The vent eventually lead to a drop off, down into what seemed like yet another hallway.

Mono came down first, cautiously looking around in fear of running into another ambush. He carefully looked at each corner and turn for anything, before feeling at ease as he found nothing.

Seven walked forward, down the hallway, a tall door at the end. The Teacher said Rain would be in there, they were almost done here, finally.

But... he still had questions...

He looked over to his partner, Seven looked spaced out, distraught over something. Through the shade of his bangs, Mono could see his dark blue eyes swirling with thoughts.

He needed to talk to him one last time, privately.

"Seven."

The boy stopped, turning his gaze to the other. He didn't speak, but he did acknowledge the other with a small staring contest, waiting for Mono to continue.

His eyes looked tired, and Mono finally got a good look at his friend for the first time this whole trip.

His cheeks were dirty and scarred, his freckles looking more like rust smudges with the dirt on them. His bangs were greasy, hiding his dull blue eyes that once held so much spitfire energy inside them.

He was thin, way thinner than the last time he properly remembered him. A red, fresh scar was over the bridge of his nose, still tender and sore from the inflammation around it. If Mono focused hard enough, he could hear his partner's just ever slightly congested breathing from some kind of previous illness.

He looked like a shell of his old self. Mono wasn't sure if he could try to repair their friendship from whatever made him to look like this.

Mono saw the other narrowd his eyes. Crap, he didn't realize he was staring!

"Seven, we need to talk about what happened,"

"I told you all I know-"

"No, not that. We need to talk about the elevator incident."

Mono could see the other tensing up, a low growl escaping him. "No, no we don't."

"Yes, we do. We can't just ignore the elephant in the room for forever."

Seven went to snap, but only a small squeak could come out. Mono looked to him, and for a moment, swore he thought he saw Seven's eyes suddenly turned glossy.

"No, we need to get going,"

"Sev."

Seven turned to leave, only stopping when Mono reached out and grabbed his arm.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," Mono muttered. He tried to meet the other's gaze, but couldn't get the other to look at him.

"I don't know what all I did... to you or to Rain. What I do remember, I never meant to be mean or rude. I'm sorry for hurting you like that, but I don't feel the same. You are my best friend, even if you don't think the same about me."

Silence laid between them for a moment, nothing tense or awkward, just an oddly comforting quietness.

After a moment, Mono loosened his hold on the other, thinking he won't be able to get an answer from the other.

"I loved you..."

Mono looked up to the other, finally meeting his gaze. His eyes were watery, tears threatening to fall. The boy in the trenchcoat frowned. He didn't mean to make him cry!

"I looked up to you. You saved me from traps and adults. You were the one I cared for more than anyone and thought I could have spent my life with. I trusted you, and you tried to get rid of me a feeling I couldn't control."

Seven took a deep breath, seeming to regain his composure. "Now, knowing about that Aftermath shit..."

Mono stepped closer to him, reaching over and taking ahold of Seven's other hand. He looked down to their hands, seeing how different they looked from what he remembered.

Unlike his own stained hands, Seven's were thin and bony. They had small scars, his right hand having a human bite mark on it.

He pulled his eyes away, looking up to the other's face. Seven's eyes looked so tired under his bangs, dark circles and heavy bags under them.

Seven slowly reached his arms out, confusing Mono for a moment, before his gaze soften as his partner slowly took a step forward. Seven wrapped his arms around the other, resting his head on the crook of the other's neck.

Mono wrapped his arms around the other, closing his eyes as the other finally showed the boy Mono had grown up with. Not the harsh or blunt Seven that he had now, but the one who would play tag with him and sometimes sneak out and watch the stars at night.

"You really are my Mono... I don't know if this makes this worse or not."

Mono didn't let go, but opened his eyes as he heard the other speak.

"What do you mean?"

Seven held tighter onto him. "If I tell you, promise me you won't tell Rain. If she learns, we'll have to go back to the find the others and can't get rid of The Broadcaster and stop the adults from trying to get rid of us."

That's why they were out here? To get rid of a Higher Up?

"I promise."

Seven pulled away, his hands still on the other's shoulders. He locked eyes with the former scout, and for a moment, Mono saw a flash of guilt in the other's eyes.

"I'm dying,"

"What-" Mono was silenced by Seven putting his hand over the other's mouth.

"Don't. If Rain and Squeaks past that door, I don't want them hearing. I'm dying, and us getting closer to The Tower is making it worse."

But why? What was killing him?

"It's... it's hard to explain. Like that woman said, the Aftermath happens after you come in contact. I... I don't know how long I was exposed to it, after you tried to get rid of me, I woke up on The Maw. I... I have a voice, ghost, shadow thing- whatever he is... in my head. He's name is Arcane, and he's the one who is controlling my hunger spells."

What?

Seven noticed the weird and confused look the other was giving him, taking a breath to try and explain.

"Look, like I said, it's hard to explain. If we can get rid of the The Broadcaster fast enough, it might just set me back to normal and the hunger spells will disappear for good. That's the real reason I'm out here, I can't afford to die just yet."

Why was he telling him this? This seems like way too private of a dilemma to share with him.

"Why... why are you telling me all of this?" He mumbled.

"Because, I know you. The actual you, Mons. Don't think I fully forgive you for everything you did before, but... I'm willing to start somewhere and try."

There was a small wave of relief that washed over the other's eyes, his blue eyes seeming to gain the tiniest of shines in them. It really must have been a lot for him to confess to him like that. That he was dying, which made him an easy target if he ever wanted to finish what he started.

"Stupid voice..." Mono silently scolded, Seven looking at him strangely as he whispered.

"What?"

Mono flinched a bit at the question, not expecting him to catch it. He couldn't tell him about the voice, if he did, it might make them go back to square one of the problem. No trust from Seven, and having to heavily depend on himself to get things done.

"Nothing, it's nothing. Come on, we need to go get Rain and the feral,"

"Squeaks,"

"Hm?"

"She has a name. Her name is Squeaks," Seven let the other go for good, returning to walking down the rest of the hallway, "I found her on The Maw."

A feral on The Maw? That's a little weird, there wasn't a real way for kids to get to it without being caught and thrown aboard. Even then, the kids would be caged and be held prisoner. Why was a feral running loose in the ship?

"How come she was there?" Mono asked.

"Don't know, it doesn't seem like the adults there really knew either. Guess she was some kid that broke out? All I really know is that she acts and talks like a rat."

A rat? Well, it explained the name. But rats were nasty! They have a lot of germs, and eat trash and death things, and they're mean!

"She was just... there, after I escaped..." Seven trailed off for a second.

"What was it like there?" Mono asked, his voice softening a bit.

Seven gave a growl, but seemed to force himself to stop. Mono stopped walking, a small tinge of fear that he angered or touched on a sore subject.

The boy in blue looked over to him, and despite Mono feeling that maybe they are getting better, he could see the look of anger and resentment that glinted in his eyes.

"I hated it. Everyone in their right minds hated it. Most of the kids never saw the sun, those who did were killed shortly after. If you showed any signs of being different, you were an outcast and no one wanted to be around you. If you were a danger, they would muzzle you and chain you up. I would have died there if it wasn't for one kid having pity on me."

It... it was that bad? It sounded horrible, how long was he there? Didn't he say two years?

But he said there was a kid who pitied him, so maybe it wasn't all that bad. "What was their name?" Mono asked.

"She didn't really give me her name, but everyone just called her Girly. She was strange, she never made me hurry or made me feel disgusting when I ate, and trusted me without my muzzle. She helped me escape, taking off my chains and unlocking muzzle. Not sure how she ever got the keys,"

"What happened to her after?"

Seven slowed again, his figure noticeably going more ridged. "... There was a reason they put a muzzle on me."

Before Mono could even ask on what he meant, he looked up, realizing the door was now finally in front of them. Seven reached out, pushing on the door and opening it.

Inside the room was dark, with a fool smell that made Mono want to dry heave. The only light that came in was from a window on the far wall, moonlight straying down into the disheveled bathroom.

Broken porcelain littered the ground, along with what looked like blood. The two boys walked in, Mono's two different colored eyes scanning around.

"Rain? Squeaks?" Seven called out. Suddenly, the door slammed shut, making the boys jump.

A force slammed into Mono's back, knocking him down and slamming his jaw into the ground. Growling and hissing was heard behind him, his eyes widening as he felt teeth on the back of his neck, holding him down.

He had him right there, he could have killed him. He was so close to stealing his mind and body, but then she threw him off and clamped her jaws around his ne-

"Squeaks! Squeaks, get off them!"

Mono tried to look up as he heard the new, yet ever familiar voice. Rain, she was okay! He tried to move his head to look at her, but stopped as the teeth got tighter around him.

"Squeaks, down, down, Squeaks," Seven tried. With one more growl, the teeth went away, as did the weight on his back. He saw yellow slip past him, an uproar of loud squeaking sounding around them.

The ball of yellow tackled into Seven, who was still knocked down, happily burying her face into his jacket and hair. Seven gagged a bit, pushing her away.

"Squeaks, stop, you smell nasty!" Seven said, holding her away.

"Frien! Frien!" She cheered, making Seven chuckle with admiration.

"I missed you too, Squeaks. You're not hurt anywhere are you?" He asked. Rain caught their attention, the Oracle standing just a bit in front of them. Her arms were crossed in a playful yet pouty manner.

"You're really going to ask the feral if she's hurt before saying hi to your own twin?" Rain teased.

"Kinda hard not to when she's attacking you with rat hugs," he joked back. Seven pushed the feral child off of him, getting to his feet, brushing his jeans off. Rain came closer, offering a hug, her arms open.

The two twins shared a short hug, before Seven pulled away as the sound of a bone popping was heard. "Jeez, Rai, sounding like a pile of rocks."

"Me? That was you, you over grown bluebell," Rain giggled. Seven shook his head, rolling his shoulders.

"Nah, I don't sound that-" he stopped as his shoulder popped and cracked, some unsettlingly loud, "-okay maybe I do sound bad."

The two shared a small laugh, before Seven went on to asking if they were hurt. As they spoke, Mono got to his feet, a bit shaky at first but was able to balance himself before he could fall over.

The feral turned to him, giving a loud hiss, her nails digging into the tile floor. Seven and Rain broke away from their hug, the boy in blue calming the raincoat wearing rat. Rain noticeably tensing and reaching out for her brother.

"Easy, Squeaks, it's okay. He isn't going to hurt us," Seven said, his tone low to not set the feral off.

Squeaks looked up at him, before snorting and going back to glaring at Mono. She bared her teeth, but didn't growl or hiss, more of a silent warning than anything.

Rain stepped closer to her brother, leaning over and whispering to him. The whole time, she kept her eyes on the other like frighten prey, Mono spotting her shaking just the tiniest bit.

Seven reached over, gently resting his hand on top of his twin's. "It's okay, Rai, he's back to himself again."

"How do you know?" She asked quietly. Mono felt himself flinch as he saw just how scared Rain was when she spoke. She looked like she was ready to run away, the fearful look in her eerie green eyes shining like light off of frost.

"Trust me," Seven said in a soft tone. Rain seemed very hesitant, shaking her head as she stepped back. Seven turned, catching her hand before she could run off.

Quiet talking between them occurred, though it was too soft for Mono to hear. When he tried to lean in to try and hear better, he was stopped by Squeaks, who showed her teeth once again, the soft rumbles of a feral growl coming from her.

"Sev, I just... I don't-"

"Rain, it's okay, I won't let him hurt you again."

Mono took a step back as he barely heard their whispering. He was scared to know what he did to the girl that was-- had been by his side since they were younger. The thought alone sent his mind in a small spiral of thoughts. Had he tried to kill her too? Try to drown her? He shivered, almost screaming as he could practically picture the look of fear and hurt in those lovely green eyes of hers.

His head felt dizzy at the thought, nearly stumbling back as he cradled his head in his hands.

"Commander Mono, good evening,"

"Oracle Rain, it's good to see you. Any messages?"

"No, none yet. I just came to ask you about your headaches. Are they finally subsiding?"

"No, still pounding,"

"Oh, well, Nosebleed said you should probably go see her and Twist to get something to help you with the pain,"

"We'll see. Do you mind coming here for a second?"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I just... need a hug,"

"Well, you know those are always open, you silly sandwich bag,"

"Don't call me that,"

" Aw, come on, I'm just play-"

"Don't. Call me that,"

"O-oh... sorry, I didn't mean to upset you, Commander,"

" I'll let it slide. Can I have that hug now?"

"Mono!"

Mono opened his eyes, his eyes staring at the ceiling, Seven and Rain looking down at him. Squeaks peeked in his field of vision, though was more cautious than curious.

"Mono?"

Mono looked to his left, seeing Rain's gently rounded face. Her frosty pale green eyes seeming to glow from how light they were, in contrast to her brother's darker eyes. He could almost see himself in them, the concern and fear that mingle and mixed in them.

The same eyes that glimmered with innocence and spitfire energy he wanted to protect, to gaze into when he was sad, or happy, or just in an mood in general.

"You passed out, you okay?" Seven asked. Mono looked to him, before taking a moment to mentally scan his body. Nothing seemed to hurt, well, besides ths dull pounding in the back of his head.

"He might have a concussion," Rain whispered. A concussion? Why would he have a concussion?

"Maybe. Come on, let's get you up on your feet," Seven mumbled, taking ahold of the boy's right side, Rain taking his left and lifting him up. His mind reeled for a moment, legs unstable and shaky as he tried to use the two for support.

"Where can we take him?" Rain asked.

"We could go to the hospital, they might have something for him, or at least something to help any injuries we got. Which reminds me, how did you and Squeaks take care of those bullies? There's porcelain everywhere,"

"Squeaks chewed through her ropes and them chewed through mine. Those airheads decided leaving a hammer with their kidnappees was a smart idea,"

"At least they didn't try to hurt you guys,"

"Oh, they were definitely going to hurt us. If it wasn't for Squeaks' rat like nature in chewing things she doesn't like, I'm pretty sure we would be pretty beat up."

Mono tried to keep up with the small talk, but couldn't as he found himself easing in and out of brief unconsciousness. Gentle moonlight brushed on his face, making him slowly open his eyes.

They were by the window, Rain and Seven slowly helping him up onto the cabinet. Seven rested down, taking ahold of Squeaks' hood and hauled her up fast enough to catch her by the torso, and brought her up as well.

The twins opened the window, the drop not that care of a fall. Squeaks looked out, before jumping out, the sound of puddles splashing sounding as she landed.

"Rain, you go next," Seven said, helping Mono get to his legs again. Rain can to the window sill, slipping out. Slowly, Seven helped the concussed boy to the sill as well. Mono dropped down, though it was far less graceful than Rain and Squeaks' landing.

Seven looked back behind him to make sure the coast was clear, before turning, coming to the edge and jumping off as well.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Finished Sept. 20th, 2021

FINALLY-

I'm very tired, but I hope you all enjoyed!

Take care!

* Edited Sept. 22nd, 2021 *