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

The Blue and the Dim and the Dark

It was almost worth the awkwardness just to see Palina and Iscan's faces when they arrived at the top of the hill in the late evening. Palina looked nervous but Iscan was all but besides himself.

"Akari, what is going on?" he gasped as he made eye contact with the tall blond. "I thought he tried to kill you!"

Volo shrunk into himself as Iscan said this, a pink tinge coloring his shrunken cheeks.

"It's a bit more complicated that than," Akari admitted, stepping forward so that she was closer to his side. "But he's coming back to Jubilife with me,"

Volo had filled her in on his tentative plan as they made their way along the cliffside and across the wide stretch of beach. On the off chance he was successful with his mission with Giratina, he had toyed with the idea of cataloguing all of Hisui's myths and legends that he had learned about though his exploration of the land. And while he originally intended to do so from the security of the Ancient Retreat, his run-in with Akari and her fragile acceptance of him had made him long for society again after so much time alone. In addition, if Akari and the villagers could accept him again, even in an uneasy sort of way, he would feel a bit better the next time he spoke to Cogita. He loved his aunt, but she was a harsh critic of the man and he hadn't been back to see her since his self-imposed exile. He hoped she was still doing well. He'd have to ask Akari when the awkward reintroduction was over.

"And you're okay with that?" Palina asked, scowling at Volo. "This man is the reason you were exiled from Jubilife to begin with,"

Akari shrugged, trying to hard to be casual.

"He said he's turned over a new leaf, but besides, if he did try anything I could just beat him again," she grinned, looking back over at her former friend and enemy. Volo gave a half smile.

"That's if the village even accepts me. If they don't, I'll leave and go back to the wilds and not bother them again,"

Palina looked at the man. "Well, if you have the Hero of Hisui vouching for you you should be all set. They won't like it one bit but they'll trust her. Enough for both of you, maybe,"

Akari nodded. "I'll talk to Kamado first thing when we get back. Maybe I'll send word ahead first," she considered. "Though that would make it easier to turn down," she frowned.

"Whatever you think is best," Volo said. "Though if I arrive with you I think they'll be less likely to stone me to death for fear of hitting you,"

He said it so sincerely Akari almost laughed before realizing how serious it was. God, how broken was this man that he would be afraid of ordinary villagers? The Volo she knew could get along with anyone and everyone. Then again, the Volo she thought she knew wouldn't have tried to destroy the world.

Breaking the silence, Iscan cut in. "Apologizes, but we only expected Akari tonight and didn't prepare enough food. You're welcome to use the fire to cook though, we might have some extra ingredients somewhere in the house,"

"Of course, thank you," Volo said gratefully. "There's no need though, I have rations with me. I haven't eaten alongside another human in years, I'm sure my manners are a bit rusty," he said in an attempt at humor.

"That's the other thing..." Iscan hesitated. "Our home is small and barely has room for Akari's mat so you'll have to camp too. Forgive that lack of hospitality. Even if you're in possession of dreadfully fearful Pokemon," he gulped nervously, "If Akari vouches for you, you're a welcome guest,"

"Thank you," Volo said softly. "I'll set up on the other side of the fire so you have some space. Please, enjoy your dinner and pretend I'm not here,"

With that, he turned to step to the far side of the fire, dropping his pack and slowly unrolling his worn tent. Iscan and Palina nodded at each other.