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"Better than I was yesterday, or at least before last night. I just hope Mareep's not too nervous about it." Aden would've added that she probably didn't know much more about fighting apart from necessity, but this seemed like a moot point and a mild reversal of his newer outlook. It'd cause unnecessary worry for Mareep as well, something he wanted to avoid if at all possible. "You know, being new to the party and all."

"I know. What happens, happens. In a way, it's all for a reason, right?" Aden asked, looking back at Mareep to see her shifting about. "Now, there's no need for you to be all tense either. You'll be fine." He knew it wouldn't give that much reassurance, but so long as there was a low chance of her running in a circle bleating about what to do, he didn't foresee anything to worry over.

Truthfully, Aden was at least a little more quiet for the remainder of the meal. If anything, he did glance at Mareep every now and then, soon realizing one thing. For one that seemed nervous, or maybe even of a timid or shy disposition, she seemed to have no qualms eating the more bitter portions of what had been given to her.

If anything, he found it as a unique difference. Nidoran often complained at such offerings, instead preferring something with a little more spice. Poliwhirl, to actually have a minor oddity, liked a drier taste. How that one ate anything, however, was beyond Aden's comprehension. He never got a clear look at it.

Raticate, on the other hand, didn't care one way or another. So long as it wasn't bolted down, there was a good chance it'd be eaten and its container chewed on if one existed.

"I thought about a small spar with you, actually. But that and trip to the gym would be a little much for the four. In light of that, it might be better to make sure they're as ready for this as I am, and go then." Aden figured it'd be a decent plan, until one thing crossed his mind. "Though before or after then, I might want to finally get those supplies as intended."

Mareep tried to take this in, but truthfully, she was confused by nearly all of it.

Initially, the surprise confused Aden, but it didn't take long for him to figure out the most likely reason. For what it was worth, he was surprised with his sudden changes in personality too, but at the same time, it felt natural. A likely result of the more personal circumstances, he figured.

He nodded to Blizzard after hearing what he said. "Yeah. If nothing else, the wild Pokemon around will help for a little practice if they attack. Don't worry, Mareep, I'll try to avoid encountering any others if that happens."

"I think I might know where you're talking about. Didn't we go by there when we traveled here yesterday?" Aden asked. He had a feeling he might've been wrong, given that his knowledge on the region wasn't anything vast, at least compared to someone that's lived there for several years. At best, he knew of routes and cities thanks to the availability of a map.

"That area would be fine So long as those two from before aren't still around. I felt bad thrashing them like I did last time." Aden admitted. "Wasn't much of a practice run."