After the events of last night, Bede and I apologized to each other, with both of us talking about it on the way to Circhester. He understood how I felt, and likewise, I knew his reasoning which brought us both together as a couple as I promised him that I would never leave him, and he promised that he'd control his temper and his attitude. I put the leftovers from the Café in Stow-on-Side into the fridge, and Hop kept his word about not telling anyone about the Gunk Shot incident; bringing relief to me as I hesitantly weighed the choice to throw away food potentially tampered with, or still good to eat. That's not all though..... when we got back home, Leon was in a fuss that we stayed out so late, and explained that there was a killing being reported on the T.V., making Hop and I look nervously to each other as he showed us the clip with the waitress that took my drink back, now zipped up in a body bag. Apparently, according to the Autopsy reports from the morgue, there was a lethal trace of a chemical made from a particular plant when synthesized, mixed with a high dose of poison extract from a Pokémon. You'll never guess the plant that it came from.... My blood ran cold when it turned out to be the Ulais Deceptos, the illusive Demon's Milkweed that was so pretty to the eye, and pleasing to the smell, but the spores emmited will cause you to pass out, and in high concentration, death. It was a plant strictly found on Ula'ula Island, and was avoided by all unless you were in the pharmaceutical industry. Only a rare few could synthesize the effects of the weed.... Others used a dried version of the weed to feed Alolan Muk and Grimer.... Some just disposed of the weed entirely.... It was a cruel twist of fate that I found myself alive, and the poor woman- a mother of ten survived by her husband, should die in my stead. I was back in Leon's room for the night, sitting a while at his desk in thought before grabbing my journal.

"Dear Professor," I began, "This week has been one of the most hectic weeks here in Galar. Firstly, these thugs in brown coats (you know the ones) come busting into Leon and Hop's house, and turns the place upside-down looking for me; demanding that they hand me over, and hurting their mom and grandparents! Secondly.... I was nearly poisoned..... You know the Demon's Milkweed I'm sure, and someone had laced my drink at a Café with the full lethal dosage! I didn't know it was poison until I used Gunk Shot to get it out, and I saw the lady on T.V.- a waitress. What a cruel twist of fate, is it not professor? That a mother of ten beautiful lives died before she got to see them sprout into their own, while the one who hardly anyone knows or cares about gets to breathe, sleep, eat, and laugh another day. Her widowed spouse would say so... Her ten children would think as much.... Why am I so important that it's worth burning out the flame of life within others? What is so special about me that I'm worth kidnapping, stalking, threatening, and.... I think I know that answer better than anyone, eh professor? Funny, really.... For now, I've told Hop not to tell anyone about the poison attempt- wouldn't want Leon and the others to worry their heads about me after all! Though.... I hope Gloria and Bede are alright... I could smell that Hop was okay, but I was too far from the others to know for certain... I also helped a Pokémon Trainer with his Type Match ups, and as it turns out I was leading him on the right path! Not bad for hardly listening in class, huh? Not a day goes by where I wished that I listened more to your teachings in school than I did under your roof when mom was busy. I guess I was tired of confined walls, although the school had more freedom to move, and air to breathe. I never had those luxuries at home with mom, so I guess it was more a blessing from the Tapu's than anything, huh? I just.... I don't want the same to happen here in Galar.... To be trapped behind locked doors, and closed in confined walls like I was in Alola... I can't imagine going through that again with people that I've only known for.... How long was it now? A month and a half? Goodness! I've been away for such a long time that there could be a change, and I wouldn't know! I just wish my thoughts were told to you, and not just recorded in a book that you may or may not even read! Well.... This is better than nothing, I suppose.... I took more pictures of Pokémon that you wouldn't find in Alola, since I know you like that sort of thing after all. Tapu Fini KNOWS I miss the excited rants you went on about Pokémon from around the world... Well, I suppose that's enough of what I'm feeling for now. Today will hopefully bring a better sun upon me, if I even HAVE that luck. Alola, Professor!"

I finished labeling and taping photos into my journal before shutting it back, and placing it alongside my other journal-making it a tough squeeze since my new journal is thick from all the photos of cities, mountains, Pokémon, land markings, Gyms and people I've seen during my time here. "Hmmm... I'm about to have to upgrade my choice of journal...." I murmured to myself, resting on Leon's bed from pushing the thick journal in with the rest of my stuff only for it to push it's way out of my case. I walked into Hop's room, hoping he'd have something as an alternative to put journals in, but he was fast asleep from the slow day we were having. Not wishing to wake him over something so small, I crept down the stairs to see if any of the adults were up, which to my luck, there was. It was their mother, busily cleaning up the kitchen of stray dishes, dust, and sometimes murmuring a complaint or two about her children's messiness or the weather. "E-Excuse me?" I asked softly, making their mother look up from the table she was cleaning. "Hm? Hello, Lele dear. I didn't think you were up and about still! Is something the matter?" She asked, setting her rag down, and wiping her hands on her apron. "I-I was just wondering if perhaps you had a box? Preferably with hand holes, and a lid?" "A box?" Their mother replied, looking up in thought before shaking her head. "No, I don't think I have a box like that sweetie... Have you tried asking Hop?" "He's asleep, and I didn't want to wake him up..." I replied, awkwardly looking back upstairs towards his room. "Usually is on days he's not cooped up in the Lab, or in Wyndon Stadium battling Gloria." "You disapprove?" I asked, raising my brow curiously. "Oh, heavens no. I'm just saying that Sonia should allow him to be the child he still is, and that he should broaden his mind towards other subjects than just battling Pokémon." His mother laughed. I get what she was saying, since there is much more to this world than Pokémon! "Sometimes I fear he will turn out like my Leon... Not that it's a bad thing that Hop looks up to him, but I do wish Leon would stay in Galar, and settle himself down with a nice young lady." "Have you spoke with him about this?" I asked, curious. Their mother waved the thought away as she replied, "He wouldn't listen anyway. He's a grown man now, so I have no say so or control over his life choices like I did when he was up to my knee and Hop was in Nappies." ""Nappies"?" "Diapers, love." "Oh..." I said, placing my hands behind my back sheepishly. Their mother went back to work as she added, "Still, as long as they're happy and content, I'll always support my boys in any way I can. Such is a mother's duty for her children-even ones that aren't her own. If you'd like, you can go see Sonia at the lab and ask if she has left over boxes. If she's not there, then you may seek out the help of Professor Magnolia at her house." "By myself?" I asked, shocked. "Lele, Wedgehurst and Postwick are tiny towns. Everyone knows everybody and what they do here, so I'm certain you're not in immediate danger if I simply let you stroll down the lane. But if it makes you feel any better, you may take your phone with you so that you may call for help if you need." Hop and Leon's mother replied, and I nodded in response before grabbing my phone, and setting out. I walked along the winding, dirt path like I've lived there for years; knowing my way around Galar from station to City Alley as I approached the wooden door of the lab. I dusted off my dress skirt, and knocked lightly on the door as I called, "Sonia? Are you there?" "She's not in today I'm afraid, love." A lady called from a Berry store across the way. "O-Oh... Does she happen to be home, then?" I asked, calling back to her. "As far as I'm concerned, but you could go see her Gran to check. You know how to get there?" "Yes, ma'am. Thank you!" I replied, and continued along the dirt path before me until I reached a set of stairs. After traversing the stairs, and walking a while more, I ended up at the previous Professor's  house-her yard filled with gardens holding various produce and flowers, and her house having a beautiful string of Ivy crossing the front! From the front step I could smell the scent of tea, and something sweet in the oven as I knocked lightly on the door. "Professor Magnolia? Are you home?" I called, and a pair of footsteps came to the door to greet me. Professor Magnolia opened the door, and Sonia's Yamper came running out excitedly, exclaiming, "Boy oh boy! A new friend to play with!" "Alola Yamper! You look in high spirits today." I cooed playfully at the little dog Pokémon, and he jumped up on my leg for a pat as he said, "Uh-huh! You bet! I had the greatest food in all my life and I got to nap with my master! And now I have a friend that came to see me-YAY!" Electric Types were normally this talkative, and are usually in high spirits by nature, so I didn't really mind the continued babble of the small dear. In fact, the way I see it, if an Electric Type isn't as talkative as it should, then it's either really sick or in the foulest mood you can imagine, which can become dangerous for the party that decides to make polite conversation with it! "Now, now, Yamper. That's enough of that yap." The Professor said softly, and Yamper whispered energetically, "Oops, gotta go now. I'll play later okay?" And ran back inside of the house. "Lele, my dear! It's good of you to come visit me on this fine afternoon." Professor Magnolia said gently, smiling her adorable old granny smile. I smiled back, and replied, "The pleasure is mine, ma'am. May I come in?" "Oh, certainly! You're in time for tea and pie as well." She replied, turning her back to me to go into the Kitchen. I walked in behind her, shut the door, and went to a very spacious lounge, curiously looking at the photos that hung on the walls in ornate frames, and samples of freeze dried plants that could only be found in the Galar Region on parchment behind glass and metal along the counters! One plant caught my eye, and I slowly approached the dresser it was on to get a better look at the mysterious herb. "Do you like it, dearie?" Professor Magnolia asked, coming back to the lounge from the kitchen. "It's pretty. Kinda reminds me of the flowers that bloomed all around the wilds of Melemele Island." I replied, drawn by the memory of home the flower branch gave off, from it's dried petals that showed a dull, orange and brown color, to the cracked, fragile branch beneath. "It's called a Glarica flower." She said knowledgeably before explaining, "There is a certain place in Galar that grows such a tree, since it's only found in a tropical area." ""Tropical area"?" I repeated, shocked. The Ex professor nodded her head, and replied, "Galar may have unstable weather, sure, but on it's coast is usually monsoons and tropical heat. You should have a visit there someday! Oh, but I'm getting ahead of the visit-I'll be along to get my granddaughter." She sat me on a plush sofa before making her way up the steps, and I waited patiently for her return when an elderly man, presumably Professor Magnolia's husband and Sonia's Grandfather, came into the room shouting, "Flower, where are my tools?" He took notice of me sitting on the sofa, and grinned as he chirped kindly, "Oh, hello there. Who may you be?" "I-I'm Lele, sir." I replied, nervous as I squeezed my hands together. "You one of Sonia's friends then?" "I guess you could call it that... I've only known her for a month and a half sir..." I admitted, looking around for Magnolia and Sonia. The old man nodded, and asked curiously, "New neighbor?" "No, no, I'm only here for a short time as far as I know. I hail from Alola, see, and Galar-as lovely a place it is, is VERY different than what I consider to be home." I explained, becoming really uncomfortable as the man said, "Well, if you and your folks consider staying here in good ole Galar, just know there are kind, hard working young men here that'd be honored to help you and your folks." He said with a joking wink. "Y-Yeah.... I'll keep that in mind..." I replied as footsteps came down the stairs, and I crained my neck over my shoulder to find Sonia.... Or maybe her twin sister.... "Lele!" She exclaimed, running over to the couch, and throwing her arms over me. WAS this Sonia? "S-Sonia?" "Obviously! Who ELSE would I be?" She giggled, backing up a bit. WOW! The Sonia in the Lab, and the Sonia before me were COMPLETELY separate beings, what with her long, orange hair flowing down her back and shoulders in soft waves, and free of her silver heart clips and stylish shades! Her clothes were very lax, with a pair of comfy looking house pants, and her T-Shirt looking like it would fit Leon better, leaving me in total awe by the transformation. "You look like you're ready to sleep the day away..." I said, giggling nervously. "I wish I could," Sonia began with a sigh, "but a professor's work is never truly done until nighfall-if you're not staying up late that is. I bet Hop is sleeping heavy like the dead right now, I reckon!" "Whoa! That was a good guess!" I replied, and she laughed as she mused, "Nah, I just know Hop. He's more like his older brother than he knows." We bothed laughed at that statement while Magnolia came back down the steps, and her husband asked again, "Maggie? Where are my tools? The garage has a wobbly nail in the shelf." "Try looking in the cupboard, dear." She replied calmly, walking into the kitchen to check on the pie in the oven. Sonia took a seat next to me, and began casually, "I heard from Leon that a lady passed while y'all were out. Did you guys witness what happened?" "No, fortunately.... But I feel bad for her surviving family...." I replied, trying to refrain from spilling the details. Sonia looked down, and replied, "To be poisoned by an unknown stranger with a plant from a different region.... What an awful turn of events...." "Oh, come now. That's enough of that chatter Sonia sweetie! Lele, dear, would you like some tea?" Professor Magnolia asked. "Erm, Y-Yes ma'am! Please.." I replied, feeling a bit off put by the conversation Sonia was having with me. Had she suspected something? Does she think I did it?! No... No, she COULDN'T be THAT dense, after all, she's a professor! Professor Magnolia brought me a small, Kanto made cup and saucer, with three tiny tea sandwiches lining the edge, and I quickly thanked her as she turned to make Sonia's cup next. "So, Lele, how's Galar to you so far?" She asked, curious. "F-Fine? There's some nice people, and pretty sights... The food here is kinda great too..." I replied sheepishly, taking a sip of my Tea. "And pretty boys too. Or do you no longer fancy the Fairy Gym's Leader?" Sonia asked teasingly, making me blush in embarrassment. I wasn't going to fill in any personal information to Magnolia, but I guess I have no choice now! "Ooh, you have now?" Magnolia mused, and I nodded as I replied, "His name is Bede, and yes, he is the Fairy Gym's Leader. We were on a date yesterday, and Hop and Gloria tagged along!" "That little-!" Sonia exclaimed in shock, causing me to jump a little in suprise as I exclaimed, "Wh-What?" "He told me that he had nothing special going on between champion Gloria and him! That slippery little Magikarp- I'd have allotted him more time to spend with HER and less in the workplace." She sulked, feeling bad for holding him back. "Well he's not sure when she'll come back to town, and it's not really a thing teens are keen enough to let someone whose like an older sibling in on willingly..." I defended, rubbing my neck. "But I'm not his sibling, I'm a friend.... And his boss, but still!" "I think the young ladies and men of this generation is worried about how others will view them if they're seen with someone they're interested in; Silliness is what I say about it!" The professor chimed, setting herself down as she handed Sonia her tea. Sonia thanked her, and took a small sip before setting her cup and sandwiches down on the coffee table. "If they love each other so much, why should they fear what others think?" I asked, confused. "You ask that like it's nothing, Lele! Pray, have you ever thought that everyone, even for a millisecond, was judging you and Bede because you're not as popular as he is?" Sonia asked, causing me to look my head down in shame. "I-I do.... But I know he loves me, and me alone so I found no reason to worry anymore!" "But you gotta consider that boys aren't really all that confident, and girl's hearts are VERY fickle. All it takes is for someone to come along bearing traits that Hop doesn't have, and she could very well stop falling for him!" "I doubt it would happen, Gloria and Hop have known each other a while; not to mention all they've been through together about "The Darkest Day" incident and their last Gym Challenge. It'd be cruel for her to do that to Hop simply because he's got a few missing pieces!" I protested, my heart feeling heavy with the mere thought. "Well you mustn't be too quick to talk, Sonia dear." Professor Magnolia giggled, confusing us. "Oh, Gran! Could we NOT start this fuss up?" Sonia begged, and I raised my brow as I asked, "Is everything alright?" The Ex professor laughed, and her granddaughter sunk lower on the sofa as she muttered, "Gran's been on my tail about not finding a "Nice, dashing young man" to settle down with. I get where she's coming from, but I'm just not ready to pursue that kind of relationship.... Nor do I know who with...." at that moment an idea popped into my head from the previous conversation I had with Leon's mother, and I asked, "Sonia? Just out of curiosity, have you considered trying out a relationship like that with Leon?" Her eyes grew wide, and her cheeks burned a deep red, and I feared that I'd have angered her when she laughed quickly, "Me? With Leon? GOODNESS no!" "Why not, dearie?" Her grandmother asked, and Sonia explained, "Don't get me wrong- him and I were great friends; still are, but would I ever see him like THAT? No. For one thing, he's already married to the idea of having everyone grow a bond through battling Pokémon, and secondly he's too wrapped up in everyone else's merriment because it puts a smile on his face to serve others! I do, however, wish him the utmost happiness that everyone deserves to have, and I suppose he wishes the same for me." Her reasoning was fair enough, since I've seen the childlike glimmer in his eyes and the passion he had for Pokémon first hand, but I personally felt they had a chance with one another! It's a shame she's not looking for love right now, otherwise I'd be encouraging Leon to develop a relationship with her on the spot. "FLOWER!" Professor Magnolia's husband called out ecstatically, "I FOUND THEM!" "Found what, darling?" "My tools! They were in a shoe box in the closet! I'm off to fix the garage." "Alrighty dear. Be careful you don't hurt yourself!" Her husband tipped his hat in response, and I just remembered then the purpose of my visit in the first place. "Professor?" I began curiously, "Do you happen to have a box big enough to store journals in?" She stayed in thought for a moment, then looked over to Sonia expectantly. I glanced over at Sonia, who seemed to be in thought as well, and she snapped her fingers as she replied, "Come! I may have one to spare." Sonia and I went upstairs, and she quickly dug through her closet for a box that I can use, which happened to once contain samples of Pokémon paw and foot prints before they were all catalougued. Afterwards, I finished up my tea and visit, thanking both Magnolia and Sonia for having me over, and giving me a box to use before making my way back to Hop's house. Once through the door, I found Hop sitting in the kitchen, wide awake as he said, "Hey, Lele! How was your day with Sonia?" "It was nice. And your nap?" "Fine as well! Mum told me you were concerned about waking me up to ask me for something-just so you know, it's okay. If you're in need, and I'm asleep, just give me light tap on the arm and say, "I need you for a tick"." "O-Oh. O-Okay, I'll keep that in mind!" I replied, taking the box back up to Leon's room. After supper, I recorded the rest of what had happened that afternoon and evening, and even had Hop decorate the box for me before placing my journals into them neatly, making more room in my suitcase. That night I lingered awake longer than usual- the words of today bouncing through my mind like a bouncy ball. I grew worried, remembering every word said, and I couldn't help but wonder why it was that I was so worried! All I knew, was NOTHING could prepare me for what was about to come...