(OUTDATED) Ori and the Spirits Within

Chapter 7: Journey Back Home

The next day came, as the sky shined with its bright blue color, with small clouds peppering it. The sun shines down on the Moki playing in the fields with Grom watching over them. Ori and Ku woke up early that day to prepare stuff that they would need just in case. Ori grabbed a small satchel that seemingly belonged to him, and gathered some food in the forest for him and Ku to eat during their adventure. He was curious what food he would find in Nibel, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

Ori eventually came back to see Ku, Naru, and Gumo all standing inside the cave. As Ori entered, he placed the bag off to the side, and moved towards his family.

"6 Apples, 8 Oranges, and 4 Peaches. We should be all ready to head towards Nibel now." Ori said.

"It was only about a twenty minute flight last time. We'll be there in no time." Ku said.

"Then, I guess this is it..." Naru sadly stated. Ku was busy with Gumo, as he picked her up for a hug. Ori, of course, took notice of his mother's worried state, and tried his best to ease her worry.

"Naru, I promise, we'll be safe on the journey. I won't let any harm come to either of us."

"I know, but a mother can worry, can't she?"

Ori nodded, and went in for a hug with Naru, embracing her tightly. He could tell she was still shaking a little bit, so he gave her a little kiss on her cheek.

"I love you."

"I love you too, Ori." Naru replied.

After letting go of Naru, he made his way towards Gumo with a smile on his face. Meanwhile, Naru picked up Ku and gave her a hug as well.

"You're worried too, aren't you?" Ori asked.

"Yes, but I know you'll be safe. This is for you and Ku after all. So long as you're happy, we're happy." Gumo replied. Ori went to him for a hug, but Gumo picked him up before he could reach him, and embraced him in a hug instead.

"Love you, Gumo."

"*snicker* love you too, kid."

What was with that laugh? It was almost... evil. He'd play a good vil-. Before he could finish his thought, he felt a light scratching sensation under his arms, sending tingles all throughout his body. He couldn't contain the energy rupturing inside him.

NOOO!! He tricked me!! "Hahahahahaha! Nooohoho, Gumooo! *giggle* Qu-Quit it! Hahaha-" Ori cried in laughter.

"Now now. If I'm not gonna see you for a few days, I want to get all of your happiness while you're still here to make up for it. Plus, you still got to make up for the months you were gone for. Sorry~." Gumo replies, with a mischievous grin on his face, as he continued the torture on the poor kid, a few tears streaming down Ori's face. He moved his fingers towards his stomach, making Ori just burst with hysterical laughter. Naru and Ku watched on with smiles on both of their faces.

"He was always so good at hiding his pranks." Ku said.

"Well, he's not the only one who can, honey~." Naru replied with a grin on her face. Suddenly, Ku felt a series of light scratches run down her stomach and chest, leading the young girl to laugh as well.

"*giggle* Noohoho! Not meehehe toohoho! *giggle* Get him instehehead!" Ku laughed.

"We have to make things fair for both of you. So, he gets Ori, and I get you. All is fair in love and war, sweetie~." Naru remarked, as she continued to tickle her daughter on her stomach.

The whole cave was filled with laughter, and some of the Moki outside could hear it as well. Some were curious, but they knew that it was just some family bonding, and continued to play in the fields. Even Grom heard the cries of the children in the cave all the way from the Spirit Well. He just smirked at the noise, and kept watching the Moki play. They were unsuspecting to the torture that was going on inside.