Wretched Garden [Venom]

It was a bit sad to see how Black was acting. So upset over the thing.

"If you put yourself in a fair fight now, you'll lose." Snake says and turns to face Black directly. It's clear that the boy is asking for help, yet a bit too proud to admit it. A slight smile formed on his lips as he got an idea.

"If you want help, you're going to ask for it. Proper like, too. Nothing half-assed." His tone changed to more commanding. He crossed his arms, looking down at Black a bit. "And if you do.. don't expect it to be any easier because you're a kid. I'll train you just like one of the others. Same goes for your Pokemon."

While it was a bit round-about, Snake was offering to train Black essentially for free. All he was asking for was a proper request.

Black trusted Big Boss, but not that smile. It was the same smile Bianca managed right before tragedies happened in Black's life - or, in the case of Pokemon battle, Black's room.

The Unovan was pretty horrified by his own transparency. This was a nice fort. It had strong people and strong sidekicks. It even had a badass kingpin. To black, it was like being presented with everything he and his team wanted to be but never could. Orderly, organized, tough as nails, kicking booty left and right...

"H-Help?" Black scratched his head to help diffuse some of that nervous energy. "...You’d wanna help me?"

Yeah, he totally needed help with practically everything. A lot of help, as it seemed. He’d been wandering non-stop ever since his team came to the outer worlds. Black had come here of his own selfishness, after all. What his aimlessness was making is team doubt him as a Pokemon trainer? What if they were sick and tired of taking orders from a lost boy?

Black concealed his eyes behind his visor. "I don't expect you to owe me anything after saving me, sir. I already owe you a lot, and it wouldn’t be right of me to force you to do anything for me.” With a long pause, he then bowed and wailed, “But, sir, um, Big Boss! I'd be totally up for it if you're truly willing to help me out! I promise I won't let you down, sir!”

As Black questioned, Venom's presence might just feel a little imposing, as though threatening to squash Black like a bug. Even through his visor, Black might feel the man's stare seemingly boring into his soul. However...

"Ahaha! You know when to store your pride and show humility." Venom couldn't help but laugh. Not in a mocking way, but more from the relief of being able to break the tension of the conversation. Hands would clap down on Black's shoulders now as the man spoke.

"You keep that fire, Black. You're already on a great start to being a Diamond Dog." Venom says with a smile. This one was less mischievous and more genuine. Someone who was willing to admit that they needed help and not let something silly like personal pride get in the way, was someone that Venom could train personally and not have to send for 'special' training with Ocelot.