It was less hard these days, the nightmares were still there. Reminding him of the place where parts of him still felt like he never left. The mansion was always there within his head whispering to him to come back home. Yet, that wouldn't happen! Sal wouldn't allow himself to be dragged back towards that accursed place. And with help from Kianga and those close Sal was slowly coming to terms with things. He was by no means able to overcome everything. But, he at least was able to accept Kianga's human form after knowing and seeing it was him.
"It really is you? Sorry...I know we've done this many times. I know how bothersome it must be. I..."
Sal tapped his claws together, he hated being a burden but Kianga truly had helped Sal a lot during the time they stayed together. Sal himself sadly wasn't that good in battles. He could use his moves in unique ways though, like crafting ice statues and using his claws to craft. It showed how much the pokemon was touched by artistry. He clearly had the skills, and been trained in how to use them with just his claws.
It was mostly ice crafting, cultivating it into many shapes with the use of Icy Wind. Sal could create many wonderful things when he tried. He seemed to enjoy doing so as well. But, he would often freak out if he thought too long on his creations. These skills came with a great taint.
Sal could dance as well, but that was a lot harder for him to do. A lot of his bad memories came from the moments where he danced. So, he only was able to show Kianga once how skilled a dancer he was. And following that he became a shuddering mess crying snowflakes from his eyes while hearing phantom piano sounds in the air tormenting him.
It was clear how much Sal had endured at the hands of the one who trained him. He was deeply both hurt emotionally and mentally. Desperate to not feel alone, or feel stone surfaces anytime that happened Sal's panic went into overdrive as he began shaking. He also really hated closed in spaces, they too tended to make him nervous.
But Kianga was aware of some of Sal's main triggers now. But, Sal did have to make it clear that no one ever use a certain word. He didn't want to be called "Beloved" as that was what his teacher called him the most. Sal didn't say the word but he did write it onto paper. And even that made him want to throw up from the revulsion the word gave him.
"I seriously don't deserve this kindness...none of it. But...thank you...I'm sorry for all of this. I know I'm a handful but...I...am so thankful..."
And thus Sal bowed his head to Kianga still trying to stop more snowflakes which were his tears from falling from him.
@flocessyranch