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[ The days prior to Kyurem's attack on the city left Sanae out of sorts. While she was no stranger to fending off gods by this point--a thought that was still strange and a bit chilling to her--this was different.

Heatran never made it to Citadel. These attacks never struck so close to home before, figuratively and literally.

There was so much that went wrong during that short amount of time. The theater was in shambles, and there were injured among the staff; innocent people who knew nothing about battle, caught up in the shuffle and hurt due to the Divine Defense Force's oversight. Takuto was hurt, badly, and while he seemed to be healing up just fine, the fact that he sustained his injuries defending her... stung, to say the least.

More than that, she had actions to answer to. Mercy killing was not something that was looked down upon in the Citadel, especially on the battlefield. It was seen as a sign of respect, an act of charity for one suffering to end their life. But Union was different, and yet...

And yet...

During her work restoring the theater, or helping those who were unfortunate enough to be caught in the crossfire, the young priestess seemed distracted at best. She didn't speak much, and many of her actions were executed purely from muscle memory. She made few mistakes, but even in her daze, she was likely to miss something.

Even around town, fetching supplies, shopping for food--even just getting away--she was almost like a ghost of her usual, chipper self. She paid her respects at the Hikawa shrine often, praying for those lost that day. It still stung. From time to time, she would seek out familiar faces, be they people from Citadel, or those familiar faces from the city that welcomed her and called her one of them. Could she still say she was?

She felt like she could do nothing; and what she did do cast her as an outsider, someone who was not welcome here. She wasn't sure what to do... ]

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[ The man is thanked for his kindness, though a furrow of her brow indicates she's heard what he's said - and hadn't.

That her path would bring Sanae to her was surely due to luck. Though her arm is still bound up, Gwendolyn still manages a wave, and the small Buneary at her heels does a passable curtsey. ]

Sanae! [the question gets a smile, though her eyes show some concern for that tiredness] The warp bands are still not fully repaired, so I wanted to make sure that you fared well in person.

[ That was quite sweet of her, and the valkyrie would get a kind, thankful smile in response. ]

I'm okay. My pokemon are too. My te--Takuto got hurt, but he's doing better.

Are you feeling okay? Your arm...

[ She frowned when she noticed the injury, brows furrowing in concern. It wasn't uncommon for valkyires to get hurt, but even still... ]

I am glad to hear he is recovering. And that you are.. [well, you're whole but not necessarily well, priestess, that much even Gwendolyn can see. Hence the pause, before the question is directed back at her]

Ah? This? The great dragon knocked me into one of the buildings at the center of the city, when I was aiding a group attempting to waylay it from reaching the residential district. [a small sigh at that, not from the Valkyrie, but from the Buneary at her side] Even the blessings of the Gods could not prevent my arm from breaking. But the bones have been set and the healing begun. Others with me fared far worse than I.

[ What was it about that dragon and knocking people into buildings? Sanae certainly didn't appreciate the idea of it sending her friends sailing toward what might have been certain death for lesser folk.

The priestess nodded, simply, her gaze lowering. There were many others who lost their lives, their families... ]

How long do you think you'll be out of commission?

[ It had rolled on them, too! ..Well, not Gwendolyn, but it had lowered itself to such activities in fury at the retaliation of her battlegroup. ]

Three weeks at least. Even with healing assistance, some things are better left to recover naturally. Especially when the break is relatively clean. [she sighs softly] I was fortunate. There are many who were not so lucky, and deserve that attention from the healers here.

But I am also unable to tend to simple matters, or offer help without scoldings to rest. It is quite frustrating.

[she looks mildly ashamed. At least she can take care of herself] ..Forgive me, I am not used to so much idleness. You seem to be keeping busy?

Three weeks?

[ Sanae gaped a bit at that response. Such a long time... And that was a best case scenario. The priestess nodded slowly in response. ]

I see. I didn't realize...

[ Oh, right. The green-haired girl gave her a simple smile, albeit somewhat forced. ]

The theater was hit pretty hard, as you can see, so there's a lot of work to do. ...And my partner got hurt pretty bad himself--

[ A beat. ]

Defending me.

[ Their mission was a mess, as far as she was concerned. That much was clear from the change of tone. But there was more to it than just an injured fighter. ]

Yes..

[that feels like a life time to the Valkyrie. if nothing else, her sympathy for bird pokemon with broken wings has increased threefold thanks to greater understanding]

Those who fought alongside me fared worse. One man broke his tail, after the Fallen One attempted to crush him. But we all persisted..And so too does Union.

[her face falls then. But several Valkyrie did not.]

..So I see. It is good that the rebuilding progresses. I can think of no greater slap to the faces of our enemies than to continue to thrive in spite of their wishes.. [her head tilts slightly at the mention of Sanae's partner -- and that shift in tone.] Then he has proven his worth as a partner, to be willing to defend you so. Such is a warrior's task, you know.

[..does she know? She isn't a Valkyrie, after all. Or was it something else...] That Fallen One and its followers, those Elite Four-- [said with such disgust, where once she'd had some admiration for Sveta] --Do not let them give you cause for doubt, Sanae. The Gale's blessings have carried us this far, after all.

[ Sanae nodded in agreement. They had to rebuild, not just for themselves, but to prove a point. The Elite Four would not keep them down, not ever. ]

But I don't want him to get hurt! Especially not for me!

[ She cared about him... She cared about him quite a bit, in fact, and it stung that she couldn't do much for him. ]

I want to be strong enough to defend him as well. I want to be strong, like you and the other Valkyries!

That's really not your decision to make.

[there's a frown, too, before Gwendolyn glances about them - the theatre grounds, at least, were fairly private, and with everyone's attention on rebuilding they would not likely be disturbed any time soon.]

It does you credit to want no one to come to harm. But those who go forth to do battle know the risk involved. We fight, so that others need not. It is our duty and pride to protect our people, our homes, our friends.

You are not a Valkyrie. [there's no sting to it, no disapproval --Valkyrie were greatly respected in their society after all-- just truth. But her expression softens] But you hold a bond to the Great Tree, and as a priestess, that gift should not be overlooked. Is that not something you might share with him instead?

No, but--

[ Gwendolyn was right, she knew. Takuto would do it again in a heartbeat, too. But what stung the most was that she couldn't return the favor, as far as she could tell. She wasn't a Valkyrie... ]

I want to protect him, too. I want...

[ She wanted to be strong. That was why she was here, after all. ]

[her head canted, a sharp birdlike movement] Then you need first to focus on your own strengths, before you compare yourself to his. What is it that you can do that he cannot?

I...

[ She thinks about this for a moment. He was a God of War, incredibly strong, and there were times when she felt that all she could do was support him... ]

[ It takes time to think on these things, and Gwendolyn waits patiently, absently adjusting her arm; no sling, she's a little too proud for that, but the wrapping and casts are solid enough.

If Sanae seems to take too long, however, her free hand will reach over to touch the green haired girl's shoulder. ]

I ask you again: what is it that you can do? Only you, and no one else. Think on that, and then how you might work to become strong together.

[ A single Valkyrie might become mighty in her own right, but many working together? Make for far fiercer opposition. ]

...I don't know.

[ It was the most genuine an answer as she gave the whole conversation, and as the Valkyrie grasps her shoulder, she struggles not to look away. That was one of the reasons she came here, right? To find out what her true strength was. Instead, more often than not she found herself supporting other strong fighters. ]

[ The hand disappears from the priestess' shoulder.

And then lightly bonks Sanae over the head. ]

If you had nothing to offer here, to grow with, you would not have left Citadel. [her tone tries to be firm, but it's a little too soft, a little too kind - things her sister would no doubt scold her for] And you would not have stepped out to face so fierce a creature as the Fallen One and its Ever Grande minions.

If you truly cannot see your strength, then perhaps you should sit and talk with Takuto. [and by extension, how you help him - though hopefully the latter would not need to be prompted]

[ Sanae winces deeply, before looking up through her bangs at the Valkyrie. Well that was unexpected!

She listens to Gwendolyn's words intently, taking everything in. Maybe she was right, hearing it from him might help her begin to see where she fit in with the Divine Defense Force, both as an actress as well as a warrior. ]

Thank you...

[ She nods. ]

I'll do that. I'll talk to him.

[ She didn't hit that hard! ...did she?

She rubs Sanae's head very gently at that, offering a hopeful smile]

I have yet to see you in battle. So I cannot tell you what it is that would help you. But someone who knows you well will, I have no doubt. But do not linger on it - you cannot change what is past. The same wind never passes through the Branches twice, after all.

[ No, but she is prone to over-exaggerating her mannerisms. ]

I just hope that my friends can accept what I've done...

[ Takuto would--and did--and Haruka and Michiru might.

Right and Rise, however... ]

But you're right. I can't just let this sit and eat me alive. Thank you. Really. Thank you.

[what you've done? Gwendolyn's expression turns quizzical, but she doesn't press. Not exactly]

Acceptance starts with you, first. Anyone else comes after. [...unless it's family, and then all bets are off. at least in Gwendolyn's case]

[there's a small smile] You're welcome, though I do not think I did much.

[ Sanae shook her head. ]

No, you did a lot. I have a lot to think about, but... but that's good. Thank you.

You're welcome.

[there's a pause, before Gwendolyn's face falls, and her feet shuffle with an awkwardness not typically associated with the valkyrie]

..There is to be a small service tomorrow, for those of my wing that fell in battle. They will then be brought home to be returned to the Great Tree. If...you would like to attend, you would be most welcome to join us.

[The Unionites didn't really understand the importance of their burials, of their link to the Great Tree, but one of the Temples had been kind enough to allow them to hold the service there]

[ Returning to Citadel. The last time she did, it felt strange, almost foreign. In the year that she spent here in Union, it really came to feel like home, but somehow she didn't feel like she fit in here either.

Still, Sanae nodded without hesitation. ]

Of course I'll go. I mean, if that's all right.

[ Gwendolyn regrets that she cannot escort them home. Both due to injury, and due to orders to remain within Union. It would not do for Union to believe that allies are pulling out.

So she looks both grateful and relieved when Sanae agrees to attend. ]

I would not ask, if it was not. Your presence would be most welcome.

Then of course I'll be there! You don't even need to ask!

[ Well ]

But that would probably help, since I wouldn't have known about it until you did.

[that earns a very slight chuckle] Well, you do know now. I am grateful that you will attend.

[Though she does not know Sanae as well as Mami, Gwendolyn could use all the support she could get.]

..But I have seen how much work is needed here. I have surely delayed you long enough. [unless you have something a one-armed Valkryie can do that wouldn't overtax her]

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