Work Text:
It was a warm sunny day outside. The clouds high above the sky rarely, if ever, obscure the bright glow from the sun—the landscape gave them an nostalgic feeling. It felt almost like a warm blanket the way it wrapped around them, promising comfort at all times.
The small Messiah sat upon the lone swing, gripping the ropes with both hands and smiling freely like a giddy child. Standing behind them was the very being who had eluded them for so long, keeping the swing moving with gentle pushes.
Their old friend, cliff-faced extraordinaire, and mysterious guide; [PLAYER].
It felt like a dream come true.
Niko’s giggles were carried all across this strange space, happy and light—almost as bright as the daylight that surrounded them.
Their smile was wide and brimming with joy. This was the most happiest they’ve been in a long time.
In stark contrast, [PLAYER] could only muster a small yet present smile, looking rather fondly at their little savior.
It’s strange really, all those different faces and not a toothy grin to be found!
Niko quietly noted to themselves to dedicate all their time with their friend—no matter how short—to get them to smile.
He could just be shy... that’s fine, I was shy too once!
The green grass beneath them looked incredibly soft, there was not a single bug or critter in sight, a miracle of its own right. It was very tempting to just lie down in it.
“Wheeeee...! Higher [PLAYER]!!” If only they weren’t preoccupied.
Sure. With a simple, straight to the point response, [PLAYER] decided to comply with their request...
...by pushing Niko exactly one centimeter higher.
“[PLAYER]....” the not-a-cat person and or child whined—acting like their age for once.
The mentioned being only shrugged, not breaking the ever so slightly different momentum. You didn’t mention how high. Gosh! He’s got a point... Niko crossed their arms with a huff, too annoyed to admit defeat. “Nuh-uh, I said higher, this is barely anything at all!”
Niko turned over their shoulder and did their best impression of a furious person. The best they could do was look like a pouty little child with their hair constantly getting in their face.
They looked more adorable than intimidating, much to their dismay.
Still higher than before. The frustrating entity insists.
“No it isn’t!”
Yuh-uh.
“Nuh-uh!”
Yuh-uh
“Nuh—hey! Stop laughing at me!!”
I’m not laughing. Says the person that is barely hiding their amused smile, chuckling slightly for completely unrelated reasons.
This exchange carried on for much longer, until Niko got too tired to argue back.
They skid the swing to an abrupt stop with both of their legs, standing up to approach their smug friend. With a light glare and pouty lips, they tackled their guide into an embrace, being carried almost immediately—despite the supposedly strong shove, [PLAYER] remained still as a statue.
An arm patted their back exactly three times, just as their Mama always did.
How did they know that?
Know what?
They got shocked enough to freeze, once they come back to their senses, they lightly slap a hand against his ever-changing face. “Hey, that’s not nice—I didn’t give you permission to read my mind!” Funnily enough, they weren’t all that bothered by it—they’ve had them in their head for so long after all.
Niko nuzzled him further, placing their head securely on the crook of his neck—still very stubborn. “Look, this isn’t like before. You’re here now! You don’t need to—”
It placed a finger on their mouth and shushed them.
Niko was stunned for a moment before laughing incredulously.
“D-Did you just shush me!?” If they had known they were having a sassy God for a guide, they more likely than not would have taken longer to reach the end.
Not that they would have minded.
“Shush me one more tine and I wil—”
Shush.
They both just stared at each other with varying levels of amusement. A mischievous glint could be seen in Niko’s wide eyes.
“Oh now you’ve asked for it...”
They quickly jumped out of the warm hug—which they definitely did not want all that much—they then start giving chase against the offender on all fours. Kind of like a cat.
The aforementioned decided to play along, running just fast enough for Niko to keep up, there was a skip to their steps and a faint smile on their shifting face.
Niko giggled loudly as they chased their target, their sharp teeth was shown the whole way. The both of them kept this up until, Niko collapsed into the grass, rolling along playfully. [PLAYER] stood by for a moment before lying down as well, though they may refuse to roll along as well, he kept careful watch over the smaller child—resting their arms on its chest.
Having fun?
“Yeah... I am!” They responded with an exhausted and somewhat muffled voice. They finally stopped rolling like a certain feline creature, moving over to rest closely beside their friend.
They panted heavily, despite not feeling tired at all.
Strange.
Maybe.
Niko often forgets they can just hear everything no matter what. They give a light shove at their side, feeling... nothing? Huh, weird.
It’s probably because he’s God, yeah, that’s why!
Turning their attention to them, they start recounting a few things from their life—all with a large grin and an excitable voice.
Like a child with too much to say and far too little time at the present moment.
“So when I went back home, I kinda just fell asleep on the wheat fields! It was really warm and I was so tired... and then—”
[PLAYER] listened intently to their rambling, their form may not remain the same for too long, but their attention was unwavering.
“...and then my Mama was there, she just scooped me up and hugged me for... a while! She was crying so much back then, it was—”
It looked sad for a moment, a deep sense of sympathy etched upon its shaky expression.
“...when we came back home, Mama didn’t want to leave me alone after that, saying something about how it was... four months... had it been that long? Surely it wasn—”
His expression seemed to return back to its docile state. She looked outwardly calm, and yet, a simmering sense of shame could be seen in its eyes.
“...I—I umm missed you as well actually... it’s been a while.”
It seemed to frown at their words, a miracle considering the lack of a cohesive face.
I’m glad you got to return home Niko.
You just don’t sound very happy about it.
Oh. That’s... that isn’t wrong. “B-But I am happy! I’m glad I’m home now...” Niko sounded unsure, even to them self. They were happy with the way things ended, they only wished it hadn’t ended so soon, not the way it did—you can’t always get what you want though.
They tapped both of their fingers together whilst glancing away, a nervous habit.
“...I just wish I could... visit again.” They did not hear a response for a long while, like it was contemplating something very hard.
Would you like to?
“What?” Their expression changed into something comical, all nervousness they accumulated in a short timespan evaporated into nothing. “C-Can I?”
Yes. Huh.
Niko simply stared with a gaping mouth, they shook their head to clear away the shock. Their eyes seemed to glow, shining ever brighter with delight. “Really!? B-But how?”
Through that portal over there.
The one behind you.
“What? But I don’t think ther—” there’s a portal behind them. The same one they used to return back to their village. “Oh.”
Yeah.
At first, Niko remained still purely from disbelief. And then, their whole small body starts to vibrate, gradually rising in intensity, like they could not possibly contain their excitement. Before their guide could give another dry remark, they bolted upwards on little cat feet. “What are we waiting for then!? Let’s go!”
They run off to the light, determined and overjoyed in equal measure at the prospect of seeing the World they saved again—[PLAYER] makes her way toward them, trailing slowly behind the more energetic than usual child.
Despite everything, Niko found it in themselves to wait. “Hurry along!” They walk toward the gateway, allowing the blinding light to consume them, before slipping past the threshold, they heard one last remark.
Gosh, you are such a cat.
It was already too late to object to the teasing. At first they saw the environment surrounding them fade away, and then, nothing at all but a white void.
Today would be a good day.
The walk along the Refuge was... quite uneventful. For most of the trip, the small child simply spoke for long periods of time, reminiscing shared memories with a nostalgic look on their face.
[PLAYER] simply nodded along, resigning themselves to simply listening to everything they had to say.
Niko appreciates it.
There was not nearly the same number of squares on the way—Niko was certain that they didn’t run into any at all! They really did save the World... though, strangely enough, the gaps and damage caused by the squares remained—it perplexed Niko deeply.
It’s probably nothing to worry about, Niko.
“...yeah, maybe your right...” It still bothered them though, wouldn’t the lack of corruption help reverse all of the damage? The World Machine was tamed now... surely none of this would have just been left behind afterwards, right?
Someone could fall and get seriously hurt! Just like they almost did, several times—luckily, [PLAYER] was there to catch them every ti—
“W-Woah—!” Their loyal friend would once again grab on to their sleeve, holding them in place, preventing a truly perilous fate. Watch your step, Niko. Even cats need to stay safe. Of course, their is a price to pay for every save.
“I’m not a cat though—just pull me up already! Geez...”
She pretended to give the demand some thought, dragging it on for a long eternity—which was only thirty seconds—she shrugged then pulled Niko back up with relative ease. This did not concern the bright-eyed child, they were the God of this World.
A very silly God...
Ouch. In mock despair, they clutched their chest, as if they’ve been stabbed.
Niko just laughed at its expense.
The view up above the sky bridges never ceases to amaze them. The red glow from the windows, the breath taking scene to behold from one of the most highest points of the Refuge—they loved every second of it.
But that wasn’t why they were there.
Quickly leaving behind their guide—they’ll catch up regardless, somehow—they follow the pink glowing signs, how do they float like that? Heading their way to a specific place.
Just as they made their way to the last stretches of the pathway, they smiled upon noticing a familiar presence leaning haphazardly against the railing.
What took you so long? He nonchalantly stated with no emotion whatsoever. The Messiah knows them well enough to notice the faint hint of teasing in it’s voice. They simply chuckled at their remark and walked inside the building.
Is it... still dark outside?
Why does everywhere I go still get lit up... I don’t even have the Sun anymore.
It’s back now isn’t it...?
It’s best not to question the logic of this World, Niko. Says the spectre that is now suddenly beside them like nothing ever happened.
...
Yeah... alright.
What greeted them inside was the same dull colors from the checkered floor tiles beneath their feet. Bright red fluorescent lights remained blindingly bright overhead, casting the whole establishment with the same lights from outdoors.
As they both pass through the initial areas of Ling’s cafe, they noticed that the tables and seats were all... empty.
Even after all this time?
Niko stopped abruptly, breaking the rhythmic tapping, to the slight annoyance of [PLAYER]. Though, they refused to voice any complaints.
“We... did bring back the Sun, right?”
You did.
Something about keeping all the credit to themselves felt wrong, they’ll have to talk to them about it later on. “Right, we did... so why is no one here? Shouldn’t all of Ling’s customers be back by now?”
She shrugged. She does that a lot.
Things take a while sometimes, Niko.
“...that’s fair.” It isn’t, though it does explain a few things.
They quickly went back to walking with [PLAYER] slowly trailing behind—more like sliding behind. The laws of physics seems to be absent in his presence.
They go around the corner to find much of the same problem. A slow day today maybe. Just beside where Ling typically shows up in, a wall of tall glass panes show the cityscape below. A table holding numerous items was on the left, one particular object of interest to Niko being the large coffee machine with a jug to carry that dark liquid.
They remember their Mama loved that stuff, they couldn’t say the same for themselves—the bitter aroma was always too much for their senses.
Why does she like to drink that...?
“Hi there! I did not expect to see you anymore after everything.” Ling placed aside the shiny metal tray they were wiping, diverting all his attention to the small Messiah in front of him. His red sash around his wrist distracting them for only a brief moment before they smiled at the dark haired man behind the counter.
Their smile faltered upon noticing something strange.
Does he... not see you?
It’s like I’m haunting you, only you can see me.
Oh, well that’s just not fair.
You deserve to meet the people you helped save too you know.
“Niko, are you alright?” Ling looked worried now. Oops.
“Ah, sorry I was just... uhm....” What do I say, what do I say...
Rather than get frustrated, like Niko expected him to, he gave a patient smile and waited. “Take your time, Niko.”
You should ask Ling for coffee. Niko barely held back a flinch upon seeing [PLAYER] standing directly behind Ling, staring at the man with a blank albeit changing face.
Why would I do that??
I just think it’s funny.
...actually, I have a better idea.
“Do you have any pancakes left?” They gave their best smile, letting their eyes shine—all just mere tactics to get a free plate. Completely unnecessary.
Ling smiled back and nodded. “I actually already have a plate ready for you! I hope it’s to your liking...” This left Niko a bit confused.
Really? Where is... oh! Sure enough, a plate of pancakes was sitting in front of them, just waiting to be eaten by a cat-like Messiah. Huh, that was... fast. “Thanks a lot, Ling, you’re the best!”
He looked a little sheepish, his smile gone slightly nervous from the sincere praise. “A-ha, just doing what I do best!” They return back to wiping that same tray, with the exact same movements as before, like anything else would be unacceptable. “Oh and before I forgot, it’s on the house.” He gives a wink before turning away to clean.
Niko could feel their mouth water at the familiar scent of their favorite food, though they did notice it was less obvious. Maybe it’s just the way it is?
They cut off a piece, took a bite, and froze.
There was no flavor.
...
A tragedy for sure, but we mustn’t let this loss lower us, Niko.
[PLAYER] was by the wooden table on the side, staring very intently at that coffee machine for... reasons.
Niko kept eating anyway.
They didn't want to be mean.
At some point, they decided that the silence was a little awkward. It would be nice to talk with Ling again after all this time...
Go for it. He is now... okay, what are you doing. They were standing—sorry, floating—just outside the window. Acting as if they shouldn’t be falling right now.
He did not grace the question with an answer.
“When I got back home, my Mama... she cried a lot.” They could sometimes still feel their clothing soaked in tears that never seemed to run out. She cried and cried until there was no more tears left to shed—they still feel it was their fault.
They tried apologizing to her for it, she simply stared confused and accepted it, even if she didn’t know what for.
Ling looked saddened. “I’m sorry to hear that... I’m sure it wasn’t you’r—” He cut himself off abruptly. Strange, but Niko was deeply familiar with strangeness—like [PLAYER]. No matter what, they can never understand him.
“Yeah, and when we got back home it was... well I don’t want to call it bad, but it was very messy.” An understatement, even far away from home, they made the effort to avoid offending their mother.
“That must have been difficult for you... I can’t imagine how hard it must be to be in your shoes.” Niko nodded solemnly, ignoring the way Ling’s voice seemed slightly off from how he usually sounds. The sweet honeyed words is still there, it just sounds different they suppose.
“I tried making her smile once with a joke.” Niko smiled, more to themselves. They could feel a certain presence appear behind them, it seemed interested. “She kept checking on me after I returned—she still does—so I told her once that I’d be easier to find with a bell attached!”
...
...
“She didn’t seem to like it very much.” She froze in a way that only happens whenever she thought of something bad for too long. Only this time, it looked much worse.
If it makes you feel any better, I think it’s a good joke.
Not helping.
The silence afterwards felt heavy. Niko tried to ignore it, finishing up their plate, unsure of what to say.
Ling on the other hand decides to keep up the conversation.
“You know... that reminds me of something.” The shift in his voice was subtle, it was enough for Niko to raise an eyebrow and not much else.
“There was this tall guy who came in here, he asked me if I’ve seen a button that says ‘ground’ on it.”
Tall guy... Plight, he’s talking about Plight.
Wouldn’t he already know his name by now?
“He looked pretty stressed, so I wanted to cheer him up.”
“I told him the only ‘ground’ I’ve seen today is coffee grounds!”
...
...
“He, um... he didn’t get it...”
...
Didn’t he... say that already...? Like, word for word what he said—just before we made it to the Tower... before the whole Solstice thing?
Maybe he just has one joke to tell.
So like you then?
I will neither confirm nor deny that accusation.
Niko giggled quietly before speaking again. “My Mama actually had a lot of help from her friend while I was away, her name was Alice”
“Oh, yes, you’ve told me about her before.” What. Niko was very perplexed, so much so that they diverted their eyes to look at their friend for an answer—regardless of how vague it may be.
He just shrugged and raised his arms on the side.
Don’t look at me like I know everything, maybe you did tell him and just forgot.
Who knows.
But when did I—
“Niko?” Ah, I’m still talking to Ling. They continued speaking, piercing their fork into—oh, it’s gone now. Niko didn’t even realize they finished eating. Ling just smiled at them and said; “up for another plate?”
Niko contemplated the offer before turning it away. “It’s okay, I’m full now.” The pancakes sat strangely in their stomach. Not heavy, not filling—just there. Ling still gave an understanding nod.
“I actually have to go now, there’s plenty of places I still have to go.” They got off their high stool, standing just tall enough for the ears on the sides of their hat to be seen above the counter.
It almost embarrasses them how short they are.
“Well, alright. It was nice seeing you again, Niko.” He smiled warmly. For just a moment, it looked like he wanted to say something else. Then he simply returned to wiping the same tray.
They start to walk away, approaching the only passageway to the left of them—their guide already appeared just outside the exit.
Smart kid.
“Please don’t make me feel bad for lying to him.”
Never intended to, Niko.
Both of them were content to walk in comfortable silence the whole way through. Eventually, Niko slowly reached a hand out whilst avoiding looking at them, feeling their face heat up slightly out of embarrassment.
They never truly liked holding hands with just about anyone other than the people they were already close with. Before all this, it was merely just a presence that only they could see—they still are despite it all, and yet, they just had to try.
To make sure.
They waited for a hand they were certain would never reach back.
It did.
Niko's grip tightened ever so slightly.
“Thank you...”
[PLAYER] looked ahead.
You're welcome.
Neither of them let go.
They weren’t entirely sure where they were supposed to go really, they kind of just walked around in... strangely empty and dark places.
They had questioned it at some point, [PLAYER] simply told them that it could still be night. They weren’t entirely sure of how that could work, though then again, they weren’t even sure how one large lightbulb could light up an entire World either.
There’s a lot they will never truly know, while it bothers them from time to time, it meant that there was still a lot more to learn—an excuse to spend as much time possible away from home, for just a little bit longer.
“...so when I came back home, I almost forgot about all of you! It made me really sad back then...” Their friend hummed whilst nodding slightly, he walked close beside them, still holding unto their small hand.
“...I actually have drawings of all of you! It’s not much but it’s... something.” They weren’t sure if they got it all right, but they were sure that they would love it—they were right to assume that.
Sounds wonderful, Niko.
They beamed at the kind words before carrying on with their storytelling. “So when Mama came back home, I woke up and—” The walk through the Glen had Niko speak for most of the trip, with [PLAYER] only giving short answers and the occasional praise—which the little Messiah loved every single time.
Green fireflies light up their surroundings like stars in the night sky, it was a very scenic sight for the curious not-a-cat child savior. Their steps were muffled by the mushy green grass that dominated the large expanse.
If memory serves them well, it should feel wet, kind of like a marsh! Though, it doesn’t feel that way right now... a bit weird.
Several jars, small buildings, and a few rams mark the pathway. With the previously mentioned animals letting out very lou—
Bahhh!! One of said animals proceeded to interrupt out of nowhere, they were sure they didn’t even go near the ram...
Scared, huh?
They blinked in a dazed state before quickly facing them with a disgruntled and flustered exclamation. “I-I totally wasn’t! I was just... focusing on other things!!”
Sure you are... and I suppose you were still focusing on other things when you stepped on that puddle?
What puddl—wait, what? They looked down, low and behold there was in fact a puddle there—a very messy one too. Whatever was in that filth covered their boots almost completely, some of it sticking to their long coat. “Oh, darn.” It was either their memory was failing them, but they were pretty sure there wasn’t a puddle in front of them before.
Maybe... it just formed to spite them specifically?
Yeah, darn indeed. With a slight chuckle, she proceeded to then carry them with one strangely strong arm and walked away like holding a young, slightly heavy child was completely normal.
“Hmph!” Niko crossed their arms in indignation, “is this how God’s treat their Messiah’s?”
Yes. Said the careless being with an annoyingly nonchalant voice.
Niko rolled their eyes, adjusting themselves to be in a more comfortable position.
“You know... I still have the secret ram club shirt! We could go over there and, uh...”
“...party with the rams?”
Don’t forget to meet up with ‘Read-Only,’ get shocked by ‘SRAM,’ get the so-called ‘RAMen,’ and search for ‘the official RAM club wiki site.’
“...I-Isn’t the site... gone now?”
404 ram not found.
“What does that even mea—nevermind all that, we could return back if we wanted to!”
...maybe later?
“Mhm!” They smiled for a while, bright and endlessly genuine in nature. It starts to fade away when they realized they wouldn’t be walking on their own terms, “your not going to put me down, are you.”
Not anytime soon, no.
A deep sigh, it sounded far too tired for the child in his arms. “Thanks for the honesty.” They heard a hum before they resigned themselves to their powerless state—they will never admit it but they actually like being carried this way.
Along the way, they pass by numerous places they’ve seen before, only they were missing certain details—even people were missing.
You would think that after returning the Sun, there would be plenty of Glenfolk out and about, running around doing... whatever they do on a daily basis, all with fully grown crops thanks to the sunlight.
This is not to say it was an empty, barren wasteland, there was still quite a few around—they just seem oddly silent now. It’s either they can’t hear them or are too busy to listen to their words—the few that did respond said things that just don’t make sense hearing it now.
‘We’ll have to find another place to settle...’
‘Doesn’t matter... one day the World will finally give up this fight.’
‘Grandpa used to say the Tower used to spin all the time bringing sunlight to the World!’
‘This is it... the last of our grai—'
Okay, we get it.
It’s rude to interrupt, you kno—w-woah!
They were, quite rudely, dropped unto the soft grass below—it didn’t hurt actually. They pick themselves up, spitting out a few stray blades of grass, then sat down properly. Their glare must have been ineffective because the most they got out of them was an amused smirk.
She sat down close beside them, staring at nothing in particular. Niko sniffed the air and—
...
Okay, where did the smell go?
Normally, there would be a strong and constant smell, one that they had to get used to just to travel through the Glen. Now... there was nothing.
They suppose it isn’t that bad.
A random glance to their side made them realize [PLAYER] wasn’t even sitting down anymore, he was lying down on their back, staring high up in the pitch black sky—it bothers them that they haven’t seen the World’s Sun shine yet.
“[PLAYER]...?”
Join me.
Okay...
Though as confused as they may be, they followed along with her request. They didn’t notice it at first, their eyes were more focused on the fireflies that were still flying around—letting out small luminous dots of light across the sky.
Some of them however seem to remain still.
Look closer, Niko.
I’m trying... They let their eyes wander, noticing tiny pinpricks of light that don’t seem to belong with the rest of the insects. The realization struck all at once. “Are those...” Stars. There were stars that illuminate the night sky... How?
Good question.
They stared transfixed at the sight above them, endless clusters of stars in what should otherwise be a starless World left them paralyzed in wonder while the fireflies remained to light it all up as well. “H-How is this possible? There wasn’t... the World isn’t eve—”
No point in questioning it, Niko, just enjoy the sight.
And enjoy it, they did. The impossible reflected in their widened eyes.
It was beautiful.
The impromptu stargazing was the most fun they’ve had since... well, the last time they did the same thing with another friend of theirs!
They have been avoiding seeing her in a while now...
Ah, moving on.
Niko remained still, refusing to question anything.
They could just stay here and be content...
...though, they did have one thing to ask.
Turning their head toward their guide, they spoke up in a shy voice. “Hey [PLAYER]? Do you think that no matter what... no matter where—even across the universe—we would still be f-friends...?” It was at surface level a simple question, it ran deeper than just mere friendship though.
Their friend contemplated the answer for a long time, Niko waited patiently for the words to arrive, desperately clinging on to hope.
...always.
That was all they needed to hear.
Having fun?
Mhm!
I’m glad—really, I am.
Me too! I wish this could last forever.
Forever...? The smile vanished from his face.
Niko did not understand why.
Mhm!
...
...something wrong?
...you shouldn’t be wishing for something like that, Niko...
They stood up long before the child could ask what they meant. Disappearing just as slowly as the illusion of a World did.
Something compelled them to remain still, to refrain from shouting, begging for it all to stay—there was not a whisper that was let out.
All they could do was watch in silent horror as it all turns to dust and blow away.
For a moment, they could see it look back at them in regret before fading out completely.
They were all alone once more.
Noise. Niko could hear noise. Messy, loud, and incomprehensible.
All around them, a pitch-black void takes the place of what used to be a World beyond their dreams. It reminded them of the time they were left in the dark, when [PLAYER] disappeared along with everything else without a trace, with no warning whatsoever.
It terrified them the first time.
It still scares them now.
H-Hello, are you there...?
There was no response.
A chill runs down their spine.
[PLAYER], I know you can hear me...
There was no comforting voice to mitigate their growing fear.
They weren’t even sure if it could hear anything at all.
“Please come back... this isn’t funny!”
Their voice echoes aimlessly all around the empty space.
All coming back to them.
“[PLAYER]!! Please I d-don’t want to be alone!”
Their pleas for escape are left unanswered. Unheard.
They felt trapped.
The noise grew louder.
Louder.
Loud enough to hurt.
Niko covered their ears to no avail, it was like the noise was piercing their very soul—it brought them to the edge of tears.
Niko screamed.
They couldn't hear it.
Help.... help... help. Help. Help. Help. HELP. HELP. HEL—
The awful noise had stopped. The child didn’t even realize it, until, they hesitantly parted their hands away from their ears. They looked around on high alert, trying to find... anyone.
In their frantic search, they spotted a figure standing in the distance, it’s back faces them. They didn’t give it much thought before running toward them—nearly tripping over their own legs in their desperate rush—like before, their forceful tackle did not even nudge them, much less push them over—did they even move at all?
Niko buried their face in their back, feeling guilty over wiping their tears all over him, but she did not seem to mind. They remained unresponsive to it all for a long time.
“W-Where did you even go... why did you take so long and—hey! You’re here now right? Then why hasn’t the World come back... why is still so d-dark in here?” Their voice was shaky, fearful. They try to put up a brave face in spite of their fears. They were sure that with them, they could face any dark place with ease.
They weren’t so sure right now, though.
The Messi—
You're not the Messiah.
What?
They did not elaborate immediately, choosing instead to drag on the moment to search for the right words.
What I mean to say is... you don’t have to be the Messiah anymore.
Your just... a kid. A very young kid, who really shouldn’t even be the Messiah in the first place.
It finally turned to face them, parting from Niko’s desperate embrace.
The bright-eyed child had to physically restrain themselves from recoiling, the loss of contact was distressing.
Niko.
He placed a gentle hand on top of their large hat, petting them.
Your a good kid, a really strong one too...
You knew what sacrifice meant long before you even reached twelv—
“Nine—I’m turning nine” The answer came to them before their guide could finish her sentence.
Nine.
...
I see.
Something tells them they shouldn’t be admitting their age out loud, especially not in the middle of something important. Regardless, they continue.
Like I said, you’ve learned certain things that someone your age shouldn’t even be delving into.
And... I am truly sorry about that.
...
“...it wasn’t all bad...”
Maybe.
You have done a great deal of sacrifices... even if it all got reversed in one way or another in the end. Memories of the cycles they’ve been through in the past... how long was it? Four months... persisted in their mind. No wonder Mama acted the way she did when they got back home.
Niko waited for another response. What they got made their heart sink.
Which is why I am terribly sorry for asking you to give one more.
Oh.
“W-What do you mean...?”
They move back, creating some space between them. Niko did not focus on their surroundings fading away into light. They only had eyes for the being in front of them. It similarly paid it all no mind
Niko.
Yes?
The black void that surrounds them starts to wither away into something blindingly bright.
You have a life beyond your memory.
W-What?
[PLAYER]’s form starts to turn into dust and blow away, it does not seem to notice or care too much.
You have done so many incredible things all on your own.
But I didn’t! I had help—so much help from everyone!
Niko struggles to walk closer to them, their legs teetering on the edge of collapsing beneath their own weight—and the weight of so much more.
You’re wonderful, Niko.
Not without the Sun... not without you—or anyone...!
Their vision begins to blur, gradually becoming more glassy by the minute. They nearly fall over, their arms just barely reaching their guide to keep themselves steady—it helped as well.
But you can't spend your life looking backward.
But I don’t know what else to do...
Countless days and hours spent staring at blank walls and empty rooms, unsure of what to do beyond existing, beyond simply moving forward—as though it meant nothing at all.
I do not wish for you to forget.
I never will.
That was a promise made the moment they had crossed that portal and back into their home.
For all that it was worth, I find myself cherishing... everything with you.
I-I can say the same thing for you...
Niko’s arms shakily surround it’s fading form, holding them as close as they were able to, unwilling to let go.
When you get out of bed every morning, I want you to hope for something...
What...?
Their embrace loosened slightly, but did not end yet.
I want you to hope for something better.
...W-wait!
They try to grab unto them, grabbing nothing but air.
It left them with one last message.
For all of us.
The light consumes them completely, they feel everything all at once, and then, they begin to wake.
Niko tosses and turns beneath their weighted blankets.
They stop once their eyes go wide open, waking abruptly from their slumber.
They sway their arms around, looking for something—or someone. Nothing.
A panicked glance was enough to spot what they were looking for.
The pillow they hugged all night was tossed aside to the floor—most likely in the middle of the night. They know it’s stupid to feel as though they lost someone, to be so sentimental.
They can’t help but be what they still were despite it all—a mere child with too much on their mind.
They remain still for a long while, gently pressing their sleeve against their wide eyes. That was the best dream they’ve had in a long while... and they hated it.
Eventually, they start to part ways from the comfort of their bed, groggily walking away regardless of the morning exhaustion weighing them down.
They open the door and begin their day.
They weren't sad that it had only been a dream.
They just wished it had lasted a little longer.