Chapter Text
Sunny walked through the hall soundlessly, pale, malnourished, and unsteady. It’d been hard enough navigating out of his room, unprepared for the sudden loss of half of his vision. Everything was disorienting, his perception of space leaving him missing the doorknob more than once while reaching for it.
But, soon enough, he had managed. Maybe he would be upset later at the detriment, but currently, he only had one thing on his mind. Something much more important than having both of his eyes.
The ground was cold against the soles of his bare feet as he walked, the floor almost glistening in its cleanliness. It was a nice hospital.
Sunny was lucky to have such access to these sorts of things. Despite everything, wasn’t he blessed, in a way?
He could imagine his sister smiling at him, telling him the same. To appreciate what he has and be thankful every day. It’s the little things. A culmination that levels a mind into a base state of content.
It was upsetting to disturb the quiet, but what could he do?
The truth was struggling, clustered in his throat as his good eye stung. It must be swollen. It can’t be helped.
These things…they all can’t be helped.
Sunny placed his hand on the handle of what he assumed to be Basil’s door. Wouldn’t it be funny if it wasn’t? If he barged into some stranger's room, disturbing their rest? Ah, how rude of him. Well, he should just pray he’s right, then.
And he was.
The door opened easily, fingers shaking as they found and turned the handle.
Aubrey, Kel, and Hero all stood by Basil’s bed with complicated expressions. Then, when Sunny let the door fall shut behind him, they looked up. Mutual looks of surprise were shared amongst his friends, and Sunny thought it would be great if he could smile.
He wanted to smile for them.
…Maybe another time.
“I have to tell you something.”
The words were easy.
It felt strange.
The years of denial and hiding washed away, and despite the shaking of his body, and the jittery nature of his eye, he stood. Determined.
This was for all of their happiness. Without revealing the horror of the past or revisiting it, no matter how painful it is, they could never move on. Sunny and Basil would be trapped in their lie forever.
He should be satisfied enough with forgiving himself or at least working toward that. After all, that’s what’s most important. Forgiving himself for what he did, knowing his sister would understand. Knowing that it was an accident. He loved her.
Sunny would always love her.
Even then, he can’t help but desire his friends' comfort. He wants them to understand him, pull him into their arms, embrace full of warmth and kindness and just…forgive him. Give him the grace that he doesn’t know that he deserves.
Is it so wrong to long for his friends?
All those years lost…wouldn’t it be nice to have it back?
It’s silly thoughts.
But as the three stared at him, waiting, patient yet confused, staring at him as he finally spoke to them for the first time in years…
Sunny decided he would trust them.
This pain… was a burden he could no longer bear.
Please.
Please, help him carry it.
“What happened w…with Ma…”
The words…
The confidence, his longing, his determination, his hopes, his…
Sunny’s words slurred, eyes lidding. His body staggered, through blurry vision observing his friends rushing to his side, echoing voices shouting in worry.
How come…?
And his body crumpled to the ground, eye shut.
The world went dark before he could even say his sister’s name.
…
Kel reached Sunny first, almost diving forward to catch Sunny’s falling body. Kel’s heart beat rapidly, his friend utterly limp in his arms. One moment he was wide awake, speaking for the first time in a long time, and then…
“Aubrey, call a nurse! Kel, let me check his vitals.”
It was so fast. What happened?
Kel watched his brother check Sunny’s pulse, unable to hide his trembling hands. Finally, he sighed in relief, eyes watery. “It’s alright…he’s okay.” Hero managed a smile, one of his usual ones.
It wasn’t really comforting.
“Did he faint?” Kel tried to understand. “Is it…because of his injury?”
“I–I’m sure it’s…exhaustion. He got up out of bed and walked over here–it probably was too much for his body.” Hero seemed unsure for once. That didn’t bode well. Kel’s stomach dropped, an uncomfortable churning making him nauseous.
Aubrey rushed over to them, a frustrated frown on her face. “They’ll be here in less than a minute. Is he breathing?”
“Yeah, of course.” Hero put a gentle hand on her shoulder. She glanced at him, eyes a tad too wide, worry clear no matter how she tried to hide it.
Hero was scared too, but he couldn’t show it. So instead, he would tell himself it’s nothing, just fainting from exhaustion. Even if it didn’t line up with how Sunny walked into the room confidently, speaking, looking wide awake. Looking alive.
His eye was clear, full of light.
Then it wasn’t. Like the life was sucked out of him harshly and suddenly, his body gave out beneath him. Unable to even walk forward. Taken away from them once again, all too soon.
…
The friends all hoped Sunny was okay.
*
Sunny opens his eyes.
Already, that wasn’t right.
For a second, he wondered if he’d gone blind, an endless expanse of white being all he could see. But then he sat up. And, he knew where he was. As if he wouldn’t recognize this place–he was just here.
Sunny got to his feet, brows furrowing. White Space…why was he here again? Did he pass out? Maybe this was just how his dreams were. He assumed this place would disappear once he accepted the truth, but maybe he was wrong.
It was nice having his full vision back, at least.
Sunny walked forward, seeing everything the same as he left it. He looked up, observing that still empty string.
…No, that’s not empty.
Sunny squinted, seeing something at the top. That exact string hanging from nowhere. Looks like the lightbulb was still smashed into oblivion.
Sunny moved to get closer, wanting to see–
…Hm?
Sunny blinked, turning his head.
It’s…Omori?
Omori was there?
That can’t be right, can it?
Sunny stared stupidly, unsure how to react. Didn’t…Omori disappear? They hugged, and he was absorbed or something, right? But Omori is looking at him right now with those same emotionless eyes.
Omori who…was also grabbing the edge of his sweater like a child. Surreal, considering the last time they interacted, besides the hugging, was Omori literally stabbing him.
“Omori?” Sunny tested his voice, satisfied when it worked. Omori didn’t respond, naturally, and just continued to look up at him. Sunny wasn’t exactly nervous. He was just confused. “Why…?”
Omori tugged on his sweater, pointing. Sunny followed his finger and saw the white door not far away. Omori then began to walk, grabbing Sunny’s hand to drag him along.
Huh? What?
Omori opened the door without skipping a beat, pulling Sunny through it. Sunny entered the Neighbor’s Room, still unable to keep up with what was going on.
It was empty.
Quiet.
Completely unlike it should be. For a brief moment, he wondered if everyone was back under Jawsum, only to shake his head. There wasn’t a script to follow. He completed the arc of his dreams, reaching the end and accepting the truth.
So, he just willingly went along to wherever Omori was bringing him. He was also curious. He didn’t know Omori would have his own will, especially not to this extent. Again, though, it was probably just a fever dream.
…
It was empty in the playground too.
Omori leads Sunny to the picnic blanket, keeping his steady walking pace. He pulled Sunny to sit down with him, reaching into the basket and pulling out snacks. He handed a handful of candy over, still with those unreadable, empty eyes.
Sunny took them. Omori seemed…pleased, somehow. Sunny’s not sure why he can gather that so clearly, but he just assumes it’s dream logic once again. He plops a candy into his mouth, enjoying the flavor.
Omori ate with him, both sitting in complete silence as a gentle tune played, one Sunny never knew the source of.
Sunny really didn’t know what was going on.
But…it didn’t seem like it was harmful?
He’s just dreaming. It probably meant nothing.
Ah, but he can’t forget. When he wakes up, he needs to tell the truth. He shouldn’t pass out the next time, right?
*
Sunny opens his eye, unsurprised to find himself once again lying in a hospital bed. He moves to sit up with a slight sigh, vision still bleary.
“Whoa! Don’t sit up so quickly.” A quiet yet lively voice interrupted Sunny’s thoughts. Sunny blinked until his sight cleared, seeing orange directly in front of him. He stared for a while, still trying to mentally catch up on everything. Was everyone else still in the hospital? He can’t imagine he was out for long, despite the time he spent in his dream.
Kel’s smile wavered. It was strange. “You…you know me, right?”
Sunny made a face, nodding. “You’re Kel.”
For some reason, Kel sighed in relief, visibly relaxing. “Good, that’s good. Um, I just asked for fun, that’s all!” Kel brushed it off, returning to all smiles. Sunny pursed his lips but decided to let it go. “Oh, and if you’re wondering where Aubrey and Hero are, they’re just talking to Basil.”
Sunny flinched.
Kel noticed, frowning. “He’s alright. He woke up fine, besides being a little hysterical. Seemed like he really wanted to see you. He was really guilty about…well…” Kel vaguely gestured to Sunny’s eye.
That made sense. It was good to hear, too, because it meant Basil was lucid enough to realize that he hadn’t attacked a monster’s eye–Basil attacked him. It sucked losing an eye, but in all honesty, it might be deserved. Hopefully Basil wouldn’t be too hung up about it. He tended to beat himself up over everything.
“Actually, it seems like they’ve been there for a while…” Kel murmured, brows knitting together. “Well, I’m sure it’s fine.” Seemed it was too stressful to worry about. Sunny could relate to that–it was easier to just ignore it. “Anyways, you were asleep for a few hours. It was really scary when you passed out, haha. R–Really spooked everyone, you know?”
Is that why he asked if Sunny recognized him? Sunny reached over and grabbed Kel’s hand, noticing it was shaking. That…wasn’t something Sunny expected. How terrible of a sight had it been?
“I–It’s all good now, though! The doctors said it’s probably from exhaustion. You did go through something pretty traumatic, you know? Haha…” Kel’s habit of nervous laughter was in full force. Sunny appreciated the attempt to lighten the mood and felt bad that he was going to ruin it soon.
After all, he still needed to tell the truth.
Maybe…maybe he could just tell Kel first? See his reaction? Kel would be the most forgiving, probably. It could be like a test run. Plus, there’s a chance Basil is confessing everything to Aubrey and Hero right now. That being the case, Sunny should go ahead and take his step forward…this time staying sat down.
“Oh yeah, you were trying to tell us something before you passed out, right? What was it?”
Deep breaths. He can do this. He gathered the courage before, and now he’ll do it again.
“Does it have something…to do with what happened?” Kel lowered his voice, eyes darting between Sunny’s good eye and his covered one. Sunny nodded, clearing his throat.
“Basil was there on that day.” Sunny…strangely, felt a little off. A foreboding sense that something was wrong. That something was about to be wrong.
“On…that day?” Kel repeated.
“The day…when Ma…r…”
What?
Sunny’s hands shook as they attempted to reach up, but it was far too late. His eye already lidded, visual snow clouding over Kel’s suddenly panicked expression. He heard an echoing call, but that was it.
Sunny fainted.
…
Kel hurriedly pressed the call button for the nurses, eyes watering. He gently helped the slumped-over Sunny back into a laying position, trying to blink away his tears. It’s nothing to cry about. It’s just…that Sunny is tired. The suddenness in the way he passed out was nothing special.
Hero’s worries echoed in his mind, the things he talked to the doctors about. The stuff they soothed him about, saying how lucky Sunny was in avoiding brain damage or something worse.
Kel kept composed, waiting patiently for the nurses.
He hoped Aubrey and Hero would come back soon.
He didn’t like being here alone, watching over Sunny, who looked so frail and weak, pale and like he’d disappear at any moment.
*
Hm.
That seemed abrupt.
Sunny woke up in White Space again, not getting to his feet this time. He sat there, waiting for something to happen before hearing quiet footsteps approaching. Sunny turned his head, and there once again was Omori.
“Hi,” Sunny said. Omori tilted his head far to the side, eyes shining. He went to Sunny’s side, tugging on his sweater again. “I’ll stay here.” Sunny gently pulled off Omori’s hand, being met with that same blank look in return.
Omori tried again, and Sunny continued to pull off the hand tugging at him. After a bit, Omori seemed displeased, briefly glancing away before directing his attention back to Sunny. Before Sunny could wonder what it was, he saw red in the corner of his eye.
Red hands swarmed him before he could react, bringing him to his feet. Sunny stood, dumbfounded, as one hand pat his head, and the others brushed off his clothes, despite White Space having no way of having dust.
“Um…” Sunny stood stiff, awkward.
Omori just grabbed his hand like last time, dragging him out the door of White Space and back into the Neighbor’s Room. Sunny didn’t even know what to ask as Omori brought him back to the playground, sharing snacks with him again.
Sunny silently went along with it, chewing on the candy. He always found it strange how real his dreams felt but figured it wasn’t anything special because he wasn’t particularly special.
This time after finishing, Omori grabbed Sunny’s hand again, bringing him to a mirror. The two looked into it, Sunny slightly over Omori’s shoulder. He wasn’t that much taller, but he was still at least half a head.
Omori seemed…happy, maybe? It’s hard to tell, but he feels like he can see the glimmer of a yellow outline. Omori then covered his eyes. Sunny didn’t understand. Probably sensing his confusion, Omori lifted his hands from his eyes, staring. He then covered them again, turning around and then raising a hand. It counted down from five.
Oh!
“Hide and seek.”
Omori whipped around, nodding rapidly. Sunny couldn’t help the amused smile, playing along when Omori covered his eyes again.
Sunny wonder’s where he should hide, enjoying this childish game. He wasn’t sure why he was dreaming here, but it shouldn’t be bad.
Ah, but he almost forgot! He still needs to tell the truth when he wakes up. Sunny can worry about that when the time comes, though. For now, he needs a good hiding spot.
*
This time when he woke up, everyone was by his side but Basil. Sunny assumed Basil was still bedridden and said his name, wondering if he was okay. It was weird, though. His friends exchanged looks, communicating silently. Sunny was lost.
“He’s…doing better. It was some pretty bad bruises, but nothing compared to…well…” Hero tried to smile. “You said you feel better?”
Sunny nodded. “No pain.”
“That’s good.” Hero’s smile became genuine. “You know, Aubrey here was pacing out of worry earlier–”
“Shut up!” Aubrey punched his shoulder, face scrunching up. She then straightened, crossing her arms. “It’s not like I was the only one. You and Kel are just as worried.”
“Yeah, but that’s to be expected of us.” Kel grinned, narrowing his eyes at Aubrey. “I knew you were a softy, even if you try to hide it–” Aubrey raised her fist menacingly, and Kel decided to stop talking.
Sunny was happy to see everyone mostly as their usual selves. And again, the words he should say were coming up his throat, yet he felt hesitant. Ruining this calm moment was rude of him, right? Should he really tell the truth right now? Basil probably hasn’t, considering how Aubrey and Hero are acting.
…No, that’s cowardly. That’s selfish.
He just wants to enjoy their warmth, but he needs to first earn their forgiveness. That process can’t even begin if he doesn’t admit to it all. Take deep breaths, and suck it up. This is important.
Sunny clasped his hands together, looking at his friends one by one. They noticed the shift in his mood, and followed suit, worried and ready to hear what he has to say. It seemed pretty serious.
“I…have something to…tell you.” Sunny managed, trying to rush the words out.
“What is it?” Aubrey stepped closer before sitting at the end of his bed. Hero looked like he wanted to scold her but remained silent. Kel also leaned forward, grabbing Sunny’s hand once again.
Sunny took a deep breath, counting silently. Then, with his gathered courage, he spoke.
“When Ma…”
What?
“Ma…when…ma…ma…”
Sunny was fading. He felt his mind pulling at him, darkness taking over his mind without warning. His eyelids fluttered, the noise around him unable to keep him awake, even when so loud.
Once again, he was gone.
Fainted unceremoniously.
*
Okay.
What was the saying?
‘Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times…’
Sunny didn’t know the rest of it, but he was starting to think something was up. He has attempted telling the truth three times now, only to lose consciousness. Was there a connection there? But isn’t that ridiculous?
Wait…he always waits a few minutes before saying something. That’s probably it! He’s just so tired that he can only be awake for a few minutes. Next time, he needs to spit it out the moment he wakes up!
Sunny paused.
“Omori…” Sunny tried to swat at the red hands, sighing. “Give me a minute.” Playtime can wait–at least let him gather his thoughts. Omori went up to his side, staring at him. Sunny calmed himself down, then turned to Omori.
Omori grabbed his hand and dragged him. Again.
At least something was consistent.
They ate candy and played hide and seek once again. Sunny even got to play seeker this time, and he didn’t even wonder how he spent longer here each time, considering he should’ve woken up by now.
But it wasn’t really a worry. It was honestly relaxing and peaceful, taking his mind off the real world and all that had happened. Sunny even had both eyes here, which was preferable. That much was obvious.
Though...something did seem odd. There was no one else here, no sign of life or even enemies. It was lonely, with only the soft music being company. Was that why Omori waited for him in White Space, eager to bring him out to play? Was he lonely?
Wait a second, when did Omori become his own person?
Sunny rubbed his forehead, finding himself walking out of the playground area and down the south path. He hadn’t been able to find Omori, and thought maybe he’d gone somewhere else to be sneaky.
Either way, where he ended up was the garden. All the plants were watered, as he made sure to keep them alive when he existed here through Omori. Right. Omori was his vessel, well, most of the time. During their confrontations he wasn’t. But Sunny didn’t think much of it, too distracted by, well…everything.
So why was Omori functioning now as his own entity? Easy explanation, this is a dream. Dreams don’t make sense, even if his were consistent. And detailed. And incredibly lucid. And…
Hm. Maybe that’s not normal. Sunny spent a good four years sleeping and existing here, and he knows many things in the dream world changed in that time. Was that a thing dreams could do? It felt almost like another world, with the level of realness it brought.
Is that why he kept thinking of Omori as something more? As a person? A lonely kid, just a few years younger than him?
Maybe.
Sunny supposed it didn’t matter.
He decided to go back to searching, humming along to the endless song surrounding him.
*
Fourth time’s the charm.
Sunny woke up, and he quickly glanced over who was in the room. Thankfully, everyone was here again, though…looking worse than last time. Sunny rubbed his eyes and began gathering himself, figuring he would pass out again soon.
He had to spit out the truth before then.
“Sunny, you’re awake! Maybe don’t sit up so fast…” Hero gently tried to push Sunny back into a laying position, and Sunny didn’t fight it.
“You must be really tired, haha. Passing out so much.” Kel was fidgeting. Aubrey didn’t even say a word, unusually pensive.
No time to observe!
“I have to tell you something.” Sunny blurted out, gaze fogging up as his eyes darted across his friends. “Mar…i…”
Oh, come on.
Sunny felt the familiar all-consuming void of exhaustion, and promptly fainted once again. At least he was laying down this time and didn’t fold on himself.
*
Sunny woke up, slamming his fist on the ground before waving it out, grimacing. The little burst of frustration dissipated, leaving him slumped and dejected.
Was he too slow again? He thought he tried much faster than last time…did he need to say it immediately!?
While he moped, Omori approached, sitting beside him quietly. Soon, Sunny began to feel a hand patting his head, clumsy but earnest. Sunny relaxed further, looking at Omori. Finally, after a few minutes, Omori stopped patting his head. But he remained sitting there, looking at Sunny expectantly.
What did he want?
To play again?
Or…
Sunny reached up and, seeing Omori brighten up, went through with patting Omori’s head. Omori glimmered a faint yellow, and despite the stoic expression, his eyes sparkled happily.
“Omori,” Sunny said, lifting his hand back away. Omori followed it, grabbing the hand and putting it back on his head. Sunny’s lips wobbled. That was unexpectedly cute. For some reason it reminded him of Mewo, who he now realized wasn’t here. That’s sad. “Omori, do you know?”
Omori tilted his head, still holding Sunny’s hand in place.
“Why do I fall asleep?”
Omori blinked owlishly, tilting his head even further. He looked unbalanced.
“Guess not…” Sunny mumbled, the frustration returning. At least Omori was a calming presence, and after once again being dragged out of White Space, Sunny found that the music of Vast Forest was even more relaxing.
It was lovely.
The two did their usual routine, and this time Sunny found Omori much faster in hide and seek. Omori noticed Sunny’s thoughts drifting and grabbed his hand quickly, pointing elsewhere.
“Go?” Sunny asked.
Omori nodded, bringing him out of the playground area. Sunny wondered where they were going. He was unfocused while being led along, still trying to formulate a plan and figure out what was going on.
Sunny snapped out of it once Omori tugged at him, pointing at a ladder. Sunny climbed up, Omori following after. Sunny wondered if they were going to Otherworld, but then remembered they weren’t in that location.
Which means…
Ah, it’s here.
A picnic sat waiting for them, windmills turning in the gentle wind. This song…it was one of his favorites. It never failed to fill him with tranquility, despite the battle that usually took place here.
Sunny sat on the blanket, rummaging through the basket of fruits. He found an apple and happily bit into it, looking around at the nice scenery. Omori followed suit, instead grabbing an orange and diligently peeling it.
This wasn’t so bad.
The random fainting sucked, but at least he wasn’t sent into nightmares or anything. Instead, he just spent some time with Omori, who seemed content to laze around. Sunny laid down on his back, joining Omori in lying down on the picnic blanket.
Clouds drifted across the purple sky.
Sunny hoped when he woke up, he could finally get the weight off his chest and truly enjoy moments of peace like this with his friends, in reality.
*
Sunny woke up–he didn’t even think before pushing the words out.
“The recital!” Sunny saw the colors of Hero, Kel, Aubrey, and…one more. Basil was here! Perfect! He could help him explain the truth! “That day! I–I–” Sunny gripped the bedsheets, heart beating in his ears. “Ma–”
Sunny didn’t even get to think about what had happened before being completely knocked out.
…
The four friends were speechless. Sunny had snapped awake with wide eyes, before mumbling incomprehensibly and going right back to sleep. Basil’s eyes welled with tears, clasping his hands together in an effort to prevent shaking.
“Basil…” Hero put a hand on his shoulder, sympathetic. “They already said it wasn’t brain damage. All the tests and scans prove that.”
“But–but–” Basil burst into tears, causing Hero to pull him into a side hug. Kel handed over some tissues, allowing Basil to wipe his tears and blow his nose. Aubrey leaned on the wall, staring at Sunny with an out-of-character mellowness.
“They may not know for sure what it is, but they ruled out all the physical issues. It’s probably just psychological.” Hero winced, realizing it wasn’t much better.
“He passed out because he saw me!” Basil covered his face, shaking his head. “It’s my fault!”
“Talking this way won’t do any good, okay? And it isn’t you. He passed out multiple times when you weren’t here.” Hero said, eyes drifting down and to the side. “Actually, he seems to pass out after attempting to speak.”
“Could that be it?” Kel perked up. “I mean, he didn’t talk at all while we hung out with him. Maybe he’s not supposed to speak?”
“There’s gotta be a reason,” Aubrey spoke up, not looking away from Sunny. “I think he keeps trying to say Mari.”
“…Mari?” Basil tensed, as did everyone else in the room.
“Didn’t you guys hear it?” Aubrey frowned. “It’s pretty obvious. He keeps cutting off at her name.”
“I…didn’t.” Hero made a subtle expression. “He keeps trying to tell us something. Does it have to do with Mari? He just mentioned the recital too.”
“I don’t know. Basil, do you have an idea? He said it had to do with your fight...” Kel scratched his cheek, glancing at Basil. “You okay? You look sick.”
“I–I–” Basil hunched into himself, and Hero slowly took his hand off the other’s shoulder. “I think…I’m going to throw up.”
“What!?” Aubrey shot up from where she was leaning. “Not here! We’re in a hospital–don’t get it on the floor!” Hero was already running to grab one on the other side of the room. He rushed back, handing it to Basil with little finesse.
While the chaos unfolded, Sunny remained sleeping, looking peaceful.
*
“Okay.” Sunny deadpanned, the endless expanse of white taunting him.
That’s suspicious enough. There wasn’t an explanation of time because he attempted to say the truth as soon as he woke up. He managed to utter about the recital, but nothing more than that. He tried saying Mari’s name and fainted.
There was something wrong.
He had to figure this out–
“…Omori.” Sunny batted away the red hands trying to lift him into a sitting position. “Let me lie here.” His plea was ignored. It wasn’t long before red hands carried him out the door, handing him off to Omori before zipping away.
Sunny sighed heavily. “Do you know?”
Omori just looked at him, staring blankly. Then he shook his head.
“Really?”
Omori nodded.
“…Promise?”
Omori grabbed his hand and dragged him out the door, leaving him unanswered. Sunny figured he just got impatient–he was a kid, after all. But, on the other hand, Sunny wasn’t sure why he kept asking Omori in the first place, especially when he couldn’t grasp a connection between Omori and speaking in the real world.
Omori was just a figment of his imagination. Nothing more, nothing less. Lively, but obviously just in his head.
Sunny watched Omori confidently navigate the world, giving Sunny any nice things he saw. The gifts all sat in his pockets, the collection growing steadily as they made their way to the Otherworld’s ladder.
“You first?” Sunny waited. Omori didn’t budge, pushing Sunny toward the ladder. With a sigh, Sunny complied, grasping the bottom bars. “Okay.”
The journey up was still as grueling as ever. He missed Pluto.
When they finally reached the top, Sunny noticed the…’butt’ certificate was gone. He shouldn’t be surprised, but why did it feel so off? The world always reset after he neared the truth, so now that he knew the truth, it made sense it restarted again.
…Wait, but this whole place was to mask the truth. The entire point of his dreams was a distraction, an escape from reality. Sunny wasn’t escaping anymore–if anything, he was attempting to tackle his past head-on. Even if his friends didn’t forgive him, he had to forgive himself, and Basil shouldn’t have to shoulder the guilt of hiding the truth anymore. Sunny can’t hide away from his mistakes, because whether accidentally or not, his sister was lost because of a moment of blind impulse.
The person he loved most in the world was gone, and…he had to accept that. And he has accepted that. It was the very first step in this journey.
So why did the dream world still exist?
Why was only Omori here?
How come Omori had…personality? Feelings? Should a vessel be able to feel lonely? Should the image of who he wanted to be when he was younger act differently from that assignment? Could a figment break the mold?
Sunny felt a violent tug on his shirt, making him stumble and almost fall flat. Omori steadied him, cheeks puffed and eyes narrowed.
“Sorry, got lost in thought.” Sunny pat Omori’s head and the other was quickly pacified by the action. Omori brought him into Captain Spaceboy’s house, squinting. He seemed to be looking for something.
Whatever it was, Sunny could just wait on the bed while Omori searched. He was pretty tired mentally from all this whiplash. He was thinking too hard about it all, most likely. It was just a simple dream.
Right…a simple dream.
Nothing more, nothing less.
*
When Sunny awoke this time, he said nothing.
It’s not like there was anyone to talk to anyway. Checking the nearby clock, the time was smack in the middle of the night. It had been a long day of waking up and falling asleep over and over…
Wait. Had it really only been one day? Maybe. His mom hadn’t visited yet, so that had to be the case. She would take a moment to come back to Faraway. Looks like the big move was set back a few days. Sunny didn’t mind. It’s not like leaving was something he wanted to do.
Sunny held his head in his hands, fingers grazing the bandage over his right eye. His lips wobbled, the reality of the situation not fully set in yet. It was enough, though. As the tears welled up in his eye, they fell silently.
It was lonely.
He was lonely.
The past few days were all he ever wanted. Reconnecting with his friends, having fun, finally finding peace despite the past…it was all he craved. It was all real. And the risk of telling the truth could ruin it, but he didn’t deserve that happiness if he continued lying.
Somehow, though…
It seemed he could never get it out.
Was it a coincidence if it happened so many times? Would it continue to happen? Was it really just exhaustion? Sunny liked to think he wasn’t stupid, and that he had at least a modicum of problem-solving skills.
Yet this situation left him completely lost.
There was nothing for him to do here, already well rested from all the times he slept. So, with less enthusiasm, he mumbled what really happened four years ago.
And…he was fine. The worlds flowed out, a little detached, but all true and recognized. It was easy. It was done.
“Haha…”
If a tree falls in a forest, and no one is there, does it still make a sound? If no one’s there to hear it, it doesn’t matter either way. Who cares? If no one’s there to listen, the sound is pointless. All this meant was that it wasn’t the truth making him pass out.
It’s his friends hearing it.
Because the tree fell the moment his eye was stabbed out of its socket.
There just wasn’t a way anyone could hear it.
*
No matter how determined a person is, as time continues on, it’s hard to stay on a seemingly impossible path.
As Sunny’s friends continued to visit him, bringing kindness and gentleness, it didn’t do much to soothe him. They could see it too. Sunny didn’t say anything, though, in fear of disappearing again.
They all didn’t mind, entertaining him and comforting him. It was so nice that he began to cry. He didn’t deserve this, not yet. He could see it in Basil’s face, that hesitation and worry. The fear that this could all end.
So Basil…Basil wouldn’t say it.
And Basil shouldn’t have to say it. He didn’t commit the act.
Sunny knew it was up to him, and so after an hour or so, he tried again. Looking at his friends, all of them, he opened his mouth.
And the result was the same.
He just fell asleep.
Sunny woke up in White Space full of anger and desperation, wondering why he couldn’t do what he needed to do. Didn’t everything in his dreams try to point him toward the truth against his will? Wasn’t that all that was wanted for him?
How come it was preventing him now?
This just isn’t right. There had to be something else.
Something else preventing the truth from being out. But what was there to gain? And it wasn’t like there was anyone…here…
Sunny slowly turned his head, Omori’s monochrome figure the same as it’s always been. The innocent, disarming presence he had…it was fitting for a child.
“Omori.”
Said boy perked up, walking and then sitting down next to him. Omori scooted closer, lowering his head toward Sunny, obviously wanting some head pats. It was cute. It was harmless. Omori was harmless, just a lonely child wanting some warmth.
But…that was just it, wasn’t it?
When had Omori become a person? Something outside of his control?
“Tell me.” Sunny pet Omori’s head, trying to keep the other relaxed. “Why do you bring me here?”
Omori looked up, dramatically tilting his head to the side, almost far enough to fall over. Sunny smiled, something like one. It was sad. Sunny kept his hand on Omori, wishing he could say things in a kind and empathetic tone–but all he was capable of was slightly above a monotone.
“Omori, I know.”
Omori’s gaze shook, just for a moment. It was enough. It gave him away.
“It’s okay…m’ not angry.” Sunny did his best but wasn’t really good at comforting. He was rusty with interaction.
Omori remained silent, staring. And staring. And staring…
“I think you’re…” Sunny’s eyes darted side to side, trying to form an explanation. He then remembered the fight and Omori’s purpose. “You’re…protecting me.”
If Sunny tells the truth, he might get burned. It could go wrong. It could go right with all of Omori’s warnings in that fight. “But, this…is important.” Sunny lowered his hand, shrugging his shoulders. “I can’t be happy until I let go.” And letting go required getting it out. “So…let me, okay?”
Omori…
Omori just sat there, not responding. His eyes were jittery, boring into Sunny’s with an indescribable intensity. It’s as if there was something Sunny wasn’t understanding. That he was missing something important enough for Omori to waver. The silence continued, eventually making Sunny nervous.
“Were you always alive?” Sunny blurted out. There was no way to ask nicely. He wanted to know if this whole time, the one he viewed as a vessel existed even when Sunny wasn’t in the dream world.
Omori nodded, not looking away. The longer time went on, the more complicated his gaze became. He opened his mouth, straining to speak, but nothing came out. Frustration was clear from the lines of tension straining around his mouth.
“You can’t talk,” Sunny said.
Omori’s eyes glimmered.
“No…you can. You should. You have before.” Sunny’s brow furrowed, trying to figure out the issue. “Why aren’t you?”
A hand.
Sunny felt the hand on his shoulder, knowing it wasn’t Omori’s. “You can tell me.” Sunny tried to keep his voice even, despite another coming to rest on his other shoulder. The red hands gathered behind Omori. Sunny hesitated. “What is it?”
“There is…” Omori’s voice was quiet, barely audible. He hugged his knees to his chest, appearance deceptively stoic. “…no worries, no fear. Everything is for you here.” Omori’s face scrunched up.
“It’s a dream.” Sunny remained confused. “That makes sense.”
Omori stiffened, the red hands writhing behind him. “Without you…there is nothing.”
Sunny still didn’t get it.
“I am nothing.”
Omori leaned over, hugging Sunny.
“All was made to help you hide…and if found…”
“…You disappear.” It dawned on him. “But, I thought you already did?” Sunny remembered the hug–of Omori dissipating into him.
“No.” Omori trembled, the red hands continuing to twist and draw near. “I don’t want to.”
“But you’re just in my dream?” Sunny’s mind spun, trying to piece it together. “You’re not real.”
“I don’t want to.”
“What?”
“I like it here. I like to play with you. I like helping you.” Omori was trembling. Sunny was so confused.
“How…?” How is Omori sentient? How is he full of emotion? How can he know it’s a dream? How does he know what will make him disappear? Sunny didn’t know what to do, had no idea how to comfort the other, didn’t know if he even should comfort–didn’t even know if this was real.
But to an extent, it had to be, right? How else would he be put to sleep trying to tell the truth? That meant Omori had enough sway to make him faint. Did Sunny even want to know how? God, it was all so confusing. He had a headache. How did he have a headache!?
Was this really a dream!?
The moment Sunny had that thought, a strange feeling permeated his body. It wasn’t an anxious cluster in his chest nor a lump in his throat. Instead, it was chilling, leaving a sinking and sinking pit in his stomach as sweat gathered at his forehead.
A loud, blaring sound played at the back of his mind, warning him of the point of no return. It was foreboding, yet when Omori pulled back, staring at him with such human worry, Sunny couldn’t resist asking.
“You’re…real, aren’t you?”
Omori’s eyes shot open, mouth once again straining against nothing. “Yes.” And he spoke anyways.
Sunny couldn’t say another word. He was thoroughly stunned, petrified by something he couldn’t begin to fathom. Whether a figment or not, Omori portrayed sentience, and despite existing in this world for four years, a world crafted to be his personal and perfect escape…
He had no memory of creating it.
“Then…”
Sunny was sinking.
“Where am I?”
