I feel empty.

Like a part of me was missing, though I guess that's literal.

I can still feel you there, in my mind, but unreachable… untouchable...

After all, they took the Millennium Puzzle! Snached it off me and refused to let me look at it!

After Mum found out about my other self, about you, and everything you'd… I'd… done, she decided an asylum was where I… we... belonged!

And she left. Abandoned us here, saying "Honey, if you stay, you'll be forgiven."

I found it harder to believe her, as the days piled up.

There were so many bright lights in my padded room, casting my shadow over the wall.

Sometimes I looked at it, (stared, more like), in the hoped that it would move independently of me. Light up like it used to, when you were here. Always here.

I'm so weak. So weak without you here. Always here, only no more.

I've stopped speaking, you know.

Selective mutism, they've probably added that to my file…

Along with all my other 'issues'.

But why is it so hard for them to understand that I'm incomplete without you?

You protected me, and my friends. But... you are me, so they're you're friend too. Aren't they?

Mum visits, you know. Sometimes with Grandpa, but he's got a game shop to run.

And Mum never stays long. Maybe because I'm not much for conversation these days.

There were so many things I wanted to say, but if I said them they'd never be taken seriously.

'Mum, I know I can't make you stay. But… where's your heart?'

The last time I spoke, "Life is so demanding…" they took it as talk of suicide!

And I thought these people were 'professionals'...

I'm forced to therapy session with some woman who's only there for the paycheck, saying the same things. Every time.

"Now, repeat after me: I am not afraid to keep on living…"

The start is always the easiest to repeat, because it's true.

"I am not afraid to walk this world alone…"

No. I can't repeat that. I'm probably the poster boy of monophobia!

I mean look at me! Mentally talking to my other personality who can't even hear me!

My other personality…

My file claims Dissociative Identity Disorder, and I can't say they're wrong.

Because they aren't wrong, the only difference is the magic of the puzzle was what truly made you real.

All my repressed rage, the desire for revenge, the inclination to fight back, all moulding together in my subconscious until the magic of the puzzle came along to give it a soul.

Give you a soul.

The puzzle grants you darkness, power, and knowledge.

I suppose it did, only to the you, instead of me. The host personality.

The original.

It's been so long since my eyes have shone bright with contentment and life.

Because…. I'm out here on the other side! I'm in control! I'm so used to you taking over whenever I needed you, that I'm not used to being only one person anymore.

God, I'm so weak.

Mum's love is so demanding!

Haven't you ever figured that? Of course you probably have. I trust too easily. I wish I had you're skepticism…

Have the lights in here always been this bright? It's like they're trying to blind me!

I wouldn't be surprised at this point, if they were.

I'm in the therapist room.

I can see they've put the puzzle in here, probably to taunt me.

The woman begins her lines again, and I stare at the familiar prism of solid gold.

My only way of getting you back to me…

Suddenly I'm lurching forward, and I can feel you...

Was it the proximity to the puzzle? I'm not sure…

My hands finally meet the soothing cold metal… and…

My soul room. As it always has been.

Filled with toys and games, and a bed in the corner for comfort.

I'm lying on the bed… and…

I can see you lying next to me!

You're here, looking as you always have (from the few times we've seen each other)!

I can't remember ever feeling this relieved to see your almost-demonic red eyes gazing at me like that.

And I know you're just as relieved as I am.

I tentatively reach out to place my hand on yours. Mouth opening to say the first thing in months!

Words I thought I'd never speak. Never meet someone to share these words with-

"I love you…"

And you smile! The first genuine smile I think you've ever shown. To anyone!

"I love you too, Hikari."

And everything is fine...