Breaking the Cycle

by mephilesthelight

Mono has once again fallen and grown into the Thin Man. However instead of turning into the hate filled being he was. He has instead contemplated his life and realized who his true enemy is. The Tower sensing this put an effort to end him then and there. The Thin Man taking a huge gamble has sent his consciousness back in time to save both himself and his friend Six.

27. Time Heals All

It was the next day and Six opened her eyes. After that very tense day of fright, terror, almost made mistakes, and reconciliation she woke up to find the space next to her empty with the same spot of sweat in the spot. She got up from the bedding immediately going to check the kitchen to see if Mono made tea again. Only to find that this time Mono wasn't on the rooftop. He was sitting at the window looking down at the city.

'Improvements already?'

Six clambered up to the countertops to sit down next to him. The dark circles under his eyes prominent as he hugged his knees closer.

"Bad dream again, Mono"

"I hoped that they would go away when I talked about it but..." he trailed off.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"You've eaten people before, haven't you?"

Immediately Six was alarmed by those words as a chill ran up her spine.

"I didn't eat you, did I?"

Mono shook his before pointing at himself and then back to her.

"Oh."

"It was back to when I defeated the Monster. I absorbed the static soul, I didn't get a claw at first like last time, so I had to use the knife to cut you out, and that's when it happened. My stomach growled with intensity, I lost my grip due to the pain and I fell off, and my throat felt like I hadn't drunk anything in so long. I approached the Monster's dead arm and sank my teeth into it. Jabali ran away sensing the air I was giving, and I never saw him again. I ran away just like last time. You found me though it took much longer, and I struck again. This time it was the Butcher and Barksy. You found me hunched over the Butcher's corpse with his throat torn out while Barksy was drowned in the pond. You tried to comfort me, but I was still hungry. I tried telling you to run but it wasn't enough. I began chasing you and then I caught you. Everything faded to black and then my eyes opened and all that was left was your skeleton and yellow raincoat. Finally, I woke up feeling sick to my stomach."

Mono gestured to the bathroom before looking out to the window.

"Frankly if Hunger was the alternative, I'd rather have the one claw."

"I can relate to that more than you realize. Last time when I was cursed it feels like nothing can fill that void. I could eat stuff to temporarily relieve the pain, but it would always return. I ate normal food at first but when I got on the MAW children didn't get to eat as much. One of the things I want to fix when we get take over, but I digress. Then you remember how I told you that I ate a rat, a Nome/child, and the previous me."

"Did it taste good?"

Six just gave him a deadpan look before looking down at Mono's hand. In a flash Six snatched up his fingers and nibbled. Mono gave out a small gasp from the sudden reaction. She wasn't biting hard; it wasn't painful, just chewing. Before she spat it out wiping her mouth and then offering her hand to him.

"You aren't tasty Mono even if you were, I wouldn't want to eat you. Do I?"

Mono gingerly took Six's finger and then carefully clamped down. Not drawing blood not causing pain, just chewing before taking it out.

"Nope, you don't taste good."

"And that's another thing that makes us better than the rest of the world. We don't relish eating other people. Don't worry about it anymore Mono."

"Well with that out of the way I was wondering if you could help me with something."

Mono hopped off the countertop turning around with his arms raised up. Seeing what Mono wanted she leapt off the countertops using her powers to slow her fall before landing in his arms. Quickly dismounting Mono led her over to the broken TV. They got rid of all the glass a while back, but the TV still laid there.

"I remember how this reminded you of the last cycle Six. I don't want a constant reminder of our failures from last time around us. I want to get rid of it, but I didn't want to do it alone."

Mono walked over to one side of the TV using his powers to fortify his side. Six thought it sweet that Mono was trying to adjust from treating her like she was fragile. She joined him on the other side using her powers to help lift the TV. It took some shimmying and shuffling but with a few steps they got out of the apartment.

"So, what do you want to do you with this thing?"

Both look down at the stairs leading down to the bottom of the building and then back up to the rooftop. Both giving a devilish smirk to each other before going up. They set the TV up in the direction of the forest. Both faced the TV screen before both reared backs. Mono's static building up in the palm of his hand while Six's powers wrapped around the TV. With a physical shove from the TV quickly disappeared. Both watched as the cube sailed through the air turning into a small dot. Both looked at each other before laughing.

"I'm going to go clean up for a bit Six. I'm not sure what I want to do today so I'll let you decide."

Mono went down to shower for a bit while Six sat there on the rooftop in her jumper. She hadn't worn the raincoat today because it was torn up from the conflict yesterday. The sleeves were cut up into shreds and there were two holes in the hood shoe could pull it down enough and they'd be eyeholes. She went downstairs into their apartment. Mono had set aside his clothes before he went into the restroom. Six picked up the trench coat.

It had been a while since he washed this thing. It was still missing the left sleeve from that debacle in the supermarket. It was also showing signs from that wear and tear from the training they did together. So, it either needed to be repaired or replaced. Mono turned off the water and left the bathroom in a towel seeing Six holding his coat. He quickly puts on the rest of his clothes before holding his hand out to Six still holding the coat.

"Nope, I know what we're going to do today. You and I either need to find new clothes or we need something to fix."

"That's going to be a little hard Six. Everyone in this town save for a few is size massive."

"Well… you remember the Toymaker, right? Let's just find another Toy store and just "borrow" some clothes from there."

With that both left the apartment building it was nice sunny day despite how drab the city really was. It took them a good few hours before they found anything of the sort. Turns out it seemed that the city was really built only for adults. Anything made for children or their entertainment was snuffed out. Until they reached the inner sanctum of the city one small building stood overshadowed by all the others. It was boarded up but still appeared to have some figures with clothes on them. Mono helped Six up to the windowsill near an opening before teleporting up himself.

Six looked to her right and saw a light switch. Using her powers, she switched it on and the lights above either flickered on or popped into broken glass. Lining the shelves where different action figures were different types of clothing along with dolls with different clothing.

"Well let's see if we can find something we like or if this place has some way of fixing ours."

They spent what felt like hours trying on the different outfits the characters were wearing. Mono had one that really stood out to him though that was probably because it looked like a cooler version of what he wore. The figurine stood about Mono's height wearing a black or dark blue trench coat like his only it had white outlines at the seam, a white outline of thorns or a snake down the sleeves and the coat. The cuffs were massive with three buttons on the side. The shirt underneath was also buttoned awkwardly looking more like ribs at the seams. The pants were black along with the boots. The figure also wore fingerless gloves both of which were clasped over a katana with a blue, gold, and white handle. The figure looked fierce, concentrated, and very motivated with their slicked back white hair.

"Flashy but the point is not to be seen right now. I could use the shoes though."

Mono quickly slipped the boots off the mannequin and slipped them on

Six found another that was to her liking as well. A little girl holding a black cat in her arms. They were wearing a yellow dress with a little green bow at the front. The character had pale skin and rosy cheeks, They wore black and white stockings, and little brown shoes. They had brown hair and blue eyes. They appeared to be crying blood a small bit as well.

"Cute, but a dress would get more in the way right now. I am tired of walking on bare feet though."

With a few tugs Six pulled off the shoes and stockings before placing them on her feet.

They two of them wandered to the back of the room finding a sewing machine. It took some practice and eventually Six patched up the scratches and replaced the sleeve. Both admiring themselves in the mirror.

"So, when did you learn to sew Six?"

"That was back when I lived in the village. My mother taught me to sew while my dad taught me how to farm."

"She taught you well it looks brand new with the way you stitched them up."

The two of them started doing silly poses in the mirror as they continued checking their clothes out.

A couple of weeks later.

Mono and Six are seen looking through the city. Ever since they discovered the toy shop, they wanted to explore a bit more around the city. Wanting to find something else to do while time went on. Then it came to Six's attention that every week a crowd of Citizens would pile into this one building which was strange.

It didn't appear to be a restaurant of any kind. It was a massive building with a few sets of doors. There was a booth in the middle and a massive sign with some text written in the Citizen's language so Mono or Six couldn't read it. Curiosity piqued both of their interests, so they tried finding another way in that didn't involve them getting tramped by the massive crowd. Getting Mono's attention Six pointed up to the rooftop for access. Mono grabbed Six by her hand and waist before teleporting up there in a pop of static. With Six's power she popped open the vent and the two went inside.

The two of slid down the shaft Six slowing her fall with Mono holding onto her hand. The two slowed down enough to grab onto a ledge leading out to a rafter. Mono and Six shoved against it revealing the room below them to be a massive theater. Citizens sat in the seats as they awaited the show to begin. Mono and Six carefully walked the rafters before finding a place with a good view. The two sat down hand in hand as they also watched, waiting for the show to begin.

The curtains rose and the show began. It was a tale of two lovers at first. Starting with a marriage that was quickly halted by authorities who hired the groom to go after a convict. The scene quickly changed to a group of pirates sailing the high seas in search for something. The captain of this vessel was an incredibly quirky man. The two watched in awe as the play went on talking about the villain of this story. A man who cut his own heart out because his love betrayed him.

Six started feeling sleepy so Mono pulled away from the rafter so they weren't on the edge and allowed Six to lay her head on his lap as he continued watching. He pulled off his coat and laid it over her soft sleeping form as she slept. Stroking her hair helping her fall asleep. The story was nice there were some parts that hit a little too close to home for him at first. The villain feeling betrayed by his love causing him to act rash it felt like himself. Or at least he used to, now knowing Six cared for Mono instead of how these two characters interacted with one another. The show ended with the quirky pirate fighting against a massive sea creature and then the curtains fell.

Mono a little sleepy eyed stretched a small bit before picking Six up with him as he began walking out the door. Looking up at the open space he teleported upwards. Clambering up onto the roof before stepping out into the starry night. He looked high above, Six murmuring a small bit in her sleep as she squirmed a small bit in his arms before. Her eyes bleary she slowly sat up seeing that Mono sat next to her looking up to the stars above. She got up to sit next to him as he put an arm around her. They both sat there stargazing when a shooting star passed the horizons above. They both stared at each other glancing at one another. Wondering if the either had a wish they wanted to say. But with that look into each other's eyes, they knew.

They knew that what they wished was what they already had right now.

A couple of weeks later

Mono is seen preparing some food in the kitchen. He's currently slicing up some vegetables while listening to some jazz. Turns out it's one of his favorite genres of music. He can't help but sway a small bit to the tune as he chops. Six isn't in now because Mono asked her to go grab some extra spices from the store. The Manager practically scared into submission from the last time they confronted one another.

With a couple of tosses Mono throws the vegetables into the pot of broth. Adding a small twirl as he continued preparing the soup. The jazz suddenly hit a high note and Mono paused in his slicing. Letting that music carry him in a small sway.

The door suddenly opened as Six dragged in a bag of assorted glass vials. Seeing Mono in a good mood put an amused smile on her face. Though the music he listened to wasn't exactly her favorite. Clambering up the countertop Mono quickly noticed.

"Hey Six! Come dance with me for a second!"

Ignoring Mono for a minute she pulled up the spices to the counter. She walked over to the radio and then twisted the station on the radio to play something peppy. She preferred more upbeat as compared to the slow-going beat jazz usually carried with. She quickly got up into a jig dancing the time away. That was quickly interrupted as the music turned back into jazz. Six looked to Mono who had his hand on the dial with a small-annoyed look on his face.

A look that quickly shifted back into calmness as the saxophone began playing in his ears. He started walking away from the radio when the music began being peppy again. Mono turned to see Six now with an annoyed look on her face as she turned the dial back.

"Really Six?"

To which she answered by hopping down the countertop using her powers to take the radio down with her. Doing her best to keep the radio playing that peppy tune. At least that what she thought until she felt a small tug on the radio. Looking back Mono was using his powers to pull back the radio while at the same time tuning the radio back to jazz. This went on for a couple of seconds, this little tug-of-war with the radio. Neither of them giving up on this petty little game as they kept switching back and forth.

"Let go Mono!"

"Fat chance of that happening Six! Give me back the radio!"

"Let me have this. I just got the spices from the store for you!"

"I'M the one making the food to fill our stomachs!"

Mono got a peeved look on his face as he redirected his powers to lift the pot from the burner and dangled it over the sink.

"Last Chance Six! Give me the radio or the food gets it!"

Six faltered for a second with a victorious smile showing on Mono's face. Although it faded away as a knowing smirk grew on Six's face.

"You know, we've lived for so long together I can tell when you're lying. Give it up Mono I've won this one."

Mono looked a little sheepish as he bowed his head in shame before placing the pot on the stove again and canceled his powers. Six now victorious once again pulled the radio in her direction. Before looking back and pausing now seeing the sulking Mono cooking food. She sighed as she placed her hand back on the dial.

Jokingly she whispered to herself, "Curse you Mono for giving me a bleeding heart."

She switched back the radio to jazz turning back to see Mono's surprised look quickly change to a warm smile.

"I love you!"

"Yeah," she started walking back to the kitchen with the radio.

"I know."

3 weeks later

Mono and Six are asleep after the small adventure they had the day before. They were getting a little tired of the city life for a bit and decided to take a small hike through the forest. Though what turned into a small hike was a day long trek. They had so much fun that day. They went for a small swim in a stream having another one of their infamous splash battles. Six won that one using her powers to bombard Mono with water cannonball sized water projectiles. They went fishing after that using their powers. Mono got more fish that day though he did accidentally smack himself in the face with that last one. They went home with Mono making seafood fry on top of some noodles. They both snuggled up and turned in for the night.

However, Six was the first to wake up this time. Looking at the radio's clock she could see it was 1 AM. Turning to her right she saw the cause. Mono was still having nightmares though they had lessened from what he told her. This one, seemed to have him twisting and turning again. Six was tempted to use her powers on him to keep him still but remembering last time she didn't dare do so. Calmly placing a hand on Mono's shoulder, she carefully pulled him in closer. Slowly whispering his name trying to call him out. She pulled him in closer into a hug, his jerking beginning to slow down to small twitches. Slowly rubbing his back, she began calling out to him again. Mono stilled allowing him to fall into a calmer peaceful state.

With that Six smiled and closed her eyes and returned to slumber. The night continued with the two of them pulling each other closer. Their foreheads resting against each other, their noses grazing, and breathing each other in.

The two continued into a dreamless night. Slowly but surely morning dawned. The sun shining brightly through the window lighting their lives up again. Six was the first to wake up. Instead of Mono being vacant from the bed like usual; he was still there with his arms wrapped around her. Pulling Six into his chest with his head resting on hers. They couldn't lay there forever, they had things to do and discuss.

"Come on Mono it's time to wake up."

To which Mono replied by pulling Six in closer now resting his head on her shoulder.

"Mono?"

"Please, not yet. I haven't been able to enjoy sleep like this in a while."

Six was about to object before realizing that the last time they were able to do this was after she rescued him from the Butcher. She missed this too deciding what needed to be done today could wait just a little while longer. She also pulled Mono closer and the two cuddled for just a while longer. Enjoying each other's presence as they laid there allowing the time to go by.

It's wintertime.

Six is seen lying in bed as Mono is once again off the cushions. Not out of a bad nightmare, it happened, but it wasn't the main reason he was off. When Mono opened his eyes, he saw the sun wasn't there to greet him today. Instead, it was a cloudy day, but it wasn't raining today. On the contrary, hundreds of thousands white flakes fell from the sky. Coating the city in a blanket of fluffy white powder. Cautious having never seen this phenomenon before putting on his boots and walked upstairs onto the roof. He had to shove the door a few times before it finally gave way. Mono held out his hand allowing the flakes the collect in his hand. Cold as ice like he thought but it wasn't hurting him, so it had to be safe.

"It's beautiful isn't it Mono."

Mono turned to see Six still bundled up in the blanket as she stepped outside.

"It doesn't happen all the time during winter but when it does it's a beautiful thing."

"What is this stuff Six? It looks amazing."

"Have you… Have you never seen snow before, Mono?"

"Snow? That's what this is called?"

"Yeah, did it ever snow where you lived?"

"When I was a kid, I was very sheltered. My parents never let me leave, my mother because she didn't want to lose me to the forest or the Hunter, who at the time wasn't interested in taxidermy but had a very happy trigger finger, and my father didn't want to lose his personal punching bag."

"Sorry Mono, I didn't mean to…"

Mono held up his hand to stop her from talking.

"It's fine Six I've dealt with worse things than him at this point. I think I'm starting to become more like you. More tolerant of the monsters plaguing this world. So, what is snow?"

"Snow is what happens when it gets too cold for rain. It's actually a lot more fun than rain."

"How so?"

"I'll show you, follow me."

The two of them left the building seeing how the rest of the city was dealing with the cold weather. They were huddled up using each other's body warmth to stay toasty. Those still oblivious to what happened in the store that day looked like they wanted to chase Mono and Six but thought against it when the possibility of leaving the warm huddle came to mind. Those that did just know just huddled closer not wanting these demons to leave them dead and cold to the world.

Mono and Six paid them no further mind as they walked out of the city. Mono enjoying the crunch of snow under his boots as they walked hand in hand to the plains outside. Six observing the landscape around them before nodding.

"Alright this should be enough space for me to show you what we can do with snow. First, we can make stuff with snow. Most people tend to just make snow people, but most people don't have powers. So, I challenge you Mono. Let your imagination go crazy and build what you want."

The two split up with their powers flowing around them. Six's abilities gathered the snow around her like a tornado as it whirled around. Mono started pulling snow into his palms creating big gobs of snow before dropping them into the ground. He started by making a large rectangular lump at first with a small tip on the top. He then made two humanoid figures, one with a crown of antlers and another with horns. Then he curled and extended his claws before slicing into the snow carving the details into the snow.

Six had a similar idea creating small humanoid figures at first without their heads. It took some delicate work, but she began working on making small little hats in place of their heads. When that was finished, she looked at her sleeve before another idea struck her head. Pulling off the coat for a small bit she began collecting more snow. Starting small she began at the feet. Remembering the details of the girl in the yellow raincoat. This one was a bit more of a challenge getting the finer details. She only had a few seconds that day to see her face, but she did her best. Even getting the braid in a red bow to dangle from the side of her face.

Mono had a little more time to create another snow being. Another thought crossed his mind, and he began to work. Instead of drawing something from his nightmares he instead drew something from his pleasant memories. Collecting more and more snow, he began piling it into a lump. He then working on the legs lifting the lump of snow into the air. Letting the compacted snow slowly make support for the massive frame. Satisfied he began to work on the head. Giving it two small ears on the side, massive tusks out from the mouth, and pairs of eyes looking all over the place.

"I'm finished Six! How are you doing?"

"I'm almost done come take a look at what I've done."

Mono observed the different sculptures. Confusion writing on his face as he looked at the small snow creatures below him. Realization hitting his face before asking Six.

"These are those Nome things you talked about when discussing our pasts."

"Nicely done Mono, they're timid at first when you meet them but if you hug them, they immediately warm up to you. We'll see plenty of them when we reach the MAW."

Mono then shifted his gaze as Six was placing the finishing touches on her other sculpture. It took a second, but clarity shown in his eye. He paused; he knew Six talked about a girl in a raincoat, but he didn't think…

"What's wrong Mono?"

"It's her."

"Wait… you KNEW her?"

"Not in the way you may be thinking Six. Back when I was in Elysium, I was greeted by four Thin Men and the different reincarnations of you. Then the last to greet me was her. It was thanks to her that I remembered what happened when I died. It's thanks to her that you and I got back together in the first place."

Six sighed before turning her head at the snow statue.

"Another thing I can't thank you for yet. Anyway, let's see what you made Mono."

Nostalgia hit Six hard when she saw the snow sculpture of Jabali. That lovable Boar was missed dearly by the two of them. It was sad to say goodbye to him.

"I hope he's doing alright. You think he's doing, okay?"

"I hope so as well Six. He's a tough one it'll take a lot to take him down."

Moving on from that Six looked at the other sculptures. It was eerie how well he got the details of the Tower, Monster, and North Wind.

"Why? Are you still that stressed over them?"

"Nah Six, I built them up like that so I could just do this."

He thrust his hand out with a massive wave of static pulsed from his hand. The three snow figures before them just exploded in a mass of ice and snow.

"That was so satisfying to do, you have no idea."

"I may have some idea Mono which brings me to the second reason why I brought you out here."

Six said as she gathered some snow into her hand turning to face Mono.

"And what is th-!?"

He was interrupted as a snowball hit him in the face.

"SNOWBALL FIGHT!"

Mono dove to the side as Six threw another snowball at him. He quickly gathered up some snow and lobbed it at her. A small shriek alerting that he just hit her. He quickly grabbed the remnant of the Tower sculpture and hid behind it as cover. He listened deeply for the footsteps in the snow as he gathered more snow. Hearing a twig snap he quickly popped out and threw. Only to hit empty ground next to a snapped twig. Mono looked around in confusion when something whooshed behind. Turning around quickly he encountered snow. Six used her glide ability and shoved a lot of snow into his face.

"Gotcha!"

"OH, THAT IS IT!"

Mono quickly began giving chase to the now floating Six who was trying so hard to get away from the now peeved Mono. Not hearing his footsteps behind her she looked to make sure she was safe. She didn't see him and then she heard the pop. Looking forward quickly all, she saw was the brown fabric of his coat before falling to the ground. She looked up to see Mono pinning her to the ground with a mischievous look on his face.

"Gotcha," he sang out tauntingly.

"And now I think I'm going to claim my prize."

Mono leaned down for a kiss. Six was very tempted to join him but a part of her also wanted revenge. Grabbing another wad of snow Six shoved it into his face. Sputtering he let go if Six who quickly got up.

"You gotta work a little harder before that happens Mono."

"I accept that challenge."

The two of them continued spending the rest of their time outside in the snow.

It's the New Year

"So, why'd you want to be up here Mono?"

They were on top of the rooftop Mono requested Six to be up here wanting to surprise her with something.

"Well, we've spent a lot of our time exploring mainly the ground of the city, right? I thought it would be a nice change of pace if we explored the skies for a change."

"You might be able to do that Mono, I can't. I can float, slow my fall to the ground, but I can't fly."

"Do you trust me?"

"What kind of question is that Mono? You know I do."

Mono turned around holding his arms behind in a scooping position.

"Then hop on."

Six carefully slid her legs over his palms to which he held tightly not letting go. She then looped his arms around his chest.

"Don't let go now." He spoke.

He then took off running to the edge of the building. Six screaming in his ears as they started falling. With a pop Mono landed on the rooftop adjacent to the one they stayed in.

"You are doing alright back there?"

"Just don't let go."

"Never again."

With that Mono kept running with Six's screams of terror slowing turning into screams of excitement. It even turned into Six challenging Mono to do small stunts like flips the next time they jumped off a building. It went on for several hours until Mono brought them back home. Mono prepared to drop Six on the ground before she stopped him.

"I'm pretty sure my legs are asleep Mono."

"Well, I guess I'll just carry you inside."

Switching his arm around he carried her inside bridal style and turned in for the night.

Mono's Birthday

Six knew today was Mono's birthday. He didn't seem to react from when Six told Mono happy birthday. Did he just not care today? He told her he was going to go out for a walk today in the woods. Six told him to go on ahead she'll catch up with him later. Agreeing to that Mono left the building with a fishing spear wanting some peace to himself.

Six wasn't really accepting of the fact that Mono was just going to fish. She wanted to do something special for him. An idea struck her head. Looking through the different cookbooks Mono collected from the store she found a recipe. She wondered considering the life Mono had before they met, did he ever have cake before. Unsure of the fact Six decided to try and bake him a cake. Try being the keyword here she's never cooked or baked in her life. Mono handled all the food prep, but she was willing to try.

Anything for whom she loved.

We see Mono wading in the water as he readies his spear. With a deep plunge he drives the spear into water. The slow resistance at the end of the stab signaling Mono struck true. With a heave he pulled up the large fish attached to his pole. Easily the size of his torso he lugged it back onto shore. He wiped his brow of the sweat that dampened it. This was what he needed time away from the city. Some nice peace and quiet as the water rolled on by. He missed this, spending time in the wild, nothing but a spear in his hand and the clothes on his back. Would he trade what had he had now for an eternity doing this?

Definitely not.

What he and Six had done over the last year had shown him what would've happened had he made the wrong choice that fateful night. Growing together, living together, and loving each other? That was the life. He didn't care what life threw their way if she was happy. He was happy.

He looked out over to the city, more specifically to the building they'd been living in. He packed up his things slinging the massive fish over his shoulder. He began whistling a tune both he and Six had come to enjoy every time it played on the radio This would make Six happy for sure.

THIS WAS NOT MAKING SIX HAPPY AT ALL. Her crack at baking a cake was starting to become disastrous. First try she somehow managed to burn the cake mix and she didn't know how. It just suddenly combusted, it wasn't near a warm flame or a lighter. The second attempt she accidentally dropped the eggs on the floor and ended up slipping on them after getting more eggs. Those also fell on the floor making an even larger mess. The third try she managed to get a nice batter going. Only when she tasted how her progress was going; she immediately spit it right back out. Salt. She put salt in the cake batter not sugar. Fourth try she was looking at the cookbook while the cake was in the oven not realizing she set the heat too high, and she burnt it.

Fifth try she set the cake off to the sill of the open window to let it cool down. She was grabbing some brown and yellow icing so she could try to decorate it a small bit when she heard the flapping of wings. Turning around she saw a bird pecking into the cake taking small bits out of it.

"SHOOO!" She waved her hands trying to scare off the bird. It worked but at a terrible cost. The sudden shift in gravity caused the cake to tilt. Six's eyes widened as she ran forward to catch. Her power latching onto the dish but not the cake. Six watched, anger rising within her, as her best work sailed down onto the ground with a splat.

Still riding the elevator Mono was leaning against the wall. The big fish still in his hands as he thought about how good it would taste for a meal. Then she heard screaming from above him along with a lot of metal clanking around.

'Six?'

He was immediately concerned thinking she was in trouble. Lugging the fish over his shoulder he began mashing the button for his floor trying to do anything to get the elevator to get up there. When it reached his floor, he frantically squeezed through the grating running through the door to their apartment. His hands pulsing with power as he was prepared to throttle whoever was trying to harm Six.

In a blind rage, "Six what's wrong is everything o-."

Mono slowly let his arms drop as he viewed what was once the kitchen. Pots, pans, and bowls lay strewn about all over the kitchen. Splatters of what appeared to be flour and sugar conglomerated together painting the walls. A dozen eggshells were broken on the floor their yolks small lumps on the floor. The trash appeared to be burning with the smell of melted plastic permeating the air. The oven was also smoking as well. In the center of all was Six kneeling on the floor with her hands covering her face. She was shaking as small bit.

Dropping the fish on the floor Mono immediately ran over to her pulling her into a hug.

"You're not hurt, are you?"

Six murmured something Mono couldn't hear. Pulling away Mono could finally see her face. In that rage she may have squeezed the bottles of icing a little too hard because her face was plastered in yellow and brown icing.

"I ruined your cake on your birthday. I tried my best to make it for you, but I didn't know what else to do for you."

"Oh Six… You don't have to worry about doing anything for my birthday. I have all I want right here."

He cupped her chin to get her to look at him. He paused before sliding a finger off of Six's cheek. A small dab of frosting on his finger before popping it into his mouth.

"Mmmm see? You didn't ruin it. It's pretty good."

Pulling Six up to her feet he guided her to bathroom.

"Let's get cleaned up, afterwards I'll prepare dinner. I caught a large fish today and if you'd like you can help me with the noodles."

"I think I'll just sit this one out Mono."

Both of them having a small chuckle at that before they got into the shower. It was a quick rinse for Mono getting the mud off his feet. It was more of a deep rinse for Six caked in cake.

After that they both had dinner another seafood fry over noodles. Using their powers Six carefully picked up all the spilled ingredients chucking them out the window while Mono collected all the cookware cleaning them off before placing them in the sink. Both of them lugged the trash bag down to the dumpster down below.

"Farewell cake number four, may you poison the rats with my terrible baking skills."

"Oh, come now Six. I'm sure with a bit more practice you'd get the hang of it."

They both went right back inside and turned on the radio. Allowing whatever music played to carry them from the rather messy day. Luck finally turned out well for Six as their favorite song "Sh-Boom by The Chords" started playing. Playful grins started growing on their faces as they began dancing to the catchy tune. They'd heard it so many times they eventually started making it a duet exchanging the lyrics between on another. They danced and sang as the music carried them away.

Six's birthday

Six and Mono are seen walking through the woods enjoying the nice sunny day until the clouds start rolling in. They've been gone from the city for so long as Six requested. Time away from the city noise to the natural life of the woods. Six had even forgone her raincoat for the time being on such a warm spring day.

"It's nice to finally be out here with you Mono."

"Yeah, anything for you Six."

"How've your nightmares been lately?"

"They're starting to lessen, but let's not make today about me Six. Today is your day. A day for your enjoyment. Right now, it's up to whatever you want."

"Well, I WANT to know more about your wellbeing."

"Aw, that's swee-."

And the sky above crackled in lightning with thunder banging the sky. Water fell from the sky in buckets as the forest was drenched. Mono led Six towards a hollowed-out log for cover.

"UGH! Today of all days it has to rain. Are you alright Six?"

"I'm fine I'm just a little cold."

Mono didn't even hesitate as he pulled off the coat. It was starting to become a little snug from the fact that he grew a few inches. He could no longer keep the top button attached without choking himself. He then placed it around Six who was still shivering.

"But now you're cold Mono."

"Well, if that's the problem Six I have an easy solution."

He shuffled up right next to Six letting her lean against him. Wrapping his arm around her pulling her closer into embrace. They both looked at each other with their hair plastered to their heads. Mono swept her bangs of to the side allowing those crimson orbs to be more visible. Said crimson orbs looked back into those blue and silver eyes. Enjoying the moment as they looked out into the forest. The constant pitter patter of the storm above pulling them into drowsiness. Falling asleep they napped as the world above cried joy and sadness for those across the world.

"Happy Birthday Six."

It's Summertime

The hot sun bore down on the city below. The toasty temperatures forcing Citizens inside to ensure they didn't melt in the cooking concrete lining the city. Mono and Six however were perfectly content with walking down the beach on the shore. Allowing the water to cool off their bare feet as they walked the coarse sand. They wore their primary layers today not wanting to cook. Mono was wearing the t-shirt and shorts the kids from the Butcher's house provided him. While Six got rid of the coat and jumper for today, donning the white shirt and shorts she wore back on the Nest. Both hand in hand they walked into the water till it was knee high. Six suggested they go see if they could find any seashells by the seashore.

"Hold on Six I think I found something."

Mono reached down into the water as he felt his foot come into contact with something hard as opposed to the muddy sand.

"I think it was right around, OUCH!"

He quickly jerked his hand back only to find that he had a visitor clamped around his finger. A small hermit crab with his claw still wrapped around Mono's finger. Six laughed as Mono vigorously shook his hand trying to get the crab to let go. It was a sight to see, Mono defeater of the Tower and cannibalistic Monster, desperately trying to get this little crab off his hand. When he finally did so he glared down at the little crustacean in his hand before rearing back. Charging his power up he prepared to launch the little creature before Six grabbed his wrist.

"That's a bit much don't you think Mono?"

Realizing she was right Mono opened his palm to see the animal reclused back into its shell. He kneeled back down placing the shell back onto the ground. He watched as the little legs shoot out of the shell and wander away until the tide pulled the crab back into the water.

"On a side note, though that was very hilarious."

Six was still sniggering until she felt something wrap around her leg. She shrieked as she closed her eyes.

"Augh! MONO HELP ME!"

She ran towards Mono the appendage still wrapped around her leg. She could feel it try to drag her away into the sea, but she wouldn't let it. She tried leaping onto Mono who was still examining the small dent on his finger. She ended up tackling Mono into the water.

"Please don't let it drag me away Mono!"

"Uh Six?"

"I know I laughed at you for the crab but please don't let me go!"

"Six?"

"I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry!"

"SIX!"

Six finally opened her eyes and looked down at her leg. What she thought was a tentacle or a hand that wrapped around her leg was in actuality a piece of seaweed. She looked back at Mono who just had the amused look of, 'Oh Really?'

"Not another word."

Another week later

Mono was having another nightmare. This one was much more different than the other ones. He wasn't wandering an alleyway hiding from the Tower. He wasn't in the Pale City hiding from all the monsters both new and old. He wasn't in the Revenant Town being pursued by the Monster or the North Wind. He wasn't over Six's dead body with her blood on his hands. He wasn't being chased by a crab with its big meaty claws.

No, he was back in the Tower. Back in that fateful moment when he shattered the music box. Only this time Six wasn't there. Instead in her place were all the monsters from his journey. His father, The Viewers, The Eavesdroppers, The Hunter, The Predator, The Teacher, The Bullies, The Parasites, The Hands, The Gauntlets, The Patients, The Replicas, The Doctor, The Cadaver, The Thin Man, The Tengu Man, The Tower Man, Monster Six, The Void, The North Wind, The One Lady Band, The Goon, The Barber, The Eels, The Monster, The Butcher, Barksy, The Citizens, and the Manager. They all cornered Mono drawing closer and closer. Their mass of bodies conglomerating into a giant mass of flesh. Mono fell backwards landing in a sitting position. The floor behind turned back to wood and he was back in the chair. Then he heard the screaming of voices in hatred. The screeching from the Tower way back when. He was back in the room where Six dropped him. Surrounded by the eyes as tears fell from his eyes. He clung onto his head feeling the blood drop from his head from the scratches.

Drip

Drip

Was all he heard as he sat in silence. What felt like eternity as he sat there as his nightmares kept him still. Then he heard something small in the distance.

A hum of a small tune.

Raising his head, he looked in the direction of the door. The eyes, he noticed, also looked at the door in trepidation. The humming grew louder and louder sounding more and more familiar. Mono looked on in hope getting off the chair. Ignoring the Eyes screeching at him he ran at the door. Banging and pounding against the door.

"Hey it's me! I'm in here!"

Footsteps grew closer and closer until they stopped. Mono put his ear up against the door listening closely. He heard the sound of the handle turning and the door shifting open. Mono stepped back letting light reenter the room. A bright white light filled the room blinding the walls of flesh causing them to retract. Mono wasn't blinded as he saw the figure standing in the doorway.

It was Six holding her hand out towards the crouched Mono. Without hesitation Mono grabbed onto her hand joining her in hum. Hand in hand Mono and Six walked out of the city as it crumbled around them. Hand in hand they walked onto the grassy plains looking back at the rubble below. Mono sat down looking out at the horizon with Six sitting next to him.

Mono was finally free of the nightmares that plagued his mind. They no longer bothered him.

Six woke up to find that she was the first to wake up this time. For the first time in a long time Mono was still asleep lying next to her with a smile on his face. She considered waking him up but decided against it. Instead, she just laid back down on the bed letting sleep take her for a while longer.

It's Autumn

Mono and Six are seen standing up against the wall. Tick marks were placed along the wall. Six suggested it as way to pass the time. The marks were there to mark how much they've grown. Recently both of them have had a bit of a growth spurt. Mono was always a little taller than her but recently Six has actually caught up a small bit. Mono was currently against the wall with Six in front of him with a pencil. Currently Mono was a foot and a half. Switching sides Mono took the pencil and got in close to Six. Feeling his warm breath on her neck as he leaned in; she blushed a small bit.

"Alright it looks like you're about a foot and a fourth."

He pulled away now noticing the blushing Six.

"Hey… you alright?"

She cleared her throat before fanning herself.

"Y-Yeah I'm fine, j-just a little hot. Anyway, see I wasn't lying when I told you I was catching up. Soon enough I'll be as big as you."

"Perhaps, but…" and Mono teleported behind her picking her up.

"You'll still be small enough to pick up and carry."

"MONO PUT ME DOWN!"

"Nah I'm good besides I'm sure you've noticed as well. Our clothes are too small, my coat's practically a shirt with sleeves I can't use."

"I don't want to just lose the raincoat. It was my friend's coat before me."

"I'm not saying to drop it Six. We can hold onto it if it has that nostalgic feel to you."

With that Mono and Six left the building to go to an actual clothing store. The toy shop just wouldn't suffice any longer. Scrounging around the long-abandoned teenager's section of clothing they picked what appeared best to them. Shockingly to neither of them, they immediately went to the jackets and hoods. Six went looking for another raincoat she could use while Mono looked for trench coats. Unfortunately, neither Six nor Mono could find what they were looking for. So, they settled on looking at the hoodies. Looking at each other Six snagged a yellow hoodie while Mono grabbed one that was a faded olive green, a mix between green and brown. Both of them also didn't want anything to restraining so they settled on plain t-shirts and shorts and a pair of sandals.

"Alright that should be everything. I do have to say I'm going to miss that trench coat it had such a nice feel to it, but it's nice to have a change."

"Same, the hoodie is actually quite snug and warm. Not as much as you, though Mono."

The two of them walked back discussing all the fond memories they had when they wore their older clothes.

Two weeks later.

Morning rose on the two teenagers once again. Mono waking up from the pleasant dream he had of sailing across the high seas slowly rubbed his eyes open. He stretched before getting up from the bed. He looked down at Six who was curled up with the sheet hiding her face. Laughing inwardly, he allowed Six to have a few more minutes of sleep while he washed up. Walking over to the bathroom he clambered up the mirror to get a better look. Examining himself in the mirror he noticed the dark circles under his eyes starting to fade. He reached his clawed hand up to the underside of his eye and gingerly pulled the skin down. Good enough for him his eyes weren't as bloodshot as they used to be. Satisfied with that he lowered his hand down from his face.

Only to find that something red had been smudged on his face.

Something wet with a foul smell.

Blood.

Immediately Mono ditched his clothes and checked his entire body thinking he might have scratched himself in his sleep. Confusion written on his face as he couldn't find a single mark on his body. Wondering where the blood came from his attention turned to Six who was still curled up on the bed. Gingerly Mono pulled the sheet from her face to find that she was wincing from discomfort. Looking down at the sheet he saw a small smudge of blood on the sheet.

'Oh no did he scratch her in his sleep?'

Immediately Mono started blaming himself. Panicking internally, he started hyperventilating to the point that Six actually woke up.

Groggily she slurred out, "Mono what's wrong with you?"

He pointed to the sheet, "You're bleeding."

She winced as she pulled sheet down before reaching down feeling the blood between her fingers. Blushing as realization hit her.

"I think it's fine Mono you shouldn't have to worry."

"FINE!? You're bleeding Six and it's most likely my fault!"

"It's not Mono I swear."

Mono not convinced began pulling the sheet down even further with a bandage in his hand.

"Mono."

He wasn't listening as he began to check her arms satisfied as he found nothing. He began to check her legs.

"Mono that's not really necessary."

Still not listening, still very concerned for her he began to check her legs. Confusion intensifying as there wasn't a single cut or wound on her legs. Then he noticed the blood appeared to be coming from her shorts.

"Hold on Six I might have found where the cut is." He began reaching for her shorts.

Six's breathing intensified as Mono's hand drew closer and closer before she closed her legs. She didn't want this to escalate any further.

"MONO! I really don't think it's that bad. You don't need to worry about I'm not hurt." She quickly spat those words out as deep red dusted her cheeks. She shifted her arms to pull back up the sheet.

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely one hundred percent fine Mono. I-I think I just tripped and fell on something."

Mono could tell she was lying but didn't want to push her any further if she didn't want to talk about it. The day continued on with Six blushing as she thought about that moment and how that might've turned out if Mono wasn't so innocent.

The Third Year a month before the Ferryman comes back.

Six and Mono were wandering the streets of the city hand in hand. Humming a small tune as they continued on exploring and waiting for what came for them today. Mono just kept smiling, he didn't press any further about what happened that day and Six took measures to make sure that didn't happen again so Mono wouldn't investigate any further. The two celebrated their birthdays this time with the other helping bake the cake. When Six made the second try it just exploded on the first attempt. The second went off without a hitch. The deadline was coming sooner and sooner than they had anticipated. Six would eventually need to tell Mono about what was on the MAW. She didn't want to stress him out with the possibility of another big fight when they had already gotten rid his recent nightmares.

These were the thoughts that went through her head when a dark cloud suddenly snatched Mono away. Six could faintly see the Lady's mask in the cloud as it disappeared from view. She gave chase not wanting to let Mono out of her sight. Concentrating on the cloud she began giving chase using her powers to go after them. In her desperation she hadn't noticed the large drop underneath her.

She fell a good distance landing on wood. She lay on the floor as a slight swaying caused her to lean back and forth. The swaying intensified as she picked herself up when a light turned on covering her. She felt her limbs freezing as she attempted to leap off to the side. A familiar feeling coursing through her as her arms petrified for only a second. Finding some cover, she finally looked out to see the light was much more different than its harsh yellow. In place of that was a mesmerizing multicolored light beaming from a giant eye.

Six was back on the MAW but she didn't have much more time to ponder on this. Footsteps were heard down the hall as the light blinked shut. Six began backing away from the noise when a multitude of arms with purplish claws reached out. Six began running away as the sound of bones cracking and creaking was alerted to her footsteps. Six ran as her heartbeat in her chest. She was quickly running out of places to run when a massive drop was coming up.

Not wanting to be caught by what she believed to be the Janitor. She jumped and fell for a good ten seconds before falling into water. She floated there for a second trying to gather her surroundings. Her vision returning as she spotted tens of leeches and Eel's swimming around her. All of them seeing new prey, new blood. She panicked as all of them began swarming around her when she was pulled up. Gasping and coughing for she saw that Mono was the one to pull her up and he was not alone.

Wiping her eyes for just a minute she saw... RK?

RK was also there only before he could say anything his face quickly drained of color as he pointed to something behind them. With a splash a big wrinkly hand rose out of the water attempting to grab all of them. Mono quickly teleported all three of them out of there, up the stairs and into darkness.

The area around was a pitch black until Mono and Six pulled out their lighters while RK pulled out a flashlight. The each walked back-to-back as the wandered in one direction. RK taking up the front holding the flashlight with a quivering hand. They find an exit and then shut off their light sources. At that exact moment Mono was dragged back into the darkness. Six and RK shining their lights all around to see Mono dragged into a vent in the ceiling. Six went to save him but the sound of footsteps deterred them away. Running into the light they entered the kitchens.

They found themselves on the rafters as the sounds of chopping, bubbling, steam, dishes clanking, and labored breathing could be heard. Both of them quietly walked the rafters until RK accidentally knocked over a jar of olives. The shattered glass below alerted the chefs to the top. With a screech assorted blades and kitchen were thrown to the ceiling. Both RK and Six had almost made it to the other side when a spear broke the wood below them and launched them forward. RK held out a hand to catch her and Six grabbed it for him to…

Why was he hesitating?

Six looked up to see RK's face turn to anger as he quickly let go. Six fell her back feeling the heat of the soup below her quickly approach. That was not her fate as she was grabbed by a massive lumpy hand. Darkness encroached her for a good while until she was placed in a cage. Small filters of light passed by as she heard the slobber of a thousand Guests. Then she heard the voices of a thousand monsters and millions of chains clanking against the ground.

The cage she was inside was opened and she violently thrown out. Not able to move as the shadows quickly grabbed her. Her head slumped over as she saw the view before her.

RK was bound standing slumped. Strands of shadows were attached to his arms, legs, and head all returning to the Lady, no Cinca. She just stood there with her arm held out clutched around the collar of Mono. Her powers swelling all around her as she pulled off her mask and that's when Six noticed as well. There were shadows bound around Cinca's arms and legs as well. All bound to a massive multicolored Eye that hung above them. The Eye blinked and Cinca began wrapping her shadows around Mono and RK. Their forms shrinking, their faces squeezing like they were shoved in a cone. Their features losing all meaning as their skin began a pale gray. The two Nomes that were once Mono and RK looked up to Cinca and the Eye. To which Cinca and the Eye looked over in her direction. The two Nomes started stalking towards her as she started trying to fight against.

It didn't take long as two pairs of hands began clutching her throat.

It didn't take long as the light faded from her vision.

Six quickly lurched forward from her sleep as she woke up. She clutched her chest as she began to calm her breathing down. She looked down to her left to see Mono looking up at her.

"You alright?"

"No, no I am not doing alright Mono. I think it's time I told you about the MAW, more specifically what's in there and what they do in there."

Six guided Mono up to the rooftop because she wanted a breath of fresh air. She explains to Mono more specifically what happened during her time there. Her journey, her enemies, her decisions, and her nightmare.

"So, there's a chance that all you experienced is quite different from last time? The monsters there are completely different, including a few you've never seen before?"

"That's basically the long and short of it yeah."

"Well then we need to start preparing again. We use what you remember of that place and adapt if something new comes up. For now, both you and I need to get some sleep."

"But I'm scared I'll get that nightmare again."

"Then… let me help you as you helped me."

Mono took Six's hand as he gently led Six back to bed. Wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close as he rubbed the side of her head, and humming the tune of the music box. Six's eyes growing heavy as she closed them going to more peaceful slumber.

"I love you."

"I love you too."