Ori and the Spirits Within: Revitalized

Chapter 2: Deliverance

...

Ugh. M-My head...

M-Man, what the hell happened? Where... where am I? It's so dark I can barely see anything.

"Hello?! C... Can anyone hear me?"

...

No response.

Wh-Why am I even here? Didn't I...?

W-Well, there's got to be some way I can get out of this place. Where are you, exit? Where are-?

Aha! There's some light peeking out of that hole. There's my way out-!

"Eh? Ngh-! Nrragh-! Wh-What the-!?"

S-Something's locked onto my ankle! Wh-What is...?

"GAH-! AUGH!" It-It just tripped me! Wh...?

"A-AAHHH-!" N-Now it's dragging me away!? C-Come on, get it off! Get it-!

"W-Waugh-!?" I-I'm b-being flung in the air!? Wh-Who the hell is-?!?

*SLAM*

"ACKK-!!"

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Another day had come to Niwen, a warmer one than the days prior. Despite the moderate amount of clouds in the sky, the sun was shining its light down on the forest. A gentle wind current blew a few stray leaves into the large lake nearby. At the opposite end of that lake was the golden light of the Spirit Willow, dim from this distance but still shining brightly. Atop a small hill near the lake stood a young, purple owl, her wings stretched outward to take in the winds blowing through. Near the base of the hill were the owl's adoptive mother and father, currently setting up the space to have a late breakfast picnic. Naru was currently laying most of the food while Gumo had brought a few oranges to enjoy. He only brought two with him, though, knowing that Ku wasn't a fan of fruit.

"I think we've got enough food," Gumo smiled, placing the two oranges on the blanket with the rest of the food.

"Alright," Naru replied, looking over to see her beloved daughter, gazing coldly at the golden tree in the distance. She remembered when Ku came home a couple days ago, her cheeks stained with tears. When she and Gumo confronted Ku about it, she told them what happened at the Spirit Willow... and how Seir had lied to them about Ori's situation. Of course, Naru and Gumo weren't too pleased with Seir. They were planning on going to the Spirit Willow tomorrow to talk about it with Seir, but right now, she wanted to help her adoptive daughter forget what Seir had told her and just enjoy being with her family for the time being.

Since it felt like Ku wasn't paying attention to what she and Gumo were doing, Naru slowly walked up behind the owl and quickly surprised her by picking her up in a tight hug.

"G-GAH!!" Ku yelped in shock, flailing around for a second before realizing that Naru had picked her up. "Ugh! M-Mooom!"

"Sorry, honey," Naru chuckled as she stroked Ku's chest to calm her back down. Ku was always a perceptive young girl, but Naru sometimes managed to surprise her when she didn't expect it. Both she and Gumo were good at surprising their children, especially Ori, who was more oblivious than Ku was. Ori always loved getting happy surprises like this, and while Ku wasn't as fond of it as he was, the owl quietly giggled as she relented her annoyance...

"Come on, it's time for lunch," Naru placed the owl back down as she and Ku walked back over to the blanket, sitting down next to one another. Gumo handed out the rational portions of apples to Naru and himself, with Ku being given a few bugs and worms for herself. It was a delightful meal as a whole, for everyone involved. As it continued, they began to discuss some things with each other.