As Sarulf coughed, Ettie would pat his back to help him dislodge the stuck food. "Easy," She gently chided - though she soothingly pet him as well. "Slow, small bites, is easier." To help encourage this, she'd pull out another treat - taking the time to break it into smaller pieces for him.

But, at the mention of a play-fight, Ettie perked up - eyes lighting up not only at the notion of getting to spend time with a friend, but also that Josh used the same terms that she did! "Mhmm! Can play-fight lots!" Ettie spoke with a bright smile, although...

... "Ettie... Wanna play-fight, to be stronger?" She spoke after a moment, her voice a little quiet, as her smile gradually drooped. Her thoughts drifted back to the week spent, in the Prismatic Penitentiary. "Don't... Don't wanna be hurt again. Don't wanna be scared again." She didn't want to feel quite so weak and alone again...

Sympathetically, Cassie gently stroked her head - and she'd tilt her head into the Primarina's touch. And she, in turn, would pet at Sarulf's head - to soothe herself just as much as to keep him at ease.

Josh Devlin

Sarulf did as Ettie asked, not inhaling the treat in one gulp this time. He not only had less trouble with the sweet, but seemed to enjoy it more, too!

The mixed emotions were like what Josh felt, too. "I completely feel you there," he answered, making a gesture with his good arm like he would pat his friend on the shoulder if it weren't for his physical condition. "I don't want to fight and get stronger to hurt people. I want to be able to protect people."

It was like the day Josh had beaten Eris Halla to within an inch of her life. His true strength manifested itself when he was angry. If he could control that anger, like Callan Young once advised him, there would be little that could stop him. To be angry at the right people. If he were to direct his anger at the wrong people, he would wind up in the same situation he was in.

And there would be no third chances.

"To make Swift strong, and to make myself strong."

Ettie smiled gently, even if a bit sadly, at the gesture - the sentiment appreciated. "Pack protects pack," She spoke in an agreeing voice, nodding her head. Looking after one's kin, and being looked after in turn. That was the meaning of a pack, was it not?

But it had been so easy, to simply suddenly be whisked away. How reliable was that safety, if she couldn't look after herself on her own? Ettie frowns to herself. She doesn't know if she really wants to think about that. But then again, there are a lot of things nowadays that she doesn't really want to think about.

For now, she simply scoots closer to Josh's bedside, snugging Sarulf closer as he enjoys his treat, continuing to pet the pup. This one would grow up a good packmate for Josh, for sure.

And next to her, Yip would settle in as well - the Smeargle happy to have a little snugglepile going, even if it was only a pile of three.

Josh Devlin