Actually, taking everything he knew and putting it together, he realized the true size of this issue and the weight Ambrose was likely bearing. This Somnium killer was impersonating him as he committed his crimes, this killer was, without question, one of his close friends, and it was up to him himself to sniff out who exactly it was. Yet he wasn't complaining, not verbally at least. He was trying to deal with it.

     How do I help someone in this situation, Hollis thought to himself. Recalling something his sister did for him, he reluctantly crawled over behind Ambrose and looked over his ponytail. His hair was quite long, despite the fact he had it pulled up. He looked at it, and eventually, Ambrose peeked over, wondering what the brunette was up to, but still, he kept quiet.

     With a scoff, Hollis pulled at the ribbon Ambrose had his hair tied with. "You're probably giving yourself a headache having it pulled back this tight."

     "Hey, it looks cool. Chicks like guys with their hair like this." Though Hollis couldn't see his face, he could hear the impish smirk in the youth's voice.

     "You're a weird guy, no matter what." With a simple, pull, the ribbon came loose and Ambrose's hair spilled onto his back. "When we were little," he started as he ran his fingers through the sandy-colored locks. "My sister used to play with my hair when I got upset. My hair was longer back then, so she had plenty to play with. I got so distracted that I ended up forgetting what was bothering me, and we were eventually able to talk through it together."

     "And you say I'm weird?" The sneer was palpable, but Hollis ignored it. 

     "If you think this is weird, I'll stop and you can leave."

     "A little feisty there, aren't you? Go ahead with what you're doing. It feels nice with you running your fingers through my hair."

     Hearing it like that, he actually started to agree that this was weird. He wanted to stop, but he could hear a pleasant hum coming from the strapping youth. Thus, he decided to continue.

     

Things had greatly calmed down after that sudden invasion from the Somnium killer. Ambrose's stress over the situation had been relieved and he decided to come up with a plan to further investigate the other members. The pair came to the conclusion that, at a later date, there would be a second meet-up.

     "Why not sooner? Like, in a few hours?"

     "This killer seems to be more psychological based on what you've said. If he's trying to manipulate the way we do things, he's probably hoping we do get everyone together sooner, so I think it would be better to wait, at least for a little while." His expression grew grim. "He has some sort of objective in mind. I only fear that he may kill again to get us to do what he wants." He closed his eyes, his dark brows furrowing as the concern spread deeper over his face.

     "Alright. I see what you're getting at." Hollis nodded, hoping this agreement would keep Ambrose from breaking down. This guy was only human, and he was still pretty young. "You can only do what you can do."

     "Geez, you're trying real hard to be motivational, huh? Relax a little."

     Aren't you the one that needs to relax? 

     "Alright, I'll stop. So, what now?"

     "Well, now..." Ambrose tilted his head, his gaze wandering around the horizon. "Well..." A smug smirk crawled across his lips as his gaze remained steadfast on the distant field. "What if you stayed in my mindspace?"

     Hollis grunted, shocked to hear such a suggestion. There was something about the proposition that sounded...inappropriate.

     "Why would I—"

     "Why do you think? The Somnium Killer can come in and out of your mindspace as he pleases."

     "Yours too."

     "Yes, but he won't know you're staying there. For a time, it may be safer than if you stayed here." While it was an uncomfortable idea, he had a point that Hollis couldn't deny. Even if the killer realized eventually that that's where he would be staying—of course, how wouldn't he figure it out—it may still be the best option for a time.

     With a sigh, Hollis agreed.

     Ambrose chuckled, his head tilting far to the side as his smile seemed to grow comfier. Suddenly, his eyes shot open, and his form stiffened. He remained motionless for a moment, Hollis watching him with pure curiosity. Then, he blinked. His expression was dark, his teeth bared as he pushed himself to a stand with haste.

     "Ambrose?"

     "Stay here."

     "What? What is it?" Hollis climbed to his feet and followed after. "If it has to do with the killer, I want to be there."

     Ambrose paused and turned back to Hollis. "I don't know what it's about, but I got a message from Terra. I can't read it right now, but the note on it said she needs help."

     "I'm coming then. I don't know these guys like you, but..." He sucked on his cheek. Realizing he wouldn't be able to get it out, he continued walking. "I just...I want to help."

     Ambrose watched him with intrigue before stifling a chuckle. "Alright, come on. We can't keep her waiting."

     In an instant, they found themselves standing on the bricked road of Terra's Victorian mindspace. Hollis blinked, once, twice, thrice. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Looking further down the road, splayed throughout, were the dead bodies of the many casual inhabitants of her world. Pools of red bathed the street and the sun that had so brightly illuminated the place had seemingly blown out like a candle.

     "No way..." Ambrose was frozen where he stood, his face growing darker the longer he stared. With a stiff step forward, he started into a sprint as he charged into her mansion. Hollis hesitated, fear building up within. Shaking his head and taking in breaths, he charged in after Ambrose.

     The inside of the mansion was silent. Ambrose charged through, barely stopping and saying nothing as he headed straight for Terra's tearoom. The moment he flung open the door, he paused briefly before rushing in. Hollis hesitated. He could hear Ambrose mutter something and, with bated breath, he entered. There was no mess in the room. Everything seemed to be exactly as it should have. Ambrose was knelt over in the middle of the room. He sat stone still. Hollis, with caution, walked around him. He felt his stomach churn at the sight before him.

     Terra was lying on the floor, and her head was detached from her body.