#HIKKI YOUR POWER!!!!!

[techtechonmymind]

hello i am a new follower and decided to take ur advice as a test run and i think that one night magic song did something to my brain structure. 5/5 experience. ty for this suggestion 👍

omg this is my favorite thing today?? thank you for telling me!!! isn’t it amazing? i recommend the whole album - but there is something different about that one!

[sirenspells]

Is there a 'Magic system' in your witch-Sunny-au, or is it just 'lol random'?

Has Sunny ever tried to disguise himself as an animal, only to turn into a completely different animal?

Like trying to turn into a bear, only to turn into a racoon instead?

Do Hikki and Omori only take human and cat forms, or do they take other forms as well?

Do Hikki and Omori know about each other, or if they encountered each other, would they just think the other looked familiar?

The magic system in this AU is kinda just a fuck it we ball thing and isn't based on anything else in particular, but here are some rules about how it works

While there are a group of general spells that all witches can use, each witch has a sort of specialization, a type of magic that is the easiest and most natural for them to use. For Sunny, it's shadow magic, especially illusions, and for Mari, it's psychic magic (if that's confusing just think of typical psychic powers but it's just magic now!) A witch could probably use a type of magic outside of their specialization but it would take more effort

Using magic relies on energy, and using it also drains energy, so if a witch uses too much magic in a short span of time, they become physically exhausted. As well, if a witch is low on energy (even if it's caused by other non-magic factors), magic becomes harder to use

Second question no I don't think that's ever happened

Third question no, the cat and human forms are the only forms Omori and Hikki can take, though if it counts they can also take on sorta hybrid forms between cat and human, where they can shift parts of their animal forms onto their human form (so like they could be a catgirl/catboy if they wanted. lol). One example is being able to turn their nails into claws in human form

I've thought of the idea of Omori and Hikki knowing each other actually! Since the two of them both like to wander through Faraway sometimes, they've probably run into each other at some point, and I like to think they become friends! While neither of them know about the other being a familiar, they definitely notice how the other is weirdly smarter than the average cat. It also probably took a while after they met for Omori to learn that Hikki is Mari's cat, while Omori never shared much about his "owner", so Hikki doesn't learn that Sunny is alive through him

[stingslikeabee]

Hikari toddled toward her father with a grin on her face. She was three years old ; bright - eyed, wickedly intelligent, and the gem of Daigo's life. If Kazuya was his mother's child, then Hikari was certainly her father's.

On this particular day, the Dojimas and Akiyamas were all gathered together on a small lawn. The Tojo was undergoing maintenance for the next leg of her third tour, and thusly all personnel had been granted a few days of shore leave. It was the perfect time for both young families to stretch their legs and enjoy the amenities of a local resort.

Daigo was talking to his faithful first officer and Melissa as Hikari approached from behind. With his wife's loving persuasion to thank, Daigo wore dark jeans and a black t - shirt. His elaborate tattoo stretched down both arms.

Mid - conversation, the captain suddenly cut off. He frantically brought his hands up to the sides of his head, mouth moving soundlessly, and curled it down. It was as if something spooked or attacked him. Unable to stop the sound swelling up in his own mind, Daigo went down heavily on one knee. Hikari squealed with delight and ran around the front of him, ,little arms quickly finding their place around his neck. Her long cry for her father ( adorable but piercing and silent to others ) was merely a call for affection. The girl wanted a hug, and Daigo was too tall.

Daigo patted her back, eyes still wide, and looked up at his wife in mild shock. "Hello, Hikki-chan," he finally breathed, clearing his throat. Daigo held his daughter fondly, allowing her ample space to cuddle into his chest. "I keep forgetting you've learned that skill. You're . . . much louder than your brother." The captain chuckled and squeezed her tighter.

unscripted asks . always accepting

The resort they had been visiting had real, living animals - and Hikari had been fascinated with them. Frankly, Melissa could understand that sort of admiration for organic food, drinks and animals - too much was synthesized or simulated when traveling, and despite how perfect these recreations were... They were not the real thing. As someone with a fondness for the close contact with humans (that no artificial lifeform had managed to suppress), the Inadian tried to offer their kids as much time as they could with the adorable local rabbits.

Melissa had been watching Hikari with the corner of her eye - Kazuya had been engrossed with a particularly docile one that stood nearby, munching on vegetables and seemingly unthreatened by the gentle nature of the oldest of the captain's children. Hikari, on the other hand... She had been mostly chasing the other pets, which ran away from the strange menace that the three year-old represented.

Apparently, she was not yet convinced that her powers did not work on bunnies; they did not understand that all the half-human wanted was to hug them.

Melissa, however, failed to predict that their youngest would choose to scare the living daylights out of her father by means of a greeting when she returned; Akiyama was startled the moment that Daigo seemed to be uncomfortable or under the influence of something, but the counselor pressed a hand to first officer's arm alongside a knowing smile, gesturing towards the girl that eventually emerged and came to embrace her father instead of the bunnies.

"Kaere, we've spoken about this before. No calling out to your father until you are properly trained - one of these days you'll cause an accident," Melissa approached the girl in Daigo's arms, and despite the gentleness of her voice, there was a lingering motherly commandment there, too. Hikari seemed to notice that, trying to hide from Melissa's glare and seeking refuge into her father's chest, which seemed to work to a bystander...

...But the light frown on Melissa's face, coupled with a hand over hips and the fact that Hikari further retreated to the side opposite her mother indicated that, indeed, a second round of conversation happened - it just did away from the ears of the two humans. Apparently satisfied, the counselor pressed a kiss to her husband's face and patted Hikari before returning to her prior position, checking on Kazuya (still happily watching his new friend) to chuckle at Akiyama's look of confusion.

"Don't worry, Shun. The children have not yet mastered the right tone to speak with their minds... It's painful, but luckily a temporary process. Our little princess will try to be better if she hopes to keep a pet aboard the Tojo," the Inadian clarified, earning a humming of understanding from the first officer. Akiyama chuckled, scratched the back of his head and grinned at the couple.

"These kids are something, aren't they? I think mine got some of Azumi's abilities too. I mean, they don't shed glitter so we didn't know but... I realized I allowed Niran to skip class three days in a row. I didn't even blink," the commander sighed, slipping hands inside his pockets while the other two adults snickered at the revelation, "I think I will stop trying to persuade hostile species in future missions, captain - Niran is clearly the best Akiyama for that."

[ahwait-no-yes]

Let’s talk about if Saihara hated Ouma

So lately I’ve actually seen a bit more comments on how Saihara doesn’t actually like Ouma and people have gone as far as saying he hates him and idk why people genuinely believe it so here I am about to refute that (I’ve been waiting ages to make this post just so you know so this came out as a horribly unstructured ramble more than anything oops)

some notes beforehand:

I have an obvious bias as I do ship saiouma. although i’ll try to be neutral on what I say here, I can’t hide my bias. I have tried to include what people that hate this ship believe to counter them though, also if you ship other things that’s totally fine?? don’t think of any of this as an attack at your ship and I’m not saying Saihara loved Ouma, I’m just tired of people saying Saihara hated him.

You’re allowed to respectfully disagree as long as you don’t berate me or say I don’t know the game when the majority of the screenshots in this are from my own gameplay, lmao. 

and massive whole-game spoilers! Don’t read this if you’ve not finished DRV3!

Glad to know you made it under the cut! now I can begin with where I think people got this idea that Saihara hates him from- the infamous “You’re alone Kokichi and you always will be” line.

I admit this was very cold and still breaks my fragile saiou heart, but to base Saihara’s entire perspective of Ouma on this one line he said while he wasn’t thinking straight is just.. no.. It’s unrealistic. we’ve seen how Saihara is able to adapt his views and grow (I’ll come back to this later), he’s not stubborn in this regard like Momota or even Ouma is, so even if he did mean it 100% (which I doubt because when *anybody* is angry they will say or do things they may regret had they been calmer), it’s not like his view on Ouma from chapter 4 was his final view on him. And that’s what people fail to realise. 

So, how does Saihara view Ouma then?

well, I’d say he’s been interested in Ouma as a detective from the moment he met him with his curiosity piqued at Ouma’s claims of leading a secret organisation.

and he remains curious about Ouma throughout, always questioning why Ouma says certain things, what Ouma is lying for, he just wants to figure him out- and this doesn’t just apply to free time events either

I think you get my point there, now, I think if I didn’t ship saiou and read this, I’d argue these are all pre-chapter 5 and before the breaking line so he may have been curious before but not after- that then brings me to my next point

Saihara was confident- dare I say believed- in Ouma, especially after Chapter 5.

how bold of me to say ikr, but this ties in to Saihara’s ability to adapt his views. He’s sort of like a mixture of both Kaito and Ouma honestly, because naturally as a detective he has to be suspicious and think logically as Ouma does, while at the same time Kaito taught him to believe in his friends which has also helped him to advance in trials. I think he might have extended this belief to Ouma, because he trusts that Ouma is doing what he does for a reason.

In fact, I’d argue he’s the only one of the remaining group who wouldn’t readily accept pinning Ouma down as a villain. If anything, it’s the opposite- Saihara fought to clear Ouma’s name, and never stopped trying to understand whether or not his intentions were true or false

i’ll just drop this screenshot here (that i named THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPY.png in case you were wondering)

this is what I mean when I say he wouldn’t accept it as fast as the others and would second-guess it, bear in mind this is the moment Ouma “admitted” to being the mastermind. and it’s not like this doubt was sudden or anything, cause I can recall this moment (that I actually didn’t catch on to on my first playthrough)

which gives me the idea that hadn’t Ouma purposefully messed with everyone and built up his bad reputation, it would’ve been so much easier for Saihara to disprove him being the mastermind at the point he said it. 

Anyway, going back to my point- excluding Kaito (cause Ouma directly told him), Saihara is the first to bring up Ouma’s innocence, and this is what I mean when I say Saihara believed in Ouma

note that I say believed in. believing Ouma and believing in Ouma are different, it’s like how loving someone and being in love with someone are two different things, so don’t argue that by saying “he didn’t trust him” because ik that and that’s not what I’m trying to say.

but he did believe that Ouma had his reasons, and he tried to discover and understand them. I mean, take this for example

he’s already on board lool look at him go, but no really look at the confidence

he’s both confident in himself and in Ouma not lying here, then goes back to being curious about his intentions

oh and let’s not forget who it was that searched Ouma’s lab to find clues to prove he is a remnant of despair. Why do you need to search for evidence for something you (and the others even more) think is irrefutably true? the answer is obvious- he was doubtful of it from the start, and needed evidence to convince himself it was true, but then as he found nothing to prove it (and even evidence against it), he had to convince the others of it too- and prove Ouma’s innocence

(the last screenshot was from Hikkie’s playthrough on Youtube) 

But as you can see, he’s clearing Ouma’s name as the leader of the Remnants of Despair. 

Now, I bet someone would argue that this only proves Saihara was determined to find the truth in general, because he’s mister detective, so I’ll raise you the fact that Saihara didn’t need to try figuring why Ouma does the things he does- he could leave it at just knowing the truth and if he really didn’t like Ouma like people say then there’s not much merit to it. 

“So what if I know this now? I didn’t care about him, it’s pointless” he could’ve thought something like that, but no

(I also think the “you’re lying again kokichi, there’s a method to your madness” moment fits here too)

Not only this, but there’s also how Saihara learnt from him.

honestly im still kinda mindblown from this ever since I first realised it, but when you think about it, Ouma hinted to Saihara in his FTEs how to win the game.

(those 3 screenshots are from justonegamr’s kokichi’s FTE video; random fun fact this was the playthrough that i watched while first getting into drv3)

But if you think about it, Ouma tried this again in his own trial in his attempt at ending the killing game and then Saihara also used this to actually end it

Not only that (which personally i think is pretty powerful in itself), but Saihara also tries to take Ouma seriously and picks up hints he leaves and uses them later

as well as

et

(and generally just)

generally, Ouma will hint and then Saihara will pick it up. it’s been like that for the whole game- why should Saihara give any extra thought to what Ouma hints if he dislikes him?? really, he could’ve just ignored him the same way he did at the end of chapter 4- but again, he didn’t “”hate”” Ouma enough to keep ignoring him, he considered him a friend in the end anyway.

and the end is what I’ll talk about now, too.

first- can we just acknowledge this?

he doesn’t ignore Ouma at all here. even though he didn’t trust him, he was sad to have lost him. 

Not to mention the way he thinks about lying at the end of Chapter 6. (like, please this is just-  *chefs kiss*)

IMAGINE Ouma was alive to hear him say that omg but Saihara could (and probably would) extend what he says here to Ouma himself- y’know, the ‘embodiment of lies’

by thinking about lies in a different angle instead of at face value like this, he gets a more neutral view on them rather than just thinking “they’re bad!!”, why wouldn’t he be able to do the same for Ouma? especially now that he knows Ouma was innocent and actually hated the game as much as they all did. I mean hey, even after chapter 5′s trial he sort of already thinks about lies differently

and throughout this post, I’ve tried to avoid talking about his free time events or his salmon mode ending because people always say “well they’re not canon�� and to that I say not canon to the plot, yes, but still canon to the characters. so yeah, I don’t disregard any of them.

from this point onwards these all technically happen before chapter 5, so it’s not entirely relevant to my point that saihara still liked ouma even after the end of chapter 4, but it’s still something that shows he liked him beforehand at least. I mainly just wanna ramble though haha

one thing I’ve always thought was interesting was how Saihara easily lashed out at Kaito in his own free time event

and Kaito is undeniably Saihara’s best friend who he holds in high regard. If Saihara having backbone means he doesn’t like someone then damn bye bye momota have a nice trip in space

in terms of ouma and saihara though 

how about the fact that Saihara willingly sat there and played rock paper scissors (janken pon!) with Ouma 100 times?? bruh I got bored playing that with my brother after 8 rounds yesterday how would Saihara manage 100?? would you really have the patience for that when you don’t even like the person you’re playing with?

how about his third free time event too?

(from justonegamr’s kokichi fte video)

Saihara wanted to spend some time with Ouma, that’s- its literally written there I don’t know what you want from me the guy wanted a nice time with someone he supposedly doesnt like

what I love about this is how “reaching out” could be taken both literally and figuratively. Wanting to understand someone and trying to find a way to but them being too unwilling to trust anyone.. damn 😔👊 also shuuichi either wanted to handshake or hold hands, what else do you do when you reach for someone’s hand come on

oh yes and how about that he’s content with the refusal because it allowed him to figure out a small thing about Ouma? understanding that Ouma has a different way of being reached out to? mhm please think about that for a bit

that parallel in the salmon ending too...

he considered how it’ll be like with him after they get out and how he’ll learn about him, then ultimately decided when ouma reached out to him that he does want this, and even comments on the warmth of his hand... afhskfdlj

his blush when ouma mentions how his lies didn’t bore saihara was also a very cute moment

ooh and what about the love hotel???

there’s that one line “I know i’m meant to be Kokichi’s ideal in this fantasy but when he tells me he loves me I feel like he means the opposite” or something like that- i’d argue it’s because he’s cautious of Ouma for one but also am I getting something wrong here or is he talking about how he, Shuuichi, thinks Ouma doesn’t like him?  because I see people argue this is proof saihara doesn’t like ouma but all he’s really doing is just doubting ouma loves him

well in any case

WHY would he want him to stay in a love hotel of all places if he disliked him?! I know I’m just a broken record at this point but I can’t think of anything logical for it. they didnt even need to include that line in the scene at all but they did like they could’ve easily said something to do with realising where he was instead but nah. even after the event’s over, he says to himself

doesn’t he sound disappointed by it? and the fact that he even questions if it was a dream- okay  

ooh, something i’ve realised while writing this as well: it kind of seems like Saihara might not want to like him but does anyway; he quickly ‘smothered the thought’ of staying with Kokichi, didn’t want to admit that Ouma’s lies never bored him, and I also thought about how in one of Kaito’s free time events he says to himself “I shouldn’t be talking about another boy like that”- well, maybe it’s similar for how he thinks of ouma? it’s not like Saihara didn’t care for the others’ opinion on him (probably the opposite ngl if you mess up in class trials he says something along the lines of“Ah I screwed up! They probably think I’m a fraud”) and considering nobody else liked ouma (except for maybe gonta) I wouldn’t be surprised if he felt shame for liking him, thus repressing that feeling (especially around the others, there’s that part in trial 4 where he’s trying to convince kaito he isn’t siding with ouma cause he knows by doing that could damage his friendship with his bro)

I mean this is something I only thought of just now, but it could be plausible (i hope?)

One last thing- I find it incredibly funny how in chapter 2 when ouma is literally on top of saihara he doesn’t freak out or scream and everyone else in the room is also completely chill with it and unquestioning. no really they’re just standing there.. and how long was ouma even in that position for??

Now, I think that’s all. So to finish off, I’ll just say

People get the idea that saiouma is bad because some don’t realise Saihara can still like a person without idolising or putting them on a pedestal. Idk if this is gonna sound controversial or not, but I honestly do think he did exactly that to Kaito and Kaede- which doesn’t make what they have with him toxic or bad at all, I just think his view on Ouma is a lot more realistic and less clouded. Heck, if Saihara canonically liked Ouma as much as he does with the other two I don’t know if I’d ship saiouma as hard as I do (it is fun to imagine though).

If you actually read through this then.. wow? I’m surprised you got through this unstructured mess? I hope you can agree with me for some of my points at least but I’m not here to convince you or anything, this has just been on my mind for weeks now I needed to get it out somehow.

I said it at the start and i’ll say it again now too- i didn’t intend on attacking or comparing saiou to any other ships so I do apologise if I seem like it, i’m just terrible with my wording (lmk if something genuinely offended you, i’ll probably change it) but you’re free to ship whatever you like cause at the end of the day it’s just a bit of fun. that being said, I don’t want to actually argue on this so please don’t haha, i’ve contemplated just deleting this but I’ve put a lot of effort into this post even though i cant analyse for 💩

I hope you can enjoy the rest of your day!

have the kokichi gaygun as a farewell present

[dojimakaichou]

SENT FROM @stingslikeabee​  ―   ( unprompted / always accepting )

It was another one of these days where Hikari and Kazuya had been at Osamu to visit their dad - and to basically disrupt and entertain every single worker of the company during the time they were around. If only because their antics were so impossibly cute - and their surrogate uncles tended to spoil and indulge them regardless of what their parents told them to do. Kazuya had been occupied with Majima elsewhere, an idea that was frequently anxiety-inducing for most - and yet, Kazuya was level-headed enough to not get into too much trouble when accompanied by the former Tojo lieutenant. Hikari lingered behind - she quite liked her father’s office: it was big, comfortable, classy (a bit of color was missing, and on that aspect she agreed with her mother) and very much the personality that Daigo projected to the world materialized in his choices of furniture and decoration. She had stolen his chair while the ex-chairman made coffee - and her feet were placed on the ground, enough to allow her to softly spin the chair used by Daigo during his working hours from one side to the other, eyes combing through the desk she had seen many times - there was an uncanny sense of power for Hikari when she took his place behind the desk. It felt nice - important. Also reminded her of how pretty awesome her old man was, even if she didn’t often voice it. “How did you know?” she asked then, elbows propping over the table as the girl leaned forward, examining a family picture that Daigo kept on his desk with renewed curiosity. Her parents frequently talked about their earlier years, but now she was starting to hang out with some boys from school and realized just how immensely popular she was with the opposite sex, the girl found herself wondering about some things. “I mean - you and mom. How did you know she was the one you wanted to marry? There are just... So many people out there.”

★. ―

Daigo waited at the coffee maker, having ( correctly ) assumed that his seat was stolen the moment he got up. He didn’t mind, however ; as far as he was concerned, his day was over the instant his children walked through his company’s door. There was a chance that he would get work done after they left, but it was a slim one. A pleasant beep announced that his brew was complete. The ex - yakuza stretched leisurely, fetched his favorite mug ( a faded Wyverns souvenir that his daughter had picked out for a past birthday present for him ), and poured a generous cup. 

          Daigo turned around in time to catch the first of Hikari’s inquiries. He raised a brow as he sipped his steaming beverage. With a thoughtful ‘ hmm ’ in first reply, he pathed his way toward his desk. His coffee was set far from the edge to prevent any potential accidents. Daigo followed Hikari’s line of sight to the family portrait. 

          The photograph was certainly an aged one  ―  she was only a few months old. It was the sort of picture most fathers would have replaced with each new year and iteration of the family, but there were details about that particular image that Daigo loved. The photographer had taken it in between formal poses and caught a moment of Melissa and Daigo laughing together. His hand wound behind her back, her arms cradling their wide - eyed daughter, and little Kazuya leaned in to check on the baby his mother held. The ex - yakuza glanced at it often when he was frustrated. It was a delicate reminder that his life wasn’t just office walls and the incessant clamor of people vying for his attention anymore ; there was something far sweeter beyond the confines of this place.

          “How did I know?” Daigo repeated quietly, arms folding as he considered the question. “Hikki-chan  .    .    .  ” He chuckled and shook his head. “This is probably a question for your mother ; she words this sort of thing way better than me.”

         Hikari turned in the chair to look at him. She propped an elbow up on the surface of the desk and placed her cheek against her hand. It gave him an excellent view of her famous pleading pout, of which he had little resistance to in soft moments like these. Daigo had always been a rather strict and stately father ( qualities the Dojimas’ cousins found fondly irritating when trying to make plans and had once dubbed the ‘ Uncle Daigo Factor ’ when assessing the risk of certain endeavors ), but he was quite the enormous teddy bear in private. It was a duality that Hikari knew her mother enjoyed immensely. 

          “Come on, chichi,” the youngest of the Dojimas asked. “Can you try for me? I want to hear you say it.” She employed the use of the phrase ‘ for me ’ knowing well that Daigo found it difficult to counter. How could he? When she used that sweet tone? 

          The ex - yakuza sighed. “I knew because I loved her,” Daigo said matter - of - factly. After a pause, he attempted to elaborate. “There are a lot of people in the world, little gremlin, you’re right, but I didn’t think about any others after I met your mother. She was all I COULD think about, really. I still remember when she came to my table that night. When I saw her, I was in awe.”

          As if guided by a spark of inspiration, Daigo took out his wallet. He patiently flicked through its contents. Hikari would have teased him about the amount of stuff he kept in there if she wasn’t so curious about what he looked for. After all, she had heard the tales of their time at Club Shine a frankly ridiculous number of times. Where was he going with this?

          Daigo eventually found his target. He removed a poorly - laminated, taped - up business card from the back carefully and set it on the desk for her. Hikari inspected it with narrowed eyes. “Your mother gave me that when she introduced herself,” the former Chairman explained. “You know, Hikki-chan, I was in love with her then. I was too young to know and too stubborn to admit it, of course.” Daigo frowned. “I didn’t immediately think ‘ I’m going to marry this woman, ’ but I recognized that she meant more to me than anyone else ever had. Being introduced her made the rest of the people in the world  .    .    .  disappear.”

          The former Chairman looked down at Hikari. “Marrying your mother was the easiest decision of my life. I was in love with her for almost twenty years by then, and I couldn’t imagine not having her with me for the next fifty.”

         “Did that answer your question, Hikki-chan?”

         His daughter handed the card back with a degree of reverence and grinned affectionately. Somewhere in there, he had. “I think so, chichi,” she said. “  ―  don’t worry : if I find someone that makes me feel like that, YOU’LL BE THE FIRST TO KNOW. ” 

          The sudden shift in Daigo’s expression was more than worth it. His hands froze around his wallet, and the former Chairman drew a sharp breath. “Let’s hope you don’t meet them before you’re 30,” he intoned with a scowl. Hikari laughed. She tugged on his sleeve, drew him down close enough to press a light kiss to his cheek, and slid down from his seat.

[rosecaffelatte]

sharing is caring | yamagata hayato

plot: just when you think you can let the day end on a happy note with a “quick” stop at a bookstore, you remember your bad habit that has always ruined the fun moments in your life: procrastination. but looks like you’re not the only one who fell victim to that lifestyle...

genre: bookstore au, college au, strangers to flirtationship | fluff | yamagata x gn!reader

cast: yamagata hayato, you, misaki hana, oohira reon

word count: 2.2k

warnings: none

hikki’s notes: i wrote a one shot with 2,215 words in just one day. props to me, honestly. also, this is for day one of the #shiratorizawafanweek2021!

“Hana.”

“I know, I know! Just give me one more minute, okay? Please!” Hana pleads and gives you her best puppy eyes Mother Nature gifted her. She actually thinks that it’ll work every time she wants it her way. Well, she’s right.

“Fine. But this is the last one minute, for real this time!”

She whispers a “thank you” and buries her nose back in the book she’s holding in her hands. In her shopping basket – who the hell needs one in a bookstore?! – she put three other ones already. Whether she still has to “skim” through them or plans on buying them, will be answered in probably three last one minutes.

You’re strolling through the bookshelves for the fifth time – and hopefully last time – and inspect the colorful covers of various books in different genre sections. Some of them do pique your interest, but whenever you pick up a book you’re not forced to read like in school, you instantly get unmotivated. All the letters and words and the repeated alphabet but in a different order, that’s tiring.

“Can we go to the book store for a sec? The latest book of my favorite author just got published and I want to check if it’s already for sale here.”

13 minutes later and you’re still there. It’s kinda your fault for actually falling for Hana’s trap again.

“Maybe you’ll find here something for yourself!”

The most interesting thing here, in your opinion, is the smell of new books and the stationery section with glittery pens and overpriced notebooks you’d only write your name in and leave on your desk at home as unintended decoration.

The store clerk probably thinks that I’m checking out the store to rob it later...

Considering how often you walked past him, picked up a book, and pretended to be interested, yes. Yes, he does. So, don’t mind that intense stare of his on you.

You look at the clock on your phone. It’s already half past 7 in the evening. Under the time – 16 minutes and counting now – you notice the date.

Weird... did I forget something? Something important that is due in a few days?

Slowly, it dawns upon you.

My research paper! 60% of my final grade! Shit!

Whoomps, there it is. That dark playground you’re in when you’re procrastinating once again.

You run over to Hana – “need some book recommendations for my paper I have to hand in in 8 days, help me look when you’re done” – and power walk to the novel section. Yes, a college student like you are has to write a paper about a book that treats profound subjects like the human psyche and morals and, uh– okay, you haven’t really decided on a specific topic to write about yet. It’s for a class you have to take for those 30 extracurricular credit points that have nothing to do with your major.

“It’s to broaden our horizon,” you quietly parrot as you browse through the stacks of books, finding nothing where you can write 20 pages about. Impressive how well you blocked out the assignment the whole time. The book itself is more of a starter and should lead the rest of the assignment to a discussion about... yes.

That I actually have to spend money for this shit...

The guilty conscience gets worse and worse the more you realize that you have 7 days, 4 hours, and 29 minutes left to hand in something that must be worth at least 79% to pass the class. That feeling that can’t let you enjoy the fun things you’re doing instead of writing the assignment like... scrolling on your phone for hours, waiting until the paper writes itself.

You are so invested in mentally cursing out the seminar and the equally pretentious professor that you don’t notice the ruckus from outside coming into the before nearly empty bookstore.

“How could you forget something major like that?!”

“I don’t know! I just procrastinate like every other human being until one week before the deadline, okay?! I’m a normal college student, unlike you!”

“And look what you got yourself into again.” Ōhira shakes his head like a disappointed parent. “Oh yeah, I can’t really help you this time. I have to research for my paper too.”

Yamagata stops in his tracks. “Reon... You can’t do this to me, man. You’re majoring in this shit! I need you. You’re my dude.”

Ōhira stops as well and has to witness his friend despairing over his seemingly decided failure. “I got my own stuff to do, okay? Listen, I can’t promise that I’ll have the time to help you. But I can give you my notes if that helps?”

The only answer he can elicit out of Yamagata was a soulless “hm”. He looks up to his friend when he feels the hand of Ōhira on his shoulder. “Look, we’ll quickly buy one book, go to your place, write your outline, and look for books for your research part in the library. I have to go there too, so let’s just check off as many things as we can today, okay?”

Like a changed person, Yamagata’s face lights up. He puts his arm around Ōhira’s shoulder. “I told you, you’re my dude. Let’s do this!” he proclaims and marched straight to the novel section while Ōhira makes his way to the specialist book section, taking photos of the list of contents for “inspiration”.

I wish I only have to write a book report to pass, Ōhira thinks and lets out a small sigh after he picks up the third book to copy its index.

Meanwhile, Yamagata is going through each book of the novel section at the other side of the store. He slowly works his way towards the middle of the shop, moving along the shelves.

Something short and sweet, something that doesn’t take long too long to read in... the next few hours.

Something where I don’t have to fear I’ll doze off and get the urge to throw it out of the window...

I can’t miss too many hours of training...

Where the heck is Hana?! She probably knows some books that won’t bore me to death.

Wait... this looks nice– Yo... this might be–

As you reach out to a book with a very intriguing cover and the perfect size – super thin and priced with some award – you see from the corner of your eyes another hand reaching out to it as well, but it’s too late to stop now. The warm touch of a stranger’s hand makes you startle, quickly turning your head to the right.

Out of reflex, the corners of your mouth quirk up as you catch sight of the owner of that coarse hand.

Holy shit, he’s hot. Damn.

“Sorry–” “Sorry–” you say in unison.

A nervous giggle escapes your lips while Yamagata unintentionally shoots you this flirty grin of his.

“You want that?” he gently asks.

“Uh, yeah...”

Yamagata gestures with his hand that “It’s all yours” with a big grin on his face that makes your legs feel like pudding.

Where have I seen him before?

“Thanks,” you answer softly as you grab after the book but you notice that “oh, it’s the last copy.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll just ask the store clerk if there’s more in the back. Be right back!” He turns around before you can say anything back, leaving you standing there speechless. Finally, Yamagata can let out his grin he’s trying to hide from– wait.

Oh shit, I’ve been smiling the whole time? Whatever, they liked it. His smile grows wider. Guess procrastination does have its perks. But they look kinda familiar...

Meanwhile, you’re overthinking what he just said. H-He probably just said it out of habit, nothing more. Stop imagining things.

You start flipping through the pages. You should slowly realize that you can always rely on your gut feeling. The book is perfect! Not too boring, not too long, actually addressing very interesting aspects for your next seminar paper topic. The titles of your future chapters are flashing through your head, concepts you can introduce and develop are forming right in front of you. Nice!

You are so invested in the book that you don’t notice Hana walking towards you with her eyes fixed on her phone. “Okay, so I made a quick Google search and found literature I reserved from our library and– oh, you already found something?”

“Huh? Oh yeah, it’s act–”

“Uh, sorry to interrupt your talk, but that’s the last copy they have.” You and Hana turn to Yamagata who’s sheepishly scratching the back of his head. Hana turns back to you, asking you with her eyes and her smile what that very handsome stranger is talking about. Ōhira notices his friend talking with to him unfamiliar faces and walks over to you, see what’s going on.

“Huh...” Welp, that’s going to be fun.

Yamagata doesn’t want to ask, but his final grade is at stake, even if it means that he’ll ruin his chance with such a cutie like you. “Okay, listen to me, please. I really need that book for an assignment. I-I can buy it for you! And I can give it to you later in a week.”

Aww, how gentleman-like! Or is this just an act of desperation? Whatever, he’s cute regardless, but...

“Uhm, funny story, but uh” – that’s so uncomfortable – “I also need it for my paper for my final grade...”

Silence. Awkwardness. Yikes.

Well, I guess you can say that this is your punishment for procrastinating your responsibilities once again. Fate, Buddha, the universe, or whatever tries to ruin your once-in-a-lifetime “reaching out for the same book and falling in love or flirting at first sight”-moment. God damnit.

Hana begins to speak, “I’m sorry, but what exactly is your paper about?”

Yamagata looks back at you two after avoiding your glance. “It’s basically a book report, kinda,” he chuckles. It does sound ridiculous, coming from a college student.

“Great! Because my friend has to write one too, kinda,” Hana proclaims to your confusion.

That’s it!

“Oh! You’re were my class last year!” “Oh! You’re were my class last year!” you both say and laugh.

“Wait, there are two professors who just want a book report for a pass?” Yamagata wonders.

“A 20-page long one, yeah,” you chuckle.

“Well, that’s great! That means that you can share it, right?” Hana tentatively suggests.

“Why not?” Ōhira asks. “You both have to read and analyze the book, so why not do it together?”

Please say yes. Then I can work on my assignment and leave you without a guilty conscience.

“You’re saving a lot of time by doing it like that! And you do need time,” Hana adds, quickly glancing at you.

You do.

The slightly aggressive undertone in Hana’s last sentence doesn’t escape your notice. She did have to give you a hand whenever you put your responsibilities into cold storage. You know that you can always rely on her help but at some point, you really gotta learn your lesson. But studying with some hot guy you just met in a bookstore doesn’t necessarily teach you a lesson.

“Uh, sure, why not?” You shrug with your shoulders and look over to your possibly new study partner.

“No problem with that,” Yamagata says and gives you another big smile. “Can I get your number? For the paper, of course.”

“Huh? Y-Yeah, of course, sure!” You are so not ready for his sudden move, and so are Hana and his friend. Hana never has been comfortable with showing affection and flirtation in public, even if it’s not with her. Ōhira looks like he wants to facepalm himself because his friend is picking up random people when he’s in an actual stressful situation.

After you pay for the book – you split the costs – and leave the shop minutes before it closes, you let your two friends go home since you have the same destination after book shopping.

Both Hana and Ōhira go through a mix of emotions on their way home: relief that they can leave their friend alone with their assignment, shame because they feel like they’re bad friends for thinking like that, general confusion because they let their best friend go with basically a stranger to work on a paper together, and awkwardness because Hana and Ōhira are both going into the same direction but Ōhira is, of course, so considerate and doesn’t let her go to her bus station alone in the dark.

“So, you’re... Yamagata,” you say as you read out the name under which he saved himself in your phone.

“That’s my name, Y/N,” he chuckles. “So, should we go to the library then? They’re open until 1 AM,” Yamagata proposes.

“Sure. I just imagined our first date a little bit different...” You catch a glimpse of Yamagata who’s taken aback a little from your comment but also catches himself quickly you can see at his reassuring smile and slightly flirty look.

“A study date, of course,” you add, giving him a knowing look.

This is going to be a long night. A long study session,

“Of course.”

[cerastes]

I gotta say, after rewatching oregairu after all these years made me realize how flawed Hikki's thinking is and I've only just now understood how much effort it took to change himself. Iroha still the best in my book so thank you for your service.

That’s exactly the thing. Hachiman has a really, really flawed worldview which is at first celebrated just as that kind of worldview usually is in romcoms (or... Light Novels in general, really) with a bitter, broken protagonist who has supposedly grown tougher, calloused, wiser, better from their poor experiences.

This immediately is subverted when the narrative shows you that, no, none of these bitter, broken “solutions” Hachiman has put forth have done anything to actually mend the situation. He does one of two things: 1) Hard reset a social situation to a neutral level by making people be enemies or at least neutral with each other by artificially causing a situation that leads to that outcome, thus sending it back to the status quo’s zone of comfort without actually addressing the tension (this is important), or 2) Make himself the object of others’ hatred in order to unite them against him, immediately but artificially building a bond between them.

Do you see the pattern? Early!Hachiman relies entirely on artificially manipulating the bonds between people. Need to break up a conflict between two friends? Just make it so they are not friends anymore, bam, they don’t need to fight anymore. Need to unite a group that’s having a hard time cooperating? Just give them a common enemy, bam, now they hate Hachiman, that unites them. 

The narrative makes it very clear that this is bad. Hachiman gave short term solutions to the problems, but he didn’t solve the problems. Hachiman thinks its fine if he’s the boogieman for all that happens because he says he can take it and no one really will care if it’s him, but he’s very obviously affected by it, especially when he realizes there’s people that care about him. Early!Hachiman is so convinced of his own worthlessness that it was completely shocking for him to hear Yuigahama and Yukinoshita express concern for him and for them to plead him to stop doing this already. His initial thoughts were that they didn’t agree with his way of solving things simply because they were too “idealistic” and he was too “wise and above-it-all”, his solutions were too much for their basic high school kid brains. It never once crossed his mind that they were in pain from having to see him in pain. It never once crossed his mind that they were concerned about him as a person and as their friend. It never once crossed his mind that they actually were close enough to show concern for each other, simply because he was so convinced of his own worthlessness that his train of thought was “obviously no one would want ME as a friend, so I shouldn’t trouble them with this”. For him, distancing himself from others is the considerate thing to do because he doesn’t want to trouble them with his presence.

It’s at this point that it becomes immensely and deliciously clear how unreliable a narrator Hachiman is: He is not tougher, he is not calloused, he is not wiser, he is not better, he is hurt. He did NOT benefit from being hurt, he did NOT become superior from his wounds, and that’s what I really, really love about Oregairu: It doesn’t romanticize pain. It humanizes pain to the point where it becomes legitimately uncomfortable for the reader/watcher. I know people that had to take a break from the novels and from Season 2 of the anime because it got too real and too tense, it hit too close home. 

We all enjoy self-indulgent media, and I think that’s fine. Pick your poison: Self-inserts, overpowered MCs, harem genre, even light novels about protagonists that are better than others because of their wounds and their pain. We all enjoy at least one of those. But I think it’s amazing and, dare I say, genius to make a subversion of the genre like Oregairu did: Nope, pain didn’t make Hachiman better, it’s what’s holding him back, we’re not going to glorify it, as if to give it a special sort of meaning and vindication in escapist media. Hachiman’s character arc is about rising above the pain, not embracing it as a ‘power’.

Your pain is not invalid and it can indeed create advantages. It has for Hachiman, some of his small victories come indeed from his pain and what he has learned from it, but ultimately, it’s a small plus in an ocean of minuses.

And that brings us to the shifting point: “I want something genuine”.

The boy that prided himself in artificially breaking and creating bonds between people comes to the realization that, no, this isn’t right, this is all a sham. He wants to drop that artificiality, he wants to discard it, he wants something genuine. He’s tired of pretending his pain made him stronger, his pain hurts, his pain was never in past tense, his pain is still present, he wants it out.

It’s a roller coaster, it hits fast and it hits hard and it hits close home, but that’s what makes it so good. To see this tangible change and to be able to see a story that, for once, doesn’t glorify trauma and instead addresses it as the terrible thing it is, it’s liberating in more ways than I can possibly describe to you in words.

[zelskzerker]

Mangadex went down so I read alot 4/7

Let’s CONTINUE reviewing

Magicraft Meister

Chapters 1-31

[Insert isekai setup here] but this time MC inherits powers of an old master. Kinda like Legend, except MC here is actually all powerful and can do anything with magic. Primarily making robots, like his main maid assistant. Pretty much an isekai with seperate arcs making it feel like an episodic anime where anime hijinks happen. THUMB SIDEWAYS.

Tenkuu no Shiro o Moratta no de Isekai de Tanoshiku Asobitai

Chapters 1-21

[Insert isekai startup here] but this time he has a castle. Guess MC is so unimportant he literally isn’t deserving to exist on the cover. Just the castle. Literally the castle existing is the character. Meh. THUMB IN BOTTOM CORNER. Guess it wasn’t offensive.

Neta Chara Tensei to ka anmari da!

Chapters 1-6

Im a sucker for [Insert isekai startup genderbend redux] but this time it’s the MC’s roleplay character. So the MC is roleplaying this super edgy but goodhearted character and it is really funny to watch em try to yuri it up and seem like a badass despite barely knowing whats going on. Perfect art for its goal. Love the funni faces. THUMBS UP. Flesh fang good.

Kuro no Shoukanshi

Chapters 1-70

So now its time to describe the battle maniac subgenre. Battle Maniac manga are all about the fights, and the MC who loves fighting for fighting sakes and therefore creates situations that allow them to fight. For this manga in specific, the setting is an isekai and the MC is a summoner meaning that he recruits quite a few allies. But he is also a battle maniac and fights on the front lines an insane ton. All the fights are fun to watch, well drawn, with fun mechanics. Somehow this manga manages to feel like a slice of life battle manga, which is odd but feels really nice and homely. THUMBS UP.

Fushichou e no Tensei: Dragon Taoseru tte Futsuu no Tori ja nai yo ne?

Chapters 1-5/END

THUMBS DOWN. Guess it was cancelled at just 5 chapters end, so don’t waste your time. Pretty much “I was reincarnated as a sword”-lite and the guy is a phoenix instead of a sword. Had potential but nothing realized.

Chichi wa Eiyuu, Haha wa Seirei, Musume no Watashi wa Tenseisha.

Chapters 1-33

[Insert isekai startup here] but this time she is the daughter of a legendary hero and the originator goddess. Ontop of being half human half spirit, the MC has knowledge of chemical compounds so her spirit power is controlling elements off the periodic table. This manga is strangely alluring with its slice of life pacing and fantastical elements of its hikki scientist turned little kid learning how to be both royalty and a demi god and also just a human being. Oh yeah and also trying to avoid the king’s plot to have her marry into kingly royalty. Sins of the past. THUMBS UP. 

Kuro no Maou

Chapters 1- END

Right off the bat, it got cancelled and is unfulfilling so THUMBS DOWN. About the manga though its [insert isekai startup here] but this time himbo MC escapes the torture lab and runs away to try and live a quiet life with demons. It doesn’t work. Suffer porn ensues. Also of note, yandere loli fairy GF. She is stronger than MC but not strong enough to stop the suffer porn from occurring. Really makes everything the MC does feel useless because he barely ever gains any ground.

Yasei no Last Boss ga Arawareta!

Chapters 1-40

[insert iseaki sta - NO FUCK THAT. THIS MANGA STARTS OFF SEEMINGLY LIKE A GENERIC OVERPOWERED ISEKAI but then it goes places. It gets good. It has a mystery with twists and turns that gets parts answered and more questions raised. Traitors and quadruple agents appear. All while the MC, Ruphas Mafahl, sets out to regather her Twelve Zodiacs. Despite such a simple goal, this manga employs a variety of submysteries, character arcs, thematic naming to make for a very interesting plot. Note to mention the video game skills are well explained, cool, unique, and combined in awesome ways. THUMBS UP. Also this is a genderbend manga. Also also I love the zodiac and zodiac theming is rad. Also also also. Aries.

As the self proclaimed [男の娘 の おたく ],  it is my duty to investigate and review traps. Honestly came out of nowhere in the manga, but I am blessed for it. Shoutouts to my guy Mizaal the dwarf for keeping it real.

Aries’s focal point, as shown in the image above is obvious. Sheeps have fluffly wool. So of course our sheep boy is gonna have his Trap Focal Element be his fluffy rainbow hair. Even better that its depicted as sky blue. Not only does he look great, he has lots of screen time due to being the first zodiac gotten, major plot focus due to being Rufas’s most trustworthy member of the zodiac, and EVEN character development and huge focus in 2 different arcs. Cool, trustworthy, cute, dependable, fluffy, the strongest, ignorant of his appearance.

MAJORLY RECCOMMEND. 

[sexygoatgod]

*chuckles darkly* Well, we can't just leave that hanging, can we? You KNOW now I have to ask about your viewing preferences as well, just in case anyone wants to make sweet sweet fan art or exciting fiction for you. ;)

Hahah well then, lets go again! With THIS list keep in mind this is ALL fictional I have no sexual drive and sexual things are upsetting and gross to me irl.Sorry for the loooooong list, I like a LOT of things. This isn’t even all of them, I just did 3 lines each XD

Top Favorites: Humiliation/Noncon ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ganguro, hikki, intestines, cannibalism, drugging, baseball bats, absolute servitude, teeth, horn play, monster girls, public use, loss of control, abuse, torture, jealousy, yandere

Favorites: Loli, gore, bit gags, spreader bars, branding, slaves, heat, tail play, breaking/gaslighting/etc, cow girls, begging, acid/normal burns, using beings as furniature, chubby, incest, sensory dep, sex dolls, harem, dead/heart eyes

Likes: Scat, watersports, emeto, amputee, lactation, enemas, feeding, surgery, horseshoes, insects, cuckolding, big hips/asses, virginity, ahegao, denial, masks, tummies, sissies/traps, power bottom, feral on humanoid/antrho

[omori-aus-archive]

Here's the filler chapter. Note that this chapter can be skipped and is not necessary to read.

As it features elements found in the game's Deeper Well Tree segment, the chapter is underneath the line below, hidden.

Again, you are free to skip or read the chapter, based on your own comfort.

Interlude Chapter for Arc 5: The Sun’s Aid

-----------------------------------------------

(In the CONCERT HALL….)

The yellow-hued Sunny, in MEMENTO MORI, watched Hikki as she slumped against a bench in the CONCERT HALL, beaten and exhausted. "Are you alright?" He asked, before receiving a grunt.

Hikki was bruised and bleeding, not to mention tired. The boy gave a concerned expression, sitting in midair as he tapped his chin. He wanted to help her, but he didn’t exactly have any medical knowledge.

He then gave a look at his body, turning to face the doppelganger, before sighing. The boy was taking a risk by using this idea, but there was a chance it might work. Plus, it might help Mari's mental health.

"Sis." The boy called out, getting Hikki's attention. "I'm going to do something to myself that will help you." The two audibly heard Mari panicking in her sleep, cuing the boy to reassure her with a smile.

"Relax. I'll still be with you, but I won't be in MEMENTO MORI for a bit." He explained.

The yellow-hued Sunny then sat next to Hikki, before pressing his hand into his chest. "I promise. Sunny’ll still be with you when you wake up." He explained, before he disintegrated....leaving an apple in his place.

Hikki just stared at the apple now residing in her lap. Just a plain and healthy-looking apple.

….

….

Hikki noticed that Mari had woken up, leaving her alone. The doppelganger's stomach growled, cuing her to sigh. "Very well, Sunny. I'll honor your offering." She mumbled, taking the apple and biting into it....

It tasted delicious….

The young woman began biting into it again. And again. And again.

It seemed….a little too eagerly.... It was like she was craving the apple. Like she desperately needed it.

The doppelganger didn't seem to have an issue with this, much to her surprise. Her wounds were healing and she felt herself getting stronger.

Maybe she'd ask Sunny to lend her this power more often.

Provided Mari decided not to intervene…. Hikki knew damn well that Mari would have a huge problem with this.

Omori: My Only Sunshine (HIKKI/OMARI AU)

(Cover art by @leggyre and edited by me.)

—————————————————————

Prologue: Life and Death of Sunny Hinode Nisshoku

-----------------------------------------------

From his birth up to age 9, Sunny's life was as happy as he could’ve wanted it. He had amazing friends in Hero, Kel, Basil George, and Aubrey Qaletaqa. He has two great parents. And of course, he had the world's best sister, Mari Ame Shitsuren Nisshoku.

However, at age 10, he began to have....issues with his health. It wasn't too serious though. Just severe exhaustion. Though he wasn't the only one to notice them either....

So did his friends and family....

Mari tried to suggest that he should see a doctor, but decided not to argue with her brother on it. She knew how much he hated arguing. If it became dangerous, she'd immediately let their parents know.

The siblings' parents managed to convince Sunny to see a doctor, but found nothing abnormal....

This continued until he was 12.

Then during the fall after his birthday, while practicing for a recital, Mari began to notice that her brother was struggling. Not just with his practice, but his health as well.

He was feeling pain in his chest....

She tried to convince Sunny to relax, only to panic as her brother fell unconscious in her arms. Laying her brother on the couch, she quickly grabbed the phone and called for an ambulance.

She then called her parents about what happened....

Sunny was diagnosed with a heart defect and the doctors explained that he'll live to 18 at most, if he didn't receive a surgery.

And just like that, Sunny's life went downhill....

-----------------------------------

Sunny's bedroom was moved downstairs to help his heart....

At age 13, Sunny was recommended to use a wheelchair. He ended up having frequent visits to the hospital and Mari, in spite of the doctors' wishes, managed to bring Sunny outside to hang out with his friends.

Their parents were VERY proud of them, on the other hand. The siblings' father would start working from home, so that way he could help his son and spend time with him.

He felt like he was a poor influence on his children....and realized he needed to fix that....

Mari would follow his example and completely quit playing the piano and doing college prep so that she could focus on helping and spending time with her baby brother.

She hoped that, in doing so....just maybe, he could recover. And if he couldn't, would at least be able to do whatever he still wants to do....

Unfortunately, by the time he's 15 and a half years of age....and after new years, Sunny was then stuck at the hospital. His defect was getting worse....

Realizing that he probably didn't have much time left, he did the only thing he could do. He had conversations with everyone, spending as much time as possible before his time came.

In that early-January, Sunny spoke with Hero, making him promise to make sure that Mari was safe and treated well. In mid-February, he talked to Basil to let him know how much he meant to him.

He was somewhat aware of Basil's crush on him....but couldn't bring himself to break the blonde's heart.

In late March, he spoke with Mari. He immediately noticed that his dear sister was not doing great. She was beginning to become very anxious....and tired....

She had not been sleeping well....

Mari then brought up her idea to potentially donate her heart to Sunny, so that he may live....

Of course, Sunny was immediately against it, not wanting to live in a world without his sister. Mari, on the other hand, refused to live in a world where Sunny was dead.

The conversation was cut short as visiting hours were almost up for the day....

Mari and Sunny both felt awful, as they thought they only made things worse....

In early-April, he told Kel that he would always be a brother to him and pleaded with him to keep their friends safe. In late-May, he finally confessed his feelings to Aubrey....and shortly afterwards, agreed to having a heart transplant surgery.

Finally in June....and on his birthday, Mari and Sunny had more conversations.

Sunny could tell that Mari is scared of losing him. He was scared of not returning as well. He tried his best to reassure Mari that he lived a happy life, even though it hadn't been what he thought it'd be....

However, he knew that Mari was too scared and saddened to be convinced otherwise. The rest of the visit was spent with Sunny holding his big sister in his arms, whispering to her that this wasn't her fault....

That she was the best sister he could ask for, regardless of her flaws....

That he loved her....and was proud of her with everything that he was....

The two of them fell asleep at the hospital....

Mari was brought home in her sleep. Sunny was still asleep by the time he's brought to surgery the next day.

He realized that his last birthday present was he and Mari being by each other's side.

Despite everything, Sunny was content with it...

....

....

The next day, Mari arrived at the hospital in panic, demanding to know where Sunny is.

When she was told that her brother didn't make it, her panic turned to shock....that he didn't survive the surgery. Then into anger....that "nothing" could've been done. Then finally, heartbreak....that she's lost her baby brother.

....

Aubrey arrived some time later to return her feelings to Sunny....only to see Mari sobbing in the visitors room. She then cried with her after finding out what happened.

Basil, Aubrey, and Kel were 16. Like Sunny.

Mari and Hero were 19.

-----------------------------------

In July was Sunny's funeral. Mari's last gift to him was a moon necklace, so that a part of her would always be with him as he headed to the afterlife.

In August, the young woman began to go through a depressive process of creating a dream world and a doppelganger named Hikki, so that she could live in a world where she didn't lose Sunny.

For Aubrey and Basil, they talked about Sunny and their regrets....before Aubrey unintentionally revealed that Sunny confessed to her.

Basil left without a word, becoming jealous and cold towards her as a result.

Kel eventually became the brother-figure of the group while Hero and Mari were at college.

In September, Mari and Hero did indeed go to college. However, Hikki was mainly in control of Mari's body, letting Mari spend time in her dream world named Headspace.

As a result, their relationship began to strain.

....

....

Mari then remembered that she had been living a lie in her head.

In tears, she reluctantly said goodbye to her Headspace's version of her baby brother, hugging him one more time before he disappeared. Hikki didn’t stop her, letting her take control of her body once more.

Mari then took a look at the college calendar, finding out in shock that she had been living a lie for almost a year.

In the following April, Mari did her best to determine what she was going to do. Ultimately, she decided to return home to family. She quickly signed up for online learning in May, before talking to Hero.

They officially broke up....

Mari couldn't risk straining their relationship any further....

She couldn't continue their relationship when she wasn't herself for months....

Mari then returned to her parents, before explaining them to what happened. And in spite of everything, she was welcomed home in loving arms.

She then called Aubrey, successfully wishing her a happy birthday, before agreeing to meet up with Sunny.

-----------------------------------

(Early June....)

"Hey, Sunny...." Aubrey whispered, sitting in front of Sunny's grave. "Mari will be arriving soon. I know you miss her." She tried giving a small smile, "She misses you too...." It had been one whole year since he passed away.

She couldn't believe it had already been a full year....

He would've been 17 now....

"I hope you're doing well....and staying safe, wherever you are...." The teenager said. She then lowered her head, letting out a sad sigh, "I'm so sorry....for not returning your feelings sooner...."

She still hated herself for not confessing to Sunny before he passed on....

She regretted....not sharing her first kiss with him....

She regretted not saying "I love you" to him....

"I....may be in a relationship with someone...." Aubrey admitted, before taking a deep breath. "But YOU....will ALWAYS be my first love...." She felt a few tears run down her face as she whispered, "My heart....will ALWAYS belong to you.... I....hope you know that...."

After a few moments, the teenager wiped her tears, before filling Sunny in on what had been happening since her last visit.

Mari soon arrived and joined her. Aubrey could tell she was miserable....but her eyes looked....far more clear.

It was like she realized something....

The young woman leaned against Aubrey, explaining what had happened last week. Firstly, she had broken up with Hero. The relationship was becoming strained....and Mari didn't want Hero to suffer more because of her....

Secondly, she had stopped trying to live a lie.... She explained that she had tried to create a false reality in her head.

A reality where Sunny was still alive.

Where he wasn't sick.

Mari stopped....because she realized that Sunny wasn't going to come back....

All Aubrey could do for her was comfort her as the young woman cried....

-----------------------------------

After an hour or so, Mari and Aubrey went back to Mari's house as a storm began to arrive. Aubrey called her father about the situation, before hanging up.

The high-schooler helped Mari get out candles and flashlights, before sitting on the couch. "I'm guessing....the break-up went poorly?" She asked, receiving a small nod from the college student.

"To me, yeah.... I feel guilty about it. Like I just broke Hero's heart...." Mari explained. She then sat next to Aubrey, curling up as she said, "I think he hates me for it....even though it was for the best...."

Aubrey nodded, before hugging the young woman, giving a remorseful expression. "I'm so sorry, Mari...." She whispered, rubbing Mari's shoulder to comfort her.

There was a few moments of silence as Mari leaned against the teenager, before asking, "Has Basil talked to you yet....?" "No...." Aubrey sighed. "Still giving me a judgmental glare...."

Mari nodded. She wasn't sure if she should tell Aubrey that Basil was jealous....

....

....

Maybe she should....

"He's jealous of you....because Sunny loved you...." The college student explained. The teenager blinked at her, before sighing, "I....figured.... He was very close to Sunny, so....."

She then rubbed her eyes, whispering, "I guess....Basil should hate me...." "Because I LOVED him...." Aubrey admitted. "I LOVED Sunny...." Mari sat up as she gave a shocked expression.

The teenager lowered her head, "I loved him....and I wasn't able to return those feelings...." "My heart....will ALWAYS be his...." She explained, feeling tears run down her cheeks.

Aubrey then felt Mari cup her cheek and wipe the tears away. She was smiling for the first time in a whole year....even though it was small.

"I'd be honored....to call you my sister-in-law...." The college student explained.

....

Without another word, Aubrey hugged Mari tightly, feeling the college student hold her. "Thank you for loving him...." Mari whispered. "Thank you....for being here for us...."

-----------------------------------

The next year after Sunny's death is....slow.

Mari was desperately trying to reunite with Kel and Basil, even while she and Hikki debated as to whether or not Mari deserved Sunny in the first place.

....

....

She always wondered how her baby brother was doing....

Ever since he died, Mari always hoped that Sunny was happy.

That he was safe.

-----------------------------------------------

So here's the prologue! I was told that one would be good, so here it is. This shows you what Sunny's life was like before his death and is told from a third person perspective.

[recentanimenews]

Oregairu 3 – 11 – The Best Time to Buy In

“There are infinite ways to express a single word,” says Shizuka-sensei, literally illustrating that by writing all the rather harsh negative words she can conjure to describe her relationship with Hikki, then scribbling them all over until the word “love” remains. She tells Hikki if he can’t find a single word, use all the words he needs (he’s no stranger to this practice). If words aren’t enough, pair them up with actions.

This week, Hikki does just that. He finds his words—not the ideal words or the words easiest to understand—but the words that are at least imperfectly sufficient to get his point across, and he pairs them up with bold action. The next day after school Hikki shares an afternoon of nothing with Yui, and she tells him her wish is for Yukinon to be part of them.

With the end of the service club, that seems unlikely to be east or even possible for Hikki, who is so bad at expressing or responding to people’s feelings. The word he uses most is associated, as in he does not want to stop being associated with Yukino.

When Yui hears this, a heartbreaking display of emotions runs across her face, but to her surprise and pride, no tears come out. They do, however, come out once she comes home, and her mom is there to hug her. For all the words Yui and Hikki said, the ones that are meant are “Yui, it’s not you, I love…it’s Yukino”. What she knew all along.

On to Hikki’s action. With the prom over and the service club disbanded, he decides to take his fake decoy prom out of mothballs and make it an actual thing, lack of resources be damned. This provokes an emergency meeting with Yukino, Yukino’s mom, and Haruno, the latter of whom seems to finally be getting satisfaction from how Hikki is doing things.

In effect, Hikki is setting himself for abject failure…unless Yukino takes charge and “saves” him. As someone who ran the first prom so splendidly her mother acknowledged her, Yukino couldn’t save face if she turned this down, and the Yukinoshita family would suffer a blow to its vaunted reputation. So she accepts.

In return, Hikki says he’ll “take responsibility” for anything and everything that results from this supposedly ill-fated venture. Even though none of the words explicitly indicate it, the exchange sounds an awful lot like Hikki is asking Yukino’s mom for her daughter’s hand in marriage.

In the end, the PTO had no say in whether the fake prom became real, so Hikki wasn’t negotiating with Yukino’s mom or Haruno. It was all about creating a new opportunity to regularly associate with Yukino…and she took the bait. That night while walking home, Yukino is confused about what Hikki thinks he’s doing, when she told him to respect Yui’s wish.

Since Yui’s wish is for the three of them to remain together, Hikki tells Yukino he’s fulfilling Yui’s wish by doing this. This angers Yukino, who doesn’t like all the verbal gymnastics being used and wants to “get better at doing this”, but Hikki is more pessimistic: in the process of trying to get better, he believes they’ll drift further apart.

Hikki streamlines these sentiments with a pretty cool line: “If I let you go, I can’t grab hold of you again,” backing up the words by grabbing her hand as she power walks away. He then clarifies that saying he’ll “take responsibility” isn’t sufficient to express his true emotions about it. What he really wants is to have responsibility; for her to let him have it.

Initially Hikki hesitated in telling Yukino what he wanted, but Yui told him he had to tell Yukino anyway, even if it’s not the same thing she wants. So he does: he wants to remain involved with Yukino, not out of obligation, but desire. Putting it only the way Hikki can, he asks for the “privilege of distorting” Yukino’s life.

Yukino is a little put off by the innate harshness of such a word as “distortion”, but Hikki points out that distorting each other’s lives is not only unavoidable, but not a bad thing. And while he knows he doesn’t have a lot to offer her, he pledges anything and everything if he can be involved in her life.

A flustered Yukino tells him she’s troublesome and will cause nothing but problems and will eventually become more useless when she relies on him. He responds that he’ll just have to become more useless. After she play punches him and he tenderly takes her hand and holds it at his hear, she hugs him and asks her way: “Please allow me to have your life.”

“A bit stiff,” as Hikki says, but he’s hardly in a position to complain! And that, my friends, is how these two crazy kids confess to one another and ask to continue to be part of each other’s lives. I feel bad for Yui, but she’ll be okay. And that’s the point: no matter how much of a SNAFU their relationships have been or will be, they’re still young, and still learning what romance is and how love feels. They’re all going to be okay!

By: sesameacrylic

[stingslikeabee]

Kazuya bumped into his mother quietly, a small smile on his face. At seventeen, he was his father's height, and he towered over her. His shaggy locks had been pulled out of his face. The teenager was dressed completely in black with a studded leather jacket. Gentle, impossibly dark eyes edged in a smoky liner looked down at Melissa.

"Hey, haha. Can you do me a favor?" Kazuya's voice was as soft as ever. "I need you to ground me, please. Hikari, Emma, and Made are all going to that big school party tonight. Apparently, Hikki-chan's friends won't stop bugging her to see if I'm coming. I know she's going to barge in here and drag my ass out any second, so I could use a good excuse. It's way too many people, and Niran won't even be there. He's got a date." Kazuya groaned lightly at the thought of being strong - armed to attend. His sister was a force of nature, however, and there wasn't much capable of stopping her -- except, of course, a far more powerful storm.

The teenager reached up to straighten one of the studs in his ears. "I was also thinking, since I'm clearly being horrifically punished by not being allowed to leave the house . . . there's this new miniseries about the Jurassic Era that just premiered for streaming today. Maybe, if you're not busy, you and I could start it?"

Kazuya grinned ( a familiar, slanted thing ) then and regarded his mother fondly. She had always been his best friend -- never mind that Niran insisted he held that title. He would rather spend a quiet evening with her, likely lecturing the television indignantly when a program was wildly incorrect about the dinosaurs he adored and studied, than go to any bash on the planet.

unscripted asks . always accepting

Melissa had been distracted in the kitchen for the last hour - she had a sudden craving for chocolate-chip cookies, and decided to bake them herself. It felt strangely like being a kid all over again - this was something Eleanor often did with her daughters during rainy afternoons to accompany a movie on TV and the oldest of the girls had always loved to help her mom with the manual tasks involved in the making of the confections.

The former hostess had just closed the oven and checked her wristwatch when Kazuya approached - his presence around the home was as quiet as his voice was, and she found herself smiling up at her soon - not even an adult for legal purposes and already so useful in reaching for the higher shelves whenever Daigo was not home. The woman brushed some of his hair in place out of habit, just as she liked to do with her husband - and leaned back against the counter while listening to her oldest child’s trouble.

As he described the horrible torment that waited for him (should he be allowed outside, of course), Melissa couldn’t help but grin - his was such a kind and gentle soul, more than hers ever was (or even Daigo’s). In many ways, Kazuya reminded her of one of the twins - no wonder he got along so well with Rose; they were the sort of people that needed no words to communicate. Human companionship for them was always optional - one should feel honored to be selected as a friend, really.

“Your aunt had this clever trick when she wanted to skip school dances and other formal things - she would grab the thermometer and place it really close to a light bulb to make it spike, then would pinch her cheeks to look like she was feverish and sprinkle some water over her face for dramatic effect. Worked almost every time - not like your grandma had the internet to check for other symptoms and what it all meant,” the ex-hostess laughed softly, the memories of her younger sister trying to get out of social events suddenly vivid in her mind.

At Kazuya’s intrigued stare, Melissa cupped his face. “Not going to work for you, sweetheart. I just taught you the secret, so I’ll know if you try the old school method,” at his mock groan of displeasure and playful roll of eyes, the woman snickered again. It was curious how many people always claimed that Hikari was the sunshine of the family, with the flair for dramatics she had so clearly inherited from her mother - but Kazuya had no shortage of comical expressions if he was around someone he trusted - and there was no one else he felt more comfortable to be with than Melissa.

“But you are a very thoughtful boy to volunteer yourself for grounding - I was thinking just now, I may have baked too many cookies. I cannot possibly eat them all by myself; and they won’t taste as good when they are no longer fresh from the oven. So really, I have no choice but to keep you indoors tonight, force-feed you some sugar and watch scientifically inaccurate documentaries with my favorite son. A horrifying fate, hm?”

Melissa then leaned over to press a kiss to Kazuya’s face, and the relieved, grateful sigh that slipped past his lips was just so endearing. Almost every teenager in town would be begging their parents to go out and enjoy themselves - Hikari was constantly negotiating curfew time with Daigo, after all - and yet the oldest of the Dojima kids was just the opposite. Melissa supposed she was grateful for having such a great companion in her own child - not many parents were that fortunate.

“Leave your sister to me - if she tries to complain, I’m not letting her browse through my closet. We’ll see whether Hikari prefers to drag you along over using my jewelry,” the woman arched an eyebrow at her son, who grinned in that familiar way of his, “I guess we both know how that is going to go.”

[omori-aus-archive]

Here's another filler chapter. Note that this chapter can be skipped and is not necessary to read.

As it features elements found in the game's Deeper Well Tree segment, the chapter is underneath the line below, hidden.

Again, you are free to skip or read the chapter, based on your own comfort.

Interlude Chapter for Arc 6: The Corruption Begins

-----------------------------------------------

(In THE CEMETERY….)

She was in THE CEMETERY….again.

Since she was last here, Hikki seemed to be getting....addicted to the power boost the apples Sunny turned into granted. Mari was obviously less than happy with that, but she and her doppelganger have always been at odds.

Since HIkki’s last visit, the ninja-like Sunny had become quite different from his child-like counterpart. He was more stern and serious.

And the dark-robed boy was CERTAINLY not pleased with Hikki's addiction.

"You know, too much of a good thing can cause issues." He explained, receiving a glare from the doppelganger. Hikki gave a hungry smirk, "Why should I care? You brats give Mari and I strength beyond imagination!"

The ninja narrowed his eyes, "Strength that you shouldn't have. Strength that is poisonous to her." He then gave a chuckle, "But if you're so greedy, I'm willing to put you on a leash."

"Come on. Let's see how you like eating me here." The robed boy said with a smirk. "Just don't say I didn't warn you." Hikki's eyebrow twitched in annoyance, before grabbing Sunny by the neck and snapping it.

His body turned into a black apple, which the doppelganger eagerly bit into and ate....

Only to cough up blood and bile....

Hikki looked at her stomach's contents in confusion, before looking at herself in shock....

She seemed so....WEAK.

Sunny's words echoed around her and in her ears....

For the first time, Hikki found herself unable to prevent her own actions. She continued eating the apple until she collapsed to her knees. 

---------------------------

(2:45 AM, Nisshoku Residence….)

Sunny combed Mari's hair as she hugged him tightly. "Easy, sis. You didn't hurt me...." He reassured her with a smile. "Though SHE will think twice from now on. I promise."

He then smirked, "If you'd like, I can do it again if she misbehaves." After a few moments of silence, Mari gave a small nod, sniffing. "Thank you, sunshine." She whispered, letting Sunny nuzzle against her hair like a cat.

Omori: My Only Sunshine (HIKKI/OMARI AU)

(Cover art by @leggyre and edited by me.)

—————————————————————

Prologue: Life and Death of Sunny Hinode Nisshoku

-----------------------------------------------

From his birth up to age 9, Sunny's life was as happy as he could’ve wanted it. He had amazing friends in Hero, Kel, Basil George, and Aubrey Qaletaqa. He has two great parents. And of course, he had the world's best sister, Mari Ame Shitsuren Nisshoku.

However, at age 10, he began to have....issues with his health. It wasn't too serious though. Just severe exhaustion. Though he wasn't the only one to notice them either....

So did his friends and family....

Mari tried to suggest that he should see a doctor, but decided not to argue with her brother on it. She knew how much he hated arguing. If it became dangerous, she'd immediately let their parents know.

The siblings' parents managed to convince Sunny to see a doctor, but found nothing abnormal....

This continued until he was 12.

Then during the fall after his birthday, while practicing for a recital, Mari began to notice that her brother was struggling. Not just with his practice, but his health as well.

He was feeling pain in his chest....

She tried to convince Sunny to relax, only to panic as her brother fell unconscious in her arms. Laying her brother on the couch, she quickly grabbed the phone and called for an ambulance.

She then called her parents about what happened....

Sunny was diagnosed with a heart defect and the doctors explained that he'll live to 18 at most, if he didn't receive a surgery.

And just like that, Sunny's life went downhill....

-----------------------------------

Sunny's bedroom was moved downstairs to help his heart....

At age 13, Sunny was recommended to use a wheelchair. He ended up having frequent visits to the hospital and Mari, in spite of the doctors' wishes, managed to bring Sunny outside to hang out with his friends.

Their parents were VERY proud of them, on the other hand. The siblings' father would start working from home, so that way he could help his son and spend time with him.

He felt like he was a poor influence on his children....and realized he needed to fix that....

Mari would follow his example and completely quit playing the piano and doing college prep so that she could focus on helping and spending time with her baby brother.

She hoped that, in doing so....just maybe, he could recover. And if he couldn't, would at least be able to do whatever he still wants to do....

Unfortunately, by the time he's 15 and a half years of age....and after new years, Sunny was then stuck at the hospital. His defect was getting worse....

Realizing that he probably didn't have much time left, he did the only thing he could do. He had conversations with everyone, spending as much time as possible before his time came.

In that early-January, Sunny spoke with Hero, making him promise to make sure that Mari was safe and treated well. In mid-February, he talked to Basil to let him know how much he meant to him.

He was somewhat aware of Basil's crush on him....but couldn't bring himself to break the blonde's heart.

In late March, he spoke with Mari. He immediately noticed that his dear sister was not doing great. She was beginning to become very anxious....and tired....

She had not been sleeping well....

Mari then brought up her idea to potentially donate her heart to Sunny, so that he may live....

Of course, Sunny was immediately against it, not wanting to live in a world without his sister. Mari, on the other hand, refused to live in a world where Sunny was dead.

The conversation was cut short as visiting hours were almost up for the day....

Mari and Sunny both felt awful, as they thought they only made things worse....

In early-April, he told Kel that he would always be a brother to him and pleaded with him to keep their friends safe. In late-May, he finally confessed his feelings to Aubrey....and shortly afterwards, agreed to having a heart transplant surgery.

Finally in June....and on his birthday, Mari and Sunny had more conversations.

Sunny could tell that Mari is scared of losing him. He was scared of not returning as well. He tried his best to reassure Mari that he lived a happy life, even though it hadn't been what he thought it'd be....

However, he knew that Mari was too scared and saddened to be convinced otherwise. The rest of the visit was spent with Sunny holding his big sister in his arms, whispering to her that this wasn't her fault....

That she was the best sister he could ask for, regardless of her flaws....

That he loved her....and was proud of her with everything that he was....

The two of them fell asleep at the hospital....

Mari was brought home in her sleep. Sunny was still asleep by the time he's brought to surgery the next day.

He realized that his last birthday present was he and Mari being by each other's side.

Despite everything, Sunny was content with it...

....

....

The next day, Mari arrived at the hospital in panic, demanding to know where Sunny is.

When she was told that her brother didn't make it, her panic turned to shock....that he didn't survive the surgery. Then into anger....that "nothing" could've been done. Then finally, heartbreak....that she's lost her baby brother.

....

Aubrey arrived some time later to return her feelings to Sunny....only to see Mari sobbing in the visitors room. She then cried with her after finding out what happened.

Basil, Aubrey, and Kel were 16. Like Sunny.

Mari and Hero were 19.

-----------------------------------

In July was Sunny's funeral. Mari's last gift to him was a moon necklace, so that a part of her would always be with him as he headed to the afterlife.

In August, the young woman began to go through a depressive process of creating a dream world and a doppelganger named Hikki, so that she could live in a world where she didn't lose Sunny.

For Aubrey and Basil, they talked about Sunny and their regrets....before Aubrey unintentionally revealed that Sunny confessed to her.

Basil left without a word, becoming jealous and cold towards her as a result.

Kel eventually became the brother-figure of the group while Hero and Mari were at college.

In September, Mari and Hero did indeed go to college. However, Hikki was mainly in control of Mari's body, letting Mari spend time in her dream world named Headspace.

As a result, their relationship began to strain.

....

....

Mari then remembered that she had been living a lie in her head.

In tears, she reluctantly said goodbye to her Headspace's version of her baby brother, hugging him one more time before he disappeared. Hikki didn’t stop her, letting her take control of her body once more.

Mari then took a look at the college calendar, finding out in shock that she had been living a lie for almost a year.

In the following April, Mari did her best to determine what she was going to do. Ultimately, she decided to return home to family. She quickly signed up for online learning in May, before talking to Hero.

They officially broke up....

Mari couldn't risk straining their relationship any further....

She couldn't continue their relationship when she wasn't herself for months....

Mari then returned to her parents, before explaining them to what happened. And in spite of everything, she was welcomed home in loving arms.

She then called Aubrey, successfully wishing her a happy birthday, before agreeing to meet up with Sunny.

-----------------------------------

(Early June....)

"Hey, Sunny...." Aubrey whispered, sitting in front of Sunny's grave. "Mari will be arriving soon. I know you miss her." She tried giving a small smile, "She misses you too...." It had been one whole year since he passed away.

She couldn't believe it had already been a full year....

He would've been 17 now....

"I hope you're doing well....and staying safe, wherever you are...." The teenager said. She then lowered her head, letting out a sad sigh, "I'm so sorry....for not returning your feelings sooner...."

She still hated herself for not confessing to Sunny before he passed on....

She regretted....not sharing her first kiss with him....

She regretted not saying "I love you" to him....

"I....may be in a relationship with someone...." Aubrey admitted, before taking a deep breath. "But YOU....will ALWAYS be my first love...." She felt a few tears run down her face as she whispered, "My heart....will ALWAYS belong to you.... I....hope you know that...."

After a few moments, the teenager wiped her tears, before filling Sunny in on what had been happening since her last visit.

Mari soon arrived and joined her. Aubrey could tell she was miserable....but her eyes looked....far more clear.

It was like she realized something....

The young woman leaned against Aubrey, explaining what had happened last week. Firstly, she had broken up with Hero. The relationship was becoming strained....and Mari didn't want Hero to suffer more because of her....

Secondly, she had stopped trying to live a lie.... She explained that she had tried to create a false reality in her head.

A reality where Sunny was still alive.

Where he wasn't sick.

Mari stopped....because she realized that Sunny wasn't going to come back....

All Aubrey could do for her was comfort her as the young woman cried....

-----------------------------------

After an hour or so, Mari and Aubrey went back to Mari's house as a storm began to arrive. Aubrey called her father about the situation, before hanging up.

The high-schooler helped Mari get out candles and flashlights, before sitting on the couch. "I'm guessing....the break-up went poorly?" She asked, receiving a small nod from the college student.

"To me, yeah.... I feel guilty about it. Like I just broke Hero's heart...." Mari explained. She then sat next to Aubrey, curling up as she said, "I think he hates me for it....even though it was for the best...."

Aubrey nodded, before hugging the young woman, giving a remorseful expression. "I'm so sorry, Mari...." She whispered, rubbing Mari's shoulder to comfort her.

There was a few moments of silence as Mari leaned against the teenager, before asking, "Has Basil talked to you yet....?" "No...." Aubrey sighed. "Still giving me a judgmental glare...."

Mari nodded. She wasn't sure if she should tell Aubrey that Basil was jealous....

....

....

Maybe she should....

"He's jealous of you....because Sunny loved you...." The college student explained. The teenager blinked at her, before sighing, "I....figured.... He was very close to Sunny, so....."

She then rubbed her eyes, whispering, "I guess....Basil should hate me...." "Because I LOVED him...." Aubrey admitted. "I LOVED Sunny...." Mari sat up as she gave a shocked expression.

The teenager lowered her head, "I loved him....and I wasn't able to return those feelings...." "My heart....will ALWAYS be his...." She explained, feeling tears run down her cheeks.

Aubrey then felt Mari cup her cheek and wipe the tears away. She was smiling for the first time in a whole year....even though it was small.

"I'd be honored....to call you my sister-in-law...." The college student explained.

....

Without another word, Aubrey hugged Mari tightly, feeling the college student hold her. "Thank you for loving him...." Mari whispered. "Thank you....for being here for us...."

-----------------------------------

The next year after Sunny's death is....slow.

Mari was desperately trying to reunite with Kel and Basil, even while she and Hikki debated as to whether or not Mari deserved Sunny in the first place.

....

....

She always wondered how her baby brother was doing....

Ever since he died, Mari always hoped that Sunny was happy.

That he was safe.

-----------------------------------------------

So here's the prologue! I was told that one would be good, so here it is. This shows you what Sunny's life was like before his death and is told from a third person perspective.

[omori-aus-archive]

Chapter 10: Arc 2: The Sun Returning: Methods of Assistance

-----------------------------------------

A/N: For those who are wondering, this takes place some time after this Mari and Sunny visit my Ghost Mari AU and meet their counterparts. Though, only this Sunny remembers it as it actually happening.

-----------------------------------------

(A couple nights later….)

Sunny sat on the edge of his sister’s bed, watching her sleep with a remorseful expression.

He couldn’t help but feel anxious and guilty for Mari’s sleeping issues. Anxious because Mari’s health could begin to deteriorate with her sleeping struggles. And guilty because he felt like he should have been able to do something….

….

….

Maybe he still could….

Sunny looked at his wings, taking a deep breath. He may have been cursed….but maybe he could use this power to his advantage and help his loved ones.

The boy took a deep breath and closed his eyes, before sitting down and focusing his power….

….

….

After a few moments, he opened his eyes to find himself in Mari’s mindscape. “She called it Memento Mori, right?” Sunny whispered to himself, recalling their previous conversations as he took in the warm-colored landscape.

He then took flight with his massive wings, getting an overview of his new location. The boy scratched his chin, wondering what he should do. Mari was most likely going to need his help here too.

The boy looked at his wings, before biting his lip. He wasn’t sure if he could create other Sunnys to make sure Mari stayed healthy in her sleep, but right now, he needed to act.

Sunny took a deep breath, before landing at the boundary between MEMENTO MORI and THE CEMETERY. He then began focusing on what he wanted.

Two trees sprouted before him, each on one side of the boundary and giving life to an apple, which fell and landed in front of him.

The two apples then morphed, each growing and forming their own versions of Sunny.

The youngest of the three, at 12 years old, was in a yellow hue, had smaller and innocent bat wings, and seemed much happier. He was the MEMENTO MORI Sunny.

The darker Sunny was outfitted in ninja-esque robes, armed with kunai knives, and donned skeletal wings. He also had black sclera and white irises. He was THE CEMETERY Sunny.

The true current Sunny then relaxed as he said, “I need you two to make sure that Mari maintains a healthy mindset here.” “I gotta go for now. Please update me on anything.” He explained. He received two nods before leaving back to reality.

The dark clad Sunny gave the younger boy a small nod, patting his shoulder before walking off towards THE CEMETERY. The younger boy gave a giggle, before walking off.

After a few minutes, the yellow hued boy arrived in THE CHURCH, before sitting on the bench. He might as well get comfortable while he was here.

….

….

An hour passed by, before the boy heard someone entering the building. Turning to the side, he noticed a monochromatic young woman standing in the doorway, gawking at the yellow-hued boy.

“How have you returned….?” The young woman asked in a whisper. The youngest Sunny stood, walking over with a small smile, “I’m just here to help. What’s your name?”

The young woman found herself unable to lie.

“Hikki.” She answered, receiving a nod from the boy. The yellow-hued Sunny smiled, “I’m Sunny! Let’s try to get along, okay?” He then extended his arm.

Hikki wasn’t sure what she should do….or if this would benefit Mari at all.

In spite of her awkwardness and uncomfortable emotions, the young woman reluctantly shook the boy’s hand….

And already, she felt like she had fucked up….

-----------------------------------------

And that’s it for Arc 2! I’m aware that this chapter may be on the meh side, but it was the best I could do after dealing with harassment.

But I’m feeling better now, so hopefully, these will be improve.

Omori: My Only Sunshine (HIKKI/OMARI AU)

(Cover art by @leggyre and edited by me.)

—————————————————————

Prologue: Life and Death of Sunny Hinode Nisshoku

-----------------------------------------------

From his birth up to age 9, Sunny's life was as happy as he could’ve wanted it. He had amazing friends in Hero, Kel, Basil George, and Aubrey Qaletaqa. He has two great parents. And of course, he had the world's best sister, Mari Ame Shitsuren Nisshoku.

However, at age 10, he began to have....issues with his health. It wasn't too serious though. Just severe exhaustion. Though he wasn't the only one to notice them either....

So did his friends and family....

Mari tried to suggest that he should see a doctor, but decided not to argue with her brother on it. She knew how much he hated arguing. If it became dangerous, she'd immediately let their parents know.

The siblings' parents managed to convince Sunny to see a doctor, but found nothing abnormal....

This continued until he was 12.

Then during the fall after his birthday, while practicing for a recital, Mari began to notice that her brother was struggling. Not just with his practice, but his health as well.

He was feeling pain in his chest....

She tried to convince Sunny to relax, only to panic as her brother fell unconscious in her arms. Laying her brother on the couch, she quickly grabbed the phone and called for an ambulance.

She then called her parents about what happened....

Sunny was diagnosed with a heart defect and the doctors explained that he'll live to 18 at most, if he didn't receive a surgery.

And just like that, Sunny's life went downhill....

-----------------------------------

Sunny's bedroom was moved downstairs to help his heart....

At age 13, Sunny was recommended to use a wheelchair. He ended up having frequent visits to the hospital and Mari, in spite of the doctors' wishes, managed to bring Sunny outside to hang out with his friends.

Their parents were VERY proud of them, on the other hand. The siblings' father would start working from home, so that way he could help his son and spend time with him.

He felt like he was a poor influence on his children....and realized he needed to fix that....

Mari would follow his example and completely quit playing the piano and doing college prep so that she could focus on helping and spending time with her baby brother.

She hoped that, in doing so....just maybe, he could recover. And if he couldn't, would at least be able to do whatever he still wants to do....

Unfortunately, by the time he's 15 and a half years of age....and after new years, Sunny was then stuck at the hospital. His defect was getting worse....

Realizing that he probably didn't have much time left, he did the only thing he could do. He had conversations with everyone, spending as much time as possible before his time came.

In that early-January, Sunny spoke with Hero, making him promise to make sure that Mari was safe and treated well. In mid-February, he talked to Basil to let him know how much he meant to him.

He was somewhat aware of Basil's crush on him....but couldn't bring himself to break the blonde's heart.

In late March, he spoke with Mari. He immediately noticed that his dear sister was not doing great. She was beginning to become very anxious....and tired....

She had not been sleeping well....

Mari then brought up her idea to potentially donate her heart to Sunny, so that he may live....

Of course, Sunny was immediately against it, not wanting to live in a world without his sister. Mari, on the other hand, refused to live in a world where Sunny was dead.

The conversation was cut short as visiting hours were almost up for the day....

Mari and Sunny both felt awful, as they thought they only made things worse....

In early-April, he told Kel that he would always be a brother to him and pleaded with him to keep their friends safe. In late-May, he finally confessed his feelings to Aubrey....and shortly afterwards, agreed to having a heart transplant surgery.

Finally in June....and on his birthday, Mari and Sunny had more conversations.

Sunny could tell that Mari is scared of losing him. He was scared of not returning as well. He tried his best to reassure Mari that he lived a happy life, even though it hadn't been what he thought it'd be....

However, he knew that Mari was too scared and saddened to be convinced otherwise. The rest of the visit was spent with Sunny holding his big sister in his arms, whispering to her that this wasn't her fault....

That she was the best sister he could ask for, regardless of her flaws....

That he loved her....and was proud of her with everything that he was....

The two of them fell asleep at the hospital....

Mari was brought home in her sleep. Sunny was still asleep by the time he's brought to surgery the next day.

He realized that his last birthday present was he and Mari being by each other's side.

Despite everything, Sunny was content with it...

....

....

The next day, Mari arrived at the hospital in panic, demanding to know where Sunny is.

When she was told that her brother didn't make it, her panic turned to shock....that he didn't survive the surgery. Then into anger....that "nothing" could've been done. Then finally, heartbreak....that she's lost her baby brother.

....

Aubrey arrived some time later to return her feelings to Sunny....only to see Mari sobbing in the visitors room. She then cried with her after finding out what happened.

Basil, Aubrey, and Kel were 16. Like Sunny.

Mari and Hero were 19.

-----------------------------------

In July was Sunny's funeral. Mari's last gift to him was a moon necklace, so that a part of her would always be with him as he headed to the afterlife.

In August, the young woman began to go through a depressive process of creating a dream world and a doppelganger named Hikki, so that she could live in a world where she didn't lose Sunny.

For Aubrey and Basil, they talked about Sunny and their regrets....before Aubrey unintentionally revealed that Sunny confessed to her.

Basil left without a word, becoming jealous and cold towards her as a result.

Kel eventually became the brother-figure of the group while Hero and Mari were at college.

In September, Mari and Hero did indeed go to college. However, Hikki was mainly in control of Mari's body, letting Mari spend time in her dream world named Headspace.

As a result, their relationship began to strain.

....

....

Mari then remembered that she had been living a lie in her head.

In tears, she reluctantly said goodbye to her Headspace's version of her baby brother, hugging him one more time before he disappeared. Hikki didn’t stop her, letting her take control of her body once more.

Mari then took a look at the college calendar, finding out in shock that she had been living a lie for almost a year.

In the following April, Mari did her best to determine what she was going to do. Ultimately, she decided to return home to family. She quickly signed up for online learning in May, before talking to Hero.

They officially broke up....

Mari couldn't risk straining their relationship any further....

She couldn't continue their relationship when she wasn't herself for months....

Mari then returned to her parents, before explaining them to what happened. And in spite of everything, she was welcomed home in loving arms.

She then called Aubrey, successfully wishing her a happy birthday, before agreeing to meet up with Sunny.

-----------------------------------

(Early June....)

"Hey, Sunny...." Aubrey whispered, sitting in front of Sunny's grave. "Mari will be arriving soon. I know you miss her." She tried giving a small smile, "She misses you too...." It had been one whole year since he passed away.

She couldn't believe it had already been a full year....

He would've been 17 now....

"I hope you're doing well....and staying safe, wherever you are...." The teenager said. She then lowered her head, letting out a sad sigh, "I'm so sorry....for not returning your feelings sooner...."

She still hated herself for not confessing to Sunny before he passed on....

She regretted....not sharing her first kiss with him....

She regretted not saying "I love you" to him....

"I....may be in a relationship with someone...." Aubrey admitted, before taking a deep breath. "But YOU....will ALWAYS be my first love...." She felt a few tears run down her face as she whispered, "My heart....will ALWAYS belong to you.... I....hope you know that...."

After a few moments, the teenager wiped her tears, before filling Sunny in on what had been happening since her last visit.

Mari soon arrived and joined her. Aubrey could tell she was miserable....but her eyes looked....far more clear.

It was like she realized something....

The young woman leaned against Aubrey, explaining what had happened last week. Firstly, she had broken up with Hero. The relationship was becoming strained....and Mari didn't want Hero to suffer more because of her....

Secondly, she had stopped trying to live a lie.... She explained that she had tried to create a false reality in her head.

A reality where Sunny was still alive.

Where he wasn't sick.

Mari stopped....because she realized that Sunny wasn't going to come back....

All Aubrey could do for her was comfort her as the young woman cried....

-----------------------------------

After an hour or so, Mari and Aubrey went back to Mari's house as a storm began to arrive. Aubrey called her father about the situation, before hanging up.

The high-schooler helped Mari get out candles and flashlights, before sitting on the couch. "I'm guessing....the break-up went poorly?" She asked, receiving a small nod from the college student.

"To me, yeah.... I feel guilty about it. Like I just broke Hero's heart...." Mari explained. She then sat next to Aubrey, curling up as she said, "I think he hates me for it....even though it was for the best...."

Aubrey nodded, before hugging the young woman, giving a remorseful expression. "I'm so sorry, Mari...." She whispered, rubbing Mari's shoulder to comfort her.

There was a few moments of silence as Mari leaned against the teenager, before asking, "Has Basil talked to you yet....?" "No...." Aubrey sighed. "Still giving me a judgmental glare...."

Mari nodded. She wasn't sure if she should tell Aubrey that Basil was jealous....

....

....

Maybe she should....

"He's jealous of you....because Sunny loved you...." The college student explained. The teenager blinked at her, before sighing, "I....figured.... He was very close to Sunny, so....."

She then rubbed her eyes, whispering, "I guess....Basil should hate me...." "Because I LOVED him...." Aubrey admitted. "I LOVED Sunny...." Mari sat up as she gave a shocked expression.

The teenager lowered her head, "I loved him....and I wasn't able to return those feelings...." "My heart....will ALWAYS be his...." She explained, feeling tears run down her cheeks.

Aubrey then felt Mari cup her cheek and wipe the tears away. She was smiling for the first time in a whole year....even though it was small.

"I'd be honored....to call you my sister-in-law...." The college student explained.

....

Without another word, Aubrey hugged Mari tightly, feeling the college student hold her. "Thank you for loving him...." Mari whispered. "Thank you....for being here for us...."

-----------------------------------

The next year after Sunny's death is....slow.

Mari was desperately trying to reunite with Kel and Basil, even while she and Hikki debated as to whether or not Mari deserved Sunny in the first place.

....

....

She always wondered how her baby brother was doing....

Ever since he died, Mari always hoped that Sunny was happy.

That he was safe.

-----------------------------------------------

So here's the prologue! I was told that one would be good, so here it is. This shows you what Sunny's life was like before his death and is told from a third person perspective.