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Chapter Text

The gentle hum of wind blowing it's way through nearby trees accompanied the young brown-haired boy as he stumbled out of the once glowing TV, landing on the damp ground with a thump. His paper bag worn over his face threatened to blow away as the wind increased in intensity, before calming quickly as he stood. 

"...Where am I now?" A soft-spoken, fearful question to the dark forest ahead of him. Everything was suddenly deathly silent, and it sent a chill through his bones. 

Who was he again? Why was he here?


Where was here? 


…Mono. His name was Mono. 

He couldn't quite remember why he was here or where he'd come from, but the subtle sound of a music box in the distance lured him forward. 



His bare feet stepped through leaves and twigs scattered across the forest floor, risking scratches. He continued through the forest, past various bear traps and other contraptions created to stop anyone from coming closer, he assumed- before reaching an old, worn-out house in the middle of a small clearing. It was surrounded by cages, and a window was cracked slightly, sparking that small glimmer of curiosity that caused to Mono head inside. 

He was immediately greeted by the stench of rotting meat, and he wished he could hold his nose through his bag. 'Disgusting,'  He thought, sneaking under the table and through a door that was left ajar. 

Mono navigated carefully through the hallways, finding a small, fluffy raccoon tail hat in one of the rooms, stashing it away just in case. Further down the hallway was a door, illuminated with warm light, that familiar sound of a music box beckoning him closer. 

He made his way down the creaking stairs, each step threatening to break beneath his light weight. At the bottom, he was greeted by bags of stuffing, a sewing machine, and the music getting louder. He stepped quietly towards where the music was loudest, and peeked through a hole in a damaged door.

A tiny gasp escaped his lips at the sight of another child, sitting curled up with the music box in front of them. It was difficult to see through the small gap, but the walls were decorated with tally marks, a sign the child had been here far too long. He felt pity for them strike at his heart, and became determined to help them escape. 

Backing away, Mono tapped his chin in thought. The door was pretty damaged, and it'd likely only take a few hits from something to get through. Looking around the room, he spotted a cleaver stuck in a wooden box, but it's handle snapped off at the slightest bit of tugging. He groaned in frustration, his eyes scanning his surroundings once more through the small holes of his paper bag. 

He noticed a door to the right, wide open and prayed there would be something of use inside. 

An axe!

"Bingo," He grinned, jumping up to grasp it's wooden handle. Once freed, Mono picked the axe up and began to drag it towards the door.

He raised his arms, gritting his teeth at the weight of the weapon, before swinging it down and slamming it through the rotting wood. One, two, three times- and he was in. He dropped the axe at his feet, and slowly approached the other child. He hadn't meant to scare them, but it was obvious they were cautious of his presence. Mono lowered to his knees as they slowly crawled out from beneath a table, and outstretched his hand in a friendly manner. 

Just when he thought they were about to grab his hand, they shoved past him and darted away, leaving Mono stunned for a moment. 

Not wanting to waste any time, Mono stood and decided to trail after them, running through the hallways swiftly. They were slightly faster than him, and likely knew the layout of the house better. Still, Mono wasn't prepared to give up yet.

Though, he came to an abrupt stop once entering the next room, eyes wide as he stared up at... taxidermized  people, sat around a table as if they were about to have a lovely family dinner. He felt nausea flood his body, and quickly exited the room to avoid further eye contact. 

Mono fell through the hatch to see the child struggling to grab a handle hanging from the ceiling, their weight not enough to pull it down. Their eyes darted around the room as Mono approached, clearly nervous- before slowly rising and seemingly accepting that Mono wasn't there to harm them, lifting a hand and gently beckoning him closer to help.

When he got close enough, they kneeled and boosted Mono up, and together their weight was enough to pull the handle, and in succession, lower a ladder. 


The two quickly climbed up, and Mono brushed himself off while finally getting a good look at the other. A young boy, likely his age- dark brown hair, with bangs so long his eyes weren't visible. He was wearing a thin blue long-sleeved shirt, simple pants, and a metal cuff with a broken chain around his ankle. 

He wanted to learn more about the boy, but he learned quickly that the other wasn't very talkative, and each word Mono spoke seemed to make him flinch. He seemed closed off and nervous, but he still assisted Mono with pushing a box so they could get over a dresser, where Mono noticed a key hanging from a hook.

The boy boosted Mono over into another area, where he found the crank in another taxidermized being's hand. He cringed as he pulled on it, accidently tearing their arm off along with it. "Ew, ew, ew-" He whispered, hurriedly going back to his new friend. At least, he already considered him his friend.

 
He dropped the crank down to the boy, who then placed it in it's rightful spot and began turning it, a strange sack rising with it. Mono didn't want to know what was in it as he climbed up, before jumping backwards and grabbing at the key. It fell, clattering against the wooden floor. Mono stashed it in his pocket as the boy trailed behind him, fiddling with his hands. He seemed nervous. Mono wanted to help get him out of here.

The floorboards creaked as the two jumped from the ladder, unlocking the door and hurrying out into a wooden shed, filled with bear traps and weapons that made him uneasy. Upon further inspection, Mono realized it wasn't a small, simple shed, and there was a creature with a strange mask in the middle of it. His breath caught in his throat as the boy began to sneak past, Mono having no choice but to follow suit. 

The two worked together to push down a wooden board, which unfortunately caught the Hunter's attention. Mono thinks of him as 'The Hunter', due to the fact he just started chasing after them with a SHOTGUN.

"What?! He's got a GUN?!" Mono shrieked, grabbing hold of the other boy's hand as they fled for their lives, hiding behind boxes to avoid each gunshot. Once they reached a hiding spot underneath a dirt ledge, Mono took a moment to catch his breath and check his new partner for injuries. "Are you okay?" He whispered, careful to keep his volume down. He didn't flinch this time, but still, no response. It's progress, at least. 

They continued forward, sneaking through the thick grass. A bird was startled and in turn alerted the Hunter, causing the two to freeze, heart's pounding. Once he turned away, they continued. Rinse and repeat, until they got close to a hole in the ground, a possible escape. 

Mono held his breath, grabbed the boy's hand, and darted for it. 

Safely through, he sighed, and pulled the other along gently through the tunnel. He wanted nothing more than a moment of peace. 

Once out, Mono pulled at a rope to help the boy across a broken bridge, before realizing he'd now be stuck here. "Hey!" He called out quietly, watching as the boy turned around. He leaned over, outstretching his arm, beckoning Mono to jump. The boy in the paper bag was nervous he'd miss, but took the jump anyway, a breath of relief escaping his lips as his hand connected with the other's. He pulled Mono up, and Mono resisted the urge to hug him as a show of thanks. Instead, he gently took his hand once again as they continued forward. 

Unfortunately, their freedom from the Hunter was short-lived, as his light illuminated the darkness in search of the two. 

Mono tried his best to sneak past the bird, but his efforts were for naught. He dove behind a box to dodge the sudden spray of bullets, his heart hammering in his chest. "Hurry, go- climb!" He shouted at the boy, who was already way ahead of him with that idea. 

The side of the worn building threatened to give under his weight, and each bullet he dodged sent adrenaline rushing through his veins. The board he was rushing across failed to be any more sturdy, as it broke the second he set foot on it. His hand just barely caught the other boy's as he jumped across, narrowly avoiding a blast once pulled up. They sprinted across the thin wood, before sliding down and falling with a splash into thick, muddy, slime-like water. 

It smelled rancid, as if corpses had been thrown into it, their blood mixed with the water. It'd soaked into Mono's paper bag, and he tried his very best to avoid hurling as he and the boy snuck under the bridge nearby. Once they reached an opening with two tree-stumps and a gap where the Hunter could spot them, Mono realized he'd have to go under. 

"Oh god, why me," He whispered, before dunking beneath the disgusting muck, hurrying his way to the other stump, gasping for air once he emerged, wiping his bag off to the best of his abilities. To his surprise, the boy let out a quiet chuckle at his struggles, and Mono felt a smile stretch across his lips. Progress once again.

Mono had hoped that'd be the last of the Hunter, but once over a small hill, he spotted him once again. A pair of crows feasted on flesh nearby, and Mono bit his lip nervously as he tried to sneak past them. They flew away again, of course, because his luck was close to none- the Hunter was now locked on to the two, and Mono used nearby boxes to shield himself from the bullets like last time, as they ran towards a shed. The boy pulled him inside, slamming the door behind him and leaning against it to try and stop the Hunter from entering, to give him time to lock it. 

Mono scanned the shed for anything of use, and his eyes instantly zeroed in on the shotgun mounted on the back wall. He jumped up on a box to reach it, and pulled it down, sending it clattering to the floor. The boy picked it up, aiming it at the doorway, and Mono caught on in a split second, holding up the other side and grasping the trigger. 

BANG.

The shot rang out so loudly birds miles away were startled, and the force of firing such a powerful gun sent the two stumbling backwards, their ears ringing painfully. Mono groaned, clutching his head. They shot him. They won. 

"...Hey," 

Mono lifted his head in surprise at the voice, soft and unsure. The other boy spoke! "Hey," Mono replied, smiling behind his bag. He took the other's hand, and together they escaped the forest, using a door as a raft. 

Mono wasn't sure of what awaited them across the body of water, but at least he wasn't alone, right? 

Chapter Text

The trip across the water was quiet and slow, neither speaking. The recent events had startled them both, and it'd likely take a moment for them to regain their senses.

Mono noticed the boy glance at the water frequently, ever so slowly scooting closer to Mono. Was he afraid of it?

Before he could ask, their 'raft' broke through the fog, and a giant city was revealed. The building's seemed to move, tilting, almost as if they were alive. Everything was shrouded in darkness aside from a doorway with a small light above. 

Mono sighed as soon as his feet hit sand, feeling it's warmth between his toes. Despite everything else being freezing and dim, the sand brought a welcome texture and familiarity. He wasn't sure why. 

The beach was barren and empty, save for some litter and an old TV. Mono felt much more uneasy than he had in the forest, as the comforting presence of greenery and trees was no longer there. Only darkness and cold, hard stone. Who knows what awaited them behind that doorway?

"Agh,"

Mono swiveled around at the sound, only to notice his new friend on his knees, clutching his side. 

He immediately rushed to his side, an expression of concern hidden behind his paper bag. "Are you- are you okay?" He gently rested a hand on his shoulder, tilting his head. He saw no wounds, but the pain could be internal. 

The boy nodded silently, removing his hand and slowly standing. Mono was still concerned, but decided not to bother him if he didn't want help. Maybe he'd open up soon.


Through the doorway was a broken, beaten room, with clothes strewn about, even hanging from a TV. A hole in the wall led them to another room, this time filled with clothing laying in seats as if the people wearing them had simply disappeared. 

Each new room seemed to hold something stranger than the last, an example being the pile of broken TV's sitting on the floor with no purpose. After having been boosted up and through a gap to the next room, Mono was met with a TV placed precariously on wooden planks, with a rope tied to it.

He laid out his plan in his head, before jumping for the rope, keeping a tight grip while swinging himself forward. He began kicking the TV, slowly pushing it off of the side until he was quickly shot up towards the next floor, where he then jumped off and followed his new friend's calls towards another TV. Mono gave a heavy sigh before shoving it off the edge, his arms aching from so much pushing and fighting. 

Once the boy was on the top floor, Mono ran up a set of stairs towards a gap he'd have to jump. The boy leaned over and opened his hand, calling Mono over. Mono wasn't sure why he already trusted the boy so well, but he jumped without a second thought, caught by the other's careful grip. 

He thanked him quickly before the two continued forward, keeping a steady pace, not in a rush but not playing games. Mono squeezed himself through a broken door, not expecting what was awaiting him on the other side.

The second he set foot inside of the room, a TV nearby lit up with a blinding white light, an awful sound ringing throughout the area. He could barely move, his limbs felt so heavy and he felt so weak. He could faintly hear the boy call out to him, but couldn't stop himself from approaching the glow. He placed his hand on the dusty screen, and saw a strange hallway leading to a door. 

Before he knew it he'd seemingly teleported or phased into the image he'd been seeing, left confused in a space where everything seemed slower. He had no choice but to approach the mysterious door, but each step felt like running through wet sand, as if someone else was pulling him backwards.


Apparently, someone was, because only a moment later he was yanked out of the TV and sent tumbling to the floor. He groaned and slowly sat up, glancing over to the boy next to him. He'd pulled him out. He barely knew him yet and he still pulled him out. 

"...Thank you." Mono whispered, which caught the boy's attention. He was still shy, but Mono could tell he was making good progress. He wondered what could've happened to make him so closed off. Though, just existing in this world would be enough. 



After dropping down into a dumpster filled with clothes, the sight of a fenced in playground caught his eye. It looked like not a single child had touched it in years, but some things stayed operational. 

They both squeezed through a hole in the fence, and while Mono was scanning his surroundings, he noticed the boy kick a ball that had been lying nearby. 

"Do you wanna play?" Mono asked, retrieving the ball and tossing it to the other with a grin. He was caught off guard by how suddenly it was sent his way, but caught it and tossed it back with a quiet giggle. "Ah, look- there's a swing! Do you want me to push you?"

The boy nodded eagerly, and Mono was happy to see him coming out of his shell. The swing was rickety and threatened to break, but held up for a few pushes, which Mono appreciated since it made the boy laugh. After a few minutes of fun, Mono suggested they be on their way, and this time the boy nodded without avoiding eye contact or flinching. He even grasped for his hand first. 

They had been heading towards the make-shift escape rope, when Mono stopped abruptly. 

"...Can I please know your name?" He asked the boy, sitting down against the wall and waiting for him to follow suit. "Where did you come from? How did you get trapped with the Hunter?"

The boy hesitated for a moment or two, picking at a loose string on his shirt, before responding in a quiet voice. "...Seven. You can call me Seven."

Mono lit up, grinning widely behind his paper bag. "Seven! Okay, hello Seven! My name's Mono. I'm gonna get us out of here." 

Seven smiled slightly, raising an eyebrow at Mono's energy. "Really?"

"Yes, really! I promise!"

For some reason, Seven believed him. 

"If you insist... Uhm, I don't really remember how I got there. I just know I woke up and I was... trapped. Alone, for a long time. You scared me when you arrived, but I guess you're not all that scary anymore, Mono." Seven smiled, a genuine smile for the first time in months. 

Mono laughed happily, squeezing Seven's hand. "Thank you! I didn't mean to scare you at all! I swear, you won't be alone anymore, okay?" 

"...Okay."




Mono was so happy to finally hear Seven's voice, and to have a name to go with it. Having a friend by his side, someone he knew wasn't out to hurt him unlike every other creature in this world, helped calm his nerves and keep him going. He scooted closer to Seven, and for the first time the other didn't flinch away. 

"I don't remember much either, you know. I guess we're in a similar boat." Mono said, inching even closer. Can you blame him? His first bit of contact with someone else that wasn't horrid, of course he'd want more. He felt happy for once.

"I guess so." Seven sighed heavily, leaning his head against the wall with a thump. "I just... wish I remembered more. Most of what I know is my name- which I could still be wrong about. I wanna know why I'm here. I wanna know what my purpose is."

Mono was silent after Seven's moment of speech, lost in thought. He hummed, "Well... why don't you decide your purpose? I think mine's... helping you get out. You're the only other person I've come across that's... normal. There's no way we're not meant to be with each other, right?" He smiled, adjusting his bag, "Maybe you'll remember more as we go."

For once, the silence wasn't so eerie in the moments they weren't speaking. More... comfortable.

"Maybe. Thanks, Mono. You're interesting." Seven giggled, glancing at his paper bag but deciding not to comment on it. "I wish I had something of importance to me. You know what I mean? A... trinket, or something. I don't know, it's dumb." He trailed off, tossing a pebble that was next to him. 

Mono shook his head. "I don't think it's dumb, I know what you mean." A pause, "Oh! I might have something, hold on-" 

Seven glanced over, raising an eyebrow curiously as Mono pulled the raccoon tail hat out of his pocket he'd found earlier on in the Hunter's shack. 

"Taa-daa!" Mono exclaimed, handing the hat over to Seven with a grin. "It's a hat! A weird one, I'll admit, but it's kinda cute!"


Seven stared in surprise down at the... gift (?) Mono had just given him. He gently placed it atop his head, but paused once he realized it was... just a little bit big. 

By a 'little', he means he can barely see, and it was already difficult with his bangs being so long. "Uh..." He was unsure of what to do. 

Mono seemed unsure as well, but took the hat from his head and held it while humming in thought. "What if..."


RIIIIIP!


Seven flinched at the sudden noise, blinking in confusion when Mono handed him... the tail from the hat? 

"...What?" 

Mono laughed, taking it from his hands, "Sorry, look-" he got so close Seven closed his eyes out of instinct and fear, but opened them once he felt something fuzzy and warm wrap around his neck. 


"It's a scarf!!" Mono clapped his hands together with a giggle, watching as Seven adjusted it and threaded his fingers through the soft fur. "Do you like it? Sorry if it was, uh, stupid or something-"


"I love it, Mono." Seven cut him off, smiling softly over at the energetic boy. "It means a lot you'd try to give me something when you barely know me, and find a way to make it work, too."

Mono smiled, satisfied and excited as he got to his feet, helping Seven up as well. 

"Don't mention it." He squeezed his hand once more, happy to see the ''scarf'' fit him well. "I hope it keeps you warm!"

"I'm sure it will."




After their conversation, the two finally made their way up the make-shift rope, unaware of the horrors awaiting them on the other side. Hopefully they'd make it out with each other's help. 

Chapter Text

The inside of the School was dimly lit and deathly quiet, save for the tiny footsteps caused by Seven and Mono. Books were scattered all across the floor, left in stacks. 

Upon further exploration, Mono discovered a room down the hallway filled with beds and toys. Blocks, balls, teddy bears. The beds were stacked and looked uncomfortable, with thin layers of dust suggesting no child had slept in them for quite some time. Mono resisted the urge to lie down for a nap, because despite the beds being worn and uncomfortable, his body craved rest more than anything. Perhaps he'd find a place to catch his breath later on, a place where both he and Seven could relax. 

He picked up one of the toy blocks, having noticed earlier that a picture had light coming from behind it if a nearby lever was pulled. Mono threw the block and the picture quickly clattered to the floor, leading him into a secluded room with a singular chair. Tally marks lined the walls, and a rope rested on the back of the chair. Mono didn't like the thought someone had been here so long. 


"Is there anywhere else to go from here?" Mono mumbled to himself, scanning the room. No vents, no hidden doors. 


A creak sounded behind him, "Mono," Seven called quietly, "There's a flimsy floorboard here. Maybe there's something underneath?" 

Upon inspection, Mono realized Seven was right. "Ah! You're right!" Mono grinned and took hold of Seven's hand, before beginning to jump with him in unison. 

The board broke after a few moments and some good jumps, leaving the two below the flooring, where dust had made it's permanent home. 

"You're so smart, Seven." Mono praised, causing the other boy's cheeks to turn pink. He squeezed Mono's hand in thanks, as the two continued crawling through the cramped area.


Once through a vent, both boys dropped down into what seemed to be a main area of the school, with lockers lining the walls. Mono had just begun climbing over a fallen locker when a shadow appeared, both freezing in fear at the sight. Whatever it was, it's neck stretched and elongated like a snake, accompanied by the sound of flesh stretching and contorting in ways it shouldn't. 

Thankfully, the room the light seemed to be coming from shut only a moment later, the sound of heels retreating calming them both down slightly. 

"...So, you agree that was probably something we should avoid?" Seven whispered, sneaking past the door with Mono's hand held tightly in his own. 

"Absolutely." Mono nodded, still a little shaken. 


The next hallway was illuminated in a comforting warm light, and a ball sat in the middle of the floorboards, just asking for attention. Mono stepped forward and crouched down to get it, but the floorboard beneath his foot creaked at the same time, and he barely had time to react before a bucket came swinging towards him. 

"Look out!" Mono heard Seven shout with urgency, before he was tackled to the floor, the bucket just barely missing his shoulder. 

The two lay in silence for a moment, catching their breath- Seven especially. The thought of Mono being injured panicked him far more than he'd expect.
 

"Let's... maybe be careful of toys in hallways from now on, yeah?" Seven laughed breathlessly, gaining a nod in return from Mono. 

The boy with the paper bag sat in shock for a moment longer, from both nearly being hit and the fact he'd been saved without a second thought. Seven could've been hit instead, but he still tried to save him. 

Having someone care enough about him to do something like that made him sniffle, and he couldn't stop himself from wrapping Seven in a grateful embrace. "Thank you, Seven..." He said, his words muffled by Seven's shoulder where he'd decided to bury his face. 

The other boy was certainly surprised by the sudden hug, but didn't waste time hugging back, his hands grasping the fabric of Mono's coat. 


They'd taken a while to separate, but when they finally did, they kept their hands intertwined for constant reassurance and contact while making their way further into the school. 

There was yet another trap down the hall, and this time Mono saw the floorboard before it had the chance to strike. He quickly stepped on it before pulling Seven to the side, where both stood, waiting until the bucket and pans stopped swinging. "We're getting pretty good at this!" Mono giggled, sending a grin Seven's way before remembering he couldn't exactly see it. 


Quiet snickering that didn't belong to either of them echoed throughout the halls suddenly, and Seven's grip tightened on Mono's hand. "Did you hear that?"

Mono nodded, "I did... Is there someone else here? Someone... good?"

Seven wasn't sure. It felt unlikely, with their luck. 


The source of the snickering, a child (supposedly), sprinted past their view, and Mono quickly tried to trail after them. "Hey, wait-!!"

His plans were halted by the now familiar sound of a booby-trapped floorboard, and Seven swiftly yanked Mono backwards as a locker fell with a bang to the floor below. As the dust settled, Seven checked Mono for any wounds, before pinching his wrist and earning a yelp from the boy.

"Stop rushing into danger, you bag-head!!" Seven scolded, reminding Mono of a worried mother. "You're gonna get hurt! Be careful!!"

"Sorry, sorry!" Mono whined, rubbing his wrist. "How can I make it up to you?"

Seven sighed, taking Mono's wrist in his hands and checking to make sure he hadn't pinched too hard, making it obvious he wasn't really mad. "Just stay with me, please?" 

Mono could hear the worry in his voice, and it made him feel happy that he cared and guilty that he'd scared him all at once. "Promise!" He declared, lacing their fingers together. "I won't be an idiot anymore!"

Seven laughed at that, shaking his head fondly, "I'm gonna hold you to that."


Once Seven's scolding was over, they climbed over the lockers and were greeted by an ominous duck toy basically sitting under a spotlight. "Not falling for that again," Mono huffed, jumping over the suspicious floorboard, Seven following suit. He was boosted up over the table, where he then helped Seven up, careful not to let him fall onto the floorboard. 

The snickering started once again soon after they jumped down, and Mono pulled Seven closer for safety. "This doesn't feel right..." He mumbled.

"Agreed," Seven replied, "It feels off-"

A loud, sudden bang from one of the lockers cut Seven off, and Mono's first instinct was to start running, accidently slipping out of Seven's grip. He was barely three steps away before a locker was knocked down on top of him, trapping him beneath it's weight. He tried to push it off of him, but nothing was working. 

Through a gap in the locker, he could see the strange 'children' he'd seen before come out of their hiding places, before quickly jumping and restraining Seven as he kicked and screamed in their grasp. One of them yanked at his scarf, and Mono could hear him begin to choke. 

"SEVEN!!" Mono cried out, slamming his body against the locker and pushing with all his might. Fueled by anger and panic, he shoved the locker off of himself enough to crawl out, sprinting after them as quick as he could. 

But Seven was already gone.

"No! No, no!" Mono felt himself begin to shake, worried for his friend's safety. Why did they take him? Where did they take him? 

Behind the paper bag masking his face, Mono's teeth were bared and his eyebrows were furrowed. He'd find them, and he'd save Seven. He couldn't lose the one person he'd started to care about. He wouldn't.


"Please stay safe, Seven..." Mono whispered, as his hands grasped at the cold handle of a hammer lying on the floor next to one of those children. Bullies, that's what they were. Porcelain brats.

He rose the weapon above his head, a dark look on his face as he stared at the unaware bully. 

"I'll save you." 

Chapter Text

The smashing of porcelain echoed loudly as the hammer made contact with the bully's head, shards scattering the floor. Mono inhaled slowly in an attempt to calm himself, letting the hammer clatter to the floor below. 

He had no idea how he was going to save Seven. He didn't even know where they'd taken him. 

But he'd keep searching until he did. 


Another bully sat on the floor through the next door, dissecting a frog. Mono didn't allow himself time to be grossed out by it, instead taking quick notice of the raised floorboard and stomping his foot on it. As he thought, a trap quickly swung down. He jumped out of the way and allowed it to make direct contact with the bully, shattering them to pieces. Another one down. Who knows how many to go.

As he made his way carefully through the halls, he realized just how much of a change happened when he was alone. He was less confident, and far more afraid. But he'd feel this way permanently if he didn't get Seven back, so he had no choice but to push forward. 


Unfortunately, what lay ahead wasn't as simple to push past as a singular bully. 

Mono peeked his head into the classroom, eyes widening at the woman currently scribbling with chalk upon a chalkboard. It was a horrid sound, but her appearance was worse, and Mono wasn't one to judge. Her face was stuck in one stiff expression, and she never seemed to blink. She appeared to be teaching the bullies, but whatever lesson this was is one Mono didn't want to participate in, even for a star sticker. 

Ever so slowly, Mono began to sneak behind the bully's desks, keeping a close eye on the Teacher. On the other side of the room was a door left ajar, which he quickly squeezed through. A key sat on the top of a bookshelf, and Mono eagerly started to climb.

A mistake, on his part, because the bookshelf began to fall the instant he grabbed at it. 

Heart hammering in his chest, Mono leaped off and slid into a nearby box to hide, certain the rumbling thump of it falling would alert the Teacher. He was correct, as he opened the door barely a second later and stretched her neck in for a quick look around. Her snake-like movements sent shivers down his spine.

Once she left, Mono slipped through the cabinet connecting to the vent she'd accidently opened, and began his careful sneaking back to the elevator, which is where he figured the key went. 

Each step was a risk, any sudden noise could alert her. 


Luck was on Mono's side for once, as he managed to sneak out without alerting her or the students. The key fit perfectly into the lock on the elevator, and he let out a sigh of relief as it started going up. 

"I'm coming, Seven..." He whispered, preparing himself as the elevator doors slid open. 

After sneaking past the Teacher several times, dodging traps, and smashing many, many bully's heads, Mono finally stood outside a doorway he'd heard Seven's voice from. He'd been screaming... it made Mono's stomach try to curl in on itself. 

He made a sound of anger deep in his throat, almost a growl, his hands clutching the handle of his hammer tightly. He was sweating, he was exhausted- but he wouldn't stop until he rescued Seven. He couldn't. 

His feet stepped lightly across the bathroom tile as he entered the room, eyes instantly darting to where Seven was hung by his feet, limp and silent. He felt rage bubble up inside him, and stomped his foot against the floor to gain the bullies attention. 

"HEY!" He yelled, raising his hammer, "Get your hands OFF OF HIM!"

A smash, a clatter, followed by panting and an angered huff. Shards of porcelain covered the floor- Mono hadn't stopped himself from slamming the hammer down a few extra times out of anger. 

 Once he was certain they were down for good, he rushed over to the wooden boards keeping Seven tied up. He grasped for his hammer, preparing himself for his fall. 

"Seven? Seven, it's me! I'm here!" Mono shouted, slamming his hammer against the wooden boards, "Please, it's me! Mono! I promise you're safe, wake up-!"

One more hit and he came tumbling to the floor, Mono's breath catching in his throat as he dove for him, scraping and bruising his arms in the process.

"Oof!" He groaned, glancing up. Seven was there, caught in his arms. He seemed relatively safe, and that's what mattered to Mono, not the scrapes covering his body from fighting and diving to catch him. Those could heal in minutes, but the loss of a friend would take decades, even if he hadn't known him very long.

Mono sat himself and Seven up carefully, wrapping an arm around his friend to keep him upright. "Seven? Seven, hey," Mono gently brushed his hair out of his face, realizing this was the first time he'd actually ever seen his eyes. Said eyes had slowly fluttered open, glistening with tears. His eyes were hazel, as opposed to Mono's strange yellow. 


"Mono..." Seven's voice was small, a pained whisper. He slowly leaned into Mono's touch as his lip began to shake. "They had me up there for so... so long. My head h-" He flinched, "hurts..."

Mono felt his heart ache at the sight of his friend so hurt, tilting his head gently to check for wounds. "I'm so sorry it took me so long to get here, I was stopped so many times by the Teacher. I promise, you'll be okay."

Seven sighed, his eyes slowly drifting to Mono's scrapes and bruises. "Hey, what- you're hurt too! What happened?" Instantly, he sat up despite his head pounding, grabbing Mono's hands. They were covered in scratches.

Mono laughed gently as his cheeks colored pink, shaking his head. "It's nothing, I swear. I'm fine, Sev."

Seven lunged forward to embrace the boy, nuzzling his face into his shoulder as he sniffled. "You better be."



Several minutes passed and Seven hadn't let go, prompting Mono to lightly tap his shoulder. "Sev?" No response.

"Seven-?" He blinked at the sight of the other boy limp against him, quiet snores causing Mono to giggle. He'd fallen asleep. 

Mono wouldn't wake him for the world. He gently leaned him against the wall momentarily, while he dug around in his pocket and pulled out the remainder of the raccoon tail hat. Minus the tail. 

Slowly, he settled Seven down on the floor, sliding the hat beneath his head. Not exactly a pillow, but better than tile. The boy shivered in his sleep, his hands curling into fists. Mono frowned- it was cold in here. A quick problem solver, Mono removed his trench-coat, carefully draping it over the slumbering boy. He made sure it covered as much of him as possible, before leaning against the wall next to him. 

Unconsciously, he threaded his fingers through Seven's fluffy hair, trying not to drift off himself. "Don't worry, I'll be right here the entire time. I'll watch over you." He reassured.


They would never be apart again.

Chapter Text

Dirtied hands brush gently through messy hair, occasionally twirling a strand or two around a finger. While Mono was well and truly exhausted, a gnawing anxiety in his stomach kept him from truly falling asleep. So, he dozed- having odd mini dreams that flashed and vanished before he could really process them.

Beside him, Seven's hand curls into a fist, nails digging into his palm. He huffs and shifts in his sleep, eyebrows furrowed. Mono slowly opens his eyes upon hearing the noises, glancing over in confusion. "Sev?" He whispers.

No response. Seven begins to grit his teeth, shaking his head, "No, no..." he mumbles.

Mono moves his hand from the boy's hair to place it lightly on his thin shoulder, giving it a delicate shake. "Hey, Seven- are you having a nightmare? It's okay, I'm here. I'm-"

He jumps, startled as he's cut off- Seven shooting up with a gasp, awake and fearful, chest heaving with heavy, swift breaths. He backs away ever so slightly, Mono's coat falling in a heap to the floor. Mono had brushed his hair behind his ears while he was sleeping, giving him a clear view of the other boy's currently frightened and untrusting eyes, darting back and forth.

"Hey, it's okay! It's just me, Sev. It's Mono." He reassures, trying to soothe his companion, a hesitant hand reaching forward. Seven stares unblinkingly at the outstretched limb for a solid minute, eyes foggy and unsure before finally, he blinks and seems to snap back to reality. "What...?" He groans, rubbing at his forehead, still aching from being upside down. "I know it's you... Sorry, I... I thought I was..." He trails off, expression baffled as he stares at the floor.


Mono scoots closer, grasping for his coat to wrap it around Seven's shoulders. "You're alright. Nightmare?" He tilts his head curiously, a gentle hand rubbing circles into the other's back. Seven's body starts to untense, leaning into the touch, tired and weak. "Yeah... I think."

Seven sits up properly and shyly grabs at Mono's hand, gripping it tightly for comfort. "I was.. running. Through a place I've never been. There was water, it was cold, and I... Yellow..." He blinks, shakes his head. "It's all so fuzzy. I know I was scared, but.. at least it wasn't real." He smiles tiredly, prompting Mono to return the expression and ruffle his hair. 

"Yup! You're safe here with me!" Mono nods, knocking a fist gently against his chest. "Nothing gets past me, and nothing hurts my friends! ...Pinky swear!"

Seven struggles to hold back a snicker at Mono's outstretched pinky, raising an eyebrow. "Pinky swear?" He grins, lifting a hand of his own, "Okay. I pinky swear to keep you safe too."

Their pinkies interlock and both boys share a moment of peace, filled with quiet giggles and soft smiles, gentle eyes. Mono breaks the lock to intertwine all of their fingers, holding Seven's hand securely as he stands. 

"Should we keep moving?" He asks, voice shaky as he stretches, his bones and muscles protesting the movement. He'd need to catch up on sleep very soon.

Seven nods, mimicking Mono's actions. While they move towards a window to attempt to force it open, Seven spares a glance at the scattered porcelain littering the floor. A warm, fluttery feeling fills his chest and stomach as he realizes just how much Mono had gone through to rescue him. How did he manage to find such a wonderful friend in such a horrible world? 

"Sev?" 

Seven looks away from the mess and locks eyes with said friend, taking in his curious and slightly concerned expression. He laughs quietly. "Mono. Let's go, I wanna see if we can find some food soon... I know you're starving too."

"Hah, I sure am!" Mono giggles, even as they struggle and he cracks a fingernail during their forceful opening of the window. He doesn't acknowledge it. (Seven does a moment later, blowing on it lightly to soothe it and wiping away any blood, ignoring Mono's shy comments about how he's perfectly fine.)

They step outside for the first time in a while, cold air causing them to shiver as they carefully cross a precarious plank to another window. As they drop down into the room, which Mono notes has a piano in the middle of it, Seven suddenly gasps. Mono flinches, swiveling around- "What, what's wrong?"

"I still have your coat on!" Seven exclaims as he hurries to remove it, much preferring himself to be cold than his friend. "Here, you need it back."

Mono halfway places his hand on it out of instinct before shaking his head, stepping back. "No, Sev, you keep it! I don't want you to be cold. I'll be just fine!" He reassures, though Seven doesn't seem to believe him. He thrusts it towards him again, a determined look on his face. "No. You just went through hell to save me, you don't deserve to be cold. Please take it. Besides, I have my scarf, it's enough."

Mono begins to protest, but stops in his tracks when Seven pushes back his bangs to show off his pleading eyes, even going so far as to stick his lip out in a pout. "Ooh... fine." Mono huffs and sighs, begrudgingly taking his coat back, slipping it on. Seven cheers quietly, bumping his shoulder against Mono's with a giggle. Mono smiles fondly and finally scans the room.

The giant piano in the center is certainly eye-catching. Mono's gaze drifts to the right, where a crank is connected to the rope attached to aforementioned piano. "Hmm..."

 Seven pipes up from behind him, pointing at the floor. "These floorboards are really creaky when I step on them. They seem fragile. Maybe we could lift the piano and drop it to break the floor? But that's hoping there's something underneath we can land on.."

Mono gasps softly. "Sev, you're a genius! Let's do it!" His comment is met with a pink tint dusting his friend's cheeks, coupled with a shy grin. 

Seven stands by as Mono turns the crank, using all of his strength left. He's huffing and gritting his teeth by the time he has it risen enough, and he abruptly lets it go as the muscles in his arms give up on him. Seven jumps back, the piano crashing to the floor, creating a large crater- but no hole. He hums in annoyance, walking over to Mono. He frowns upon noticing his friend cradling his exhausted arms, though Mono tries to play it off when he gets too close. 

"I'm fine! What should we do next? Should I crank it again?" The boy brushes past Seven, leaving him no choice but to focus on the current moment. He'll make Mono rest later, once they have a safe spot again. Preferably one with cushions.

Seven rests a hand under his chin as he thinks, eyes focused on the cracked floorboards and snapped rope. An imaginary lightbulb appears above his head. "We should try to jump on it and force it down. We're not that heavy but it's barely hanging on." His suggestion is met with a resounding agreement, Mono nodding and climbing atop the damaged piano before reaching down to lend Seven a hand. (The situation feels oddly strange to him. Familiar, but... different somehow.)


Seven grabs his hand and manages to get up onto the keys, cringing as it plays discordant, shrill notes. "Ready?"

"Ready. One, two, three... jump!"

They laugh as they jump in unison, hands still interlocked. Three jumps later, Mono's laughter abruptly cuts off as they both plummet through the floor, piano landing harshly on the floor below, shreds of sharp wood scattering. Seven merely breathes a sigh of relief and brushes off his clothes, ready to get down- but when he glances at Mono, something seems off. 

"Mono..?" The boy doesn't respond immediately like usual, unmoving save for the trembling of his shoulders and the heavy breaths wracking his chest. "Hey, Mono, what happened? Are you.. okay?" Seven goes over to help him down, frowning when he flinches the moment Seven's hand touches his arm. "Mono?"

"Huh... huh?" Mono mumbles, shaking his head once, twice, before his breathing starts to even out. "Um... Yea-Yeah, I'm okay! Just..." He trails off, glances up at the gaping hole in the ceiling above. "I don't think I like falling very much." He accepts Seven's assistance and they both hop down, Mono absentmindedly leaning against his friend. Seven knocks their heads together softly.

"I understand that. It's scary. Maybe.. It's like the thing I have, where I really don't like water, even though.. I see no reason for my fear."

Mono processes the words and nods in response. "Maybe. C'mon, let's look around, I'll be fine." He tries to convince himself he's not afraid, that there isn't a chilling anxiety twisting his insides. What's wrong with him? There's no monster, they aren't being chased. Why is he so scared?

Yellow.

...What?

Yellow.
Yellow.

"...Yellow." Mono whispers, frozen in place.

Yellow.
(Mono?)
Yellow.
Yellow.
(Mono? Hey!)
Yellow. Eyes. Music box. Yellow. Yellow.
Yel-

"Mono!!" 

Seven's worried shout jolts Mono out of his mind, his hands instinctively shooting up to grasp at Seven's hands, which were shaking him moments prior. 

"Mono. What happened, what-? You spaced out. You wouldn't listen to me or respond at all, I'm..." Seven's lip threatens to wobble, teeth digging in. His grip on Mono tightens. "I'm scared. What's happening? Are you gonna be okay?"

The fear and concern in Seven's voice makes Mono's heart feel like it's curling in on itself, the slight tremble of his limbs revealing just how worried he truly is. Mono reaches up with a shaky exhale and removes Seven's hands from his shoulders, holding them gently in his own.

"I'm okay. I promise. Just a little shaken up, I'm probably just imagining things because I'm tired! But I'll rest soon. Okay?" Mono pats one of his hands, sending him a reassuring smile before remembering he can't see it. The urge to remove his bag and show Seven his real face is powerful, but he's still unsure. 

Seven looks unconvinced, but still nods to confirm he understands. "..You better. Now, um, i found a little window we can go through- I was trying to tell you when I found it, but..." His sentence dies off as he sighs and pulls Mono along to the window, prepared to boost him up.

"Good job, Sev." Mono says as he climbs through, his compliment genuine despite the storm in his mind. 


The second Mono's feet hit the floor on the other side, he freezes up in alarm, gaze locked on a familiar porcelain figure. He dives to the side to hide behind a plank buried in trash, heart beating swiftly. Half in fear, half in anger. He really didn't like them. 

Peeking his head out to get a look, he sticks his tongue out in disgust at the scene. They were stabbing a frog with a key. What's with their obsession with dissecting frogs? Blech. Awful.

"Mono!" Seven calls out in a hushed whisper. "A key! I think it's for the door over here!"

Mono glances back over and yes, there is the key, a lovely muted dirty gold color, right in the bully's hand. He'd even thought about it! Was his mind really that jumbled?

Before he can mentally scold himself too much, horribly out of tune notes blast from the other room. Seven was creating a distraction by walking across the piano, so he can get the key! How did he get so lucky to have such a smart friend?

Smiling to himself, Mono swiftly sneaks forward while the bully has their back turned, grabbing the key. Just as his fingers wrap around it, his gaze pans over to a pipe lying on the ground, shiny and tempting. Just one glance at the bully has memories returning and he's moving before he can process his actions, pipe secure in his hand. It's slamming down on their head before he can blink, porcelain scattering. That's what you get.

"Great job!" Seven cheers, oblivious to Mono's internal anger, "Come on, help me open this."


A few moments later they've lifted the gate, retrieved the key and opened the door. Unfortunately, in the next room, there's yet another bully. With their back turned, none the less. Mono immediately locks onto an axe in the corner, but before he can go for it, Seven's grasping at his wrist and moving forward. "Sev, let me-"

"Shhhhhh."


They make it past the bully without having to bash it's head in, though Mono isn't exactly happy about it. "There's no point in wasting energy if we can just sneak past." Seven makes a good point, but still. 


Moving down a hallway, they ascend some stairs and are both startled to hear piano music coming from nearby. They share a confused glance but keep progressing, climbing up a shelf and bookcase before going through a small metal hatch. There's a short tunnel on the inside, filled with insects and dust. The piano music is getting much louder. 

Seven pushes open the hatch on the other side first, but pauses immediately after opening it, causing Mono to bump into him. "Sev?"

Seven moves over to let Mono catch a glimpse and suddenly he understands. There, below the shelf and stack of books they're standing on, sits the Teacher, expression as creepy as always- playing the piano. "Oh, you gotta be kidding me. We've gotta go past her?" Mono groans quietly, squeezing Seven's hand for reassurance. "Okay, okay. I can do it. We'll be fine. Just gotta be slow and quiet."

"'I'?" Seven asks. "What- you're not doing this alone."

Mono squeezes his hand once more, this time reassuring Seven. "I can do it, Seven. I don't wanna risk both of us being down there at once. We wouldn't be able to get back up fast enough if she saw us. Please, stay up here?"

Seven grips his hand a bit too tightly to show he's upset, but sighs and nods. "Okay. But you better hurry back. I'm not letting you get eaten by that thing."

"Promise."


Mono slowly creeps down, sneaking across the floor, footsteps as light as possible. He'd noticed something overhead he could lower and they could cross, but it'll likely be loud... He'll have to be quick. 

He turns the crank as soon as the Teacher begins to play once more, lowering the odd sheet of metal enough for Seven to begin making his way across to a hatch on the other side of the room. Mono mentally screams in frustration when he realizes he'll need to push something over to get back up, bracing himself for another anxiety filled few moments.

Once he's back up near the first hatch, he breathes a sigh of relief, hurrying over to Seven who sits waiting on the other side. He grabs his hand instantly, relieved. "I really don't like her."

Seven snickers in response as they yank open the hatch- metal flinging open and slamming loudly into the wood above.

The sound of flesh stretching unnaturally paired with a screech-like noise make Mono aware of the fact that they've been spotted. Goosebumps scatter and spread across his skin, shoulders hunching as he lunges forward into the vent, Seven already rushing through. 

His heart slams against his chest with each beat, but it stutters and threatens to stop when he and Seven struggle to get though another hatch in the vent, the Teacher forcing her head into the enclosed space. She shrieks and Mono shrieks in return, slamming his foot into her face as Seven finally breaks through, the two of them falling backwards. They get up immediately, Seven crawling as fast as possible in such a cramped space, Mono not far behind. 

The Teacher's neck contorts and cracks it's way through the vent, her snapping jaws getting closer and closer to Mono. For a split, heart-stopping second, Mono's coat is caught in her teeth, yanking him back- but his hand is immediately grabbed by Seven, who pulls with as much force as his beaten body can manage, setting Mono free and giving him enough time to get moving again. 

Seven disappears ahead and Mono hurries to the opening he can see, the light, Seven coming into view on the other side of a gap, holding out his hand- Mono's going to have to jump. He might fall. But he has to jump. He won't fall, Seven will catch him, Seven will always catch him-

He doesn't have time to think it over, so he leaps with fear causing his heart to hammer in his chest- the Teacher screeching and screaming behind him as she rams her head through the hatch- Seven leaning forward to securely lock their hands together, yanking him up so swiftly Mono wonders why he had any doubts in the first place. 

They rush out of the vent and slide down a slanted wooden roof, landing in a trash-filled dumpster with a thump. The Teacher's head darts out after them, swiveling side to side in search of her prey. She gives up quickly after she loses sight of them, slithering back through the vent with one final screech. Mono and Seven are left in silence aside from their heavy breaths and the pitter patter of the rain. 

Seven speaks first, gasping for air. "That... was so scary." His hand is gripping Mono's so tightly it hurts, but he doesn't mind- he's doing the same to Seven.

Mono nods, body relaxing with overwhelming relief into the trash. Even if it was garbage, it was plush enough and he was so exhausted he'd take anything. "Yeah." He inhales deeply. "You caught me."

Seven turns his head to look at his companion. "Of course I did. I told you I'd keep you safe." He squeezes his hand and lets out a sigh. "We should keep moving. I don't wanna risk her coming back."


They climb out of the dumpster and let themselves enjoy the feeling of rain on their dirtied skin, washing away muck and blood from the various scrapes they've sustained during their escape. As they walk forward they lean into each other, catching their breath. 

"I was so scared when your coat got caught." Seven whispers, voice shaky, "My body didn't wanna move towards her but I couldn't let you get eaten. I can't lose you."

Mono feels his eyes brim with tears, wrapping an arm around Seven's waist, turning and tugging him close- Seven responds by wrapping his arms around his shoulders and it turns into an embrace. "You saved me, Sev. You're my hero. I can't lose you either." 


They stand embraced until their clothes are thoroughly damp from the rain, hesitant to break away. They keep their hands tightly intertwined. 

Ahead, the ground is crumbled and slanted, concrete leading to nothing but a gaping chasm. In the middle of it is an incredibly precarious plank bridge, a way across, but definitely not an enjoyable trip over. 

Seven shakes his head as they approach, whining- "Oh come on, there's no way..." just one glance into the abyss has him trembling. Mono's shaking too, fear still bubbling up in his chest, but he tugs gently on Seven's hand and tries to give him a comforting look through his bag. His intent seems to be conveyed well enough, because Seven sighs and begins to follow Mono across, with a death grip on his hand and the back of his coat. 

"Don't look down, we'll be okay!" Mono cheerily says, trying very hard not to look down himself. While it feels like the trip across takes hours to the two of them, in reality it's only a few seconds. Once his feet touch solid ground once more, Seven breathes a heavy sigh of relief. He glances at the abyss once more but quickly looks away, instead looking up at the strange buildings which seem as though they're leaning or distorted. 

He doesn't have much time to think about it before Mono speaks up. "Sev! Come collect some rain water in your hands! This might be our only chance to drink."

Mono's suggestion makes the painful burning in his throat all the more evident, and he hurries to do as told. The water is cold and soothing, and they each drink four or five handfuls before they're satisfied. Now some food would be wonderful. 


With no choice but to advance, they continue on through the rain, using a dumpster to get up onto a ledge, moving through some kind of desolate abandoned town. In a small alley, resting in a puddle, is a paper boat. Mono rushes forward once he spots it, gasping excitedly. "Look, Seven! A little boat!" He giggles, nudging it into Seven's hands. The boy's eyes light up, barely visible from behind his shaggy bangs- he turns the boat around in his grasp and runs a finger along one of the points. "I wish we could keep it." He mumbles, before placing it back into the puddle. "But it's not worth carrying."

Mono frowns, grasping at Seven's wrist before he can walk off ahead. "When we're somewhere safe and warm, I promise I'll find or make us tons of our own toys. And we can play everyday, and we won't go hungry because I'll find us food, and we'll be happy. I promise."

Seven smiles and sniffles. "Thank you Mono. You're my... best friend." 

Mono grins wide and proud beneath his paper bag. "And you're mine too!" He yanks Seven into a quick hug, adjusting his scarf. "Let's go, best friend!"

Seven huffs in amusement at Mono's energy even after everything, letting himself be tugged forward. Mono has a skip in his step, now, joy buzzing under his skin. Seven used to be so shy, so closed off and hesitant. And now they're best friends!

He won't let anything happen to him.



Moving through more doors and empty rooms, they pass through what seemed to be a clothing shop of sorts. Seven scans the suits hanging up and huffs out a sigh, tugging at his soaked sweater. "I wish there was something here I could wear."

Mono hums in agreement, his own clothes soaked and sticking to his body. "Maybe we can dry off somewhere soon. I might be able to find a way to make a fire?"

"I hope so. I'm really cold." He glances over at Mono, who's already pulling off his coat. "No- no! I told you to keep it! Besides, it's soaked too, it won't do me much good. But thank you anyway."

Mono pouts.



Past a dumpster and through a gate, they go through a vent (bad memories) and come out the other side only to be greeted by a very large building. Seven eyes it warily but Mono tugs him forward, saying "Look, we can get out of the rain! Maybe even dry off a little." Seven agrees, but can't shake the shadowy feeling of anxiety looming over him as they head inside through a window.


If only they knew what horrors await them. 

Chapter Text

Mono climbs bravely through the window first, then reaches up to help Seven down, lacing their fingers together the moment his feet hit the dusty floor. The two boys stand still for a few moments, wide, wary eyes scanning their new surroundings. Upon immediate entry, the building didn't leave the best first impression. The air had a staleness to it, dry and vaguely suffocating, dust floating about aimlessly. Seven inhaled and experienced immediate regret, choking on the dust and debris. "Ugh," He coughed, appreciating Mono's hand patting at his back in support, "This place is..."

Seven pauses, eyeing the papers and medical equipment strewn about the floor in a chaotic, unnerving mess. He grips Mono's hand tightly.

Mono squeezes back as he replies, taking a few steps forward. "Creepy?" He receives a nod in return, followed by a small huff of laughter. "Really creepy."


The two push through the uneasy feeling and continue ahead, the ambiance sending shivers up Seven's back, trailing up in such a way it almost felt like a hand, tracing his spine. He does his best to shake the feeling, scooting closer to Mono, bumping their shoulders together for a bit of grounding as they crawl under an old hospital bed. 

They pass an ominous gate, the blue haze behind it unwelcoming and cold, and choose instead to push through a door at the end of the hall. Mono tries first, feet failing to gain enough traction against the floor as he pushes, and he ends up walking in place for a moment, almost as if he was on a treadmill. 

Seven giggles quietly at the sight, but rushes to help before Mono can pout at him. Not that Seven could see him pouting, but he's become accustomed to the different sounds of his voice, and when it takes on a slightly shrill whine, Seven is sure Mono has his bottom lip stuck out beneath that bag. 

Once pushing together, the door begins to creak, before it very abruptly pops open, and Seven's eyes shoot wide as they both realize that there is no solid ground on the other side. Seven only has a mere moment to grasp desperately at Mono's hands, the maw of the void beneath yearning for someone to fall, so that they may be consumed by it's darkness.

Seven grips at Mono's wrists so tightly his nails claw up his ashen skin, staring into the empty holes of the paper bag with pure fear, of which he was sure Mono was mirroring in his own eyes. Seven's shoulders shake with adrenaline, half of his body hanging over the edge, and he tries to keep his gaze only on Mono instead of the void below as he heaves him up onto solid ground once more. They both lie there silent for a few eerie seconds, before Seven shoots up to wrap his arms around Mono with desperation. 

Mono returns the hug with the same amount of enthusiasm, gripping at the back of Seven's shirt like a lifeline as the boy sniffles into his shoulder. "Are you okay?" Seven croaks out, voice shaky and sore from how tight his throat had become during that chilling moment. His hands tremble, though he tries to calm them, placing them on Mono's shoulders as he pulls back from the embrace. Mono's body trembles along in tandem, knowing he was a slip of the hand away from plummeting to his death. He could've died, and Seven would've been left completely alone.

"I'm okay." He breathes out slowly, trying to calm his racing heart, "Thanks to you!" 

Seven smiles, wipes at his nose with a sniffle, and helps Mono to his feet as they both stare out beyond the door. Empty beds hang above the void, strung up by cloth, for seemingly no reason. The display is unnerving and strange to say the least, and Seven would much rather curl up in a corner than go anywhere near the idea of jumping across them, but something compels the two forward. 

With shaking knees threatening to lock up, Seven makes the first jump, onto the bottom bed of two tied together, like a rushed attempt at bunkbeds. He finds himself wishing for actual bunkbeds where he could lie cozy beneath a blanket, his friend on one of the beds above or beneath him, giggling to each other about nothing far past their bedtime. Like the innocent, carefree kids they should be.

But Seven knows their reality is warped, and his odd ideas of normality don't fit in this twisted world, so he keeps jumping and climbing until they both reach solid ground, collapsing in a heap together. Mono sets his eyes on a fuse stuck in an outlet in the wall where they arrived, and quickly takes it, figuring they might be able to use it elsewhere. They cross the darkened hallway and reach an empty outlet for a fuse, confirming Mono's instinct to take it along, and once placed in, the fuse opens a door in front of them, this time slowly enough for them to look down and check for something to land on.

Through the door, below, is what seems to be the top of an elevator. Mono spots a vent in the corner right where the top of the elevator sits, and the two impulsively jump down, landing at the same time and causing the metal below to shake and shriek. Seven freezes up, panicking, while Mono beelines for the vent, yanking at it desperately with all of his child strength. Which isn't enough, so he calls out frantically for Seven as the elevator creaks, shrieking against the walls as it slides downwards, "Seven! Please!"

This helps the boy snap out of his frozen state, and he hurries to grab and pull at the vent cover, pushing his feet against the wall for leverage until it finally pops off, and they both hurry inside the vent shaft seconds before the elevator plummets abruptly. Through heavy, tired breaths, Mono thanks Seven for the help and checks him over. "Are you okay? That was really scary, I didn't know if we could get the cover off in time, we shouldn't have jumped so quickly, I..." Mono pauses with his hands on Seven's shoulders, satisfied after finding no injuries. "I should've found another way."

Seven gasps, alarming Mono and making him flinch, "What? Mono, you can't be blaming yourself!" Seven frowns, scooting closer to Mono in the cramped space. He does his own injury check on Mono as he gently scolds him, brushing dust off of his coat. "This.. everything here is dangerous, whether we like it or not. The vent was a good idea, I followed along because I trust you, Mono." Seven sighs, stopping his doctor check up to hold Mono's hands tenderly. "The beds were risky, too. I mean, I was terrified jumping across those, every time they shook I was sure I was about to die!" He laughs, but there isn't much humor in it. "But we both know we have to move forward if we wanna find somewhere safe. Even if that means jumping across beds hanging by cloth, or nearly falling to our death on an elevator. Because even though we're out of the rain, this place? Doesn't feel safe to me. At all. I might've preferred the school, actually..." Seven trails off, finished with his speech, and rubs his thumbs across the top of Mono's hands while he waits for a reply. 

"Eugh, the school, really?" Mono breaks the silence with a dramatic shiver, "I don't know, I think I might prefer endless darkness and weird hanging beds to the Teacher." Mono fakes a gag at the thought of her, and feels his heart swell when it makes Seven burst into giggles, finally breaking the somber mood. 

"Hehe, yeah, she was really freaky." Seven hides his wide smile behind his hand, still giggling as Mono starts to lead him through the vent. Mono feels his own mouth smile wide in response, and the brief moment of laughter brings him a boost of determination he'd been lacking. 

That is, until they reach the end of the vent and fall down into the room below, which is completely drenched in darkness aside from the light of a cracked flashlight sitting on the floor. It's significantly darker than anywhere they'd been so far, but no matter! Mono squares his shoulders and straightens his back, grasping Seven's hand almost too tight, just to be sure he's still beside him, before picking up the only source of light around. The flashlight flickers once or twice as they advance through the rooms, the darkness so thick it feels like it's swallowing them whole, the flashlight barely managing to hold open the inky jaws threatening to snap shut. 

Seven grabs at Mono's arm, terrified to lose him in the dark, worried something might leap out and take him away. "Mono, I don't like this." He squeaks out, certain he can hear something clawing and skittering nearby. Mono leans closer to him as comfort, reaching out blindly in the dark to ruffle Seven's hair, briefly poking him in the eye, though Seven doesn't comment. "Hey, me either- but, but it's okay! This place is abandoned, everything's a mess and the only thing here is some mannequins. And those can't hurt us, so we're just fine, Sev!" Mono says as brightly as he can, marching forward and tugging Seven along with him before either of them could chicken out. 

"If you say so..." Seven whispers, almost afraid to raise his voice in fear of something other than his friend hearing him. 

They pass by an old red wagon and some toys, and it takes everything in Mono to not stop and play. They need to keep moving, but oh, what he would give to play happily with Seven for a while.


Continuing forward, the two boys go through eerily silent halls filled with old medical trays and syringes scattering the floor, and past giant, intimidating doorways, before turning down a short hallway and going into a pleasantly well lit room. The large white light buzzes overhead, the sound welcome after so much quiet. Seven heads toward another door, but is stopped by Mono's hand on his wrist.  "Wha-? Mono, look, there's a button!"

"I know, I can see it! But look, look, Sev!" Mono grins excitedly, leading Seven over to an old vending machine, towering over the two small boys. It was lit up with the promise of functionality, and Seven gasped as Mono pulled a lever, and a soda can came tumbling out. "Whoa! Is that actually soda?" Seven asks with wonder, watching Mono pick up the can and examine it, before happily thrusting it into Seven's hands. "Yes! Look, it's orange flavored!" Mono laughs with a rare joy, happy to give his friend some kind of sustenance, even if it wasn't food. 

Seven rolls the can around in his hands in amazement, the promise of sugar making him bounce in place. "Wow!! Um..." He pauses, turning the can this way and that, "How do you open it again?"

"Oh!" Mono takes the can from Seven and picks at a metal tab on the top, pulling it up, and with a pop the soda opens. Fizz rises to the top as he hands it back to his friend, Seven looking at him in awe between glances at the can and the contents inside. His friend was so smart!

Slowly, Seven lifts the can to his mouth with two hands, afraid to spill it, and flinches as the sugary carbonation stings his taste buds. It'd been so long since he'd had anything sweet, that he can immediately feel himself getting a craving for more. "This is so good!!" Seven resists the urge to skip around the room, now feeling bouncy and energetic. Mono watches with a smile so big his eyes crinkle until they're nearly shut, relieved to see Seven happy again, even if only for a moment. He blinks in surprise when the can is shoved into his hand, Seven only having taken one more sip. 

"Try it!" Seven smiles, urging Mono to take it. Mono hesitates, fingers nearly grasped around the cold container before his hand retreats, and he shakes his head. "No, Sev, it's all for you! You deserve it." He nods, as if there were no other possible option, but Seven doesn't seem to accept that answer, curling Mono's fingers around the can himself.  "Nuh-uh! You haven't had anything to drink in ages! We've both been running for our lives, not just me!" Seven refuses to relent, crossing his arms with a pout until Mono finally takes a long drink (he tried to take a baby sip, but Seven's pout turned into a frown, and he quickly wanted to wipe that look off his face).

Mono feels his body buzz the moment the sugar hits, and takes another drink despite his earlier argument. It's a bit hard to get a proper drink while holding his bag up slightly, but it works well enough. He takes a few more sips, cherishing the flavor on his tongue, before handing it back to Seven with a decent amount still in the can. "Okay, okay, I had some!! Now you have the rest."

There's a slight whining contest that follows, because Seven insists he's had enough, and Mono deserves the rest, but Mono insists otherwise. They bicker playfully for a few moments before Seven finally relents, greedily drinking the last remains from the can, already mourning the sweetness. After this, he'd be lucky to find some stale bread. 


Begrudgingly moving on from their lit up, soda filled safe haven, they use the empty can to throw at the button next to the door, opening it with a grating beep. The moment they step through the door and into the next room, Mono feels a familiar pull, a weight crushing him. Clutching at his head, Mono can barely hear Seven's calls for him as he stumbles towards another TV, buzzing and warbling until he places his hand on the screen, phasing through it.