Alolan Meowth was unusually reserved.
Unlike its eager attentiveness on its last visit, this time it sat down on the sofa and hardly dared move.
It rested its paws neatly on its knees, head lowered, staring blankly ahead.
Seeing how tense it was, Blissey brought it a glass of calming fruit juice.
"Happy~"
"...Meow."
Alolan Meowth thanked her softly, occasionally glancing toward the bathroom.
It was not particularly afraid. It was mainly worried the other Pokémon would reject it.
After all, it had made such a poor showing before.
However proud Alolan Meowth was by nature, however strong its self-respect, it was hard to act confident around Pokémon that had seen it at its worst.
What if they wouldn't accept me...?
Alolan Meowth worried it would be sent back.
Ah!
What should I do?
"Happy?"
Seeing it so restless, Blissey's maternal instincts surged. She was about to offer some comfort when the bathroom door clicked open.
"Meow!"
Alolan Meowth hurried over and gazed up hopefully at Baimu, who was drying his hair.
"What's wrong?" Baimu asked.
It gave him no answer.
Alolan Meowth did not know how to put its feelings into words. It feared being shut out, and it feared being looked down on.
Fortunately, Baimu was an experienced trainer.
Even if he could not read Alolan Meowth's mind, he could see its obvious unease.
He exchanged a glance with Blissey.
Always quick to worry about others, Blissey shook her head.
No one had bullied it.
Then what had made the usually outgoing Alolan Meowth so anxious?
Baimu looked down at it. It immediately tipped its face up and offered him a flattering smile.
It looked like the one it used to wear.
Yet somehow, it was completely different.
"Do you feel uncomfortable staying here?" he asked directly.
Alolan