"Don't underestimate me!"

Melody is due back from Galar for the summer today! Her ship is scheduled to arrive within the hour! "Do you want to come wait at the docks with me?" Her mother asks AZ.

Anya leads the way, grateful for his company. Melody's father meets them down there; the two are back on friendly terms, but there's some distance between them still.

AZ made sure of the distance, by planting himself right between Anya and her ex. He sat down and crossed his legs as he waited. Watching the boat’s fuzzy form gave him an odd sense of anxiety, so he played with Muguet instead.

Mel hugged him tight, but not too tight, before finally pulling back, a bright smile on her face. Her hair was down for once, and she seemed... softer, gentler; mellowed out, almost.

Melody is due back from Galar for the summer today! Her ship is scheduled to arrive within the hour! "Do you want to come wait at the docks with me?" Her mother asks AZ.

Anya leads the way, grateful for his company. Melody's father meets them down there; the two are back on friendly terms, but there's some distance between them still.

Mel is home for a week! She's gonna tackle hug tutu and show him her new pokemon!!

Mel hands them all over to him individually to say hello. A Sizzlipede (Slappy), a Togepi (Mia), a Galarian Corsola (Lapu), and an Applin (Dumpling)!

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Ring ring. The tablet left behind in the shed has an incoming video call from Melody!

"Hello? Hi Muguet!"

He grunts. Yes, he is there. Muguet moves the screen so that he’s in the shot too. He squints at the screen. “What’s with- What’s all this?” A finger points to her outfit.

Daisy chatters away, telling Muguet about all about the places they've been. And lots of flowers!!

Muguet listens with delight. She claps her hands and enjoys her adventures.

Ring ring. The tablet left behind in the shed has an incoming video call from Melody!

"Hello? Hi Muguet!"

He grunts. Yes, he is there. Muguet moves the screen so that he’s in the shot too. He squints at the screen. “What’s with- What’s all this?” A finger points to her outfit.

Daisy chatters away, telling Muguet about all about the places they've been. And lots of flowers!!

Ring ring. The tablet left behind in the shed has an incoming video call from Melody!

"Hello? Hi Muguet!"

Been meaning to do this for a few months and on so

Melody is here, looking a little sad. She has a backpack and suitcase with her. "Today's the day, I'm leaving for Galar for a little bit..."

Melody examined the whistle, admiring every little detail. It was beautiful! She put it around her neck and gave it a few test blows. It sounded just as nice as it looked.

Melody flails about and puts herself out, the long sleeve of her new sweater a bit scorched. She sighs in annoyance. The "slice of bacon" goes for her boots next, trying to bite through and light those on fire. She scrambles backwards out of the grassy patch and up against AZ.

"Tutu, dont eat the wildlife." She knows he won't though.

Her head pokes up over the grass, giving him The Look. Silly tutu. At least the bird got a snack out of it!