Previously on Oranges to Grapes...
After restoring three more type logos in Mesagoza, our heroes plan to stay overnight in Artazon to be close to their next objective. Meanwhile, Ko has finished his first batch of jam...
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After a repeat stroll through East Area 3, the group had returned to Artazon and were able to take in the sights the town had to offer: colorful flower beds, magnificent art pieces, and rustic buildings of red, white and brown that made its visitors feel welcome. Further into town was the central windmill that housed the Battle Court, as well as the playground and large swimming pool... all of which was illuminated by the lights that turned on at the current hour, as the sun was starting to set.
"So, are we all clear on the plan?" Camilla asked. "We'll be able to squeeze in a few hours of fun while we're here, but we still need to rest up for tomorrow. So, until the sun comes back up, let's enjoy the town!"
"Alright!" Balto said. "First up, some late-night swimming! So, where do I change into my swimsuit?"
"I got you covered," Eartha said as she reached into her backpack and pulled out... something that looked like a stack of discs. "And... behold!" As soon as she let the stack go, it suddenly started flipping and spinning around, unfolding into a tall, rectangular booth with a zipper door. "My portable folding changing booth, for when you need privacy on the go!"
"Wow," the husky said in awe. "I'll never understand the science behind modern convenience, but I don't have to. Thanks, Eartha!"
After Balto went inside the booth and zipped the door behind him, Pico said, "So, while we're waiting for Balto to get situated, why don't we use this time to tie up any loose ends we have?"
"What loose ends?" Rosita questioned.
"Like who Dina was talking about while we were clearing out the dome over this place, for one," the lizard answered. "But first, what exactly happened after you arrived in Zapapico back then?"
"Well, after I read the sign upon my arrival," the axolotl started...
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(Flashback)
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"Well, since I'll be needing a new place to live," Dina supposed, "I might as well have a look around and see what the place has to offer me, Dina." And so she walked down the white stone path and looked around... and found a vending machine just a little ways up. "Ah, perfect! Just what I need to replenish my water supply!"
After she purchased a bottle of Fresh Water, she opened it and drank thirstily from the mouth of it. Behind her fronds, the clear capsules seemed to slightly expand, indicating that her gill-buds were filling. "Ahh... that hit the spot," Dina said. "But now I need to fill my stomach as well. Perhaps there's somewhere to eat in this town."
A little further up the path, she walked into the town's Every Wich Way restaurant... where, if you don't remember, is where Jill Hatsuki works the register. As soon as Dina entered and approached the counter, Jill greeted her with, "Ah, hello, and welcome to Every Wich Way, customer. May I help you?"
"As a matter of fact, yes," Dina said. "I would like to purchase one of your Avocado Sandwiches, please."
"Ah, good choice," Jill said as she entered the order into the register. "And will you be paying with cash or League Points?"
"Cash," the axolotl responded as she gave Jill 1200 Poke.
"Thank you," the female lizard said as she accepted the cash. "And your sandwich will be out shortly." But just as Jill turned around to call out the order, she miscalculated where one of her feet would end up, and... stubbed her toe on the wall.
"AGH!" she yelped. "Ai! Ai! Ai, mi pie!"
Dina noticed the sudden shift in Jill's language, but Jill waved it off and said, "No need to worry, miss! Your sandwich will be here shortly! Dah, muro estupido..."
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(Flashback paused)
"And that's how I met my first bilingual friend, Jill," Dina said as she stopped the flashback again. "I remember because she was wearing a name tag."
"Yes," Pico said. "And, as I was trying to say before, that woman you're talking about is my mother. Jill Hatsuki, employee of Every Wich Way in Zapapico, our hometown?"
"Oh, my gosh," Dina said in realization. "How did I not see it before? So this tic is what you inherited from her... that and her smooth, glossy complexion."
"Wait, hold on," Rosita stopped. "Now I remember what I was thinking about back on the way to Lake Casseroya. Porto Marinada, where Jessica and I met Baron Rhett Mijuumi, who's a nice, handsome husky, which is also what Balto is, and his name is also Mijuumi, and... and...!"
Just then, Balto had exited the changing booth in a bergundy set of swimming trunks emblazoned with the Academy crest. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Rosita piped up and said, "Hey, Balto, I have a question for you. Is your hometown Porto Marinada?"
"Well, yeah," the husky answered. "Like I told Jessica and Dina, that's where I lived with my dad, Rhett."
At long last, the penny finally dropped for the caracal. "Rhett's a dad, and Balto is his pup."
"Well, obviously," Jessica said. "Pico Hatsuki? Balto Mijuumi? How did you not see it before?"
"That's what we're asking ourselves!" Rosita and Dina blurted in unison, without realizing. "How!?"
"May I interject?" Camilla piped up as Balto took a dip in the pool. "Perhaps they didn't notice because they had other things on their mind at the time. Dina was looking for a place to find a fresh start, and Rosita was grieving having lost her Maschiff buddy."
"Oh my legendaries," Eartha groaned in exasperation, "are we really going to turn this into 'dig up bones night?'"
"No!" Camilla said. "I am trying to assure everyone here that there is nothing wrong with having emotions here."
"Mr. and Mrs. Verdes would beg to differ!" Jessica shot back as she placed a paw on Rosita's shoulder. "Whenever Rosita here would 'feel anything,' they would just beat her down just to shut her up! That's what drove her to run away on her quest!"
"ENOUGH!!!" Pico yelled. "Look! We've all been under a lot of stress lately, but that's no excuse for an infight to break out! Now, is everyone not bringing up that stress so we can relax for tomorrow too much to ask?"
"Not for me, it isn't," Balto answered as he swam.
Deciding that the husky pup had the right idea, everyone also decided to change into swimsuits using Eartha's foldable booth until they were all dressed appropriately, and joined him in the pool. After two hours of swimming, the night sky let everyone know it was time to rest, so the group got out of the pool and laid down on the lounge chairs to air-dry for the night since it was warm enough.
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To be continued.
