File T: Time

As Omori gasped for breath in the serene white space, his hand instinctively reached out to pet Mewo, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him. The familiar surroundings of White Space felt strangely heavy, and he struggled to find his usual calm composure.

Mewo's worried meows broke the silence, prompting Omori to focus on his feline companion. With a weak smile, Omori tried to reassure Mewo, "I'm okay, Mewo. Just feeling a bit tired today, that's all."

Mewo continued to gaze at Omori with concern, nudging his hand gently. (You don't seem okay. Something feels different) , Mewo expressed, the concern evident in her tone.

Omori sighed, feeling the weight of his recent experiences and emotions pressing down on him. "I think... I think I've been carrying too much lately," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Memories, fears, uncertainties... They all seem to be catching up to me."

Mewo's eyes widened in understanding as he snuggled closer to Omori. (Maybe you need to take a break, Omori. Rest a little and let yourself heal) , Mewo suggested, his voice filled with empathy.

Omori nodded, grateful for Mewo's comforting presence. "You're right, Mewo. I'll take it slow for now," he decided, closing his eyes to focus on regaining his strength.

As Omori drifted into a peaceful rest, Mewo stayed by his side, offering silent support in this moment of fatigue and introspection.

As Omori's eyes fluttered open, the once serene White Space appeared distorted and unfamiliar, as if twisted by an unseen force. His heart raced as he sensed a presence, a stranger, manifesting before him.

Weakly reaching for his trusty knife, Omori's voice quivered as he spoke, "Stay back... I don't want to see an intruder like you again... not like this."

The stranger, a mirage of shadows and fleeting memories, hovered in the ethereal space, its form shifting and unsettling. It seemed to echo Omori's own fears and doubts, a manifestation of the burdens he carried within.

"I'm not here to harm you, Omori," the stranger's voice echoed, tinged with an eerie familiarity. "I am but a reflection of what you hold inside, a mirror to your inner struggles."

Omori's grip tightened on his knife, his eyes narrowing as he struggled to make sense of the apparition before him. "What do you want? Why are you here?" he demanded, his voice gaining a touch of defiance amidst his weariness.

The stranger's form wavered, as if dancing on the edge of reality. "I'm here because you called me, Omori. Your dreams, your fears, they beckoned me," it explained cryptically.

A surge of realization washed over Omori as he understood the nature of this encounter. This was not an external threat but a manifestation of his own subconscious, a reflection of his inner turmoil and unresolved emotions.

Closing his eyes briefly, Omori took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "I don't need you here," he asserted, his voice growing firmer. "I need clarity, peace... not these haunting apparitions."

The stranger began to fade, its form dissipating like mist. "Remember, Omori, I am but a part of you," it murmured before vanishing completely, leaving Omori alone once more in the shifting White Space.

As the tension eased from his shoulders, Omori glanced at Mewo, who had been watching the encounter with concern. "I need to find my way back," he murmured, determination flickering in his eyes. "Back to reality, back to clarity."

As he felt not to succumb a bit and calm down as Mewo ask meowing (Are you slowly realizing there's more to this headspace than we thought?)

Omori's breaths steadied as he resisted the overwhelming sensations of the distorted White Space. Mewo's meow cut through the tension, prompting him to reflect on the deeper complexities of his headspace.

"Yes, Mewo," Omori replied softly, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and uncertainty. "There's more to this place than meets the eye. It's a reflection of my inner world, shaped by my memories, dreams, and fears."

As Mari's voice seemed to echo from beyond the white door, Omori's focus shifted. Memories of his dreamworld adventures with friends flooded his mind, bringing a sense of warmth and purpose amidst the surreal surroundings.

"I promised them," Omori murmured, a hint of nostalgia coloring his tone. "After our break, we'll continue our adventure together. The bonds we've forged in our dreamworld are too precious to let go."

With renewed resolve, Omori stood up, his gaze fixed on the white door that symbolized both mystery and familiarity. "I'll find my way back," he declared to himself and Mewo. "Back to my friends, back to our adventures, and back to the truths hidden within this enigmatic realm."

As he took a step towards the door, determination filled his heart. Whatever challenges lay ahead in this surreal headspace, Omori was ready to confront them, guided by the memories of his dreamworld and the companionship of Mewo.

As he finally left white space it flicker he can't remember the waking world again , but he can vividly at least feel a deja vu seeing his friends at this hangout hub just playing board games together. Some earlier items are cards. He felt a rush of relief until he almost knelt down and drop his knife once he shut the white door behind him inside the familiar dreamworld's 'Neighbor's room" as the first to notice was Dreamworld Mari rushing to catch Omori and got worried somewhat for him.

Dreamworld Mari's concern was palpable as she rushed to Omori's side, her ethereal presence exuding a mix of familiarity and worry. "Omori, are you alright?" she asked, her voice carrying a gentle tone filled with genuine care.

Omori nodded weakly, his gaze shifting between the familiar surroundings and the flickering white space beyond the door. "I... I think so," he replied, trying to steady his breathing. "It's just... everything feels so real, yet I know it's all a dream."

Mari's expression softened as she placed a comforting hand on Omori's shoulder. "We've been through this before," she reassured him. "Our dreamworld is a sanctuary, a place where we can face our fears and find solace in our memories."

Omori managed a small smile, grateful for Mari's calming presence. "You're right," he acknowledged. "I just need to ground myself and focus on the present, on this moment with you and our friends."

As they entered the hangout hub, Omori felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him. The sight of his friends playing board games, the familiar items like cards scattered around, all contributed to a sense of belonging and comfort.

Dreamworld Mari stayed close to Omori, offering silent support as they joined the others. The dreamworld's Neighbor's room, filled with laughter and camaraderie, became a haven where Omori could temporarily forget the complexities of the waking world and immerse himself in the joy of friendship and shared experiences.

As they are in the neighbor's room the next to notice was Basil and Hero as they said "Mari!!! Did something happen to Omori?"

Basil and Hero's concern was evident as they noticed Mari's worried expression and Omori's slightly disoriented state. Mari glanced at Omori, silently assessing his condition before addressing Basil and Hero with a reassuring smile.

"He's just feeling a bit off today," Mari explained calmly. "Nothing serious, just a little fatigue from all the adventures we've been on lately."

Omori nodded in agreement, trying to appear more composed than he felt. "Yeah, just need some rest," he added, hoping to alleviate their worries.

Basil and Hero exchanged a look of understanding, knowing that their dreamworld adventures could sometimes take a toll on Omori. "Alright, just let us know if you need anything," Hero offered, his tone supportive.

Mari nodded gratefully. "Thank you, both of you," she said sincerely. "Omori just needs some time to recharge, and then we'll be back to our usual adventures."

With that, the atmosphere in the Neighbor's room shifted back to its usual cheerful and relaxed state, with everyone returning to their games and conversations, allowing Omori to rest and recover in the comforting embrace of his dreamworld and friends.

Then , Omori acts childish for the first time hugging his sister "Yet why am I so tired?…and off? I never SUCCUMB this badly…I never get exhausted….never..never…"

Omori's words echoed with a mix of confusion and concern as he clung to his sister in the dreamworld. Mari gently stroked his hair, a comforting gesture that seemed to ease his distress momentarily.

"It's okay, Omori," Mari reassured him softly. "Sometimes, even in our dreams, we can feel tired or overwhelmed. It's normal to have moments like this."

Omori nodded slowly, still processing the unfamiliar sensations of fatigue and vulnerability. "But... I'm supposed to be strong," he murmured, his voice tinged with frustration. "I'm supposed to protect everyone."

Mari smiled gently, understanding the weight of Omori's self-imposed expectations. "You do protect us, Omori," she said reassuringly. "But you're also allowed to rest and take care of yourself. We're all here for you, always."

Feeling a bit reassured by Mari's words, Omori relaxed slightly, leaning into her embrace. The dreamworld around them seemed to soften, the colors becoming warmer and more soothing.

As Mari continued to comfort him, Omori's exhaustion slowly ebbed away, replaced by a sense of calm and acceptance. In that moment, he realized that vulnerability didn't equate to weakness, and that taking care of himself was just as important as protecting others in his dreamworld adventures.

Then, he softly turn shyly when Kel poked his cheek and spoke like an active child "Yo!!! This is the 2nd time you seem tired yet…you look worse than last time…"

Kel's playful yet concerned tone caught Omori's attention, and he mustered a weak smile in response. "Yeah, I don't know what's happening," Omori admitted, his voice still tinged with weariness. "Maybe I've been pushing myself too hard lately."

Hero chimed in, his expression thoughtful. "Maybe it's a sign that you need to take a break, Omori," he suggested. "Even in our dream adventures, we can't ignore our limits."

Omori nodded in agreement, feeling grateful for his friends' understanding and support. "You're right," he said, mustering a bit more energy. "I'll try to take it easy for a while."

Basil, who had been quietly observing, spoke up with a gentle smile. "We're all here for you, Omori," he said reassuringly. "If you need anything or if something's bothering you, don't hesitate to let us know."

Omori felt a surge of warmth at his friends' words. Despite the challenges and uncertainties he faced, he knew that he could rely on their friendship and understanding. With a renewed sense of determination to take care of himself, Omori joined his friends in their dreamworld hangout, feeling grateful for the support of his companions.

Then , he got worried when his vision is distorted for a moment "Wait where's…Aubrey?"

Omori's concern for Aubrey was evident as he scanned the room, his vision still slightly distorted. Dreamworld Mari, sensing his worry, gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Omori," she reassured him. "Aubrey is probably just exploring another part of the dreamworld. She'll be back soon."

Kel, trying to lighten the mood, added with a grin, "Yeah, knowing Aubrey, she's probably off on an adventure or causing some mischief."

Hero nodded in agreement. "She'll be fine, Omori," he said calmly. "Let's focus on enjoying our time together here."

Omori took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He trusted his friends' words and knew that Aubrey was capable of taking care of herself. Despite his lingering worry, he joined in with the group, trying to immerse himself in the dreamworld's activities and enjoy the company of his friends.

Yet somehow his current feverish/exhausted state let him enjoy being pampered by his sister laying on her lap before also feeling the something shadowy silhouette of a chaotic design with a singular eye flicker at him. The other phobias flicker at his sight. Along with that earlier encounter with stranger watching afar as the usual silhouette of a Basil look alike. As Hero turn to Mari "It is odd Omori is getting like this even though in our many adventures he is the least expect to be tired…."

Mari's expression shifted slightly, her concern mirrored in her eyes as she looked at Omori. "It is concerning," she admitted softly. "But we've faced challenges before, and Omori has always found a way through. Maybe he just needs a bit of rest and relaxation here in the dreamworld to recharge."

Basil, noticing the worried atmosphere, chimed in, "Yeah, and we're all here to support him. If anything seems off, we'll figure it out together."

Kel nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! We've got each other's backs. And hey, maybe a bit of dreamworld fun will lift Omori's spirits."

Omori, although tired, managed a small smile at his friends' words. He appreciated their support and felt comforted by their presence. Closing his eyes, he focused on the familiar sounds of his friends' voices, trying to push aside the lingering worries and enjoy the moment of camaraderie in the dreamworld.

Until he exhale and felt a fade in the surroundings for a moment until the distortion stops for a moment when he felt someone touch his hand. And it was Aubrey who just got back "Hey!!!! Why is Omori more unwell than last time we saw him?"

As Aubrey's voice cut through the worried murmurs, Omori's eyes fluttered open, the warmth of her touch grounding him. He managed a weak smile, appreciating her concern. "I... I don't know," he admitted softly. "It's like... something's different, but I can't quite grasp it."

Aubrey's brows furrowed with concern as she gently squeezed his hand. "We'll figure it out," she reassured him. "Maybe it's just a temporary thing. You've been through a lot, but you always bounce back."

Omori nodded, grateful for her comforting words. Despite the uncertainty, having Aubrey by his side gave him a sense of reassurance. Together, they sat in the dreamworld's Neighbor's room, surrounded by friends who cared deeply for each other, ready to face whatever challenges came their way.

Then , he glance at her lips and face that made his heart race as he blush. Basil ask "Omori you okay? Is your weak state getting worse?" As a flustered yet tired Omori tried to excuse himself and cling on both Mari and Aubrey.

Omori's cheeks flushed even more at Basil's question, feeling the weight of his weakness and the concern of his friends. He leaned into Mari and Aubrey for support, a mixture of exhaustion and flustered emotions clouding his mind.

"I'm... I'm fine," he mumbled weakly, trying to assure everyone while feeling the need for their comfort. The dreamworld seemed both comforting and disorienting, mirroring the inner turmoil he felt. With Mari and Aubrey by his side, he hoped to find solace and strength to overcome whatever was affecting him.

Then as he close his eyes again ,Omori woke up being carried by Mari, he felt a sense of relief yet lingering fatigue. The dreamworld group continued their adventure, finding ways to navigate through the pyrefly forest and reach Sweetheart's castle. Despite his weakened state, Omori listened to their progress, feeling a bit disconnected from the excitement.

"Sorry, everyone," he murmured, still feeling the effects of his feverish state. "How long was I out? I feel terrible for slowing us down."

As Mari continued to carry Omori, she gently brushed his hair back, offering him a comforting smile. "Don't worry about it, Omori. Your health is more important than anything else," she reassured him.

Meanwhile, Hero explained to the group about their next steps as they continued their walk. "We need to be cautious as we approach Sweetheart's castle. There might be new challenges or enemies waiting for us," he advised, keeping an eye out for any signs of danger.

Omori, despite feeling weak, listened attentively, grateful for Mari's care and his friends' support during this difficult time.

Then suddenly they stop , when Basil notice some black like void on the ground as he ask the rest to stop walking "It's never been here before…Everyone should we check this out first?"

Exploring the unknown void cautiously, they discovered it was a portal leading to an unfamiliar area within the dreamworld. The group exchanged puzzled looks, wondering how such a portal appeared in their familiar space.

Mari held onto Omori protectively, her concern evident as she glanced at the dark void. "Should we go through? It seems risky," she remarked, her voice tinged with worry.

Hero analyzed the portal with a serious expression. "We can't ignore this. It might be connected to the changes Omori's experiencing. Let's proceed with caution," he suggested, readying the group for a potential new adventure or challenge.

Aubrey and Kel for the first time look at eachother holding their hands without bicker or banter to utter together "Let's all enter together then!!!"

The group nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of unity despite the uncertainties ahead. With Omori still being carried by Mari, they stepped forward and entered the portal together, their resolve strengthening as they faced the unknown in the dreamworld.

However , due to Omori state as of now he weakly want to reach out as everyone's presence fade except for dreamworld Mari that is surprise that it seems the others could've been summoned back at the dreamworld. Now they are in blackspace. As Omori wakes up whining "no…No…Y-You s-Shouldn't be here…"

In the eerie blackness of blackspace, Omori's weak voice echoed with a mixture of fear and confusion. Dreamworld Mari, startled by the sudden shift, gently placed a hand on Omori's shoulder, trying to reassure him. "It's okay, Omori. We're here together. We'll figure out what's going on."

As they stood in the darkness, unsure of their surroundings, Dreamworld Mari tried to guide Omori towards a sense of calm. "Let's stay close and take it one step at a time. We'll find our way back, I promise."

Omori nodded weakly, his anxiety palpable in the darkness as they navigated the uncertain terrain of blackspace, searching for a way to return to familiar grounds.

As she muttered "Still Omori , what did you mean I WASN'T suppose to be here? Like have you been here before?"

Dreamworld Mari's question hung in the air, accompanied by the unsettling darkness of blackspace. Omori, feeling more vulnerable than ever, hesitated before responding.

"I... I'm not sure," Omori began, his voice wavering. "There are parts of this place that feel familiar, but it's like a fragmented memory. I don't remember inviting anyone here, not even you."

Dreamworld Mari frowned slightly, concern etched on her face. "That's strange. Maybe this place is reacting to something, or someone is trying to intrude."

Omori nodded, his senses on high alert despite his weakened state. "We should be cautious. Whatever brought us here might have intentions we don't understand."

With Dreamworld Mari by his side, Omori braced himself for the unknown challenges of blackspace, determined to uncover the truth behind their unexpected journey.

Then , both of them felt whispers of a voice that is like Mari's from one of the many black doors of black space saying things like "SUNNY!!!! SUNNY you there?"

As they heard the familiar voice echoing through the darkness of blackspace, Omori's heart skipped a beat. "That's Mari's voice," he whispered to Dreamworld Mari, his eyes wide with surprise and concern.

Dreamworld Mari nodded, her expression mirroring his worry. "It sounds like she's calling out for someone. Sunny, maybe?"

Omori clenched his fists, his determination pushing him forward despite his fatigue. "We have to find out. Mari might be in trouble."

They followed the sound of the voice, navigating through the eerie expanse of blackspace until they reached a door that seemed to shimmer with faint light. Omori hesitated for a moment before reaching out to open it, his mind racing with anticipation and apprehension.

Then they froze as Mari turn to Omori slowly putting him down as he turn "Mari?" As she flickers looking at herself and spoke "Who's Sunny?….and why am I referring that same voice as me a different Mari?" Flickers to a familair distorted silhouette figure in Omori's vision.

The flickering and distorted silhouette figure in Omori's vision sent a chill down his spine. He glanced at Dreamworld Mari, his expression filled with confusion and concern. "I don't know what's happening," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But that voice, it's like Mari's, yet it's not her."

Dreamworld Mari nodded, her eyes reflecting their shared uncertainty. "We need to be cautious. Blackspace is unpredictable, and whatever this is, it's unlike anything we've encountered before."

As they stood there, the flickering figure seemed to grow more defined, taking on a form that resembled Mari but with subtle differences—a colder gaze, a faint aura of darkness surrounding her.

Omori took a step back, his heart pounding. "This isn't right," he murmured, his instincts screaming at him to be wary.

Dreamworld Mari placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We'll figure this out together. Just stay alert."

With a deep breath, Omori nodded, steeling himself for whatever challenges lay ahead in the mysterious depths of blackspace.

Then , suddenly it fades and flicker back at the Dreamworld where they found the black void (meaning only dreamworld Mari and Omori can remember that moment in blackspace) as the others just nonchalantly keep walking forward. Unaware about the bizarre same moment difference happened.

As the scene shifted back to the Dreamworld, Omori and Dreamworld Mari exchanged a bewildered glance, realizing that only they retained the memory of their unsettling encounter in blackspace. They watched as the others continued walking forward, oblivious to the strange moment that had just transpired.

Omori felt a sense of unease lingering within him. "Mari, did you see that too? The flickering figure, the voice calling out..."

Dreamworld Mari nodded, her expression mirroring his concern. "Yes, I saw it. It's like blackspace is trying to tell us something, but I don't know what."

They both knew that blackspace held mysteries beyond their comprehension, and whatever had just occurred hinted at deeper layers of complexity within their shared dreamworld.

Omori took a deep breath, trying to push aside the lingering fear. "We'll have to keep an eye on things. There's more to this than we realize."

Dreamworld Mari squeezed his hand reassuringly. "We'll face whatever comes together, Omori. We've always been stronger as a team."

With renewed determination, Omori and Dreamworld Mari joined the others, ready to continue their adventure while remaining vigilant for any further signs of the enigmatic forces at play in their dreamworld.

Dreamworld Aubrey's concern was palpable as she noticed Omori and Dreamworld Mari's unease. She approached them with a mixture of playfulness and genuine worry, her cute pout highlighting her concern.

"Hey, you two okay?" Dreamworld Aubrey asked, her voice tinged with a hint of worry. "I know Mari volunteered to carry Omori, but it looks like you've seen a ghost or something!"

Omori tried to muster a reassuring smile, despite the lingering tension from their experience in blackspace. "Yeah, we're fine. Just a little spooked by something we thought we saw."

Dreamworld Mari nodded in agreement. "It was probably just our imaginations running wild. Everything seems normal now."

Dreamworld Aubrey nodded, her expression softening as she sensed their attempt to reassure her. "Alright, just don't scare us like that again, okay?"

With a shared glance, Omori and Dreamworld Mari silently agreed to keep their recent blackspace encounter between themselves, not wanting to worry the others unnecessarily. As they continued their adventure, Omori couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to their dreamworld than meets the eye, and black space held secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Mari's concern for Omori's well-being was evident as she confronted him about his secretive encounters with blackspace. Omori, feeling guilty for inadvertently involving Mari in this mysterious aspect of his experiences, whispered his apology.

"Sorry," Omori murmured weakly, his guilt evident in his voice. "Blackspace isn't supposed to manifest with you... It's always just—"

Mari's expression shifted to a mix of upset and caring as she interrupted, "Just you, Omori? How many times have you secretly encountered that place?"

Omori hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "A few times," he admitted reluctantly. "It's... it's complicated. I didn't mean for you to get dragged into it."

Mari sighed, her worry for Omori evident in her eyes. "You should've told me," she said softly. "We're in this together, Omori, no matter what challenges come our way."

Omori nodded, grateful for Mari's understanding. Despite the complexities of their shared experiences in the dreamworld and blackspace, he knew he could count on Mari to support him through it all.

Omori's emotions were in turmoil as tears streamed down his face, a mix of confusion and relief washing over him. He wiped away the tears, trying to regain his composure as the feverish haze in his mind began to subside slightly, allowing him to focus on the dreamworld surroundings, even though they seemed shaky.

Dreamworld Mari, sensing Omori's distress, gently patted his head and whispered, "I am sorry too, little brother... I should've been a better sister—"

The moment flickered, and Omori experienced an odd vision, a fleeting memory of a dark silhouette resembling Mari, echoing the same words but in a more blurred setting. It left him feeling unsettled, but before he could dwell on it further, the vision shifted back to the dreamworld Mari in his arms.

"Just... I don't want ME ruining our time here," Omori murmured, hugging dreamworld Mari close. The sense of guilt and responsibility weighed heavily on him, but he found solace in the familiar presence of his sister, even in this dreamworld realm fraught with mysteries and uncertainties.

The group finally pause at the current path due to pyrefly forest being foggy and lots of broken mine cart and the only way to enter further is fix the trail. Dreamworld Kel turn to the rest "Yo…Oh well guys!!! Shall we either keep going to just fix these or rest somewhere?"

Dreamworld Kel's proposal brought a moment of decision for the group. The foggy and broken condition of the pyrefly forest presented them with a choice: continue forward despite the obstacles or take a break to rest and strategize.

Dreamworld Aubrey chimed in with a thoughtful expression, "Maybe it's best to take a short break first. We can gather our thoughts and assess the situation before deciding whether to repair the trail or explore further."

Dreamworld Hero nodded in agreement, adding, "Resting now might also help Omori recover a bit. We shouldn't push too hard if he's feeling unwell."

Dreamworld Basil, always cautious, scanned their surroundings before suggesting, "Let's find a safe spot nearby where we can keep an eye out while we rest. That way, we're ready for any surprises the forest might throw at us."

Dreamworld Mari, with a reassuring smile, said, "I'll stay close to Omori. We can rest together, and I'll make sure he's okay."

Dreamworld Kel, satisfied with the plan, led the group to a sheltered area where they could rest and regroup, keeping an eye on their surroundings while giving Omori the chance to recover.

Following ,

Mari's actions to set up a picnic blanket and basket were like creating a safe haven within the dreamworld, akin to a save point in a game. Dreamworld Mari's nurturing and thoughtful nature were evident as she ensured everyone had a comfortable place to rest and regroup.

Dreamworld Hero carefully carried Omori to the designated spot, making sure he was comfortable before gently placing him down. The group gathered around, appreciating the temporary respite from their adventure in the pyrefly forest.

Dreamworld Aubrey and Kel helped Mari with setting up the picnic area, arranging snacks and drinks for everyone to enjoy during their break. Dreamworld Basil kept watch, ensuring their surroundings remained secure even in this tranquil moment.

As they settled in, Dreamworld Mari checked on Omori, making sure he was okay and offering him some refreshments. The atmosphere was calm and comforting, providing a much-needed pause in their journey through the dreamworld.