Makoto... [Ahem] Atsushi is going to take time to heal that. The wound is old. It is older than we have known him. I knew that when he and I spoke and he locked himself up the first time. He hates part of himself, and I think he struggles to understand why we care. But we do.

It will take time for him to heal. But he will.

As for the rest... [Swallow] I am going to trust you. I am going to trust you to be a hero, to risk your life out there to protect others, but I ask you to do the same. Yes, I have been injured, and I am no longer whole. But I am an archmage.

Let me fight, and fight by my side. Do not be my shield. Be my ally and I will promise you the same. You may rely on me as much as you may shield me. Ok?