Chapter Text
Put on the ring, big brother.
That voice…
Brown eyes snap open, darting around in a panic. Ryou sits up, his body covered in a cold sweat as he grips on the blanket. His panicked gaze is met with the stillness of night. As he comes to his senses, nothing jumps out as suspicious or out of the ordinary. Everything in his room is where it should be. Sighing quietly, Ryou lies back down, his head sinking into his pillow.
He had the dream again.
Ever since his last birthday, he’s been hearing her voice when he sleeps. An ache seeps deep within his chest as Ryou tries to recall the sound. Yet, as always, it slips away. Just a whisper cascading deep within his mind. A pale hand reaches forward to the nightstand, grabbing hold of a picture frame. The subjects in the picture appear to be a happy family.
There’s his father, mother, sister, and himself, all giving smiles he hasn’t seen in years. Not since he lost his mother and sister in that car wreck. While his father still lives, Ryou never sees him anymore. The man’s busied himself with his work. Not that Ryou blames him, he wishes he could drown himself in distractions too. He looks down at the photo, longing for his mother and sister to smile at him again. To hear them laugh, to hear them call for him…
Ryou.
Body tense, Ryou snaps his head around. He heard it, he heard her again.
“It must be the lack of sleep,” he reasons, voice quiet.
Of course that’s the problem, he hasn’t had a decent nights sleep in weeks. How could he? Being haunted by memories of his late sister is taking all rest away. Each and every night. But what he wouldn’t give to keep hearing her voice. That’s the worst part for Ryou. He yearns for these dreams, to latch onto the memories he has of his dear twin sister. And yet, every time he wakes up, he feels it all slip away.
What started this? He knows he used to sleep, at least better than this. Ryou had even convinced himself he grieved naturally and was moving on. What’s happened? Why is he being haunted like this, now of all times?
A soft twinkle resonates within the room. Like a gentle breeze flew past delicate wind chimes. Ryou turns his head, his gaze falling across the room. Shimmering in the dark is the golden ring his father got for him. It hangs up on the wall above his desk, completely still.
That’s right, the package had surprised him. Ryou was expecting a card with maybe some extra cash inside, the usual kind of ‘care package’. It had lifted his spirits to see such a pretty artifact inside the package.
“And you did write a nice card.” Ryou smiles to himself. “It is an extraordinary gift, but I still would have preferred seeing you in person…”
He sighs quietly, slowly climbing out of his bed. The wood floor sends chills through his feet, causing him to wait a minute before continuing. What time is it? Ryou looks at the clock. 3:45. Another sigh escapes him as he rubs the bags under his eyes. This’ll be another sleepless night of many.
“What’s one more night? I’ll manage.” He walks across his room before stopping in front of his desk. Ryou picks up the card.
“Another year has passed and I couldn’t be more proud or impressed by the man you’re becoming. Keep up the great work in school,”
Yes the usual pleasantries. But this time his father really seemed to think out the card he wrote for him. For it continues, “I know I’ve been absent for longer than originally planned. For that, I am truly sorry. This year I’m going to do better by you. I promise I’ll come home more, son. I love you.
Happy birthday.”
A small smile tugs at Ryou’s lips. He does hope his father will hold true to his promise. But a bitter part of him doubts anything will change. It’s easy to make promises from miles and miles away, after all. The ache returns, causing Ryou to grip his shirt tight. He’s just so… alone.
Yes he’s been lonely ever since he lost his family, since he lost her. She was his best friend. His dear twin sister. Fingers idly brush against cold metal and Ryou looks at the ring. Something about this relic makes him feel conflicted. There’s this unease about the object, like it’s almost alive, and yet Ryou finds himself inexplicably drawn to it. He thinks she would have found it pretty, especially when the gold surface reflects sunlight.
“I don’t… I don’t want to be so lonely anymore.” His voice is barely above that of a whisper as it trembles, yet it echoes in the dead, silent room. “I want to see you again, I want to talk to you again, Amane.”
He wants the soul crushing loneliness to go away. What he wouldn’t give for the chance to see his sister one more time. Is she doing okay? Did she move on? Is there an afterlife for her soul to find peace in? Is she… is she really gone?
The ring.
Ryou freezes in spot, fingers just barely brushing the golden surface. He swears he heard it again… is he really that tired? This can’t be a good sign. Hearing a voice once or twice, sure that’s exhaustion, but for a third time? His eyes glance back at the ring as a chill runs down through his spine. His gaze is caught by the eye rested at the very center. Now that he thinks about it, the dreams, the voices, it all started after his birthday.
That’s when he got the ring.
At first he thought of it as a dream catcher, from its shape. But instead of protecting him from bad dreams, Ryou’s starting to believe it’s causing them. He grabs the cord, lifting the ring off it’s hook. It dangles there, and he’s convinced the eye is staring straight at him. No, his exhausted mind is playing tricks. Sure he loves ghosts and all things spooky and creepy, but believing he has a haunted necklace from Egypt? That’s ridiculous. This isn’t some b- list horror. Ryou merely received an exotic gift from his guilt ridden father.
So why does he feel like he isn’t alone?
Ryou… put on the ring.
He visibly shudders. This isn’t right, he needs to go to bed. His mind keeps playing tricks. There’s no one here, no one can be talking to him. He’s sleep deprived and it’s finally taking its toll. Ryou returns the ring to its hook and turns around. He’s going to crawl back into bed and let himself rest…
Big brother…
Ryou stops. Slowly, he turns around. “Amane…?”
The wind chimes twinkle again. Ryou stays rooted in spot, staring at the golden ring. It rests there against the wall, unmoved. There’s no mistaking it this time. He can’t write this off on exhaustion. That was her voice. Amane… she’s speaking to him. She must be here, he heard her so clearly.
Ryou grabs the ring again, the cold metal resting in his tight grip. His hands visibly shake as he stares down at the relic, unblinking. He stands there in utter silence. Waiting. He needs to hear her again. It must be connected with this ring, there's no other explanation. If he could just hear her again, just one more time… he doesn’t know what he’ll do, but he craves this.
Put on the ring.
His body moves automatically, the cord slipping around his pale neck. Ryou brushes his long, white hair out of the way. The ring holds a weight, yet it’s not uncomfortable as it rests against his chest. It feels like a perfect fit. Timidly, he brushes his fingers against the metal, no longer finding the touch to be so cold. And yet, he doesn’t feel any different? Honestly, Ryou’s not sure what he was expecting.
Perhaps some glowing lights and an explanation or two.
Or at least for the ache to go away…
Big brother… I want to see you.
Ryou grips on the ring tight. He swallows the lump in his throat and closes his eyes. “Amane…? Are you there?”
Yes.
A shaky sigh escapes him, knuckles turning white. His body trembles, and yet his feet refuse to budge, for fear of interrupting whatever's happening. Is he… is he dreaming? No, no it can’t be another dream. If he wakes up from this… Ryou doesn’t want to think, he wants to hear his sister again.
“Amane what’s… what’s happening? It’s been so long- how are we communicating? I-It shouldn’t be possible...”
But it is. Is it… the ring? He slowly opens an eye, peeking down at the relic. His mind might really be pulling tricks on him, because he swears the ring is glowing.
That doesn’t matter right now. He’s doing it, he’s talking to Amane! Ryou can feel his whole body shake, having to brace himself on the table to stop from collapsing. This can’t be really happening, can it? This shouldn’t be possible but it is and it’s happening.
“Amane there’s so much I want to tell you so much has happened since-” he cuts himself off, tears gathering at the corner of his eyes. “Amane I don’t even know where to start!”
She doesn’t answer.
“...A-Amane?”
His breathing quickens its pace, Ryou gripping on his chest. Did he miss his chance? Did he only have a small window to talk to her? No he couldn’t have ruined this that isn’t fair. No, no this isn’t happening what does he need to do to keep the connection going?
“Please tell me, what do I have to do? I-I didn’t get to say anything I wanted. Please tell me what I can do so we can keep talking.”
The stretch of silence is unbearable. He must have done something wrong. What is it? He put on the ring just like she said! What more is there? Brown eyes quickly dart around his room, searching for a sign. Bookcases filled with dvds and games, his shoes scattered on the floor, his favorite figurines sitting on his desk… but nothing to help him speak with Amane.
His gaze falls back to his clock. 4:27. Is he really losing it this late at night? Ryou’s body visibly deflates, feeling the life drain out of him. He should go back to bed.
Slowly he drags his exhausted body back to bed. As he sinks into the mattress his eyes droop heavy. Too many thoughts race through his mind, yet it all feels like white noise. Sleep begins to over take him, if only for the relief. The ache in his chest is just too much to bare.
He can’t go on with this anymore…
---
Sunlight filters into the modest bedroom, causing Ryou to squint as he feels himself coming to. Waking up feels like a chore, his mind groggy and unfocused. What time is it? Tired eyes look for the clock. It’s 1:17 in the afternoon. Today’s a Sunday. Does he have any commitments planned?
No of course he doesn’t.
It’s for the best, with the shitty night he just had he’d have to cancel anyways. Ryou sits up and stretches. Memories of last night suddenly resurface, causing him to groan. That has to be the worst dream yet, if only because he remembers it so vividly. As much as he loves horror movies, he may have to cut back on them for the time being. Clearly they’re not good for his current mental state.
Swinging his legs over the side of his bed, he gets up to start his day. Yet a weight around his neck causes him to pause.
He’s wearing the ring.
No that can’t be right, it was a dream, wasn’t it? But he’s only worn the ring once since he got it. He wanted to try it on after it arrived, but got a weird feeling. And it’s not like he can wear this out in public. That’d bring him too much attention and he’d rather avoid that all together. So how is it he’s wearing it now?
“Maybe I’m sleepwalking, it’s not like I’d know,” he reasons. “There’s no point to dwell on this. I should just get up and go about my day, yeah.”
He leaves the ring on as he makes his way to the bathroom. With sluggish steps he goes to the sink and turns on the water. Ryou just needs to wash his face. Just wash up and start the day fresh. No need to dwell on any morbid thoughts that persistently run through the back of his mind.
When he looks up at his reflection, he screams.
Staring back at him, isn’t quite himself. His reflection smiles at him, his features only the slightest bit different. He knows he’s always been rather feminine in his appearance, but not to this level. It’s the small details, like his features seeming, softer? However, the differences are mostly the eyes… they almost look red.
It’s him, but not.
It takes him a moment to realize. The dream last night…
“A-Amane?”
His reflection smiles more. I meant it. I wanted to see you, big brother.
The voice from last night… that’s right she had said she wanted to see him. He didn’t realize at the time. She meant go find a mirror! Of course that’s what she meant how else would they see each other? Was she waiting all this time for him to figure that out?
Pale hands press against the reflective surface, his reflection mirroring his movements. “Amane I didn’t realize. I-I thought I was dreaming.”
His voice cracks, all his desperation bubbling up to the surface. Though he can feel tears pool at the corner of his eyes, he doesn’t see them in the mirror. The smile stays in place, his sister’s smile. Ryou gave up too soon. He should have known. He should have kept trying. Teeth clenched, he bows his head as his body trembles.
Ryou, I was hoping I could see you smile…
His head shoots up, quickly standing up right. Ryou wipes the tears off his face, giving a shaky laugh. “I-I’m sorry Amane, I don’t know how to react. This shouldn’t be happening.”
The reflection tilts their head, eyes looking sad. You don’t want to see me?
“No! No that’s not it at all!” Ryou leans forward, eyes wide. “Of course I want to see you, I’ve wanted to see you every day since…”
He bites his lip hard, averting his gaze.
I wanted to see you too. And now we can.
Ryou hesitantly looks back at the mirror. She’s still there, smiling at him. How is this even possible? It shouldn’t be. His sister is gone. He’s been trying to accept that for years, this shouldn’t be happening. This is wrong it’s… his gaze falls to the ring. She’s wearing it too.
“It’s because of the ring.” He mutters, more to himself. “This is possible because of the ring.”
He touches the gold surface, Amane doing the same.
That’s right Ryou. The ring is letting us talk to each other again. Isn’t that wonderful?
It is. This is everything Ryou’s ever wanted. He should be over the moon with joy. And yet… something feels wrong. It’s almost too good to be true.
Ryou pinches his arm, and his reflection laughs.
This isn’t a dream big brother.
“How do I know this is real?” he looks away again. “How do I know you’re really Amane?”
For the first time his reflection stops smiling.
Instead Amane has a thoughtful look on their face. Ryou looks back, almost afraid the silence means she left, but he sees the smile return.
August 12th, I saw this cat on the way home from school today. It looked like it was wearing a tuxedo, you would have loved him. I know you’ve always wanted a kitten but because of mom’s allergies that wasn’t likely to happen. Maybe I should get a cat.
Ryou’s face is pale, brown eyes wide as he stares down at the sink. He remembers writing that letter. He’s been writing to Amane ever since she died. Does this really mean?
February 23rd, I passed the park on my walk today. A lot of kids were playing and I remembered how much you loved the swings. You’d always ask me to push you higher and higher until my arms got tired. You always said you’d return the favor, but we’d go home before we could switch. I never minded though, it was always fun.
Tears overflow, pouring down his cheeks. His reflection mirrors his tears this time, yet Amane’s still smiling. She’s recounting his letters perfectly. He’s never shown anyone his notebook before. Is it true? Is this real?
April 11th, I miss you Amane. I hope you and mom are at peace. Dad sent another care package, the post card had a pretty sunset on it I think you would have liked it.
Amane loved watching the sunset.
Ryou, it’s really me… I’m sorry you’ve been all alone. You’re the best big brother anyone could ever ask for.
He stares at his reflection, and Amane stares back. This is real. There’s no other explanation he can find. He presses his hands against the mirror, Amane doing the same. They’re so close, she’s really here. Ryou never thought he’d get the chance to speak with her again. To see her again.
You’re not alone anymore. Just wear the ring and we can speak with each other.
Just wear the ring? Ryou can handle that. He lifts it with his hands, staring at the eye in the center. It chimes from the movement, and for the first time that morning, Ryou smiles. Just wear the ring and he can talk to Amane. He doesn’t understand how it’s possible, but does he honestly care? No, this is too amazing to question. He can’t risk losing this chance. Just wear the ring.
Ryou nods his head. “Okay, if I wear the ring we can speak to each other. And to see you, I need a mirror.”
That’s right. And the more you wear the ring, the easier this will get. Amane smiles wide. Things can almost go back to normal Ryou! We can be together again, like we’re meant to be.
“And if I take off the ring… will you disappear?” worry flashes in his eyes. He’ll keep it on forever if he has to, but he needs to know.
Amane shakes her head. No you don’t have to worry about that. So long as the ring’s near, I am too.
Relief washes over Ryou as he smiles again.
And you don’t have to worry about your privacy, I’ll be good. She giggles. If you ever invite someone cute over I’ll go.
Ryou’s face turns red. “I finally get to talk to you and you’re already teasing me, nothing's changed I see,” he smiles. “I’m glad you’re here, Amane.”
I’m glad too, Ryou. Now go get something to eat you big goof. It’s so late already and you haven’t eaten anything.
“Right right I’m going,” he smiles, getting one last look at his sister before exiting the bathroom. “I hope you didn’t come back just to nag at me.”
Someone’s got to look after you big brother. If it must be me than so be it.
Have someone to look after him. His heart swells at the thought. He won’t be so alone anymore… As he officially starts his day, Ryou can’t help but smile. Really smile. He can talk to his dear sister again. For once in his life things are finally looking up. He can be happy again...
And it’s all thanks to the ring.