[Game] Lord Windos' PokeRole Adventure: Celadon City Vandel

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Back to a gentler tone.

"...taking measures to not take out your anger on someone is a good start, you know.  You're doing well there.  You're showing a lot more self control than I or Archie ever did..."

He takes his hand off of her shoulder.  I wonder if Emily was expecting Reiner to also throw himself into this comparison?


...though that's hardly the only surprise Emily is going to be hearing at this time.

"...well, guess it's time for a little history lesson, then.  The Arendse family is the most prestigous family in Blackthorn City.  For generations, its members have consistently been model Dragon Tamers, the ones that mold what it means to raise the type.  I'm not really surprised you haven't heard much about my family, since we've mostly stayed in Blackthorn, but they've been branching out more recently, so there is one of my relations you've probably heard of..."

"...and that one is Lance Arendse, fourth and final member of the Elite Four of the Indigo League.  My grandfather is the Head Elder of Blackthorn.  And Clair...well, she was recently appointed as Blackthorn's Gym Leader.  And me?  Well...I'm the black sheep of the family.  The one who got banished from my home for breaking the rules.  I've lived a rather...unsavory life ever since, to put it bluntly..."

...he can't quite look at Emily straight now.

"...I've done some horrible things in the last few years.  Not a lot, but...enough.  And I've got a grudge against my grandfather for everything he's put me and my cousins through...I've been seeking revenge in some fashion for years...the Elders are convinced I'm a lost cause..."

Reiner quietly facepalms.  "...and maybe they're right...I'm certainly too deep into this now to ever go back as if nothing has changed..."

Well...what's Emily think of that, I wonder?

Your own self derisive comment indeed does catch Emily's attention, as she sharply jerks her head up to stare at you with red puffy eyes in pure surprise. Mister was comparing himself unfavorably with that rich dastard?! Eeeehh?!

When you began to tell a yarn about The Arendse Family, the little miss stood up straighter in bed and tried to rub the tears out of her eyes to stop crying and listen intently with a look of wonder and.....sympathy etched into her face. This was first and only time to her knowledge that you decided to reveal your past and motivations, even if it was only a brief snippet, and given how secretive/mysterious you've been around her she knows this is a significant gesture. It meant you trusted and cared for her enough to freely share this and be open about your flaws and.....not nice lifestyle, and that......that touched her deeply. The only other people that felt similarly was her family, and even then they tried to hide no good and nasty stuff from her.....

...Guess that makes Reiner a really special and important person, huh?

She was silent throughout your whole story, her eyes dried and a little less red and puffy. Several minutes passed in almost stifling silence as she continued to stare at you with that same look. It was only when she reached of to touch your should and offer you a small heartfelt smile that the stillness was broken.

"Mister......you may have done some bad, bad things and messed up a lot......but I don't care. Your We've all made mistakes, done things we really, really regret, and have had hard times......but that doesn't make us completely bad. What matters is how we make up for it, and not letting all that no good nasty stuff keep us down. And after all you've done for me, Kyubi, Mina, and the city I think......I know deep down your a good person, no matter how gruff or mean you can be. You're a hero mister......to me and a whole lot of other people."

Emily then leans in to wrap her arms around your chest in a hug.....

......which was just as bone crushing as usual, but you were better prepared/used to her abnormal Strength this time.