Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sunny felt the wind flowing through his hair as he stood on the edge of the hospital roof.

He looked down through his good eye, then closed it. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and let himself fall.

As Sunny descended, the sky above him flipped upside down. He thought it was… pretty. That was the last thing on his mind before he hit the ground and blacked out.

---

When he opened his eyes again, he saw a beautiful purple sky. He stared at it for a moment, his body frozen in place.

Is this the afterlife? Where… am I? Wait… I see a mirror."

Sunny walked towards it and stopped in front of his own reflection. He wasn’t 16 anymore—he was 12. His body was smaller, thinner, and more fragile than he remembered. His appearance was eerily similar to Omori, except for his purple hair and the flower crown of pure white tulips resting on his head. He also looked a lot like Headspace Mari.

His clothes were simple—a loose blue hospital gown, an eyepatch covering his right eye, and, a white tulip crown.

As he stared at himself, he felt strange. He looked too delicate, too small. Was this really him?

---

A blue screen appeared in front of him.

Sunny blinked. His hands hesitantly reached out to interact with it as he read the words displayed before him.

---

Current Attributes

Sickly Child Appearance
- You have the appearance of a sickly child.
- People are more likely to feel pity for you and help you.
- Less likely to start battles with you.
- More likely to be forcefully adopted.

Prodigy
- Most things come a bit easier to you.
- Even if you don’t know what you’re doing, it will look like you do.

Healer
- You have the ability to fully heal and encourage someone at designated spaces.
- You are limited to healing in these specific locations.

Comfortable Aura
- You naturally make people feel at ease.
- Over time, your presence alone makes others relax and trust you.
- Talking to you slowly increases the ‘Happy’ emotion in others.

Loved by the World
- You are loved by the world???

Memory
- Your memories cannot be altered.

Hug Master
- Your hugs make people feel loved and at peace.
- They rival or sometimes surpass the warmth of a mother’s hug.

---

Sunny stared blankly at the screen before closing it.

He took a few slow steps forward.

As he walked, he realized he was in a forest. For a while, everything seemed normal—tall trees, scattered flowers, the occasional bush. But soon, dead trees began appearing among the healthy ones. The air grew colder.

A thick fog rolled in.

Through the mist, Sunny saw something moving.

A terrified Sprout Mole was desperately trying to defend itself against a King Crawler.

Sunny approached quietly, his footsteps as light as a feather.

The King Crawler reared back, preparing to strike. The Sprout Mole cowered in fear.

At the last second, Sunny moved. He pushed the Sprout Mole out of the way just before the attack landed.

The Sprout Mole’s fear seemed to vanish, replaced by shock as he looked up at his savior.

Sunny’s voice came out weak, but it was soft like a flower petal and warm like the sun.

"Mind if I join you in this battle?"

The Sprout Mole, still dumbfounded, nodded.

---

Battle Start

Sunny quickly pulled up his skills menu.

Skills

Red Hands
- Deals heavy damage 4 times.
- Cost: 40 Juice

Hug
- Restores health and juice for yourself or another target.
- Applies ‘Happy’ and makes the target feel loved and at peace, like a mother’s hug.
- Cost: 0 Juice (can be used outside battle).

(Description: When this move is used, the receiver experiences one of the softest, warmest hugs they have ever felt. It can be used to comfort those in distress or anger.)

Encourage
- Applies ‘Happy’ and grants hope and willpower to the target.
- Increases their trust and affection towards you.
- Cost: 0 Juice (can be used outside battle).

Summon Red Hands
- Summons Red Hands as allies to aid you in battle.

Sunny quickly selected Red Hands.

A crimson blur shot up from the ground and slammed into King Crawler.

830 damage.

The battle was over.

The King Crawler collapsed instantly, defeated in a single strike.

Sunny and the Sprout Mole stared at its unmoving body.

They were both shocked.

---

For the first time, Sunny checked his stats.

Stats

- Health: 20,000
- Juice: 7500
- Attack:200
- Defense: 143
- Speed:150
- Luck: 12

He stared at the numbers in disbelief.

The Sprout Mole suddenly turned to him.“Are you okay?”

Sunny, still distracted, answered absentmindedly, “Yeah…”

The Sprout Mole didn’t believe him.

Instead, he asked, “Do you have anywhere to stay?”

Sunny blinked. He hadn’t expected that question. “…No.”

The Sprout Mole, now introducing himself as Ted, had gone through an emotional rollercoaster today.

---

Ted’s Perspective

"I was so stupid."

He had wandered outside Sprout Mole Village to get front-row seats for Sweetheart’s show. But when he tried to return home, he got ambushed by a King Crawler.

He thought he was done for.

Then… something saved him.

A kid—not a Sprout Mole, but a child no older than 10 or 11.

He had purple hair, a shining white tulip crown, and an eyepatch covering one eye. He wore a hospital gown, and he looked so frail, so small that Ted thought a strong breeze might ift him away.

And yet…

"That kid—Sunny—destroyed the King Crawler in one move."

Ted was shocked, but even more than that, he was grateful.

He asked if the boy had anywhere to stay. When he heard the answer was no, Ted immediately offered to bring him to Sprout Mole Village.

"I’ll just tell them he’s my cousin. As long as he does his part, he’ll have a home and food."

Sunny hesitated for a moment before softly saying, “Yes.”

Ted smiled. Alright, ”let’s go. It’s not far.”

Before they started walking, Sunny spoke again.

"Are you hurt?"

Ted blinked. “A little. The King Crawler got me.”

Sunny nodded. “Stay still.”

Then, before Ted could react, Sunny wrapped his arms around him.

The hug was warm. Soft. Comforting.

Ted felt like he was a child again, safe in his grandfather’s arms.

He didn’t want it to end.

But then Sunny pulled away.

Ted almost wanted to complain.

Instead, he introduced himself. My name’s Ted. What about you?”

The boy hesitated.

Then, in a quiet voice, he said, “Sunny.”

A strange name.But for some reason… it suited him.

Together, they walked towards the Sprout Mole Village.

Chapter Text

As Sunny and the Sprout Mole walked, they found a hole in the ground. He, along with Ted, climbed down the rope and found himself underground.

Ted looked around and said, "Sweet old home." Then, turning to Sunny, he added, "Let's go to the kitchen. You look like you're starving."

We climbed down another rope and walked into the open kitchen.

"Hey, Sunny, do you have anything to eat?" Ted asked.

Sunny looked at him and shrugged.

"Hm, well, if you don’t have anything, I can give you some of my tofu. Let’s eat."

Sunny sat down along with Ted and took a bite of the tofu. He didn’t like it. It tasted like soft cardboard and felt just as bad in his mouth.

Then, three Sprout Moles approached us.

The one in the middle pointed at Sunny. "Hey, you! Kid with the eyepatch! What’s a non-Sprout Mole doing here? You need to leave."

But Ted quickly intervened. "He is a Sprout Mole! He’s my cousin. He recently migrated here." His voice was anxious. "If you want further proof, let’s all say the most important thing to a Sprout Mole out loud together."

The three Sprout Moles hesitated, then accepted the challenge.

Ted started counting down. "Three... Two... One... Go!"

"Sweetheart," Sunny said.

"Tofu," the three Sprout Moles said.

We all, minus Sunny, stared in shock.

The three Sprout Moles quickly apologized. "We are sorry for doubting you, kid! You’re the most normal-looking Sprout Mole we've ever seen."

Sunny gave a nod of acknowledgment, pleased with the apology.

Then, the three looked at Sunny and asked his name. He simply replied, "Sunny."

"Your name is not very Sprout-like... but, well, Sweetheart did run out of names."

"Well, Sunny, you showed us you are indeed a Sprout Mole at heart. But how will you earn your tofu around here? You know it’s a tough world."

Sunny responded quickly, his delicate and warm voice barely above a whisper. "I can play the violin."

The three Sprout Moles stared at him in awe. "Sunny, your voice is so beautiful."

"I think your voice is the best," one Sprout Mole added. "Yeah... behind our goddess, Sweetheart, of course," another agreed.

"Well, you said you can play the violin. Boys, give him one to test his skills."

One of the three Sprout Moles quickly ran off and returned, carrying a violin in his small arms. He placed it in front of Sunny.

Sunny stared at the violin. Bad memories resurfaced, clawing their way into his mind, but he quickly took the instrument and readied himself to play.

The Sprout Moles watched in anticipation.

A beautiful melody filled the air as Sunny played, his fingers gliding effortlessly over the strings. He didn't even notice as the room quickly flooded with more Sprout Moles, all gathering to listen to the enchanting tune.

If the Sprout Moles could compare the melody to something, it would be to their love for Sweetheart or tofu. More and more Sprout Moles came, drawn by the music. Then, someone else arrived.

A tall woman in a pink royal dress with a large pink bow on her hair. The first thing she did was let out a loud, "OHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!"

Sweetheart’s POV

As I stood on stage, I heard a beautiful song echoing through the halls. I turned to the Hidden Gourd Mole. "Where is that sound coming from?"

He looked at me in a daze, love-struck. "The melody appears to be coming from Sprout Mole Village, my queen."

I quickly got off the stage and entered the village, following the source of the sound. More Sprout Moles rushed past me, all drawn to the music. And then, I saw him.

A young Sprout Mole—though something about him seemed different. He was playing a violin, his music divine.

I let out another loud, "OHOHOHOHOHOHOHO! You, strange-looking Sprout Mole! You play quite the exquisite song on the violin! How about you become my personal violinist?"

Before he could respond, I clapped my hands. "Guards! Take him and get him a room! He is now the official violinist of Sweetheart! Get him ready to perform alongside the choir for my wedding song!"

Before the boy could do anything, two royal Sprout Mole guards grabbed him, lifting him away. And then, he passed out.

Sunny’s POV

I woke up in a pink, comfortable bed. The entire room was pink. A poster of Sweetheart was facing the bed, and a desk with a lamp sat in the corner.

I exited the bedroom and stepped into the pink hallway. Four more posters of Sweetheart lined the walls. A few feet away, I saw two Sprout Moles eating a pink cake. Another Sprout Mole sat on a couch.

I entered the room of my neighbor, who immediately started talking to me.

"Dang it... how did I end up in this mess? A scary-looking Sprout Mole named Marsa suddenly pulled me from my home and said I was going to replace some faulty staff here. Apparently, the last guy was thrown into the dungeon for treason... The turnover rate here must be horrible."

He looked at me. "Did he get you as well, strange-looking Sprout Mole? What’s your job here?"

"Sweetheart’s official violinist."

He winced. "Well, I heard that Sprout Moles who don’t perform well get thrown into the dungeon. Good luck, strange-looking Sprout Mole."

I took my leave and wandered the castle. The other Sprout Moles were curious about me, some even pitying me. A few handed me tofu as gifts.

Eventually, I found myself in Sweetheart’s room.

A Sprout Mole maid turned to me. "Ah! You must be the new violinist. I heard about you. If Sweetheart herself chose you, you must be quite an expert. Can you help me? SWEETHEART ordered me to move this statue of Space Boy out of her bedroom before she returns, but I can't get it to move at all!"

I looked at the statue. Then, without a word, I raised my hand. Red hands appeared and struck the statue, instantly shattering it.

The maid gasped. "My word! You've done it! I should've known an expert like you could handle it. Well... time to clean this up! Phew... You're a real lifesaver!"

She cleaned the remains and struggled to lift a Sweetheart statue in its place. I used Encourage, and suddenly, she no longer struggled with the weight.

"My, my... Well, this is a surprise! All I needed was some encouragement! How about I thank you with a cup of tea?"

I accepted the tea and took a sip. It tasted good.

As I turned to leave, she smiled warmly. "Take care, Sunny."

Sunny exited the room and took the elevator down.

He walked through the halls and arrived at the royal library, where he saw a ton of Sprout Moles standing in a never-ending line.

Sunny approached the Guide List Mole.

Oh my! There's simply no time to admit entry to all these unruly guests! The mole huffed. It just goes to show that we must never underestimate the popularity of our dear SWEETHEART.

His eyes landed on Sunny. You there! Professional! The upcoming main event has a strict dress code.

He pulled out a chart and held it up. It is of utmost importance that our audience is dressed to SWEETHEART’s exact specifications. Here is a simple chart that even a non-SPROUT MOLE could understand!

The chart read:

Pink = Good
Any Other Color = Bad

The Guide List Mole nodded. Kindly ask the lesser guests to follow you and bring them to me!

Sunny moved through the crowd, approaching every Sprout Mole that wasn’t dressed in pink. He quietly asked them to follow him, leading them back to the Guide List Mole.

The mole clapped his hands. Splendid! I knew you had it in you! Now we can finally get rid of these unpinkish guests!

He turned to the guards. Escort these SPROUT MOLES to THE DUNGEON!

The guards immediately moved in, grabbing the unpinkish guests and dragging them away.

The Guide List Mole sighed in relief. And that takes care of that! Those unpinkish guests will never see the light of day again!

He then looked back at Sunny. I heard about you, Sunny. An expert taken in by SWEETHEART herself. It seems the rumors were true—you truly are an expert. I hope you'll do great things, Sunny.

Sunny said nothing and left.

Sunny continued walking and arrived at the royal kitchen.

A Sprout Mole turned to him. Hey, I heard about you! The expert named Sunny, right?

Sunny nodded.

Great! Can you help us bake this cake?

Sunny nodded again.

Together, they made a great cake.

Afterward, Sunny left the kitchen and wandered through the castle until he reached the royal ballroom.

Sunny walked past the dancing floor and stopped next to the Virtuoso Mole.

The mole was fuming.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no! This won't do at all!

His gaze snapped to the choir. You, in the center-left! You call that singing!? My cousin's plastic flamingo sings better than you!

His glare swept across the back row. And don’t think I can’t see you dozing off during the chorus! Pull yourselves together, or else SWEETHEART will have us thrown in THE DUNGEON!

Then, the Virtuoso Mole turned and saw Sunny. His expression immediately brightened.

Oh, thank goodness! The professionals have arrived!

He clapped his hands together. We absolutely must have the choir ready before SWEETHEART’s main event, but there simply isn’t enough time!

The Virtuoso Mole sighed, rubbing his temples. You see… We SPROUT MOLES become very sleepy when listening to music… so as you can imagine, the choir keeps putting itself to sleep!

He groaned. I’m afraid we may have to resort to… alternative… methods to keep them all awake…

Sunny looked at the drowsy Sprout Moles. Don’t worry, I know a method.

The Virtuoso Mole perked up instantly. Thank goodness, we’re saved! I should have expected as much from professionals.

Sunny glanced at the choir. If you’re feeling sleepy, just think about your life in the dungeon if you fall asleep.

The Sprout Moles immediately snapped awake.
Well, I’m a violinist, so I’ll probably perform with you at Sweetheart’s wedding. Let’s practice.

I got my violin, and the Sprout Mole choir got ready. We began to practice.

As I played, a beautiful melody flowed from my violin, accompanied by the voices of the Sprout Mole choir. The performance felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience—so beautiful, so perfect.

After a few attempts, the Sprout Moles no longer fell asleep.

The Virtuoso Sprout Mole nodded in satisfaction. Thank you, expert. I should have expected at least this much from you. You have my thanks. Now, you should get ready for the performance. There should be some Sprout Moles with a suit in a room.

I walked out and returned to my assigned room, where I saw a Sprout Mole maid neatly placing elegant black pants, polished black shoes, a white button-up shirt, and a fine suit with a black bowtie on my bed.

I changed into the outfit. Even with my medical eyepatch, I looked adorable—like a child wearing oversized clothes.

When I stepped out of the room, all the Sprout Moles stopped and stared. Their eyes widened, and a wave of awed whispers and soft gasps spread through the hall. It was like they were looking at a very cute kitten.

One Sprout Mole finally spoke up. Sunny, you need to get on stage. The wedding is starting soon!

I followed the Sprout Mole and arrived at the stage. The curtain was still down.

I saw that I had to sit in front of the choir. Not my taste. If I could, I would have preferred to sit in the back, where I wouldn't attract so much attention.

Still, I pulled out my violin and got ready.

Then, a very loud voice rang through the room—

LET US COMMENCE THE WEDDING!!

The curtain dropped.

All I could see were Sprout Moles, but then—

My heart dropped.

Behind some chairs, hiding poorly, was an older Aubrey with pink hair. She looked about sixteen.

Next to her, Kel, now seventeen, barely fit behind his chair, his size making it difficult to stay hidden.

And then, Hero.

He looked around twenty.

Then, my heart stopped completely.

Standing there was Mari.

She looked twenty-ish, just like Hero.

I stood completely still.

I didn’t exist in this version of Headspace.

They didn’t seem to recognize me.

A wave of relief washed over me.

If I’m not here to cause them pain, they must be happier.

In this world—**just like my own Headspace—they were probably looking for Basil.

Even if I don’t want to interact with them… maybe I can give them some hints about where Basil is.

I hope they can save him.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself.

I’ll just help them a bit. Then, I’ll leave them alone.

If, in my own world, I messed everything up just by existing—maybe if I stay away, they’ll be happier.

Then, Sprout Mole Mike stepped forward and announced—

Please, welcome to the aisle… SWEETHEART’S PERFECT SUITOR!!

Some Sprout Moles carried a large cake and set it down at the center of the stage.

Suddenly, the cake burst open, and from it jumped Sweetheart, dressed in an extravagant wedding gown.

"Yes! It’s true! Now you’ve seen everything!"

She struck a dramatic pose, basking in the attention.

"The answer has been obvious all along! The only suitor magnificent enough for SWEETHEART…"

She placed a hand on her chest, closing her eyes as if in deep reflection.

"...is SWEETHEART herself!"

Then, she threw back her head and laughed.

"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!"

"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!"

"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!"

The Sprout Moles clapped enthusiastically, completely enthralled by her theatrics.

Sweetheart held up a hand. "SILENCE!"

The Sprout Moles immediately stopped clapping.

She cleared her throat. "Ahem… Let us begin the ceremony."

As Sweetheart slowly walked down the aisle, I lifted my violin. The Sprout Mole choir followed my lead, and we began playing a beautiful wedding song.

The melody immediately captured the attention of every Sprout Mole in the audience.

Sweetheart finally reached the altar, where Sprout Mole Mike was waiting.

He raised his arms dramatically.

"...Now... Does anyone object to this holy matrimony?"

"Speak now, or forever hold your peace!"

A moment of silence.

Then, he nodded.

"In that case... By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you... SWEETHEART and SWEETHEART! You may now kiss the—"

"I OBJECT! STOP THIS WEDDING IMMEDIATELY!"

A loud voice rang out from the back of the hall.

I looked up.

Aubrey.

She stormed onto the stage, her pink hair wild, her expression furious.

"Sweetheart, you’re making a mistake!"

She turned to face her, hands clenched into fists.

The room fell deathly silent.

Then, the rest of the gang popped out from hiding—Kel, Hero, and Mari.

Sweetheart stared at them, looking completely unimpressed.

She crossed her arms and scoffed.

"Fine! If Hero marries me, I’ll let you all live."

Hero stiffened. "What? No way!"

Sweetheart’s expression twisted in anger. "HOW DARE YOU REJECT SWEETHEART?!"

Her rage exploded, and suddenly—

The battle began.

From the stage, I watched alongside the Sprout Mole choir as the fight unfolded.

Sweetheart was furious, launching attack after attack.

But after a while—

She collapsed onto the floor, defeated.

She looked up at them, her face pale with shock.

"How could this be? Y-You… You’re all nothing!"

She clenched her fists, teeth grinding in frustration.

"How dare you defy me… Throw them in THE DUNGEON!"

She turned to her guards.

"Guards… Guards!?!?"

"It’s over, Sweetheart. The wedding is canceled," Aubrey said firmly.

Sweetheart staggered back, eyes wide with disbelief.

"N-No! I cannot accept this! Just leave me alone!"

Suddenly, a loud rumbling shook the castle.

A spaceship crashed through the ceiling, sending debris flying as it hovered above the ruined wedding hall.

Most of the Sprout Moles in the audience screamed and ran for cover, scattering from their chairs.

As the dust settled, a figure emerged from the ship.

A familiar voice called out—

"My SWEETHEART! Oh, my SWEETHEART!"

Standing at the entrance of the ship was Captain Spaceboy.

His eyes were filled with emotion as he stretched his arms toward Sweetheart.

"Ah, I am so relieved that I made it in time! You must stop this madness at once!"

Sweetheart’s expression twisted with fury.

"You… YOU IDIOT!!"

She clenched her fists. "I thought I told you… to NEVER show your face in front of me again!"

Captain Spaceboy stepped forward, undeterred.

"Please, look into your heart and give me another chance!"

His voice softened.

"Oh, SWEETHEART! My, SWEETHEART! My sweet, jelly-filled donut!"

He placed a hand over his chest, his voice filled with regret.

"I should not have kept you waiting all those days…"

With a determined stride, he walked up to the altar.

Sweetheart hesitated but followed him, her face conflicted.

She narrowed her eyes. "You… W-What are you doing?"

Captain Spaceboy took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry I didn’t do this sooner."

Then, he dropped to one knee.

A sparkling diamond ring glinted in his hand.

"MARRY ME, SWEETHEART!!"

"Right here, on this very stage!"

Sweetheart gasped.

"Oh… my! This… This is all so sudden!"

She clutched her chest dramatically.

"How… How… How… How romantic!"

Tears sparkled in her eyes as she snatched the ring and slid it onto her finger.

She turned to Sprout Mole Mike, standing at the altar.

"SPROUT MOLE MIKE! I order you to marry us immediately!"

Sprout Mole Mike straightened his posture and nodded.

"Yes! At once, my liege!"

He cleared his throat. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today—"

Sweetheart waved a hand impatiently.

"Oh, forget the formalities, MIKE! True love cannot wait!"

Sprout Mole Mike panicked and fumbled with his papers.

"Y-Yes, my princess!"

He took a deep breath.

"Ahem… By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you… SWEETHEART and SPACE HUSBAND!"

"You may now kiss the bride!"

Captain Spaceboy and Sweetheart walked toward each other and embraced.

Then, they kissed.

"Oh, SWEETHEART...
Let us travel the universe together...
and leave all this behind!" Space Husband said.

Sweetheart clasped her hands together, eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Yes! Yes, my husband! I will go anywhere, as long as it is with you!"

Space Husband extended a hand toward her. "Let us take leave, my SWEETHEART! We have been apart for much too long. Come, my ship awaits!"

"Yes! Of course, my dear!" Sweetheart nodded eagerly.

Then, she paused, placing a hand on her chin. "But first… there is one last thing I must do."

She turned sharply. "SPROUT MOLE MIKE, hand me the button!"

Sprout Mole Mike snapped to attention. "At once, my queen!"

He rushed to the back and retrieved a large red button, carefully placing it in Sweetheart’s waiting hands.

Sweetheart lifted the button high above her head, grinning wildly. Behind her, the three walls surrounding the altar began to lower, revealing the ruined stage.

"We won’t need all this anymore!"

Then, she threw her head back and laughed.

"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!!"

With a dramatic flourish, she slammed her palm onto the button.

The stage behind her exploded in a burst of smoke and debris.

Sweetheart turned to Space Husband, flipping her hair back confidently. "I'm ready now, dear."

Space Husband smiled. "At long last, we can be together… Come, my queen! Our chariot awaits!"

Hand in hand, the two walked toward the ship, stepped inside, and ascended the ramp.

With a loud whir, the ship’s engines roared to life.

Then, in a blinding flash of light, the ship soared into the sky, carrying them away.

"So much for a happy ending," Aubrey muttered, crossing her arms. "I don’t think that’s going to end well at all."

"Yeah… I guess this was a complete waste of time," Kel sighed.

Mari’s POV
I glanced over at Hero, who was talking with some Sprout Moles.

Then, I noticed a kid.

He looked about 8 or 9 years old, dressed in elegant black pants, polished black shoes, a white button-up shirt, and a neatly tied black bowtie.

His soft purple hair was the exact same color as mine, and on his head sat a flower crown of pure white tulips.

He had a medical eyepatch covering his right eye.

His neutral expression made him look small, fragile… like a tiny, well-dressed kitten.

If we walked together, people might mistake me for his older sister.

I approached Hero, stepping beside the boy.

"Hey, kid. What’s your name? Can we help you with something?" I asked, smiling at him.

He looked up at me and said, "My name is Sunny. I see that you've been asking the other Sprout Moles if they've seen someone named Basil. If you show me a photo, maybe I could help."

The moment he spoke, my heart swelled.

I had to restrain myself from hugging him—his voice sounded like a sleepy kitten trying not to fall asleep.

I quickly pulled out a photo of Basil from my pocket and handed it to him.

"Here’s a photo of him," I said.

Just then, I heard Aubrey and Kel leaving.

Hero followed after them.

It hurt. My heart ached—I wanted to spend more time with Sunny.

But maybe... maybe we could see each other again another time.

I looked at him one last time.

"Bye, Sunny. I hope we see each other again. And if you find Basil, please tell me."

Before I could stop myself, I hugged him.

The moment my arms wrapped around him, I felt...

Something different.

For a brief second, it was as if I had stepped into another place, another time.

A strange warmth surrounded me—a warmth I never wanted to let go of.

I felt warmth. I felt loved.

Eventually, I forced myself to let go and hurried after the others.

Sunny stared in shock as Mari walked away.

Then, he heard Sprout Mole Mike's voice behind him.

"Sweetheart has left. We need another ruler while she is away…

Chapter Text

Sunny is sitting on a throne while the Sproutmoles sing praises to him.

After Sweetheart left, they decided to elect a temporary king until her return.
And they chose me…

I don’t think I’ll be a good king.
I don’t think I’m good at anything besides hurting people.
But I’ll try to manage things here—just until Sweetheart returns.

The first thing I did was free the innocent Sproutmoles from the prison.
It makes me kind of sad that they look at me like I’m their savior.
I didn’t do anything special.
I just did the logical thing.

The next problem was food production. Which, apparently, means 90% tofu.

They were growing tofu really inefficiently.
They weren’t even watering it properly.

They didn’t have any set work hours, either.
So I gave them a schedule.
Now food production should start recovering.

Now I had two final problems:
Sproutmole education is basically nonexistent.
And I don’t have a royal advisor.

Here, the teachers know just as little as the students.
And the former royal advisor, Castella, said she’s loyal only to Sweetheart.

So I need someone wise. Someone who actually knows things.
Someone who can help me.

A girl came to mind.
One of my creations.
One of my biggest regrets.
The girl I betrayed.

Abbi the Wise.
The keeper of knowledge.
The squid girl.

Just thinking about what I did to her makes me feel sick.
I don’t think she’ll ever forgive me.

But maybe… maybe I can at least help her now.
Maybe I can save this one version of her.
If she says no, she’s still free—from the hell known as the Abyss.
If she says yes… she can leave whenever she wants.

I turn to a nearby Sproutmole. “Take me to the Underwater Highway.”

The Sproutmole stares at me, surprised, but nods and runs off to make arrangements.

After a while, Pluto walks up to me and announces loudly:
Greetings and welcome to PLUTO’S SPACELINE!
Where will your journey take you today?”

I point silently toward the Underwater Highway.

“So you want to go to the Underwater Highway,” he says, nodding.

I nod back and latch onto his arm. We take off flying through the sky.

After a short trip, we land. Pluto leaves, and I head left.

I pay the Gator Guys guarding the gates and walk through.

That’s when I see him—
The Hitchhiker.

He smiles when he sees me.

“Hello, child. Uhuhuhu... May I interest you in a curiosity?
I know of a place… you may have heard of it.
It goes by many names… the DARK VOID… the DEEP PIT… the SHADOWY CHASM…
Here in the DEEP WELL, we call it… THE ABYSS.
It’s just past the end of the highway. Would you like me to take you there?”

I nod.

The Hitchhiker takes my hand, and in the blink of an eye, everything changes.

We’re here, he says.

The floor beneath me is a deep, dark blue. A familiar ladder waits nearby.

I begin to descend.

On the way down, I didn’t see the skeletons of my friends.
It was… empty.
Actually empty.

That unnerved me more than I expected.

There were no Somethings either.

Eventually, I came to a lone ladder. I climbed down.

All around me was darkness—endless black.

And then I saw her.

A white figure. A girl.

She looked like something between a human and a squid—long limbs ending in tentacles, her feet and hands both unnatural. Her black hair was streaked with two long tentacles that resembled twintails. Her face flickered between a single black question mark and a pair of unblinking eyes. She wore a plain white shirt and shorts—though at first glance, they looked like undergarments.

She was much taller than me. Towering, really.
And she was crying.

I approached her carefully. Quietly. And placed a hand on her shoulder.

She flinched, slowly turning to look at me.
For a second, she stared like she expected me to vanish.

But when I didn’t, she reached out—touched my arm.
Her eyes widened.

And then she lunged forward and hugged me. Hard.

“Don’t disappear don’t disappear don’t disappear don’t disappear don’t disappear don’t disappear don’t disappear—”

She repeated it like a prayer, over and over again, voice cracking through sobs.

Her hug was bone-crushing. Desperate.
But I didn’t pull away.

Eventually, the words slowed, then stopped.
She kept hugging me.

Then, in a shaky voice, she whispered,
“Are you real?”

I nodded.

She let out a shuddering breath—and hugged me tighter.

We stayed like that for minutes. Maybe more.
When she finally pulled back, she still didn’t let go of my arm.

Despite how much bigger she was than me, she held on like a scared child.

“Hey… do you know the way out?” she asked quietly.

I nodded again.

“Great. Let’s go. You don’t know how bad it is here. I think I’m going crazy.”

We started walking together.

After a while, she looked at me and asked,
“Thank you for saving me, child. But how did you even end up here?”

She hesitated, then added softly,
“Did… did you come looking for me?”

I nodded.

“Hmm. So I’m still remembered…” she said, almost surprised.
“Then, tell me—why? Why did you come help me?”

I reached into my pocket, pulled out a slightly crumpled flyer, and handed it to her.

She unfolded it. Read it.

“You’re… a king?” she said, raising an eyebrow.
“Looking for a royal advisor… and you thought I was the best option?”

I nodded.

For a moment, she blinked in disbelief.

Then she smiled.
“Well, I’m flattered. And I’ll accept.
Besides… it’s not like I have anywhere else to go.”

We walked on.

“Hey… what’s your name?”

I looked at her and replied,
“Sunny.”

She laughed softly.

“Well, Sunny… you’re certainly living up to your name. You’ve made my day a lot brighter.”

She paused, then asked gently,
“Is it okay if I hold your hand? Or hug you sometimes?
It’s just… I haven’t felt the touch of another being in so long.
I don’t even know how long it’s been.”

I nodded.

She squeezed my hand.

And so we walked together, side by side—her towering figure beside my small one—until, eventually, we found the Hitchhiker again.

"Did you want to go back to DEEP WELL?" the Hitchhiker asked.

I nodded.

A blink later, Abbi and I were standing in Deep Well again.

She looked around, stretching slightly after so long in the Abyss.
Together, we spotted the familiar shining sign of PLUTO’S SPACELINE.

I walked up to Pluto.
“Castle,” I said simply.

Pluto beamed, saluted, and offered his arm. We both grabbed on tightly.

With a rumble of power and a gust of cosmic wind, we soared through space.

A few seconds later, we landed at the castle gates.

Pluto waved and disappeared.

Inside the castle, the Sproutmoles immediately gathered around me. One of them pointed at Abbi and asked,
“Who is she, your majesty?”

Still holding onto my arm, Abbi replied for herself.

“I’m Abbi. Known as one of the Great Three Beasts.”

There was a long pause.

Then all at once, the Sproutmoles dropped to their knees.

“AS EXPECTED OF OUR KING!” they shouted in unison.
“TO BRING THE BEST ROYAL ADVISOR POSSIBLE!”

They began singing my praises again.

I felt overwhelmed, so I gave Abbi a small signal—go eat, it’s late.

She nodded, still holding my arm, and we walked to the dining hall.

We sat at a massive table together, and she leaned against me.
Despite her size, there was something comforting about it.

The Sproutmoles began placing plates in front of us.
Surprisingly… steak. For both of us.

I picked up my fork and knife, ready to eat, but paused as Abbi gently took my plate. She cut the steak into small pieces, stuck one on a fork, and held it up to me.

“Abbi—” I began, but she cut me off.

“Sunny, not to be rude… but you look like a strong wind could carry you off. Eat.”

It was embarrassing—being fed like a child—but… I opened my mouth.

I ate.

She smiled.

“Sorry,” she said after a moment. “It reminds me of how I used to feed my sibling.”

I managed to eat about half the steak.

Abbi only started eating after I did, quickly finishing her portion.

We got up to leave. I didn’t feel well.

My head was spinning. My stomach churned.

Suddenly, I broke into a run.

Abbi followed close behind.

I barely made it to the bathroom before I collapsed over the toilet and vomited—most of what I’d eaten coming back up.

Abbi knelt behind me, rubbing gentle circles on my back.

“It’s okay,” she whispered. “You’re okay…”

After a few minutes, it stopped.

I slumped to the floor, dizzy. I couldn’t even sit upright.

Abbi caught me immediately, pulling me into a tight hug.

“Are you alright?” she asked, voice full of worry.

I could barely whisper,
“…sleepy…”

I felt my body sway, slipping further into exhaustion.

The last thing I saw was Abbi’s arms wrapping around me, lifting me off the ground like I weighed nothing.

Then everything went black.

Suddenly, I was back in the old house.

Everything was quiet.

I walked into the kitchen, and without even thinking, opened the fridge. There it was—a cold steak, stiff on a plate. I placed it in the microwave, watched the timer count down, and when it was done, I took it out.

It was dry. Flavorless. Chewy, like tofu that had lost its soul.

I ate it anyway.

After I swallowed the last bite, I heard knocking.

Three soft knocks.

I slowly made my way to the front door. My hand hovered over the doorknob.

I hesitated.

Then… I opened it.

And there she was.

Not a monster.

Not a hallucination.

Just my sister.

Mari.

She looked like she used to—alive. Gentle smile. Clear eyes.

“Hey, Sunny.” Her voice was soft. “I just want to tell you something really important.”

I stared at her for a long moment, then murmured,
“…What?”

She stepped closer.

“Sunny… you should take better care of yourself. You shouldn’t have given up. You should have told the truth. Even if they didn’t forgive you… you should’ve forgiven yourself.”

I opened my mouth, but she kept going.

“Little brother… I’m sorry. For everything. I just wanted the recital to be perfect.”

Her voice cracked slightly.

“Can you forgive me?”

I tried to answer.

But before I could say a word—

“I’m sorry, little brother… but I have to go. I don’t think I can see you again. You’re in a different world now. But remember… I’ll always be watching over you. I’ll always protect you.”

She stepped back.

“You have a second chance at life, Sunny. I’m a bit jealous, actually…” She smiled, though it looked bittersweet. “Make new friends. Let yourself heal. The Sproutmoles love you, even if it’s silly. And… I think I’ll give Abbi some of my big sister rights. She seems like she’ll take good care of you.”

Tears were forming in my eyes.

“And Sunny…”
“It was an accident.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“It wasn’t your fault…”
“…not your fault…”

Her voice started glitching.

Repeating.

Flickering.

“…not your fault… not your fault not your fault fault fault fault fault fault…”

Her body began twisting.

Distorting.

White eyes turned black. Her skin cracked like shattered porcelain. Her hair unraveled like dripping ink. Her smile peeled back into something jagged and wrong.

And her voice—
Her voice roared.

“YOUR FAULT.”
“YOUR FAULT.”
“YOUR FAULT.”
“YOUR FAULT!”

Again and again, like an alarm in my head.

“YOU SHOULD JUST DIE.”
“PEOPLE LIKE YOU DON’T DESERVE TO LIVE.”
“MURDERER. SISTER KILLER.”
“SHE LOVED YOU AND YOU KILLED HER.”
“YOU LOVED HER AND YOU KILLED HER.”
“YOU DON’T DESERVE TO LIVE—”

I fell to my knees.

Covering my ears didn’t help.

The house shook. The world split.

I screamed.
I woke up and immediately started crying.

My breath hitched, shallow and fast. I looked around—my bed, pink covers, soft sheets… too bright, too soft. My eyes drifted to the dresser near the mirror.

A pair of scissors.

Still sobbing, still shaking, I got up and walked over. My hands trembled as I reached out. I wrapped my fingers around the cold metal handle, lifted it—

But before I could drive the blade into my stomach, a strong arm seized mine.

The scissors clattered to the floor.

I gasped, wide-eyed, tears streaking my face.

Abbi.

She stood in front of me, breath ragged, eyes intense. And then, without a word, she wrapped her arms around me—tight. I struggled for a moment, but she held firm. Her embrace was too strong to escape, and the scissors were out of reach.

I broke down completely.

“I don’t deserve to live,” I choked out. “I’m a murderer… I’m a murderer…”

I kept repeating it, over and over, until her voice finally broke through.

“Sunny… why do you say that?” she whispered. “Why are you crying? Tell me.”

That was it.

Everything poured out.

I told her about Headspace. About Omori. About what I did to Mari—how I killed her, and staged it with Basil. I told her about the last three days in the real world. About the truth. About my suicide attempt. About how I imprisoned her, even after she tried to help me.

I talked until my throat burned and my breath faltered.

When I stopped, she slowly let go of me.

“Now do you see?” I whispered. “Now do you understand why I don’t deserve to li—”

Before I could even finish, her massive arms wrapped around me again.

She pulled me into her chest, holding me tight as I cried even harder. Her hand gently stroked my hair.

Still cradling me, she lifted me up and carried me back to the bed. For a moment, she let go to climb in beside me—her form growing a little larger, more solid, as she settled in.

Then she pulled me into her again. Tighter.

I felt her warmth. Her heartbeat. Her hand petting my head, again and again.

Soft words filled the silence. Sweet words.

You’re safe.
It’s not your fault.

The tears didn’t stop, but I stopped shaking. Bit by bit, the exhaustion caught up to me.

My arms wrapped around her. I hugged her as tightly as I could, burying myself in that warmth I hadn’t felt in so long.

Safety.

I hadn’t felt safe since Mari died.

Now, in Abbi’s arms, with her voice whispering kindness into the hollow places inside me… I finally let myself fall asleep.

I told her everything.

Let future me deal with the rest.