Chapter Text
How long has it been? Have you began to rot yet?
No, he hadn't. An indefinable amount of time has passed and Stranger could do nothing but stare into the abyss. His skin still frigid from the never ending breeze that emitted within the empty space. A soft whistling could be heard in the distance, but too faraway to make out its melody. Sunny has been able to get out of this place, but what about everyone else? What about him? He was left behind again and no one was going to save him. Stranger unknowingly stiffened at the internal reminder, but quickly relaxed when pain crept up his spine.
When the light bulb shattered, it shook all of Headspace to its very core. All the twisted secrets and dark insecurities came pouring out, enveloping Headspace. At any time, it could've collapsed onto it, destroying the mind entirely. Stranger was nearby when the battle began, the waning serenade of a violin echoed throughout Blackspace. The song, somehow so simple, had the power to pull Blackspace apart. All that was corrupted came together and was used against Sunny in the finale battle. He wasn't ready, but it was inevitable.
The floor moved.
Something snapped within Stranger, it tore him. Like a fresh, new wound forming inside his body. He couldn't describe it, but it hurt. But it felt important somehow, a new found will was created. Stranger didn't want to give up. He fought with everything he had, trying to reach Sunny. Sunny had to win. Stranger tried to go through, ignored every sharp pain his body endured, pushing back the red walls and paid no attention to the violent noises he would meet on the other side. The sound of a slashing knife followed with echoed screaming.
He closed his eyes, it still looked the same.
Finally, this non-negotiable journey is complete. Dreamer, or rather Sunny, has finally faced what he feared the most. Finally, this cycle of suffering will stop. Stranger never felt so hopeful, he truly thought it would be better. The warm, welcoming light was overwhelming, like a comforting breeze, it felt beautiful. But it quickly ended just as it appeared. The white room flickered to black just as Sunny left Headspace behind. There was nothing left to go back to anymore. No nightmares, no dreams. Nothing.
He held his breath, it wasn't cold anymore.
He stood, mouth slightly agape as he just stared at nothing for hours. All his hope had extinguished, leaving behind only a bleak realization. Eventually, he laid down and waited for anything to happen. But deep down, he knew it wouldn't be possible. He was just a broken counterpart that Sunny would soon meet in real life. He was useless now, he had done his part.
His body choked for air, but Stranger refused to move.
Stranger imagined what Sunny's life would contain after accepting the truth. They would be confused, furious, and even terrified. But it was for the better, Sunny had to. Once they all forgive him and Basil, they'll continue to grow up together. Just like how it used to be. They would all enjoy each other's company again, play games, go to parks, have picnics—things Stranger will never experience.
Gazing into nothing, Stranger allowed himself to inhale. He must be able to die now, judging by the sudden burning sensation within his throat and how his body began to panic when the mysterious substance entered his lungs. His arms tried reaching up towards the surface, if it was even there anymore, but the weight was already too much. It has to end now.
"Is there still hope left for us, Sunny?"
No, please don't do that. His current way of dying is already pathetic, why think about that when he can't do anything at all. Even in his final moments, Stranger didn't cry, or even muster an expression other than vacancy. It didn't feel like the right time, even if this time was his last. Slowly, his body began to lose feeling. Stranger cleared his thoughts, the quiet thumps of his heartbeat losing rhythm inside his skull being the last thing to hear before all his senses shut down completely.
- -
Stranger couldn't open his eyes.
Not for a while. Stranger needed this rest. But what he doesn’t know is that something bigger is at play here. An impossible event will hand Stranger an opportunity. Whether he accepts or not, it won’t be taken back.