[Rei crushes Maka into the hug, leaning forward and covering her protectively with her body. She sags and just takes a breath, planting a kiss on the top of her head and resting it there just like a real blood relative would. Her arms are firm, unshakable, and her eyes focus on the little cat. It was hard to see anyone like this, especially Maka, and she knew Stella was internally freaking out.

Her words don't quibble, her tone remains steady.]

Maka. Everyone needs help. Everyone needs people they can rely on.

[She squeezes tighter, still holding the pig-tailed girl close, unyielding and firm in her strength.]

I rely on Ami, and on Usagi-chan, and Eiji relies on Ankh. Maya and Pearl-chan rely on one another too. It's not right to think you have to do everything alone. Without my friends? And without my Pokemon, I'd be useless. I have power, and so do you, but that doesn't make someone strong. The ability to be a part of a team...to have a partner? Like Stella there. Or like what I have with Deimos. That's strength, dear. Teamwork, with humans and Pokmeon. That's what makes our home strong, and it's why we're so different from Sanctuary or Caldera, or Citadel, Refuge and Gigas. We know how to rely on others...