(ACE) The MARSH Team

OoC)) Skip, Felix is just simply laying down and listening as he had nothing else to say.

"I know they were liars, but they are doing horrible things to other Pokemon!" The kid was meek but not ignorant, showing more awareness than Reed had given him credit for. He tried not to sob but there was no hiding how shaken he was by this whole ordeal. Letting out a slow, tense breath Reed knew he had failed once more; yet another Radeon suffered at their hand, a truly innocent one at that. He was not much for comfort and had little that could ease the young Pokemon. "That must have been very hard on you dear. Take deep breathes." Johvani eases, though it did not solve the issue he cried for. Shaking his head the male would continue on rather than cater, growling, "They mustn't be allowed to mistreat our kind any longer."

He spoke gently in his own gruff comfort, and hoped to spark something in the little one's gaze, but the moment was snatched by a sudden squeal. "So you knew that they're doing awful things? You knew and yet you're just twiddling your paws out here in the swamp!" The Aiveon gasps, her shrill cry practically drowning the sounds of the outside storm. "We are not sitting idle, brat. My paws are quite full." Snapping his fangs the Radeon flicks his head and tilts it so his scars may face her more directly. Old and new it mattered not; his paws were always busy tending this damn marsh. "Now now--" Johvani interrupts, the tension returning to the space but even they could not defuse it. "You didn't 'leave' them, you're still here in the backyard! You might not see it now but you know and are allowing them to continue!"

Frowning with disappointment Johvani's sad eyes creased a little deeper. "Seek, they did those awful things to us too. Don't ignore that we suffered because of them as well." It did not make them monsters to want to escape such unfair, awful treatment. All those good Pokemon deserved the same, and managing to make it out first did not make them any less of fellow victims, nor should they be condemned for it. "We are not turning a blind eye to their cruelty." Reed snarls, his rage barely contained as he stamps a paw against the ground, claws scratching at the stone. "Don't victim blame. He's undoubtedly innocent, but by your same logic Eleroo is also permitting their actions by not running back to help."

Giving an exasperated sigh Reed pressed his pads on the space between his eyes, the whites of his fur blending together. "I've made mistakes, endless blood stains my paws, but do not equate me to him. I'm not a heartless prick who sends Pokemon to slaughter like Salem does." So many Radeon were made to suffer, sacrificed for the greater good they were not allowed to partake in. I wanted to save my kin, he reminds himself of his goal, but Sedric and Warren were dead. ...But I was too slow.

Lifting his listless tail at the base he slams it back down with another tense exhale. "We escaped, yes, but we have not abandoned those he's made suffer, or those who've been blinded by his ways. His reign and mistreatment of others will end by my paws."

Baring her fangs and letting a growl rumble from her throat Seek pressed defensively against Eleroo's side. They ran and let their friends take the fall? These two were cruel as well! Was that Eleroo's infatuation with them, what both Salem and Reed's groups wanted to do with him?! Her fur spikes up furiously, disgusted that any Pokemon could consider using the small Radeon. "Seek, they did those awful things to us too. Don't ignore that we suffered because of them as well." Johvani tried to placate her but Seek continued to growl, her blue eyes shimmering distrust.

"We are not turning a blind eye to their cruelty." "I didn't see you in that mob when we went to rescue Eleroo!" She hisses, too focus to notice any pain as her wings flare out behind her. "Don't victim blame. He's undoubtedly innocent, but by your same logic Eleroo is also permitting their actions by not running back to help." "Don't blame him!" She bites back by muscle memory, ready to defend her kin at a moments notice. A few heartbeats passed before the Aiveon actually heard Reed's words, and her express shifts to perturbed. She- no, no he was making a leap in logic. Even if Eleroo learned about those Pokemon he had no bearing on them, no stake, no obligation to risk himself for them. Gritting her teeth she looks away to ensure Eleroo is being upset any further, but he refused to meet her gaze.

Scrabbling to his paws Eleroo drew in a deep, shaky breath. His time in the Pastoria Gym had been both incredibly short and unbearably long, but he had learned more than he dare recount in that time. "Seek," he speaks softly, voice almost a whisper as he tried to regain himself, "if Salem was willing to torment me just because of what I am, do you really think Reed is in the wrong here?" Other than yell, Reed had done nothing to slight them. Leading them to safety, fighting on their side, giving precious information.. Regardless of past actions, between the two, one vastly outshined the other. He frowned at Seek, hoping she would see reason, but a spark of fight still shimmered in her gaze.

No, no way. Shaking her head Seek pushed their babble away- she would not bow to their logic. "We risked everything, everyone to get Eleroo back from those monsters. Do, or did, you not care about those you left with him?!" She didn't know about the Pokemon Eleroo spoke of, but it clearly struck a nerve in the two of them. Whether they were family or friends, they still left them to be lambs for slaughter. "We escaped, yes, but we have not abandoned those he's made suffer, or those who've been blinded by his ways. His reign and mistreatment of others will end by my paws." As he speaks the Aiveon's stance relaxes to an awed cower. An end? "I don't know what you're talking about," turning her head away from the other Pokemon with a slow shake "but you're out of time. He's going after kids. You need to do something now."

Felix laid there, just listening in with the back and forth of Eleroo's fears. True, being afraid is what makes them alive as well but there was also the phantom pain that fear leaves is something not so easy to get rid of. To Felix, seeing other pokemon being tyrants in this day and era, it was not something he wanted in his life but unfortunately, this is how reality is now. "We escaped, yes, but we have notabandoned those he's made suffer, or those who've been blinded by his ways. His reign and mistreatment of others will end by my paws." That's insane, that's suicide. He'll be killed before he even gets an attack in! East and Salem would foresee that kind of attack happening. Felix could tell by how the two had never dropped their guard, even with Uxie around. Even if Reed did get a surprise attack in, he would be counter attacked the second he makes contact. "but you're out of time. He's going after kids. You need to do something now." Felix would agree on it but again, rushing in is suicide and asking for death to take them.

The Sylveon gets up again and shakes himself a bit. Though combat wasn't something he was excellent in and he only knew some tricks to keep himself alive, he for sure knew how to psychologically toy with East from the reactions he got from him before that golduck forced him into saying stuff. "Ease, do not forget who the enemy is. We don't need in fighting when the real issue is out there and would be pleased to see you disagreeing" This time, he had to agree with this. That's exactly what Salem wants them to do is fight with each other. Moving over to Seek, he had to tell her what would happen if they tried to just rush in. "Seek, I know what you're saying is true, we've gone through that together and we got the wounds to prove it. We'll put an end to it, we just need to cooperate with them and make a battle plan.


Felix then gave a soft smile to Seek and with his feelers he waved to Eleroo, Shenron, Reed and Johvani. Despite the differences, they're in the same boat. "If we do go back and mount an attack on Salem and East, we'll need to plan this carefully and precisely." That was the only solution they would have.

Brushing their tail over Reed's paw Johvani stood close, waiting for the sound of a deep, exasperated breath. Reed's hackles were raised, but after a slow exhale he steadied himself once more to a reasonable level. He was hot-blooded, it was a well known fact, but he had long since learned to choose his battles. The children bickered, but after a few moments the heat of the room settled down once again as they digested the facts that were laid bare.

"Ease, do not forget who the enemy is. We don't need any fighting when the real issue is out there and would be pleased to see you disagreeing." Shenron reminds him, a welcome voice of reason among those getting riled up. Reed plants his rear once more, the grounded stance reminding him this was a safe space and not a fight for his life. These Pokemon were misguided, but unlike those he once called kin they were open to hearing the truth. "I don't know what you're talking about," Seek growls, her tone serious but settled from her prior outburst, "but you're out of time. He's going after kids. You need to do something now." Narrowing his gaze he locks eyes with the small Aiveon. Her statement was oddly poignant, her conviction showing after taking a stand. Had she settled on a side, on the truth? She did not pull away from his intense stare, and cracking a satisfied smile he feels a tingle in his paws.

"Then its time to execute a plan against those demons!" He barks, fang-filled grin spreading cheek to cheek with a buzzing excitement. "We've remained close by for this very reason; to bring reform and change in that community from the hell its become." Eevee's would not need to live in fear, but neither should the civilians that had come to rely on them. "If we do go back and mount an attack on Salem and East, we'll need to plan this carefully and precisely." Felix warns them, but the eeveelutions were long past simple daydreams. "This is about more than those two. Its about all the Pokemon that live there. It isn't some blind attack, its reparations."

"They've rested on their laurels for too long. They have grown complacent with a lifestyle built on the bones of my kin. Their eyes must be opened by changing their very way of life." His tone darkened, eyes focusing on something impossibly far away. "Change does not happen over night," Johvani remind everyone firmly, "but it does need to be set in motion." Whether small or large, the first step on a long journey would always be the hardest. No one would want to trade riches for rocks, but with them they could build a new, stronger foundation. "We've considered our options for some time now, but there were key things we didn't know."

"When you were inside, how many Radeon did you see?"

Planting her paws hard against the ground Seek stood firmly before the older Eeveelutions. This was wrong, this whole thing was wrong! If these two wanted to stop things why wait so long? Why hang around without action?! If only she could have scratched up Salem's face... despite the horror they left those Pokemon with Seek doubted he realized the error of his ways. "Then its time to execute a plan against those demons!" Reed bursts, an uncharacteristically excited boom to his voice. "We've remained close by for this very reason; to bring reform and change in that community from the hell its become." Gritting her teeth the Aiveon narrowed her brow; it seemed awfully convenient that they had not acted until now when more Pokemon showed up, but she let that point die away on her tongue.

"Change, huh." She growls, her mind drifting toward only one possibility. "Like a shift in power?" Despite her pang for vengeance murder was not high on her to-do list. Their short time together showed a Pokemon that could talk them in circles though, and her stomach knotted uncomfortably at the prospects of another 'chat' with the water types. "If we do go back and mount an attack on Salem and East, we'll need to plan this carefully and precisely." Felix warned them, the path of attack becoming uncomfortably real. "We are not putting Eleroo at risk again." She barks to all the Pokemon around her. For his sake and theirs he shouldn't have to go through that again.

Eleroo shifted uncomfortably before getting to his paws and circling around to the other side of Seek. "This is about more than those two. Its about all the Pokemon that live there. It isn't some blind attack, its reparations." Reed angled them away from act, though his preaching only made the air more uncomfortable for the lad. Looking at Seek with pleading eyes he can only muster up a,"We can't let this continue." Would she feel the same, as personal about it as he did had they evolved the same..? Practically squirming in her own skin she looked outright uncomfortable but her voice only held concern instead of fight. "By doing the same thing?" Would that help, would that stop the oppression?

Johvani motions, trying to get their attention. "Change does not happen over night, but it does need to be set in motion." Eleroo nods in agreement, eyeing Seek wearily in hopes she can understand. There were other ways, surely these Radeon knew that. "When you were inside, how many Radeon did you see?" They asked, a question Seek had not thought until just then. "Um," she starts, trying to picture the crowd that surrounded them in the gym room. Water Pokemon abound, their species as numerous as their numbers. Other swamp loving creatures were in the crowd, native and otherwise, as well as some random individuals. Grass types, poison types, but... "I don't remember seeing any." Eleroo turned his head, eyes downcast toward the floor with no need for correction.

A simple word from Seek had been a concern and noted carefully. "We are not putting Eleroo at risk again." Felix wouldn't dare do that to Eleroo and for a reason. It would expose Eleroo to a more dangerous situation than last time. The sylveon thought for a bit and then realized that if they do leave Eleroo here alone, he'd have to stay hidden and quiet until they get back. "When you were inside, how many Radeon did you see?" That question though, if anything, was more or less the question so far. "I don't remember seeing any." That was about the truth to it. If there is any that was hidden, they likely are being held in a basement or possibly dead from starvation. The thought of death was there but there was also hope they was still alive but left in a state to where they're weakened and unable to do much.

Felix looked around the den carefully and seen there was a select few places that Eleroo can stay hidden in. There was always a risk that the enemy might find the den and look around for any way to cause an ultimatum. "Eleroo might need to stay hidden in here in case this place is found and searched. Last thing we need is giving those two an advantage." The eeveelution wanted nothing but payback for the mind trick that East and Salem pulled on him. That Golduck will have to go first since it could try to pull that mind manipulation again. "We haven't seen any radeon while we was in there but we haven't checked the whole gym out while we snuck around. If anything, they're likely in an area that we haven't checked yet." Then the thought of what Salem might do to them came in mind and what he's possibly doing to them now.

The children argued, but otherwise did not oppose their points any further. Though Reed's blood still boiled he remained in control of himself, with only the tip of his tail twitching to show his true emotions. While his plans did not hinge in their response, it would certainly change some points and complicate others depending on-

"Um, I don't remember seeing any."

His eyes widen, breath halting in his throat as he stares down the pondering Aiveon. Though she seemed lost in thought there was no hint of deceit in her voice; she believed what she said to be true. "None? Not a single one?" Johvani presses, concern lining their mew as their eyelids tipped down even further in the corners. For a few moments Reed his frozen, the response not what he expected... yet painfully, believably, bitterly probable. To have none left, for none to be seen, to mention the loss of Sedric and Warren..! Clenching his teeth the small Radeon felt the weight of the world press even heavier upon his shoulders. He had failed so many..

"We hadn't seen any Radeon while we were in there but we hadn't checked the whole gym out while we snuck around. If anything, they're likely in an area that we haven't checked yet." Felix rationalizes, indirectly reminding the pair that Eleroo had been their only goal and target. With a young one, a new one, an outsider in their grasp, it was plausible that any other Radeon would not be allowed to influence him. Finally a breath continues to fill Reed's lungs and follows with a long exhale. There was still hope, still a chance, though the weight did not lessen from his aching shoulders. "We had barracks of sorts. They may have kept them.. away from the crowd." Though he refused to play in to his emotions the male would keep his hope alive. Even if they were too late, they could bring change for the future..

"Its possible they were there, or somewhere else after.. security was tightened." Johvani continued to reason, their hopes still very much alive as they considered all other avenues. "Besides, they clearly still have a keen interest in our kind, so measures would likely be taken to prevent numbers from hitting zero."

"Eleroo might need to stay hidden in here in case this place is found and searched. Last thing we need is giving those two an advantage." Felix suggested, the thought cautious and reasonable though it sent a chill down the Aiveon's spine. "We are not leaving him anywhere. He's safest with everyone." Seek snapped, a growl to her voice as she wraps an arm around Eleroo's shoulders. While his abuduction had been among everyone, same with hers come to think of it, the Aiveon swore on her life to never allow that to happen again. If he was out of sight how could she assure his safety? "Especially all the way in this dreary place.." To be alone in this dim den before facing further horrors.. the thought alone sent a shudder down her spine.

"None? Not a single one?" Johvani asked, double checking her response. "Not that I can recall." The others didn't say much on the matter, likely agreeing with her since they were all in the same boat; Eleroo and the two in charge were all they could really focus on in that momeny. "We haven't seen any radeon while we was in there but we hadn't checked the whole gym out when we snuck around. If anything, they're likely in an area that we haven't checked yet." That was, optimistic.. sorta. "Yeah, I guess they could have been somewhere else." With their weird perceptions and treatment of them, maybe they were on defense instead of the meeting, or whatever the hell that was. Uxie's teleport would have bypassed their outdoor security, and if they really had low numbers than seeing none or few inside would make sense. But.. the nursery was empty. Wouldn't young ones be important to watch? Why send the same Golbats after them if they had Radeon on hand, why risk the Marsh aside from speed? The dots didn't quite line up, but Seek did not argue a point she couldn't deny.

Burying his nose in his paws Eleroo kept his lips sealed. He wanted nothing more than to forget about the whole incident. He didn't want to think and worry about these horrors, but legends help him they had to do something for those other Pokemon. Were the others locked away because of him? Had he made things worse for them? I'm sorry. Salem spoke so much of others, honor, duty, but yet.. "We had barracks of sorts. They may have kept them.. away from the crowd." His eyes tip upward, looking big and pathetic against his small frame as he looks to Reed. Was that his doing? Was that bad, or unusual? Seek's side pressed more firmly against him, and the child lowers his gaze.

"Its possible they were there, or somewhere else after.. security was tightened. Besides, they still clearly have a keen interest in our kind, so measures would likely be taken to prevent numbers from hitting zero." More Eeveelutions shuffle, the reassurance calming their fraying nerves but not making the situation better. "Well that's.. something." Seek stutters awkwardly, the thought not encouraging. "So, you want us, I don't know, to strike that place or something? I'm not really following here."

Seek didn't agree with the idea of Eleroo staying behind. "We are not leaving him anywhere. He's safest with everyone." Felix could see her point but they're dealing with two powerful pokemon and they are at a disadvantage in terms of numbers if the entire city is manipulated to fight against them. Shenron inputted his opinions as well. The sylveon closed his eyes to think on what to do at this point. Seek's got guts but under extreme pressure, freezes up. Shenron's strong but water types was a weakness. Then he thought of the pros though. They work well together and all risked their lives to save Eleroo. True Eleroo wasn't a fighter like they are but perhaps there was a way for Eleroo to be able to help.

Taking the thought in, he nods and opens his eyes. "You changed my mind Seek, if you want Eleroo to come, I'll help protect him." Then he got to thinking on a potential escape route for the captured radeon should they encounter them. He looks at Reed and then asks him something. "If we try to take on both East and Salem, how would you deal with them?" Hearing his plan first would be ideal before any input on his idea.

"Well that's.. something." Johvani frowns, their attempt at encouragement faltering. Did the other Pokemon not believe them, or was the thought more disturbing than a glimmer of hope? Refusing to give up hope themself Johvani curls their tail around their paws. It was only a possibility, after all. "In my travels through this epidemic, valuables are kept somewhere safe but easy to evacuate or secure for later retrieval. If the Radeons are as important as they seem, they wouldn't be somewhere that anything could wander into." "Certainly. Any place Pokemon occupied would be well secured, both inside and out." Depending on the occupants and the location, some more so than others.

"Many precautions were taken to secure that town after things soured. All movements are regularly monitored to prevent threats from ever getting too close. However, if numbers are truly so low they likely would condense locations for better security. Any Radeon would need to be watched along with patrolling, so somewhere under scrutiny would be ideal." Placing a paw upon his chin Reed considers the options. Things had undoubtedly changed his he last had a view of the inside, but Salem was a bitter, callous, forward thinking and predictable bastard. He'd want them at the heart, with no chance to flee, with no one to hear their cries. "Perhaps they are kept close to the Swampert? Maybe near the stronger Pokemon who could "correct" them if they got keen." "You might be on to something there; they're likely still in the Gym then."

"So, you want us, I don't know, to strike that place or something? I'm not really following here." The Aiveon asks, her tone genuinely confused. Had he not been clear enough? "We need your cooperation to free any Radeon and break this cycle of neglect." He growls, doing his best to remain clear. "There is a hard limit to what the two of us can do alone." It was a reality they come to learn very quickly; two sets of paws could get a lot done, but overthrowing a society was asking too much.

"If we try to take on both East and Salem, how would you deal with them?" With a snort Reed let a dark grin crown across his muzzle. "Beat their asses and drive their maws into the dirt." To see them bleed while fear sparkled in their eyes... gritting his teeth the Radeon doubted such a satisfaction would ever come to pass. "Reed.." Johvani says sternly, reminding him to put personal desires second. "...They aren't ones to listen unless placed in an unfavorable position. They will need to be separated from any others and without aid. East is just a whipping boy, but stopping his sharp mouth wouldn't hurt. Even if beaten Salem wouldn't listen unless without proper incentive."

"You changed my mind Seek, if you want Eleroo to come, I'll help protect him." The Avieon grumbles and snorts, her gaze still narrowed and fur fluffed up. He was quick to bend, as usual, but at least he didn't argue further. Though she gives Eleroo some breathing room from her side her fur still brushes against his protectively, not willing to risk any more space between them. It may be safe here but she knew how quickly things could turn. While she was preoccupied Shenron and Reed continued to ramble about possible locations, but it wasn't until the end of their stream that Seek felt uneasy. "You might be on to something there; they're likely still in the Gym then."

"You want us to go back to that Gym?! You can't be serious." Seek balks, practically laughing in disbelief, but Reed's cold expression never changed, nor did the room seem surprised by the statement. Eleroo tipped his gaze up at her, eyes pleading for her to listen and be reasonable. A deep frown sets upon her maw, once again humbled by the seriousness of the situation. Legends forbid, she was not ready for something like this. "We barely got one Radeon out of that horrid place. What can we honestly do?" A couple of kids, a fire type, and a fool did not make for an encouraging set of jail-breakers. "We need your cooperation to free any Radeon and break this cycle of neglect. There is a hard limit to what the two of us can do alone." So they needed a higher body count? Her stomach twists, worried these Pokemon simply wanted more bodies to act as distractions, but given what she knew of them that seemed unlikely. "You're in over your head." She growls, trying to reality check the other Pokemon, but even she could not deny their cause.

Curling his paws toward himself Eleroo rolled his Toxic Orb between his pads. Those water types were monsters. Horrible, cruel monsters.. but even he could not consent to the extreme. "If we try to take on both East and Salem, how would you deal with them?" Felix asked, wanting to know their plans and how far they were willing to take things. "Beat their asses and drive their maws into the dirt." Reed scoffs, his aggressive stance enough to make the child uncomfortable. He just wanted to attack them..? That wouldn't solve anything, that wouldn't change anything. And if that wasn't enough for him, would he be willing to--- "You can't hurt them until they comply, or worse!" He weeks, leaping to his paws. Seek stumbles to the side, taken aback by the outburst, but Eleroo regained his voice. "They wouldn't listen to us, but maybe they will listen to you!"

His paws work at the mossy floor, eyes pleading for a reasonable answer. Reed paused to consider his response, his words thoughtful from a place of experience that Eleroo wished he didn't relate to. "...They aren't ones to listen unless placed in an unfavorable position. They will need to be separated from any others and without aid. East is just a whipping boy, but stopping his sharp mouth wouldn't hurt. Even if beaten Salem wouldn't listen unless without proper incentive." Though Reed spoke rationally and calmly Eleroo could not help but wince at his bluntness. Was violence truly the only way? "What kind of incentive, what does he have left to lose?"

OoC)) Skip, Felix just sits and listens to whether an agreement is made on what to do.

"You can't hurt them until they comply, or worse!" The child wailed, practically begging as though a knife was to his throat. Did he think him so cold blooded? .... Reed is forced to pause, his own answer being a resounding yes. "As much as I would love to rip him apart," he seethes, words airy as he exhales, barely containing another outburst from deep seeded hate, "killing is not the answer. There has been enough death out here and more wont fix things." Would it seed more panic, more misinformation? Would breaking the chain and taking over make them power hungry monsters, would it spark rebellion rather than reform? A growling exhales rattles from his chest, his emotions forced to settle once more.

Flexing his claws in the bedding the hotheaded Pokemon tries to contain himself, but Eleroo continued. "They wouldn't listen to us, but maybe they will listen to you!" These children really liked to press him, now didn't they? Eyeing the small eeeveelutions followed by the two adults the Radeon can finally see why it is they run the show. "They haven't listened to us in years. Talking it out would be a start, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Even if we came to an agreement Salem would lie to the masses the moment our backs are turned. He needs true incentive not turn on us." Pointing out the error of his ways wouldn't change his need or position. No, they needed to go further.  "What kind of incentive, what does he have left to lose?"

Curling his claws deeper in the moss Reed stares deep into Eleroo's eyes. It was an answer that even he should realize. If they saw Radeon's as a sort of salvation, and could not remove those they had left-- "If there is no one left to rebel, then our only leverage is destroying the evolution source."

Raising to their paws Johvani excused themself from the group and made their way to the back of the den. Continuing to the far end of the passage and out of sight they made their way to the secondary exit. A fail safe in case of predators or undead, as Reed put it, and a way to stay away from lingers eyes if anything happened to be watching them from the front. The far end of the den was much more narrow, not designed for notice or travel, just necessity during a hurried escape. Even the glowing shrooms were meager in this area, with very few to light the way. By feel alone Johvani knew they were at the end, and moving the cover stone the Radeon carefully peaked outside.

The rain continued to fall, and a strong wind was ripping its way through the trees. Peaking their nose further outside Johvani peered through the shaking branches. The sky was growing angry, the dark clouds swirling rapidly while covering the few clear patches they had seen earlier. More so, without any clear sky the meager sunlight that remained was unable to breech the cloud barrier any longer, making the dark of evening even stronger than normal. A standard occurrence out here perhaps, but not one outsiders would be comfortable with.

Scrounging their way back inside the Radeon wiped their face and whiskers clear of fresh raindrops. Nudging the cover stone back in place they blocked out any remaining drafts and drips before making their way back to the others. The tension from their discussion made the air thick, but Johvani paid it little mind- Shenron's flame and natural heat and made their little den extra cozy, a comforting warmth compared to the chill of outside. As Lu'req caught of them he asks a simple, "How is it?" Settling down beside him the larger Radeon wraps their tail across their companion. "An early nightfall. It was would unwise to travel with those who aren't accustomed." He grumbles, displeased but without protest. "Then we'll stay here for the night."

"If there is no one left to rebel, then our only leverage is destroying the evolution source." Eleroo stares with wide, worried eyes. The source, they'd go for the source?! For most evolutions such an idea was impossible, though Eevee's were a special case. Did they know the cause? He tried to imagine the circumstances he went through, but the adrenaline-filled memory was vague at best. Still, could it work, he pondered? Tipping his head to the side the young Pokemon tried to think logically. Preventing future Radeon from evolving would stop the chain. They couldn't force any more evolutions or innocent Pokemon to 'guard' because of it. They would be free of that future! But yet, Reed made it clear the other Pokemon were the issue (at least to him), and their views wouldn't change from property destruction.

"Eleroo evolved out here, so the source is here, yes?" Seek questioned the Radeon, her paw curling through the bedding. "Why haven't you done that already then? Sounds like you've had plenty of time in this place." Was it the Marsh itself? Surely that was impossible, thus Seek shook the idea off. Whatever the cause, if they knew it why wait, why let it continue? Eleroo's head tips the other direction, and his gaze catches her's. "To use as a threat," his gaze turns back to Reed, "that he'll go through with either way." A promise of change, whether its agreed upon or not.

Johvani returned to the chamber, their soft expression unchanged as they settled down once more. "How is it?" Reed asks, his tone a change of pace. "An early nightfall. It was would unwise to travel with those who aren't accustomed." Cocking an ear Seek felt confused; did they planning on storming in right now right now? "We've had plenty of time to get accustomed to this place." Seek scoffs with a wave of her paw as she dismisses her initial thought. If she never saw another swampland in her life, she could die happy. "But yeah, traveling in the dark, with our uh, light source, probably wouldn't be great." She admits with an apologetic glance at Shenron. She was tired, they all were. Legends above, this entire day had been just horrible, trudging through the dark would certainly be a breaking point.

Felix looks at the others as time passes by. "An early nightfall. It was would unwise to travel with those who aren't accustomed." Those words means one thing, it would be dangerous currently. "We've had plenty of time to get accustomed to this place." He hasn't had a long enough time to adjust to the landscape. Even though Marshes are vast with trees and other flora, there are also its hidden dangers."But yeah, traveling in the dark, with our uh, light source, probably wouldn't be great." Unfortunately, Seek was right, Shenron would be too easy to spot during the night. Shenron says his words before it comes back to simple thoughts of what to do.

Felix doesn't think they should try it during the night. Even if they did, they could end up needing Shenron for something they themselves can't get into. "We should rest for the night. In my own opinion, we should have Shenron come with us. If those in Pastoria expected us knowing something, they'll likely put something in the way." After that, he doesn't say anything else. Its up to them if they should rest or not. "I'm fine with whichever decision you guys make, I just want to include Shenron to come with us still."

"We've had plenty of time to get accustomed to this place. But yeah, traveling in the dark, with our uh, light source, probably wouldn't be great." While the child starts with a mocking tone reason got the better of her. The other Pokemon did not protest, the tribulations of their day clearly wearing them thin. A bunch of drowned rats when he found them.. would they have survived a night out in the storm? "Not the first time my flame or hide has gotten me into touchy situations." Shenron makes light of things, seeming to take no offense to the comment. The energy of the room died back again, and without the buzzing atompshere Reed finally lets himself slump back into the bedding. His shoulders remained stiff, his expression unchanged, but he was marginally more relaxed.

"If you request I stand down and protect this space, then that is what I shall do." The noble Pokemon offered, wanting to do what would be best for all. "Take the chance to rest. You all need it after today's excitement." Johvani deflects, the comment directed at all present though she was responding to Shenron. "The glow shouldn't be a problem." They had worked around bigger issues before, this would be no different. "We should rest for the night." Felix suggests, mirroring the pair's thoughts. "I'm fine with whichever decision you guys make, I just want to include Shenron to come with us still."

The tip of Johvani's tail flicked and curled, brushing Reed's fur as they nestled deeper into the bedding. "He's coming with, don't you worry. Its best that we remain together. Its unsafe to be alone in this Marsh." Even in the areas they had purged hunters remained primed. A massive dragon may might seem like prey, but in a land full of desperation water Pokemon, easy opportunity could make them daring. resting his muzzle upon his forearms Reed's eyes fell half-closed, but remained in a constant stare. "Tomorrow brings new opportunities."

"Not the first time my flame or hide has gotten me into touchy situations." Shenron responds back, his voice light. While the dragon seemed to take no offense to her comment Seek can not help but reiterates herself. "Not a problem, just an observation." It would be remiss to ignore the brightest thing in the room, and with the darkening sky outside he could act as a literal beacon. Normally, that would be a good thing, but given their circumstances Seek was forced to consider the asset in a new light. "If you request I stand down and protect this space, then that is what I shall do."

"Nonsense, we need your strength!" She chirps back in an instant, the thought of leaving him behind blasphemous. Just like Eleroo that possibility was off the table, though the reasoning was entirely different. "We should rest for the night. In my own opinion, we should have Shenron come with us. I'm fine with whichever decision you guys make, I just want to include Shenron to come with us still." She hadn't intended to imply Shenron should stay behind, but the Aiveon understood how she was misconstrued. It was her own mistake, and instead of sass she chuckles, and with a wave of her paw Seek smirks, "Heh, see? You're outnumbered and stuck with us." Though she did not expect the dragon to argue she wanted to keep the sentiment light. She had gotten too tense in defending Eleroo and did not have the energy to keep that up.

"He's coming with, don't you worry. Its best that we remain together. Its unsafe to be alone in this Marsh." Reed shut down the conversation, though his gruff exterior was not as intense as it was earlier, keeping the energy level low. "Take the chance to rest. You all need it after today's excitement." Johvani hushes anymore arguing while wrapping themself gently around the other Radeon. They seemed to have chosen to rest, even if the rest of them had not yet accepted the proposal. But yet... she had no want to argue it.

Eleroo looked up at her with big, forlorn eyes. He sad nothing, his stance made as he nestle deeper into the bedding and pressed into Seek's side. Shenron's heat had made the space quite comfortable, the mixed lights from the mushrooms and his flame giving it a gentle, soothing glow. It wasn't as homey or plush as the station, but Eleroo felt much more secure in this little nook than he had all day. Seek reached over and licked his forehead, and though he winced slightly the small Radeon still did not respond.

Giving the others an exhausted glance Seek can not help but feel the weight of her own paws. Her body still ached from the trudge to get out of the Marsh the first time, let alone all the fighting and trudging around this day had brought. Eleroo didn't move let alone complain at the idea of truly resting. Between the dim light, nagging fatigue, and soft bedding, her eyes just felt so tired. It was dark out, but, was it even that late..? Eleroo's fur brushed intentionally against her's, and Seek pushed back while laying her head over his neck. Admittedly, she did not want to move, to lose this moment, to face another insurmountable task. "I guess, we won't find a better place to bed down for the night." She acquiesces, her body finally relaxing as she releases a deep exhale. "Better to be rested up anyway."

"Tomorrow brings new opportunities." Reed mumbles into his paws as the strange goodnight. Opportunities, possibilities, the small eeveelutions cared not. In that moment, they only knew eachother's warmth, a bond forged since birth, and now close it came to being lost. Tomorrow would bring new pains and fears, but that was a problem that would come with a new sun.