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[bleeding_heart]

[Anyone passing through Union's parks today will likely happen upon a somewhat odd sight.  Merrill is sitting on a bench, leaning forward with her hands on her knees and staring with great interest at a Sawsbuck.  The Sawsbuck doesn't seem to be doing anything terribly interesting, splitting its time roughly equally between staring back at Merrill, standing and looking regal as it listens for potential danger, and grazing lightly on the grass.  Despite this, however, its trainer's attention remains absolutely riveted on the Pokemon, as if she's expecting it to do something amazing any moment now.]

Oh, I can't wait...!

Comments

[wise_maiden]

Is your Pokemon all right, miss?

[Normally Raine would mind her business, but she couldn't help noticing the way the woman seemed preoccupied with the inspection of her Pokemon. Still, with a closer look, that was something of a ponderous expression. So surely something wasn't wrong.]

[bleeding_heart]

Oh yes, quite well! Thank you.

[She's definitely waiting for something to happen. The Sawsbuck, on the other hand, is just going about its business.]

[wise_maiden]

That's good. Is it a recent bondmate of yours?

[As she tries to rationalize the fascination for her own curiosity.

There's another Sawsbuck not too far away, though with a noticeably different look to it, as it's already clad in its winter coat.]

[bleeding_heart]

That's right. We just met the other day.

[And now Merrill's attention briefly wanders to the other Sawsbuck, and she gasps loudly.]

Oh! Is that one yours? It's got its winter coat already!

[wise_maiden]

Hm? Ohhh... [She nods, glancing between the two Pokemon.] Yes, he already had that when I met him, although I think it largely had to do with the environment at the time. And I don't believe the seasonal changes can... go backwards for them. He hasn't expressed too much discomfort at the climate change, though it must be strange for him.

[bleeding_heart]

I've been waiting for mine to change.

[Which explains the staring.]

I don't think he's quite ready yet, though.

[wise_maiden]

The weather here still seems fairly mild to be considered winter just yet. Although, you could ask him to give you some kind of warning, for when it is time...

[bleeding_heart]

Oh! Like a secret code? I've always wanted to have a secret code.

[wise_maiden]

[She tilts her head.] Oh? I guess that's one way to think of it, but it might be the best way to find out, if he's willing to do so. The transitions aren't all that well documented, surprisingly enough... scholars have been going back and forth over whether it's something that occurs based purely on their location or because of their own willpower or some combination of factors.

[bleeding_heart]

I suppose it can't hurt to ask. I don't want to miss it, after all.

[wise_maiden]

Do you think the warp band would help? Although I wonder if it would be a certain time of day as well...

[bleeding_heart]

I wonder if he'll know in time to tell me it's happening.

[wise_maiden]

Considering how much in question the phenomenon is, even for a known species... whenever it's time may be time. Only time can tell, really.

[bleeding_heart]

I hope he doesn't change while I'm asleep. That would be terribly disappointing.

[wise_maiden]

I imagine it would be since you've been waiting so earnestly. On the bright side, there always will be a chance to catch it in the next year and so forth, not to mention the other seasonal changes...

[bleeding_heart]

I suppose you're right. Still, I'd love to see each change as it happens. I'm sure it's beautiful to watch.

[wise_maiden]

It must be an incredible sight. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to keep a record myself...

[bleeding_heart]

Good luck to us, both, then. Although you'll have longer to wait than I will.

[wise_maiden]

Indeed. At least I can content myself with the fact that hopefully there will be other new discoveries before that time to help fill in the gap of waiting.

[bleeding_heart]

Oh, I'm sure there will. There are all sorts of exciting new places to explore.

[wise_maiden]

Do you go exploring often?

[bleeding_heart]

Every few months or so. I'm with the Seekers, so it's sort of like my job. Though they've never paid me for it.

[wise_maiden]

Their organization is very notable for explorations... but I hope that means you don't rely on them as a source of income.

[bleeding_heart]

Oh, no, of course not! Yuuna earns all the money.

[wise_maiden]

You're completely relying on someone else? [Must be a Union thing...]