Akari Wishes For The Cloths Of Heaven (Volokari/Volo x Akari/Volo x Reader)

To A Child Dancing Upon The Shore

"It's wonderful to see you again Akari!"

Palina's voice was bright and strong, drowned out only by the "GroOOF!" of her Growlithe.

"Thank you, Palina," Akari said, accepting the cup of tea from the tall woman as she adjusted her feet under the chair.

Iscan's cabin was small and cozy, clearly still fitted for a single occupant as opposed to two adults and a large Pokemon. Akari felt bad intruding but after quelling the storm of Chatot, Iscan had insisted on her staying the night even though they were only a short ride aways from one of the Galaxy Team's base camps.

"She always knows how to calm someone after a terrifying battle, " Iscan said affectionately, wrapping his arm around Palina's waist briefly and giving her a one-armed hug before returning to his little hearth. Akari stifled a laugh. While Iscan may have a comfortable relationship with his beloved Basculegion, it was clear that many wild Pokemon still terrified him. She smiled as she watched the couple shoot loving looks at each other before they busied themselves with their respective tasks.

The marriage had not been unexpected, but had been surprising nonetheless, especially when Akari heard of it through Professor Laventon himself. The Diamond and Pearl Clan's relationships had improved gradually since the rift had sealed and tensions were not nearly as high, but Palina and Iscan had further sealed that divide when they decided to announce their engagement. Akari smiled, thinking of it. Iridia had not been surprised in the least, shooting knowing glances at her friend and once-rival, while Adaman had simply shrugged in an almost too-casual way, before giving his warden a warm embrace and congratulating him on finding love. If anything, Palina's remaining Growlithe had been the biggest adversary, though he seemed to be holding out until the young Lord Arcanine issued his approval. After that, Growlithe had been quick to embrace the formal union of his master and her lover.

Still, Akari couldn't help grinning. Of all the wardens she had met during her original journey, Iscan and Palina had always been the most welcoming, and knowing that they felt comfortable exposing their relationship at long last warmed her heart.

"What's your plan for this expedition?" Palina asked as she set the kettle down. "You haven't been to the Coastlands in nearly two moons! I'd thought you'd finished your research here,"

"Is it so wrong for me to come visit friends?" Akari asked innocently. To this, Palina simply laughed.

"As much as we love your visits, we know you wouldn't come by with that many supplies if you weren't planning some sort of research,"

Akari grinned with a glance at her overstuffed pack. "Guilty as charged," she admitted.

"So what is it then?"

Akari sighed. Was it worth admitting she hadn't completed her final Pokedex entry? Sure, she had all the important information. But until she caught Giratina, she couldn't confidently say that she had finished it.

"I've heard a rumor that Giratina is somewhere in the Cobalt Coastlands,"

With that statement, the air seemed to grow cold. Palina's hand still rested on the handle of the kettle, unmoving, and Iscan seemed to drain of color. Akari decided to continue.

"Its entry is nearly complete, but I can't finish it until I catch Giratina,"

The silence continued for several seconds, until Palina released the kettle and turned to Akari.
"But nothing bad has happened here. We have mass outbreaks sometimes, depending on the weather, but we haven't seen any sign of a new rift. Even Lord Arcanine and Basculegion haven't behaved differently. Surely if Giratina were plotting something they would react?"