[@Gardevoiran] [@Typical] Oaken gave Skylar’s reply of that it was up to JoJo a quick, slightly frowning stare, and then chose not to particularly comment on it. [color=7eab87]‘Very well,’[/color] he simply said, and then moved on. He then later kept a decidedly unamused expression as he ignored Eryn’s taunts after he forced his way past the Beheeyems, his expression looking even frownier than usual. Eryn then turned to a slightly surprised Vivia, and… [color=b5e6e2]‘Er, well, as long as I’ve known him, at the very least? I first got to know him when Jacques first gave us our Pokémon, which was a number of days before you started, but I haven’t really had that much interaction with him. He’s not exactly seeking contact with other people, and he’s frankly a bit intimidating, so… haven’t really talked that much to him…’[/color] Vivia admitted, looking a bit ashamed of this. Anyways! Later! With Palkia towering over them in the background, and the floating Azelf before them, the willpower Pokémon looked to Skylar when he spoke, but didn’t yet give any acknowledgement, though its eyes clearly went to the crystals around his wrist. It took a bit more time, then… [color=64ABBF]‘Azelf,’[/color] the Legendary made a curt statement, and then, from somewhere nearby, a Beheeyem flew in and placed itself underneath it. Azelf gently wrapped its tails around Beheeyem’s protruding head, the crystals on the tails starting to glow. In turn, Beheyeem’s eyes turned blue, after which the Beheeyem raised its arms, and the tips of the arms started blinking with varying colours. It was using its Psychic powers that could be used to tamper with minds… but not with a hostile intention. First Azelf’s eyes turned to Vivia on their right, Beheeyem’s arm following, the girl shuddering a little with an unsure expression. But with a bit of time, the girl’s shudder went down, and instead she looked… a bit defeated. She nodded solemnly, and then took a step back. Azelf then turned to look at Skylar, Beheeyem’s arm moving to direct themselves at him. From there… [hider=In Skylar’s mind][center][color=64ABBF][i]You did well. Your decisions and drive to continue were impressive, and your vigour carried you all the way to the end. However… you did not follow the rules of the trial.[/i][/color][/center] There was a gesture within his memory to JoJo, who still resides beside him. [center][color=64ABBF][i]Intended or not, your mind was stabilized from indirect support from your Pokémon. The trial was intended for me to see how you’d act when your backs were against the wall, but you were always aided by the knowledge that Teleport would save you should things go sour. How would I know now that, when confronted by a situation where Teleport would only save yourself, you’d still act with the safety of the world at heart? My kin may have chosen you for your good heart, but I will reserve the right to pick for myself.[/i][/color][/center][/hider] Here, Skylar was allowed to a response. Regardless, after that, Azelf turned its eyes towards an exceedingly frowning Oaken. It took a couple of seconds, but… [color=7eab87]‘I protest that sentiment,’[/color] Oaken said, perhaps abruptly to the others around. [color=7eab87]‘I always take the direction I figure has the highest chance of success. Should all other options have been tried, I would have attempted even the unconventional and riskier paths, without fail. But until the more reliable paths have been tried-’[/color] He equally abruptly stopped talking, Azelf still looking at him. Oaken frowned harder and harder as he did. Eventually… [color=7eab87]‘Hmpf,’[/color] Oaken crossed his arms and turned to look directly at Eryn. Of course, she was next. Azelf finally turned and looked at Eryn… and remained as such for quite a number of seconds. Finally, the Beheeyem started working, and… [hider=In Eryn’s mind][center][color=64ABBF][i]You are the only one who came here not knowing what the end-goal was. You yet have an opportunity to turn back. Give the word, and I can send you on your way to continue your Pokémon Journey. We have numerous trainers working on our mission already, you’re not needed. The memory of this meeting can be removed, so you do not dwell on it in the future. You can live the adventurous life you hoped for, and with all likelihood be happy and successful…[/i][/color][/center] On the inside of her mind, Psychic powers stirred whatever imagined scenes of a Pokémon journey Eryn might have had within her memories, prioritizing the most positive of mental images… [center][color=64ABBF][i]The alternative would be…[/i][/color][/center] … Then flashed a brief image, definitely not one of her memories. There was a girl. Eryn’s age, or perhaps a little older. She had long, flowing blue hair, her eyes shut for she was unconscious, floating within a container of water within an unknown building. Around the container with the girl were metal doors, no sign of outdoors as all lights lighting the room were of artificial nature. There were instruments connected to the container with the girl, gathering data and displaying it as a blur in the background. Around in the room were numerous masked men dressed entirely in white, Pokéballs at their belts, standing as if guarding the girl within the container. The girl had an aura that Eryn now could recognize. Something about the girl said… “Legendary”. There was some connection between the girl and the legendary… and someone was trying to get to it. [center][color=64ABBF][i]Help us save her?[/i][/color][/center][/hider]