Chapter 2: Memories

“Yumena… I”m sorry about that. You remembered what happened before, right?” Tones older brother asked, patting Yumena on the head to comfort her

“You knew? You can always tell when I’m lying, can’t you, Yin? That….hurt.” Yumena said, tears welling in her eyes

“Yumena, we’re alone here, it’s fine. You don’t have to hold back right now, you don’t have to act. Just let it out.” Yin said, worried

Tears started falling from her eyes

“He really can’t remember, can he? That’s just unfair! I even have to act like I just found that out, and he just… tells me he thought I acted like a robot… it hurts, Yin. Why do I have to go through this just to be with him again? Why can’t I just do it normally?!” Yumena said, crying

“It’s all right, Yumena. We’re getting closer, aren’t we?” Yin asked

“No! He didn’t even remember magic! He loved it even more than I did… no, he was the reason I loved it at all. Yet, he looked barely interested. He’s not... Tone. Not anymore.” Yumena said, shaking her head in denial

“You know the reason behind why we can’t just talk to him… I think you know better than anyone. And you’re right, to a certain extent. That is Tone. It’s just that he isn’t the Tone that grew up with us. He isn’t the one who led us on wild adventures… damnit…. and here I was, trying to comfort you. Sorry, Yumena. Just… give me a second.” Yin said, facing away

“Heh. We have a long time, Yin… a moment’s nothing.” Yumena said

“Yeah...yeah, I guess. Yumena, how long are you staying here for?” Yin asked

“I’m… not leaving. I don’t have anywhere to go now. You guys are the only ones who would take me in… Sorry. I didn’t want to be a bother. And yet, here I am… I don’t have any other choices, not anymore. I do have to thank you for this, again.” Yumena laughed, bitterly

“You should have just stayed here in the first place. Maybe then we could have introduced him to you sooner, gradually helped him.” Yin said

“No. You said I was the one who knew why we couldn’t talk to him better than anyone, right? It had to be today. I just didn’t think it would be bittersweet like this. But, that’s how it always goes. More bitter than sweet. As always. No, it had to be tonight. He found out about magic without our involvement, so my acting worked well enough. You usually call my acting horrible, too. The night the new Tone finds magic. I feel bad for wasting the popsicle, now. The more I think about it, the more I’m starting to think that it might be better if we had just left him to live his life. Without us.” Yumena said

“I….think I’m starting to agre-“ Yin started

*Slap!*

*Bonk!*

“Ow!” Yin said, rubbing his cheek

“Ack!” Yumena said, holding her head

“Idiots. Yin, weren’t you supposed to be making her feel better? This is pitiful.” A voice said

“Oh. Hey, sis.” Yin said, still depressed

“Yo. I’ll hit you two as many times as I need to to get you guys up and working on this. I’m not the best at helping others feel better, but I can definitely get you guys on your feet if you don’t listen to me. And wipe those pathetic tears off of your faces. Would the old Tone be okay with this?” She asked

“May, why did you hit me so hard?” Yumena asked

“Ah. Sorry. I was annoyed and not thinking straight.” May said, softening a little bit

“It doesn’t matter. May, I think we’d rather just be alone right now.” Yin said

“Yeah. I’m not feeling very well, either.” Yumena said

What little was left of Mays almost nonexistant patience snapped

She grabbed them by the collars and dragged them outside.