The lack of a response is concerning. While El initially wonders if Blackjack has fallen unconscious, Bibidi believes that he's still awake. With this in mind, they attempt to call out again - "Blackjack! Can you hear me?!" ... ... But yet again, there is no response.

What's going on out there...?

As the mist gets thicker and thicker though, Bibidi eventually decides to lift El in her arms - carrying them, so that she doesn't lose track of them. It's getting harder to see more than a few feet in front of her - but she doesn't need to rely on her vision alone to navigate. Isaac's presence is a beacon of its own - one that she follows closely. Although...

... With time, she realizes that even that is an unreliable landmark. At first, it didn't seem as though he was moving - which made her wonder if he did, indeed, hear El. But somewhere along the way, she came to realize that they were not getting any closer to him. Was it because he had started moving?

Or was it because it was as if the two of them were stuck in place - like in a dream...?

El blinked a bit, as she communicated the issue - and glancing out into the mist, they wondered "Do you think we could Teleport to him...?"

It was possible - but Bibidi shook her head. She felt that it was too risky to try, given she couldn't clearly picture the destination, and she didn't know if there was any free space around Isaac. One wrong move and well, she could end up teleporting into a wall instead - which could have understandably disastrous results. Her current thought was to keep moving forward, in hopes that it'd get them somewhere...

... But then came the sound of wingbeats - and El blinked as it snapped them from their own thoughts. Shifting a bit in Bibidi's arms, they'd arrange themself so that they can gaze back over the Alakazam's shoulder - asking "I hear something - do you sense anything back the other way...?"

She could hear it too - and alert and dutiful as always, she casted her mental awareness towards the sound, to see what she could pick up...

Isaac Merlo

Being out and about was tough work, El quickly found. It was one thing to be constantly on the move, helping ferry around missives or supplies, and also looking for people who needed rescuing for one reason or another. But it also was another thing, to have to deal with the occasional encounters with Rocket members - particularly the more aggressive sorts.

As always, they disliked getting into fights with other people - it was just needless hurt for their pokemon, after all - but sometimes, you just couldn't avoid it. For one reason or another, you had to stand your ground and fight back - which, of course, meant wear and tear for their team.

Which was what brought them to this base camp just outside of Dewford - seated in a medical tent. On their lap, Yggy was curled up - idly gnawing on a rock, as they spritzed some Potion onto a scrape she got, on one of her legs. "There you go, Yggy - that should make it all better, right?" They cooed gently - and when the turtwig responded with a happy squeak, they couldn't help but laugh.

Sure, the fights and the danger out there were stressful... But it was hard to stay down for long, with their pokemon at their side.

Julia Davis

Total MP: 1200

Purchases:
- Paradox Pokemon (Iron Valiant; 500 MP)

Unspent MP: 700

A rumble through one of the many tunnels that make up Granite Cave is what draws El's attention. Initially, they had been heading for an entrance that was under League control - and yet, the noise and ruckus is enough for them to take a detour in its direction. What was going on? Were there people fighting up ahead? Was everything okay?

Much to their surprise though, they wouldn't come across a fight. Instead, they'd find a man and his Mudsdale, hard at work bringing down the tunnel over what looks to be another open rift. Though they blink quizzically at first, they realize that it made sense. Fewer rifts that League had to worry about - both for the fight within Deep Sea, and for the sake of preventing civillians from wandering in.

But is one Mudsdale really enough, to do this in a timely fashion, they wondered..? How long had the two of them been at this? They share a glance with their companion - Bibidi, the alakazam - before the duo decide to approach. So as to make themselves known, El would call out "Hello!" with a wave of their free hand in Kaz's direction. "Need a hand?"

Note: El walks w a cane in their left hand, it's probably pretty obvious they favor their left leg + the cane over their right leg.

Kazimir Wynter

For the most part, during this trek in Deep Sea, El had steered clear of the strange pink mist that seemed to be cropping up, here and there. Though they didn't wholly understand it or what it did firsthand, they at least knew enough from the gossip of other League members to know that it was bad news. That people tended to see things in there, and that strange creatures sometimes lurked within. At the most, they stuck to the outskirts of such clouds, or otherwise followed a wall if they had to pass through, to make sure they didn't get lost.

They didn't exactly like lingering in those spaces even for a second, though. Something about it all, it just... Sent shudders down their spine. In ways beyond even that of the paranoia that this realm inflicted upon people. When they hit a crossroads - one path filled with the mist, and one not - they almost decide to take the clear path...

... That is, until, they hear a voice. Distant. Broken. Distressed. But familiar, even for as much as they're unable to make out the words. And El, pausing, stares into the mist. "... Bibidi?"

At their call, Bibidi reaches out her awareness - searching, listening... And there - further within the mists - she feels a familiar presence. Isaac - or as El knows him currently, Blackjack. And she can sense it on him, the fear and grief that seem to have taken a grip on him. And when she 'says' as much to El, she can see their expression twist into one of deep worry.

Reaching down, El preemptively prepares Behemoth's pokeball - not releasing him quite yet, but nonetheless keeping him in hand. "Let's go get him," They weren't going to leave someone in need behind, after all - not when the mist seemed to make this place even stranger and more dangerous than usual.

Thus, the duo step into the mists - Bibidi leading the way, as she seems to have a better idea of which direction he's in. And as they do, El calls out loud and clear. "Blackjack!" They shout - hoping he'll be able to hear them. "Stay where you are - help's coming!"

paranoia mentions~

Isaac Merlo

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...

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 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.

The praise that Josh offered had El blink, before their cheeks flushed with a shy smile. "I just like reading, really." They responded modestly, adding "Even before I signed up to be a Ranger, I tended to bury my face in books a bunch whenever something piqued my interest, and well... Pokemon interest me a bunch." Name a pokemon - especially a local one - and it was safe to say that El probably had at least one fun fact about that species. Or, if it was one that El was particularly fond of (or one that they owned,) they may end up on a whole rambling session!

But the mention of Kamuy and Wiley both made El nod - curiosity plain in their expression. "I imagine it probably takes a bit for them to adjust to 'sharing' a territory with others, too - especially if they're not an otherwise social species, and especially if it's with other Alphas." They mused out loud. Going from having to defend a large territory to feed oneself, to having to share a space with other pokemon - even if things like food are no longer an issue... It must be a pretty big change, for some pokemon!

The notion of actually getting to meet Josh's other alpha pokemon someday had El visibly perking to attention, though. "Oh- I'd, uhm, really love that!" They responded with a bright smile, the enthusiasm plain to see. A chance to see more Alpha pokemon for themself, a chance to observe them and get to know them? They wouldn't pass that up!

However, that potential opportunity arose quicker than expected - as Josh would bring up a report of a family stuck at a campsite. "O-Oh- we're going on a mission already?" El questioned, caught off guard. On one hand, they hadn't expected to be heading out now, but on the other hand, they couldn't just sit around if someone needed help! Thus, without another word, El would shove the remainder of their one slice into their mouth - and already was preparing to wolf down a second slice as they grabbed their bag and got up!

Bibidi blinked at this, before glancing to Josh - sighing in exasperated-yet-fond amusement. Gently, she'd extend her reach to brush against the elite ranger's mind, and in doing so impart a single fact: El was incapable of saying no to requests for help - or of sitting by idly if they knew someone was in need. Which was to say, they were sometimes a bit too good for their own good.

Josh better hope he had some energy for a middle-of-the-night mission, if he wanted to supervise El for this.

El watched with curiosity as Reiner dropped the metallic thing atop the grunt - and briefly, as it began to move, they couldn't help but wonder what it was. An Ultra Beast? Some sort of odd object from one of these rifts? The work of a pokemon? They kinda wanted to know more...

... Although, their focuses would shift as Eris posed a question - and in response, the young adult couldn't help a sheepish chuckle and smile. "Well, I mean... I'm doing it right now, I suppose? I just want to help people." They spoke - casting a friendly smile in the younger girl's direction. "Patch people up, help them get somewhere safe, share supplies... That sort of stuff, yknow?" And even Rocket members were valid recipients, if they didn't cause a fuss.

As if to prove their point though, El would let out their togekiss. "Go patch the others up, Akero." And at their direction, the togekiss whistled happily - flying overhead, to sprinkle some Life Dew over Behemoth and Eris' pokemon.

With the pokemon being taken care of, El glanced back to Eris - and a hue of sympathy and concern crossed their expression, as they thought to what they saw before. "I - uhm - noticed you had some bandages on, by the way. If you're hurt, Akero and I could help - wash any injuries you have with some Life Dew, and replace your bandages with some fresh ones." They offered - pulling a first aid kit out of their bag.

That she needed first aid at all though, it... It really bothered them, even if they wanted to accept this kid as someone who could take care of herself, given how she handled herself in the fight. Someone that young shouldn't have to take care of herself, in a place this dangerous.

Rather than voice those thoughts though, El instead gestured to the alakazam at their side. "Also - Bibidi here, she can help teleport us out of here, if you're lost." They offered, continuing "She knows where a few exits are, and a couple outposts you could safely rest up at." League outposts, to be specific - but El didn't yet realize Eris' affiliations.

But their intentions were genuine and earnest, to say the least - their heart worn on their sleeve. The only question now, was whether Eris was actually interested.

Suppooooort

Eris Halla

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

El blinked at first, at the mention of Julia Davis - recognition flashing across their expression. The woman with a prosthetic leg - the ranger who had inspired them to try and sign up to become a ranger proper. She was undeniably a good person, they'd agree, and yet... "... You're good, too." They insisted. Emphasized, even. That characteristic Sunderland stubbornness was rearing its head, as usual.

"You... didn't need to step in, when you saw us. But you did. I'm not wholly sure what you'd been looking for, out here - but it probably wasn't us..." And yet rather than just ignore them - or even worse, prey on them while they were distracted - he stepped in to help. Things could've gone so much worse, without his help - or even if he had arrived just a little bit later.

But that wasn't all, was it? "But it's... Kinda hard for me to believe you're not good, when these two are here, y'know." El glanced to Knux and Echo meaningfully. "Lucario and ralts are both pretty sensitive to emotions and intent. It's pretty hard to lie to a pokemon who can sense your aura, from what I understand - and I have heard lucario can get stressed out if they don't like what they sense."

"But especially for a ralts, well... Wild ralts usually only show up around good-natured people - the slightest bit of ill will or negative emotion will scare one off."

Smiling gently to Echo, they'd gesture him over and - if he approached - would lean down to pat him on the head. "Even a ralts with a trainer will pick up on their trainer's feelings pretty easily, right? To the point that it, uhm, can affect them physically." Namely, in regards to observations like how a ralts sensing warm feelings will warm up in turn. "Echo and - Knux, right? - they both seem happy and healthy... All of your pokemon do, really. But those two being in such good shapes is an especially good sign."

Glancing back to Isaac, El smiled gently, concluding "If you weren't a good person... I don't think they would've stuck with you like this." At least, not without something else to keep them here - but El felt like they wouldn't have been so happy in such a case. "But here they are."

And as if to emphasize this, Bibidi reached out to Isaac's mind - impressing her memories of him teaching her about El, their needs, and the different moves to help them... It really was that extra bit of proof that Isaac was better than he gave himself credit for, wasn't it?

Isaac Merlo

El may or may not have been wearing practically 20 layers, when they stepped into Shoal Cave. Having grown up in Lavaridge, they were in no way adapted to the cold. And yet, being the aspiring ranger that they were, the news of a swarm piqued their interest - they wanted to see what was up!

To watch the Poliwraths strike at the ice - with fists that'd put any boxer to shame - was a fascinating behavior. They wanted to know more about why this swarm had gathered here..! ...

... Although first, there came the question of the fact that one had approached - looking for a fight. And Behemoth and Yggy, being the 'mons that they were, were happy to oblige.