JC and Pauline spent most of the day getting acclimated to their new bodies and Animalian society. JC had a big advantage in that he's been around Animalia for almost two years before he was uplifted. He became adjusted to Animalian standards almost instantly and was able to help Pauline grasp some of the details.
Getting used to their new bodies was another matter. It was quite comparable to humans being converted and having to adapt. Walking itself was a bit of a challenge as their leg feathers hindered their movement. They should be able to get fast with practice, but they were obviously built more for living in trees than living on the ground. Their new style of flying also took some adjusting, mostly to compensate for their new hind wings. But once they discovered the right positions, flying became a lot easier. They could spend a really long time up in the air just by gliding. Powered flight was a little bit more awkward, but it only took a bit of work to get them into long-gliding flight.
And of course, a major change was their new diets. Like other parrots, their preferred meals were fruits and nuts. But now they were complete carnivores. Of course, they were the only ones adjusting to a new meat-only diet. That was one of the reasons why they were having dinner at Sophie's house. There were other reasons of course, like JC's very close connection with Sophie and that they hadn't their own place to stay at yet so they were using the guest room. Dinner consisted mainly of salmon fillets, which was very acceptable for their new tastes.
"So how are you liking Animalia so far?" asked Sophie to JC.
"It was definitely worth the wait, mother," said JC.
"You don't really need to call me 'mother'," said Sophie. She was relieved that JC didn't have a crush on her or resented her for keeping him a normal parrot for so long, but being seen as a maternal figure was the last thing she was expected.
"But you were the one who raised me, who cared for me," said JC.
"Yes, but it just seems...weird. And it makes me feel a little uncomfortable," said Sophie.
"Yes," said her mother dryly, "I'm not ready to hear anyone call her 'mother' yet."
"Just call me Sophie," said Sophie.
"Ok, mo- Sophie," said JC.
"So, having any problems yet?" asked Sophie's father.
"Well, walking's a bit more than a hassle than I would have thought," said Pauline, "I mean, I wasn't much of a walker before, but I can't really fly everywhere now."
"You know, I've put some thought into that," said Sophie, "I'm not going to suggest you clip your hind wings, but I've thought of something that might help you move faster on the ground. Remember those Heelys I had?" Sophie was referring to a pair of roller shoes she owned that had wheels embedded in the heel of the soles. She was able to both walk and skate in them, though obviously not to the same extent as actual roller blades.
"I remember you didn't wear a helmet as much as you should have," said Sophie's father.
"Well, I was just thinking that JC and Pauline could have something like that for their feet so they can roll in areas where they would have to walk," said Sophie, "Of course, they'd have to be pretty customized." Considering JC and Paulien had five toes placed in almost a star-like formation, including a large crampon-like claw and two backwards-facing toes, that was definitely a given. Sophie's own feet hadn't changed a lot, asides from slightly longer toes with claws. But she'd still need new shoes herself.
"So you want to make us wear skates?" asked JC.
"Think of them like your landing gear," said Sophie, "I mean, I know you'll get better as walking, but this will help you cover short distances."
"And we have wings for long distances," said Pauline, "Which means we don't need to cars or even planes."
"I wouldn't try very long distances on your own wings," said Sophie, "We can still get tired after flying for so long."
"Speaking of planes, what are you and your friends going to be doing for your trips to the colonies?" asked Sophie's mother.
"I'm not sure yet," said Sophie, "I'll have to talk with them about it."
"We're going with you, right?" asked JC.
"Of course," said Sophie, "I wouldn't dream of leaving you behind or your mate." She was rather eager to go to those places herself. Returning to Mieni Atoll to wear a new swimsuit with her new body, flying under the African sun in both New Zerzura and Maelewano, and she was pretty sure that JC and Pauline will like Vilcabamba. And there was also the Dinotopian colonies that should be opening soon. This summer was going to be a blast.