After everything that happened in 2003, Sora considers himself familiar with otherworldly dangers and bizarre experiences. Not an expert, because at the end of it all he was left with a strong impression that he had thoroughly explored and examined one small part of a larger mystery. But familiar, yes. And one thing he would have said he was familiar with was the Velvet Room. Which makes the situation he finds himself in all the more unsettling.

Igor is, if anything, less forthcoming than usual. His attendants are strange, a collection of adults and one young child, with Horace nowhere to be seen. They shake their head when he asks. "He's not here," says the one who introduced herself as Margaret. "Our master hasn't seen fit to keep all of our siblings here by his side. I'm sorry," she adds, her face changing. He smiles, performing gratitude for her pity, and turns away.

Perhaps it's for the best. He doesn't want any of his confidants trapped here. Not even Dr. Summers, because then Sora would have to face him.

(He does want his confidants here. Horace, Anushka, Rania, Sam, please, let Sam be safe at home—let Sam be here, don't separate him from Sora—)

He's not thinking about it. He is getting to the bottom of his situation. Yes.

( how could i already lose my way like this? )