As Steven thinks, Bud carefully pulls the candy out of his hand and starts to eat it. Steven doesn't even seem to notice. He looks up to the rest of the group, and then at the creatures still lurking in the shadows.

"I don't think they can see me," he says. He's not sure if it will help, but he's going to try anyway. "They ran right by and didn't react at all. I think... it's because of the ward the Starlight put on me."

Steven hops up onto Lion's back, and his two Pokemon follow, seating themselves on his mane. He looks determined now.

"So... if this goes wrong, I can probably hide longer than you guys can, okay? I'll try taking Hinawa and... who else wants to come with me?"