Omori, Dreamworld Kel, and Dreamworld Mari stepped into the grandiose lobby of Last Resort. The polished marble floors and opulent chandeliers made the place seem almost otherworldly, a stark contrast to the underwater coral reef they had just left behind. The lobby buzzed with activity, with alligator employees bustling about and various dreamworld inhabitants lounging and chatting.
Dreamworld Kel stopped in his tracks, eyes widening in sudden realization. "Ohh right guys!!! I, uh... sorta forgot that I lost my 'COOL KEY CARD' so I guess the other alligators working under Mr. Jawsum might, umm... not recognize me as an employee?"
Omori gasped, his expression shifting to one of frustration as he crossed his arms and glared at Kel, letting out a silent huff. Dreamworld Mari, standing beside them, sighed and brought a hand to her face in a gentle facepalm. She then giggled, her melodic laugh echoing through the lobby.
"Silly Kel," she said, her voice tinged with amusement, "why aren't you careful with such an important item lended to you?"
Kel scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. "I know, I know. I didn't mean to lose it! It must've fallen out when I was running around the forest during that fog..."
Mari smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with a mix of exasperation and affection. "Well, we'll just have to figure something out. Maybe we can find a way to get another one or convince the guards to let us through."
Omori nodded, his initial irritation melting into determination. He gestured for Kel to lead the way, keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings. The trio moved forward, weaving through the crowd towards the main reception desk where a stern-looking alligator in a sharply tailored suit was overseeing the entrance.
As they approached, Dreamworld Kel gave a tentative wave. "Uh, hi there! We're here to see Mr. Jawsum. Any chance you can let us through?"
The alligator's eyes narrowed. "Do you have an appointment or a key card?"
Kel winced. "Well, about that..."
Before Kel could finish, Omori stepped forward, his expression resolute. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small trinket – a souvenir from one of their previous adventures that had the emblem of Last Resort etched onto it. He held it up, hoping it would suffice as proof of their intent.
The alligator scrutinized the trinket for a moment before sighing. "Alright, but if there's any trouble, it's on you."
They breathed a collective sigh of relief as the alligator waved them through. As they made their way deeper into Last Resort, the trio exchanged determined glances. Omori felt a mix of anticipation and unease gnawing at him, wondering what challenges lay ahead and how they would reunite with their missing friends.
They continued through the lavish corridors of Last Resort, each step echoing softly against the marble floors. Dreamworld Kel and Dreamworld Mari couldn't help but gasp as they took in the opulence of their surroundings. Omori, however, walked ahead with a silent determination, his expression a mix of confusion and focus.
Dreamworld Mari, always the observant and caring sister, noticed the trinket Omori had used to get them past the guard. She furrowed her brow and gently touched Omori's shoulder. "Uhh, well, little brother, when did you have a customer sigil as one of your inventories? Is there a time you've been here by yourself back then?"
Omori blinked, his expression momentarily breaking from its usual stoicism. He glanced down at the trinket in his hand, the emblem of Last Resort shimmering faintly under the light. Memories flickered in his mind, hazy and fragmented, like pieces of a puzzle he couldn't quite put together.
"I... don't remember," Omori admitted softly, his voice barely above a whisper. The unease in his chest grew stronger, a gnawing sensation that something was not quite right.
Kel, sensing the tension, tried to lighten the mood with his usual enthusiasm. "Well, maybe it was from one of our past adventures, and you just forgot about it! We've been through so much together, it's hard to keep track of everything."
Mari smiled, though her eyes still held a hint of worry. "That could be it. We've had a lot of adventures, and some things do slip through the cracks. Let's just stay focused and find our friends. We can figure out the rest later."
Omori nodded, though his mind still buzzed with unanswered questions. He led the way through the winding halls, his senses on high alert. The familiar presence of Mari and Kel beside him was comforting, but the uncertainty of their situation weighed heavily on him.
As they approached a set of large, ornate doors, Omori couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching them, lurking just beyond the edges of his perception. The doors creaked open, revealing a grand casino floor filled with dreamworld inhabitants and employees, all engrossed in various games and activities.
Omori took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever lay ahead. He had to stay focused, for the sake of his friends and for the answers he desperately needed. With Mari and Kel by his side, he felt a flicker of hope amidst the growing shadows.
They walked further into the vibrant and bustling casino-like halls of Last Resort. Omori glanced at Kel and then at Mari, a question forming in his mind. "So if Kel is doing patrol for incoming people not that far from the Last Resort's entrance... what are the jobs of Hero and Aubrey?"
Dreamworld Kel scratched his head as they navigated through the lively area. "Hmmm, let me see… for Aubrey, I recall she does this secretary stuff? Accounting? Boring desk stuff to help with the schedule for Mr. Jawsum's business. As for Hero? Well, for some reason, he can handle any job Mr. Jawsum gives him, I think. If I remember, the other staff even cheered my bro being one of the best employees despite us not being paid any clams based on the contract…"
Mari and Omori exchanged glances and shrugged simultaneously. Dreamworld Mari spoke up, "Still, I notice an elevator over there, Kel… what should we do ne—"
Before she could finish, they noticed Kel moving shakily, a pained expression crossing his face. "Uh, guys... I need to use the nearest bathroom. Like, right now."
Omori sighed and nodded, recognizing the urgency in Kel's voice. "Alright, Kel. I'll go with you." He looked at Mari. "You stay here and keep an eye out."
Dreamworld Mari smiled reassuringly. "No problem. I'll be right here. Be quick, okay?"
With that, Omori led the way, guiding Kel towards the nearest bathroom. They navigated through the crowds, the noise, and lights of the casino creating a surreal backdrop to their mundane task. As they entered the boys' bathroom, Kel rushed to the nearest stall while Omori leaned against the wall, waiting patiently.
The quiet of the bathroom contrasted sharply with the chaos outside, giving Omori a moment to collect his thoughts. The weight of the strange circumstances and the ever-present sense of unease pressed down on him. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was lurking just out of sight, watching their every move.
Kel emerged a few moments later, looking relieved. "Thanks, Omori. I needed that."
Omori nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Let's get back to Mari and figure out our next move."
As they made their way back to the casino floor, Omori couldn't help but feel a growing determination. Whatever was happening in this dreamworld, he was ready to face it head-on, with his friends by his side.
Omori paused as he heard a whispering shadow at the corner of the bathroom, "follow." He stopped and turned to Kel, speaking calmly, "Oh, wait a moment, Kel. The bathroom might have some leftover items we can use—"
Dreamworld Kel tilted his head before smiling. "Okay! I shall go back to where Mari is waiting for us! Join us after, okay?"
Omori nodded as Kel left the bathroom. Taking a deep breath, Omori followed the instinctive pull towards the shadow. He noticed a smaller, peculiar black hole and reached out to touch it. The voice echoed, "You want to see more?"
He shuddered but felt a surge of determination. Nodding, he suddenly experienced a rush of surreal memories.
In this memory, a 13-year-old Sunny sat sadly at a piano, his guilty expression accompanied by a melancholic smile. He attempted to play, the notes reflecting his inner turmoil. The scene shifted to Sunny holding a violin, slowly shutting it in its case. The violin case bore the name "Omori" as its brand, mirroring the piano label he had seen before in the lost library.
The memory intensified, flooding Omori with emotions he had long suppressed. Just as he tried to make sense of it all, he found himself back in the bathroom, panting. The black hole had vanished, replaced by a harmless tentacle.
In his hand, he noticed the keyboard letter "M."
Shaking off the disorientation, Omori clutched the letter tightly. The surreal experience left him with more questions, but also a sense of urgency. Determined to uncover the truth, he exited the bathroom and made his way back to Dreamworld Mari and Kel, the letter "M" adding another piece to the enigmatic puzzle of his dreamworld adventures.
As Omori exited the bathroom, he felt a mild headache and thoughts began swirling in his mind. Are these the TRUTHS that stranger who looks like Basil meant? Why does it seem familiar? Why does that boy look like me yet older? And why is my name on both those instruments?
Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice Dreamworld Mari approaching until she gently headpatted him, whispering, "There, there. You seem quite tense after checking out the bathroom with Kel earlier…"
Omori blinked, momentarily pulled out of his introspection. Dreamworld Mari's presence was both comforting and grounding. He looked up at her, trying to mask his confusion and anxiety with his usual neutral expression.
"Thanks, Mari," he mumbled softly, not fully understanding the weight of his own words.
Dreamworld Kel, noticing the interaction, chimed in with his usual upbeat tone, "Hey, Omori! Ready to find Hero and Aubrey? I'm sure they'll be thrilled to see you!"
Omori nodded, still clutching the letter "M" in his hand. As they continued to navigate through the Last Resort's casino-like halls, he couldn't shake off the nagging feeling of unease, but he was determined to push forward. With Mari and Kel by his side, he felt a glimmer of hope amidst the confusion.
Dreamworld Mari gave him an encouraging smile. "Let's find Hero and Aubrey, and then we can figure out everything together."
With a deep breath, Omori set his worries aside for now, focusing on the task at hand. They walked together, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in their search for their missing friends.
As they proceeded, Omori sneakily placed the letter "M" in his pocket when the voice uttered only he could hear, "Few keys left."
Focusing onward, Dreamworld Kel added, "By the way, besides the use of that COOL KEY CARD I lost to see me as an employee, it let us access the highest floors like floor 5! However…" He chuckled, "You both know I lost it, so..." He shrugged, "We should look around using the elevator for the other floors that don't need such an item for access. Yet, I bet Aubrey and Hero aren't there as they're probably near the boss' office."
Dreamworld Mari ruffled his hair. "Hehehe, glad you answered my question about what the elevators are for, Kel! Hmm, still, it's impressive compared to you and Aubrey! Hero handles being an EMPLOYEE for Mr. Jawsum." Although she thought to herself, (although I dislike nonconsensual or forced work situations).
Omori nodded, taking in the information as he continued to follow the group. He felt a mix of determination and anxiety as they approached the elevator. With each step, the reality of their situation became clearer, but with his friends by his side, he was ready to face whatever awaited them.
As they entered the elevator with a ding, the doors closed.
Omori spoke, "So Kel, which floor can we find another COOL KEY CARD? Or any sort of help around?" He pointed at the basement floor button of the elevator and the available floors 1-4.
They were currently on floor 1, as indicated by the light on the elevator ceiling.
Dreamworld Kel scratched his head thoughtfully. "Hmm, let's see... We might have some luck on floor 2. I remember some storage rooms and office spaces there. Maybe we can find a spare key card or some clues to help us get one."
Dreamworld Mari nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a good idea, Kel. Floor 2 it is!"
Omori pressed the button for floor 2, and the elevator began its ascent with a gentle hum. As they traveled upwards, Omori couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and apprehension. His mind wandered back to the recent vision and the strange familiarity of the boy in the memory.
The elevator dinged again, and the doors slid open to reveal the second floor. The trio stepped out cautiously, ready to explore and uncover whatever secrets the Last Resort held.
As they walked down the hallway, they bumped into familiar Vast Forest inhabitants like Van and Sharleen. Dreamworld Kel exclaimed, "Woah, you guys! Are you employees or customers here? Since at least I know Mikal is an employee…"
Van, who was carrying a stack of papers, laughed. "Hey, Kel! Yeah, I'm working here too. Mr. Jawsum offered us some pretty good deals, so we decided to join."
Sharleen nodded, holding a clipboard. "We're mostly helping out with odd jobs and keeping things organized. It's not too bad, honestly."
Omori, Dreamworld Mari, and Dreamworld Kel exchanged glances. Omori asked, "Do you know if there are any spare COOL KEY CARDS around here? We need one to access the higher floors."
Van thought for a moment. "Hmm, I think I saw a few in the storage room down the hall. It's usually locked, but there might be a way to get in."
Sharleen added, "You might need to find a key or figure out the code to open it. Good luck, guys!"
The trio nodded, thanking Van and Sharleen before heading further down the hall in search of the storage room. As they walked, Dreamworld Mari whispered to Omori, "We're getting closer. Stay alert."
Omori nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination as they approached the storage room door, ready to solve whatever challenges lay ahead.
Meanwhile, Dreamworld Mari exhaled, "Hey, at least we get to meet some familiar faces, right?"
She looked at the two as they nodded. Dreamworld Kel uttered, "Hey Omori, you're great at puzzles, right? So do you think we need a key or maybe solve a code?"
Omori pondered for a moment, examining the storage room door. It had a keypad beside it, indicating it required a code. "I think it's a code," he said thoughtfully.
Dreamworld Kel nodded, looking around the area for any clues. "Alright, let's find it. Maybe there's something nearby that can help us figure it out."
As they searched, Dreamworld Mari pointed out a small note stuck to the wall nearby. "Look over here," she called softly.
Omori and Kel joined her, reading the note together:
"To access the storage room, remember the order of the floors:
The number of clams you find at the entrance.
The number of employees working on the second floor.
The number of elevators in the building.
The number of stairs leading to the roof."
Kel scratched his head. "Sounds like we have some counting to do. Let's start at the entrance and work our way up."
The trio returned to the entrance, counting the clams scattered around. Omori noted, "There are five clams here."
They proceeded to the second floor, where they counted the employees. "There are four employees here," Kel observed.
Next, they counted the elevators. "There are two elevators," Dreamworld Mari confirmed.
Finally, they found the stairs leading to the roof. "One set of stairs," Omori concluded.
Returning to the storage room, Omori entered the code: 5421. The keypad beeped, and the door clicked open. Inside, they found a spare COOL KEY CARD.
Kel grinned, "Great job, Omori! Now we can access the higher floors and find the others!"
Dreamworld Mari smiled warmly, "You did well, little brother. Let's keep going."
With the COOL KEY CARD in hand, they returned to the elevator, ready to continue their journey to find Hero, Aubrey, and uncover the mysteries within the Last Resort.
As they wandered the second floor, Omori, Dreamworld Kel, and Dreamworld Mari peeked into various rooms, but there was no sign of Hero.
Instead, they stumbled upon Neb, one of the familiar inhabitants from the Vast Forest, helping some alligators build a large statue of Hero. The statue had the label "Employee MVP."
Kel approached Neb, waving enthusiastically. "Hey, Neb! Wow, that statue of Hero is huge! Do you know where he is?"
Neb shook his head, wiping sweat from his brow. "Sorry, Kel. Hero's been all over the place. I haven't seen him for a bit, but Mr. Jawsum's been keeping him really busy."
Dreamworld Mari chuckled, turning to Kel. "Looks like what you said is true, Kel. Hero seems to be the busiest out of all of us. Mr. Jawsum must really value his work."
Kel sighed, looking at the towering statue. "Yeah, that sounds about right. Hero's always been the best at everything he does. Guess that's why Mr. Jawsum's got him running all over the place."
Omori nodded thoughtfully, his determination only growing. "We'll find him. He's got to be somewhere around here."
They thanked Neb and continued their search, hoping that Hero would turn up soon. As they walked through the bustling halls of the Last Resort, the trio kept their eyes peeled for any signs of their missing friend, ready to reunite and tackle whatever lay ahead together.
The trio decided to take the elevator again, but their search yielded no results. They spent some time mashing watermelons scattered around the floors, gathering useful items in case they needed to battle new enemies.
As they reached the elevator and ascended to the third floor, they got cornered. Upon exiting the elevator, they saw a funny large figure emerging from one of the bedroom doors. It was the Life Jam Guy, happily walking around. He noticed them and turned with a wide grin.
"Ohh wait, some possible new guests? Hey hey, do you want to buy Life Jams from me? I am the owner of the product!!!!"
Dreamworld Kel's eyes lit up. "Life Jam Guy! Your stuff always comes in handy! How much are you selling them for?"
The Life Jam Guy chuckled, striking a pose. "Just a few clams, my friend! Best life-saving jam in all of Dreamworld!"
Omori, still focused on their mission, nodded. "We could use a few, just in case. We've got a lot of ground to cover."
Dreamworld Mari smiled at the Life Jam Guy. "Thank you, we'll take a few."
After purchasing the Life Jams, the group continued their search, keeping a wary eye out for any potential threats. They knew they had to find Hero and the others soon, but having some Life Jams in their inventory gave them a bit more confidence as they navigated the labyrinthine halls of the Last Resort.
Life Jam Guy added, "It seems you lot are familiar with using it before, I presume? If so, great! I'll be on this floor if you ever need extras to buy from me again later!"
Omori nodded quietly, giving a thumbs up as they walked ahead.
Dreamworld Kel spoke, "Hmmm, either way... So Omori, not ready to let me use our new COOL KEY CARD to reach floor 5 yet?"
Omori shook his head. Dreamworld Mari chimed in, "Oh, you want to prepare a bit just in case we skip some important things on the other floors?"
Omori nodded again, his face set with determination. "We might find more clues or items that could help us."
Kel sighed but smiled, "Alright, you're the boss! Let's check out the other floors first then."
As they continued exploring the third floor, they kept an eye out for anything unusual or useful. They knew that thorough preparation could make all the difference in their mission to reunite with their friends and confront Mr. Jawsum.
When they reached the elevator, Mari pressed the button for the basement floor. "Hey, it might be just me, but I have an odd feeling that we can find someone here..."
Dreamworld Kel nodded. "I agree, Mari! Actually, if I recall, the basement floor is the general staff room where most employees—majority alligator dudes—take their breaks, so..." He hesitated a little despite his usual cheerfulness.
Omori spoke, "Say no more. I assume Hero and Aubrey aren't on break yet."
As the elevator descended, a quiet anticipation filled the space. The doors opened with a ding, revealing the basement floor. The room was dimly lit, with rows of lockers and benches scattered around. The hum of vending machines and the murmur of distant conversations created an atmosphere of casual relaxation.
They stepped out cautiously, scanning the area for any sign of their friends. Omori led the way, with Mari and Kel close behind. They passed a few alligator employees lounging around, who barely glanced up from their conversations.
They hadn't found Aubrey yet; instead, they came across a group of alligator employees partying in the staff room. Music played loudly as they laughed and danced around, completely absorbed in their celebration.
Omori instinctively grabbed a bottle of water from one of the lockers and continued walking ahead. Dreamworld Kel approached the group, trying to get their attention. "Hey guys, have any of you seen my friends? We're looking for Hero and Aubrey."
One of the alligator guys shrugged. "No clue where Hero is, man. Last we heard, he was helping Mr. Jawsum with this big feast event for rich folks from all over the dreamworld."
Another added, "Yeah, and Aubrey? She's been super busy at the 5th floor's main lobby. She's got her hands full with all the desk work."
They warned, "You can't get entry to the highest floor after the 5th. It's blocked off by our other folks and a new leader, making sure no uninvited guests get through."
Omori nodded, taking in the information. He turned to Kel and Mari. "So, it looks like we need to head to the 5th floor to find Aubrey, but we'll need to be careful about the higher floors. There's a new leader blocking access."
Dreamworld Kel sighed but nodded. "Alright, let's find Aubrey first. Maybe she can help us figure out a way past the blockade."
Dreamworld Mari ruffled Kel's hair. "It's going to be a challenge, but we've faced tougher situations before. Let's go."
With a plan in mind, they headed back to the elevator, ready to make their way to the 5th floor and reunite with Aubrey. The path ahead was uncertain, but they were determined to overcome whatever obstacles lay in their way.
As they waited for the elevator, Dreamworld Mari turned to Kel with a curious expression. "Still, Kel, how did you guys react on your first day working here? It must have been quite an experience. I spent my time trying to look for Omori and clues about him and Basil before realizing I needed to investigate Mr. Jawsum's contracts."
Dreamworld Kel scratched his head, reminiscing. "Well, it was kinda weird at first. We just ended up here because of the fog, and next thing you know, Mr. Jawsum offered us jobs. Aubrey was all serious about it, trying to keep everything organized, while Hero—well, you know Hero, he can handle any job thrown at him."
He sighed. "At first, I thought it was just some fun way to pass the time, but then things got more intense. We couldn't leave, and it started feeling like we were trapped by this contract. That's when I knew something was off, but I couldn't figure out how to get out of it. We were all just trying to find each other and make sense of everything."
Dreamworld Mari nodded, thoughtful. "It's strange how things can change so quickly. We need to be careful and stick together. Finding Omori and Basil is our priority, but we can't leave anyone behind."
Omori listened quietly, absorbing the conversation. He felt a mix of emotions—relief that his friends were looking out for him and Basil, but also concern about the mysterious fog and the strange circumstances they were all in.
As the elevator doors finally opened, they stepped inside, ready to continue their search. They had each other, and that was enough to face whatever challenges awaited them on the 5th floor and beyond.
Omori muttered, "Sorry... it's my fault I wasn't around..."
Dreamworld Mari and Kel turned towards him, concern etched on their faces. This was the first time they had seen Omori express guilt so openly, and it worried them.
"Hey, Omori," Kel said softly, placing a hand on Omori's shoulder. "It's not your fault. None of us could have predicted what happened. We all got caught up in this together."
Dreamworld Mari nodded in agreement, her eyes softening. "That's right. We're here now, and that's what matters. We're going to find everyone and get through this together."
Omori looked at his friends, their concern and reassurance helping to ease his guilt. He gave a small nod, grateful for their support. "Thanks, guys. Let's keep moving."
As they stepped out of the elevator onto the basement floor, they were greeted by the sight of alligator employees partying. Omori grabbed a bottle of water from the lockers by instinct, while Kel approached the alligator guys, asking about Hero and Aubrey.
"Do you know where our friends are?" Kel asked, trying to sound casual.
One of the alligators shrugged. "Hero's been busy helping Mr. Jawsum with some big feast event. He's the best employee we got, always impressing the big boss. As for Aubrey, she's stuck doing her secretary duties up on the 5th floor."
"Is there any way we can get up to the highest floor?" Mari inquired.
The alligator shook his head. "Nope, the elevator access is blocked. Only Mr. Jawsum's top people can go up there, and they don't let uninvited guests in."
Mari sighed, looking back at Omori and Kel. "Sounds like we're going to have to find another way to get up there."
Omori nodded, determination filling his eyes. "We'll figure it out. Let's head to the 5th floor and find Aubrey first. Maybe she can help us."
With a new sense of purpose, they made their way back to the elevator, ready to continue their search and face whatever challenges awaited them.
As the elevator doors opened, Omori, Dreamworld Kel, and Dreamworld Mari stepped out onto the 5th floor. The hallway stretched before them, narrow yet glamorous, adorned with framed portraits depicting Mr. Jawsum's rise to power. The opulence was palpable, each frame a testament to Mr. Jawsum's journey to becoming the influential figure he was today.
At the end of the hall, two imposing alligator bodyguards stood watch, blocking the elevator that led to the highest floor. Standing beside them was a familiar face, her expression serious and focused. It was Berly, diligently fixing the bodyguard badge given to her by Mr. Jawsum.
Dreamworld Kel gasped, "Berly! What are you doing here?"
Berly looked up, her stern expression softening slightly at the sight of her friends. "Kel, Omori, Mari. I didn't expect to see you here. I'm working as a bodyguard now. Mr. Jawsum gave me this badge himself."
Dreamworld Mari smiled warmly, stepping forward. "It's good to see you, Berly. We're looking for Aubrey and Hero. We were told they might be around here."
Berly crossed her arms, glancing at the alligator guards. "Aubrey's inside, working on some important stuff. She's been busy with her secretary duties. Hero's been helping out with the big feast event. He's been doing an amazing job, as usual."
Omori stepped forward, his eyes meeting Berly's. "We need to get to the highest floor. Can you help us?"
Berly hesitated, her loyalty to her new job conflicting with her loyalty to her friends. "I can't just let you through. Mr. Jawsum's orders are strict. But... maybe there's a way we can work something out."
Dreamworld Kel grinned, nudging Omori. "See, I told you we'd find a way. Berly's on our side."
Omori nodded, grateful for Berly's willingness to help. "What do we need to do?"
Berly sighed, lowering her voice. "I'll distract the guards for a moment. When I give the signal, you sneak past them and head up. But be quick about it. I can't hold them off for long."
Dreamworld Mari placed a hand on Berly's shoulder. "Thank you, Berly. We'll be fast. We promise."
As Berly prepared to create the distraction, Omori, Kel, and Mari readied themselves. The hallway suddenly felt even more narrow, the weight of their mission pressing down on them. With Berly's help, they were one step closer to finding their friends and uncovering the truth behind Mr. Jawsum's operations.
Dreamworld Mari added as they prepared to sneak away, "Also, we are unsure how to repay you, Berly, but here, have some of this." She handed Berly a [BOTTLED WATER] they found back at the lockers on the basement floor. "Drink this if you ever get tired or thirsty later."
Berly accepted the bottled water with a grateful smile. "Thanks, Mari. I'll hold onto this. Now, get ready. I'll create the distraction."
As Berly moved to engage the guards in conversation, Omori, Kel, and Mari positioned themselves for their dash past the blockade. Berly's voice carried through the hallway as she spoke to the guards, her tone authoritative and commanding.
With the guards momentarily distracted, Berly subtly signaled the trio. "Now!"
Omori, Kel, and Mari swiftly moved past the guards, sneaking towards the elevator. Berly continued to engage the guards, ensuring their attention remained on her.
Once they reached the elevator, Omori pressed the button, and the doors slid open with a ding. They slipped inside, the doors closing just as the guards started to realize something was amiss.
As the elevator ascended, Dreamworld Kel grinned. "That was close! Thanks, Berly."
Dreamworld Mari nodded, a look of determination on her face. "We owe her one. Now, let's find Aubrey and Hero."
Omori, standing quietly at the back of the elevator, felt a mix of relief and anxiety. The stakes were higher than ever, but with each step, they were closer to reuniting their friends and uncovering the mysteries of the Last Resort.
The elevator continued to rise, bringing them closer to their goal. The journey wasn't over yet, but with their friends by their side, Omori felt a renewed sense of hope.
As they waited, the elevator voice announced, "Approaching the main floor, concierge…"
Omori, looking curious, spoke up, "Wait, Kel, I understand the fog and how you guys mysteriously got caught up in this, yet... how did Basil manage to slip? I can easily understand Mari not being captured to work here, but how DID he?"
Dreamworld Kel sighed, scratching his head. "Yeah, it's been bugging me too. Basil's always been good at hiding when he needs to, but this time… it felt different. When the fog rolled in, everything got chaotic. One moment he was with us, and the next, he was gone. We searched everywhere, but it's like he vanished."
Dreamworld Mari added, "Basil's always had a way of finding places to hide, especially when he's scared. Maybe he found a spot that even Mr. Jawsum's guys couldn't reach."
Omori nodded thoughtfully. "So, you think he might still be hiding somewhere, maybe even within this place?"
Kel shrugged. "Could be. I mean, this place is huge and full of weird nooks and crannies. If anyone could find a secret spot, it's Basil. But that's why we need to keep looking. We'll find him, Omori."
The elevator finally came to a stop, and the doors opened with a soft ding. As they stepped out into the opulent main floor, they couldn't help but feel the weight of their mission. The grandeur of the Last Resort surrounded them, but their focus remained on finding their friends and uncovering the mysteries hidden within its walls.
Dreamworld Mari ruffled Kel's hair. "Alright, let's keep moving. We've got a lot of ground to cover, and I have a feeling we're getting closer."
With renewed determination, the trio set off down the hall, their eyes peeled for any sign of their missing friend, Basil, and the secrets that awaited them in the Last Resort.
As they ventured forward, the trio ignored the various people milling about in the Last Resort, their focus solely on their mission. The opulent surroundings, filled with the chatter of guests and the clinking of glasses, barely registered as they moved with purpose.
At the end of the Concierge area, they heard familiar beeping, ringing, and the shuffling of paperwork. There, behind a large and wide secretary desk, was Dreamworld Aubrey, frantically dealing with many calls from customers and planning schedules for the upcoming event. Her face was a mask of concentration as she juggled multiple tasks at once.
Dreamworld Kel was the first to call out to her. "Hey, Aubrey!"
Aubrey had just finished her recent call and looked up, surprised to see Kel inside the Last Resort. "Kel? What are you doing here? I thought you were on patrol duty outside!"
Kel scratched his head sheepishly. "Yeah, well, I kind of lost my Cool Key Card, so I'm just tagging along with Omori and Mari to find it... and maybe sneak in some help for Hero and you."
Aubrey sighed, her expression softening slightly. "You're always losing things, Kel. But I'm glad you're here. This place has been driving me crazy with all these calls and schedules."
Dreamworld Mari chimed in, "We've been looking for Hero too. Do you know where he might be?"
Aubrey nodded, her eyes flicking back to the piles of paperwork on her desk. "Hero's been busy with Mr. Jawsum's big event. He's the MVP employee, after all. You might find him at the top floors, handling some of the important guests and preparations."
Omori, who had been quietly observing, asked, "Any idea where we can find another Cool Key Card or any other useful items?"
Aubrey thought for a moment. "There might be some spare key cards in the storage room on the second floor. It's usually where we keep extra supplies. But you'll need to be careful. The alligator guards don't take kindly to unauthorized access."
Dreamworld Kel gave a thumbs up. "Thanks, Aubrey. We'll check it out."
As they turned to leave, Dreamworld Mari handed Aubrey a bottle of water. "Here, Aubrey. You look like you need a break. Drink this when you get a chance."
Aubrey smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Mari. Good luck, you guys. And be careful."
With a final nod, the trio headed back to the elevator, their next destination set: the storage room on the second floor. They knew the journey wouldn't be easy, but with their friends' support, they were determined to uncover the secrets of the Last Resort and rescue their missing friends.
The group paused as Dreamworld Kel whispered, "Actually, wait a second! We already have a new spare COOL Key Card we can use to get in here. So... uh, Aubrey, wanna quit with me?"
Dreamworld Aubrey looked at him, confused. "What? Quit? What do you mean, Kel? Yeah, Omori and Mari aren't under 'Contract' yet, but why do you suddenly want to quit? We can't! What happens if Mr. Jawsum hears about this? And if we do quit, what are we going to do?"
Omori silently gestured with his hand, forming a flower shape, a subtle reminder of Basil. Dreamworld Mari added, "To look for another missing friend besides Hero?"
Aubrey hesitated, her eyes flicking between her friends and the overwhelming workload on her desk. She could see the determination in Omori's eyes and the sincerity in Kel's expression. Despite the risks, the idea of breaking free from Mr. Jawsum's control and reuniting with their friends was tempting.
Taking a deep breath, Aubrey finally nodded. "Alright, but if we're going to do this, we need to be careful. Mr. Jawsum won't let us go easily, and we need a plan."
Kel grinned, relieved. "Don't worry, Aubrey. We'll figure it out together. Let's get out of here and find Hero and Basil."
Omori nodded, leading the way towards the elevator once more. As they descended, the sense of camaraderie and determination grew stronger among them. They knew the path ahead wouldn't be easy, but with their friends by their side, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they reached the second floor, the storage room loomed ahead, a potential source of supplies and information. The journey to rescue their friends and escape the Last Resort was just beginning.
As they entered the second floor storage room, the group froze at the sight of a set of alligators. The tension in the air was palpable. Suddenly, Dreamworld Aubrey's phone rang, breaking the silence. It was Mr. Jawsum.
With a quick glance at her friends, Aubrey answered, trying to keep her voice steady. "Hello, Mr. Jawsum."
"Aubrey, how's the schedule coming along? And your work? I've heard from my staff that they spotted you with some people besides Kel earlier. Care to explain?" Mr. Jawsum's voice carried a hint of skepticism.
Aubrey swallowed hard, thinking quickly. "Oh, Mr. Jawsum, everything is on track. I just stepped away for a moment to handle an urgent matter. Kel was helping me out, and we ran into some old friends who needed directions."
There was a pause on the other end, the tension mounting. "Old friends, huh? Well, make sure you're not slacking off. I expect the best from my employees. Understand?"
"Yes, sir. I understand," Aubrey replied, her voice unwavering.
As she hung up, she let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Omori, Kel, and Mari looked at her with concern.
"Is everything okay?" Omori asked quietly.
Aubrey nodded, though she still seemed tense. "Yeah, but we need to move quickly. Mr. Jawsum is suspicious. We have to find Hero and Basil and get out of here before he realizes what's really going on."
Kel stepped forward, determination in his eyes. "We'll stick together. We can do this."
Omori gave a firm nod, and Mari offered a reassuring smile. They moved cautiously through the storage room, gathering any useful items they could find, always keeping an eye out for any signs of Hero or Basil.
As they approached the back of the room, they found a small, hidden passageway that seemed to lead to another part of the resort. With a collective nod, they ventured forward, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in their quest to reunite with their friends and escape the grasp of Mr. Jawsum.