Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

“Ooh, I remember this! When we all made flower crowns together!”

Basil and Mari sat together on her picnic blanket looking through his photo album, recalling memories.

“Ah- Yeah! I'm glad you taught us, Mari. Everyone thinks a flower crown really suits me!”

“It does! You like flowers, so it suits your interests! Plus, It’s very charming.”

“Awww… Thanks, Mari.”

Suddenly, the dead silence of the playground turned into playful laughter and yelling.

“Mari! Basil!” A girl's young, cheerful voice called from near the stump.

“Oh, hello Aubrey! Hello, everyone! How are you all doing today?”

Aubrey, Kel, Hero, and Omori all walked over to the picnic, varying in speeds.

“Kel’s being mean to me again!” Aubrey whined, glaring at him.

“Oh no! Not again… how could he?”

“Pssh, I’m not being mean! Aubrey's just being all whiney!” He argued, rolling his eyes in frustration.

“Well Kel, you've just made a very convincing point. Now I don't know who to believe!”

“Believe me!”

“No, believe me!!”

Mari had always found their near constant bickering endearing in a way, if not a bit irritating. Luckily, Hero was always there to calm them down when they got too riled up.

“Settle down, you two..” He sighed, splitting them up. “Why does it always have to be like this?” He muttered under his breath.

“Chin up, Hero! Look at you, being all responsible!” She teased. “I really like that about you..” She nudged him, giggling.

Rubbing his elbow, he moved away, laughing awkwardly. “Come on, Mari! Not now…” His face flushed brighter, avoiding eye contact with her.

“Oh Hero, you know I'm just teasing. You're so cute when you get all flustered!” She teased, leaning into him again.

Hero looked away, his face… somber, almost. Mari brushes it off as embarrassment. She let out a giggle, trying to sound as natural as possible, before quickly changing the topic.

“While we were waiting for you guys, Basil and I were going through his photo album! Did you want to join us?”

Aubrey responded immediately, incredibly eager. “Of course! After all.. we’re the ones in the pictures, aren't we?” She shifted to sit herself next to Basil.

“Basil! Basil! Get a load of this!” Kel suddenly launched himself off the blanket, doing an awfully gaudy pose. “C’mon, Basil! Take a picture of me!”

Basil laughed at his antics, but eventually shook his head. “Sorry, Kel. I only take photos of people when they least expect it!”

Mari stifled a laugh, recalling how many photos shes had to take from Basil.

“You like to take photos of people acting naturally when they're not in front of a camera, right Basil?” Hero questioned, Basil nodding in response.

“Yeah… There's something special about everyone living their own lives. Those are the moments I want to capture!”

A sweet sentiment on paper, definitely.

“Sooo like… we just have to pretend you're not there?” Kel sat rocking himself back and forth. He never could sit still, could he?

“Haha...Yeah, I guess you could do that.” Once again… strangely somber.

“Sure, I can do that!” Kel turned around, completely zoning out. How does that boy manage?

It was Mari’s turn to speak. “Did you want to show us your photos now, Basil?”

He smiled sheepishly. “Ah, okay.. but it's nothing amazing.”

“Oh, Basil! Stop doubting yourself! I'm sure they'll be great.” Aubrey always found a way to cheer people up. Mari admired it.

Basil nodded, listening to her advice. “You're right, Aubrey. I'll try to believe in myself more.”

Pushing it towards the center of the blanket, Basil made sure the entire group had a good view of the photos. “Here! This way we can all see!”

The group admired the photos, slowly turning pages.

“Mari is teaching everyone how to make flower crowns! Omori and Kel are holding Mari’s example. So pretty…”

The photo she and Basil were talking about before everyone else had arrived. Mari loved how she made the example flower crown in that photo... It was perfect.

“Hero’s still making his flower crown. It's taking him a little while, but he's getting it. You have to admire his persistence.”

Hero always made a little face whenever he was concentrating. Mari finds it adorable.

“Kel drinking a bottle of milk, his favorite! I shouldn't get too close or he might get my camera wet.”

Kel is notorious for spilling his drinks, especially after…

After…

…Oh, what is she talking about?

She looks up at Omori, who's fixating on each and every photo, one by one, reading the descriptions. He really cares about this album, doesn't he?

“These photos are all so charming, Basil!” Hero complimented. Guess that means we're done looking. “You really know how to capture the moment!” He went on. Mari agrees. She loved these pictures too.

“Thanks… I didn't take all of them though. Mari likes to steal my camera sometimes.”

She laughs at the callout. “Only sometimes!”

“Hey, I have an idea!” Basil’s eyes lit up. “Did you all want to come hang out at my house?”

Oh? Did Basil have a new plant to show everyone?

“I just finished planting some little sprouts and wanted to show everyone. Come on! They're really cute!”

She called it.

Kel turned back around, rejoining the conversation. “Yeah sure, that sounds fun! Let's go!”

“It's south of the playground, right?” Hero checked.

“Yup, that's the way!”

Mari knew she couldn't go, and even if she could, she really didn't want to.

“Hmm… I think I'll sit this one out. You all go on and enjoy yourself!” She smiled. “But if you're ever feeling weary, feel free to stop by one of my picnics!”

Hero gave her a warm smile. “Aww… thanks, Mari! You're always doing so much for us!”

The group started getting up to go to Basil’s house.

“Bye, Mari!” Aubrey waved, cheerful like always. “We’ll see you again soon!”

She waved back, trying her best to return the energy. “Run along and have fun now! You know where to find me!”

Mari watched as the group tried to leave for Basil's house, getting promptly stopped by Berly. Hm… guess he isn't finished here.

She giggled, watching the kids all get into formation, drawing straws. Berly marched around, carefully examining each and every one of the straws.

…Omori has the shortest straw?

But… he hates being alone, doesn't he?

She crossed her fingers, hoping this won't end like she thinks it will.

As everyone hid, she noticed Kel hiding right behind the tetherball pole.

She uncrossed her fingers, unconsciously taking a sigh of relief. It wouldn't come to that.

She can't wander, since everyone's still here, so she's stuck at this spot. Hooray… she laughed at her sarcasm.

Mari looked up at the sky, recognizing random shapes. A book with words she gave up on decoding a while ago. An eye that she always found awfully creepy. Weird planets with rings and antennas.

She always wonders if the shapes mean anything, but she always brushes it off. No use in thinking too hard about it.

She looks over to the very nutritious candy next to her. It tasted pretty good last time she tried it…

Unwrapping it, she popped it in her mouth. Cherry! Her favorite! She beamed at the taste, patting her hands against her legs a little.

She noticed her little brother and Kel walking towards her and immediately put on a bright expression.

“Hi, Omori! I see everyone decided to stay a bit and play hide-and-seek!” She gave her very best warm smile. “If you're having a hard time, I can lend you a hand. Big sister is always here for you…” She giggled.

“So… would you like some help?” Omori nodded, and Mari counted the friends Sunny had already found. Bangs… Happy… Nose… Bun… Kel and Aubrey. so… there's six friends left.

“From what I can see… there's still six friends left!” She looked back over to her brother. “You can do this, Omori! I'm rooting for you!”

Moments pass, and everyone is found.

…That was awfully quick.

She brushes it off as always. Guess she's just that helpful!

Everyone's lined up, Berly taking role calls. Mari’s eyes trace over everyone, having memorized the order everyone's in. Hero, Kel, Aubrey–

…

Where is Basil?

Surely he heard that it was time to stop hiding, so–

Mari inhaled.

Mari exhaled.

Deep breaths always help when she gets worked up over nothing like that.

She doesn't remember where she learned it, but she assumes Hero told her, considering all those books he was reading… for…

All of a sudden, she heard rustling from the tree, and saw Boss. Wasn't he banned after that whole fiasco? She cringed recalling that memory.

She noticed Basil being carried by Boss and tensed up. Oh dear.

Mari wants to help him, but she knows she can't get up. There are times where she's angry at the fact she can't leave her spot on the picnic blanket, but she always brushes it off. There's no use in getting angry if it won't change anything anyways.

Besides, her friends seem to have it all under control… probably.

They always win. She doesn't remember them ever losing, so she's sure this won't be any different.

It won't be any different.

She tried to watch the fight, but it was hard watching her friends lose so badly.

They're toast.

She snorted at how quickly it went south, Omori pulling through and ending the fight quickly.

Ah, seems that was resolved right away. It was kind of a fast-paced fight, but what wasn't fast-paced here?

She watched Basil talk to Boss about respect for others and so on, putting the flower crown back on his head. He was a good kid. And off they were… to Basil’s house.

With a content smile, she got up off the picnic blanket and went towards the dock.

Finally, some alone time.

The rustling among trees gave her a wave of tranquility. The air was crisp, gently blowing her towards her destination with care.

She felt the wet sand beneath her toes, and the water stood, perfectly still. It was nice.

Reaching the shore, she walked up onto the dock, and when she looked up…

…It was gone as soon as it came.

She could've sworn she felt something pass through her, but she brushed it off. It was just her imagination.

Though... she felt off.

...It was strange. She felt like she had eyes on her.

A lot of them.

Mari inhaled.

She saw that what used to be the way back to the stump had become a long path in the forest, an empty picnic sitting in the middle of it. It was time for her to go already.

Mari exhaled.

She brushed it off as always.

Chapter Text

Mari doesn't remember where she got the idea.
At first, it didn't seem like a good one.

She was staring at the dark in her room, The only sounds being Sunny's light snoring and her own unusually heavy breath.

She remembered leaving the lamp on... he must have turned it off. Thoughtful.

Her train of thought was going into a dark tunnel, full speed ahead.

She thought– no, she knew– that everyone would miss her.

She needed to be a good sister for Sunny.

She needed to be a good child for her parents.

She needed to be a good girlfriend for Hero.

She needed to be a good friend for Aubrey, Kel and Basil.

There was too much to lose. Besides, it was a dramatic plan anyways. She wouldn't do that over a little schoolwork.

Everyone has to deal with this stress. It's mandatory. She can manage it. Everyone else has.
She turned over on her bed, greeted with the sight of her dear little brother sleeping peacefully.

She couldn't hurt Sunny like that.

So she pushed back the thought.

Then, there was the time she zoned out in class.

She doesn't remember which class specifically. She could feel the cold metal from underneath her desk leave goosebumps on her thighs, fingers tapping against the wooden top in careless thought.

She forgot, for just a moment, what she had to lose.

Who she had to lose.

She contemplated how.

What would hurt the least. What would last the shortest amount of time.

It all overlapped, and she couldn't find a way to do it that would work properly without risking permanent damage.

It annoyed her. That's what she wants. Why can't the world just give her what she wants? She would've groaned in frustration, but she was in class.

Right. She was in class.

She looked over to the boy next to her, who was taking notes with a grin she was fond of. He felt her gaze, turning his head to look at her. She could only return the grin.

Hero loved her a lot. No matter how cruel her thoughts could be to her, they would never deny his love for her.

To see what he'd become if she were to do that...

She couldn't hurt Hero like that.

So she pushed the thought back again.

She remembers seeing the dust fly around through the sunlight shining out of the treehouse's window.

She watched it elegantly lithe around with wonder, pondering about how people considered something so beautiful dirty.

The sun was just beginning to set, and at the perfect angle, it was sending down the warmest light it possibly could.

What made her consider it in such a beautiful moment?

Being all alone, left with her feelings, perhaps. She observed the backyard through the treehouse's little window. Maybe she could fit herself through..?

No, it's far too small. That'd never work.

As she looked down upon the yard, she did a double take seeing their favorite tree.

She never knew why it was their favorite, but it was universally understood. An unspoken thing.
Maybe it's the way it can block out sunlight on days where it's extra bright, but still hug anyone underneath it with the warmth the rays bring.

From what she could see through the leaves, three of the kids were playing jump rope. She could make out Aubrey's face from within the beautiful ruin of branches, smiling brightly as she jumped up and down.

Mari didn't know much about Aubrey's parents or her home life, especially since no one in the group had ever been to her house, but she's said enough off things to worry her and Hero.

And if she really was dealing with a homelife situation that was... less than ideal...

She couldn't hurt Aubrey like that.

...So she pushed the thought back again.
The sound of laughter and kids running about filled her ears.

The park. They were at Faraway Park.
One second it was endearing and nostalgic, and the other it was suddenly annoying.

Overwhelming.

She had told Hero she was going to the secret hangout for a bit. He seemed a bit concerned, but he came to the conclusion she just needed a breather, which wasn't not true.

The forest trees could only do so much to muffle the sound of yelling, further irritating her. She couldn't escape the noise.

It was loud. It was annoying.

Everyone was loud and annoying. Why couldn't they all just shut up? Her thoughts were cruel, but they were her thoughts.

She was overwhelmed and angry, yearning for silence. She wanted to yell. She wanted to scream. She wanted to–

Mari inhaled.

Mari exhaled.

Deep breaths always help when she gets worked up over nothing like that.

She doesn't remember where she learned it, but she assumes Hero told her, considering all those books he was reading for college prep.

Wow, that was dramatic, huh?

Nothing happened. Nothing happened to have triggered such a reaction. Reaction? She wasn't reacting to anything. Nothing happened.

Her thoughts came back to a perfect circle.

The moment became significantly kinder. The sounds of nature were all that filled her ears.
Her eyes were drawn to the lake. Didn't Sunny almost drown in there one time?

...

Perhaps...

...

"Maaarrriiiiiii!"

A certain loud young boy's voice echoed through the woods, accompanied by footsteps, making its presence known.

She turned her head around to greet him, taken by surprise.

"Hero asked me to ask if you are okay!" It was less of a question and more of a statement. She laughed at the forwardness, putting on her kind expression once again.

"Aha! Yeah, I'm alright Kel. Just needed a breather!" A smile took up the majority of her face, her eyes closing to allow room for it. "I was just about to head back! Perfect timing." A lie, but a necessary lie.

"She said she's coming back!" He turned around and yelled. She wanted to cover her ears.

He turned back to her, extending his hand. Mari froze, not knowing what she was supposed to do for a moment. Eventually, she caught on, taking his hand and smiling warmly at him.

She watched as he confidently walked back to the park, practically escorting her. It was endearing.

For just a moment, she looked back at the lake.

She couldn't do that to Kel.

So she pushed the thought back. Again.

She smelled something. It was nice. Nostalgic, even.

The smell of homemade food being cooked by Basil's grandma carried into his living room, where the group of six friends were watching TV together.

Five out of six, atleast.

Mari feigned interest in whatever cartoon the group was watching as she stared at the garden. Beautiful, perfectly grown flowers were planted neatly, each with their own unique meanings that they represented.

Vegetables were planted as well, still unripe. Green covered what should’ve been perfectly white turnips.

A few were hanging from the shed, hung up by tied ropes.

Nooses.

She got an idea.

...

She doesn't remember where she got the idea.

"Are you looking at the garden?"

The kind voice of a young boy chirped up, noticing her intense gaze. She swiftly snapped her head in his direction, causing him to flinch. "Ah- Sorry! Didn't mean to scare you." He apologized, a tinge of worry in his voice.

So four out of six.

"Oh, it's okay! No worries, Basil. And yeah, I was. It's so pretty!" She feigned another smile. "How do you hang those pots up? The ones by the shed. I want something like that in my room!" A believable reason.

Basil smiled, happy to talk about something he likes, she assumes. "Ah! It's pretty easy.. first you form a turn in the end of the rope... and then you pass in the standing part...? I think? I'm kind of rusty. If you want, I can ask my grandma to teach you!" He flashed an excited smile at her.

That'd be perfect.

"Yeah! That sounds perfect. Thanks, Basil!"

"Ah- it's no problem, Mari!"

Her brows furrowed momentarily. She brought her attention back to the show which had apparently already ended and everyone was eating.

"C'mon! Let's go eat!" She called to the blond, who followed her steps.

The eager smile he had on as he talked about his interests...

She didn't want to do that to Basil. That'd be selfish.

But if she's one thing, it's selfish.

She felt a burning in her throat. Most likely from yelling.

There she stood holding that jump rope, hands shaking and skin a sickly pale.

She wrapped the rope tag around the upper loop and standing part.

It didn't matter. Nothing mattered. She was tired.

Everyone else could deal with this, why couldn't she? Did she take more than she can carry? That's not fair. How was she supposed to know it'd be this stressful?

She wrapped it around three more times.

She told herself that she'd be worthless if she couldn't handle a single recital. And she couldn't handle it.

If, in this life, she had no worth, no use– She could have purpose in another.

She had to.

She wrapped it around three more times again.

The universe couldn't do that to her.

The universe couldn't trap her in an endless cycle of failure. Of not being good enough. A cycle of mediocrity.

It can't do that! That's not fair.

It wouldn't do that. That's why she's doing this! So she can have worth in the next life!

She wrapped it around three more times once more.

This... wasn't useless. This would benefit her. This would benefit everyone! Yes, of course, they would probably grieve her death, but–

She froze, nearly dropping the jump rope.

Her hysteria was put to a halt by her logic. They'd feel guilt. Her friends would drift apart.

Well... While all that is true..

This wouldn't benefit anyone.

She held the lower loop, pulling the tag end to tighten.

This wouldn't benefit anyone.

She tightened her grip.

Sacrifices must be made.

She doesn't remember if she laughed, but she made some sort of noise. She was absolutely hysterical.

The noose is completed.

Her friends would struggle.

But Mari knows herself.

If she's one thing, and one thing alone...

She's selfish.

Mari looked at the tree that had been towering above, watching over her through her mania.

...This was their favorite tree.

What would happen afterwards?

Would they just... remove her? She hoped so. That way he wouldn't have to lose his favorite tree.
... She shouldn't think about that right now.
Her next moves were a blur.

She stepped onto something. The toy box, she assumes. She doesn't really remember. The wood was cold against her bare feet, not too different from the wind.

She could feel the rope brutally burn her neck. It hurt. It hurt. She doesn't know if she'd ever felt hurt like that before.

And after a few moments, by what she assumes was survival instinct, she hissed in pain and started scratching at the rope. She could feel the blood rush to her head.

She pulled and tugged so hard her fingers might have been bleeding. She doesn't remember. Her nails kept missing the rope cutting her throat instead, further worsening the pain.

It was agonizing. So much for painlessly dying... She felt tears burn at her core. This was supposed to instantly kill her by breaking her neck- or something like that! This isn't fair! This isn't fair!

She felt a wave of sound violently force its way out of her throat.

No one answered her screams. Her cries of help. At least, no one answered in time.

Because by the time anyone could find her still alive...

She blacked out.

And now she stood by the dream world's dock, covered head to... dress... in blinking eyes.
She stared regretfully into the obnoxious and bright purple sky, filled with random shapes she could care less about.

She stared, regretting something she once wanted.
This was her fault, and her fault alone. And she'd have to live with that.

She... could live with it.

She heard footsteps come from behind her, turning to see a purple version of what she once was.

Guess that was her queue to leave.

As she headed back to the stump, she walked right through the girl who resembled her younger self, said girl's face remaining neutral.

Right before entering the clearing of trees, she looked back.

...Something happened.

She had her eyes on that girl.

And that girl knew it.