So You Wanna See an Evolution Party? (V3)
The second they’d returned with Lady Lilligant, Akari had basically Extremespeed’d to the supply tent, leaving everyone else in the dust. Rei helped Arezu get her Noble to medbay, grumbling about Dewotts and priorities. Honestly, he didn’t see what the big deal was with this whole “evolution party” anyways.
Honestly, he’d rather rest up and heal. This whole thing was just… a lot to deal with. A whole lot to deal with. And being around the Dewott may only make things worse.
Akari was zipping around the supply hall, going back-and-forth to try and gather the supplies needed for the party. It was astonishing one hadn’t been planned yet, but there was a crisis afoot. That and these weren’t their natural forms, but. That’s no reason to cheat someone out of one of the most important days of their life!
“So...what’s the plan for when we get this all fixed?” Eh? Fixed? Wott?
“Honestly? Mainly getting rid of all these adaptations, and getting rationing reset.”
Hearing all this caused the Water-type to screech to a halt before she stumbled over another’s words. They weren’t seriously talking about...
“Heh, well. I’d kill to have arms again, if you ask me. Sucks that I have to ask for so much help.”
“Legends, that has to stink. I’m just glad I still have mine...” As the pair laughed and walked along, neither deigned to notice the slack-jawed Explorer. And, if she was of a clearer mind, she’d be thankful for that. But as it was, she had only one thing in her mind.
“Palkia, why didn’t I think of that...’
Rei grunted, working his forelegarm a bit. One good thing about these changes, Potions were far more useful. And if Akari was anything to go by, this wasn’t that bad a fate - Jubilife was adapting enough before she showed up, but once the Dewott had shown that life as a Pokemon didn’t have to be uncivilized things picked up pace.
On his way out, he passed by a Sliggoo’s bed, where the Rock-type Noble helped remove some shards of stone from his Warden’s goopy body. A small chuckle escaped the Raichu’s lips - another training accident, no doubt. The pair had been sparring a fair bit after both had gotten back to health, and he’d heard even Sabi was joining in. It made sense - while Sliggoo were blind, Goodra could see. Best to get that back sooner than later, even if they don’t know how long they’ll... be like this...
Eyes slowly went wide as implications went thru his head. Sweet Groudon, was that why?
“OOF! Sorry about that Rei...”
“I-it’s alright, I wasn’t watching where I was going.” The duo slowly stood up, avoiding eye contact with the other.
Dust drifted upwards as paws shuffled. “So, umm... W-we don’t have to do the party.”
“I’m not sure where we cou-wait, what?” Embarrassment forgotten, the Electric-type’s eyes darted to look at the Mareepish Dewott.
“Y-yeah, I...I kinda was getting all into it, and forgot you guys. May not be staying this way.”
“I...umm. I actually realized that...”
A small nod from the ‘chu. “Yeah, I...I know we want to go back to being human, but we don’t know how we’d do it... or when. So I guess indulging in something like an evolution party might not be that bad, especially if we...you know.”
“O-oh... I see.” Silence reigned over the pair, a small wind stirring up the dust and grass. “So, umm...”
The sounds of exhaustion caused two pairs of ears to twitch, their owners turning over and down to look at the source: A small Growlithe, drenched and out of breath.
Both Surveyors immediately panicked, Akari reaching down to hold the poor thing. “What happened? Is everything ok? Why are you so wet?”
“A-Akari...that’s the young Lord.”
“Wott?” She turned to face her partner (...huh, guess he was!), eyes catching his fear-widened ones.
“He’s not yet taken the Trial yet, but he should be next in line... and Palina watches him like a Staraptor. For him to be here on his own - “
“Something would have to be very wrong...” A shudder overtook the Dewott as she looked back at the shaking canine.
Tears quivered under his bangs as that ruddy muzzle worked, trying to form words - and eventually managing to get something out. “P-please...help...h-help Momma...”
The two Explorers/Rescuers promptly rushed the runaway heir to the medical tent, where all attention was diverted to getting the dry and fed. Well, that and planning how to handle the Coastlands, since they had rocketed to the top of the “must-do” list.
(One does not just ignore a Noble’s request, alright?
“What do you mean I can’t go?”
“You’re a Noble - well, Noble-to-be. You need to stay here with the others - we can’t risk you getting Frenzied.”
“No ‘Buts’. Every other Noble we’ve met has been Frenzied, and we have no reason to believe you won’t be. Stay here.” And with that Rei walked off towards the Hall’s exit, Akari looking back worriedly before following.
The young Fire/Rock-type whined, head lowered. This wasn’t fair! Mommy and Other Daddy were stuck out there, and he couldn’t help! Yes, he was able to get them some help, but that was beside the point! He could actually help this time, so why wouldn’t they let him?!
He needed to find a way out to join up with them. Somehow.
...time to make use of all those times he’d snuck off to snag a treat early.
