Chapter 1

Standing on the precipice of darkness, he could feel the power of the two great beings. A small sliver of light was all that stood between them, forever keeping them at bay. It was hard to see from where he stood, but he could feel the warmth and power of the light fading rapidly. Even in the short time standing here, it was evident the seal would not hold. The massive shadow, Erebus, Igor called him, retreated, revealing the figure of a girl, tied to a great golden door. It was her power that stopped the entities from touching. From ending all life as they knew it. If her power continued to wane, the Apocalypse would happen sooner than later.

"As you can see, she cannot continue to be the Seal."

He turned around, nodding in acknowledgment at the blonde haired woman behind him. "What must I do?"

"You can chose to take her place. Or, you can walk away and live the rest of your life not knowing when her power will fail." Margaret answered, staring up at the golden door, "Your power over the Wild Card and the knowledge of life's true meaning gives you the strength to take her place."

"If I do this, how long will I last?"

"I do not know. Perhaps the same duration as her, or possibly longer. Your strength of your social links are greater than hers. She never saw all of them to completion." Margaret replied.

"Very well. I'll do it."

My back ached and my neck was kinked. I opened my eyes, groaning as a stray cloud uncovered the sun and it blinded me. Grunting, I sat up and looked around. I was lying on a stone bench on the roof of Gekkoukan High School, all alone in my uniform.

Why was I up here? Where were my friends? I pulled out my cell phone. My brows furrowed an I gnashed my teeth together. Out of service. How was this even possible? I paid my bill every month like clockwork. Then it dawned on me. Something was wrong.

I searched my memories, trying to figure how it was I came to be on the school roof. I remembered my bedroom. Ryoji-kun standing in front of me with a sad smile on his face. I remembered the frost clinging to the window and me running my hands up my arms, trying to keep the winter chill at bay.

I shivered with the cold. Snow fell from the afternoon sky and my breath fogged the air. Where was my coat? My teeth chattered together and my body shook. Time to go inside. I tried to turn the handle that lead inside, but it was locked. Swearing under my breath, I pulled one of my golden bobby pins from my hair and began to pick the lock.

Blessed warmth flooded through me as I stepped inside the building. I closed the door quietly behind me and headed towards the stairs. I made it past my classroom and almost around the corner and started down the next flight when I ran face-first into the security guard. I fell backwards and grunted as I hit the stairs. The guard growled and looked at me with a scowl.

"You're not supposed to be here." He pointed out.

I scrambled to my feet and brushed off the back of my skirt. "I'll just be going then." I tried to dart around him only to have him grab my arm.

"What are you doing here on a Sunday?" He inquired with narrow eyes.

"I was just here for help on an assignment. Ekoda Sensei is brutal." I forced a cheerful smile.

"That's funny because he transferred a month ago."

Huh?

"That's it. You're coming downtown with me."

I've been to the Paulownia Mall many times, both for recreation and for business purposes, both usually at the same time. This was the first time being escorted in to the police station for being a supposed criminal. Mitsuru was going to kill me. I sat patiently with my hands folded in my lap and my eyes trained on the floor. If I looked as harmless as possible there was a chance I could get out of trouble. It also helped I knew Officer Kurosawa on a business level.

"What have you brought in this time, Kaito?" Kurosawa asked.

"High school girl breaking and entering."

"This the girl?"

"Yes, sir."

"I'll take it from here. Thank you."

Kurosawa dismissed my jailor and walked around the counter to stand in front of me. I'd managed to keep him from recognizing me right away. My eyes had a habit of drawing people right to me. How often do you see a girl with demon red eyes? Never. At least not without the help of colored contacts.

"What is your name?"

I raised my chin and smirked. "Arisato Minako."

His eyes widened and his complexion paled. "How is that possible?"

I blinked. "Huh?"

Kurosawa stumbled back, almost running into the desk behind him. "Sa-Sanada-san!" The fear in his voice startled me almost as much as the officer hollering for Akihiko-senpai.

Akihiko came out of one of the side doors, wearing a dark gray suit and red tie. He was taller, leaner than I remembered. He looked...older. He looked at Kurosawa and over at me. He stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening. He regained his composure quickly, his steely eyes changing from shock to guarded. Why would he be so shocked to see me? Better yet, why was he dressed like that?

"Arisato?"

Even his voice sounded deeper, just enough for me to notice. My pulse began to race and my chest felt like an elephant was sitting on it. "Akihiko-senpai, what's wrong?"

Without warning, he rushed towards me, grabbed my wrist and pulled me from my chair. He stammered something incomprehensible to Kurosawa and dragged me from the station. I tried to wrestle my wrist away, but his grip was like an iron shackle. There was no breaking his hold. I had no choice but to follow, hoping my much shorter legs could keep up with his long stride. Standing this close to him I realized he didn't just look taller. He was taller.

Through the crowded mall, around the corner and towards the front door, he dragged me. The mall was packed full of students and parents shopping and adoring the Christmas lights. I stopped mid-stride. Christmas decorations? It was January first, wasn't it? Last night I made the decision to let Ryoji-kun live. Made the decision to fight to the bitter end, no matter the results. The mall took the decorations down the day after Christmas, so why were they back up?

Akihiko-senpai hadn't noticed me stop and almost ripped my arm from its socket. He stopped and looked back. I glanced at him and back to the lights. Something was wrong. "Senpai...what day is it?"

"December 22nd 2012."

My breath left me all at once and my knees gave out from under me. Akihiko released my wrist and I knelt on the ground, gasping for breath . My heart pounded away like a marching band in my chest. I wanted to laugh and tell him to stop messing with me, but the look in his eyes, the seriousness of his posture. The way he and Kurosawa reacted when they saw me. The Christmas lights and Ekoda's transfer. Everything made sense.

"Answer me one thing." Akihiko said sternly., "Are you really Minako and what happened to the Seal?"

Seal? A sharp pain pierced through my temple at the thought of it. I pushed harder, trying to find the answer to his question, but I came up blank. I could answer his first one though, "Yeah, I'm Minako." I forced myself to my feet, ignoring the fluttering in my chest. I was used to dealing with the crazy and unnatural. Surely time travel was something I could handle as well.

"Damn." He cursed as he pulled a cell phone out of his pocket. I glanced at it curiously. It looked nothing like the flip phones I was used to. It was flat and he ran his finger across the screen to get it to do what he wanted. What happened to good old fashioned buttons? He put the phone to his ear and waited. "Mitsuru. Are you free for lunch? Yes, it's important. I can't tell you over the phone. It's something you're going to have to see to believe. I can be there shortly." He poked the screen and slid the phone in his pocket.

"Wait. If I'm in the future, does that mean we defeated Nyx?" I asked.

His eyes widen a fraction and he let out a frustrated sigh. "You mean you don't remember?"

I shook my head. "The last thing I remember I was in my bedroom with Ryoji-kun, telling him that I was gonna let him live."

He bit his lower lip and squeezed his gloved hands into fists. "Nobody is gonna believe this."

"Why not?"

"Minako you..." He shook his head.. "You know what, never mind. Let's meet with Mitsuru."

I wasn't sure I wanted to know what it was he was going to say. My poor heart agreed with me. I could only take so much shock in one day before the poor thing gave out. My stomach however had another idea. It growled loudly enough to wrestle a chuckle out of Akihiko.

"I see somethings haven't changed." He commented. He motioned for me to follow.

The restaurant we were meeting Mitsuru in was a place I'd never seen before. It was high class and didn't serve anything Aki and I would normally eat. We'd always been more content to eat giant bowls of ramen. The thought of food brought the image of smiling gray eyes and long, messy brown hair. I paused in the entryway and swallowed hard. What happened to him? Did he ever wake up? My heart tightened and I felt the urge to cry.

Akihiko paused and looked back. I schooled my face. I was the leader. I had to stay strong for everyone. I couldn't let my emotions run rampant. I gave him a forced smile and followed him further into the restaurant.

Mitsuru wasn't hard to spot. She looked the same, maybe a bit more refined. Her red hair was artfully styled over her shoulder and she wore a woman's business suit. It was weird seeing her out of her school uniform, but it was a fitting style for her. I wondered how the Kirijo Group was fairing these days.

Mitsuru's eyes widened and she jumped to her feet when her eyes landed on me. She gripped the back of her chair for balance and I watched the blood drain from her face. For being a well composed woman, Mitsuru was acting highly undignified. Was seeing me that big of a shock? Akihiko also acted badly when he saw me. It was like they were looking at a ghost. I paled. Was that it? Was that why they acted like this? Was I dead in this time?

"Akihiko, is that really?"

He nodded. "It is."

I gave a feeble wave. "Hi, Mitsuru-senpai."

I thought she was gonna faint for sure. Aki left my side and approached senpai, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Why don't you sit down, Mitsuru." He suggested.

"A good idea." She replied, slowly taking her seat. She grabbed her glass of water and sipped it delicately. She placed the glass back on the table, her face schooled and business-like. "Does this mean the Seal is broken?"

She was looking directly at me. What Seal was she talking about? Aki mentioned the same thing. I shook my head and shrugged. "I don't know what Seal you're talking about."

"Akihiko, explain."

He repeated what I told him before leaving the mall. "I'm not sure there is a way to check to see the condition of the seal. Last time we were there, we were brought there by Metis and that Igor person."

"Igor!" I blurted. "You've met Igor?"

They nodded. "Yes." Aki answered. "He showed us what happened to you after we defeated Nyx."

I shook my head, not sure what he was saying. "What happened to me? Did I die?"

Mitsuru cleared her throat. "Your physical body died on graduation day, but you used your soul to seal Nyx away. She could not be completely destroyed. You have single handedly kept Erebus and Nyx from meeting and the world from ending."

"Erebus?" The name was familiar, but I couldn't get a clear picture. This was all too much for me to comprehend right now. Right now, it sounded like I needed to make a trip to the Velvet Room to see what the hell was going on. The nearest door was back at the mall.

A hum of energy pulsated through the building and a purple glow reflected on the back wall by the bathroom hallway. I felt something appear in my pocket. I slid my hand inside and found the familiar weight of the Velvet Key. It would seem Igor also wanted to talk to me. Would Aki and Mitsuru be able to follow? I decided against it quickly. This was something I needed to do alone.

"Excuse me. I need to use the restroom." I gave them both genuine smiles and dismissed myself from the table. I looked over my shoulder and looked at Aki. "If the waiter shows up, I'll take whatever you're having." He nodded.

I chuckled at the location of the door. Instead of the ladies room, it was the Velvet Door. I slid the key into the slot and opened the door. Everything was the same as always. Igor sat in his chair with his hands folded under his chin. Theodore stood on his left side staring at me with adoration in his eyes. I smiled in return and sat down in the chair across from Igor.

"I see you made your way back." Igor said.

"What is going on?"

"You have returned from the Seal."

"And why don't I remember anything? What happened to the Seal? Is it broken?"

Igor smirked it scared me when he did that. He was creepy looking enough as it was without the smirking with that large beak of a nose and round, scary eyes. "The Seal is in place, Arisato. Another has taken your place, one stronger and better suited to the duty."

Oh, so I wasn't good enough to hold the Seal. I wasn't sure if it was a relief or a disappointment that I couldn't keep the position. "So, I was pulled from the seal and brought back here. What is my purpose now?"

"Your purpose is up to you to decide, but there are strange things happening in your world, things that will effect you and your friends. You have found the true meaning to life and fulfilled your contract, so your job is complete. You have no duty to perform" A piece of paper appeared before him on the table. I recognized it immediately. It was the contract I signed my first night in Iwatodai. Stamped across the top in bright red letters was the word "Fulfilled." Igor looked from the paper and met my gaze. "

"Another thing you must know. You no longer hold the wild card. Your ability to hold multiple persona is gone." Theodore added.

Now that he mentioned it, my mind was unusually empty. I was used to a dozen or so persona swimming around in my head, giving me hints and clues. Telling me what the best course of action when dealing with certain social situations. I was the ultimate social bunny, always able to fit in where ever I went. I searched the back of my mind where my persona resides and only found one. Thanatos' consciousness stirred and looked through my eyes at my surroundings, scanning for potential danger. Seeing that I was safe, he nestled back into my subconscious.

"Is Thanatos all I have now?"

"Yes. You and he have a special bond, one that cannot be easily severed. He was Pharos, Ryoji and the Harbinger of Nyx- even a piece of Nyx herself. It would take a great deal of power to rip that persona from you." Igor explained.

Knowing our visit was at an end, I asked, "Will I ever see you again?"

Igor gave a non-committal shrug. "The future is always unknown, even to me. Only time will tell if you will find your way back. Farewell." With a wave of his hand, the Velvet Room slipped away and I was back in the hallway, staring at the woman's restroom door. I decided to make a show of it since time in the Velvet Room didn't pass time in the real world. I pushed the door open and washed my hands and face.

I stared at my reflection. I looked the way I always have. Seventeen years old with auburn hair and bright red eyes. My hair pins were still in my signature XXII, and wearing my school uniform. My shoulders sagged. I was still seventeen while my friends were twenty, twenty-one. Time passed for them, changed them. Would they still want to be my friend? What about Shinji? Was he still alive? My heart clenched again and I gripped the front of my uniform, trying my best to keep my heart from wrenching in two. Even if he woke up from his coma, the persona suppressants he'd been taking would have killed him eventually. Was he still? Tears welled in my eyes, threatening to spill down my cheeks. I took a deep, steadying breath and splashed cold water on my face. I needed to pull it together. I had a second chance at life. I wasn't going to waste it worrying about things I couldn't change.

I made my way back to the table just as the waiter finished taking the orders. I gave him a smile and took my seat beside Aki. Food was fancy and not to my liking, but my stomach was happy with the sustenance. Apparently, it has been over two years since I've eaten anything and I ended up eating twice as much as Aki. I hadn't even thought about how I was gonna pay my tab, but it would seem Mitsuru was ahead of us and had everything charged to her credit card.

"Arisato, how about you come back to the lab with me. There are a few things I would like to check out." Mitsuru suggested.

"Like what?"

"I want to see if being the Seal has had any adverse affects on your body and your ability to use your persona." She explained, "besides, you will be in need of a place to sleep, am I wrong?"

I shook my head, "No, you're right."

"Akihiko, will you gather SEES for me and have everybody convene tomorrow afternoon? They will want to hear about Arisato's return."

"Sure thing." He nodded. "Minako, it's great seeing you." He patted my shoulder and grinned. An unusual sight for him. "I'll see you tomorrow."