My brother and I washed up for the day, preparing to go to Wyndon for a meeting Marnie had put together for the Gym Leaders. "Do you suppose it's going to be about battle rules and procedures?" Zen asked as I rubbed apple smelling soap bubbles on his head. "No," I began, shaking my head as I carefully cleaned the delicate portions of his body, "from what Marnie had made clear yesterday this meeting is about my lack of a friend." I sighed, pooling water into my hands to dump over my brother, and he shook his head free of water as he asked, "Why do you need a friend? Is Marnie and the others getting bored of us already?" I shook my head again as he flew from the bath to let me finish bathing, and I replied solemnly, "It's because they're too OLD for us, and we're too YOUNG for them. Marnie's been up to something since two days ago, though I don't know how it involves you and I getting a friend that understands us as all younger children do!" "If they're confident that it works then the only choice is to take them on their word. Marnie and Piers are quite honest, though their looks and hometown may not portray such! I have an inkling of a feeling that whomever they recommend would be happy to befriend a couple Abras." Zen chirped, upbeat as ever. "If you can stay awake long enough to determine such! Honestly, since we've been here it's been nothing but sleep for you." I sighed, washing myself off with the apple smelling soap. "Well Abra nap whenever, and however long they want! Replenishes our reserves, sister, though I don't expect YOU to know since you don't HAVE powers yet." He said bluntly, to which I pulled the curtain back a bit to scowl at him as I snapped, "Zen! Father would disapprove of your attitude, you know?!" "S-Sorry Aisling...." he stuttered before giving a sneaky giggle. I shut the curtain, and with a calming breath, I rinsed myself free of the soap as I continued, "Though, I can't help but feel like I'm different somehow.... Like something inside of me has changed since we left Kanto, but I cannot quite pin point what it is!" "It's probably just homesickness. Believe me, I've been wanting Father since we boarded that metal vessel! Often, when I nap, I dream that you and I are back home, playing with Kamie and Aura in the green, grassy fields, and that all of this was just a bad dream... Being separated and all, that is!" "Well, it COULD be worse I suppose. I'm just thankful for what Marnie and Piers gives us, even if it's not much! I wish that I can do something in return for their kindness...." I trailed off, stepping out of the bath to wrap myself in a towel before busily, and thoroughly, drying off Zen's neon yellow fur, and beige, armor like shell. "What about those strange rocks you found?" Zen inquired, "You gave one to Nessa, so why not give them one as well?" I shook my head as I thought about his question, and I told him, "As pretty as they may be, it would be cheap just to give them a pretty rock for putting a roof above us, and keeping us safe until Nessa can arrange for us passage back to Kanto!" "But how do you know they won't like it anyway? It may be small and insignificant, but at least it's a gift from the bottom of our hearts. That's better than nothing, I'll say!" He argued, flying up toward the ceiling as I dried myself off. I suppose he was right, but it was more a matter of which stone I feel confident in giving to whom! I can't just give them a random stone without at least putting SOME thought into it. Once I stepped out of the bathroom with Zen, we quickly ducked away into Piers's room, where I put all my clothes in the box that Miss Opal had wrapped my dress in, and I dug for one of my newer outfits that Marnie had gotten for me: my Ponyta inspired jumper dress. I threw on the blouse and my white leggings before slipping myself into the dress portion of the outfit, tucking in any part of the blouse that jutted out, and I slipped on a silver pair of flats that glittered in Spikemuth's dim light. With Zen settled on my back, we started down the stairs where Marnie and Piers stood waiting at the front door. "Here Aisling, come to me real quick." Marnie instructed, bringing me in front of her as Zen took flight again, and settling in Piers's arms like an infant. Marnie quickly ran a brush through my long, periwinkle hair, and very quickly, and skillfully, put it up into a pair of twin ponytails before tying pink ribbons around them. "There! We can both have the same hairstyle." She said, sending me off with a small pat. I ran up to Piers to show him, but the way he gazed down at me.... Like he was remembering something...... I took his hand in my own, and I set it lightly on my head as I smiled brightly at him, and it was enough for him to chuckle slightly before giving a tiny grin in response as he ruffled my hair lightly. "Shall we be off?" He asked finally, breaking out of his melancholy. I nodded, taking my dear brother back from him softly, and holding him to my chest in my arms. "Let's rock an' roll then." He said, and the usual routine of walking and waiting for a Taxi occurred. Once in Wyndon, we walked down the sidewalk past a busy street filled to the brim with Pokémon, and people atop some while others seemed to be delivering cart fulls of produce from, presumably, Turffield. "Oooooh. These Pokémon seem rather efficient at what they do. I wonder if Kanto has busy Pokémon like them?" I said quietly as my brother and I observed a bird Pokémon delivering letters to mailboxes. "I know Chancey are hard at work there, tending to Pokémon that are hospitalized that is, but other than that they usually just lay about like lazy bumps. If only they had more integrity, they could do WONDERS for our region!" Zen huffed snarkily, and Marnie called out behind her, "Aisling! You two keep up, yeah?" "R-Right!" I replied, running up to her, and continuing to walk next to the biggest buildings I had ever seen, eyes full of curiosity and awe. We reached our destination: a small Café wedged between two of the bigger buildings, and Piers held open the door for the two of us to enter. The air was perfectly cool inside the Café, and I released Zen to play around to take in the comfortable temperature as Marnie directed us to a nearby seat. "The others shall be 'ere any minute now. We'll get a bite to eat, have a few chinwags, then we'll get down to business. Sound good?" She asked, sitting me beside her at a booth while Zen settled on a pad on the floor. "Sound good." I replied, and Piers met up with us after ordering our drinks. "Look at 'im, all curled up an' snug on that cushion." Piers remarked, pointing down to Zen, who fell fast asleep on his back and was snoring lightly. I put a palm to my forehead as I muttered, "Brother lazy..." and I shook my head in disapproval by the sight of the little Abra. "I s'pose if he's tired, let 'im sleep. In the meantime, we need to keep our peepers open for the others. Oh! There's Milo now!" Marnie began, pointing up towards the direction of the exit where Milo stood as he looked around. Excited, I slunk out of the chair, and weaved my way across the underside of the table before running to greet him with a hug. "Milo!" I cheered, looking up at him with a beam and making him chuckle in response. "Why hello Aisling! I see you're doing right as rain today." He laughed brightly, settling his hand atop my head softly as I continued, "Marnie, Piers, over there! Has BIG plan." "Do they now? Hmmm, yes, I remember something about Marnie texting me about a huge plan she's been on to for a few days. I wonder what it could be?" He inquired, crossing his arms as he stood in thought. After Milo ordered his drink at the counter, he sat down across the table from Marnie before placing his hat on the floor beside him, and settling himself in. "Hiya Piers; Marnie, how'er you two this evening?" "Very well, thanks. Just been keepin' Aisling 'ere at bay and at home! She was ill yesterday afternoon, but it seemed a bit of bed rest was all she needed to perk up again." Piers replied casually, looking down at me with a smile. As the three talked, I settled myself onto the floor beside my brother to tease him, which I grew bored of after he rolled onto his side, facing away from me with a small snort. A pretty waitress came by to take everyone's orders, and Piers asked, "What is it you want from the menu, love?" He handed the menu to me, and I skimmed through the varieties of sandwiches, cakes, pies, and coffees until I found what I wanted. "Tuna! Tuna!" I exclaimed, pointing at the picture of a well made, fish salad sandwich, and Piers grinned as he said, "A perfect choice. Their tuna salad is the best in all of Galar! You'll love it." "I disagree.... A fish salad with mayonnaise and shredded pickle in it? YUCK!" Marnie interjected, shivering. "You can't be TOO picky, sis. For all you know, we could one day run out of food and all you'll have TO eat is "yucky fish salad"." Piers replied, half teasing while being serious. Marnie's eyes went wide with terror, and her face grew pale as she cried, "I'd rather eat grass than that stuff!" Milo and Piers burst into a fit of laughter; even I giggled slightly at the sight of Marnie's distressed manner toward the thought of eating the sandwich one day. "Well look at you lot, giggling away like children!" A voice commented happily, and we all turned our attention to Nessa, dressed in a casual, red, short sleeve, sleek dress with a golden chain belt covered in diamonds. She wore huge pearls on her ears, and the same around her left wrist and neck, and her heels were a velvety black with buckles. Her hair was done up in a braid, and her makeup shone like a godess freshly fallen from the sky. She took her place beside Milo as I ran to greet her with a hug, and looking at the two a sudden image flashed through my mind! It was Nessa and Milo, but it seemed that there was some kind of occasion as everyone was all dressed in black tie attire. Nessa was in a sleek, body fitting dress the color of ivory, complimented by lacey touches, and kisses of diamonds on the top and skirt. The dress trailed into a series of ripples from behind her, and there was a sapphire clip in her hair that gleamed in the light of the sun! My face grew hot, seeing how pretty she looked, and I smiled warmly at her as Milo drew her close with a gentle, and loving gaze. "Aisling?" A voice echoed, and my vision fizzled back into reality, where my small party of bigger friends stared on in awe and embarrassment. "Wh-What?" I asked innocently before looking down at what it was I did in my subconscious state of mind, making me gasp. I had both Nessa and Milo's hands intwined in my own, and had them firmly pressed against my stomach as if I didn't want them to let each other go. "Wh-What ARE you doing?" Piers asked, concerned. "N-Nothing..." I replied quickly, letting them go as I took a step back in embarrassment. Milo and Nessa's hands separated, and I felt this unbearable pain fill my hear as I cried, "No!" "Huh?!" "Wh-Wha?!" The two cried as I quickly clasped their hands together again, whimpering sadly as I murmured "Stay.. Stay..." I looked up between them, tears forming, and with an awkward smile, Nessa promised, "We'll keep.... Holding hands? I-If you want us too, that is.." both their faces grew red, but I was satisfied by her promise of keeping their hands held together, so I returned to my seat between Marnie and Piers quietly. Silence was loud between the five of us, and before anyone could speak, a voice boomed, "We're here party boys and girls!" And we turned our attention to Raihan, with Bea standing beside him with a stoic face. "G-Good to see you, Raihan!" Nessa said, standing up to hug him, while Milo went to greet Bea with a hearty handshake. For some reason this angered me, and I slid back under the table to race toward them yelling, "NO!" I separated Milo and Bea's hands by force, and wedged myself between Raihan and Nessa much to their shock, and began to shove her back towards Milo muttering angrily, "Nessa, Milo stay! No Raihan. No Bea!" "Gee, you didn't have to be so domineering about it." Raihan snapped, taking a seat beside Bea, and Nessa and Milo returning to theirs. I realized what I did, and looked down as I stammered, "A-Aisling sorry.... Got mad.... no know why got angry! Am sorry...." I went to go sit between Piers and Marnie once more, both of them exchanging worried expressions, but another vision came: this time, of Bea and Raihan! Like before, everyone was well dressed, and Raihan lifted Bea off the ground to carry her through the crowd. Her dress wasn't skin tight like Nessa's was, and the pink and white ombre suited her tan complexion well! It was also fairly simple, being only made of satin with a halter neck design, and Raihan donned a navy blue suit with a white rose on the pocket portion! Bea's hair was held back with a lace bow, and Raihan's usual hairdo was slicked back for the occasion, and they held the same level of love in their eyes like Nessa did for Milo in my first vision. "Aisling! Wake up kiddo!" The same voice echoed, and when I opened my eyes yet again, I had bound Raihan and Bea's hands the same way I did Milo and Nessa's: intertwined, and pressed to my stomach tightly, much to their surprise. "S-Stay...." was all I said to them before letting them go, and finally taking my place back between Piers and Marnie. "Aisling? Are you ill again? What's goin' on?" Marnie asked in concern, whispering so that the other four couldn't hear. "Aisling no know, Marnie! See things.... can't control! Am scared, Marnie...." I replied, pale as I kept my eyes glued to my knees. As if he heard the conversation, Piers snaked his arm around me gently, and pulled me into a side embrace as he patted my arm lightly, a semi frightened air around him. We remained quiet again as the rest of the leaders showed up, and all of them greeted us with kind smiles and embraces before taking respective seats beside the other four, who awkwardly exchanged glances with each other. "Hey, why are you four holding hands?" Bede inquired, pulling out a seat for Miss Opal to sit in. "Oh! Ummm...." Nessa began, trying to find words to explain their plight. "The kid there, she...." Raihan began before awkwardly trailing off as he looked down at Bea's clasped hand around his. As if piecing two and two, Bede held up his hand and said as he waved, "N-Never mind. It's impolite to dig into another's business!" After Bede took his seat between Miss Melony and Miss Opal, Marnie cleared her throat as she announced, "G-Good evenin' everyone! I've gathered all of us 'ere today to discuss, one, some Gym business," I called it... "And two, to discuss a plan to give Aisling a friend." I called THAT too... The Gym Leaders looked about one another silently, confused as Marnie continued, "R-Righto... So first is first, I wanna knock gettin' Aisling a lil' friend for herself out of the way!" "But shouldn't we wait for Allister? Last I checked, he was a Gym Leader as well." Kabu said, sipping his fruit punch. Allister? Who was this "Allister"? "He said that there's too many people in Cafés, so he declined the invite. I'll just have to fill him in later!" Bea scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Well actually, this is BRILLIANT!" Marnie replied, catching Bea off gaurd as she explained, "Listen, Aisling's met EVERY leader in Galar minus Allister. I'd like for you to keep what a say a suprise from him at ALL costs!" The leaders nodded in agreement, making her smile as she began, "Good. PERFECT! Now, since Aisling's been in Galar, findin' a friend her age that understands her has been a challenge. Allister is roughly around 'er age, so my gears got to turnin': what if we introduced Aisling to Allister?" "Allister? Keeping up with a friend?" Bea asked, raising a brow. "Yes!" Marnie replied, beaming. "That's a fine idea Marnie!" Melony boomed encouragingly. "At least she'll have someone who shares her interests as a kid." Bede interjected, placing his chin on the backs of his hands in thought. "Woah WOAH! Hold up a tic. We're talking about Allister here! ALLISTER! He can't even keep up with his FANS, let alone keep up with someone like Aisling." Bea exclaimed, tapping her fingers on the table impatiently. "And what do you mean by that?" Piers inquired, furrowing his brow as hugged me tightly, almost as if he was refraining himself from having a fit. "Just LOOK at her!" Bea began, pointing across the table as I sunk lower to escape the eyes around me, "She's too bold; too much "out there"! Not to mention her estranged habits, of course." ""Estranged habits"? And I suppose YOU'RE so normal then?" He snapped back defensively, causing her to reply snarkily, "At least I know I'm not a Pokémon, Piers." "Oww..." I squeaked meekly, offended by her hurtful come back. Piers slammed his fist on the table, making me jump, and Marnie swift to action as she grabbed his arm to sit him down. "THAT isn't fair to say, an' you lot KNOW so! It ain't her fault she's so different, 'specially since there are horrendous people out there tryin' to make sure she's wiped off the earth. Just be thankful that you 'ave it all, and you 'ave it EASY! Not everyone is fortunate like US." He snarled, pointing across the table at an unphased Bea menacingly. "Piers!" Melony hissed sternly, to which Piers carried on, "What else you gotta say 'bout 'er then? Go on! Point out ALL her flaws why don't you!?" "PIERS! CONTROL YOURSELF! THERE'S A KID BESIDE YOU!" Bede ordered severely, to which he spat back, "You think I'm not aware of that!? I ain't stupid, y'know." Piers seethed, looking Bede dead in the eye and making him reel back in terror. "Please no fight!" I begged, leaning into Marnie as I faced away from them. "Look what you've gone an' done! You lot oughtta be ashamed of yourselves." She scolded, putting her arms around me in comfort. The table went eerily silent again, and the tension was thick for a while more until Piers snorted, "FINE! I'm sorry..." "Hmph." Was all Bea had to say and I slowly turned back to the group around me. "Bea DOES present a point though," Miss Melony began finally, putting a finger to her lips in thought as she went on, "Allister is quite shy, bless his heart." "More like intimidated. How do you suppose to lure him from his Gym without him scampering off again like a scared pup?" Raihan asked, scratching his head with his free hand. "Better yet, how will he respond to Aisling wanting to be his friend?" Opal inquired, sipping her tea in a fancy manner. "I know it's sudden, an' I know you all have your doubts, but Aisling is still a lil' kid! She doesn't comprehend what teenagers find interesting, and she doesn't get what's so appealin' about adult errands. If Allister is unwillin' then Aisling shall have only Zen to comune with, an' even HE'S too young to comprehend the interests of Aisling. It's risky, but we 'AVE to take a chance for 'er." Marnie replied, her eyes going all puppy like to drive her point home. All the Gym Leaders looked between each other, some holding concerned looks and others not even interested at all! Finally Kabu spoke up, "Sounds like a plan young Marnie. Where shall their first introduction take place?" "Good! I was thinkin' outside of a train station would do. Not on the platform, course, but out in the open where there's only a small circle o' people!" "Wyndon station, prehaps?" Melony asked, her eyes lighting up. "Don't be silly! Wyndon's WAY too packed, and WAY too large; he'd have a fit. Why not Motostoke?" Bede suggested, straightening his posture. "Much too small! If a paparazzi crowd forms he'd still have a fit!" Bea exclaimed, tapping her fingers heavily against the mug she was drinking espresso from. "At least he won't be able to run." Bede scoffed in response, biting into his cake. "We're not trying to trap the poor kid, we're trying to introduce him to a lovely lady. And the perfect place to introduce someone to a lovely lady is none other than the city of Hammerlocke!" Raihan boomed proudly, smiling a cheeky smile. "Gee, you make it sound as if Aisling's goin' on 'er first date." Piers muttered, rolling his eyes into the back of his head. "They technically are, but not like THAT sense. Very well, the location shall be Hammerlocke! Now whose gonna retrieve 'im?" Marnie asked, looking about the table. "I guess I'll do it." Bea sighed, shaking her head as she continued, "He won't come to nobody else!" "I'll help you as much as I can, in case you need a bit of muscle to help you drag him here." Bede offered, and Marnie seemed satisfied with the plan at hand. "Perfect! Tomorrow at Hammerlocke station, Bede and Bea shall 'ave the honors to escort our young Gym Leader friend there!" "Sounds good." "I'm in!" "Oh brother, here we go." They all gave affirmed nods of agreement, and I became a bit antsy to know who this new person was. "Now we discuss Gym business. We've been 'avin' trouble with rubbish bein' left in the stands of the Gyms." "Or sidelines for Spikemuth." Piers added, looking to the side. "It's disgusting! I'm tired of cleaning up after those pigs; not like we HAVE to have live challenges for them." Bede snapped, pouting his cheeks out in anger like a Skwovet. "And it's not just ONE person. It's MULTIPLE people in ONE area!" Milo sighed, eating his fresh made garden salad. "When I'm not a model, or a Leader, I'm having to be a maid in my OWN place! No manners at all." Nessa complained, biting into a cucumber sandwich. "It's not just stands and sidelines, it's ON the pitch as well! I don't allow food an' drink at my concerts, but some'ow Marnie an' I end up havin' to clean up the pitch. Just thinkin' of it gets me riled!" Piers huffed, crossing his arms in annoyance. "So then what do we do?" Marnie asked, sipping her tea lightly. "I say we start investing in cameras inside the stadium." Raihan stated, putting his hands behind his head. "HOLD!" I reminded him harshly, and he flusteredly took Bea's hand again as he stammered, "Wh-Whoops, hehe. My bad kiddo!" "We can't just hold hands forever! Some of us can't eat with one hand." Bea whined. "Why don't you take Aisling out for air, hm?" Piers suggested, looking to Marnie. "Should I wake Zen?" "Nah, just leave 'im there. He's sleepin', and it's right cruel to wake him up!" "But the meetin'-" "I'll fill you in later. Let Aisling roam, yeah?" I took a couple more bites of my sandwich, took a deep swig of my lemonade, and followed Marnie out of the Café. "What's gotten into you? You're acting odd, Aisling!" She said, closing the door behind her. "Don't know! Can see things, but don't know why see things." I replied, fiddling with my skirt nervously. I know what I did wasn't very polite in the slightest, but for some reason it felt normal. Like it was supposed to be! "You're not dehydrated, are you? Now that I think 'bout it, you hadn't any water in a long while." Marnie tried to pinpoint what could've been wrong, but I didn't feel dehydrated. I shrugged, and replied, "Been not right... not right yesterday OR today! No spread though..." I replied, putting my head on her waist tiredly. Bede stepped out the door, sighing, "Yikes! Who knew adults get so heated during a debate?" "It's THAT bad?!" Marnie gasped in awe, to which Bede replied, "You needn't worry about that. How's Aisling doing?" "I'm afraid she may be dehydrated... She says she's seein' things!" Marnie replied as I peeked over at Bede, studying me for any symptoms. "She don't look sick, or dehydrated. She may just be tired!" "Yeah, we DID leave pretty early didn't we. You're gonna take a nap when we get 'ome y'hear?" She asked, patting my head, and my only response was a yawn. I could use a nap to be fair! "Hey!" A voice called, and the three of us turned our attention as Hop bounded up the street to us, beaming brightly as Gloria and Victor ran to keep up with him. "Hop, you're too fast!" Gloria whined, doubling over to catch her breath. "It's blooming hot out here." Victor groaned, leaning over on the brick wall of the Café as he panted. My attention was immediately drawn to Gloria and Hop, and just like with Bea and Raihan, and Nessa and Milo, I saw Gloria in a tea length, traditional white gown, with pearls and diamonds pinning her short, dark hair out of her eyes. She was with Hop, and the two looked much older as the brought their lips together. That's when the realization struck me! The fancy attire, the atmosphere, the kiss- I was dropped right into the center of a wedding scene! My eyes watched on in awe as I bashfully blushed, and the two parted before looking down at me happily. Hop kneeled down to my height, and laughed as he placed a hand atop my head. He was strapping, and very handsome in his nicely pressed white tux, and maintaining a smile, he talked to me! "One day, when you get big enough, you will be JUST like us." He stood up, and happily took Gloria in his arms, and I couldn't help but feel this overwhelming sense of happiness as I giggled. "Aisling! You're doing it again!" I heard Marnie cry, and I flashed my eyes open once more as real life came back to me. Embarrassed, I looked between Gloria and Hop as they both exchanged glances with each other. Painfully, I looked down, and for a third time I had two people's hands intwined; pressed firmly to my stomach. "Aisling see again! Am sorry... Please stay!" I said, gently letting go of their hands. As if not knowing what to do, the pair looked away, still clasping hands as I made my way back to Marnie. Bede snapped his fingers as if he'd figured out the answer to a mildly hard puzzle, and he exclaimed, "So THAT'S what's going on!?" "What's going on?" Victor asked, confused. "Marnie? Remember what Piers had said about Aisling's REAL mum?" "She was supposedly a powerful Psychic, but that's all bologna. Why do you bring it up?" "Think about it! If Aisling's true mum was a psychic, then it would make sense if some of her powers were inherited by Aisling." "Bede, that's MAD! There's no such thing as a REAL psychic." Gloria stated skeptically. "Then why did she place you and Hop together? THINK! No normal person would just suddenly place a single girl or boy together like that. She's PAIRING you two! It makes sense, doesn't it? The "seeing things", the "strange behavior", it's all just Aisling's inherited ability for divinity!" Bede explained, and the more I thought about it, the more it started to come together: accurately guessing battles that I've never seen, and now, seeing things that had yet to take place. Maybe I WAS psychic after all! "But Zen's even said at the hospital that she had no powers!" "None that he KNEW about as of THEN. Aisling? What was it you saw just now when you were holding Hop and Gloria's hand?" He asked, putting me on the spot. "U-Ummm.... Saw fancy party. Gloria in pretty dress, Hop in suit!" "And did they so happen to kiss at this "fancy party"?" Bede asked, and I replied excitedly, "Yeah! Hop said when Aisling evolve, Aisling be like Hop and Gloria." "H-Huh?!" Hop squeaked. "Wh-Wha?!" Gloria asked, eyes wide. "See? It's divination at play! Aisling saw not JUST Hop and Gloria's wedding day, but also saw Nessa and Milo's, and Raihan and Bea's wedding day as well." "Th-That can't be! I-I mean Gloria and I are only friends." Hop stuttered in embarrassment as he shook Gloria's hand away. "STAY!" I screeched, stomping my foot angrily, and the world momentarily became brighter for a second as I stared down the frightened pair. Gloria quickly sealed her hand snugly into his once more to appease me, and I turned my back to them to fight this feeling of annoyance building inside. "So... She really CAN see the future?" Marnie asked, awe in her voice. I heard the tinking of her sharp heels approach me, and she set a soft hand on my shoulder as she gently asked, "Aisling? What about me?" I turned back to her in shock, and asked, "Wh-What?" "What about MY future? Who am I with?" She asked again, and I became a little hesitant as I replied, "But Piers-" "Doesn't need to know. It ain't any of 'is business anyhow if you look into MY future!" She replied, smiling a sneaky looking grin. Slowly, I took Marnie's hand into my own, and closed my eyes as I began to read what was in her heart. There was another wedding scene, and Marnie was smiling happily as she stood before her loving future fiancé at the alter. Looking carefully, Marnie was dressed in a white ball gown, with black lace cascading up the skirt, and to the sweetheart bodice. She seemed a bit bigger in the abdomen, and it wasn't until her lover placed a gentle hand on her stomach that she was going to have a baby! I gasped happily, and wriggled around as I looked to my side, finding a not so pleased looking Piers as he faked his best smile. To be honest, it made him look more goofy than believable! I looked to Marnie's husband, and to my shock, it was Victor! He caressed the adult version of Marnie, and I could hear Piers growl only slightly through his teeth. I felt awkward, between seeing the happy couple, and sitting beside a disgruntled Piers. They kissed, and everyone stood up to applaud except for Piers, who sat sulking. I tapped his arm lightly to tell him to stand, and reluctantly he obeyed, giving his best applause to his beloved sister, and his new brother in law. After the ceremony, I sat with Piers at a table away from the others as Marnie swished her way behind us, pulling both Piers and myself into her embrace. She planted a kiss on our cheeks, and whispered something into her eldest brother's ear before giving him a quick pat on the she shoulder. He held her hand there for a minute before hesitantly letting her go back to her husband, and looked to me as he said, "You, young lady, aren't allowed to get no bigger." He smiled slightly, and this time it was genuine! I felt happy as we watched the couple dance together, and like that, I opened up my eyes to find a frightened looking Victor, and an ecstatic looking Marnie. "So I shall find myself married to Galar's champion then?" She asked playfully, pinching his arm as he gulped. "Woo! Have fun with Piers, mate." Hop laughed, and Victor cried out, "I-Impossible! Do you KNOW what Piers will do if he sees this?! I'm DONE for!" "Not if we don't tell 'im 'bout it. Aisling agreed that she'd keep it secret from him!" Marnie replied confidently as I released their hands, and smiled up at the two. "Marnie has baby!" I chirped, and the two blushed as the other three burst into laughter. "Married AND with children! God speed, champion." Bede chortled. "Man, now he's REALLY going to kill me if he finds THAT out!" Victor moaned in dread, placing a hand to his head. "Don't look so gutted, you should be happy!" Marnie replied, squeezing his hand in hers. "Why?" He asked, looking at her in shock. "Because you get a beautiful girl like me? Duh!" Marnie said, giving her best smile to him. Different though they were, they were a perfect match for one another! I felt content with my pairing as I smiled happily, and we all decided to take a stroll down the block, with Gloria and Hop, and Marnie and Victor holding hands. Every person I walked by, and every Pokémon with them, I felt their connections, their feelings, and I saw what awaited for each of them on their journeys. I felt more alive, and very much sagely as we continued one, and even the world looked so much brighter! I could read their intentions, hear their voices though none seemed to be talking, and I could even see the thoughts of other Pokémon. Yes, that MUST'VE been it. I AM a psychic! We stopped in front of a massive building, and Hop said, "Hey guys! Let's take a snap together!" "Huh? Why?" Bede asked, moving his shiny curls from his eyes. "It's a memory making moment with Aisling! She's not going to stay in Galar long, yeah? So why not record her adventures?" "That sounds fantastic Hop! Come on, let's gather up!" Gloria commanded, and Hop had his Rotom phone suspended in mid air on camera mode. We all huddled up with each other, said "Cheese!", and with a small click, the picture was done. "Aww look at us! The merry band of small fry!" Hop teased. "Eugh, don't call us THAT! Anything but "small fry"." Bede complained, moving his hair from his eyes again. "Hey there runts!" A familiar, cheery toned voice called, making my blood turn ice cold, and Marnie switch out Victor's hand for my own in quick succession. "What are you kids up to?" Piers asked as we all turned to face him. "Oh, we were taking a snap with Aisling since she's planning to go back to Kanto soon." Hop replied, beaming brightly as he stopped in front of our little group. Piers's face fell when Hop said those words, and it was like he was pained by the thought before stifling a smile. "Were you now? That sounds nice! Well, hate to bother but we should REALLY be goin' back to Spikemuth now." He said, trying to maintain a happy disposition, but sounding quite distant instead. Why did he sound so sad? I left Marnie to run up to him, and threw my arms around him to make him happy again, and it seemed to work because he made a small chuckle as he hugged me back! "Come on, Zen's waitin' back at the Taxi for us." He said, taking my hand and leading me back. I heard Marnie give a quick farewell from the two of us, and the tinkling of her boots as she ran to catch up with us. On our way home, I noticed Marnie smiling to herself, and every now and then would let out a teeny giggle. "What's so funny?" Piers asked, confused by what was outside that was making her laugh. "Oh, nothin' big bro. Just in a laughin' mood is all." She replied quickly, keeping her grin. I knew what it was that was making her laugh, and she looked down at me to wink. I laughed myself, making Piers reply skeptically, "Nothin', huh?" He leaned leisurely back against the seat as he crossed his legs, and he continued, "Righto then. I'll leave it alone for now." I set my head on Piers's waist comfortably, and rested up from a long day as he gently placed an arm around me. I felt warm in the cold Galar breeze, and my eyelids grew heavier as he began to hum a soft tune to himself, and it wasn't long until I fell asleep. An hour and a half later, Piers shook me awake, and we began our trek back to their house as Marnie swayed along happily, like a butterfree in a windy current. "Seriously sis, what's got into you? You've been all smiles since we left Wyndon!" Piers asked again, opening the door for us. Marnie flew on in, followed by Zen, who happily danced behind her as she replied, "I'm just in a good mood, Piers! Don't worry 'bout a thing." She went up to her room, and Zen settled himself onto a pillow to sleep as Piers plopped into his recliner. I sat on the floor, happily drawing on the paper I found and enjoying what silence there was when Piers asked, "Have YOU an idea why Marnie's so smiley and giggly for? She's never usually like this." "Just happy Marnie." I replied casually, but I should've known better than to think Piers would just accept that answer. "You two're hidin' somethin' from me. It's not nice to keep secrets from your friends, OR your family!" He replied, a smug grin across his lips, and I knew that he had me beat; If he wasn't told right then, he'd find the information later, so reluctantly breaking my promise to Marnie, I clambered up into his lap to whisper everything that I had seen, and what Bede had said about me having powers to him as he listened on patiently, looking a bit skeptical by the explanation. "So," He began after I finished, "I should be keepin' my peepers peeled for the champion, eh?" He chuckled slightly, and I begged him, "No tell! Marnie be sad if know Aisling tell." "Don't sweat it kiddo! It was I who pressed, so if anythin' I'll be to blame." He assured. I felt a strong, guiding presence from Piers, and so, remembering what Zen and I had talked about this morning, I leapt from his lap, ran to his room to grab three of my stones, and brought them back to him to show him. "You seem quite proud of your stones." He laughed, and I carefully placed the moon stone in his hand first as I said, "Moon Stone, stand for Marnie. Stand for dark type, stand for Spikemuth." "Eh? Well, I'm certain she'd be happy 'bout that." He said, turning the stone over in his hand as I put the Dawn stone in his other. "Dawn stone, stand for Aisling and Zen. Stand for psychic energy, stand for happy always." I said, and he seemed to be amused by the symbolism I put on the lovely turquoise stone. Finally, I took my shiny stone, and put it into his hand beside the dawn stone, and he asked, "Oh? What's this one represent?" He asked, putting the dawn stone in the same hand that he was holding the moon stone in. "Shiny Stone stand for Piers!" I said, and he looked up from the stone in shock as I continued, "stand for guiding light. Piers, guiding light! Is warm, patient, kind." He was at a loss for words as we stared at the warm glow of the stone in his hand. I looked up, and in his eyes was a kind of touched feeling, one that overshadowed the joy and the gladness in him by a wide margin. He was choking back the urge to cry as he replied in a crackling voice, "You... You really think that?" I nodded as he continued, "Oh... Well, I dunno 'bout what you said, but I thank you for that." I took the dawn stone back, and pushed the moon and shiny stone back toward him, and placed his hand over his chest gently as he took me into a firm embrace. I knew he was struggling internally, what with accepting the fact Marnie's growing up and all, and I understood completely how he was feeling because it's a natural feeling that ALL living beings have! He had an attachment to Marnie, a very cohesive bond; It makes him unable to let her go, and gives him this constant need to know what she's up to, and how she's doing, and anything that goes against that is against him, so he becomes defensive and reclusive. He feels threatened by the thought Marnie's changing, because it makes him feel like he's no longer the most important person in her world. It makes me wonder when the last time Marnie reassured him that this wasn't the case, and that she'd always need him no matter what! That night we all sat to eat a meal delivered from Hulbury, and I noticed how distant the two seemed as they ate on different sides of the couch, silent, and not sparing only glances when each other wasn't looking; finding just how long the chasm between the two was just by their behavior. There was a time Marnie and him saw eye to eye... Now she viewed him as "Clingy", and he grew blind to the passage of time. It hurt me to see the two like this, so I set my box down, picked myself up from my brother's side, and began to pull the duo together as I said, "Talk! Is quiet in house..." they seemed flustered by my attempt to bring the two together, but it bore fruit as Marnie began to chat with him about something she found while on her phone. We exchanged conversations and stories..... THIS was how it SHOULD be! I curled up with my stone tightly clenched in my hand as I looked up at the ceiling from Piers's bed, unable to sleep. "Sister? What's troubling you?" Zen asked, scooting his way up to where I was to rest his soft cheek against my arm. "I'm worried about Piers and Marnie. Just by how they talk I know Piers is stuck in the past, while Marnie's foraging ahead for the future! It's drawing them apart, and it's not healthy." I sighed, a hole forming in my heart. "Well, let's leave THEM to sort out their problems, okay? In due time, Piers will wake up, and Marnie will open her eyes. For now, let's focus on this "Friend" Marnie spoke of today! What's their name again?" "Allister... Their name is Allister..." I replied, my curiosity beginning to take form. "Allister... Yeah, let's worry about meeting this Allister..." Zen yawned, falling asleep, and breathing lightly at my side. I forced myself to sleep, trying to put the thought of meeting Allister in my mind, but there was just too much to think about...... too much to comprehend.....