To be in the Border is a strange experience. On one hand, they find themself feeling as though they shouldn't be here. The living walking in the land of the dead must break some sort of rule, they're certain - but they had yet to hear of anyone or anything that might actually enforce this.

On the other hand... There is a certain curiosity, in it all. They can't help but wonder what could be found here.

They wonder if their mother is somewhere out there.

As Temp speaks up though, they blink - glancing over to him. And offering a small soft smile, they'd nod in response. "When you find Yveltal's... Roost, or nest I suppose, what do you plan to do next?" They ask. Surely, it wasn't going to be as simple as just walking up to a death god and asking for it to join them, right?

And even if things came to blow... How does one kill a god of death?

At their side, Tsume and Erebus both gaze out across the horizon. They had brought a number of pokemon effective against ghost and dark types with them in preparation - and also brought Erebus with, to sate its curiosity as well. Though, they had a feeling that the Deoxys was somewhat uncertain for much the same reasons they were.

All the same, they were prepared to investigate the three points of interest alongside Tempest - and hopefully, it'd bear fruit.

Makoto nodded as Tempest gave his response; although, the question that they mulled over before bothered them still. "How do you fight something that rules death?" They asked - half to themself, half to Tempest. If it ruled death, could it rule itself... Not dead?

They had a feeling that trying to think too hard on it was a ritual that'd break their brain a little - though, the Border provided a worthy distraction in that regard.

As the fog rolled across the horizon, Makoto furrowed their brows in thought. They wondered if it could be avoided, or blown away by a pokemon in the event it got too close. They figured the latter thought was not worth testing unless they had to, though.

So, with another nod, they'd recall Erebus - not wanting to make the psychic-type have to put up with ghosts - and in its place, sent out Kuro.

With the Zorua and Zoroark both out, Makoto's hope would be that a layered and cooperative Illusion would help conceal the both of them from view; not unlike when Makoto helped Amor Rose and two other Rockets stealth their way through the Mechanical Kingdom, once upon a time. "Stay close. It'll make it easier for them to hide you."

And with that, they began moving - aiming for the point of interest that was least likely to send them waltzing straight through the fog. They'd rather this take a little while but be safer, than take risks just to save time.

Tempest Quinn

Makoto wasn't sure how much one could make it 'stick', but they nonetheless nodded along to Tempest's words. All they felt they could really do, short of risking their own life alongside him, was pray that he'd be okay. They'd survived being amidst the crossfire of gods - surely, he'd survive this as well.

Nonetheless, Makoto follows Tempest's directions - moving for the indicated ruins. "Let's give the fog a wide berth... The more I watch it, the more I don't like it." They speak softly - letting their path stray a bit to the side, so that they could keep a healthy distance between themselves and the roiling golden clouds.

The less they disturb or make themselves known to the locals, the better, if you asked Makoto. And if staying away from the fog and playing it safe made this trip last a little longer, then so be it; they didn't want any unpleasant surprises.

Tempest Quinn

Makoto is left in the dark - though they don't need any elaboration from Tempest to catch on that whatever a 'delusion' was, it was bad news.

Instead, what really catches their attention is the change in scenery - the faint emerald that dots the earth. They trust in Tempest's gut instincts - and taking a brief glance around them for any clues, they question "... Should we take a different path?"

That'd be their first go-to; they could see themself going above with a flying pokemon, or otherwise just taking a wider berth to coast around the edges of it... Although, they'd rather not rely on Erebus to lift them if they could help it.

They still find their mind jolting back to Mossdeep, when they felt its tendrils so much as brush against them.

Tempest Quinn

So there was no other way but forward... Makoto sighed - supposing they'd just have to be careful, as they picked their way around the pools of acidic liquid...

... But, there were far more pressing things coming their way.

Namely, in the form of a Golurk. It is a massive thing, larger than what they were used to - most definitely larger than Atlas, the rare few times that howard slayte brought it out in the past.

What in the world was this thing? Was it the closest thing to judgement in the Border? And what was with that ghost that it had in its grip??

Makoto was a bit frozen in place by the sight of it all - only having enough thought to make sure they weren't about to be crushed underfoot. From their shadow, Kuro growled - the little Zorua having peeked out enough to glare daggers. It was readied to act, if the Illusions weren't enough for the titanic Golurk to pass the group on by.

Tempest Quinn

The Golurk is horrifying.

What did it just do? What happened to the ghost of that woman? Was she simply gone? No more? The concept of death was existential enough as it was. What of the concept of a second death? Could they have done anything to stop that? Maybe they should have - it isn't as though they didn't have two pokemon who had the advantage in a fight against a ghost-type - but it's so massive, and-...

... And it is gazing down at them, as if it could see through Kuro's and Tsume's illusions completely.

It takes Temp's hand on their shoulder before Makoto is moving with him - "W-what is - that isn't a normal Golurk..!" - and Tsume and Kuro both are quick to act.

Tsume looses a Night Daze - hoping to disorient the Golurk - as Kuro releases a Bitter Malice to try and slow it, as both foxes move with the group.

Tempest Quinn

Makoto squeezes Tempest's hand as they run, able to keep up with him without too much trouble. But for all of the running they were doing, the Golurk's sheer size allowed it to at least tail them with relative ease.

This wouldn't work.

Makoto note's the darting of Tempest's gaze - and they, too, would turn their attentions to their surroundings. Somewhere to hide - or, to at least lose it. Somewhere like...

"... There!" Makoto pointed with their free hand. The terrain - it was rugged and uneven, but they should be able to traverse it a bit more easily than the Golurk would be able to. A chance for them to lose it, or otherwise buy time for a better solution.

But even as they moved, Makoto glanced to Temp - another thought occurring to them. "What pokemon did you bring - any that can carry you, and fast?" Tsume could carry themself just fine - but they didn't want to leave their friend in the dust...

Tempest Quinn