crystalloides:

     “I understand that, Silv. I really do. Just…”

     She shook her head, rubbing at his back, nuzzling him slightly. She was normally one to respect boundaries and keep personal space, but she needed him to know that he wasn’t alone in this. They were friends – albeit in an awkward way at first that grew into whatever family-esque group there was now – and it hurt her to see him like this. She saw him like a brother in all this, after all they went through together, her, Silver, and Gold.

     “… I think what you said got to him, too. How do you know he isn’t already turning over a new leaf? Just because Team Rocket keeps operating, it doesn’t expressly mean that he’s the figurehead. You know that the admins are still around, they could manipulate things without him there anyway.”

     Leaning against him, she let out a huff, smiling into his shoulder. “You’re gonna be the one to break the mold at some point or another. Perhaps he can’t, and expecting you to. Maybe even wanting you to. Some people are evil because they want to be, but, maybe he didn’t. Perhaps it wasn’t his choice. He might not even want to be the Rocket boss.”

     “… I hope we can find him soon, then. Then you’ll see that he isn’t as bad as he shows himself to be. He’s a villain of requirement, not opportunity.”

There was nothing Silver could say to Crystal’s words.

Though he wanted to believe that he was as good as she said– He couldn’t. Granted that Giovanni could certainly become a good person, it would take a lot of effort and positive reinforcement from himself and god knows who else to ensure he didn’t return to the path of a criminal. More-over, if he were to give up Team Rocket, how would those executives of his react to it…? Would they just give up, or take over in his stead while secretly taking orders?

There was too many questions and paranoia lingering in his head. The heir thought of every possible scenario, and while it certainly wasn’t healthy, he couldn’t help himself from doing so when he wanted to snuff them out once and for all. The fact that he was the heir to Team Rocket made Silver feel as if it were his duty to do so when the organization had hurt so many people.

‘ I don’t think he would just because of my words. If it were that easy, I’m sure he would’ve stopped when our Seniors told him what he was doing was bad. ‘ If only it were that easy. Life wasn’t that simple, and he knew it. Both he and his father lived the lives of criminals, and that mindset was something that did not easily DISAPPEAR. ‘ —– It’s not time for me to see him yet. I still have training to do. ‘

Mentally. Physically. And with his Pokemon’s strengths as well.

It was difficult. Being around Pryce put him on edge, and it was hard to concentrate.

The redhead leaned back then to meet Crystal’s gaze, staring for a moment before sighing out and flicking her forehead gently. ‘ You’re so stubborn, Crystal. ‘ He spoke before that same hand moved to rub at his neck. ‘ A villain is still a villain. ‘

‘ At the very least, I’m sure he’d like you the most when you’re being so kind. ‘