Artemis followed Thomas quietly as they made their way through the woods. She may have been quiet, but she was on high alert. After one attack had caught them off guard she was wary there would be others. They already had one injured burden in their party and another who would have a tantrum if a fight didn't go their way.<br/><br/>The aron sighed, feeling tense. Her gaze would ocaisionally dart to croagunk who walked near her. Just why had she shirked all responsibilty of her gang to join them? It made no sense, not to her anyway. She had never been more thankful to see the Inn appear before them. Artemis dashed ahead to open the door for Thomas as his arms were full, but let the door go just in time to hit Dendra in the face if she wasn't quick enough. Sure it was petty, but it gave the Aron some amusement.<br/><br/>She caught up to Thomas who had made his way to the table and was speaking to the Kricketune. She listened silently as she watched the various other bugs dart about to doing their duties. There was always something charming about bug pokemon and the way they scurried about. Artemis had to admire the dedication to their work and strived for that commitment herself. She tuned back into the Kricketune's conversation as he spoke of the others trainers all arriving. A low grumble rumbled in her throat as she slammed her fist down on the counter suddenly.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Thomas is more noble than half these trainers!" </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">She bursted out, defending him. </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"You speak as though you expect him to be last because of who he is!"</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)"> It angered her that he was always reffered to by status rather than who he was. She snorted and turned away before she found herself getting angrier and took a seat at an empty nearby table. </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">Why was she so angry? Was it the adrenaline still rushing through her from her first battle? Was it because she could still feel the burns from the growlithe on her skin or was it because part of her was jealous of the houndour? She closed her eyes shut and pushed back some tears. She knew itnwas the last option but didn't want to admit it to herself. Steel pokemon are tough! They don't cry! She drew a staggered deep breath, almost flinching as Thomas put his hand on her shoulder and pulled her into a hug. He was warm and his arms felt comforting as he embraced her. </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I was scared... I'd let you down..." </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">she finally admited as she trembled in his hold, reliving the growlithe's attack in her mind amd feeling his phantom burns on his skin, sending a pain through her. </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I couldn't lose you! It's my job to protect you and I didn't do it very well"</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)"> She looked up to Thomas sniffling, before pushing him away. If Dendra wasn't there she would of loved to carry on the cuddle, but she felt awkward and embarrased infront of her.</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"I'm... going to find some food..." </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">The aron finally said as she turned away, hiding her embarrasment. It was clear the gijinka was kicking herself for the knock she took in battle and it was affecting her more than she tried to let on. </span>