Omori Adult AU Chapter 4 A day in the life of, an omori fanfic

Happy New Year (a day early)

Finally uploading the first chapter of the "soft reboot" this should've been done way earlier but I took the time to read and re-read this multiple times to clean up errors and add even more things since this is meant to be the big setup chapter that of course still has a semi-self contained story (despite the numerous references/foreshadowing)

please be constructive in any criticism

later chapters will be much shorter being more slice of life to further establish certain things until well if you have played Omori and read the past chapter you may already know, but I still have a few surprises in store :)

However I must once again apologize for another potential hiatus since I must focus on another story I really like for the time being, it should take less time though

thank you for reading

*BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ* *BUZZ*-

*click*

Early Morning

The early morning sun pierced through the curtains, casting a warm, golden hue over Sunny's small apartment. He groaned as he slowly roused from his slumber. It was another day in the city, and it was time to face the world. Even if the world didn't really care he was there in the first place which for better or worse...was preferred.

Sunny's daily routine had become a monotonous rhythm. He'd awaken, take a long, hot shower to shake off the remnants of his dreams (or lack thereof), and spend some time staring at the cracked bathroom mirror.

He never took interest in how he'd look, his coworkers gave him the nick name of "The Ring/Grudge guy" because of how his long black hair covered his face, even though most of the time his hair was tied up in a ponytail (but the braid broke one time which is when the nickname came about).

Sunny tied up his hair to see...those eyes, eyes that were once filled with youthful innocence, now held a heavy weight that was almost unbearable and sometimes...he would see so-

After quickly getting out of the bathroom and getting dressed in simple, dark clothes, he'd head to the kitchen. The refrigerator was mostly empty, save for a few leftovers from last night. Cooking wasn't his forte, but he managed to throw together something resembling breakfast. As he ate, he glanced at the clock, realizing he had a bit of time before he had to start work on his webcomic and later to his actual work.

Sunny's apartment was filled with art supplies, drawing boards, and half-finished sketches. He had become a recluse, pouring his energy into his creations and shutting himself off from the world outside (until he needed to go out for the obvious groceries and/or the secret training, he indulged in from time to time). Headspace and White Space were just distant memories. Now he's focused on reality and his job, Sunny's job is that of a Freelance Artist/Animator.

He's mainly an in-between animator which are the frames that are...well in-between the more expressive and impactful frames of an animation though every so often he is given a chance to show his skills and for the most part they are quite good.

When it comes to art, The art style of Sunny ranges from simplistic almost childlike drawings to abstract surrealism that gets quite disturbing (even if the meaning was lost on most people...if there was one at all). All of this to say, Sunny had talent...The "problem" is that he only applied most that talent to his webcomic "OMORI"

As Sunny finished his breakfast and got ready to work on more pages for the comic he stopped suddenly, for no real reason...

then he started to shake, he starred at the palm of his right hand and then down to his arm and began to scratch at it...

"S-soon" said Sunny to Nothing (for to acknowledge it would give it strength)

"I-I NEED...to do this...please...people should know at least" Sunny said practically begging to SOM-

*GASP*

Sunny finds himself on his bed again...

he...will...work on the comic...

...another time...

...

Morning to Noon

Sunny was never good at remembering names even back in the small Faraway town he could barely remember the names of the streets he walked across every day, yet strangely could remember the physical places and buildings very well like the stores, the park, where his home was along with the others and...and the hide-

Sunny: *rrggh*

Sunny shakes his head abruptly catching some of the passengers on the bus he's on off guard, especially the one person who was walking right behind him and got swatted by his hair (mainly the tail).

Stranger: pffpft! The hell man?!

Sunny turns around to see a rather stand-offish fellow, looked like a gangster a bit tan with orange hair and some piercings on the ears, seemed to be in his mid to late 30s, he could barely make out the words of the T-shirt under his ripped up jacket all he could catch was "-ENO- FOR-IF-" in a rather crude font, not appealing at all, was that the point? Or-

Stranger: Yo, you braindead or something? Or are you just waiting for me to straighten you out like the bitch you are?

Was that a threat? And an insult probably, a younger me would have bawled my eyes out by now. However, I know how to deescalate the situation. Speak and show no fear (not much to be afraid of anyway)

Sunny: I'm sorry I did that to you; I was in my own head until I realized...I was cold, and I started to shake

Stranger: Cold!? How are you cold!? (Angry but now confused

I simply pointed up, for I was underneath the air conditioning of the bus, the stranger just got on the bus from the blazing heat sooo...

Stranger: tch Pussy! (he lunged at sunny who did filch but not by much...was enough for him though)

The stranger left Sunny, and Sunny simply turned around and stood in the same spot seemingly unfazed by what just occurred with everyone else on the bus mummering on about the event, it stayed like that until Sunny reached his stop.

So how was Sunny feeling...

Not great! Not because of the...gangster who threatened him with violence, this was shockingly the farthest thing from Sunny's mind but instead the "problem" for him at least were...the eyes...

It's debatable whether Sunny has any form of social anxiety all that can be said is that when it comes to any form of Attention there is a threshold that must be kept in check, when it came to the gangster Sunny only focused on him in order to resolve the tension as effectively as possible just like how his mother and master taught him, afterwards...when everyone on the bus stared at him...

123

1234

A counting method to help curb his...fear...he doesn't know why it works it just does

*Creak*

He opens the bathroom door and exits out into the lobby to check in, he has a job to do and is going to do it...

At Job

Tucked away in a converted warehouse on the outskirts of the city, an indie animation studio thrived in its unassuming charm. A mosaic of stickers and graffiti adorned the door, reflecting the eclectic tastes of the artists who called this place home.

Inside, the studio buzzed with a dynamic synergy of passion and creativity. Open workspaces sprawled across the expansive floor, each cluttered with sketches, storyboards, and vibrant concept art. Desks bore the marks of countless late-night sessions, scattered with an array of animation tablets, coffee mugs, and scattered post-it notes detailing the next burst of inspiration.

The air was filled with the hum of computers and the occasional rustle of paper as animators meticulously brought characters to life frame by frame. The walls, painted in bold, contrasting colors, doubled as makeshift galleries showcasing the studio's diverse range of projects — from quirky shorts to ambitious feature films (that would never be made...maybe).

The heart of the studio, a communal lounge area, served as both a brainstorming hub and a haven for quick breaks. Potted plants and mismatched furniture created a cozy, bohemian vibe, encouraging spontaneous discussions and impromptu collaborations.

The spirit of independence and creativity was palpable in every nook and cranny. A makeshift kitchenette, adorned with doodles and doodads, offered a steady supply of coffee and snacks, fueling the animators through marathon sessions of creativity.

The studio's charm lay not in its polished aesthetics, but in the raw, unfiltered energy that permeated the space. It was a haven for dreamers and storytellers, where the unconventional thrived, and the boundary between work and play blurred into a seamless tapestry of imagination. And Sunny hates every single second he's in here.

Since Sunny is a Freelancer, he can pick and choose what places he can work at, and for a few months now he worked at this place "WhimsiScape Studios" a name that combines the words "whimsical" and "scape" to create a name that suggests a creative and imaginative space (didn't we go over this already?), 'dreamlike" even. The irony of this name (and the aesthetics of the building) was not lost on Sunny he simply did not care, nor did he care about the people in it...except for...

They gave him a job and he did what was asked of him, he did the work on time and never tried to overachieve, whether it was something for a commercial or a quick drawing for a producer, maybe an episode or two for some TV show, whatever it was, he did it. Recently the studio caught a big break. A producer finally greenlit a movie for the studio to work on. Apparently, it's a huge passion project from one of the higher ups, already has a script and story boards all that's left is you guessed it the animation.

Again, Sunny did not care, there may have been a time when he would have been envious of the person finally having a dream fulfilled or maybe be inspired to follow his own dreams...if he had any or deserved any.

Either way he sticks to himself in one of the many rooms reserved for the animation team, he has yet to be given an assignment, so he has decided to do some doodling.

?: poke

Sunny froze in a moment of absolute fear...to then realize who that soft voice belonged to

Sunny: *sigh* this is why no one likes Rain

Rain: oh don't be like that you were staring at the Drawing pad for so long I thought you were gonna headbutt it or something

Sunny: I was just-

Rain: lost in thought and drawing?

Sunny scoffed at the remark but smiled nonetheless along with Rain who brought with her drinks like soda and gatorade

Who is Rain? Well first the name, according to Rain one of her Parents was a "descendent" of sorts from the Hippie culture of the 1960's and 70's and while said culture was way more interesting than people give it credit for (to Sunny at least) the naming convention that the Hippies gave themselves or their children was odd to say the least, long story short Rain was given the same name as her Great Grandfather as a way to honor his memory and accomplishments. According to her Family she acts a lot like him thus it seemed appropriate (also the name Rain is considered Unisex by the hippies), Finally she's around the same age as Sunny.

Rain: ugh I can't believe were working on this movie man

Sunny; isn't that good? I know it takes a long while but-

Rain: no no it's not about the work, it's about the message we should send

Sunny looked at her with bewilderment

Rain: look this movie is about "guy meets girl, plot happens" and hey everyone likes a good romance me included but I swear this is the most bare bones story I have EVER seen

Sunny: says the academy award winning writer?

Rain: Hey fanfiction may not count but along with art I also took a lot writing classes and did very well, made a few novels too that sold pretty well, I'm just not a Houshold name and I want to keep it that way...for now at least. Anyway-

As Sunny stared at the women he wondered to himself, why was she talking to me? He kept staring as she was talking on and on about things like the environment, stuff happening all over the world, why plant-based meat was in fact not that good...

He liked her shoes a nice and calming turquoise the brand was some lesser known one probably had better materials and were environmentally friendly

He liked her skirt shorts and leggings; the skirt was a mixture of pure blues and greens kind of like turquoise while the leggings were black probably to stand out

He liked her Jacket or maybe it was a coat? Either way the coat was blue while the shirt underneath was green (her nails were the same way to)

He liked her black Hair but always wondered why she had her bangs cover one of her eyes which of course has some color to it Greens and blues obviously (probably inspired by some ani- wait why are we thinking about this?)

(Hold on...did she stop talking!?)

Her eyes, the left was blue the right was green, so nice to look at (is she holding your hand?-HEY STOP THIS NOW!)

Her lips a nice, yet vibrant pink (are we getting closer? How DARE YOU! NO STOP!)

Out of everyone here she chose to talk to you (creep) you don't know why (don't flatter yourself) You avoided trying to make friends (it should stay that way) yet she never stopped trying (you should've showed her who you really are) and that's why we're here now...

...YOU DON'T DESERVE THIS...

(I know)

Some guy: hey hey party people!

Other guy: where's our favorite writer!

Rain: h-huh!? What? me!?

Two guys Rudely (deservedly) butt into our...conversation...I wonder if-(I hope they did)

…

Rain: so...the rat bastard Nolan has decided to...without my consent or heads up to put ME as co-writer for this project.

Some guy: you...don't have to insult the guy

Other guy: also you weren't the first choice but considering the plot and your fantastic writing accolades they felt you were the best choice for the "girl touch" along with general improvements to the script and any changes major or minor you want to make just...don't go overboard

Rain: of fucking course you would think that, also what's the owner of a multi-BILLION-dollar company going do about some random girl talking shit, nothing because I bet, he deservedly hears worse every day. Also why do you know this (points at the other guy)

Sunny: But Rain you're an animator, a good one in fact which is why I think this is a bad idea

The two guys look at me intensely

Some guy: are you doubting her grudge guy? (he says with a sneer)

Other guy: maybe you should keep your thoughts to yourself, why are you even here? Have you even done any work?

Rain: shut up you two!

The two guys go quiet looking at Rain with confusion on their faces

Rain: thanks for the concern, Sunny (she grabs his hand) but I think this will be a great opportunity for the both of us

Sunny: H-how? (you know what don't let go)

Rain: that I will have to iron out probably in some stupid meeting, but I'll make it work, until then (she takes out here phone) here let's exchange contact information

I do just that, t-this is a bad idea I mean what do I even- those two are looking at me, yet I don't feel any anxiety, but I do feel their anger and for some reason...I'm feeling ANGRY too... (Whatever happens is on YOU) always has been

Rain: Alright if you see something from me don't ignore it ok 😊

Sunny: right (in a very deadpan way which she didn't notice or didn't mind)

Rain then leaves Sunny to his work not even acknowledging the two guys who were there the whole time as she did. The three then stare each other down...

Some douche: you better watch your back mate

Other asshole: yeah, don't feel so good about yourself she'll forget about this in a week, 2 tops

Sunny: yeah, I feel sorry for you two I mean you're losing to a guy who isn't even competing must be horrible to be less than nothing

The douche is genuinely taken aback by the fact that Sunny the seemingly shy quite introvert just spoke a witty comeback a spicy one at that, the asshole meanwhile took a little while to figure it out, but when he did both were left flabbergasted

Sunny returned to his tablet waiting for whatever work he had to do completely ignoring the 2 man children trying to think of something, anything to "bite back". Sunny could sense the urge to be "physical" coming from them but he knew they wouldn't dare go through with it here...unless they think they can get away with it in which case-

*WHISTLE*

It seems their break is over, and they leave. Good I didn't want to clean up the mess...yet

Evening

Normally after work is done Sunny goes straight back home though sometimes, he walks without taking the bus to get a bit of exercise, sometimes Rain walks with him for a time, and sometimes he gets groceries and/or some fast food to then go to the "secret spot". However today for...no real reason he decided to "randomly" walk around the city for a bit (despite taking a specific path) while running some errands and at some point, decides to rest at some "random" dive bar called Drinking Joe's. He enters and sits at the counter waiting for...

"Joe": YOLO Sunshine how's my favorite non-customer!

Sunny: just dandy despite you saying that, dandy enough to ask for a favor

"Joe": For you Sun almost anything! But you're going to owe me now, right?

Sunny: you sure? Cause you still owe me for that little "debt collection scam" from awhile back

"Joe": hey I was trying to con the con men; my friend does this all the time you have to-

Sunny: I don't care, first our usual deal and then the favor

"Joe": alright then let's see...

The two got comfortable before getting started, this dive bar was nestled in a nondescript corner of the city and carried with it an air of worn authenticity. The bar itself (despite being currently empty) is a weathered altar to camaraderie and escapism with stains and scars from countless spills and fervent discussions. Flickering overhead lights cast a sepia-toned glow, revealing the patina of age on vintage beer signs and tattered sports memorabilia that adorned the walls.

In one corner, a pool table that bore witness to many friendly rivalries, its worn felt testament to years of boisterous competition and in another corner a jukebox connected to a karaoke stage a place for those who are courageous enough to try their luck in wowing their friends along with any onlookers by showing off their hidden talents...or be completely embarrassed since they drank too much "liquid courage" to do anything halfway decent.

What does any of this have to do with the "deal" that sunny spoke of? Well it's quite simple, "Joe" has..."been around" to put it bluntly and has quite a few tales to tell and he tells these stories to Sunny why? Well through various circumstances, misunderstandings, and many MANY literal plot twists, a deal of sorts was struck in where "Joe" would tell Sunny these stories in order to help him be inspired to "draw" these stories...you heard that right Sunny essentially makes a series of paintings that abstractly tells the story he hears from "Joe" who witnessed said stories unfolds (definitely not knowing all the details) and through a pen name (uncreatively called "Memento") along with "Joe's special connections" he sells these paintings to anyone who wants to buy them.

You'd think this wouldn't work and it really shouldn't have but it did and surprisingly well. The allure of mystery, combined with Sunny's artistic interpretation, turned out to be a winning combination. The paintings, with their abstract beauty and hidden narratives, captivated the imaginations of art enthusiasts and collectors alike. Naturally the profits from this venture are split between the two partners with "Joe" getting 70% and Sunny getting 30% the reason for such an uneven tradeoff is better left unsaid...for now...

"Joe": there was some women named Margeret drinking away her sorrows over some HEN-Z fellow

Sunny looked at with him with a blank expression

"Joe": It's spelled exactly how it sounds; next an odd pairing a father and his daughter, the daughter of course was old enough to drink but only drank some of the soda I got here, The father asked me if the daughter could practice their music here via the juke box and kareoke stage, I said I'll think about it since I don't want to make too much ruckus but it might be a good story as a matter of fact the daughter-

Music...Sunny was being contemplative but motioned to move on not hearing what "Joe" had to say

"Joe": lastly...someone drank all the orange joe

Sunny...is...surpri-

Sunny: WHAT!?

"Joe": yeah, drank all of them, did it on a bet and I lost

Sunny: w-w-w-what were the terms of the be- who was he!?

"Joe": how'd you know it was a guy?

Before Sunny could answer three people come in the bar

Nathan: ugh this place is a dump (the douche also the financial manager of the studio, wears almost exclusively purple clothing, he might be rich since he's very bad at hiding his Rolex watches and I can smell to overpriced bullshit he puts on his black hair, Nepotism is a bitch and is probably around my age)

Johnny: hey so long there's booze I don't mind (the gangster not much more to say about him other than his heavy air of... sleaze, it's a wonder he hasn't been caught...yet)

Dick: *sigh* if I see HIS face again, I'll pound it into mush! (the asshole just a janitor at the studio, real name Richard, looks like he's a sports fan with his yellow jersey covered by a varsity Jaket, don't care what the team is, or the sport all that I see are problems like his long limbs, seems younger than all of us but not by much somehow friends with Nathan)

They walk past Sunny seemingly not noticing him sitting at the other end of the counter just like always, Sunny also takes off his braid

Johnny: what's got you pissy?

Nathan: some guy at work, the most uninteresting guy of all time

Dick: what does she see in him! I mean really a guy like that who keeps to himself all time has got to be a creep

(oh, how right they are)

Johnny: Oh it's some girl trouble, then *whistle* bartender 3 drinks on me today gives us the best you got

"Joe": you got it boss

Nathan: can you actually pay? I don't have any physical cash on me but if this place excepts-

Johnny flashed some bills in front of Nathan's face clearly stolen from someone

Nathan: and where did you get that (he says while rubbing his temple)

Johnny: relax it was just some old rich guy he won't a few...hundred...thousand bills...I think we can pay for the drinks with just one of these

"Joe": here you go boys the best stuff like you said

Dick: Thank you, barkeep. Now we will drink until at least two of us can't drink no more and whoever is left standing will take "the spoils"

Johnny: Yeah!

Nathan: No

Johnny: Come on man!

Nathan: look I'm pretty sure getting black out drunk is the last thing any us need right now, I mean what if Rain finds out?

Johnny: So that's her name?

Nathan flinches, realizing the mistake he just made, now he'll want a "piece" too.

Johnny: Who names their daughter Rain?

Dick: it's a hippie thing

Johnny: Hippies!? Man, are you sure she's worth it?

Nathan: honestly, she's a 7/10 at best but like...Y'know...

Johnny: No I don't, but if your serious let's just skip to the best part now

Nathan: huh?

Dick: I know where she lives, and it's at ground level

Johnny: Nice!

Nathan looks to see where the bartender is...which is (thankfully?) nowhere

Nathan: NO!

Johnny: tch pussy

Nathan: wrong that's what you're going to be if we get caught

Dick: so, we won't get caught

Nathan: Look! ...you realize we are petty criminals, right? what you are suggesting is a line that if we are caught crossing well...I'll be safe, you two on the other hand, heh hope you like it the other way around

Johnny: yeah, hiding behind your daddy's money

Nathan: careful now, last time you said that you were begging me to become your leader after I turned your face into bloody paste, despite the fact you're already in-

Dick: rrraaggghhh! (throws his glass down) none of this shit matters! Cause if he's still part of the equation we'll look like a laughingstock (he points at someone)

Someone being me... Finally

Nathan: wha- when did you get here!?

Johnny: Hold on...you're that weirdo from the bus!

*Creak*

I get up from my seat and face them

Sunny: end recording "Joe"

"Joe": you got this Sun?

There's a moment of silence

Sunny: well?... you were going to pound my face into mush...right?

Dick: heh thanks for the opportunity!

Johnny: hmph time to make you squeal (pulls out a knife)

Nathan: welp this is what happens when you mess with-!

…

Dick, ears drums ruptured, left arm broken, jaw dislocated, status: unconscious due to pain

Johnny, cuts all over the body none of them deep, but still bleeding, right leg broken (dislocated), 5 ribs cracked , status: passed out due to blood loss

Nathan: wh-what are you? (he says through pained groans)

Sunny: I'm going to make this very clear, stay away from Rain and stay away from me, and if it's any consolation I'm planning on taking myself out of the "equation" in my own time so don't worry (he says while "playfully" pinching Nathan's check and let's go until...)

Sunny lunges at Nathan who flinches

Sunny: know your place...trash, you know what to do "Joe"

"Joe" can only be amazed as Sunny walked out of his bar without a single scratch on him... stains meanwhile...

"Joe": *sigh* you trained a real beast there Bob, but he's going down a bad path and no one can stop it except himself (he dials a number) Hello this 911? Yes, I have or had an emergency

Nathan can only seethe at what has just transpired, He was beat up sensesly by Sunny who didn't give him a chance to breath not like he could after being hit in stomach and groin repeatedly, was he holding back? His "friends" were broken in multiple places while he was in one piece (minus some knocked out teeth) this...made him...feel... Status: ENRAGED

…

*click*

Early Morning

He never took interest in how he'd look, his "coworkers" (soon to be ex-coworkers) gave him the nick name of "The Ring/Grudge guy" because of how his long black hair covered his face, even though most of the time his was hair tied up in a ponytail (why did you even take off the braid yesterday?).

Sunny tied up his hair to see...those eyes, eyes that were once filled wit-

*DING DONG*

I-is someone here to see me? (as if who would want to see you?)

After quickly getting out of the bathroom and getting dressed in simple, dark clothes, he'd head to the door and look through the peep hole...uh...he can't see because of the light but can see a figure

He opens the door and...sees

…

Kel?: *gasp* it's heh haha- it's really you!

Kel? Hugs Sunny who hugs back but doesn't know what to think

Sunny: you- I- I-is this real? ( he says in a shaky voice)

Kel: yeah I'm right here man, I'm right here

A nice quiet moment between two friends finally reunited, yet for Sunny despite being enveloped by the ray of light known as Kel, he looks back and sees a twisted shadow forming in the darkness. SOMETHING he thought he would never see again...

...so why now?...

...

Earlier in some Back ally during the Dawn

A tall woman named Charlene is seen carrying...a person over her shoulder his head bagged over while his hands are tied behind his back, wherever he's being taken too he might not be seen again

Suddenly he's thrown down

Johnny (muffled): agh! You can be gentle Ya know!?

?: funny I hear you like things "rough"

The bag is removed from his head revealing to johnny several figures dimly lit by the fluorescent lights of a rundown lot the stench of neglect and decay nearly makes him vomit.

Let's introduce our hooligans

Angel a scrawny but athletic young man who still has that stupid pompadour (don't say that to his face you will regret it) he wears a white tank top and cargo shorts "simplicity is best" he says

Mikhael a.k.a. The Maverick is a flashy fellow with a nice suit, nice shoes, and a Colone that he probably shouldn't have bought, though is more than willing to get down an dirty (yes in" every" sense of the word/phrase but he's usually "unlucky" in such things) his hair style changes every other day

Charlene...not much to say about her aside from the obvious...height difference she has with everyone and her immense strength though despite that she's not the strongest of the group since she rarely gets physical (the others want to call her "the Terminator" due to her usually wearing jackets with hoodies along with a mask but Mikhael wouldn't allow it can't say anything about her hair since she likes to wear beanies...yes even when it's hot)

And finally, the sibling duo of Kim and Vance the brains and the brawns respectively, except it's a façade as both siblings are both equal in terms of IQ and fighting ability

Vance has a thuggish fighting style usually resorting to dirty tactics or cheap tricks to get the jump on opponents and he wears leather...like on everything with sunglasses (things get annoying at night) and shaved his head bald

Kim meanwhile is the near opposite as she takes a more defensive stance not out of fear of being hurt or hit but instead finding it way more fun to toy with her opponent and make them tired leaving them open to a destructive strike using her legs since she likes kickboxing. (they rarely get to use these skills funnily enough since most physical altercations are handled by...). Oddly she's the only one of the crew that still resembles her old "Faraway" self for she wears a blue jacket with hoodie, jeans and brown boots, she even kept her black earrings, she swaps glasses shapes every so often, and finally her...brown hair...after seeing her brother with his (stupid) bald shaved head she quickly hid her half shaved head until that side grew back, she regularly cuts her hair short and ties it up in a bunch when any "physical work" needs to be done (it isn't tied up now though)

Johnny: what the-? Why are you lap dogs here?

*BAM*

Angel throws a mean right hook to johnny's already beaten face

Angel: I hope that makes you realize the situation you're in

The Maverick: good just as I taught you, always go for the intimidating appearance (he says while striking a pose that...can't be comfortable)

Johnny: *spits out blood* intimidating? Please you're all just kids playing pretend you don't know the first thi-

*WHAM*

A kick to the face by Angel

Angel: do you really not get this? Dumbass (smirking)

Vance: *SIGH* (takes the lollipop out of his mouth) this is why I do the talking here cause now-

Johnny: RRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!

Johnny charges at Angel who swiftly gets out of the way and pushes him towards the Maverick, The Maverick then skillfully grabs the still bull rushing Johnny and redirects him towards the sibling duo

Kim: NUT CHECK! (she yells giving a painful kick to the groan Leaving johnny gasping for air)

Vance: not done yet! LARIAT (he yells to warn Kim so she can dodge underneath his attack, his "iron bar" arm making contact with Johnny's neck)

Johnny who not even 3 seconds ago was bursting with fury ready to bite and kick his way through these "kids" was just as quickly subdued by them and is now writhing on the ground. Unfortunately, they let their guard down

Angel: man when is she getting here!

Vance: we were told to wait, so we wait

Kim: she's probably taking care of some stuff for our gig, which reminds me we should start practicing-

*SLICE*

Johnny gets out of his restraints and brandishes his knife

The Maverick: what the- I thought the police took everything he had!?

Kim: shit! Must've had a concealed back up

Johnny: That's right, now I'm going to use this to GUT all of you! You never belonged here, you always treat this like some kind of fucking game while I've been busting my ass for YEARS to try and get out of this shithole of a city! I'm sick of it I'm sick of ALL OF YOU!

…

Johnny glared at the group, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and rage. The Maverick, Angel, Vance, and Kim quickly spread out, adopting defensive stances as they assessed the threat. Charlene stood unfazed, watching the scene unfold.

The Maverick: Well, this just got interesting, didn't it?

Angel: Careful, everyone. We don't want to make this guy any more dangerous than he already is.

Johnny lunged at Vance with the knife, aiming for a quick strike. Vance, however, sidestepped with surprising agility, narrowly avoiding the attack.

Vance: Slow and clumsy. You really think you can take us down with that, pal?

While Vance kept Johnny occupied, Angel and Kim exchanged a quick glance, silently communicating their strategy. Kim, always calm under pressure, circled around Johnny, assessing his movements.

Kim: I didn't get what you were talking about earlier, but us being here was never about belonging or not. It's just survival plain and simple.

Angel: Don't waste your breath. Let's finish this.

As Angel says this a jumped into the air to deliver a two-legged drop kick to Johnny, an attack not meant to damaged just disorient

The Maverick, ever the showman, lunged at Johnny from the side, attempting to disarm him as he was recovering. However, Johnny proved to be more skilled than they anticipated, parrying the attack with a swift motion.

The Maverick: woah! I guess those "years" of busting your ass weren't all talk (flashes a smug grin), however...

Kim along with Vance, seizing the opportunity, launched a series of lightning-fast kicks, once again aiming to disarm Johnny. He struggled to defend himself, the siblings displaying a flawless combination of offense and defense.

Vance: You should've stayed down, man. We don't want to hurt you more than we have to.

Johnny, fueled by a mix of desperation and determination, managed to land a few slashes, but the group skillfully dodged or blocked the majority of his attacks. Charlene, standing at a distance, observed the confrontation with an unchanging expression.

The Maverick: This is getting tiresome.

As Johnny prepared for another attack, a sudden gust of wind swept through the alley.

*THWACK*

*CRACK*

?: What a mess you've made, Johnny.

Said the women who just swung her SPIKED BAT at Johnny's right leg which was previously dislocated and then relocated and now actually broken. Recovery...unlikely

Johnny let out a blood curdling scream probably as a last-ditch effort for someone, anyone to hear him and possibly get out alive.

...

...But no one came... Eventually Charlene gagged him with a baseball (yes, it's weird) and held him tight in a full nelson once again on...A knee

Kim: A-Aubrey? When did you-?

Aubrey: I've been here since before he took out that surprise knife

Vance: what!? So, you saw us beat him up twice all the while Charlene did nothing? Was this some kind of test?

Aubrey: maybe and you passed regardless, not like he's much of a test anyway

Aubrey goes over to the quivering mess that is Johnny and does a sitting squat in front of him so they're at eye level

Aubrey: you know Johnny despite your...(she looks up)…..(she bites her lips)…...(puts her free hand on her chin)…...Everything. I think if things were...different we might have been friends.

Unsurprisingly everyone is surprised at what she just said, Aubrey does notice this and continues

Aubrey: I mean it, your rant about how you're sick of being here, sick of being around people you despise even if you don't know them and vice versa, and I bet you feel this because your very sick of everyone treating you like the joke you are

Aubrey: I feel that I really do, at first I tried to find some semblance of peace in a church of all places! But I really did like that place I didn't care if someone or something was there listening to my "sins" or whatever I just wanted to be alone, to be free, to feel like myself again

Kim winces knowing exactly where this is going

Aubrey: But then someone "close" to me died and when they did I thought I would be happy, I would be free...clearly, I was wrong

Johnny: (spits out the baseball) is there a point to your sob story bitch!?

Johnny says his breath ragged, Aubrey simply gets up and tightens the grip on her bat

Aubrey: Johnny due to your lackluster performance in these past months...(john: lackluster!?)...and your recent screw up at being taken down by a civilian... (john: h-how do they-)... someone "close" to you has decided to give you what you want...a way out

Johnny: N-no! You lie! he wouldn't not after everything we've-

Aubrey: (stomps in place to ready her stance) ... You're out of the game, Johnny. (Slices across her neck with a dumb) Permanently.

Without any hesitation Aubrey winded up her spiked bat as far as she could pull back and-

*WHAM*

A fast swing that brutally hit johnny's face; Diagnosis: Alive (just barely) but unconscious, the left side of his face heavily damaged, his left eye destroyed. Aubrey holds her phone to take a picture of him to send...The "Boss" and soon gets a call from him...

...

The "Boss": still alive? I guess I shouldn't have expected more, despite everything your still too soft

Aubrey: you said make an example of him and I did just that, if he doesn't bleed out, he'll hopefully have the sense hightail it out of here and if he doesn't-

The "Boss": he'll come crawling back to me only to be met with cruel reality, I suppose that's a fitting punishment and it's my fault for being broad in my orders, so I let this slide...for now

Aubrey quietly sneers and curses at her "boss" both caring and not caring if he can tell over the phone

Aubrey: (through clenched teeth) will there be anything else "Boss"

The "Boss": any jobs? No, you have practice to get too I'm sure Kim has already reminded you so get at it

*CLICK*

Aubrey looks at Kim

Kim: I was trying to but then...y'know (points at johnny)

Vance: o-on the subject of...uh...him Aubrey what do we-?

Before Vance could finish Aubrey went over to johnny and undressed his upper body to get his "Venom for Life" T-shirt and then proceeded to rip it into shreds

Aubrey: I don't care anymore, you guys can decide to leave him here or try to help him either way we won't get caught since he won't be able to talk one way or the other.

Kim: I feel like there's more-

Despite what she just said Charlene (who has yet to contribute to this situation in any "meaningful" way) has decided to pick up Johnny's body and finally leave the alleyway

Aubrey: well, it looks like we're helping, in which case Angel and Maverick go with her, Vance and Kim you're with me

The Maverick: ugh seriously!?

Angel: y-you got it!(he says...cheerfully?)

The two groups depart from that place though Kim and Vance wonder why they're going with here

Vance: *(fake) yawn* what a crappy way to start the morning (he says to try and break the ice)

Kim: y-yeah maybe we can get something on the way to perk us up Aubrey?

Aubrey: (wow that's the best you got?) I'll get you something at Drinking joes or you just get something yourself

The siblings are confused

Aubrey: Remember the video we saw that started this whole mess with Johnny and two others fighting that civilian and losing horribly (despite their faces being blurred)? I know the bar, used to go there.

Vance: You want to find him, don't you? Also were you even- (Aubs: I just had the soda) ...right

Aubrey: The "Boss" will want to find him, and one of two things will happen; I assume you know what the first thing is?

Vance: no (he flatly said the sarcasm just oozing out)

Aubrey: So, I'll go to the bar regularly for a few weeks or months, talk to the bartender who might remember me, and while the civies face was censored I think I can spot the body shape.

Kim: All I heard was "I'll go in there and wing it" THAT'S your plan!? (Aubs genuinely asks: got a better one?) ...No

Aubrey: Then that's plan, you two meanwhile get something to eat, scout around the area and see if you can find some clues, and when you're done wait outside the bar okay?

The siblings looked at each other with hesitation

Aubrey: I'm not going to drink alcohol if you're worried, caffeinated drinks are much better

Reluctantly the siblings agreed to the plan, when we next see them they are waiting for Aubrey right outside the bar (the results of their investigation will be discussed another time). The bar is located around a small park of Nearby city which is where Vance and Kim are standing near a tree as the early morning begins to end yet heavy clouds begin to form creating a gloomy atmosphere.

We find Kim staring intensely at the bar, through a window she sees Aubrey seemingly having a nice conversation with the Bartender, smiling even.

Vance: do you regret this?

Kim is confused by the sudden question

Vance: do you regret the life we're leading

Kim: what? the life of being part of an actual gang, where we sell literal merchandise of that gang through our underground concerts WE perform at while also doing odd jobs that have been increasingly demanding of us, especially for Aubrey since we nearly killed a guy today!, and let's not get into how we've lied to our parents about all of this. No, why would I regret this?

Vance: right, they're doing fine by the way...mom and dad

Kim: *sigh* are...either of them dating (she says looking very conflicted tightly holding her own hands)

Vance: they've tried, and I assume they've failed...miserably after I read their messages anyway

Kim leans next to the tree and slumps down to the ground; Vance joins her for comfort

Vance: you already vented but I'll still ask, you alright sis

Kim: I'm Fine Vance but Aubrey isn't

Vance: she made her choice Kim, and we chose to willingly follow despite everything that has happened between us both before and after...Her mom's passing

Kim: bullshit there was no choice, it was either homelessness or striking out on her own in the city if she was lucky, and I doubt she feels lucky right now.

Vance: we can leave the city if you want, hell even the state if you're worried

Kim: we can't do that now though! We're this gangs main money makers and even if we weren't the "Boss" has his eye on Aubrey specifically

Vance: he does? Wait d-does he want too-

Kim: fuck her? Doubt it, what I meant is that he sees a violent potential in her...a-and if she goes down that path then...then...

Kim's frustration soon turned to another heavy sigh (with some small tears in her eyes). She stared at the distant city lights, contemplating the choices that had brought them to this point.

Kim: If Aubrey goes down that path, Vance, she might become just like him—like the Boss. I can't let that happen. We can't let that happen.

Vance: We've got each other's backs, Kim. We always have.

Kim: But do we have Aubrey's back? I mean, really have her back? She's dealing with more than any of us signed up for.

Vance: She's our friend, Kim. And we can figure this out together.

Kim looked at Vance, appreciating the support from her brother.

Kim: We need to talk to Aubrey. I mean, really talk. Not just about jobs and gigs, but about how she's feeling, what she's thinking. We can't let her become another pawn in the Boss's game.

Vance: Agreed. And if she's not okay with it, if she wants out, we find a way. We'll figure something out.

Both siblings sigh one more time, Vance takes out two pieces of candy to try and take the edge off, one was taffy and other was a jaw breaker, he decided on the jaw breaker to release some tension. Ironically, he broke the jaw breaker and barely noticed.

As they sat there under the tree, the weight of their choices and the uncertain path ahead hung in the air. The city started its relentless buzz around them, unaware of the internal struggles of three young souls entangled in a world of secrets, lies, and a dangerous underworld. They were so deep in contemplation they didn't notice someone going into the bar.

Aubrey and "Joe" meanwhile were in very high spirits apparently trading "bizarre stories", a game of sorts they made together in order to entertain each other with whatever made up bullshit they can spew out to try and make each other laugh, Aubrey, with her cute and contagious laughter, recounted a tale involving a mischievous raccoon and a forgotten picnic basket (everyone got rabies very macabre), while "Joe" responded with an equally amusing yarn about a peculiar encounter with a talking parrot in a bustling marketplace (the parrot parroted some..."choice words" to say the least). Just like the siblings they also didn't notice the door swinging open.

"Joe": ohohoho Aubrey how I missed are bizarre conversations, but I must ask are going to be a regular again?

Aubrey: probably it's been a while since my friends, and I have practiced our music, and we have a gig coming up

"Joe": Really!? Are all of you still causing trouble? (he says in a... lighthearted way?)

Aubrey: and getting paid for it too (she says with a smirk)

"Joe": Right, why are you here Aubrey?

Aubrey: well, I might be coming by more often after our practice sessions along with my friends to y'know rest and all the crap, maybe even do some karaoke for some last-minute practice,,,buuuuuuuuuuut if you don't want-

"Joe": that is fine just keep the rambunctiousness to a minimum

Aubrey: heh can't make any promises (takes a big swig of her drink which is soda by the way)

As she does Aubrey thinks, jeez talks about a massive tone shift which means he's either wary of the venom gang which he knows I'm a part of or he's protecting the civilian.

If it's the later, I might have just made my job a bit easier since that means the civilian won't show up to this bar and be more careful from here on out, and I know the other two that got beat up along with johnny (despite their blurred faces in the video), Nathan is out of the question, but Dick is a chump and no one else knows about them meaning it's easy picking for me.

Aubrey: *gulp* aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh I really like this Soda, "watermelon flavor", don't know how true that is but it tastes nice.

"Joe": would you like a refill

Aubrey: nah but do you mind if I just sit here for a while, I'll leave eventually but I just like it here

"Joe": that is fine

And so, Aubrey sits not really thinking of anything just enjoying her own private moments and a good mood sets in as she closes her eyes

"Joe":*gasp* h-how long have you been here sir!? Were you hiding near the bathroom this whole time!?

Aubrey could feel the mysterious person walk around her and sits a seat away from at the counter all the while not opening her eyes

Mood ruined

?: it's funny if she were here, they would definitely have a completely different reaction to mine, and I have got to say...you don't look half bad

...

That...was...a... unique pick-up line but Aubrey could sense the bit of judgment in the man's words, yet why is he mentioning some random girl? Was he that confident in himself or was he just some wimp. Would explain why Vance and Kim didn't stop him because she knows they're outside, whatever Aubrey finally opens her eyes to see the smug pri-

Aubrey: ...

Aubrey: ...wait...

Aubrey: hen- HERO!?

Hero: wow, I can't believe you still remember that nickname and remember me too, I'm flattered hehe (he says with a half-smile)

"Joe": wow, small world

Thus, the long and arduous journey begins