Sorry for the delay. I had something else in mind for this day, but in the end, I just wasn't satisfied with it, the story rambling on for too long due to me not knowing how to kick off the TF, so I started over from scratch and created this one instead! Much happier with it. And now I'm free to upload the ones I've been writing in the background.

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19) 'Night’

You were out on a midnight stroll through the woods of Route 18, enjoying the peaceful sights and sounds of the forest as the world slowly began to slumber, flying types roosting in their nests while Durrant returned to their colonies, leaving behind only the sound of the flowing river and rough dirt crunching beneath your feet as you continued your way down the path

Out of nowhere, you hear a screech, and then another, each one seeming to echo throughout the woods. There weren't exactly many pokemon that could make that sound. Could it be? Turning your attention to the source, your suspicions are confirmed, spying a colony of Noibat flapping and fluttering through the air as they chased one another through the treetops. It was frankly quite adorable to witness. You halted your walk to stop and watch, scratching the back of your ear idly as you continued to watch them play.

However, it didn't take long for you to eventually be noticed in turn, the Noibats letting out a echoing screech as they flew over towards you, soundwaves resonating inside your head, leaving you slightly disoriented as you stood on guard, waiting for them to attack, only to watch one of them approach you curiously, walking right up to where you were standing. Could these little guys really be a threat? You kneeled down giving its chin a scritch as it let out a happy chirp and let you pet its head. Huh, now that they weren't all causing a ruckus, it was kind of serene. Another landed on your shoulder, nuzzling your cheek while screeching and chirping. You didn't think much of the action, at least not until the side of your face began to tingle. A quick feel revealed, yep, something soft and velvety, like the fur of the bats. Except now it was on the side of your face, and slowly spreading, you noted, slowly making its way across your face as you quickly tried to get the offending pokemon off. But they were rather persistent in their affection, slipping through your guard and nuzzling your chin and back of your head, as more fur sprouted up from those locations.

You finally managed to shake them off, taking some cautious steps back as you faced the small colony, your nose flattening into a purple nose leaf atop your slightly protruding face. The world seemed to have crawled to a standstill, so quiet you could hear the rustling leaves and quiet cooing of sleeping birds high up in the treetops. You stood there, waiting for the Noibats next move.

The Noibats let out another cry, this one seeming to reverberate through your entire being. You went to go rub your ears, only to find they had shifted to the top of your head, becoming much larger, almost circular in shape, more of that velvet fur lining its edges. No wonder you were hearing everything so much clearer. It was like having satellite dishes attached to your head!

The Noibats continued to chirp and cry as they flitted back and forth around you, your body tingling as you rapidly began to shrink, falling out of your clothing, though thankfully that velvety lavender fur rushed to coat your body, alongside some thicker black fur forming a ruffle around your neck and legs.

Your arms tingled, going numb as the fur sprouted across them, fingers stretching out as a membrane spread out between, save for your thumb and index fingers, which instead hardened into sharp black claws at the end of your new wings!

Your legs soon followed, shifting and shrinking down as your toes fused together and lengthened into claws, perfect for grasping and holding onto fruit and tree branches. By this point, you were barely distinguishable from the Noibats in size and shape, especially as your face finished pushing out, teeth fusing with your jaw, leaving only two triangular points at the end of your new muzzle that poked over your bottom lip, while your eyes grew in size, becoming large and golden in coloration.

“New Friend!” They cried as they circled around you, flapping their wings rhythmically, seemingly trying to encourage you to join them. Somehow, you could now understand them. Well… maybe not somehow. You did seem to be a Noibat yourself now after all.

Getting used to your new wings was awkward, moving muscles you never once used to this extent. But after a few experimental flaps, you feel yourself lifting gently off the ground, hovering in place with slow, rhythmic wingbeats. The other Noibats quickly swarmed you, fussing over your form, trying to teach you how to properly angle your wings to catch the air on each beat, to time each flap, how to orient your head and legs to maintain your balance while in mid-air.

"Yes! New Friend! Fly!" They cried out in delight, flying fast and far ahead, twisting and weaving around, beckoning you to chase. You couldn't help but follow them, weaving through branches and bushes as you chased them through the forest. Over time, the act of flying became less conscious thought and more a natural instinct as you chased them around. Eventually, they suddenly veered upwards, climbing up up up towards the canopy above. Not to be dissuaded, you continued to follow, beating your wings vigorously as you soared higher and higher, breaking through the treetops as you saw the full unbroken night sky above.

The scenery was breathtaking, you couldn't help but halt your chase to stare in wonder and awe at the stars and moon above, contrasting the swaying ocean of leaves below. You would've never been able to see something like this as a human. So enamoured, you didn't catch one of the bats sneak up on you, until they were nuzzling your furry cheek affectionately.

You didn't know what was to come. Perhaps you were just dreaming. Perhaps you would turn back when the moon disappeared over the horizon. Or perhaps you would stay like this forever. Whatever the case, tonight was a night to make the most of this blessing, to see and hear the world through the body of a Noibat. And with such friendly companions, it was sure to be a night to remember.