My Life in Golden

4/11

I honestly was still recovering from the shock, as I couldn't believe the words that had come out of my mouth. Igor had nodded his head essentially like he knew what was going to be my response all along. He didn't waste any time explaining the rules of this contract I had made. In exchange for being reincarnated, I was in-turn to help the other guest occupying this room in the upcoming trial that my brother would be up soon up against in the coming year. It was honestly a fair trade if you thought about it. I continued to listen to him feeling my head start to fill up with bits and pieces of memories. The memories that belonged to the childhood of myself, it was bittersweet in a way, these memories humans hold dear. But to me, it was like flipping through an old photo album, just another passing thought.

"Now then, I must leave you with one important reminder." He spoke at me as my face couldn't help but grow a bit of confusion by what he could mean. "By no circumstance can you tell our guest about anything your memory has retained about what is to come. Doing so might change his very fate. One that we could not guide. So please, do take caution." I swallowed a bit as it already felt like the stakes were way over my head though all I could hear was a faint chuckle from the long-nosed man. "You might even find yourself already forgetting things you once knew, but please do enjoy yourself. We shall meet once again soon, so please do take care until then."

And with that, I could feel my vision blur. No, it was more like if you were waking up in the morning from a dream. Either way, I was now being sent into the world that I would be calling my home. Though I can't help but wonder what kind of issues and trials that I will face once I arrive in Inaba?

As the train rattled against the tracks, I could feel something slightly shuffle against my shoulder. Causing my eyes to slowly open seeing what it could be. And that being was the main character to this series, or should I say my twin brother Yu Narukami. Our grey eyes locked onto each other for a few moments before I looked away. This was honestly still too much for me. It really didn't help either that the train car was dead silent, pretty much a ghost train. The silence still lingered beside the rattling from the train as my eyes moved to look out the window, the sign of cherry blossoms and many rice fields. "It's pretty quiet here compared to back home," Yu spoke in what one could guess was his attempt to make some kind of conversation.

My head nodded a little to his response as I continued to keep my eyes locked out the window. "Yeah, it isn't like how it was compared to the city," I replied nervously. I wasn't honestly sure how I was supposed to act as his sister, much less in general since I was before an only child. So I have utterly no idea how siblings interact! My head rested against the glass as this place was no doubt the sticks. I let my eyes close to what Yu was trying to say; I felt bad for being rude. But I was just honestly exhausted and wanted today to be over.

I still couldn't really wrap my head that this was actually real, since I mean, this thing was only something you would read in someone's fanfiction! My thoughts were soon interrupted by the train conductor announcing that we would soon be arriving in Yaso-Inaba. I guess that's our stop. Getting up, I grabbed ahold of a grey duffle bag belonging to myself and a small pink bag next to it. Peeking inside, I seemed to have brought chocolates as a souvenir gift. "Yumi, are you doing alright? You seem to not be like your usual self." Yu mentioned as we walked in front of the door to the train. I nervously let out a laugh as I gripped onto my bag. "I'm fine; I'm just tired from all the traveling is all."

I hadn't really expected him to ask me that, though I guess it's not surprising since I'm not fully adjusted to this new role just yet. As the train came to a halt, I decided to sneak a peek up at him, feeling like my pathetic excuse seemed to have work. Plus that wasn't a complete lie; since I would think any person after my day would be utterly exhausted. "This place looks like there isn't anything to do," I muttered as we exited the station to the sight of a small parking lot. "Hey, you two over here!" The voice of an older gentleman waved over to us. We figured he must be our so-called uncle and headed over his way. I stopped partway as I caught a glimpse of a raven-haired girl, though as soon as a sudden gust of cherry petals caused me to close my eyes, so did the girl as well. "Strange, I could have sworn I just-" I muttered before hearing Yu call out. "Something wrong Yumi?"

I shook my head as I ignored what had just happened, soon running over to where everyone else was. We were introduced to the man who was our uncle, Ryotaro Dojima, and his younger daughter Nanako. After our introductions, we headed out from the station to go get some gas. The car ride was what you would expect of typical family chatter. Asking about our parents and what life was like out here. I ignored the conversation placing my cheek on the window seeing the passing shops since it didn't matter to me much since I had to be an observer. Letting everything take its course. As I climbed out at the gas station, a grey-haired worker ran over to us, filling up our car while speaking briefly to our uncle. Taking in the view of the town, it was undeniable there wasn't anything here. And a place that if you didn't have friends you'd get bored quickly.

"Friends.." I muttered. Before seeing from the corner of my eye, my brother was making idle conversation with the strange man. He soon noticed me staring as he looked me in the eyes smiling. That smile made me feel uncomfortable for some reason in my own skin. "Oh, you both look alike; are you twins, by chance?" I didn't respond at first, peeking up to Yu. Since I hadn't seen my own reflection yet though apparently, we are identical. "Oh yes, we are; we'll also be living here for the next year."

I tried to make casual conversation though I still couldn't shake this uneasy feeling from him. It was something I just couldn't put my finger on. As the conversation continued, I kept trying to figure out if he was someone important. But no matter how much I dug in my head, it was already gone like the wind. Dojima soon returned with Nanako as the attendant said he would be here if we ever wanted part-time jobs. Shaking both mine and Yu's hands before running off. About to open the car door, I felt a sudden rush of pain coursing through my head, falling soon onto my knees. "Hey! Yumi, are you alright?!" Dojima's voice yelled in concern as I tried to bring myself back. "I'm alright, this is nothing," I muttered noticing as even Yu seemed to be in pain. As he gripped onto my hand. Trying to give me some comfort.

He may look emotionless, but he honestly was a nice person. And I knew that deep down more than anyone. "I'm fine, thank you for worrying. I'm just tired. That's all." Dojima nodded saying that we both should take a nap once we got home, and I was going to do that since, after today, I honestly needed a good long rest.

I headed upstairs as we got home walking into the room next to what I'm guessing was my brothers. It had all the basics, a desk and chair for studying, and a small TV with a futon. A yawn escaped my lips, ignoring the pile of boxes in my room that I guessed were from home. Did we really need that much stuff for the year? I fell into my futon, enjoying its embrace while my eyes closed listening to the chatter of everyone downstairs. I wondered if I was really going to be alright in this world? Since if the truth comes out that I'm not who they think I am, they might just hate me. Since it was Yumi they like, and not me, the real me. "Why did I even agree to that contract?"

It didn't take long for my consciousness to drift off as I found myself soon waking in a strange place. Rubbing my eyes; it was completely shrouded in fog like when I came to from dying. The silence became unnerving as I started running forwards, almost like my body telling me I had to run. "Why am I back here? Just what in the world is this place?" I screamed out for someone, anyone, but there was never a response. Besides an echo saying things like 'do you seek the truth?' or 'one who lies will never attain the truth.

Seriously what does that even mean? I'm not living some lie. I know who I am! Balling my fists, I kept running, even more, wanting to know who was behind these words. But no matter how much I ran, I never could find the being through the fog. My body soon being consumed more by the fog; I could feel my consciousness start to fade but not before hearing a taunting laugh making me angry once more. "One who continues to live in a lie will never find the truth in this world." I couldn't respond and was found myself unable to move. But listen in anger as I fell into a restless sleep.