Hat Kid unshielded her eyes once the bright flash of light faded. Looking around, she found herself back on her ship. Scattered around her are all her Time Pieces, all whole and with no cracks.

She smiled a little, happy to see her Time Pieces back in her possession. Then, she blinked and quickly turned to the window. The planet! Was it restored? Did it work?

Looking at the planet, she sighed with relief with a warm smile. Just as she hoped, the planet was back to its normal state. She had almost forgotten what the beautiful blue oceans and regions looked like from up here. But, what about everyone?

She headed to the Machine Room first to check. The Mafia Boss, who was normally sitting off to the side grumbling to himself about how he'll exact his vengeance, wasn't there. That's a bit concerning.

She decided to check on her telescopes. Using the one in the Machine Room, she focused it down on Dead Bird Studios. She could at least see the Express Owls and Moon Penguins gathering together outside.

If that's the case, then everyone must've been restored after their sacrifices. She let out another sigh of relief, happy there are no more issues and the use of the Time Pieces actually went in her favor.

But then, a new problem then came to mind. What about Mustache Girl? She checked right outside the window in the Main Hall and spotted a faint figure in red. MG was unconscious in the alleyway of Mafia Town. Unconscious, but alive and with no Time Pieces in possession.

Hat Kid hummed in thought, a frown showing. After everything she put her and the others through, it was a little hard to see how her actions were just. And yet...she did recall her assumption of her past after looking through her possible ruined home.

"I'm not going to let this island remain as Mafia Town!"

After grabbing the last piece of code for the golden safe, she looked around the abandoned home. She then spotted a sort of picture frame off in the corner. In the picture were a mother, a father, and a little girl.

Her home was taken from her. ...Kinda just like Hat Kid's was. Her gaze turned to one of the Time Pieces sitting to the side. She quietly picked it up and looked back down at the planet. Should she send one down to Mustache Girl?

On the one hand, she could use it to get rid of the Mafia for good. She seemed to have understood its power a bit more after their dispute.

But on the other hand, Time Pieces are sometimes difficult to work in one's favor. Not to mention after the dispute, it's actually pretty difficult to trust her with just one. She took possession of all of Hat Kid's Time Pieces and that caused the planet to fall under ruin. And the last time a single Time Piece was used to change events…

Hat Kid shook her head, shaking the train of thought off its tracks. One final reason it seems like a bad idea was she may not be able to make it home. ...Why didn't that seem like such a bad thing?

No, she's gotta stop dwelling on that thought. Of course she wants to leave and head for the planet she planned out. It's gotta be the right one this time.

With all situations thought out, she decided it would be a bad idea to give MG the same power she used to destroy. Even if it is just one Time Piece. Putting the Time Piece back in the pile, she climbed into her captain's cushioned chair.

With an eager smile, she began pressing buttons. "Beep boop beep! Boop." The vault then pops open and vacuums all the Time Pieces inside. The monitor next to it calculated out all the ones she got. 40 Time Pieces accounted for.

That should be enough to get her back on course and to the new planet. She looked back at the planet in front of her though. It's been a wild adventure...fun even, but it was time to finally get back on course. After all, she's caused enough trouble here. If she stuck around, who knows what events could come?

Taking a breath, she placed her hand on the right lever. With her heart skipping a beat, she pushed it forward.

The thrusters on the ship warmed up and got ready to go into hyperdrive. But just as it was about to blast off, it was abruptly stopped and the engines sputtered.

Hat Kid almost flew out of her seat by the sudden stop as a few alarms go off. Sitting back up and flicking her hat upright, she looked to the monitor. Something seems to be anchoring the front end of the ship, preventing it from launching.

She sighed. Must be some debris or something. She hopped out of her seat and marched up to the storage closet. Pulling out a tall brush, normally used for cleaning the large window, she marched up to the large window and opened the hatch. However, what she saw that was anchoring the ship was completely unexpected.

A Mafioso was hanging onto the ship. And hanging onto him was Snatcher. Cooking Cat was on Snatcher's shoulder while Conductor and DJ Grooves together were holding onto Snatcher's tail. Why was everyone hanging onto the ship? Don't they know she's gonna blast off and away?

The Mafioso looked up at Hat Kid and said with a sorrowful tone, "Don't leave us!"

Snatcher pulled out a contract with his free arm with a small smile that showed...a bit of desperation? "Hey, kiddo! Let's make another contract!"

DJ Grooves allowed the Conductor to use his microphone so Hat Kid could hear him say, "Oh! Don't ye dare leave, lass!"

DJ Grooves then spoke up next, shouting, "Let's watch our movie, darling!"

Hat Kid was purely shocked. They don't want her to leave? After everything that's happened? For a few moments, she just stood there, speechless. Why do they care so much about a troubled child such as herself?

Then, she frowned and looked down. This was gonna be tough. "I'm sorry...I-I have to." It felt wrong saying that, but nonetheless, she aimed the brush at the Mafioso holding onto the ship. As much as she didn't want to push them away like this, she knew she couldn't stay. She's already caused enough trouble. Staying would only make it worse for everyone. ...Just like back at her old home.

She nudged the Mafioso's right hand off and began brushing his left hand. Once he lost his grip, Hat Kid yelped as she felt something gripping the other end of the brush. Looking down, she saw Snatcher as the one holding it. The Mafioso was caught by Cooking Cat and the two remained on his shoulders.

"Oh no, kiddo. You're not getting rid of us that easily. Now, let us on your ship to explain or you're falling down with us."

Stubborn as always. She could give herself a safe landing with her umbrella, but all her Time Pieces are packed away. If she doesn't have one on hand, she'll never get back up to her ship. She could let go of the brush and let them all go back down to the planet, but she didn't want to lose the brush. Brushes as tall as the one she possessed are really hard to come by nowadays.

She sighed, knowing she didn't have a choice. She began pulling up, bringing everyone inside with her. Sealing the door, she turned to everyone. "Why are you guys stopping me from leaving?"

Snatcher interjected first, a small scowl showing and with his arms crossed, "I think the real question is why are you leaving anyway?"

"B-because I have to get home."

DJ Grooves stepped in next. "And you're not going...to say goodbye, darling?"

"I...didn't have the time."

Snatcher counter-argued, "Kid, you've been here for weeks and you can't spare 2 minutes?"

Hat Kid's gaze was down now. What more could she say? She was running out of excuses. Cooking Cat then stepped forward. "Dear, we just want to know why you're so insistent on leaving. But if you really must go...we shouldn't stop you."

Everyone else looked at Cooking Cat with small shock. She then turned to the group and asked in a stern tone, "Did she ask to get dragged in this sort of problem? She didn't want to lose all her Time Pieces and have them used for selfish reasons all over our world."

Everyone else, especially the Conductor and Snatcher, glanced to the side. That was true. She did kinda get dragged into a lot of problems they were dealing with. Well, the Mafioso felt mostly indifferent, but he did feel a little bad. Especially since she was the one that was defending him and others from the pesky red-hooded girl.

Conductor and DJ Grooves both have to admit they did let their competitive spirit get in the way of her own needs. But then again, she did enjoy the films and it was quite the privilege. Conductor, especially though, felt a bit worse since he did fight her off. And that all started because red-hooded lass tricked him in doing so by revealing the Time Pieces' power.

Snatcher honestly didn't really mind having the kid put through the contracts. He was still pretty steamed about how she trespassed, beat him, and is still currently getting away with it all. ...Though the Subconites were warming up to the kid pretty well and her happy aura is a nice feeling.

Cooking Cat finally turned to Hat Kid. "Whatever decision you make, dearie, we won't stop you this time."

Hat Kid quietly looked back down in thought. If she was being...perfectly honest with herself, suddenly going to this new planet didn't seem so appealing as it was from the beginning. Especially after getting to know this planet and all the people on it, who accept her a bit more than her last home. But maybe that's why she shouldn't stay.

"I...should go."

Snatcher spoke up with an eyebrow raised, "'Should' or 'want'? Why do you say you should?"

"B-because I...I-I would only cause trouble!"

All eyes were now on her. Cooking Cat was the first to speak up. "Now how would you cause trouble?"

"I-...I already have. B-by bringing the Time Pieces here...letting MG get them and…"

DJ Grooves spoke next, "Darling, that wasn't your fault. The little mustached girl is to blame for that terrible event."

"But I brought them here. If I didn't, then you guys wouldn't have had problems." She looked at each person as she addressed them. "The Mafia wouldn't have had their boss in a jar, Conductor and DJ Grooves wouldn't have had such a terrible fight, and I wouldn't have came to Snatcher's forest if the Time Pieces weren't there."

Conductor then stated, "Even if that's true, lassie, ye have done a lot of good things for us too."

Mafia added, "Little bird creature is right." Ignoring the Conductor's slightly angered expression by the name, he stated, "Little hat child did help save Mafia Town from flooding with lava."

DJ Grooves then added, "And if you weren't a part of my movies, darling, I would've never gotten so close to winning the award. The ratings were through the roof and enjoyable to film. Aside complications." He glanced at the Conductor with an unhappy expression.

The Conductor huffed, crossed his winged-arms, and looked to the side. But then he looked to Hat Kid, who seemed to be looking at him curiously. Curious if he has felt the same way. His stern demeanor seemed to have softened a little as he said, "Yeah...it was nice to have ye on set, lass. Me ratings are usually pretty well, but I suppose ye did aid well in helping me win the annual bird movie awards."

Now Snatcher's turn. He seemed as prideful as the Conductor was trying to be, but with everyone now looking at him, he had to say something. "Yeah well...you're still annoying, but the Subconites at least like you. And I gotta give you credit for making it this far with me." He had a small smirk show on that last statement.

Cooking Cat smiled a little and then said, "By the sound of it, you must've done more good than bad, dear. No one's asking you to leave after all."

"It is the whole reason we came here in the first place, darling. We don't want you to leave."

"But I suppose no one's forcing you to stay either, kid. Like the cat says: whatever you want to do is up to you."

Hat Kid was silent through this whole conversation. It is true she's done a lot of good...but what if the planet turns to ruin again? Just like her old home. Maybe she can tell her story someday...but probably not to everyone at once. It would be a bit too overwhelming seeing all eyes on her as she told her broken past.

Then again...it already experienced its ruin not long ago. And she did manage to fix it for once. No one's even asking her to leave. They're really trying to make her stay.

"...You...truly want me to stay?"

While everyone nodded, Conductor added, "We wouldn't be here if we didn't want ye here, lass."

Hat Kid's hands started to shake as she looked at everyone she experienced her adventures on. Everyone she grew to care about and fight for. Then a few tears started to show in her eyes. But despite the tears, a small shaky smile found its way to show on her expression.

Everyone, on the other hand, looked worried, seeing her tear up. "Lass?" "Dear, are you alright?" "Did we overwhelm you, darling?"

She rubbed her eyes and replied, "I-I...I'm fine. It's just...I do want to stay. I'm really happy h-here and…"

"No need to say more, dear. We're happy to have you." Cooking Cat smiled warmly and embraced her, purring softly. DJ Grooves smiled and hugged as well. The Mafioso even softened up by embracing the three. Conductor was a bit hesitant, but he became a part of the group hug. Curse his grandparental instincts.

Now everyone looked up at Snatcher, who had his arms crossed. "I don't do hugs." Hat Kid smiled a little and reached out. Then she grabbed his tail and hugged that. He jolted and his eye twitched. But he sighed with defeat and patted her head.

Hat Kid, never feeling more loved than she has now, giggled with a few tears rolling down her cheeks. Now she's never been more sure about this: this is where she belongs.

But then her smile vanished when she realized something. "Oh! If I'm staying here, there's something I gotta take care of." Everyone un-hugged her, confused. Hat Kid wiped away her tears and ran up to the Time Piece Vault. Opening it, she grabbed one Time Piece and closed it.

"I'll be right back!" She then jumped down, heading to Mafia Town. Everyone looked at each other, pondering what she was up to now.

"Get lost!" "Nawone wants yer here!" "We don't need a hero! Get lost!" "Mafia say get lost!" "Get lost!" "Get lost!" "Get lost!"

"GET LOST!"

Mustache Girl woke up from her unconsciousness with a gasp. She then sat up, rubbing her head. That headache is gonna stay for a good while. Stupid Hat Kid with her stupid umbrella.

Then she looked around town. Her castle was gone and the town was back to its graffitied, trashed-up state. She was back in Mafia Town, which was back to its ruined state.

She stood up, anger and frustration boiling back up in her. "No! I was so close! I was gonna finally get rid of all the bad guys. Then she got in the way!"

Her fists continued to tremble in anger until they stopped and unclenched. A sigh escaped her as her head lowered. All that hard work and she was back to square one. Back to fighting the Mafia on her own. ...Back to being unsuccessful and alone again.

"Well, to be fair, I kinda prefer everyone to not have lost their homes and be dumped into lava." Mustache Girl gasped and turned around. Hat Kid was standing about 7 feet behind her, umbrella propped on her shoulder like usual. Her expression was mainly neutral, but she did have a tiny smile or smirk from her statement.

Mustache Girl growled a little and turned her back to her once more. "What do you want? You here to gloat about your stupid victory? You got everything you wanted."

"No. I wanted to come see you...and talk to you about what happened."

MG scoffed. "What's there to say? You're on the bad guys' side and I couldn't stop you."

"They're not all bad guys, especially when you get to know them."

MG turned back around, her anger visible. "And what would you know how they are like?! Especially the Mafia! I thought you understood how horrible they are when you first fell into town. When they punched you in the face, tripped you, and took everything they had from you!"

Something told Hat Kid MG wasn't just referring to her. She still didn't know all the details of her past exactly, but she can make a few solid assumptions after seeing her possible ruined home. Not to mention the Mafia's backstory she kept from the rift.

"You're right. I can only make assumptions and try to look for the best in others. ...That's why I'm hoping I can find the best in you. I know you're angry at the Mafia for all they've done, but that's no reason to try and destroy everything and everyone."

Mustache Girl huffed and crossed her arms, looking down. What would she care? She didn't have her home taken away from her from some bad guys. She didn't lose everything she held dear and is forced to fight for her home, despite knowing she'll come out unsuccessful.

Hat Kid frowned, seeing that it's not getting through to her. She sighed and put away her umbrella. "I really don't know what you have gone through...but something tells me we share the same kind of story."

MG scoffed and rolled her eyes. Hat Kid continued, "I did lose my home a couple years ago. All because of a stupid mistake on my end."

MG blinked and glanced back. Hat Kid's expression looked solemn and guilty. Wait...do they really share the same kind of story?

She glanced down, then looked to her. "What happened?"

Hat Kid sighed and motioned her to the back part of the ally, then sat down on a barrel. MG quietly followed and sat down on a barrel in front of her. Hat Kid then took off her hat and looked at it with a small nostalgic smile.

"I had a home before coming here...and it was a lovely place. Blue skies, green trees, and a nice town. Everyone had hats that had their own special abilities. You normally have to earn your hats by creating them. Some were incapable and were looked down upon, but I was lucky to learn at a young age."

With one final stitch, she held up her signature purple top hat with a yellow sash. Now, this is a hat she could be proud of. She closed her eyes and placed it on her head. ...But nothing happened. Huh. She was expecting a flash of light or some kind of power coursing through her. Did she do it wrong? ...Maybe she should ask Tim.

Hat Kid continued, "I lived in a small town with my mom and dad...but to be honest, they weren't...the best parents."

"Mom, I need some help with this problem. It's for school."

"Can't you ask your teacher or look it up yourself, Heather?"

Hat Kid looked down and sighed, then left her be. She had her own work to do, so...she shouldn't be surprised.

She knocked on the bedroom door. "Dad, we're running low on food. Can we go buy some groceries?"

His muffled voice was heard from within. "Not now, Hailey. Your father's busy with something."

Hat Kid sighed once more. They haven't gone to the grocery store in 2 days. ...Guess she can use her savings to find some food herself.

"But I also had...a friend of mine. He took care of me whenever they couldn't and he taught me all I needed to know about my hat and even the Time Pieces."

Hat Kid knocked on the observatory's door, quietly hoping Tim was up at this hour. Sure enough, he quietly opened the door. He looked half-awake though.

"Heyyy Tim...I-I'm sorry for waking you at this time but...I was wondering…" She quietly looked down, starting to think maybe this was a bad idea.

"You wish to stay with me for the night?" Hat Kid looked up, then gave a small nod.

"I-If it's not...too much trouble." He smiled warmly despite his sleepy state. He could probably guess why she's coming to him at this time.

"The bed's already made up just the way you like it." He then stepped to the side, then asked, "You want some hot cocoa as well?"

"Oh yes please!" Her mood immediately brightened as she headed inside, having Tim chuckle a little, happy to see her already looking better. Hat Kid eagerly made her way to the spare bed Tim kept, with all the star pillows she could snuggle with.

MG listened quietly. She felt a little hatred growing towards her parents. No, they don't deserve that title. Who just ignores their kid and dismisses her? At least her mum and pop were good to her.

...Just thinking about them made MG feel her heart twist up. She decided to stop thinking about them for now and ask, "So...what happened?"

Hat Kid looked down. "Time Piece corruption happened. ...After Tim taught me about the power of the Time Pieces, I…" She took a shaky breath, holding her trembling hands together. "I tried to use it myself for my own benefits. I thought maybe if I...used it, my parents would acknowledge me more. I wouldn't get bullied at school. ...But a hatless man took that power from me and used it before I could. He then smashed it...and put the world in ruin. Like what happened here when you took them."

MG's eyes widened. A bad guy used the Time Pieces and destroyed Hat Kid's home? He is unforgivable! If she ever meets him, she'll throw him into the ocean after beating him up!

Hat Kid continued trembling, tears threatening to return to her eyes as her memories continued to show before her eyes.

Hat Kid ran straight for home, terrified of the sudden change. She could see some of the townsfolk already getting in their spaceships, evacuating from the crumbling planet.

As she headed to her house, she slowed to a stop. Her eyes began to show tears as she began to tremble. "No…" She could see her mother and father's ship taking off from her home. Before she could call out to them, they already blasted off.

They left her...they actually forgot and left her. She shouldn't be surprised...but she was. "I-I...I gotta find Tim!" She ran to the observatory. He wouldn't leave her, right? He would never leave her!

She made it to the observatory and ran inside. Tim was seen packing away the Time Pieces. "Tim!"

He looked to her with surprise. "Hat Kid! Wh-why are you here? Shouldn't you be evacuating with your family?"

Hat Kid started to whimper as tears began to roll down her cheeks. Tim then realized why she was still here. He clenched his fist. They are unforgivable. Leaving behind their own child!

He then knelt down in front of Hat Kid and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Hattie, listen to me. You must leave the planet. Protect the Time Pieces."

"W-what?"

"...I was saving this for your 10th birthday, but I think now is a good time to show it." He then took her to the backyard of the observatory. What he showed her made her gasp. A ship. A beautiful looking ship! Just looking at the inside, it looked like it was suited for her.

"Is this...is this for me?"

He smiled a little and replied, "Yes. Your very own ship. Powered by Time Pieces." An explosion then startled the two. That sounded close. The planet wasn't going to stay standing for long.

Tim quickly guided Hat Kid on board and pushed the autopilot button. The ship then began its launching sequence. He quickly shut the hatch door and ran to the observatory.

Hat Kid gasped and ran to the window. "Wait! Tim! What are you–"

"Protect the Time Pieces, Hattie! And be safe!" He then ran back inside, hoping to gather any remaining Time Pieces and any other knowledge that he didn't pack on Hat Kid's ship for her to use. If he's quick enough, he could probably make it to his ship.

Hat Kid's new ship flew into space and Hat Kid got a good look at her ruined home. But then, an explosion was seen as her planet split apart. Her heart dropped.

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!" Her ship then blasted off into hyperspeed. That was the last she ever saw of her old home.

A few tears fell down on Hat Kid's lap. Her whole body was shaking and she was trying her hardest to not sob.

MG, meanwhile, looked a little mortified. Her old home...literally destroyed and gone. Everyone she knew, everything she remembered from that planet, all just...vanished.

"I...had no idea." Hat Kid rubbed her eyes and took a deep breath. All to keep herself from breaking down.

"S-so...that's why I was so pushy on not letting you use the Time Pieces."

"Hm." MG looked down quietly. She supposed that made sense. After all, she is speaking from experience. She never really wanted to destroy her old home town...or maybe take out some of the not-so-bad guys. She just wanted to get rid of the Mafia. Make them suffer like they made her suffer.

Hat Kid and MG climbed down from their barrels and looked at each other. MG then asked, "So...why tell me all this?"

"Because I want us to be friends again. And...I thought maybe if you knew about my past…"

"We could relate?"

"...In a way?" MG looked down. But then she looked in the direction of her old home.

"...Follow me." She then suddenly took off, leaving a slightly surprised Hat Kid quickly tailing her. The two then arrived at the abandoned house Hat Kid stumbled upon when looking for the Golden Vault code pieces of paper.

"Why are we here," Hat Kid questioned. MG didn't answer her as she walked around the house. She looked at the ruined fireplace for a solid minute first.

MG snuggled in her blanket, cozied up in front of the fireplace. Sitting beside her was her mother and father, both wrapping their blankets around each other and her. MG also sipped on her hot cocoa. Mom always knew how she liked it: always with marshmallows.

MG then looked to the broken window. She could faintly recall waking up every morning with the sun rising. Seagulls could be heard and she could see a portion of the town below.

She then turned to the corner table with the family picture laying on top of it. She walked past Hat Kid, who was remaining silent for her sake, and gently picked up the portrait. She stared at the picture long and hard with a solemn expression.

"Mustache Girl?"

"...Mu."

"Huh?" That caught Hat Kid off guard. Especially given the tone in her voice. It sounded...tired and defeated.

"...My real name is Mu. ...I just haven't had anyone call me that in a long time. And I took the name Mustache Girl to throw the Mafia off." She handed Hat Kid the picture.

"This was my old home. Back before this place was taken over by the Mafia."

"Thanks for coffee grounds, Mr. Capper! We've been running low and my papa's been meaning to get more."

"You're welcome, Mu. Say hello to your mother and father for me." Mu smiled brightly, waving back in a way of showing she will. She headed through the town, across the polished blue bridge. The river to the crystal blue ocean flowed beneath her as she headed to her home.

Then, she stopped, hearing a strange foghorn. It was different than the ones she was used to hearing. Like her father's or her neighbor's boats. She headed to the direction of the sound and spotted newcomers. They looked like big, buff men. Weird mustaches and kinda weird clothes.

But any newcomer must be greeted with a warm welcome here. With a bright smile, she straightened her mustache and headed to the shore, just as they were getting out of their boat.

"Hello, there! Welcome to–"

"Out of way, little brat!" She yelped as she was shoved roughly to the side. Well, that wasn't really nice. She sat up, rubbing her head and brushing the sand off her.

"Ah...this is perfect place for Mafia. Beaches and blue skies! It is decided. This place is now Mafia Town!"

"Wh...what?" What are they talking about? They can't just come in and take their home. What did they do wrong? Was it something she said?

Mu was looking down, adjusting her hood. Mild anger showed in her eyes as refueled hatred towards the Mafia filled her heart.

"So...what happened?" Hat Kid didn't want to keep pressing, but she needed to know the full story.

Mu paused, then her back was turned to Hat Kid. "They took over the town. They started trashing the place...throwing people out of their homes...then they made the geyser erupt at the center of our town, making it their own fortress."

"And they didn't just take my home…" Anger venomously laced her voice as she turned around with fire burning in her eyes. "They took away everything I held dear!"

"NO! Leave my mum and papa alone!" She leaped up, hitting the Mafioso that was looming over her mother.

"Stay out of it, little brat!" He then threw her to the wall, causing her to yelp in pain.

"LEAVE MY DAUGHTER ALONE!" Now it was her mother's turn to fight back. But her small stature was no match compared to the Mafioso. He just scoffed and picked her up. She kept fighting, hitting his back with her fists. Mu tried to get up. Tried to fight back. But her sides were hurting from behind slammed into the wall.

Then her father comes in and pushes the Mafioso down. He quickly helped his wife up and picked up Mu. He then handed Mu to his wife. "Take Mu and run away! Go!" Mu called out to her father. Reached out to him even. But her mother had to make sure her daughter was safe. She ran, climbed down the ladder, and headed to the docks.

As she ran with Mu in her arms, she heard a few other Mafioso spot her and chase her. She ran around the beach and spotted a small cavern. She knelt down and set Mu down. "Mu, honey. Stay here and be silent."

"M-...mum?"

"I'll come back for you if I can." She gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead. "Be safe." She held her hands firmly and close to her face as tears rolled down her cheeks. She then backed away from her and ran off, waving to the Mafioso that were chasing her. In doing so, they didn't notice Mu hiding and focused on her.

Mu didn't even realize she was crying until she rubbed her eyes. She kept rubbing them, hoping Hat Kid isn't seeing this. She didn't need to see her cry. Only babies cry.

"Mu...I'm so sorry."

Mu just quietly looked down and continued, "I stayed hidden for hours. I heard cannons go off, shouting, and glass breaking. Then, when everything quieted down, I came out. The town I once knew was destroyed. All the people I knew were missing and there was only Mafia."

"I tried everything I could. Bargain with the Mafia Boss, fight the Mafia themselves, and cause some mischief, trying to take back the town. ...But was never really successful."

Mu rolled the barrel of supplies to her hideout: the same cave she was dropped off at. Hoping her mother and father would come for her, just like her mum promised. She opened the barrel and almost gagged. Fish. Why is it always fish?

She sighed and started cooking one over her small fire pit. As she quietly munched on it, rain started coming down. Mu tucked her knees up, keeping close to the fire and inside the cavern. A few tears began to show and roll down her cheeks.

"Then when you came...I realized my family's not coming back." Now tears were involuntarily rolling down her cheeks. "You remember what one Mafioso you talked to said? About the townsfolk?"

Hat Kid tried to recall her memory. Then the moment she remembered, she let out a small soft gasp. "No…"

While Hat Kid was searching all of Mafia Town for the Mafioso with the rocket, she even asked a few Mafia men around. She didn't get a lot of information out of them though. One commented about past immigration issues, another talked about punching a seagull with its own child, and a Mafioso still wanted to know how to get into this one small area Hat Kid could access so he could do some sort of game called 'Hide and Punch.'

Then, one particular Mafioso really caught her attention with what he said. "Mafia not remember what happened to old island people. Only thing Mafia remember is they make good cannon balls for town cannons."

"Y-you...overheard?"

Now it was Mu's turn to tremble. She was hugging her arms and shaking, keeping her back turned to Hat Kid so she couldn't see the tears streaming down her cheeks.

Hat Kid quietly approached and gently put a hand on her shoulder. Mu finally looked at her, her eyes a little red with tears. She was expecting her to start mocking her. Laugh at her for crying over something stupid like this. Her family was gone and never coming back. Crying won't bring them back. ...Nothing will.

Hat Kid couldn't stand it anymore. She then firmly hugged Mu. That threw Mu off. What was she doing? Why was she doing this? She wanted to shove her away. But when she raised her arms to do so...they weakly held Hat Kid's arms and she buried her head into Hat Kid's shoulder.

Then, before she could stop herself, Mu began to sniffle. Hat Kid simply rubbed her back. "Go ahead."

Mu's sniffles then changed to soft crying...until she began to sob then bawl. She cursed herself for doing so. She cursed the Mafia. She cursed herself again for not doing more to defend her home. She then fell to her knees and Hat Kid lowered herself as well to keep hugging her. Mu was now hugging back, praying that Hat Kid wouldn't let go, as she continued to sob. The weight of everything that has happened finally hit her shoulders and it was unbearable.

Her home is gone. Her family is gone...possibly dead. And when she tried to make it right, she only ended up making things worse for herself. Now the Mafia will be more on guard, those bird directors probably despise her, and that weird shadow monster may come after her. All that effort and she was still homeless and alone. The only thing that changed was now she was hated everywhere.

When she finally found her voice once more and her sobs quieted down to sniffles, she then asked, "Why…? Why are you...being so nice to me?" She didn't deserve this kind of care. Especially not from her rival.

"Because I don't want you to do anything to yourself. Because I don't want to see you cry. Because we share the same kind of pain." Those were all reasons in Hat Kid's mind. But the one that would speak out for her would be, "Because I can. And because I should. You've been through so much...and I didn't exactly make it better in coming here."

Mu was now a little confused. Hat Kid explained, "If I never crashed here...you wouldn't know about the Time Pieces. Then at least you wouldn't be so...dismissed by everyone. I have to admit, I felt bad when they were all screaming at you to get lost. ...Even though it was never said to me directly, I felt like that's what the people at my old home wanted."

Mu was silent. To think, some kid was some crazy power was rejected. Hat Kid didn't deserve that. She was tough, strong, and had some cool stuff. ...Not like the street rat Mu turned out to be. She couldn't even take down one Mafioso.

The two slowly released their embrace and Mu rubbed her eyes with her sleeve. Hat Kid rubbed her eyes as well. A few tears were shed by her as well.

"C'mon." Hat Kid stood up and offered her hand to Mu. "Let's go home."

Mu looked at her questionably...but took her hand. Hat Kid pulled out her Time Piece and the two flew up to her ship.

Although it was hard to have everyone accept Mu's company, Hat Kid remained defensive for her. She never told them her story though. That's only for Mu to tell just as Hat Kid's story was only to be told by herself. With reluctance, they decided to allow her to stay...so long as that Time Piece vault was locked up tight.

For the night, Hat Kid declared they all should have a sleepover. They all enjoyed dinner and had many enjoyable conversations. Mu was quiet through most of it, but it felt kinda nice listening to them all.

Later that night, Cookie settled herself onto the burger cushion Hat Kid had. She purred softly as she drifted off to a peaceful sleep. Conductor slept on a pile of pillows in the Machine room with the gentle sound of gears turning to remind him of his train.

DJ Grooves slept in the Engine room, where it was a little chilly. Just the way a penguin usually likes it. He got a nice pile of pillows and a blanket as well.

Snatcher rested in the kid's room on the large pile of pillows that was off on the left side of the room. Normally he never needed to rest, but tonight may be an exception. Nothing left for him to do anyway.

Finally, Mu and Hat Kid were resting together in Hat Kid's own bed. Mu almost cried herself to sleep with the fact that it's been too long since she's slept on an actual bed. She forgot how comfortable it felt. Hat Kid also let her borrow some clean pajamas.

Hat Kid hummed and opened her eyes for a moment. Looking around, she spotted her contractual obligated BFF relaxing for once. Then next to her, a peaceful sleeping Mu. She's even smiling a little.

Hat Kid smiled warmly, reminded of all the events that have occurred that left her up to this moment. It was a long journey and it ended on a better note than she could imagine. Certainly not one she expected, but the results have been worth it.

As she laid back down to fall back into a peaceful sleep, she had one last thought.

"Yes. ...I'm finally home."

With a warm smile, she dozed off.

THE END

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Well, what a long journey this has been. But I think we all know that it's not over yet. There's still much to do and see, after all. I honestly never thought though that this story would get as much recognition as it did. So sincerely, thank you all SO much for supporting this. Every review I got would just brighten up my day, especially knowing I could write something for you all that you would enjoy. As I said before, I will plan to write about the DLC's new content and I may have another idea: a short story/one-shot compilation of Hat Kid's side adventures or any suggestions you guys may have that I can tell a tale about for all to share. For now though, I shall end it here. Thank you all once more and have continuous good days! :)