No need for any warnings for this chapter. Just a little dialogue heavy.

Chapter 7: An Odd Meeting by Chance

Winter arrived and that meant one thing for the Orphanage. It was time for the annual event. The Director wanted more money as he checked his bank book. Unlike his claims to collect money to support his Orphanage - for charity - he was really hoarding it all for himself. The cold season, while it brought a slight disadvantage with gaining money, was also a great way to get rid of some of the kids.

He hated them. Those brats were vermin under his shoes. Everything about children made him despise them. They had everything. Joy, happiness, freedom... They were also young and... innocent. And he hated them for that. Perhaps that was why he tried to make their lives miserable. Regardless of his contempt against children, they were undoubtedly... useful. He could get more money out of them and it was always entertaining to see their misery.

Aside from Tria, all of the girls were 'adopted' by 'kind' adults. By adoption, he really meant... taken away and never seen again. The Maw was in need of children and the Director provided the vessel with a handful of them in exchange for large sums of payment. He couldn't care less what their fates were. Still, it was fun easily deceiving many of the girls to think they were being taken to a happy home when they were really being sent to get slaughtered at the Maw... well, once they were old enough, that was. The Maw would usually rise on December 1st and unfortunately, it seemed some of the girls couldn't get shipped to the vessel. No matter. They would be taken elsewhere for better use.

As for the boys, the Director liked to keep a handful of those considered strong - Quint specifically. The boy was the eldest and was his favorite. Quint was like a dog who kept the sheep from running away - kept the younger brats at bay. Despite the teen being his favorite, eventually, the boy would run out of usefulness. He would allow the boy to get 'adopted' before he reached adulthood. The same for the other teenagers. As long as they were considered children, the Director could get money out of them.

Getting up from his chair and putting his bank book inside the drawer, the humanoid monster gazed at the window. Despite the Signal Tower being far away from the Orphanage, obscured by the many tall buildings in the distance, he could see its beacon shining brightly.

I'm so blessed to have the Transmission, he chuckled to himself. With it, many parents will die, leaving their wretched children behind. They are a good source of income!

If only he knew who had built that lovely tower. He had a gut feeling, but in case he was wrong, he wouldn't want to offend the person who'd built that magnificent structure. He would also like to thank whomever broadcasted the Transmission. It made his life so much easier. It must be fate - Moira had always favored him. This Orphanage of fifty years was his domain - his kingdom that he'd built. All the children were like his subjects. Disgusting little rats that scurried about. Those times when their eyes twinkled with hope - the prospect of being loved when they believed they would get adopted... he found that to be amusing... and foolish.

It was pathetic! Love? Hope for a bright future? Completely and utterly stupid! In this world, there was only the strong and the weak. If you wanted to be strong, then you abandoned all your weakness. It was only beneficial to focus on yourself and yourself only. Caring for others would only drag you behind - slow you down. And the Director refused to let his conscience or morals drag him down. Love meant weakness. Once attachments were formed, they could be manipulated and used against you... and that was what the Director intend to do.

He had noticed for a while now that Mono and Tria had formed a strong bond. It was the only reason he'd kept Tria from being 'adopted'. He recalled that one event, delighting when he saw the boy's look of horror upon realizing his 'mother' didn't want him. How fun it was to see the harsh 'truth' slap him across his face. Mono was too naive - too innocent. However, he still retained his altruism. The Director found himself hating Mono the most for that. The boy didn't carry hopelessness like the other orphans. However, that wasn't the only reason why he hated the boy.

Two years ago on New Years, the Director had once expressed interest in learning of his fate. What sort of blessings would he obtain? Sitting on his couch, the owner of the Orphanage stared at the Hypnotist in curiosity. Could his guest from a faraway land really have the power to see the future?

"I don't possess the power to see into the future," the Hypnotist clarified. "Rather, I'm interested in other people's fates."

The Director merrily laughed. How very humble of his guest! The Hypnotist never boasted about his foresight. It brought reassurance to the Director that the man sitting opposite of him wasn't a fraud. Normally, modest people always seemed to have a hidden potential. That also brought a hidden concern to the Director. Mono was also like that - modest. It worried him that the boy might be hiding something or have some sort of unknown potential. Four years ago, he'd never liked the boy coming to his Orphanage as an infant. Worse, when Hypnotist came here, he had expressed interest in the boy. He didn't voice it, just watched the child with a certain delighted look in his eyes. It brought uneasiness to the Director.

"Hypnotist, what do you see in Mono's fate?" he dared to ask. He wanted to know his own fate, but learning of the brat's potential would be beneficial.

"I don't know. Young Mono is caught at a crossroad. A longtime promise has finally brought him here. Did he come here to achieve his goals? Or was this reality the one he sought? He might finally achieve a life full of happiness and love... or he might fall into despair and misery. It might be a problem for you."

"Why? What does the boy's fate have anything to do with mine?"

"If he achieves happiness, no doubt you would lose yours."

The Director's face turned pale as his expression morphed into shock and disbelief. He'd always had a gut feeling that he didn't like the brat ever since he'd first laid eyes on him, but now he had a reason why. He had worked very hard to obtain his wealth. He could not lose it! Especially not because of some little weak worm! He needed the boy to feel miserable but he couldn't risk him leaving the Orphanage. If he left, no doubt he would find happiness and come back to ruin everything!

Since that day, the Director had done everything to make sure the boy stayed miserable. He never told the child of his parents - not wanting him to get any ideas that he could leave. Eventually, he had learned that Mono was being bullied. The Director did nothing about it, of course, informing his staff to do nothing about the bullying. He wanted to break the boy's spirit. Break him down so he wouldn't leave. However, despite being tormented by the other orphans - even before that, Mono had endured for six years. Perhaps there were moments of darkness, but Mono would stubbornly persist. He had Prim arrive on September 10th in hopes of shattering the boy - to take away the hope that he could leave. Instead, a few days later, the brat was back to his old happy self! Why was that?! Why couldn't that infuriating cockroach be broken and manipulated?!

"My boy, what is bothering you? You seem distracted."

"I feel like I'm waiting for someone - to meet with them."

"Your parents, perhaps?"

"Hmm...maybe."

From that small discussion, the Director could tell that it wasn't his parents Mono was waiting for - far from it. He was waiting for someone else. Could they be the reason why the boy stubbornly endured the bullying? Perhaps that person was Tria. The two children easily got along... and it was because of Tria that the boy was the way he was now. The Director shook with rage; his hatred for the girl grew. She was always trying to protect the young child. It was evident when she had made him look like a fool by confronting Prim after the boy had left his office. The nerve of her to come back a few minutes later and demand that Mono be excused from going to class and doing his chores on the same day!

He would like to get rid of Tria, but at the moment, she was also the one keeping Mono at the Orphanage. He shouldn't be hasty. Fine. It was fine. Let their little bond grow until it was at its strongest. Let that love nurture a bit more. All he had to do was be patient. A cruel smile formed on the monster's lips.

Very well, I shall leave you two alone... but in time, I will look forward to crushing that hope. Be grateful that I'm allowing more time for you two to be together!

Chuckling to himself, the Director flipped a switch that caused a bell to ring all over his Orphanage. That would alert the vermin to assemble to the main hall. He had already gotten rid of all of the girls and sent them to the Maw. However, the Nest was also in need of children as well. He heard that the lonely little mistress was in need of more 'friends' after her parents had left her alone. He'd keep the strong and send a handful of the weak to the mansion after the charity event.

The monster sighed blissfully to himself, Only the strong survive and can obtain the most wealth!

~oOo~

All the children of ages six and up were gathered to the main hall, waiting for the Director to come out of his office. Some of the orphans who'd lived here for a long time were either nervous or highly confident about the upcoming event. They seemed to know what would be happening. The windows had long been replaced ever since the incident where all of them were shattered. A handful of orphans were still confused about how it was possible and most of the adults had left the Orphanage out of fear, believing in any rumors that spread. A few grownups stayed behind on the promise of a raise in payment. However, the majority of the staff and children were sneaking glances at Mono. The boy shifted uncomfortably. He could feel many eyes staring at him and he didn't like it. Noticing his posture, Tria wordlessly brought him closer to her.

Finally, the sound of heavy footsteps descending down the stairs directed everyone's attention onto the Director. He was welcomed by silence as the creaking of the wooden stairs resounded in the empty halls. He was in a good mood with that smirk on his face.

"Good afternoon, children." No one responded, so he continued, "As you may or may not know, today is the annual New Year charity."

A few hushed whispers and murmurs could be heard as children talk about the event. Tria gave Mono a confused look as she whispered, "What does he expect us to do?"

"He'll explain, I guess," the boy shrugged, becoming downcast.

Clearing his throat, the Director explained, "Now, everyone shall get a wagon and go to the city. You are to collect money so our Orphanage shall thrive and come back before eight o' clock or you'll be locked out. Consider it an activity. Quint!"

"Yes, Director?" the eldest child responded.

"Tell me, what is the reward for getting the most money?" the monster questioned.

Grinning, Quint answered confidently, "Food."

Smiling widely, the Director nodded, "Indeed."

With a snap of his finger, two adults carried out a long table filled with delicious-looking food. Many orphans became enticed; the image of stuffed turkey, roast potatoes, and desserts were burned into their minds. Some weren't even aware that they were drooling at the sight. It looked so good! Very tempting compared to the poor quality of breakfast, lunch, and dinner combined!

Upon looking at the display, Tria became dubious. Where did the Director even get the food from? She was under the impression the Orphanage couldn't afford food such as this since many of the orphans were wearing rags or old clothes. If the monster was rich, shouldn't the children around her be more well-fed? However, it wouldn't surprise her if the Director was secretly hoarding all the money for himself.

It seems like it would fit with his character, Tria muttered mentally, disgust plastered onto her face. It only reinforced her plans to escape.

"However," the monster's voice boomed, "If you are lazy and not working hard, it means you won't earn any of this. You'll be sent to your rooms without anything to eat for tonight!"

Many horrified gasp could be heard among the crowd. Quint and his friends were already grabbing their wagons and heading outside. Seeing the older kids going, others followed behind. Leaving the Orphanage and heading to the Pale City, the event began.

~oOo~

It took a few minutes to reach the edge of the city. However, no one dared to wander too deeply; it was dangerous. Stories were told from older orphans before they were adopted about monsters called Viewers lurking around. The deeper you went, the more likely you wouldn't return. It kept the younger ones from venturing too far. Many of the children became aware, so they mainly stayed in one area. That was where the problem occurred. Because in one area, competition started to break out. A few adults who hadn't become Viewers yet were generous once. They weren't willing to be generous twice or thrice.

First come, first served as the saying went. In only a few minutes, Quint and his friends already had their wagons half-filled with coins. However, Mono could tell in one glance that their money wasn't earned. They most likely stole from the weaker kids. Others became desperate and were doing the same thing. The strong stole from the weak and the weak had the choice to either change their tactics to please the Director, or not.

Seeing this made Mono feel discouraged. Why must there be a strong and weak mentality? Why couldn't they work together? Everyone was becoming greedy, focusing on themselves and their own needs - for the wrong reasons.

"Be careful, Mono." Tria's voice suddenly spoke, snapping him back to reality.

Stopping, he looked up at the older girl. "Why?"

"Because you're cute."

Mono suddenly felt the whiplash from that unexpected comment. That was an odd thing to say when before, Tria had sounded so serious. His cheeks were starting to burn and he could assume that they were turning bright red! He'd never been complimented before so he felt embarrassed by the sudden remark.

Turning his face away from Tria, he mumbled quietly, "I-Is that so?"

"Oh, yes. You're very adorable!" Her remarks were making him blush furiously. Why was she saying all of this now?! "If you're not careful, scary monsters would want to snatch you up because of how cute you are!"

Mono placed his free hand close to his face. He was sure that if he turned to face Tria, she would see his embarrassed expression. "Maybe I should cover my face then..."

"You don't have to worry about the scary monsters chasing after you. Do you want to know why?" An impish smile was forming on the girl's lips. Receiving a shaking head, she respond, "It's because you're already snatched!"

Without warning, the girl wrapped her arms around the boy and wiggled her fingers against his sides. Immediately, Mono began to giggle as he struggled to squirm away from Tria's grasp. "Hehe! Sto- stop, Tria! That's tickles!"

Flailing his arms around, the boy's giggles grew to fits of laughter. Eventually, Tria stopped after seeing Mono's smiling face. Releasing the boy, she laughed lightheartedly as she held his hand. With a smile, she suggested, "Let's try someplace else."

"Yeah," he nodded.

Leaving the area, but still close to the outskirts of the Pale City, the two tried to get some money. Trying a different place worked since it was less crowded, but it wasn't really enough. They only managed to get a handful of coins. But at least it was something. It should satisfy the Director. They walked for hours and hours until it was probably lunch time. Looking at the boy, Tria noticed that he was starting to slow down.

"Are you tired, Mono?" Tria questioned as she stopped for him to catch up.

"Um... maybe?" He honestly wasn't sure.

"Maybe you should rest then. There is a bench over there," she pointed behind him.

Turning around, the boy could see a wooden seat that was covered with a roof, barriers on both sides and the back to shield the person sitting from the wind and snow. Luckily, it wasn't snowing, but the wind was very harsh. He was grateful for his coat keeping him warm despite that it was still a little big for him. However, he didn't want to leave Tria alone nor did he want her to do the work. Turning his head to face her, he was about to speak, but she stopped him. The twelve-year-old merely smiled as if she had read his thoughts and gently assured that she'd return with money for the both of them. Stubborn as he was, he tried arguing, but was quickly defeated by the girl's insistence. Either he gave up easily or he couldn't bring himself to be stubborn when it came to Tria.

One day, I'll be so stubborn that not even the world can stop me! Mono declared, a faint smile tugging on his lips as he went over to sit on the bench.

~oOo~

Pulling her wagon, Tria knocked on many doors, but there was no response. Either the residents were ignoring her or they no longer lived in their homes anymore. Hearing a yelp and a crash, the girl turned around in a panic. Leaving the door, she descended down the front steps, investigating to see an adult man on the ground. One of his feet had gotten caught in her wagon.

"I'm so sorry, sir!" she exclaimed.

"Ah, no worries, young one," the man replied, getting up to dust the dirt off his clothes and getting the wagon off his foot.

Tria looked up at the man. He was a normal adult, not a monster it seemed. His clothes told her that he was a foreigner, so he wasn't a resident of the Pale City. Or, at least to Tria, he was a foreigner. Perhaps he did live on the Mainland, just not in this city. If she had to make a guess, she would say that he lived in the east. He had raven black hair, but what caught her attention were his eyes. They were a nice shade of brown, very rich and deep - like chocolate. There was a saying that eyes were windows to the soul. And looking at those eyes told her that this man was a good person. His sudden laughter caught her off guard, however.

"W-What so funny?!"

"Ah, no! It's just the way you looked at me reminded me of my daughter," the man answered fondly.

"Oh." Tria couldn't help but feel her cheeks turning red.

Her parents had always told her it was rude to stare because it made people uncomfortable, but this man was so happy about it. Trying to help the adult who had just gotten to his feet, the girl tried picking up the scattered items he'd dropped. One item perked her interest as she stared at it in her hands. What could it possible be? A decorative box? Opening it, a soft melody started to play. It was a sweet, endearing tune and Tria could tell love was put into its creation. It was very soothing and the girl felt herself falling under a trace. Listening to it made her feel like the gloomy world could change to something brighter. It gave her hope. Hearing the melody being played, the man gently press his hand down, closing the box.

Snapping out of her trance, Tria mumbled, "S-Sorry..."

"No worries, young one," the grownup assured as he gently took the music box away from her.

"The song was very beautiful. You clearly put a lot of work to it."

The Music Maker - Tria had decided to call him that since she didn't want to keep referring to him as 'the man' in her head - smiled fondly. "Thank you. It's a gift for my daughter. I hope she likes it."

"Are you on your way to see her now? Is she nearby?" the child couldn't stop asking questions as she glanced around.

She just found the Music Maker intriguing. He was the only adult whom she could have a decent conversation with in a long time. However, at her inquiry, the Music Maker frowned. His expression caused Tria to worry that she had asked too much. However, he changed his frown to a reassuring smile after seeing the worry on her face.

"Well, actually, she doesn't really know me. Her mother... took her away from me..." the Music Maker softly spoke; his eyes had a sorrowful look to them. "I've only seen her a few times, but she doesn't know who I am... or what my relation is to her."

"Oh, I'm very sorry, sir." Tria looked down. Aside from her parents, the girl felt pity for the Music Maker. To not have your child know about you... it must be a sad feeling for any parent. Hoping to cheer the man up, she tried changing the topic, "What is she like?"

At the question, the Music Maker beamed brightly, "Oh, she's very adorable, very curious for her age. A little ray of sunshine! The first time I heard her speak was when she called me 'Tinker-san'!"

The twelve-year-old lightly laughed. It was obvious the man loved his daughter and if given the chance, he would most likely spoil the girl. It made Tria want to meet this child.

"So, does that mean her birthday is coming soon?" she guessed.

"Not quite soon. June 9th will be her sixth birthday," the Music Maker answered.

So she would be a year and a few months younger than Mono. He'll be celebrating his seventh birthday on the 10th of January, in nine days... Tria thought to herself as she picked up the rest of the dropped items and handed them to the adult.

"Thank you, young one." The man picked up the remaining items and pocketed them in his coat. "Tell me, what is a child such as yourself doing out here in the city alone?"

"I'm not alone. My little brother is taking a break," Tria replied. "And I'm trying to get money."

"Really? It'll get colder tonight. Shouldn't you and your brother go home?"

The girl explained where she and Mono lived. After hearing about the Orphanage, the Music Maker was puzzled. He questioned Tria, asking if the Orphanage was a safe place since he had heard many good things about it - how there should be enough money for the children to grow up happy and healthy until they were adopted. Apparently, the person in charge - the Director - was a kind man who graciously took in children who lost their parents or didn't have a home to go to. He would often find kind adults to adopt the kids.

Learning of the false stories, the girl shook her head. "They're lies. The Orphanage isn't safe. The Director is a horrid person. Right now, he is making other children get money - trying to tempt us with good food."

Frowning at the information, the adult looked at her earnestly, "I believe you."

The girl had no doubt that the Music Maker would believe her. His eyes told her of an honest person, but there was always that slight possibility that he didn't believe in her. Once more, it was his eyes that told her everything. They were telling her that he trusted her and that he wouldn't disregard her statement simply because she was a child and he was adult. Most people, even some children, might have the mindset that adults were right and children were wrong. And yet, there were some adults who were in the wrong and kids who were right.

Deciding to trust him with her secret, Tria gestured for him to come closer. The man looked at her curiously before sitting down on the stairs and offering her his hand. Getting onto his open palm, Tria nearly fell despite how slowly he raised her to his ear. She spoke about her plans to leave the Orphanage one day with Mono and after being lowered to the ground, the Music Maker still frowned.

"Even if the Orphanage isn't safe, I think it's less safer for you and your brother to leave it."

"It's not a good place for Mono. The Director allowed bullies to bully him. And... one of the bullies... hurt him."

The adult immediately became concerned, his eyes narrowing in seriousness, "Hurt him how?"

"Hurt him physically and emotionally. It's not safe for him to stay there."

The Music Maker looked distressed. He was conflicted. However, his face soon showed resolution, "Tell you what, if you ever do decide to leave, call this number. If someone tries to stop you, then..." He paused while taking out his card to give it the girl. "It would be best if you are away from the Orphanage... but somewhere where I can find you two."

"There is a lake in the forest. It's located at the back of the Orphanage. It isn't far," Tria offered.

"Very well then. After you call, go to this lake and wait. Whatever you do, don't go back to the Orphanage. It might take a few days for me to return after receiving the call, but I'll find you two."

Some part of Tria wanted to make a joke about the man kidnapping her and Mono to lighten up the tension a bit. However, would it really be counted as kidnapping if it was a trusted adult who was offering to take them away from such a horrid place? Besides, she had planned to escape with Mono. So, technically it wouldn't be kidnapping. More like... escaping and finding help. The Music Maker would be rescuing them, really.

Plus, if the grownup really lived in the east, she might find it - the cure that could help her get rid of her illness. Her main priority was getting Mono away from the Orphanage. Once that was done, curing herself would be the next step. She still had plenty of cherries but it was best to get rid of her disease so she won't have to become dependent on the drupe.

Seeing the numbers, Tria nodded, "What are you going to do till then?"

"First..." the man got up from the stairs, dusting off his clothes, "I'm going to see how my daughter is doing. Her mother... I have a feeling she isn't properly taking good care of her. I would like to take her to a good home if my suspicions are correct. After, if you call, I'll take you and your brother home with me. Perhaps you two can become friends with my little sunshine. I don't like seeing her playing alone in that playground..."

"It's a deal, then! When I'm ready, I'll call you."

Digging into his pockets, the Music Maker took out a bag. With the clinking sound inside, Tria could tell that the man was going to give her money. At first, she thought he was going to give her one or two coins but no. Instead, he gave her the entire bag! Putting it into the wagon, the man straightened as he searched for something else. Pulling out what he wanted, the man gestured with his hand to tell Tria to give him her hands. When she obliged, he gently gave her something. Retracting her hands, Tria looked at what the Music Maker had given her. It was a bar of chocolate.

Looking at the man, she gave a small bow, "Thank you."

"I hope we meet again, young one." He gave a wave as he went on his way.

~oOo~

By the end of the day, Tria had reunited with Mono. She had shared the coins she was given with the boy and they hoped that when they returned to the Orphanage, it would satisfy the Director's greed. It did, but what they'd managed to gather didn't compare to Quint or his friends. The older teens were given a feast while everyone else was left to starve for the rest of the day. It wasn't fair for the other kids who worked all day to gain nothing in return. However, Tria wasn't too surprised. The Director was never a fair person.

Retreating to his room, Mono looked around. The empty space bothered him, not as much as before but it still did. Despite that Tria had put in her best efforts to make it lively and paint his walls, it just wasn't enough. The lack of belongings really screamed out at him. Almost like it was telling him that no matter how much he would like to fool himself with the colorful walls, he didn't belong here... or he wasn't welcome here.

Hearing footsteps behind him, he turned around to see his surrogate sister. "Tria, do you need something?"

"I thought I could share something with you for the New Year," the girl admitted, showing something in her hand.

Looking down, Mono could see a rectangular shape of brown. Tria had broken it in half, so he picked one half to examine it. The first thing that caught his attention was the texture. It was hard but between the warmth of his fingers, the boy could feel it melting a little. Placing it close to his face, the second thing he picked up was the smell. It smelled sweet. However, it wasn't the same sweet smell like from fruits. Filled with curiosity, he finally took a small bite. His eyes widened as he nibbled more. It tasted delicious but he didn't know what this treat was.

Looking up at Tria, he inquired, "What is this?"

"It's chocolate," she answered, taking a bite out of hers.

"Where did you get it?" Mono took the last bite, savoring the creamy taste.

"A kind man gave it to me." Tria licked her fingers. "It was by chance that I met him."

"I'm glad... that there are some kind adults out there..." the boy commented absentmindedly.

He could feel Tria patting his head again. He enjoyed this. The sweetness of chocolate and Tria's gentle pats. However, Mono didn't understand why he felt sad. Kind adults... ah, he now realized why. He felt sad because he was reminded of his mother. How she was so ruthless in saying harsh words. To him, all he saw were cruel people. It would be nice if he could meet at least one nice grownup. Vaguely, the boy wondered if there were more bad adults, as there were more monsters than good adults and human beings.

Noticing that the boy was becoming sad, pulling him into an embrace, Tria decided to tell him a story about the moon. Pointing at his window, she explained that right now, the giant orb in the sky was vast, full, and bright. Following where her finger was pointing, Mono could indeed see the full moon.

"The Man in the Moon is smiling for you, Mono," Tria giggled. "Whenever you can see his face fully, he is smiling. However, if you get too sad, the Man would get sad too and he would hide his face in the dark."

"Oh no! That can't happen!" the boy exclaimed.

Smiling, Tria suggested, "So let's smile whenever we see Mr. Moon, okay? To cheer him up. He'll come back soon and if we feel sad or lonely, it will be his turn to cheer us up!"

~oOo~

In his office, the Director was merrily counting how much money he had earned from his desk. Having written down the names of children with an unsatisfying amount of money, he kept the list right next to him. After he finished with his counting, he'd make a call for the boys to get adopted. They'd be sent to the Nest along with the rest of the girls who couldn't make it aboard the Maw.

"Five coins more than last year. Could have been better, I suppose..." he muttered to himself.

"It's not too late to change, you know," a grave voice spoke. Looking up from his coins, the Director met with the disapproving glance of the Hypnotist. "If you would put your greed aside and actually care for the children, then-"

"Hypnotist, my happiness is being the most wealthiest man in this world. I'll sacrifice every child in order to achieve it." The Director refused to listen to the ultimatum.

"Can you not hear it?"

"Hear what?"

The Hypnotist was taken aback. He had just gotten here to the Orphanage, but could the Director really not hear it? It had always been there - probably since the Orphanage opened, but it had been getting more loud and intense. The Hypnotist could hear it. Their screams... their misery... as their hopes and futures getting snuffed out. And he could sense it, too. Very soon, many Spirits would gather to this place, unable to move on, unable to rest. And the person responsible for that would be the man who was counting his money. Though, could this person really deserve to be called a man?

He wanted to reprimand the Director for his inability to hear the Spirits' cries, but he knew it was no use. He sighed heavily as he watched the monster pretending to be a man gleefully putting his money away in a bag. The Director got up from his desk and went to his closet to put the bag away. Unlocking the door revealed the many other bags from previous New Year events. There was enough to provide for the children with lots of clothes and good food! However, they were forced to wear hand-me-down uniforms and eat canned food of poor quality. This might continue for roughly three more years... Or forever.

"If you continue this, one day, your greed shall be your downfall," the Hypnotist warned. "Young Mono will see to that."

Closing the door and locking the closet, the Director turned to face him, "If he achieves happiness, right? You had told me and you mostly told that boy a few months ago, too. If he could find happiness - whatever or whomever that happiness is, I'll make sure he doesn't achieve it."

"Only Moira will tell."

The Director chuckled, "Moira is on my side. She will bless me with a fortunate fate because she is fate. I ask, whose side are you on, Hypnotist? You, someone who is so invested in the fate of others?"

"As you just said and so did I, I only observe people's fates. I am on no one's side," the Hypnotist answered.

"Observe but you will eventually play a part. Because you are on no one's side, that means you can benefit anyone - monsters or children. There's a reason why you are a professor with the hypnotic powers over the waking or suppressing of memories." The Director walked up until he was face to face with his guest, showing his yellow teeth with a cruel smile. "Therefore, I shall benefit from you first before Mono. Now, why don't you tell me of my fate for the New Year?"