Notes: Here we are at the last chapter of this story! But before we continue on, here are the answers to where Minako unknowingly mimicked Ryoji in the last chapter. There were two instances:

1) When Minako realizes that Yukari overheard her crying, she is sitting on the foot of her bed, the exact spot where Pharos sat whenever he visited her during the Dark Hour. (I admit, this was probably the hardest to find since I said it was Ryoji's actions, and even though they are the same person, this is really Pharos's action, so I apologize.
2) When Minako takes out Ryoji's ring to show Yukari, she looks at it in "fond recollection," just like Ryoji did at Kamogawa River in chapter two.

Did anybody catch those? They are pretty small, and not exactly significant to the plot, but I thought it was cute. ^^ Anyway, I have a surprise for everyone, but I'll reveal what it is at the end of the chapter!

*xLeeny: I hope the answers were satisfactory for you! And I'm happy you listened to the song while reading! I've been trying to make the emotions the crucial part of this fic, so I thought having music set the mood would help. Thank you for your review!
*Raven236: I was actually debating between Yukari and Fuuka to notice Minako crying, but I had originally imagined it with Yukari, and I really wanted to use the joke about Junpei being the smartest of all. Your reviews always make me feel as if I've succeeded in giving the characters depth and emotion, so thank you very much!
*AngelMiku: The classroom scene was really fun to write, and I'm having so much fun with Junpei in this story, so I'm very happy you're enjoying it as much as I am. ^^
*BlueUndine16: Ace Detective Junpei! XD . I also imagined Yukari to be like a sister with the FeMC, so that's probably why she was my first choice for that scene. Thank you so much for mentioning Aigis's social link! I had been thinking that this chapter was rather flat compared to the others, so when you mentioned what Aigis would think, I got to add more to this chapter and flesh it out a bit better. I unfortunately didn't finish Aigis's social link, but I tried my best to get into her head, so I hope you enjoy the result!
*aprilsierra: This pairing needs more love! XD Thanks for your review! I hope you enjoy this chapter too!

Unfortunately, I don't really have a particular song for this chapter. I had "Wasurenaide" on repeat while I wrote this fic and it was essentially the theme song for it. I'm not sure if the mood itself is right, but since "Wasurenaide" means "Please don't forget," maybe it still fits this chapter in its own way. ^^

Chapter 4 – Important Things Not Forgotten

January 10, 2010
Evening – Iwatodai Dorm, 1st Floor Lounge

"So…that's what it was."

"I told you guys those two were together."

"Oh, enough already, Stupei!"

"Yeesh, no need to shout, Yuka-tan."

Minako knew all along that her friends were suspicious of her recent behavior, but she had no idea they had a whole meeting over it. When Yukari told her, Minako decided that she should explain everything to the rest of her friends, so she and Yukari went downstairs where everyone was conveniently gathered. Minako's explanation was calm, composed, and she did not cry. In fact, she explained it all with a slight smile, even when she explained why she was reluctant to tell everyone what was wrong. Yukari was happy to see that.

"I'm sorry to have worried everyone," Minako said, modestly bowing her head to her friends.

"It's alright, Minako-chan," Fuuka smiled, taking Minako's hands in her own. "We're just glad you're alright now."

"Yes," Aigis smiled, "We are happy you are back to normal."

Koromaru barked happily and jumped into Minako's lap. "Haha, thank you, Koro-chan," she said, petting him lovingly behind his ears.

"But next time, Minako-san," Ken said, "Please tell us if something is bothering you."

"You're the type to keep things inside," Akihiko added, and then he smiled encouragingly, "But we want to help you, and we can't if we don't know what's going on."

"And!" Junpei sat on the armrest next to Minako and casually threw his arm around her shoulders. "You can always confess your woes to your ol' pal, Junpei."

Yukari laughed. "We'll always lend an ear if you need one."

Minako smiled at them. "Right, I promise I will. Thank you."

Mitsuru stood in front of Minako and extended her hand. "We'll be counting on you to get us to the top of Tartarus, Leader."

Minako smiled. Her previous fears of her friends losing faith in her were now gone. Even after knowing what was troubling her, they still trusted her with their lives, and she would do everything in her power to make sure they all came out safely. Minako stood up and happily shook Mitsuru's hand. "I'll do my best."

I chooseth this fate of mine own free will…

January 11, 2010
After School – Gekkoukan High School, Classroom 2-F

The last bell rang, signaling the end of the classes. Everyone in class 2-F looked relieved that Monday was over and done with, and happy conversation soon filled the room. There were only few students that actually took notice of the vacant desk in the first row, but their attention soon turned to the one most likely bothered by its emptiness, but she did not look bothered at all, and they all were relieved.

It was strange. To Minako, it seemed as if the whole world was much brighter. Who would have thought that getting things off your chest had this much of an effect? Even with the incessant talk of the Nyx cult, Minako did not feel bothered by anything and was strangely happy throughout the school day. It felt as if a new confidence had been born inside her. There was no doubt in her mind that they would win. There was no doubt in her mind that she would see Ryoji again. The thought of his voice and his smile no longer bothered her. It was now a precious memory, and she never wanted to forget it.

"You're…the only one there is for me. The only one I want…So please, stay with me."

In fact, the memories made her smile, and her hand almost instinctively slipped into her pocket, unaware that eyes that were once worried about her now watched her closely.

Aigis was a machine, and therefore, it's very easy for her to fake emotions. But she didn't lie the previous night. She was very happy Minako was back to normal. It had pained her to see the girl she wanted to badly to protect be sad, especially when she didn't know how she could help. It was the cause of Minako's unhappiness that made Aigis feel a strange feeling in her heart: Envy.

"Aigis?"

Despite accepting him as a friend, Aigis was still unhappy that Minako and Ryoji had gotten so close. She had warned her leader many times about him, but they had still gotten close enough to be together, and Aigis didn't like that. Even though she hated what Ryoji was, she did not hate him. She really did see him as her friend, but the feeling would still have arisen even if had been Junpei at Minako's side. She didn't understand why, but all she knew was that she wanted to be at Minako's side forever, and if someone else was there instead…

"Aigis, what are you staring at me for?"

Aigis blinked, and Minako was looking at her with a confused expression, like a reversed imitation of when several days ago. But this time, the look in Minako's eyes wasn't as sad as before. "Minako-san…"Aigis said slowly, "You are…alright now?"

The leader seemed to understand, and she smiled warmly at Aigis. "Yes, I'm fine now."

It was Minako's normal smile, the one she always had when she was truly happy, and it seemed to melt away the envious feelings in Aigis's heart, and she felt as if she could understand everything. Perhaps it didn't matter who was by her side, be it Ryoji, Aigis, or Junpei, as long as Minako was happy and smiling like she was now. Strange how a simple action could do so much, but maybe despite her mechanical memory, even Aigis can forget how much she likes to see her leader smile.

"Thanks for worring about me, Aigis," Minako added, and she quickly gathered her things. "I'll see you back at the dorm."

And with that, Minako hurried out of the classroom, hoping that she wouldn't be late for volleyball club. She could feel Yukari and Junpei's eyes on her as she left, but she knew they would see her as she normally was. She closed the classroom door shut behind her, and her hand slipped into her pocket once again. Only this time, after she pulled out her hand, the precious proof of Ryoji's humanity was slipped onto her finger.

Back in the classroom, the remaining members of SEES glanced at each other, all thinking the same thing.

"I guess she's back to normal now," Yukari said with a relieved sigh.

"Yeah, I almost think she's more cheerful than usual," Junpei agreed, being serious for once.

Aigis was silent for a moment, but she too smiled. "Cheerfulness suits our leader best."

The classroom door opened again, and Fuuka timidly poked her head in and smiled when she saw her friends already gathered. "Did Minako-chan leave?"

"Yeah, she just left." Yukari answered, "Why, what's up?"

Despite Minako being long gone, Fuuka closed the door tightly, as if she didn't want a secret to leak down to the gym. "I would like everyone's help with something."

Evening – Outside Iwatodai Dorm

Everything was black. Minako was blindfolded.

The moment she turned the last corner before the dorm, somebody grabbed her shoulders, quickly tied a bandana around her eyes, and pushed her forward roughly from behind. Every blind step she took felt very unstable due to the force on her back. Minako didn't like being pushed around like this, and she wanted to know where she was going. For a moment, panic swelled in her chest, and her first instinct was scream for help, but then a certain scent wafted around her, and the realization only raised her confusion.

"Junpei, I don't think this is really necessary…"

"Trust me, Minako-chan, it's very necessary. What took you so long, anyway?"

"I had volleyball club, and–agh!" She nearly tripped when Junpei tried to get her up the stairs to the entrance. "Would you at least tell me what's going on?"

Junpei kicked open the door and pushed Minako inside. "No can do. Almost there."

Having walked through the first floor of the dorm many times, Minako had a vague idea of where Junpei was pushing her. If she was right, he was leading her towards the dining table, and as she got closer, she could hear the shuffling of movement, and something smelled…sweet? Curiosity was making her anxious until Junpei finally stopped pushing her and removed the blindfold.

"Surprise!"

Minako's friends were all gathered around the dining table smiling at her. In the middle of the table, there was a small cake seemingly waiting for her. It was covered with white frosting and a couple strawberries decorated the top along with some chocolate sprinkles. Her friends smiled at her expectantly, and Koromaru let out a playful bark and trotted over to Minako's side, resting comfortably by her feet. Minako did not know what to say, but she couldn't hold back a smile. "What…What's all this?"

"It's for you, Minako-san," Aigis explained with a warm smile. "As thanks for being a great leader."

"We put a lot of responsibility on you as the leader," Mitsuru said, "So we wanted to do something to express our gratitude."

Akihiko laughed. "Fuuka worked hard to make this cake for you."

There were a couple of odd looks sent to the blue-haired girl, but Fuuka smiled as if she understood. "Don't worry, I still had some notes from Shinjiro-san, and Yukari-chan and Aigis-san helped so there wouldn't be any mistakes." Everyone looked relieved.

Junpei put a casual arm around the speechless Minako. "I was gonna suggest a sushi party like last time, but Fuuka insisted on making a cake, so we'll save the sushi for after we defeat Nyx!"

Yukari sighed. "Junpei, you're really not supposed to say something like that," she scolded.

"C'mon, it was just a joke!"

"Minako-san," Ken stepped forward, stopping the argument before it began, "If you're the leader, I'm sure we'll win, so we'll support you until the very end."

"And after the end!" Yukari chimed in. "We'll still be friends even when this is all over!"

Koromaru barked in agreement.

Minako could feel the gratitude and trust overflowing from her friends. She had been silly to not consult her friends when she was troubled. Minako had to fight to keep back the tears of her own gratitude. She had forgotten the most important thing. "Thank you, everyone," she said quietly, "But I wouldn't be the leader you all say I am if I didn't have such great friends like you." Everyone ushered her into a chair and Fuuka cut a small piece of cake for her. Minako took a small bite and smiled to her friend. "It's delicious."

Afterwards, Minako offered to share the cake with all her friends, and everyone had a piece, even Akihiko, who disliked sweets. In a way, it was like another party. They were all together, and they were all laughing. All thoughts of the final battle seemed to have disappeared, and for the moment, the only thing filling the room was happiness. No thoughts of unavoidable death. No worry about The Fall. No fear of any kind. Only happiness. Or at least, the happiness that was normal for the Iwatodai Dorm.

"I almost forgot, Akihiko-senpai, you still didn't treat us to ramen for losing our bet in Yakushima."

"What? You're still thinking about that? I thought we both lost…"

It was a unique happiness, but Minako wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. The chatter of her friends filled the room, but Minako stopped to take a look at Ryoji's ring. Instead of hiding in her pocket, Minako now wore it on her ring finger. It's glow seemed much brighter than before, almost happy. Even when the image of Ryoji's smile was haunting her, she could never stop herself from looking fondly at his ring. She did miss him now that he was gone, but what she didn't realize before was that by wearing the ring, it almost felt like he was right beside her again. The ring was his treasure, and it held precious memories for both of them.

"Rings are mysterious. When you get used to wearing one, it's as natural as if you were born with it… I think rings are the things that bind memories to the person who wears them."

Minako could still hear his voice as clearly as if he had just spoke, and the image of his smile no longer bothered her. She understood that he wanted her to be happy, so she would not be sad for his sake. Minako had a feeling that she would see him again, and she wanted to meet him with a smile. No matter what happens in the battle against Nyx, she'll be happy she made her choice to fight. She did not choose to forget the one she loved, she did not choose to forget her friends, and she did not choose to run away. She chose her fate of her own free will, and she was proud of that.

"I love you…"

I'll fight with my friends until the end, and I'll do it with a smile for you…my dearest…

Notes: Well, that's the fourth chapter, but guess what? Since I finished finally finished the game today, I've had an idea for an epilogue! So this is not the end! However, since school has been very busy, I am not sure how long it will take for the epilogue to be written, but I will do my best to get it done as soon as possible!

So, until the final chapter, for real this time! Thank you for reading!