Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Looking back. It made sense. He’d let her get captured. He could have intervened...or at least tried to. She could have grabbed her hand, Thrown something at the tall foreboding man. Hell, He could have just tried to do anything to save her. But instead he hid his eyes and curled up under the mangy bed. Hiding from himself and letting his best...no his only friend to be taken. To be corrupted and twisted into one of the very things they’d been fighting against. So of course...it made complete sense that she would be...resentful.

Despite this, he couldn’t shake the shock. The heartbreak when at the very end. When he’d fallen and had only her hand to latch on. When despite all they’d been through, she let him go. Yanking her hand back to her body. Making sure he couldn’t grab on. To pull himself up or pull her down with him. A valid concern.

He wanted to believe it wasn’t her fault. That he had slipped. They she tried to hold on. But no matter how many times he reviewed the scene. He couldn’t mind a single shred of regret in the girls actions.
He tried so hard to forgive her. He really did. But...He couldn’t. After all. It was her fault he was like this. Trapped in a room. With only his thoughts to keep him company. And those thoughts were not nice. To him or his sanity.

He resented her. Feared her. Maybe even hated her. He’d tried so hard to keep her safe. He had brought her back from being a hideous monster. And in return she’d abandoned him. Leaving him to suffer to same fate as her.
Forced to sit on this chair for days. Months. Years. He honestly didn’t know. Until he became the one thing he feared above all else.

Still. This imprisonment was not without its benefits. He could. Still view the outside world via the varying screens that had grown in his little room over the...well however long had passed. He watched a lot. Children being captured or eaten. Or both. The residents of the city shuffling about. Searching for a TV they played the tall....his. Signal.
But no matter how much he viewed. He would always tune back into the same channel. Watching her, as she ran through hallways of an underwater ship. He’d heard of it in the past of course. The Maw they called it. A place full of horror and misery. Told to the children to keep them from straying too far. In fear of being snatched away. He remembers a time he’d wished for a somewhat similar fate.

He smiled slightly at the bittersweet memory. His eyes focused on the yellow clad girl as she committed what he could only really describe as genocide. She really had become a little nightmare.
His little nightmare.

He frowned quickly. No. She wasn’t his. She’d made that pretty clear. And he didn’t want to fall into that trap again. Not that it really mattered.
He sighed. Sure these people were monsters. Corrupted and twisted by their own greed but. Did that mean they deserved to have there souls sucked from their oversized deformed bodies. He didn’t really want to answer his own question, so left it at that. Turing the TV off to cement his decision. He knew. He knew full well he couldn’t keep this up. He leaned back in his chair. Lowering his hat over his now closed eyes. A few hours of rest would do him good. Not like he had anything better to do after all.

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Cold air hit his body. That didn’t feel right. Soft wet ground held him tightly. That definitely didn’t feel right. He opened his eyes with a jump when the sound of thunder cracking echoed. He looked around the area frantically. The forest. He knew this forest. How could he not. That small clearing. With nothing but a broken TV and a single lone building block. This was where his journey began. He thinks. It what he considers the start at any rate.

He pushed himself up hesitantly. Now realising how large the clearing was. A quick glance downward revealed the opposite however. The world had not grown in his sleep. No. He himself....Had shrunk. More accurately, he was in his old body. The one before he became the tall man. Before his freedom was taken from him.

What was this. Was this some cruel trick. Was some evil god or godlike creature being cruel. Forcing him to relive those horrible events. From start to finish. Or was this some sort of gift. Was the universe being kind? Finally setting him free to live life again. The thoughts seemed to conflict him. Until he realised one thing. No matter what his purpose for being here was. One thing remained the same. She would be here...waiting in that shack. Perhaps. This was a chance...

....For revenge.

[[TO BE CONTINUED]]

Chapter Text

To say Mono was scared for his life as he trudged through the dirty monotone forest...would in all honesty be a lie. He was out. He wasn’t the Thin man. He could actually breath fresh-ish air! To him it was heaven. Especially because he knew what waited for him further ahead. His best friend. His companion. His rock.
...his betrayer.

His grin grew under his paper mag mask as he thought about seeing her again. He could get answers. Closure. Maybe vengeance. Depending on how he took her answer.
Make no mistake. He was back in his old body but his mind...it had come with him. His body may be Mono. But his mind was that of the Thin man. Of a prisoner. With a really bad Grudge.

He yelped as he caught his leg on a branch and tumbled down a hill. A large tree trunk following him as he did. He landed at the bottom in a heap. Maybe no more thoughts of vengeance until he actually reached that dreaded shack.

How long it took Mono to reach that shack was unbearably long. Part of him was missing his old long legs. Would have made the trek a lot more bearable.

Still. He pressed on. Trying his best not to let his thoughts about her consume him.
He couldn’t help but smile as he passed familiar land marks. The hollow tree trunks. The traps and nets. A field of bear traps that he didn’t even have to use the stick to navigate. He still still did though. It felt right.

Finally. Mono stood face to wood with the shack. It’s decrepit exterior looked just like it did such a long time ago. It was at this point the once Thin man began to think. Would she remember? A large part of his plan bet on her being aware of what she did. Like he was. But...was that actually the case? He shook his head drowning the thoughts out. It was too late to think like that now. He was already here after all.

He pressed his ear to the wood. Even with the bag covering it, He could hear.
The soft slow sound of a music box. Playing its song around the house. He smiled wider. She was here. He went through the motions with a spring in his step. Climbing up the window frame and through the open space. Dropping onto the cold wood. Being slowly disappointed at not finding the old fur hat in the room to side. He finally moved down the stairs. The sound of the music box getting closer and closer. Both exciting and terrifying to him.
He didn’t even go straight to the board. Instead pulling the axe free and dragging it along side him. He only stopped once he was finally before it. The fragile wooden planks that separated them...

He was nervous. That was now becoming clear. He was nervous if he could truly face her. A part of him feared her after all. She wasn’t normal. Not human. At least not fully. A beast was what laid in wait behind this door. But she was playing the music box. Instead of trying to escape. That wasn’t like her. Not the real her at least. Maybe...she didn’t remember after all.
He shook his head it didn’t matter. He was getting his answers even if he had to drag her through this adventure all over again. She owed him that much. And he wouldn’t be kind this time. He finished the last journey fearing her. What she became. This time. It was her turn. And he’d make sure she feared him just as much.

He raised the axe and brought it down. Again and again. More times that what was probably necessary. And yet he noticed the sound of the music box didn’t stop. Not like it had before. Was she not afraid?

He let the axe drop from his hand when the duet and wood splinters finally settled. He couldn’t help the growing emotion building up in him as she stood before him. Not cowering in fear like before. But standing up right. One dirty foot on the music box. Pushing the small lever making the music play.
“Mono....” her soft voice was a whisper. The first voice he’d heard in ages.
It was impossible to deny it. His greatest wish and new greatest fear had both come true at once. She remembered.
“Six....” he said back. His voice hoarse. Not as bad as he thought it would be despite not speaking for a very long time.

The two stared at each other for a few moments. Neither knowing what to say. Well. Actions spoke louder than words. At least a that’s what was running through Mono’s head as he ran to her. Delivering a weak but still forceful punch to the young girls dirty face. She hadn’t been expecting it of course. She fell backwards off her music box. Holding her cheek and scowling at him. He simply gave her a glare back.
“Feel better....?” she spat. A Short and simple question. That was how it was when they traveled. They barely spoke. Only a word or two per sentence. Why would that change now, Even with so much to say. So he responded in kind, With an honest answer.
“No....” he growled.

Mono clenched his fists as Six stood up. Dusting herself off.
“Why” he asked. why had she let him go. He needed to know. It ate away at him for however long he’s been trapped. He just had to know why she betrayed him. He felt angered when he didn’t even bother to give an answer. Walking past him and out the door slowly.
He knew where she was heading. There’s only one path they could take. Was that her plan. Did she really think he’d just go along with it help her escape. He had half a kind to alert the Hunter. Make some noise. Make sure she was discovered. But then he reconsidered. He wanted that honour. The honour of paying her back. Tenfold.

And so he followed. He walked out the room and through the hallways once more. He barely batted an eyelid at the faces of the taxidermy corpses. Such things were beyond him at this point. He couldn’t help imagine six in that state. But whilst thinking of that view. His mind drifted to himself in that state. Was it....peaceful? No expectations. No fear.
Just. Immortalisation. He shook his head once more. He’d done a lot of they lately. His feet sped up as he attempted to keep up with the currently coat-less devil.

Chapter Text

"Pull it...." the girl ordered, annoyance dripping from her voice as she looked at the paper-bag boy
"No. Don't think I will" he chuckled, meeting her gaze, doing it on purpose now.
“Need to leave...” she grumbled.
It had been going on like this for 10 minutes now. Mono refused to use her as a boost to grab the cord hovering above them. If the cord wasn’t pulled then the ladder leading to the loft wouldn’t open. And if the ladder didn’t come down. Then they were stuck here. Not that mono particularly cares. His refusal was annoying six to point he expected her to have a tantrum. That would be entertaining to watch.

“He will come back” she growled. The fact he didn’t just listen to her was what annoyed her the most. This was a simple task. And they could die just because he was mad at her. Of course to mono. He was completely justified. She grumbled when he turned his back to her. She walked over to one of the drawers around the house.

Pulling it open with all her strength. The drawer came open with the sound of wood scraping against wood, causing Mono to turn and look at her. He raised an eye under his paper bag mask. “What are you doing” he asked her.

“If you won’t help” she picked up a book from the compartment. “Then I’ll do it myself” she lobbed the book towards the ladder door. Breaking the mechanism holding it in place.

The ladder fell to the ground with a giant thud. The sound of the Hunter downstairs made Mono look down. It wasn’t a huge issue. Last time the Hunter never even came upstairs. So he probably wouldn’t this time. “Loud” he muttered either way.
“Doesn’t matter...” she brushed him off, climbing the ladder to the loft. The boy looked around the room. He never took much time to observe it. It wasn’t anything spectacular. Decaying walls plastered with old and fading wallpaper. And decorated with a few drawers and an old rug that looked like it was probably infested with all kinds of creepy Crawlies followed after her With a sigh.

Six spent the next few minutes staring daggers at Mono and solving the puzzles in the room herself as he refuses to assist in any way shape or form. He simply leant against a support beam. Grinning under his large mask. She couldn’t see but knew he was doing it. That wasn’t too big a deal. She was able to solve most issues with only a bit of difficulty. Pushing the massive box took a bit longer. Climbing up to get the crank also required a bit of creative thinking. And a lot of stacking skills. But finally she was at a part she couldn’t find her way around. “Need to get the key...” she said turning to stare at her former friend. “Like before”.

Mono narrowed his eyes under his mask. She didn’t really think he’d help her did he. No. He refused to. “No...”.
She let out a loud sigh. Before looking him in his eye holes. “What do you want?” She finally asked. Already knowing the answer.
Mono looked at her and repeated his earlier question.
“Why...” he asked. “Why, After everything we did, did you let go”
Neither of them spoke for what felt like an eternity before six finally opened her mouth. “You were so obsessed with those screen. Everytime you pressed a hand up against one, I could feel it take hold of you. Everytime you did it. I pulled you back. I kept telling you To stop. But did you listen. I wasn’t fast enough to stop it that last time. And because of that. You let yourself free. That THING” she said. “And then...after saving you. Catching you. Offering my hand out for you...you didn’t do the same. You let it take me. And you only came back because the guilt was killing you. The regret. It Was something you couldn’t live with”

She made sure he could see her eyes. He couldn’t tell the colour. But he could see them. “I let you drop because you were weaker. I didn’t regret my choices then...” she pushed past him to inspect the bag. Hoping to find an alternate way to grab the key. “...and I don’t regret it now”

There was no sound from Mono. Was he busy taking it in? Was he rethinking his plans? Six honestly couldn’t tell. Nor could she care less. She jumped slightly when she felt the sack begin to rise upwards, turning to see Mono turning the crank. She wasn’t foolish enough to believe he’d accepted her answer. Hell. She could feel The rage emanating from him. Her answer had in all honesty just made him hate her more. Good. She preferred he be angry. At least an Angry Mono stayed quiet.

She leapt up and grabbed the key dangling on the hook. Pulling it down and landing on her feet. She didn’t have time to think as the key was snatched by Mono forcibly as he walked towards the exit. Six followed him at a distance. Turning as the Nome scurried past her.

“Don’t even think about it...” Mono said sternly. Standing on top of the drawers. Six raised an eyebrow. Unsure of what he was talking about. “I’ve seen what you do with Nomes” he muttered jumping off towards the hatch.
She rolled her eyes under bangs. “They’re not even people...” she said. Mono shivered in response as he dropped down.

The two made their way through the rest of the dingy house. Walking down the long stairs past they locked door. Mono dead ahead with Six following close behind.

He was...conflicted now. Six has given him an answer. And just as he suspected it was not satisfactory. Not in the slightest. He wanted vengeance. To make her suffer, Like he had. But how? Any plan he could come up with didn’t feel right. He didn’t just want her to purposely suffer. He wanted justice. For how she treated him

He was pulled from his thoughts when six pulled the back of his coat. He turned to glare at her. But found her with a finger to her lips. He turned to look back to where he wa walking and paled under his mask as the sounds of ripping suddenly filled his ears. He was seconds. Away from entering the Rippers workshop. A few feet would have meant his death.

He slowly turned around to face her again. for the first time since meeting her again. He asked that same question “why”. Why had she just saved him. Not to save herself. She could have just ran away and hid. Of course she wouldn’t be Kind enough to answer him. No why would she be. She took his hand and pulled him through quietly. Just as he had done the first time. He couldn’t help but chuckle at how it seems their roles had reversed for this entire meeting. He still couldn’t shake one thought from his kind though. That perhaps...she did regret her decision back then.
Of course, They still let the Hunter know they were there. That damn trap door was loud. Still. They were sneaker. Smarter. They had lost him in the grass and snuck past him easily. He didn’t scare them. How could he? They had killed him so easily last time.
They still needed to escape of course. His death would be pointless if he got to them first.

For this reason, and this reason alone, Mono decides to play cordial with Six. She’d saved him. For some reason. So he would do the same for a bit.
He had of course insisted in going first when it came to the bridge. He wouldn’t ever find himself in a situation where he had to use her to pull himself up.

He felt....conflicted. His hope in her was growing slightly with each act. But his hate...was not diminishing. Did he hate her. Or trust her. Both he supposed. They trekked through the overgrown forest. They waded through the putrid swamp water. He couldn’t help but laugh when Six accidentally hiccuped under the water. Spluttering water when she reached the surface. He’d earned a death glare from the coatless girl and a small smack. He’d just hit her back before they continued on. They were close now... When the Hunter found them again she grabbed his arm instantly and began pulling him towards the shed. The shed that held that gun. Mono’s first taste of murder.
The Hunter however was faster this time. With his current speed he would reach the duo. He willed his legs to move faster. His lungs ached and he could feel his heart leaping out of his chest as he practically leapt into the door.

He had to take a moment to calm his aching joins. It wasn’t easy with Six yelling at him to ‘get his ass up and grab the damn gun’.
he grumbled and pushed himself up. He leapt and grabbed hold of the shotgun mounted on the wall. He wiggled his body until it fell to the wooden floor with a thud. Six was on the gun immediately. Grabbing hold of the barrel and aiming it towards the doorway. Mono grabbed the other end. One hand on the trigger waiting for the Hunter to burst through. Once He did however, Six grinned and she raised the gun upwards. So when Mono pulled the trigger the bullet tore through the hunters sacked face instead of his chest. Mono dropped the gun in shock and recoil.

There was a fragile quiet. As both children adjusted to the actions they’d just taken. Mono was shocked that six would risk the shot just to blow the hunters head off. He didn’t have time to think it over though as he was suddenly tackled by six. “Slow!” She shouted. Hitting him. He yelled for her to get off him before rolling over and pinning her down. He grabbed a fist full of her hair and pulled “I was tired!” He pulled on her arm, ignoring her flurry of ‘Ow Ow Ow’ “I should tear this arm off!” The two struggled and pulled at each other for a few minutes. It was the only way they could really get rid of the adrenaline that was still running through their system. The two were now laid on the floor. Our of breath. Still angry at each other but neither having the energy to bicker. Six was the first to stand up, Her chest still heaving. She moved to the window and had a lot of difficulty climbing up and through. Mono sighed and followed close behind. He knew where she was going. Sure enough she was waiting for him by the door. The one they said sailed across on. The one that would somehow easily take them to the Pale City, As if it was on a tether. He sighed and helped her push the white wood into the water before climbing aboard. Sitting down as far as possible from her. He couldn’t trust himself to not just shove her into the water. And he expected the same from her. They sat in silence. So much to say to each other but. Reluctant to do so. It was Six who finally spoke up after they had made it half way across the water. “End of the city”. He raised an eyebrow under his mask. Looking straight at her. “We help each other. Get out of the city...then we go out separate ways. we never have to see each other again. I never have to see that stupid bag. And You can live out your stupid dreams doing whatever it is you want to do” Mono considered her offer. They could Do this journey alone. This run had proven that. However it was obvious it would be incredibly difficult. If he agreed. The sooner they’d be rid of each other. And he could use the time to come up with a suitable way to get back at her for her betrayal. “Fine. I’ll help you until then. After that. You’ll stay out of my way”. The two nodded to each other. A silent agreement. They’d don’t want to touch each other. They stayed ahead at the looming building of the city. The starting place of their next adventure...

Chapter Text

Mono and six stood as the wooden door approached the shore of the city. One step closer to real freedom.

Well. For Mono anyway. They stepped off onto the gritty sand. Children from all around used to work their butts off in order to have a chance to come play in the sand. Right now, Mono and Six didn’t see the appeal. The sand was cold. And the tiny shards of glass would dig into their feet as they walked.

They pushed through it as they neared the house. Six kept staring at him as they navigated the broken down home that probably housed a family once. He sighed. He didn’t know how this was going to work. They hated each other e and sure. They’d proved they could work together still But... Should they? He had agreed to her proposal but he still didn’t trust her. He couldn’t. He was only doing this to buy himself time to think of a strategy but...

He groaned. Part of him missed the blind ignorance he had a child. When he could have just trusted Six and gone along with her, hand in hand. He knew better now though. “Won’t stop it” she said suddenly making mono look backwards. “on your own”. He was confused as to what she was talking about...until he heard it.

‘Felt it’ was a more accurate term. The static from the TV in the other room gripped his mind. Compelling him to touch the screen. Like he had before. He stepped forwards slightly before looking back at six. She stood off to the side Covering her ears. She didn’t get the fame pull he did but the static was torture to the ears of humans.

She turned his attention back to the TV as he entered the room it sat in. It’s call was enticing and he just continued walking. The curiosity. The desire to k ow what was behind the door.

“ ‘You were so obsessed with those screen. Everytime you pressed a hand up against one, I could feel it take hold of you.’ Six’s voice echoed in his mind. As the screen blasted its static at him unceasingly. Was...was she right? Did he really give into his his temptations. Just to see behind that stupid door?

...wait....

The pull suddenly began to lessen when he realised it. A large fact he had ignored up until this moment. She pulled away and picked up a plank of wood off the cold dead floor and dragged it to the TV. He didn’t NEED to know. He raised the wood and held it against the screen pulling back slightly. “Because...” He slammed the wood into the screen as hard as he could. The static cried as the screen shattered. The distant sounds of screams could be heard from the shattered remains. He dropped the wood on the floor and turned to face his hated companion. She was stunned. She was already close by. Ready to pull him back, despite her words. He stared her dead in the eye and spoke. “I already know” _______________________________________________ The rest of their travel through the city went about the same as before. Minus the hand holding and adding the name calling when a puzzle was messed up. It wasn’t until they reached the schools gates did they stop. This place... A hard place for both of them. It was here the Bullies kidnapped and...harassed Six for hours.what they did. Well he didn’t know. She refused to tell him. But he could guess... It was here Mono was forced to truly fight back instead of run and hide. As he always had before that. Six clenched her fists as she walked towards the makeshift rope. “We can go around...” Mono offered as he followed. But six shook her head and began to climb. “Getting even...” she muttered. Mono sighed and climbed in after. “So much for being safe...”. They climbed in through the window and immediately headed for the portrait. One of the perks of this loop was prier knowledge could be used to get though faster. they already knew the solution. So they yanked it down and climbed through the crack in the wall. After that it was simply a matter of avoiding the bullies traps and pranks until they got to the point they needed to be. In front of that damn locker. “So...how do we get around this” Mono asked. Six looked around the hallway and sighed “can’t. Will have to along.” She muttered. “What do you mean?” Six grinned at him slightly. “Means we meet up later” she pushed him forward into the Bullies ambush. The locker falling down on him and trapping him. He didn’t hear Six struggle as they took her away. Damn it. Now he was alone again. There were definitely better ways of getting around that. She just probably wanted rid of him for a bit. The feeling was mutual.

He groaned as he wiggled his way out of the locker and stood up. He didn’t even bother following the bullies. Six seemed to have a plan so she’d let her do her thing. He grabbed the mallet laying on the ground and and quickly cracked the head of the Bully in two. He chucked to himself. At first he would have freaked out about killing something even closely resembling a humans. Now though he found taking these things lives was nothing more than a trivial sport. He was the Hunter. The bullies his prey. And it continued like this as he pushed his way through the rooms of the school.

It was mostly the same as before, although he did notice the lack of the teacher. He chalked it up to her being busy. Or Prehaps the bullies had done something different. Maybe some of them remembered? He and six did so it wasn’t too far fetched.

They thought actually gave him pause. He hadn’t considered the possibility of others remembering what had happened before. The thin man would definitely remember. As he’d done this befor. But he was pretty much locked behind a screen now. That door wouldn’t open or Mono didn’t pull the handle.
The lady of the Maw? Possible. She was an enigma. One he didn’t understand. Even after watching her through his many eyes. They being said his sight was typically focused on Six. And the things she was doing. Near sighted rage will do that to you.

He shook his head free of those thoughts. Last time he considered things like this he nearly let the Hunter know they were there.
The Hunter...he still couldn’t get over what six did back then. Why would she- he slapped his face a few times. Trying to make himself focus. Last thing he needed was to walk right into the clutches of the bullies. Or worse the teacher. He continued onward. He was nearing the bathroom now.

“Six?” He asked entering. He would have been more careful of not for the slack of bullies patrolling. It was odd at first t until he reached the bathroom. Six was stood over one of the bullies, Shoving her face into the toilet and pulling the flush repeatedly. He actually wondered if they could feel true pain. Part of him hoped not. But he could tell six didn’t care.

She pulled the porcelain doll up, wheezing and gasping for air between her coughs. She didn’t get much chance before Six rammed her head down and shattered it upon the toilets edge. She let it go after a few minutes of heavy panting. The body falling to the ground with a thump and crack.

“Better?” He sarcastically asked. The raincoat-less girls head shot up quickly but relaxed when she saw it was Mono. Her worry simply turning to a glare.
“No...”. She grumbled standing up.
He grabbed his hand and began pulling him towards the exit. “What’s the hurry?” He asked. She gave a simple answer in response. “Burning”.

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The two slowly walked away from the burning school. The screams and wails of the Bullies and the teacher echoes through out the city. Not that it was a concern. The viewers were too busy with their TVs so...
Six had lit a small fire after escaping. She’d let a heavy object drop on top of the bully holding her that it gave her enough time to get free and run until she could get her revenge. Or so she told him In short simple sentences.
So this is what she meant by ‘getting even’.

The two continued until they reached a place they were both expecting. The small crawl space gang held Six’s signifier raincoat. This coat WAS Six. And it meant a great deal to her. Sure it wasn’t the same one that ‘she’...her friend wore. But it was almost identical. It was A reminder of what she was supposed to do. Where she was supposed to go... She wore it everywhere. Which is why Mono was both surprised and confused as to why she had picked sit up and just stared at it.
“You’re fighting to not become who you’re supposed to become...l she said suddenly. Making him look at her face. She suddenly clenched her fists and pulled at the edges of the cost until they started to rip. She didn’t stop till the already fragile and battered coat was ripped in two. She looked him in the eyes once more.

“I won’t lose to you”.

Chapter Text

The two children looked at each other for a moment. The remains of Six’s raincoat now sat in the puddles on the ground. “Why” he asked confused. The girl glaring at him. “You’re not the better person.” She said “breaking those screens won’t make me think otherwise...” the boy scoffed “not for you. For me” The moment was interrupted fairly quickly when Six shivered. Now looking down at her raincoat scraps.
“Regret?” Mono asked a slight grin on his face. He got a glare in return and Six pushed past him.
Mono considered just following her in silence as usual. After all. He didn’t care what happened...pretty clear to him they both hated each other after all. What did he care if she caught a cold or froze to death...
...But he did need her alive...

“Oi. Traitor...” he half yelled as she left. Causing her to look back to glare at him again. She didn’t get a Chance as something heavy landed against her face and she turned. It was musky. Old and spelt of blood and Mud. She pulled it away from her and was surprised to be holding The coat mono usually wore. She raised an eyebrow and looked up at him as he pushed past her. “Can’t die. Still useful” he wasn’t exactly thrilled about giving away his coat. But if he was being honest he would rather make her suffer himself that let her die from a cold. Right?

She watched him leave the small clearing and sighed slipping the coat over her arms and following him. It was...warm. Warmer than her raincoat ever was.

_____________________________________________

“Push” mono grunted as the two children pushed against the large door.

The door creaked as it slowly opened up. The two slipped inside the crack and took a deep breath.

“Stupid tall adults...” Six grumbled as she looked around. Causing mono to actually chuckle “not child friendly” he responded brushing his hands against the decrepit wall
“Is anywhere?” The former raincoat wearing child responded.
It didn’t take them long. The area was the same for the most part. Mono did notice a few things that were different however. Nothing major. A few lights turned on here and there. Ones that had been off the last time he was here. One might think it unusual that mono noticed and remembered such little insignificant details. But I’m this world it was basically a requirement. You never know when you might be running back through a room later on. A situation he’d found himself in many time a either with an angry janitor or a deluded cat lady.

She shook his head but remained aware. Or he would have if the camisole static sound didn’t begin to fill his ears. Another TV. Another doorway.
He’d already broken one. Ever since his revelation about the doors contents, he’d felt the TVs Sway over him lessen. To think it was that easy. Of course. He was only a child back then. How would he have known. All that curiosity would have glued his eyes and hands to the static filled stream...in fact it did. The only reason the thin man wasn’t released sooner was because... he sighed. It was because of her....Six.

He soon came face to face with the screen that was throwing static at his brain like beanbags against a wooden door. Annoying. But not overly effective. He looked around the room for his instrument of screen smashing. Sure he could pull up a wooden board but he felt like he might need his fingers later on. Although he was sure he could just replace them here. No doubt there were prosthetic fingers in this god forsaken hospital. He grimaced at the thought. The thought of losing any part of his body here was enough to make him physically feel sick. An issue he hadn’t had in a very long time. Best to put it out of his mind.

His eyes eventually rested in his prize. A large hacksaw embedded in the ground. Why it was there and how it got so far Into the floor? He wasn’t sure he wanted the answer. He just needed to break the tv and move on. He grunted as he tried his best to pull the medical..? tool out of its wooden holdings. But it proved nearly impossible. Not only was it stuck good. But the weight was too much for him. He doubted he would be able to loft it. Even if he could pull it out. Curse his tiny weak baby arms. He resorted to continuing to pull it. He would work something out like usual.

He was about to give up when he felt the hacksaw come loose. He looked back to see Six pulling on the end. Helping him pry it free. He shot her an unspoken question but she grilled the collar of the coat as her response. She was paying back her debt. She nodded as they raised the hacksaw up and dragged it to the Tv. Before lifting it up and letting it fall into the screen. Making it shatter upon impact.
“Not bad” Mono said. Looking to her.
“Don’t think about it. Let’s go” she responded pulling him along.

Getting the first battery proved much easier than their first run. With Mono not needing to search the entire hallways to find what he needed, the only real issue were the creepy little hands that littered the area. He didn’t like the way they scuttled along the floor. It was...unsettling. Even more unsettling was the things Mono had found. Knowing there was no real danger to be found yet, he used his time to investigate the rooms more thoroughly. Hoping to maybe find something useful. A weapon? A smaller gun would be useful. It worked against the Hunter. Why not the others? Alas, all he found were items the doctor was using. Prosthetic eyes. Prosthetic noses. Even prosthetic heads. The most alarming things however. Were the child sized prosthetics. Was he doing this things to children too? His thoughts drifted to the small girl. The echo of which he found in her cell. Would have become her fate...? Did that...become her fate? He didn't want to think about it. He wasn’t heartless. He didn’t like needless suffering back then. It was no different now. Six deserves it. The adults deserve it. No one else does. He pushed the thoughts from his mind as he pressed in. He picked up the battery with a smile and prepares to head back. However. He threw the battery into the glass and made his way through. He of course found Six trying to bend the fingers of the prosthetic arm. He wonky slapped her head as he walked past. “Come” he practically ordered. She was about to say something back but stopped. He knew why. A soft rumbling sound coming from down the dark hallways. Impossible... neither had time to think as the large form of the doctor came crawling in upside down as usual. Mono tried to grab her hand but six was scooped up and carried away by the medical practitioner. Mono stated after them for a few moments. Before breaking into an all out sprint. He wasn’t letting some adult steal his kill. She was his. ________________________ An hour. He had spent a full hour searching this foul place. For any sign of his companion or the doctor. But nothing came up. He was starting to think he might have to accept that she was dead. He of course refused. He couldn’t fathom how the doctor appeared. He never appeared there. Not at that time. Had he taken too long looking around? Did...did the fire attract his attention. Making him move to a different location?

That made the most logical sense. What else had that fire done? Who else had seen it? This worried The paper bag wielding boy greatly. Prior knowledge of the loop was what guaranteed Mono and Six a safe trip as long as they were careful. But now That knowledge could be useless. All because of one decision. He was going to give Six hell for this later. Mark his words.

It took Mono another hour until he finally honed in on the sounds of a child crying. He knew the voice of course. He’d heard her cry before...Kind of....
He slowly turned a corner until he entered a large room. Medical tools and beds were arranged with no form or reason. If he had OCD he knew he’d be tearing his hair out.
He saw the girl he was looking for on one of the beds. Curled up hugging her knees to her chest and laying on her side.

“Six!” She whisper-shouted. Trying to get her attention without also alerting the doctor. Wherever he was. He grew slightly concerned when she didn’t move. This forced him to creep towards the bed. He would drag her out if he needed too. Or at least that was his plan. He needed to stop the uneasy feeling from rising in his stomach when he finally saw her. She looked fine for the most part. A few bruises and cuts from being grabbed and likely thrown around. However. The most glaring injury...was her arm...Or lack there of.

Her entire right arm had been amputated from just above the elbow. It had been wrapped and disinfected but...it was not a pretty sight. “You...you’ve lost weight....” he muttered. Earning a small and weak glare from the crying girl. He sighed “can you stand?” She didn’t answer. “Six. Need to go. Can’t stay here” She finally opened her mouth to speak. Her voice hoarse and sore from crying and screaming. “No point...won’t last...” Deep down he knew she was right. With only one arm, she couldn’t do half the things she could do before. Climbing was nearly impossible. She couldn’t boost him up anymore. And she’d never be able to catch him with only one arm to support herself. He’d drag her over the edge. The best he could do was put her out of her misery here and now. He’d kept his promise. They were nearly out of the city. One then got out of here and past the viewers. They’d be out of the city. Plus...this was a perfect scenario. Right? She knew she couldn’t survive like this. So she’d likely ask him to kill her. His enemy. His betrayer would be asking for his help. To end her. He couldn’t think of a better scenario....and yet...and idea hit him. He lifted her off the bed and shifted into the corner. Beneath some tables. Before laying her down “stay” he said softly as he back tracked a bit Until he found what he was looking for. A box of prosthetics. He rummaged around hoping it had what he was looking for. ...child prosthetics. He Then He picked out an arm and ran back to his maimed companion. “Here” he said slowly fitting the arm into place around her would. It snapped into place almost naturally. Even more incredibly was how Six was able to move the arm. He supposed he should be surprised. He knew they weren’t normal prosthetics. Still. He hoped this was safe. But It was this or he kill her. The arm was one of the simple prosthetics the doctor had made. Although it had obviously gone a sickening yellow colour from old age. Six didn’t seem to care. She seemed to be quite enraptured by it. A shame his cost was damaged however. Mono sighed and began to survey the situation. If they were going to get out of this alive, then they’d need to be clever. And mono was already beginning to come up with a plan.

Chapter Text

Six watched Mono pace around the area, trying to put the finishing touches on his plan. Not that this really interested her much. He was mainly rambling to himself. She was no longer in a state of helplessness so she must no longer be his main priority. The thought made her look back down at her new arm. It’s existence intrigued her. She knew full well that this wasn’t her arm. Her real arm. It was just plastic fitted into the area where her arm used to be. Yet she could move it almost naturally by now. It had taken a few minutes but she had been able to master how it moved. Honestly....She’d never seen anything like it.

She wondered if her powers would be able to flow through it. The thought quickly turned sour. If she still had those powers this journey would be a lot easier. And she had definitely tested if she had them. Monos and the inhabitants of the cities souls were still firmly tucked away as far as she knew. Not that she really expected they had souls. Still. That didn’t stop her trying. Especially with Mono

Staring at its yellow colouring made her realise how much she missed her yellow raincoat. It would have really matched. But it was not to be. Oh well, She found Monos coat to be warmer than it ever was. Not that she’d admit that.
Her thoughts quickly turned to her saviour. Honestly she had no idea how to feel. She’d helped him earlier because she didn’t want owe him anything. And now he’d saved her life...why DID he save her life

That question was the only one that seemed to linger the longest. Refusing to let her focus on anything else once it entered her mind. He hated her. And she hated him. That was all there was to their relationship. There was no friendship. That had ended a long time ago. She wanted to hit him. She hated being confused. Confusion made it easy for the monsters to get you.
She just couldn’t get it. Why. Why bother. Did he care? Did he-

“Got it” she was shaken from those thoughts by Mono whisper shouting again. He looked towards her, tilting his head slightly “why are you red?” She just shook her head “speak” The boy shrugged but continued he took a deep breath. This would be a along explanation and he wasn’t used to speaking.

___________________________

The two children stalked through the labyrinth of hallways that made up the hospital. Being careful not to make too much noise. The mattresses that littered the floors made they simple enough. He’d always wondered who had done that...
As they snuck through, Mono payed close attention to the state of the ceiling. Taking note of every crack and dip in the structure of the tiles before continuing on. With the Doctor guarding the area around the exit now he knew he would need to be smart to get past. And this was their best bet.

Six would occasionally throw random blocks she’d found down the hallways when the area started to rumble. Indicating the doctor getting closer. Her new arm provided her with a much welcome throwing strength. Honestly Mono was now worried about his chances of winning if they had another Tussle. Like back in the hunters lodge. She couldn’t catch the almost fond smile.

Finally Mono stopped once he reached a spot that looked perfect to him. Nodding to six, the girl yelled into the darkness and stepped back along side him. They gulped the doctor appeared around a corner and sprinted...crawled full speed towards them. Looking like an excited toddler who just got a new toy. Or in this case, his old one back. Just before he could reached them however, his hands grabbed hold of a ceiling tile that was not quite attached. Causing the large man to fall from the roof with a scream. Whilst he flailed into the floor the children took their opportunity to sprint past him and towards the exit.

Mono couldn’t believe it had worked. Where these things so obsessed with the children that they would disregard everything else. He took a gamble on the doctor not being able to to travel on the floor but it seemed like it payed off. If they hurried they could reach their destination before the doctor was able to right himself and pursue. That would buy them just enough time to prepare for the next step.

“Nearly there...” Six whispered as Mono looked up... The incinerator. They knew what would come next. . The two shared a look as Mono climbed up inside to stand at the door to the incinerator whilst Six hid behind a door. Mono then let out a loud yell of colourful language and smiled once he hears the doctors arrival.

The smile quickly left his face once he realised the oversized doctor was shooting down the hallway at a terrifying pace. He let our a few curses as he dove into the incinerator and frantically tried to find the hatch that led out. Each stomp made his little heart pump faster as his hands shifted through piles and piles of ash until... *clack* he’s found it! He pulled the latch and the trapdoor fell away. Allowing Mono to quickly drop through. Just in time too as the doctor came crashing inside. The horrible cracking of deformed bones did nothing to deter either of them and the large creature climbed inside and mono came out from underneath.

Quickly he joined Six and the two began to push the door closed. Trying their best to ignore the beats incoherent screechings and roarings. “Six. Switch!” He yelled as she nodded. She quickly jumped up snd grabbed hold of the large lever. Pulling it down and igniting the fires of retribution. The flames are away once more at the horrible doctor. Granting justice to Mono, Six and the hunderend aid people he probably dissected for his twisted games.

“Faster...” six mumbled as she dropped from the switch into a sitting position.
She was right. The doctor had never moved that fast before. That was the second difference in this timeline. Had that damn fire really been the cause of all this? The possibility of what else was different really started to worry him. He even questioned if it was safe to even stay here. What if he had an assistant that was alerted befusse of the fire.

In truth he didn’t care. He had to sit and rest. They’d been non stop travelling for a while now. The exit was close so worse case scenario they could just run.
Besides...a glance at six proved she also needed a rest.

_____________

the two sat in silence for a good hour. Neither knowing what to say. Mono avoiding asking if six was ok. Snd six refused to ask why mono risked his safely to help her. They both knew their respected questions would he shot down with little more than a ‘I’m fine’ or ‘needed you’. So why bother. They really had little to talk about.
Hell, Six actually somewhat wished they were being chased. She’s rather deal with the one of their enemies than this silence. Give her the bad teacher. Or the tall loser any day over this awkward mess...

Six raised her head as a new question entered her mind. One that, once she had thought out fully, she decided she was willing to converse for.
“Weak...” she said. The words causing mono to glare back at her “really? Saved you. You’re ungratefu-“
“-not you...” her words made him stop in his tracks. “The doctor. Weak. Compared to you...to him”

It suddenly clicked what she meant. And he wished she hadn’t brought it up. “...what’s your excuse” she asked.

“What’s YOURS?” He asked in retort. Causing her to scoff. And look at her new arm absentmindedly “Didn’t have them yet. So didn’t come with me...” she gave the simple explanation before looking to him again and repeating her question. “You had them before. Always had them. What’s your excuse.”

He was silent for a few moment before letting out a sigh. She wouldn’t let this go.
“...he feels them. Hes...empowered by them. If I use them too much then he will break free.”
His explanation made her raise an eyebrow “broke out without using powers last time” she said. To which he quickly clarified “used powers. In a way. Mind travels. Body stays. Need to picture the area...TVs tricked me”

Six leaned back against the wall. “So have power. But can’t use it...changed mind. You’re weak” she said in almost playful tone. Causing the boy to pout. He swore he saw the small smile she hid by Turing away from him “if we absolutely need them. Then I’ll show you how weak I am” he said standing up. Chasing her to do the same and walked to the exit. “I’m shaking in my boots...” she muttered.
“Hey...” mono grumbled as he thought about her statement “You’re not wearing boots!” He called as he chased after her.

_____________

The two walked side by side as they exited the hospital and into the streets below. It seems that the fire had another consequence of making the doctor lock the way upstairs, forcing the the children to take an alternate path that put them on the streets below. Neither were thrilled. The upper part they knew. This lower path...Was an unknown factor.

Two nodded at each other as they made their way forward. Both keeping a look out for the inhabitant of the city. It made sense they didn’t see many. Most were starting at screens. And those that weren’t were just wandering In search of one.
Mono tried not to let his guard down. He knew it wouldn’t be this easy.
And it didn’t take him long to be proven right. The road up ahead was blocked off by a large truck. Carrying hundreds of TVs in a class display. If that wasn’t bad enough, somehow they were all turned on. thus attracting the attention of the Watchers.

Going through them was a definite no. They’d never make it. Climbing over was also quickly shut down by six as she made clear how slippery wet metal and glass was. She was also worried about how attached her new arm actually was. She’d rather not risk it.
That led three options;
Find an alternate path around the watchers,
Find the key to the roof back in the hospital
Or...

Mono looked back. Down at the grate covering access to the sewers.
Well...I it wasn’t the cleanest but it certainly was better than backtracking all the way back to the hospital. He looked at Six and asked her if she’d be able to open up the grate.
Six happily nodded and ripped the grate clean off its supports. She seemed conflicted about feeling amazed at her arms full strength or being disgusted about what they were about to do.
“Well...ladies first...” Mono muttered, earring a glare from his companion and a display of her arm and clenched fist. “...can make exception this time” he muttered with a gulp as he began to quickly descend the ladder down into the filth below.
“Yes. Yes we can” Six smiled as she followed him closely. “Keep your eyes down”
She nearly laughed at his sounds of terror.

It didn’t take them long to reach the bottom. The smell hit them almost immediately
“Smells like rotten flesh” six muttered.
“Let’s get this over with...” he sighed. “will be a short walk before we come up otherside”. The girl nodded snd the two got ready to walk.
Until a strange sound of water caught their ears. The two slowly turned around in time to see a wave of sewage water crashing down the path towards them. The two slumped in their spots as mono let out a few final words.
“We should have backtracked...”
“Fu-“ Six was cut off as the wave crashed into the two and carried them along. Far past their target location. It didn’t take them long to pass out from the waters pressure...

Chapter Text

Drip — Drip — Drip

Each droplet of water that landed on Mono’s cheek did a pretty good job of rousing him from sleep. The first thing that hit him was the smell. Dear God, the smell — it was horrible. The scent of human waste and decayed flesh assaulted his nostrils, even when he pinched his nose. He thought he had smelled everything this horrid place had to offer. But he was wrong. So wrong.

The second thing that hit him was the sudden urge to vomit. Dark, murky water spilled from his mouth — water that had once filled his lungs now poured out onto the disgusting tiled floor. It felt like hours before the burning in his chest finally stopped, and he collapsed onto his back, exhausted.

His thoughts began to centre on the current moment. Where was he? What had happened? His head was as foggy as the water. He felt like he had been asleep for years. He remembered walking… then water — right, the sewer. They had been trying to make it through the sewer system after the Doctor had locked the door. But they got swept up by a tidal wave.

He sighed in frustration. He definitely should have just turned back and looked for that damn key.

With a heavy groan, Mono pushed himself up on his elbows and scanned the area around him. Not that it helped much. A sewer was a sewer, no matter what part you were in — it all looked the same. He muttered a few obscenities as he raked his hand through his matted, soaked hair in frustration.

…His hair?

His other hand shot up to his face — and indeed, it was as he feared. He could feel his skin. His flesh. Of course. There was no way that clumsy paper bag could have survived such a huge torrent of water. By the time they made it through their first journey it had been practically falling apart. Now its scraps were probably floating down the stream of… actually, he didn’t want to think about that.

He cursed under his breath. That mask had been one of the few respites from this world — a flimsy shield that hid him from the vengeful gazes of the other children. Still, nothing he could do about it now. The longer he spent crying over its loss, the longer he would have to deal with this wretched smell. He could already feel himself about to expel his lunch — and he hadn’t even had lunch.

Mono rose to his feet and began searching around. His first thought was to try the nearest access hatch. He climbed the ladder and pushed at the vent, but no matter how much effort he put in, it wouldn’t budge. Not a single inch.

“Damn it,” he grumbled.

For a moment he stood still, thoughts racing as his hand pressed more firmly against the rusted metal. That familiar static filled his ears as the world began to distort around his finger—

—he yanked his hand away, dropping down to the floor with a thud. His breathing was laboured as he stared down at his trembling fingers. That was stupid. Was he really about to risk being found this early, just because he wanted to get away from this smell? There were better ways to get out of here than using that power. He cursed himself under his breath for such a risky move.

He sighed and looked down the long, dark tunnel. If he couldn’t get out here, then he’d find another way down the sewer.

With a heavy gulp, he began trudging across the filthy tiles. Every second down here made him curse that damn fire. The lack of restraint Six had shown had once again landed them in another mess.

Right. Six. She was probably around here somewhere. If that wave had dropped him off here, then it was reasonable to assume she’d been thrown out nearby. Hopefully she’d managed to survive. If she had died to something as ridiculous as a wave of monster waste, then he was going to be livid. That would not be satisfying at all! He might as well have killed her back in the hospital — all that effort he went through, what a waste.

His worries eased somewhat when he spotted a figure lying face-down further up. He’d recognise that coat anywhere.

He crouched down beside her and rolled her over. Yep. Definitely Six. He’d recognise that horrid face anywhere — the one that looked like it had taken a boot to it. Hey, there was an idea for later.

He gave her a few shakes and pushes, but she didn’t stir. Out cold. He glanced toward the sewer water for a moment before a small grin crept onto his face. Wandering over, he pulled one of the many rags he’d collected and carefully dipped it into the murky water, swirling it around for a few moments before pulling it out. Then, unceremoniously, he dropped it onto the unconscious girl’s face with a very audible splat.

Almost immediately she wretched and scrambled to get the rag off her, coughing and spluttering as she tried to wipe away both the smell and the taste. She looked up to see Mono grinning at her with that smug expression.

“Rise and shine, princess~,” he drawled. His voice dripped fake sweetness — right before her fist wiped the grin off his face.

She lunged at him, sending him tumbling against one of the walls.

“Kill you!” she yelled, pushing him to the ground and yanking his hair. “Disgusting! Gross! Horrid!” She pulled with one hand and slapped him with the other.

He was about to yell back, but something stopped him. “Wait,” he muttered, which only made her more annoyed.

“What do you mean wait, you bast—” she started, then froze when his finger pressed against her lips.

“Shut up. Listen.”

She grumbled but did as he asked, listening to the sounds echoing around them. At first, nothing seemed out of the ordinary — just the usual sewer noises. But then she heard it. Underneath the dripping water and the rats scuttling about… there it was. A soft crying.

It didn’t sound human. It sounded… off. Wheezing, like a beast trying to copy a sound it couldn’t fully comprehend. It sent shivers crawling up her spine. And judging by the expression on Mono’s face, he felt the same way.

They untangled themselves and tried to locate the origin of the sobbing. It sounded like it was coming from further down the tunnel, beyond the darkness.

There was no way either of them were willing to head that way. Thankfully, Mono remembered the vent he’d tried to open earlier.

“There’s a way out back there,” he said, tugging her arm. “You can break it open.”

Six wasn’t in any position to argue. She was more than eager to get the hell out of there. But as they turned to leave, they heard it — the sound of something breaking. Their eyes slowly moved to the shattered tile now lying in pieces on the ground; it must have been knocked loose when Six had thrown Mono into it.

The sobbing stopped.

For a moment, there was nothing — no dripping water, no rats, no sound at all.

Then came a splash.

Another.

Closer. Faster.

Whatever had been crying its eyes out down there was now coming at them — and fast.

Mono barely had time to react before Six grabbed him by the collar and dragged him toward a small access door. She ripped it open and practically threw him through before slamming it shut behind them. Using one of the pipes on the wall, she jammed it across the door handle before turning back to him.

“Keep moving! Probably won’t hold!” she barked, before sprinting down the narrow hall that led who-knew-where.

Great. Just like that, their greatest advantage was gone — new place, new freak, absolutely no plan. If they made it out of this, he was definitely going to make her pay for that damn fire.

He followed as closely as he could. The pounding on metal echoed through the tunnels, each strike rattling his teeth, but he didn’t dare look back. Whatever it was had reached the door in seconds, and putting as much distance between them and it was all that mattered now.

He could hear it shrieking — a primal, guttural sound that seemed to come straight from the depths of the Signal Tower.

They sprinted through tunnels and corridors as the wailing slowly faded from their ears — though not from their memories. Still they ran, unwilling to stop, unwilling to rest, unwilling to risk that thing catching their trail again.

Finally, they spotted another access door up ahead. It looked old, partly ajar, letting Six shove it open with her shoulder. Mono followed after her and slammed it shut behind them.

For a moment, they just breathed. Six hunched over with her hands on her knees, while Mono leaned against the door, chest heaving.

When he finally caught his breath, he looked around the room they’d stumbled into. Compared to the sewer, the smell was almost heavenly.

The place looked like an old maintenance area — pipes, switches, yellowed papers, and rusting machinery. These tunnels likely stretched below the city for miles. If they were smart, they might find a way back up to the surface. Or better yet, a passage leading out of the city entirely.

Six had wandered over to one of the far walls, inspecting a display covered in maps and schematics. She tapped one with her finger.

“Here. City centre.” She pointed at one of the annotated exits — a route that would take them straight through the heart of the city. From there, they could rejoin their original path.

“Sounds good,” Mono nodded. With a plan set, all they had to do was navigate the labyrinth and avoid any more unwelcome guests.

Six tore the casing off the display and pulled the map free. Having a physical diagram would definitely help in the long run.

The two children turned toward the door leading to yet another unknown path. Neither knew what waited ahead — but compared to what waited behind them?

Anything was better.