Toki flinched, knowing he was running his mouth again making assumptions. His people skills still needed work it seemed. He didn't really have a rebuttal to that, just a meek sigh. Though he did have one thing to say "That's assuming it all stays put where it is right now. What if it spreads, or people accidentally wind up in there without any prior knowledge? Any information could potentially save lives."

He sighed and knew Aylin only had one move that would be good against Haguru. "Brutal Swing!" He ordered. Aylin took a stance and gripped her hammer with both hands before she rushed forward wildly swinging towards Haguru with dark energy shrouding her attack.

The fight was getting down to the wire at this point and Toki hoped he would have the fortitude to see it through to the end. He just hoped that people wouldn't be upset with him for speaking with the enemy too much. Would he be trusted? Would it damage his chances? No. It wouldn't. He would keep going regardless.

At Toki's words, Makoto fell silent - unable to argue or retort against them. Cause again, he was right - the rift was indeed spreading, it almost seemed like. New entrances were popping up throughout Granite Cave - and they wouldn't be surprised if something opened up even outside of the cavern system. "... You don't have to stay and fight, either. Nothing's keeping you here anymore." They finally respond instead, deflecting.

The Brutal Swing would slam into Haguru - and the klinklang wavered in the air, making a sound of screeching metal, before stabilizing. The Aurora Veil was doing them well - but there was only so much that it could protect their pokemon from, when they were already beginning to tire as it was. Another good hit, depending on the attack, would probably do it.

But Makoto wouldn't let that happen. "Fire!" They called.

And Haguru, having locked onto Aylin, was of the same thoughts - the face-gear charging brilliantly with electricty, before once more letting loose a Zap Cannon in the fairy-type's direction.

Toki Akiyama

"Light Screen!" He ordered as Aylin put up a reflective barrier that did a bit to mitigate the damage from Zap Cannon, but it was still a devastating blow to her. The two sides stood at a stalemate for the time being and Toki wasn't sure how to proceed.

Though at Makoto's words, he sighed and recalled Aylin. "You're right. This isn't getting either of us anywhere at this point. I'll let you go if you're letting me go, and that's that. I'll report that I failed to capture the sighted suspect. You're a strong trainer. You care deeply about your Pokemon and how to best use their individual abilities. I'd be lying if I said that didn't give me some amount of respect for you."

He turned around and began walking away. "I promise, though...that I will become an even better ranger than I am today, and do what I can for Hoenn in ways that benefit as many innocents as possible." He said as he left footprints in the snow and sand.

As soon as the attack lands on Aylin, Haguru is already charging for another attack. Even as Aylin is returned to her ball, the klinklang is still charging - as if they are willing to go so far as to even strike Toki...

"Stop that." But, a scolding voice from Makoto - paired with them pulling out their ball to recall the steel-type - would put a stop to that before things could get out of hand.

Turning their attention back to Toki and his words though... They nodded. "And as far as others will know, I never saw you." They agreed - hoping that this wouldn't be something that'd bite them in the ass later on. But given the number of disguises they were switching between, well... It was likely that even if word did come back around to them, they could claim ignorance and mistaken identity.

But as Toki made a promise to better himself, Makoto would pause to watch him leave. From their shadow, a little zorua's eyes stared as well - Kuro's curiosity somewhat piqued, by the young man.

It's only when the falling snow obscures Toki's form, that Makoto decides to turn away and leave as well - sighing out a simple "Wonder where someone like you could've been for me, a good few years ago..." as they, too, made their departure in the opposite direction...