Video;

[quirkynote]

[The grumpearl projects an image and this time it's of A.B.A, her chimeric form sprawled across one of Oran's many beds. She looks tired, more than usual, and especially for someone who's been out of commission for a couple of months.]

...It would appear that I've fallen ill. I'm...disappointed in myself, I don't fall ill, I'm supposed to be better than that. I survive, I rise, I'm supposed to be filled with potential. ...It's this body, it's weak, even now it's weak. Mightyena was kind enough to allow me back into the guild, and that's where I'll continue to recover. It feels bad... I feel bad...

[A pause.]

...I was aware throughout most of it, at least...I think I was. A lot of it amalgamated with my thoughts, swirling, like a dream. ....I know some of you were there, although it's possible that was also part of the dream. You should tell me if you were actually there or not, s-so I know what the reality really was. Please say you were there...

What else... Oh!

Before I succumbed, a very rude mongoose was able to tell me what my Pokémon species is called. She called it Type: Full. I like that...

...

[At this point, A.B.A isn't sure how to end her message, her stray thoughts just sort of...slipping out.]

I'm not sure what else to say...

I'm hungry. I can't buy snacks stuck in bed...

Comments

[truthdecided]

[A.B.A is back? Pardon the explosion of shock, before Akechi tries smoothing his feathers and clearing his throat.

This is fine.]

It's ridiculous to blame yourself for factors outside your control. I doubt anyone here begrudges you for falling ill.

[quirkynote]

[A.B.A's head jerks back, as if the shock actually just punched her in the face. She's a little sensitive right now, blame the illness.]

Perhaps, but I certainly do. I've never been ill before, especially not so ill that my heart would give out... It's...embarrassing.

[seacub]

You're awake-

[Panic. Elation. Alarm-]

If-

If you heard me- [He can't help but leak thoughts into the pearl as he frantically speaks. The various tasks that were required to tend to those in the comas, which occasionally he helped with. He certainly couldn't assist in moving her body around to keep any sores from developing, but he was great with most of the other tasks!]

I was definitely there! I...

I can come by later too, I've just been helping with the Archives more the last few days...but between all of us, you won't be alone!

[That's important to him for some reason.

From the feeling in the pearl, that's important.]

[quirkynote]

[Ah, okay. Confirmation. So people really were tending to her.

It's...a strange feeling. She honestly didn't expect anyone to care, let alone multiple people. What would Paracelsus say about that...]

I've been relocated to The Spire, are you sure? It's a much longer walk.

[technusrulez]

Hello!

[There's some rapid beeping in morse code underneath his greeting as he speaks. HELLOWORLD.]

My new body is so much weaker than my old body, so I understand! Do you want food? I can bring you food!!

[Technus's grumpearl projects a slideshow of various foods at a breakneck pace. There's a few pictures of powerlines in the slideshow as well for some reason.]

I do not need it-

[The images of powerlines flash by again, along with several Electric-type Pokémon and a scene of a lightning storm.]

-so you can have it!

[quirkynote]

[Oh! This one is new, she would've remembered a face like that. Round, smiling, almost like a tiny, orange Paracelsus... Still not the key Pokémon, though, but definitely cute.]

Yes, especially if you don't need it. I simply can't tolerate waste like that, you should bring it right away.

[firealone]

You're back!

[Along with his words, the grumpearl sends a strong wave of shock, relief, happiness and friendship. Firepaw is also purring, very loudly.]

I'm glad you're feeling better... I visited when I could, but Dr. Denne was worried about it being contagious. Do you want me to bring you something?

[It might have to take several trips... since it's difficult for him to carry anything large enough for A.B.A to get full on.]

[quirkynote]

[It's both strange and fascinating that purring is somehow soothing even through a psychic connection. She likes it... A.B.A wishes she could purr.]

I hope it's not contagious, I would rather spare you from something so horrific. There are...times when you want to scream, but simply can't. The Pokémon in that ward...they're all suffering.

[But then, a more softer, tender feeling seeps through the feed.]

I do recall you being there, though. It was...appreciated. You're more than welcome to come over, although I've been moved to The Spire. It may be out of your way if you have work to do, but I wouldn't mind something to break up this...monotony.

[moondregs]

ABA!

I … would bring you food, but it’ll probably be easier for someone in your guild.

[quirkynote]

Probably. The proximity of the guild's kitchen makes fetching food much quicker for those already here.

[Girl...]

That is to say...I've received several offers now, so if you're concerned...you shouldn't be. But...thank you.

[outbounds]

You do not want to be out in this rain for too long anyway. It is like the fog in the forest. Sort of. [ There's a frisson of uncertainty that leaks through, not reflected in his mental 'tone' otherwise, at the idea of how it might interact with how she described her time in the clinic to be— aware? The entire time? But also not lucid or coupled to herself? ] So if you want snacks someone can go get them.

[ Is this him volunteering himself as someone who can, in fact, carry more? Maybe. ]

But you are awake! That is verrrrry good. I may have stopped by a few times.

[quirkynote]

Yes, I recall. That's...good. I wasn't sure. Your wisp-like form blends into dreams rather easily, so it was harder to tell. Like a ghost...

[Rain like the fog, though?]

Rain doesn't bother me, are you sure? Maybe it won't effect me, since I'm water aligned...

[favorforafavor]

[Oh to feel weak in this body-- doesn't he know it!]

Unless I hopped from my dream into yours, must've been some other guy.

[Which... now that he says it, could have happened. What with their memories bleeding into each other, who's to say that he didn't make a special guest appearance in A.B.A's dreams?

On the topic of snacks, though--]

I could make arrangements. What's in it for me?

[quirkynote]

I'd be less tempted to eat you with a full stomach.

[Is...is she joking? It's hard to tell. Does A.B.A ever joke?]

[friendlyflower]

[Oh-- oh no. It's in his mind. This is just like the memory sharing. Well, so long as he maintains control, there's nothing to fear.]

Howdy! I'm Flowey! Flowey the... Sunkern! [Once again, he is not renaming himself 'Sunny'.]

Golly, what happened to you? What do you mean, 'ill'?

[A flash of memory- a young human in a striped sweater, laying in bed, sweating feverishly. Flowey's face instantly sours. He's better than this, he thinks. He doesn't feel anything.]

Heh. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. It's annoying. [His tone has quickly grown sharp, bitter. There's a pitiful undercurrent to it.] I feel your self-pity. If you're really strong, then prove it.

[quirkynote]

[Oh! Another new face. C-Cute... Except...

This one is rude. Does it have anything to do with that flash of memory. Maybe... But the disrespect is enough to make A.B.A not consider this factor.]

You're right, evidence is often needed to prove something as fact. Very well, how would you like me to prove this to you? I could kill you. It'd be easy.

action (sowwy)

[telewarped]

[Shoka isn't bothering with the Grumpearl. The psychic connection is established for maybe a few seconds—just long enough for her to recognize the den in the Spire and for A.B.A to maybe feel a spark of disbelief—before she's gone.

She appears in the den minutes later, lurching swiftly into view and looking... Well, she doesn't have a face to emote with, but the way she's standing there looks especially rigid, maybe with shock. Her appearance is mostly unchanged since the last time A.B.A saw her, though she is currently wearing a damp, black cloak over her disguise and a simple black ribbon around its neck. She's also not-so-subtly carrying a little box of malasadas under there, judging by the slight blockiness to the false Pikachu head's shape (apparently, she'd been out on a snack run of her own).]

... What the hell?

what you sowwy for

[quirkynote]

[Oh! A.B.A barely startles from the sudden outburst, probably because she's too tired for any physical reaction. She simply continues to lounge in her bed, one of her back paws drooping lazily off the side. She glances over at Shoka with perked up ears, her head tilting slightly in a way only a dog who is also a bird can do.]

You're upset?

[Interesting, she would've expected Shoka to be happy to see her, especially since she remembers her visiting often. The Mimikyu even remembered her beloved skull husband, something she's certain most people wouldn't have thought to bring. It's...difficult to shrug off Shoka's visits as merely part of the dream, the skull was physical proof that it happened.

...

Her eyes dart to the malasadas, her tongue licking her lips (???).]

[offtracks]

Ah! I am very glad to see you feeling better! Is there anything that I can bring you?

[Also what kind of a name is "Type: Full"? Well, nevermind that...]

[quirkynote]

I've already had many offers for food, and yet...a part of me feels selfish and desires more. Is that bad? I feel like my body is making up for lost time...

[That said, she isn't suggesting he not bring her more food.]

[colorsflyinghigh]

[No way! The moment the video hits, Ren's heart jumps with relief and excitement.]

A.B.A! I'm so glad you're okay.

[He grins widely, before it turns a little awkward.]

I tried visiting you, but... ah, heh, they were afraid it was contagious-- as you've already been told.

[He does not mention that they specifically did not want him there in fear that it would make his own symptoms worse, or A.B.A's, but he's not going to say that on a public network.

He's noticed some of the others have already offered food, but it'd feel wrong not to offer something of his own...]

... Oh, I know. Why don't we all gather together to celebrate that you're better? We can all bring something to eat!

[quirkynote]

[She honestly can't blame him for not wanting to risk it. It was truly a torturous time, A.B.A barely scratched the surface when it comes to how much she really did suffer under those conditions.

She wouldn't wish that on anyone, not even the worst homewrecker.]

Mightyena did suggest another sleepover... I'm surprised, this implies that they stopped once I was incapacitated? How was anyone building morale?

[loopsiedaisy]

[Siffrin didn't have much time to get to know A.B.A, and also isn't an Oran Berry, so they weren't as affected as many of the others. But... they're surprised to find themself cheered up by seeing her project from the grumpearls. It's nice for something good to happen, for once!]

[There's been a Lot of chatter over the grumpearls already, but...] Do you still want more snacks?

[They can bring something. Maybe they can pretend they're messing up a delivery for someone else, as a Bit.]

[...hm. Also. They can't say a word about feeling bad for being sick and unhelpful, they'd probably be the same way. But:] You're the only Pokemon I've heard of getting any better, from being that ill. So maybe you're actually really strong...?

[quirkynote]

[Ah, the little lion from the hospital. How embarrassing to go from being the one delivering to the sick, to being one of the sickest among them. A.B.A is sheepish for just a moment, avoiding Siffrin's gaze.

...until they say that and suddenly she's lifting her head much like she used to do before.]

That...that's true. Yes, it all makes sense now. This body may be weaker, but it's still superior in its own way. This recovery is evidence!

[Get good, everyone else in a coma!]

Do you...have snacks you can spare?

[ibalsamina]

The name of my species is Yungoos, actually.

[Here the very rude mongoose is again, smiling and accompanied by the briefest ripple of repressed annoyance.]

And I do hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for my behavior that day. I was only... so very surprised.

[Terrified and overwhelmed with misplaced anger, more accurately.]

[quirkynote]

[Look! There she is! The mongoose herself! A.B.A's actually surprised she's addressing her so calmly, momentarily annoyance aside. This change of heart...is a little unsettling.]

I hold no malice in my heart, so you're forgiven.

[Says A.B.A, who recently suggested she kill a child earlier.]

Despite your....surprise, you were very helpful. You're...valuable to me.

[dripdrive]

One less patient for me to deal with I guess. Is someone regularly checking on you while you recover at Oran?

... you do not know me. I am very real. I did part of your bed care.

[quirkynote]

Yes, I do recall you. Not personally, of course, but I remember you. Do be careful, there are some on here who may question your identity as a bird.

[...what?]

I do have people checking on me, it's a little overwhelming, actually.

[dunchies]

You're—! [ He's interrupted by his own coughing, whatever he happened to be eating just before this now caught in the back of his throat. A.B.A maybe caught him off-guard at the wrong time. The line goes dead.

And just like that, he's back. ] What food would you like? I have plenty!

[quirkynote]

[Ah...

When the line goes dead, A.B.A almost worries that he might have choked to death. It's a very real possibility! And if he's nowhere near a medical bay...

But then he's back, and suddenly her stomach does all the talking.]

Meat... Something with blood...

[hundredeyesoni]

You've been ill!?

[While there may be excitement in this Slowking's voice, the reason behind it isn't quite the same as anyone else's. This isn't someone he knows, after all. He'd never forget a former patient. But if her condition's still as she said...]

We'll have to get you well enough to start leaving that bed, then. If you need any further treatment, I'd be happy to help.

[quirkynote]

[A.B.A's seen a few new faces by now, but they've both been very small and cute, despite their...personalities. This is her first time seeing a Slowking and they're...big. There's a feeling of uneasiness that comes in from her end, the feathers on her mane starting to ruffle. She...she can do this, she's talked to larger Pokémon before and it turned out just fine. Hell, she talked to that ostrich and she barely knows him, however he had the benefit of nursing her while she was out, so she knows he's okay.]

N-No, that's okay. No further treatments are necessary.

[She's stuck in bed and still feels phantom pains, she absolutely could use more treatments.]

[Video]

[bladeofnymeia]

A.B.A.!

[She'd heard from Shoka that their friend had gone into a deep unconscious sleep!!!]

I can bring you snacks! Would Mightyena be alright with you having visitors while you recover?

[quirkynote]

[Oh man, she is going to have so many snacks at this rate. ...And she is going to force herself to eat Every. Crumb. because she simply won't allow waste.

She's going to be so sick at this rate, A.B.A is her own worst enemy-]

Mightyena actually encourages my socialization, if anything, she'd insist upon it. I insist on it, too.

[ action-ish ]

[shotinhead]

[ It is about a day after the grumpearls were set off, and A.B.A. was known to be alive. It is not even Perrin who delivers the package - he does not go down deep into the Spire, after all. But one of his allies - a Hisuian Arcanine - dropped off what looked like a basket at the door, before knocking at it and leaving.

There is a basket of food. A lot of them are pastries, fruits - the sort that taste good and are healthy. There's a bit of packaged and prepared meat, as well. It's enough to feed a single large Pokemon for a few days. And there's a little note enclosed. ]

Glad you recovered. Brought what I could. Recovery fucking sucks, try and find some entertainment at least. Stick with those who care for you.

I'll take you to the sea again when you're better.

- Courier Six.

[quirkynote]

[A gift? Filled with food?!

And more importantly, a promise to see the sea again.

The basket will be treasured, the food eaten greedily, and the note kept fondly in her bed where she can read it repeatedly before curling up on top of it protectively.

She is going to hold him to that!]