Mono opened his eyes to find that Six was still asleep. Her smaller form still tightly cuddled up to him. He looked down to see her face hoping that at least today she wouldn't have any nightmares. Luckily, that was the case as he didn't notice any discomfort as a contented look splayed on her face. Smiling warmly, he gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before slowly getting up. He slowly rose to sit still doing his best not to wake her.
Before he could get up any further a pair of arms pulled him back down. Mono looked down to see Six still asleep and very much attached to him. Not wanting to let go just yet.
A small smile appeared on his face as he decided to lay back down putting his own arms around Six. Humming the music box again he pulled her closer before falling back to sleep for a little while longer. Letting the small inhales and exhales of Jabali to lull him back to rest.
Speaking of which, Jabali was keeping a close eye on the two of them. All the while keeping an eye out for that Butcher in the case they ever continued their chase. Jabali thought nothing more of it when there was no further sign of threats. Although his ear flicked when he heard a small, "Hey!"
Jabali looked back down onto the small children. Seeing Mono drowsy as he placed a hand on his fur. Jabali leaned against the touch as Mono said.
"Thank you for keeping an eye on her and keeping her safe when I couldn't."
Jabali blinked and then nodded his head. Letting out a small breath laid his head against the ground before sleeping again.
A while later Six opened her eyes to find Mono still holding onto her as well.
'So, he really did stay. I'm glad it wasn't a dream.'
Six tried getting up from her position only for Mono to also hold her closer to him. Grunting out she tried getting out of his grip even more. In her movements she slowly roused Mono from his slumber. The sudden awareness making him release her as Six slowly got up to her feet. Looking back down at him she said.
"So, Finally come back to your senses my love?"
Mono looked down at the ground and Six quickly shifted gears, "Hey hey, I was just kidding Mono. I know you were doing it to keep me safe. I guess I just don't understand the why."
"Because I was afraid that I would have hurt you because you were close to me. That because if I had followed through and made the Tower again, we both would have suffered. In my willingness to keep you safe I would become that lump of flesh and you…"
He paused before looking back at Jabali.
"You remember what happened when you got close to me when the Tower fought for control of my body? You couldn't even reassure me through touch without harming yourself. I was afraid that if you spent your life with me in there… you'd have just turned back into the monster I had to free you from the music box."
Recognition sparked in her eyes as she hadn't even considered that. Mono still looking down began pulling away from Six.
"That is why I left you Six, not out of malice, not out of hatred, not because I hate you, and definitely not because I never loved you in the first place. I was afraid that if I am or could be the Tower, I was afraid at some point that I'd harm or torture you like they did. That what I did for the both of us by resetting this world one last time would have been for nothing."
Six reaches out to pull Mono into a hug as she rubbed his back.
"I know you may hold some grudge over me for doing that," as he was talking, he dug his hand into Six's pocket rummaging for something.
"But I do want you to know that every day, every step, and every breath I regretted it."
Pulling his hand out of her pocket and then pulled back to look her in the eye.
"So now I realize isolation isn't, can't, WON'T be the solution there is another alternative."
Mono opened his hand and Six saw the Ferryman's symbol in the palm of his hand. Clasping the chain around his neck he felt his powers slowly fade. They were still there but inhibited.
"There's the necklace to keep me grounded and also…" he raised his hand up to her face, cupping it.
"I have you to keep me grounded, for I realized that without you I'm alone in the dark. You told me once that I was your warmth in this world, and now I'm telling you…" and he leaned in closer.
Six also leaning forward embracing in kiss. They held that moment there for a few seconds before separating.
Mono and Six both crying tears of joy as he said, "You're my sunshine, my light."
Six rose to her feet before helping Mono to his. Mono wincing as pressure lain his injured feet. Six seeing this quickly put Mono back down onto the ground before placing her hands on his feet.
"How often did you actually rest, Mono?"
"Uh…. Rest?"
Six rolling her eyes softly placed her hands on his feet and channeled her powers. Slowly but surely the blisters began to fade from the top and bottoms of his feet. Only leaving behind scars from both blister and cuts. Six then began rolling up his left sleeve to show the scabs when Mono cut open his arm's scars.
"And this? Why'd you do this?"
"A means to punish myself for what I did Six. The Tower was right in some ways I am a slave. Slave to the world and myself."
Six shook her head in disagreement, "Not to me Mono, as of this point you are free."
Withdrawing her hands revealing the skin had once again been sealed by her magic.
"Now without further ado we should continue on our journey."
Mono about to agree quickly shut his mouth as he thought about something.
'I need to make it up to her. We've been apart for a while and…'
He remembered all the times they bonded both in the earlier run and this one. Realizing that while they had some good times in the last run, they didn't have so many moments this time. Six, while telling him everything that happened to her after dropping him, he didn't know so much about her and what happened before. They barely communicated in the first run only using, "Hey's" and "Oi's." The only thing he truly knew about her was that they both cared for each other. They felt connected and never wanted to let go. Mono was not going to let this go to waste.
"Hey, uh Six?" Mono called out to her.
Six looked back at Mono expectantly.
"Instead of continuing our journey to the MAW, can we set camp up for the next few days? It's just… it's been a while since we had a break from being chased by monsters."
Six began to disagree when she realized he was right. Now there was no North Wind, Monster, Butcher, or Tower chasing them down. They weren't in any real rush now so perhaps Mono was right.
Six smiled as she took her coat off again setting it down to the side, "Sure Mono I think we could both use the break."
Mono and Six then spent the next few minutes collecting all the sticks they could before setting them up in a pile. Both simultaneously pulling out their lighters, lit two twigs on fire, and tossed them into the bundle.
Mono and Six panting from their demanding work as they looked each other over. Their entire bodies were caked in mud, blood, and dirt. Chuckling a small bit Mono looked down at himself.
"I guess it has been a while since we both properly washed up."
Mono began walking to the riverbank not too far from the campsite and then began to shed his clothes. Taking off his clothes he knelt by the riverbank and began rinsing his clothes off in the water. Doing his best to get rid of every scrap of dirt and grime before hanging them up to dry. Just as he turned around to hang his clothes onto a branch a bundle of fabric was hurtled into his face. As he was untangling Six's clothes from his face, he heard splashing from behind him. Then he heard footsteps coming out of the water as soon as she entered the water.
Mono turned around to Six hunched over shivering a small bit as water dripped off her.
"Is it THAT cold?" Mono asked as he hung up Six's coat by another branch.
Six nodded and Mono scoffed a small bit.
"Come on Six I'm sure it's not that bad." Mono stretched before he walked into the water to bathe himself. His foot entered the water and a slight chill brushed up against him. It took Mono a couple of seconds to get used to the icy water before taking another step. Finally used to it he began to swim enjoying the water as it removed the dirt from his body. He looked out to the shore to see Six still sitting there watching as Mono swam about.
"Come on out Six! It's not so bad once you get used to it."
Six still looked reluctant to join him and Mono got an idea. Placing his hands together he raised them up above his before slamming them into water. The resounding impact splashed a heavy amount of water onto Six as she spluttered and looked out towards Mono, who only looked amused.
Mono watched as the shock on Six's face turned into a determined look as she dashed into the water after him. Mono's face quickly turned to one of fear as he realized how badly he messed up. Six dashed through the stream as she dove for Mono, tackling him under the water. Mono rose from under the water only to be splashed in the face. Mono looked out to see Six with her hands shoved forwards with a smirk on her face.
Mono's face turned evil, "If that's how you wanna play so be it!" Right as he lifted his arms again crashed them into the water again. This time Six dodging to the left before pushing more water in his direction. Mono sank under the water as he held his breath swimming right behind Six. Six looking out for where Mono originally went under the water suddenly felt two arms around her waist as she was lifted out of the water.
"MONO! PUT ME DOWN!"
"Very poor choice of words, Six," chuckling as he willingly fell dragging Six along with him. Both plunging into the water with Six looking quite upset with Mono. That is until both looked at each other and burst out laughing.
"So, I suppose that makes me the victor of our little battle?"
"What? No way! You clearly cheated when you picked me up."
Before they could mock argue any further a massive shape descended in front of them. Jabali watching both kids as they bathed decided to join in on the fun. As Jabali did this a massive wave extended out over the two of them. Mono and Six subconsciously pulled themselves together as the wave pushed them to shore.
Coughing out a small bit of water Mono said, "Okay neither of us win." Looking out to the water, "The Boar wins this one."
Six looking a little bothered, "He has a name y'know? It's Jabali."
"Oh, really? My bad, JABALI wins this round."
The Boar in question once again made that grunting sound that Mono swore was Jabali laughing.
Six and Mono both sat by the fire letting the warm light dry both them and their clothes off. Mono stared at the ashes rising from the fire admiring the swirling colors enter his vision.
"Hey Six? What's your favorite color?"
She considered that thought for a small bit as she finally said," Blue, mainly because it reminds me of the ocean. I'll tell you this that despite my regrets when I finally got to the MAW's shore there was something calming about seeing the ocean after everything I went through. What about you Mono? What's your favorite?"
Mono sat still looking into the fire before answering, "I've always preferred green, it reminds me of the forests and that's always made me feel better. Okay so what about your favorite animal?"
Six gave him a deadpan look before gesturing to Jabali, "Do you even have to ask? I'm quite sure I could say the same about you as well."
Mono giggled a small bit, "Yep, you're not wrong. Alright your turn."
Six thought about a question to ask," Did you ever have a favorite toy to play with when we were traveling through the city?"
"If I had to pick, I'd say the ball we used to play that game of soccer."
"I'm still a little miffed that you placed it on your head and just ran through the goal."
"I was just trying to lighten the mood a small bit. Plus, you were way too good at that game."
Both watched as Jabali rolled around in the water soaked from snout to tail.
"He's a lot more expressional than I'd expect from an animal." Six said.
"He also has a mischievous streak a mile wide. Wonder where he got that?" Mono asked as he stared accusingly at Six.
Six trying to look innocent as she looked away, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
The two continued their talk as the embers of the fire slowly died out. As they got up Six's stomach grumbled, and Mono picked up two sticks that lay on the ground. Using the knife, he began cutting the ends of the two sticks until they were pointed. Handing one to Six he rose to his feet.
"You ever fish before Six?" Mono asked.
As she shook her head he said, "I'll show you come on."
Jabali slowly following as they began walking down the stream trying to find a shallower place of water.
It took a couple of hours but going out into the grassier area they came across a pond. Mono rolled up his pant legs and then stepped out into the water. He turned and then beckoned Six to join him. Six started wading into the water as Mono peered into the water trying to see any movement. Then Six felt something brush up against her leg and at once plunged the stick into the water. Only for her to realize in shock she stabbed something.
Pulling the spear out of the water she found out she caught quite the huge fish. Easily the size of her foot, impaled through the head, was this fish that had whiskers on the side of its face.
"Nice One, Six! That is quite a large one too. Grab a couple more of those and we'll be set for today." Six smiled warmly after the compliment, set the fish to the side, and then raised her spear again. A couple of minutes ticked by as Mono and Six stood back-to-back to one another. Both keeping a close eye on the water below. Six once again plunged the spear into the water this time missing the prey. Mono acted in tandem to this and followed with a thrust of his own this time striking true.
Another catfish although this one was much smaller than the first one. Mono shrugged and placed it alongside the first one and resumed fishing.
It's been a couple of hours since that last catch, Six has gotten quite frustrated with how slippery the other fish are. Mono on the other hand is treating it like a small game between him and her. Now making it about who can catch the next fish first. Then Six sees a nice fat one, she readies her spear, and then plunges it into the water. Feeling it meet something Six eagerly pulls it back out of the water. Only for the spear to have snapped in two under the water.
Frustrated Six chucks the piece of wood into the water and black smoke appears from her hands. Staring down at her hands she smiles and then extends them out towards the water and pulls. Mono watches as about five fish get pulled out of the water even having to duck so he doesn't get smacked in the face. He looks back as Six with a bewildered look on his face.
"Oh yeah, I forgot you could do that. Oh well it was fun while it lasted."
Mono pulled off his coat and began loading the caught fish into it. He then soaked the coat in the water to help keep the fish fresh for just a while longer. Jabali then walked up behind them brandishing his tusks down to Mono. Looking back at Jabali's tusks and the bundle of fish he got the idea. Walking up to Jabali he tied up the coat around his tusks and then turned around to face Six.
Six watched as Jabali walked right behind Mono with his mouth open.
"Right so that should be enough fish for all of… HEY PUT ME DOWN!"
Jabali snorted again as he flicked his head back sending a screaming Mono flying onto his back. Shaking his head Mono looked around for a second trying to figure out what happened when he looked down.
"Jabali please don't do that again."
Jabali grunted as he knelt in front of Six. Six patted Jabali on the side of his head before clambering up behind Mono. Jabali snorted again and then turned around. Slowly making his way back to the forest as Mono was getting used to Jabali's walking. He was holding onto Jabali's back tightly not wanting to let go. Only when Six reassured him it was fine that he let go. Although Six did have to grab Mono a few times when Jabali swayed a couple times to the side. Mono did wonder why they didn't travel via Jabali to the shallow water. Their travel time halved riding on Jabali.
Mono finally enjoyed riding on Jabali just as they reached their camp. Six got off him with relative ease from experience. Mono however, his legs had also fallen asleep not being used to riding an animal like that. He collapsed on the ground as the blood flow returned to his legs. Opening his eyes and looking to the forest canopy to an unexpected sight. It was Six leaning over him hands and fingers outreached in a claw-like stature and a predatory smile. Mono didn't know what she was planning until she slowly descended with her fingers waggling.
"D-don't you dare Six. Don't tickle me. Do NOT tickle m-" his voice unheard as his laughter rang through the woods. He was crying with laughter as Six mercilessly tickled him to death.
"*Snort* Six p-please stop-p that." Six's triumphant unrelenting smirk showing she wasn't quite finished as she continued. Feeling in his legs returning to normal as he tried to crawl away. However, this only provided more areas for Six to "torture" Mono with. It only stopped when Mono was completely red in the face and gasping for air. Six sat right next to him a humored smile on her face as she descended for a kiss. Brushing her lips on his forehead she stood up and started gathering more wood for the fire. Mono having caught his breath undid the bag around Jabali's tusk and began preparing the food.
An hour later both Mono and Six were laying against Jabali. Their bellies full of the succulent fish they had caught earlier. Jabali had already begun sleeping for the night. Six and Mono looking up to the sky making up constellations based on their adventures.
"And that one over there has to be the epic tale of how the brave Six rescued Mono from a resurrected Doctor and his look-alike minions." Mono encircled a patch of stars with his fingers while Six squinted at the sky.
"I don't know it looks more like the story of how the courageous Mono saved his love from a bunch of dolls with leeches inside of them." Mono looked back at her with her eyebrow cocked before looking back at a different patch of stars.
"You know what that one looks like over there Six?" Six looked over at him in confusion.
Mono smiled and said, "It looks like the chapter of a boy's life that fought the barrier of death just to get back with his love." Six gently squeezed his hand after hearing that.
Then Six's eyes lit up before pointing at a patch of stars, "That one, that arrangement of stars, you know what it reminds me of Mono?" Mono looked back at her. "It's a music box."
Mono looked surprised for a second before giggling, "Oh… to think all this happened because of that music box. I don't regret one second of it…. Well except for leaving you behind like I did."
To which Six then said, "Well not because of the music box, in reality it was because of the first time we met."
Mono contemplated to himself, 'If there was any time to ask this, it's now.'
"Hey Six? Do you mind if I ask you something?"
"Of course, Mono what is it?"
Mono sat up as he looked at her, "What was your life like before we met? What did you do?"
Six sat still not expecting that before answering, "Admittedly I've been wondering the same thing about you Mono, So how about this? You answer that first and then I'll go."
Mono swallowed hesitantly, "Oh! Ok I can do that."
Mono then began to tell his childhood story. He lived in a cabin out in what would be known as the Hunter's woods. He was loved by his mother, but his father was an abusive man. An overall hater of his life and he blamed his child for it.
Then the transformation had begun, those with TVs began turning into Eavesdroppers and Viewers. Mono's father had blamed him one day for the bad luck they received. One final time Mono let out a shriek that attracted all types of attention. Viewers burst through the walls of their cabin. Mono's mother telling him to run as the Viewers tore out his father's throat.
Tears dripped down his face as he ran, as he heard the screams of his mother die down. The Viewers then saw Mono's retreating figure disappearing into the woods. Viewers and Eavesdroppers ran through the woods trying to find the boy. Finally stopping him in a corner one of the Eavesdroppers reaches down to grab the kid.
Mono closed his eyes waiting for the end. Then a shotgun blast rips through the Eavesdropper letting go of Mono. Both Mono and the Viewers see the Hunter cocking his shotgun before preparing to fire again. Using the distraction the Hunter gave him, Mono runs again. This time hearing a scream of agony as one of the Viewers clawed out the Hunter's left eye. Mono reaches the shore and clambers inside a rowboat.
Drifting out along the sea Mono cries himself to sleep as his world has been turned upside down. He finds himself in the Pale City hiding in the shadows.
Then a nearby TV turns on and Mono gets close enough to see what lies on the screen. A giant eyeball only looking at him with malice and hunger. Mono feels himself pulled into the TV and out of fear reaches out an arm. The TV explodes and he instantly becomes afraid of himself. He runs into an abandoned store as he clutches his face in fear knowing that the TVs will recognize him as he hides.
Spotting a paper bag on the floor he picks it up and looks it over. Punching eyeholes in it he slips it on and then disappears into the night. Week by week he learns the layout of the city. Learning how to use tools and how to craft said tools. He knows certain buildings occupied more than others, but he dares not enter. He knows how to defend himself from other small threats using weapons. He also acts as a hero of sorts whenever he sees a child pursued by a Viewer. He's built up a reputation for himself and he feels loved and that sense of belonging fulfilled again. Then comes that fateful day when the children and Mono end up chased by Viewers into an abandoned building. They end up locked inside the building as a fire begins raging from within. The sprinklers turn on extinguishing the fire but then HE appears, the Thin Man.
The monster doesn't even hesitate as it grabs child after child. Mono runs as the Thin Man's focus turns on him. Mono scrambles up the stairs in an abandoned room with a busted TV. The Thin Man walks into the room getting ever closer. Mono suddenly hears the pop of static and finds he's no longer in the Pale City but the woods again. Mono leaves the TV sinking to the floor. He cries feeling isolated once again that fear gripping his heart. Mono knows not at first if the Hunter is still alive but Mono still prepares himself regardless. He learns to stick to the trees even going as far as contemplating a treehouse.
Then one moonlit night Mono is basking in the light and then looks down, and then he sees HER.
Mono takes a deep breath, wipes his eyes, and looks towards Six. She nods and then begins telling her tale.
Six was raised in a village with loving parents. Her family was one of farmers that kept to their own. She remembers being loved and cared for deeply and one day it all gets ripped from her.
Her village was attacked that night, fires razed the buildings to the ground. Adults were slaughtered instantaneously, and children were TAKEN. Six watched as her mother's life disappeared from her eyes as she was dragged away. The kidnapped children were divided into two groups. One group was taken to parts unknown, but Six's group was sent to the Nest.
Knowing that there's nothing left for Six at home she decides to try and get out of here. She gets around the Nest using the rafters and vents to get around.
Then she sees a peculiar girl. One in a yellow raincoat sneaking amongst the floorboards. They both share a glance before going their separate ways. Six not having access to any means of light fumbles around in the dark doing her best to avoid the Craftsman with his long arms.
She then finds these adorable mushroom headed creatures.
A little bit skittish but very huggable. Also, immensely helpful creatures as they help guide her through the Nest.
Using a window on the second floor she leaves the massive house only to be stopped by the gate. Determined to get out she continually pushes against the gate. Hearing footsteps behind her she rams into the gate desperate. Then she looks to her right to see the Raincoat girl from before pushing with her. Coordinated they push through the garden doing their best to get away from the psionic Butler behind them. Six runs ahead only to trip over a rock. Dazed from the pain the Raincoat girl runs past.
Six pulls herself to her feet and pursues her temporary partner. Only to be locked out from getting in the shed. Not wanting to die yet she scrambles through the bramble finding an alternate path down the cliff.
She watches as the Raincoat girl is chased down the cliff by the master of the Nest, The Pretender. Six climbs down the cliff as well to try and help the other girl only to end up hanging for her dear life. Raincoat girl saves her and in return Six pushes a boulder to try and save hers. Both look at each other a small bond of friendship begins to form. Six feels a sense of belonging fill her with joy again.
This could be it. She could have a family again.
Just as the Pretender pushes the Raincoat girl over the cliff ending both of their lives. Six just kneels there as she mourns the Raincoat girl and then climbs down the cliff to the shore. She sees the Raincoat laying in the water, but she decides not to pick it up from the water. Instead, she finds a small raft adrift against the rocks.
She pushes it out into the sea and cries herself to sleep.
Her raft hits the shore a heavily wooded area. Six wanders through the forest as she searches for a place to rest. Just as a shotgun blast strikes the tree above her. Six dashes further into the woods using a pebble to distract the Hunter. Diving and crawling through a burrow she finds herself bathed in the moonlight.
And then she looks up into the sky and then sees HIM.
"And that's it Mono, you know the rest from there." She says wiping tears from her eyes.
"Six, I…" and Mono pauses before saying, "I'm sorry for what's happened to you."
"And I'm sorry for what happened to you too Mono. We were both given bad hands in this game of life."
Mono walks over to Six offering his hand to her. She picks up as the two of them cry on each other's shoulders.
"Well not anymore Six, you and I are the only good thing that's happened to either of us. I'm not going to let that go. I love you Six and I will never leave you again."
"I love you too Mono. Don't you ever forget that."
The held each other in warm embrace when Mono started humming the music box's tune again. Six joined him in melody as the two of them started waltzing again. Neither of them letting go as they danced around the fire.
Two survivors, children, monsters, and lovers now understanding what the other meant to the other danced off into the night. The moonlight bathing them in a glorious shine.
A ship could be seen sailing out in the open sea. Hundreds of people were piled upon it with rolls of fat pressed up against one another. Their faces plump and sagging. Their skin oily and greasy. The expression on their faces being one of hunger and greed. This boat currently only had one destination. A resort where you could eat all you want, and you could never leave.
Sitting on the bow of this ship though was a static figure. A very tall slim individual wearing a fedora. The Guests aboard the ship paid him no mind and he them. The Tower only had one thing on his mind right now as he stared at the approaching lighthouse in the distance.
"You may have defeated me in the city children, but I promised to make your lives hell."
A grimace on his face as he looked out at the MAW.
A kid was wandering through a dark section of the ship. Having finally escaped the shadow kids and gone through the door they felt relieved. Just as a dark tendril whipped out and grabbed the child. The child hung in the air as they trembled. A slender figure in a kimono and a geisha mask glided up to the child. Putting a finger up to the child's chin lifted it up to show their face.
The finger quickly turned into a fist as the Lady grabbed the child's head with a screeching growl. Their fist twisted the child's neck quickly snapping it up. The Lady looked at the dead child in her hands. The child's face so closely resembling that of HIS.
The Lady looked at the dead child in her hands before gliding out to the balcony overlooking the guests. Using her power, she flung the child in the hungry mass. She watched as the boy's dead body grabbed by four people at once and torn apart. A devilish grin appeared behind her mask as she enjoyed the view of the child devoured.