[... The worst thing of all is hearing Aigis say something like that. As if she really could've failed him--as if any of them could have failed them when it was thanks to all of them that he was even able to do what he did.

They had all gone into that battle knowing that the possibility was high that they would all die. They had accepted that inevitability as a consequence of fighting Nyx.

That Minato was the only one who did was one of the things he's more grateful for than anything.

So quietly, he tugs on her hand to draw her into a hug instead, wrapping his arms around her gently. He's caused them all an incredible amount of pain, hasn't he...? If he could take back anything, it would be the pain they've suffered for his choices.

But while his voice is soft, nearly whispered, it's nonetheless said fiercely.]

You haven't. You haven't failed me at all. It was... my choice.

And I'm so grateful... that I was able to make that choice.

[Thanks to all of the bonds he was given, thanks to all of the friends who supported him--but most of all, thanks to Aigis and SEES, he was able to do so... and because of that, Aigis can cry, and live, and grow. What more could he ever ask for?]