(OUTDATED) Ori and the Spirits Within

Chapter 27: New Hopes

The sunset eventually dimmed around the outside of the Glades, and the Moki began to rest in the open field. The slightly chilly air didn't affect the people that much, but it was becoming slightly colder due to the seasons changing. Soon enough, little candles began to light around the Glades, giving the calming aroma for its denizens.

Well, for most of them anyway.

The family, all cooped up in their cave, sit around and talk with each other about stuff. However, Ori just laid in his nest, with Ku sitting next to him. Sure, he was happy to be alive again, and to be living with his family, but... he didn't want to look at anyone, knowing what he did to Vini.

I killed him. He hates me. It's all my fault. That's all he thought of ever since he woke up. He couldn't bear to look at his family, knowing he failed to protect the caring, innocent soul they knew. I couldn't save him. I couldn't do anything. His family, obviously, weren't happy either at the turn of events, but they accepted what had come to pass. They didn't know what kind of relationship Ori and Vini had when they met and talked with each other. But, considering his reaction to Vini's death, they must have cared for each other a lot.

Sein was sitting on the other side of Ori, hearing his small sniffles of sadness. She felt so bad that they couldn't do anything to help Vini. His life was toyed with by Seir, sure in an effort to make him happy, but where did that lead him? To sacrifice himself to save the life of another, broken soul. She remembered when Vini told him the story of Ku and Ori's trip to Niwen, and how Ku almost died, leading Ori to sacrifice himself for her and Niwen.

She couldn't help but compare this situation to that. However, the difference this time was obvious: This time, there were no chances to save him, because it was his fate, not his destiny.

Sein lightly caressed Ori's back as Ori kept to himself. Sein didn't want to see him this sad, but couldn't think of anyway to cheer him up.

"Oh honey..." Naru whispered sadly.

"*sniffle* Vini..." Gumo spoke, trying not to cry.

"..." Ku remained silent, holding back some tears of her own.

Hmm... "Ori, how... how about we take a step outside and walk for a bit?" Sein asked. Ori looked up towards Sein, still crying. He held his arm over his eyes, not wanting to see any of them them, and nods. Sein lifted Ori to his feet, and walked him out of the cave. "Where do you want to go?"

"I want... *sniffle* I want to go see Seir." Ori stated.

Oh boy. I can't change his mind on this one. "Ok. Come on." Sein walked with Ori towards the light of the Spirit Willow, leaving the rest of his family inside to talk about the events.

"I..." Ku spoke up. "I wish... I could have done something."

"Honey, there was nothing we could do." Naru said sadly. "But... *chuckle* it doesn't make it hurt any less."

"I... I know..."

"D... Dammit... '' Gumo spoke up. The mood in the cave dropped significantly, leaving them all to silence as the evening went on.

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"*pant* *pant*"

Vini kept running through the forest, over the vines, and under the branches. Leaves crumpled under him, and sticks broke as he dashed for the Glades... his home. The only home he ever had. He didn't belong anywhere else, especially not with those freaks he would call his "family". The things they said... the things they implied... It haunted him. But, he let that thought go, and kept running towards the Glades.