It took us a few minutes to arrive to a village, guarded by a vast Castle behind it, and Zen and I raced ahead as we looked around in fascination at the different stores and Pokémon along the light gray roads. "Woah! This is like something out of a fairy tale!" I breathed as my brother spun around my head. "More like something out of a LEGEND! Who knew Hammerlocke was such a mideaval place to live." He said, continuing to fly around lamp posts, and shop signs. "Steady on you two! I know you're excited, but you can't keep runnin' off." Piers said, finally catching up to us. "Hammerlocke pretty!" I breathed, taking his hand in mine as I dragged him along behind us. "Easy now, let's wait for Marnie to catch up, yeah?" He asked, and I peeked behind him to see Marnie running. "You lot are too quick for me! One minute you're beside me, the next I'm eatin' dust." She complained, resting herself on her thighs to catch her breath. "Look Marnie! Hammerlocke got Castle! Hammerlocke pretty!" I exclaimed, pointing up at the Castle looming over us. "You like the Castle? Yeah, I was pretty impressed with it the first time I came 'ere to battle Raihan." She explained, looking up at the grand building, catching mine and my brother's interest as I asked, "Who R-Raihan?" "Why, he's the Gym Leader of Hammerlocke! He's mostly known as "The Dragon Tamer"." Piers explained, looking around the enormous village. "Well speak o' the devil, here Raihan comes now!" Marnie exclaimed, and Zen and I whipped around to find a Man dressed in odd, Dragon themed Attire. "Why hello there Piers; Marnie! How are you two today?" He asked, smiling a jaw full of sharp teeth! He reminded me of a Bulbasaur with his teeth being sharp in that fashion, and the red thing on his head just added to the overall silliness of his look. "Ah, just stoppin' by to see 'ow you're holdin' up. Other than that, we're Pecha and Cheri Berries!" Marnie replied, putting an arm over my shoulder to bring me closer to her side. "Well that's good to hear! Say, is THIS the one you nursed back to health, Piers?" Raihan asked, pointing down at me. "Sure is! An' she's gettin' on quite well for someone whose only been 'ere a few weeks." He responded proudly as he moved my bangs from my face. "Well aren't you pretty! About time I got to meet you in person little lady." Raihan said, a hearty smile on his lips and a charm that could brighten anyone's day! I smiled in return as I said, "Am Aisling. And that Piers, Marnie, and Zen." "It's nice to see you all Aisling! Your Pokémon looks quite interesting." He laughed, and I continued, "Aisling, Zen, are Abra! Father is Alakazam." "In other words, Raihan, Aisling was raised with with her Abra, Zen, as a sister to 'im." Marnie translated as I nodded. "Oh? Well a fine pair you two make! I hear you two sailed here from Kanto. Must've been exciting, seeing new sights and meeting new Pokémon, yeah?" "W-Was scary... Want go home, home to Father and Sisters!" I said, taking Zen into my arms to cradle him softly. "Aww, don't you worry a bit kiddo! I'm sure Nessa's working on a way to get you home safely as we speak. You and "Zen", was it?" He asked, and I nodded in response. "Zen little brother to Aisling, like Piers big brother to Marnie." I stated, nuzzling my adorable brother on the top of his head, making him giggle. "Aww, how cute! I'm sure he's lucky to have such a loving sister. OH! Now that the opportunity has arrived, I've got something for you while you were recovering!" Raihan boomed, pulling a gift bag from his coat.... or was it an over shirt? I wasn't too certain. I took the bag gratefully, and said in broken terms, "Th-Thank, Raihan." He raised a curious brow towards me, and Marnie quickly explained to him, "As you've probably guessed, her vocabulary isn't very large. She, after all, learned only simple phrases in 'alf an hour! Other 'an that, she's mostly sayin' "Abra", as a form of speech that 'er brother only can understand." "Is THAT so? How fun! Oh, and I made you a card to go with your present as well." He replied as I pulled out a pink colored Envelope with the same weird symbols as the strange device in the Pokémon Center. I showed it to Marnie, and she translated, ""To the kiddo in Circhester, from the dragon tamer". Aww, that's adorable!" "Doesn't she know how to read Galarian?" Raihan asked, placing his hands cooly behind his head, to which Piers replied with a sigh, "She only JUST started talkin'. We hadn't had a moment to teach her to read!" "Aisling, no read Galar. Only Kanto!" I confirmed with a nod, taking the card gently back from Marnie to put back into the bag. His eyes widened in shock as he exclaimed, "Well that's no good! What're you going to do if Marnie and Piers isn't around to translate for you?" "Nonsense! We'll be there for 'er if she needs us, right Marnie?" Piers asked, looking down at his sister, who placed her palm to her forehead as she sighed, "You can't make that promise, Piers. What if we're busy with the Gym and can't attend to her? It's not like she's got a Rotom Phone of 'er own, y'know." "Precisely! She'll get lost, poor little kid." Raihan added, putting his arms over his chest as he leaned his head back in thought. "Then how 'bout this then? Marnie and I got errands to run, and in the meantime you can watch over Aisling, an' perhaps teach her how to translate Galarian to Kantonian, hm?" Piers suggested, giving Raihan a stare that only a parent could give when they're awaiting the decision of a stubborn child. Raihan gave a blank stare at first, remaining silent as an unsure smile crept across his lips. "Sure! I'll teach her Galarian if SHE can teach ME Kantonian. Deal, Aisling?" He replied after a while, and I nodded in confidence at the fine idea of passing my knowledge to someone foreign in exchange for them teaching me their culture. "Very good. You and Zen be good for Raihan while we're out, kay?" Marnie said, stroking my hair and patting Zen's head before handing the two of us over to the unsuspecting Dragon Master; turning on her heel to follow after her brother before anyone could speak. Riahan, Zen, and myself all exchanged awkward glances with one another in pen drop silence, the only noise being that of the bustling, mideaval city itself, unsure of what to do next. "Right..... So.... What would you like to do first missy?" He asked, placing his hands on his hips. I looked at Zen for any ideas, but the only response he could muster was a confused shrug, and the dress caused my stomach to itch again. "Dress itchy..." I complained, scratching the area, and placing his hands together Raihan began, "Ah, yes. I suppose that dress IS a bit uncomfortable for you, yeah? You may use the locker room to put on your new outfit if you wish it!" ""New outfit"?" I parroted, eyes widening in surprise. "Yeah! That's what I got for you, though I'm not going to spoil what it looks like. Come! Let's get a crack on, and start learning Galarian." He said, and Zen and I followed behind him over a bridge, and inside the magnificent castle itself! "You know, Zen," I began, speaking to him in a low whisper with our own tongue, "the inside seems much smaller than the outside makes it look. Do you suppose at one point, before becoming a Gym, that it housed some of the greatest Kings and Queens in all of Galar?" "Seems to me you need to consult their history books on that matter Aisling. But the decorum of the outside DOES upstage the grandeure the inside holds, if any at ALL that is." He replied, perching on my back. "Locker rooms are down that there corridor, and the Gym's dead straight from there once you leave. Should you get lost, you may consult in the trainers that I've taught personally to assist you. I eagerly await your lessons, Aisling, so don't keep me waiting alright?" Raihan said, patting me on the shoulder. I looked up at him, and said with a smile, "Yes, Raihan. Thank R-Raihan!" He shared his pointy toothed smirk with us for a final time before entering the stadium, and we begun our path down towards the locker room. Once inside, I slipped into a stall, and began to switch out the uncomfortable, fairy inspired dress, for an odd looking, overall style! The legs were knee length, and the front sported a kind of crest of some sort, as well as silver buttons for the straps to lock in place that complimented the navy blue color. On the back was stitched a red pair of wings, with a blue and red sharp tail to match that of dragons from old fairytales, and a white undershirt with flowy, elbow length sleeves. I dug deeper into the bag, and found a pair of calf high, black socks, and a pair of white, casual buckle flats to wear in place of my leggings and dress flats that Ms. Opal gave to me, and I quickly threw on the outfit in relief, no longer having to suffer the itchiness of the tea dress! "I feel much better in this outfit. It's less itchy!" I said, stuffing the puff ball of a dress into the bag Raihan gave to me, and emerging from the stall. "You look silly with those oversized wings and thin tail of yours! Has NOBODY here even SEEN a Dragon Type Pokémon?" Zen judged, poking at the wings on my back as they moved, almost in a flapping manner. "It's an INSPIRED outfit, Zen. Next I suppose you'll be judging clothing based on Flying Types soon enough!" "I hope it never happens! You and feathers wouldn't work out so well." He teased, and I waved him away as he began to snicker. "It's a fine outfit, and I feel comfortable in it." I stated confidently, and Zen shrugged as he laughed, "If you say it is. Just make sure you don't inadvertently offend any Dragon Pokémon! Nasty things, I hear." "You've never even MET one, so how would you KNOW?" "You're not the only one father entertains with stories of his youth, you know! Now let's go, before Raihan begins to worry that we're skipping out." We left the locker room, and headed down the same corridor until we reached the lobby once more. "He said "straight ahead", didn't he?" I asked, looking around. "I believe so. Let's ask that man there if he could point the way!" Zen suggested, pointing over to a tall, dark skinned man, dressed in a suit, a hat, and some shades. "Odd, wearing tinted specs inside." I said, approaching the man with Zen floating along behind me, and I tugged on his pant leg as I began, "Excuse me!" The man reacted in a quick way that caught me off gaurd, squeezing my arm tightly as I tried to fight him off in a state of fright! He took the bottom of my face in his hand, squishing my cheeks till my lips made a pout, and turned my head harshly upwards to face him as he examined me. I was scared, and I could tell Zen was as well as he froze mid-air, confused on what to do next! The man held a hard cold expression as he tilted his head from side to side, almost as if he were trying to recognize something, but not quite getting the image into view. I whimpered as the man continued to observe, his breath hot and heavy with each exhale from his nostrils, and I heard a harsh voice from beside us yell out, "HEY!" The man looked up from me, and I was able to turn my head a little in his stern grip to see a red faced Raihan, storming up in a fit of rage. The man pulled my sight back toward him once more, taking another quick look over before letting out a low, menacing growl, and threw me backwards, causing me to nearly trip on my own feet as he briskly walked away. It wasn't long until all the eyes in the lobby were on me, and Raihan brought me close to him as he began in a stern tone, "Aisling, did you know him? Did he hurt you?" "Aisling don't know man... Did squeeze arm tight!" I responded, confused by the situation as I lifted my sleeve to show Raihan the newly formed bruise. After studying the handprint left, he snapped his fingers, summoning one of his trainers as he commanded, "Find that man, and turn him in to the authorities! Aisling, you and Zen both follow behind me." Raihan kept looking behind him as he led my brother and I safely to the stadium floor, and once we were out of everyone's line of sight, he bolted the doors behind him before turning his attention back to me. "Are you alright?" He asked, noticing that I was still rubbing the newly formed mark on my arm. "Man scared Aisling and Zen!" I said, taking my brother into my arms gently. "Yeah, you AND me both kid! I was afraid he'd snag you. The nerve of some people, putting their paws on others that didn't ask for it!" Raihan took the bag with my dress from me, and stached it away in a locker for safe keeping before taking a deep breath in. "What matters is that you're safe, and the man who did it's being dealt with. So, who's ready to learn Galarian?" He said, regaining his composure as he smiled a huge, toothy smile, and Zen and I began to cheer and jump for joy. My brother and I waited out on the floor while Raihan dug around the spectators' office for writing tools, and he met back up with us holding a stack of paper, and a couple of scribble sticks! "Take one, and the first thing I'd like you to do is make yourself a key." He explained, handing me a pink scribble stick, as I looked up at him in confusion. "What key?" I asked, taking the scribble stick before looking around the stadium floor for what he was talking about. Raihan raised a brow for a minute, then he snapped his fingers as he said in realization, "Oh yeah! Marnie told me your vocabulary wasn't as great as ours. A "Key", Aisling, is like a printed tool you can use to translate one language to another. The key I want you to create, is your Kantonian alphabet, and I'll start on making the Galarian key with my our own alphabet!" "Ooooh, Get it!" I replied, jumping ecstatically as I took a sheet of paper in my hand, set myself on my stomach on the floor, and quickly began to scratch down the whole Kantonian alphabet by memory. "Done!" I announced, setting my scribble stick down, and Raihan replied with a giggle, "Already? You're very smart kid! Just give me a moment to get the last few letters down, and we'll be golden." He left a few more odd marks on his paper before setting down his scribble stick, and he slid his paper over to me as he said, "There! Now the way you have your alphabet written, is the EXACT way I've got mine written. Take your Kantonian script, and place it over my Galarian script, leaving the top row of letters exposed." I did as he asked, and with a third sheet of paper, he covered the rest of the letters that were familiar to me. Zen and I looked up at him in interest as he continued, "See here? This first row of letters that I wrote corresponds to the letters that YOU wrote. So if I pointed at the letter "A" on your sheet, where then would the letter "E" be located in MY row? Use your alphabet to help you!" Zen and I looked closely at the symbols, and it wasn't long before we found a match, and I pointed to it's location as I shouted, ""E"!" "Very good Aisling! Now let's move on to the next row." We kept on for twenty minutes, going over each line at least twice, and with a proud expression on his face Raihan cheered, "Good job! You're well on your way to being an expert at two languages kid. Now here's a challenge for you-" He took my key in hand, and with shaken letters he began to spell his name. ""R-Raihan"!" I read aloud, and he responded, "Precisely! Now, let's see YOU write my name in Galarian. You may use your key to remind you, and I'd like you to write it three times as you see it. I'll be following along, but I'll be writing in Kantonian script so we'll both be learning on even grounds, okay?" I nodded in response, and I began to match up letters, and copy the odd symbols Raihan printed for me, Zen joining alongside me as he took a blue scribble stick, and a paper of his own before settling on the stadium floor. Before we knew it, three hours had nearly passed us up, and the stadium floor was littered with papers bearing both Galarian and Kantonian text as I finished up writing my own name in Galarian font. "Whew! I'm worn out, wouldn't you agree? Let's take a recess from language learning for a bit, yeah?" Raihan sighed. Zen and I nodded in agreement, and the three of us rose from the ground as Raihan took out six ball like structures. "Alright gang, let's stretch our legs a bit!" He said, and he threw all six in the air, each glowing light producing a Pokémon more exotic than the last! "WOW! Look at them! They're more grand than I thought!" I exclaimed to my brother, running up to a green and red Dragon Type Pokémon in sheer excitement. We've never seen a Dragon Type before, so meeting one in person was overwhelming to say the least! "Be careful, Aisling! It doesn't look friendly..." Zen cried in caution, but I dismissed him as I held a hand out to touch the gorgeous Dragon Pokémon itself. The oversized creature, at first, seemed confused by my intentions, but after a moment of looking between my hand and I, it brought over it's snout, and inhaled. To a Pokémon, this is the social norm as it tells others what Pokémon you are, and whether or not you should be trusted, so I wasn't at all shocked by the odd Dragon's reaction. The creature straightened itself out again, seemingly curious by my scent, and it flew around me in an observatory manner; a slimy, hulking purple Dragon joining in and making me giggle. "Alright Flygon, Goodra, let the girl be. They can smell Pokémon on you, but you being human throws them for a loop Aisling. They're not to sure WHAT to think of you!" Raihan laughed, coming up to my side to watch the two go out on the stadium floor to play. "Said, "Goodra and Flygon"? Which?" I asked, pointing over at the two massive Pokémon as they kicked a ball around to each other, smacking it up with their tails as a form of passing. "The green and red Dragon you greeted seconds ago is called "Flygon". The purple, goopy looking Dragon playing with Flygon is called "Goodra"!" Raihan explained, and I breathed in response, "Flygon, Goodra, pretty." "That's the beauty of Dragon Types kiddo. They come in an assortment of colors and sizes, why there's never a day where you can't stand back, and truly admire the Dragon Types as they are! That's why I chose to specialize in Dragon Pokémon." Raihan said passionately, and I could feel just what he meant. Their grandeure was like that of nobles with a knightly presence: strong, yet utterly sophisticated nonetheless. Raihan ruffled my hair before taking his leave, and Zen and I were left with his Pokémon, pondering what to do next. "That Flygon sure seemed friendly. I wonder if it would like to play with us!" I exclaimed, wanting to make the perfect impression on the Dragons firsthand. "Seems to me they'd like to keep to themselves. I feel that it'd be impolite to just intrude on their fun, so I'd wait at least for an invitation to play." Zen said, hovering mere inches from the floor, sprawling himself out on the psychic aura he was producing. When he did, the ball that Flygon and Goodra were playing with bounced it's way over to us, and I caught it midair in surprise before looking out across the stadium. The two Dragon Pokémon looked my way, both holding pleasant expressions, and I got the feeling that this WAS their invitation to join them! I looked down at my brother, who drifted off to sleep on his little cloud of purple mist, and a smile broke across my lips as I bounced the ball back as an acceptance before joining them on the stadium floor. Flygon swooped for the ball, whisking it up into the air before hitting it toward Goodra with it's tail. Goodra attempted to catch the toy, but it's slippery looking body prevented any kind of resistance as it slipped out of the poor dear's grip, and the ball sailed right for a smaller Pokémon: Presumably a Fire Type based on looks. "FLYGON!" Flygon shouted, and I knew that the force of the ball would surely injure the Pokémon if it wasn't stopped! "Oh no!" I said, and I winced as the poor Pokémon shouted "TOOORRR!" before hitting the stadium wall, making the ball ricochet at a lesser force than was exerted by Flygon. Goodra caught the ball in it's hands, and the three of us rushed over to the smaller Pokémon in concern to see the damage, and the poor thing laid sprawled flat on it's belly in a state of disorientation. Upon closer inspection, it looked to be some kind of turtle Pokémon, and I began to wonder if I had assumed the type to quickly when a puff of steam left it's back. I got on my knees, and placed the smaller Pokémon in my lap gingerly as I stroked it's warm, orange colored head, and it began to sob, "Tor-Torkoal..." based on the cry, I deduced that the Pokémon was named "Torkoal", and I kissed the top of Torkoal's head to make it feel better as I continued to pet it. Once it was done crying, and the disorientation faded, I placed Torkoal back onto the floor out of the way of Flygon and Goodra's line of fire before joining back to them and warning them in a soft tone, "Careful." The two nodded to me in understanding, but instead of tossing the ball around we decided to lightly roll it towards one another until we grew bored. Flygon put the ball back into a toy chest, and began to suggest some other toys we could play with, ranging from a bell attached to a string, dress up costumes and props, and even a yo-yo, only for Goodra to shoot every idea down. Stuck on what to do, I got my gears turning, thinking long and hard about a fun game we could enjoy without the risk of injuring another Pokémon..... One that could be played for hours if it had to.... the light bulb in my head lit up as I called, "Flygon! Goodra! Aisling have idea!" the two met up with me, eagerly awaiting my suggestion as I explained, "We play "Dragon Tag"!" Confused, Flygon and Goodra tilted their heads, and I explained further, "I pretend Aisling Dragon. RAAAWR!" I exclaimed, imagining how a Dragon Pokémon would sound, walk, and act as I continued, "I "It" Dragon, you run. RAAAWR!" The two Dragons seemed happy to play along, and they both scattered as I pretended to breathe fire. Logically, of course, I went after Goodra first because of how slow it's mass made it, and so I took off in Goodra's direction, laughing as I continued to roar. I was gaining on the slippery, purple Dragon Type, and eventually enough, I was able to cut off it's course of escape before tagging it lightly on the belly. "Tag! Now help get Flygon." I said, and Goodra gave an understanding nod. Flygon was more of a difficult one to catch, considering that it flew in the air above us, and neither Goodra nor myself could reach it by ourselves. "Goodra! Can get on back?" I asked, and Goodra smiled as it leaned down for me to climb onto it's slick, slimy back. We gave chase after Flygon, me continuing to roar and breathe pretend fire as Goodra shouted, "Goo-Goodra!" And Flygon zipped around the stadium like a torpedo! "Come Goodra! Almost got Flygon!" I cried as Goodra exerted the last of it's energy to catch up with the colorful Dragon above. I reached my hand up, swiping the air in attempt to at least brush my fingers against Flygon's tail; encouraging a tuckered Goodra all the while I was grasping at the air. We grew closer, and closer, and I was finally able to lightly tap the end of Flygon's tail as I shouted happily, "TAG! Got Flygon!" Flygon squeaked in shock before halting itself in the air, and Goodra slowed down, out of breath, and extremely tired from the running. I leapt off of Goodra's back, and slightly scolded, "Flying no fair Flygon. Is cheating!" Flygon lowered it's head apologetically, and I caressed it's face as a form of forgiveness before planting a loving kiss on Flygon's snout. "Let Goodra rest... I., Flygon, keep playing okay?" I suggested. Flygon looked over toward the snoozing Goodra, and nodded in agreement as I said, "You "It" Dragon!" and shot off like a rocket away from it. I could feel the heavy steps of Flygon behind me as it boomed, "FLYGON! FLY-GON!" and I squealed happily as I tried to keep my distance from the hulking Dragon..... Little did I know who was witnessing the scene, for I felt a strong hand pull me to the side, and I was greeted with the sight of a stern looking Piers as he readied a green and black orb in his hand. "Woah, hey! HEY!" Raihan yelled, stopping Flygon in it's tracks, and catching us both off gaurd. "What on earth is going on here?! Aisling, are you alright?" " 'Ow can she be? Your Flygon there was chasin' her 'round your Gym like a wild Pokémon an' makin' 'er scream!" Piers scolded, making Flygon looked between it's Trainer and Piers in a confused, and startled manner. I knew then what the problem was, and I immediately pushed my way past him, and over to Flygon as I said, "No! Flygon no hurt Aisling!" I threw my arms around Flygon as I corrected, "Flygon PLAYING. Play game Aisling made up!" The two stood there in confusion as I continued to explain the rules and concept of Dragon tag, and they slowly began to come around to the idea. "S-Sorry Flygon." Raihan apologized awkwardly, patting his Pokémon on the snout. "My bad," Piers added, putting the green and black orb back into his pocket, "I 'eard Aisling scream an' thought the worst! Shoulda known better than that." I continued to pet Flygon to comfort it as Marnie approached, and sighed, "Leave it to you to overreact about lil' things like that! Honestly bro." "Can't help it, I'm a big bro! I've responsibilities that you've no idea of, Marn." He replied, blushing as he turned his head in embarrassment from his sister. Zen floated groggily over to me, and asked, "What'd I miss?" "Piers thought Flygon was trying to hurt me, so he tried to protect me and Marnie's jumping his skin over the little misunderstanding." I explained as he landed in my arms. "Well could they do it any more loudly? I'm still sleepy!" Zen whined. I shook my head in disapproval as I stated firmly, "You're ALWAYS sleepy, Zen. You slept the whole ride to Ballonlea, and you slept a good while here! You can't POSSIBLY still be tired from all that." "Well you slept all the way to Ballonlea too! And I'm still a hatchling compared to you sister." he argued, and I rolled my eyes with a sigh. I knew how it was Piers was feeling, and let me tell you that being the oldest sometimes isn't all cookies and cream! We had our differences, Zen and I, and usually we said things that we regretted later, but all in all he was still my brother at the end of a long day, and I his sister. Piers and Marnie are the same way, each holding their differences, and each guilty of saying something nasty to each other, but they still loved each other no less than how they already did. And it's true that the oldest has a set of responsibilities unknown to the youngest, but it's up to us to help them to understand the best way we can, and I could see where Piers struggles to get across that point to Marnie. "So have you been playing with Pokémon the entire time we ran errands?" Marnie asked, and I ran over to collect the pages of Kantonian and Galarian script to show her. "This Raihan's, and this Aisling's!" I said, handing her the stacks of paper bearing the shakey print, and she looked over both stacks as an impressed look took over. "Well look at that! Smashin' job you lot." She said with a grin, walking over to her brother to show him the fruits of mine and Raihan's labor, and he too was pleased as he looked over the writing sheets. "A quick learner is a productive one, an' very few possess that quality. I'm proud of you darlin'!" I felt happy to be praised by him, and I added "Zen learn too. Learn TOGETHER!" "And it's the finest way TO learn kiddo." Raihan said, patting me lightly on the shoulder. I beamed pridefully, feeling accomplished by what I've learned today, and I did a mini dance, waking Zen up fully as he leapt out of my arms. "It's good to be able to write the font, but more importantly is that you can READ what you've written." Marnie began, holding up one of the pages with my attempt at Galarian writing that had Bede's name on it, and I pointed to the page as I told her the contents. She held up another page, and I immediately threw my arms around Marnie as I read, "Marnie!" as a final test, she held up a third page, and I shouted, "Raihan!" she smiled brightly as she confirmed, "Correct on all accounts! You're ready to start greetin' new people, an' expandin' your grounds. Great job Aisling!" "But not quite on 'er own, Marn. She still needs to be looked after by trustworthy people, and there's 'ardly any of 'em in Galar!" Piers stated, crossing his arms over his chest as nervousness filled his beautiful blue eyes. "Bede's trustworthy, is he not?" "I don't even trust Opal with 'er crazy methods, an' that unbearably frilly, posh attitude! 'Ow can I possibly trust 'im?" "Because Gym Leader Bede's not Ms. Opal. Besides, he's JUST as unbearable in my opinion." Raihan interjected, placing his hands behind his head as he looked up in thought. "What 'bout Melony and Raihan? Surely they're worthy of your trust." Marnie began again, pulling me over her. "You got me there sis." "And Marnie?" I asked, pointing up to her as she smiled her widest. Piers smiled in return, and replied with a giggle "O' course I trust Marnie. Nothin's closer than blood, cheeky girl!" He handed the papers back to Raihan, approached the two of us, and set a loving hand on the top of both our heads, and I closed my eyes as I soaked in the warmth it brought to me. Father did that for all of my siblings and I, an act of love that I always favored even now due to the strength it brings to any bond, and our bond was ever growing the longer I remained in Galar. It was sweet, but it was also frightening to think about because it made me wonder what I would do if I'd have grown too close with my friends in Galar! I didn't want to choose between them and my family, but I didn't want Zen and I to be alone in a foreign land. But even if we were we'd have met Piers and Marnie eventually, and we'd grow ever closer to them then like we are now. Was it our fate? I wasn't sure what to think! Flygon approached with a drowsy Goodra, and it nudged my shoulder blade to get my attention. I looked back at them, smiling brightly, and I asked, "Want play more?" Flygon did a happy backflip as Goodra cheered, "Goo-Goo-Goodra!" And we all laughed. "How long has it been since you an' I played tag Piers?" Marnie asked, looking back to him. "Y'know, I can't remember sis. WAY too long I guess!" He said, looking up in thought as he tried to reminisc their childhood. "We ALL play!" I laughed, and after an exchange of glances, the three of them smiled. "A'ight, let's choose teams everyone!" Marnie declared, and I quickly shouted, "Goodra, Flygon with Aisling!" "Then I guess that leaves Piers, Marnie, and myself." Raihan chuckled brightly. I slowly crept up to him, and tapped him as I said "Raihan's team "It" Dragons!", and the two Pokémon and I scattered to get away. "Haha! RAAAAAWR!" Raihan boomed, and the three gave chase after a chosen target: Marnie catching Goodra, Raihan catching Flygon, and Piers coming after me. I tell you, for a man in loafers, he was quicker than Areodactyl on a windy day, for each break I tried to make in attempt to shake him off my trail drew him closer towards me until he was close enough to sweep me off the floor! "RAAAAH! I got you! RAAH!" He boomed, and I half giggled, half squealed as I tried to wriggle myself free. "Well aren't you two just adorable!" Raihan teased lightheartedly, making Marnie laugh out loud. "Bah, you're only jealous Raihan." Piers replied with a smirk, setting me back on the floor before continuing, "However, there's still a couple Pokémon that need taggin', an' a couple Gym Leaders who are lackin'!" "Right! Let's do this!" Marnie cheered, and we decided to split up: Marnie and I chasing Goodra, and the other two chasing Flygon. It remained like this for who KNOWS how long, with my new Poké friends chasing the trio, and the trio chasing us in return! Once we had our fun, all of us met in front of Hammerlocke stadium, bidding each other farewell in the light of the setting sun. "I hope you had an awesome day today Aisling. Don't forget to use your key to help you read!" He said, ruffling my hair gently. "Aisling won't forget. Thank Raihan!" "No problem kiddo! OH! And have this. A final present from the Dragon Master himself!" Raihan said, handing me a laminated picture of himself with his name at the top, and an autograph written in shakey Kantonian font. I gasped as I remembered the day I left Circhester, and Marnie showed me how to make a thing called "League Cards". I took the card from him, hugged it, and ran over to Marnie to show her my new souvenir. "Aww, how sweet! I just so happened to bring your many league cards myself in case you wanna give 'em to people you met. You wanna give Raihan one of your cards?" She asked, placing the card in her purse, and pulling out one of mine. I nodded, took the card from her hand, and ran back over to Raihan. I handed him my card, and he teased, "Aww, look at you! How adorable." I beamed bashfully, and Raihan asked in a kind tone, "Could you do something for me? I'd REALLY like you to autograph mine in Galarian font, please. Here, you could use my marker!" He handed me the writing tool called "Marker", and I popped the lid off to write my name beneath my face. It was easy to write, since I had a swift sticking memory, and after I was done writing, I planted a kiss on the front of the card, and handed his marker back to him. "Aww, thanks Aisling. I hope you have a wonderful stay, and many adventures here in Galar, kid!" He said, giving me a tight squeeze hug from the side. "Aisling have lots fun! Lots fun with Marnie, Piers." I replied confidently, returning his hug before racing off towards Marnie and Piers, who were waiting patiently at the Taxi. Raihan waved us off, and the Taxi took flight, sending us soaring over the magnificent city of Hammerlocke! I clasped onto Piers; tightly closing my eyes in fear when he gently tapped me on the shoulder to gain my attention as he said softly, "Look out the window, darlin'." As he instructed, I opened one eye just a smidge, and the gorgeous view from the window left me stunned! "Like painting..." I sighed, forgetting for a moment that we were practically feet away from the earth, and Piers fawned, "The only place on earth with such a lovely sight. The orange dusk over a deep blue horizon, an' soft, grassy hills transformin' into large, rocky mountains, all in perfect sync, and sharin' the Harmony like a well written song. You an' Marnie witnessin' this well rehearsed melody of nature, it brings comfort to my soul that's worth more 'an ALL the materialistic leisures in the universe! I guess what I'm tryin' to tell you is," He turned his head to look down at me, a beautiful gleam in his softened gaze, portraying a warm heart as he finished, "I'm happy to meet someone like you. You've brought so much light, an' joy to us that seemed missin' for the longest time! Now don't go mistakin' it for ungratefulness, after all, I had some rockin' moments with my Marnie, but somethin' 'bout you brings a silver linin' to a vintage lace, y'know?" I nodded, understanding perfectly well what he was trying to say, and I took both Marnie's and his hands in mine as I reciprocated, "Zen, Asling, love both! Happy met you and Marnie." I could feel the warmth of their happiness course through me as I held their hands, and I was pleased that I was able to feel just how strong a bond they've created with my brother and I. We felt safe with them, and no doubt just as happy with them as they are with us! It would be difficult to leave that behind..... painful to think about..... but I silently promised myself that when I evolved into Alakazam, I'd return here to Galar with Zen, just to catch up with them, and prehaps introduce them to Father, Aura, and Kamie while we were there! It was an iffy dream that one, but it made my heart happy nonetheless to be brought together again, and talking like we were now, and ALL of us having a chance to grow on each other. Once we were back in Spikemuth, and I had repeated the places we've been to for the final time today, we took a shortcut through a series of Allys to reach Piers and Marnie's house. "Let's see 'ere, where'd I place the key?" Piers asked himself, looking around the porch. I perked up, and held my Galarian to Kanto translations as I exclaimed, "Key!" Marnie laughed, and Piers explained, "That's a written key, a tool used for translation. THIS 'owever," he held up the ancient key that he used to unlock the door the first time we arrived in Spikemuth as he continued, "is a door key, used to unlock locked doors, chests, whatever comes to mind when you have a lock! Would you like to try it?" He handed the metal object to me, and with a smile, I placed it into the lock, and turned it, but when I tried to open the door, it was still stuck! "Key broken." I huffed in dismay, and Piers laughed, "It's not broken, Aisling, you just turned it the wrong way! 'Ere, I'll show you." He took the key from my hand, and did the same exact steps I did, the only difference was that he turned the key to the right, instead of left. He tried the handle, and the door swung right open, surprising me as I looked on in shock. "Key no like Aisling." I huffed, bringing a smirk to Piers's lips as I walked inside, carrying my brother in my arms. Once we all had settled down, Marnie showed me all the things she and her brother bought at one of the clothing shops in Hammerlocke, and fittingly enough, ALL of them were Dark Type themed. "We thought this'd look cute on you. Whaddya say?" She asked, pulling out a black and white, zigzag patterned sleep onesie, with a hoodie, and a sewn on pink tutu skirt. I took it from her, and held it close as I thanked her, and I ran upstairs to try it on for them. We played a few games together before retiring to our respective sleep areas, but I could hardly sleep with all the fun we had today, and all the enchanting places we went to visit, so I just sat there, huddled up to my brother who was softly snoring beside me as I thought to myself about the new adventures that were in store for us. That was enough to make me anxious for what the next day would bring.... What new friends awaited us the longer we remained in Galar..... or what new troubles lied ahead for the two of us...