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Cissnei can't help the surprise that flickers across her face, the young woman speechless for a moment before she nods.
"If you think it'd be alright. I don't want to upset her," she said softly. She was definitely intrigued to see this Pokemon that Walter had left Team Rocket for, ultimately, but she also understood how hard it could be for survivors of their torture. And it sounded like Alessa had been through a lot.
"Unfortunately I doubt he will ever apologize. He never does unless made to," Tseng muttered grumpily, his rivalry with the Vulpix still as strong as always and made worse by the fact that Reno was actually quite smart and a good fighter. Plus he was Cissnei's original partner and their bond was undeniable. That didn't mean Tseng liked it whatsoever.
The Lucario glances over at their trainers and his expression softens. "I know it means a lot to her. His trust, that is. She cares a lot about him."
"She won't hurt you." Walter was sure she wouldn't. After all, her rage was squarely aimed for Team Rocket. He noticed that she had broken some of the cage in her wrath but she hadn't lashed out at the Pokemon in them. He stood back, enlarging the Pokeball. "She's...she's quite big." Walter forewarned Cissnei, before throwing the ball and releasing her.
Alessa appeared with a loud hiss, spreading her wings wide. She was indeed large, over six foot tall and keeping herself airborne with lazy flaps of her tattered wings. Walter smiled up at the scarred Pokemon, who was looking at Cissnei quietly. "Alessa, this is Cissnei. She is not with Team Rocket, and is trustworthy." Walter's assurances were answered with a soft cry, and she moved to half settle on his shoulders, still gazing at Cissnei.
"He doesn't know how to show what he feels. Even with us, he sometimes finds it hard. But I know that he thinks of Cissnei fondly." It was great to see Walter try to express himself, even if affection and friendship are languages he lost years ago due to his upbringing. She smiled with she saw Alessa appear, nodding to her respectfully.
Honestly Cissnei wasn't worried about getting hurt, though she appreciated the reassurance nonetheless. She truly just didn't want to upset the Pokemon given the events leading up to this moment. But she trusted that Walter knew what he was talking about and nodded at his warning.
As soon as Alessa appeared Cissnei felt a bit of awe at the sight of the large creature, gaze sweeping over her and taking in all the details of the lovely thing. She was absolutely breathtaking and Cissnei couldn't imagine anyone wanting to hurt a creature like this (any creature really). And those wings..!
"Hello Alessa," the Turk said with a soft smile, nodding in greeting to the Pokemon as she settled on Walter. "It's very nice to meet you." Her gaze shifted to Walter. "She's breathtaking."
Tseng didn't flinch as the Volcarona appeared, reaching out with his aura to get a feel for the creature and he found himself feeling nothing but respect for her. "I'm glad our trainers have found each other. That they have someone here they can trust so easily."
Alessa calmly took in the two newcomers. She'd come to know Claudia and nodded back to her and her companion. But Cissnei took her interest. Especially as Walter had vouched for her - he had brought two girls to see her once, but he hadn't promised anything about them, given they were Rockets. She flapped her wings lazily, and warmth came from her, chasing away the sharp chill of the air around them.
Walter smiled and reached up to touching Alessa's legs, where she gripped onto his shoulder. "She is. I am honoured by her choosing to stay with me." She trilled, briefly curling over him as if giving him a hug. Then she lifted over him, moving just a little closer to Cissnei. She seemed good.
Claudia smiled knowingly, unable to help herself. "I'm glad, that they learned how to trust each other. And that we were able to meet too." She did not want to imagine being in Assumption's place, where Cissnei and Walter would only talk for the sake of their friendship.
That surge of warmth was a welcome sensation and Cissnei let out a soft hum of appreciation. Honestly being back on the mainland made her miss the warmth that always seemed to be present on the islands.
"You are a good person and they can see that. All of your Pokemon, I mean," Cissnei said softly, smiling at Walter before her attention was completely and totally on Alessa. She moved slowly, taking a half step closer to the giant moth, lifting a hand in an offer of a touch.
"Likewise," Tseng said sincerely, ears going back in a pleased, content manner as he beamed at Claudia--though he was also keeping a close eye on Cissnei. Just in case.
Alessa looked at Cissnei's hand. For a long pause, she watched the young woman. Then accepted the touch, brushing her legs against her hand. Thankfully her captivity hadn't included a lot of manhandling. The touches she had felt from the researchers were exclusively from Walter, when he gave her medicine and eventually began to pet her. Behind her, Walter shook his head. "I am not a good person. But...they are good. And I want her to be happy."
Claudia understood Tseng's nerves. Truthfully she had been afraid of seeing this legendary Pokemon, and worried that her anger at Walter had only been delayed. But it became clear that Alessa was...devoted to him. It had surprised Claudia but hearing her say that there was 'something special' about Walter, she had relaxed. The Ninetales gently nudged Tseng's shoulder with her head, both affectionate and guiding. "Stand with her if you want." She even stepped alongside him, although she stood to Alessa's side.
"You are a better person than you let yourself think, Walter," Cissnei said with a shake of her head, gaze still focused on Alessa as she accepted the touch, unable to help a soft laugh that escaped her at the sensation. "All Pokemon deserve to be happy. I will never understand why there are people who would rather make them suffer."
Looking to Claudia with a grateful look, Tseng slowly moved over to his trainer's side. He stayed just behind her, nodding again to Alessa before he bumped lightly against Cissnei. The young woman glanced back at him and gave him a reassuring smile which seemed to relax him--and make some of her other Pokemon draw closer.
Before Mideel could stop him Reno had made his way over but the usual spunk and ignorance that he displayed was gone. He stopped beside Tseng and gave the Volcarona a bow, tails flicking as he sat beside the Lucario. Shuriken stayed back with Mideel and Rue, leaving just Fiend to drift forward and come to sit on Cissnei's shoulder. The quiet little Banette waved at Alessa, offering a smile before leaning against Ciss's head.
Walter sighed. "When I awoke with them...I wasn't strong enough to resist. Some of them still feel that way. That they're not strong enough to leave. Others don't realise what happens to the Pokemon that they steal. And others don't care." Team Rocket was a complicated society to be involved in. The only connecting factor between them all was that they were in Team Rocket.
Alessa looked over the gathered Pokemon, just as quiet as ever. She nodded once, but didn't approach. "Hello." Her voice was feminine to their ears but also deep. Claudia spoke to her softly. "Cissnei is a very trustworthy friend, Alessa, as are her Pokemon." Alessa only hummed in a thoughtful way. Armilla clicked her beak. As a Murkrow, her father had taught her about Rue and the importance of maintaining that contact. With Walter and Cissnei being companions, it made it easier for her to re-establish that contact and get to know Rue on her own standing, out of Darkness' shadow.
"The ones that don't care are the ones that are despicable individuals," Cissnei said with a frown. "Everyone else I can understand. I've seen what it can be like, I know what that sort of situation can be like. The ones that accept it don't deserve any sort of forgiveness."
Rue glanced over to Armilla and let out a low sound, fluffing up her feathers before allowing them to smooth out once more. She hadn't met Armilla before but she had enough respect for Darkness to, in turn, respect the other's daughter.
But now there was this other creature in play...
Now that the initial introductions were over Reno perked up a bit, not quite his usual self but his tails were bobbing and he fox-grinned at Alessa, dipping into a play bow at her.
Walter exhaled. "Ignorance or despair...it does not change the damage we do." It didn't change the hurt he had caused Alessa, or the other Pokemon he had stolen for them who got passed into their system. And he knew there were no pardons for his own actions in his world either. Armilla leaned against him.
"I am what I am." Alessa replied to Reno simply. "I made Team Rocket pay. Walter released me, so I wanted to stay with him. And if they come near me, I know he would not let them have me." Armilla spoke from Walter's shoulder. "And neither would we."
"But you've realized the damage that's been done and you're attempting to make it right, Walter. That's the difference." She wasn't about to let him group himself in with anyone that was okay with what Team Rocket did. Sure he may have lingered with them but he's made steps to change and that's what matters most.
Reno snorted, grinning that same grin as he straightened up again.
Walter lowered his eyes thoughtfully, lifting them to Alessa. It was clear he didn't agree. It didn't help that...well. His actions in his homeworld were a mess of 'duty', 'revenge' and 'I didn't want this'.
"I would burn any and all Rockets I see." Alessa promised ominously. Yeah, due to being abused by Team Rocket and encouraged by Walter, she had zero problem attacking humans to protect herself - or to just make Team Rocket suffer. "But...I'm still tired." Her tone shifted to weary. Armilla fluttered from Walter's should, landing nearby. "Your strength will return, Alessa. It will just take time." Alessa nodded gratefully to the Honchkrow for her reassurance.
"Walter," Cissnei said softly, looking over at Alessa as well. "Your Pokemon are proof that you are making the right choices. That you are a lot more than the person you were. You are a good person and they know it. I know it."
""Ya'! You'll be strong in no time!" Reno yipped merrily now, bouncing in place while Tseng just rolled his eyes at the antics of his companion.
Rue moved closer then since Armilla had landed and clacked her beak in greeting at the other, peering at Alessa curiously.
"...my past doesn't leave me, even here." Walter murmured softly. "I'm not a good person, Cissnei. Nobody is. But...we can try to be better. I am trying to be better than what I was."
Armilla half nodded, half bowed to Rue respectfully, while Alessa spoke to her politely, but with a determination to her words. "It is appreciated. I know Walter will help me recover my strength, and then I will fight at his side." She didn't intend to lie back and let others carry her or fight in her place. She only needed time to rest and recover from what had happened.
"Just because you have a dark past doesn't mean you can't be a good person. The choices you made before, the things you did before don't define who you can become when you're given a choice," Cissnei said softly but with a determined edge. "I was a essentially a glorified mercenary, raised by a organization that trained us to be completely devoted to them. To live and die for the Shinra Corporation and everything they embodied. I did things that I will regret for the rest of my life. But I'm going to work as hard as I can to overcome that and I know you can overcome everything that you did as well."
Rue seemed pleased with the nod-bow from Armilla, fluffing herself up before returning the gesture. Ah yes, she liked this one. Her attention returned to Alessa as she straightened while Reno and Tseng moved to flank her now like the good subordinates they were.
"He is a good human and will treat you well. Cissnei will aid him if he needs it as well and we will help her in turn. The humans responsible for the harm done will pay."
Walter took in what she said. He breathed, looking over at their Pokemon. When he looked down at his hands, he remembered blood smeared on them. He spoke quietly, so their Pokemon wouldn't overhear.
"I told you before, about Valtiel and my duty." His expression turned blank as he talked, holding his hands together and looking into the distance. "I was to complete a Holy Ritual, the 21 Sacraments for the Descent of the Holy Mother, to awaken God. Valtiel had been with me since I was a child, after the priests beatified me for my purpose. He was to help guide me. I- I gave the world a chance. But I lost hope." His shoulders sagged. "So I began the ritual. It required the hearts of ten sinners. I began, taking the hearts of people who had hurt me. I let Valtiel guide me to others. But...he."
He breathed in deeply, shutting his eyes. His expression remained blank and his voice calm but, it was clear he was struggling. There was a pause before he pushed on. "He brought me to two children. He told me that they had sinned, and should be sacrificed. I said no. They were- they were just children. But I felt him then. It was- I watched, as my body moved. I killed them, but it wasn't me. I didn't. I didn't want to kill them. But. I did." He squeezed his hand together tightly.
Cissnei is quiet as Walter spoke about his past and his duty, a cold feeling washing over her as he painted the entire picture. It was horrifying there was no doubt about that. She would never try to say otherwise.
"You were a puppet in a horrible game, Walter," she finally said in a soft voice, reaching out and taking hold of Walter's hands, her hold not tight so if he felt like he needed to pull away he could but it was there to be a comfort if he wanted the comfort of it. "You never had a choice. All choices were taken away from you at a very young age and you did what had to be done because of it. The past can't be undone, unfortunately, but you can move forward."
She steps closer and lifts a hand to rest it on his shoulder, the other staying where it was.
"Your past doesn't define you, Walter. At least not to me."
He shook his head but didn't move away from her. Tears fell as he breathed deeply, breath shaky. "No. I made a choice, in starting the ritual." He couldn't see how lost he had been, from the very beginning.
At her reassurance, he couldn't fight more tears. It was overwhelming. Just like when Eileen had noticed him and given him a doll to keep him warm. He was more used to people showing him kindness but this acceptance, despite what he had done...He lifted a hand, slowly brushing away his tears and trying to steady himself. "T-thank you. But- I still. I can't atone for that."
He remembered Henry's reaction to him naming a Pokemon Eileen. He swallowed. "I. A Pokemon with two heads approached me. It, reminded me of them. With how they behaved to each other. It wouldn't leave me alone, so...I named it after them. I know it's not- It's not them. But, it felt right."
It was Armilla who noticed Walter's stance, inheriting her father's keen eye. She flew over to him, landing on his free shoulder and pressing against his side gently.
Cissnei briefly glanced at Armilla and gave the Pokemon a gentle smile before returning her attention to Walter himself. Her friend was so distraught, moreso than she'd ever seen him and it made her heart ache in a way it hadn't since..Zack, actually. Since one of her last talks with Zack.
"There's only so much any of us can do," she said softly, moving her hand from his shoulder long enough that she could pull her shirt sleeve down over her hand and use it to gently wipe some of his tears away. "But what matters is that you try. And that you do what you can. That you recognize your mistakes. You aren't that person anymore, Walter, and you have an entire team of Pokemon that can attest to it. You have friends here that can attest to it as well."
Her hand came to rest on his shoulder again, Cissnei glancing down at the ground.
"Maybe you can't atone for it, maybe none of us can ever atone for what we do wrong, the sins we commit...but we can be better. We can fight to be better and to save people instead of letting harm come to them whether it's by our own hand or by another's."
Hearing Cissnei say that he couldn't atone...it helped. Because he knew there was no forgiveness for what he'd done. He accepted Henry's anger, even if his other actions were confusing and the pettiness was annoying. If he ever saw Eileen here, he knew he would never be able to amend what he had done to her. She was among his biggest regrets, certainly the person he regretted hurting the most in his afterlife.
He ducked his head, slowly managed to calm himself. Although her helping to dry his tears made it far harder to stop. Still, he eventually calmed. Armilla pressed against him, making soft 'caws' and croaking as gentle as a Honchkrow could to him. "Past is one. Walter is not done."
Once Walter breathing returned to normal and he'd refocused himself, he looked up again. But he hadn't put his stoic shields up again. He was clearly still weighed down and remorseful, eyes red from crying. But he was calm. Lifting hand, he gently placed it over Cissnei's. It sounded like she knew. That she understood. "Thank you."
Cissnei just waited, giving Walter time to collect himself. She had done her fair share of coming to terms with things and her own baggage had been difficult enough as it was; she could only imagine what it was like for him. She knew he was strong though and he had a good support system--Armilla alone proved that.
She smiled softly at the Honchkrow's words and the smile softened fondly as Walter's hand came to rest over hers.
"Anytime, Walter. That's what friends are for," Cissnei said sincerely, shifting her hand slightly so she could turn it and give his hand a half squeeze rather than his shoulder now.
He nodded, accepting her touch. But he lifted it to pet Armilla, leaning into her. The Honchkrow spread her wing in a hug around his head.
"Thank you." He repeated, whether to Cissnei or Armilla, it didn't matter. There's a pause before he seemed to have recovered back to the present. "...If the Shinra Corporation ever come here. You can contact me."
He didn't want to kill for the Order, or under Valtiels influence. But he would kill for his Pokemon, if someone tried to steal them. And if someone came for Cissnei...he would bloody his hands for her as well.
Cissnei's expression faltered briefly, a relieved and surprised look flickering across her face for a moment before she gave him a sincere smile.
"Thank you, Walter. I appreciate that," she said softly. She didn't have many people she trusted completely, let alone knew she could rely on if anything ever hit the fan. But Walter was one of the few; he was like Zack. She knew he was trustworthy and meant what he said.
Giving his shoulder a final squeeze, Cissnei let her hand slip away, slowly tucking her arms behind her back now.
"Where do you plan to go now? And do you might some company for awhile?"
"I'm not sure where to go know. I intend to gather the gym badges in this region... find a place like Ecruteak. Somewhere quiet, where I can live with my Pokemon."
But at the suggestion of company, he paused. He'd never traveled with someone for an extended period of time. Anders had offered, and he'd gone with Jimmy to the Lake of Rage to fish. Armilla clicked her beak, nudging Walter to make sure he replied. His response was quiet. "...Company would be nice, for a while."
"Then I'd be happy to travel with you for a bit. Maybe give you a tour of the Sevii Islands?" she mused, though by tour she really meant just accompanying him there since neither of them were really the 'tourist-y' types. She had just been through the islands enough that she knew where some of the more interesting locations were and had a feeling she knew of some that Walter might find interesting.
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"If you think it'd be alright. I don't want to upset her," she said softly. She was definitely intrigued to see this Pokemon that Walter had left Team Rocket for, ultimately, but she also understood how hard it could be for survivors of their torture. And it sounded like Alessa had been through a lot.
"Unfortunately I doubt he will ever apologize. He never does unless made to," Tseng muttered grumpily, his rivalry with the Vulpix still as strong as always and made worse by the fact that Reno was actually quite smart and a good fighter. Plus he was Cissnei's original partner and their bond was undeniable. That didn't mean Tseng liked it whatsoever.
The Lucario glances over at their trainers and his expression softens. "I know it means a lot to her. His trust, that is. She cares a lot about him."
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Alessa appeared with a loud hiss, spreading her wings wide. She was indeed large, over six foot tall and keeping herself airborne with lazy flaps of her tattered wings. Walter smiled up at the scarred Pokemon, who was looking at Cissnei quietly. "Alessa, this is Cissnei. She is not with Team Rocket, and is trustworthy." Walter's assurances were answered with a soft cry, and she moved to half settle on his shoulders, still gazing at Cissnei.
"He doesn't know how to show what he feels. Even with us, he sometimes finds it hard. But I know that he thinks of Cissnei fondly." It was great to see Walter try to express himself, even if affection and friendship are languages he lost years ago due to his upbringing. She smiled with she saw Alessa appear, nodding to her respectfully.
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As soon as Alessa appeared Cissnei felt a bit of awe at the sight of the large creature, gaze sweeping over her and taking in all the details of the lovely thing. She was absolutely breathtaking and Cissnei couldn't imagine anyone wanting to hurt a creature like this (any creature really). And those wings..!
"Hello Alessa," the Turk said with a soft smile, nodding in greeting to the Pokemon as she settled on Walter. "It's very nice to meet you." Her gaze shifted to Walter. "She's breathtaking."
Tseng didn't flinch as the Volcarona appeared, reaching out with his aura to get a feel for the creature and he found himself feeling nothing but respect for her. "I'm glad our trainers have found each other. That they have someone here they can trust so easily."
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Walter smiled and reached up to touching Alessa's legs, where she gripped onto his shoulder. "She is. I am honoured by her choosing to stay with me." She trilled, briefly curling over him as if giving him a hug. Then she lifted over him, moving just a little closer to Cissnei. She seemed good.
Claudia smiled knowingly, unable to help herself. "I'm glad, that they learned how to trust each other. And that we were able to meet too." She did not want to imagine being in Assumption's place, where Cissnei and Walter would only talk for the sake of their friendship.
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"You are a good person and they can see that. All of your Pokemon, I mean," Cissnei said softly, smiling at Walter before her attention was completely and totally on Alessa. She moved slowly, taking a half step closer to the giant moth, lifting a hand in an offer of a touch.
"Likewise," Tseng said sincerely, ears going back in a pleased, content manner as he beamed at Claudia--though he was also keeping a close eye on Cissnei. Just in case.
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"I am not a good person. But...they are good. And I want her to be happy."
Claudia understood Tseng's nerves. Truthfully she had been afraid of seeing this legendary Pokemon, and worried that her anger at Walter had only been delayed. But it became clear that Alessa was...devoted to him. It had surprised Claudia but hearing her say that there was 'something special' about Walter, she had relaxed. The Ninetales gently nudged Tseng's shoulder with her head, both affectionate and guiding. "Stand with her if you want." She even stepped alongside him, although she stood to Alessa's side.
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Looking to Claudia with a grateful look, Tseng slowly moved over to his trainer's side. He stayed just behind her, nodding again to Alessa before he bumped lightly against Cissnei. The young woman glanced back at him and gave him a reassuring smile which seemed to relax him--and make some of her other Pokemon draw closer.
Before Mideel could stop him Reno had made his way over but the usual spunk and ignorance that he displayed was gone. He stopped beside Tseng and gave the Volcarona a bow, tails flicking as he sat beside the Lucario. Shuriken stayed back with Mideel and Rue, leaving just Fiend to drift forward and come to sit on Cissnei's shoulder. The quiet little Banette waved at Alessa, offering a smile before leaning against Ciss's head.
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Alessa looked over the gathered Pokemon, just as quiet as ever. She nodded once, but didn't approach. "Hello." Her voice was feminine to their ears but also deep. Claudia spoke to her softly.
"Cissnei is a very trustworthy friend, Alessa, as are her Pokemon." Alessa only hummed in a thoughtful way. Armilla clicked her beak. As a Murkrow, her father had taught her about Rue and the importance of maintaining that contact. With Walter and Cissnei being companions, it made it easier for her to re-establish that contact and get to know Rue on her own standing, out of Darkness' shadow.
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Rue glanced over to Armilla and let out a low sound, fluffing up her feathers before allowing them to smooth out once more. She hadn't met Armilla before but she had enough respect for Darkness to, in turn, respect the other's daughter.
But now there was this other creature in play...
Now that the initial introductions were over Reno perked up a bit, not quite his usual self but his tails were bobbing and he fox-grinned at Alessa, dipping into a play bow at her.
"You're really somethin', miss!"
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"I am what I am." Alessa replied to Reno simply. "I made Team Rocket pay. Walter released me, so I wanted to stay with him. And if they come near me, I know he would not let them have me." Armilla spoke from Walter's shoulder.
"And neither would we."
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Reno snorted, grinning that same grin as he straightened up again.
"Pretty sure you could wipe 'em all out!"
"Reno.."
"Oh come on, Tseng! She's amazin'!"
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"I would burn any and all Rockets I see." Alessa promised ominously. Yeah, due to being abused by Team Rocket and encouraged by Walter, she had zero problem attacking humans to protect herself - or to just make Team Rocket suffer. "But...I'm still tired." Her tone shifted to weary. Armilla fluttered from Walter's should, landing nearby.
"Your strength will return, Alessa. It will just take time." Alessa nodded gratefully to the Honchkrow for her reassurance.
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""Ya'! You'll be strong in no time!" Reno yipped merrily now, bouncing in place while Tseng just rolled his eyes at the antics of his companion.
Rue moved closer then since Armilla had landed and clacked her beak in greeting at the other, peering at Alessa curiously.
"..Anything we can do to help, we'll do as well."
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Armilla half nodded, half bowed to Rue respectfully, while Alessa spoke to her politely, but with a determination to her words. "It is appreciated. I know Walter will help me recover my strength, and then I will fight at his side." She didn't intend to lie back and let others carry her or fight in her place. She only needed time to rest and recover from what had happened.
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Rue seemed pleased with the nod-bow from Armilla, fluffing herself up before returning the gesture. Ah yes, she liked this one. Her attention returned to Alessa as she straightened while Reno and Tseng moved to flank her now like the good subordinates they were.
"He is a good human and will treat you well. Cissnei will aid him if he needs it as well and we will help her in turn. The humans responsible for the harm done will pay."
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"I told you before, about Valtiel and my duty." His expression turned blank as he talked, holding his hands together and looking into the distance. "I was to complete a Holy Ritual, the 21 Sacraments for the Descent of the Holy Mother, to awaken God. Valtiel had been with me since I was a child, after the priests beatified me for my purpose. He was to help guide me. I- I gave the world a chance. But I lost hope." His shoulders sagged. "So I began the ritual. It required the hearts of ten sinners. I began, taking the hearts of people who had hurt me. I let Valtiel guide me to others. But...he."
He breathed in deeply, shutting his eyes. His expression remained blank and his voice calm but, it was clear he was struggling. There was a pause before he pushed on. "He brought me to two children. He told me that they had sinned, and should be sacrificed. I said no. They were- they were just children. But I felt him then. It was- I watched, as my body moved. I killed them, but it wasn't me. I didn't. I didn't want to kill them. But. I did." He squeezed his hand together tightly.
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"You were a puppet in a horrible game, Walter," she finally said in a soft voice, reaching out and taking hold of Walter's hands, her hold not tight so if he felt like he needed to pull away he could but it was there to be a comfort if he wanted the comfort of it. "You never had a choice. All choices were taken away from you at a very young age and you did what had to be done because of it. The past can't be undone, unfortunately, but you can move forward."
She steps closer and lifts a hand to rest it on his shoulder, the other staying where it was.
"Your past doesn't define you, Walter. At least not to me."
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At her reassurance, he couldn't fight more tears. It was overwhelming. Just like when Eileen had noticed him and given him a doll to keep him warm. He was more used to people showing him kindness but this acceptance, despite what he had done...He lifted a hand, slowly brushing away his tears and trying to steady himself.
"T-thank you. But- I still. I can't atone for that."
He remembered Henry's reaction to him naming a Pokemon Eileen. He swallowed. "I. A Pokemon with two heads approached me. It, reminded me of them. With how they behaved to each other. It wouldn't leave me alone, so...I named it after them. I know it's not- It's not them. But, it felt right."
It was Armilla who noticed Walter's stance, inheriting her father's keen eye. She flew over to him, landing on his free shoulder and pressing against his side gently.
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"There's only so much any of us can do," she said softly, moving her hand from his shoulder long enough that she could pull her shirt sleeve down over her hand and use it to gently wipe some of his tears away. "But what matters is that you try. And that you do what you can. That you recognize your mistakes. You aren't that person anymore, Walter, and you have an entire team of Pokemon that can attest to it. You have friends here that can attest to it as well."
Her hand came to rest on his shoulder again, Cissnei glancing down at the ground.
"Maybe you can't atone for it, maybe none of us can ever atone for what we do wrong, the sins we commit...but we can be better. We can fight to be better and to save people instead of letting harm come to them whether it's by our own hand or by another's."
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He ducked his head, slowly managed to calm himself. Although her helping to dry his tears made it far harder to stop. Still, he eventually calmed. Armilla pressed against him, making soft 'caws' and croaking as gentle as a Honchkrow could to him. "Past is one. Walter is not done."
Once Walter breathing returned to normal and he'd refocused himself, he looked up again. But he hadn't put his stoic shields up again. He was clearly still weighed down and remorseful, eyes red from crying. But he was calm. Lifting hand, he gently placed it over Cissnei's. It sounded like she knew. That she understood.
"Thank you."
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She smiled softly at the Honchkrow's words and the smile softened fondly as Walter's hand came to rest over hers.
"Anytime, Walter. That's what friends are for," Cissnei said sincerely, shifting her hand slightly so she could turn it and give his hand a half squeeze rather than his shoulder now.
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"Thank you." He repeated, whether to Cissnei or Armilla, it didn't matter. There's a pause before he seemed to have recovered back to the present. "...If the Shinra Corporation ever come here. You can contact me."
He didn't want to kill for the Order, or under Valtiels influence. But he would kill for his Pokemon, if someone tried to steal them. And if someone came for Cissnei...he would bloody his hands for her as well.
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"Thank you, Walter. I appreciate that," she said softly. She didn't have many people she trusted completely, let alone knew she could rely on if anything ever hit the fan. But Walter was one of the few; he was like Zack. She knew he was trustworthy and meant what he said.
Giving his shoulder a final squeeze, Cissnei let her hand slip away, slowly tucking her arms behind her back now.
"Where do you plan to go now? And do you might some company for awhile?"
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But at the suggestion of company, he paused. He'd never traveled with someone for an extended period of time. Anders had offered, and he'd gone with Jimmy to the Lake of Rage to fish. Armilla clicked her beak, nudging Walter to make sure he replied. His response was quiet. "...Company would be nice, for a while."
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"Then I'd be happy to travel with you for a bit. Maybe give you a tour of the Sevii Islands?" she mused, though by tour she really meant just accompanying him there since neither of them were really the 'tourist-y' types. She had just been through the islands enough that she knew where some of the more interesting locations were and had a feeling she knew of some that Walter might find interesting.