AN: I guess I owe you goes another chapter, I have so much free time I might as well update this.

Review answering time!

OrenjiNari and Patcheresu, I know there are going to be parts of the characters that you won't like, there's this little story-writing technique called "character development" you will see some characters grow and mature as a person.

And yes, Minato is a bit Timid right now, but he might grow into a Badass later on. cwhatididthere?

The Velvet Room

Minato and Hamuko were sound asleep, unknown that they were being watched from some sort of security room.

Meanwhile in that very room...

Ikutski walked up to Mitsuru and Yukari and asked,"How are they doing?"

Mitsuru replied to him, "They've just went to bed a little while ago. Mr. Chairman, do you think they're...?" Mitsuru didn't bother to finish her question.

Ikutski rest a hand on his chin, obviously in deep thought, "Well, let's wait and see for now. ...The Dark Hour is approaching."

The room was mostly silent as the only sound that was being heard was a clock that was ticking, until it stopped.

Then most of the lights turned off, and color of the room turned an eerie green.

Ikutski observed the monitor and proclaimed, "Hmm... They're still sleeping. The Dark Hour occurs every day at 12 midnight; you could say it's the "hidden" hour. During this time, an ordinary person Transmogrifies into a coffin, and is oblivious to all that occurs."

Ikutski stopped for a breath, and continued explaining, "As you can see, They've retained their human form. They're asleep, but

They're definately experiencing the Dark Hour. The only question that remains is whether or not they have the potential. Although, they must. ...If they didn't, they would've been preyed on by now."

Yukari gave a puzzled look to Ikutski, "Why are you explaining this to us? We already know about this."

Ikutski frowned, "I just wanted some attention..."

Meanwhile

Minato and Hamuko somehow ended up in a velvet blue room, they seemed to be both sitting in chairs with backs that resembled harps.

They both looked around, confused about their surroundings, the walls seemed to point out this was some sort of giant elevator.

"Welcome to the Velvet Room." a voice suddenly called out to them.

They looked directly across, there was a small man with a gigantic nose talking to them.

"My name is Igor. I am delighted to make your acquittance. These are my assistants, Elizabeth and Theodore." he said gesturing to two people at his side.

One was a very handsome man, the other a strikingly beautiful woman, both dressed in blue attire that resembled elevator attendant uniforms.

"Pleased to meet you." They both said in unison.

Minato and Hamuko just sat in their seats, confused about the situation.

"Where are we?" Minato asked, hoping to get an answer.

Igor answered his question, "This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter... It's been years since we've had a guest. Let alone two at the same time."

Then, he waved his hand, and a notebook containing the contract both Hamuko and Minato signed back at the dorm appeared.

Igor informed them, "Only those who have signed the contract can enter this place...

Henceforth, you two shall be welcome here in the Velvet Room. You are destined to hone your unique abilities, and you two will require my help to do so.

I only ask one thing in return... that you abide by the contract, and assume responsibility for the choices that you make."

Hamuko was confused, "Is this a dream?" she asked.

Igor let out a smile, "Precisely... You two are fast asleep in the real world as we speak.

This visit of yours is merely a dream. However, you will come here of your own accord, sooner or later."

Igor waved his hand again, "Hold onto this"

Suddenly blue keys appeared in both Minato's and Hamuko's hand.

"'Til we meet again..." Their vision stared to fade and before they knew it, they woke up.

Hamuko opened her eyes and sat up.

"That was a weird dream..." Hamuko said to herself.

Then she noticed she had the key from her dream in her hand and she freaked out, she rushed to the corner of her room to show Minato and as she lifted the board seperating the rooms, she saw Minato sitting up on his bed, staring at his key. He looked up and saw Hamuko waving around her key to get him to realize what just happened.

'That dream WAS real...' They both thought.

After they got dressed they went to school together again.

It was a pretty bright day, the streets were busy with traffic, kids were rushing to school, and there was much chatter at the train station.

"Hey! What just happened last night?" Hamuko asked Minato as they waited for the student train. "We were in some weird elevator room, some creepy guy with a giant nose gave us keys, then we wake up with those keys in our hands!"

Minato just shrugged his shoulders, "Who knows?"

Hamuko was shocked, 'How can he be so calm about this!' she thought.

But little did Hamuko know that Minato didn't express his curiosity, or any feeling that much.

Hamuko decided she wasn't going to get much input on their dream from Minato. "Whatever, lets just drop it for now."

They decided not to talk about their freaky dream when they arrived at school.

On the way to school they saw Junpei who went up to them, bouncing around like an excited kid in a candy store.

"Hey guys! What's up! Man, today is the perfect day! The sky is blue... We're young... What more could we ask for!" he said.

"Dude, you are way too happy this morning." Hamuko told to their capped friend.

"You're full of energy today." Minato added in.

Junpei calmed down, "Of course I am! Guys, listen to this... Oh, wait! I'm not supposed to say anything! Sorry, guys."

"Whatever." Minato said while entering the school, with Hamuko and Junpei following.

The school day was starting to be predictable and they were getting used to the routine of the classes and classmates at school.

Minato decided to keep his key hanging around his neck as he might need to use it later, while Hamuko opted to keep it in her pocket.

Minato was in deep thought about the little "trip" to the Velvet Room.

During a lecture...

A teacher was introducing himself to the class."

Ahem... I'm Mr. Ekoda. I'll be teaching you Classic Literature. I'll be teaching you about good old Japan all year. Some people say Classic Lit isn't relevant to everyday life, but oh, how they're wrong! Hey... Are you all listening to me?"

Minato wasn't.

He decided to get some sleep, and within seconds he was out cold.

Hamuko, on the other hand decided to be a good student today and listened to the lecture.

Mr. Ekoda contined, "Let's begin. Open your textbooks, class. First on our syllabus is 'Ise Monogatari,' the origin of Japanese literature. It's a very interesting story. You youngsters might call it, 'da bomb.' " The entire class groaned at their teacher's attempt to be 'hip'.

Mr. Ekoda took a pause, the mood in the class turned really awkward after his lame comment.

"Anyway..." He went on finishing his lecture.

The school day continued.

After School

Junpei was talking to Minato after he woke up. But Minato mostly ignored what he was saying.

It something about a convenience store.

And porn.

And fried chicken.

Minato snapped to attention when Junpei mentioned fried chicken.

He loved fried chicken.

He and Junpei decided to walk home together, they went on discussing man things like cars, chicken, and porn.

That just left Hamuko alone.

Hamuko decided today was her day to explore the city.

She headed out to Port Island station, seeing the sights.

She saw a flower shop, she browsed through the flowers trying to find some perfect ones for her room.

But alas, she was short on cash.

So she decided to explore some more, passing a back alley where she ignored people who got drunk in broad daylight hitting on her.

She went on to explore the neighborhood.

She was on a street called Shirakawa Boulevard, it seemed like a nice street until...

She saw some hotels.

With very suggestive advertisements on the outside.

It didn't take her long to figure out what this place was.

So Hamuko hurried home before anyone saw her outside a Love Hotel, she didn't want anymore rumors.

Dark Hour, in the command room.

Yukari and Mitsuru are monitoring Hamuko and Minato again.

"How are they?" Ikutski asked as he walked up to the two girls.

"The same as last night..." Mitsuru answered as she turned to face Ikutski.

Ikutski was suprised at her answer, "Hmm... Very interesting. Even those who have the potential tend to be unstable at first... Memory loss... disorientation... But, these subjects are rather unique. They haven't exhibited any of the common symptoms."

Yukari didn't like what they we're doing, "But we're treating them like guinea pigs...".

Ikutski tried to explain to Yukari, "I understand your concern, but it's imperative that we recruit

new members. I heard they're your classmates... Wouldn't you be more comfortable working with people from the same grade?"

Yukari replied, "Yeah, I guess. But still..."

Suddenly there's a beep from the giant computer.

Mitsuru pressed a button on the controls. "Command room. ...Is that you, Akihiko?" she said into a microphone.

A male static voice echoed through the speakers, "You're not gonna believe this...! This thing is huge! Unfortunately, I don't have time to talk... It's chasing me... I wanted to let you guys know. I'm almost there."

Everyone's eyes widened, "Does that mean he's bringing that thing here!" Yukari shouted out in shock.

Mitsuru had a serious look on her face, "Mr. Chairman! Let's suspend our observation for now. We'll prepare for battle!" she shouted to Ikutski.

"R-Right!" he stuttered, Be careful!"

The tension in the room was thick enough to cut.

AN: And I'm evil to tease you with an ending like this...

And I have two jokes hidden in this chapter that refers so a certain webcomic, see if you guys can find them.