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

[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...

(1/2)

[dunchies]

Meat? [ Oh. Oh. ]

Of course. Of course! So obvious... why'd I even ask? I have a bird, some fish, even a rabbit—all freshly caught.

[ Intentionally avoiding actual Pokémon names here. ]

(2/2)

[dunchies]

... But I’ll have to stop at the market first for veggies, too. [ His excitement dies down, just a little. ]

I tried to make sure they fed you enough at the clinic, but they just made me leave when I asked too many questions. Your body still needs to build its energy back up for a while, so craving meat makes sense.

[ A bit unfortunate, because he already wants another sparring session with her. If she had any dreams of a puppy wagging his tail at the foot of her bed, waiting for her to wake up and play again, he might be the culprit. ]

[quirkynote]

[Bird? Fish? Rabbit?

...yeah, that all sounds good. A.B.A has absolutely no qualms with any of that.]

That was real...? Truly? Hmn...

[Her voice is soft, almost like she's asking herself more than anyone else. It's...nice to have confirmation. As bothersome as the array of questions may have been to the doctors, A.B.A has always seen such acts as a kindness. People don't "bother" if they don't care.]

It's funny... Before arriving here, I never did eat very much... It was never necessary... But now I have people making sure I'm eating even when I'm in an unconscious state... Such a drastic change.

[Not that she's complaining, she likes eating.]

Thank you...for helping me. I'll eat whatever you choose to bring. I'm not picky.

[dunchies]

Hm? [ He tilts his head, almost missing the first part. But then it clicks, his tail wagging behind him. ] Everyone missed you a lot, A.B.A. Making sure you're cared for and well-fed—it's the easiest thing friends can do!

[ Just saying that last part especially makes his smile grow all the more. ]

It's also nicer to share a meal than to eat alone. I can bring a little of everything, just so you can try it. [ He also knows better than to overeat nowadays... he can't help but picture himself as a pudgier Boltund to boot. ]

[quirkynote]

[The way he smiles after saying they're friends, that they're ALL friends, it makes her flinch a little. But...not in a bad way.]

Even you consider me a friend...? I'm not sure what to say...

[She recalls Dizzy saying something about wanting to be her friend shortly before coming here, the Queen even invited A.B.A to tea... It makes sense now, if what Laios is saying is true. Yes... It's the common denominator here... The Friendship Ritual is sharing food!]

I think I'd like that. A lot... Please bring as much as you can.

[You better watch out, Laios, the just made pudgy Lycanroc canon.]

[dunchies]

[ Laios sees that flinch and does indeed take it in a not-so-good way. He reels back just a little, wondering if maybe he stepped a little too far past a boundary. ]

I-I know we haven’t known each other that long compared to the others! But I still think you’re really cool… [ Regardless, his ears perk up at the go-ahead. ]

Right! Let me see... [ He’s running around now, trying to pack up what he has at the Canopy. ] Hm. I could get you some bread, too. Maybe even some curry? [ How he expects to carry everything without hands is anyone’s guess. ]

I know! I’ll just take my pearl to the market and show you what they have. You’ll be able to see the town while you’re resting, too.

[ With his nonstop appetite, he’s practically half-way there to making it canon already. ]