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Author's Note:

This is the second half of the previously posted one-shot. That's all. Thanks!

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"Hey, Marnie!" I call out to her across the road when I leave the lobby of Budew Inn and step out into the streets the next day.

The black-haired girl was bent down, offering something to her partner, who was a startling dark and purple shade instead of the mellow cream and yellow it normally was. "Here, Morpeko. Have a Berry." She says quietly, handing the mouse-like Pokemon a fruit, which appeared to drastically calm it down, as Morpeko's color changed back to the usual soft colors.

"Marnie?" I say once I'm at her side.

"Oh, hey, (Y/N). Why do ya look so shocked? Somethin' wrong?" She asks with a slight tilt of her head.

I bite my lip for a second while I think of a way to say it. "Um, what's up with Morpeko?"

"Morpeko's appearance? Oh, did you see all that just now?" She stands up and explains, "My partner Pokémon, Morpeko, changes appearance based on how hungry she is. The black fur you just saw was her in Hangry Mode. She gets hangry and has a real nasty temper."

"Cool!" I exclaimed, eager to learn more about the peculiar creature.

"I usually carry around Berry seeds just in case... but I ran out while walkin' around and lookin' in all the apparel shops in town. It's okay, though, because the trainer I was just talkin' to shared some of his with me!"

"Wow! How nice!"

"Yeah, he was some chap with purple hair," Marnie tells me with a shrug.

I instantly recognize the description. A nice boy with purple hair who didn't hesitate to help out someone? Sounds like the energetic boy named Hop who was from the same town I started my journey in.

"You're still hungry? I guess I've gotta go search for some Berries, then..." Marnie scoops up her partner and turns to me. "Hey, (Y/N), help me look for a bit, would you?"

"Sure, sounds fun!" I jump at the chance to spend time with a friend who'd recently grown very close to my heart.
"Glad to hear it. It'd be a great help to have someone searchin' with me. Let's get goin', then, shall we?"

It didn't take long to locate one of the large, beautiful trees that were common in Galar. After several harsh shakes, many berries fell to the ground below, and Morpeko quickly ate them happily.

"Phew. We sure gathered a lot. But I think we need just a few more..." Marnie mumbles.

I grin, "This is hard work!"

"Yeah. My legs got tired real quick, too, when I first started doin' this." Marnie laughs softly.

"I bet this is great training for us," I shout, pumping my arms in determination.

"I bet you're right. It's practically like workin' out." Marnie agrees, "It doesn't bother me anymore, though. I've been doin' this ever since I teamed up with Morpeko when I was five years old, y'know."

"Woah! How'd you catch it at such an age?" I'm genuinely curious.

"My big brother caught my Morpeko for me way back then, when all I did was cry all the time. Ever since then, Morpeko and I have always been there for each other. I still find myself doin' silly stuff like this since Morpeko can get so hangry sometimes..."

"But I bet you won't find any Trainer out there with a bond stronger than yours," I tell her encouragingly.

"Well, I guess all the Trainers here in Galar probably say the same thing, huh?" Manie sighs. "So I know I can't just rely on our bond. We've gotta keep trainin' to get stronger if we wanna beat all the other Trainers here."

"Sobble, Sylveon, and I won't lose!" I smile.

"We don't plan to lose to you, either! We still need to have a proper battle one of these days!" Marnie nods. "Okay, then. I guess we've gathered about enough."

"All right,"

"Thanks for your help, (Y/N). With this many Berries, we should be fine for a little while at least. Hmm... How can I thank you?"

"You don't have to do anything!" I protest.

"I know! I'll be your trainin' partner the next time you go out to train. We can cheer each other on and both get stronger together. It'll be great, y'know? Be sure to tell me next time you go out to train. It's a promise — got it?"

"Of course!" I say.

"On a different note," Marnie says, returning her Morpeko to its Pokeball. "There are so many Trainers from so many different regions here in Galar."

"I know right? The race to the top seems to go on forever!" I groan.

"Keepin' an eye on all the different sync pairs here gives me lots of ideas for Pokémon battles and even fashion!" Marnie admits. "Everyone's watchin' when I battle, y'know? I can't go out in an embarrassin' outfit!"

"Obviously," I sympathize wholeheartedly.

"Hey, I have an idea! Why don't you come to help me look for clothes for a bit? I can even help choose somethin' that'll look good on you while we're at it!"

I immediately respond, pleased that she would ask. "Yes! I'd love to go with you, really!"

"You free this afternoon?" Marnie asks, glancing my way timidly.

"Yep," I nod, then pull out my (f/c) Rotom Phone. "There's this place Sonia told me about..."

"Sounds good. We'll meet here, okay?" She says, and a glimmer of joy can be seen in her aquamarine eyes.

- - -

The afternoon rolled around quickly, and I soon arrived at the entrance of Budew Inn, eagerly tapping my foot on the paved sidewalk where I waited. With the warm, autumn sun shining down, I bathed in its light, blissfully fingering my wallet, ready to purchase tons of cute clothes for all occasions.

Frankly, it's been quite a while since I'd selected my own clothes since I'd mostly worn what my mother bought me, but that would stop today. I was independent now, on my own journey throughout the region, and had battled tons of trainers to earn spending money for this trip.

Lost in thought, my head snapped up when I heard a soft voice approaching behind me. Someone was exiting the building that I stood in front of, mumbling to themself. "I've gotta have a proper smile to show everyone cheerin' for me! ...Hmm. I need to get it lookin' a little more natural..."

I spin around to see Marnie with two fingers on her cheeks stretching her lips into a fake smile, a concentrated look on her pale face. Remaining silent, I grin at the adorable attempt struggling not to laugh -- not in a mean way, but rather, how endearing the pig-tailed girl could be.

"H-hey! How long have you been there watchin' me?! Th-this is too embarassin'!" Her head snaps up to meet my gave, startled.

"Oh, sorry," I apologize sheepishly, scratching the back of my neck. "Um, but, what are you doing?"

"What am I doin'? I'm practicin' my smile!" She huffs. "I've gotta have a proper smile to show all the people cheerin' for me!"

"I see," A moment passes as I thoughtfully put a finger to my chin, "Now that I think about it, I know what you mean."

"Right. Ready to go? You mentioned a place Sonia liked?" She prompted.

"Of course!" I nod eagerly, hooking my arms with hers as I jog in the direction of the store, "Come this way, Marnie!"

"Ah-! Hey, slow down!" She stumbles along with me, and soon we stand in front of our destination.

A chic, modern-looking building can be seen, although on the small side, lovely models delicately pose, donned in bright and flashy styles, all contrasting, but appealing to all sorts of people in an attempt to draw people into the shop. I wasted no time striding forward, letting go of Marnie's arm and watching as the glass sliding doors flew open, revealing all the place had to offer.

"Ooh, you gotta see this!" I cry, rushing over to a hat on display right at the front of the entrance. It was a (f/c) beanie hat, with a poofy white puff ball on top.

"That's nice," Marnie notes, but seems more drawn to a maroon mini backpack, "But, look, I could fit Morpeko in this!"

"Oh my Arceus, yes!" I squeal, imagining her little hamster-like Pokemon cuddling in the interior of the small carrying pack, cute as could be.

Wandering the store, we shout at this and that, pushing aside dresses and shirts, joyed at the affordable prices. We point out thing after thing, carrying to-be purchases in our arms, happily enjoying both each other's company and the thrill of selecting an outfit of our dreams. A rickety ceiling fan whirring loudly above us and a couple of other customers, serenity filled the wordless experience.

"What about this?" I ask, holding up an oversized, fluffy cream-colored jacket that when worn, the sleeves reached just below the wrists. Its pockets were spacious, to my excitement, and fit my style pretty well. I could wear this for a long while.

"Love it," Marnie nods in confirmation.

"I'll get it then," I decide, turning back to the racks to sift through more desirable attire, finding several adorable accessories, then looking back at Marnie who was glancing between a few different but fashionable ankle boots.

She turns to me, dark pigtails whipping around her face, "Which one should I get?"

Three options, a warm chestnut pair, a cutesy pink one, and then a startling black couple with silver spikes. Glancing up to Marnie's current outfit, it was clear which one fit her best. "That one," I gestured to the black, punk-like pair that perfectly matched the leather jacket that she wore everywhere.

"You're right," her face lights up, and a wisp of a smile appears, but disappears just as quickly. "Are you goin' to check out now?"

"Yep." I pop the 'p'. "You?"

"Sure," she agrees, gathering her things and following me to the counter, where we both bought our things.

Before we leave though, the lady at the register says one more thing, "if you ever want to try on your things, there's a changing room to your left."

"Alright, thanks!" I say, then ask Marnie, "Should we get our things on?"

"Yeah,"

"I'll go first, so wait for me just a sec, okay?"

"'Kay."

After a minute or two of switching up a few of my clothing items for my newly acquired attire, I slide the curtain aside and step out like a model, beaming.

"What'd you think?" I say once I reunited with Marnie, fidgeting with the exact placement of the (f/c) hat atop my head.

"You're very pretty, (Y/N)." Marnie compliments with a shy expression, at which I tilt my head. She suddenly flinches and meets my gaze, protesting, "I meant the outfit!"

"Okay," I grin and laugh at her unnecessary nervousness. We were close friends now, after all. There was no need for hesitation. So, I took it that she had made an honest mistake.

"I'll go now," she mumbles, snatching up her things and running behind the curtain.

I subtly raise my eyebrows. Was she really that uncomfortable around me? She was the one who suggested the shopping trip in the end, right? I'd have to ask her about it later. For now, Marnie would be our any moment now, and I was reading my phone for some selfies together — since I realized I didn't have Marnie's number or any photos of her.

"I'm coming out!"

Marnie's brand-new, shiny black boots click when she steps out. Her pale pink skirt swishes as she whips out her new backpack, the maroon one, and releases one of the Pokeballs inside, revealing her Morpeko, in its 'Full-Belly Mode'. The yellow guinea pig snuggles in its Trainer's arms.

"Amazing!" I chirp, "You'll show the people cheering for you that you are a strong Pokemon Trainer, but also that you have great taste!"

"Thanks," She replies, hugging her Morpeko tighter.

"Now," I put my hands on my hips, "Wanna take a picture to celebrate?"

Marnie curtly nods, "And I know the perfect place to do it!"

- - -

"Ready? Smile!" I tap the button on my Rotom-phone and take a picture of the two of us, standing unto a canopy of fall trees the waves in the wind that lazily flew by.

"Lemme see," she says, and I tilt the screen in her direction, "Looks good. Can you send it to me?"

"Already did," I lightly laugh.

As her locks of dark charcoal-colored hair were tousled in the gentle breeze, I couldn't help but notice the ghost of a genuine smile stretch across her pale face when she viewed the photo. I reached out to slip her hand in mine, but she flinched backward, clearly uncomfortable. With sorrow, I reluctantly retrieved my hand like the leaves left their perch in the trees overhead.

She looked at me with a gorgeous teal gaze underneath her long lashes, and I took a hesitant step forward.

"Thanks, (Y/N)," Marnie whispered.

Only nodding, I find it increasingly difficult to look her in the eyes and instead focus on her silky hair as it whips in a sudden gust of wind, causing more dying leaves to fall, brushing against our hair and shoulders, then resting on the ground.

Suddenly, Marnie takes several quick steps toward me, closing the space between us two. On her tiptoes, she lightly plants a gentle kiss on my cheek without a word.

"Um. Marnie?" I turn to her, but she's already buried her face in her hands.

"Sorry, sorry! I shouldn't have!" She rapidly insists and catches a glimpse of a bright pink face beneath her hands -- matching mine.

The heat that rose in my cheeks intensifies with each passing second, but I can't help but grin. "I don't mind, really. Say, Marnie? I have an idea."

"I'm all ears," I hear her whimper from behind her hands.

"Why don't we travel together? Leon's not the only name that'll be remembered on Galar. We'll have everyone cheering just as loud for Marnie and (Y/N)!" I suggest, "We'll do the Gym challenge together. And... I'd get to eat your fantastic curry after every battle."

"Really?" Marnie peeks up from her hands. "I... I-I don't know what to say. How are you so... so calm?"

"Oh, I am not calm," I deny it, taking slow breaths to steady my racing heart. "But I would like to say one thing, just to get it off my chest, Marnie."

"And?" Her hands drop to her sides.

"I like you,"

The silence was deafening as Marnie froze in place, unblinking as she looked at me and I panic in my head. I'd never, ever, had to be in a situation like this. I assume neither had Marnie. Her blank, expressionless face gave away no reaction until she broke into a wide smile.

"I'm so glad it's not just me!" Marnie shouts gleefully, giving me another sweet smile that I could gaze at all day, her turquoise eyes glittering with hope. "I like you too. I want to journey with you too, (Y/N). Promise me you will?"

With no doubt in my mind, I wrap my arms around Marnie's slim frame, mumbling in her ear. "I promise."

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Word count: 2600 words