[Video]

[unknownrival]

[Issei is shaking with the force of his sobs. He's obviously been crying for a while.

Eventually, the sobs slow down enough for him to get some words out in between them.]

That wasn't me. The person who hospitalized my father and brother, who drove the other monks to attack each other, who spoke to you all so cruelly - that wasn't me. I could never do such a thing to my family!

Why, wh-why did this happen? What did I possibly do to deserve anyone's ire enough for them to do this? Why did I fail my family and let this happen?! I should have resisted, I should have...

Father... R-Reikan-nii...

[And he bursts into a fresh wave of tears.]

Comments

[stripping.livejournal.com]

I should have been stronger. I should have prevented it.

[morethanseeing.livejournal.com]

There's only so much you could have done. You can't prevent some things, even when you try your best.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

But this is important! If I fail to protect my family, of what use am I?

[morethanseeing.livejournal.com]

You can't protect people from everything, it's just not possible. I'm sure you did your best to keep them safe.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

I did, but... it wasn't enough. It's never enough... [He sobs again.]

[morethanseeing.livejournal.com]

Issei...

You're not invincible, no one is. But you're still here, and your father and brother are alive, and that's what matters.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

I know that. I... thank you.

[morethanseeing.livejournal.com]

You're welcome.

It's going to be fine, Issei. You'll be alright.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

If you say so. I trust you.

[morethanseeing.livejournal.com]

I'm glad.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

As am I.