Due to the unique nature of the Fur Race, when Arceus grants powers to them, it generally corresponds to their type of fur, and even though these two are Zeraora's children, they're no exception.
The ability granted to Miaona is Sprigatito, one of the Three Starters from the Paldea Region.
As Arceus said, they are young and have a lot of power within them. Instantly giving them their final evolutions might not be suitable as their bodies may not adapt. It's better to start from the initial stage, familiarize themselves with their new powers bit by bit, and let them become part of themselves.
Originally, the power of the Meadow Plate alone would have sufficed. The Dread Plate is mainly used to modify their bodies, helping them better adapt to future powers, like the final evolution of Sprigatito — Meowscarada.
The powers of the high-level officials were also refined by him later; granting them powers in advance just made their path smoother. As grandchildren, they also received a bit of Arceus's favoritism.
When Wolf was about to receive his powers, he requested a pause, then took Arceus to a slightly more distant place.
"Lord Arceus, is this okay?"
"Give me a reason."
"Because Miaona has cat fur, shouldn't her powers be related to cats? In that case, I think it's better for me to be a cat too."
"Anything else?"
"Also... although I'm wolf fur, wolves are related to the canine family, and I've argued with Miaona before. She always says I don't understand cats at all. If my ability is also cat-related, I could understand both cats and wolves and thus understand her.
And if mom and dad argue in the future, I could help mediate."
"Hmm? Have your mom and dad argued before?"
"No, but I heard that some parents argue very fiercely, and I don't want to see that scene..."
"You're thinking quite far ahead. Now, the last question, why don't you let Miaona try to understand you?"
"Because... I'm the elder brother, and being of a different type would be painful, right? Miaona's afraid of pain, so it's my job to protect her. So, let me handle it."
"You certainly are a good brother. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt at all. The reason the Fur Race's abilities are modified within the same type is that it doesn't require changing combat style, allowing a quick grasp.
Being young, you don't need to worry about that aspect. Since you wish for it, I'll grant your request."
Originally, he planned to pick a power from the canine Pokemon for him. Given his request, he decided to slightly alter the plan.
The Dread Plate wasn't withdrawn, but the Flame Plate replaced the Meadow Plate. From another species of cat Pokemon, the Dread Plate still paved the way for his future, while Wolf's ability came from Litten, one of the Three Starters in the Alola Region.
...
Miaona and Wolf gained their abilities, thanked Arceus happily, and left. After seeing Wolf's choice, Miaona's feelings were complicated, but soon they returned to their playful selves.
Miaona was surprised to find that Wolf seemed to understand her thoughts better. This was just why he wanted a feline Pokemon ability; through body language and micro-expressions, he could better understand the thoughts of a cat-furred individual.
Only Setsuna felt it was strange. Though Wolf's essence remained that of a wolf fur, after he transformed, the household felt like it had one more cat. However, it brought some good news—her prepared Cat Teaser Stick could be of more use.
"Zeraora, don't you think ever since Lord Arceus gave them their powers, they've been getting along more harmoniously?"
Sibling quarrels are common. Although most kids of this age don't hold grudges, it's still difficult when they bicker. This was undoubtedly a good thing for Setsuna.
"Isn't it nice like this?"
"It is nice. It's just, what's so bad about being a wolf for little Wolf."
"Of course, wolves are the best."
As the two were engaged in their sweet conversation, Miaona and Wolf were mastering their abilities. However, unlike others, while most Zoan-type ability users first become familiar with their Human-Beast Form, they roamed freely in their Beast Form.
The cat running at the front was entirely white-furred, with red stripes and whiskers on its face—a shiny version of the Fire Cat Pokemon, Litten. Although it looked more like a tiger, for now, it truly was a cat, even occasionally licking its fur.
This was the distinguishing feature of the Fire Spot Cat; its fur was imbued with rich oils, serving as the fuel for Litten's fiery breath. After Wolf acquired this ability, they didn't need to collect firewood while camping outdoors—just a few swipes with a lint roller on Wolf sufficed.
This special fur was incredibly fire-resistant, a travel staple, and if in short supply, it was excellent for kindling.
And the cat trailing behind was a light green all over, with a deep green leaf-like pattern resembling four overlapping leaves on its face and a similar green "collar" of fur on its chest.
The Grass Cat Pokemon, Sprigatito, Miaona was also grooming her fur. But unlike Wolf, her cat fur couldn't be used that way. As a Grass-type Pokemon, her fur shared properties with plants, able to obtain energy through Synthesis, and could emit a charming natural fragrance.
...
Their birthdays were towards the end of the year, with the year 1518 fast approaching. Zou had already neared Wano Kuni, planning to rest there for a few days over the year's end.
"Unfortunately, with so much to do now, it won't be long before I have to prepare to return to work. When will someone with greater prestige come around to succeed me?"
"That's not easy, but it shouldn't take too long either. Since you don't have much to do anyway, consider it clocking in..."
Zeraora hadn't even finished speaking when Setsuna's Radio Snail suddenly rang.
"Hmm? What's wrong, senior Hichugiskhan, is there something urgent?"
Since taking over Zou, she hadn't encountered any troubling matters; the assistants prepped by Hichugiskhan handled the trivial matters seamlessly, and during her vacation, Hichugiskhan had never disturbed her.
"Something happened—Pekoms just called; Pedro and Jebo ran into trouble in BIG MOM's territory, seemingly related to some red stone.
Pekoms mentioned that it might be life-threatening; he's buying time but doesn't know how long he can manage. He hopes you can hurry and rescue them."
After hanging up the call, Setsuna glanced at Zeraora.
"I know. Wait a moment, I'll first find Lord Arceus."
Since the matter involves BIG MOM Pirates, the Hundred Beasts isn't afraid of them, but as underling officials, they don't have the right to initiate a battle themselves.
As soon as Zeraora finished explaining the situation, Arceus recalled some details and then made another call to Kaidou.
"Hey, why're you calling me? Any new developments?"
"Sort of, there's an issue with the Fur Race. To cut a long story short, BIG MOM has a piece of Red Poneglyph, and I want to exchange text information with her using the piece from Wano Kuni in return. Do you have any objections?"