Part 227: 3/5/10

Dear Aigis,

I’m guessing you’re feeling kind of down right about now, and that’s okay. I mean you’re only human, right?

Video- “Graduation Day”

The End

It’s me, Aigis
May I please come in?
Open the door.
Thank goodness.
I’m so happy to see you again…
I’m sorry to show up so suddenly…
But… I really needed to talk to you.
Me too.

Anyway I doubt there’s anything I could write down here that is going to suddenly make you feel better.



Everyone seems to have forgotten, but I remember…
That day, we…
Don’t cry…
I’m sorry…
It’s just that, when I remembered…
I was afraid you might go somewhere far away, like you did at the last battle…
Don’t worry.
Graduation’s today, isn’t it?
I’m sorry… The ceremony’s already begun…
Such nice weather outside…
Do you remember? …The promise we all made?
Why don’t we go there and wait for the others…?
We can enjoy the view of this peaceful city…

Is it still spring outside? Or have seasons come and gone since the time I wrote this?



Class Representative: …The time to part has finally come.
Though this is our last day together, we want the senior class to know that you’ve truly earned our respect.
We wish each of you good health, happiness, and prosperity.
On this auspicious occasion, I bid you all a fond farewell on behalf of the student body.
Teacher: Next, a word from the valedictorian…
From Class D, Mitsuru Kirijo.
Thank you.
This last year, I accepted an important responsibility as Student Council President.
When I first addressed you from this podium, I spoke to you all about seizing opportunity while you had the chance…
Well, it must have been fate that intervened and gave me an important reminder of this…
As many of you may know, my father unexpectedly…
He unexpectedly passed away, due to sudden illness…

Anyway, I have something important for you.



Graduating Senior: Wow, that’s rare. I’ve never heard her stumble in a speech before.
> The students began to buzz…
> Within that group, a handful of students stood up…
……!
I… We…!
Huh…? Wait… Wasn’t I supposed to…?
Oh…
I… I…!
That’s right… I remember now! Our promise…!
I remember…

I guess you could call it my memories. With this letter is a book, a journal I’ve been keeping all year.



No longer will I run from the future. I will face it head on, in memory of my father’s will.
I am resolved; free from doubt or hesitation! This is because…
It is because I have such wonderful, such priceless friends…
Mitsuru!
We…!
We swore to each other never to lose hope, no matter what tomorrow brings!
> After shouting that, Mitsuru leapt from the stage to rejoin everyone…
Senpai…! We remember about her and Aigis…!
Yes, of course.
Let’s go, everyone…!
Voice from the Stage: Where do you think you’re going!? We’re in the middle of a ceremony!

I want you to read it, to see things as I saw them.



> The warm sunlight and gentle wind feels good on your resting body…
> Aigis is sitting close to where you’re lying…
The wind feels so nice…
This is my first time experiencing spring.
But, this season will eventually pass…
After fighting alongside you, and facing the world’s end…
I finally began to understand…
…what it means to live…
Thinking for yourself… Not running away…
Accepting the inevitable…
All things eventually come to an end…
Every living thing will one day disappear…

Even if it changes how you feel about me, I want you to know everything, because it’s all up to you now.



What the meaning of their life will be…
I understand now why I was so tormented by my lack of strength.
Protecting others became more than just an order I had to obey.
I wanted to do it for my own reasons…
I realized this once I decided to try and prevent the Fall.
When I thought I might never see you again, something else became clear to me—what I wanted most.
And so, I made up my mind.
I decided that I would continue to protect you.
I want to be your strength.
I know I’m not the only one who can do this… but that’s okay.
My life will be worth living if it’s for this reason…
Thank you…
Don’t cry.

Something’s coming. Maybe it’s already started by the time you’re reading this, I don’t know. I wish I could tell you more, but that’s just not how this works.



I understand now, so I should be happy…
Familiar Voice: Heyyy!!
> You hear voices calling out to you…
Everyone…
…I realize now that I have friends as well.
You don’t have to save the world to find meaning in life…
Sometimes, all you need is something simple, like someone to take care of.
I’ll keep on living no matter what, so that I can protect you…
> Aigis is smiling gently…
> The gentle spring sunlight warms your body.
> The cheering you hear from afar, the slightly chill wind…
> This is the world you and your friends protected…
> You feel a little sleepy…

But I want you to know that whatever’s coming, I have faith that you can handle it.



> ……?
> You hear the familiar voice of your most precious friend…
You are tired, aren’t you?
You can close your eyes. I’ll always remain here by your side.
> You can hear footsteps and several familiar voices drawing near…
The others will be here soon…
> The bright sunlight and Aigis’ voice softly overlap…
> You’re getting sleepier…
> Your eyeslids feel heavy…

And even if it doesn’t seem like it, I’ll always be watching over you.



And one day, we’ll meet again.

Video- “Memories of You”

Credit Roll

When the world no longer needs to hide its heart in shadows…

Yours always,
Aelita