Finally. Marie had waited weeks for that feeling. He didn't move to return the hug, but he leaned into his trainer's arms and rest his head against his shoulder again. There was hiding in his shell, the way Sasha closed her wings around him when they hugged, Vinnie's sweet scent; but there wasn't anything else quite as comforting as being held by Red.

Marie considered the question for a moment before answering.

"Char wanted a fight. I don't know why, but I think Bulba asked him to or something. When Bulba was in my body, he lost my Everstone and I found out about it on my own, but whatever." He paused, sighing heavily. "I let him beat me up. I didn't fight back because I was too scared too evolve." He hiccuped as he started to cry again. God, he was sick of crying in front of his trainer.

"I'm sorry," he added, mumbling into Red's shoulder. "I know it was a mistake, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry."