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[The feed turns on to a young woman standing in the commercial district, hand resting on some kind of rocky spine, a grin on her face.]

So I didn't realize that Union had this kind of thing. I heard that there was a racing scene here, so I thought that we would check it out.

Golem, say hello to everyone!

[Moving to give the world a better look at her new companion, the camera focuses on a young Rhyhorn. He looks just as excited as his partner, jumping up on his back legs and looking straight at the band. He then shakes his head a bit when he lands.

Someone's a show off.

Rydia kneels down next to Golem, so both are on the screen.]

I was curious if I could get some advice from anyone interested in Rhyhorn racing. From what I understand, preliminaries start pretty soon, so any suggestions would be a big help. Not that we'll have any trouble, right, Golem?

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[ Well, this is a heck of a thing to return to the city to. Haruka debates letting it slide - she's got a lot on her plate right now - but she happens to be taking a breather for some alone time, so why not.

Besides, it's cute. Like. Really cute. All that enthusiasm. ]

I'd have to see you mount him first. Races aren't won on energy alone, kitten.

[Kitten?]

I guarantee you, we've got a lot more going for us than just energy!

[All right, Golem, let's show this guy. She climbs on, looking quite natural. She's definitely ridden Pokemon before. She gives the camera a smirk.]

So? Do we pass the first test?

[ Okay, Haruka walked right into that one. She sniffs. ] Not bad. Now walk.

[ As opposed to run. She'll....just imagine any parts she can't see on camera from your gait. ]

You heard, him, Golem.

[They start. It's obvious from posture that she's all right--although the way she sat was much better suited for slower, longer distance travel--but her Rhyhorn seemed impatient. This was too slow for him.]

[ Well, well, look at you. ] Nice control. I guess pretty girls have a sense for these things, too.

[ This is silly. But Haruka has a feeling she needed something like this after the month she's just had. ]

[She laughs a bit. Wow okay, buddy.]

Pretty girl? I have a name, you know.

Do I get to hear it?

[ And can you talk and keep that Rhyhorn moving slowly at the same time? ]

[Kindred Soul, you jelly?

She does bring him to a stop, though.]

Well, it's not "kitten" or "pretty girl", I'll tell you that.

It's Rydia. And yours?

[ Just judging the likelihood of your ending up in the dust come racing time. ] Tenoh Haruka. You want to be a racer, huh?

[Hard to say, but she seems to have a pretty good handle on the basics.]

That's the idea. It sounded interesting, and I haven't really gotten involved with anything since I arrived here.

[ "Arrived".....? Interesting. But not to the point, so Haruka files that information away for later. She's looking at Rydia with a different sort of appraisal now, though. ] Well, the only advice I can really give is this: you know you're ready for the actual race when you can take him into the woods without hitting anything. Twice around the perimeter should do it.

[ The woods are full of things like trees looming in your way, and passing Pokémon, and fallen logs, and underbrush....Really, given the obstacle course nature of Rhyhorn races, the most difficult part is getting the Rhyhorn over roadblocks instead of through.

She scrutinizes Golem, thinking. ] He's a little young...

[Golem hears that, and he takes a bit of offense. What does age have to do with it? Rydia rests a hand on his craggy forehead.]

A bit, but he's pretty invested. We both are. We want to learn.

[ Seeing Golem have a problem with that is a good sign. If he's indignant, he'll want to make up for the disadvantages his smaller size gives him. If this girl's really good, she'll even find ways to use it: he can fit through holes other Rhyhorns can't.

Pointing this out would actually be unhelpful, though. Accomplishments are worth more when you figure them out yourself. Haruka shrugs, but her grin is complicit. You guys just might turn out okay. ] Then practice.

What can we do, other than running laps in the forest?

I can't answer that.

[ We've reached the cryptic mentor stage of this conversation. Haruka looks from Rydia to Golem and back again. ] You two are a team, right? A regimen you didn't create yourself is worthless.

[She laughs. Really, Rydia should have expected that from this mysterious stranger. Still, he seemed to know a lot, and she wanted to be able to glean as much from him as she could.]

That's fair. A piece of advice, then? Or is that something I have to figure out on my own too?

[ Well...you've been a good sport, so you get a hint. Haruka grins. ]

Just run. The answer should be waiting in the wind.

[ Because clearly saying "Find your stride and it'll work out from there" would be too easy. ]

Answers on the wind, huh? That's not cryptic at all.

[She chuckles.]

But I think I know what you mean. Thanks a lot. You'll cheer for us, right? [Although she's almost 100% certain he's either a racer or a coach, but you can't blame a girl for trying.]

[ Haruka arches an eyebrow. ] If you pass me. Best of luck, kitten.

[ Yeah, she used "kitten" again. Are you going to give her grief? ]

That sounds like fun. I'll wait for you at the finishing line.

[Nah, a bit of competitive banter is good for a person.]

[ Haruka's expression softens. When she speaks, she sounds sincere. ] I'm looking forward to that. See you then.

[ With that, she cuts the feed. What a pleasant diversion. Cute girl, too. Haruka will keep an idle eye out for her at races from now on. ]

Wow, Rydia, you look really cool!

[Are she and Golem striking a bit of a pose? They totally are.]

Haha, thanks!

You should wear a mask when you race! You could be the Masked Rider!

[Jinxie has a thing about masks.]

[That sounds ridiculous, she can't be caught alive looking ridiculous.]

It would be hard to see with a mask on.

Oh... maybe you're right.

But I think that there's the opportunity to have costumes when you're riding, as long as they're functional.

[Her usual dress... not so functional when it comes to riding.]

So that the riders stand out to the crowd, right?

[Oh, she'd stand out in her common fair. Probably be a fan favorite with the men, in fact. But she doesn't necessarily want that.]

Yep! It makes it easier for people to cheer for their favorites as run down the track.

I've never been to a Rhyhorn race before. They sound exciting.

I managed to catch some of their practicing. We had something very similar where I'm from, and I remember it being a big source of joy and excitement for our village.

I'll come and cheer for you if you decide to race.

I think you mean when. And thanks, that means a lot to me!

You helped me a lot before, and you've always been very friendly to me since you came to the city, so cheering you on is the least I can do.

Then I'll do my best to not let you down!

I'm sure you'll be great.

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