"Between you and me," Andy said as he glanced at Mitch. "I think he just gave up."
[i]"That's not what he said,"[/i] Benny reminded him.
"That's true," Andy said with a sideways glance to his Butterfree, "but that conversation was between us and I will keep it there." He looked from Frosiien to Nygari. "And Mitch isn't that much of a grump, he just takes his job seriously and I'm honestly grateful he does." He put an arm around Frosiien. "Because I love her."

[i]"That's okay,"[/i] Chifferi said. [i]"I wouldn't want to miss Star Fall. It's nice to be up again and see everyone."[/i] He grinned when Penalopy almost shouted out her enthusiasm and slowly more people were gathering here. Slowly but surely everyone would arrive.
Most of them in human form, but that was okay. They were still themselves beneath that disguise. 

Ilios waved at Niccia when he felt arms wrap around him and a kiss on his cheek. He turned around. "Ilias," he greeted his sister. "Did you come straight from Alto Mare?"
He had left earlier because a Corsola had requested aid and he had expected she would have arrived before him. Maybe he had travelled faster than he had thought. 

"We are ready!" Penalopy replied to the Medicham, in human speech so all humans could understand her too. She wasn't aware it was only Mindy at this point who couldn't understand Pokémon speech. She floated to Gavin and Mindy. "You look almost as gorgeous as Niccia in that dress." She took her hand and pulled on it as she floated back. "And now I will introduce you to my sister. Anylia! Come meet my human friend!"

"Another human friend?" Tater chuckled. "You have a new human friend every time I see you."