Farfetch'd had evolved.
The moment Yuri saw its body wrapped in brilliant white light, she let out a thrilled squeal and jumped up, hugging Marie tightly.
"Ahhh! It really evolved! Marie-chan, Marie-chan, look, look!"
"...I see it. Stop shaking me."
Marie groaned as Yuri tugged at her shirt with infectious energy, eventually pushing her face back gently to restore personal space.
Marie was certainly intrigued by Farfetch'd's evolution more than intrigued, really. The evolution method for Farfetch'd had always been a matter of debate, with no clear consensus. Even seeing it happen firsthand didn't provide a definitive answer.
Still, witnessing it was undeniably exciting.
The light of evolution faded quickly, revealing Farfetch'd's new form for all to see.
Or rather, it wasn't Farfetch'd anymore. It was now Sirfetch'd.
Marie took a few steps forward to examine it closely.
The biggest changes were its plumage and leek. The previously brown feathers had turned nearly pure white. While its size hadn't changed dramatically, the leek had undergone a remarkable transformation.
What had once been a single stalk was now split into two distinct weapons. The upper portion had unfurled into a leafy, dark-green shield, while the lower part, cut on a diagonal, had become a long, lance-like sword.
And perhaps the strangest detail below the sword's hilt was a bulging, bulb-like shape that looked suspiciously like garlic. Marie tilted her head, curious. Could that piece be removed? Was it edible? Would it grow back if you ate it?
Noticing Marie's gaze, Sirfetch'd stood tall with sword and shield in hand, meeting her eyes with pride.
"Would you like to rest at my camp for a bit? You're not looking too good right now."
"Quack..."
Before Sirfetch'd could respond, Ee-chan walked over and cut him off.
"Eei! (Come on. I'm the one who caused those injuries, after all.)"
After all, evolution was a physical transformation it didn't magically heal wounds. No matter how radiant Sirfetch'd now appeared, it was just the surge of newfound strength masking the pain.
"Quack... (Alright, thank you both.)"
Sirfetch'd wasn't the type to be overly modest. Truthfully, his impression of Ee-chan had improved during their battle. And besides, his back still ached. A proper place to rest didn't sound so bad.
Baru's training session had clearly been derailed, but he didn't seem to mind. With a cheerful chirp, he flapped after the group as they headed for Marie's camp.
As for Yuri...
She was already circling around Sirfetch'd, clearly fascinated by his sword and shield. She followed at his side, reaching out with eager fingers but not quite daring to touch.
Back at camp, Marie dug out two bottles of Super Potion from her backpack and waved at both Ee-chan and Sirfetch'd.
"Come here. I'll treat your wounds."
Ee-chan didn't need to be told twice. As soon as Marie sat down, she trotted over and sprawled out, resting her head lazily on Marie's lap and closing her eyes with a content sigh.
Sirfetch'd hesitated for a moment before setting his sword and shield down and crouching beside Marie. He didn't quite have the nerve to lie down like Ee-chan.
"Quack... (Sorry to trouble you, human...)"
"It's nothing. Just a little first aid."
Marie spoke calmly as she began tending to their wounds with practiced care.
Meanwhile, Yuri scooted over to Sirfetch'd, eyes sparkling. She poked at the tuft of feathers on his head, and when he turned to look at her, she asked softly,
"Um... can I take a look at your sword and shield?"
Sirfetch'd stared at her in silence for a moment, then gave a small nod.
"Hehe, thank you!"
Yuri grinned and reached out, wrapping her small hands around the thick hilt of the leek-sword. In her grasp, the blade looked oversized and wildly mismatched.
"Hrrgh-!"
She crouched low, trying to lift what appeared to be a simple vegetable weapon. But even with her face turning red from the effort, the tip of the blade barely moved off the ground.
It just drooped there, stubbornly uncooperative.
"Haah... haah... Why is it so heavy?!"
Yuri finally gave up, flopping onto the grass with a defeated groan. She looked like a total wreck.
Marie raised an eyebrow in surprise. Sure, she didn't expect a girl like Yuri to be very strong, but she hadn't thought the weapon would be that unwieldy. It seemed this leek, evolved into sword form, was the real deal.
Once she finished applying the potion, Marie gently lifted Ee-chan's body into her lap and began her usual massage. She glanced down at Sirfetch'd and said,
"Wait a little, alright? You're more seriously hurt. Let the potion work a bit more before I give you a massage. Just relax for now."
"Quack... (Got it.)"
Sirfetch'd nodded and turned his attention back to Yuri, who hadn't given up playing with his gear.
This time, she'd abandoned the enormous sword and turned her focus to the shield, which appeared much smaller and thinner in comparison. It was made from the leafy top of the leek, and although it looked delicate, it was incredibly sturdy. When Yuri tapped on it, it gave off a deep, solid thunk.
She grabbed both sides of the shield and pushed with her legs, finally managing to lift it. But judging by her awkward stance, she wouldn't be walking far with it let alone using it in battle.
Sirfetch'd didn't seem to mind. In fact, he watched Yuri's attempts with amusement, and slowly began to relax.
...
By the time Marie finished massaging Ee-chan, Sirfetch'd's external wounds had nearly vanished. She guessed the internal injuries were healing well too. After all, these Super Potions came from a top-tier Poké Mart they weren't just for show.
She patted Sirfetch'd's back to catch his attention, then tapped her now-free lap.
"Alright, your turn. Lie down."
Sirfetch'd stared at Marie's lap for a long moment. The way Ee-chan had practically melted into a blissful puddle there had left quite an impression. Now that it was his turn, he found himself hesitating.
He didn't really want to end up looking like a useless lump, too.
But while he was still wrestling with himself, Marie simply reached over and pulled him gently into place.
"Quack wait"
"Relax. Massage is for relieving muscle fatigue. It's part of the treatment."
"Quack... (Oh... oh?)"
Marie's words instantly wiped away any lingering reluctance. Though he was still a little confused, if this was considered medical care, then it was fine, right?
Sirfetch'd shuffled slightly to adjust his position, then finally closed his eyes.
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