So this is the final chapter. To everyone who have been reading this, thank you so much for following this story. It had been a pleasure to write my headcanon for Mono's past. In true Little Nightmares fashion and judging from the title, of course the last chapter isn't going to have a happy ending.
I forgot at the beginning of the story and nearly forgot at the end as well, but special thanks to Engelsoft for beta reading my chapters! :)
Trigger warning for this chapter includes: a little of blood, character death, verbal abuse (minor), act of submission, and child abuse.
Chapter 9: Requiem for the Dead
Springtime finally came. Tiny buds on the trees were starting to show, as well as the flowers that would soon blossom on the dull ground. However, the sky was always the same gray color, contrasting with the popping colors of the flowers. It didn't look right. There was light - enough for the petals to open a little. But it wasn't sunlight.
As Mono looked out of his window, he silently longed for the warm, golden orb to come out. That one time when the sun had cheered him up, before melting into the horizon, was in his mind. However, instead of a sunset, he wanted a sunrise. Sadly, that thick, ominous sea of dark gray was obstructing the view. It always had. What an eyesore.
Vaguely, the boy wondered if the sun was feeling lonely. Blocked from the whole world, unable to interact. Looking at the painting he had hung on his wall, he imagined what it would be like to be at the beach. He'd never been to one, but he had heard a lot from Tria. Apparently, the sand would either be warm or hot, the water would be chilly and cold, and the breeze would feel refreshing. Seagulls would make those squawking sounds. They would be loud and annoying, but Mono wouldn't mind seeing them. He was interested. Maybe he would like to live at the beach. The scenery would be an improvement compared to this boring, dull Orphanage.
Sighing, the boy finally left his room. Going to his sister's room, he was about to knock when violent noises could be heard on the other side.
Cough, cough, cough!
Concern immediately washed over Mono as he disregarded knocking and opened the door. Tria was on the ground, coughing into her hand forcefully. Closing the door, he rushed over to the girl's side, giving her gentle pats on the back. He wanted to say something. Anything! But no words came out of his mouth. He was scared. Tria had never coughed like this before!
Finally, the girl got up, still coughing as she grabbed for a tissue. She spat into the tissue before crumpling it up. Placing a hand over her throat, Tria panted deeply from her intense coughing fit. Worried, Mono rushed over to grab a cherry from the bowl on her night stand. He gave her the fruit, which she accepted. Eating the drupe, the girl had a pained expression on her face as if talking would hurt.
"Thank you, Mono," she rasped.
"Tria... are you sure you're okay? You've never coughed so hard before..." Mono questioned hesitantly.
Truth be told, she wasn't really fine. She was starting to run out of cherries. Back when she lived at the traveler's house, he'd had plenty of cherry trees planted which allowed her easier access to the fruit. Unfortunately, the Orphanage didn't have those pink, blossoming trees. She had been refraining from eating them to save up but even missing a few days would cause the disease within her to progress more in eating away at her. Most of the cherries she had were safely stored away at the Sanctuary. However, the amount she had in her room right now... there were only three left.
Very soon now, they'd have to leave. She had secretly gotten everything ready for a few weeks. Sneaking into the forest at night, taking canned food from the cafeteria as well as old clothes to make a comfy place to sleep in... even her blanket could be used to make a tent... all of it hidden away inside the tree trunk. It should be enough to last a month. Perhaps Mono never noticed or he just never questioned, but a few of her trinkets were missing. All of her treasured possessions were at the Sanctuary.
All I need is to make the call, she told herself.
Faintly, she could taste that metallic tang at the back of her throat. She'd have to make the phone call tonight. There were no phones in the building aside from the one in the Director's office. She'd sneak into his room at night when the monster was busy and make the call. After the call was made, she'd wait a while until the Director had gone to sleep. Once the monster was no longer an obstacle, she'd sneak Mono out of the Orphanage and they would spend as much time as they had to at the Sanctuary. Everything would be explained to the boy after. This was the plan she'd stick with.
"Tria?"
Snapping out of her thoughts, she looked at the boy who was gazing at her worriedly. "Sorry, Mono, did you say something?"
"I... wanted to ask if we could go to the Sanctuary. After you first showed me, we've never been there together ever since. I wanted to see what it would look like now that spring has come, but if you are sick..."
"It's fine with me. I was thinking about going there tonight anyway," Tria assured.
"Actually... I wanted to go now since we have free time."
Tria bit her lip. In all honesty, she would prefer to make a one time trip than go back for a second time. It would be less risky that way. However, during spring time, a few of the boys would go outside to play. If the Director was keeping eyes on them, he might not notice them slipping out from the back. Seeing the boy's current expression, which was a reluctant frown, the girl wondered why he wasn't beaming with excitement. She would assume he would be happy since he made the suggestion of going out now.
"You don't seem happy," she remarked.
"Maybe... I'm being selfish. You are sick and I shouldn't make you leave your room," he replied.
"Go and get ready in your room. We'll talk more once we reach there, okay?" she assured him.
Nodding his head, Mono left the room. Alone, Tria sighed as she unfolded the tissue in her hands. She had spat out blood. Her mother and father had been like that. They would cough more violently until blood came out of their mouths. It was a sign that their illnesses would soon claim their lives. Was the same thing going to happen to her if she didn't eat the cherries? Even if she was just trying to save them up? Was she going to die soon?
No! I can't die! Mono needs me. He needs someone. Otherwise... he'd be alone...
She was determined to live. There may be three cherries in the bowl, but there were plenty at the Sanctuary. She'd just have to hope her illness wouldn't force her to eat the fruits more frequently. Otherwise, that would be a problem for her. Shaking the grim thoughts away, the girl went to gather her shoes.
~oOo~
As Mono was about to go to his room, he heard someone calling out to him. It wasn't Tria and it wasn't the Director. In fact, it was someone he hadn't seen or heard in a while now. Trying to hurry down the stairs, the little boy felt those rough hands pulling him away from the basement. He was spun around until his eyes met with those familiar gray eyes.
"Long time, no see, weakling," Quint jeered.
Looking around, there was no one else but them. It was surprising. Normally, the bully had his friends gather around. However, today wasn't one of those days. Feeling that he wouldn't be able to leave unless he confronted the bully himself, Mono asked, "What do you want?"
"I just came to tell you that I'll get adopted soon!" the teenager sneered.
"Is that why you are being nice to me? Can't let your new parents see that you are a bad person?" Those words came out of Mono's mouth so bitterly that immediately after he spoke them, he gasped.
Quint also looked surprised that the little boy would dare talk back to him. He narrowed his eyes as he warned dangerously, "Careful, friendless Mono. I can see that girl's influence has rubbed off on you. I've heard her coughing all day, you know?"
"That's none of your business..."
"Hmm, whatever." Quint had finally released his grip on Mono. Walking away, he mockingly remarked, "Enjoy whatever time you have left with her. Very soon, you'll go back to your old, pathetic self!"
That comment didn't sit well with Mono. What did the bully mean 'enjoy whatever time' he had left? Did... did that mean something would happen to Tria? Did Quint know something that he didn't? No, it couldn't be... Quint always messed around. He was just saying those things to deter him. Yeah, that was right. Mono had nothing to worry about...
Returning to his room, the boy waited until Tria opened his window. Together, they left for the Sanctuary without any problems. There, they stayed as long as they could. Seeing the area during spring had many noticeable differences compared to winter. There were more colorful flowers popping in the green grass and some of the forest animals had started to come out. The most common were the squirrels and... were those bunnies?!
Mono slowly approached one, trying to maintain himself. He was so excited, but he didn't want to scare the cute animals away! Slowly, he reached his hand out. One of the young ones bravely hopped forward, sniffing his hand before staying. Feeling encouraged, the boy slowly petted the adorable thing on the head. It was so soft! So fluffy! So, so...! Argh! So adorable! With its brown fur and long, floppy ears!
Giggling at the sight, Tria crouched down next to Mono before picking up the baby bunny. "He likes you, Mono."
"Really?!"
To prove her point, she set the bunny down and it hopped towards the boy again. Delighted, Mono petted it on the head, feeling its soft fur on his fingertips. Eventually, the young one hopped back to its family before the rest hopped away, disappearing into a pile of bushes. Hearing light coughing, Mono turned to see his sister weakly coughing into her hand. That concern he had felt from earlier, as well as Quint's remarks, came back to him.
"I know what you are thinking, Mono, and no, you are not selfish in asking me to take you here," Tria assured. "You should already know there is a difference between the good and bad kind of greed and selfishness, right?"
"I had a feeling... after seeing how everyone acted during that charity event..."
The girl began to teach another lesson. A lesson between the good selfish and the bad selfish. Obviously, Mono had seen his fair share of bad selfishness. Quint and his friends were the prime examples. So was the Director, but Tria kept that information to herself. The bullies had taken money from the other children, clearly only thinking for themselves. That type of selfishness was looked down upon. Sadly, since that kind was seen very often, many people viewed selfishness as a whole as a bad thing. However, they forgot one thing...
"It's okay to be selfish sometimes," Tria explained. "The good type of selfishness is focusing on your own needs first to better help someone else."
"I don't understand, Tria," Mono muttered.
Smiling, the girl looked at the boy before responding, "Mono, you are already a good, kind boy. However, I sometimes see you as being too selfless. You need to be more selfish. Otherwise, always giving but not taking care of yourself will hurt you. So today, though you believed that coming out here when I'm sick is a selfish thing - a bad thing, it really isn't. Don't confuse it for the bad kind. You're not using me to benefit yourself."
"But then aren't you being too selfless then? You're not taking care of yourself," the boy pointed out with a pout on his face.
Giggling, she answered, "Honestly, you're right. I am ignoring my health despite my desire to live. However, having some time to hang out with you is more important to me. Despite you seeing my actions as selfless, it is my greed to want to spend more time with you." She patted his head with a smile on her face. "To be fair, Mono, there's no point in worrying if your actions are selfish or not. Worrying too much won't be good for you. Just be yourself, remember? Things such as this are okay. Besides, everyone was born to be selfish and greedy. That's just part of our nature."
"Okay..." He didn't understand completely, but he got the main part of what Tria was saying.
After spending hours in the Sanctuary until it got dark, the two headed back to the Orphanage. Entering his room through the window, Mono bid his sister goodnight before changing out of his uniform. Dressed into his night clothes, the boy had noticed the moonless night. There were many stars out, but no moon tonight. There weren't any clouds either. The familiar white orb had hidden away in the night sky. It felt ominous to Mono somehow. The lack of the glowing celestial body had the boy wondering...
Are you feeling sad tonight, Mr. Moon?
There was no response, obviously. Hoping that the moon would be back to its full, happy self soon, the boy climbed into bed.
~oOo~
The next day, Mono had woken up late. Quickly changing and grabbing his books, he rushed out of his room to see many orphans were gathering in the main hall. The moment they saw him, they began to whisper into each other's ears. When he tried to get to class, the door was closed. A teacher who was passing nearby had rudely told him to leave since class was canceled for today. The news was surprising to Mono. Classes were never canceled. But he supposed it was somewhat a good thing. He technically didn't have to worry about waking up late today. Still...
Confused, the child contemplated telling Tria about it. However, a voice stopped him in his tracks. "Ah, look what you have done. You really are alone now, friendless Mono."
"What are you talking about?!" Mono demanded, turning around to see Quint.
The teenager only smirked, calmly leaning over the wall. "Why don't you ask your friend? Everyone has been making a big fuss over her."
Mono felt his chest tightening. Running down the stairs, he tried to make his way to Tria's room. It was hard with so many boys clustered around. Why had they all gathered in the main hall today? If class was canceled, shouldn't they be eating, doing chores, or playing somewhere? What was so important that they had to gather around?
Just when he was about to reach Tria's room, Mono froze. The Director was there, speaking with someone. The stranger had stopped talking and the Director turned to see him. The boy didn't want to talk to the owner of the Orphanage, but he swallowed his pride and asked to see Tria. Surprisingly, the Director denied his request. When questioned why, the intimidating man feigned ignorance.
"Why, I would assume you would know, considering everyone is talking about it. Or are you really just like your mother said and have such a tiny head you don't understand?"
Ignoring the verbal abuse, Mono questioned, "Know what?"
"Tria is dead," the Director answered nonchalantly.
Something inside Mono broke. What had broken exactly? Was it his heart? Wait, wait, wait...! That couldn't be! Tria couldn't be dead! The Director was just lying! After all, the monster had shown his true face on the day his mother came to this Orphanage. He had known that his mother didn't like him, yet he'd given Mono false hope. This was just the same! He was just making stuff up! That was what Mono wanted to believe. However... Tria had been coughing very violently yesterday. And... the Director hadn't stated the cause of her death, had he?
"How..." The boy became hesitant to ask. Did he even want to know the answer? "How did Tria... die?"
"Oh, I don't know how she died. I came to check in on her after she was late for class and found no note outside stating that she was sick. Thinking that she was sleeping late, I opened the door and found her dead in bed." The Director was eying Mono with suspicion as he considered a possibility, "Unless... you wouldn't happen to know why she died, would you, Mono?"
The boy's hold on his books loosened and they fell to the floor. He couldn't believe it. He refused to believe it! Not until he saw it for himself!
Trying to keep his voice steady, he pleaded, "Please, let me in."
The Director looked like he was considering it until he replied, "I will let you in under one condition." He placed a foot in front of the confused boy. "Kiss my boot and I'll let you see Tria."
The boy looked horrified as he stared at the Director with wide eyes. "W-What?"
"You heard me. Kneel down, bend over, and lick my shoes!"
The Director wasn't going to let this opportunity slide. He was strong and the boy was weak. At that moment, his entire body blocked the door. There was no way for the boy to get in. What better way to show who was clearly the superior than to have the inferior submit in front of him? Even though the boy was standing still, the Director delighted in every tremble the boy unintentionally showed. Anything to humiliate the boy was worth it!
Come on, now, he whispered. Give in. Submit to me. Grovel on your hands and knees, and prove to me and to yourself of what a disgusting little cockroach you really are!
The Director's smile widened as the boy finally sank to his knees. He knew the boy wasn't enjoying doing this, but that was why he'd made such a demand. He knew the boy would do anything to see the older girl. That was why love could be so easily manipulated! This stupid seven-year-old brat in front of him was a fool! Now, he was going to be humiliated as the Director savored every moment of it! Seeing the boy unwillingly planting his lips on the tips of his boots, the Director chuckled loudly. This act of submission made him feel invincible! Ahh, the feeling of being dominant like a king gave the Director a rush of emotions. It was a fantastic feeling that brought shivers over his entire being! He won! He won! Mono had pulled back quickly after, looking completely mortified at what he'd been forced to do.
Bringing his foot back, the Director kicked the boy, laughing merrily. "Let's go," he addressed to the silent guest, leaving the child cowering in pain.
Groaning, Mono picked himself back up. His hand clutched onto his stomach as he massaged the spot where he was kicked. Wiping his lips with his sleeve, the boy felt the humiliation. But that was a small price to pay. It didn't matter. Opening the door, he entered inside. There, laying in bed, covered in a white sheet from head to toe was... a body. It couldn't have been Tria, right? Slowly approaching the bed, Mono tried to keep himself calm. However, with each step, his breath quickened.
Finally, he stood at the side of the bed. Unsure what he should do, he gently shook the body, calling out her name, "Tria...?"
No response. He shook a little harder. She must be playing a game. She was just so good that she'd fooled the Director, wasn't that it? Right? A left arm had fallen limply from the edge of the bed. There, Mono could see it. That green and white friendship bracelet he had given to her...
This... couldn't be happening, right? Feeling lightheaded, Mono couldn't stand up anymore as his legs gave in. Falling onto his knees, he slowly reached out for the limp hand, holding it in his. It was cold. It was very cold. Lifeless...
Finally, everything collapsed. Mono broke down into tears as the truth hit him like a stab in the heart. He couldn't deny it anymore. He was all alone again.
~oOo~
May 16th, three days after the girl's death.
The funeral was a short one with only one person attending. No one other than Mono cared. There was one adult who had been kind enough to give Mono black clothes. However, that kindness wasn't very sincere. It was more out of pity. That grownup had done it so the boy wouldn't make a fool out of himself by wearing something inappropriate today. Black signified mourning and was suitable to wear during funerals. Mono didn't like the dark, depressing color, but he didn't really complain. He wanted to respect the deceased Tria.
Alone as he stood in front of the casket, he had to wonder... how could life be so cruel to take Tria away? She was the only family he had. Why had she died? The people in charge of the funeral claimed it was because of her illness. It did make sense in a way. Tria had been getting sicker and was coughing so much. He didn't want to admit it, but Mono was somewhat glad it was a closed casket. He was too afraid - too ashamed - to look at Tria's face. He could imagine her sleeping peacefully, but what had been her facial expression moments before she died? Regret? Anger? Although he'd never imagined Tria capable of it, what if she'd blamed him in her final thoughts?
Having picked a bunch of wild flowers prior to the funeral, the boy placed it on top of the casket. They were probably the wrong types of flowers, coming from the Sanctuary and not appropriate for the funeral, but Mono didn't want to leave Tria without anything. After some silence, he spoke in a heartbroken tone, "It's my fault, isn't it, Tria? Because of me, you died."
There was never going to be a response to his question. He knew this. Tears fell from his face as he backed away, trying to rub his eyes free from them. She had encouraged him to cry, but now, he felt like crying was admitting he was at fault. Who was he kidding? It was his fault! The Director had hinted that Mono had known something! If only...! If only he hadn't asked her to take him outside! Her illness wouldn't have escalated! She wouldn't have had to die!
The number three represented life. That was why it was lucky. How ironic it was for the girl whose name meant three to die. How ironic it was for Mono to be back where he'd started. Alone.
Taking his hands away from his face, the boy stared dully at the casket. Tria was his first friend, his family. Someone he looked up to and greatly respected. Now, she had become a reminder. A reminder of something he feared. He feared many things, but among them, being alone was what he feared the most. He'd lost someone dear. She was a reminder of his weakness. His inability to stop this. His fault. It was his fault! He was afraid! He was weak!
"I don't want to see it... anymore..." he finally replied, becoming dejected.
Feeling the harsh wind blowing at his face, a paper bag flew to his feet. There were some flower petals inside; most likely they were for the funeral. Since it was pretty much over, he doubted anyone would need it. Picking it up, the boy examined the paper bag with lackluster eyes. From his fingertips, he could feel a seal over the outer parts of the thin, brown paper. It was water repellent. With a pair of scissors nearby, he cut two small eye holes in the bag. Surely when he grew up, the holes would have to get larger. For now, he didn't really care.
He didn't want to see it. This cruelty in this awful world... the Director's sneering face... he didn't want to see any of it! If he hid his face, if he wore this paper bag... it would make things better. The entire world was one big bully who would sneer and mock him. It didn't matter if wearing the paper bag would make him a bigger target of bullying. As he donned the bag over his head, he suddenly felt safe. It was as though all the mean words and cruel sights didn't hurt as much compared to if he didn't wear it.
Taking one last glance at the casket, he mumbled softly, "I'm so, so sorry, Tria."
~oOo~
The recently premature Doppelganger stared at the boy who was sitting on his bed. The entity sighed a voiceless sigh as it looked down at itself. It had a faint glitching silhouette - an outline of a body, but it hadn't gained a full form yet nor did it have a voice that could be heard. It wasn't sure if that was because it was born too early or if this happened to all Doppelgangers such as itself - premature or full-born. One day, it would gain a form and would most likely resemble the traumatized boy who was staring blankly at the wall. One day, the Doppelganger would be a 'he' or 'him' rather than an 'it'. One day, the entity would inherit the name 'Mono' since it was born from the boy's broken heart. It wasn't Mono, but a part of it would always be Mono in some way, no matter how small or insignificant it was.
The entity sighed again.
It shouldn't have been born. It hadn't wanted to be born! Tria had been healing the cracks in Mono's heart from the constant bullying and harsh words. The Doppelganger scowled at Quint, Mono's cruel mother, the Director... anyone who'd contributed to hurting the boy. They were the cause for the development of the Doppelganger, so it was natural for the entity to immediately hate those responsible for dealing the damage. Unfortunately, there now lay a problem.
Now that the Doppelganger had been born, it could only grow until it gained a form of its own. Eventually, it would grow to only slow Mono down. All Doppelgangers by nature would have a single goal once they were born: to ensure the traumatized child's survival and growth by any means necessary... even if that growth was contradicting and clashing against the ideals of the traumatized. The boy's innocence was lost so he would have to mature. Sadly, maturing wasn't exactly the same as healing. It was through the process of healing that led to maturing. Despite that the entity would like to help Mono, it didn't know how. After all, Doppelgangers were the manifestation of ruined childhood - trauma. How could they really help? They couldn't.
A third soundless sigh.
When it was developing, it had felt anger. At that time, it had unintentionally influenced Mono with dark thoughts - almost as though it was the dark thoughts. Perhaps it was. Whatever Mono felt, it felt. The sadness, frustration, anger... their senses were connected. Sometimes, Mono would unknowingly feel it. The broken windows was one of those incidents. But then, Tria had come into the picture. She'd been helping Mono and slowing down its development. It had felt grateful towards the older girl. It didn't want to be born or influence the boy in a negative way. Children should stay pure and innocent until it was the right time for them to mature. But the fact that it existed meant that all the good things had to end so soon. Had Tria not died and continued to heal Mono, the Doppelganger would have been a stillborn - not needed by the boy.
Well, there is still time before I drag Mono down... I haven't grown yet or gained a form. Maybe there is still time...
Looking at the boy, the entity tried waving an outline of its hand in front of those empty eyes. Nothing. No response. No reaction. Mono was most likely blaming himself for his surrogate sister's death. The Doppelganger didn't have to ask, it could sense it. It had been five days since the funeral and the boy had been like this, staring at the wall. If only there was another child out in the world who could help heal the boy, then everything would be solved. His heart desperately needed to heal. Despite that healing the heart wouldn't make the trauma seem like it had never happened, it would help the boy move on. That would be true growth.
Hearing the door to Mono's room opening, the Doppelganger turned to glower at the Director. However, the entity's expression changed upon seeing that the monster was with company. It was the Hypnotist.
"You called me because of him?" the man turned to the Director.
"Yes. A certain death has affected Mono so that he isn't going to classes or doing his chores. I'm sure you can help me with this problem, Hypnotist."
The Doppelganger was boiling with rage as it started to let out a rant that no one in the room could hear. It may have been born eight days ago, but it knew a few colorful words. You wanted this, you damned bastard! You wanted to break him! But now you want him to return to working for you?! After forcing him to kiss your filthy boots?! Screw you! Screw you, you detestable, irredeemable, greedy, f-
"Very curious he would be wearing a paper bag," the Hypnotist remarked hastily. For a moment, the man moved his eyes until he was looking at it. The entity perked up its head in surprise. Could the Hypnotist see it despite it being just recently born? Without a form, no less? "No worries, Director. I can fix whatever... problem you have."
"Good," the owner of the Orphanage boomed. Turning his back, he ordered, "Erase the boy's memories of the girl."
Immediately, the entity shook its head frantically. The Hypnotist simply eyed the Doppelganger who was panicking. With a somber smile, the man crouched down to have a look at Mono. Through the holes on the paper bag, the Hypnotist could see those blank, dark eyes staring back at him. Reaching into his pocket, the Hypnotist pulled out a chained pocket watch with an eye symbol embedded in it as it dangled in front of Mono's sight.
What are you doing?! Stop! You can't take those memories! Tria was very precious to him! Without her, Mono will grow up thinking no one loved him! He will think he was all alone in this hellish place! The Doppelganger yelled as it was pounding its formless fists on the Hypnotist's leg. Without her, I'll only grow! I'll only pull Mono down despite that I would like to help him!
The entity could sense it. Mono was forgetting about his surrogate sister - everything about her. His memories were being tampered with as if a girl named Tria never existed in the boy's life. The hypnosis was also affecting the entity. With the older girl's death taken, the entity was falling back to sleep as if nothing traumatizing had ever happened. Despite Mono not remembering, it remembered. However, it couldn't tell the child. It had no form nor could its voice be heard yet. Plus, going back to sleep, it was being forced back inside the boy's fractured heart. It would take another traumatic event for it to wake up again, but by then, it would most likely gain a form and only say contradicting things.
As the Hypnotist sadly finished his work, Mono tiredly closed his eyes. Gently pushing the boy so that he was laying in bed, the man stood up as the Director turned around. "My advice is for you to have the girl's belongings removed, even from young Mono's room."
Seeing the Director's questioning look, the Hypnotist gestured with his head towards the painting that was hanging on the wall. He also pointed around the room, indicating to get rid of the painted walls as well. However, he didn't point at the coat Mono was wearing. The bloating man nodded his head, but he didn't look too concerned.
"I'm sure there is no need to worry abou-"
"If you sincerely wish to keep your happiness, it is best to do as I advise. Otherwise, he might even recall his memories back," the Hypnotist explained. "Even all the children and the staff will need to have their memories of the girl erased to avoid mentioning her name to young Mono."
Clearing his throat, the Director assured, "I shall get that done right away."
It had already been decided that Quint and the other teenagers would get adopted soon. Though the monster was sad to lose them, he reasoned that they were getting too old and were still useful enough to give him money. They had fulfilled their purpose in breaking the boy. He didn't need them anymore. Mono would stay, broken and defeated, but not enough to avoid going to class and doing his chores. As long as the child stayed, his fortune wouldn't be lost. The Hypnotist stood where he was, disgusted at the Director's greed that was apparent on his face.
He tried one last time, sighing, "It's not too late for you to change, Director."
"Nonsense!" He waved a dismissive hand. "I shall send those boys away in the summer."
"Would you please leave? I would like to have a chat with my patient," the Hypnotist demanded impatiently.
"Of course, of course."
After the Director left the room, his footsteps getting fainter as he went up the stairs, the Hypnotist closed the door. Sighing tiredly, he turned around to look at the sleeping boy. Mono had lost so many memories that he would be disoriented for a few days. It was a side effect of the hypnotism. Whenever the Hypnotist suppressed memories, especially when they concerned someone else, those memories about that person would have to rearrange themselves to not leave gaps or missing holes. And yet, while he was suppressing those memories, the Hypnotist had discovered something that piqued his interest.
It was intriguing, but not surprising at the same time. The fate of this boy and that girl. In the original timeline, both had met a tragic end. Although Mono would have stayed in that depressive state had the Hypnotist not intervened, perhaps things could have gone differently. Perhaps. And yet, there wasn't much he could do. This was what Moira would have wanted. She wanted to test these two. That was why she'd created the loops. It was a shame that what the Director wanted aligned with Moira's plans. The Hypnotist was an observer but even his actions contributed to fate in more ways than one. The same with the adults and the children.
Looking at the boy, the elderly man muttered, "Continue to struggle, young Mono. While you have forgotten, those memories aren't gone. Despite it seeming like I've taken them, those memories are merely sleeping. I can take away her looks, the sound of her voice, but... I cannot take her away from you completely. She has influenced you in a good way, leaving an engraving on your heart... and that, I cannot remove. Perhaps, with time, you will remember. Until then, struggle and try to defy the world that has been cruel. Struggle in achieving your happiness."
Pacing back and forth, the Hypnotist wondered how much he should divulge. He knew of the possible outcome Mono would have to go through in three years. However, he was also concerned about the other child. That girl. In a year, she would have her own personal hardships as well. Even she would most likely have her traumatizing events be wiped away just like Mono's had been. However, her trauma would be different.
The Hypnotist had seen it. Mono's Doppelganger. It was premature. It was faint and only a silhouette of it was there. The girl's trauma would most likely be a full-born. The day it shall be born would be a tragic day for the girl. As for the reason why her future Doppelganger would be a full-born…
Glancing at Mono, he warned, "Everything from your original world will repeat again, young Mono. Protect that girl if you can from those dangerous people. Keep hold of that promise of yours."
Sadly for her, in a year, she would be dangerously close to one of those people... he didn't know the full details, but he knew that the girl wouldn't have the ideal childhood.
Truly, it was a shame. Tria had died. Who knew if she'd made the phone call or not? Who knew if the Music Maker would return or not? Of course, only the Hypnotist had those answers. As he made his way to the door, he paused one last time to give a final farewell.
"Whether this reality is the sixth or the seventh, I do not know. Whether you fail or succeed in finding happiness, continue to fight. We shall meet at least one more time. And if we do, I shall share with you all I know. Until then, farewell, young Mono."
Opening the door, the Hypnotist left. Perhaps one day, those memories would return. Eventually, what was once asleep would have to reawaken again.
To everyone who have been reading my stories, I have a challenge for you. Create a death scene for the Director and leave it in the comments/reviews! The only restraints is that the death has to happen at or near the Orphanage and it has to be doable. Whoever created the most creative and satisfying death for the Director will be credited in the chapter the next time we see the Director again. With that out of the way, see you in my next work!