"What's with the long face…Isn't this what you wanted?... This is how it should be."

-Shinijiro

POV: ?
Location: ?
Time: ?

It's dark, pitch black. It's like the world was swallowed by a void. It is silent, there is nothing. Why does this place exist, I feel I should know. Is this a dream…No I feel that this is reality, I think. How long have I been here? An hour, a year, or maybe a century? My name is…I can't seem to thing…Why? Have I died?

"No, you have not died, but neither do you live." A voice calls out in the dark. It is impossible to tell as to where exactly it came.

"What is this place?" I call out in the dark.

"This place exists between mind and matter, dream and reality." The voice answers.

"I've heard that before, but this place is unfamiliar to me." I reply

"That's because in concept both this place and that room are the same, but this is not that room. How to explain it…I guess this place is what you imagined death would be like." The voice says.

"Death…Death is like having nothing?" I ask.

"No more like giving everything away…The strange thing is that you should not be here." The voice replies.

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"You see, it was me that called you here…Upon your arrival this place changed." The voice says. It seems to be getting closer.

"Why did you call me?" I asked.

"You interest me. You and I, we are not so different. We both want what's best for the world, but we still ended up on opposite sides, why?" The voice calls out to me. My mind is clearer and thoughts start to form memories.

"I fought to save people, to save them from the fall." I said.

"You say you fought to save them, but in their hearts they wished for the fall. Humans' seek death." The voice states.

"No, you're wrong. People may thing they want death, but they are merely running from what they truly want." I say.

"If not death, then what is it they truly desire?" The voice asks. It feels even closer now. I can see an outline form in the dark. It almost appears human ,but I can sense an inhuman presence.

"To fit in, to have friends, to be acknowledged, to be loved, to be remembered. It's different from person to person, but it's there. I know it is." I saw.

"I'm afraid I don't quite understand. I have lived hundreds of thousands of years and one who has only lived for maybe 2 decades says he understands humans better…You intrigue me even more." The voice says getting even closer.

"May I ask how long I have been here?" I ask.

"In your world 6 weeks have passed…I sense a presence in your world. Our time grows short. Right now you are neither living nor dead. You are the seal that holds me back. So long as I wish to bring the fall, you must remain as the seal." The voice said.

"So I'm doomed?" I asked.

"Not quite, you see your ideal intrigues me, so I have a proposition for you. I will give humanity a second chance and go dormant for 500 years. If by that time the people of the world can overcome their weakness stop running then I will return to my peaceful slumber, but if not the fall will come. Do you accept?" the voice says.

"How do I know this isn't a trick?" I ask.

"You can trust her." Another voice, this one familiar.

"Ryoji…Then you really are Nyx…Unless you can break the seal it's useless. I do not know how to do so." I say.

"I see Ryoji choose, no trusts you… I cannot break it but there is someone on the other side who can. She is waiting for your consciousness to return." Nyx says.

"I accept. If we can remove the threat of the fall the world would be all the better. You will have your proof!" I said.

"Heh You really are something…The wild card suits you. Go, return to your world." As Nyx said that the world became clear.

POV: ?
Location: The Great Seal
Time: April 12 5:32 AM

The seal was in perfect condition. A statue can be seen guarding the seal. This place hasn't changed at all, but that's good. I was worried the shadows may try again. It matters not, I have my purpose and my meaning, thanks to him. I know his heart belongs to another, but I can't help it. I at least want to repay him for what he's done. I have to pull his soul from the seal and return it to his body, but that's the easy part…then I have to merge myself with the seal.

"I'm sorry sister, I won't be coming back. I made my choice…His consciousness has returned." I say. I place my hand on the statue and then concentrate. "Minato-san! Can you hear me?"

"That voice…Elizabeth, is that you?" A voice in my head says.

"Yes. It is I. Please do not be alarmed, but I will be pulling your soul back to your body. I know without it the seal will not function, but I will take your place." I say.

"That isn't necessary." He says.

"I have made my decision and I will save you." I say.

"No, no. Please save me. I mean the seal it isn't needed, at least not for another 5 centuries. Nyx has given us a second chance." He says. As I pull his soul out of the seal and return it to his body. The stone begins to soften and take on human colors. Once complete he falls to the ground. "Are you alright?"

"I…I think so. It's been so long since I've felt anything. I feel refreshed." He says laughing. I looked over at the seal, but it was gone, but Nyx had not been summoned. "It's been 6 weeks, huh. Feels like 6 months."

"We should get you back. Rest is needed." I say helping up and then walking him to the entrance I used to get here.

POV: Minako
Location: ?
Time: April 12 6:13 AM

After going into the portal with Elizabeth, I can to this limo. It feels familiar. Upon looking around I saw him.

"Welcome back. Your return is an…unexpected surprise. I had thought that you had completed your task, but it appears I was wrong." A wry smile appears on the long nosed man's face." You are indeed a most interesting guest. You seen I now see another ordeal is headed your way…no I see several." He lets out his typical laugh.

"Igor, what can you tell me?" I asked.

"I would imagine you have noticed the change in the Velvet Room, correct. You see another has come, he has potential, but his journey has just begun. He has an intriguing mystery to solve, much like Tartarus. Your arrival here is proof that it will involve you as well. I know full well, of the deal you made. As such I re-welcome you to the Velvet Room. Here is your key. The next time we meet you will not be alone and you will need your compendium. She shall be here to assist you as well. For now rest. Till we meet again." I hear his giggle as my consciousness fades.