"Hey Makoto.

I guess you haven't seen me smile in a while. I'm sorry about that. It's just been really hard for me recently. You being in a coma and everything. But right now, I'm in a better mood than I have been for a while.

And it's because I have good friends. WE have good friends. They helped me when I was in a dark place. And I mean really dark.

I almost lost myself Makoto. And I was about to do something… really stupid. Sorrow makes you make stupid decisions sometimes. Or maybe the word is desperation. But that's not the point, the point is, I'm better now.

But I'm still scared you may never wake up.

Teddie was able to get us out of the TV. It was a bad idea from the start. Metis is back. Oh yeah, you two never met, I'll have to introduce you. I think Metis and Ren have some… I don't know what to call it. Their relationship is weird. A lot of things have been. But the weirdest thing I think I've seen, is that Ren and Yu just... forgave me. Just like that. They weren't even mad. I was really mean to them a bit like how Yukari was after the first time you… yeah. I'm not proud of how I acted. But they forgave me. And I forgave them. Now the three of us are closer than ever. Which reminds me, we made a bargain, we're going to support each other whenever we're in need. No matter the problem. That includes you. It'll be good for us all.

Ren and Yu stepped out to meet up with everyone. I think they were all a little afraid to be here. Probably my fault. But they still came to see you all the time. But this time, they're all coming. Together. I can't wait to see them all. And I can't wait for you to see them too. I really hope you do. Because I dread the day when the doctors may tell us you won't."

That's… a really scary thought. I don't want it to happen. I need to take my mind off that possibility.

I decide to take another walk through the hospital.

How can I be so sure?

At a crossroads I'm afraid too,

but I can't let fear get the best of me,

someone once said

'burn my dread,' baby

I can't help but chuckle. It's the same song I heard last time. And once again it's quite fitting to my situation. Whoever's staying in that room must really love that song.

In fact, I love it. And I'd love to know what it's called. I decide to step in to ask.

Hmm. This room is empty. I can only see a pair of black gloves.

"Oh! May I help you?" Says a voice behind me.

He must be their doctor.

"Oh sorry, I just wanted to know what this song was called."

"The song? Oh yes, my patient is quite fond of it, I believe the song is called no more what if's."

No more what if's. Nice name. Plus, a good message.

"Thank you very much. Out of curiosity, where is your patient?"

"He left a few minutes ago. You just missed him. He was only here for a routine check up."

"Oh I see. I wonder what kind of person he is."

"He's… interesting. Smart, but cunning. He's the kind of person who doesn't let anyone tell him how to live, like, he'll choose his own destiny. It was commendable, even a little scary. But maybe you'll meet him one day."

"Maybe I will. Thank you doctor."

I hope I do to be honest.

I start walking back to Makoto's room. 'I can't let fear get the best of me' hmm.

Maybe I've been looking at it all wrong.

I step back into Makoto's room.

"Maybe Hope isn't something you gain, but rather something you chose to have. So, even though I'm scared, I won't let fear get the best of me.

Takamaki: "Hey Aigis-san."

Me: "Oh. Hello Takamaki-chan."

Takamaki: "Please, call me Ann."

Me: "Ann-chan, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

Ann: "Well, I happened to be in the area, and I wanted to talk with you, before everyone else arrived."

"Okay? Is everything alright?"

"Oh yes absolutely, what I meant is I wanted to check up on you."

"Well thank you Ann-chan that's very sweet of you. I'm… doing better now."

"Good, I'm glad… but, I know what you're feeling."

"You do?"

"Yeah. I'm sure you know about my friend, Shiho."

"Yes I remember. It's heartbreaking what happened to her."

"Yeah, when she jumped off that roof, it felt like a part of me jumped with her."

"That must've been painful."

"Yeah, but that's exactly why I can understand what you're going through right now."

"I just keep asking myself, why? Why did he do it? Why didn't he talk to me? Why didn't I notice sooner?"

"I asked myself those same questions. To this day I still ask myself why I didn't notice sooner. But Shiho told me it wasn't my fault. But that didn't stop it from feeling like it was. I was so angry. I almost lost myself. When I had… HIM at my mercy, I wanted so badly to kill him."

"Why didn't you?"

"Because I believe in fates that are worse than death… and because I'm not a monster like him. And Shiho wouldn't want me to become one. That's why I know, Yuki-kun wouldn't want you to lose yourself Aigis-san."

"It's true Aigis."

Junpei? I didn't even hear him come in.

Junpei: "When Chidori died, I almost lost myself too. But it was all of you guys who brought me back. That's why Takamaki-san is here, it's why I'm here, and it's why everyone else is right outside."

Everyone comes racing in.

Futaba: "Help! I'm stuck!"

Morgana: "Meow, me toooo"

Psh. They've all gotten stuck in the doorway. I can't help but laugh.

Mitsuru: "If you would just let me get through!"

Kanji: "This is a little too close for my liking.

Teddie: "I'm getting Bearrry squished right now."

Ryuji: "Ok guys, me, Ren and Satonaka-san are gonna push."

Chie: "It's not working! I may have to give them a sick kick!"

Yukiko: "Ahahahahah! Sick sounds just like kick!"

Yukiko laughs a lot. Although I'm laughing with her.

Me: "AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!"

I haven't laughed like this in months. Time and again I'm reminded of the strength of my bonds. They literally never let me forget.

That's what I need from you right now Makoto. Hold on to our bond. Hold tight. Let it guide you back to me. To us.

I know that no matter what happens I'll be ok because I have them with me.

Metis: "Ok guys, me and sister will push."

Not me, but Labrys.

Everyone: "ahhhhhhhhhhowwwwwwww!"

Labrys: "That was tough even for me."

Youske: "Thank you, but ow ow owwwww."

Me: "Thank you. Everyone. For being here."

Yeah. I'm going to be alright.

I chose to believe in you Makoto. I chose to believe that you'll come back to me.

Just a heads up, the next chapter is the last of this arc, and it will release on March 5th.