[Video]

[truthdecided]

[An 'unfamiliar' face projects through the Pearls... except if you look closely, it's not that unfamiliar. The shape of the plumes on his head carry the same general silhouette as a certain Rookidee...

But now he's larger, longer, and has a noticeably bigger beak. In fact, he looks far more like a crow than he did before!

And so Akechi fluffs up his feathers a bit and addresses the Pearl at last.]

Greetings. This is Akechi. I realize that this transformation may be a bit alarming, but I thought it best to announce my recent evolution so that no one believes I've disappeared.

This new form is far more suitable, though I wish it hadn't been so overdue. Still, it seems that being put into highly dangerous situations is one way to provoke evolution.

I suppose this does bring up a curious question, though. To evolve, or not to evolve. For me, it was a no brainer, but others may be less enthused about changing their physical forms yet again. Evolution is, after all, irreversible.

So humor me. Do you wish to evolve, or are you content as you are?

Comments

[truthdecided]

They do, yes, but Pokémon evolution seems to streamline the process by way of 'magic.'

[Hence the glowing. It's not exactly the most grounded transformation by rigid scientific standards.]

I believe the primary trade off may come in the form of type or ability changes, or perhaps the rate at which we naturally learn new moves. A Dragonite is stronger than a Dragonair, but the added flying type makes them more vulnerable to ice.

[wolfcut]

[ He's definitely more familiar with magic than science, but he won't say as much. ]

So what's different with you then? Aside from looking like an actual bird now.

[truthdecided]

Well, I'm faster, stronger, and have greater endurance than before. I should be able to take on more challenging quests, or last longer on particularly grueling ones, and my increased size makes it easier for me to transport passengers and cargo.

[...]

Not that I plan to just give rides on a whim.

[wolfcut]

[ Alright. Maybe he is feeling a little sour grapes about this. ]

Good, because I wasn't asking. [ Sigh. ] But at least offer to the people who would like that, huh?

[truthdecided]

I don't intend to play the part of a pony at a petting zoo... Still, if there's a purpose behind it, then I'll likely agree to it.

[The only one who gets free luxury rides is Ren. Everyone else has to convince him, naturally.]

[wolfcut]

Considering most of us aren't as fast and strong, it'd be helpful to get a lift. At least for quests.

[ Not for him though. His feet are staying planted on the ground. ]

But what the hell do I know, huh, detective?

[truthdecided]

No, that's precisely what I was thinking. On quests, my ability have a lot of utility. It's more... casual joyrides I'm not so eager to grant.

[He is not an amusement park ride! Ren gets the privilege because they're dating. That's it.]

[wolfcut]

Flying for fun?

[ Eurgh. His stomach dropped just thinking about it. ]

Don't see the appeal, but you're in your right to do whatever you want, kid. Just don't let it get to your head.

[truthdecided]

Not one for the air, I take it?

[Then again, he is currently a rodent. Rodents may associate flight with getting carried off by predators...]

[wolfcut]

[ Akechi's not entirely wrong, but— ]

Never been a fan of heights, no.

[truthdecided]

Well, it's not an uncommon phobia. I would say it sits alongside arachnophobia and ncytophobia, if anything.

[It'd be concerning if Akechi had a fear of heights, not only given his form, but his traversal through Palaces in the Metaverse.

Still, it's nothing all that astounding.]

[wolfcut]

Did I call it a phobia?

[ It's a phobia. ]

I just don't like being up too high. That's all.

[truthdecided]

...A phobia can be as simple as discomfort, you know. Not all of them are extreme.

[But, all right. He can try to play it cool if he really wants to.]

[wolfcut]

It's not a phobia. Did no one teach you why you don't assume things?

[truthdecided]

I was simply stating that if it was, it's not as though it would need to be extreme. Some people are too proud to admit such things.

[But perhaps it was a bit presumptuous...]

[wolfcut]

Sure.

[ Not Bigby, though. Definitely not Bigby. ]

Well, you got your answer from me. Let's just leave at that.

[ Not like he's leaving this conversation grumpier than he started or anything. ]