(Do not favorite my work if you are not going to decently comment, it's disingenuous to artists/writers who like positive feedback on efforts.)

Well, I guess I should get another chapter out. This one introduces another side character we'll be seeing (or more often, hearing) as the series progresses, and is yet another unique individual within this community that has padded Pokemon. I had some enjoyment making them like the other characters and look forward to how they develop in later chapters (may even have a picture of them made in the near future since I so liked the premise I made for'em.)
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Chapter 7 The Voice on the Radio

We had some time before we were going to meet with Lil at the Contest Hall---oooh, that's gonna be fun, right?---so I decided, for us both, that we could have a reprieve at home for a little bit before diving into...whatever was going to happen THERE, just in case.

To expedite the process, we took a Bastiodon Buggy---technically a trolley, but, you know, alliteration.

One of the town's public transportation offerings, it was essentially a trolley pulled by two Bastiodons, padded naturally. I don't generally take such a conveyance, but I wanted to get home and spend what time we had to get up the nerve to deal with the, er, 'Contest Atmosphere' as it were. Also, trudging through the woods got my feet a bit tired, so wanted someone else to do the work of moving me heh.

Of course, the one passing by had to be mostly crowded. As I took hold of a corner poll and felt the steady pace of the Basitodons, I just let my gaze focus on the distant people. Sol, on the other hand, was looking about from my bag---he had dipped inside due to seeing what I was doing---and he kind of made me curious to look too.

While most occupants were fellow Berryton-ians(?), I could see some visitors in the mix along the seats of the trolley. Contrary to what I think foreigners do when it comes to riding in things, they definitely didn't take the front seats on the first level of the trolley. I mean, who would, unless you want most of your view to be of padded Bastiodon rear heh.

Naturally I saw the confusion, the pointing, the whispered discussions, but I let it drift off of me. I guess I never really paid too much attention, aside from the 'why is it strange to them' thought I may have initially had, but I guess my conversation with Jean made me notice things more.

Considering there were other padded Pokemon traveling on the trolley too, they didn't seem to notice my diapered lizard when we boarded. Good for us, I didn't want to deal with further issues right now. I just wanted to try to enjoy the steady ride through town, the Basitodon's stomping movements partly blocked out by the crinkling of their poofy padding....though I will admit me and Sol snickered to each other, and made a game of counting, when some out-of-towner pointed in their direction.

A continuous voice, however, was coming through the noise, mostly thanks to the speakers installed in the trolley, which were hooked up to the radio in the driver's seat. Generally, easy listening music played, but a lot of the time, I knew, it came from the most popular station on the waves.

Which reminded me...I must have not noticed the past few days, but why weren't we hearing...?

My contemplation made me look in the direction of the nearest speaker as a familiar musical jingle, accompanied by an airy, clear male voice coming through---though, like others, I knew this was a recorded introduction.

"Welcome to the radio!
sit on back, enjoy the show!
'cause it's time for
thhhheeee Chatt-er-box!

Hear it allllll, from me and them!
Places, people, a hidden gem,
that you can't find
annnywheeere else!

Here I am, that voice you know!
In the morrrning, with a kind 'hello'!
And at nighttime
Leaving you a lullaby....!"

Everybody knew that voice. Or, well...the voice of this pre-recording. At first, nobody took direct notice, hearing it at first---probably because you heard it every morning when the show came on at its various moments. But, now, as I remind myself, it was probably even more so because, apparently, the owner of that voice had not been live on the radio for the past few days.

I guess that's why I didn't have my radio on lately...I mean, news is news, but sometimes it's who's delivering it and, well...THAT person delivering it was...heh...unique. So, like everybody, I was casually listening when I heard the jingle. But then, unexpectedly to everyone, there was more of it than there should have been---and in a voice that was definitely NOT pre-recorded---and suddenly, the little speaker boxes had our attention.

"Yes, that's right, I'm back again!
Don't worry, itttt's all in hand---
or feather!
Guess I should that...

A little sniffle, won't stop me!
The show goes on, and we shall see---
what goes on
in dear Berrrryton!"

"Taurus patties, Chet's back!" a male teenager with a padded Snubbull beside him exclaimed, leaning over the head rest of the seats in front of him, holding his phone out. Those sitting in front of him didn't take the move negatively, as others---all I presumed were natives like us---had their radio-receiving hardware out and on and were making equal actions and exclamations. Following suit, because I was glad of this too, I pulled out my phone and went to the radio setting. I know, I could just listen to the speakers but...eh....

Even now, I was hearing from the chorus of other media devices as I was catching up, a light smile going to my face. Arceus, yeah, he was back.

"Hello, my dear listeners! Yes! It is indeed that voice you know and, hopefully, love! Chet the Chatot!"

Like everyone else, I was instantly engaged, though I cast glances and instantly noted the difference. Every resident was focused on the radio broadcast, while visitors and tourists were wondering what was going on---a few more skeptical, and others bewildered. I guess I could understand the later a bit.

Had they heard that right? A Chatot---a POKEMON---was doing a radio show? And was TALKING to boot? Yep. It was, and they were.

Chatterbox was the collective term for the radio show itself, as well as the 'staff' that run it and are a part of it, but the main attraction everyone knew was Chet, the Chatot, the host of the show. I don't know all the details, except that, yes, Chet was a very gifted Chatot who was practically fluent in human speech---incredibly rare trait. Sure, I get Sol like the back of my hand, and understand other Pokemon decent enough...but direct language was always something scientists said would be difficult. I mean, every Pokemon has a way of 'talking', and trying to get even one to 'speak human' would be incredibly hard, much less having a way to translate all of them.

Think I heard about somebody trying to do that, but their machine blew to smithereens...

Now, for a Chatot...it's interesting. I actually did wonder about it when I heard Chet for the first time. Sure, Chatot can repeat things and can pick up a lot of words...but somehow Chet got to a point where it was second nature to him, rather than a reaction or by some command---like a trainer would do. Not sure how it started, but I can guess that, being a radio host, talking to a lot of people, Chet's repertoire of words got so big or something that he literally can 'talk like a human' now.

Honestly, some of the faces of the tourists heh...they probably thought we were pulling their leg. A Pokemon that actually talks? Sounds about as weird as one wearing a diaper right?

Sol shifted on my shoulders, looking to my phone, eying it with partial suspicion. I didn't generally use the radio feature much on it---rather just use the radio at home---but I guess he soon compared the two and was just trying to figure it out in that head of his. Smirking, I looked back to it, trying to picture Chet as he talked. Haven't actually seen him aside from posters and merchandise.

You know, I think I heard the guy doesn't actually leave the studio for some reason...

"Oh, I am so happy to be back on the air," Chet remarked with a short sigh---and we could hear a compressed crinkle, probably him sitting back in his own padding. "I know it's been a few days, and some are probably wondering where I've been, but not to worry! It was all just a little hiccup...or...should I say sneeze heh."

I shifted a bit in my posture, reminding myself that, yeah, he was temporarily replaced with a Chatterbox employee that...honestly I couldn't remember. I had wondered where he went, but I understand the idea of being 'burnt out' and...other things, so I guess I just figured it was something about that. Plus, had a lot that occupied my mind at the time. Still, nice to hear whatever it was, he got over it.

"For those who don't know, a rather enthusiastic Breloom accidentally gave the studio a dusting of Spore, and me a case of the 'AH-Chus' heh heh," the bird explained, giving a light chuckle before being quick on the trigger with a wing flutter. "But don't worry! I am fine! Our guest is fine, after we assured them my condition was just temporary. We here at the Chatterbox had some cleaning to do is all, and I was told to step back till I recovered from my sneezing fit---nothing a few Vitamins, rest, and a fresh diaper won't cure heh heh. So all's well that ends well!"

A few laughs were heard from that one, and I gave a quick glance at Sol---if only because I'm glad it wasn't something 'poison-related' that Chet had to contend with. The others were laughing probably at an imagined situation, as well as the fact that, in somewhat regularity, Chet typically let a song play or signed off when he needed a diaper change heh.

"You all didn't think I was going to miss the annual Mew Celebration did you? No way! It's one of Berryton's biggest events! Of course I'm going to cover it! From this year's Photo Contest, to the free sample food path map, and interviews from performers of the Night Flight, Pokemon Contest, and the Waddle Race! There's SO much to get to and I'm SO excited!" the bird continued, a few sound bytes---a camera click, grilling meat, a whimsical wispy theme, a trumpet, and some audio from what had to be a diaper crinkling---accompanying the activities he mentioned.

I glanced up again, noting a little excitement from residents, and maybe even some interest from the tourists. Yeah, the Mew celebration was a big thing, and there was a lot more accompanying it than just the---erm---Pokemon Contest stuff, so much so it's hard to keep track of it all. I suppose Chet was helpful in that regard...I almost forgot about some of that stuff.

"I'll be covering all this and more, with interviews and talk points to keep you up-to-date on this grand event in Chet-Chat!" Chet announced, plugging his personal segment-within-a-segment. Honestly, I do wonder how it is for everyone who doesn't come from Berryton and hears this guy...I mean, really, for most of us, sometimes I think we forget we have an honest-to-Arceus BIRD talking to us on the radio heh.

"And speaking of shameless plugs," the said-bird began, as if to read my mind and others, "heh heh, I kid, I kid...but try to pay a visit to 'Whimsy Wiffs' down in the Rindo district! We've recommended Ms. Abernathy and her shop before---I know, I'm a client heh heh---but with the celebration approaching, try and check out her seasonal powders for your own Pokemon! A hint of rose, jasmine, cedar and more will have your Poke-bud smelling of the season, right as rain for all those activities coming up! Or, you can go classic like we did and go for one like lavender which, I tell you, did wonders for my beak lately, wink wink."

I couldn't stop myself from a small chuckle too---as others did---though mine was a little more personal as I looked to Sol and got his attention. He didn't get it at first till I glanced back at his diaper, wet as it was, the smell of the powder inside coming through---lavender, same as Chet's right now, apparently heh. I saw my Salandit's eyes roll to the top of his head as if to say 'so what if a feather-brain uses the same as me'.

I dunno...kinda cool?

"As things will certainly get busy, let me give a great tip---especially for our visitors---about the convenience of the Poke-Poof Vending Machines around city! A fresh, crisp two-pack of padding is just a few Poke away in case you need it! They may not be as specific as when you shop around, but in a pinch they'll do you just fine," Chet advertized, shifting a bit to probably make his diaper crinkle in agreement.

Oh yeah, that was a thing, diapers in vending machines. Never really had the need to use them myself, given I have the only Salandit in Berryton and I get custom-made ones for being the 'supplier of the data' as it were. Like Chet said, they weren't as specific as Poke-Poofs directly, or the Centers, but I guess for emergencies, which would come up for visitors with Pokemon I'm sure, it was nice to have.

"And hey, why not pick up a drink for yourself, and maybe them too! The fresh lemonade is a great buy this season, though you may end up changing another diaper sooner hehehe," Chet joked---getting a few small laughs.

Then, almost as if on cue...

"Are you kidding me!?"

A young man suddenly rose from his seat near the back of the trolley, a look of astonishment and revulsion on his face. Arms outstretch as far as they can go, hands grasping from under two arms, he held a Furret, its own mouth trembling. It was looking at its...owner---it had to be an tourist---while THEY were looking down from that whimpering expression.

The ferret Pokemon, of course, was diapered up. Unfortunately, it was sagging with a clear, single lump under its tail that was obviously not some additional padding.

We watched as the man tried to scold them, but it was quite apparent that they had never experienced their Pokemon making a dirty diaper before. Eventually they hurriedly got off, after someone suggested they go to a Poof Place, holding the poor Furret away as they ran, like it had just made the plague in it's precautions.

Sol chuckled at the display, and I just simply smiled at their reaction. I did feel bad for the Furret though...first timer. Probably not their fault, their owner probably wanted them to hold off for as long as possible before they couldn't hold it any longer. Shouldn't have had them do that in the first place...shouldn't have had them feel so bad about so natural, especially here.

Maybe they would be lucky to find one of the vending machines eh?

"...nna say to Mew out there if they can hear me---"

My attention shifted back to my phone, to the radio, when Mew was directly brought up again.

"---come on! Stop by the studio! We'd love to hear what you think! Don't worry, just an invite. We know you're a busy Mythical, with big shoes to fill, or should say diiiiaaaa---aaaaaccctualllly that's a bit on the nose, or beak, don't mind me!" Chet went on, catching himself from the playful ribbing---which is all it was, we all knew he wasn't a claw-biter when it came to comments or opinions.

"Oooph, Carol is telling me we need to go over the week's schedule for a third time, gotta try to get everything in for you all ya know! So here's a little ditty from 'Manny and the Maracatie'! Have a good day Berryton, keep the smiles wide, and those diapers fresh! I'll see you in our later segment and tonight!"

Chet signed off, being replaced with the starting of maracas shaking in the beginning of a tropical, upbeat musical byte. Somebody in the trolley did a little clap, as if to show appreciation for Chet being back---but as in most situations outside of sporting events, no one really took to joining right now. Still, people started a brief discussion at being glad Chet was back, while the tourists were wondering if it really was a Pokemon they had been listening to for the past few minutes.

I guess it was yet another thing I didn't completely realize that was unique about the place I live in. Chet was unique on his own, but I guess it sort of reminds me that Pokemon got a lot more freedom to do other things here than, well, being centered on the whole Trainer profession elsewhere.

Closing and pocketing my phone, I looked over to see we were coming close to home. A little reprieve before jumping into the whole Contest thing...er...wonder if that has some revelations itself. I glanced to Sol, seeing his eyes dart about the buildings and sidewalk---aware that he knew this was familiar territory around where we lived, so he knew were were close.

...revelations, maybe, but there was no way we'd be Contest people; as long a shot as us being on Chet's show, ha.