TEAM: Twigs (Grookey) & Crumbs (Skwovet), Spike (Chewtle) & Tilda (Oddish), Hook (Galarian Slowpoke) & Cress (Grubbin)

Flare's POV

I think I can hear some ringing from here…

As if I haven't ran enough, the staircase built from the Wild Area to the city was tall. Very tall. At least I kept everyone in their Pokéballs so they wouldn't have to climb as well.

But the view I was greeted in Motostoke with made the whole thing worth it. Up ahead past the street of shops was a large metal platform revealing a whole upper level to the city. A place this packed and mechanical, I've never seen anything like it. It looked even better under the night sky with all the artificial lights everywhere.

Surprisingly enough, I ended up running into Sonia not long after, who led me to the Pokémon Center where we could talk while the nurse was getting my Pokémon healed.

"... So you're here doing field work for Magnolia?" I asked.

"That's right…" Sonia replied, still wearing an exasperated smile as she sipped her tea. "She saw you and Hop heading out on your journey and wondered why I wasn't doing the same. 'What are you doing with your life', she said."

I blinked. "That's rough, professor. Didn't you say you already went on a gym challenge many years ago?"

She slammed a hand on our table. "That's what I said, too!" Though, Sonia was quick to drop her tone and went back to curiously twirling her hair. "Well, it's not all bad. I can't say for now, but there's something I'm trying to investigate. We might end up meeting each other again sometime!"

I nodded gladly. In this journey I'll take all the familiar faces I get. "I'll be looking forward to it. I just need to find where Motostoke Stadium is so I can register."

Sonia raised an eyebrow knowingly. "You haven't heard? It's at the second level of the city, just go up the gear platform. You can't miss it."

"Gear… platform?" Was that what that was?

Sonia looked at her phone for a second. "You might want to hurry, though. Registration seems to be closing at this hour."

Sudden urgency swelled at the mention of the time. I quickly got up from my seat. "No one told me about this! I better get going then!"

She nodded approvingly. "Hope it's not too late, though! Here, take these before you go!"

I was handed some extra supplies that she brought with her before I left. Sonia's a nice lady. Still, I couldn't let her small act of generosity go to waste by missing this.

I ran ahead to what I assumed was the gear platform she mentioned, this metallic looking platform that could fit several people like an elevator. A few other people were on the platform as well before it started rumbling. The gear mechanism on the wall started to stir too.

Is that why this is called the gear platform? Is this thing even stable?

Then, rather than ascending, it quickly did a single spin upwards, stopping at an upper street level. It stopped so suddenly that I had to regain my footing to stop from falling over. All the while everyone else was just unfazed and walked off onto the street. They didn't even need to hold on to the railing.

I straightened myself and double-checked to see if my bag didn't fall off during that spin. As soon as I stepped off the platform, I was greeted to the sight of the large stadium building before me. Bright stadium roof with the Pokémon League insignia above the sliding doors. I just had to take a second to stand in awe.

Wow… I'm really going to enter one of these-

"Hey there, Gym Challenger!"

"Agh!" I cried out in surprise when a large-headed person near the entrance called out to me. A red and white head with large eyes and a smile.

"Don't be afraid!" I had every reason to be afraid, especially with how this person's mouth wasn't even moving. "It's just me, your friendly neighborhood Ball Guy!"

It took me longer than I'd like to admit before I realized that it was just a person in a costume. I remember seeing the mascot animated on the big screens of the stadium battles but never… in the flesh like this.

I sighed in relief but still hesitated. "How did you… know I was a Gym Challenger?"

Ball Guy suddenly broke into a dance of some sort. "Your Dynamax Band, of course! Any trainer who wants to take the gym challenge needs one of those to register!"

This is required? I looked at the curious techy wristband and realized how lucky I was to get a Wishing Star so early. Magnolia said this stuff was rare, right?

Of course, I wasn't going to let my luck go to waste. "Are they still taking registrations at this hour?"

Ball Guy just continued doing his thing. "You're in luck, trainer! There seems to be some sort of commotion causing a delay, so there should still be room for you!"

A commotion? I wanted to wonder about it more, but what mattered was that there was still time for me. I started making my way to the bright automatic doors of the stadium. "Thanks… uh… Ball Guy!"

Whoever was in the costume just continued dancing without a care in the world. "You're very welcome, trainer!"

Author's POV

Upon entering, Flare was welcomed to the sight of a lobby of sorts. There was an evident Fire type theme with the orange aesthetic and metaphorically flaming carpet. Many other trainers were there, all waiting in line. Most of them had a Pokémon out, so Flare took this as a sign that it's safe to let Twigs out of her Pokéball.

The Grookey took to stretching as she adjusted her bun. Curiosity filled the Grass type's gaze as she surveyed her surroundings. "That was a mighty good rest. Are we here already, lass?"

"Looks like it, but…" The two were greeted to the line of trainers leading to the lobby's desk.

They just sighed and resigned themselves to the activity of waiting at the back. Waiting wasn't the most exciting activity, so Flare took to getting her phone out and reading up on more league rules. While there were Pokémon around to talk to, Twigs just took to resting on Flare's shoulder and taking in the view. Everyone else was similarly occupied and was left to their commotion. Except for one.

One of the trainers hesitated for a bit before approaching Flare. "I like your getup." She spoke, docile but sincere.

Flare looked up from her phone to see it was a girl her age who approached her, a small timid smile on her face. In contrast was the cheerful grin of her Morpeko held in the arms of her oversized sleeves.

Flare smiled back. "Thanks!" She noted the sleekness of the trainer's jacket. ""Your style looks good too. Very punk."

The trainer looked away ever so slightly, evidently flattered. "Just a little slice of home, is all. Guess we both like our black." The Morpeko in her arms beamed eagerly in agreement.

Flare's kind smile continued to radiate friendliness. "I'm Flare. I've come here from Postwick. What's your name?"

"Marnie." She looked at ease, nodding with certainty. "You've come from a small country town, is that it? I'm quite the same myself, you could say. Pretty far though."

Flare paused in intrigue. "How far?"

Marnie shot her a knowing smile. "Try Spikemuth."

The details of the map resurfaced in Flare's mind. She widened her eyes at the imagery of the scale. "That's right by the edge of eastern Galar. You must be really far from home…"

Marnie hesitated at the sentiment and tried to keep up her smile. "No need to tell me twice. I'm still feeling gobsmacked by all this… but at least I have my Morpeko with me. His name's William."

"I'm not as far as you are, but I could say the same thing." Flare started giving Twigs a chin scratch. "Having Pokémon with you always makes things better. I like having Twigs around."

Marnie started to pet her Morpeko. William gladly squeaked at the touch. "Agreed. I'm plannin' on going real far with my team." A tinge of confidence seeped into her voice. "I'd wish you luck, but I'm afraid I'll be the one winning this thing."

Flare just smiled and took it as a friendly challenge. "Well, may the best trainer win."

The two trainers continued staring at each other in mock tension, so wrapped up in their playful competition that they ended up giggling to themselves.

And then a voice from the front of the line called out. "Hey! Flare! Over here!"

They both looked to see Hop ahead waving back. That and how his outcry caused everyone in the queue to shift their attention to them.

Although embarrassed, Flare kept up a smile. "That's… for me. I should go get that."

Marnie felt embarrassed as well, clearly unused to all these eyes. "You probably should. I'll be seeing you soon, hopefully."

To the disdain of most of the trainers in the line, Flare started to walk to the front where Hop was, repeatedly muttering 'sorry' along the way. Anyone who tried to glare got an icy stare from Twigs.

Behind the desk stood a member of the Pokémon League staff in typical staff member posture, wearing some shades and a white uniform themed after the blue and red league colors. He raised an eyebrow. "This is her?"

Hop nodded eagerly. "You got that right!"

All the while Flare was still perplexed. She still felt a bit uneasy about the annoyed stares she knew were on her from behind. "Hop, what's this about?"

"Your endorsement letter, Flare!" Hop already had his in hand.

Although hesitant, Flare took the hint and took it out of her bag. The league staff member eyed them both with a sudden peak in intrigue.

"T-That seal… you've both really been endorsed by the Champion…" He stuttered for a second before composing himself. "This is the first time this has happened. You two must be something special."

Hop only seemed even more pumped. He raised a cocky eyebrow. "Told you I wasn't kidding! You're looking at the Champion's little brother, and the next to take Lee's spot! Get me all signed up, would you?"

"Heh…" The staff member turned to face Flare. "Are you related to Mr. Leon as well?"

Flare just chuckled meekly, trying to keep up a modest tone compared to Hop. "No, no… I just happened to be at the right place at the right time."

The league staff member accepted both their letters and wrote something down in a form. He glanced at their wrists. "The letters… and the Dynamax Bands… everything's in order. I'll just need what numbers you want on your uniform, if you'd be so kind. Keep in mind this will represent you in any official match requiring use of the uniform."

"189!" Hop answered without any hesitation.

Flare caught on to Hop's logic and came up with something. "I'll take 71."

Hop chuckled. "I caught that, mate. Picking your birthday like I did?"

Flare smiled back. "That's right."

Twigs watched on from Flare's shoulder. "So that's your birthday, eh, lass? I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

"Hey, you need to tell me yours too."

After writing something down, the league staff member put the form aside and handed them two gold-colored bracelet-sized rings. "Those are your Challenger Bands. Head to the Budew Drop Inn and you should be able to use those to reserve overnight rooms for tomorrow's opening ceremony. Your uniforms should be mailed to your rooms by morning."

Flare curiously examined the ring thing. It was made of some shiny gold-looking material, but it felt too light and loose-fitting to actually be a bracelet. She simply dismissed it and put it into her bag as Hop motioned for her to follow him.

"We oughta get going, mate! I'm off to check out the fancy digs they have at the hotel!"

"Hey, wait up!"

The two quickly took to leaving the stadium, Flare just so happening to forget about the line that wasn't too pleased with her cutting to the front. And with that the two trainers both ended up subconsciously racing each other to the street where the hotel was. It was less of a race and more an excuse to pick up their pace. Their path was illuminated by several streetlamps as the moon hung above.

All the while Twigs was just enjoying the wind flow through her fur as she enjoyed the ride on Flare's shoulder. "You'd best try to find a way to avoid these sudden runs. At least you're managing to keep up with him this time, lass."

Flare didn't notice it at first, but Twigs was right. In the midst of her need to keep up speed she hadn't noticed that she was neck and neck with Hop.

In fact, both trainers were too kept up in their friendly running competition to notice the trainer they happened to bump into. The collision caused all three of them to stumble to the ground.

"Agh! Sorry, mate!" Hop realized his mistake and reached to help the trainer up.

"Don't!" He quickly cried out harshly. The silver-haired pink-jacketed trainer simply dusted himself off and got back up, evidently upset. The boy picked up his Hatenna and glared at Hop and Flare. He noted their Dynamax Bands. "Tch. Gym challengers, aren't you?"

Hop didn't think much of his upset look and just smiled at him, taking the Gym Challenger title in stride. "Got that right! Me and Flare here have both been endorsed by the Champion himself!"

The mention of Leon again got Flare to put on a meek smile. The silver boy's annoyed look didn't help. She sheepishly nudged Hop. "Maybe you shouldn't be saying that to just everyone you meet, Hop."

The trainer just wore a cocky smile. "Tch. I was endorsed by the chairman himself." His tone remained malicious. "In other words, among all those elite enough to get an endorsement, I'm the most elite of all." He shook his head in disgust, absolutely radiating arrogance. "Bumping into me was inconvenient enough. Why don't you clear off and not try talking to me again, would you?" His grumpy Hatenna gave mean eyeless looks and stuck out her tongue.

While Hop and Flare were suddenly taken aback, the trainer simply took their reaction as a success and walked past them.

Hop simply grimaced as he watched him walk away. "Seriously? What a piece of work. Didn't even give us a name."

Twigs seemed to agree as well. Meanwhile Flare just curiously watched where the trainer was going. "The Budew Drop Inn isn't that way. Is he… going back down to the Pokémon Center?"

The distant mechanical whir of the gear platform answered her question.

Hop shifted into a thoughtful expression as well. "You're right, mate. What kind of battling has he done to head there at this hour?"

It quickly came to their attention via illuminated windows that the Budew Drop Inn building was just ahead.

Flare pondered for a second. "I think I remember being told about a commotion causing a delay in registration."

Flare's POV

We passed through the automatic doors to find ourselves back in another air conditioned place. What else I managed to see did look luxurious since I haven't been in many hotels. There was even an eye-catching statue of what looked like a knight near the entrance. But I didn't have much time to sightsee before I heard the sound of Pokémon battling. And horns.

The crude blaring near the desk got me to see a group of thugs all gathered there, as if guarding it from everyone else. There were some other trainers here too, and they didn't seem very happy with how these guys were blocking off the counter. Even the hotel guy by the counter looked resigned like he couldn't do anything about it. Everyone was just resorting to Pokémon battling for the desk, repeatedly calling out commands. The thugs' voices were very… distinct.

"Oi oi oi! Bugger off, the lot of you!"

"First come first serve, all for first place!"

"We're savin' this spot for a very special gym challenger, y'hear?!"

"I'm yellin' for no reason!"

They were also very loud. It was as if they were deliberately spouting this stuff to distract the others while they were battling them.

Hop and I both realized what was going on. He looked at me and took out a Pokéball. "We oughta do something about this, mate. They're making too much of a racket!"

I nodded and looked to my shoulder. "You up for this, Twigs?"

She was flinching and looked irritated at the situation. "What I'd do to plug those hooligans shut with my stick… count me in."

We headed closer to the desk but were quickly interrupted by two of the punks intercepting us. The guy continued blaring his horn while the lady was holding a… designed rag of sorts with someone on it. They both had this purple and black face paint.

Wait, the person on that rag, isn't that-

"Team Yell all up in your face!"

"We're not gonna let you get past this place! … Oi, nice rhyme!"

Before I could finish thinking the two quickly brought out their Pokémon, a Nickit and a Zigzagoon.

Team Yell? Is that what they call themselves?

Hop got ready to throw his Pokéball. "It's time to show you how much we've trained! Get 'em, Sev!"

I extended an arm to let Twigs jump off. "We've trained plenty, too! Let's go, Twigs!"

As our two Pokémon got ready to battle, it looked like they wanted to talk to each other for a second, but knew we had to win first.

I called out a move. "Alright, Twigs. Use-"

"Tail Whip!"

"Yeah, Sand Attack!"

Wait, wha-

The Zigzagoon suddenly started kicking up a bunch of dust that covered nearly all of us. I would've become a coughing fit if I didn't close my mouth and try to shield myself from it. I had trouble seeing where Twigs was before something dashed from the murk and knocked her down with its tail before running away.

"Twigs!" I called out. "Are you okay?"

She quickly up and dusted herself off like it was nothing. "Barely hurt me, lass. More annoying than anything."

It looked like Hop and Sev didn't get to attack, either. The dust settled and our opponents haven't even been touched.

"Let's go, Team Yell!"

"You're not gettin' past us!"

I had to try again. "Twigs, Raz-"

"Sand Attack, do it!"

But my Grookey had already nodded at me. "I heard all I needed to hear."

Before the Zigzagoon could do its thing, Twigs conjured up some sharp leaf-shaped projectiles into the air and hurled them. The Razor Leaf struck both the Zigzagoon and the Nickit, quickly knocking them both out with surprising ease.

"We're not done yet!"

"Team Yell doesn't go down that easy!"

They withdrew their Zigzagoon and Nickit to send out… a Nickit and a Zigzagoon.

There's more?!

"Don't sweat it, mate." Hop nodded at me. "We can take it from here! You know what to do, Sev!"

The Sobble didn't hesitate to let out a ring-shaped water blast that burst into a splash that hit both of our opponents' Pokémon. This just so happened to knock them both out instantly as well.

I just blinked in amazement. "Did we really train that well?" I didn't want to automatically jump to the conclusion that our opponents were weak.

Twigs looked back at me. "Cut yourself some slack, Flare! That training paid off!"

I suddenly noticed that our opponents sent out another Zigzagoon and Nickit. Didn't catch who sent out who this time, but it didn't really matter. Yet, before I could call out a move, it seemed Twigs and Sev were talking to each other about something. Hop noticed too.

"... Okay, Sev. Team attack, got it?"

"O-Okay!"

They quickly used their attacks at the same time, combining Water Pulse and Razor Leaf into a single projectile. Before the Zigzagoon and Nickit could react, the watery blast splashed all over them, sending the sharp leaves contained in the blast out to strike them even harder. Of course, it was overkill, but I still had to admit I was stunned at their flashy teamwork.

And that wasn't even the end of it.

Both Twigs and Sev suddenly started glowing before our very eyes. Their combined glowing was so bright that Hop and I had to shield our eyes. Still, I tried to peek so I could see Twigs growing in size. I knew what was happening, and I couldn't just look away and miss it.

The glowing eventually started to subside, allowing me to see Twigs' new form. As a Thwackey, she was much taller, and she was surprised to find that her stick was bigger and split into two.

At least she looked amused. "All the better to keep my bun with, I'll take it."

"Twigs! You've evolved!" I quickly ran over to her and pulled her into a hug. "Look how big you've grown!"

As I pulled back, I noticed she was the height of my shoulder now. When I hugged her it didn't seem like I could really pick her up as well either.

Hop looked really happy to see Sev become a Drizzile too. It really felt like such a big moment for the both of us to have our training pay off like this. It almost made me forget we were in the middle of trying to drive off hooligans in the hotel. It took me a second to realize it was because the evolution caught everyone's attention and caused the whole room to grow silent in the process. That is, until a voice near the entrance broke the silence.

"What are you lot doin' here?"

The familiar voice got me as well as all of the Team Yell people to turn to the entrance.

The group all collectively stuttered in surprise. "M-Marnie?! Nothin'... we was just…"

I was just as surprised as they were. The way they spoke to each other was very telling. Do these guys know each other?

Marnie's very specific look of disappointment as she approached the group only confirmed it. "I know you lot are terribly curious 'bout the other Gym Challengers, but you gotta show a bit of restraint." She slowly shook her head, then suddenly stopped to look at me in surprise. "Ah! Flare, you saw all that?"

"Uh… yeah…" I glanced at the now flustered Team Yell hooligans and back at Marnie. I didn't expect her to pick me out of the crowd that easily. "Who are these guys?"

Marnie hesitated, probably knowing how everyone else in the room was expecting an answer, too. "You could say they're a bunch of my fans. Followed me all the way from home, and I think they let it go to their heads a bit…" She turned to face the other trainers. "S-Sorry 'bout them, everyone! They're just so caught up with supportin' me that they tend to get a bit shirty with other trainers…"

I saw how nervous she was and tried to give her a reassuring look. "If it helps, I think having a fanbase this early is really cool." Hooliganism aside, I couldn't even imagine reaching that level of prestige.

Hop was here to back me up, too. "I think so too! Pretty impressive that you already have a set of fans to call your own! Marnie, was it? I'm Hop, and any friend of Flare's is a friend of mine! We've both been endorsed by-"

"Hush, Hop."

"Aw, fine."

Marnie just seemed entertained by our little exchange and wore her little smile. She nodded in agreement. "I'll try to make sure these guys don't bother you now." She turned towards the Team Yell guys. "Come on! Off home with you lot! Shoo! Security's already got its hands full at the stadium so don't be a bother!"

Surprisingly, as Marnie herded the punks towards the door, the group started profusely apologizing to everyone as they left.

"Sorry for gettin' in your way, mates."

"Won't do it again, promise!"

"Got carried away, is all!"

At least the way they spoke like they were told off to their parents was an amusing sight. And once Marnie and Team Yell disappeared outside the automatic doors, it looked like things would go back to normal with the room reservations.

Hop let out a breath, clearly somewhat exhausted. "Well that was certainly such a ruckus, wasn't it?" He looked toward Sev and smiled. "Least that Marnie seemed nice. And I suppose this wasn't all for naught."

I looked toward Twigs and smiled, admiring her new two stick bun. "Agreed."

It took a bit of waiting, but eventually I managed to get my turn in getting the keys to my room here. After all this walking and waiting and battling, I felt I deserved a bit of a break for today. Me and Hop parted ways for the day and left for our rooms.

One elevator ride later I was greeted to what exactly hotel luxury looked like. A big bed all to myself, a nice big space with a big TV…

"Judging by the look on your face I bet you've never been to any of these places before." Twigs spoke up beside me. "Can't blame you, lass. Neither have I."

I just decided to indulge in what I was given and flopped onto the bed. I really wanted to lie down and just let myself sink into the mattress. Yessssss.

Of course, it wouldn't be fair for everyone else if they missed out on all this stuff, so I let them all out. That being said, maybe letting out several newly caught wild Pokémon in a well kept place like this was a bad idea. Thankfully Twigs was there to watch over everyone and make sure Crumbs and Cress didn't eat any pillows. At the very least, Twigs being evolved gave something for everyone to talk about, be it because of admiration or jealousy. I think the jealousy part was just exclusive to Hook.

Eventually I managed to get everyone together on the carpet in front of the TV to keep them all occupied. Hook was still distancing himself by a corner of the room, but I think he was still watching from where he was sitting. Still, with everyone gathered here, I could finally relax. It helped that room service stopped by to drop some food off for all of us. Curry for everyone!

When all was said and done it seemed like we were all happy with the luxury we got. Which was good. We've eaten, we've settled in, and now we're all just relaxing in front of the TV. Things got even better when Spike and Tilda discovered the game console here. I got it started up and thought to hand out some of the controllers.

"Sorry guys, I think I'll sit this one out." Cress started crawling away before yawning. "Legs too stubby for… whatever that is. I'll call it a night." She was walking off to one of the Pokémon beds included with the room.

Spike watched her walk away. "Darn. I wonder where Twigs and Crumbs went. They should get in on this."

Meanwhile Tilda was just jumping on her controller. "Come on! Come on! I wanna do the thing!"

I just chuckled at the amusing sight of Pokémon with game controllers and looked around. I would've noticed if Twigs and Crumbs suddenly up and left-

"Hey Flare! Look how spiffy I am now!"

I looked to see Twigs and Crumbs standing by the nightstand near the bed. Around Crumbs' neck was a clean white scarf that he wore proudly. "Now Twigs isn't the only one with a new look!"

The very sight had me "aww" at him as I went to pick my little squirrel up. It was just his size, too. He really was a cute spiffy little thing. "Where'd you get this?"

Twigs motioned to the nightstand's drawer. "In here. Guessing it's a free gift for any customer. Saw the Budew by the desk with one and everything."

I noticed something poking out of the drawer, so I put Crumbs back down so he could run off to play with Spike and Tilda. I went over and picked it up to see that it was a hotel brochure.

Twigs curiously eyed it and sat next to me on the bed. My Thwackey continued trying to peek over my shoulder. "I've been meaning to take a looksee at that but I wasn't raised to be that literate. You know how?"

I chuckled. "Obviously." I flipped it and just skimmed over most of the business writing. "Mostly stuff about how this place has good food and good prices… where Gym Challengers start to bloom, it says, and…" My eyes were caught by the picture of the golden knight statue. The one being displayed right by the entrance, it being the first thing I saw upon entering.

Twigs caught me staring, too. "Wall of text right there, lass. I really need to learn how to read."

"Don't worry, I can just read it to you." And I went on with this spontaneous story time.

Apparently the statue was meant to depict this hero who saved Galar a long time ago. There was this large scale thing that happened called the Darkest Day, where the skies were blotted by a black storm and gigantic Pokémon rampaged all around the region. Like Dynamaxing gone wrong.

That is, until a supposed hero used a sword and shield to drive the black storm away somehow. The departure of the storm caused all the rampaging Pokémon to go back to regular size and everything went back to normal, so it said.

The Darkest Day was marked as a major event of Galar's history, but there was still a lot of mystery surrounding it, like what exactly the black storm was and where it came from. No one also knew who the hero was or where the weapons came from, so the hotel statue was supposed to be a loose interpretation instead of an accurate depiction.

"The Darkest Day, huh? This is all new to me." Twigs commented.

I stared at the statue picture some more, still processing this new information. "Same here. I didn't even know the Galar region had a hero."

Twigs shrugged, amused. "Humans are really surprising, that I know. I wonder if you'll be a hero someday."

I was caught by surprise at what Twigs said. "What makes you say that?"

My Thwackey just smiled. "I know what I said. Don't think I've forgotten the forest. I think you've got what it takes. Just a hunch."

I felt glad to hear her say that and reached to scratch her chin. I still had to get used to how she was shoulder height now. "I don't think I'll be doing stuff like saving the world or anything like that. I'm just a Gym Challenger now."

"Can't deny that you're bound for greatness and all that. Trust the hunch that trusts you. That's what this challenge is for, ain't it, lass? Think you're up to snuff for that tale of greatness or whatever that Hop lad was going on about?"

Greatness? I thought about Twigs' words for a bit. I thought about Hop's ambition to become champion and Marnie's own group of fans rooting for her. To be a hero somehow is way out of the question, but still…

I just smiled at Twigs. "I hope so."