Initially, as the bubble lowers and is burst, it looks as though Ettie won't bolt. Though her eyes still flicker between the different people here - particularly Nikita and his pokemon, and occasionally Johanna and her own - she remains where she is, as the pack begins to gather around her in some sort of protective-comforting huddle. Anne's tongue licks atop Ettie's head, and the wildchild blinks, before relaxing and making a soft chuff in her throat - nuzzling Anne, and briefly licking the wolf's cheek in return.

It's like even her behavior has reverted to that of a wild rockruff.

But, it seems as though something clicks in the wildchild's head, when a second wave of Sharpedo charge onto the scene. Ettie freezes up with fight or flight then, watching the fighting for but a few moments, her mind flickering between preypredatorpreypredator--

Before with a sudden snarl, she's moving. But rather than charging the sharks, she darts away- diving down between Anne's legs to slip away from the pack. Delle rises from Ettie's shadow to try and stop her, but the child manages to avoid the marshadow's grasp. She flees further into the tunnel, caring naught of whether her clothes or hair or skin catch on the sharp rocks that form this portion of the twisting caverns.

Alarmed, Anne barks at the retreating wildchild and runs after her - leaving the rest of the pack without either leader. They glance amongst themselves, confused and worried - though Delle would take charge, the ghost-type barking and gesturing for Duchess and Princess to follow after as the three join in the chase. Haru, Pago, Penny, and Aurien all remain to contribute to fending off the sharks, meanwhilst.

TLDR:

SPOILER: Click to show

- Ettie remains where she is initially, when the bubble bursts. Glances between Nikita/Johanna and their pokemon, but Nikita and his own especially.
- Pack gathers around Ettie - she relaxes whilst interacting with Anne.
- Sharpedo showing up make her freeze up, then flee - ignores sharp rocks catching on her skin/hair/clothes.
- Anne, Delle, Duchess, and Princess give chase - Pago, Penny, Aurien, and Haru stay to help fight the Sharpedo off.

Johanna Joy , Nikita Sokolov

It's in a little crevice in the wall, that Ettie is found - the little wildchild having nestled herself within, bleeding from scrapes on her limbs, eyes staring wide at the entrance beyond. Her hands clutch her throbbing head, a soft escapes her - confused and pained. She didn't know what was going on anymore.

Having followed Nikita to the entrance, the pack that had given chase lingers - the crevice is much too small for Anne or Duchess to fit in. Anne barks to Ettie, trying to call her over, to encourage her to come out - but the child only whimpers softly in response...

When Nikita is silohuetted at said entrance though, Ettie's demeanor suddenly shifts. She snarls - a warning noise, that of a cornered beast - and bristles visibly, trying to make herself appear larger in the limited space that she has. She doesn't regard his words, at least not at first - and instead, lashes out at the air with her nails like claws, figuratively rattling the saber.

It's the mention of family though, that gives Ettie pause. Family. Pack. They're worried. Why was she hiding? They - they needed her...

Anne, seeming to see a chance to get through to Ettie, barks to her again. Duchess makes a soft whine of concern, yipping softly to Ettie. Delle and Princess both gently pull Nikita back, to give Ettie some breathing room and the space to leave on her own.

Slowly, unsteadily, Ettie lopes out from the crevice - eyes darting between her fellow packmates, before settling upon Nikita. Initially, she stiffens - as if looking ready to dart again...

... But then Anne is there - nuzzling Ettie, chuffing softly. Duchess comes around to the opposite side to lick at the wildchild's cheek, tail wagging with an almost hopeful hue. Delle sinks back into Ettie's shadow, as a silent and hidden protector.

Ettie seems to settle down, at the affection and safety offered by the pack. Slowly, carefully, she sits and leans back into a little nook between the manectric and lycanroc both - enough space left for Princess and Nikita both to come in.

The granbull glances to Nikita, before chuffing - sitting down next to Ettie, and pulling up one of the sleeves for him, holding the wildchild steady.

Meanwhile though, those of the pack that remain at Johanna's side is there to help hold the line. Lucky Chant from Haru and Safeguard fron Penny both arise to protect the pokemon and gym leader alike. Pago charges forward with a Headbutt to slam one of the Veluza away. When Nikita's Alakazam helps deal with the Sharpedo, Aurien is quick to join in with a Play Rough to fend it off, calling valiantly all the whilst.

The line would hold, for as long as Nikita and Ettie needed.

TLDR:

SPOILER: Click to show

- Ettie is hidden in a little crevice, too small for most of her pack to squeeze in. She's in a state of pain and confusion.
- When Nikita attempts to approach, she reacts like a cornered beast - snarling and swiping at the air to try and scare him off.
- The mention of family - as well as the pack calling to her - is enough to reach her.
- Princess + Delle pull Nikita back a little, so she can come out.
- Anne and Duchess help calm Ettie down so she doesn't bolt again - Princess pulls up Ettie's sleeve for Nikita + holds her steady, once she settles down.
- Haru and Penny use support moves to help Johanna and co., while Pago and Aurien directly help fight off the Veluza and Sharpedo.

Johanna Joy , Nikita Sokolov

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