Applin?

"It must be my winning personality." Howard peered at it in confusion. "Or the lack of digits in my bank account."

This almost feels like a bad joke. Applin. Of all the Pokemon in the draciary to take notice of him, why did it have to be an Applin? Remiel adored Applin, and they often adorned the museum where the duo worked from time to time. To hide in plain sight and be noticed by a fellow professional in the field?

And there's the gesture of giving an Applin to another. Memories of grad school flash, a maelstrom of when he was set to be married to her.

That memory was quickly killed and stuffed back in its box.

"But I am very admirable, with loads of special talents. Observe!" Howard knelt down next to the Applin and coughed into his fist. "Hey, little one. How does that phrase go? Ir moxt?"

Instead of a guttural cry, it sounded like a Meowth's screeches after falling into a toilet.

---

freya morningstar

Damn. He was normally better at ancient languages than this. Yet the draconic script existed for dragon masters to parley with creatures that sat at the pinnacle of the food chain. It was a language used to converse with what many cultures had considered deities.

Yet as this region tended to prove, gods could die.

He knew from experience, because he would kill one. Humanity would know if Necrozma's blood was as black as its armor, and Eternatus would fall to siege engines designed to bring down the heavens.

"I'll have to practice. There weren't many times that I could attempt it, though I guess that's why Dreepy tend to attack me in tombs. It really kills my throat, though." He chewed his lips thoughtfully as he looked from the Applin to Freya. "You sure?"

As its tongue tasted the archaeologist's flesh, it shuddered at the familiar sensation of tasting a liar hiding in plain sight.

"Last time someone gave me an Applin, it wasn't even the real deal. It was an eraser. It's on my desk somewhere."

---

freya morningstar

Humanity can escape their limitations. They are an ugly species, lacking the harmony that Pokémon share when they are not dealing with their base most desires. They kill and plunder and murder, but they also built things. In that sense, humans were more virtuous than angels, because they had a choice to be evil and many still chose to be good.

Briefly, he considers telling her his dream of a world that never changes once it reaches arcadia. Then, he shakes his head. She would call him a fool.

Paradise is only thus because it must come to an end.

"I see. I'll practice, then. I already know a few dozen languages, what's a few more?" He chuckles as she tickles the Applin's chin. He decides that he likes Freya, even if he cannot appropriately deem her worth from two conversations. "Maybe we'll become friends."

He does not specify whom.

She speaks of dragons choosing people, and immediately thinks of the ancient machines he commands. Claydols and Golurks and giants. They have no choice. They simply see him as their master and obey.

They are not fallible, like he is.

"If you ever need anything regarding translations or new discoveries, let me know." He smiles slightly as he scoops up the Applin. "A debt is owed."

---

freya morningstar