Two Souls, One Heart

(Jay's POV):

Past-time:

"I guess you're having a nightmare again..." - Gayle

A vivid memory I got from Kaede whenever I get a nightmare. She would always allow me to stay by her whenever something like that happens. It was something that I never wanted to see in my entire life but, it still happens... Every now and then...

"Come, I'll take care of you..." - Gayle

She sounded calm, numbed, and pretty much dull... But somehow, I can feel that she wants me to feel better with this... Of course I will be happy... I want Kaede to be happy...

We were twelve at that time and here I'm still seeking comfort from my own sister... A few years, we had a person who looked over us. He was like a big brother or a caring upperclassman. Both of us were in fifth grade and Kaede looked forward to seeing him again in sixth grade but... He disappeared... We had forgotten his name, not sure about Kaede but I had forgotten him. Because of him, I managed to get even better grades. Because of him, Kaede stopped fully committing suicide. Where is he now, I just don't know... Maybe one day we'll be able to reunite with him again...

"Kaede, are you thinking about him?"

"Ah, yes... Just wondering what happened to him..." - Gayle

Despite that I'm being comforted, she also needs her own comfort but Kaede refuses it... All those times I actually wanted to cry because I kept failing to comfort her. The worst part is that, she would still harm herself but never fully commit to that... Maybe it's because that person actually influenced her to it...

"If I remember correctly, he's also suffering, in his own life. We don't know anything about him after all..."

"Yeah, I really want to help him but... I was too shy..." - Gayle

I know that Kaede liked him and is somewhat clingy to that person. If she manages to stay with him for a while more then I could be more relieved but... He just disappeared wordlessly.

If push comes to shove, I'll be the one to take care of Kaede. I promised mom for that, she's looking over us and I will take care of her... I will make her happy myself and do everything I can...

"I wonder how he's doing now... I hope he's still okay, I did give him a gift in his birthday..." - Gayle

"A gift? Wait a second, I don't remember asking him or knowing his birthday."

"Ah... I just looked in his ID..." - Gayle

"I see, what was the gift?"

"It was just a jar... A nice crystal pen... And a few sets of packed notes..." - Gayle

I won't ask any further but all this makes me remember...

"I miss mom..." - Gayle

A few more years back...

My mom was very sick, and it was said to be in the critical level already. I didn't understand any of these terms but for some reason, I don't want to accept any of this...

"Mom, please don't go..."

"It's alright Jay, take care of Gayle alright?" - Mom

"A-alright... I promise... I'll do my best..."

I was holding her hand while Kaede was peacefully asleep next to mom. I started to hope everything will be alright, my dad, and even the maid didn't smile... I was simply there, watching with hopeful eyes...

After some time, mom closed her eyes and her body lost its power. It was the only sight I remember and the last words I heard were...

"I'll watch over you both... My lovely children..." - Mom

Present time...

When I opened my eyes, I remembered being on the bed from the castle of Asylum in this game... When I turned my body, the first thing I saw was Robin covering his eyes and standing there.

"I never knew..." - Robin

Did he overhear, I sleep talked and messed up? Ah, I should've checked first...

"Sorry for barging in... I was pretty concerned to see my team member getting this broken. But there seems to be a lot I've missed out on your life... Honestly, I wish I could've helped but, for starters, condolences..." - Robin

"T-thanks... What else did you hear..."

"Well, a lot..." - Robin

More tears poured out from my eyes but just as I was about to wipe these off, Robin gave me another hug and tried to lessen my pain right now...

"I may not know what kind of life you lived but hell, you already incurred so much loss in your life so just give it a rest. Don't worry about your sister too much, you already did enough..." - Robin

"R-Robin..."

"So, even if you're heading into a difficult time where you aren't able to get your sister comfort you. I'll be around offering assistance as always. You're a great friend, so I would feel bad if I am unable to help you out at times." - Robin

It sounded so simple but it was pretty much enough... I needed a hand to help me stay alright for the most part but it was thanks to Robin being such a kind person to me. Because of that, I simply let out everything I have bottled up and stopped caring about the surroundings.

(POV Shift: Gayle's POV):

"He's having a nightmare again..."

It was currently nighttime, I'm on the roof of the palace above the sky floor just sitting down. The night sky was full of stars, my favorite place to see... But, something was spiking up in my chest the entire time...

"Jay, I hope you're alright..."

It may sound like twin sense but it's actually somewhat true... Both of us would know if one of us is hurt and in pain so I can pretty much help him out.

After some time, I continued looking up to the sea of stars and wonder about some things. I started to think when Denzel is going to be okay since everyone is getting a little bit melancholic with him still darkened down. I took some ideas into my head but I don't think I should do it now. So far, he's the kindest person I've met in my life who would help me out without any cost. The weapon, Mysteria was such a very beautiful weapon and I had loved using it ever since it was finished. I started to think about things that aren't exactly healthy for a person to think about but I remembered one thing.

"I shouldn't die... He's definitely going to be unhappy if I die..."

By all standards I wasn't referring to Lester, Jay, or even Denzel... I referred to the person who once saved me from committing suicide and I'm somewhat glad that I could still live a life...

"I should head down..."

It was currently midnight and I was hoping that I wouldn't get in much trouble by getting caught so I jumped off the roof but I saw a silhouette in the balcony of the sky floor. When I checked, it was Denzel who is just standing there and looking up. He had dulled out eyes and looked completely emotionless. I hope that he's alright now because he started to walk around but his mind is still not in the correct state. I landed on the balcony but his attention never left the stars.

"The moon is quite beautiful isn't it?"

I stood next to him as he gazes to the moon with dull eyes and somewhat nods in response. He still manages to respond but I guess it doesn't hurt reading his mind.

Pain, suffering, loss, abandonment, betrayal, and so many other things. I can't get a clear read but I kept hearing that one line that enters his mind pretty often...

"Where are you?"

It was a weird question but he seems to be looking for someone that could help him. I initially thought that Lilith was the only chance but she seems to be asleep on the chair in Denzel's room.

"Thanks... You know, for everything you've done for me so far... The weapon, helping Lester out... Being the kind person and allowing me to drink your experiments..."

I remember drinking those ampoules that have a similar taste of cola. It pretty much stopped restocking as the incident began which is enough proof that he's the person that makes those drinks. It felt pretty nostalgic and nice that he can make something like that.

"Well, I'm heading off now... I hope you'll be okay soon alright?"

I jumped down without waiting for an answer and returned to my room. There's too many things to worry about and if Lester gets mad at me for not sleeping then everything will be pretty much worse. I can't really be against anyone here but it's a good thing the owner is pretty kind to let everyone lodge here... I hope they can allow Jay and the rest to reside here soon too.

I returned to my room while pondering about some thoughts on what to prepare for.

"Jay, please come back alive..."

I opened the door to my room only to see Lester looking pretty mad.

"Ah... I'm sorry..."

I immediately got slapped and walked straight to the bed while getting yelled at.

"Where the fuck have you been?! This kind of behavior is something that you shouldn't do! Now tell me! Where were you?!" - Lester

Please... Come back quickly...