Startled, he flinched and jerked his head up to look at her. Only Paprika; he relaxed, but the sudden movement sent a wave of pain through his head, and he shut his eyes with a hiss. Clamping a hand over the wound at his scalp, he moved to sit on his knees.

"I..." he started dazedly. He pulled his hand away, narrowing his eyes disapprovingly when he saw his fingers stained with blood. "I will be fine..."

Everything looked-- and felt-- hazy around the edges, but, looking forward, he caught sight of Zorua, still wrestling with the Sigilyph pinned beneath her. A strike from the Sigilyph's non-crippled wing made her revert to her original form, but she kept on attacking. N winced and attempted again to get to his feet.

"These Pokemon... are protectors," he explained, speaking haltingly. "To... get rid of the outsiders..."

The Golett from earlier finally noticed him again and began to approach, fist raised and crackling with what looked like lightning. N staggered backward a little.

"That apparently means us."