El blinked a bit at the espeon who opened the door - although they offered the psychic-type a smile, saying "Hello there, buddy. Guessing you're one of Josh's pals?" They'd follow Janus inside and down the stairs - being careful of the steps, given their cane. But once they were in the living room proper, El's eyes lit up a bit at noticing that Josh was in the middle of a racing game. Which one was that, they wondered..?

More notably though, was Josh himself - and he seemed completely tuckered out. At the question of food, El would smile sheepishly and brought a hand up in a placating gesture, mentioning "Oh, I'm fine, thank you! We - uhm - ate before we got here." It wouldn't be hard to tell that they were lying - though they didn't want to concern Josh.

Really, they were more concerned about the gym leader himself! "You seem tuckered out though - are you alright?" They asked, briefly looking him up and down. "I could come another day, if, uhm, me being here's a bother right now."

Things were smooth sailing, initially - although as the group flew high above Dewford proper, a spray of projectiles would come their way..! El winced as a tub of food was sent tumbling to the ground below - although thankfully, they had plenty more amongst the cargo, and could potentially retrieve it later. Though a few Scale Shots ended up coming Akero's way as well, the dragon-type attack would bounce off of the fairy-type's feathers harmlessly.

However, Josh had trouble telling which way the fire was coming from - and El would make two calls. "Akero, Safeguard - Bibidi, what do you think?"

Akero, wasting no time, would make a gesture with her wings - letting out a cheery whistle as a protective glow enveloped the group. Hopefully, that'd do well in keeping the brunt of the attacks at bay!

Bibidi, however, was deep in thought - the glow of her Future Sight still present... Until she suddenly an arm outwards - spoon in hand - stopping a number of projectiles in their tracks! The Bullet Seeds and Scale Shots were glowing with her psychic influence - suspended in mid-air - and with a downwards flick of the spoon, she'd release the projectiles to let them harmlessly fall back down.

The alakazam would soon reach out to the minds of Josh and El both - giving a mental nudge and indicating another direction, off to the side. "I think she figured out a direction for us to go," El spoke - glancing over to Josh to see what he thought of her suggestion. They weren't sure whether it'd be faster, but they trusted that it'd be safe, with how hard Bibidi had been focusing with her prior Future Sight.

Assisted another character/their pokemon


Josh Devlin

Blackjack didn't seem to wholly approve of Yggdrasil coming onto the field - and El, in response, couldn't help their cheeks flushing in an awkward expression. It wasn't exactly like they had chosen for her to come out - it was more that she had chosen herself! And yet, here she was. For as much as they'd rather sub her out for someone else in what felt like a more serious situation though, it wasn't likely she'd take no for an answer. This was the first chance she had to have an actual fight in a long while, after all - she was ready for this!

At the very least, Blackjack was willing to roll with it - and for his first choice in this fight, he'd send Ceres onto the field! The torterra easily towered over Yggdrasil - but despite this, the turtwig showed no fear. Yggdrasil let out another snort - holding her head high to look Ceres in the eye, stamping with both of her front feet in what seemed to be fidgety anticipation and eagerness. She was raring to go! She'd show this Ceres what she's got!

But then came the question of Blackjack's second pokemon - and he'd let loose the rest of his pokemon - the most notable ones being a Lucario and a Dragonite, both of whom looked quite imposing. And it only took a glance for El to notice the mega stone and tera crystal that the two bore - which, safe to say, made them sweat a little. Surely, they wouldn't be expected to go up against a mega pokemon, right?

Thankfully though, this didn't appear to be the case. Instead, El watched as a little Ralts - Echo - stepped forward, looking as friendly and chipper as could be. Though they couldn't help a slight amount of puzzlement at the choice, they supposed it was only fair when they had Yggy on their side, right? Unable to help a faint smile, they'd wave back to the psychic-type, saying "Hello, Echo."

But, this wasn't the time for pleasantries - it was the time for a fight. When they noticed Blackjack motioning to them, it took a moment for them to realize that he wanted them to make the first move - and well... They paused for a second to try and think it out - to try and remember what combat moves Yggy and Behemoth had, and what would work together--

-- But before they knew it, Yggy was charging forward! The turtwig was running head-on towards Ceres - the sprout on her head sprouting into a glowing horn, as she attempted to slash at the larger torterra with Leaf Blade!

"Y-Yggy hold on--" They'd stammer out at first - brain trying to catch up with the sudden change in plans that the turtwig made. A small mental nudge from Bibidi would have their focus shifting to Behemoth though - and wanting to make sure he was ready, they'd call "Behemoth - Focus Energy!"

The Nidoking let out a low snort with this - and stomping at the ground, he'd slam his fists together and throw his head back in a bellowing roar, whipping himself up for the fight ahead!

Isaac Merlo

Here they were - lap two! El let out a sharp exhale as they were able to go back upright after the dizzying inversion - the excitement and adrenaline making their grip on Akero's reins shake a bit. "Look at us go, Akero!" They'd call, unable to help a giddy laugh. "Just two laps to go - we can do it!" Even just completing the race would be something, if you asked them..!

But just ahead, they could see as they were gradually approaching @elio from behind - catching up to his gyarados, and challenging his 7th place position. As Akero came within earshot of Leviathan, she would whistle to him in a cheery greeting - expressing the sheer enjoyment she was having!

(The excitement of the crowd may have been more than just a little contagious, for the emotion-sensitive togekiss!)

But coming up fast, a number of Alexei's pokemon were making a wind tunnel of sorts for their next obstacle...! As tempting as it was to tell Akero to speed on through with Extremespeed or Tailwind though - with them being able to boost now - they had a feeling that'd just result in them crashing into Elio. Instead, anticipating a potential bump or two, they'd call "Safeguard, Akero - let's play it safe!"

Whistling in affirmative, Akero briefly gestured with his wings, a protective glow settling over togekiss and rider both. Hopefully this would do them well, for the tunnel ahead..!

Using Safeguard for flavor
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Speed: C (2) // Endurance: B (3) // Reaction: B (3)

Things were going to be dangerous, no matter how much El tried to stick to the backlines and avoid conflict. There was going to be a time where they'd have to defend themself in one way or another - it just wasn't possible to run away from everything, especially if they were trying to help someone. And when Rocket was involved, well, not everyone was going to exactly play nice or be kind to them like Blackjack was. Nor was it possible for someone like Blackjack to always be there to back them up.

El understood it. He had a point. It didn't mean they had to like it, though - their expression twisting slightly as they listened to Blackjack's words. If the two of them were going to have some sort of spar so that El could prove themself, it really did seem like now was the time for it. Even if they were, ultimately, more than a little reluctant to face Blackjack head-on like this.

Bibidi placed a hand on their shoulder - and as the duo's eyes met, El could feel the gentle, encouraging, urging that the Alakazam provided. This might not be the most pleasant scenario for El - but they'd never learn or improve, if they just kept running away. And this was not the sort of place for one to be inexperienced or rusty.

El shakily sighed, the fingers of their left hand fidgeting and tapping against the grip of their cane. "I... I'll fight you." They'd agree, as much as they would've rather not. Both Blackjack and Bibidi were right, though. And hopefully, this would be the only time they'd have to fight - that once they'd proven themself, they'd be able to avoid too much trouble from there on.

But, that meant the question of who to use. Bibidi was plenty capable - but they were reluctant to have her fight when she was more or less a service/support pokemon for them. Behemoth was strong though, so they'd pluck his ball off of their belt. Maybe him and Akero? Or Psyche...? One of them c--

El's thoughts would be cut off however, when one of their pokeballs opened on its own. Out came a little Turtwig - a plaster across her nose - as she stood before the two siblings, snorting with determination. "Y-Yggy??" El squawked, caught off guard by the grass-type's sudden appearance. "Why'd you come out??"

'Wasn't it obvious?' Yggdrasil seemed to ask with the eager gaze she cast back at El. The mention of a fight had caught her attention - and she wanted in! This was her opportunity - her time to shine! She'd show everyone just what she could do! And glancing ahead at Blackjack, she'd stomp one of her feet on the ground, pawing like a bull ready to charge. Give her your worst, she dared!

El, meanwhile, sighed a little - scratching the back of their neck somewhat sheepishly. They couldn't say no to her, if Yggy really was that deadset on fighting - really, she and Behemoth tended to work together pretty well, anyways. So maybe this could work?

Tossing a ball, Behemoth was sent out next; the little Nidoking shaking himself off, as if in anticipation, as he landed on the ground. Seeing Yggdrasil next to him, he couldn't help but hold his head just that littlest bit higher - looking just as ready as she was for the coming fight..!

Isaac Merlo

Josh's praise put a slight flush on El's cheeks. They had to have done at least somewhat well to have made it in the qualifiers, sure -- but to be given praise by someone who's whole deal was being the master of speed, well, it was somewhat flustering. "T-thank you, Josh sir!" They'd respond with a shy smile - split between wanting to be formal, and Josh's preference for informal - adding "Maybe I'll give the challenge a try when a slot opens up?" The idea was certainly appealing - getting to race again would be fun.

And Akero seemed to agree as well, with the happy whistle she made..!

But right now, there was the question of avoiding Rocket - and at Josh's warning, the gears in their head began to turn. They wanted to avoid fighting - both for personal reasons, and because there was a risk that the supplies would get lost or damaged in the chaos. But rather than fight... "... What if we speed past them, and avoid them entirely?" El suggested. It was hard to disrupt a supply line if it was going faster than expected, after all. "Akero knows Tailwind - it should affect the whole group."

If Josh agreed to the plan, Akero would let out an eager trill, her wings fluttering. At her call, the wind seemed to shift to their backs - filling one's wings, carrying them upwards and onwards. With the added speed of the Tailwind, very little - if anything - would be able to catch them..!

Josh Devlin

El winced slightly at being called a fool - maybe they were, to want to remain around Dewford despite everything going on, but... That was their choice to make!

Blackjack, however, did not seem to think the same. He would take a few steps away, before drawing out a pokeball - challenging them to prove themself to him. Initially, El was bewildered - wondering what Blackjack had meant, but-... It didn't take long, for it to click.

That he wanted a pokemon battle.

And El couldn't help but balk at this. After all, they had a strong dislike for pokemon battles - they didn't like seeing their pokemon be needlessly hurt, nor did they like seeing other peoples' pokemon get hurt. Was this really necessary? "Do I really have to fight you?" El questioned, their voice soft, uncertainty plain in their expression as they took a step back.

Isaac Merlo

And yet, here they are. Even if El never meant to end up here, they still had to figure out getting out of this mess. This mess that - much like Blackjack stated - was much bigger than one could fathom, especially when other dimensions were getting involved, especially if Arceus truly was a part it (or at least, going to be a part of it.) It was a little mindboggling to think about for too long - and paired with the ever-present paranoia of the Deep Sea...--

But, Bibidi's mental presence would wash over El - cradling, gentle, reassuring... And as she did - she would impress knowledge upon them. She couldn't teleport directly out of Ultra Deep Sea - but within it, well... That seemed a little more doable.

And as El wrapped themself in the warmth that was Bibidi's mind and thought it over, they realized she was right. Maybe once they found a proper exit, then they'd be okay. Bibidi's teleportation didn't work between worlds - but within the same world would work. So as long as she knew where an exit was, they could ideally be able to Teleport to it if this all happened again, right? And beyond that...

Taking in a deep breath then, El would glance to Blackjack once more - a little steadier than before. "... Even if... Even if things are as big as you say, I can't just sit by and do nothing. People already try to take my choice away because they're worried about me." They spoke, briefly gesturing with their cane to convey their point. "But... I'm not fragile. And I want to help. Even if it's a drop in the bucket to everything else going on, I still want to help others where I can."

That was their choice, they decided, meeting Blackjack's gaze where they could.

Isaac Merlo

His vision..? El blinked, glancing back over to Blackjack to try and figure out what he meant - having to study the grunt for a few moments, with the dim light making picking out the details tricky. And yet, it wasn't hard to notice the stitches that overlaid Blackjack's mask - a line that crossed over one of the eyeholes of the mask. And it didn't take long to notice the absence of an eye, in that gap, either...

... El's expression soon became one of clear sympathy, in noticing these little details. The both of them had been injured in different ways - although El felt like losing one's eye had to be worse than just having a bad leg... "... I'm sorry," They murmured - though they weren't wholly sure whether they were apologizing for staring, for having him bring up his vision, or what.

Though, Blackjack had something to say to them being a ranger-in-training, and well... El frowned - both at the tone in the grunt's voice, and at what he said. Briefly, they opened their mouth to respond - but then they closed it, mulling over what to say. Their expression furrowed with thought, glancing at the path ahead of them, before they'd finally respond "It's not like I wanted to come here, or wanted to charge to fight the first Rocket I see. I just wanted to help someone find their best buddy - help a pokemon that's probably lost, confused, and scared find their family." It wasn't their fault that things had gone awry faster than they could blink.

But, soon came the answer to their question - as to where the group was now. Ultra Deep Sea, a world between worlds, and one of the territories that the Ultra Beasts called home. El sucked in a breath and nodded as they took in the information provided - finding themself more aware than ever just how much trouble being here, even at the fringes, was. They really were some of the lucky ones, weren't they...

... Just standing here made El feel like they were getting into something so much bigger than themself. Briefly squeezing the grip of their cane, they'd pick up the pace a hair - eager to get back to more familiar pastures.

Isaac Merlo

A good kid. Being told that would make El's expression twist a little - the barest flicker of frustration, hidden behind general discomfort. "I'm an adult..." They couldn't help but murmur, their voice barely above a whisper. But beyond that, they felt somewhat talked down to. As if they hadn't been taking care of themself just fine, before the expanding rift's influence came along and threw them for a loop. Really, it was something that no average person should have to expect needing to deal with. How were they supposed to know that this was going to happen, when they weren't even in Granite when it did?

Taking in a deep breath though, they'd speak a bit more openly, stating "I'm not trying to play hero - I'm just trying to be a Ranger. I know I'm still in training, but..." ... But they weren't some fragile doll, either. They'd been just fine, up to now. They didn't need to feel like there was a child leash being put on them by a stranger.

But then came the question of where they were - and El blinked, before beginning to think. The top of their head answer would be 'no' - and yet... At the same time, it seemed pretty obvious, even if they didn't have a name to put to this place. "... This is beyond the rift, right?" They questioned, glancing to Blackjack. Beyond the rift that both League and Rocket seemed so interested in.

But then that raised the question - why hadn't they run into other people yet? Why were there no signs of fighting here? Did they somehow end up going to some whole other part of this weird place? Or had the people here already moved on?

It had been a day after the Silph Cup race. A day of recuperation for the pokemon and their racers alike, given how much everyone had put into the chase for first place. All in all, it had been one of the funnest days of El's life - an excitement and challenge that before, when they were still with their parents, they could've only dreamed of.

But today, well... Today would be a different kind of challenge - namely, because it involved talking to a certain gym leader (who was also an elite ranger!) about a certain subject that was personal to them. They had crossed the first threshold before, which had been to actually ask him if they could talk - before the race had first begun - and then arrange for a time to meet...

... But now came time to actually talk. And for a few long moments, El would fidget and hesitate at the front door to Josh's home - their nerves initially getting the better of them. Surely, Josh was a busy man - surely, they could find someone else to talk to, rather than bothering someone so important about their personal troubles. This was just putting their burdens on him, and--

-- But, Bibidi would put a stop to the nervous mental ramblings that El was having - placing a hand on their shoulder, and cradling his mind with a deluge of reassurance. It'd be okay. This was just asking him a few questions, and nothing more - and he had agreed to this. He'd have time for them.

Shakily, El would take in a deep breath, squeezing the handle to their cane with one hand, and reaching up to squeeze Bibidi's own hand with the opposite. Right. She was right, they told themself. They could do this. It was now or never.

And thus, reaching out, they'd knock on Josh's door - and waited for an answer.

This, perhaps, was a tad more dangerous than what El had told Bibidi they'd stick to. But when talk amongst the Rangers in Dewford included the question of ferrying supplies to help everyone, they just had to offer a hand - despite technically being a civilian. After all, it wasn't like they were fighting on the front lines - as long as no one popped up in their way, ideally, there wouldn't even be any fighting at all!

Thus, Akero whistled as she flew alongside Josh's dragon pokemon - the Togekiss seeming perfectly cheery, despite the more serious context of the situation. Really, El was pretty sure that the only thing that'd have Akero so much as furrow a brow, was when she ran into more ill or negative-natured folks. While she was happy as a clamperl around more cheery people, she was practically repelled by 'negative nancies'.

Josh seemed passable enough for Akero though, the Togekiss occasionally drifting by Yosei and Josh with melodic little coos, as if he were trying to get a smile out of the gym leader.

El, meanwhile, would double check the cargo that Akero had strapped on - making sure that everything was still secure. Glancing up from the tub he carried though, they'd glance to Bibidi - floating alongside them - asking "See anything?"

The Alakazam in question was making full use of her Future Sight - a glow peeking out between her closed eyelids as she focused, attempting to gauge the safest path for the group to take. But, she would convey a negatory to El - she hadn't spotted anything amiss. At least, not yet. (She also, yet again, would like to express to El that this wasn't safe - though this was something that her trainer had been deadset on, much to her chagrin.)

But finally, there was also Psyche - the speedy Masquerain having taken to scouting ahead every so often, to see what he could find. Though he was too small and light to carry much, this same quality offered him a certain speed and maneuverability, being able to flit about without drawing too much attention to himself.

With everything in place, hopefully this supply run would be smooth sailing..!

Assisted another character/their pokemon


Josh Devlin