Test 2.

[azumods]

WILLPOWER The chamber at the back of the cave is not unlike the one before it - it's large and oppressively dark, with shallow pools of water puddled on the floor. However, it isn't entirely impossible to see; off in a far corner of the cavern, there's a dim light shining pale blue, the soft glow pulsing steadily like it's keeping time, like a heartbeat. It's likely, however, that you're not going to get a good look at whatever is causing it before a voice rings out from the entrance behind you, immediately setting the Spiritombs off with loud, ringing shrieks that indicate over half a thousand souls aren't pleased with what seems to be happening here, and as the words register, you'll realize it's probably for good reason. "In the name of Team Galactic, I'm going to have to ask you all to leave. The Guardian is rightfully ours." It's immediately obvious that at the very least, the voice doesn't belong to Saturn - it's higher-pitched, belonging to a woman from the sound of it. Turning to face the source will reveal a woman in full Galactic grunt uniform; she seems young in the face and she's rather short, though she's built as though she's likely strong for her size. While she's clearly here to do a task, her eyes are noticeably just as devoid of spirit as the others that you've seen - she's just as heavily brainwashed as the rest. The Spiritombs you've encountered will do their jobs; they'll protect the Lake Guardian physically, promptly proceeding to get between it and...well, everyone else here. They aren't going to back down until the perceived threat is dealt with; they really, really don't like Team Galactic. What happens now is up to you.

Comments

[azumods]

[It won't move or otherwise react to the potion, but it's definitely working. The scars heal over quickly and Azelf will hold its tails steady so Rin can work on it easily.]

[heritrix]

There we go... [Rin mutters, more to herself than anything.] It looks like it's working. Monkey, can you fetch a second potion from my bag? Just in case.

[She can get a little more mileage out of this one, but this creature has so many wounds. Everyone else is helping too, but she still might need another. Monkey obediently works at her pack, better able to access it with her kneeling like this to treat the tail.]

If these don't work, those Spiritomb should still have the berries we gave them. Those should help, when it feels up to eating something.

[azumods]

[The potions the others have been using are definitely helping, Azelf's eyes are open now and it's moved a bit to get a better look at everyone gathered here. It'll shift a bit so Rin can get a better look at the last of the injuries on its tails.]

[heritrix]

[She's concentrating, so it takes her a moment to notices its eyes have opened, though she notes it when its body starts to shift.]

Hey. Nice to see you with us. [She smiles, warmly.] I think your tail is looking much better. Does it still hurt?

[azumods]

[You're suddenly going to have another thought in your head, one that isn't your own.]

No, I feel much better thanks to your efforts.

[It doesn't feel wrong or bad, but it's definitely weird.]

[heritrix]

[She actually has a little experience with things like this, given she and Archer used to communicate in this way. It surprises her for a moment, but the shock quickly fades away. If Azelf can sense her emotions or thoughts at all in return, they're tinged with something at once like melancholy, but also heartfelt nostalgia.]

That's good. Though as soon as you can, you should still try to eat something. You must have suffered through these injuries for a long time before we got here.

[azumods]

[It nods (and don't worry, Michael's got that covered) before responding.]

It was difficult, but I am free and healed now. Thank you all for your assistance.

[heritrix]

We had to return the favor. You saved us first, after all.

[She finishes treating its tail and looks back up to meet Azelf's eyes properly, as if to say "isn't that so?"]

In comparison to that, we owe you more than a few potions.

[azumods]

Without your assistance, Team Galactic could have captured me again. I am very thankful for your help.

[heritrix]

We'll do everything we can to make sure Team Galactic never gets their hands on you again. It's Zelda and Kayneth did all the hard work this time, though. The two of them and their pokemon.

[She'll point both of them out, so Azelf knows exactly who she's talking about.]

But since you're saying it, I will too. Thank you, for everything you've done for us. I'll never forget it.

[azumods]

[It looks over at both Zelda and Kayneth before nodding.]

You have all pitched in to help, and it is appreciated. You have all done very well today.

[heritrix]

[She accepts the praise with a smile and a small nod, quiet for a little bit. Presumably to let it keep talking to the others. Naturally, she can only hear one side of those, but based off of what Zelda's saying, she thinks she has an idea of what they're discussing.]

It sounds like you intend to stay here. Are you sure that's a good idea? Cythnia seemed to think we'd be better off staying together, protecting one another. Though she never really did explain what we could offer you.

[azumods]

I will be fine on my own here. I appreciate your concern, but now that I am healed I will be able to protect myself.

[heritrix]

[I mean, it says that, but they got it before.]

If you're sure, I won't stop you. Though it's not too late to set up a few booby traps, if you have second thoughts.

[azumods]

Thank you for your concern, but I will be fine.

[heritrix]

Heh, not even a laugh. [But Rin sighs, and shakes her head.] Alright, I'll trust you. You stay behind, and work on regaining your strength. In the meantime, we'll look for the others.

[azumods]

Once again, thank you. Good luck.

[enjoymyatelier]

Well, we did have plenty of support, after all. As well as some detractors... but regardless, I think we make a good team.