It would be easier, if everyone could stop fighting, wouldn't it? But sadly, it didn't seem that things would quite go that way. And though El opens their mouth to try and respond to Eris, a call from the Tyrantrum cuts them off.

The Tyrantrum is ensnared - and as electricity races through the wires binding it, it bellows in something between frustration and a little bit of pain. Spasming muscles send it tumbling to the ground - unable to properly move or fight when restrained like this... But, as it would soon prove, it wasn't completely helpless.

As if to express its indignant rage over this treatment, the beast acts without its trainer's direction - and it begins to thrash wildly. Wildly enough, in fact, to set off an Earthquake as its thrashing slams its limbs into the ground, roaring with fury!

The Throh and Behemoth both are caught up in the chaotic tremor - stumbling and alarmed. But while the fighting-type is able to remain firmly on its feet, the nidoking is struck by a piece of not-rock that falls from the ceiling above, drawing out a snarl of pain.

El, meanwhile, has to lean into Bibidi to avoid falling over from the tremors - though their gaze casts to Eris' crafty fighting style with... More than a little concern, given her proximity to the conflict. Should they have Behemoth disengage to help her, given that the Tyrantrum seems the bigger threat? Or should they let her handle it, given the independent streak she seemed to display before..?

But, the fighting doesn't wait - the Throh comes in to grab Behemoth for a Vital Throw. Though the beast is slammed into the ground, he snarls with promised intentions to return the favor --

-- "Behemoth, Helping Hand!" --

-- Until El's call has him glancing towards the other pokemon. Behemoth's gaze settles upon Reiner - and grinning wide, he makes a bellow towards the Luxray both to cheer him on, and to encourage (or perhaps more accurately challenge) him to bring out the big guns!

As Eris falls quiet, El's attentions settle on the grunts and the fight that is sparking. A Tyrantrum is brought out - and though Behemoth makes an attempt to intercept the larger beast, it seems that the girl's Luxray has the jurassic 'mon more than handled.

(Though; could a Luxray really learn moves like that..??)

So, the nidoking instead turned his attentions to the other grunt - who finds some confidence when his malding compatriot sent out a pokemon - proceeding to send out one of his own. As the Throh comes out, Behemoth charges near-immediately, and both pokemon lock hands as they begin to push at eachother in some facsimile of a sumo match. When neither pokemon is able to gain nor lose ground on the other though, Behemoth snorts - and without hesitation, he sends the fighting-type reeling back with a Megahorn-empowered headbutt!

The Throh stumbles - but it isn't backing down anytime soon. At the grunt's command, it charges Behemoth - swinging a punch to his gut in Revenge, that knocks the breath out of him in a drawn-out snarl!

El winces at this, chewing on their lower lip a little - less out of any fear of losing, and more out of empathy for how that probably hurt. "Y- You can do it, Behemoth - keep at it!" They encourage their pokemon - he wouldn't go down easily, even for his small size, after all.

And Behemoth would get a breath in to let out a roar in the Throh's direction in response - his tenacity plain to see.

El blinks a bit at the mention of Distortions and Alpha pokemon, but nods. "I've... Seen one of the distortions before, yeah. And Alpha pokemon are - uhm - pokemon who are unusually large, and tend to be more territorial, dominant, or aggressive in behavior compared to other pokemon."

The opportunity to share information seems to get El speaking more eagerly, and a bit more confidently. Though they make a half-shy laugh, they'd continue "I've - uhm - read theories that it may be due to them having a different balance of hormones from normal individuals of their species. And it's exacerbated by the fact a larger pokemon often needs to eat more, to better fuel themselves. So it needs to keep a larger territory, and hunt more regularly or for longer periods of time. The fact that a larger pokemon has fewer reasons to fear humans like some wild pokemon do probably also contributes to the behavior, right?"

Though, when El realizes they might have been rambling a little, they smile sheepishly. "I- uhm- like reading about pokemon, a bunch." Shifting the subject back to Josh and his pokemon though, El spoke "Having a whole team of Alpha pokemon sounds fascinating, though! What's it like, taking care of so many?" With how Kamuy and Janus regard one another, it didn't seem like there was any sort of territorial or pecking-order problems between them - they had to guess that being in the care of an experienced trainer helps a lot with the usual testy behaviors an Alpha would otherwise have...

Working out of Mauville was a tempting notion, though - especially if it meant that they could explore a variety of different biomes. "That sounds like a cool experience..." They mused with a gentle laugh, adding "Maybe I could switch to Mauville - although I'll have to think about it." They were sort of fond of the idea of being able to work in the same department as the ranger who had inspired them to sign up - Julia Davis - after all. The fact they had their Secret Base over that way was another point in Fortree's favor, too - it'd be a pain to try and find a new tree to set things up in. They liked having a big ol treehouse! It made them feel a bit like a kid, in a good way.

Though with the subject of going on a job, Josh insisted they give it a try - and they'd give their cheek a sheepish scritch. "Well... If you're sure, then I suppose I could try?" They'd shyly agree - adding "I'll - uhm - do my best, then!" And at the very least, even if something went awry... Surely, having an Elite Ranger there to help out would make up for them still being in-training, and make things a lot safer in general.

The difference between a fight and a battle truly was vast, when you really got down to it. It was the difference of intentions and feelings, of sportsmanship. And there was more to a proper battle, than just beating the other person down.

Not that it was any less stressful for El, to watch as Behemoth clashed against the blast of energy that came forth from the rift. It was initially hard to say whether they even registered some of Isaac's words, with the way they were frozen up. Their eyes were locked on watching Behemoth - concern and worry plain to see in their expression. He surely couldn't stand up against the sheer power of a z-move, even with one of his stronger moves, could he?

Meanwhile, Yggdrasil nearly jumped out of her own shell, upon noticing Ceres' approach - and the little turtwig scrambled to face her with all the composure and presence of a spooked kitten. Which was to say, not a lot. She was initially prepared to return to throwing hands either way - noone had told her that the battle was over with yet, even if she had gotten distracted! Although, when she realized that Ceres wasn't actually attacking, well...

... Slowly, the turtwig began to settle back down - a glance cast back towards Behemoth and Echo. To be strong, like Ceres was - to be able to display power like Echo's... Yggy wanted something like that. Maybe if she proved to El that she was strong like that, then they wouldn't be as worried about her fighting..?

But well, the question for El was never about whether or not their pokemon were capable. Blackjack had said it himself, that a battle - from the outside - could look like a fight. Pokemon were strong. Stronger than any human - and they were sturdy creatures. Yggy was tenacious, Behemoth was courageous, Bibidi had sharp focus - all of El's pokemon were capable in some way or another, they recognized it - even if they didn't want to have to.

But by extension of pokemon being strong, battles were often a bit rougher and wilder than any spar between two humans could be. Even if a pokemon is often able to shake it off afterwards, how could someone see their beloved 'mon be engulfed in fire, or struck by lightning, and not worry for them? How could someone watch from the backlines, and not feel their heart twist with anxiety - with worries of what if something goes wrong, what if something goes awry?

And perhaps, this isn't exactly the best sort of feeling to mix with that of that ever-creeping sense of paranoia, that fills the air here.

Behemoth was losing ground in his clash against the Z-Move - and yet, he still stood as stalwart as he could be, each strike of his blazing fists punctuated by low snarls and defiant roars. Even as he had to take steps back, even as his limbs began to tire, he fought back as hard as he could - and when he could fight no more... He was swept away in a sea of stars.

El's gaze widened, as they saw Behemoth be thrown back by the blast of psychic energy - slamming into the wall behind him. Stardust was scattered about the cavern, in the wake of the clash and the aftermath alike. "B-Behemoth!" They called - and they weren't even really thinking, in that moment. They just ran forwards - even as their bad knee flared up in protest from the sudden movement - all to get to their dear friend's side. "Are you okay?!"

As El dropped down to get a closer look at Behemoth though, the nidoking in question - even if he appeared beat up - smiled. Was he hurting? Maybe a little, but well - that was what you got with the territory. And any sort of aches or pains felt like distant memories, in the wake of that simple feeling of satisfaction, that sunk into his bones.

The poison-type made a somewhat quizzical expression as he glanced towards El, though, and noted the worry in their eyes. What's the trouble? He was fine, wasn't he? As if to prove this, Behemoth made a sound like that of a chuckle - reaching up to pat his trainer on the head and ruffle their hair, even as his arm shook slightly with exertion.

And this response took El off guard, the young adult blinking owlishly, even if their eyes were wet with stress and worry. They couldn't help reaching up to try and straighten out their hair though, as they looked Behemoth up and down. No serious injuries - nothing that'd need anything besides a good night's rest... Confirming that Behemoth was ultimately okay would have El letting out a drawn-out sigh, shoulders deflating as some of the stress left with their breath. "... Y-you... You did good." They murmured - reaching over to pet Behemoth. He fought hard.

Bibidi, settling down at El's side, would give them a gentle pat on the shoulder - washing away any traces of lingering stress and tension with feelings of reassurance and calm. And when they decided to lean against her side, she'd wrap an arm around them without question - simply being there, as a comforting presence. Yggy, too, would join them - settling down against El's leg, on their opposite side.

"..." Though it took a good few moments of silence, El would find their voice - finally answering Blackjack. "I... I don't think I could match that spirit." They spoke softly, their gaze still settled upon Behemoth, their hand still petting him. "I... I can battle - it's not like I don't know how to, even if I don't have as much actual experience. But I don't want to. I've already been taught how to battle before, and... I hated it."

Feeling like they just had to nod and go along with what Dad wanted, to continue being the 'good kid' that they wanted to be... No matter how many times they were brought to watch their Dad fight someone though, they couldn't stop the way their heart twisted in some form of empathy whenever either pokemon got hit. Nor could they stop the worry of 'they'll be okay, right?' whenever another pokemon is brought down by a particularly nasty-looking attack, regardless of how much it actually hurt the other pokemon...

Taking in a deep breath to try and steady themself, and further pressing themself against Bibidi's side, they continued "I just... I just want to help people. Even if I can only help or save a few people, that's still more than if I just... Ran away. And I know it means that I might end up in some fights, even if I don't like it, even if I try to avoid it... But if I can prevent others from being hurt... I'll still try my best."

If them being here helped prevent someone from getting injured, or worse... Then maybe it'd be worth it, for as much as they didn't want to have to fight others.

Own pokemon KO'd (he may not be unconscious but shhhhh-)

Isaac Merlo

Ghostly flames licked at Behemoth's hide - but even if it hurt, he didn't flinch. He snarled low and bared his fangs, but he didn't shy away from the Ceruledge - in fact, he didn't even seem wholly worried, even as the burn took hold!

El, though, furrowed their brows at Seraphim's reasons for standing his ground - a mix of thought and perhaps a little frustration in their expression. The implication in League lying - well... It'd be stupid of them to say that noone lies - there's always going to be people who lie - but was the problem really that big? And if he wanted to be 'nice'... Why was he in Rocket in the first place? Unfortunate circumstances...?

Though, they wouldn't have much time to consider it before Seraphim made an implied threat that he'd go so far as to kill the League members, if they didn't act quickly. This would make their breath hitch with clear anxiety, eyes widening with shock, fight or flight flickering in their features for the briefest moment... Before they took in a deep breath - and it shifted into something closer to righteous determination, even if bits of that anxiety lingered in their eyes.

They were nervous. They didn't want to fight. But they had to - to say the consequences were too high for them to just turn and run was putting it lightly. "I trust you, Behemoth."

Those spoken words seemed to be all the encouragement that the nidoking needed, to get right to work. Perhaps Seraphim had the right idea in burning him - but what would likely come as a surprise, was that physical attacks weren't the only things that Behemoth had up his sleeve. Raising his fists high, it'd certainly look like he was going for a physical attack at first...

... But perhaps that'd make the coming special attack - Earth Power - all the more surprising! His fists took on an earthy glow as he slammed them down - not into the enemy, but into the ground. A series of cracks rapidly formed in the earth, focused under the Ceruledge - and these cracks would be the only briefest warning, before a sudden eruption of energy would burst upwards from under his feet!

Between Rivalry and Focus Energy, this was sure to hurt if it struck!

Bibidi, meanwhile, would be hard at work - using Telekinesis to move debris aside, revealing the injured individuals. Once uncovered, she'd move them very much the same way - to carefully bring the unconscious people towards El.

And as soon as the first person was settled down, the ranger-in-training didn't hesitate to get to work - letting out another pokemon, a togekiss. "Gimme a hand, Akero." They spoke as they pulled a sizeable first aid kit from their bag - casting occasional glances towards the fight to make sure that Seraphim wasn't trying any funny business.

Though Akero glanced towards the fight as well, he would make a gentle whistle in understanding. Wasting no time, he'd already be producing Life Dews for the injured people as they arrived.

TLDR:
- Behemoth is burned, but he ain't concerned.
- El is a bit frustrated at Seraphim wanting to stay so badly, but also can't help but wonder how badly League is lying, for him to say what he did.
- The threat spooks El a bit - but it seems to just encourage them to dig their feet in, too. They're determined to protect!
- Behemoth, rather than use a physical attack, uses Earth Power - Rivalry and Focus Energy both mean this may hurt a good bit if it hits.
- Bibidi is retrieving people from the ruins of the outpost...
- ... As El tends to those who have been brought to them, applying first aid. They have brought out Akero the Togekiss to lend a hand with this.

Amor Rose

Was fighting and battle one and the same? El blinked at the question, their eyes drawn to the glow of the Mega Brace. The energy that flowed through it promised that something big was about to happen - and they couldn't quite bring themself to pull their eyes away from it, at least not yet. Still, the question that Blackjack posed lingered in their mind as they visibly considered it, and yet...

"... Is it a question of context?" They'd ask in turn - otherwise unsure of what the answer would be. Though, even with context in mind... They still didn't like this sort of thing. They would do what they had to, to keep helping people - but they still didn't like to see pokemon get hurt. The fact that things here were going to be serious, rather than just a casual battle between two trainers, didn't help.

Yet, from the looks of things, that was just about what was going to happen to Behemoth. Fueled by Z-Power, Echo formed a black hole that seemed to suck in every last bit of energy from the moves used in his vicinity - and then, a number of rifts opened around the Nidoking. Initially, he was bewildered - nostrils flaring and snorting - until his eyes settled upon but one rift, one that was pulsing ominously.

El, a sudden flash of anxiety rising up in their chest, called "Get back, Behemoth!" Z-moves were no joke, from what they understood of them - but maybe if he could avoid the worst of it--

Behemoth, however, knew a challenge when he saw one. And getting up onto his hind legs proper, he'd take in a deep breath to let loose a roar like none other - charging not away from the rift, but towards it! His arms begin to blaze with violet flames, flames that seemed to wreathe around him as he brought his claws together above his head. And without any hesitation or fear, he'd clash against the z-move with a Dragon Hammer - slamming his fists towards what was sure to come out from the rift...!

All the while, an awestruck Yggy watched - quiet, almost seeming contemplative.

Isaac Merlo

El takes a step forward, the girl takes a step back - it's plain to see that she wants her personal space, be it out of wariness or fear, or just preference. Realizing that to advance any further would just mean cornering her, they stop their approach. "Alright." They agree in a gentle tone - not wanting to argue. Though, as they look her up and down a second time and notice what might be bandages under the girl's sleeve, a hue of concern flickers over their expression...

... She was hurt, wasn't she? And even that aside, she seemed exhausted...

Thus, it's after a moment of thought that they add "Two against one ain't really fair, though - and you never know when something'll sneak up on us." As if to convey what they mean, they briefly glanced over their shoulder - down the tunnels they just came from. All it'd take is an Ultra Beast or other Rockets showing up while they're distracted, for things to become complicated. "I'm not asking you to just sit on the sidelines... But let me back you up, at least - okay?"

Safety in numbers, after all.

The nervous grunt isn't immediately keen on engaging the nidoking, meanwhile - his eyes glancing between Eris, El, and Behemoth, as if to try and make up his mind on whether to stay or flee while he had the chance. The crumpled grunt, on the other hand, twists his expression into a snarl as he pushes himself back up onto his feet. He reaches for a pokeball...

... And Behemoth, eyes lighting up at the potential for a fight, is already eagerly preparing - thumping his fists against his chest and bellowing out as he pumps himself up with Focus Energy...!

The noise quickly draws El's and Bibidi's attentions both - though the alakazam hangs back alongside her trainer. The ranger-in-training, meanwhile, narrows their gaze - observing the grunts closely, with an expression somewhere between discomfort and determination. They didn't want to fight - but they were even less willing to leave an injured child behind.

Eris Halla

As Josh opened the box, El could feel their mouth watering a little at both the sight and smell of food. Though they'd declined the offer of food initially, at the other ranger's insistence, well... "I... Suppose I'll have one, then - thank you." They'd shyly laugh at the admission - retrieving a slice and letting it sit to cool for a moment, as they glanced to a passing Umbreon.

"You've got such big eeveelutions..." They couldn't help but observe out loud - their curiosity at the more unique specimens apparent. "Are they wild-caught? Or from a breeder?"

The question of where El was going to be based out of though, would make them blink. "I... Was kind of thinking Fortree - that's where I had first signed up for this, at least... But I suppose just about anywhere would be nice?" They paused - the thought of Lavaridge crossing their mind - before they added a bit too quickly "A-anywhere closer to the wilds, I mean." They attempted a smile in Josh's direction.

The notion of getting to go on a rescue with an Elite Ranger, however, seemed to catch El off guard - but not necessarily in a bad way. "O-oh - really? I mean - I'd l-like that! But I mean..." They stammered sheepishly, unable to hide the nervous-but-eager smile on their face. "I'm... I'm still just a trainee, y'know. I'm not even a rookie Ranger yet. Wouldn't that be jumping the sharpedo a little bit..?" Still, the idea of being taken under the wing of a much more experienced ranger seemed thrilling...

Something approximating wistfulness crossed El's expression, as Blackjack regaled them with a story. There was something about his voice (not that they could put a finger on it,) that drew them in - that felt like home - and well... For a moment, they couldn't help but think of a certain someone else.

But with the story came another implication - namely, that this was something to learn from, a lesson as much as it was a test, and well... Maybe they should've realized it sooner - looking back at the prior nudges that Blackjack given them. But they couldn't help but feel somewhat mixed, over this realization - their expression shifting with the slightest furrow of their brows. They were a little tired of being taught to fight - even if this was different from learning to be a future gym leader. It was partly what drove them to leave, after all.

But, the test was still a test - and Ceres wasn't playing around at this point.

As the Torterra came flying, the still slightly-dazed Yggdrasil tensed up - as if bracing for impact. But El was quick to offer some advice. "Leaf Blade; get low to the ground!"

Following their direction, the turtwig's sprout was wreathed in energy, shaped into that of a horn, much like before. And dropping low, she'd dive down between Ceres' legs - both to try and avoid the worst of the Headlong Charge, and to try and strike at her underbelly! The ground shook wildly - vibrations reaching down to her very bones - at the heavy stamps of Ceres' stampede more or less passing just over her... But by Arceus, she'd persevere!

Behemoth, meanwhilst, snorted as he watched Echo burst into a flurry of ralts from the Double Team - though with the frenetic shuffling, it meant they were in a bit of a cluster. Shaking himself briefly, as if to loosen his muscles, he'd clench his fists - as if looking to bring out another Earth Power...

... But instead, without warning, he'd charge - dropping down to all fours, and wildly swinging his Megahorn in an attempt to strike as many of the ralts before him as he could, with each sweep!

Isaac Merlo

The windtunnel was a hectic one - but even as other racers passed El by, they were glad that they didn't crash into anyone. The red gyarados zipping past had been a close call - but even then, the most El had to worry about then was a small amount of whiplash. As they cleared the tunnel though, the stretch ahead was open and free - the perfect place for Akero to let loose. "You ready, buddy?" El questioned - reaching to pet her neck.

And the togekiss' joyous whistle was all that they needed, to know that they'd be having fun in just a moment. "Tailwind, Akero!"

A flap of his wings, and Akero would summon a great gust of wind under his wings - carrying the both of them onwards at high speeds. The fairy-type trilled with excitement all the while, alongside the eager whoop of his trainer..!

Boosting Time!
Edited w permission; Quick Reply is hexk.
WmMzgiby


Speed: C (2) // Endurance: B (3) // Reaction: B (3)

It had been distant shouting, that drew El's attention. It echoed strangely through the tunnels - enough that they had initially worried that they were going to end up stumbling on some Ultra Beast nest or something if they wandered any further down this way.

However, Bibidi reaching out with her mental presence was able to confirm that there weren't any Ultra Beasts up ahead. Rather, she could sense humans - agitated humans, at that. Something seemed to be brewing up ahead...

Which, while the possibility of danger did occur to El, they wasted no time in picking up the pace - at least, as much as their cane and bad leg would allow them. "C'mon, Bibidi." If there was the chance that someone over there needed help, they were going to be there to provide it - it could be the difference between life or death for someone, in such a dangerous place, after all.

But what El saw as they turned the corner was - perhaps - not what they had initially expected. They saw a child - with one of the two blades of a Doublade in hand - and a pair of Rocket grunts, one of whom was crumpled on the ground. Shock and bewilderment were the predominant emotions on El's face at first - why was a kid here? Why was there a kid in Ultra Deep Sea? Did she get lost and fall in by accident, like they did initially?

But as the initial shock passed, their expression changed to realization, and then a sort of righteous indignance. It appeared as though the girl was trying to protect herself against the pair of grunts - and even for all of El's more pacifist leanings, they couldn't just sit by idly as a kid was endangered. "HEY! Get away from her this instant!" They shouted at the grunts - and throwing a pokeball, they sent out Behemoth.

The nidoking - small enough to be mistaken for a nidorino - would emerge between Eris and the two grunts, letting out a courageous roar. His eyes flicked between the two grunts - waiting to see who would bring out a pokemon first, eager for something to test his mettle against.

El, meanwhile, moved to approach Eris - speaking more kindly. "Hey - over here, Bibidi and I are here to help. Are you okay?" They couldn't help but briefly glance towards the radio and discarded headset - their expression briefly quizzical - but they quickly turned their attentions back to Eris. The safety of innocents - especially a child - was more important to them, ultimately.

Eris Halla

Of the two, Bibidi was the first to react to the immediate hostility - and the alakazam decided that she would phone a friend, rather than directly engage the Ceruledge. Ghost-types? No thank you. With Telekinesis, she'd pull a pokeball off of El's belt for them - sending out a pokemon between herself and the Ceruledge.

From the pokeball, Behemoth would emerge - the runty Nidoking bringing up his arms to brace himself against the Shadow Claw with a low snarl. He was clearly ready to throw down with this opponent - roaring straight into the Ceruledge's face as he pumped himself up with Focus Energy!

El was thankful for Bibidi's quick thinking - whirling around and stepping back from the fight before them. "B-but, there's noone else here, besides us?!" They'd blurt - a mix of alarm and incredulousness at the reasoning that Seraphim gave. At the very least, there was noone here who was still conscious. "If-- If you just leave and let me tend to the hurt, we don't have to mention having seen eachother." It would be easy for Seraphim to say that he was gone by the time El got here.

Briefly though, El would think - before taking in a deep breath and glancing to Bibidi. "Go gather as many of the people as you can." They spoke in a hushed tone. If the people were brought out, El could try and tend to them while the pokemon handled the fighting. Additionally, even if things went awry (which a part of them expected it,) they didn't have to win. Just to get as many people out of here as they could - and once El was sure everyone was accounted for, they could collectively bail.

Bibidi, gleaning El's intentions from their surface thoughts, was reluctant to leave their side - and yet, they'd nod, moving towards one of the other collapsed tents.

TLDR:
- Bibidi yoinks one of El's pokeballs to bring Behemoth (Nidoking) out to fight the Ceruledge
- Behemoth is 100% down for this - tanks the Shadow Claw, and roars in the Ceruledge's face while using Focus Energy.
- El points out that there's noone else (conscious) here - that he could 100% safely just walk away and not say anything, and let El tend to the hurt in peace.
- Bibidi begins seeking out the unconscious League members to gather them, so El can tend to them + so they're accounted for in case the group needs to beat a hasty retreat.

Amor Rose

Echo wasn't the only one here to sing - alongside the mightyena, Sobek would eagerly hop on up - wearing what might've meant to be a little tux, but it seems that he's wearing it more like a cape! He was ready to help wow the crowd!

Thus, as the canine next to him raises his voice, the fuecoco would join right in with a Hyper Voice of his own. It was a strange warbling noise, but it was one that accompanies the harshness provided by the mightyena surprisngly nicely.

(And if El was in the audience to help provide some support and applause, well, that was nobody else's business - the croissants here were pretty good!)

Elinor Anderson, eleanor blair teska, luka chêne, Josh Dragomir