Chapter Text
Thomas heard his bare feet slap against the concrete with every stride of his crazed sprint. If not for the oppressive chill of the Pale City, providing constant numbness to his abused toes, he’d probably be in agony right now. Normally he’d take better care of them; finding the time to wrap them in cloth, or watching his step when moving quickly as he was. After all, it was one’s foot health that allowed them to escape from monsters. None of that mattered though, not now. If he didn’t make it in time, he’d have a lot more to pay than some bloody soles.
Around each dreary corner and over every pothole he ran, until finally, he identified the four children he had been looking for. They were all of similar stature to him, and therefore, easy to miss. Their positioning didn’t help either; each one of them slumped over in the alley, as if immensely bored with their current predicament. He knew better though. Each one of them would be on high alert, proven by their reaction to his presence, undoubtedly tipped off by the intimate pitter-patter of his feet in the rain. All raised their heads quickly to the intruder. Some covered by masks, some not. He had to admit, the practice was immensely tempting to him. To shield one’s face from the world, and thereby to hide all weakness of the individual. It must be relaxing, but then again, insecurity is the friend of survival. He was constantly aware of the fragility of all of their lives, and therefore, anticipated the scolding he was about to receive.
“What the hell is the matter with you?”
He spoke crudely, but no louder than a mouse. Only once Thomas had fully come upon the group did the others make their displeasure known.
“We heard you running from across the whole damn block! Are you trying to get us killed?” He continued, as angry as whispering would allow.
His name was Brand, and Thomas had only met him only a few days ago. Despite this, he already despised the kid. He sincerely wished the brat would wear a mask, and spare him the displeasure of seeing his face. No such grace would be provided to him. Figures.
“I’m trying to live. You know what she’ll do to me if I’m late again.” He snapped back at Brand, voice far more rough than the former, likely due to misuse. He couldn’t help but cough after speaking, causing the entire group to bristle at the sound.
“That’s on you man. There’s no reason for the rest of us to die because of your mistakes.”
It was hard to argue with that, but then again, he didn’t need to. Even in a group, it was every man for themself in the end. He knew Brand understood this, and so his words were hollow. Speaking, for him, was only a way to vent his frustration. Most preferred to stay silent. The rest of the group shunned Thomas like a diseased rat, silently hoping that he’d be the next to go. If he were just a little unlucky, they’d be free of who they viewed as a burden. He didn’t let it bother him though. The same applied to them, after all. What did bother him though, was the apparent lack of their leader.
Initially, he’d been relieved at the lack of a brazen yellow raincoat amongst the group. With luck, his tardiness would go unnoticed. The longer he stood in wait however, the more anxious he became. Why was she, of all people, late to their gathering? Had she too, become unlucky? The silence amongst them was now absolute. They were used to it, and in a way, it was how they communicated. For instance, he knew they were all wondering the very same thing. Would he be happy if she kicked the bucket? Probably not, even though she absolutely deserved it. If the world was ridden of a vile person like her, they’d be deprived of the most important thing keeping them alive. It infuriated him, but it was reality. Many things made him angry, but that doesn’t mean he could do anything about it. Those who tried, would always pay dearly for it. People he used to admire were snuffed out, all because they could not control their emotions. The fact of the matter was that Six could do whatever she wanted.
As if on cue, a new presence entered the corner of his vision. Immediately, the smell of blood and gore invaded his nostrils, and invaded was an apt word for it, because her presence was completely overwhelming. Her entire being disgusted him, so much so that he refused to acknowledge her entrance by turning to look at her, even as she towered over him, a clear sign of her older age. The others were not the same. In front of him, kids jolted and tensed, each with varying degrees of surprise in their body language, and all facing behind him. It was as if they watched her step out from his shadow. In fact, that’s probably what happened.
There was no doubt in his mind that she knew of his mistakes. Not only would she know that he was late, but also how careless he had been on his way here. However, while many would break immediately, and apologize profusely for their actions, he chose to stay quiet. Six wasn’t the type to argue or scold. He knew she hated to speak more than anyone else. If he were to be punished, she’d simply carry it out without a word…
Thomas gasped as his hand was gripped with unnatural strength, and twisted in the full opposite direction. The violent action shattered his wrist instantly. He would have yelled out in pain, if not for a pale hand that was practically rammed into his mouth at the same time. With tears pouring from his eyes, he seethed silently as her other hand gently twisted his own back the way it should be. Her touch was surprisingly gentle, as if separate from the being that maimed him a moment ago. The others gazed on, frozen. Even Brand’s face went completely pale at the grizzly sight. It was unclear to Thomas if the boy felt any amount of sympathy towards him, or if his expression reflected only fear for himself. It wasn’t easy to see through tear-soaked eyes.
Once the initial shock had worn off, he was free to experience all kinds of sensations in the moment. Mostly searing pain, but also the irony taste of blood in his mouth. That could only come from her hand, which remained in its place for a moment longer, to ensure that he would not make noise. If he did, well, he could take a good guess. That is why, with all his willpower, he denied himself the urge to scream, or even whimper. All that remained was silent heaving, the only other sign of discomfort he allowed to let slip.
The moment he was freed of her obtrusive grip, he spit and wretched onto the concrete at his feat. He didn’t know where that blood had come from. It could be a rat, a monster, or even another kid. Regardless, it could carry diseases, and he needed it out of his mouth. While he was busy with that, the monster known as Six drifted out to the entrance of the alleyway. It was clear they were to follow, but Thomas was too preoccupied to notice. His hand flopped back and forth from its position on his arm. It disturbed him greatly, and he lacked the means to correct it. Shockingly however, it was in this moment of need that he would receive the first bit of kindness that he had in weeks. One of his compatriots had stepped toward him and began to wrap his wrist in bandages. The very same that covered their face completely. He didn’t even know their name, and they selflessly provided him with the means to heal. It shed light on an old belief of his, that everyone was capable of kindness. It was a comforting thought for sure, but when he looked up at the yellow clad monster before them, his resolve hardened again. Surely, that thing was pure evil.
***
“How greedy.”
Six raised an eyebrow as the “other her” whispered into her ear. Its tone wasn’t judgmental, only curious. It had been a good hour since they’d dished out their punishment, so it amused her that it’d only speak up about it now. Regardless, she discreetly nodded her head in agreement. By incapacitating the boy's hand, she had effectively cut his pay in half. A kid with one hand could scavenge only a fraction of the food of one with two. Maybe she had gone too far, but then again, all eyes were on her, and the boy had shown a little too much spunk for her taste.
“Familiar taste.”
She shook her head; it wasn’t ironic at all. Six knew what the shadow was implying, but it was wrong. She was nothing like that boy. She would not make such a ruckus. She would not allow herself to be maimed in such a way. It was hard to describe how different she was from anyone else, and so she didn’t. While the shadow spoke freely into her ear, careless of prying ears around them, she had no such luxury. Even then, speaking had become increasingly difficult as the years went by, to a degree that could not be explained through lack of use. It seemed as though while she lost her voice as time went by, the thing continued to gain its own. It was amazing just how far its verbalization had come, and she silently envied the shadow’s soft, delicate voice. One that became harder and harder to replicate.
“So close to danger.”
Six rolled her eyes at its incessant observations. She couldn’t blame it for being curious though, it was an odd operation she was running. Above them loomed the ever-watching, ever-present signal tower. Six years later, and it still chilled her to her bones. Or was that the radio frequencies? Either way, it wasn’t pleasant to be around. The only reason they could even be this close, was because the signal had dulled down by a significant margin. No doubt it was his doing, and probably done just for her. It was his domain after all, he’d know exactly where she is at all times.
Six cringed at the thought, not overly fond of being watched, especially now. It meant they had to work just that much faster. Speaking of…
“He-hey miss, where do you want this set of TVs?” The talkative one called out to her, seeking guidance; all the while sputtering like a candle. As much as she’d like to think it was because of her, odds are he was just afraid to be so close to the tower. Surely, none of them had come so far before.
Six casually raised her arm and gestured to an empty space in their array. It was becoming quite the elaborate setup. Row after row of glimmering TV screens centered around a single pedestal in the middle of the street. Around it, children worked tirelessly to put each television set in place. Some grunting in effort, others silently working without issue. None knew what it was for; none but Six. The ignorant saps probably assumed it was for some wicked ritual she’d perform. Of course they’d be half right, and she really wished they’d hurry up the job.
Six stepped out and into the center of their construct, clearing her throat as to convey her next instructions with some semblance of clarity. She’d become pretty good at making herself understood. Perhaps not for the writhing insects gnawing away at her throat, she’d have become quite the conversationalist.
Six shook her head at the thought. No, that’s not quite right. If only she had stayed there, then she might have stood a chance. The memories of that world left a bitter taste in her mouth, unrelated to the blood of her previous meal. Her time in the other world had changed her, for certain. Six was afraid of change, she despised it, but then why was she doing all this? Obviously, there was some sweetness to it all as well. Enough in fact, that left her wanting to return.
It didn’t want her back, she understood, clear as day. Afterall, even her “friends” had ultimately sent her screaming back into the void. Back into the “Nowhere” as they called it. Right back into his arms.
The mental image made her shudder through her raincoat. None of it mattered anyway. The fact of the matter was that Six had no friends. No one who wanted her, and no one who needed her. Even these impressionable young souls, they didn’t need her. Instead, she was feared. Both her protection from monsters and sharing of rations when they came by, were both convenient excuses for their servitude. It was clear to her that each of them knew deep-down, that they'd be better off far away from the monster that called herself Six. Hopefully soon she would relieve them of their burden, as with her own. Despite her inherent lack of friends on either side, the world of lights, clean surfaces, and silly costumes had brought her a temporary sense of ease, one she hadn’t felt since. Soon she would be gone, and so would be her worst troubles.
Unfortunately, she wasn’t there quite yet.
The TVs flickered on all around her, the entire block humming with the sound of static and electricity. Already, the jingles and chimes of old TV programs found footing in what was once sweet silence. It was all far earlier than she had anticipated. The blaring static from each set left her staggered, and she struggled to stay upright. Perhaps forcing the injured and jittery kids to rush their work had been the wrong move on her part.
“You fools! I told you to connect the wires when it was all finished!” she called out to them, straining her vocal cords to express her fury.
Six struggled to suppress the urge to hyperventilate. She was supposed to be the calm one after all. Hopefully he was faring better than she was. In the corner of her eye, Six noticed one of the TVs static began to pop and sputter irregularly, which could only mean that Mono had finally recognized what she was doing, and decided to make an appearance. Now more than ever, she had to be fast. The short and dimmed shadow she cast began to darken and stretch in one direction, a complete impossibility with the bright lights she surrounded herself with. If anything, it seemed to grow strongest in the direction of the brightest TV, not away from it. Ascending from the dark mass was a person, or rather, a shadow within itself. With its reflective raincoat and long matted hair, it was a perfect reflection of Six herself. Save for its complete lack of color. Six wasted no time in beckoning the spirit, holding out her hand as if to say “give it here.”
Obediently, (although more sluggish than she would like) it reached into its dark coat to pull out a pair of bright yellow, reflective rubber boots. Given their surroundings, they looked absolutely bizarre. Their bright, clean appearance contrasted with both the shadow which held them, and the filth of the surrounding city. It was as if in a whole world of old things, they were the only objects that were new.
“Cold feet?”
It whispered directly into her ear, despite standing a good three feet from her.
Six snarled at what might have been an attempt at humor, while snatching the boots from its hand. A hand which itself did not open, instead allowing the boots to glide through its closed fingers, like they had been suspended by nothing at all. While she scrambled to put them on, the TV’s flashing continued to grow in intensity, before finally settling on an eerie shade of purple. That had to be her least favorite color by now.
The growing noise and supernatural activity succeeded in frightening off most of the other kids, although a couple foolish ones chose to remain despite the intensifying situation. They were those who were either too stupid or too greedy to run from the incoming danger. Regardless, Six took pity on them. Just as she would order them to leave however, all remaining parties were practically blinded by a final flash from the television, which stabilized on the image of a young man, with an unamused expression on his face.
“Really Six? We’re doing this again?”
The voice crackled and popped like an overburdened fuse. Mono was clearly having difficulty speaking while the TVs were suppressed by her magic, although clearly he had managed anyway.
“What is this, the fifth time? Why can’t you just be happy here? I try to make things comfortable for you.” he continued, somewhat pitifully.
Six allowed her angriest snarl to overcome her face. Mono didn’t flinch though, he was long used to it by now.
“Why can’t you just leave me alone?” she growled back, ignoring the scratching at her vocal cords as she did so. The question was more rhetorical than anything, but of course he bothered to answer it anyway.
“It’s because I care about your well-being Six. That world has been sealed away from us completely. These experiments, they’re never going to succeed.”
The way his face seemed to droop when he said this reminded Six of a rotting pumpkin. She knew he could not keep the facade up for long.
“If you keep this up you’re going to get hurt or worse!”
There it was, that demeaning attitude he couldn’t help but express. It had always been his nature, and nothing would change that.
“I can take care of myself.” she assured him through gritted teeth. “You! The noisy one!” she shouted at her remaining troop. “Let's get this started.”
Ironically, it was the child whose wrist she broke an hour ago who she called upon to do her bidding. Or maybe it wasn’t. It was likely his fear of her that kept him from running off. Perhaps she had made the right choice after all.
Already knowing what to do, he swiftly began twisting each dial to any random frequency. The other one, taking some initiative, soon joined him in the chaotic task. All around her, the TV’s blared into their nonsensical programs, the signal pressure rapidly grew to unbearable levels, even for her. As she turned to watch them work, she jumped slightly at the sight of her shadow hanging around beside her, now growing increasingly distorted by the signal she exposed herself to. What the hell was it doing, sticking around without her command?
Mono carried on his spiel more urgently now. “Six, this is madness. Look at yourself! You're practically… Where did you get those boots?”
Digital eyes gazed down on her shiny new footwear in surprise. Six couldn’t help but smirk at his expression. She’d show him for underestimating her.
“Ha! Don’t they look new? I’ve only had them stored away for what, five years?”
Her voice soared as she frantically scanned each flickering TV screen. Her mood was better than it had been for a long time, and it was about to get even better. Her dark eyes lit up, as buried inconspicuously in the nonsense of looping TV shows was a small, relatively dim screen, displaying something she clearly recognized. The glamorous living room of the Titans Tower, the place she had been forced to leave behind. The picture stood out like a sore thumb, despite its poor quality.
“I’ll see you Mono, have fun stuck here.” She teased with glee as she sprinted toward the screen, eager to drive herself arms-first into the static. Her shadow, which had been content to hang around up to this point, finally disappeared into her wake. She’d have to look into its strange behavior, but not before escaping this horrible place.
Blinding light filled her eyes as she dove into the image, made soft and malleable by their close proximity to the tower. It was like a dream come true, despite the building nausea as she fought to reach the other side.
“Fine, if this is what you want.”
Six froze as Mono’s voice penetrated her eardrums. Not voluntarily of course, it was like her whole body had been drenched in concrete, which prohibited her to move. Blinking away the bright afterimage of the TV, her eyes could finally register the same purple glow that illuminated Mono’s TV. Her heart dropped to her chest, realizing that she was not in Titans Tower, but rather, The Signal Tower. Mono had tricked her!
She again suppressed the urge to vomit as she lay there on the ground as Mono towered over her, patiently waiting for her to catch her bearings. His expression…unreadable.
“I see now; you wanted to use those boots as a bridge to the other world. In the same way that the North Wind had used you.”
Yes, she supposed her plan had been pretty obvious. Pretty clever though, all things considered. She even put herself under the tower’s influence to make it happen.
“Please tell me Six, did you know they were going to die?” he questioned her, voice devoid of any emotion.
Die? Who was he talking about? She was totally fine! The only other people…oh. The children she had brought with her.
“You had them exposed to an extremely high concentration of the broadcast. Your powers are the only reason you survived. They were not so lucky.”
She wanted to call out to him, to defend herself, but her mouth was unable to speak. She had tried to warn them damnit! It was his fault that she didn’t get around to it, his fault that she even needed their help in the first place. The irony of the broadcaster chastising her about his own broadcast was not lost on her.
Mono sighed. “I can’t help you if you concentrate the signal onto yourself as you did. No matter what you intended initially, it was you who told them to tune the transmission in the end. All for your own selfish desires.”
He spoke as if he could read her mind. Maybe he could. That idea thoroughly disturbed her, although not as much as the thought of what he would do with her now.
“I’m sorry Six, but your plan, it never would have worked. You’re lucky that I caught you when I did.”
Her heart sank even further at his declaration. It was a longshot, she knew, but she couldn’t help but feel hopeful this time around. Hope was one of her many curses, only this one was given to her when she first visited the other world. Now, she’d be punished for it. Mono wouldn’t let her leave the signal tower this time around. She could tell the idea was tempting to him. Locking her up so she would never be free again.
“Is that really what you think of me?” he responded, confirming that he was, in fact, in her head.
His unwavering demeanor broke into one of sad disappointment. In the back of her mind, she almost felt sorry for him. A sentiment that only grew in prominence the longer she looked at his grim face, so she promptly averted her eyes. Despite the obvious signs of growing older, he looked remarkably unchanged from their days together. She didn’t need any nostalgia, weakening her willpower. Maybe he had already mutated into some hideous monster, and was using his powers to make her think she was looking at the handsome boy she once knew.
Mono moved to touch his cheek, before he himself turned away from her. Six relaxed, assuming the conversation was over, ready to endure whatever he had in store for her.
“Six I- I’ll give you what you want.”
What? She jerked to look toward him, but only cramped her neck in the process, forgetting she couldn’t move.
“I know that you hate me,” he explained “but maybe if I did this for you, you’d know I only wish you the best.”
Six’s mind raced frantically to grasp what he was implying. He’d send her to the other world? But he said it was impossible…He’d do that for her?
“Yes Six, I’d do it for you. But you only have two months. Beyond that, you have to return. Otherwise, our two worlds will begin to converge like they did last time. I choose to have faith that you will not fail them, as you did those kids today.”
Six tried to nod her head to agree, before again remembering, she was immobile. It was a shame about the time limit, but she’d think of something to bypass it. She'd proven to be pretty clever, after all.
Mono appeared to sigh in resignation. “Just don’t take me for a fool Six. I, more than anyone, know that you belong here. But maybe, you can do some good if given the chance.”
She wanted to ask what he meant by that, but she already felt herself moving on from the signal tower, as if descending into a dream.
“Please remember Six, even you, have friends.”
That was the last thing she heard before crashing through a TV screen, and vomiting on a cold, hard floor.