#moo isle

[luminouslumity]

Part Two to this!

PUPPETEER: KIRKE (Κιρκη) is the daughter of the sun god HELIOS (Ἡλιος) and his wife PERSEIS (Περσηις). Besides the Odyssey, Hesiod mentions that Kirke settled on the isle of Aiaia after arriving on her father's chariot, while Apollonius says she reluctantly assisted in clensing the Argonauts and her niece MEDEA (Μήδεια) after they had killed and dismembered her nephew ABSYRTOS ( Ἄψυρτος) while escaping with the Golden Fleece.

And while we're at it, some of you guys are gonna be so mad at Jay for this, but Polites would've actually still been alive at this point in the story. In fact, it's his only mention in the entire Odyssey.

Then Polites, my most devoted and most loyal man, a leader to his peers, said, ‘Friends, inside someone is weaving on that massive loom, and singing so the floor resounds. Perhaps a woman, or a goddess. Let us call her.’

WOULDN'T YOU LIKE: Hermes, as mentioned before, is Odysseus' great-grandfather on his mother's side, with the Odyssey mentioning he came to his descendant in the form of an adolescent boy. Being the god of thieves, a few of his other kin besides Odysseus were tricksters as well; most notably, his son MYRTILOS (Μυρτίλος) helped PELOPS (ΠΈΛΟΨ) cheat his way into winning the hand of Princess HIPPODAMIA (Ἱπποδάμεια). Myrtilos claimed that in exchange for his assistance, Pelops would let him seduce his new bride, but when Hippodamia rejected him, Pelops cast him into the sea. Enraged, Myrtilos then cursed him and his entire bloodline, from which Agamemnon and Menelaos are descended from.

MOLY, like many plants in mythology, has no specific correspondence, though Homer describes it as having black roots and white flowers.

DONE FOR and THERE ARE OTHER WAYS: Because one immediately leads into the other more than the other songs do, I thought I'd cover these two in one go.

So in the Odyssey, after Odysseus goes to confront Kirke, the goddess is so impressed by him that she immediately invites him to her bed. Odysseus refuses, unless she swears to turn his men back to normal. Afterwards, he's tended to her by her nymphs and is invited to dine with her, but Odysseus is still uncomfortable, until she at last upholds her word and then instructs Odysseus to drag his ship to land and place all the stores and gear inside the island's caves. As for his crew, the reunion is described thusly:

I found my loyal men beside the ship, weeping and shedding floods of tears. As when a herd of cows is coming back from pasture into the yard; and all the little heifers jump from their pens to skip and run towards their mothers, and they cluster round them, mooing; just so my men, as soon as they saw me, began to weep, and in their minds it seemed as if they had arrived in their own home, the land of rugged Ithaca, where they were born and raised.

Eurulokhos is the only one who doesn't trust Kirke to treat them kindly after all she's done, but his worries are quickly proven false, for she plays host from then on, allowing them to stay and rest for one year. Kirke then instructs Odysseus to go down to the Underworld, to the house of Lord HAIDES (Ἁιδης) and dreadful PERSEPHONE (Περσεφονη), and seek out the prophet known as TIRESIAS (Τειρεσίας).

As for the "I have been in love once before" line, this is likely in reference to a minor sea god called GLAUKOS (Γλαυκος). According to the Romans Pseudo-Hyginus and Ovid, Circe had fallen in love with him, but her feelings went unrequited, as his affection was for the nymph SCYLLA, who'd spurned him. Glaucus then asked Circe to help him, but she, overcome with jealousy, instead poisoned the water where Scylla bathed upon rejection and transformed her into a monster.

#greek mythology #epic: the musical #epic the musical #epic: the circe saga #epic the circe saga #the circe saga #odysseus #circe #hermes

[hostess-of-horror]

I haven't seen anyone do this but I liked to see what Chef Saltbaker X Demon y/n story 🧂😈

It's where a y/n is disguised and was sent to claim Chef Saltbaker's soul or to drag him to hell for his sins, But they fell in love in the process and maybe a plot twist that he knew the whole time but he loves them too

One devilishly endearing love story coming right up! 😈💜🥀

For the Heart and Soul

Content Includes: Suggestiveness, Flirting, Lots of Cursing, and Mentions of Death

You had one job. One job!

And yet... You fucked it up.

You were sent to Inkwell Isles as an agent of Hell by the Devil himself. Your target: Chef Saltbaker, renowned baker and crazy-ass bastard.

After his failed attempt at conquering the Astral Plane, Chef Saltbaker was taken to custody and went on trial, only to be sent to community service. A rather light punishment for someone who did something so horrendous.

This, in the end, redeemed him and everyone lived happily ever after... The thought of it all made you gag.

Your mission was created to simply undo Chef Saltbaker's whole "redemption arc". For Hell does not forget, and Hell does not forgive.

And yet... Here you were, in Chef Saltbaker's bakery, disguised as a sweet little thing looking to raise some moo-lah, helping him out with some treats. Not exactly what you had in mind when you asked him you "need that cake", but whatever.

So, not giving up on your task, you did anything you could to distract him. You claimed you were a bit "clumsy", which gave you the advantage of making some... provocative poses for Chef Saltbaker.

You even went as far as to make very friendly conversations, using pastries and goodies into a slew of innuendos that even the most innocent of people would get it!

It was as if Chef Saltbaker was clueless - absolutely fucking clueless! You even bent over to "pick up a utensil"! Nothing was working!

When all the baking was finished, you were fuming. Out of all the targets you've dealt with, nothing was as frustrating as Chef Saltbaker.

Fuck it... Let's just get this over with...

Keeping your cool for now, you turned to your target, only to have him pinning you against the counter. His eyes were bright yellow, but weirdly not out of anger or any malicious intent.

"I know who you are... Demon...", Chef Saltbaker growled, giving you a wicked grin.

...SHIT.

"I suppose it does make sense, considering my... past sins. But unfortunately, I cannot allow you to take my soul. It would break all my friends' hearts, not to mention ruin my business. You really thought you could fool me, didn't you? Or perhaps, seduce me into coming with you?", he sighed.

You didn't want to admit it, but you always loved it when your target knows what is going on. It made things a lot more interesting, rather than just catching them off guard as usual.

But this case was different. Vastly different. As Chef Saltbaker pinned you, his eyes looking deep into yours, his usual smile now into a mischievous grin, it's so... so...

Oh... Oh no....

"You know... I have to confess: you are rather cute," he said, his eyes wandering up and down, "I find it incredibly amusing seeing you try to make the moves on me. But your 'clumsiness' can only get you so far, my dear, and I think you would make the perfect assistant for my bakery."

He's joking. He has got to be. There's no fucking way he's going to-

With a snap of his fingers, a stream of salt spills through his hand, pouring onto the floor, encircling you and your target. You began to panic!

"Don't you know that salt repels demons?" Chef Saltbaker chuckled, "And, if I can remember correctly, a salt circle can trap them unless the ring is broken? Well... It seems your luck has run out. But don't worry, I'm not going to harm you. Oh no! I just want to make a deal with you... Be my assistant and you can have my soul once my entire business is over. Who knows? Maybe we can be... A little bit more than just co-workers, hmm?"

Your heart skipped a beat. He can't be serious! Never in your entire hellish career had you ever been in such a situation like this. And now, you're going to be with this guy until the end! Making pastries and goodies, giving them to hungry customers, and... Oh Hell no, donating them to orphans in need! Oh the torture, the humanity!

"Oh, I can just imagine it now! Just the two of us, making cookies for children and birthday cakes for parties! Oh, and also! I was planning on doing a whole batch of Brimstone Brownies since they're becoming really popular." Chef Saltbaker rambled, as giddy as a schoolgirl, "And... Well, maybe when we're alone... We can have ourselves a nice picnic."

Oh no.

"Admiring the sunset on the horizon..."

Oh FUCK no.

"Cuddling together..."

No, please stop!

"And maybe... Hold our hands together."

H-holding hands?! How lewd, how perverse! Chef Saltbaker is truly a crazy-ass bastard!

Chef Saltbaker let out a hearty laugh as you felt your face grow hotter, your cheeks bursting with color as you blushed hard. Your heart throbbed like it was going to burst out from your chest.

You were trapped. Trapped by your own target. And it seemed like there was nothing you could do...

At least he's kind of charming.

#chef saltbaker x reader #chef saltbaker #cuphead the delicious last course #cuphead dlc #cuphead #the delicious last course #my writing #demon!reader

[lazysailor]

37 Avery

The sun began to set on the ranch that he lived on, no, the ranch he and Ryder lived on. He can't remember how he was able to get his parents ranch, probably inherited it or something.

Their both having some small talk as he can hear the sound of the crops blowing in the wind, their dutch shepherd having a blast running around in the front yard, and the distant sound of cattle mooing.

This..This was the life Avery meant to live after he left the graveyard. No harvest camp, no prosthetic arm, him not having a massive scar across his face, not searching for Kayden..and him finally living with Ryder.

His dream was peaceful..

..Until Ryder said something else.

“Why did you have to stay whole?”

A surprised and concerned expression came over Avery's face.

“What.?”

“Why did you have to live?!” Ryder shouts.

The peaceful scene around them starts to turn chaotic as their dutch shepherd begins to bark, the clear sunset starts to get covered with gray storm clouds, and all the cattle they had all start loudly mooing.

“We could've lived like this, but you know that was almost impossible!” Ryder says.

“You were afraid of rejection and you got it!”

Avery could feel tears start to build up in his eyes, the worst thing about dreaming is that your mind knows your greatest fears.

“Now you're all alone now and you're searching for your best friend who could be anywhere in the world!” Ryder says to him.

The tears that built up in Avery's eyes were now flowing down his cheeks.

“I could've lived Avery!”

“I know.!” Avery says.

“We could've been together! But you never knew I wouldn't feel the same!” He tells him.

“Ryder-” Avery tries to say but gets cut off.

..

Avery opened his eyes and could feel dried tears on his cheeks. He could feel himself breathing heavily as he stared up at the ceiling. It was nighttime out and every few moments he could see the light of street lights or other cars passing by.

He wasn't on a ranch looking out into the sunset with Ryder. He was stuck in reality in the back of some randos car.

“Are you okay?” A voice asks.

Avery turns his head around and connects the voice to the guy who was letting him hitchhike.

He's quiet for a few moments thinking if he should tell the driver or not.

“..Yeah, I’m fine.” He tells him.

Ever since he had gotten out of the hospital he's been using a wide variety of transportation in order to try to find Kayden. A main way he has been traveling has been hitchhiking. It isn't the safest way to travel obviously, but it was either that or taking a bus or train.

People had been cautious to pick him up so it was rare to find a nice person that would give him a ride. An average person would probably get immediate red flags by looking at Avery due to his new appearance, having a big scar across your face and up to your forearm doesn't exactly scream friendly.

He could stick to walking around, which he had done, but it takes longer to walk on foot rather than using transport.

Avery felt tired, he wanted to go back to sleep..But what if he had that same nightmare again. He sat up and decided to look out onto the night, hopefully he would get closer to finding Kayden..

..

It was around early morning, the sun was up but barely anyone was out. He could've ended up in a small town or not everyone was in the mood to leave their house right now. The weather was a bit foggy and humid from the previous night's rain which felt oddly nice.

Avery approached a gas station, he was back to traveling on foot for a bit cause he needed some food and he had to go to the bathroom. Upon entering the gas station it only looked like the cashier was there but they seemed half awake, which was good. He had resorted to stealing food due to not having any cash on him and he would rather not dig in trash bins for food.

He walked down various isles to see what kind of snacks he should get. His eyes then saw a couple of chip brands he liked, he grabbed them and stuffed them in his jacket then zipped it up. As he was beginning to leave the gas station he heard a voice he never expected to hear again.

“Avery? That you?” The voice asks.

Avery turns around and sees the familiar old man who had saved him and Kayden long ago. It was Miles!

Miles seemed shocked by seeing him again, it was either due to his new appearance or that he probably never saw the people he housed again.

“Well whatcha doing here?” Miles asks him.

He hesitates to answer for a moment.

“..Just getting some snacks.” Avery tells him.

“I didn't expect ya to be here, I thought you would be long gone from here by now.” Miles says, “How about I get you some breakfast kid? You seem you need a good meal.”

Avery stood there quietly for a moment.

‘Should I really go get breakfast with him?’ He thought.

‘I mean he did save me and Kayden back then..’

‘..And it would be nice to have a proper meal.’

“Sure, that would be nice.” Avery answers.

..

Miles drove Avery up to a diner that was close to the gas station he was at. It seemed like a family owned diner and not like a franchise diner. The diner was quiet and barely anyone was in there at this time in the morning. Avery and Miles sat towards the back of the diner while he could smell various kinds of breakfast foods being cooked in the kitchen.

“So kid..What have you been up to lately?” Miles asks him.

“Well..uh..” Avery tries to answer but he can't think of anything good to answer.

Miles silently waited for him to answer.

Avery started to feel nervous, everything that has happened to him for the past couple of months is nothing good. He also didn't want to reveal too much to Miles, he took care of him and Kayden along with Ryder for a while. But he couldn't just tell him everything that had happened.

Miles seemed to notice he couldn't come up with an answer.

“Do you know how Ryder and Kayden are doing.?” He asks.

That question hit Avery hard.

‘Ryder, I can't tell him what happened to him.!’

‘Miles can't know he got unwound and worse than I confessed to him! How would he even feel about that.?!’

‘And I don't even know how Kaydens doing..She could be anywhere right now.!’

Avery was quiet as he panicked in his mind.

Miles seemed to finally know anything around Avery right now was a bad idea to ask about.

“How about we just talk about myself?” He asks.

Avery snaps out of his panicked thoughts when he asks that.

“Sure, that will be fine.” He says.

The waitress brought over some pancakes and coffee like she knew the old man's usual order and she brought two orders for both of them. Avery began to eat his food as he began to talk.

“Ever since you kids left my safe house, I knew it was time for me to retire.” He starts off, “The job was starting to get risky for me and that I should start focusing on my side job more.”

He took a sip of his coffee.

“So I started working on my ranch more because I knew my crops and cattle could last me for a long time.”

“Now at my age I just knew to focus on one thing instead of multiple.”

‘Focus on one thing.’ Avery thought.

‘That's like what I’m doing right now!’

“I’m also focusing on something right now.” He tells Miles.

Miles gives him a confused, but interested look.

“And what's that kid?” He asks.

‘I can tell him a bit about Kayden right now, well all I know.’ He thought.

“I'm trying to find Kayden right now, we were separated and I just want to find her again.” Avery tells him.

Miles' confused look turns to one of shock again.

“Are you crazy kid? Do you even know where she is?” He asks.

“No, but I know I can find her somehow eventually.” He says.

Miles lets out a quiet sigh.

“You two always seemed to stick by each other..” 

“Well good luck on finding her..She could be searching for you too.”

Avery quickly eats the rest of his pancakes before standing up.

“Thanks Miles for the food.” He says as begins to walk away.

He stops walking and turns towards him.

“I'll keep searching for her.” Avery tells him with a small grin.

Miles gives him a firm nod and a smile back.

He turns back around and leaves the diner back to his focusing on his goal.

‘I know I can find her, just getting slowly closer day by day.’

#unwind fanfic #unwind #unwind dystology

[hmshermitcraft]

The Sea Cow sounds like a joke... but it isn't. Sister to the Pearlescent Sea Blade and the Dull Ocean Sol the Sea Cow is the youngest of the sisters of the Oyster Isles. It's a Cow like Sea beast with jaws of the Great Hunger. It sinks ships with its vortex and jaws.

Moo is the Sea Cow. She can shift from the ocean beast to her humanoid form with ease. She might be younger than her sisters, but she's just as deadly. Sure, Dull can burn the oceans past boiling, and Pearl can slice ships in half, but Moo loves the taste of a boat.

So when she saw a pirate ship pass by, she went in for the kill. And she tore the ship asunder. When she got her fill, there was little left, so Moo realized.. she doesn't have anything to keep of the wreckage! Then she saw a shape in the water. It was a woman... she looked like fire in the deep sea. That's her trophy now!

Aries woke up in a cave. She remembered being in a cage set to be drowned to death for disobedience when the ship shook and all hell broke loose. The Sea Cow was here. She passed out shortly after she crashed into the water.

Now she's in this cave with a girl staring at her... with lizard skin and Moo horns and parts... the Sea Cow... she's its next meal isn't she

Moo is kind of offended when this woman asks if she plans to eat her. Moo doesn't eat humans on purpose! They're squishy, messy and far too loud. No, she likes the taste of the boats! The wooden hulls, the nails... Humans are just an unfortunate consequence of that! If they just stayed on the land like they're made to, then they wouldn't have that problem! But, Moo also wouldn't get any ships to eat. So she guesses it's a necessary consequence.

So, no, she's not going to eat this woman! She's a trophy, Moo likes remembering the ships she destroys. She excitedly takes the woman on a tour around the cave, pointing out each item for each ship. She hasn't got to show them off before!

Aries has no idea if she should be terrified or into this. She was going to die anyway, so maybe she should count this as a blessing? She never expected the terrifying Sea Cow to be so... Cute?

#hermitshipping #ask #arieseva tag #pearlescentmoo tag #ariesmoo #mod 🎀 #weekly theme: pirates!

[galar-ranger-magnus]

Took myself a long needed break from work and coordinator stuff to get back into drawing and “documenting” variants just on the outskirts of Freezepoint where farmlands can be found

Many thanks Opal for the Crown Pass and Armor Pass. I’m certain I’m also freely able to come and go due to me being a Ranger. But when I’m off-time, I’m just a normal civilian…

And saw this wonderful Highland Tauros

Though mostly found outside of Galar, some of these wonderful cows have been transported into the Galar region supposedly by some guy who wanted it as a pet. You know how it goes with that Pikachu/Eevee situation. They breed too much and get released- anyway

These Highland Tauros shaggy coat helps it survive the cold Scottish winter. Their undercoats keep them warm, while their longer guard hairs protect them from the rain and snow. During the summer they shed most of this hair, to prevent them from overheating.

Highland cows are raised primarily for their meat, which is growing in popularity due to being lower in cholesterol than other forms of beef. These cattle are a hardy breed, designed to withstand the conditions in the Galarian Highlands.

These lovely Tauros also exist in the Isle of Armor but these one are a little more special. You may have noticed the hoops that are a darker shade. These Tauros were specifically bred to have long fur near the ears that can be braided in certain ways.

In the wild, Highland Tauros’ ear fur is naturally much shorter due to the hairs getting snagged on branches and small trees

[Clair] These fantastic beasts have a reputation for their fantastic temperament, not a moo-dy cow in sight! They are known for being a very docile animal, never showing any aggression and are very low stress to keep and manage. Within their herds they have a great understanding of their own social hierarchy and never fight

These animals have relatively docile temperament and are of good behavior. The cows are pretty good milkers, excellent mothers and very protective of their young. Milk of the cows is of good quality with a high butterfat content. Currently the breed is mainly used for meat production.

—

Unlike its normal Tauros branch, this version is Normal/Fairy with completely different abilities and a few new moves in its arsenal

Abilities: Thick Fat/Sap Sipper

Hidden Abilities: Unnerve

New Moves Discovered: Horn Leech, Play Rough, Dazzling Gleam, Moonblast, Moonlight, Crafty Shield, Glare

— Extra Notes —

-In the wild, Highland Tauros live in herds alongside Milktank and coexist with Pokémon like bird types, the happiny line, and the buneary line

-Wild Highland Tauros can often be found with flowers tied to their long furs with the help of Milktank and Chansey/Blissey to help cover up the scent of mud and dirt clumping to their long fur until they can get to the next body of water

-Highlands often rely on fellow Highlands or other nearby pokemon to groom their long coats

-Bird types can be found plucking at Highlands’ fur at the start of the spring to build their nests with

-Their extended, sedentary lifestyle of domestication, has led to them developing a close bond with nature. They're famous for their long naps, rivaling even the most slothful Snorlax. By the time they wake up, flowers have already grown on their shaggy locks, providing the tauros with a natural supply of nutrients. [Credit: @geminey]

#magnus’ little album #ranger clair #pokeblog #sketch #fakemon #Pokémon variant #highland cow

[mdianasims]

Fairley’s Forest Farm

Entry for @ariafaeyt‘s shell challenge

Residential, 50x40, 3 bed, 3 bath, $ 188.775. Penny Pixies, Gnomes, On Ley Line, Simple Living, Wild Foxes. NoCC, MOO, debug, play tested.

Enable bb. moveobjects when placing the lot!

Packs used: Get to Work, Get Together, City Living, Cats & Dogs, Seasons, Get Famous, Island Living, Discover University, Eco Lifestyle, Snowy Escape, Cottage Living; Outdoor Retreat, Spa Day, Dine Out, Vampires, Parenthood, Jungle Adventure, Realm of Magic, Dream Home Decorator, My Wedding Stories; Spooky, Movie Hangout, Romantic Garden, Kids Room, Vintage Glamour, Toddler, Laundry Day, My First Pet, Tiny Living, Nifty Knitting, Paranormal; Holiday Celebration.

Gallery: MDianaSims Gallery Download Link Tray Files - SFS

Click images to enlarge.

A quirky farmhouse that is adorned in flowers and sprinkled with magic. Comes with lots of rooms, including a basement and a barn. There’s also a vegetable garden, space for a cow/llama and chickens, a pond and plenty of outdoor seating. Most notable features inside the house are the sun room and the cosy living room/study. This house has space for a family with a teen, child and toddler as well as a dog and/or cat. Oh, and somewhere on the lot, there’s a hidden tiny fairy tea party going on (that is, it kind of turned into a full blown fairy farmstead, got a little carried away with the size down cheat ;)). I’ve built the lot on the Isle of Volpe Park in the Bramblewood in Henford - seemed like the right place for a magical-ish farm.

I’ve had a lot of fun with this build, especially the landscaping. This is hands down the most elaborate, and probably beautiful garden I’ve made so far. I have used the MOO cheat a lot more than I usually do, but I’ve play tested most of the lot, and everything seems to work (it’s not a very practical lot though).

#sims 4 #ts4 #simblr #ariafaeyt #ariashell #henford-on-bagley #residential #over100k #mds builds

[childlikegoblinqueen]

Writing Notes: Chapter 51 -- And Real World Stuff in a TOH Fic.

I'm getting to a part of the story where a bunch of the breadcrumbs I've been laying out are coming together into bread pudding. Mmmmmmm

For those who might have read Stranger Tides, or if you are only reading Sweet Child (Which is FINE! ST is a lot more niche!) You might have noticed that I like to add real world politics stuff into my fics.

I don't think this is too much of a stretch, especially since the villain of TOH was an actual 400 year old Puritan religious fanatic. A lot of references to real life trauma and issues were woven into canon, and frankly, I imagine the political scene on the Boiling Isles post the cult of Belos would be complicated at best.

More below!

In Stranger Tides, aside from the supernatural Stranger Things inspired threat, there was a moral panic plot involving a group of parents who branded themselves as GOO (Gravesfield Opposed to the Occult). This is, for hard core Buffy fans, an obvious nod to MOO (Mother's Opposed to the Occult) from the episode "Gingerbread".

But GOO was inspired for me by groups like M*m's F*r Lib*rty, who claim to be working for the good of children, but instead promote book banning and try to take over school/library boards to push their beliefs that hurt Queer kids, POC, and generally target marginalized communities.

So, in Sweet Child O' Mine, The Keepers of the Coven System is my stand in for very specific groups that have been intimidating folks and recruiting members by playing on the fears of privileged suburbanites. I'm sure you can figure out who I am referring to. If you need a hint, several of these real world folks were just found guilty of seditious conspiracy.

Since the themes of Sweet Child deal a lot with Hunter wanting to raise his child in a place that is kinder than the world he grew up in, this is particularly triggering, especially, since after all this time, he still having feelings of guilt regarding his hand in causing pain.

Vee wants him to stay in the Human Realm, where she thinks it is safer. On the Boiling Isles, he's a reluctant public figure. In Gravesfield he's just another New England White Boy.

I wanted to add another semi canon character into this mix, so while we found out that Langwidere, Boscha's wife is the granddaughter of Osran, Gawain is Gavin's father. He also struck me as the type of witch the Blight's would have done business with, post Alador getting a clue.

And considering how Glandus was portrayed in TOH and how Gavin seemed to regard his father, I hope I did an okay job writing him!

Also, for those wondering, the last chapter ended with something exploding on the street outside of Ed and Josh's shop. Right outside of where Hunter, Willow, and Gus had been.

#toh fanfic #hunter noceda #willow x hunter #toh hunter #a03 fanfic #willow park #huntlow #fanfiction #the owl house #writing notes #ao3 writer #ao3 fanfiction #ao3 fanfic #ao3 author #gus porter #toh gavin #spotify #willow toh #hunter toh #toh vee #fan fiction analysis #fan fiction #fic writing #archive of our own #toh alador #edric and emira #Spotify

[ladyswillmart]

Serpent Isle Companion #1: Gwenno Base Stats:

Strength: 24

Dexterity: 20

Intelligence: 24

Combat: 16

Default Combat Style: Random

Carrying (04/48 Stones): Backpack x1 (Empty); Bag x1 (empty); Wolf Cloak x1; Leather Gloves x1; Leather Boots x1

❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧❧✤☙☙☙☙☙☙☙☙☙☙☙☙☙☙☙☙

“Pretty ill-equipped for the kind of expedition I was on, eh? Truth be told, Giselle, I don’t know what happened to most of my belongings. What you see now—what I’ve got on me, that is—well, that’s all that’s left after,” Gwenno paused, voice low. “Well, you know.”

Giselle knew, but she had to wonder just how much Gwenno knew about the whole blasted nasty rhubarb herself. It seemed downright insufficient to describe the episode as a mere possession, psychic seizure, body-snatching, what-have-you. The Wantonness Bane utterly, comprehensively transformed this normally gracious and earthy middle-aged woman—and one of the Avatar’s oldest friends, to boot—into a bona fide legend. And not the stuff of children’s books or commemorative plaques or public television pledge drive concerts by aging folk musicians, either. Alas, Gwenno’s legacy (however unwitting her participation in it) was so violent and gruesome that bards would only dare sing about it after the closing bell, when their patron tavern was trying to get everyone to clear out for the night.

Just how much did the Xenkan Monks reveal about her campaign of terror in the northern wastes? Anything at all? Gwenno was at least aware of her own death and resurrection, but otherwise she seemed so unbothered. More concerned about her husband, who was presently in the infirmary doing his best impression of a slab of toast stuck to the lino butter side down, resting off his own corporeal hijacking and subsequent legend generation.

That was just like Gwenno, though. Tougher than she looked, for sure, but it was her reliable wit that usually proved the most effective weapon against whatever nonsense might come a-calling.

“Forget it, we’ll rustle up some gear. Assuming these guys got anything useful stashed in the basement, anyway,” Giselle said, passing the woman’s empty backpack back to her, adding a laugh. “I’m just glad to have you back with us, Mrs. Moo.”

#ultima vii #serpent isle

[creonininkwell]

Creon, strangest thing you’ve seen in either your interdimensional travels or in Inkwell Isles, go-

Strangest? To be honest, lots of dimensions were pretty strange. Are you talking "Alice in Wonderland" strange? Or just strange to me? Cuz there were quite a few. Disturbing ones? Well you didn't specify about that so moving on.

I think one of the strangest one was a literal cartoon dimension, almost like here. I literally fell into a dimension where cartoon characters were breaking the 4th wall. No joke, they looked at some random space and talked to no one in particular. That dimension had a school that taught teenage "toons" how to be funny for future show biz. Oh but "Wacky land" was such an acid trip. Never want to go back there again.

I was stuck in that dimension for almost half a year. It was chaotic as hell, but fun. Still super weird to look at a live cartoon universe, including yourself drawn out like a cartoon. I thought I was tripping on acid or got a concussion from the initial fall. I've kinda gotten used to seeing toons chucking dynamite at each other or falling to pieces, then coming back like nothing happened. I swear that dimension was trippy. Still not getting over how people's eyeballs can pop out & then be shoved back in.

Another trippy place Moo-ee? Meow-nay? No, Mewni! I hate that place! This is probably where the my dislike for magic started. It was already bad that the local monsters were discriminated and living like second-class citizens in their OWN dimension. And whose idea was it to give a magic wand with cosmic powers to a teenager? Do you know how unhinged and chaotic teenagers can be? And it's so weird to see about 3 moons in the sky. I know other planets have more moons, but it's surreal to see in person.

Most of the "monsters" were actually chill. But the flora and fauna and some of the actual feral creatures were really deadly. Don't get me started with the warnicorns. The place is some sort of twisted version of my world. How there are certain kingdoms have "monster" people yet all the other "monsters" are harassed and dunked on. There's a literal kingdom of pigeons. Oh and there's some sort of "High Magic Commission" or something convoluted. How these guys are cool with the $h!t that goes on while they're blatantly "monster-ish" is plain f****d up. Well looks like no dimension is ever safe from same exact bull$h!t from home. Oh yeah! I accidentally got cursed there too! But only temporarily.

The Dungeon & Dragons dimension was strange, like it kind of nerfed my strength a bit. Like the universe or the laws of reality seemed to actively dunk one me. But thankfully, it didn't hinder me too much and I could always rely on other skills. On the bright side, I picked up even more weapons to add to my arsenal. Plus, it was much more easier with a party. I called this dimension Dungeons & Dragons cuz it's one of the few things I'm familiar with. It could've been some random fantasy world, but everything seemed so similar to the game.

Weirdest part was that sometimes my Time Brace worked, and sometimes there were areas that interfered with communication back home. I regrettably had to do some heinous stuff in order to find an area where I could get a clear reading and activate a portal. Also, f*** the pantheon! The gods there can suck a huge d*ck for all I care.

Another strange one was a literal world where you hunted and killed monsters for your food. Imagine if you were to compete in a cooking competition, except you had to get your own ingredients, survive in the harsh wilderness, and kill the beasts and other competitors to stay alive and get to the next round. Felt like I was living in some f***ed up video game.

The only reason I competed was for any hopes of finding possible resources or connections to someone who could help me. Seriously, it's ridiculous how the judges there have huge political power. The judges are actual representatives from major empires and regions so they have access to places or people I wouldn't be able to reach. I'm just glad I found a reliable partner to tag team with. We were barely able to make it as final contestants. Oh yeah, my sous-chef was a goblin who was missing his legs from foot to kneecap. He was a stabby little b@$tard, but really helped me out in that world. I have been spoiled too much by modern conveniences.

But nothing will EVER top the literal endless white void where eldritch entities roamed. I'd categorize THIS place as disturbing, but it was by far the most strangest place yet. By the way, that was the most recent one I hopped from. I had no sense of time and there was no telling if anything was truly from afar or nearby. Sometimes I ended up running in a loop or running into a wall. The only reason I survived from being eaten or having my brain melted was because I took the stupidest gamble of all times. Saving a huge looking parasitic worm. I couldn't even contact home because those eldritch monsters would follow the signal. So it was always a risk to even ask for help on possibly dealing with those things.

I don't know why, but with the last few experiences, I should've killed that thing and eaten it. But some reason I took pity on it. I just felt sorry for it, laying there alone and defenseless. I really didn't know that was a baby eldritch god at that time. I only knew that once I started carrying "Rue" in my bag, things got less confusing, and "Rue" was able to communicate by tapping its tentacles on my shoulders or giving these weird mental nudges. Also it helped to have an actual living being to help keep my sanity in tact. Probably a good call since "Rue" is the only reason why I'm still alive in one piece.

*sigh*...I just want to go home.

#creon in inkwell #creon gilead #asks and replies #dimension travel #weird stuff that happens #cuphead show

[flatbstanley]

Windenburg Chapel: A Sims 4 Build

Download from the Sims 4 gallery at flatbstanley.

If you're looking for the perfect place to tie the knot, look no further than Windenburg Chapel. In this secluded setting on Crumbling Isle, you and your guests can dance the night away.

Lot type: Wedding Venue

Size: 20x20

Placed on Mid-NoWhere lot in Windenburg

Requires MOO for decoration only

CC free

Say "I do" in the charming garden, surrounded by twinkling lights and lush foliage.

If it all gets to be a bit much indoors, you can come outside and relax at the charming patio tables.

As your guests enter the reception venue, they can take keepsake photos against the lovely backdrop. The entrance hall is also a great place to catch up with friends and family...or to drop off your gift. (You did remember to bring a gift, didn't you?)

The reception hall features everything you'll need to keep the party going: full bar, buffet, dance floor, and plenty of seating for the happy couple and their guests. You'll hear every word of speeches and toasts with the state-of-the-art sound system -- just don't say anything too embarrassing!

In the basement, you'll find a full kitchen. Whether your reception features grilled cheese sandwiches or trout meuniere, it will come out delicious.

You'll also find a private room where the wedding party can get ready or freshen up.

#my builds #wedding venue #windenburg #20x20 #ts4 lot #ts4 build

[pokeexehasstoppedworking]

Isle Connections Ch3 Trials Ahead

(In case anyone was wondering about where this story breaks off, this side story breaks off around chapters 30-31 of Love Doesn't Do Encores/A Champion Time For The Heart. Also thanks to everyone who sent in pokemon suggestions for this story. The most I've gotten was a ponytail so that's what I went with.)

Well you knew now why Gloria brought along Victor's old camera and plenty of film rolls. The next morning you were woken up to a banging on your door. Groggily, you pulled yourself out of bed with Silver grumbling from the floor next to the bed. You answered it to Gloria beaming brightly up to you widely wearing a black and yellow uniform of some sort.

"Mornin', Y/n!," she greeted brightly, "Ya ready ta go?"

You yawned reaching out to rub your face. "Go where? And where'd you get the uniform?"

"Ms. Honey gave it to me! Said I needed ta wear the dojos uniform while here. An' to go explorin' duh! We're not doing anything til this Friday so we got some free time to settle in."

Oh right. Mr. Mustard wanted to give Gloria a week to settle in and learn the routines around here before they started any training exercises. That whole week you both spent talking to the many others training at the dojo and most of them were actually really friendly and nice people. You sometimes caught sight of Klara but one glare from you seemed to have her only speaking a few lines of passive aggressive words disguised as a sweet smile usually having you both exchanging looks before she walked off. Weird woman. You didn't see much of Avery either. Often hearing that he preferred to go out finding different pokemon to battle to 'give his psychic perfection a real challenge.' You weren't sure about those two.

"Doesn't those two seem familiar to ye?", Gloria piped up one day while doing her share of chores. "Avery n' Klara."

Also during the week Gloria was getting settled in, she had been doing her share of chores posted on the board by Ms. Honey. That particular day Gloria was assigned to help a few other people clean and mop the dojo's main training room. You always helped despite never being assigned chores, after all you weren't a student at the dojo so you didn't have to do chores but you felt awkward just being there for free without doing something in return so you always helped Gloria with whatever she was assigned to do that day. So currently you were helping to wipe off some of the training equipment as Gloria swept the floor near you. A few other people were also sweeping, mopping, or cleaning the training equipment too. Avery being one of them. The blonde man was currently standing there watching as a levitating moo ring itself out above a bucket of water before starting to mop the floor in front of him again.

.... Seriously. HOW was he able to do that?

"Hm...Now that you mention it, I do think we've seen them somewhere before but I can't put my finger in it."

"Neither can I. It's like a really weird case of deja vu."

It was weird. You could've sworn you saw them somewhere before but ..where? We're they previously NPCs back in the game when you were still in your own world? Were they unlockable characters back in your world? Maybe you saw them somewhere else during the league challenge? You would've thought you would've remembered them though. Especially Avery. A guy with a giant top hat and psychic powers was hard to forget. Oh well. You shouldn't worry about it now. You should just focus on helping Glory and keep an eye on them. Later that week Friday morning came and everyone was summoned into the dojos training room after breakfast. You and Gloria joined all the others with little Silver following behind you looking bored as always. Klara and Avery were there too and you made sure to keep a close eye on them. Mr. Mustard laughed with a bright smile.

"All of you are probably wondering why I called every here today!," he happily chirped, "I was going to host this little exercise earlier but I decided to wait for our newest student to settle in. To see how far you all have gotten, I decided to host a few trials!" He smiled wider. "So.. It's time to really start our training. You all will be facing three trials!" Immediately there was a buzz around the dojo and you and Gloria exchanged a look. "And there's more! The person who completes the three trials or who I think has worked the hardest will receive the secret armor of the dojo!"

Secret armor? Leon didn't say anything about a secret armor. Maybe it was some kind of trophy? You gave Gloria another look and she looked excited at you. This could actually be a good warm up for her. Already she was ready to throw down.

"That secret armor's mine for sure!," he bravely said throwing up a fist.

"Haha! That's the spirit. There will be one trial held every Friday until all three are complete. Now let me explain the first trial-"

"Pardon me, Master!" Everyone looked over as Avery spoke up raising his hand. "But I haven't received my uniform yet."

"Me neither!," Klara added.

He huffed smoothly flipping his long blonde hair back before shooting one look at Gloria before turning away. "I daresay it's unfair for only that child to get a uniform. Unequal even! I demand to be given one!"

"Me too! Me too!", Klara again added waving an arm.

Mustard only listened to him patiently with a polite smile despite Avery's demanding rude tone. You gave him a deadpanned look. What was with this guy? And Klara?

He chuckled at him before smiling wider. "Oh dear. Do you really not have a uniform? My bad. My bad. That's easy to fix though." Without skipping a beat, he pulled his hands from behind his back and held up a neatly folded uniform. "I have another one right here for you, Avery."

Avery's face turned pleased as punch as she stepped over to Mr. Mustard. As he passed you you could've sworn he said, "It does pay to complain sometimes."

You only deadpanned further. Avery walked right up to Mustard and reached out to grab the neatly folded pair of clothes- Klara squealed out as something ran out from under everyone's legs and a pink and yellow blur swooped past his face. Avery was sent stumbling back almost falling and clutching his hat from shock. The folded clothes gone. Everyone screamed as the blur ran past you. On instinct you pulled Gloria by the shoulders away as whatever it was ran past you both and skidded to a stop in front of the door leading to the outside of the dojo. Everyone's shocked and surprised faces followed the blur until it skidded to a stop in front of the door. Your eyes widened as you realized what they were.

Pokemon!!

Slowpokes to be exact.

There was three little pink and yellow slowpokes standing in front of the open doorway staring at everyone. 

"EH?! What in the world?!," Avery piped up blinking confused before looking at his Master's empty hands, "Hey! My dojo uniform! It's gone missing!"

Your eyes widened and you pointed at the slowpokes. "No it's not. Look there!"

Avery looked where you pointed out. The middle slowpoke looked at you all and comically held Avery's uniform in its mouth making the blonde's jaw drop and Klara busted out in giggles along with a few others. You had to admit..It was funny to see after how rude he was before. 

"How dare you?!," Avery sputtered embarrassed turning a light pink from everyone laughing at the sight, "Are you using Trick? Return my dojo uniform immediately!" He demanded. The three slowpokes looked at one another.. before turning and with surprising speed took off out the open doorway. "Oh my- Where do you think you're going?!"  Avery shouted before grabbing his hat and running past all of you and out the door making everyone laugh harder.

Mustard chuckled himself at the antics. "Oops. Guess I let them out of their pokeballs a little too soon. Hahaha!" Everyone turned back to him as he smiled widely. 

"Master, what's up with those slowpokes?," a woman asked confused.

"This is the first trial, my students. You've all gotta chase after those fast slowpoke trained by little old me. But that's not all! You need to defeat them too! And while you're at it, could you get Avery's dojo uniform back? Well that's that!" Wait wha- Mustard just turned and began to Walk his way back towards his home waving a hand. "Off you go. I'm sure you'll do great!"

Everyone looked at one another- Before Klara ran full speed out the door and everyone followed quickly stampeding out the doorway after her. Gloria smiled at you before making a 'come on' motion with her arm.

''C'mon Y/n! Let's go beat 'em!"

"ACTUALLY!!" You both had stopped and looked over at Mustard. He had stopped but turned back around to you both smiling widely. "I'm afraid that'd be against the rules."

You both blinked. "Huh?"

"Only students are allowed to participate in the trials. No outside help. That wouldn't be fair to the others to have extra eyes." He smiled wider. "You are still free to watch however from a distance. I'm afraid this is something young Gloria must do this on her own."

"Oh.." Gloria deflated a bit but nodded. "Ah understand. Would ye mind goin' out n' snappin' some pictures o' the wild pokemon for me? Tis for my Isle of Armor dex challenge." She asked you." 

You happily nodded. "Sure. I can do that. You just go ahead and win that trial!"

She nodded gaining a determined look. "Ya got it Y/n! I won't let ya down!" With that she turned and ran out of the building after everyone else.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience." You blinked turning back to Mustard still smiling. "But it's for the best. Gloria is used to having help with all her challenges that she gets stage fright whenever something she has to do herself is presented. I can surely help her but  I cannot have you interfere."

"Huh?"

"I am full aware Leon sent you to keep an eye on her as he's worried about his surrogate sister but he to needs to realize that she needs to be able to stand on her own two feet as a future gym leader. These trials are only a stepping stone to get her on the right path before I start to really train her. So please, allow her to do these on her own."

You blinked.. before nodding. "I understand completely. I only hope she'll be able to do better."

"In time she will. Now off you go. I do believe you also have an adventure that awaits you."

Ah. Right. Gloria's new dex challenge. You supposed you could help her with that while she was out doing the trials. In the meantime you'll be relaxing yourself doing some bird watching..Or in this case pokemon watching you guessed. So you returned to Gloria's room really quickly, found the Polaroid camera on her bed along with the dex challenge book, and began heading out into the small forest behind the dojo with Silver as usual tagging along behind you. It was a relatively peaceful beautiful day. The sun was shining brightly in the warm air and lit up the world in a glow. The air was filled with the scents of beautiful wild flowers and the distant smell of the ocean. There was an abundance of wild pokemon out and about. A regular smorgasbord of pokemon types running around everywhere. Perfect for Gloria's dex challenge. All you had to do was aim the camera, snap a picture, wait for the film to develop, and then take a moment to put the picture in the book on the page with the name of the pokemon you took a picture of. You caught a lupunny, a wild luxury and it's shinx cubs, and a few others on your way through the lovely forest. You weren't sure how long you were out of how far you had wondered but it . must've been a good two or three hours at least.

You had eventually stopped when you pushed through a bush and came to a beautiful sight. A rather large pond displayed before you. Chalk FULL of water type pokemon! A drednaw, lots of chewtles, a Squirtle or two, LOTS of wooler, a quagmire, and a lot of others! Perfect! You'd be able to get a whole chunk of this dex challenge done for Gloria! So you sat down a little ways from the pond to not disturb the pokemon and just started taking pictures and placing the photos in the book. SNAP! Place. SNAP! Place! Over and over again as Silver sighed boredly and eventually had his attention drawn to a wild berry tree- CHIRP!! He chittered pulling  on your sleeve suddenly and frantically pointing at the tree demandingly. You took time out to look at him and then the tree before sighing.

"Ok, ok. Silver, I'll get you a few pieces of fruit but first let me get a few more pictures. Ok?"

Your drizzle didn't seem happy as he chirped loudly before crossing his arms but thankfully didn't throw a full blown tantrum and scare away the pokemon. You took a few more pictures of a wartle, and the big sleeping drednaw before placing them also in the book. Boy. Gloria would sure be happy with all the progress you've helped her make on the dex. Silver groaned louder grabbing your arm with both hands and tugged harder stomping his feet at he did. 

"Alright, alright! Give me a second. Geez. Your appetite is going to get you in trouble one day you know that?" 

He only pouted harder. Sighing you got up closing the book and quickly stuffing it back in the small bag you carried. Silver followed excitedly on your heels as you walked on over to the berry tree and reached up to grab a few kelpie and orange berries hanging on the lowest branches. Handing them over to Silver who stood on his tip toes and reached out for them making grabby hands. You handed each and every one right over watching as he scarfed them down one after another before chirping for more and you gave him a pecha berry you reached. 

"You sure are a demanding little thing. You know that right?"

Silver opened his mouth to swallow his berry whole..but stopped and looked over suddenly blinking. CHIRP!! He looked up at you suddenly and waved an arm almost panicked! You gave him a look and he pointed at a couple bushes across from you both! CRASH!! CRASH!! RUSTLE!! Before you could even ask what was wrong something came crashing through the bushes making you look up just as a pink blur busted out of the bushes and landed with a thud a few yards away. The sudden noise startled everyone as all the tiny wooper and Squirtle ran away or dove for cover under the water. The bigger pokemon on alert sunk back into the waves. The sleeping drednaw woke with a start looking around. And Silver dove behind your legs with a loud wail of panic before peeking out. You also froze in shock staring at the form of a-...

"A slowpoke?"

A pink and yellow slowpoke stood there with its back towards you before it turned hearing your voice. It turned around and you blinked as it...Held a dojo uniform in its mouth?? The thing tilted it's hard at you holding the yellow and black uniform in its mouth. Wait. Didn't that uniform belong to-

"COME BACK HERE YOU TWO FACED SCOUNDREL!!"

There was even more rustling and crashing before another figure came crashing through the bushes. You watched as a man jumped through the bushes only to trip and faceplant into the grassy dirt. A tall hat fell off his head and pokeballs thudded to the ground. Any other poor pokemon still remaining was scared further away from you chittering in fright as they fled. ..You and Silver exchanged a look before the blur pushed himself up with a grunt and reached a hand up to push frazzled blonde hair from his face-

"Avery?" Said man paused.. before snapping his head your way freezing at seeing your legs.. before he looked up at your face. His glasses were crooked, he had dirt stains all over himself, and a few leaves and twigs stuck out of his hair. You blinked at him. "What are you doing here?"

He took a moment to blink before a frown etched on his face and he reached up to fix his glasses. "I-I was m-merely c-chasing a thief!" He wheezed and breathed heavily as if tired from all the running he did that day. You watched as he grabbed his hat standing up stumbling a bit on shaking legs, and brushed the dirt off his hat. Still heavily panting. "T-That *huff* little bandit-" he pointed his hat at the slowpoke. "-m-m-made off wi-with my u-uniform!*huff huff*" He gasped for air as he spoke. "W-Wait... W-What are you *huff* doing h-here?"

You motioned to the camera around your neck. "Taking pictures of wild pokemon. Are you chasing the slowpoke? I thought you would've been competing in the trial with everyone else."

He huffed before placing the tall hat back on his head. The pokeballs enveloping in a blue glow quickly floated up to circle around his head again. .. Wasn't ANYONE gonna ask how he was doing that? "I can't without my proper a-attire! I'm going to get my uniform back from that little bandit and then go see what it is!"

...Oh right. Avery left chasing the slowpoke before he could hear what the trial was so he had no idea what it was. "You've been chasing after this slowpoke the whole day? I thought you would've caught it by now."

"I try but every time I get close enough to battle it just flees!"

You gave him a look but before you could say anything a crunching noise was heard behind you. Behind your legs Silver was eating his pecha berry loudly. Wait...berries. A flash of memory came forth. Victor lured that slowpoke out of the train station using food. What if you could use the same method for this situation? Taking a moment you turned around and walked back towards the berry tree. Avery turned his head confused as he watched you stop by the tree and reach up through the leaves, eventually plucking a big sitrus berry from. It looked like a yellow pear with orange polka dots. Yeah. This oughta do it. 

With a smile you turned back to the slowpoke. "Hey, boy. Are ya hungry?" You held up the berry. "You must be after running around all day. How about a big juicy berry for your hunger?"

The slowpoke immediately perked up in interest. Staring right at your hand as you slowly approached it leaning over and holding out the berry. 

"It's gotta be uncomfortable holding those clothes in your mouth all day. How about we trade? You give me the clothes and you get this berry." You know were standing right in front of him smiling. "What do you say?"

....In an instant the clothes fell to the ground. You blinked as a blue passed you and the berry was gone. Behind you the slowpoke happily crunched the berry in its mouth chewing. ...Well...That worked. You shook your head before reaching over to pluck the clothes off the ground before the slowpoke changed it's mind about playing keep away. Here we go. With a satisfied smile you turned and walked right up to a surprised Avery before holding out the uniform to him.

"Here you go. It's a bit dirty but it'll be fine when you clean it."

Avery only continued to stare at you in disbelief before looking at his uniform. "You-..you were able to reclaim my uniform all by yourself?...Hmph. You have my thanks." He reached out to grab it from you...only to grimace and hold it out from him at the ends. "YYYuck." Dirt stains littered most of the suit and a large chunk of it was dripping with slowpoke drool you had been careful to avoid grabbing. "That's unsanitary." He grimaced harder before a blue aura enveloped it too and the uniform was floating along with his many pokeballs.

"Well if you're that grossed out why chase after it all day instead of getting a new one from Ms. Honey? I'm sure she has loads."

"Because my dear!" A hand pressed to his chest. "It's the principle of the matter! The pokemon took it from me and I wasn't going to give up! If I just gave up that easily then I wouldn't be able to achieve any of my goals!" His answer.. actually surprised you. It wasn't as condescending as you'd thought it'd be. "Even if I prefer to go at my own pace..."

A hum escaped your mouth before you nodded. "I can respect that." A crash sound went off before you both turned and the slowpoke was gone. Crashing his way through the brush.

Avery sighed. "As much as I adore those elegant creatures, this day has been dreadfully tiring."

"I'd imagine. You look a mess." Without thinking you reached out to grab a small stick from his hair and dropped it. "You must've been really going at it." You then giggled at his expression. ''That kind of determination will get you far though. Keep at it."

He stared before his cheeks turned a light pink- BOOM!! Bird pokemon flew overhead as a loud boom crashed though the sky causing you both to look upwards.

"What my word was that?"

"I don't know..but I'm going to find out. C'mon, Silver."

Silver chirped before running after your form as you ran right past Avery and through the words the source of the noise. Avery blinked before he took chased after you despite the tiredness he felt. Through bushes, shrubs, trees, and tall grass you all pushed through as noises of fighting cascaded closer and closer. Wait...No. Not fighting. A pokemon battle. Someone was having a pokemon battle all the way out here. Why? Who could be in the middle of the woods battling pokemon?...Besides Avery. The sounds soon ended but you didn't stop. Only pushing on towards the direction the noises came from until you all pushed past the branches of a small tree and paused at what you saw.

"Gloria?"

Said teen stopped and looked at you both surprised. In her arms was a knocked out slowpoke she was carrying. Behind her was her cinderance, the fire rabbit pokemon held two more knocked out slowpokes. One under its arm and the other slung over its shoulder.  Both looked surprised to see all you there.

"Y/n?," she asked adjusting the giant slowpoke in her arms. "Wait are ye doin' 'ere?"

"Taking pictures of pokemon for you." You blinked looking at her progress. "Wow. But it looks like you did it!"

She smiled proudly. "Yep! It helps me cinderence is faster than these wee troublemakers!" Her pokemon gave a noise of pride. "It was really hard findin' the last one tho. It just came crashin' out o' nowhere it did."

You smiled at her. "Well since you caught them all, we better return these guys to Mr. Mustard."

Gloria nodded. "But...which way is back home?"

Uh..that was a good question. You've never been here before so you had no idea where you were. In question you turned back to Avery with a lost expression. He was patting himself down and brushing the dirt off his arms when he noticed your look. He blinked for a moment before chuckling.

"Well..Never fear ladies." He pressed a hand to his chest smiling smugly. "For I am here to elegantly save the day from this dastardly situation."

"You know the way back?"

"I know the entire isle like the back of my hand. Come. I'll guide you back-" He blinked as your arm looped around his and you smiled brightly. 

"I knew I could count on you. Such a gentleman."

He...just blinked before clearing his throat and turning away. "Well, of course. A gentleman never leaves a damsel in distress-"

"Why are ye levitatin' yer uniform?," Gloria piped up making him blink.

He frowned again. "Because a certain scoundrel made off with it. It took me all day to track him down!"

"Why didn't ya jus' levitate the slowpoke then ta stop him?"

Avery completely paused staring at Gloria blankly and you had to bite your tongue to not laugh. "..... Let's just get back to the dojo."

It took nearly an hour for you all to get back to the dojo. By the time you got back, everyone else was already there or just filing in. All sweaty and dirty and tired looking from the day's activities. However they all looked shocked at both Avery smugly walking past them all with a beautiful woman on his arm and Gloria walking behind them still struggling to heave the slowpoke in her hands. As you all entered the dojo, you spotted Klara looking just as frazzled as the rest of them but her face dropped in shock once seeing Gloria. Mr. Mustard and Ms. Honey was there too smiling widely.

"Oh Avery. Gloria. Welcome back," Honey greeted you all, "And it seems you brought some guests back."

"Well mustered, Gloria!," Mustard complimented looking over the three slowpokes around her pleased, "You cleared the first trial like it was nothing! Why I think this is the first time since Leon that someone was able to handle all three fast slowpoke on their own!" Gloria lit up happily as Avery again paused... before whipping to Gloria utterly shocked. "The rest of you tried very hard too! You were able to catch up to the slowpoke but I guess you couldn't defeat them. Tell you what. Anyone who was able to at least catch up to a slowpoke gets a pass." A few people sighed and the ones who didn't pass groaned or scowled. "Gloria really out did herself so it's only fair everyone else gets another chance. Try to make a comeback everybody!" There was a grumble all around but Mustard only looked at his wife. "Oh. That reminds me. Dear, where are those little ones?"

"Oh, that's right darling. I nearly forgotten." Ms. Honey looked at Gloria. "Would you mind coming with me for a moment? We have a prize for the trial winner but I think we ought to take of these poor dears first." She gestured to the slowpokes.

"Oh. Sure!"

You all watched as she followed Honey through a door with her cinderance and the slowpokes as everyone grumbled or started to walk away tiredly..but then Avery spoke up in disbelief.

"Battling and catching the slowpoke was the trial the entire time?! So I spent all day wasting away my chances to-..." The expression on his face fell. "So I-...Lost in the first trial already?"

Klara gave a smug look at Avery smiling. You looked at her..then at Avery.. before you turned to Mustard who turned to leave. "Mr. Mustard?" You called out raising a hand. He hummed turning back to you. "I know you said that anyone who wasn't able to catch up with a slowpoke was out, but Avery is still in right?" Klara looked at you wide eyed and Avery blinked. "He was chasing after the slowpoke that stole his uniform all day, and he even managed to catch up to it. He even has proof." You gestured to the uniform still levitating by Avery's head. "He didn't know what the trial was but since he was able to keep up, doesn't that mean he's still in?"

"What?! No! That's not fair!," Klara insisted with a frown, "He didn't even stay to hear what the Master said!"

"Actually.. There's nothing wrong with what she said!," Mustard smiled much to Kara's disappointment. "So Avery is allowed to compete in the next trial! Anyone else who passed the first trial show up here bright and early next Friday morning! Well be having a real workout next time! You all are dismissed for the rest of the day. Work hard now." He gave a small knowing smile to Avery and where your arms were still looped before walking away.

Klara gave you a look- You snapped your head at her making her pause.. before she just turned and stomped off. A few other people walked away before Avery slowly looked at you wide eyed in surprise.

"You...helped me?"

Blinking you looked at him before nodding and finally letting go of his arm. "Yeah. I did."

"But why? You had nothing to gain from it."

"Because you helped me and my friend find our way back, so consider us even. Also you did pass. It's only fair you'd get a chance to compete since you passed fair and square. Don't get me wrong." You hardened your gaze and pointed at him. "I'm still keeping my eye on you but for now... You're just a fellow competitor. Now you better get cleaned up. I have to go give my drizzle a bath. C'mon Silver."

Silver chirped excitedly at the promise of water and excitedly followed your retreating form. Avery watch her go ... before he blinked and a light pink dusted his cheeks as the pokeballs sped up in a circle around his head. You returned to your room and wrestled Silver out of his little hoodie and threw him into the tub for a bath. His hoodie would need to be washed later. In the middle of it all Gloria busted into your room happily holding two pokeballs. 

"Y/n! I got a squirtle an' Bulbasaur!"

You both continued on the same as usual for the next week. You both started exploring a bit more of the woods to try and get a good mental map of the place as Gloria continued to work on her dec challenge. You wondered what would happen if she completed this dex challenge. She had already gotten a bunch of charms for the main dec challenge and a few toys for the curry dec challenge. But what about this one? You guessed you had to wait and see. You both still were avoided by Klara and you honestly didn't see much of Avery again. However Gloria was still paired up with them from time to time when she was assigned to different chores. It was one particular day two days before the next trial that realization seemed to dawn on Gloria.

"Psst. Y)n. I think I finally figured out where Ah recognized those two blokes from!"

Gloria had been assigned a long with a few other people that day to help clean up the kitchen after dinner. A few people were sweeping and mopping the floors as Klara and another girl wiped down the counters and large table. You were helping Gloria wash and dry dishes since no one else seemed to want to help her. 

You paused in the middle of drying a bowl with a towel. "Wait. Really?"

She nodded washing a cup. "Back at Wegherst Station. Remember? Those two got on the train with us." She nodded behind her and you snuck a glance a Klara wiping the table. "They had a meetin' with Lee 'fore he left."

"Those two had a meeting with Leon?" NOW YOU RECOGNIZED THEM BOTH!! Gloria was right! They were the strange people from the station. But what were they doing at Postwick? And why were they having a meeting with Leon? You were really confused. "Why?"

Gloria shrugged. "I have nah idea. I only know they weren't too happy when they left."

Huh. That was strange. You made sure to keep a mental note of it for the future. Two more days passed and Gloria woke you up bright and early by banging on your door. She was already ready to go in her uniform and excited. Like before everyone gathered in the training room after breakfast where Mustard and Honey were already waiting. You looked around and noticed that only the people that passed the last trial stayed. There was Gloria, Klara, Avery, and four other students dressed in the black and yellow uniform. The crowd was really thinned down by the first trial.

"Good morning, Everyone," Mustard greeted, "After the last trial, I expect everyone left to work hard to pass this next one. But before we begin, does everyone know what dynamaxing is?"

Everyone exchanged looks confused. Of course everyone knew what dynamaxing is. Why would he be asking that?

"Dynamaxing. A mysterious phenomenon unique to the pokemon of Galar, and then there's gigantamaxing. A very special way of dynamaxing for very special pokemon. Their moves changes of course but their appearance changes too. Speaking of gigantamax, that's the secret recipe of the Master Dojo." He smiled wider giving a chuckle. "Drinking it makes you gigantic and strong! I call it max soup! I'd love to have a bowl of max soup full of max mushrooms right about now. It sure has been awhile. And that's why your second trial shall be mushroom picking." He explained. Wait.. Mushroom picking? "Max mushrooms are the key to gigantamaxing, and I'm taking  you with finding three. For those who don't know, Max mushrooms are red with a spiral shape on them and I'm pretty sure they grow in dark, humid places. And with that your next trial begins! I'm counting on you!" 

Once again everyone looked at one another before they turned and started running towards the door. Avery was first bolting out of there with Klara and everyone else close behind him. Gloria also-

"Hey, Gloria." Gloria stopped in her tracks before looking around at Mustard. "My bad. My bad. It just dawned on me that you're new to the Isle of Armor. I bet you have no idea where to even begin looking for max mushrooms. C'mon. Let's go for a walk and I'll show you some mushroom hot spots. I'd also like to discuss in depth about your battle performance during your first day here against me."

Gloria blinked and looked at you, but you only motioned at her so she nodded. "Um..Ok. Sure."

"Excellent. Come. There's much to discuss before you start the trial."

You watched as both of them casually walked out of the dojo before sighing. You supposed he wanted to talk to Gloria more about her stage fright problem and see what they could do to help her. You were glad she was getting help for it-

"Y/n?" You hummed and turned around to Honey. "Sorry for bothering you but I was hoping you'd help me with a small favor."

"Huh? Oh sure. What's up?"

"Could you go to the forest of focus and pick a few sweet berries for me?" She held up a rather large basket. "Sweet berry pie is Hyde's favorite desert and I promised to make it for him today. I'd go out and get them myself but Im in charge of training the students who didn't pass the first trial and I can't just leave the dojo or my son unattended. So I figured that maybe.."

"Hey. I get it. I'm totally fine with getting them for you so don't worry." You smiled.

"Oh thank you, Dear! I'll be sure to thank you later."

So it looks like you'd be having another small adventure for today. So off you went with Silver back into the forest. There was plenty of berry trees in the forest so you should be able to find all you needed there. As before the forest was bright, beautiful, and warm. You could spend hours here...And you decided to do that because why not? It's been a while since you had some time just for yourself and Ms. Honey didn't say when you had to be back exactly, so you took your time walking around looking for berry trees and trying to keep Silver from eating all of the berries in the basket. Pushing away his hands and just pulling him a few from the few trees you did find to satisfy him. You didn't remember what berries tasted sweet outside of pecha and oran berries so you decided to grab as much variety as you could. Ms. Honey could sort them out later when you brought the basket back- CHIRP!! A loud noise from Silver caused you to look over at the pokemon. The drizzle chirped again louder looking at you before waving his arms and pointing at a boulder. 

"What is it, Boy?" He only made louder noises and pointed frantically. Well you've learnt by now that whenever Silver alerts you to something it's usually really important. Setting the basket down, you walked on over to the boulder and looked behind it where Silver was pointing at. Your eyes widened. "Well whaddya know."

Mushrooms! Max mushrooms were growing in a giant hole cracked in the side of the boulder. The tiny red mushrooms barely poked out from the hole with pink dots with a swirl pattern on the top. 

"Ah. Hey. Good job, Silver. But we should leave them alone." You thought about picking them and giving them to Gloria..but that wouldn't be fair to everyone else and would only undo the hard work Mustard was putting in trying to help her. "Let's leave them alone for someone else to find. Besides we're looking for berries not mushrooms. Remember? C'mon. Let's get some more and then we'll head back."

You both had grabbed a few cheri berries and added them to your basket and started to make your way back. Hopefully you wouldn't get lost on your way back. You were just passing by a small stream when you heard a loud scream of frustration and looked over to see none other than Avery...Again. You weren't too surprised to see him this time but you did stop to see what he was up to. He looked to be frantically looking through the tall grass near the street in search for those missing mushrooms. His face twisted in an expression of annoyance and almost panic as he did.

"C'mon. C'mon. Where are those elusive things?" He mumbled to himself as he pushed aside a couple large cattails to peer between them. "Surely they all couldn't have been taken!"

"Whatcha looking for?" 

"OH SWEET ARCEUS IN THE HEAVENS ABOVE!!" He jumped whirling around to you in a bit of a spook. Upon seeing you he calmed down rather quickly with a sigh. "You know it is rather rude to sneak up on someone like that!"

"Sorry," you apologized and looked at him. His legs from about below the knees down were absolutely soaked and muddied from trudging through the banks looking for the mushrooms you assumed. "You're looking for mushrooms still?"

"Unfortunately yes." He sighed out before turning away from you to push a few more cattails out of the way to look between them. "I couldn't get any from battling that gym leader trained child and Klara took the last one in the caves! So now I'm resorted to wading through muck trying to find any remaining mushroom before those other students make off with my rightful second place!"

Ah. So he battled Gloria trying to take away some mushrooms from her. You weren't too surprised by that. But for some reason you did feel kinda bad for Avery struggling. ".... Y'know I saw some a while back."

'YOU DID WHAT?!" He instantly snapped to you before jumping before you. You blinked as he frantically grabbed your shoulders. "You saw Max mushrooms?! Where?! You must show me!"

You blinked before pointing behind you. "In a crack in a rock by the berry grove."

"Well then you must show me quickly!" The berries flew from your hands as the basket levitated and he grabbed your hand pulling you quickly behind him back up the way you came from. "Come! We must make hast!"

He dragged you all the way back to where you had found the mushrooms with Silver frantically running to keep up with him. You had to yell directions to him as he ran. All the way up to the same boulder he ran to. He didn't hesitate shoving his hand between the cracks in the rock and yanking out two teeny tiny skinny as a twig mushrooms. They... weren't much to look at honestly but Avery beamed holding them up triumphantly.

"Aha! At least I have found the item I seek! My goals are within my grasp at last! I must get back immediately! Avery, teleport!"

You just blinked as Avery turned around and ran right past you. With your BASKET OF BERRIES still floating behind him. "Hey! Wait! You have my basket still!"

It's a good thing you're used to running after people now and had plenty of time walking to places because you chased after Avery all the way back to the dojo through the woods and right inside. Everyone else still competing was already there gathered around the kitchen area as a heavenly aroma of soup wafted out as Honey minded a rather large lidded pot. No doubt cooking the soup. 

"Hey there, Gloria. Welcome back. Looks like you nailed the trial," Mustard congratulatef Gloria who also must've just arrived. "Congrats on finding the max mushrooms. Trial number two was no problem for you. All my other students competing in this trial ended up getting lost in the forest.  Turns out finding max mushrooms was the least of their problems. It's a shame but I guess everyone other than Gloria and Klara will fail the trial." Gloria looked proud holding all the giant mushrooms. Holy cow those were the biggest mushrooms You've ever seen! And Klara held a single giant mushroom looking smug. "Now first thing's first. A proper meal! Let's have the max mushrooms made into a delicious max soup shall we?" 

Honey hummed from the kitchen smelling the soup. "Hmmm. I've really outdone myself this time. Now all that's left to add are those lovely max mushrooms Gloria and Klara brought us."

"WAIT PLEASE!!" Everyone turned as Avery pushed his way through the crowd as you stopped to lean against the doorway both of you gasping. "I-I beg of You, Ms. Honey! *Gasp*" Avery pleaded between gasps. "W-Wait just one *huff* moment!" 

"Why Avery. What in the world has gotten into you?," Honey asked with slight concern, "I've never seen you in such a flutter. "

With shaking fumbling hands Avery desperately dug through his pants pocket before holding up the two weak looking mushrooms compared to the girls'. "I-I've also *huff* a-attained some m-max mushrooms."

Everyone stared at the weak mushrooms...Klara snorted before looking away but Mustard looked pleased. "Oho! Nice work, Avery!  You must've searched hard for those! That makes you the third person to pass the second trial. "

Avery gained a look of disbelief before in relief. "*Huff*...I did it. Y-Yes. I did search rather hard."

"Aw. Chin up, Avery darling! You did it. This is a cause for celebration!"

"Master. Ms. Honey. If you could grant me a wish just this once, I would be indebted." He gave a hopeful look. "Would you be so kind as to use my mushrooms for the max soup? I feel that everyone here should enjoy the tastes of my efforts."

"Oh Avery. Well if that's all you're asking then I'm perfectly happy to oblige," Honey agreed, "Although  this is hardly the first time you've asked for something, and I rather doubt it'll be the last." Avery suddenly gave an embarrassed look at her-

"Hey! What about mine?," Klara asked shoving the single giant mushroom at Honey, "it's way bigger and there's no way those scrawny things will fill up an entire pot!"

"Excuse me! Did your poison seep into your cranially cavity?"

"Ok, ok!" Honey held up her hands. "Well use both your mushrooms today and save all of Gloria's for a later date." She then smiled at Gloria. "Sorry if it feels like your thunders been stolen, Sweetie. But we're a family here and families share. So we'll go ahead and use their mushrooms today."

"Nah. Tis nay problem!,"  Gloria smiled. "Ah'm totally fine with it."

"Plus it's so rare for him to try hard at something." Avery again froze. "I want to reward him for that."

"M-Ms. Honey!"

Again Klara snickered along with a few other people- "That goes for you too Klara." Klara stopped her giggles.

"Oh. And don't worry about the trial. You passed with flying colors," Mustard assured everyone. "Oh. But I never did explain the big deal about this soup did I? You see when one drinks this dojo's famous max soup, their dynamaxing changes."

"Humans can dynamax?"

He chuckled at Gloria's question. "No you don't. That  kind of thing doesn't happen if a human has the soup. But things are different when certain pokemon drinks the soup. You see there are some pokemon that have distant potential and when they drink the soup their dynamax form will change to a gigantamax form. Now then let's wrap things up. You all did your best on the second trial and I'm proud of everyone here! But now there's only three competitors left. While we wait for the soup, let's all go take a well deserved break. Gloria." Gloria blinked at him. "Come with me for a moment. We'll put those mushrooms in a safe place and I have some to discuss with you for a moment."

"Sure! I'll be right back, Y/n!"

You nodded as she followed Mustard over to what must've been his office before everyone else started to disperse. You glanced over at the floating basket of berries. "...Avery." He turned instantly hearing his name. "You still have my basket." 

He hummed blinking. 'Oh! Of course. My apologies." With a snap of his fingers the basket instantly floated back down into your hands.

You smiled at him brightly. "Hey. Thanks. Congratulations on making it to the last trial by the way." 

He again paused as you walked away to Ms. Honey. Klara leaned over to snicker at his face. "Oooh.~ Does someone have a crush?~ How scandalous.~"

He shot her a scowl. "One more word and I shall be forced to teleport you into the nearest mud bank!"

You paid no attention as you smiled and presented the basket to Ms. Honey who smiled widely at you. "Here you, Ms. Honey. I couldn't remember which ones were sweet so I brought a lot of different ones. Hope you don't mind."

"Oh no. It's perfectly wonderful. Luckily most of the berries you have in here are sweet. We can just store the rest of them away for later dishes." She smiled taking the basket from you. "There's enough here to make everyone pie! Oh it'll be a wonderful surprise! ...Oh. But it'll take me longer to cook everything then."

"I can help you if you want."

She blinked surprised. "You can bake pie?"

"Pie. Cupcakes. Pastries. I took a lot of baking courses online while I'm high school since I wanted to run a bakery one day. I still do but my plans are in a bit of a pause."

She smiled. "Well then I'd love that! I'll give you the recipe and we can get started!"

You both got to work instantly. While Ms. Honey cut the mushrooms up and added things to the broth you just started washing off the berries (the ones that weren't spicy or Silver ate at least-) and started making the crusts from flour and scratch. Then adding the sugar, berries, and other ingredients you needed. In total making four pies before popping them into the oven and not a moment sooner because the soup was ready. 

"SOUP'S ON, EVERYONE!," Honey shouted and instantly everyone came stampeding out quickly.

You along with everyone else was soon sat down and passed around the soup. It was spicy and tasted sorta like cream of mushroom soup. Not bad. Silver dove right into his bowl and had to be given some moonoo milk to calm him down. However there was a moment of awe as the pies were passed around. Everyone digging in and enjoying the tastes of it all.

"Ms. Honey, you have certainly outdone yourself this day," Avery complimented dabbing his mouth with a napkin. "This pie is truly elegantly made."

She chuckled. "Thank you, Avery. But I'm not the one who made it. Y/n made the pies. I only made the soup."

Avery...blinked. "Y/n?" He turned wide eyed at you.

"Oh Yeah! Y/n is a pro at makin' sweets n' stuff!," Gloria piped up. "Tis as good as Sonia's curries an' me brother's campin' treats! I know lots o' good cooks!"

You rolled your eyes. "It's nothing to brag about but I'm glad you like my cooking so much." 

You smiled at Avery. Avery cleared his throat and looked away quickly. Klara gave him a teasing look. Avery glared back. Meanwhile Honey and Mustard exchange knowing looks. After dinner everyone went to bed and fell back asleep. This was it. Only one last trial before Gloria's real training began. You wondered what the last one would be like. So far Gloria seemed to be making great progress by herself as you knew she would. You supposed Mustard was using this as an opportunity to break Gloria into the idea of doing things herself and getting used to doing it around other people which so far seemed to be working. She still seemed apprehensive and a bit shy but making it into a fun challenge seemed to be making it easier for her to do. Guess Leon was right about Mustard being a good teacher. He was helping Gloria through her problems greatly. Another typical week passed filled with the same routine until Friday when you were once again awoken by Gloria insistently knocking on your door.

"Y/n, me last trial tis today! An' Master Mustard wants me ta meet 'em," she explained,  "Would you mind comin' along?"

You nodded. "Sure. But just remember that I can't help you out with any of the trials."

Quickly you got dressed and followed her to the small part of the dojo that was off limits to everyone else being Mustard's actual home. Mustard was there waiting for Gloria as was Klara and Avery. He smiled up on seeing you both. 

"There you are, Gloria!," he greeted with that giant smile. "Thanks for coming! All of you." 

"When I heard you had something to tell me I came as soon as I could, Master!," Avery proudly proclaimed.

"Sooo what's this all about Master?," Klara asked, "What did you wanna tell us?"

"Right. Well I've decided that you three will take on the Master dojo's final last ultimate trial!" 

"Final last ultimate trial you say?" Avery hummed. "So are you saying this would be the last trial?" You wanted to facepalm. It was obvious!

"Ah. Well yes. That's the jist of it. You three are the only ones that finished the second trial, you've pushed each other to greater heights and helped each other grow. So I'd say it's finally time to see who's stronger in a dynamax pokemon battle."

"We are to battle one another? That is the final trial?" 

Mustard nodded. "Yep! The rules are simple. Whoever wins will complete the trial. The winner will be granted the secret armor of the master dojo."

"This is it at last. Can I really..?" Avery mumbled something to himself as did Klara but you weren't close enough to hear what they said beyond a few words.

"The battle will be held in the battle court just outside the master dojo. The court is a power spot so you can dynamax to your heart's content."

"I-I must make haste!,'' Avery declared startling you both, "I must make for the battle court post haste!" He panic mumbled to himself turning suddenly. "I must meditate on my upcoming victory! A good day to you then! I'll be on my way!"

"We're all going to the same place as you!," Klara called after Avery's retreating form before huffing and turning back to Gloria. "I'm gonna go on ahead and ready my pure heart, Kay? You can laze  about like a slowpoke and take as much time as you need." She said in that sickly sweet tone before turning and walking after Avery. Both of you frowned at her. 

Mustard only sighed and shook his head. "Avery. He's got talent that's for sure but it's caused him to slack off. Same as Klara. They've never felt the need to try hard at anything I guess. Even with all the training at the dojo, they just do the bare minimum. But that changed slightly when you both came." He smiled at you both. "Maybe you unlocked some kind of passion and drive in them eh? Still...I hope that motivation isn't put forth to anything mischievous." Again he shook his head before smiling. "Come. You don't want to miss out do you?"

"Can Y/n come?," Gloria asked hopefully. "She can jus' watch!"

"But of course! I'm sure no one wants to miss this."

Smiling you both followed Mustard as he slowly walked out of the back way of the dojo, sliding the door open to reveal a MASSIVE battle court in the back. And EVERYONE was there standing on the sidelines ready to watch making Gloria instantly pause. Ah! This would certainly be a challenge for her. 

"Hey." She looked at you as you grabbed her shoulder. "You're gonna do great ok? Just focus on the battle and don't pay attention to what anyone else thinks. A pokemon battle is all about having fun and believing in yourself. And I believe in you too! You already did so much by yourself."

Mustard paused tilting his head slightly at you as Gloria smiled and nodded. "Her right, Y/n!" Her face became determined. "I'll do me best n' give it all I got!"

"That's all you can do."

"An' if I lose..Well I guess I'll just practice harder for next time!"

"That's the spirit!" You patted her back. "Go get them!"

Gloria nodded before jogging up to wait alongside Avery and Klara. Mustard hummed smiling at you before going back to walking right sat them towards the court. "Looks like the three of you are ready." He walked past the three onto the court. "Now they say ladies first so the first two to battle will be Gloria and Klara. Whoever wins will then battle Avery for the win. I will referee." He walked and walked until finally stopping on the far other side. "Alright you two! Get into your places!" 

Klara gave a look at Gloria. "I'm gonna beat you and get that secret armor then I'll become a poison type gym leader. I've gotta win no matter what so I'm going to totally go all out." She smirked. "You ready?"

Gloria gave her a determined look as a bad feeling settled in your gut. Something was..off. "You're on! Just don't count ye torchics 'fore they hatch!"

"Im not holding a single thing back anymore." Your gaze wondered to the battlefield. Your eyes widened seeing the glint of what looked like purple glass scattered all over Gloria's side of the court. "Time to win this fair and square-"

"Hey. What's all that purple stuff over the court?" Klara froze as you pointed it out and everyone looked over.

Honey squinted her eyes. "....It looks like.. poisonous barbs? Leftover from some kind of poison type pokemon." Instantly her gaze turned to the frozen Klara. "Klara, didn't you clean the court after you used it to practice yesterday?" She then scowled hands on her hips. 

"Um... Oops?"

"That is VERY irresponsible behavior! Someone could get seriously hurt! Klara, when this is over we are going to have a VERY serious talk about this! Avery, would you be a dear and clear the field first?"

Avery bowed slightly as Klara deflated in humiliation and embarrassment under Honey's intense scowling. In an instant all the purple was levitated off the field and yeeted fast and far into the treeline. With both of that out of the way, Gloria silently made her way onto the field. You also glared at Klara as she walked onto the field.

Mustard ever patient only smiled and waited for both girls to ready themselves. "At last the final trial! It's all come down to this! Get ready!" Both girls got their heads into the game holding up pokeballs. "AAAAAAAAND BEGIN!!"

You proceeded to watch as Klara got immediately and utterly destroyed in each of the four rounds they battled. Gloria didn't hold back and besides one found,  had beaten Klara every time leaving Klara deflated in the end before Mustard held up a hand calmly.

"Gloria wins against Klara!" He shouted pointing at Gloria. "Therefore she will battle Avery for the true victory of this trial."

Klara moped as everyone cheered for Gloria and Klara skunk off the battle field- "Klara!" Said pink haired woman froze mid step as Honey pointed to the side. "Come here. Now! I said we were going to have a talk and I meant it!" 

You smiled proudly at Klara getting her karma before focusing back on the field as Avery walked onto the field. "Defeating you will grant me victory and I will at least have what I need to achieve my goals. No matter what it takes I refuse to accept anything but a complete and utter victory. I'm coming at you with everything I have! Are you prepared?" He challenged never breaking eye contact as he stopped in place.

Gloria held up a fist. "BRING IT ON!"

"Heh. Let's have an elegant battle worthy of being called a finale!"

You waited back and watched as Avery...also got completely and utterly destroyed by Gloria. His defeat making the pokeballs fall from his head and thudding to the ground as he stared utterly defeated.

"It has been decided!" Mustard again pointed out Gloria. "The one to complete the third trial is Gloria!" He smiled wider. "An unexpected but great stepping stone for your journey!"

Gloria stared widely before turning to you and waving a hand. "Y/n! I did it!" 

"I knew you could!"

You waved back to her but paused as Klara walked past you and right up to her. Gloria also seemed surprised as she seemed to exchange a few words before holding out something Gloria... slowly accepted. What was that all about? Gloria stared at the thing in her hands before slowly walking towards you staring at it. 

"What's that?," you asked when she was close enough.

"Tis a league card." 

You did a double take wide eyed. "A league card?! But only league members like gym leaders have those." You turned to Klara who looked away embarrassed. "Wait...Are you a gym leader?" Seriously? Someone like THIS was a gym leader?

Klara shuffled on her feet but before she could say anything  someone cleared his throat behind Gloria. All of you looked over and found A very silently looking at her. He stared at her silently for a moment before tipping his hat to her.

"It appears I have lost," he spoke slowly, "heh. How pathetic. I lost even though I resorted to underhanded tactics." Wait. What did he mean by that? "I don't think a young capable child like you can understand how I feel. I am just an average man who gave as much as he possibly could. Perhaps..." He paused looking down at his feet. "It's time I stopped playing around and give up my dream of being a gym leader. After the less than reputable things I did, it's only a matter of time until I'm expelled from the dojo alongside Klara. Please... accept my apologies for everything." HE CHEATED TOO?! "You're free to tell the League board what we've done and we'll accept full responsibility for our actions even if we're kicked from the league."

"Nah. M' good, Mate."

Avery and Klara both paused as if a glass shattering noise went off in their heads. "WHAT?!" "I beg pardon?!" 

Gloria shrugged. "All ya two did was be a wee bit annoyin' and try n's cheat once. Honestly ya jus' remind me of me friend Bede. So don't break a sweat." She waved the two off.

Wait...These two were reminding you a lot of Bede now that you thought about it.

"W-What are you saying?," Avery sputtered, "But I turned to the shadows like a dark type to try to win!"

"That's your strength, Gloria." Both of Gloria's rivals squealed and turned in shock to Mustard standing there. "Showing kindness both towards your pokemon and rivals. I should apologize on their behalf too as their master. What they did was wrong but they just didn't want to be beaten by their rival is all. They're both hard workers. However...I also can't look over such serious actions." Both of them gulped under his gaze as he hummed and placed his hands behind his back. "As for your punishments...You both will look after all the dojos pokemon for the next six months...by yourselves." They looked at one another. "I'm not done yet." They froze looking back at him. "You'll also be forced to clean all the bathrooms scrubbing toilets and every day until your six months are up you'll be woken up bright and early and put through hard training. I'm speaking about push ups and long laps around the courtyard! Oh yes. We'll get you both right into shape!" He spoke all of this with a smile. "Unless you both would rather give up-"

"NO WAY!! IM NOT GOING THAT EASILY!!" "I would rather take my punishment and work harder than before! But.. That's all we'll have to do and you'll forgive us?"

"Of course! Let's focus on strengthening your hearts. Alright everyone! Things are settled here! I'm so proud of everyone! You mustered so much effort and tried hard! I got so teared up I couldn't see half the battle but what I saw was amazing! Gloria you gave your best and triumphed even when faced with an unfair challenge. To you who has completed all the trials I grant you the secret armor of the dojo. It'll take some time to prepare so I'll go ahead and get some things sorted. As for everyone else, go get some rest and enjoy the rest of your day! There will be no training today as a special celebration!"

"C'mon everyone. I'll make everyone homemade pizza as a reward for everyone's hard work!," Honey added.

Everyone cheered and began to file back towards the dojo with the promise of a relaxing day and homemade pizza. 

"Pizza?! Oh sweet! Y/n, this is the best day ever!"

"Miss Gloria?" Again you both turned and paused as Avery stared at her for a long moment before he sighed. "I-... I'll admit to acknowledging your strength just a little."

 He reached onto his Pocket and you stared in shock as he also pulled out a league card to Gloria who also looked surprised but also accepted it. Avery gave a quick glance at you before turning and also quickly leaving with the others. You could only stare silently at the league cards Gloria held. Only league members of gym challenges had those ..But the gym challenge was over so they couldn't have been gym challenges and you certainly would've remembered seeing them last year during the entire gym challenge. So...

Who were these guys?

#pokemon shield #pokemon sword #pokemon sword and shield #pokemon swsh #pokemon avery x reader #pokemon avery #avery

[echantedtoon]

Isle Connections Ch3 Trials Ahead

(In case anyone was wondering about where this story breaks off, this side story breaks off around chapters 30-31 of Love Doesn't Do Encores/A Champion Time For The Heart. Also thanks to everyone who sent in pokemon suggestions for this story. The most I've gotten was a ponytail so that's what I went with.)

Well you knew now why Gloria brought along Victor's old camera and plenty of film rolls. The next morning you were woken up to a banging on your door. Groggily, you pulled yourself out of bed with Silver grumbling from the floor next to the bed. You answered it to Gloria beaming brightly up to you widely wearing a black and yellow uniform of some sort.

"Mornin', Y/n!," she greeted brightly, "Ya ready ta go?"

You yawned reaching out to rub your face. "Go where? And where'd you get the uniform?"

"Ms. Honey gave it to me! Said I needed ta wear the dojos uniform while here. An' to go explorin' duh! We're not doing anything til this Friday so we got some free time to settle in."

Oh right. Mr. Mustard wanted to give Gloria a week to settle in and learn the routines around here before they started any training exercises. That whole week you both spent talking to the many others training at the dojo and most of them were actually really friendly and nice people. You sometimes caught sight of Klara but one glare from you seemed to have her only speaking a few lines of passive aggressive words disguised as a sweet smile usually having you both exchanging looks before she walked off. Weird woman. You didn't see much of Avery either. Often hearing that he preferred to go out finding different pokemon to battle to 'give his psychic perfection a real challenge.' You weren't sure about those two.

"Doesn't those two seem familiar to ye?", Gloria piped up one day while doing her share of chores. "Avery n' Klara."

Also during the week Gloria was getting settled in, she had been doing her share of chores posted on the board by Ms. Honey. That particular day Gloria was assigned to help a few other people clean and mop the dojo's main training room. You always helped despite never being assigned chores, after all you weren't a student at the dojo so you didn't have to do chores but you felt awkward just being there for free without doing something in return so you always helped Gloria with whatever she was assigned to do that day. So currently you were helping to wipe off some of the training equipment as Gloria swept the floor near you. A few other people were also sweeping, mopping, or cleaning the training equipment too. Avery being one of them. The blonde man was currently standing there watching as a levitating moo ring itself out above a bucket of water before starting to mop the floor in front of him again.

.... Seriously. HOW was he able to do that?

"Hm...Now that you mention it, I do think we've seen them somewhere before but I can't put my finger in it."

"Neither can I. It's like a really weird case of deja vu."

It was weird. You could've sworn you saw them somewhere before but ..where? We're they previously NPCs back in the game when you were still in your own world? Were they unlockable characters back in your world? Maybe you saw them somewhere else during the league challenge? You would've thought you would've remembered them though. Especially Avery. A guy with a giant top hat and psychic powers was hard to forget. Oh well. You shouldn't worry about it now. You should just focus on helping Glory and keep an eye on them. Later that week Friday morning came and everyone was summoned into the dojos training room after breakfast. You and Gloria joined all the others with little Silver following behind you looking bored as always. Klara and Avery were there too and you made sure to keep a close eye on them. Mr. Mustard laughed with a bright smile.

"All of you are probably wondering why I called every here today!," he happily chirped, "I was going to host this little exercise earlier but I decided to wait for our newest student to settle in. To see how far you all have gotten, I decided to host a few trials!" He smiled wider. "So.. It's time to really start our training. You all will be facing three trials!" Immediately there was a buzz around the dojo and you and Gloria exchanged a look. "And there's more! The person who completes the three trials or who I think has worked the hardest will receive the secret armor of the dojo!"

Secret armor? Leon didn't say anything about a secret armor. Maybe it was some kind of trophy? You gave Gloria another look and she looked excited at you. This could actually be a good warm up for her. Already she was ready to throw down.

"That secret armor's mine for sure!," he bravely said throwing up a fist.

"Haha! That's the spirit. There will be one trial held every Friday until all three are complete. Now let me explain the first trial-"

"Pardon me, Master!" Everyone looked over as Avery spoke up raising his hand. "But I haven't received my uniform yet."

"Me neither!," Klara added.

He huffed smoothly flipping his long blonde hair back before shooting one look at Gloria before turning away. "I daresay it's unfair for only that child to get a uniform. Unequal even! I demand to be given one!"

"Me too! Me too!", Klara again added waving an arm.

Mustard only listened to him patiently with a polite smile despite Avery's demanding rude tone. You gave him a deadpanned look. What was with this guy? And Klara?

He chuckled at him before smiling wider. "Oh dear. Do you really not have a uniform? My bad. My bad. That's easy to fix though." Without skipping a beat, he pulled his hands from behind his back and held up a neatly folded uniform. "I have another one right here for you, Avery."

Avery's face turned pleased as punch as she stepped over to Mr. Mustard. As he passed you you could've sworn he said, "It does pay to complain sometimes."

You only deadpanned further. Avery walked right up to Mustard and reached out to grab the neatly folded pair of clothes- Klara squealed out as something ran out from under everyone's legs and a pink and yellow blur swooped past his face. Avery was sent stumbling back almost falling and clutching his hat from shock. The folded clothes gone. Everyone screamed as the blur ran past you. On instinct you pulled Gloria by the shoulders away as whatever it was ran past you both and skidded to a stop in front of the door leading to the outside of the dojo. Everyone's shocked and surprised faces followed the blur until it skidded to a stop in front of the door. Your eyes widened as you realized what they were.

Pokemon!!

Slowpokes to be exact.

There was three little pink and yellow slowpokes standing in front of the open doorway staring at everyone. 

"EH?! What in the world?!," Avery piped up blinking confused before looking at his Master's empty hands, "Hey! My dojo uniform! It's gone missing!"

Your eyes widened and you pointed at the slowpokes. "No it's not. Look there!"

Avery looked where you pointed out. The middle slowpoke looked at you all and comically held Avery's uniform in its mouth making the blonde's jaw drop and Klara busted out in giggles along with a few others. You had to admit..It was funny to see after how rude he was before. 

"How dare you?!," Avery sputtered embarrassed turning a light pink from everyone laughing at the sight, "Are you using Trick? Return my dojo uniform immediately!" He demanded. The three slowpokes looked at one another.. before turning and with surprising speed took off out the open doorway. "Oh my- Where do you think you're going?!"  Avery shouted before grabbing his hat and running past all of you and out the door making everyone laugh harder.

Mustard chuckled himself at the antics. "Oops. Guess I let them out of their pokeballs a little too soon. Hahaha!" Everyone turned back to him as he smiled widely. 

"Master, what's up with those slowpokes?," a woman asked confused.

"This is the first trial, my students. You've all gotta chase after those fast slowpoke trained by little old me. But that's not all! You need to defeat them too! And while you're at it, could you get Avery's dojo uniform back? Well that's that!" Wait wha- Mustard just turned and began to Walk his way back towards his home waving a hand. "Off you go. I'm sure you'll do great!"

Everyone looked at one another- Before Klara ran full speed out the door and everyone followed quickly stampeding out the doorway after her. Gloria smiled at you before making a 'come on' motion with her arm.

''C'mon Y/n! Let's go beat 'em!"

"ACTUALLY!!" You both had stopped and looked over at Mustard. He had stopped but turned back around to you both smiling widely. "I'm afraid that'd be against the rules."

You both blinked. "Huh?"

"Only students are allowed to participate in the trials. No outside help. That wouldn't be fair to the others to have extra eyes." He smiled wider. "You are still free to watch however from a distance. I'm afraid this is something young Gloria must do this on her own."

"Oh.." Gloria deflated a bit but nodded. "Ah understand. Would ye mind goin' out n' snappin' some pictures o' the wild pokemon for me? Tis for my Isle of Armor dex challenge." She asked you." 

You happily nodded. "Sure. I can do that. You just go ahead and win that trial!"

She nodded gaining a determined look. "Ya got it Y/n! I won't let ya down!" With that she turned and ran out of the building after everyone else.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience." You blinked turning back to Mustard still smiling. "But it's for the best. Gloria is used to having help with all her challenges that she gets stage fright whenever something she has to do herself is presented. I can surely help her but  I cannot have you interfere."

"Huh?"

"I am full aware Leon sent you to keep an eye on her as he's worried about his surrogate sister but he to needs to realize that she needs to be able to stand on her own two feet as a future gym leader. These trials are only a stepping stone to get her on the right path before I start to really train her. So please, allow her to do these on her own."

You blinked.. before nodding. "I understand completely. I only hope she'll be able to do better."

"In time she will. Now off you go. I do believe you also have an adventure that awaits you."

Ah. Right. Gloria's new dex challenge. You supposed you could help her with that while she was out doing the trials. In the meantime you'll be relaxing yourself doing some bird watching..Or in this case pokemon watching you guessed. So you returned to Gloria's room really quickly, found the Polaroid camera on her bed along with the dex challenge book, and began heading out into the small forest behind the dojo with Silver as usual tagging along behind you. It was a relatively peaceful beautiful day. The sun was shining brightly in the warm air and lit up the world in a glow. The air was filled with the scents of beautiful wild flowers and the distant smell of the ocean. There was an abundance of wild pokemon out and about. A regular smorgasbord of pokemon types running around everywhere. Perfect for Gloria's dex challenge. All you had to do was aim the camera, snap a picture, wait for the film to develop, and then take a moment to put the picture in the book on the page with the name of the pokemon you took a picture of. You caught a lupunny, a wild luxury and it's shinx cubs, and a few others on your way through the lovely forest. You weren't sure how long you were out of how far you had wondered but it . must've been a good two or three hours at least.

You had eventually stopped when you pushed through a bush and came to a beautiful sight. A rather large pond displayed before you. Chalk FULL of water type pokemon! A drednaw, lots of chewtles, a Squirtle or two, LOTS of wooler, a quagmire, and a lot of others! Perfect! You'd be able to get a whole chunk of this dex challenge done for Gloria! So you sat down a little ways from the pond to not disturb the pokemon and just started taking pictures and placing the photos in the book. SNAP! Place. SNAP! Place! Over and over again as Silver sighed boredly and eventually had his attention drawn to a wild berry tree- CHIRP!! He chittered pulling  on your sleeve suddenly and frantically pointing at the tree demandingly. You took time out to look at him and then the tree before sighing.

"Ok, ok. Silver, I'll get you a few pieces of fruit but first let me get a few more pictures. Ok?"

Your drizzle didn't seem happy as he chirped loudly before crossing his arms but thankfully didn't throw a full blown tantrum and scare away the pokemon. You took a few more pictures of a wartle, and the big sleeping drednaw before placing them also in the book. Boy. Gloria would sure be happy with all the progress you've helped her make on the dex. Silver groaned louder grabbing your arm with both hands and tugged harder stomping his feet at he did. 

"Alright, alright! Give me a second. Geez. Your appetite is going to get you in trouble one day you know that?" 

He only pouted harder. Sighing you got up closing the book and quickly stuffing it back in the small bag you carried. Silver followed excitedly on your heels as you walked on over to the berry tree and reached up to grab a few kelpie and orange berries hanging on the lowest branches. Handing them over to Silver who stood on his tip toes and reached out for them making grabby hands. You handed each and every one right over watching as he scarfed them down one after another before chirping for more and you gave him a pecha berry you reached. 

"You sure are a demanding little thing. You know that right?"

Silver opened his mouth to swallow his berry whole..but stopped and looked over suddenly blinking. CHIRP!! He looked up at you suddenly and waved an arm almost panicked! You gave him a look and he pointed at a couple bushes across from you both! CRASH!! CRASH!! RUSTLE!! Before you could even ask what was wrong something came crashing through the bushes making you look up just as a pink blur busted out of the bushes and landed with a thud a few yards away. The sudden noise startled everyone as all the tiny wooper and Squirtle ran away or dove for cover under the water. The bigger pokemon on alert sunk back into the waves. The sleeping drednaw woke with a start looking around. And Silver dove behind your legs with a loud wail of panic before peeking out. You also froze in shock staring at the form of a-...

"A slowpoke?"

A pink and yellow slowpoke stood there with its back towards you before it turned hearing your voice. It turned around and you blinked as it...Held a dojo uniform in its mouth?? The thing tilted it's hard at you holding the yellow and black uniform in its mouth. Wait. Didn't that uniform belong to-

"COME BACK HERE YOU TWO FACED SCOUNDREL!!"

There was even more rustling and crashing before another figure came crashing through the bushes. You watched as a man jumped through the bushes only to trip and faceplant into the grassy dirt. A tall hat fell off his head and pokeballs thudded to the ground. Any other poor pokemon still remaining was scared further away from you chittering in fright as they fled. ..You and Silver exchanged a look before the blur pushed himself up with a grunt and reached a hand up to push frazzled blonde hair from his face-

"Avery?" Said man paused.. before snapping his head your way freezing at seeing your legs.. before he looked up at your face. His glasses were crooked, he had dirt stains all over himself, and a few leaves and twigs stuck out of his hair. You blinked at him. "What are you doing here?"

He took a moment to blink before a frown etched on his face and he reached up to fix his glasses. "I-I was m-merely c-chasing a thief!" He wheezed and breathed heavily as if tired from all the running he did that day. You watched as he grabbed his hat standing up stumbling a bit on shaking legs, and brushed the dirt off his hat. Still heavily panting. "T-That *huff* little bandit-" he pointed his hat at the slowpoke. "-m-m-made off wi-with my u-uniform!*huff huff*" He gasped for air as he spoke. "W-Wait... W-What are you *huff* doing h-here?"

You motioned to the camera around your neck. "Taking pictures of wild pokemon. Are you chasing the slowpoke? I thought you would've been competing in the trial with everyone else."

He huffed before placing the tall hat back on his head. The pokeballs enveloping in a blue glow quickly floated up to circle around his head again. .. Wasn't ANYONE gonna ask how he was doing that? "I can't without my proper a-attire! I'm going to get my uniform back from that little bandit and then go see what it is!"

...Oh right. Avery left chasing the slowpoke before he could hear what the trial was so he had no idea what it was. "You've been chasing after this slowpoke the whole day? I thought you would've caught it by now."

"I try but every time I get close enough to battle it just flees!"

You gave him a look but before you could say anything a crunching noise was heard behind you. Behind your legs Silver was eating his pecha berry loudly. Wait...berries. A flash of memory came forth. Victor lured that slowpoke out of the train station using food. What if you could use the same method for this situation? Taking a moment you turned around and walked back towards the berry tree. Avery turned his head confused as he watched you stop by the tree and reach up through the leaves, eventually plucking a big sitrus berry from. It looked like a yellow pear with orange polka dots. Yeah. This oughta do it. 

With a smile you turned back to the slowpoke. "Hey, boy. Are ya hungry?" You held up the berry. "You must be after running around all day. How about a big juicy berry for your hunger?"

The slowpoke immediately perked up in interest. Staring right at your hand as you slowly approached it leaning over and holding out the berry. 

"It's gotta be uncomfortable holding those clothes in your mouth all day. How about we trade? You give me the clothes and you get this berry." You know were standing right in front of him smiling. "What do you say?"

....In an instant the clothes fell to the ground. You blinked as a blue passed you and the berry was gone. Behind you the slowpoke happily crunched the berry in its mouth chewing. ...Well...That worked. You shook your head before reaching over to pluck the clothes off the ground before the slowpoke changed it's mind about playing keep away. Here we go. With a satisfied smile you turned and walked right up to a surprised Avery before holding out the uniform to him.

"Here you go. It's a bit dirty but it'll be fine when you clean it."

Avery only continued to stare at you in disbelief before looking at his uniform. "You-..you were able to reclaim my uniform all by yourself?...Hmph. You have my thanks." He reached out to grab it from you...only to grimace and hold it out from him at the ends. "YYYuck." Dirt stains littered most of the suit and a large chunk of it was dripping with slowpoke drool you had been careful to avoid grabbing. "That's unsanitary." He grimaced harder before a blue aura enveloped it too and the uniform was floating along with his many pokeballs.

"Well if you're that grossed out why chase after it all day instead of getting a new one from Ms. Honey? I'm sure she has loads."

"Because my dear!" A hand pressed to his chest. "It's the principle of the matter! The pokemon took it from me and I wasn't going to give up! If I just gave up that easily then I wouldn't be able to achieve any of my goals!" His answer.. actually surprised you. It wasn't as condescending as you'd thought it'd be. "Even if I prefer to go at my own pace..."

A hum escaped your mouth before you nodded. "I can respect that." A crash sound went off before you both turned and the slowpoke was gone. Crashing his way through the brush.

Avery sighed. "As much as I adore those elegant creatures, this day has been dreadfully tiring."

"I'd imagine. You look a mess." Without thinking you reached out to grab a small stick from his hair and dropped it. "You must've been really going at it." You then giggled at his expression. ''That kind of determination will get you far though. Keep at it."

He stared before his cheeks turned a light pink- BOOM!! Bird pokemon flew overhead as a loud boom crashed though the sky causing you both to look upwards.

"What my word was that?"

"I don't know..but I'm going to find out. C'mon, Silver."

Silver chirped before running after your form as you ran right past Avery and through the words the source of the noise. Avery blinked before he took chased after you despite the tiredness he felt. Through bushes, shrubs, trees, and tall grass you all pushed through as noises of fighting cascaded closer and closer. Wait...No. Not fighting. A pokemon battle. Someone was having a pokemon battle all the way out here. Why? Who could be in the middle of the woods battling pokemon?...Besides Avery. The sounds soon ended but you didn't stop. Only pushing on towards the direction the noises came from until you all pushed past the branches of a small tree and paused at what you saw.

"Gloria?"

Said teen stopped and looked at you both surprised. In her arms was a knocked out slowpoke she was carrying. Behind her was her cinderance, the fire rabbit pokemon held two more knocked out slowpokes. One under its arm and the other slung over its shoulder.  Both looked surprised to see all you there.

"Y/n?," she asked adjusting the giant slowpoke in her arms. "Wait are ye doin' 'ere?"

"Taking pictures of pokemon for you." You blinked looking at her progress. "Wow. But it looks like you did it!"

She smiled proudly. "Yep! It helps me cinderence is faster than these wee troublemakers!" Her pokemon gave a noise of pride. "It was really hard findin' the last one tho. It just came crashin' out o' nowhere it did."

You smiled at her. "Well since you caught them all, we better return these guys to Mr. Mustard."

Gloria nodded. "But...which way is back home?"

Uh..that was a good question. You've never been here before so you had no idea where you were. In question you turned back to Avery with a lost expression. He was patting himself down and brushing the dirt off his arms when he noticed your look. He blinked for a moment before chuckling.

"Well..Never fear ladies." He pressed a hand to his chest smiling smugly. "For I am here to elegantly save the day from this dastardly situation."

"You know the way back?"

"I know the entire isle like the back of my hand. Come. I'll guide you back-" He blinked as your arm looped around his and you smiled brightly. 

"I knew I could count on you. Such a gentleman."

He...just blinked before clearing his throat and turning away. "Well, of course. A gentleman never leaves a damsel in distress-"

"Why are ye levitatin' yer uniform?," Gloria piped up making him blink.

He frowned again. "Because a certain scoundrel made off with it. It took me all day to track him down!"

"Why didn't ya jus' levitate the slowpoke then ta stop him?"

Avery completely paused staring at Gloria blankly and you had to bite your tongue to not laugh. "..... Let's just get back to the dojo."

It took nearly an hour for you all to get back to the dojo. By the time you got back, everyone else was already there or just filing in. All sweaty and dirty and tired looking from the day's activities. However they all looked shocked at both Avery smugly walking past them all with a beautiful woman on his arm and Gloria walking behind them still struggling to heave the slowpoke in her hands. As you all entered the dojo, you spotted Klara looking just as frazzled as the rest of them but her face dropped in shock once seeing Gloria. Mr. Mustard and Ms. Honey was there too smiling widely.

"Oh Avery. Gloria. Welcome back," Honey greeted you all, "And it seems you brought some guests back."

"Well mustered, Gloria!," Mustard complimented looking over the three slowpokes around her pleased, "You cleared the first trial like it was nothing! Why I think this is the first time since Leon that someone was able to handle all three fast slowpoke on their own!" Gloria lit up happily as Avery again paused... before whipping to Gloria utterly shocked. "The rest of you tried very hard too! You were able to catch up to the slowpoke but I guess you couldn't defeat them. Tell you what. Anyone who was able to at least catch up to a slowpoke gets a pass." A few people sighed and the ones who didn't pass groaned or scowled. "Gloria really out did herself so it's only fair everyone else gets another chance. Try to make a comeback everybody!" There was a grumble all around but Mustard only looked at his wife. "Oh. That reminds me. Dear, where are those little ones?"

"Oh, that's right darling. I nearly forgotten." Ms. Honey looked at Gloria. "Would you mind coming with me for a moment? We have a prize for the trial winner but I think we ought to take of these poor dears first." She gestured to the slowpokes.

"Oh. Sure!"

You all watched as she followed Honey through a door with her cinderance and the slowpokes as everyone grumbled or started to walk away tiredly..but then Avery spoke up in disbelief.

"Battling and catching the slowpoke was the trial the entire time?! So I spent all day wasting away my chances to-..." The expression on his face fell. "So I-...Lost in the first trial already?"

Klara gave a smug look at Avery smiling. You looked at her..then at Avery.. before you turned to Mustard who turned to leave. "Mr. Mustard?" You called out raising a hand. He hummed turning back to you. "I know you said that anyone who wasn't able to catch up with a slowpoke was out, but Avery is still in right?" Klara looked at you wide eyed and Avery blinked. "He was chasing after the slowpoke that stole his uniform all day, and he even managed to catch up to it. He even has proof." You gestured to the uniform still levitating by Avery's head. "He didn't know what the trial was but since he was able to keep up, doesn't that mean he's still in?"

"What?! No! That's not fair!," Klara insisted with a frown, "He didn't even stay to hear what the Master said!"

"Actually.. There's nothing wrong with what she said!," Mustard smiled much to Kara's disappointment. "So Avery is allowed to compete in the next trial! Anyone else who passed the first trial show up here bright and early next Friday morning! Well be having a real workout next time! You all are dismissed for the rest of the day. Work hard now." He gave a small knowing smile to Avery and where your arms were still looped before walking away.

Klara gave you a look- You snapped your head at her making her pause.. before she just turned and stomped off. A few other people walked away before Avery slowly looked at you wide eyed in surprise.

"You...helped me?"

Blinking you looked at him before nodding and finally letting go of his arm. "Yeah. I did."

"But why? You had nothing to gain from it."

"Because you helped me and my friend find our way back, so consider us even. Also you did pass. It's only fair you'd get a chance to compete since you passed fair and square. Don't get me wrong." You hardened your gaze and pointed at him. "I'm still keeping my eye on you but for now... You're just a fellow competitor. Now you better get cleaned up. I have to go give my drizzle a bath. C'mon Silver."

Silver chirped excitedly at the promise of water and excitedly followed your retreating form. Avery watch her go ... before he blinked and a light pink dusted his cheeks as the pokeballs sped up in a circle around his head. You returned to your room and wrestled Silver out of his little hoodie and threw him into the tub for a bath. His hoodie would need to be washed later. In the middle of it all Gloria busted into your room happily holding two pokeballs. 

"Y/n! I got a squirtle an' Bulbasaur!"

You both continued on the same as usual for the next week. You both started exploring a bit more of the woods to try and get a good mental map of the place as Gloria continued to work on her dec challenge. You wondered what would happen if she completed this dex challenge. She had already gotten a bunch of charms for the main dec challenge and a few toys for the curry dec challenge. But what about this one? You guessed you had to wait and see. You both still were avoided by Klara and you honestly didn't see much of Avery again. However Gloria was still paired up with them from time to time when she was assigned to different chores. It was one particular day two days before the next trial that realization seemed to dawn on Gloria.

"Psst. Y)n. I think I finally figured out where Ah recognized those two blokes from!"

Gloria had been assigned a long with a few other people that day to help clean up the kitchen after dinner. A few people were sweeping and mopping the floors as Klara and another girl wiped down the counters and large table. You were helping Gloria wash and dry dishes since no one else seemed to want to help her. 

You paused in the middle of drying a bowl with a towel. "Wait. Really?"

She nodded washing a cup. "Back at Wegherst Station. Remember? Those two got on the train with us." She nodded behind her and you snuck a glance a Klara wiping the table. "They had a meetin' with Lee 'fore he left."

"Those two had a meeting with Leon?" NOW YOU RECOGNIZED THEM BOTH!! Gloria was right! They were the strange people from the station. But what were they doing at Postwick? And why were they having a meeting with Leon? You were really confused. "Why?"

Gloria shrugged. "I have nah idea. I only know they weren't too happy when they left."

Huh. That was strange. You made sure to keep a mental note of it for the future. Two more days passed and Gloria woke you up bright and early by banging on your door. She was already ready to go in her uniform and excited. Like before everyone gathered in the training room after breakfast where Mustard and Honey were already waiting. You looked around and noticed that only the people that passed the last trial stayed. There was Gloria, Klara, Avery, and four other students dressed in the black and yellow uniform. The crowd was really thinned down by the first trial.

"Good morning, Everyone," Mustard greeted, "After the last trial, I expect everyone left to work hard to pass this next one. But before we begin, does everyone know what dynamaxing is?"

Everyone exchanged looks confused. Of course everyone knew what dynamaxing is. Why would he be asking that?

"Dynamaxing. A mysterious phenomenon unique to the pokemon of Galar, and then there's gigantamaxing. A very special way of dynamaxing for very special pokemon. Their moves changes of course but their appearance changes too. Speaking of gigantamax, that's the secret recipe of the Master Dojo." He smiled wider giving a chuckle. "Drinking it makes you gigantic and strong! I call it max soup! I'd love to have a bowl of max soup full of max mushrooms right about now. It sure has been awhile. And that's why your second trial shall be mushroom picking." He explained. Wait.. Mushroom picking? "Max mushrooms are the key to gigantamaxing, and I'm taking  you with finding three. For those who don't know, Max mushrooms are red with a spiral shape on them and I'm pretty sure they grow in dark, humid places. And with that your next trial begins! I'm counting on you!" 

Once again everyone looked at one another before they turned and started running towards the door. Avery was first bolting out of there with Klara and everyone else close behind him. Gloria also-

"Hey, Gloria." Gloria stopped in her tracks before looking around at Mustard. "My bad. My bad. It just dawned on me that you're new to the Isle of Armor. I bet you have no idea where to even begin looking for max mushrooms. C'mon. Let's go for a walk and I'll show you some mushroom hot spots. I'd also like to discuss in depth about your battle performance during your first day here against me."

Gloria blinked and looked at you, but you only motioned at her so she nodded. "Um..Ok. Sure."

"Excellent. Come. There's much to discuss before you start the trial."

You watched as both of them casually walked out of the dojo before sighing. You supposed he wanted to talk to Gloria more about her stage fright problem and see what they could do to help her. You were glad she was getting help for it-

"Y/n?" You hummed and turned around to Honey. "Sorry for bothering you but I was hoping you'd help me with a small favor."

"Huh? Oh sure. What's up?"

"Could you go to the forest of focus and pick a few sweet berries for me?" She held up a rather large basket. "Sweet berry pie is Hyde's favorite desert and I promised to make it for him today. I'd go out and get them myself but Im in charge of training the students who didn't pass the first trial and I can't just leave the dojo or my son unattended. So I figured that maybe.."

"Hey. I get it. I'm totally fine with getting them for you so don't worry." You smiled.

"Oh thank you, Dear! I'll be sure to thank you later."

So it looks like you'd be having another small adventure for today. So off you went with Silver back into the forest. There was plenty of berry trees in the forest so you should be able to find all you needed there. As before the forest was bright, beautiful, and warm. You could spend hours here...And you decided to do that because why not? It's been a while since you had some time just for yourself and Ms. Honey didn't say when you had to be back exactly, so you took your time walking around looking for berry trees and trying to keep Silver from eating all of the berries in the basket. Pushing away his hands and just pulling him a few from the few trees you did find to satisfy him. You didn't remember what berries tasted sweet outside of pecha and oran berries so you decided to grab as much variety as you could. Ms. Honey could sort them out later when you brought the basket back- CHIRP!! A loud noise from Silver caused you to look over at the pokemon. The drizzle chirped again louder looking at you before waving his arms and pointing at a boulder. 

"What is it, Boy?" He only made louder noises and pointed frantically. Well you've learnt by now that whenever Silver alerts you to something it's usually really important. Setting the basket down, you walked on over to the boulder and looked behind it where Silver was pointing at. Your eyes widened. "Well whaddya know."

Mushrooms! Max mushrooms were growing in a giant hole cracked in the side of the boulder. The tiny red mushrooms barely poked out from the hole with pink dots with a swirl pattern on the top. 

"Ah. Hey. Good job, Silver. But we should leave them alone." You thought about picking them and giving them to Gloria..but that wouldn't be fair to everyone else and would only undo the hard work Mustard was putting in trying to help her. "Let's leave them alone for someone else to find. Besides we're looking for berries not mushrooms. Remember? C'mon. Let's get some more and then we'll head back."

You both had grabbed a few cheri berries and added them to your basket and started to make your way back. Hopefully you wouldn't get lost on your way back. You were just passing by a small stream when you heard a loud scream of frustration and looked over to see none other than Avery...Again. You weren't too surprised to see him this time but you did stop to see what he was up to. He looked to be frantically looking through the tall grass near the street in search for those missing mushrooms. His face twisted in an expression of annoyance and almost panic as he did.

"C'mon. C'mon. Where are those elusive things?" He mumbled to himself as he pushed aside a couple large cattails to peer between them. "Surely they all couldn't have been taken!"

"Whatcha looking for?" 

"OH SWEET ARCEUS IN THE HEAVENS ABOVE!!" He jumped whirling around to you in a bit of a spook. Upon seeing you he calmed down rather quickly with a sigh. "You know it is rather rude to sneak up on someone like that!"

"Sorry," you apologized and looked at him. His legs from about below the knees down were absolutely soaked and muddied from trudging through the banks looking for the mushrooms you assumed. "You're looking for mushrooms still?"

"Unfortunately yes." He sighed out before turning away from you to push a few more cattails out of the way to look between them. "I couldn't get any from battling that gym leader trained child and Klara took the last one in the caves! So now I'm resorted to wading through muck trying to find any remaining mushroom before those other students make off with my rightful second place!"

Ah. So he battled Gloria trying to take away some mushrooms from her. You weren't too surprised by that. But for some reason you did feel kinda bad for Avery struggling. ".... Y'know I saw some a while back."

'YOU DID WHAT?!" He instantly snapped to you before jumping before you. You blinked as he frantically grabbed your shoulders. "You saw Max mushrooms?! Where?! You must show me!"

You blinked before pointing behind you. "In a crack in a rock by the berry grove."

"Well then you must show me quickly!" The berries flew from your hands as the basket levitated and he grabbed your hand pulling you quickly behind him back up the way you came from. "Come! We must make hast!"

He dragged you all the way back to where you had found the mushrooms with Silver frantically running to keep up with him. You had to yell directions to him as he ran. All the way up to the same boulder he ran to. He didn't hesitate shoving his hand between the cracks in the rock and yanking out two teeny tiny skinny as a twig mushrooms. They... weren't much to look at honestly but Avery beamed holding them up triumphantly.

"Aha! At least I have found the item I seek! My goals are within my grasp at last! I must get back immediately! Avery, teleport!"

You just blinked as Avery turned around and ran right past you. With your BASKET OF BERRIES still floating behind him. "Hey! Wait! You have my basket still!"

It's a good thing you're used to running after people now and had plenty of time walking to places because you chased after Avery all the way back to the dojo through the woods and right inside. Everyone else still competing was already there gathered around the kitchen area as a heavenly aroma of soup wafted out as Honey minded a rather large lidded pot. No doubt cooking the soup. 

"Hey there, Gloria. Welcome back. Looks like you nailed the trial," Mustard congratulatef Gloria who also must've just arrived. "Congrats on finding the max mushrooms. Trial number two was no problem for you. All my other students competing in this trial ended up getting lost in the forest.  Turns out finding max mushrooms was the least of their problems. It's a shame but I guess everyone other than Gloria and Klara will fail the trial." Gloria looked proud holding all the giant mushrooms. Holy cow those were the biggest mushrooms You've ever seen! And Klara held a single giant mushroom looking smug. "Now first thing's first. A proper meal! Let's have the max mushrooms made into a delicious max soup shall we?" 

Honey hummed from the kitchen smelling the soup. "Hmmm. I've really outdone myself this time. Now all that's left to add are those lovely max mushrooms Gloria and Klara brought us."

"WAIT PLEASE!!" Everyone turned as Avery pushed his way through the crowd as you stopped to lean against the doorway both of you gasping. "I-I beg of You, Ms. Honey! *Gasp*" Avery pleaded between gasps. "W-Wait just one *huff* moment!" 

"Why Avery. What in the world has gotten into you?," Honey asked with slight concern, "I've never seen you in such a flutter. "

With shaking fumbling hands Avery desperately dug through his pants pocket before holding up the two weak looking mushrooms compared to the girls'. "I-I've also *huff* a-attained some m-max mushrooms."

Everyone stared at the weak mushrooms...Klara snorted before looking away but Mustard looked pleased. "Oho! Nice work, Avery!  You must've searched hard for those! That makes you the third person to pass the second trial. "

Avery gained a look of disbelief before in relief. "*Huff*...I did it. Y-Yes. I did search rather hard."

"Aw. Chin up, Avery darling! You did it. This is a cause for celebration!"

"Master. Ms. Honey. If you could grant me a wish just this once, I would be indebted." He gave a hopeful look. "Would you be so kind as to use my mushrooms for the max soup? I feel that everyone here should enjoy the tastes of my efforts."

"Oh Avery. Well if that's all you're asking then I'm perfectly happy to oblige," Honey agreed, "Although  this is hardly the first time you've asked for something, and I rather doubt it'll be the last." Avery suddenly gave an embarrassed look at her-

"Hey! What about mine?," Klara asked shoving the single giant mushroom at Honey, "it's way bigger and there's no way those scrawny things will fill up an entire pot!"

"Excuse me! Did your poison seep into your cranially cavity?"

"Ok, ok!" Honey held up her hands. "Well use both your mushrooms today and save all of Gloria's for a later date." She then smiled at Gloria. "Sorry if it feels like your thunders been stolen, Sweetie. But we're a family here and families share. So we'll go ahead and use their mushrooms today."

"Nah. Tis nay problem!,"  Gloria smiled. "Ah'm totally fine with it."

"Plus it's so rare for him to try hard at something." Avery again froze. "I want to reward him for that."

"M-Ms. Honey!"

Again Klara snickered along with a few other people- "That goes for you too Klara." Klara stopped her giggles.

"Oh. And don't worry about the trial. You passed with flying colors," Mustard assured everyone. "Oh. But I never did explain the big deal about this soup did I? You see when one drinks this dojo's famous max soup, their dynamaxing changes."

"Humans can dynamax?"

He chuckled at Gloria's question. "No you don't. That  kind of thing doesn't happen if a human has the soup. But things are different when certain pokemon drinks the soup. You see there are some pokemon that have distant potential and when they drink the soup their dynamax form will change to a gigantamax form. Now then let's wrap things up. You all did your best on the second trial and I'm proud of everyone here! But now there's only three competitors left. While we wait for the soup, let's all go take a well deserved break. Gloria." Gloria blinked at him. "Come with me for a moment. We'll put those mushrooms in a safe place and I have some to discuss with you for a moment."

"Sure! I'll be right back, Y/n!"

You nodded as she followed Mustard over to what must've been his office before everyone else started to disperse. You glanced over at the floating basket of berries. "...Avery." He turned instantly hearing his name. "You still have my basket." 

He hummed blinking. 'Oh! Of course. My apologies." With a snap of his fingers the basket instantly floated back down into your hands.

You smiled at him brightly. "Hey. Thanks. Congratulations on making it to the last trial by the way." 

He again paused as you walked away to Ms. Honey. Klara leaned over to snicker at his face. "Oooh.~ Does someone have a crush?~ How scandalous.~"

He shot her a scowl. "One more word and I shall be forced to teleport you into the nearest mud bank!"

You paid no attention as you smiled and presented the basket to Ms. Honey who smiled widely at you. "Here you, Ms. Honey. I couldn't remember which ones were sweet so I brought a lot of different ones. Hope you don't mind."

"Oh no. It's perfectly wonderful. Luckily most of the berries you have in here are sweet. We can just store the rest of them away for later dishes." She smiled taking the basket from you. "There's enough here to make everyone pie! Oh it'll be a wonderful surprise! ...Oh. But it'll take me longer to cook everything then."

"I can help you if you want."

She blinked surprised. "You can bake pie?"

"Pie. Cupcakes. Pastries. I took a lot of baking courses online while I'm high school since I wanted to run a bakery one day. I still do but my plans are in a bit of a pause."

She smiled. "Well then I'd love that! I'll give you the recipe and we can get started!"

You both got to work instantly. While Ms. Honey cut the mushrooms up and added things to the broth you just started washing off the berries (the ones that weren't spicy or Silver ate at least-) and started making the crusts from flour and scratch. Then adding the sugar, berries, and other ingredients you needed. In total making four pies before popping them into the oven and not a moment sooner because the soup was ready. 

"SOUP'S ON, EVERYONE!," Honey shouted and instantly everyone came stampeding out quickly.

You along with everyone else was soon sat down and passed around the soup. It was spicy and tasted sorta like cream of mushroom soup. Not bad. Silver dove right into his bowl and had to be given some moonoo milk to calm him down. However there was a moment of awe as the pies were passed around. Everyone digging in and enjoying the tastes of it all.

"Ms. Honey, you have certainly outdone yourself this day," Avery complimented dabbing his mouth with a napkin. "This pie is truly elegantly made."

She chuckled. "Thank you, Avery. But I'm not the one who made it. Y/n made the pies. I only made the soup."

Avery...blinked. "Y/n?" He turned wide eyed at you.

"Oh Yeah! Y/n is a pro at makin' sweets n' stuff!," Gloria piped up. "Tis as good as Sonia's curries an' me brother's campin' treats! I know lots o' good cooks!"

You rolled your eyes. "It's nothing to brag about but I'm glad you like my cooking so much." 

You smiled at Avery. Avery cleared his throat and looked away quickly. Klara gave him a teasing look. Avery glared back. Meanwhile Honey and Mustard exchange knowing looks. After dinner everyone went to bed and fell back asleep. This was it. Only one last trial before Gloria's real training began. You wondered what the last one would be like. So far Gloria seemed to be making great progress by herself as you knew she would. You supposed Mustard was using this as an opportunity to break Gloria into the idea of doing things herself and getting used to doing it around other people which so far seemed to be working. She still seemed apprehensive and a bit shy but making it into a fun challenge seemed to be making it easier for her to do. Guess Leon was right about Mustard being a good teacher. He was helping Gloria through her problems greatly. Another typical week passed filled with the same routine until Friday when you were once again awoken by Gloria insistently knocking on your door.

"Y/n, me last trial tis today! An' Master Mustard wants me ta meet 'em," she explained,  "Would you mind comin' along?"

You nodded. "Sure. But just remember that I can't help you out with any of the trials."

Quickly you got dressed and followed her to the small part of the dojo that was off limits to everyone else being Mustard's actual home. Mustard was there waiting for Gloria as was Klara and Avery. He smiled up on seeing you both. 

"There you are, Gloria!," he greeted with that giant smile. "Thanks for coming! All of you." 

"When I heard you had something to tell me I came as soon as I could, Master!," Avery proudly proclaimed.

"Sooo what's this all about Master?," Klara asked, "What did you wanna tell us?"

"Right. Well I've decided that you three will take on the Master dojo's final last ultimate trial!" 

"Final last ultimate trial you say?" Avery hummed. "So are you saying this would be the last trial?" You wanted to facepalm. It was obvious!

"Ah. Well yes. That's the jist of it. You three are the only ones that finished the second trial, you've pushed each other to greater heights and helped each other grow. So I'd say it's finally time to see who's stronger in a dynamax pokemon battle."

"We are to battle one another? That is the final trial?" 

Mustard nodded. "Yep! The rules are simple. Whoever wins will complete the trial. The winner will be granted the secret armor of the master dojo."

"This is it at last. Can I really..?" Avery mumbled something to himself as did Klara but you weren't close enough to hear what they said beyond a few words.

"The battle will be held in the battle court just outside the master dojo. The court is a power spot so you can dynamax to your heart's content."

"I-I must make haste!,'' Avery declared startling you both, "I must make for the battle court post haste!" He panic mumbled to himself turning suddenly. "I must meditate on my upcoming victory! A good day to you then! I'll be on my way!"

"We're all going to the same place as you!," Klara called after Avery's retreating form before huffing and turning back to Gloria. "I'm gonna go on ahead and ready my pure heart, Kay? You can laze  about like a slowpoke and take as much time as you need." She said in that sickly sweet tone before turning and walking after Avery. Both of you frowned at her. 

Mustard only sighed and shook his head. "Avery. He's got talent that's for sure but it's caused him to slack off. Same as Klara. They've never felt the need to try hard at anything I guess. Even with all the training at the dojo, they just do the bare minimum. But that changed slightly when you both came." He smiled at you both. "Maybe you unlocked some kind of passion and drive in them eh? Still...I hope that motivation isn't put forth to anything mischievous." Again he shook his head before smiling. "Come. You don't want to miss out do you?"

"Can Y/n come?," Gloria asked hopefully. "She can jus' watch!"

"But of course! I'm sure no one wants to miss this."

Smiling you both followed Mustard as he slowly walked out of the back way of the dojo, sliding the door open to reveal a MASSIVE battle court in the back. And EVERYONE was there standing on the sidelines ready to watch making Gloria instantly pause. Ah! This would certainly be a challenge for her. 

"Hey." She looked at you as you grabbed her shoulder. "You're gonna do great ok? Just focus on the battle and don't pay attention to what anyone else thinks. A pokemon battle is all about having fun and believing in yourself. And I believe in you too! You already did so much by yourself."

Mustard paused tilting his head slightly at you as Gloria smiled and nodded. "Her right, Y/n!" Her face became determined. "I'll do me best n' give it all I got!"

"That's all you can do."

"An' if I lose..Well I guess I'll just practice harder for next time!"

"That's the spirit!" You patted her back. "Go get them!"

Gloria nodded before jogging up to wait alongside Avery and Klara. Mustard hummed smiling at you before going back to walking right sat them towards the court. "Looks like the three of you are ready." He walked past the three onto the court. "Now they say ladies first so the first two to battle will be Gloria and Klara. Whoever wins will then battle Avery for the win. I will referee." He walked and walked until finally stopping on the far other side. "Alright you two! Get into your places!" 

Klara gave a look at Gloria. "I'm gonna beat you and get that secret armor then I'll become a poison type gym leader. I've gotta win no matter what so I'm going to totally go all out." She smirked. "You ready?"

Gloria gave her a determined look as a bad feeling settled in your gut. Something was..off. "You're on! Just don't count ye torchics 'fore they hatch!"

"Im not holding a single thing back anymore." Your gaze wondered to the battlefield. Your eyes widened seeing the glint of what looked like purple glass scattered all over Gloria's side of the court. "Time to win this fair and square-"

"Hey. What's all that purple stuff over the court?" Klara froze as you pointed it out and everyone looked over.

Honey squinted her eyes. "....It looks like.. poisonous barbs? Leftover from some kind of poison type pokemon." Instantly her gaze turned to the frozen Klara. "Klara, didn't you clean the court after you used it to practice yesterday?" She then scowled hands on her hips. 

"Um... Oops?"

"That is VERY irresponsible behavior! Someone could get seriously hurt! Klara, when this is over we are going to have a VERY serious talk about this! Avery, would you be a dear and clear the field first?"

Avery bowed slightly as Klara deflated in humiliation and embarrassment under Honey's intense scowling. In an instant all the purple was levitated off the field and yeeted fast and far into the treeline. With both of that out of the way, Gloria silently made her way onto the field. You also glared at Klara as she walked onto the field.

Mustard ever patient only smiled and waited for both girls to ready themselves. "At last the final trial! It's all come down to this! Get ready!" Both girls got their heads into the game holding up pokeballs. "AAAAAAAAND BEGIN!!"

You proceeded to watch as Klara got immediately and utterly destroyed in each of the four rounds they battled. Gloria didn't hold back and besides one found,  had beaten Klara every time leaving Klara deflated in the end before Mustard held up a hand calmly.

"Gloria wins against Klara!" He shouted pointing at Gloria. "Therefore she will battle Avery for the true victory of this trial."

Klara moped as everyone cheered for Gloria and Klara skunk off the battle field- "Klara!" Said pink haired woman froze mid step as Honey pointed to the side. "Come here. Now! I said we were going to have a talk and I meant it!" 

You smiled proudly at Klara getting her karma before focusing back on the field as Avery walked onto the field. "Defeating you will grant me victory and I will at least have what I need to achieve my goals. No matter what it takes I refuse to accept anything but a complete and utter victory. I'm coming at you with everything I have! Are you prepared?" He challenged never breaking eye contact as he stopped in place.

Gloria held up a fist. "BRING IT ON!"

"Heh. Let's have an elegant battle worthy of being called a finale!"

You waited back and watched as Avery...also got completely and utterly destroyed by Gloria. His defeat making the pokeballs fall from his head and thudding to the ground as he stared utterly defeated.

"It has been decided!" Mustard again pointed out Gloria. "The one to complete the third trial is Gloria!" He smiled wider. "An unexpected but great stepping stone for your journey!"

Gloria stared widely before turning to you and waving a hand. "Y/n! I did it!" 

"I knew you could!"

You waved back to her but paused as Klara walked past you and right up to her. Gloria also seemed surprised as she seemed to exchange a few words before holding out something Gloria... slowly accepted. What was that all about? Gloria stared at the thing in her hands before slowly walking towards you staring at it. 

"What's that?," you asked when she was close enough.

"Tis a league card." 

You did a double take wide eyed. "A league card?! But only league members like gym leaders have those." You turned to Klara who looked away embarrassed. "Wait...Are you a gym leader?" Seriously? Someone like THIS was a gym leader?

Klara shuffled on her feet but before she could say anything  someone cleared his throat behind Gloria. All of you looked over and found A very silently looking at her. He stared at her silently for a moment before tipping his hat to her.

"It appears I have lost," he spoke slowly, "heh. How pathetic. I lost even though I resorted to underhanded tactics." Wait. What did he mean by that? "I don't think a young capable child like you can understand how I feel. I am just an average man who gave as much as he possibly could. Perhaps..." He paused looking down at his feet. "It's time I stopped playing around and give up my dream of being a gym leader. After the less than reputable things I did, it's only a matter of time until I'm expelled from the dojo alongside Klara. Please... accept my apologies for everything." HE CHEATED TOO?! "You're free to tell the League board what we've done and we'll accept full responsibility for our actions even if we're kicked from the league."

"Nah. M' good, Mate."

Avery and Klara both paused as if a glass shattering noise went off in their heads. "WHAT?!" "I beg pardon?!" 

Gloria shrugged. "All ya two did was be a wee bit annoyin' and try n's cheat once. Honestly ya jus' remind me of me friend Bede. So don't break a sweat." She waved the two off.

Wait...These two were reminding you a lot of Bede now that you thought about it.

"W-What are you saying?," Avery sputtered, "But I turned to the shadows like a dark type to try to win!"

"That's your strength, Gloria." Both of Gloria's rivals squealed and turned in shock to Mustard standing there. "Showing kindness both towards your pokemon and rivals. I should apologize on their behalf too as their master. What they did was wrong but they just didn't want to be beaten by their rival is all. They're both hard workers. However...I also can't look over such serious actions." Both of them gulped under his gaze as he hummed and placed his hands behind his back. "As for your punishments...You both will look after all the dojos pokemon for the next six months...by yourselves." They looked at one another. "I'm not done yet." They froze looking back at him. "You'll also be forced to clean all the bathrooms scrubbing toilets and every day until your six months are up you'll be woken up bright and early and put through hard training. I'm speaking about push ups and long laps around the courtyard! Oh yes. We'll get you both right into shape!" He spoke all of this with a smile. "Unless you both would rather give up-"

"NO WAY!! IM NOT GOING THAT EASILY!!" "I would rather take my punishment and work harder than before! But.. That's all we'll have to do and you'll forgive us?"

"Of course! Let's focus on strengthening your hearts. Alright everyone! Things are settled here! I'm so proud of everyone! You mustered so much effort and tried hard! I got so teared up I couldn't see half the battle but what I saw was amazing! Gloria you gave your best and triumphed even when faced with an unfair challenge. To you who has completed all the trials I grant you the secret armor of the dojo. It'll take some time to prepare so I'll go ahead and get some things sorted. As for everyone else, go get some rest and enjoy the rest of your day! There will be no training today as a special celebration!"

"C'mon everyone. I'll make everyone homemade pizza as a reward for everyone's hard work!," Honey added.

Everyone cheered and began to file back towards the dojo with the promise of a relaxing day and homemade pizza. 

"Pizza?! Oh sweet! Y/n, this is the best day ever!"

"Miss Gloria?" Again you both turned and paused as Avery stared at her for a long moment before he sighed. "I-... I'll admit to acknowledging your strength just a little."

 He reached onto his Pocket and you stared in shock as he also pulled out a league card to Gloria who also looked surprised but also accepted it. Avery gave a quick glance at you before turning and also quickly leaving with the others. You could only stare silently at the league cards Gloria held. Only league members of gym challenges had those ..But the gym challenge was over so they couldn't have been gym challenges and you certainly would've remembered seeing them last year during the entire gym challenge. So...

Who were these guys?

#pokemon sword and shield #pokemon shield #pokemon sword #pokemon swsh #pokemon avery x reader #pokemon avery #Isle Connections

[444namesplus]

abl aci acr age aid aki ala all als alt ami ana ann ant ape arc are arm ato aun aur aut avi awa axi bab bac bai bak bal ban bar bas bat bea bec bee bel ben bes bet bia bik bil bin bir bit ble blo blu boa bod boi bol bom bon boo bor bos bot bou bow bra bre bro buc bul bum bur bus but buz caf cag cak cal cam can cap car cas cav cel cen cha che chi cho cit cla cli clu coa coc cod coi cok col com con coo cop cor cos cou cov cra cre cro cub cul cur cut dal dam dar das dat daw day dea deb dec dee del dem den des dia dic die dir dis div doc doe dol dom don doo dos dov dow dra dre dro dru dua duc duf duk dul dum dus dut eac ear eas eat ech edg edi els env epi eur eve evi exa exi exp eye fac fad fai fak fal fam far fas fat fea fee fel fil fin fir fis fiv fla fle fli flo flu foa foi fol fon foo for fou fre fro fuc fue ful fun fur fus gai gal gam gan gat gav gaz gea gen gif gil gir giv gla gle glo glu goa goe gol gon goo gor gow gra gre gri gro gul gur hai hal han har hat hau hav haw hea hee hei hel her hid hig hik hil hin hir hol hom hoo hop hor hos hou hug hul hun hur hyp ico ide idl ido inc inf int iri iro isl ite jac jai jak jan jav jaz jea jee jil joe joh joi jok jos jum jun jur jus kee kem ken kep kha kic kil kin kir kis kit kne kni kno koh kyl lac lad lai lak lam lan las lat lav law laz lea lef len les lev lie lif lik lil lim lin lio lis liv loa loc lof log lon loo lor los lou lov luc lum lun lur lus mad mai mak mal mam man mar mas mat may maz mea mee meg mel mem men mer mes mic mik mil min mis moc mod mol mon moo mor mos mov muc mus myt nai nam nav nea nec nee nes new nex nic nin nod non noo nor nos not nov nud nut oat obe odd odo oka onc onl ont ope ora ott our ova ove pac pag pai pal pap par pas pat pea pec pee pes pic pie pik pil pin pip pit pla ple plo plu poe pol pon poo pop por pos pou pra pre pro pul pum pun pur pus qui rac rag rai ram ran rap rar ras rat rav rea ree rel ren res ric rid rin rio rip ris rit roa roc rod rol roo rop ros rub rud rui rul rus rut sac saf sag sai sak sal sam san sav sca sco sea see sel sem sen sep sex sha she shi sho shu sic sid sig sil sin sit siz ski sla sli slo sna sno soa sod sof soi sol som son soo sor sou spa spi spo spu sta ste sti sto suc sui sun sur swa swi tac tai tak tal tan tap tas tax tea tec tee tel ten ter tes tex tha the thi tho thu tic tid tie til tim tin tir tob tol tom ton too top tor tos tou tow tra tre tri tro tru tub tuc tun tur twi typ ugl uni upo urg use vai var vas vei ver ves vet vic vie vin vis voi vot wad wag wai wak wal wan war was wat wav way wea wee wel wen wer wes wha whe whi who wid wif wil win wip wir wis wit wok wol woo wor wra yan yar yea you yua zer zin zon zoo

[messysuitcaseblog]

A Day on Isla Mujeres

No trip to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is complete without a boat ride over to Isla Mujeres, aka the Isle of Women (pronounced ISS-lah Moo-HAIR-es).

Just a seven-mile boat ride east of the mainland across breathtaking turquoise sea, Isla Mujeres is known for its lovely beaches, world-class fishing, and spectacular coral reefs. There is also a lighthouse, the remains of a Mayan temple, and a sanctuary for sea turtles. We spent a day exploring the funky little village, and encountered a parade, snorkeled through schools of colorful fish on a tour with the marvelous Squalo Adventures, and discovered the MUSA, a fascinating underwater art museum.

We also had the worst pina coladas ever. (But everything else, we can recommend!)

LINKS:

Isla Mujeres Tourism  Squalo Adventures  MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art) 

#messysuitcase #retirement #travelblogger #travelblog #mexico #cancun #islamujeres #snorkeling #MUSA

#youtube #messysuitcase #travelblog #travelblogger #retirement #mexico #cancun #islamujeres #snorkeling #MUSA

[ocbykamaete]

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Repository of Original Characters that belong to kamaete (thegoldenavenger). Please do not repost or reuse this art anywhere for any reason, unless granted permission.

Mainly set up for easy reference for events like [artfight], commission purposes, etc. Not for use by others without permission, not for ai training or otherwise.

➽ ！CONTENT WARNING: some characters, particularly characters in the horrorverse and frightnights but not limited, have traits that may be triggering. some characters may incur photosensitivity, scopophobia, or other. i will try to tag major triggers. please feel free to dm or send an ask with the name of the oc and what tag you’d like added if a content warning is needed.

Please feel free to suggest tag categories through dm or ask.

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Navigation

Explore ocs by:

↪ [fan characters]  sorted by fandom or fandom-related. they’re may be some overlap if they’re broadly, related (IE some TLK characters may be cross tagged as Warrior Cats characters because they’re cats) but mostly focused on a main fandom inspiration.

↪ [species] tagged by a loose taxonomy and further subdivided.  You can get super broad, such as ungulate (hooved animals) or super specific such as hippocampus which is a half horse/half fish creature. 

↪ [designer] all my characters are credited by original designers, whether that be me (kamaete) or other users i have bought or received designs from. you can sort by characters designed solely by me, or by other users!

↪ [story] some characters have interconnections and stories associated with them. this is the most WIP section, but it’s an okay way to see characters who are in the same universe or world together and who might interact with each other.

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By Designer:

[kamaete] [drasayer] [halloweendonkey] [stormcloudbreeders] [teacupchimera] [togekissuadopts] [jacks-shop] [lupisvulpes] [CorruptedWaffles] [MonsterBarks] [melo-adopts] [jahpan] [railguns] [meesha-moo] [flaafystaffyadopts] [squidlink] [kittehzadopts] [deffystables] [lightbulb-adoptions] [xXEternal-FireXx] [squidoptables] [theCactus66] [whimsyfinch] [MDpikachu] [MelodyForte] [shadowkitonline] [timekept] [buttonlight] [wingsonde] [Pine-Hollow-Ranch] [plushy-prince] [jellybeanbullet] [owl-in-a-box] [ambarloo] [zieu] [hitmewithbrokenleave]

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By Story:

[The Prince's Cup] [Fright Nights] [Blood Prophet] [Scripture] [Bite] [WWYWTAH] [The Isles] [Journey] [Horrorverse] [Fairytale] [Untitled]

#characters #original characters #tags #nav #tag dump #navigation #character repository #kamaete

[infinimains]

Miitopia music extended

Sound Ideas, EXPLOSION - LARGE EXPLOSION 02 (Series 6000).Sound Ideas, COW - SINGLE MOO, ANIMAL 02 (Used for a Minotaur.).Sound Ideas, BOING, CARTOON - HOYT'S BOING (Heard once when the two Miis activate trouble on top of a random monster and going into a fight, and one gets beaten out.).Sound Ideas, BIRD, TAWNY OWL - TAWNY OWL, STRIX ALUCO, BIRD, DIGIFFECTS (1st hoot only heard in the background of the cutscene when finding an inn.).Hollywoodedge, Horses Several Whinn PE025201 (2nd whinny only.).Following the credits, the player unlocks two post-game areas, Galados Isle and New Lumos. If the hero provides the Dark Curse with a new life, the Great Sage takes the Curse and travels with them to have them atone for their mistakes while the team is praised for saving Miitopia. The hero is given an opportunity to either destroy the Dark Curse or provide them with a new face and body. The Sage traps the Dark Curse, and explains its history to the hero: it was once a normal Mii, rejected due to having a boring face, which they then decide to get rid of, and they fade away into a soul of hatred, malice and evil, which became the Dark Curse. After the Darkest Lord is defeated, the Great Sage is free. Afterwards, the Darker Lord steals the faces of six heroes, evolving into the Darkest Lord for the fight with the last four members. The hero and their team are then prompted to split up to fight the Darker Lord. Upon reaching the top of The Sky Scraper, the heroes go on without the Ex-Dark Lord to the Otherworld for the final showdown against the Darker Lord. The hero and their team track down the Darker Lord through the lands of Powdered Peaks, Peculia and Nimbus, before reaching the Darker Lord's Domain in The Sky Scraper, fighting previous bosses along the way. Enraged, the Dark Curse tries to possess the player's Mii, until the Great Sage intervenes and becomes possessed instead, becoming the Darker Lord. The team fights the Dark Lord, and upon defeating them, the heroes discover that the Dark Lord was a common Mii possessed by a small blue wisp known as the Dark Curse. The hero is tasked with saving all of their friends, with some help from the Great Sage. Upon arrival, the Dark Lord attacks again, stealing the new companions, but failing to steal the hero's powers. The hero is tasked with saving the three Fab Fairies of the Realm, who provide the team the way to the Dark Lord's castle in Karkaton. The team continues to the Realm of the Fey, where the Dark Lord attacks again, stealing the hero's companions and their character class again, prompting the guardian to provide a new group of character classes. After the guardian provides the hero with new powers, they head out through Neksdor, meeting three new companions and the Genie of the Lamp. Afterwards, the team enters the kingdom of Neksdor, only to be attacked by the Dark Lord, who steals the protagonist's companions and renders the protagonist without a class. Along their journey, the player creates more companions, meets the Great Sage, and reaches Greenhorne castle, continuing the quest after the Dark Lord steals the faces of the King and the Princess. The protagonist chooses a character class, either Warrior, Thief, Cleric, Pop Star, Mage or Chef, and is sent on a journey to stop the Dark Lord. The game begins with the main protagonist, a Mii of the player's choice, arriving in Greenhorne Town, which is soon attacked by the main antagonist, the Dark Lord, who wields the ability to steal faces from Miis and use them to control peaceful creatures, turning the creatures into monsters.

#Miitopia music extended