at him, uncomfortable with the question. Shifting a bit, she asked after looking into his eyes, "Which answer do you seek? An excuse or the actual reason?"
"Either is of your choosing."
Sighing deeply, Six answered, "I... have this uncontrollable hunger. It's a curse that has been suppressed because of the Transmission. Should the Signal Tower fall, I fear my hunger will reawaken and I'll... be unable to stop myself from consuming Mono. It's... both a reason and an excuse."
The Thin Man simply waited for her to continue, giving a nod, "Go on. I'm listening."
The girl was now looking away from him. The Thin Man was aware as he looked at her that this was a tendency she had whenever she was feeling shameful or nervousness. However, her face had a look of anguish as if she was accepting what she was about to say next.
"Maybe... it's more of an excuse for myself. I don't deserve Mono's kindness... or his love. Each time he gives me more, I crave it. I'm slowly forgetting about my own vows: to not get too close and to stay distant... despite my heart desperately wanting the opposite. In the worst-case scenario, I would only be a burden to him. Even though I love him so much - even if it will hurt and haunt me forever, it would be better for Mono to live and grow to hate me than for me to overwhelm and consume him at the very end."
Oh, Six, The Thin Man thought somberly, thinking of his dear friend. Why must you insist that you don't deserve my love, but my hatred?
Sighing, the girl looked at him, her eyes telling him that she had more to say, but wasn't sure if she should continue or not. It was probably hard for her to explain her feelings, so the Thin Man assured gently, "Take your time."
Six gave a small nod before letting out another sigh, "Perhaps, deep down, I knew. In your endless search to reclaim yourself, you drew Mono closer to you. Each time that he would tune the Transmission, he was getting closer to losing himself. I-I tried to pull him away from the Transmission so he wouldn't become more lost, but I wasn't strong enough. I couldn't save you earlier until it was all too late. Until it came to that choice. Despite that I would see you as the way I remembered, I knew you would eventually change into someone else entirely."
The way Six was addressing him instead of Mono at the end had the Thin Man baffled. It was like the feelings of his Six were resonating with the girl in front of him. Breaking his gaze from the child to briefly stare at the ceiling, the Thin Man thought about her words carefully. It was true, she was right. Back when he was a child, by tuning the Transmission, he completed the loop and indeed, he had changed. All those times when Six became worried and had tried to warn him to not open the door, always trying to pull him away from the TV. The moment he faced the Thin Man, memories and emotions were being transferred to him, yet they were locked, waiting to be unleashed should he fall into the loop.
It was planned that way so should the boy fail, those memories would resurface and start the cycle over again. Even if Mono did escape from the loop, it was possible those many consciousnesses would latch onto him, still not having been satisfied. Why was it that the Mono in this reality could escape and not the other Monos from all the previous worlds? Those residual consciousnesses must be questioning that. The Thin Man recalled when those feelings of wrath had overwhelmed him briefly after his Six let him go. It was hard trying to retain his individuality. Even though he tried so hard, that kind, brave boy was no longer here. Only a man who had been warped remained.
He could sense it - the many angry thoughts within himself as he looked at this girl, I'll never forgive you. I will eternally hate you.
"Is that... it?"
A fourth sigh, "Perhaps... I secretly wanted Mono to hate me so I could let go of his hand. Perhaps... Your Six loved you so much that she wanted to save you. And that's why, because you are so beloved to her, she couldn't bear the sorrow of losing you to herself. I should know because she and I feel the same way. By the time we realize our mistakes, it's already too late. We would regret the choices we made after everything was over."
The Thin Man remained silent, unsure what to say. How could one even say or react to a confession like that? Betrayal. Whether it was a betrayal between friends or lovers, it was hard on the person being betrayed. It was easy to blame the betrayer for whatever reason they had. After all, wasn't it their fault for causing the hurt and pain? And yet, it was hard on the betrayer as well - especially if they didn't want to do the betrayal in the first place. In that situation, who would be hurting more? Him? Or her?
He also didn't think her reasoning would be like that. This hunger she described, while it matched with the other realities he'd witnessed, the answer felt surface-level - like the tip of the iceberg. Going deeper, she did it because she wanted him to live instead of die. What motivated that reasoning at the core was... love.
Looking back at his past, the Thin Man could recall that moment. Six, who had apologized to him first, told him one thing with a broken voice after he'd kept apologizing: "No, that's not it..."
I finally understand why now, Six.
The Thin Man, while he finally understood his friend's reasoning, felt sad. His friend who abandoned him to save him from herself. Abandoned him because she loved him. Who was hurting more? Him? Indeed, he had been hurting. To be thrown away at the end, forever alone with only memories of other lifetimes in repeat. Her? She had to live with her regrets, forever alone with only the memories she had in the sixth reality, unable to change the past or undo her mistakes.
He let out a tired sigh, "There was never a villain in this story - in this reality. Just two children trying to survive together in this cruel, dark world. Fate pitted us against one another until it began this cursed loop. For the longest time, many past incarnations of myself would target you, hurting you out of spite. As a result, all those versions of you felt betrayed and did the betraying. We're both the betrayed and the betrayer. In the end, we were nothing more but pawns for fate to toy with."
"Mm." Six gave a small nod.
Pinching the bridge of his nose, the Thin Man excused himself, leaving the little girl alone in her room.
~oOo~
Now understanding the cause of Six's worries, the Thin Man retreated to a different room within the tower, sitting down on a sofa. Willing the empty sun box to appear, the Thin Man stared at it. If Six was afraid of losing herself to her hunger and harming Mono, then he'd have to think of a way to suppress that curse. Learning of this new information, the adult felt as if he'd found the last piece to the puzzle. Things could change.
However, something came to his mind. Because he was stuck in the loop, the Thin Man didn't know what would happen once the Transmission ended, or how it would go out. The Signal Tower would fall, but it might take time for the Transmission to follow. Mono was able to use his abilities because of the Transmission in the air. So if it weakened before stopping completely, wouldn't Mono's powers fade away as well?
That was probably why she was worried about pulling Mono up...
At first, the Thin Man had thought that even if the tower fell, Mono would be able to keep his abilities. But that was only speculation and wishful thinking. So, the adult began to think deeply back to the beginning. The Transmission had delayed Six's hunger - that, he now knew. However, there were side effects that affected her. Past iterations of himself would fuel the Signal Tower with hatred, which broadcasted the Transmission - causing Six to cough and relive her worst memories the closer she got to the center of the city. All that hatred and anger had warped and destroyed. This city and its inhabitants were proof of that. Once the tower fell, there would be no need for Mono to have his powers anymore.
What if the boy fueled his abilities with different emotions that weren't wrath-based? The Thin Man knew the boy was capable of doing that. After all, when he himself had faced his previous incarnation back in the sixth reality, it was his love and determination to save Six that allowed him to prevail. Sadly, he'd never gotten the chance to experiment more on his powers before being let go. Staring at the empty box... should he put his powers inside to help aid Mono and Six?
If that is the price I must pay to ensure their futures, then so be it...! The Thin Man believed as he twirled his fingers, imbuing the object with his thoughts and emotions. Let my love for her act as a base; let Mono's powers be born anew!
Both Mono and Six had been through so much. Fate continued to toy with their lives, rewriting the script for entertainment. The original truth was lost and both children had changed as a result. The same could be said about the Transmission. Perhaps in the original timeline, the Transmission was born from the loneliness and yearning the original Mono had felt, searching for his dear friend as he grew old. Fate no longer desired that ending, scrapping it out and changing it entirely. With the change, the creation of the Transmission had to be modified to fit in. Loneliness and the yearning to meet again had turned into hatred and the desire for revenge.
For so long, fate had been amused, seeing the repeated loops that had different changes, only for the ending to remain unaffected. If that was the case, then the Thin Man would make his own modifications in defiance! Let hatred and the desire for revenge be modified, becoming love and the wishing for a brighter future.
Beads of sweat started to form on the Thin Man's face as he concentrated, What lays in the box should delay Six's curse once more. Hopefully, there won't be any negative side effects...
Gasping, the Thin Man started to violently cough; the process was stopped from going any further. He was starting to weaken, the hatred from other lifetimes starting to inch closer and closer. He could only do this much. If he continued to try and add more of his power, he'd become too weak and lose himself to the hate that was buried deep in his heart. He could only hope that his powers were enough to help... so those two could reach for that bright star - their future.
I can't help anymore. I could only provide a base. You will have to figure out the rest, but... The Thin Man chuckled to himself, Knowing you, Mono, I'm sure you'll be able to find a way. Only your love and determination can save her now…
Mono. The Thin Man felt a hint of sadness in his chest. Even if things had been done differently back in the sixth reality, nothing would have changed. Even if Six had've pulled him up and escaped with him, he would've become a victim to her hunger curse. Knowing his friend, she would still be living in regret. Whether this Six felt the same way or had resonated with his friend, her confession told the Thin Man one thing. Whether his Six dropped him or saved him only to eat him, she would most likely die after - unable to bear the sorrow. Photo Mono had felt her fading back in the sixth reality and the Thin Man realized that too late.
It's because you pushed yourself, didn't you, Six? You tried to endure the pain by yourself and now...
Fate would still have control over her life just as it did with his. His life - hers as well - had ended. It was over. No future for them. Well, for this world's sake, the Thin Man wouldn't allow that. If fate thought it could mess with these children's lives, then he only had this for a reply: Screw you, fate! They're taking control of their lives! You can go and rot in hell!
He was sick of it. Sick and tired of it. Tired that fate would push both him and Six to their breaking points. He'd never stood up against the children at the orphanage as a child. As an adult, he was going to stand up against fate. It felt good, feeling his stubbornness returning. Sighing, the Thin Man would've liked to take a nap, having exhausted his powers to fill the sun box. However, he couldn't. Six would be trying to escape to stop the loop. That could not happen. Getting out of his seat, the Thin Man exited the room. From the many memories he had, he knew what room she would be going through to find the TV.
~oOo~
Mono has been running around the city, evading the Viewers whenever he had to turn off the TVs. As he descended down a building, breaking his fall on the roof until he reached the ground, the boy noticed more distorted adults behind a fence. An elderly couple were staring at the screen. Turning on the TV inside the store, Mono led the couple away from their TV with a click of a button. It worked! Using this chance, the boy went through the abandoned box and teleported into the store. However, he broke the TV the elderly couple were watching and they became enraged. More Viewers were also coming his way!
Alarmed, the boy fled in the store as the Viewers were trying to break in. While trying to navigate his way, Mono found more TVs with their white glows. Some of the distorted people stopped, becoming fixated by the screen. But that was not enough. Others started to push down shelves, wanting to pursue their target. Seeing a TV at the end of the store, the boy continued to sprint. Placing his hands on the screen, he pushed through and burst out another within a building, destroying it in the process. Panting, Mono picked himself up as he entered a room with another TV on. Hearing a muffled cry coming from the box, the boy turned to see Six!
"Mono!"
"Six!"
Rushing over to the screen, Mono grabbed hold of her hands as he tried to pull her out of the TV. She was nearly out until a hand reached and grabbed hold of her body, ripping his friend from him. With a scream, Six was pulled back into the TV as a pair of hands started to push through the screen. Covering his eyes as he tried to get away, Mono nearly stumbled when he was freed from the Transmission that was pulling him in. Grabbing a fallen axe, the boy grunted as he chopped down the wooden door in three strikes.
Evading the Thin Man, the boy eventually made his way to a train. Running, running, running. The tall adult was chasing after him with slow strides. As the monster got closer, Mono could see the Transmission around him slowing down his movement. Running and jumping from many cable cars until he reached the end of the train, the boy detached the car with a pull of a lever and it moved away from the rest. With enough distance, the Transmission broke as the car gained speed. Mono watched as the Thin Man simply looked at him, his slender figure eventually getting smaller and smaller. Feeling that the train compartment was going way too fast, the boy held onto the lever, but he didn't expect a crash. Hitting his head on impact, Mono tumbled off the end. The last thing he heard before losing consciousness was the sound of steam hissing from the crashed train.
~oOo~
Back in the top of the tower, the Thin Man gently placed Six back in her suitcase. She didn't look pleased with him and when she tried to leave, he simply scooped her up only to put her back. On the third try, the girl gave up, becoming very tired.
She pouted, "I thought you wanted to break the loop, so why capture me again?"
"Sadly, as much as I would love to break the loop faster, there are no shortcuts. Everything must stay consistent. What matters most is the ending," the Thin Man explained. Her expression softened a bit as she turned away slightly. "Six, you are the golden key needed to decide my - Mono's - fate. To break this loop, it isn't just me and Mono who need to break it, but you as well."
"I'm not sure if I can help you or Mono." She spoke softly; her eyes were gazing elsewhere as if she was trying to catch a glimpse of the future. Placing a hand over her chest, she continued, "This feeling that overflows in my chest... it hurts. I don't understand it. I don't understand the love I feel for Mono. I'm... scared. To love and be loved is all new to me."
Staring at the girl, the Thin Man thought back to his own feelings. Love was such a complicated emotion. Even with all his time, he didn't understand it either. It was always shifting, always changing. He couldn't even describe it. All he did know was that he cherished his Six and all the moments they'd shared. Even the painful memories became so beloved that he couldn't find it in his heart to hate her.
No matter what your reasons were, it was mainly because you loved me, wasn't it, Six?
Even if there was the possibility that this reality was doomed, he would pass this knowledge to Mono. The boy wouldn't get it right away. It was a warning that could easily be missed. However, the Thin Man believed in this seventh reality. So he wouldn't give up. Clearing his thoughts as he looked at the girl, he frowned at her. It would be soon. While he didn't want Six to suffer during her transformation into a monster, it had to happen. Everything until the last point must be the same. In the end, she had to decide Mono's fate.
"Six, I don't wish to frighten you, but I'm afraid before we can reach the conclusion, you'll have to turn into a monster." At this warning, he could see fear and wariness in her expression. He hoped it wouldn't change the feelings she had for Mono.
"What happened... to your Six?" she questioned quietly.
"The previous iteration of myself caused her to suffer in a nightmarish prison. I don't know what happened, but I know that wasn't what led her to let go of me," he answered.
Six slowly stood up in her suitcase; her trembling hands reached for her hood as she drew it back, revealing her face entirely. Seeing her face made the Thin Man feel sad, yet a little proud. He was catching the real her again. There were times when Six would try to appear strong, hiding what she was feeling. Now, she was exposing herself, letting him see her vulnerability - challenging him to see if his opinion would change if he saw this side of her.
"W-What if... I can't help break the loop?" she inquired as her body started to tremble. "I'm not strong like you... or Mono."
She thinks I'm strong?
"Back at the Hospital, you showed both me and Mono your weakness. However, I - Mono - couldn't show you his face, his weakness." The Thin Man crouched down to try and get to her level. Reminded of that moment, Six touched her forehead, her face blushing a soft shade of pink. "To me, real strength is revealing your weakness, allowing others to see. You're stronger than I am - even stronger than Mono."
"But-"
"Then the cycle will continue. I doubt my past self would resent you. Even if he does, I'd be sure to remind him," the Thin Man answered. "I won't force or convince you into deciding his fate. That choice will be entirely your own."
"I'm sorry." Her hands left her forehead as she looked down.
At her soft-spoken apology, the Thin Man was bewildered. Why was this girl apologizing? Why was she doing that when she hadn't done anything? But hadn't he done that too?
"Please, Six! Are you upset with me? D-Did I do something wrong? If I unintentionally hurt you, I'm very sorry! Please!"
He would keep apologizing for the many things he could have done to have hurt his friend. Without even realizing it, his heart had resonated with all the previous iterations of himself from that moment, apologizing for the many things that had happened in the other realities. Perhaps the girl's heart had resonated with his Six back in the sixth reality once more, her feelings of regret transcending time and space so she could beg for forgiveness in this lifetime. He could somewhat understand the feelings of this reality's Six a little.
"You don't have to apologize. It wasn't-" He got cut off.
"No, I know. It might not have been my fault in this life - in this world. Still, you suffered so much from countless other betrayals... therefore, I'm truly sorry." She gave a little bow. "Please forgive me."
Even though the Six in front of him was not his Six, the Thin Man couldn't help but start to grow fond of her, too. With a finger, he slowly lifted up her face so he could stare into her eyes. Those beautiful brown orbs were shedding tears for him. Too long since he'd actually gazed into those eyes - peered into her soul. For him, this was the third time he'd seen her cry. It tugged on his heart that was frozen in time. She had nothing to regret, and yet here she was, pleading to be forgiven.
More tears fell. Who did they belong to?
"You're crying..." Six pointed out softly.
The Thin Man blinked his eyes and rubbed them to see that indeed, he was crying. These tears were his. It puzzled him. For so long, the many consciousnesses were angry, never shedding tears. He thought he could no longer cry, believing they'd all dried up as he grew up. What was he crying for exactly? For his Six? For her feelings to reach this seventh reality? She wanted to be forgiven and the Thin Man wanted to forgive her.
I will never forgive you. Those cruel words echoed in the Thin Man's mind, other versions of himself hissing into his head. I will forever hate you.
"I cannot accept your apology," he quickly interrupted her when she was about to speak, "It's because you haven't done anything that warrants it. Is that understood?"
"Mm-hm..."
He could feel her tiny hands as she wrapped them around his cold, long finger. It was like she was trying to give him a hug, but since she couldn't with him being an adult, she gently embraced his finger as she nuzzled her head against him. It felt warm. Her soft hands were warm compared to his. As the Thin Man simply stared at this version of his dear friend, he noticed her injuries for the first time. The red marks around her neck and legs she received from the Bullies, her bandaged right hand that concealed the wound her tormentors gave her, and her wrapped left foot that was cut by broken glass in the Hospital.
Completely identical to his Six. The thought of his previous self wanting to condemn the girl made the Thin Man angry at himself. And now, she would soon have her mind - her soul - go through a hellish nightmare. It made the adult disgusted with himself and his past incarnations.
After she was done hugging his finger and he had wiped away her tears as gently as he could, the Thin Man sighed as he stood up. "I'm afraid I have to go now. The next time someone enters this room, it won't be me."
As he turned and was about to walk away, she called out to him, "Mono!"
He stopped. Mono. It had been way too long since he had been called by that name. He hadn't even called himself that. Turning to face the girl, he inquired, "Yes?"
"Where will you go...? Once this is all over?"
The Thin Man turned his head and looked at the wall. "I'm not sure. I would love to go back to where I came from, however. She's waiting for me, I'm sure of it. I hope, for the sake of this reality - for her sake as well, you can do what she couldn't."
"I hope so, too. I hope that this is the day I can pull Mono up from that fatal ledge. And maybe... the remnants of all those past lives - you, him - will come closer to forgiving me - us - after the endless years of repeated betrayals."
After hearing her heartfelt statement, the Thin Man felt something on his lips. He was smiling - albeit a sad smile. Tipping his hat as he made his way out of the door, he turned to have one last glance at the girl who had pulled her hood back over her head. It would be his last time seeing this Six in front of him - a complete mirror image of his cherished friend.
"Farewell, Six. It was pleasant talking to you again. Thank you." He gave a nod, "I wish you and Mono the best of luck."
Grabbing the door handle, he slowly swung it so that it would cover the room. Before he could fully close it, however, he decided to leave it open slightly. Sighing to himself, the Thin Man looked up ahead. Was there really no villain in this story? Well, let him rephrase his statement. There was a villain in the script - just not what one would expect. Neither him nor Six were the villain.
The real villain is you, isn't it? The Thin Man glared at the very thing that confined him. Despite that he was staring at concrete, he could see the Flesh Walls behind it, a large eye staring at him through the illusion. The Signal Tower never talked, only observed. However, the Thin Man continued, You have not only corrupted me, but you have done the same with Six. In each reality, you turned us against each other. I wonder, just what are you exactly?
It didn't matter anymore. Perhaps the tower was a servant of fate and did whatever fate wanted so it may continue to feel entertained. It was always there in the background, manipulating them. It used Mono's depression, corrupting him - turning his sadness into hatred. In return, Mono would grow up to become the Thin Man, using his hatred to broadcast the Transmission and hunt down Six. As for the girl, the tower would feed on her insecurities and corrupt her - turning her into a monster. Sometimes, because past incarnations of himself were in sync with the tower, he would be the one to cause the transformation.
The Thin Man sighed. While they weren't the villains, he would have to play his part just like Six would have to play hers.
Unbeknownst to the girl, the Thin Man had given her the moon box when she was hugging his finger. The end would soon come. When she opened the box, what would Mono's fate be? Closing his eyes, the Thin Man shook his head. Some selfish part of him wished it was him who had this life. However, his fate was already decided. Mono's hadn't been decided yet. Besides, he should be grateful. Once he was defeated by the boy, he might get to reunite with his Six back in the sixth reality.
My end is drawing closer, Six. Please wait for me.
The Thin Man thought about his past self and thought of the place of the confrontation. A battle was slowly coming. A battle of signal interference.
~oOo~
Waking up, Mono groaned as he clutched his head under his paper bag, feeling sticky liquid on his hand. He had been unconscious for so long... how much time had passed? Looking up, the boy saw her. It was Six! But it wasn't her at the same time. Only her Glitching Remain. Strange. All the eighteen Glitching Remains he had collected had stayed in one spot. Why was Six's able to move around? Was it really her Glitching Remain? The dark image of her flickered as he followed.
"Hey! Wait!" he called out, trying to catch up. "Ah!"
The boy stumbled as he placed a hand on the side of his back. Just touching it caused the pain to flare intensely. He had taken his sight away from the dark figure for a second and by the time he looked back, she was gone. Staggering forward, he saw her again. The Glitching Remain of his friend was playfully balancing on the train tracks and eventually faded when he got close. Seeing light from the corner of his vision, Mono turned as the static figure of Six stood up and turned to look at the ladder before her image flickered away once more.
Climbing up the ladder, the boy grimaced as his body screamed in agony from the pain. Slowly ascending as he grabbed each bar, he felt his grip wanting to loosen. No! He could not give up! Climbing out of the manhole, the boy found himself staring at the Signal Tower in the distance. He was so close! Six must be there. Before he could take a step, however, the Thin Man appeared as the street lights flickered. The man was tipping his hat at him, a gesture of greeting. With his tiny body exerted, Mono fell onto his knees. He was tired - tired of everything. Tired of how the world was against him. He'd made a friend and he would not allow the world to take away his first friend!
Enough is enough. I am tired of always hiding myself from the cruelty known as life.
Taking off his paper bag, the boy allowed the rainwater to sweep the item away. The Thin Man was looking at him as if caught in nostalgia as the boy rose to his feet. Staring defiantly at the man who stood in his way, Mono raised his left arm, using his powers to manipulate the Transmission around him before the Thin Man could take a step closer to him. The adult fell as the buildings around them started to crumble from his power.
When the Thin Man got back to his feet, Mono pushed him back once more, mirroring the man's movements. He fell a second time as the streetlights flickered. Third try. Mono pushed the Thin Man back, fueling his powers with his desire to save his friend. Putting in everything he had, the boy fell back from the intense force that pushed the Thin Man. The man had fallen and as he knelt, trying to stand back up, Mono saw his face. The adult was giving him a sad smile - content with this ending. Particles were leaving the Thin Man as his form started to disappear.
Anger momentarily forgotten, Mono gasped, "You're... fading."
"Indeed, I am... as I am no longer needed," the Thin Man admitted in defeat.
"Why? Why did you do all of this?!" Mono demanded, wanting an explanation.
He wanted to know. However, the tall adult didn't give him the answer he wanted. Instead, the Thin Man had a box in his hand. He passed it over, the box floating until it stopped in front of Mono. Confusion spread on the child's face as he stared at the sun box. Why was he given this? Was this another trap? Was the Thin Man expecting him to open it? Was it a last resort - a fail-safe? Looking up at the Thin Man, Mono only had ignorance written all over his face. His curious eyes were begging for the man to explain.
"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 replied.
This time? What does he mean?
He was gone. The Thin Man was gone. He was defeated. The sun box disappeared, too. As Mono rose to his feet, he felt his head hurting. Faint memories and emotions were flooding into his mind, but as quickly as they came, they left. Shaking his head to clear himself of those thoughts, Mono felt his body being filled with so much power - so much that the pain in his back was gone. Had the Thin Man's powers transferred to him? Whatever. No time for questions.
Concentrating as he reached out his hands, Mono called for the Signal Tower. The curving buildings started to straighten as the boy willed himself into the heart of the city. Manipulating so much of the Transmission around him caused the boy to stumble forward. Exhausted, his body was demanding rest after using so much power. He collapsed. He was drained. Most likely, it would take a while before he could use his powers again. It was so tempting to pass out and fall into the darkness.
No, not yet. Six needs me. She's waiting for me, Mono told himself as he looked up to see the doors opening. "Wait for me a little longer, Six..."
Getting back onto his feet, the boy ran to the welcoming doors. When he was through, the doors slowly closed.
The conclusion was drawing near.