[ You’re strong enough to survive anything. ]
Though he can’t possibly know what all Akira has endured, he sends the message with the conviction of someone who wholly believes his words.
[ I … know I’m the one that brought it up, but I really don’t think I ever could have tried it. I was scared every day, but I knew what I was in for, you know? There’s no telling what happens after, you know– I’m more scared of dying, I guess. ]
It’s a fairly dark topic to delve into through text alone. Mishima doesn’t know if he should have shared so much– he doesn’t want to manipulate Akira, even unintentionally. It does feel a little bit good to have it off his chest.
[ If you ever feel like you’re facing something you can’t handle, my door’s open. Like, metaphorically. I’ll be here for you. ]
[ You came through for me, so it’s only fair, right? ]
[”You’re strong enough to survive anything.”]
[Although that claim likely had no ill intent, it felt akin to a punch
in the face for Akira -- after being “informed” otherwise throughout
a majority of his life, both by himself and his own family, no aspect
of those words felt rational or honest. Years of being beaten down,
neglected, and ostracized led him to that antithetic belief; he was
powerless and incapable of defending himself...up until now. Even
though his convictions led him to unfortunately assume otherwise,
he now held abilities that not only allowed him to save his friends
( including Mishima ) from precarious situations, but might enable
him to reform the reprehensible state of society as a whole. Akira
was no longer helpless...even if he still felt as though he was.]
[Nevertheless...his chest sank with an unmistakable familiarity as
Mishima continued, insisting that he was uncertain whether he’d
ever be capable of attempting it in the first place -- although there
were plenty of others who endured similar hesitance for the same
reason, those words struck a chord within him. Both he and Yuuki
pressed on because of their dread of what might follow, had they...
succeeded. There were patterns in their lives that they knew would
occur, regardless of their input; they recognized them and lived by
them, all the while contemplating whether it’d be best to end it all...
and hesitating, solely because it was unknown what such a drastic
action might result in. Feeling more trepidation with regard to dying
than continuing to engage in tortuous routines...Akira could relate.]
<<FROM: AKIRA KURUSU
TO: YUUKI MISHIMA>>
“No, I understand. It’s...easier to fall into a pattern like that and know what’s coming, rather than...escape without a clue as to where you’re going. It’s...not just you.”
[Fingers hovered over his smartphone screen’s keyboard, hesitant
to send his message; it spoke of the matter in a broad sense, and
the final line felt...too insightful, but a trembling thumb pressed the
“send” button anyway. A gulp followed as he attempted to follow
his dismaying words with some excuse.]
<<FROM: AKIRA KURUSU
TO: YUKI MISHIMA>>
“Everyone fears death and the unknown...without a solid answer about what’ll happen if we die, we’ll be terrified of it. I’m just...glad that the fear got to you, instead of the alternative. Maybe it’s forward of me to say this, but you’re important to me. You’re important to all of us thieves. I’m...proud of you for making it through it all.”
[That final message caused him to furrow his brow; as fair as it
might be to share his past with someone whom had revealed a
great deal about his own, Akira...knew better. In his eyes, it was
best to keep such trivial matters to himself -- nobody needed to
recognize the tumultuous life he’d left behind. Instead, the raven
proceeded with a response based on his own philosophy, which
prioritized everyone else over himself.]
<<FROM: AKIRA KURUSU
TO: YUKI MISHIMA>>
“There’s no need for that, but the same goes for you. I’m glad you...talked to me about this, and if there’s anything you ever need to get off your chest, you can rely on me. Okay?”