Magic & Transvolution

(Quick Author's Note: Just a heads up that I'll be posting new chapters of M&T a lot more late than usual due to being in the middle of getting professional help along with prepping for school next month. Thank you for understanding, and enjoy the rest of the chapter!)

Large shrouds of trees shield the woods from any sunlight, shadows seeping every corner. The hoots of Hoothoot echo, the trembles of bushes rustle, and the creaks of branches snap. The six look around, narrowing their eyes.

"...It's quite dark in here," Ramon points out.

"No kidding," Ada agrees. "Makes me wonder what it looks like at night."

"Let's say in short: You're not going to see a single damn thing," Courtney answers.

"Really!?" Ramon, Justin, and Ada shout, startling the Drowzee.

Courtney presses her finger against her lips. "Shh! Keep it down, will ya?" She stops, eyeing around with caution. "Don't want to alert any strong Nativus, now."

"Str-Strong Nativus?" Mesmeren asks, widening her eyes.

The Lopunny stares ahead for a brief moment, sighing. "Yes. Gloomy Woods has a lot of them strong Nativus roamin' here. Trust me: Be on the lookout for them."

Courtney and Sylock keep glancing around as Mesmeren holds her hands together, gulping. Ramon, Justin, and Ada stare at each other for a brief moment, the boy shrugging afterwards. Everyone moves forward, each step being steadier than the last.

Mesmeren sniffs the air, salivating. "Mmf," she murmurs, closing her eyes and licking her lips. Ramon looks at her, tilting his head.

"Um, Mes—"

Mesmeren jolts past everyone, reaching a bush filled with Oran Berries thanks to the small sunlight: Those blue spotted features captivate the Drowzee, her tongue hanging with glee. She takes one of the berries and bites it, shaking her head. "Mmm!" She bites another. And another. And another!

Everyone stares at the Drowzee with perplexion, lifting their brows. "Hey um...Mesmeren—" Ada clears her throat. "You never consider those berries to be rotten or anything?"

The ribbon wearing tapir turns around, some juices spilling out of her stuffed mouth while carrying many Oran Berries. She swallows, looking away with a blush. "S-Sorry...I really like Oran Berries," she says, lowering her ears.

"Hey don't feel bad about liking them things: I once ate an Oran Berry pie, and it's some of the most delicious pie I've ever tasted in my life," Courtney says, licking her lips while rubbing her belly.

Mesmeren perks up. "Wh-What? I th-thought Forest was kidding around when he said that!"

"Nope! Those things are real, and I highly recommend giving it a try." Courtney then turns towards the others, snapping her fingers. "That goes for y'all, too."

Sylock sticks his tongue out, shaking his head. "Yuck! No thanks," he signs.

The Lopunny pouts. "Of course you'll despise it. I kept tellin' ya about that one being cooked by a garbage chef, Sylock!"

"Well that 'chef' gave me a bad impression on Oran Berry pies and possibly pies in general." The Blaziken folds his arms, his face wincing.

"Look, at least give it another chance by a good chef!"

Ramon, Justin, and Ada stare blankly before the trio snicker. "Look fam, I don't know what that guy is...doing? But I find you two hilarious together."

Courtney smirks. "For one, he's using sign language. And two...huh." Mesmeren returns back to the others with so much Oran Berries as Courtney elbows the Blaziken. "I guess we make for an interesting duo, eh Sylock?"