Abner's whole body fucking jumped when he heard the bird's voice in his head again.

"What the actual fu-"

Abner let out a deep sigh, moving to clench his hands and arch an eyebrow. "Yeah, you and me both bird." Abner admitted while moving to start and climb the mountain.

"I didn't get to ask last time," was he talking to the damned bird? Yep. If alexander silph could see him now... god. "Who the hell sends you in their place, hm?"

Watching the little bird nub feet 'help' it up the stairs was comical. He sort of thought the totem looking thing would just float up, but no, seemed it was going to step... learn something new every day.

Once he was up there, Abner looked at the old man and the old woman, making a face. These old geezers had the location of the artifact?

"Can you just suck the information from them psychically or something?" Abner's words were quick since the old geezers were looking at him oddly from their perch.

Abner's expression moved to a little shocked but mostly impressed. Hearing that Xatu in his head, sort of made his stomach turn funny, like it had some sort of bug crawling around in it every time the Xato spoke, or feathers were twirling around restlessly until the Xatu stopped speaking.

But seeing that display really rattled Abner. Rattled him so much that he quickly asked his questions, got the location, then started walking. He was familiar with the Confuse Ray, so he knew once he got away the old couple would be released from their daze and he'd be far from their sight and minds; forgotten.

Once the Zatu turned up again as he made his way to the artifact within the temple through the woods, Abner glanced back.

"Can you sense boobie traps?"

It was a valid question... though mostly hopeful. The old couple hadn't mentioned boobie traps, but one can never be too careful.

Abner couldn't help how he blinked, looking around and simply letting out a laugh as the Xatu moved him.

"Well shit, take me to dinner first."

Ew, Pokémon sex jokes. And that's why he wasn't allowed at all the nice places like balls and Rocket Christmas Parties.... or something. Either way, he couldn't help but be thankful that the thing was moving him through safely. It was strange because it wasn't his Pokémon, but he wasn't about to complain.

As asked, Abner navigated them through the temple. At one point, he had to get his hands free, so he persuaded the bird to let him have it. He entered the combination and was happy when the temple simply popped out the compartment that held the artifact.

"Alright. Safe and sound my man."

Once he had it, he handed it over to the Xatu before preparing himself for a teleport that he knew was bound to happen.