Chapter 4: The Twins (Torii and Kenshin)

I woke up to rather loud knocking, which meant that Umbra was here. My eyes snapped open at the realization.

'If Umbra is here, then that means…'

Hastily, I got up and changed, fixed my hair, and was just putting on my shoes when I heard him say, "Torii! Where are you?"

I groaned in annoyance. "Umbra! I have guests over!"

That shut him up real quick, allowing me to finish putting on my lace up boots. I walked into the main room to see the black-haired boy glare at me. Behind him were a sleepy Kosei and Kenshin.

"Why would you allow people to visit us? Don't you remember-"

"Umbra, I brought them here for advice. They're Mayor Kosei and Kenshin of Seaside."

Umbra registered my words, and turned to face them. He bowed slightly. "Allow me to apologize for my rude behavior. My name is Umbra, it's nice to meet you," he looked at Kenshin, "Especially you."

"Me?" Kenshin was confused.

"You were one of the people who went through Aika Village, right?"

"..Yeah. How do you know?"

"Well," Umbra rubbed his head in embarrassment, "News travels fast around here."

I looked past the boys and noticed something. "Where's Mel?"

"That's what we were going to ask you." Kosei said, his voice a bit strained.

"I don't know where she is." I answered honestly.

Umbra tenses up. I think he knew where she could be. "Torii, I'd like to speak to you in private. It's about the project."

I tensed up. I wasn't kidding when I said that he was a researcher. I smiled in a strained manner, and spoke to my guests, "Kosei, Kenshin, can you head out and explore Mira on your own accord? I'm certain the Animals would help you out."

Kenshin was about to protest, but Kosei rested his hand on the other's shoulder.

Once they had changed and left, I spoke. "How's her status?"

Umbra shook her head. "Still the same. I'm really trying, but Solis is a stubborn producer. Working on the town, no problem at all. But with my project, she's a stubborn specimen."

I stared at the boy. "I'm sorry, but did you just-"

"I didn't mean to call her that. You know how I get, Torii. It's in my nature." His apology was rushed, and I heard his voice break.

"Torii, I'm afraid of failing her. If I can't get her to curb this nocturnal habit, then I'll have no choice but to report her and send her away. I don't think that either of us are capable to take her place. I've been trying to find the right kind of flowers that have the same effect as the Suite.

"So far, I think I've found out the flower type, but I'll have to confirm it with Luna. However…" He trailed off, which made me worry.

"What is it?" I asked, dreading the answer. Umbra took off his headphones and hat, revealing the black hair he tried to hide. He ran his free hand through it, showing the signs of frustration.

"Luna has said that the dream version of Mira has deteriorated significantly. If I can't get rid of Solis's issue, and get her to update Mira's image, there might be more.. Bad side effects."

"Umbra," I spoke, hoping to soothe his nerves, "I know it's hard. But right now, we need to find a way to save her. And you were hiding something from the boys. What was it?"

"This 'Mel' girl… I think she went into Solis's house last night. When we got back from Hana Valley, it was almost nine at night. And I could've sworn that I saw someone in front of her house. I think that it was her."

My brain went into overdrive. "Crap. Solis might've caught her. Go to her house, and find Mel. I'll handle the other two."

We could see Torii and Umbra leave the house. Umbra walks to us and said, "Well, it was nice to meet you both. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to check on my sister." With that, Umbra crossed the bridge and headed for his sister's house.

Torii, on the other hand, looked stressed out. "Okay. Look, Umbra has a guess on where Mel could be, and he's going to find her. But, is there anything that I can answer for you guys?

"Yeah, how about what on earth is going on?" The tone was harsher than I intended, and Torii flinched.

"I guess you guys deserve to hear some of it." She sounded weary, like she was tired of it. "Come along now." She led us to Main Street, to the Dream Suite, in particular.

"This is where the root of our problem is." She sounded broken.

"What problem, Torii? Is something wrong with the Dream Suite?" Another voice called out. Torii stiffened and looked behind us, prompting both Kosei and I to do the same. Another girl stood there, wearing a beaded shirt, corseted skirt, fishnet tights, and a pair of white patent shoes.

"I don't think that we've met before. My name is Solis, the true mayor of Mira."

"But I was under the impression that Torii was mayor."

Solis scoffed at that. "Oh, please, she's like the babysitter whenever I'm out traveling. But I've yet to know who you two are."

Torii looked uncomfortable. "T-They are Mayor Kosei and Kenshin of Seaside. They are here upon invitation along with their friend Mel."

"Kenshin and Mel? As in the ones who had gone through Aika Village?" Solis's leaf green eyes widened in surprise. I noticed the slightly pink tint in the whites. Was she tired?

Solis shook her head, and waved her hand. "I need to get to Dream Suite. I need to update Mira's dream."

Torii looked at her with concerned worry. "Already? Haven't you done that already just last night?"

Solis frowned. "Is that a problem, Torii? You know how easy it is for me to force you out of here."

Torii looked down at the dirt path. That's when I realized how wrong Solis's actions were. "You sound just like a dictator."

The girl before me rolled her eyes. "I may not be the one who invited you here, but I can easily kick you out. Don't push it."

And just that, her anger changed her, and she pushed past the three of us, and entered the Dream Suite.

Torii closed her dark eyes, allowing tears to fall. "And that was the result of the problem. Solis, the very reason for Mira's tree to exist and grow, has a dream addiction. And her brother, Umbra, can't help her."

"What have I done?" I should've seen the signs long before I started this. I shouldn't have given her that journal. It's the only she does now. Go to the Suite, spend hours and Bells in there, and come out with even more entries.

I have never felt so free before. I really do love my brother. But he's doesn't feel the same. I planted those red tulips around our houses for a reason. Brother... The town is growing dark. Everything is wrong. What's happening?