After saving Fuuka, the days after were tiring. Minako could hardly keep up, maybe she was going at Tartarus too hard. What ever the reason, she found herself in a whirlwind of headaches.

When she finally got to her room, her head was so full she trembled and laid face down on her bed.

"What does a girl have to do to get a break...," She muttered to herself. She seemed to momentarily forget about the boy and lost consciousness quickly.

During the Dark Hour, the Mysterious Boy appeared and blinked in the sight of the sleeping Minako. She seems so exhausted and he only smiled at her for a while. He moved closer, wanting to touch her face but keeping to himself as he watched her chest rise and fall.

As if noticing his gaze, she started to stir and was greeted by the icy stare of the boy.

"You came again." She managed, sleepily. It came out as a statement but was meant as a question. The boy smiled a bit wider and nodded to her.

"You've prevailed once again." He murmured proudly. It warmed her chest, and she found herself flushing with color.

"Your warnings are helpful." She replied shyly. He found himself startled by the response but quickly shook it off. He smiled fondly at her for a moment before looking away.

"Do you remember what i said before? About everything coming to an end?" When she nodded, encouraging him to continue, he took in a deep breath. "Well, i recalled something else... I'm fairly sure that the end is inevitable."

Her shocked look froze the rest of his words for a moment. He hadn't expected her to feel fear for some reason. He reached out and laid a small hand on top of hers.

"But, It's funny... It doesn't seem so certain, considering the vast potential within you. As a matter of fact, your power seems to have changed quite a bit."

She felt the warmth again. It was a soothing feeling and she looked at the boy with such intense eyes. She felt proud that she was progressing well, this boy was guiding her way through the darkness even. He watched her silently for a while, those big icy blue eyes telling her he wanted to say more.

"Go on." She urged him with a smile. He looked at her in a mild shock but he smiled in the same instant.

"Hey if you don't mind, can i be your friend? I'm very curious about you, is that okay?" He mumbled, his cheeks gave off a soft tinge of color, even though it was hard for her to see.

She wasn't expecting that kind of question, but she had found herself smiling widely, the amusement apparent.

"Well this is awkward, Aren't we friends already?" She asked, joking with him. He was taken aback. When he regained his thoughts and registered what she said he chuckled and smiled.

"You're right. I didn't really need to bring it up, did i? After all, i've been with you since the beginning." She watched him carefully as he spoke, something he said made her heart skip, but she didn't know why.

"...My name is Pharos. You may call me that if you wish." He finished. She murmured his name under her breath to get a feel for it. There was something so familiar about this boy and his name.

And then there was a jolt in her chest. She felt like she awoke something between her and Pharos. When she heard the voice in her mind confirming it, she watched the boy in surprise. 'He is the Death Arcana.'

She suddenly felt like she knew that already. She watched Pharos a bit longer, and he only smiled wryly back. 'Who are you?' She wanted to ask, but she couldn't get any words out.

"It's getting late, so i'll go now." He started.

"No wait! Please stay a while longer...," She heard herself beg. She wanted him close, the comfort she was receiving was relieving the stress of before. He laid a hand to her cheek and only smiled.

"Don't worry. I'm already looking forward to our next meeting." He murmured lightly. She was starting to feel a strange feeling at the idea of him leaving so soon. She just wanted him to talk to her a little longer.

He could sense her want, but only pressed gently against her to lay her down, and patted her cheek softly before stepping back. She felt a slight loneliness creep into her chest but understood he had to go.

"...Bye-bye." He whispered, with one last soft caress to her hand. As he disappeared, she found herself suddenly swallowed up by sleep.

And she dreamt of a little boy in striped pajamas.