[Video post]

[unknownrival]

[The camera clicks on, and Issei's face immediately comes into view. He looks tired and worse for wear, but his eyes are the same old blue that they usually are, and when he lets out a sigh and starts to speak, it's with his own voice.]

Could someone tell me why I've been unconscious for a week?

((Tatsumi supernaturally-powered bitchslapped possessed!Issei into submission. Issei has absolutely no memory of what happened while he was possessed. Any interaction with possessed!Issei we didn't get to may be assumed. Due to computer troubles, I'm making sure to post this now: comments might be a bit later.))

Comments

[stripping.livejournal.com]

...Believe me, I'm going to.

But I have to - it does no good to remain in the dark. If I don't know the truth, I - for one thing, what am I going to say to him when next we meet?

[truthinfortune.livejournal.com]

...You're right. You're absolutely right. If the situation had been reversed, I'd feel the same way you do.

Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you both...

[stripping.livejournal.com]

Yes, I'll tell you if I think of anything. In the meantime, I'm going to find out exactly what went on.

[truthinfortune.livejournal.com]

All right. But promise me one thing: don't blame yourself. None of this was your fault.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

But I... I should have been able to do something.

[truthinfortune.livejournal.com]

There will always be things in life what we have no control over, Issei-kun... I had to learn that lesson the hard way. You can't be faulted for being possessed by a supernatural being like that...

[stripping.livejournal.com]

I know that. I know that there are things in this life that I cannot change. But if there is any hope of affecting something as important to me as being able to protect my friends, I want to be able to control that much. Only that much.

[truthinfortune.livejournal.com]

That's very admirable. And selfless. Most people want to control the things in life that affect them directly.

You have done a great deal to help others. But don't forget to take care of yourself every now and then.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

It's only natural to wish to help one's friends. I haven't done anything to be especially lauded, truly.

Hm, I'll keep it in mind.

[truthinfortune.livejournal.com]

You think so? Haven't you ever heard of the parable of the old man and the starfish?

[stripping.livejournal.com]

The one where he's throwing the starfish back into the sea?

[truthinfortune.livejournal.com]

That's right. It may not seem like you've made much of a difference, but that's only from your perspective. To the people you've helped, it means much more than you'll ever know...

[stripping.livejournal.com]

It's somewhat difficult to see how... But I suppose I should believe you.

[truthinfortune.livejournal.com]

It's always difficult to see things from another's perspective. Because we're all individuals.

But I can assure you, I have always valued your friendship. I may not say it enough, but that's the way I feel.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

...Thank you, Shirogane. I'm glad to know you, as well.