No need for warnings for this chapter, just some angst. Enjoy.

Chapter 7: Elusive Songbird

Dropping into an unknown area, Six looked around her surroundings. It looked to be a music room with most of the instruments neatly placed on the stands. There were no vents the girl could see other than the one she had dropped from. The only exit was the door with twelve different types of flowers on it. However, there were no switches, buttons, or levers around or on the door that she could see. Looking at the center of the room, there were the same patterns as the ones on the door, lined up in a straight line. Nine out of twelve glistening flowers patterns were on their respective circular stone. Maybe it was a clue?

Gently pressing on one of the flower patterns with her foot caused it to sink to the ground and removing her foot allowed it to rise back again. The child could only assume that she needed to press them in order. Unfortunately, some of the flowers were missing by the indentation on the circular stones. She couldn't even start the puzzle until she found the three missing patterns. So, she began searching around the room.

Curiously, Six approached a guitar. Slowly, she reached out and pluck one of the strings. She was surprised and delighted when the string vibrated, making a pleasing sound for her ears. It was like when a drop of water caused a ripple, making that vibrating sound. After plucking on random strings, Six noticed some of the lights nearby flickering. They were arranged in a downwards position. Plucking at the far right string caused the lights to be gone. Doing the same on the other side caused a light to shine. So Six pluck the remaining five strings in order until the lights above all lit up.

Clunk!

Something had fallen. Turning in the direction of the noise, the girl went over to the corner of the room. A red jeweled carnation flower was on the floor. Picking it up, Six inserted it into one of the circle stones with the matching indentation. She only needed to find two more. Looking at the scattered woodwind instruments on the table, the girl climbed onto a stool to reach the surface. Picking up a flute, she examined it before looking at the others. There was a row of boxes, all were empty. Putting each instrument into their respective boxes caused the drawer below the table to unlock with a clicking noise. Getting back to the floor and tugging at the drawer revealed a blue jeweled aster flower.

After inserting the second pattern, the girl turned her sight onto the piano. There was a clue above the instrument, having the scales start from high to low. Climbing onto the keys, Six start at the highest key and went all the way to the lowest key. A secret compartment next to the piano opened, revealing a yellow rose flower made out of pearls. Delighted, Six picked up the flower and hopped down the piano, walking over to the circle stones. With the last pattern inserted at the final stone, the girl wondered what was the correct sequence to unlock the door. The door itself wasn't a hint since the way it was arranged circularly while the ones on the floor were in a straight line. Even the patterns on the floor were randomly aligned compared to the door. It wasn't a number order either because there was more than one flower for each pattern.

Twelve flowers... Six thought. Maybe for each month?

The girl wasn't familiar with the different gemstones and she wasn't too keen on randomly trying each sequence. So, she searched around the room for any clues she could have missed. Eventually, she found a piece of paper hidden in a cello case. It was a list - with elegant, fancy writing. The name of the flowers, the gemstones or rather 'birthstones', and the months that correlated with them. The first would be garnet carnation since the month would be January. Stepping on the pattern, the corresponding flower on the door lit up. Unlike when she had tested it out before, the tile sunk in instead of rising after her foot had lifted. Next would be the amethyst iris for February. The same thing happened when Six pressed her foot on the next pattern. She continue until she reached June, its pattern was the third piece she found when messing with the piano.

Today is June 8th, Six realized with a sad look on her face. Tomorrow... I'll turn eight years old...

The girl suddenly felt an overwhelming sadness tightening in her chest. She couldn't remember, but she felt all her previous birthdays were spent alone. Was that the reason behind the sadness? Or was it something else? Secretly, she hoped Nona escaped with her. Perhaps she was being selfish, but if Nona's friendship was real, she would like it if the older girl could celebrate her 8th birthday tomorrow, together. To commemorate the day you were born without friends... it just felt like the meaning of a birthday would be canceled out. Rather, it would feel like it would be a day you shouldn't be... born...

Six bit her lip. Not being born. Why does that thought stick to her? She didn't realize that she was crying until she saw the teardrops staining the carpet. Startled, she quickly wiped her eyes, shaking her head.

No! I shouldn't be thinking about that! Whatever past she had, she shouldn't remember. She didn't want to remember... Otherwise, she felt like she'll just break apart. This heaviness in her heart, that presence that weighed on her... it would be too much.

Letting out a slow sigh, the girl returned to her little puzzle. She continued until she reached December. Stepping away from the twelve circles, the final flower on the door lit up. With a slow groan, the door swung open. Instead of a hallway like Six had expected, instead, there was a long spiral stairway heading down. That was the only option for her, so the girl walked to the exit. Before she descended, she took one last look at the room behind her. She really liked this music room. Turning her head to what was in front of her, the girl playfully began walking down the stairs.

~oOo~

Eventually reaching the last few steps, Six looked at the hallway in front of her. To her relief, she recognized the series of doors and halls. She had explored this area countless times before so she knows which one will quickly get her to the lower levels. She was about to move until she heard a sound. Hearing a familiar rattle, the girl directed her attention to a Nome. It wasn't the ones she had said goodbye to earlier though. It was jumping up and down, waving its arms to get her attention. Running over to it, Six leaned forward with her hands on her knees.

Quietly, she asked, "What's wrong?" The Nome squeaked panicky before gently tugging onto her shorts urgently. "Shh..." Six place a finger to her lips as she looked around. The Nome was making too much noise, it could attract unwanted attention. Softly, she encouraged, "If you're in trouble, I'll help. Just lead the way and I'll follow, okay?"

The Nome nodded its head and began skittering down the hallway. Reaching an opened door with light shining, Six didn't go in right away. Instead, she pressed her back against the wall before taking a glance inside. There was a familiar man in a suit, floating a few inches off the floor. The girl wasn't surprised to see him at all despite that his back was facing her. Much like with the Craftsman, she had seen the Butler a few times during her venture around the Nest. To her knowledge, there was one more resident in this mansion. Well, rather than being a resident, they were the owner of this place. Six hadn't seen them before, having not explored the lower floors enough to catch a glimpse or anything. After this level, the rest of the way will nearly be a new experience for her.

The Butler was busy with a package. Using his ability to lift objects without using his hands, he cut the tape that kept the box shut with a pair of scissors and took a doll out of the packing peanuts. Putting the doll to the side, he used his powers to take the clothes that were included in the box as well. Six covered her mouth with her hands to stifle her gasp. She recognized those winter clothing! It was from that boy who ratted her out! After she escaped, did the Craftsman take that boy's skin and clothes? Was that the fate of all the children who arrived here? They were made into dolls?!

Six could feel her body trembling. Had she not escaped... had there wasn't a noise to distract the Craftsman... was he going to make a doll out of what he would have taken from her? The thought of it made the girl tremble more as she began to bring her hands down to fidget with the hem of her shirt once more.

Normally, having something to cover herself made her feel safe. She never liked showing too much skin. It would make her feel more exposed and vulnerable. And Six didn't want anyone to see the real her. Otherwise, she would get hurt. That was why she often wrapped her blanket around herself. However, she had given her blanket to the Nomes back at her base. It was a choice she didn't regret. They needed it more than she did anyway. She'll just have to find something else to cover herself after escaping the Nest - preferably better clothes than the ones she was wearing.

Turning to look at the Nome, she gently whispered, "What did you need help with? Can you show me?"

The Nome nodded before peering at the doorway. The Butler had gone to the other room, searching for the reference of the boy. Using this chance, the Nome pointed to a jar on the table. Following its pointing finger, Six could see that inside the jar was another Nome! It was trapped inside!

It wanted me to save its friend...

Turning to look at the Nome, she quietly assured, "Don't worry. I'll get your friend out of there. Just wait here, okay?"

The Nome gave another nod. Peering back at the doorway, Six glanced over to where the Butler was. He was still in the other room, grumbling as he cannot find the reference. There were too many portraits of children and he cannot find the right one! Quietly, making her way to the table, Six nimbly climbed up the drawer to have access to the wooden surface. She took another nervous glance at the Butler. He was still preoccupied. Good. The noises of the Nome directed her focus to the jar. She made a gesture with her hands to tell it to calm down.

'It's going to be okay,' she mouthed.

The Nome stood still, feeling assured by her words. Meanwhile, Six looked around the table. There was no way to free the Nome from the jar unless she pushed it over the edge of the table. But that would alert the Butler. Looking at the neatly folded winter clothes and the puddle directly below the table gave Six an idea. Taking the red scarf from the pile, the girl threw it into the puddle. Immediately, after pushing the jar until it tipped over, Six crouched behind the package box and held her breath. The sound of the jar crashing was heard from the other room. The Butler gasped as he exited the room he was in. The Nome that was imprisoned curled up in a corner under the table, completely terrified.

Leisurely levitating to the table, the monster grunted as he lifted the red scarf up from the puddle. Seeing water dripping from the fabric made him sigh tiredly. Luckily, it was just water. Had it been any other stains, the Butler swore, he was going to trash the entire room. It doesn't change the fact that he'll have to iron it out later, however. For now, he'll let it dry off outside in the sun. Using his powers to take a coat hanger, the Butler wrapped the scarf onto the piece of wire before leaving the room with it.

After waiting a few minutes to make sure that she was truly alone, Six stepped out of her hiding spot. Climbing down the drawer, she approached the frightened Nome and gave it a hug. She gently settled it down on the puddle. The Nome looked up at her curiously. Six jumped, her feet splashing into the puddle. It copied her, making a tiny splash. Smiling a bit, she gestured for the Nome to follow her.

"Come on," she softly spoke as she led the way.

It followed her out of the room where it was greeted happily by its friend. The two Nomes hugged each other, both jumping up and down excitedly at their reunion. The sight made Six feel a little proud of herself. She had helped a friend reunite with another.

I'm glad.

Crouching down, she spread out her arms. The Nomes jumped to her as she embraced them, rubbing her head against them. To be reunited with friends... she was reminded of the promise to meet with her again. Could the same thing be done for her and Nona? Giving them one last loving squeeze, she gently placed them back down.

"Be safe, okay?" Six gave a little wave.

The Nomes nodded their heads before scurrying off. Left all alone, Six resumed with her escape. Entering a room she had been in before, she climbed inside the vent. Feeling rather exhausted, the girl laid down against the metal floor. It was cold and hard, but she didn't care right now. She just needed a little rest. Before her eyelids closed, she thought back to those happy Nomes. Faintly smiling, she hoped it would be like that when she reunite with Nona again.

~oOo~

Waking up, the girl yawned as she sat up. Tiredly rubbing at her eyes, Six shook her head from sleep. How long has she been asleep? She didn't know. It didn't really matter. She was awake and she had rested well enough. That means she could continue. That was all that matters. Going down the long dark tunnel, eventually, she reached the end of the vent. Pushing open the grate, she dropped down to a stack of boxes. Her attention was solely focused on the vent across the wall, she didn't notice the girl in the yellow raincoat exiting the other room to investigate the noise.

"Six!" her silvery voice exclaimed.

Pausing, Six turned her head to see Nona. She was shocked. She didn't expect to see the older girl again. Did that mean their promise was over? Getting onto the lower stack of boxes, Six kneel on her knees and simply took in Nona's delighted expression. She looked so happy to see her. Such a warm, unfamiliar expression was directed at her.

Finally, she spoke, "Nona..."

"We meet again but that doesn't mean our promise is done yet. It'll happen once we escape the Nest!" the girl replied. She then offered a hand to her, puzzling her as she suggested, "Why don't you join us instead of going by yourself?"

Six was reluctant to take the offer. She wanted to, she really did. But what if she become a bother to Nona and... whomever she was traveling with? The older girl did say 'us' instead of 'me'. That meant someone else was with her. What if while traveling, the older girl would get annoyed with her? Despite this being the second time Six had met with Nona, they both don't really know the other. And yet, that could change right now - they could get the chance to know each other! There might be some bumps along the way with their bonding, of course, but she could still try to make this work.

"... You won't mind if I go with you?" Six asked, her breath bated as she waited for the girl's response.

"Not at all! I'll be happy if you come with me!" was Nona's answer.

Again, the raincoated girl's replies and how she interacted with her surprised Six. Surprise, yet comforting. She could feel her lips starting to form into a small smile. Six didn't understand. Just talking to this girl - being around her made her feel... happier. Nona's facial expression and actions were so divergent from the others. Six had always prided herself on understanding people's feelings and intents, but she was having a hard time trying to decipher Nona. Kind people were so odd. They contradict everything Six had seen. It was startling, but it felt... it felt nice.

Perhaps she had missed it during her first meeting, but was this the taste of human friendship? This... warmth? This... unexplainable feeling? This... feeling of connection? It felt so different from her Nome friends and yet, so similar at the same time. Six felt like she had fallen under a trance. This friendship was like a magic spell that binds her. Slowly, she raised a hand, reaching toward the older girl's outstretched one.

However, a boy's voice had echoed from the other room, breaking the spell completely. "I heard you sounding happy, what is it?"

Startled, Six flinched as she retracted her hand. The owner of that voice had entered the room as Nona tore her gaze away from Six to look at him. The girl in white followed, her fretful eyes watching the boy with caution as her guard slowly rise back up. The boy turned his amber eyes onto her. She could see the confusion on his face at first. But then, his eyes grew wide. At this point, Six could tell that he recognized her. She had never met this kid before, which either meant he'd seen her or had heard of her. The girl felt her fingers gripping tightly at the edge of the box she was kneeling on. She was bracing herself for the expression he will display. Too soon, his face showed disgust, a face she was all too familiar with as she cringed at the sight.

"You!" he yelled, pointing a finger at her. Nona had called out his name, but Six didn't pay any mind to her. She was too focused on the boy as he inquired with hostility in his tone, "Are you here to be annoying? No one wants you, so go away!"

Not responding, Six stared at the boy coldly. Inside, however, she was feeling shocked and upset. It was strange. She was so used to this contempt feeling. So why does it affect her so badly? Why now? Getting up, she lowered her gaze, allowing her bangs to cast shadows over her eyes. She felt vulnerable as tears were starting to form. No! She couldn't cry! It'll make her appear weak. It'll make her look pitiful. She didn't want them - especially Nona - to see her like this. Without a word, she ran for the vent.

"Wait, Six!" Nona called out to her, her tone was laced with concern. "Come back!"

Six ignored her pleas as she climbed inside of the vent. However, instead of just leaving, after moving far enough to be hidden, the girl stayed where she was. Sitting down, she pressed her back against the cold metal walls. Having rested, she furiously wipe away the tears that remained unshed. She could hear Nona arguing with the boy. It was loud. The voices rose with intensified anger. She didn't like it, so she started to tune out the beginning part of the argument until a remark had her listening. A remark that came from the boy: "I don't understand why would you suddenly become so defensive of her."

"Because she's my friend!"

Friend? Do you really see me as a friend, Nona? Six wondered, the doubts she felt before were returning as she drew her knees closer to her chest, her head tiredly resting on them.

She continued to tune out some of the conversations until the boy asked a question, voicing her own thoughts, "Why are you even friends with someone like her? Is it simply because you pity her?"

There it was. Her hidden concern. Or, one of them at the very least. Six had considered the possibility that Nona might just have befriended her because she felt sorry for her. That, and perhaps to improve her self-image. After all, Nona was a kind person. With a bright and sunny personality like hers, it would make sense for people to flock to her side like butterflies attracted to the captivating scent of a beautiful flower - a blossoming flower that could offer sweet nectar. But Six, she was like a wilting flower in the dark - out of reach from the sunlight, dying and unappealing. No one would want to tend to a wilting plant. Rather, they would give up on it and pay it no mind as it dies. Alone. As the boy went on, comparing her to the older girl, Six continued to let her doubts take over.

Why are you being so kind to me, Nona? Is it really like what that boy said? Is it because you pitied me? Because you look down on me?

It's because you're so inferior to her, a little bitter voice in the back of her mind spoke. Why would anyone want to genuinely be your friend? She's faking it. She's just using sweet words, but in the end, she's doing nothing to help you - to save you. You don't like being pitied, being vulnerable, being inferior, do you?

I don't like it and I don't want it - being pitied like that. I don't want false sympathies. If that was your real reason for befriending me... I hate it...!

Six curled in on herself even more, trying to make herself look smaller than she already was. Her eyes were becoming lifeless again and the tears streaming down her face weren't registered. To become friends with someone out of pity hurt so bad.

That's right. It does hurt, the voice continued. Half-heartedly being nice to someone, half-heartedly putting in the effort to help someone... it's far less cruel if you just leave them alone from the beginning.

That was true. Acting to care when you don't genuinely feel like that was the worse kind of thing ever. It was worse than being shunned at the very start. Because the pitied would believe that the pitier actually cared all the way. Relationships built on feeling sorry for someone, built on lies... the moment it builds strong and high... when everything was realized and broken down, all that would be left would be an emptiness that feels like it would kill her on the inside.

Six understood that pity wasn't always a bad thing. But she didn't want it as a reason to be befriended.

Her heart was becoming heavier again. Her thoughts were all over the place. Her mind was a mess. The feelings she felt were complicated. She listened as the boy told Nona about her ugly side. It was the truth and it hurts. She waited for Nona's reply. She wanted to know what the girl really thought of her.

"No matter what anyone says, to me, I think Six is a wonderful person. It's true, I don't know her much. I have only met her today, but... that won't stop me from feeling the way I do! I want to befriend her! I want to get to know her, understand her! Don't go around judging someone based on what you hear about them!" Nona exclaimed.

Six blinked after hearing those words, her head lifting up in awe. Those doubtful thoughts were melting away and her heart was becoming lighter. Nona... thinks she was a wonderful... person? Hope was returning as a small smile slowly appeared on her face. She knows now. From Nona's heartfelt confession alone, Six knows that the older girl was being truthful and honest with her feelings. She genuinely wanted to be her friend. Not out of pity, not just to use her, but because she liked Six for who she was.

Drying her tears more gently this time, Six smiled more brightly as she got up to continue onward. She didn't need to hear the rest of the conversation. She was fine with those last words alone. The promise still stands. So she will be escaping the Nest.

I had wondered how and why the Kid with a Red Scarf's scarf ended up on the hanger, so I gave a reason, haha. Anyway, let me know what you guys think of this chapter.