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Chapter Text

When Sunny had walked into Basil's hospital room, Kel had been shocked. Shouldn't he still be in bed? Doesn't it hurt to stand? Why does he look so cool with an eyepatch? He's about to stand up and go over to him, before Sunny says a few words.

"I have to tell you something."

He'd raised an eyebrow, tilting his head, wondering what was going on. And then... And then Sunny told them about the truth of what had happened 4 years ago.

He explained that, Mari did not hang herself. She did not take her own life, no. Sunny had... pushed her down the stairs. And Basil saw it all. Basil had seen Mari fall down those steps, had seen her body slam against the violin, her hair tangling in the strings and her body being pierced by the broken pieces. And, fearing for the blame that could come upon his best friend, Basil had come up with an idea. An awful, revolting idea. An idea that had horribly torn apart the friend group. An idea that had left Mari strung up in a tree. He'd remembered the confusion he felt, the anger Aubrey felt, and the growing horror on Hero's face.

Aubrey lashed out at Sunny, cursing him. She had been so angry, and Sunny had looked so sad. So tired. So... accepting. Accepting of the looming threat of physical harm, that he wouldn't get out of the hospital without a few scratches and bruises. But the pain didn't come, as Aubrey stormed out. Hero was next. He'd looked at Sunny with such a miserable expression, that, for a second, made Kel afraid. Afraid that he'd lose his brother again, lose his Hero. Before anything happens though, Hero leaves without another word. Kel is the last one remaining. He looks at Sunny with confusion and hurt. He is in disbelief, his thoughts swirling in his mind. He tries to deny the reality, that Sunny did not do that. But deep inside, he knows. He knows and he's so tired. He leaves before he can say something hurtful to Sunny, and to Basil. 

While sitting in his room the next day, Kel stews in his emotions. The anger, confusion, hurt and tiredness radiating off him in waves. He thought back to the day before. To Sunny's explanation. God, it was so messed up! Sunny had pushed Mari down the stairs, and then he and Basil had hung her up, making it seem like suicide! Just thinking of it makes him feel sick. He tries to get angry, be mad at Sunny and Basil. However, being angry is not something Kel is good at. He's the person that's supposed to lift everyone's spirits up! He's supposed to be the goofball of the group. He slowly realizes that, he still is. He can still make Basil and Sunny feel a bit better. He decides that, while he can't truly forgive Sunny and Basil right now, he can work towards it. He'll go, say that while he doesn't fully forgive him, he isn't angry.

 He decided that, of the two that he should start with, he would start with Sunny. The biggest reason was because he had been the one to reveal the truth. The other was that he was moving the next day, transferring to another hospital in Nearby City. He walked into Sunny's room and saw him sitting on the bed, by the window. He'd startled when he heard the door creak open. Upon realizing it was Kel, he nearly smiled before remembering what happened yesterday. His smile dropped as a sad sort-of acceptance filled his expression, and Kel felt his heart clench. He approached Sunny, and hugs him.

Sunny had been bewildered, seemingly frozen in place. Kel pulls back after a bit, Sunny still looking a bit shocked. Kel explains how, although he does not fully forgive him, he will try working towards it. He also explains that he is not angry, and that he still considered him a friend. Sunny's face had morphed into one of confusion, before shock until tears began forming in his eyes. He began silently crying, as Kel stood there, patting his back. He heard Sunny muttering how he did not deserve forgiveness. How it would be better to just hate him. Kel laughs, before patting his back a few times. He walks back in front of Sunny, saying that what he said was the truth, and how he couldn't change that. Sunny tears up a bit again, before apologizing one more time. He accepts the apology, before asking for his number. Sunny writes it down, and Kel promises to call him when he leaves.

After leaving Sunny's room, he'd gone to Basil's. He walked in, seeing Basil reading a book about plants. Basil jumped a bit, looking towards the door. He seemed stunned to see Kel here, before offering a small smile. He also seemed to expect Kel to lash out. Kel felt really saddened by that. So, he walked right up to Basil and also gave him a hug. He tried to avoid hurting him, but he might've caused a wound or two to sting. Basil said he didn't mind though, but he was confused as to why he'd hug him. He then repeats what he'd said to Sunny, explaining that, no he is not angry. Yes, he does not fully forgive them both and that he'll be working through his feelings a bit more to try.

Basil began crying his eyes out, that he had only been trying to protect Sunny. How they should hate him instead, and that it was his idea. Kel decides that he's tired of this self-blame crap, and just hugs Basil more. He's hugging him but it doesn't seem to be working, as Basil is just crying harder now. He finds out that it wasn't because of the self-blame, no, but because Kel was pressing on a bruise. Kel pulls back immediately and apologizes profusely, while Basil says it's okay, really! He continues apologizing, before Basil lets out a little laugh. He looks up seeing a small smile on his face, and Kel decides that all is well. For now.

1 year later

Kel grabs the phone from the stand, dialing in Sunny's number. It rings a few times before the sound of the phone being answered and a "hello" sounds from the receiver.

"Hey, Sunny! How was your day today? Your therapy session go well?" Kel asks. He'd recommended therapy after Sunny had left Faraway. Well, he'd actually recommended it to his mother after she raised her concerns about his nightmares with Kel. 

“Good. Ms. Tory says I've been making great progress. While I still find it uncomfortable, It's really nice to share my thoughts with someone else." Sunny replies, his quiet voice coming off loud from his end. He's probably got his mouth close to the receiver.

“That’s great, man! I kinda wish you were still here, in Faraway. I... miss you. I'm sure Aubrey and Basil do too." Kel says, ending his sentence with a sad tone. It's quiet for a few moments from the other line before Sunny speaks again.

“... I miss you guys too. I wish we didn't move, but I understand my mom's thought process. However, I've been asking her if I can borrow her car so I can visit and she said she'll think about it." he replies, a hopeful lilt to his voice.

A smile starts forming on Kel's face, “Really?! I hope you can come, dude! I'd be happy to show you around again!"

“Don’t jinx it Kel'

“Oh, c'mon Sunny! I'm too great to be jinxed, don'tcha know? I'm sure the higher forces of the world wouldn't even think of jinxing me!” Kel exclaims.

“I’m sure they would be, Kel. Anyway, I have to go. I can call you again tomorrow though, okay?”

“Awww, that sucks dude, but yeah! Call me again tomorrow, will ya?”

“Yeah, I will. Bye, Kel.”

“Bye Sunny!’”

After hearing the tell-tale sounding beeps sounding from the phone, signaling that Sunny hung up, Kel puts the phone back on the stand. He stands up, stretching. He hears a couple of pops, groaning after one in his back pops, letting out a small that's the spot before heading towards his room. He heads up the stairs, opening his door and stepping in.

With the countless trophies and strewn around homework pages, Kel's surprised he hasn't lost anything yet. He heads towards his desk, taking a seat in his chair. He sweeps a bit of the papers off his desk, opening up his laptop. He's about to start browsing Chrome, when he sees something that sticks out among his empty desktop. His face scrunches in confusion as he hovers his cursor over the application.

“OMORI?"

Chapter Text

Kel>Aubrey

Sunday, August 3

10:57 AM

Kel: Hey, Aubrey, can you come over

Kel: It’s, like, really important

Aubrey: Kel, I swear to god, if you call me over just to ask for money again i’m gonna kill you

Kel: It’s nothing like that! I just…

Kel: Found something really weird on my laptop

Kel: Something named OMORI or something

Aubrey: And? Is it porn or somethin?

Kel: AUBREY!! You weirdo! It’s nothing like that!

Aubrey: calm down cowboy i was joking lol

Kel: you’d think it would be funny then -_-

Aubrey : Do you want me to kill you?

Kel: No

Aubrey: then stop pissing me off

Kel: okay

Kel: but srsly tho, it’s got this weird picture of Sunny all black n white.

Aubrey: really?

Kel: No, Aubrey I just wanted to waste yours and my time by lying -_-

Aubrey: ...

Kel: i was jk aubs!! Dont have to be so mad ^_^

Aubrey: I’m coming over. Don’t make me wait for the door to open. And dont call me Aubs. ever.

Kel: rlly?? Okok i wont

He watched Aubrey’s online status change from green to red, signifying her as offline. He sighed, scared for his fate. He decides to take his laptop down with him, the thought of it disappearing suddenly would be unsettling and unfortunate, as Aubrey would probably kill him. He decides to pour him and Aubrey a glass of water, just in case she’s still mad. As he’s pouring them, he hears knocking.

“Coming!” He finishes pouring the water, setting the cups on the table.

He opens the door, seeing Aubrey outside. “Well, well, well, look who’s here!”

“Shut up Kel, move over,” Aubrey says. Kel moves to the side, offering her a glass of water. She takes it, gulping it down. She then takes the other glass of water, drinking that one too.

“Hey! That was mine y’kn-”

“Payback for all that snark, Kel,” she says, smirking. Kel sighs, walking over to pour himself another glass of water. Once he’s done drinking, he returns to Aubrey.

“So, this… whatever it was, OMORI? You gonna show me it?”

“Oh! Yeah, sorry forgot about that.”

Kel opens his laptop before sitting on the couch, patting the spot next to him. Aubrey sits down next to him, stretching before focusing her attention on the laptop. She scans his desktop before her eyes settle on the OMORI icon.

“Wow, it does look like Sunny, just white and black.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“...Well? Are you going to open it?”

He sighs before clicking on the icon. It opens up, fullscreen. A warning appears upon opening it.

WARNING:

This game contains depictions of depression, anxiety, suicide and may not be suitable to all audiences. It also contains bright flashing imagery that may cause discomfort and/or seizures for those with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.

They both sat there, reading over the warning. After a few seconds, the screen fades away to a title screen, the words OMORI hovering over the boy that looks like Sunny. Three options are present, NEW GAME, CONTINUE and OPTIONS. After a few seconds of silence, Aubrey speaks up,

“Well, that was... concerning. “Depictions of depression and suicide”? Kel, y’sure you didn’t just download this off some shady website?”

“I’m pretty sure… besides, what’s a monochromatic picture of Sunny doing here? If this was off some shady website, I’d be pretty worried for his safety.”

“Shouldn’t we just ask Sunny about it then? I mean, it’s practically him, isn’t it?”

“... Nahhhh. Besides, he should be in a therapy session right about now,” Kel says before clicking on NEW GAME. 

“Huh?” He tries to click multiple more times before Aubrey grabs the laptop, tapping all the keys before the game starts.

“What did you press?”

“Z, I think”

“Okay, so Z is, like, confirm? Or is it just for the title screen?”

“I don’t know, Kel. We’ll have to find out for ourselves.”

The screen goes black for a moment before more words appear.

Don’t worry. 

Everything is going to be okay.

Followed by an image of a boy crying. 

No matter what happens…

Promise me that we’ll always be there for eachother..,

Another image appears, showing another boy comforting the one in black in front of a dark door. He kinda looks like…

“Is that Sunny?”

“I… I think so, Aubrey. And if that’s Sunny,  would that boy in white be Basil,” Kel asks. He and Aubrey look at eachother, a bit unsettled. The fact that both boys are people they know is a bit creepy. 

Promise me…

Welcome to WHITE SPACE

You have been living here for as long as you can remember.

The image cuts to a white screen, a black line cutting down the middle. It goes down, revealing a lightbulb, Sunny, a book, a laptop, a cat, a door and a tissue box.

“Okay… that was weird.”

“You tell me, what were Sunny and Basil doing there? Is this, like, a game they were working on or something?”

“Don’t think so, it looks like only Sunny is here.”

When Kel presses W on the keyboard, it doesn’t work. So he decides to try the arrow keys, successfully getting Sunny to move. “So, where should we go first,” he asks, repeatedly getting Sunny to move left and right.

“The book.”

“Alright!”

Kel walks up to the book and presses Z.

Your sketchbook. Take a look inside?

Yes

No

As they press ‘Yes' the book opens, and the first thing they see is a severed head, it’s eyes blacked out. Kel shivers, cold and disturbed, before flipping to the next page. This time, a head surrounded by arms and a cat with red eyes. He flips to the next page, the next containing a drawing more disturbing than the last, until it ends with a piece of meat. He hits every key on the keyboard to find out which closes the book, it being X. When he does, he looks at Aubrey.

She looks disturbed but alright overall.

“So, that was an experience. And an awful one at that,” Kel exclaims. “Which one to next Aubrey?”

“The laptop,” she says.

“Okay,” he says, as he moves the character over to the laptop. He presses Z, the screen fading into a wallpaper.

“Oh my god… It’s a literal wallpaper,” Kel says, laughing while Aubrey groans at the awful pun.

What would you like to do?

Stare at the screen

Open your journal

Log off

Kel, being Kel, decides to pick “Stare at the screen.” Unsurprisingly, nothing happens. He looks at Aubrey. She looks back at him, her face in a deadpan as if to say “really? What did you expect to happen?” He shrugs, sheepish, before selecting “Open your Journal.”

It fades to black, before popping up with a screen, reading “OMORI’S JOURNAL.” They read over the entries, but there isn’t anything different, aside from what he was doing. They all ended with “Everything was okay”

“Uh, okay,” Aubrey says before Kel closes Omori’s journal.

Kel decides to go check out the other two things in the room, the cat and the tissue box, starting with the cat. He interacts with it.

Mewo: Meow? (Waiting for something to happen?)

“Nice! Mewo’s here. I miss her.” Kel says.

“Same.”

Kel closes the dialogue box before proceeding to the tissue box.

A tissue box for wiping your sorrows away

“Jeez, talk about depressing.” Aubrey says, before the screen shakes, spooking Kel a little.

“... Did you… really just jump at that, Kel?” Aubrey asks, her eyebrow raised and a smirk on her face.

Kel’s face heats up a little “N-No! That wasn’t even scary Aubrey, c’mon!”

“Sure, sure.” she says.

Something fell nearby

Kel goes down first, before a red hand sees him and takes him back to the rug.

“This might be a challenge.” he said before heading to the right. He spots a knife and another red hand. He manages to get the knife and go back to the rug.

“Nice! Score 1 Kel, score 0 red hands.” he says, moving Sunny back and forth in a “dance.” Aubrey sighs at his antics before telling him to head towards the door. He obliges and does.

A white door casts a faint shadow.

What would you like to do?

Open the door

Do nothing

Kel opens the door, the screen fading back to the rug. The door opens, the inside pitch black before Sunny steps in. The door closes behind him as the screen starts to fade to white.

Chapter Text

As the screen faded in, the first thing they noticed was the giant yellow cat. It seemed to be staring into their souls. “Talk about creepy…’’ Aubrey muttered. The screen descended, showcasing a room with 3 people, with a blue shading to them. They had rectangles on the floor with a red outline and a white coloring on the inside. One of them noticed them, judging by them having an exclamation mark on their head. They ran towards their character, spreading the rectangles in the process.

When she got close enough, a dialogue box opened. 

AUBREY: Hi OMORI! We were hoping that you’d come by soon!

“Aubrey? Wait, is that supposed to be ME!?’ She exclaimed. “I look so… bright and innocent. Hell, I even have stars in my eyes!”

“I guess so… though, why are you calling Sunny OMORI? You’d think that if you were using your real name, OMORI would be Sunny too.”

“Yeah, that is actually pretty weird.” she said. Kel looked back at the laptop, before continuing the dialogue.

AUBREY: Wanna play cards with us? We were just about to start another game!

She turned around, seeing that she messed up the card game.

AUBREY: Oh! Whoops… Nevermind…

Aubrey’s character was pouting and it made Kel laugh out loud.

“hAha, you’re pouting, Aubrey!” Kel exclaimed before descending into a fit of giggles.

“Yeah? And?” she asked, looking over at Kel. He put his hand out in a “hold on” gesture before finally calming down.

“Well, it’s just… looking at this and then looking at you now… there’s a huge difference! Who would’ve thought that the girl in the game, who is pouting, is you!” Kel said, a grin across his face.

“Whatever… just continue the dialogue, you idiot.”

“Alright, alright,” Kel said, a smile still present.

KEL: Aww, man… what the heck AUBREY!?”

“Oh wow, is that me? I’m so… small. And energetic.” Kel said, scratching his head.

KEL: You messed up all the cards! I was winning, too.

“You? Winning? Honestly surprised that you can win at anything other than sports, Kel.” Aubrey said, smirking.

“Hey! I do have a brain in here, y’know!” He said tapping the side of head.

“Really? Coulda fooled me”

“Ugh, let's just continue with the game.

HERO: Hey there, KEL. There’s no need to get angry. It’s just a game after all.

KEL: Don’t give me that, HERO! You only say that ‘cause you were losing.

HERO: …

“Seems like he really did only say that because he was losing…”

“I mean, Hero did suck at card games, Aubrey. It was really the only thing I could beat him at.”

“Oh, yeah. That’s right!”

The AUBREY heads back in front of the cards, a black light bulb appearing over her head. Kel heads over to her.

AUBREY: Why is Kel always so mean to me!? You know, the other day, that good-for-nothing stole my STUFFED TOY and hid it somewhere in this room.

“Y’know, Kel, I’m glad you grew up. Because honestly, right now, you’re kind of a dick.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m actually really embarrassed right now.”

AUBREY: Why would he do something like that? He’s so immature… I mean, what did I ever do to him!?

“Sheesh, y’know, AUBREY’s got a point here. I was really immature back then, huh?”

‘You really were.”

AUBREY:Oh, I know! Can you find my STUFFED TOY for me, OMORI? Pretty please?

Kel let out a tiny laugh as Aubrey hid her face in her hands.

“That’s so embarrassing… Can’t believe I said “pretty please” when I was a kid.” Aubrey said, her cheeks a bit red. 

“Well, we were kids, y’know? So I’m not all that surprised, honestly.”

The dialogue box closes so Kel explores. He goes towards the back, where most of the items are. He heads up to the picture frame.

A picture of someone familiar.

They look at eachother, both knowing who is probably showcased. They head to the next item, deciding to talk about it later.

A fluffy pillow shaped like the head of a girl

“That’s a pillow? It looks like a mask.” Kel says, leaning closer to the screen. 

“Kel, you idiot, it’s like, 3 pixels. Leaning in that close isn’t going to change anything.” Aubrey says, exasperated.

“Okay, jeez. Don’t have to be mean about it.” Kel replies, before leaning back. He could’ve sworn he’s seen that face before. He thinks for a few moments more before sighing and moving on.

He heads to the next thing, a present.

A neatly-wrapped present

“Wow! I totally couldn’t tell! Thanks, game” Aubrey sarcastically says.

Kel sighs before heading back as he had missed the toaster.

Would you like to make toast?

Yes

No

Kel confirms, and a piece of toast pops out. He cannot eat it.

“Awww, c’mon! You can’t just let me make toast and not let me eat it!” Kel whines, before moving on to the last item.

A blender

Kel moves on to the plants on the floor. He tries to interact with them but he can’t, so he goes to the t.v

There’s a movie playing on T.V

Four boys are walking on railroad tracks

“What if a train just came and ran them over? Wouldn’t that be funny?”

“NO… yeah, kinda.”

They share a laugh and move on. 

“Hey, Kel, what about that watermelon? We haven’t checked that one out yet.”

“Oh yeah, let’s go.” Kel says as he starts moving OMORI towards the watermelon. He interacts and the watermelon breaks apart with a splat.

You got STUFFED TOY!

“Oh, wow. Why was your toy in a watermelon? Actually, how did I get the toy in a watermelon???”

“I don’t know, Kel. Maybe you just cut open the top of the watermelon and put it inside.” Aubrey replies.

“You’re probably right”

Kel has OMORI walk back to AUBREY and interacts with her.

AUBREY: I’is that…? Could it be?

AUBREY does a little twirl

AUBREY snatched the STUFFED TOY from you

“Talk about rude, am I right, Aubrey?” Kel says, looking at Aubrey. She looks back and just presses Z.

AUBREY turns back to KEL

AUBREY: Hey, Kel! Look, it’s my STUFFED TOY!

KEL has an exclamation mark over his head before jumping up and down.

“I look so silly”

“No, you look dumb” Aubrey replies

“Hey! No I don’t! Don’t you see how handsome I am there?”

“Yeah, sure. As if someone “handsome” would drink orange joe of all things.” Aubrey says as she makes a gagging sound.

“Orange joe is great! You’re just scared to drink it.”

KEL: W-What the heck? Where’d you get that?

AUBREY: OMORI found it! Lucky for me, I’ve got some real friends!

“Ouch, you’re so mean Aubrey, even when you’re a kid.”

“I know. Besides, you were meaner. Really? A watermelon?”

“Pshh, that wasn’t really me. Besides, why would I hide it in a watermelon?”

HERO: Serves you right, KEL.

“Even Hero is mean? What have you done to Hero Aubrey?”

“Oh, be quiet, Kel. If it’s anyone’s fault for that, it’s yours!”

HERO: You should know better than to pick on others.

KEL: But AUBREY started it…

“Oh no. I remember this.”

KEL: She was the one who was making fun of the mole on my…

AUBREY: On your… What?

“Look at how evil you look Aubrey! What kind of smile is that? Seems everyone but me was fooled by your innocent exterior. You were just hiding your meanness on the inside!”

Aubrey sighs, Kel’s energy making her tired just sitting next to him.

“Can we just finish this dialogue already? I’m getting tired, y’know.”

A sweat drop appears over KEL’s head before he goes silent.

KEL:...

HERO: AUBREY…

AUBREY: Fine…

Kel can move again, so he decides to talk to them. He starts with himself first.

KEL: Maaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnn… AUBREY always gets what she wants.

“You did get what you wanted a lot, didn’t you, Aubrey?” Kel asks, glancing at her.

“Yeah, I was the youngest girl in the group so I guess everyone just babied me. Not you though, you dick.” She replies, smiling. Kel lets out a laugh, before heading to AUBREY.

AUBREY: Thank you, OMORI! I knew I could count on you. You’re the best!

“Awwww… Aubrey, you seem to have a crush on OMORI…”

Aubrey’s face heats up, before she admits that, yes, she did have a crush on Sunny when they were younger.

Kel chuckles, before heading towards HERO.

HERO: Hey, OMORI! I’m glad that’s all settled. Those two always seem to be bumping heads.

Kel laughs, “yeah, I guess that’s true. Even now, we’re still bumping heads.” 

HERO: MARI and BASIL invited us for a picnic at the playground! Did you want to go see them?

YES
NO

Kel silently looks at Aubrey, whose eyes are still on the screen. “Do you need a moment?”

Aubrey sighs before glancing at Kel and shaking her head. “Do you?” Kel also shakes his head.

With them both ready for what’s to come, he selects yes.

HERO: Alright, everyone! Let’s go see MARI and BASIL!

The screen fades to black before fading in. This time, everyone’s lined up behind Omori. Kel moves towards the white door before the snake stops him. “Was there always a snake here? I can’t remember.” He shrugs it off.

SNAKE: sssssssssssssss...? (Going out, OMORI?) 

SNAKE: sssssssssssss… (Here’s your allowance for today.)

You got 50 CLAMS

“Oh wow… Is this snake our dad? If so, thanks dad!”

“ I wish i had a dad”

“What was that?”

“NOTHING”

“Ookay… but clams? So is that this world’s currency? Because 50 seems like a lot in all honesty.”

“It does, but this is a game, Kel. They probably sell toothpaste at, like, a hundred clams or something.”

“I guess you’re right…”

After that, Kel moves towards the white door. As they enter, the screen fades to white.

Chapter Text

The screen fades in to show… a tree trunk? With a hole in the middle?

“Hey, Kel, where are we now?” Aubrey asks, glancing around the screen.

“Not sure… weren’t we just in that room?”

Just as he says that, OMORI pops out of the trunk, closely followed by Kel, then Hero.

“Oh, so were we in that tree trunk… Y’know, Aubrey. You could call it a Treehouse.” Kel says before bursting out into laughter. Aubrey slowly looks at him, her eyes twitching. Before she can do anything to hurt him, Kel starts the dialogue.

KEL: OH, YEAH!! FRESH AIR AT LAST!! Gotta love that nature. Well, let’s go!

Kel looks at Aubrey, her attention back on the screen and breathes a sigh of relief. Just before he presses Z, Aubrey speaks up.

“Don’t think I forgot about the terrible pun… I’ll make you pay later.” she says, looking at him from the corner of her eye.

Kel gulps, certain that his fate is sealed and his life is lost.

“Hey, actually, where is AUBREY? She isn’t there.” Kel says, trying to steer the conversation away from his pun.

“Oh, yeah. Where am I?”

Kel shrugs before pressing Z. As they start to leave, they stop.

AUBREY: Hey, wait a sec!

As the screen pans back up, they see AUBREY popping out of the tree trunk.

“I think she’s stuck.”

“Way to state the obvious Kel.”

“I was just saying. Jeez, Aubs, don’t have to be mean.”

“What did you ca-”

“NOTHING”

Kel taps Z to continue the dialogue so he won’t have to tell Aubrey what he called her. She would probably kill him.

AUBREY: Help me up, guys! I’m stuck.

KEL: Only if you say please!

AUBREY: Kel, stop messing around and get me out of here.

KEL: Okay, okay… fine

KEL goes over and pulls on AUBREY. It takes a moment but KEL gets her unstuck although he rolls backwards, landing on his back.

“That looked like it hurt.”

“It probably didn’t… I mean, he only rolled. Not like he got hit with a bat or anything.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right”

AUBREY: Hmph! Took you long enough!

KEL: Well sorry, princess…

The screen fades, and then shows them all in a line once more. Kel decides to just head down since It’s the most obvious path. He takes his friends downward and the screen fades to black again.

The screen fades in, this time showing a playground but with monsters everywhere, playing on the slide, burying themselves in sand and doing hopscotch.

“Hey, Kel, doesn’t this look like the old middle school playground?” Aubrey asks. Kel takes a look and realizes that, yes indeed, it looks like their old middle school playground.

“Huh… kinda weird. I think it might be safe to assume that Sunny made this game. For what? I’m not sure. But hey! It should be fun, right? Going through our childhood in a video game.”

She goes quiet, so Kel looks back at the screen and sees MARI and BASIL on a picnic blanket. Before he can process what he’s seeing, the game continues on.

AUBREY: MARI! BASIL!

They all rush over, surrounding MARI and BASIL.

MARI: oh, hello AUBREY! Hello, everyone! How are you all doing today?

Kel sits there, shocked. He knew what he had to face when HERO said that MARI wanted to see them, but even still… Actually seeing her, though she’s a character in a game, is… disturbing. It showcases the smile of someone who would never smile again. And it hurts.

AUBREY: KEL’S BEING MEAN TO M-

The dialogue cuts off. Aubrey closed the laptop, before standing up and heading towards the door.

“Wait, Aubrey!”

“I’m leaving, Kel.”

“We haven’t even fini-”

“I SAID I’M LEAVING” Aubrey says, slamming his door shut.

Kel stares at the door. He was surprised. He knew she would have reacted strongly but he didn’t expect her to react that badly. He sighs, before taking his laptop back up to his room. He shuts his door, putting his laptop back on his desk before laying down again. He stares at the ceiling, conflicted. He should have known she would react like that. He takes out his phone, his hand hovering over Sunny’s contact number. He is about to call before he changes his mind. He probably just finished his therapy session… He should leave him alone. He sighs, deciding to sleep and wait for tomorrow. He closes his eyes as sleep takes him away. 

Chapter Text

Beep Beep Beep

Beep Beep Be-

Kel’s alarm clock shuts off, his hand slamming on it.

“Uughhh” he groans out. He lays there for a few more minutes before getting up. He rubs his eyes, the sleepiness not leaving. He gets up, fumbling for his light switch. He finds it, flipping his light on. He instantly regrets it. 

The lights burns his eyes and he flicks his light back off, giving it a little bit before turning it back on. He yawns, before heading into his bathroom. He turns on the light, washing his face before he starts brushing.

Now, with the sleep out of his system, he decides to head down for breakfast. He can smell the bacon and eggs from here, his mouth watering at the thought of eating some. He enters the kitchen, his mom eating already, though she’s alternating between feeding herself and Sally. 

“Kel! Kel!” his sister cries upon spotting him. He smiles, picking her up from her walker.

“Hey Sally-bear! How is my cute little sis doing, huh?” he says, smiling as Sally laughs.

“Kel! She’s eating! She’ll get sick.” his mom chastises, a frown on her face.

“Awww, c’mon, mom! Lighten up a bi-”

“Kelsey. Put Sally down, now.” His mom says in a sweet voice, smiling.

“Okay, mom. I’ll put her down.” Kel replies, setting Sally back into her walker. As much as Kel wanted to baby his sister more, his mom would probably kill him. Besides, you don’t mess with someone if they say your full name. Especially if they always call you by your nickname.

He walks towards the sink, grabbing a plate and a spoon. He grabs some eggs and bacon, adding some rice as well.

He takes a seat, stuffing his face because God knows he didn’t eat anything last night. He was too tired and too distracted that he forgot.

He finishes up, washing his plate before telling his mom that he’s heading out, before giving her a kiss on her cheek. He leaves, heading towards the basketball court.

“Hey, Jay!” he calls out to his friend.

His friend looks around, before his gaze settles on Kel. He brightens, smiling and waving at Kel.

“Hey, Kel! Come over, so I can dunk on you!”

“Oh, ho? Is that a challenge Jay?” Kel asks, feigning surprise.

“HA! It’s not a challenge, Kel. It’s fact! But, well… if you want to prove me wrong, come at me!”

Kel lets out a laugh before running towards Jay, ready to prove him wrong.

2 hours later (idk i can’t write sports)

“Hah- I knew I shouldn’t have challenged ya Kel. I shoulda known better, given how competitive you are!”

“Serves you right, Jay! Y’know you can’t be as good as I am!” Kel said, flashing a smile at him.

“Well, I’m gonna go now. I had fun though Jay!” Kel says, getting up and dusting himself off. He flashes a smile at Jay before jogging towards the park.

He arrives, seeing everyone having fun. He sends a wave at Mincy, though she’s too focused on her new drawing. He decides to leave her to it, heading towards the secret hideout.

He weaves through the trees, getting through them. With the caution blocks gone, he can clearly make out Aubrey, sitting on the pier. He quietly makes his way over, planning to scare her. He gets close enough and-

“I know you’re there, Kel.” Aubrey quietly says. He pauses for a bit before sighing and taking a seat beside her.

They sit in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company(Though Aubrey will strongly deny that) before Aubrey breaks the silence.

“Sorry about yesterday. I didn’t mean to snap like that.”

Kel looks over at her, understanding in his eyes. “There’s nothing to apologize about. I should’ve expected you to react like that. After all, you probably thought of Mari as your sister.”

Kel looks over at her, a bit startled to see tears forming in her eyes. He’s even more startled when Aubrey hugs him and starts crying into his shirt. 

Although startled, he’s quick to start patting her back, comforting her. Soon, her cries stop and she sits up. Her eyes are red and she’s still sniffling, but overall, she seems okay. It’s a few seconds of awkward silence before Aubrey speaks up.

“Mention any of this to anyone, and you’re dead.” She threatens, though there’s no heat. Kel smiles, assuring her that he won’t.

“Kel, about that game…”

“You don’t have to play it if you don’t want to… I can call Sunny, really.”

“No, no. I want to continue. See where it goes.”

“Alright… When will you be ready?”

“I’m… not sure. I want to continue now, but the thought of seeing Mari is… heartbreaking.”

“If it helps… I’ll be there for you!”

Aubrey looks at him, as though he had said the dumbest thing ever.

“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve heard come out of your mouth, y’know that?”

“What?? What do you mean?”

“It’s your house, dumbass. Of course you’re gonna be there.” 

“Oh… yeah… But! I’m gonna be there for moral support as well, although I’m the one playing…”

Aubrey smiles a bit. “Thanks, Kel”

Chapter Text

Kel stifles a yawn, the silence between him and Aubrey as they headed towards his house was… boring. He knows that they’re going to play the game again but he can’t help but feel tired. Between playing with Jay then comforting Aubrey, it’s no surprise he’s exhausted.

He looks at Aubrey, her gaze forward. He wonders if she would still be this distant if Mari was alive.

“What are you looking at Kel?” she asks, a brow raised.

“Hmm? Oh, just thinking about something.” He replies before looking forward again.

As his house comes into view, Kel can’t help but look at Sunny’s old home. The family that had moved there were nice and all, but he can’t help but miss Sunny.

Once he arrives, he opens the door and steps inside.

“Mom! I’m home!”

“Welcome back, honey! Come help me in the kitchen will you?” His mom calls from the kitchen.

“Alright, coming!” Kel says, turning around and telling Aubrey to follow him.

“Hi mom! This is my friend, Aubrey. Do you remember her?”

“Aubrey? Oh! Of course I remember Aubrey!” She turns to address her.

“You’ve grown so much, dear! And I see you dyed your hair as well!”

“Y-Yeah, I did.” Aubrey stammers out, stunned that she would remember her.

“And you’re so pretty, my dear!”

“Thank you, miss…” Aubrey mutters out, her face red.

“It’s no problem dearie.” She turns to Kel. 

“Well? Aren’t you gonna help me out?”

Kel stares for a bit before rushing to finish with the dishes. He and his mom finish up, exchanging playful banter. Aubrey wishes her and her mom had this kind of relationship. Before long, they’ve finished cleaning up the kitchen and Kel invites her up to his room.

He opens his door and Aubrey takes a look at all his trophies and medals strung up on the wall or on the floor.

“Jeez Kel. I know you’re into sports but really? Did you have to get a medal in every sporting event?” Aubrey asks, a playful tone in her voice.

“Of course! Besides, I like competing in them. They’re fun!” he says, looking at her, before his face twists into feigned sympathy.

“But, I know you’ve never had fun before, so I know you probably don’t understand.”

“Excuse me! I’ve had fun before, y’know!” Aubrey says, punching Kel in his shoulder.

“Oh, really? When?” He asks, rubbing his sore shoulder, although he still has a smile on his face.

“Like when I beat you and Sunny up with the Hooligang.”

Kel shivers. “Don’t remind me. I’m pretty sure I was sore for a few days after”

She lets out a laugh, patting his shoulders before heading for his laptop. She grabs it before taking a seat.

“Well? What are you waiting for? Come here so I can start it.”

Kel walks up to her before taking a seat. She turns it on, noting his very empty desktop. 

“Wow, Kel. Why is it so empty?”

“Never saw the point of a wallpaper.” He shrugs.

She nods before clicking on Omori.

It opens to the title screen before she presses continue.

The game starts, leaving them at the tree stump. 

“Huh, I’m kinda glad that we started here. Don’t wanna go through all that again.”

“Yeah, for sure.”

They head downwards again, the same cutscene playing out. Once it concludes, they let the dialogue play out as it gets towards where they left off. They both take a breath, calming themselves before continuing.

AUBREY: KEL’S BEING MEAN TO ME AGAIN!! 

MARI: oh, no! Not again… how could he?

Kel smiles, happy that he could at least see Mari alive and talking… even if it’s in a game and it’s just text.

KEL; pshh, I’m not being mean! AUBREY’S just being all whiny.

“Biggest load of bull I’ve heard today.” Aubrey says, scoffing. Kel smiles a bit, glad that she’s happy enough to joke around… at least he thinks she’s joking around.

MARI: Well, KEl! You’ve just made a very convincing point. Now I don’t know who to believe!

“I remember when she would do that, so she wouldn’t have to pick who. It was very considerate of her.”

“Aww, Kel is all grown up now, huh? Saying such big words. What are ya gonna do now? Use the toilet without mommy’s help?” Aubrey coos, teasing him.

“Hey!”

Aubrey just laughs before continuing the dialogue.

KEL: BELIEVE ME!!

AUBREY: NO, BELIEVE ME!!

“Talk about brats…”

HERO: Sigh… Settle down, you two. Why does it always have to be like this?”

“Poor HERO, always the mediator of our fights.” Kel says, pitying Hero.

Aubrey nods, remembering how exasperated he would be.

“Well, that’s what happens when you have two idiots to take care of.”

“Yeah, that’s true,” Kel replied.

MARI: Chin up, HERO! Look at you being all responsible. I really like that about you… hehe…

Kel let out a snort, forgetting how teasing Mari could be. Aubrey also lets out a laugh, albeit a quiet one. Kel smiles before continuing on.

HERO: Come on, MARI! Not now…

MARI: Oh, HERO, you know I’m just teasing.

“His walls always crumbled when Mari was around, huh?” Kel chuckles. Mari was always teasing his brother. He misses those times.

MARI: You’re so cute when you get all flustered!

HERO: …

They both smile, knowing HERO’s mind was probably cooking up a storm right about now.

MARI: While we were waiting you guys, BASIL and I were going through his PHOTO ALBUM! Did you want to join us?

“Y’know, I’m kinda excited to see what’s in his PHOTO ALBUM. Wonder if it’ll be any different from ours.”

“I don’t think so. Sunny probably modeled the game after our memories, after all. And if there is a difference, it’s probably small.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

AUBREY: Of course! After all… We’re the ones in the pictures, aren’t we?

KEL: BASIL, BASIL! GET A LOAD OF THIS!

KEL heads downwards and he turns around. Everyone else looks at him, with BASIL having a question mark over his head before he heads towards him.

KEL turns around before sticking his arms out in a pose.

KEL: C’mon, BASIL! Take a picture of me!

BASIL: Sorry, Kel. I only take pictures of people when they least expect it!

“He does do that. Something about how “people living their lives are special” or something.”

“Yup. Honestly, I think there’s some beauty to it if you think about it.” Aubrey looks at Kel questioningly

“Well, all those actors on screen are just that! Actors. And if you were to pose for a selfie, you’re acting. Trying to make yourself look good. When you’re not expecting a picture, you act like yourself, and it’s really… poetic or something.”

Kel glances at Aubrey, seeing her eyes wide open. She stares a bit more before speaking:

“Wow… Didn’t expect something like that to come out of your mouth.”

“I know. I’m just full of surprises, am I right?”

She rolls her eyes before continuing with the game.

HERO: You like to take photos of people acting natural when they’re not in front of a camera, right BASIL?

BASIL: Yeah… There’s something special about everyone living their own lives. Those are the moments I want to capture.

“Talk about sappy.”

“That’s part of his charm though! He was super nice to talk to given how kind he was.”

KEL: So, like… We just have to pretend you’re not there?

“I mean… yeah. I guess you can put it that way, but wouldn’t you unconsciously be acting, though? Like, you’re aware of the camera there so it’s hard not to act.”

BASIL: Haha… I guess you could put it that way.

KEL: Sure, I can do that!

Both Aubrey and Kel see KEL turn around, acting like BASIL isn’t there. Kel laughs a little, chuckling at his own antics.

MARI: Did you want to show us your PHOTO ALBUM now, BASIL?

BASIL: Ah, okay… but it’s nothing amazing.

Aubrey sighs, knowing how low his self esteem was. She realizes how bad she probably made it last year… Bullying him. She still feels like shit over it.

Kel looks at Aubrey, seeing her sulking. He bumps her shoulder, getting her to snap out of it. She shakes her head before turning to look at Kel and giving him a grateful smile. He smiles back.

AUBREY: Oh, BASIL! Stop doubting yourself! I’m sure they’re great.

“They always were…”

BASIL: You’re right AUBREY. Sorry,,, I’ll try to believe in myself more.

BASIL lies his PHOTO ALBUM in the middle of the picnic blanket.

BASIL: Here! This way, we can all see.

The screen fades to black, fading into BASIL’s PHOTO ALBUM. They see six pictures, and more judging by the arrows pointing to the right.

Kel presses Z, getting the picture to zoom in. The first picture is of Omori and KEL holding a flower wreath.

“Oh! I remember this photo! This was when we were making the flower crowns!”

“Oh, yeah! Hero took forever to make his.”

He’s about to move on before he sees the prompt on the bottom, saying Shift to read. He presses shift and gets some text on the screen.

“MARI is teaching everyone how to make flower crowns! Omori and KEL are holding MARI’s example. So pretty…”

“They were fun to make. Kinda wish Basil kept wearing a flower crown though.”

Kel goes to the next picture, this one being of MARI putting a flower crown on BASIL’s head.

“Omori and KEL gave up and ran off, but AUBREY and I got the hang of it really fast!

“How did you guys get it so fast? My fingers just weren’t cooperating.”

“It’s really easy, Kel. You and Sunny just didn’t have the brain capacity to coordinate your fingers”

Kel pouts as Aubrey smiles, though his twitching mouth gives away how hard he’s trying not to smile. His pout breaks into a smile and they both chuckle a little before going back to the game.

Kel proceeds to the next picture, but just as he’s about to press read, the sound of a ringing phone reverberates through the room. Kel grabs his phone from his pocket, seeing who’s calling before seeing the name. He shows the phone to Aubrey and she reads the name.

“Sunny”

Chapter Text

The phone continues to ring, the sound piercing their ears. Aubrey eyes Kel, an eyebrow raised.

“Well, are you gonna answer that?” 

“Uh, yeah.” Kel says after a pause. He answers.

“Oh, hey Sunny! I, uh, didn’t expect you to call today.” Kel awkwardly says, scratching his head.

“Am I interrupting something important?” Sunny’s voice sounds from the phone, a questioning lilt to his voice. “Because you did say to call you today.

Kel sits there for a few seconds before he facepalms, completely forgetting. Aubrey startles, looking at him confused. He puts on a quick smile before returning to the call.

“To be honest, Sunny, I completely forgot. I just got caught up in something so I’m really sorry. Anyways, anything you wanna talk about?”

“Uh, yeah… I do. But I don’t want to bring down your mood, Kel.”

Kel’s smile falters. He knows Sunny is still having a hard time adjusting to FarFromHere and is concerned.

“Hey, Sunny. There’s no need to worry man! I might not be good at comforting people but I am good at listening.”

Aubrey looks at him with a “really?” expression on her face. He sticks a tongue out at her, getting a small laugh out of her. The silence from the other end continues. As Kel grows more concerned, he is about to ask if he’s there. But before he can, Sunny speaks.

“Kel… Is there someone there with you?”

Kel looks at Aubrey, mouthing “he heard you!” She seemingly understands because she gets closer before taking the phone from him.

“Hey, nerd. It’s Aubrey. Me and Kel were just chilling in his room when you called. It seemed important so I didn’t want to interrupt.”

Aubrey pauses for a few moments before replying.

“I’m doing pretty good actually. How about you?”

Another pause.

Aubrey talks to him for a few more minutes before giving it back to Kel.

“Welcome back, Sunny! How was it talking to Aubrey?”

A pause.

“It was… pleasant. I guess.”

“Did she… say anything mean.” Kel asks, glancing at Aubrey.

“N-No! I just… It’s weird, y’know? Talking to her after all that’s happened. You’re the only one that calls me...”

Kel processes that before turning to Aubrey.

“Aubrey. Why haven’t you called Sunny?”

She looks at him, confused before replying.

“Because I don’t have his number…?”

Kel stares at her blankly for a moment before bursting out laughing. He can hear Sunny asking what’s so funny from the other end.

“Hah! I-It’s nothing Sunny. Just, you didn’t give her your number so that’s probably why I’m the only one that calls you!”

There’s a silence from Sunny’s end before he can hear him groan. That sends him into another fit of laughter.

“That’s so embarrassing…” He hears Sunny say. He can practically see him blushing.

“Just… just give her my number.” he hears Sunny mumble from the other end. He laughs before asking for her phone. When she asks what for, he tells her he’s putting in Sunny’s number. She complies, and before long, she’s got Sunny’s number.

“Whew! Now that that’s over, when were you gonna tell me you were making a game?”

“A what?” He hears Sunny repeat questioningly.

“A game! You know, OMORI! It’s pretty fun so far and we’re in it. It’s like living through our childhood all over again.”

There’s a silence, and Kel feels like it’s not the good kind. It’s a while before he hears Sunny’s voice.

“W-What did you say it was called?”

“OMORI.”

Another silence ensues and Kel is getting more concerned by the second. He looks over at Aubrey and he sees her looking back at him, concern in her eyes. 

“Sunny? Are you there?” Kel asks through the receiver. Silence.

“S-Sunny?”

“... “

It’s a bit before Kel can hear something from the other end.

“Sunny! Are you okay? Did something happen? Why’d you go silent all of a sudden? Is it my fault? I’m sorry, Sun-”

“Kel.” Sunny’s voice cuts him off. He collects himself, waiting for Sunny to continue.

“It’s called OMORI?”

“Y-Yeah…”

“And is he black and white?”

“Uh, yeah?”

“Don’t do anything further. I’m coming to Faraway.”

“Uh, It’s okay Sunny! It’s no big deal. I know how far it is to drive here!”

“I’m coming to Faraway, Kel.”

He’s about to speak more before the dial tone is the only thing he hears. He stares at his phone for a bit before sighing and putting it down. He lays down, Aubrey looking at him, confused.

“Sunny’s coming here.”

Her eyes widened.

“Here? Isn’t it, like, a few hours drive?”

Kel sighs, nodding. He has no clue what could have provoked him to come here… Actually, he does.

“Does OMORI have a special meaning to Sunny?” he asks Aubrey. He doesn’t know why, he just does.

“No… Not that I know of, why?” She asks, tilting her head.

“Well… I think he might be coming here because I told him about the game.”

“Hey, Kel… How did you get OMORI?”

“Like I said, it just appeared on my laptop.” He says. 

Aubrey seems to be thinking before shaking her head and sighing.

“What were you thinking about?”

“Nothing. Just how weird it is for that to just appear.”

He nods his head, agreeing.

“Well, Sunny will be here later. Let’s continue the game.”

“Okay.”

Kel grabs his laptop, scooting closer to Aubrey. They’re still in the photo they left off on, the one with HERO making MARI a flower crown. Kel clicks read.

“HERO’s still making his flower crown. It’s taking him a little while but he’s getting it. You have to admire his persistence.”

“Hero did make a flower crown for Mari. She was flattered even if it didn’t fit her head. I wish they were both here.”

“Where is Hero anyway, Kel?”

“College.”

They go to the next picture, this one being of AUBREY eating a watermelon.

“Didn’t Basil take this photo at the beach, though? I’m confused on why it’s here.”

“He did, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Sunny decided to change the scenery. Besides, we’re in a playground. How close could a beach be?”

“Everyone’s eating watermelons. So juicy! AUBREY has some seeds on her face. Maybe someone should tell her.”

“Basil saw the watermelon seeds and didn’t even tell me?? I had to deal with YOU of all people telling me about it. Which included a lot of laughing.”

“I mean, Aubrey… Even I would’ve felt those seeds on my face. I just had to laugh at you!”

“Just go to the next picture already.”

He laughs before doing so. The next picture is of KEL drinking… MILK!?

“Why am I drinking milk? The only time I consider using milk is with cereal.”

“I don’t know, but at least there isn’t any orange joe here.”

He pouts before reading.

“KEL drinking a bottle of MILK, his favorite! I shouldn’t get too close or I’ll get my camera wet.” 

“Milk isn’t my favorite drink. Where’s my orange joe?” Kel complains. Aubrey makes gagging noises at the mention of orange joe. He makes an offended noise before Aubrey changes the picture.

This time, the picture is of Omori and BASIL sitting next to each other, with BASIL reading a book. Both Aubrey and Kel are baffled, mostly because that’s the most emotion they’ve seen on Omori’s face thus far.

“Basil always did bring the best out of Sunny.”

“He really did… We could hardly get him to smile but I know he enjoyed our company nonetheless.”

“MARI had HERO take a picture of us. Everyone thinks a flower crown really suits me.”

Kel stares, a bit confused at how short it was before proceeding to the next picture, it being HERO leaning in to kiss KEL.

“HERO leaning in for a smooch. KEL looks so annoyed. Ah, brotherly love…”

Kel groans, already knowing Aubrey’s gonna laugh. And not long after, Aubrey bursts into laughter.

“It’s not funny.” He mutters, annoyed but Aubrey keeps laughing. 

After she calms down, they go to the next picture. This one being of the GANG taking a picture.

“We’re having a picnic today! MARI wanted to take a picture of everyone. Say cheese!”

“Aw, this is so sweet! OMORI is still so dead though…”

“He is made to represent Sunny, you know. I’m not that surprised he looks so dead.”

“If you say so…”

The next picture had almost everyone sleeping, with MARI and HERO smiling at each other and holding hands.

“After eating, everyone fell asleep except HERO and MARI. I’m getting kind of sleepy myself.”

“Look at them! Holding hands like the love birds they are!”

“Yeah, ok.”

“KEL said he took a photo of himself on accident, but I don’t believe him…”

“But it was an accident!”

“Sure, that smile and still camera clearly shows how much of an “accident” it was.”

Kel pouts in response. Aubrey looks at him before sporting a cheeky smile. He sighs before continuing to the next photo.

This time it’s a photo of all their feet in a circle. They can only recognize OMORI’s feet because he has black socks on.

“All of our feet in a circle! Can you guess whose feet are whose?”

“Nope! All of our feet look the same in that picture.”

“Except for OMORI's, his feet are easy to distinguish.”

Kel nods before pressing X and leaving the PHOTO ALBUM.

Chapter Text

HERO: These photos are all so charming, BASIL. You really know how to capture the moment.

BASIL: Thanks… I didn’t take all of them, though. MARI likes to steal my camera sometimes.

“That did happen a lot and honestly, if she became a photographer I wouldn’t be surprised.’’

‘’ I would. She loved the piano so I wouldn’t be surprised if she married it.”

MARI: Only sometimes!

BASIL: Hey, I have an idea! Did you all want to come hang out at my house?

“Oooo. Going to BASIL’s house sounds fun!”

“It does. Wonder what it’ll look like.”

BASIL: I just finished planting some little sprouts and wanted to show everyone, come on! They’re really cute!

KEL: Yeah sure, that sounds fun! Let’s go!

“Yeah let’s go!”

“Finally getting out of this playground.” Aubrey said with relief. Kel had an odd feeling she had jinxed it. 

HERO walked down, off the picnic blanket before pointing out the direction of BASIL’s house.

HERO: It’s south of the playground, right?

BASIL: Yup, that’s the way!

“Nice! Now we have a general direction on where to go.”

“Yeah, so hurry so we can leave.”

MARI: Hmm… I think I’ll sit this one out.

“Aw, man! I hoped MARI would follow us.”

“Yeah, same here…”

MARI: You all go on and enjoy yourselves! But if you’re ever feeling weary, you can always stop by one of my picnics!

“Oh, sick! So she’s like those merchants that will appear later!”

“Uh, I guess so. I’ve honestly not played a lot of games, Kel.”

“What! Really? You need to at least play First Delusion I! It’s sick! Actually, we should play that someday…” Aubrey hears before Kel descends into a quiet mumble storm. She decides to take over for that time being.

MARI: I’ll have some refreshments ready… and you can even SAVE using my picnic basket!

HERO: Awww… Thanks, MARI! You’re always doing so much for us!

“She always did a lot for them, huh?” Aubrey thought. She knew how kind hearted Mari was… Always putting her friends before others.

“Didn’t put Sunny before herself enough apparently…” She shakes the negative thought away before continuing the game.

AUBREY: Bye, MARI! We’ll see you again soon!

MARI: Run along and have fun now! You know where to find me!

Aubrey sits there for a bit before heading south, where BASIL’s house is. However, she’s stopped by Berly. 

She sighs, getting Kel’s attention which has been solely focused on First Delusion I. He looks at her before looking back at the game, letting out a laugh when realizing she can’t leave the playground yet.

“I knew you jinxed it, Aubrey! Ya gotta keep your mouth shut because this is what happens.”

Kel is about to continue teasing her before she gives him… A Look. He quiets down, looking back at the game and continuing the dialogue.

BERLY: Hey, wait just one second! Where do y'all think you’re going!?

Internally cursing whoever this BERLY guy is, Aubrey continued the dialogue.

BERLY: You can’t leave without joining us for a game of hide-and-seek!

VAN: Stay and play with us! The more the merrier!

“Hide and seek? I don’t know about you Aubrey, but that sounds fun!”

“But I don’t want to be in this playground anymore.” Aubrey whines.

HERO: You want to play hide-and-seek again?

KEL: But… You know how this turned out last time…

“What happened last time?”

AUBREY: Y-Yeah… Sorry, BERLY. I think we’re gonna have to pass.

“And it’s a mystery left unsolved!”

KEL: We’re going to BASIL’s house now… so… We’ll catch up with you later!

Aubrey felt a glimmer of hope. “Are we… leaving?’’ She’s internally cheering, as they were finally leaving!

BERLY: Not so fast! You guys tryin’ to avoid me again!? What’s up with you two? Is it my face? My rough and tough exterior?

“Yes.”

“Aubrey!”

“What? It’s not like they can hear us anyway.”

BERLY: At least I’m not as bad as BOSS! It’s a good thing that I banned him from the playground after what happened last time…

“How can you ban someone from a public playground?”

“How would I know, dude?”

BERLY: I wonder what that moron is up to now? … eh… Good riddance!

‘’Jeez, kids sure are mean.” 

‘’Yeah. That’s just how they are.”

HERO: So… You wanna play hide-and-seek, BASIL?

BASIL: I can go either way. There’s no rush to my house after all.

“Contrary to your belief, BASIL, I don’t wanna be here any longer.”

“Aww, c’mon Aubrey! This could be fun to do.”

She rolls her eyes at Kel, clearly not convinced. Nevertheless, she hits Z.

BASIL: I think I’ll leave it up to OMORI. What do you want to do?

“I want to leave.”

‘’C’mon! It won’t take that long.”

BERLY: OMORI, OMORI! My best friend! Come on! You know how to play hide-and-seek, don’t you?

YES

NO

Aubrey, understandably, picked no. She thought it would get her out of that situation but she was wrong.

BERLY: Eh!? You don’t know how to play hide-and-seek!? What kind of kid are you anyway?

BERLY: That means you have to play with us! I’ll explain the rules after I round up everyone!

“Hey, Kel, I’m gonna go down and get some water real quick. Continue without me.”

“Alright,” Kel says, taking the laptop from her, “make it quick.”

She gets up, heading out from the room and down the stairs

The screen fades to black as a whistle rings out. 

BERLY: TEN-HUT!

The screen fades in, everyone in a line.

BERLY: Alright, maggots! Here’s the rules! We’re gonna be entertaining ourselves with a little game of hide-and-seek!

  “I hope I’m the ‘it’.”

BERLY: Here in my hands I got some straws, see? Everyone here’s gotta pick a straw. The one with the shortest straw’s gonna be “it” and will have to find everyone else! Sounds easy enough, right?

After the explanation, BERLY walks around and gives everyone straws. After that, they walk back up to the front.

BERLY: Now, let’s see who’s gonna be “it”!

And then they walked around again to check everyone’s straws.

“Couldn’t they have just checked while they were still down there?”

BERLY: Well, well, well! Looks like the one with the shortest straw is…

Kel was watching intently, and just before he pressed Z Aubrey barged back in. Kel startled, yelping and nearly falling off the bed. He quickly fixed himself as Aubrey stared at him before she burst out laughing.

She completely bent over, holding her belly as laughs rang from her. Kel watched, bemused before joining in with her and laughing hard as well. After their laughs recede, Aubrey takes a seat next to Kel again.

“So… What did I miss?”

“Not much.” he replies, “Was just about to find out who’s ‘it’.”

She nods before pressing Z for him.

BERLY:OMORI!

“Yes! Let’s gooo.”

KEL: Oh, wait… OMORI is “it”?

AUBREY: But OMORI doesn’t like to be alone…

HERO: Are you going to be okay, OMORI?

BASIL: I can take your place if you want. I don’t mind… really!

‘We’re all so sweet… I wonder what would have happened if Mari was still alive.’ Kel thought. He snuck a glance at Aubrey before resuming the game again.

BERLY: Hey! I hear you plotting over there! The straws make the rules, not me!

BERLY: C’mon, don’t be babies! It ain’t so bad. OMORI will be fine!

“Will he be okay, though?’

“Don’t know, and honestly, I would rather finish this game up.”

“Okay…”

BERLY walked up to the tetherball pole before turning around.

BERLY: When you’re ready to play, walk up to the tetherball pole and close your eyes. And no peeking! Or else!

The screen fades to black before fading in again. Kel decides to get this over with and walks up to the tetherball pole and pressing Z.

The screen goes black, before it starts counting down.

5... 4… 3… 2… 1… GO!

Chapter Text

The screen faded back in and the first thing they saw was KEL… He had been hiding behind the tetherball pole.

“Uh, Kel… I know you suck at hide-and-seek but really??” Aubrey said, looking over at Kel.

“Wha-Hey! Don’t look at me! Look at KEL!” Kel replied after seeing her look. At that, Aubrey continued to stare at Kel.

Kel could admit, saying not to look at him but KEL was pretty dumb. But still! He’s not that dumb. Kel pouts in an exaggerated manner, but Aubrey continues to look at him.

Aubrey stares at him for a bit longer before turning back to the game. She, of course, heads towards the pole and presses Z.

KEL: Woah! You found me! Now I can help you find everyone!

Aubrey raises her eyebrow, “Wow, how nice of you Kel. Didn’t think you would be one to throw a game for your friend.” Aubrey says. Kel looks at her ,feigning hurt, before retorting.

“Of course I would lose to my friends! I’m an amazing friend, Aubrey!”

“Yeah, sure,” she replies, rolling her eyes.

KEL: Just don’t tell BERLY about this, got it? Heh heh…

After the dialogue ends, they head down. They don’t get far before they see Van. They get close before the slide starts shaking.

???: Nose goes!

???: Shh… If you’re too loud, they’ll hear us!

“I think we found some of them, Aubrey,” Kel whispers dramatically.

“Wow, ya don’t say?” She replies sarcastically.

Kel grumbles, mumbling under his breath, before continuing the dialogue.

NOSE: Nose goes! BUN goes!

BUN: Ahh! Be quiet, NOSE! We’re hiding, remember?

KEL moves OMORI to the slide and presses Z.

KEL: A-ha! We found you BUN and NOSE!

BUN: NOSE… They found us!

“Well, it wasn’t particularly hard...” Aubrey mutters.

NOSE: nose… goes…

BUN: Oh… You know I can’t stay mad at you. Let’s go play patty cake!

The screen fades out and, once again, fades back in. They continue looking around, and they see someone too big for their hiding place.

Kel furrows his brows. “How’d I miss him?”

Aubrey looks back at Kel incredulously. “Really? You missed him? He’s bigger than the tree, dude!”

“I was more focused on the slide, that’s all.” Kel says. Aubrey stares at him before taking the laptop and going back to the game.

Ignoring Kel’s sounds of disagreement, she moves OMORI towards VAN, interacting with him.

VAN: Turns out… There’s not many places to hide her for a guy my size… but this was still fun! As long as BERLY’s happy, I’m happy.

“That’s… really sweet actually.” Aubrey says after a pause. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Kel nod.

“Yeah, really cute too. Reminds me of Sunny and Mari actually.”

They both quietly sit there for a moment but before they can get lost in painful memories, Aubrey continues looking around.

She heads down, seeing a jack-in-the-box with a slight pastel coloring. She pauses for a moment more before she goes up to it and interacts. It shuts before something pops out.

HAPPY: Boing! It’s me, HAPPY! You found me, so that means I gotta do something else now…

Kel stares at the screen, his face scrunched up. Aubrey nudges his shoulder, nodding her head to ask him what’s wrong.

Kel startles before opening his mouth to explain. “Oh, nothing. Just wondering how they fit in there. Like, I know they’re small and all but how??”

“It’s a game, don’t have to bring physics into this Kel.”

Kel nods, apparently over it already.

“How does he do that???” Aubrey thinks before shaking her head and going back to the game.

HAPPY: Oh, I know! I’m gonna count the alphabet backwards! Z… Y… X… W… V… U… O… M… Umm… O…

Kel lets out a snicker as Aubrey sighs. They close the dialogue box and continue their adventure.

Aubrey spots someone’s head sticking out of the sand before heading towards them.

BANGS: Darn, you found me.

Aubrey eyes the guy, before saying “Wow, this guy is emo as shit.”

Kel’s head snaps to hers, before he slowly nods.

“Yeah…”

Aubrey looks at him questioningly, one brow raised. Kel shakes his head so Aubrey sighs and continues the game.

BANGS: I guess that means I lose. You know what HAPPY would say right now?

“No.”

BANGS: She’d say something like… “BANGS, you should always try your best at everything! How else will people see how awesome you are?”

“Is that your sister Kel? Because I can’t think of anyone that would say something like that but you.”

Kel’s face breaks out into a grin. “That’s because I’m such an awesome friend, y’know!”|

“It wasn’t a compliment but okay.”

BANGS: … Next time, I guess.

With another person found, they continue with their search. Aubrey heads left this time, and finds someone with hair covering their face.

“Woah, she has such long hair.” Kel says quietly, with Aubrey quietly saying a “yeah” in reply.

SHARLENE: … Ah…

The screen fades much too fast and the dialogue that they were expecting isn’t there. Aubrey lets out a laugh, startled and finding it hilarious.

Kel rapidly blinks, causing Aubrey to laugh harder. Kel looks at her and his mouth twitches before he bursts into laughter as well. They laugh for a good while before they both calm down enough.

“Whew! That was unnecessarily funny.”

“You can say that again.”

Kel looks at Aubrey, his expression giving nothing away.

“That was unnecessarily funny.” He says, a smile on his face. Aubrey looks at him, before she sighs. He laughs for a bit before-

SMACK!

Kel’s head shoots forward from Aubrey’s smack.

“Hey! What the heck, Aubrey!”

Aubrey looks at him before she bursts into laughter.

“Just start the game.” Kel grumbles.

She obliges and continues on.

Next, she heads towards the two kids at the bottom.

NEB and DAISY: ‘whisper, whisper, whisper’

You probably shouldn’t disturb this.

The box closes and she moves away. At this point, Kel is back to focusing on the screen again.

The next place she heads is a blue mailbox with a rug under it. She interacts with it.

A suspicious blue mailbox.

The box closes and they are left wanting more.

Kel sighs as Aubrey heads left. She sees two kids… running in place? She heads towards them, a bit curious and a bit surprised they would be out in the open.

SHAWN and REN: Huff… Huff… Huff.... We’re not playing… We’re exercising!

“These kids are exercising when they could be playing… And I thought you were weird, Kel.”

“Oh shut up, Aubrey. Want me to remind you of when I found you kissing your stuffed to-”

“NO! No, no, no. No need to bring that up, Kel.” Aubrey hurriedly interjects. Kel laughs before taking the laptop from her, ignoring her indignant “Hey!”. He quickly does a dance with OMORI before continuing upwards as Aubrey gives a sigh. 

He sees what looks like a hamster doing circles around a tree. He steps in front as a dialogue box appears.

BROWS: AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

The screen abruptly fades to black and BROWS is gone.

“Uhh… That was something.”

“Yeah…”

They shrug it off and continue upwards. Kel passes a tree and nearly misses someone in it.

He goes back and towards the tree.

MIKAL: Huh!? Where am I? Sigh… I was dreaming that I was on a private beach with servants fanning me with palm leaves on every side...

Before Kel continues, Aubrey slaps his hand away. He pulls back and goes to ask Aubrey what she did that for, before he sees her eyes narrowed.

“Wait a minute… Is that supposed to be Mikhael? Because he acts like this all the time.”

Kel goes silent, looking at the name before going into deep thought. Now that he thought about it… Mikhael did always speak about servants and how he was “The greatest gift that God has bestowed upon us.”

He cringes at the memory and decides that, yeah, this is probably Mikhael.

“Yup, I think so.”

Aubrey continues staring at the screen before taking the laptop back.

“So… If this is supposed to be Mikhael, who are the others?”

“Maybe they’re more of your friends.”

She nods before continuing his dialogue.

MIKAL: When suddenly… WHAM! And now here I am! I must have fallen asleep while hiding. I guess that’s game over for me.

Kel lets out a “hm” and Aubrey looks at him.

“Is this really Mikhael, though? I expected more… I don’t know, drama? Maybe some feigned death or something?”

Aubrey lets out a snort at the image before ignoring Kel and focusing on the game again. Kel pouts, a bit put out that Aubrey doesn’t bite.”

She heads up a bit more and sees herself. She smiles before heading towards her.

AUBREY: Aww… You found me… Darn… Hehe… Let’s go find everyone else together, OMORI!

With Aubrey added to their growing train of friends, they head down again. They nearly pass by the two people exercising when Kel sees someone else among them.

“Wait, HERO’s there now.”

Aubrey looks at him before scanning the screen. She spots him, letting out a quiet “ah!”, before going towards him.”

HERO: Oh, hey guys! Huff… You know… Huff… I found a really good hiding spot, but huff… SHAWN and REN… Huff… invited me to join them in their… huff… exercise routine!

“Woah, that’s a lot of words.”

“Well, it was getting kind of stale on words around here.”

Kel nods. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

REN: It’s fun!

SHAWN: And it’s good for you!

HERO: You guys should really try this! It’s huff… really… huff… a workout… Oh, man I’m… huff… so tired…

KEL: Wow… You really don’t know how to say “no” to anyone, do you HERO?

“That’s true. He’s a yes man, alright!”

Aubrey nods, before stretching. “Yeah, he couldn’t say no to anyone. Especially Mari.”

Kel goes silent, and so does Aubrey, as they reminisce about memories. Aubrey wishes Mari was still here, and she’s sure Kel does too. 

She sighs, quietly going back to the game and continuing the dialogue.

AUBREY: Come on, HERO! We gotta help OMORI find everyone else!

HERO: Alright, alright… huff… I’m coming! Bye, SHAWN! Bye, REN! This was fun!

“Y’know, maybe you and I should do an exercise routine. We’re getting a little fat.” Kel says quietly, trying to lighten the mood.

It doesn’t work, but nonetheless, Aubrey replies. “You’re the one getting fat, Kel.” 

Kel smiles softly, though it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. Aubrey feels there’s more than Kel’s letting on, but she leaves it be for now.

SHAWN: See ya later, HERO!

The screen fades and now, HERO’s with them. They look around the playground again, not finding anyone. After triple checking, they head towards the middle. However, there’s a mound of sand with… something sticking out of it.

“Huh… What’s that?”

“Dunno, but we’re about to find out.”

They head towards it, a prompt popping out.

There’s a straw in the ground. Pull it out?

Yes

No

Kel reads over it, before understanding floods his eyes. “Oh, it’s a straw.”

“Well, yeah, we were just told that idiot.

Kel pouts, his puppy dog eyes looking at Aubrey. “You don’t got to be that mean, Aubrey…”

“Don’t look at me like that… makes me want to throw up.”

Kel quickly stops, the thought of her vomiting on him is a disgusting image. He turns back to the game, the prompt still waiting for them. He reaches over to the laptop and presses Z.

The straw disappears, and for a few moments, nothing happens until BERLY pops out of the sand mound.

BERLY: PWWWWWAHHHHH!!

The sound of spitting accompanies the dialogue box; and the first thing that pops up in Aubrey’s mind is “Ew.”

Before Aubrey continues, she looks closely at BERLY and comes to a sudden realization.

 “I-Is that… Kim?!?”

Kel looks at the screen, confusion written on his face before it morphs into realization and then laughter bursts forth from him.

“HAHA, you were getting mad at Kim! Your best friend!”

After that exclamation, Aubrey groans and covers her face as Kel descends into laughter, giggles and snorts. 

“Just… shut up, Kel…” Aubrey mutters from behind her hands. Kel, however, continues laughing. After a while, he calms down.

“Whew! Wow, that was funny!”

Aubrey grumbles, turning back to the laptop and continuing the game.

BERLY: Took you guys long enough… I thought I was gonna suffocate in there! How’d you like my hiding spot? Pretty good, eh?

BERLY turns, scanning the area before looking back at OMORI.

BERLY: It looks like you found pretty much everyone else too! Unexpected… but I like it! Let’s do a final roll call!

The screen fades to black as a whistle blows. 

BERLY: TEN-HUT!

The screen fades back in and everyone’s lined up again.

BERLY: VAN!

VAN: Here as always, buddy.

“Oh, wait! So that means VAN is Vance!” Kel exclaims.

“You’re probably right. Surprised, honestly, because you’re usually not that good at connecting the dots.” She replies, waving her hand a bit at the last parts.

Kel recoils, offended. “I am good at connecting dots! Honest!”

Aubrey looks at him, unconvinced and unamused. “Yeah, and I’m a guy.”

Kel sputters before settling on grumbling quietly. With victory in her grasp, Aubrey continues the game.

BERLY: SHARLEEN!

SHARLEEN: H-Here…

BERLY: MIKAL!

MIKAL: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…

The sound of something being hit startles Kel, causing him to jump. However, Aubrey doesn’t seem to notice, too focused on the game. He breathes a sigh of relief.

It quickly becomes apparent that BERLY had kicked MIKAL awake.

MIKAL: Ow! What gives!?

BERLY heads back to her place in the middle and resumes calling out names.

BERLY: HAPPY!

HAPPY: Here, here!

BERLY: BROWS!

BROWS: AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

After BROWS screams that out, they go running off the screen.

They both stare questioningly at the screen.

“...What?” Kel mumbles under his breath.

“Yeah, I don’t know either” She says in reply to Kel. They both look at each other before shrugging and going back to the game.

BERLY: BANGS!

BANGS: Here…

BERLY: BUN!

BUN: BUN is here!

BERLY: NOSE!

NOSE: Nose goes!

Before she can continue the game, Kel stretches, drawing her eyes from the laptop. Realizing it was just Kel, she goes back to the game.

BERLY: HERO!

HERO: Present!

When HERO pops up, his icon has sparkles and he seems to be attempting to be… handsome.

“Woah, cool! Though Hero is already really handsome.”

BERLY: KEL!

KEL: Yawn… You really gotta do this every time, BERLY?

After KEL’s dialogue box closes, BERLY goes up to him and kicks him.

KEL: Hey! That was uncalled fo-

Before he can even finish, BERLY kicks him again.

“Jeez, calm down Kim! I know you hate me but you don’t have to abuse me.” Kel says in response to BERLY kicking him.

BERLY: AUBREY!

AUBREY does a little twirl and Kel can swear he saw Aubrey smiling in the corner of his eye. However, when he turns to look at her, it’s gone.

AUBREY: Here I am!

A question mark appears above BERLY’s head before she continues speaking.

BERLY: Huh? Where’s BASIL?

That wakes Kel up right away. “Actually, now that I think about it, where is BASIL?”

Aubrey starts looking around the screen, also just now realizing BASIL isn’t there.

HERO: That’s strange… I thought I saw him hiding near that tree over there.

AUBREY: BASIL! Where are you? Can you hear us?

KEL: BASIL! You can come out now! You already won!

After no response, KEL runs up to one of the trees.

KEL: HELLOOOOOOO!? BASIL!?!?

The screen slowly pans up to the furthest tree as it starts shaking.

“Woah! I didn’t even think of looking there!” Kel says, his eyes wide and a smile on his face.

Aubrey nods along. “Yeah, me neither. Let’s go get him”

HERO: Hey, there’s BASIL!

They all run up to the tree. Well, OMORI speed walks actually, and ends up behind them.

KEL: BASIL, are you okay? Are… Are you stuck?

The urge to make a step bro joke courses through Aubrey but she resists. Besides, It’s Kel, he probably wouldn’t get it.

The tree slowly… peels downward? Before they can question it, they see BASIL in the hands of a tiny mountain with trees on their head.

BOSS: HWEHWEHWEHWEHWE!!

Kel’s eyebrows raise, “Oh, that’s BOSS.”

“Well, yeah, I think that’s pretty obvious.”

BERLY: BOSS! I should’ve known it was you! You good-for-nothing scoundrel… let BASIL go!

KEL: Yeah! What did BASIL ever do to you!?

Kel nods along, his brows furrowed. “Yeah, BOSS! Let BASIL go!”

Aubrey looks at him, her mouth open and her brows furrowed questioningly, before she sighs. She looks back at the laptop.

AUBREY: BASIL is our friend! Don’t you dare hurt him!

HERO: Let go of BASIL, BOSS! He didn’t do anything wrong!

BOSS: HWEHWEHWEHWEHWE!!

“Is that all this guy says?”

BOSS: You stupidheads! You think this is about BASIL?

“You’re too impatient, Aubrey. Maybe, if you just… well, I don’t know, wait? Maybe, just maybe, something will happen.”

Aubrey looks at Kel, her eyes blinking rapidly before silently turning back to the game.

BOSS: Don’t play dumb! You know why I’m here! How dare you not invite me to hide-and-seek! I’m the one who showed you all how to play in the first place! You’re not even playing it right! How can you call it hide-and-seek without any body-slamming!?

“Who are you playing hide-and-seek with, BOSS?”

“I know right? This isn’t WWE, dude.”

BASIL: My FLOWER CROWN!

AUBREY: Hey! That’s the FLOWER CROWN we made for BASIL!

KEL: How could you!? Let go of him, you bully!

BOSS: No! If I can’t play with everyone, then no one can!

The music dies down as BOSS begins speaking again.

BOSS: This is a BOSS-ONLY zone now… AND YOU’RE NOT INVITED!!

The screen fades as comic book letters fall over the screen...

Chapter Text

The screen fades in again, this time with two buttons. Fight and run.

“YOOO, this is sick! The music’s cool too!” Kel says.

Aubrey nods her head. “For once, I agree with you. This is sick.”

“Alright, let’s do this.”

Fight

Run…

Kel naturally chooses to fight and more options as well as a dialogue box pop up.

What will OMORI do?

ATTACK

SKILL

SNACK

TOY

“Jeez, so many options.” Kel mutters. He looks over them before choosing ATTACK. It displays a red hand pointing at BOSS, so Kel tries pressing Z again. Nothing happens as the buttons pop back up again.

“...What? I just did this,” Kel says as he presses Z again. He goes through the whole process again before the prompts come up again.

“Wh- Oh, come on!” He complains, pressing Z before Aubrey stops him.

“Kel, hold on you idiot!” She says, grabbing his hand. Kel looks at Aubrey, confusion written on his face. She points at the screen, towards the dialogue box.

What will KEL do?

Kel stares at it for a bit before understanding. He moves her hand out of the way before addressing her.

“Ohhh. Thanks, Aubs! I guess I’m kinda dumb, huh?”

Aubrey rolls her eyes. “No shit.”

Kel pouts, looking at her in faux displeasure.

“You were supposed to say, ‘Oh Kel, it’s alright. I know you’re actually a really smart person!’”

“Why would I lie to your face?” She asks with a smirk on her face.

Kel’s face falls into a deadpan, before going back to the game.

He just continues pressing Z, not really caring for anything outside beating BOSS into the ground.

After getting through all their turns, the attack starts. 

OMORI attacks BOSS!

…It was a moving attack!

BOSS takes 24 damage!

BOSS: Hwehwehwe! You weaklings! You call that an attack!?

“Well now that’s just rude dude.”

“If I was there, I’d show you an attack BOSS.”

Next one up is KEL, who throws a… ball of light?

KEL attacks BOSS!

BOSS takes 10 damage!

“What is that?” Aubrey asks, one brow raising.

“I don’t know, man! But hey, at least it works.” Kel replies, looking at the numbers displaying a 10.

Next is AUBREY, who again does something with light.

AUBREY attacks BOSS!

BOSS takes 16 damage!

“Seriously, what are we? Power rangers or something?”

“I don’t know, but I think it’s pretty cool!”

The last is HERO, who attacks BOSS with a hit to his chest.

HERO attacks BOSS!

BOSS takes 15 damage!

“Well at least HERO’s attack is normal.” Aubrey says.

“That’s no fun.” Kel says, crossing his arms. With his arms crossed and no longer on the keyboard, Aubrey takes the chance to snatch the laptop from him.

“Hey! I was still playing y’know.” He exclaims.

“Yeah, this whole time you’ve been playing. It’s my turn now.” She replies.

BOSS: Hey, that kinda hurt! Hmph! This isn’t fun anymore.

“Wow, pussying out already? I’m not done with you yet, BOSS!”

BOSS punches HERO!

HERO takes 6 damage!

“Wow. BOSS is kinda weak, isn’t he?” Kel says, looking at the damage BOSS inflicted.

“Yeah… I’m kinda disappointed honestly.”

BOSS punches OMORI! 

IT HIT RIGHT IN THE HEART!

…It was a dull attack.

OMORI took 6 damage!

“Okay, how did he not down Sunny? I mean, he’s so scrawny that he’d probably fall over if you breathed on him!”

Kel snorts, nodding. “Hah, you’re right.”

Aubrey turns back to the game, looking at the options carefully now. She chooses skills and looks at what OMORI might have. He has something called SAD POEM. She chooses it and clicks on AUBREY, then proceeds to make everyone else fight.

“Why’d you choose to use SAD POEM?” Kel asks, head tilted.

“I dunno. Thought something cool might happen.”

The animation plays, and instead of OMORI attacking, he instead flips open a book. Sad music plays before AUBREY becomes SAD. Nothing aside from her character sprite seems to change though.

Kel attacks BOSS! 

BOSS takes 13 damage!

AUBREY attacks BOSS!

IT HIT RIGHT IN THE HEART!

…It was a moving attack.

BOSS takes 37 damage!

“Sheesh! He took so much damage!” Kel exclaims incredulously.

Aubrey nods, giving a quiet “I know, right?”

BOSS: Grr… Now you’ve made me ANGRY…

“Uh-oh… This doesn’t look good.” Kel says, seeing BOSS’s outline turn red.

BOSS: It’s time for my special move! BODY SLAM!!

HERO took 100 damage!

HERO became TOAST!

“Wha-Hey! That’s not fair! He can’t just one-shot us like that!”Aubrey exclaims.

“Yeah! What the heck, BOSS. Where’d all this strength come from?”

AUBREY took 145 damage! 

AUBREY became TOAST!

KEL took 100 damage! 

KEL became TOAST!

OMORI took 150 damage!

Both Aubrey and Kel sat there, expecting the worst. However, nothing happens.

“Uh, is this supposed to happen?” Aubrey asks.

“I don’t know.”

OMORI did not succumb.

“Wait, what?” Kel asks, scratching the back of his head.

“Is this, like, a second chance or something?”

Kel shrugs but presses Z.

BOSS: HUH!? HOW ARE YOU STILL MOVING!?

Aubrey presses Z, ending BOSS once and for all.

OMORI attacks BOSS!

…It was a dull attack.

BOSS takes 18 damage!

Victory music plays as confetti falls down the screen.

“Nice! We beat him!” Kel says, putting his hand up for a high five.

“Hell yeah we did!” Aubrey replies, high fiving him. 

OMORI’s party was victorious!

You gained 32XP!

You got 22 CLAMS!

The screen fades out then back into the playground. After holding BASIL for a few more seconds, BOSS lets go of him.

BOSS: THIS ISN’T FAIR!!

BOSS jumps up and down.

BOSS: REMATCH!! I WANT A REMATCH!!!

“Oh, shut up you sore loser.” Aubrey scoffs as she sees KEL start walking up to BOSS.

“What am I-” Kel starts, before they get the answer in the form of KEL kicking BOSS.

Aubrey winces. “Wouldn’t that hurt your legs?”

“As if!” Kel scoffs. “Have you seen my muscular legs? They’re practically indestructible!”

Aubrey looks over at him, eyebrow raised. “Oh, really? Why don’t we test it out when I get my bat?”

“W-What! No! I-I wouldn’t wanna ruin your bat, Aubrey!” Kel stammers out nervously.

“Surrree.” She says with a knowing grin.

They both turn back to the screen again, seeing OMORI walking towards the right while AUBREY towards the left, towards BASIL. She picks up his FLOWER CROWN, putting it back on his head.

“Aww, that’s so cute!” Kel says, smiling.

AUBREY: BASIL… Are you hurt?

BASIL: Ah, don’t worry about me. I’m just fine!

“Is he sure? We just fought BOSS with BASIL still in his arms.”

Aubrey shrugs, “He probably doesn’t want to worry us.”

BASIL: BOSS… It must hurt to see other people have fun without you… But that doesn’t mean you can ruin other people’s fun.

BOSS: Hmph! I know that!

“Sooo… He just did that for what reason exactly?” Aubrey asks.

“Maybe he knew, but just didn’t care.”

They both watch BASIL as he walks towards the sign that has the “No BOSS allowed” poster and tears it down.

BASIL: There… Does that feel better?

AUBREY: BASIL! Are you sure it’s okay to do that?

KEL: BOSS is bad news! It’s a good thing OMORI held on during the final attack, or else we would’ve all been TOAST…

Kel’s eyes widened. “Oh, wait! We all turned into literally slices of toast except OMORI. I completely brushed over that!”

“Oh yeah… I kinda just forgot that happened honestly.” 

BASIL: It’s okay! I trust him. When you were all fighting, he tried really hard to make sure I didn’t get hurt.

“Oh, really? That’s really nice of him, honestly.”

HERO: Is that true, BOSS?

BOSS spins around, facing the wall.

BOSS:... Hmph! That’s a load of baloney… I don’t need to hear these lies!

“Y’know, BOSS is kinda cuddly.”

Aubrey looks at Kel, incredulous.

“What? I’m right, right?”

Aubrey stares at him for a few seconds before just shaking her head, turning back towards his laptop.

BOSS spins back around, facing everyone else again.

BOSS: This is my spot! No one is welcome here!

The tree just… tapes itself back onto BOSS somehow???

“Uh, I don’t think that’s how physics works.” Kel says.

“Who cares? It’s just a game anyways.” Aubrey replies, shoving his shoulder.

“Ow… Yeah, you’re right anyway.”

Three ellipses appear above everyone’s heads before going away.

HERO: Well… He probably won’t be a problem if he stays like that. I guess that means we can go to BASIL’s house now.

“Ugh, finally! Out of this stupid playground.” Aubrey groans.

BASIL: That sounds good to me!

BASIL walks in front of the tree BOSS is hiding in (or is it behind?).

BASIL: We’re leaving now, BOSS. Don’t cause any trouble, okay? 

BOSS: …

BASIL: Okay, I’m ready! Let’s go!

The screen fades to black…

Chapter Text

The black screen clears. Everyone’s back to what they were doing last time. Aubrey runs around for a bit, before deciding to talk to everyone first. She starts with Mikal.

MIKAL: I’m going to swing to the moon!

“If I was there, I’d send you to the moon.” Aubrey mutters, this time heading to BERLY. She stares at her for a bit, embarrassed she didn’t realize it was based on Kim. She shakes her head, sighing. Kel looks at her, brow raised. She doesn’t say anything to give away her embarrassment.

BERLY: Come on, VAN! Put your head into it!

She tries to talk to VAN next but BERLY’s dialogue just repeats. She heads down towards the slide, seeing BUN just watching NOSE go up and down the slide repeatedly.

“Why isn’t she just joining NOSE?” Kel asks. Aubrey shrugs, not really sure either. Perhaps she was tired?

BUN: NOSE is my best friend. She can’t say much, but she’s really smart!

They decide to leave the two friends to play near the slide and head towards someone playing with a puzzle. She first inspects the puzzle, which is for some reason blank.

A very difficult puzzle. All the pieces are blank.

“Well, I’m not surprised that it’s hard… it’s blank! How are you even supposed to solve this puzzle?” Kel rants. Before he can start complaining that the sky is too blue, though, Aubrey stops him.

“Hey!” She says, elbowing his arm. He jumps a bit before turning to Aubrey. He rubs his arm pouting.

She just gestures back to the game, getting his attention. When he finally focuses back on it, she heads to the kid.

NEB: I like puzzles.

With the dialogue being so short, Aubrey just ignores him and brushes past his statement and him. She heads down this time, seeing the girl with hair hanging over her face.

“Woah! She kinda looks like Samantha from The Ring, right Aubrey?” Kel looks over at her? Aubrey shivers, remembering how terrifying she found the movie. God, she really does look like Samantha.

She walks over, bringing up a dialogue box.

SHARLEEN: H-hello… friends…

Kel has a small smile on his face. “Y’know, she kinda reminds me of Sunny.”

“I agree. Without the whole… hair in his face thing though.”

Aubrey decides to the left, spotting a girl sporting glasses this time. She heads up to her, tapping Z.

DAISY: I want to give flowers to someone, but he’s only interested in puzzles…

Aubrey makes a noise of disbelief.

“Really? That guy? Honestly, I feel you can do better, DAISY. He’d probably forget to buy flowers for Valentine's Day and buy himself puzzles.”

Kel couldn’t help the small chuckle that left his mouth. In the corner of his eye, he sees Aubrey look at him, but when he turns she’s looking back at the screen. He can see the smallest hint of a smile on her face.

DAISY: If only I could find a FLOWER PUZZLE or something… Maybe then he would notice me.

With Aubrey still disagreeing with DAISY’s choice of love, she heads South, down towards SHAWN and REN.

REN: Tonight’s a perfect night for star-gazing.

“Wait, it’s night time? I thought it was still morning.” Kel says incredulously. He looked at Aubrey, his face asking if she also thought it was still morning. She did, but she wasn’t going to tell him.

“No Kel, I did know it was nighttime. Y’know, if you paid more attention you would’ve seen clues and the sky while we were playing” Aubrey says, rolling her eyes. Even if she didn’t notice, she would enjoy Kel being flustered.

And he did get flustered. With puffed cheeks and a faint red tint to his cheeks, Kel calls Aubrey a liar. Aubrey takes offense to that as she is not a liar. A bad person, a dickhead if you will, yes. However, a liar she is not (Well, this time was an exception). So, she just ignores Kel like the sore loser he is and returns to the game.

SHAWN: The grass sure feels nice here. Want to join us OMORI?

Yes

No

‘Well, we’ve got nothing better to do’ Aubrey thinks before pressing yes. The screen fades, before clearing up again to show the night sky. And, Aubrey isn’t going to lie, the sky is really pretty.

With stars that look like beds and antennas, to the very nice shade of purple that is the sky. It also doesn’t help that purple was her second favorite color. Pink was the first of course.

“Wow… The sky is really nice, huh?” Kel whispers, enjoying the star-gazing as much as she is. She makes a noise of affirmation, a bit disappointed with the shortness of it all. But, hey! At least they got a new skill.

Aubrey heads to the right, towards HAPPY. She runs up to the little thing, getting in the way of their hop-skotch.

HAPPY: Hop! And-a-Hop! And-a-Hop! And-a-Hop!

“They remind me of Bun-Bun” Aubrey mutters. Kel looks over at Aubrey, a confused look on his face.

“Are they a bunny?” He asks, a nod being Aubrey replies. His mouth hangs open a bit before he laughs. Aubrey’s head whips towards him, a displeased look on her face.

“What? You have a problem with my naming sense?” She asks, eyes narrowing. Kel starts laughing harder.

“You’re nearly as bad at naming as Sunny!” He says, wheezing. He laughs so hard that no sound escapes his lips anymore. He calms himself down before he suffocates to death. He wipes his eyes, tears pricking at the edges.

“Whew! Okay, I’m ready to cont- Ack! ” 

Before Kel can continue his sentence, Aubrey smacks him upside the head. He cradles his head, pouting with his cheeks puffed out. Aubrey flips him the bird before going back to the game.

She goes to the next person, who’s actually pretty close. She presses Z and they only scream, She just skips the dialogue and talks to BANGS.

BANGS: Having fun is too much effort, so watching my friends have fun is enough for me.

“Wow, lazy-bones over here.” Kel says, having recovered from the earlier smackening. 

Aubrey runs around, before deciding to head to MARI, well, at least after calming herself down and psyching herself up. After a few seconds of “you can do it’s” and “I got this’”, she heads to her.

MARI: Hey, OMORI! How are you all doing? Just the other day, NOSE was telling me about a cute leaf she met… but… when she tried to be its friend, all it wanted to talk about was how much it hated bunnies… 

Aubrey lets out a gasp at that. 

“Who the fuck hates bunnies!? They’re literally the cutest things ever, dogs coming up next! I swear, if I see the leaf I’ll…” Aubrey devolves into a mess of muttering “I’ll burn its family tree” to “I’ll start bleaching its leaves.”

Kel, a bit disturbed, though he does also disagree with the leaf, (what kind of thing hates bunnies?) decides to swipe the laptop while she’s distracted. He gets it, setting it on his lap and continuing the dialogue. 

MARI: How could someone hate bunnies!? I just don’t understand some people…

Kel decides to explore around her blanket, going for the basket first.

MARI’s picnic basket. Would you like to SAVE?

Yes

No

He selects yes, a bit surprised he didn’t notice the basket was a save point. He saves, and decides it’s finally time to head to BASIL’s house. He heads down south, about to leave when someone starts talking to him.

???: Psst… Hey! Psst… You! Yeah, you over there!

“What’s going on now, Kel?” Aubrey asks, apparently back from fantasizing about killing that leaf.

“Nothing much, honestly. Just someone’s talking to us. I don’t know where though.” Kel replies, eyes scanning the screen.

AUBREY: Ummm… OMORI… I think that mailbox is talking to us… Maybe we should go check it out…

Kel lets out a noise of surprise, forgetting about that mailbox. He heads over to it, and interacts.

MAILBOX: Yes, yes! Hello, valued customer… Welcome to my shop! Please buy something! Kekeke…

Buy

Sell
Leave

Kel decides to check what he has to offer first.

Welcome, Valued Customer!

What would you like to buy?

CANDY   10c

APPLE JUICE   20c

JACKS   25c

PRESENT 100c

Kel reads over a couple of the descriptions, with the candy being the best bargain. He decides to buy 5 of them, losing 50 of his CLAMS.

MAILBOX: Thank you kindly!

He closes out of the shop, the small door closing as he heads down south again. He finds some signs and interacts with them.

< === TRAIN STATION

=== > PINWHEEL FOREST

⇩ BASIL’S HOUSE

He heads down, as he can’t be bothered to explore at the moment. Aubrey protests for a bit before just quieting down, probably also tired out of exploring. He heads down, where there is a bend towards the right side. He follows the path, ending up by some sunflowers.

“Oooh! BASIL here still likes flowers!” Kel says excitedly.

“Well, yeah. Isn’t this based on our personalities and stuff?” Aubrey says. Kel thinks about that for a second before agreeing with her. He decides to just inspect them.

BASIL: These are sunflowers. They’re called that because they always face towards the sun. That’s how I want to be like… Someone who always sees the bright side of things.

Aubrey smiles at that. She can’t help but be happy that BASIL’s happy. She sighs, hoping to contact him sometime later.

Kel heads down and to the left this time, coming across more flowers.

BASIL: These flowers are called lilies of the valley. It’s said that they’re able to ward off evil spirits and help people see a brighter future… I guess that’s why they remind me of MARI! I can always count on her to help me stay positive.

Kel can’t help but think that it’s a very fitting comparison. Mari had always been there for them when they were down when Hero couldn’t. She’d entertain them or try to distract them from whatever was bothering them. She had this… charm that wouldn’t let you look away. She filled them with happiness and positivity. Heck, Kel was the way he is BECAUSE of Mari.

He sighs, missing Mari even more. He turns around, heading back up and to the left, then up and left again. They run into this… creature? Stomping all over the plants though.

KEL: Whoa! What’s that ugly plant creature?

Aubrey snorts at that.

AUBREY: Don’t you know, KEL? That’s a SPROUT MOLE! SPROUT MOLES are highly intelligent creatures, but become dangerously vicious when they are lost.

BASIL: Please, MR. SPROUT MOLE! Stop that! You’re stomping over all the flowers…

Aubrey half expected it to stop, but the little shit turned and looked at them before stomping three more times, then rushing them as the screen fades to black.

“Oh, yeah? Two can play this game, bitch!” Aubrey scowls, snatching the laptop from Kel as the battle menu fades in.