"It would," but not for the reasons Theo might expect. "I doubt you'd fail to utilize your abilities for Rocket's goals if you were."

He was an underboss now, after all, and they were expected to lead by example. Though Gavin had been given little choice in the matter, there's no doubt to which one he'd have made. Everything he was, he owed to Rocket.

His demeanour is relaxed, though the air of authority that followed him isn't absent even among friends. It's second-nature, ambition oozing from him as obvious as the miasma that wisps in the path of his step.

"Hm." A sound that's not quite a laugh. "Well then you'd best be prepared to feel very strange."

His own initial experiments with the SYNC STONES had left him feeling hollow and frightened as whatever sacred bond he'd been blessed with had vanished in an instant. Thank Arceus he'd been alone, then. Lugia had liked the experience no more than he had.

The large Milotic gets a few interested glances from M.A.G.M.A personnel who pass them in the hall. Eventually, Gavin opens the door to a large room with an empty space in its center, ideal for accommodating even large Pokémon.

"How long have you had that Milotic?"

Gavin doesn't recognize it, but Theo has plenty of Pokémon he's not met.

mission: get in sygna

"She's gorgeous," Gavin affords. "Even bigger than the one I fished up, I'd say." He hadn't kept it, instead electing to save Hoenn's ocean from the tyranny of a massive Sharpedo instead. You're welcome, citizens. "Took my boat out for a spin during the festival. I'll have to show it to you some time." The Codfather would certainly be more appreciated by Theo than even its captain.

Rookidee tugs particularly hard at a strand of hair, and Gavin winces as he swats at it. "Stop that. I've had this little shit for a while. Had a whole rookery in Galar." He doesn't hesitate to bring up his homeland; Theo already knows, and Gavin doesn't bother with his accent around the other underboss either. "Not enough time these days."

Especially not with the Darkest Day threatening the well-being of the city he's taken it upon himself to protect.

Receptacles along one wall hold the CRYSTABLOOM HEARTS in their various colours. Gavin selects a silvery-white heart and cups it in gloved hands, allowing the Rookidee to hop down onto his forearm and investigate.

mission: get in sygna

Gavin's laughter is sudden, sharp, and hollow.

"I'm not."

What was Galar to him but a reservoir of bad memories? Lulu Flint and Rowan Wrynn were here, in Hoenn, and if Thomas and Sienna Quinn were to perish as a result of Galar's struggle against their very own Darkest Day? Good riddance. It would save Gavin the trouble.

ROOKIDEE seems uninterested in the CRYSTABLOOM HEART, pecking half-heartedly at its fractal surface before cocking its head and fluttering away from the perch of Gavin's forearm to investigate something else in the room. It's swallowed by the muted red beam of its pokeball. Not you, then. Crossing to a Rotomi in the corner of the room, Gavin peruses his options.

"I only hope that Kanto doesn't suffer the same."

Not just because of Theo, though Gavin doesn't wish ill of his friend, but for the whole of Rocket who still remained there.

A DHELMISE is released from the terminal, seaweed dripping brine onto the crisp floor.

mission: get in sygna

Unaware of any deeper thoughts involving Kanto, Gavin leaves it there.

"What's wrong with Dhelmise?" He sounds more amused than accusatory, gaze still fixed on the ghastly anchor. Seaweed reaches out to wrap around the CRYSTABLOOM HEART, pulling it from Gavin's grasp. "I all but turned into one when we investigated the tree. Lulu Flint turning into a Claydol with many eyes still haunted him. Terrifying.

Dhelmise taps the HEART against the floor, then against its anchor. It's hard to tell if it approves.

"Your Milotic seems to like it."

mission: get in sygna

"If you say so."

His smile lingers a moment longer before it fades. Interesting was usually code for questionable, if the kids these days were to be believed, but it doesn't surprise him that Theo wouldn't think of that. We're too old.

"The grappling hook was convenient. Wouldn't mind being able to do that again." It had been a rush to scale the slope while everyone else carefully climbed. "Maybe I can do that with the suit."

He doesn't see himself using the suit very often on account of his avatar power, but it was nice to have options.

"Do you have everything else you need?"

mission: get in sygna

Gavin cants his head, thoughtful, before crossing over to where he'd left his bag.

A SILVALLY MEMORY flashes in the light as he lifts it out between two fingers, offering it toward the other underboss.

"I've got spares." He'll do anything to empower Rocket, especially in anticipation of FERNANDO SILPH's retaliation. "And no Silvally to test it with, but I'm pretty sure this one's Water-type. Or Ice."

It's blue, is what he's getting at.

mission: get in sygna