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-Niko's Lament: A OneShot Story-

(This story is based upon the videogame OneShot, it contains some instances of depressing moments, violence, and gore)

(It is also recommended to have played the game, to understand some concepts)

=====CHAPTER 1: THE BLIND WORLD=====

Our story begins with Niko, who most people refer to as a "Cat Person"

The latter of which he accepts, but becoming frustrated at the former, simply because he does not walk on four legs.

And cats don't talk either, though that is a matter for another time.

Niko's life wasn't exactly the most excited thing, being mostly focused on living and caring for the land.

After all, it was enough to satisfy his craving for pancakes, berries, and the attention his family gave him.

Just as night approached, Niko had gone to bed early, hoping to kickstart the day since he knew there was unfinished work around the farm.

Except the day never came, darkness would be the only thing that he saw, even in his dreams.

But turns out, he would wake up eventually, in a strange place completely unknown to him.

Beckoning him to explore, with his glowing eyes, he saw what appeared to be his bedroom, in a clearly worse condition than he remembered.

"Hello?" Niko's voice would echo across the room, yet there was no response, at least in the common way he expected.

The soft glow of moonlight peered through the window, and small noise of wind, nothing unusual just yet.

Sensing no point staying in the bed, Niko got up, old wood crackling beneath his feet, another indicator that this place was falling apart.

But what is more, plenty of strange objects had replaced those which he was most familiar with.

Instead of his painting canvas, there was a large bookcase, no wardrobe either.

"Uh, mom?" Niko would once again speak, expecting answers, but nothing happened.

The situation was slowly taking its toll upon Niko's mentality, the feeling he was truly alone in this place.

Trying not to panic, he would rush towards the window.

A vast, desolate wasteland would replace the wheat fields he was used to, glowing eerily in purple hue.

It only served to aggravate his fragile state, but once again tried to find other ways to calm down.

Slowly opening the door to the bathroom, he saw it was in decaying state too.

Strangely enough, water would still manage to flow through the sink, allowing him to wash over his hands, once he had taken his gloves off.

It just so happens that Niko doesn't remember having used gloves ever before, this fact surprised him.

"Where.. did these come from?" There was also the fact these looked like industrial-grade ones, meant to handle hazardous material.

Niko took a look at the rest of his clothing, but nothing seemed amiss.

But he was already used to the feeling, so he slipped those gloves back on, looking at the mirror.

Gazing upon his own glowing eyes, contemplating what else could possibly happen.

The tub and toilet did not work, once Niko got curious about the appliances.

Not that he had any immediate need for either just yet, but this annoyed him.

He also tried to search for anything that could be inside the drawers, nothing but dust.

Something caught his attention before leaving the room, something apparently attached against the shower curtain.

There was a small dagger taped to it, a tool which Niko had yet to use during farming duty.

"I guess nobody is using this, right?" Speaking to himself, before undoing the tape, and storing the dagger on one of his pockets.

He would feel something strange once this was done, as if someone was rapidly approaching.

Trying to come up with the best course of action, Niko would simply hide behind the door leading towards the bathroom, waiting.

A loud crashing noise could be heard from the other side, more akin to wood snapping under great force.

Then, constant whistling of wind, but he decided to remain there for a while longer.

Once Niko had the courage to move on, he opened the door, seeing that the bedroom he'd previously woken up on, was nearly destroyed.

The strong wind would force him to adjust his hat, attempting to shield his eyes, while carefully moving towards another door, on the other side of the room.

It was clear that he needed to find a way out of this building, once arriving to the other room, it appeared to be a kitchen.

In a state of disarray, but Niko didn't expect anything else, and began moving towards the fridge, he was used to iceboxes on personal experience.

A very cold breeze ran through his body, once the door was opened, this was not something he'd expected.

Nothing but a single bottle of frozen water, Niko took it regardless, knowing he needed anything at this point.

He'd remain cold, due to the frigid wind of outside, passing through the many cracks of this old structure.

Not caring much for the other features of the room, something went on his mind.

Niko was truly feeling worse, despite having only been in here for a short amount of time.

Knowing there might be no escape from this strange world he was cast onto, thinking that he will never be able to see his parents or friends again.

"Its just... no!" Tears flow from his eyes, and yet he was stubborn enough to continue, trying to drown his feelings.

Pressing himself against another door, almost ready to burst out in sorrow.

But his hand instinctively reached for the handle which was strangely overgrown with vines, granting him the opening towards the next room.

This appeared to be a greenhouse section, with some plants still looking lively & blooming.

The environment would calm Niko down for the moment, as his attention shifted towards the exotic glowing flora.

Wondering what use this plant-life could have, or if it was edible, the thoughts just kept going.

He reached towards one particular plant, adamant in pink glow, but particularly thorny.

Thankfully his gloves meant he had no problem handling this, and he'd look at the petals, which had pink bioluminescence.

Providing amusement, and slight hope, that this world might perhaps not be too bad after all.

In this section, he could also see the outside, which awaited him.

With a closer look, this was more similar to a vast desert, and Niko would glee, at the sight of huge swarms of fireflies.

Those of which were considerably higher in the sky, than the ones he was used to, providing plenty of illumination to this world.

The wind was no longer as intense, rather more of a gentle breeze, though still cold.

With the sand being either being blue, or simply due to the light provided by the fireflies, which was in similar colour.

Still, his reasons to remain inside this old shack would begin to run out, no use in staying still.

"Wow, it's so pretty!" Niko would remark upon the wildlife he could currently see, and decided to step outside.

Positioning himself right below one of those swarms, and watched as they danced & flew through the sky.

In a sense, Niko was also feeling more free, more due to the fact, that he could do many things in here, that simply weren't possible in his world.

Not to mention he had plenty of free time, now that he thought of it.

"I need to make a collection, I bet everyone will enjoy it" Speaking to himself, but not exactly paying attention to his surroundings.

Due to being slightly careless, Niko would trip on a stone, landing upon a sandy mound.

A bit irritating, but this allowed him to focus on other things.

Namely the fact, that strange structures could be seen on the distance, and he'd also just notice a vast network of railway tracks.

Although largely unusable, seeing no actual train in sight, and with the tracks in bad shape.

This would serve as a guide, and Niko followed south, from where he started.

"Who could have made these?" Thinking, as the tracks never seemed to end, diverting in many directions.

After a couple of minutes walking, he saw a small shed, with a shadowy figure standing close to the entrance.

Not knowing how to proceed exactly, but Niko built up the courage to head towards it.

"Hello?" Once he had arrived next to the entrance, he was greeted in kind by what appeared to be a construct.

Unlike anything he'd seen before, this was akin to a robot, which Niko was only familiar with, on science fiction comics he read back at home.

Mostly blocky and rigid, though it was moving in an almost fluid walking motion.

Somehow, he realized this might perhaps not be the best option, after all, what if it suddenly decided to attack him?

The dagger wasn't going to be much help, and instead, Niko would close his eyes, expecting the worst.

Nothing would happen, he could still breathe and feel the wind along his face, he had luck on his side, for now.

Then Niko heard the robot speak, its actual voice had hints of static, but didn't hinder his ability to understand it.

???: "Greetings organic lifeform, what is your request?"

Niko delighted by this, answered: "Hello! I'm Niko, what is your name?"

The robot took about 3 seconds to process an answer: "Momentum, menderbot serial 001, personal name never assigned"

All of this kept Niko on edge, having never interacted with a robot before.

Niko: Hm, you don't have a name? How about I give you one?

Momentum: Name not necessary, completely optional. Do you require a particular function?

Niko: Yes! I would like to know where I am, you see... I'm kinda lost.

Momentum: This location would be the phosphor processing station, south wing area.

Niko: That doesn't help much, I wish to know about the world.

Momentum: You are currently in... the shelter, it appears you have returned from the evacuation.

Calculating... two hundred and eight years have passed since the order.

Niko: W-what? How is that possible? I just got here, and don't know anything.

Momentum: My suggestion is to head towards the central city, perhaps there you will get advanced help.

The two finalize conversation, leaving Niko with more questions than answers.

He'd then decide to look inside the shed, for something else to do.

It was dark, every light fixture in here was pretty dim and almost didn't help with visibility.

But being rather curious, Niko would see something shiny, beneath a table.

Grabbing hold of it, a crowbar it was, once again kicking with the instinct that it will come in handy.

Deciding to actually wield it, too big to store in any of his pockets.

Once outside once more, Niko decided to follow the tracks like he had done before.

Taking his time to admire the world, still amazed by all the firefly swarms, which made him think deeply.

Those were the only real significant sources of light on this world, he'd just realized there was no sun, or perhaps the night lasted real long here.

But he could not see stars on the sky, almost as if everything was blackened out by thick dark clouds.

"Woah, is that..?" He'd focus his gaze further at the tracks, having located a train locomotive, surprisingly undamaged.

Jumping at the sight, Niko quickly ran and inspected it, the design was clearly far more advanced, than those he'd seen passing near the farm, back at home.

Though he could do little else than simply looking, having no knowledge on how to operate it, or if it could still function.

Niko also realized it would not be able to run on coal & steam, truly perplexing him.

"I must find a way to solve this... problem" Speaking, and granting upon himself a new task.

Thus leaving, and standing next to the locomotive in question, something came to his mind.

"If only mom was here, I'm sure she would... be overjoyed by the things I've seen"

The feeling of gloom would return to Niko, despite how well things have gone so far.

He still knew, there was the chance of never returning, even if he tried.

His tears were suddenly interrupted, when he saw a robot approaching, it was the same he'd talked to before.

Niko wiped his face, and tried to put on a fake smile.

Then they would engage in conversation once more.

Momentum: I have detected that you have interest in this transport vehicle.

Niko: Y-yes, that is true... I don't know how it works, its far too complicated, from the ones I've seen.

Momentum: Processing... this vehicle uses 4 battery modules, but only 3 have been placed, last one unable to be charged.

Niko: Maybe I could help, and in return, you can get it up and running?

Momentum: That is correct, you require my functions, but I also require your presence to handle the charging.

Niko: Great.. so uh, where are we going?

Momentum: Follow me please, required actions will be shown soon.

Soon enough, the robot would start walking towards the distant shed, with Niko following behind.

He'd gotten curious as to why it couldn't perform this function on its own, being highly advanced and everything.

But there was no other way to do it, so he just rolled with it.

They'd both gotten inside the structure, but the robot would show Niko a large metallic door, which needed a code to access.

Though it didn't take too long, the door would split from above and under, impressing Niko.

"Wow, they should make all doors at the village just like this one" He spoke, and began inspecting the inside of this room.

It was much easier to see in here, the lighting was brighter and tinted cream-colour.

Then there was a massive machine of sorts, with its own door at the side, terminal at the front, and plenty of wires leading to it.

Before Niko could do anything, the robot began to speak.

Momentum: Destination reached, now requesting the assistance.

Processing... please position yourself at the door of this charging station, it requires an organic signature.

Niko: Very well, seems easy enough..

He'd eagerly head towards the door, not really knowing the fuzz as to why this was hard.

Simply standing there, when a beam of light soon activated, it was a scanning ray.

Niko closed his eyes during this brief moment, then heard a beep, signalling that he had done well.

The robot would simply step into the machine, the door closing automatically.

Niko: So what that everything? Just a beep?

Momentum: Negative, further interaction is required, please step towards the front of the machine.

When prompted, type C-H-A-R-G-E onto the terminal display.

Niko: Type...? uh, got it!

He wasn't sure of this concept just yet, but quickly assigned it to the act of writing something.

Thus he would walk over towards the screen of this machine, jolly due to this new experience.

Looking down upon the keypad, which would turn out to be easy to use, associating this to a typewriter, which was his personal experience.

Initially however, Niko would show hesitation, thinking what would happen if he did this wrong, nervousness taking over him.

Momentum: Are you still there?

Niko: Yeah... just give me a moment, I'm looking.

Once his state of mind was more calm, he'd set the crowbar aside, and type the word 'CHARGE', which made the vast machinery get going.

Watching, stunned by how such a thing could be real, then again Niko did not come from a world were advanced technology was yet in motion.

Everything felt strange, but intriguing at the same time.

Before Niko could think of something else, the process had been done, with the robot stepping out, and showing off an orb-like object.

The top of it was glowing, in a vibrant turquoise hue.

Another thing to write off in his journal, if Niko had one that is.

Niko: Oh, that is pretty. I take it everything was fine?

Momentum: Correct, now please follow me.

Preparations will commence for departure to destination of your choice.

Niko: I'm gonna travel? Perfect!

The robot would leave the building first, but Niko would intentionally stay behind.

Making sure to not forget his crowbar, and take the time to grab some eye-catching papers he'd seen on the way here.

Looking at them, one would turn out to be a map, which would serve him well to plan the journey ahead.

However, just before moving on, he'd felt a sudden headache, forcing Niko to sit down upon a chair.

"Ugh, what is happening to me?" Niko could barely hear even his own voice, and placed both hands around his head.

Instead, a twisted, evil-ish deep one, would replace all his current thoughts; "Every time you fall, those dear to you will forget everything"

Unsure as to how this is occurring, he could only blame it upon being trapped in this world.

With his mental state deteriorating, Niko let his tears flow once more, a great sense of mortification setting in.

"Make it stop, please!" Crying out, demanding help that would never come.

Niko tried his best to come back onto reality, looking at his reflection on a nearby puddle of water.

Much like he had done previously, he expected something to happen out of it, and it did.

Hearing a distant noise, like that of a train whistle, he knew what to do.

Standing here wasn't going to do much, if anything, he'd build up courage with each of these sorrow moments.

Because despite all, he was still alive, things could have gone much worse, but they have not.

Stepping outside the shed, he'd peer into the distance, seeing the once-inactive locomotive, illuminating the tracks in front of it.

Quickly approaching and finding himself right inside of the vehicle, where the robot had been patiently waiting this whole time.

Niko did not exactly know where he could go, so he'd pull out the map, and began to look.

Momentum: It appears you are ready to go, which destination would you like to choose?

Niko: Yes um, I want to go into this... Coral Island?

Momentum: Location unreachable by land, requires water-based or aerial transportation.

Choose another destination.

Niko: Ah, thought there would be a bridge or something, how about Firefly Fields?

Momentum: Confirmed, setting course immediately, please remain seated during the journey.

Delighted, Niko would sit down, but occasionally look out the window, as the locomotive shook and began to move forward.

Quickly picking up speed, as he kept watching the scenery, noticing the numerous buildings dotting this land.

Wondering if they also housed robots like this one, or perhaps actual people.

He didn't know how long it would take to reach his destination, so after about five or so minutes, he'd sit down on the floor.

Closing his eyes and setting the crowbar aside, not expecting to sleep but somehow, he'd become drowsy all of a sudden.

Not long after, Niko would begin to dream as well.

=====END OF CHAPTER 1=====