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Sudowoodo wasn't a big fan of the rainy season. It meant the unpredictable need to dash for shelter. On bad days, it meant spending long hours in caves.
Also, he would rather fall in a river than take cover under the forest's huge trees—for very valid reasons, of course.
(He doesn't exactly like the reminder that he is, in fact, not an actual tree.)
However, Sudowoodo thinks twice about his claim. He even wants to take his words back, since the rain is the least of his worries; before him is a raging flood that threatens to destroy everything in its path.
The sky was already dim and gray that morning. The signs were clear, so he had quickly sought shelter in his favorite cave. He even decided that it was the perfect weather for a nap, so he took one.
Sudowoodo only realized his mistake when he was awoken by the sensation of his lower body submerged in water. Luckily, the cave was close to higher ground, which he had climbed until he considered it safe. However, the rain continued; Sudowoodo couldn't tell how much time had passed, as the sky remained gloomy.
So, here he is now, standing atop a rock on the cliffside. He peers over the edge, wondering what might happen to his home and fellow forest friends. In all the years that he's lived here, there's never been a flood like this.
He can only hope that this nightmare ends soon.
"Hey!"
Sudowoodo jolts in surprise. He's about to ask what this human's deal is (he nearly fell!), but he changes his mind when he sees a hand reaching out to him from above.
Right. Sudowoodo was trying to forget the fact that he couldn't climb up any further because the surrounding areas were too thin and steep.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you!" The human yells over the howling wind. "Come with me, we'll get you somewhere safe and dry."
Safe and dry. He doesn't think twice before approaching her.
"Alright, secure the rope!" She calls to someone at the top of the cliff, before turning her attention back to Sudowoodo. "Poor thing, I know you hate water."
"Sudo." He frowns.
"It's a good thing we saw you over here. Alright, I'm gonna grab on to you, okay? Hold tight."
Sudowoodo makes a noise of agreement, allowing the human to wrap her arms around him.
"We're ready, lift us up!"
For all those times he stood still whenever humans passed by the forest, Sudowoodo finds himself in disbelief at how nice being held feels. So, even when they reach the top of the cliff, he doesn't let go of the human.
"You alright, buddy?"
"Sudo..."
The human smiles. "It's okay, you can hold on to me."
If she's bothered by the awkward shuffling of their feet, she doesn't say anything. They approach what the human calls a "van," and they take a seat inside to "go somewhere warm."
Sudowoodo vaguely recalls seeing one of these "vans" in the forest before. How interesting that he'll get to be in one.
"Thanks for waiting," she says to another human in the front. "This is my last batch of rescues. The other volunteers will be taking over."
"Got it, Ma'am."
Still pressed into the human's side, Sudowoodo glances outside, where he can see the drops of rain. Even though he can see them clearly, he's fascinated that they aren't getting in.
Nonetheless, he'd rather not look at the one thing he dislikes most, so he turns away. The way everything outside moves so fast makes him dizzy, too.
"I hope you're okay now." Sudowoodo's attention is redirected to the human's soft voice. "Have you been out there for a long time?"
"Sudowoodo..."
"It must have been scary." The human grabs a very soft object and wipes down the sides of his body. Almost instantly, that part of him is...dry?
"Sudo?"
"Hm?"
He gazes at the soft, furry thing.
"Oh, this is a towel. I'm trying to get you dry. I know you don't like getting wet."
Sudowoodo decides that he loves towels from now on. He lets the human take all the water away. (How great that she knows, actually. One time, a bunch of small humans sprayed water on him and laughed!)
"I should probably introduce myself," she says after a few minutes. "I'm Eden."
Eden.
"I'm one of the people looking after the forest that you live in. I care a lot about wild pokémon and plants."
"Sudo."
"In a few minutes, you'll get to see the big place where I work. That's where you can stay for now while we check on your home."
"Sudowoodo!"
Eden giggles softly. She grabs another towel from the side and wraps it around him. She's not using it to wipe him down, but...
"There. Does it feel a lot warmer?"
"Sudo?"
It does. Towels are amazing.
Sudowoodo leans on Eden—he has decided that he likes her a lot.
Eventually, they arrive at the place Eden was talking about. He meets more incredibly kind humans who give him food and lots of towels. Sudowoodo is a little confused about all these "check-ups," but Eden always stays by his side, nonetheless.
He's happy to see other familiar forest pokémon being taken care of, just like him. He was always fond of those little fletchlings that perch on his branches. (Yes. Branches. Not "arms.")
A few days later, she tells him that it's safe for him to return to the forest. But, he hesitates. Does this mean he won't see Eden again?
Sudowoodo clings to her side.
"Buddy? What's wrong?"
“Sudo…woodo.”
Eden pauses. “You wanna stay here?”
“Sudo!”
“I…okay.” Eden grabs a small, round thing from her pocket. Sudowoodo recognizes it instantly. “You wanna be my partner?”
He touches the pokéball without hesitation.