El hadn't expected for Blackjack to get into an argument with his lucario - but here they were. At first, they had been a little concerned - wondering if they weren't overhearing something a little too personal, given the both of them had only just met. And yet, as the exchange continued, and eventually trailed off...

"... I don't think either of you should blame yourselves, especially not for something that sounds like it's very much in the past." They spoke on impulse - adding "Especially not when feelings are tricky in the first place. That you both are still close means something, right?"

Although, after a moment, El realized that it probably wasn't wholly appropriate to butt in like this - and sheepishly averting their eyes, they scratched the back of their neck. "I- u-uhm... Sorry, that... That probably wasn't any of my business..." They apologized, not wanting to upset anyone.

And yet, they still had something else to say. "But... Still." They murmured out loud, glancing back to Blackjack once more as they felt a bit less sheepish or shy. "You... Really do seem like a better person than you give yourself credit for. And... I think your own pokemon know it, too." That one of his pokemon got into an argument with him over who's fault it was - and not even in the sense of blaming eachother, but rather blaming themselves - was probably but a drop in the bucketfuls of proof.

Even if Blackjack was deadset on denying that he was good... El supposed they'd just believe in that goodness for him.

Isaac Merlo

As Blackjack spoke, El couldn't help but wonder that very question - of who the spoken advice was truly for. Cause if it was just as much for himself as it was for them, then well... That, paired with the weary retort he made, truly made one wonder just how much the Rocket member before them has been through. And El, in response, could only offer a sympathetic, concerned, expression - wondering whether to say something of it.

But before El could decide, Blackjack was moving on - preparing to leave. He pointed them in the direction of the exit - just beyond, down the tunnel, towards the sounds and noise of distant fights. And indeed, El had almost wanted to stop him again - wanted to reach out and at least give a proper farewell, but...

... Then came the request, for a promise - a promise that they'd be safe. And well, they weren't sure what had spurred the impulse that rose up in them... But they'd step closer, mentioning "Bad people don't worry about the wellbeing of others, either, y'know." with a gentle smile, and added "I'll promise you, if you promise me you'll be safe, too. Okay?" And raising a hand, they'd extend a pinky to Blackjack, for a pinky promise.

Was it childish? Perhaps. But in that moment, they didn't exactly care. It was just one way for one to seal the deal, after all.

As their pinkies entwined, El can't help a brief laugh at the tease - smiling warmly, genuinely, down at Blackjack. It really is hard to put on a tough act, after everything the two of them have talked about and done, isn't it? But El doesn't care - they're satisfied enough that he's willing to make this promise, too. "I'll be careful," They confirm - distantly wondering if the two of them would see each other again, after this is all over.

Meanwhile though, Bibidi - hovering as per usual next to El - would express intent upon Isaac's mind. Namely, the intent to hold both of them to the promise that they made. And though there was a certain firmness in the way the alakazam expressed this to Isaac... Her physical gaze was still plenty caring.

Behemoth would step up alongside Echo, to give him one last little fistbump for the road - expressing a (friendly) promise that he'd get back at him for the fight, as rivals would. He'd get stronger, for their next fight!

Yggy, meanwhile, puffs out her chest proudly as she hefts a large rock along to show off to Ceres before she goes - not quite the boulders that the torterra lifted, but the intent and enthusiasm was there nonetheless.

It was almost as if - even if El themself weren't sure if they'd meet again - that the pokemon were confident in it, in their own little ways...

As Blackjack and his pokemon made their departures, after an exchange of farewells - and at first, El simply watched as the group left. They didn't necessarily feel the rush to leave immediately - though they did intend to, ultimately. Yet, they still couldn't help but watch the organized fashion in which the group moved - like a well oiled machine, built upon what was likely mutual trust, and plenty of love.

It's only when Blackjack and his pokemon fall out of view, that El glances over to their own pokemon - to Behemoth, Yggy, and Bibidi. And in that moment, they can't help but deflate with a heavy exhale, casting them a gentle smile. "That was a lot..." They mused out loud - beginning to turn the other way, towards the direction that Blackjack had indicated to them before. "... But we're okay - and that's what's important. Let's get out of here, yeah?"

Yggy and Behemoth both cried out their agreements, as the two seemed eager to take the lead - and El, laughing, would move to follow after. "Don't go too far ahead, you two!" They called - before glancing over to Bibidi, and sharing a warm smile with her.

Things were probably gonna be dangerous, things were probably going to be tricky, but... They felt confident in their ability to look after themself. They'd help as many people as they could - and from there, well...

... They'd have to see when they got to that point, wouldn't they? There was so much out there to do, even as just a rookie Ranger, after all...