The playground was buzzing with anticipation as Berly rounded up the troops. Dreamworld Hero, Dreamworld Kel, and Dreamworld Aubrey stood tall, wearing makeshift monster masks painted with fierce expressions. They were the "taggers" of the game, roleplaying as red demons determined to catch the unsuspecting players.
"Alright, everyone!" Berly called out, her authoritative voice cutting through the chatter. "Hero, Kel, Aubrey—you three are the taggers. Remember, your goal is to catch the players while they hunt for items in the scavenger hunt. No going easy on them!"
Dreamworld Hero adjusted his monster mask, a playful grin hidden underneath. "Got it, Berly! We're ready to be the scariest demons ever!"
Dreamworld Kel flexed his muscles, trying to look as intimidating as possible. "Yeah! We'll catch them all!"
Dreamworld Aubrey rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile. "Just remember, it's all in good fun."
Berly turned to the rest of the group, which included Dreamworld Mari, Dreamworld Basil, and Omori, along with other playground inhabitants. "Okay, players! Your task is to find the specific items scattered around the playground. Each item is worth a point, and the player with the most points at the end wins. But beware! If the taggers catch you, you're out!"
Dreamworld Mari gave a reassuring nod to Omori and Basil. "Let's stick together and gather as many items as we can. It'll be fun!"
Dreamworld Basil clutched his camera, ready to capture the exciting moments. "I'm ready! Let's do this!"
Omori, still trying to shake off the unease from earlier, forced a small smile. "Yeah, let's go."
As the game began, the playground erupted into a flurry of activity. Players dashed in all directions, searching for hidden items while keeping a wary eye out for the red demons. The air was filled with laughter and shouts of excitement.
Omori, Dreamworld Mari, and Dreamworld Basil moved as a unit, quickly finding the first item—a shiny red apple tucked under a slide. They high-fived each other, their spirits lifting with each success.
"One point for us!" Dreamworld Mari cheered.
But the game was far from over. Dreamworld Hero, Dreamworld Kel, and Dreamworld Aubrey were relentless in their pursuit, their monstrous roars echoing across the playground. Players ducked and dodged, trying to avoid capture while still hunting for items.
Dreamworld Hero spotted Omori and his group, and with a playful growl, he charged towards them. "I've got you now!"
They scattered, laughing as they narrowly escaped his grasp. Dreamworld Kel and Dreamworld Aubrey joined the chase, making it a thrilling game of cat and mouse.
Berly watched from the sidelines, a satisfied smile on her face. The game was a hit, and everyone was having a blast. "Remember, everyone—have fun and play fair!"
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the playground, the game continued with undiminished enthusiasm. The playground was alive with the spirit of adventure and camaraderie, making it a day to remember in the Dreamworld.
The game continued with an infectious energy, laughter and shouts blending into the vibrant atmosphere. Mikal, Van, and Sharleen were focused on their scavenger hunt, combing through the playground for hidden items. Mikal's sharp eyes caught sight of a shiny key hidden under a bench.
"Got it!" Mikal exclaimed, holding up the key triumphantly.
Van and Sharleen cheered, but their victory was short-lived. Dreamworld Kel, with his signature speed and enthusiasm, zoomed towards them, his monster mask bouncing slightly as he let out a playful "Roar!!!"
"Look out!" Sharleen yelled, but it was too late. Kel tapped Mikal on the shoulder, laughing as he did so.
"Gotcha!" Kel grinned, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "You're tagged now!"
Mikal, trying to stifle his own laughter, shrugged good-naturedly. "Alright, alright. I'll join the taggers."
The game continued, the boundaries of the playground filled with a flurry of activity. Dreamworld Aubrey spotted Dreamworld Basil crouching behind a tree, clutching a small blue marble. She dashed towards him, her footsteps light and quick.
"Basil, you're mine!" Aubrey called out, her playful tone masking her competitive spirit.
Basil looked up, eyes wide with mock terror. He bolted from his hiding spot, but Aubrey was too quick. She tagged him easily, her triumphant laugh echoing around them.
"Gotcha, Basil!" Aubrey said, catching her breath.
Dreamworld Basil grinned, accepting his new role. "Alright, I'll help you catch the others."
Meanwhile, Dreamworld Hero prowled the edges of the playground, his eyes scanning for potential targets. He spotted Dreamworld Mari and Omori near the swings, whispering and plotting their next move. With a strategic approach, Hero moved silently until he was close enough to pounce.
"Surprise!" Hero shouted, lunging forward.
Omori and Mari jumped, but Hero managed to tag Omori just before he could escape.
"You're it, Omori," Hero said with a chuckle. "Welcome to the team."
Omori smiled, albeit a bit shyly. "Okay, let's catch the rest."
The game reached a fever pitch as the tagged players teamed up, their coordinated efforts making it harder for the remaining players to stay hidden. Dreamworld Kel, Aubrey, and Hero, now joined by Mikal, Van, and Sharleen, moved like a well-oiled machine, herding the remaining players into corners and tagging them one by one.
As the final moments of the game approached, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the playground. Dreamworld Mari, noticing the time, blew a whistle to signal the end of the game.
"Alright, everyone! Time's up!" she called out, her voice ringing clear. "Gather around and let's see who collected the most items!"
The players convened, breathless and flushed with excitement. Each group tallied their points, sharing stories of near misses and daring escapes. In the end, it was a close call, but the camaraderie and fun overshadowed the competition.
"That was awesome!" Dreamworld Kel exclaimed, his enthusiasm undiminished.
Dreamworld Aubrey nodded, her cheeks still pink from the exertion. "Yeah, it was so much fun!"
Omori, standing beside his friends, felt a warmth in his chest. Despite the surreal nature of the Dreamworld, moments like these felt real and grounding. He glanced at Dreamworld Mari and Dreamworld Basil, their smiles reflecting his own contentment.
"Thanks for organizing this, Berly," Dreamworld Hero said, patting her on the back.
Berly grinned, adjusting her glasses. "Anytime! I'm glad everyone had fun."
As the group began to disperse, Dreamworld Mari gathered them one last time. "How about a picnic to end the day? I've got plenty of snacks and drinks."
With unanimous agreement, they headed to her picnic basket, settling down for a well-deserved rest. The air was filled with chatter and laughter, the perfect end to a perfect day in the Dreamworld.
Omori was surprised when Berly, Sharleen, Mikal, Van, and even the usually quiet Neb, who was often preoccupied with his puzzles, joined them for the picnic. He looked at the group, feeling a mix of comfort and unease. "Woah, you guys want to join me and my friends for a picnic? That's sort of... new and strange..." he asked softly, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Berly grinned, her sharp teeth flashing. "Why not? It's a great way to wrap up the day!"
Sharleen nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, and I've never turned down a picnic with good company."
Mikal added, "Plus, it's fun to hang out with you guys outside of games."
Van and Neb simply smiled, their quiet presence a reassuring contrast to the more boisterous members of the group.
Omori contemplated internally, trying to discern if this was a bad or good thing. He felt a strange blend of comfort and unease, the unfamiliarity of the situation tugging at his thoughts. Dreamworld Basil, noticing Omori's hesitation, tapped his shoulder gently to reassure him.
"It's okay, Omori," Basil said softly. "It's nice to have everyone together like this."
Dreamworld Mari, always the nurturing presence, chimed in. "The more, the merrier! Let's enjoy this time together."
Omori nodded slowly, allowing himself to relax a bit. The unease lingered, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the warmth of his friends around him. They settled down on the soft grass, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the scene.
Dreamworld Mari unpacked the picnic basket, laying out an assortment of snacks and drinks. The group gathered around, chatting and laughing, the earlier competitive energy of the game now replaced with a peaceful camaraderie.
As they ate and shared stories, Omori found himself more at ease. The presence of his friends, old and new, created a comforting atmosphere that was hard to resist. He glanced at Dreamworld Basil, who smiled back, and Omori felt a flicker of genuine happiness.
For a moment, he let himself forget the underlying strangeness and just enjoyed the simplicity of the moment. The picnic, with its blend of familiar faces and new dynamics, became a symbol of the unpredictable yet heartwarming nature of the Dreamworld.
As the sun finally dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the playground, Omori realized that perhaps this mix of comfort and unease was a part of the Dreamworld's magic. It was a place where the unexpected could happen, and where he could find solace in the presence of his friends, no matter how strange or new it felt.
Then, something bothered Omori again as he felt a presence, as though something was hiding in the forest, observing him. He stood up after finishing his eating and drinking, causing Dreamworld Kel and Dreamworld Aubrey to look at him with concern.
"Hmm? Omori, what's wrong?" Dreamworld Kel asked, tilting his head.
Dreamworld Aubrey added, "Yeah, you seem a bit on edge."
Omori muttered, "Nothing, just... where is Mewo?"
Dreamworld Mari looked around, frowning slightly. "Mewo was here just a moment ago. Maybe he wandered off?"
Dreamworld Basil stood up as well, peering into the forest. "Do you think Mewo might have gone exploring?"
Omori's eyes scanned the edge of the forest, feeling a chill run down his spine. The sense of being watched persisted, gnawing at his thoughts. "I should go look for him," he said, his voice firmer this time.
Dreamworld Hero got up, wiping his hands. "We'll help you. Let's stick together."
The group nodded in agreement, packing up the picnic quickly. As they moved towards the forest, the atmosphere grew tense, the shadows of the trees stretching out like long fingers.
Omori led the way, his knife held tightly in his hand. The feeling of unease intensified with each step they took into the forest. He couldn't shake the sense that something was watching, waiting.
Dreamworld Kel tried to lighten the mood. "Maybe Mewo just found something interesting. You know how curious he is."
Dreamworld Aubrey nodded, though she glanced around warily. "Yeah, he's probably just chasing after a butterfly or something."
Despite their reassurances, Omori couldn't ignore the prickling sensation on the back of his neck. He pushed forward, determined to find Mewo and uncover the source of his unease.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the sounds of their footsteps and the rustling leaves filled the silence. Suddenly, Omori spotted a familiar black shape darting between the trees.
"Mewo!" he called out, relief washing over him.
The kitten emerged from the shadows, meowing softly. Omori scooped him up, holding him close. The sense of being watched faded slightly, but a lingering unease remained.
Dreamworld Mari placed a reassuring hand on Omori's shoulder. "See? Mewo's safe and sound."
Dreamworld Basil nodded, smiling. "Let's head back. It's getting late."
Omori nodded, feeling a bit more at ease with Mewo in his arms. As they made their way back to the playground, the sense of being observed faded, but the memory of it lingered. He couldn't shake the feeling that something or someone was out there, hidden in the depths of the forest, waiting.
Back at the playground, the group settled down once more, the earlier tension slowly dissipating. Omori held Mewo close, his thoughts still racing. He resolved to stay vigilant, aware that the Dreamworld held more secrets than he could yet understand.
Then, something made everyone quiet when, after the others who joined their picnic had left, Basil spoke up with excitement. "Oh, right everyone! Has it been a while since anyone visited my house? I should probably let you guys see how my garden is doing!"
Dreamworld Hero chimed in, smiling. "Oh, right, Basil. We can also help you update the latest photos you captured from our adventures, yes?"
Dreamworld Kel nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds like a great idea! Your garden always has the best flowers."
Dreamworld Aubrey added, "And I bet you've got some amazing new photos to show us."
Omori, still holding Mewo, felt a sense of warmth returning. "I'd like that," he said softly.
Dreamworld Mari stood up, stretching. "Alright then, let's go! Basil's garden is always so calming."
The group made their way to Basil's house, chatting and laughing along the way. Omori found himself relaxing, the earlier unease slowly fading. When they arrived at Basil's house, they were greeted by the vibrant colors of his meticulously cared-for garden. Flowers of every hue bloomed in perfect harmony, creating a serene and beautiful sight.
Basil beamed with pride. "I've been working hard on it. What do you think?"
Dreamworld Hero clapped Basil on the back. "It's amazing, Basil. You always outdo yourself."
Dreamworld Kel and Dreamworld Aubrey ran ahead, exploring the different sections of the garden. "These are so cool, Basil!" Kel exclaimed.
Aubrey nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you've really got a green thumb."
Omori walked alongside Basil, taking in the sights and smells of the garden. "It's really nice, Basil."
Basil smiled warmly. "Thanks, Omori. It means a lot coming from you."
They spent some time wandering through the garden, admiring the various plants and flowers Basil had cultivated. Eventually, they made their way inside Basil's house, where he pulled out a stack of photos.
"Here are the latest ones," Basil said, spreading them out on the table. "I've captured so many moments from our adventures."
Dreamworld Hero, Kel, Aubrey, and Mari gathered around, looking at the photos with interest. Omori felt a sense of nostalgia wash over him as he looked at the images, each one a snapshot of a happy memory.
Dreamworld Mari picked up a photo and smiled. "These are wonderful, Basil. You have a real talent for capturing the best moments."
Basil blushed slightly. "Thanks, Mari. I'm just glad I can preserve our memories."
As they continued to look through the photos, Omori couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to his friends. Despite the earlier unease, being surrounded by his friends and seeing their shared memories brought him comfort. He knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.
Moving on, Omori's vision went dark as Basil froze in place. The rest of his friends lay frozen too, like statues in a bizarre scene. He scooted closer, heart pounding, as he saw the familiar red eyes of Dreamworld Basil's expression.
"Wait…I don't remember capturing these…yet…they give me deja vu…Omori…look…why is Mari looking like this—"
Before Omori could comprehend the meaning, the scene cut off abruptly. He gasped awake in White Space, shuddering, with Mewo by his side. Instead of complaining, he groaned, trying to shake off the lingering sense of dread. The familiar 'stranger,' a shadowy version of the pastel-colored Dreamworld Basil, stood before him.
"So, Omori," the figure spoke in Basil's voice, layered with eerie echoes, "are you still going to run away and ignore the signs? Your attempts to prevent Black Space—no, the Truth—from influencing this headspace are slowly failing..."
Omori's breath hitched, the weight of the words sinking in. He looked down at Mewo, who nuzzled against him, offering silent support.
"I'm not running," Omori muttered, gripping his knife tightly. "I'm just…trying to keep everything together."
The shadowy Basil shook his head slowly. "But at what cost? The more you deny, the more unstable this world becomes. You can't keep avoiding the truth forever."
Omori felt a cold chill run down his spine. "I don't want to lose them," he whispered, glancing at the door, knowing what lay beyond it.
"You won't lose them," the shadowy figure replied. "But you have to face what's real. Only then can you truly move forward."
Omori took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. He knew the figure was right, but the fear of what lay ahead was almost paralyzing.
He stood up, holding Mewo close. "Okay," he said softly, but with a newfound determination. "I'll face it. I'll face the truth."
The shadowy Basil nodded, the eerie smile fading into a more solemn expression. "Good. It's the only way to truly heal."
With that, the figure vanished, leaving Omori standing alone in White Space. He looked down at Mewo, who meowed encouragingly.
"Alright," Omori said, steeling himself. "Let's do this."
He opened the door, stepping back into the dream world with a mix of fear and resolve, ready to confront whatever truths awaited him.
For he opened the white door to the area. His expression shifted into concern, shuddering, finding the Neighbor's Room eerily empty. He exhaled deeply, trying to steady himself. (So it was he setting up these odd puzzles… I need to collect the letters S, U, I. And for the vertical ones, C, M, and A. The O crosses both of those... Good thing I already collected K, O, and N from previous adventures.)
Leaving the bush treehouse-like stump, he noticed the Vast Forest was foggy again. He chose the north path, avoiding the foggy ones. Mewo joined him, providing a comforting presence.
As he ventured forth, he noticed only Dreamworld Mari was there. She hummed to herself with a bittersweet smile.
"Mari?" Omori uttered, his voice tinged with uncertainty. (Why is her humming so familiar yet scary?)
Dreamworld Mari turned to him, her eyes soft yet sad. "Omori, it's good to see you," she said, her voice gentle but with an underlying note of concern.
Omori felt a pang of unease. "Mari, why are you here alone? Where is everyone?"
She continued to hum softly, the melody sending chills down Omori's spine. "They're... around. You'll find them soon enough. But first, you need to remember."
"Remember what?" he asked, stepping closer, his heart pounding.
Mari's smile wavered. "The truth, Omori. It's time to face it."
Omori clenched his fists, feeling the weight of her words. "I'm trying, but it's hard. Everything is so confusing."
Mari placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch warm and reassuring. "I know, little brother. But you're not alone. We're all here with you, even if you can't see us right now."
Omori took a deep breath, feeling a mix of fear and determination. "Okay, Mari. I'll keep going."
Mari's smile returned, more genuine this time. "Good. Remember, Omori, the answers are within you. You just need to find them."
With that, she stepped back, fading into the fog. Omori stood there for a moment, absorbing her words. He turned to Mewo, who meowed softly, as if encouraging him to keep moving.
"Alright, Mewo," Omori said, steeling himself. "Let's find the others and piece this together."
He headed north, the fog thickening around him. The path ahead was uncertain, but he felt a flicker of hope. With Mari's words echoing in his mind, he pressed on, determined to uncover the truth and bring light to the shadows of his world.
Before that , he felt for the first time not afraid of the lake unlike many times in previous visits.
Omori paused at the edge of the lake, feeling an unfamiliar sense of calm wash over him. Unlike before, the lake seemed colorful and inviting. He hesitated for a moment, then took a leap, landing with a soft splash.
Dreamworld Mari's voice drifted through the air. "Oh, how rude of me. Why should I leave my brother alone?"
Omori turned to see her standing beside him. "Mari!" he exclaimed, his voice cracking. "Don't disappear like that..." He started to sniffle, his poker face crumbling.
Mari enveloped him in a warm hug. "There, there, you're strong, little brother. Let me accompany you and help you look for them, okay?"
Omori nodded, feeling comforted by her presence. Dreamworld Mari knelt down, and he climbed onto her back. She stood up, effortlessly carrying him across the lake. The colorful water reflected their figures as they made their way to the other side.
As they crossed, Mari hummed softly, her voice soothing Omori's frayed nerves. He rested his head on her shoulder, closing his eyes for a moment. The melody was familiar, bringing back memories of simpler times.
When they reached the other side, Omori slid off Mari's back, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Thank you, Mari," he said, his voice stronger.
Mari smiled warmly at him. "Always, little brother. Now, let's find the others and bring them back together."
With Mari by his side, Omori felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They ventured into the forest, the fog parting before them as if guided by an unseen hand. The path was uncertain, but with each step, Omori felt more confident.
The journey ahead was long, but with Mari's support, he knew he could face the truth and bring light to this alluring space.
As they wandered, crossing new bridges that spanned unfamiliar gaps, Omori felt a pang of anxiety. He noticed Dreamworld Mari letting go again, her presence becoming more distant.
Omori muttered, "It's my fault, isn't it? If only you didn't drag with me in that lost library at Sweetheart's. If only—not occurred a bit of Blackspace I—"
Before he could continue, Dreamworld Mari turned to him, smiling softly. She headpatted him, and her pastel colors began to shift, transforming into a more ethereal presence. Her attire mirrored the traditional Japanese Yurei, but instead of being frightening, it exuded a comforting aura.
Omori felt a wave of emotion wash over him, tears welling up as she whispered, "I love you, 'Sunny'… Please watch over the others and forgive yourself, won't you?"
Tears streamed down Omori's face, a mix of joy and sorrow as he watched her float, releasing both his hands. He reached out, desperate to hold on, but a strange, large window enveloped her. Both Mari and the window began to fade.
"Mari!" he called out, his voice breaking. Mewo was by his side, providing a comforting presence, but there was no response from the fading figure.
"WHY… why is it so hard… I am slowly losing my mind… I won't succumb… I cannot…" Omori's voice echoed in the emptiness, a plea to the void.
He stood there, feeling the weight of his emotions. The journey was far from over, and the path ahead was uncertain. But with Mewo by his side and the memory of Mari's words lingering in his heart, Omori knew he had to keep going, to uncover the truth and find peace.
As Omori continued his journey across the bridges by the lake, he noticed a keyboard piece on one of them. It was the 'C' key, encased in a small cage. Determined, he used his knife to lock pick the cage, carefully freeing the key. As he grabbed it, a shudder ran through him, and he heard eerie whispers in his ears: "Five keys left…"
The voices sent chills down his spine, but he steeled himself, pocketing the key. He knew he had to press on, despite the unnerving sensations and the growing sense of urgency. Mewo's presence by his side was a comforting reminder that he wasn't entirely alone in this surreal and challenging quest.
Each step forward was a step closer to uncovering the truths buried deep within his mind. As the fog around the lake thickened and the path ahead seemed more obscure, Omori's resolve hardened. He couldn't afford to falter now. With the whispers still echoing faintly in his mind, he pressed on, determined to find the remaining keys and face whatever lay ahead.
As Omori pressed forward, he noticed that the bridge he was on came to a dead end. However, at the very end of the bridge, a ladder descended into the depths of the lake. The sight of the ladder offered a glimmer of hope, a new pathway to explore. He exhaled deeply, trying to calm his racing heart. Gathering his resolve, he began to climb down.
The descent was slow and cautious. The ladder creaked slightly under his weight, and the further down he went, the more the ambient sounds of the lake faded, replaced by an eerie silence. Despite the growing unease, Omori pressed on, determined to uncover the secrets that lay beneath the surface.
Mewo, perched on his shoulder, remained a comforting presence, grounding him as they ventured into the unknown depths together.
As Omori finally climbed down, he found himself in the familiar yet eerily empty coral reef of the dreamworld. The vibrant colors of the coral contrasted sharply with the emptiness around him, amplifying his sense of solitude.
Mewo purred softly on his shoulder, and Omori allowed himself a small smile, finding comfort in his companion's presence.
Continuing through the coral reef, Omori soon spotted the underwater runway. However, a formidable shark-like guard blocked his path, its stern gaze fixed on him. Omori approached cautiously, aware of the guard's reputation.
"Have you seen such friends?" Omori asked, trying to sound composed despite his neutral expression. "They, uh, don't look too odd and sorta like me but not monotone... And, uh, there are at least five of them."
The shark-like guard considered Omori for a moment, then shook its head. "No entry without your friends. Find them first, then you may pass."
Omori sighed inwardly, realizing he would need to reunite with his friends to proceed. Determined, he turned back, ready to search the coral reef and beyond for his missing companions.
Lucky for Omori, as he walked along the east side of the runway's road, Mewo nudged his cheek with her paw. Turning to look, he noticed an alligator driver in his cab, beeping cheerfully.
"Hey ya little chum!!!! Need a ride to the LAST resort? Yer just need to pay 5 clams to get there. Whaddya say?" the alligator called out.
Omori bent down slightly, whispering to Mewo, who could understand his murmurs. "So, should we trust this stranger?"
Mewo meowed softly in response, her eyes reflecting a hint of curiosity and caution. Omori considered her reaction, then looked back at the alligator driver. He weighed his options, knowing that finding his friends was crucial to moving forward.
Omori asked, "Why did you offer such a ride? And about the Last Resort… what's significant about it to take me there, Alligator sir?"
The alligator driver grinned, revealing rows of sharp teeth. "Well, little chum, the Last Resort is a place where folks like you can find what they're looking for. It's got everything you need—fun, games, and maybe even a clue or two about your friends. Plus, it's not every day I get to give a ride to someone as interesting as you. So, whaddya say? Hop in, and let's get you where you need to go."
Omori glanced at Mewo, who gave a tentative nod. "Alright, let's go," he said, handing over the 5 clams and stepping into the cab, ready for whatever awaited him at the Last Resort.
Omori set his seatbelt with a straight face, gazing out the window of the cab as they sped down the runway. The dreamlike scenery blurred past, and Mewo purred softly beside him, a comforting presence. Finally, the cab came to a halt. The alligator driver stopped smiling and said, "Here we are, little chum! Take care, okay? Thanks for the pay."
Omori nodded, unbuckling his seatbelt and stepping out of the cab. "Thank you," he muttered, as he and Mewo stood before the entrance of the Last Resort. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the unknown ahead.
As he left the cab and waved at the alligator, who happily laughed before driving away, Omori turned and noticed a familiar dreamworld inhabitant with a familiar friend. "Mikal... Kel? What are you—Woah—"
Before he could finish, they both tackled him, stopping just in time. Dreamworld Kel gasped, "Ohh, OMORI! Thank goodness! So hear me out! Sorry if we disappeared from our hangout like that. Uhh... the fog happened again, and Uhh... me and the rest are under 'contract' with the boss of Last Resort, Mr. Jawsum—"
Omori scratched his head, groaning a bit as Mikal added, "And me and Kel were assigned to expect anyone by the entrance, guest or not..."
Omori maintained a displeased poker face, gazing at Kel. His silence signaled his upset over their 'contract' situation. Mikal swayed his monkey tail and asked Kel, "Pshh... is your friend angry?"
Kel looked at Omori's upset expression and quickly tried to reassure him. "Hey, Omori, I know it sounds bad, but don't worry. I plan to quit soon. I just need a non-working friend, like you, to help me out. Once we get everything sorted, we'll all be free to hang out again."
Mikal, looking surprised and a bit uneasy, interjected, "Kel, you can't just brush off quitting a contract. Mr. Jawsum won't be happy about that..."
Kel shrugged, trying to stay positive. "I know it's risky, but we can't stay here forever. Omori, can you help us out? We'll get everyone together and figure this out. We just need to stay strong and stick together, right?" He gave Omori a hopeful look, hoping to ease his friend's concerns.
Omori shook Kel's hand, and Mewo meowed happily. Kel added, "Hey, even Mewo agrees! Nice to see you again, kitty!"
Omori nodded and took the lead. [Kel joins the party.]
Kel turned to Mikal and brushed off his concerns. "It's okay, Mikal. If you don't want to quit, trust me. My friends and I have faced all sorts of 'bosses' before in our adventures. We can handle this."
Mikal, still a bit uneasy, nodded slowly. "Alright, if you say so, Kel. Just be careful, okay?"
Omori and Kel, with Mewo by their side, headed towards the Last Resort, determined to reunite with their friends and find a way out of their predicament.
Mikal shrugged it off and stayed at his post as Omori and Kel walked ahead. The coral-like, watery surroundings glimmered softly in the dim light.
Omori asked, "Kel, how did Mr. Jawsum manage to capture everyone and get them to sign a contract back at Vast Forest in the fog?"
Kel whistled before explaining, "It was really weird, Omori. One moment, we were all playing in the playground, and then this thick fog rolled in out of nowhere. Next thing we knew, these shady figures showed up and started offering us these contracts. They promised us all sorts of stuff—money, fame, fun jobs. We didn't realize what we were getting into until it was too late."
He sighed, scratching his head. "I should've known better, but it all happened so fast. Before we knew it, we were whisked away to the Last Resort. They've got everyone working their tails off. But don't worry, Omori. With you here, I know we can get everyone out and put an end to this contract mess."
Omori nodded, patting Kel's shoulder to reassure him as Kel smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. They continued walking, but after a few steps, Kel paused and exhaled deeply.
"There's another thing you should know," Kel began, his tone more serious. "When all that happened, Mari managed to escape. She said she would come look for you. But Basil... he went missing during the fog. None of us, not even those shady guys, have managed to find him for a while now."
Omori's eyes widened slightly, his usually stoic face showing a hint of concern. He nodded again, a silent promise to Kel and himself to find Basil and set things right. With Mewo meowing softly in support, they pressed on, determined to reunite their friends and uncover the truth behind the mysterious fog and the contracts.
As they continued walking, both Omori and Kel gasped when they saw Dreamworld Mari in her familiar attire: a piano-patterned skirt, pastel-colored look with her dark purple hair, vest, Japanese student-like sleeves, and vibrant red bow tie.
Omori gulped, a mix of relief and unease washing over him. Kel walked ahead and waved at Mari, who waved back happily. "Oh, woah! It's nice to see you both safe and sound. Hmm? Omori? What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost?"
Omori felt a strange mix of eeriness and comfort in her presence. He thought to himself, Wait, so the Mari I met earlier wasn't her? Or did she lose her memory of seeing me? Ugh... Either way, I'm glad she's here.
He stepped forward, his expression softening. "Mari, we need your help. Can you join us?"
Mari nodded, her warm smile never fading. "Of course, Omori. Let's find the others and get through this together."
Kel cutely pouted, "Mari! Where have you been if I was the one able to find Omori? Were you waiting here near the Last Resort's entrance unnoticed?"
Mari chuckled softly, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I've been exploring around, trying to find everyone and make sure they're safe. I was about to head inside the Last Resort when I saw you two approaching. It looks like we're all converging here by chance."
Omori nodded, his unease dissipating slightly. "It's good to have you with us, Mari. Let's find the others and figure out what's going on."
Mari smiled reassuringly. "We'll get through this, Omori. Together."
As they tagged her, [Mari joined the party]. She smiled warmly and said, "Oh, wait a moment. I should clean up my picnic blanket and bring my picnic basket with us since that's the only thing I can bring with me on our adventures!"
Kel and Omori nodded, waiting patiently as Mari swiftly packed up her belongings. Once she was ready, the trio set off together, feeling more confident with Mari's comforting presence and the promise of her delicious snacks.
Mari spoke as they walked, "It's been quite a journey already, hasn't it? I'm glad we're together again."
Kel grinned. "Yeah! With you and Omori here, nothing can stop us!"
Omori, feeling a mix of emotions, simply nodded in agreement, his resolve strengthening with each step they took toward the Last Resort.