P3 January 31 Velvet Room

- At last... - a defeated Takaya came through the stairs. He fell on the ground, gazing at themoon and started laughing. - Vexing isn't it? The look on your faces is priceless.

- Shut up!

- But, what are we gonna do!? - Yukari said. But the next moment, a shockwave came from the moon, everyone fell on it's knees.

- W-what is this?

- This is... nothing... - Yukari said, getting up. But a strong force was pushing her down.

- How ridiculous... - Takaya said. - Are you out of your mind?

- Look who's talking! - Junpei yelled.

- Death is iminent... Surely you noticed... What you hope to accomplish now? I wanted to see the end with my own eyes... Jin...

Another shockwave, Minato also fell.

- I will never give up! - Aigis yelled, her inner force came rushing through, as she and Yukari got up with Minato on their shoulders. - Never!

- It's inevitable! - said Nyx's voice. - You will only suffer.

- Damnit! I won't back down!

- I've made up my mind! I'll fight to the end!

When they all got up, a new shockwave came. This time only Akihiko and Mitsuru stayed up.

- We have come this far! I will not submit! - Another shockwave. The pressure was to great. Suddenly,

Minato faded away. He saw that familiar door again. He was summoned to the Velvet Room, where Igor and Elizabeth were waiting.

- There's no need to worry. - said Igor. - This isn't the afterlife... You're still alive. Do you remember what I once told you? How the strength of your Social Links will determine your potential? Listen... - he put his hands behind his ear, as if he was actually trying to hear something. - Can you hear the many voices? Each one's power is limited... Yet, they all reach out to you... Can you feel them?

Minato closed his eyes, trying as much as he could to catch any sound, beside the elevator moving. And yet, he could hear something. Someothing that did not belong to the natural occurances of that room, but still... It's clearer and clearer.

- Yes... - he said. - I sense them...

A mysterious mass of energy formed above the table. The powerful emotions of Minato's friends and loved ones were flowing into his heart... He remembered everyone he met during last year, all his memories, of all dangers and happiness he went through... And then, the truth came to him. What he needed to do was clear, and those emotions, would aid him.

- Can you hear them? - said Igor. - These are the voices of hope that wish to help you... Separetly, they are weak... But together, they will bring about a great change in you. Now is the time to draw on the true strength of the bonds you have forged!

On the space were the energy gathered, a card appeared, as bright as the sun, and he stood up in front of Minato.

- I never dreamed of seeing that card with my own eyes... - Igor said astonished. - This is indeed a surprise... Behold, the last power you and I shall unveil... It is the power to bring about a new begining, or the ultimate end. It may be possible now, with this newfound power... You may be able to defeat the one who cannot be defeated. What you have in your hands is the power of the Universe... NOTHING is outside the realm of possibility for you now. - Minato grabbed the card.

- We will soon reach our destination. - said Elizabeth.

- It seems that in addition to Death, fate has also dealt you the wild card... You must accept your destiny. Our contract has been fulfilled... I have completed my role as well... You were truly a remarkable guest.

The elevator suddenly stoped in front of a bright light. The giant metal doors opened, and Minato was again on top of Tartarus, his friends were on the ground, but... The evil energy had no effect on him. He stood up.

- What the... - Akihiko said looking at him.

Minato looked up. The moon was gazing back at him. He then started levitating towards it.

- NO! DON'T GO! - Aigis yelled.

- What is he doing?! - said Yukari.

- Damnit! Why the hell can't I stand up?!

- Why?! After all we've been through... - Yukari said, she then looked up and started yelling. - STOP! DON'T DO THIS! COME BACK!