Fi gave a gentle caress beneath the Lugia’s chin with their free hand. She made a wild noise, a sound they had grown accustomed to and found close to a purr, if they could do as much, as she leaned into their frame. They smiled slightly. She was the only innocent within a place fraught with danger. She nearly knocked them over until they made a small sound, causing her to back up with a sheepish look.
She had grown much larger, too big for her tank now. It was up to them to relocate her to a larger space, where she could spread her wings and practice other skills her kind should exhibit at her young age. Their nose crinkled as the scent of moss and musk bombarded their nose.
“Who neglected to clean your tank this time?” A question they muttered to themselves, kneeling to examine the pool with a look of scrutiny. Another note to jot down in their notepad as they cradled it in their sling. “Did one of the personnel come through in my absence?”
They were gone longer than preferred, needing their broken arm to be examined. Even longer to recoup and adjust to it. A vacation as their boss called, Fi rolling their eyes.
When she shook her head, Fi dipped the tip of their capped pen in the water, stirring it. They frowned with disgust as algae clung to it when they pulled it out.
“I will ask one of them to clean up this mess before we move you,” they sighed as they stepped away, nodding towards the tank. They discarded the pin in a nearby empty trash can, fishing in their cupholder for one that actually worked.
They gave pause at the telepathic words whispered in the smallest of voices in their ears. They whipped around to see her huddled in a small ball, her tail curled around her body.
Panic broke through upon their face as they rushed over to her. With their good hand, they began to gently stroke her neck as they whispered. “What is it?” Fi asked in a gentle voice.
I don't want to move. Her voice was so small, so little. It was a croak in their ears. An image of a fragile life growing within a smaller test tube. Wired to so many machines, they were worried she would not make it but she pulled through.
“But it’s much too small for you. You can hardly fit. Did you not just complain of your wings hurting?” They asked softly.
Please. Their visage reflected in her shimmering tawny eyes. The subtle glow to her eyes hinted of the growing strength in her.
Just how much was she gleaning from the others? They specifically told them to keep their thoughts preoccupied within her presence but perhaps her range had extended further in their absence.
As her body developed, her mind was as well.
It felt as if it was yesterday when she struggled to form words and string them into a complete sentence.
“I know change is scary,” Fi murmured. Stroking her snout, they continued, “but it's for the better. You're growing too big. I can't hold you like I used to,” they laughed lightly when she pressed her under their arm.
Her eyes pleaded with them. They couldn't resist. Fi groaned. “You win for now. But I must show you your new living space. I am quite sure you will adore it.”
