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.

[truthdecided]

Your heart—

[Um. Give him a moment. What the fuck? That's quite the bomb to drop, but that does explain why she was out for so long...]

Well. It's still good to hear that you were deemed well enough to release. It means you're likely on the mend.

[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.]

[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!

[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]

Yes, it was apparently declining before I woke, although it appears fine now.

[A.B.A acts like this is merely cringe rather than the miraculous recovery that it really is.]

I'm bedbound for at least a week, but they suggested longer. I'm not sure...how comfortable I am with being so unhelpful for that long.

[moondregs]

ABA!

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

[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.

[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.

[seacub]

I'm definitely sure!

[He'll run as fast as his teeny tiny stumpy legs can manage!!!]

I- I mean, I don't go to the beach that much, but it's not like I never go, and I have other friends in Oran too, so it wouldn't be right if I didn't come now so-

[...Oops, he let go of the pearl mid ramble. He seemed rather frantic though!]

[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.

[technusrulez]

Next mealtime, I will bring you some food!⁽¹⁾

(1) As much as I am capable of carrying.⁽²⁾
(2) Which shall not be very much, as I no longer have proper hands.

Oran Guild stick together - I miss my hands - Doesn't fall ill, is she dead too? - Damn she's big - What's the mechanism behind Pokémon forms being chosen - Why is it called Pokémon?

[Technus's thoughts whirl by.]

[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.

[quirkynote]

...You don't go to the beach? Why? It's beautiful...

[Because it kills him, A.B.A.]

[truthdecided]

[Hm... It reminds him of his own struggles recently after the failure in the forest.

Sighing softly, he contemplates a response. He should choose his words carefully.]

You'll have opportunities soon enough, especially given recent developments near the ocean.

[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]

[A.B.A's head spins from so many thoughts at once, but she gets it. People often fumble when they first start using the grumpearl.

Still, one of those thoughts makes her stiffen slightly, and she can't help but put on her mask of superiority.]

I'm not dead, I don't die.

[She then pauses momentarily.]

...would you like to discuss Pokémon forms? My theory is that they correspond to the person in some way. My Pokémon species is an artificial lifeform, which is what I was before arriving here.

[ don't you love public networks ]

[outbounds]

[ not here, but not-not here? not saying anything,

but. ]

[quirkynote]

What about the ocean?!

[NO.]

[truthdecided]

It's gotten rather dire.

[Here, A.B.A. He'll project the image from his bird's eye view as Ren, Perrin, and Firepaw joined him in their rescue mission.

Mysterious fog shrouds the ocean that wasn't visible from the shore. Further in, a monstrously large shadow passes beneath the water.

Later, they find the wounded Drakloak floating in the water, without its Dreepy.]

The fog has spread to the ocean. Moreover, a large, predatory Pokémon has taken to attacking travelers, ordered by a smaller companion. Laios-san and I believe it may be a Dondozo and Tatsugiri.

[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...

[quirkynote]

[Oh...

That's not nearly as whimsical as she was hoping for. A.B.A's beak-maw wrinkles into a snarl, her ears folding back.]

If something is ruining the beach, ruining the ocean, then I simply need to kill it.

[moondregs]

Of course I’m concerned! I … I didn’t think I’d see you again.

[technusrulez]

I am very dead!

(𝔑𝔦𝔠𝔬𝔩𝔞𝔦 𝔗𝔢𝔱𝔢𝔩𝔟𝔞𝔲𝔪 𝔡𝔦𝔢𝔡 𝔩𝔞𝔰𝔱 𝔚𝔢𝔡𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔡𝔞𝔶 𝔞𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔞𝔤𝔢 𝔬𝔣 77. ℌ𝔢 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔟𝔢 𝔟𝔲𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔡 𝔦𝔫 𝔅𝔢𝔱𝔥 𝔒𝔩𝔞𝔪 ℭ𝔢𝔪𝔢𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔶.)

And apparently I am a ghost now, as well. A ghost with electrical powers, just as I was before! So I have had a perfect carryover!
Except for my hands. I still miss my hands.
I want a computer. I wish there were computers here.
How am I supposed to be the Lord of All Gadgetry if there is no gadgetry?