For the time being, Yggy was content to just gnaw on Ceres' leg - even as the torterra eventually came to a stop. This appeared to be working, after all! However, much to the turtwig's surprise, she'd suddenly find herself with no leg to gnaw on when Ceres withdrew into her shell! Pried off, Yggy would plop onto the ground with a surprised little squawk - though she was quick to get back up onto her feet. Okay, now what was this nonsense, her expression seemed to ask?

Initially, Yggdrasil would stay in place - as if puzzled at what, exactly, to do with this... But furrowing her brows, she'd decide to hop onto Ceres' shell itself - and attempted to start biting at it with Crunch! Did she hope that the defense-lowering properties of the attack would be enough to actually do something?

Meanwhile though, there was Echo - who was producing quite the orb of water. Though the sight initially gave Behemoth pause, El's eyes lit up upon seeing the Life Dew. Not only did their bookish nerdiness serve them well, but that was the same move one of their own pokemon had, as well! "Keep going, Behemoth!" They'd call, to try and encourage the nidoking onwards.

Which, that encouragement seemed to prompt recognition in Behemoth's own eyes, as he came to the same conclusion that El did. Without anything to fear, he'd attempt to leap for Echo once more with another Poison Jab - both to try and strike the ralts, and to try and make the Life Dew his own...!

Isaac Merlo

Yggy made a frustrated noise as she kept trying - but failing - to dig her beak into the shell. Though it scraped a bit, she couldn't get any proper grip to really bite. This meant that she couldn't properly use Crunch against Ceres while the larger torterra was drawn into her shell like this... What could she do, instead? Well, she wouldn't have much of a chance to answer that question - as suddenly, she felt the shell shift and rock slightly beneath her. Confused, Yggy would glance over the edge to try and figure out what it was that was going on...

... Only to find herself squawking in alarm, when she was suddenly taken on a ride...!

Ceres careened across the cavern the fight was taking place in - with Yggy trying her damnedest to stay atop the shell. The turtwig initially grabbed onto Ceres' tree with her beak; not to attack, but to hang on for dear life! But despite that, she wouldn't be able to maintain that grip for long. At Ceres slamming into the first obstacle - be it a rock or a wall - Yggy would be sent flying with a drawn-out squeak! She'd reflexively use Withdraw to protect herself - as the built up inertia ultimately slammed her into a wall!

El couldn't help but wince, watching as Yggy tumbled to the ground - looking more than a little stunned. "You okay, Yggy??"

Thankfully, even if the turtwig was hurting before, the showering of Life Dew would help in matters. The sprinkles of sparkling water have her perking right back up, as she rocks onto her feet, raring to jump back into the fight!

Behemoth, meanwhile, snorts in satisfaction at the collapsed Echo beneath him. He rears up onto his hind legs, and puffs his chest, looking more than a little proud of himself for the act.

El, however, blinked a moment at Blackjack's words - namely, the question of what they noticed - and it was then that they'd scan over Ceres and Echo both. A twitch from the ralts grabbed their attention, however. Was that just a trick of the eye, or...? "Look closer, Behemoth!"

The Nidoking blinked, before glancing down at Echo. He glances the psychic-type up and down, before noticing another fidget - and his eyes narrow. To hit someone while they're down didn't seem all that fair to him - but if Echo truly wasn't down and out for the count, well... Snorting, he'd line up another Poison Jab at the ralts!

El, however, couldn't help but note something else. "... This is a test, but... These two, they could fight a lot harder than this if they wanted to, couldn't they?" They'd question Blackjack. Really, they weren't sure how to feel about it. Should they be annoyed, because it feels patronizing in the sense of Blackjack going easy on them? Or should they be thankful that they don't have to watch their pokemon get hurt and beat up in an actual fight? "And that isn't even getting into your other pokemon - who seem just as capable, if not moreso..."

Isaac Merlo

Something approximating wistfulness crossed El's expression, as Blackjack regaled them with a story. There was something about his voice (not that they could put a finger on it,) that drew them in - that felt like home - and well... For a moment, they couldn't help but think of a certain someone else.

But with the story came another implication - namely, that this was something to learn from, a lesson as much as it was a test, and well... Maybe they should've realized it sooner - looking back at the prior nudges that Blackjack given them. But they couldn't help but feel somewhat mixed, over this realization - their expression shifting with the slightest furrow of their brows. They were a little tired of being taught to fight - even if this was different from learning to be a future gym leader. It was partly what drove them to leave, after all.

But, the test was still a test - and Ceres wasn't playing around at this point.

As the Torterra came flying, the still slightly-dazed Yggdrasil tensed up - as if bracing for impact. But El was quick to offer some advice. "Leaf Blade; get low to the ground!"

Following their direction, the turtwig's sprout was wreathed in energy, shaped into that of a horn, much like before. And dropping low, she'd dive down between Ceres' legs - both to try and avoid the worst of the Headlong Charge, and to try and strike at her underbelly! The ground shook wildly - vibrations reaching down to her very bones - at the heavy stamps of Ceres' stampede more or less passing just over her... But by Arceus, she'd persevere!

Behemoth, meanwhilst, snorted as he watched Echo burst into a flurry of ralts from the Double Team - though with the frenetic shuffling, it meant they were in a bit of a cluster. Shaking himself briefly, as if to loosen his muscles, he'd clench his fists - as if looking to bring out another Earth Power...

... But instead, without warning, he'd charge - dropping down to all fours, and wildly swinging his Megahorn in an attempt to strike as many of the ralts before him as he could, with each sweep!

Isaac Merlo

Was fighting and battle one and the same? El blinked at the question, their eyes drawn to the glow of the Mega Brace. The energy that flowed through it promised that something big was about to happen - and they couldn't quite bring themself to pull their eyes away from it, at least not yet. Still, the question that Blackjack posed lingered in their mind as they visibly considered it, and yet...

"... Is it a question of context?" They'd ask in turn - otherwise unsure of what the answer would be. Though, even with context in mind... They still didn't like this sort of thing. They would do what they had to, to keep helping people - but they still didn't like to see pokemon get hurt. The fact that things here were going to be serious, rather than just a casual battle between two trainers, didn't help.

Yet, from the looks of things, that was just about what was going to happen to Behemoth. Fueled by Z-Power, Echo formed a black hole that seemed to suck in every last bit of energy from the moves used in his vicinity - and then, a number of rifts opened around the Nidoking. Initially, he was bewildered - nostrils flaring and snorting - until his eyes settled upon but one rift, one that was pulsing ominously.

El, a sudden flash of anxiety rising up in their chest, called "Get back, Behemoth!" Z-moves were no joke, from what they understood of them - but maybe if he could avoid the worst of it--

Behemoth, however, knew a challenge when he saw one. And getting up onto his hind legs proper, he'd take in a deep breath to let loose a roar like none other - charging not away from the rift, but towards it! His arms begin to blaze with violet flames, flames that seemed to wreathe around him as he brought his claws together above his head. And without any hesitation or fear, he'd clash against the z-move with a Dragon Hammer - slamming his fists towards what was sure to come out from the rift...!

All the while, an awestruck Yggy watched - quiet, almost seeming contemplative.

Isaac Merlo

The difference between a fight and a battle truly was vast, when you really got down to it. It was the difference of intentions and feelings, of sportsmanship. And there was more to a proper battle, than just beating the other person down.

Not that it was any less stressful for El, to watch as Behemoth clashed against the blast of energy that came forth from the rift. It was initially hard to say whether they even registered some of Isaac's words, with the way they were frozen up. Their eyes were locked on watching Behemoth - concern and worry plain to see in their expression. He surely couldn't stand up against the sheer power of a z-move, even with one of his stronger moves, could he?

Meanwhile, Yggdrasil nearly jumped out of her own shell, upon noticing Ceres' approach - and the little turtwig scrambled to face her with all the composure and presence of a spooked kitten. Which was to say, not a lot. She was initially prepared to return to throwing hands either way - noone had told her that the battle was over with yet, even if she had gotten distracted! Although, when she realized that Ceres wasn't actually attacking, well...

... Slowly, the turtwig began to settle back down - a glance cast back towards Behemoth and Echo. To be strong, like Ceres was - to be able to display power like Echo's... Yggy wanted something like that. Maybe if she proved to El that she was strong like that, then they wouldn't be as worried about her fighting..?

But well, the question for El was never about whether or not their pokemon were capable. Blackjack had said it himself, that a battle - from the outside - could look like a fight. Pokemon were strong. Stronger than any human - and they were sturdy creatures. Yggy was tenacious, Behemoth was courageous, Bibidi had sharp focus - all of El's pokemon were capable in some way or another, they recognized it - even if they didn't want to have to.

But by extension of pokemon being strong, battles were often a bit rougher and wilder than any spar between two humans could be. Even if a pokemon is often able to shake it off afterwards, how could someone see their beloved 'mon be engulfed in fire, or struck by lightning, and not worry for them? How could someone watch from the backlines, and not feel their heart twist with anxiety - with worries of what if something goes wrong, what if something goes awry?

And perhaps, this isn't exactly the best sort of feeling to mix with that of that ever-creeping sense of paranoia, that fills the air here.

Behemoth was losing ground in his clash against the Z-Move - and yet, he still stood as stalwart as he could be, each strike of his blazing fists punctuated by low snarls and defiant roars. Even as he had to take steps back, even as his limbs began to tire, he fought back as hard as he could - and when he could fight no more... He was swept away in a sea of stars.

El's gaze widened, as they saw Behemoth be thrown back by the blast of psychic energy - slamming into the wall behind him. Stardust was scattered about the cavern, in the wake of the clash and the aftermath alike. "B-Behemoth!" They called - and they weren't even really thinking, in that moment. They just ran forwards - even as their bad knee flared up in protest from the sudden movement - all to get to their dear friend's side. "Are you okay?!"

As El dropped down to get a closer look at Behemoth though, the nidoking in question - even if he appeared beat up - smiled. Was he hurting? Maybe a little, but well - that was what you got with the territory. And any sort of aches or pains felt like distant memories, in the wake of that simple feeling of satisfaction, that sunk into his bones.

The poison-type made a somewhat quizzical expression as he glanced towards El, though, and noted the worry in their eyes. What's the trouble? He was fine, wasn't he? As if to prove this, Behemoth made a sound like that of a chuckle - reaching up to pat his trainer on the head and ruffle their hair, even as his arm shook slightly with exertion.

And this response took El off guard, the young adult blinking owlishly, even if their eyes were wet with stress and worry. They couldn't help reaching up to try and straighten out their hair though, as they looked Behemoth up and down. No serious injuries - nothing that'd need anything besides a good night's rest... Confirming that Behemoth was ultimately okay would have El letting out a drawn-out sigh, shoulders deflating as some of the stress left with their breath. "... Y-you... You did good." They murmured - reaching over to pet Behemoth. He fought hard.

Bibidi, settling down at El's side, would give them a gentle pat on the shoulder - washing away any traces of lingering stress and tension with feelings of reassurance and calm. And when they decided to lean against her side, she'd wrap an arm around them without question - simply being there, as a comforting presence. Yggy, too, would join them - settling down against El's leg, on their opposite side.

"..." Though it took a good few moments of silence, El would find their voice - finally answering Blackjack. "I... I don't think I could match that spirit." They spoke softly, their gaze still settled upon Behemoth, their hand still petting him. "I... I can battle - it's not like I don't know how to, even if I don't have as much actual experience. But I don't want to. I've already been taught how to battle before, and... I hated it."

Feeling like they just had to nod and go along with what Dad wanted, to continue being the 'good kid' that they wanted to be... No matter how many times they were brought to watch their Dad fight someone though, they couldn't stop the way their heart twisted in some form of empathy whenever either pokemon got hit. Nor could they stop the worry of 'they'll be okay, right?' whenever another pokemon is brought down by a particularly nasty-looking attack, regardless of how much it actually hurt the other pokemon...

Taking in a deep breath to try and steady themself, and further pressing themself against Bibidi's side, they continued "I just... I just want to help people. Even if I can only help or save a few people, that's still more than if I just... Ran away. And I know it means that I might end up in some fights, even if I don't like it, even if I try to avoid it... But if I can prevent others from being hurt... I'll still try my best."

If them being here helped prevent someone from getting injured, or worse... Then maybe it'd be worth it, for as much as they didn't want to have to fight others.

Own pokemon KO'd (he may not be unconscious but shhhhh-)

Isaac Merlo

A soothing pink light fell over the cavern - one that soothed the aches in one's muscles, eased bruises, mended scrapes... For a moment, El could even forget the pain flaring up in their knee - they really shouldn't have ran like that - in the wake of the gentle warmth that enveloped the group thanks to Knux.

As Echo approached to offer what might be a little handshake, Behemoth would sit up to glance at the smaller ralts - a hue of gentle amusement and friendliness in his smile. He'd reach out to take Echo's hand, gently shaking it as he made a content little chuff. The ralts truly was a worthy opponent - and Behemoth was looking forward to the potential of another fight in the future.

When Yggy saw Ceres begin lifting up boulders with Crunch, meanwhile, the little turtwig perked up - quickly catching on to the torterra's intentions. Wasting no time, she'd run off to look for a suitably sized rock that she could lift up too - she'd find an extra big one, to impress Ceres all the more!

And all the while, Blackjack spoke - and El listened closely, their expression thoughtful. Perhaps hate was a strong word - cause it almost implied that they wanted pokemon battles to be gone completely - but indeed, they weren't sure if battles like these were things that they'd ever get used to. And yet, that being said... Yggy and Behemoth, the two of them still actively enjoyed getting into battles. The duo wanted to test themselves against others - to get big and strong and prove themselves against the world...

... And really, Blackjack had a point. Even if El doesn't like battles, they did like seeing their pokemon happy, and well... They weren't sure of the last time they saw Behemoth and Yggy so satisfied and content. Perhaps it'd be worth it to try and push aside those feelings, to let the two have their fun every once in awhile, just to be able to see this sort of happiness afterwards?

But as Blackjack began to turn away, El would get up - moving and reaching out to gently grab his wrist. "Wait-" They spoke, though for a moment they couldn't help but pause as their actions had outpaced their own brain. For a moment, they stood their - mouth open - as they needed a minute to let their brain finally catch up to find some proper words.

And once they found those words, taking in a deep breath... "I-... Thank you, for... For looking out for us." They'd finally speak - their voice a gentle sigh. "... I wasn't, uhm... Sure what to expect, from running into a Rocket member, but... You're really kind. A good person. Thank you for helping us."

Isaac Merlo