#bede: truly a mystery

[asexxxualauthor]

Listen, all I’m saying is that Gen 5 gave us the biggest change in the series yet, and that was aging up the protagonists.

When Pokémon first started out, it was a fun, light-hearted story of little kids befriending monsters—like My Neighbor Totoro if Totoro was a street fighter. It was Ghibli-esque, in the sense that the world was bright and fun and beautiful, and children were the hope for the future, facing down comical villains not for any personal reason but because it was the right thing to do. And that theme carried the series for a time, but when discussions of Gen 5 started to make their way out, the two big notes were that it was going to be a soft reset of the series, and that the story would be more serious this time around.

Suddenly, as if a switch had been flipped, the world of Pokémon became more layered and grounded. This wasn’t just the lighthearted optimism of Ghibli—no, this was stark, serious Shonen storytelling. Where before we had cartoonish villains with ill-planned ambitions, there was now a team with a truly compelling mission— “save Pokémon from abuse”—and how that mission got twisted by corrupt individuals, and how idealism could be used as a tool by those with power. How even good intentions can lead to disaster when puppeteered by a villain. It was everything it set itself out to be, and more.

And to fit that heavier, more mature story, the characters were aged up to match. Hilbert and Hilda, the main characters, and their friends Cheren and Bianca are canonically 16 years old, and the antagonist N is about 20. These aren’t children having fun with the big friendly Snorlax they befriended in the woods—these are teens, young adults, who see injustice in the world they traveled out into and decide to stand up and make a difference, becoming national heroes in the process. While past villains were defeated quietly and anonymously, this time the whole of the Unovan League knows what you’ve done, and how hard you fought to save the region.

This game was very much made for a specific group of fans—the young teens who had been in love with the series since the first remakes, and were now stepping into a world that was scary and unknown. It was a story of community, of uniting with others in the face of oppression, and holding tight to your ideals, your dreams.

And it did so with a protagonist about the same age as its most ardent players.

No other game in the series has been able to match the drama and spectacle of Black and White, but the effects from it have certainly lingered. The drama of Lusamine’s grief, the spectacle of Galar’s Pokémon Championship, the awe and wonder of Area Zero and its mysteries—each are glimpses of the Pokémon Company trying to recapture that lightning that left the bottle. But the most telling and most undeniable ripple leaving Gen 5 are the ages.

Where once pre-teen protagonists were the norm and rule for Pokémon games, now they are the exception. Gen 6’s Calem and Serena are clearly meant to be in their early teens—a little younger than the Gen 5 crew but still older than the past protagonists before them. Gen 8’s crew of Gloria, Victor, Hop, Bede, and Marnie are all in their mid-teens. Rei and Akari—or, rather, Lucas and Dawn—in PL:A are stated to be 15 in-game. And while there is no clear age given for Florian and Juliana, the vibe of Scarlet and Violet as a whole is very much that of a Middle or High School, with Nemona and Arven clearly being a few years older.

Pokémon isn’t just the silly idealism of childhood whimsy—it’s a game for everyone, young or old. It has always been that sort of game, but it took the shonen-ass energy of one generation in particular to make that absolutely clear.

[crystalelemental]

Oh now that's interesting. 3* and 4* Field and Sprint candy is confirmed.

In general, I'm kinda stunned they'd even entertain the idea. When you look at the broad scope of the meta, field effects have been incredibly guarded, almost exclusively placed on limited pairs when we're not dealing with weather. This is a rather substantial change. We could see multiplicative field effects like Zones suddenly show up as part of the F2P meta. The same is true of Sprint; fast-ramping is the domain of limited pairs. More than likely, any F2P Sprint is going to get -1 cooldown or nothing, and instead focus on speed boosting. Which is still nice, mind. I think speed boosts are underrepresented in the meta and a pretty important option. Not everyone can just spam Free Moves Next, Adaman.

The real fun is...3*. 4* is expected, that's Lodge adjacent. But 3*? Those only happen in two scenarios: free story pairs with the first PML, and events like the NPC trainer classes they mysteriously stopped making. That's...honestly kind of exciting.

On the one hand, I loved the NPC trainer class additions. They were just little extras sprinkled into events, and I kinda loved the concept even if they never got to hard favorites among the trainer class designs (XY female ace trainer, my beloved). Seeing those come back would be ideal. These candy are going to be sparse, especially when contending with the other three types. New players will still need the main three, it's not like we'll get none of them. So getting event pairs that can be maxed out while the event is live is ideal; the candy is a backup, but not strictly necessary to use on them, to create a stockpile.

On the other hand, a new main story is going to pop up. Gacha won't just leave things without a main story. There will likely be a new OC rival/antagonist to face off against, and a whole thing going on. The Villain Arcs largely focused on powering up the free legendary pairs, but this new arc doesn't have anything to power up that isn't already receiving it. More than likely, it would be entirely new pairs, like in the PML arc. Some are calling for PML 2, I don't personally buy it. I played FEH, you can pick up and drop storylines whenever you want in gacha, but you have to keep potential threads open to jump back if needed. I think the announcement of PML 2 is just keeping options open, same as Giovanni hinting at another scheme. They aren't doind anything right away, but it's there if they need it later.

This opens up some options, which I hope we lean into. Man, we have got to fix the F2P situation for new regions. The only truly F2P pair in Galar is Hop. He's still the only fucking one. Not even a single BP pair to their name. This sucks, and there are a ton of missing characters from that region. A new arc with free story pairs would be a great chance to bring in options that otherwise aren't going to get anything, because they'd never sell as PokeFairs, and general pool spotlights are borderline dead. This would also solve for some of Paldea, which has approximately eighty gagillion characters running around; not all of them are PokeFair worthy. In fact, most of them aren't. Free pairs would be an easy way to add some options in.

On a personal level, my hopes for such additions would be:

Opal - I've accepted that she's not getting in otherwise, but Bede needs his mentor, he was completely alone in that Neo Champion event about connections and rivalries and it sucked. Bring in Opal.

Kabu - I'm just saying, he better have secondary Bug-type DPS. Like, actual secondary Bug type DPS. No pair in the game has that yet, let him be the first.

Katy - We're dying for Bug in this game. Good bug, I should specify.

Kofu - I don't like him, but this is definitely where he belongs.

Eri/Atticus - Look, you have to put in a few popular picks so people start playing for easy access, and these two are safe. Plus, free Fighting and Poison pairs, two of the types that most desperately need F2P options.

Chuck - We should also look backwards, at previous regions missing some people, and come together to agree that Chuck was never happening any other way. Just give him to me.

Cilan/Chili/Cress - It's what they deserve.

[thenotsowriter]

Their Where Two

pt. 1

Long ago, before these buildings, before the many Lords and even before I was born. Our town was nothing more than a village with a single river of plastic, that surrounded by endless miles of dark metallic woods. As villages are, every single man, woman, and child knew one another.

One day, the most peculiar event happened.

Two strange, rather tall creatures appeared from the dark metallic forest.

Like all strange things do...

At first, no one dared to approach the tall beings. Fearing, they may be foul gouls come to hurt them. Days and nights passed, many scrambling to figure out what to do about them. After much debate, the strongest of men were sent to confront these mysterious ghouls.

Shockingly, when the men confronted these beings, one was extremely friendly. The others' faces twisted disgusted.

The tallest of the two claimed they were sisters. Odd as both were vastly two each other. The older of the two was the tallest and very thin being. Eyes darker than any unlit night, yet had a motherly warmth. However, her hair. It impossibly coiled into spirals and so white that even dirty almost seemed to glow down her head, past her sholders and back. Even with her tattered poor dress, it didn't take away from her kind motherly face. The youngest, on the other hand, was a stark contrast. Shorter, with a more appropriate body proportion. Her eyes were as white as freshly harvested plastic, although they pierced right through you. Though, like her sister, her hair was the opposite. Darker than any oil we may harvest from the trees. It also coiled, but only into one large spiral on top and stopped just below her ears.

The men were surprised with this outcome. They came to an understanding. These creatures are no danger to them or anyone. Slowly, the rest of the town folk came to inspect them from a distance. The eldest, even with her thin, limpy legs, kindly greeted every single one of them. Bowing to every man, happily greeting every woman, giving the most comforting of smiles to the children. The youngest followed after her. Also, giving greetings.

It was a child who truly interacted first. They slipped away and touched the eldest long white hair. The townspeople held their breath...

.

.

The being did not hurt the child for such an act. Instead, she delightfully let the child touch her hair and hold her large hands. Playing so gently with the sma child. Soon, other children came to see her. It was the children who dared to ask many questions first. And she gleefully answered all of them.

Her name is Etika.

Her sister is Antigone.

They were born from the pages of the mountain.

They are not Elsen.

The townspeople sighed in relief. Children, now full of joy, asked for them to stay. Another sudden meeting was made. With little debate, the town decided to let the two strange ghouls stay. However, it was easier said then done. For, their was no place to let them be comfortably! They were just too big for their small dwellings. All they could offer that was large enough was an old abandoned lumber shed.

Even with subpar accommodations, both graciously accepted this offer. It took only a day to clean the old shed with the help of their two new guest. Their large size easily moved any log, broken tools, and old tables out. The children, wanting their new friend to be comfortable, all came with beding and toys for them to have. Forever grateful, the two promised to make it up for the town for giving them such kindness.

Thus started the relationship that will last for decades and brought in a new chapter for everyone.

[hislittleraincloud]

Like you said, fuck the haters. My sister's a little older than me (though I can't say how old or else you might get an idea of my age, something I think I'll keep a mystery for now) and I've proved to have more common sense than her on multiple occasions, so whatever she says goes in one ear and out the other anyway.

It's very nice to meet you as well, by the way. Has anyone ever told you you're incredibly attractive when you language swap? Yeah..

I don't know what I'm getting into, I admit, but then again, I never do.

As for who I am? I think I can tell you.

...

...

Somebody.

Good thing I like ✨mysteries✨.

Younger sister has more common sense than older sister. 🤔...🤔🤔🤔

I dunno about my attractiveness, but je comprends que les langues autres que l'anglais soient excitantes, mais sono pessima nel parlare alcune di queste lingue. Francés, Italiano, Español?  Si, puedo sobrevivir, men bede mig om at tale dansk? Nein. 💩 I can still read it, and am literate in several, it's just the speaking part of some of them that I'm terrible at. But I love learning them, even if it's just to be able to read international news in their original. Aprender otras lenguas es aprender otras culturas. Jeg liker også dansk, svensk og norsk (og jeg elsker finsk), mais rien ne dépasse les langues romanes, surtout quand...never mind.

Quale preferisce che le scriva? 🫠

If it makes you feel any better, I never know what I'm getting into either, and I'm now half a gd century old. That's Gen X for you...we like to dive in without checking if there's water in the pool. "Darwin Awards" was truly established for my generation by my generation.

Somebody, huh. So...you're an all star?

I'm so sorry. I hate that song. I don't know what came over me, aside from being really gd tired. I need a palate cleanser.

Much better. 🔥

[to-hold-the-line]

V; Main - takes place during or after Jedi: Survivor. Cal is 23 and a Jedi Knight. Threads that take place after the events of the game will also be tagged as v; Tanalore.

V; Fallen - Takes place toward the end of the game. Cal has fallen to the Dark Side as a result of Bode’s betrayal and the stress of constantly fighting the Empire. He is not completely evil; there are still people he holds dear and things he won’t do, but in combat, he shows no restraint or remorse. He’s become a vengeful nihilist, hellbent on slaying those who have wronged him. First Bode, then Vader, and the whole of the Galactic Empire. The only things that matter to him are ensuring that all of them burn and keeping his very few friends safe. (Side note: this AU is largely inspired by how Cartoonz played the game after Bode’s betrayal, and I thought it would be fun to actually project his rage onto Cal. 😈)

V; modern - I don’t have specifics yet, but I do know that I want a verse where Cal is just the most normal earthling dude…or at least as normal as I can write him. He has a very helpful emotional support cat named Bede (pronounced like BD), drives a motorcycle but can’t drive a car, is very involved in his local HEMA chapter and well trained in both mixed martial arts and medieval weaponry, and likes to garden in his spare time. Cal is a historian by trade, and often has to travel abroad for work. Young as he is, he has some trouble getting colleagues to take him seriously, but it doesn’t diminish his love for the job at all.

V; Wednesday - Due to shenanigans, Cal manages to crash land the Mantis not only on earth but right in the backyard of a very creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky, and altogether hooky family, shortly after they return from dropping Wednesday off at Nevermore Academy. He survives, and while the Mantis is mostly in one piece, she’s badly damaged and in need of some major repairs before she can fly again. In true Addams fashion, Gomez and Morticia welcome him into their home and do their best to help him recover from his injuries. He very quickly insists on helping them out in return, mainly by assisting Lurch around the house or keeping Pugsley company after school. He comes with them to meet Wednesday at Nevermore for parents weekend. (Anything can happen from there, although I won’t ship Cal with underage muses. This takes place at the beginning of Jedi: Survivor, after Cal leaves Coruscant, so Cal is 23, and a Jedi Knight, and still dealing with the loss of his crew. Bode and BD-1 will probably appear as NPCs for interactions with Wednesday/Addams Family characters. Also, this is just a fun little AU that I had rolling around in my brain.)

V; pirate - Y’know I gotta do it. Cal Kestis is the youngest captain the Mantis has ever had, having just inherited the bonny ship from his newly retired captain, Greez, and now sails the Caribbean, nay, all the seven seas! Treasure is a fine goal, of course, and Cal has always been partial to searching for historical artifacts, but what his heart truly desires is adventure. He’s a lovable rogue, hailing from Ireland, and the son of a sailor and a governor’s daughter. Saltwater flows through his veins. He has a pet parrot named Beady who’s very good at fetching things. (Again, he’s 23, but he’s a little more morally questionable in this verse. Very much against the British Empire. And honestly, all empires. I’m open to plotting out crew related stuff!)

V; Royal - Cal is a prince…or rather, a former prince. He was leading a massive research effort to uncover more of his nation’s ancient past, and right when he was about to make a crucial discovery, his best friend (possibly Bode, but could be anyone. I’m open to plotting) betrayed him by calling in an ambush. Cal barely managed to escape with his life and made it back to the palace…only to find it under siege. He was soon met by a scout who delivered a message from his father: ‘Do not come back. Run. Just save yourself. Follow your stars.’ Prince Cal did just that, though it broke his heart to leave. Shedding his noble title, Cal went on the run with his familiar, Bede (BD), eventually getting to a point where he had to become a sellsword and artifact hunter in order to survive. Currently, he’s a bit more rugged, having been on the road for the past five years, and he finds it hard to trust others, but he’s still a very compassionate man, and will always do his best to help others.

[druddigoon]

prompt fill #1

@shame-cubed: bede and gloria in a raid together

this was supposed to be a simple one but then i decided to add 3 more people and a metric fuckton of tension and it kinda blew up. word count: don’t worry about it

————————-

“Where’s the dynamax pokemon?” 

He eyes you with a mask of disdain, attention briefly flitting to the vikavolt you have buzzing over your shoulder. “Not an issue, no thanks to you.” 

“There’s been reports of energy flares in almost every gym, so it took a bit of time to get here.” You pause to catch your breath, removing your beret to run a hand through your windblown hair after a harrowing flight over the Tangled Woods. Dangling under a vikavolt fifty metres off the ground doesn’t do well for vertigo. “I’m here to help. There’re other people coming, just show us where the pokemon’s at and we’ll calm it down.” 

There’s muffled banging at the main entrance, a drawn-out holler cut off with a sharp rebuttal. Hop and Piers. Bede’s voice ices over. “Then go play hero for the other towns. We don’t need you here.” 

The nerve of him. “I don’t know if you’ve stuck your head out of your little me-bubble yet, but people are trying to save the region from collapsing, and maybe if you stop babying your ego for just one second you’d accept help when help is offered—” 

“I believe Bede is suggesting he’s already dealt with the issue.” Opal cuts in, stepping out from under the shadow of the backroom. She looks the same since your gym challenge—angular face drowning amid her ample ruff, deceptively leaning on her umbrella-cane like she isn’t capable of throwing it away in a heartbeat—but it’s the way Bede stands straighter and draws closer to her presence that has you thrown. 

This is not the Bede in Galar Mines, not the Bede in Hammerlocke, tired and disgraced; this is not the Bede at Wyndon semifinals, desperate for redemption. This is the Bede who’s found his home, confident and grounded when you’ve had the rug swept from under your feet. 

The gym challenge changes people, they say. 

(You’ve never felt more alone.)

“Miss Opal! We’re here to help you with the dynma—” Hop skids to a stop once he notices Bede, and the way they size each other up reminds you of fights between wild pokemon. 

Coming here was a mistake. 

“Evenin’, ma’am.” Piers brings up the rear, eyes glued to his rotom-phone, unheeding toward the palpable tension in the room. “Dynamax readin’s gone, I reckon you’ve got it taken care of then.” 

“Why yes, my protégé handled the rogue shiinotic brilliantly a little while before you came.” 

Bede smirks at her praise; you lay a hand on Hop's shoulder to stop him from pulling anything, only to have him roughly shrug it off and stalk out of the building. 

“I wouldn’t bother with him,” Bede says as you stare at the still-swinging doors, something close to shame prickling deep in your throat. “Someone who thinks he's entitled special treatment because his brother’s the champion doesn’t deserve to take his spot.” 

Deep breaths. Opal watches you with hawk’s eyes, and for a second you feel more bone than flesh, surrounded. Think of secret summer grottos, ponds with water so clear the remoraid’s scales gleam as they swim through, think of how happy Crustle was when his crabapple tree bloomed, maybe wiping that smarmy expression off Bede’s face even though you can’t throw a punch to save your life. 

When you dare to speak again, your voice comes out lowed like a hiss from a boiling kettle. “If you’re so good at dealing with dynamax pokemon, I’d like to see you handle the rest of this problem.“ 

“I fail to see how the rest of the gyms fall under my jurisdiction. We’ve dawdled for long enough, it’s time—” 

“He’ll do it.” 

“—for you to...what?” 

You’d savour the look of disbelief on Bede’s face if the implication of Opal’s comment didn’t sink in. She regains control of the situation with a smile, too pleasant for the gravity of her words. “It must be difficult for the three of you to handle all of this on your own. These bones are too old to hitch a ride on unlicensed fliers, but Bede here can accompany you while I guard the gym.” 

Bede runs a hand through his hair, considering. 

“Fine,” he bites out, releasing his gardevoir before striding out the entrance. You quickly jog after him, hoping to reach Hop before he does. “Let’s go.” 

“—very keen on addin’ fuel to the fire.” Piers comments far behind you.

“They’ll sort it out,” Opal replies, “Sometimes all it takes is getting a little burnt.” 

————————-

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Hop gapes at the skulking figure of Bede from his perch atop his corviknight, an imposing bird outlined in scintillating angles against the dead of night. “Glor, please tell me you’re joking.” 

“He wanted to come. You...we need all the help we can get, and having him just means we can get this done faster and safer. Please. This is for the greater good.” 

“Are you siding with him now? Is this what it is? This is a bloody insult to injury, Glor. Do you remember what he’s done to you? Do you remember what he’s done to me?” 

“I’m not taking anyone’s side! You can choose to never see Bede again after this is over, Hop, it’s just that we have a bigger issue at hand and everyone’ll need to put aside their difference until we can stabilize the region.” 

“I know, but I'm a hundred percent sure that we. Don’t. Need. Him.” He punctuates every word with a jab of his finger in Bede’s direction. “We were fine in Turrfield. We were fine in Hulbury. We were fine in Motostoke, we were fine in Stow-On-Side. We’re almost done, we’d just finish everything with more peace of mind if he buggers off.” 

Bede crosses his arms. “Flattered you think so highly of me. Honestly, Hop, you’re desperation is showing. Worried that I’ll steal your thunder?” 

“Guys, please—” 

Hop’s corviknight lets out an ear-piercing screech, rearing up and flapping its wings in a way that forces the rest of you to back up. Bede’s gardevoir steps in front of him, her horn glowing with the beginnings of psychic energy. 

“ENOUGH!” A dark shape, too fast to make out, cleaves between the two boys, the acrid smell of something sour lingering behind. 

Piers steps out, followed closely by his obstagoon, the vestiges of a night slash still roiling off its foreclaws. “This isn’t what I was expectin’ from a finalist and a gym leader, and you two ought be ashamed of yourselves for this kind of behavior.” He sighs heavily, rubbing his temples. “I need a smoke break. Gloria, come with me.” 

————————-

“Marnie told me you lot were good kids.” Piers takes a slow drag of his cigarette. You fidget with the hem of your skirt, sneaking peeks at the clearing even though neither of the boys are in sight. “So imagine my surprise when I end up babysittin’ two kids who look one second away from tearin’ each other’s throat out, with you actin’ like you’re the reason they want to.” 

“I am.” The floodgates burst all too easily; you never expected to pour your heart out to a near-stranger, fraying dye job illuminated in the harsh glare of the street lamp and wreathed in a halo of cigarette smoke, but lately all your friends have been worse than strangers and Piers. Piers sits still and listens. “I-I never wanted to do...this. The championship is always Hop’s dream, and I promised to help him get it like a friend before pulling it out from under him. Could’ve supported him after Bede broke his spirit—he said he was a disgrace to Leon’s name, even though he isn’t even relevant—but instead I decided to hammer it in by battling him and winning.” 

You shut your eyes, grind the heel of your palms hard onto them until you’re seeing stars. “I saw Bede’s disqualification. I was there to see the hope go out of him when Rose told him he no longer worked for them, was there and did nothing. I’ve done nothing but shirk and shirk, and now i’m supposed to stabilize Galar’s dynamax outbreak when I can’t even lift a finger for the people closest to me.” Bitter smile. “Some champion I am.” 

Piers huffs. He drops the cigarette, crushing its embers under the heel of his boot, before looking up and speaking. “I don’t know enough to say it’s not your fault, but you’re takin’ your mistakes out of proportion.” 

“Spikemuth’s never been my dream; most people don’t end up doin’ the thing they want, believe it or not. This may not be yours and yet you’re tryin’, and you’ve got heart. I doubt a bad champion would be risking her life travelin’ from town to town confrontin’ rampagin’ pokemon like you are now.” 

“That...still doesn’t make me a good champion.” 

“No, it doesn’t.” He stands, brushing off lingering ash. “But Galar doesn’t have a ‘good champion’. It has you. And even if you can’t redeem yourself in the eyes of your friends, you can redefine yourself in everyone else. Come, let’s head back.” 

You return to the same silent standstill you left. Hop can’t meet your eyes, face buried in the feathers around his corviknight’s neck. Bede only stares back; a challenge. 

“Which cities do you have left?” he asks. 

Piers checks. “Only Circhester and Hammerlocke, it looks like.” 

“We’ll split up, then,” Hop interjects, not even looking up. “Piers and I’ll go to Circhester, while Gloria and Bede go to Hammerlocke.” 

“That’s fine,” you concede after a moment’s pause. He’s trying to distance himself from you, but can you blame him?

(You can’t, not really. This must be a nightmare situation for him—losing to the false heirs, failing to catch them, fighting alongside his former-friend-now-champion knowing he could’ve been the one in her place, watching her strike the final blow as his cinderace heals on the sidelines. Every reminder is driving a nail in the coffin, and Bede’s arrival is simply the stake that split it at the seams.)

“Best of luck to you, then.”

“Good luck to you too.”

————————-

“Everything you’ve said to Hop applies to you, y’know.” 

“Are we really going over this now?” The Hammerlocke gym halls are far too empty for comfort, deep rumbles echoing against your skull as you catch flashes of light past stadium doors. You stalk onward, eager to get the situation over with and return to Ballonlea. Damn Opal. “We have a bigger issue at hand.” 

Out of the corner of your eye you see Gloria puff out her cheeks. If someone were to back you into the corner of an alley with a knife pressed to your throat, you’d admit you do respect her; becoming the Champion is no easy feat, and nobody expected it from a quiet girl with a team full of bugs, the beginner’s route fodder others grind to train their battlers. It’s her altruism that irritates you, a relentless selflessness that will get her bitten, somewhere down the line. “Can’t you accept help without fighting it?” 

You fall silent. 

Oleana’s voice, ice against your ear. “Is this how you’ll treat the man who found you, back when you were all alone?” 

(More wishing stars. Always more wishing stars.)

A rattling roar resounds ahead. Sensing she’s needed, Hattie coalesces by your side with a chiming noise, and you continue on, pushing past reinforced double doors. “The last person who offered me help was Rose.” 

And look where it got me.

The dynamaxed haxorus is huge; its scythe-like tusks crest above the open roof of the arena, claws as large as longswords carving deep furrows into the turf, an excess of power and energy given a corporeal form while the haxorus’s original body is tucked away behind layers of shields. An entire section of bleachers had been razed to the ground, steel gouged with millions of tiny lacerations that fractal in draconid energy. Gloria finally shut her mouth, calling out her crustle as you start putting distance between you and her.  The flash of light catches the haxorus’s attention. 

Its eyes are impossibly wide—a deerling in headlights, more prey than predator—and when it roars, it's a pained cry pitched like a plea.

The raid begins. 

Gloria fights like battling is innate to her, instinct ingrained through bone in a way no amount of textbook memorization or controlled-environment training can hold a candle to. Bugs are notoriously more id than superego; rather than suppressing it, hers seem to have tailored their natural behavior towards battling, where her commands are less commands than they are suggestions, tips, and warnings, a coach to her players. She trusts her pokemon, and they make it worthwhile. It makes her incredibly hard to read, as most of the time she isn’t even giving instructions.

Helpful in a singles matchup, not so much in a tag-team battle.

You hear her call out from the other end of the stadium, and her crustle withdraws into its shell just fast enough to dodge the brunt of Hattie’s dazzling gleam. In the split second when the haxorus is sent reeling, it pulls off a shell smash, darting out of its shell in a blur of orange to land a stone edge that shatters the haxorus’s shields. 

It keeps up the distraction long enough for Hattie, slow as she is, to charge up another dazzling gleam. The stadium lights up in a brilliant light display as it explodes against the haxorus’s side, sending it reeling. Crustle is also sent flying a couple metres back before getting back on its feet, the exoskeleton of its claws warped from where it used to to block the worst of the attack. 

“Stop hitting me!” Gloria calls. 

“Then dodge out of the way! Hattie can’t avoid you without compromising her output!” 

Haxorus finally notices you, letting out a bellow as its tail warps into something steel-tipped, sharp with metallic ridges gleaming crimson in the dynamax light, before swinging the entire thing towards you. 

Of course. Bloody thing knows steelspike. 

Your back collides with the stadium walls before you realize there’s nowhere to run. Damn Opal. Couldn’t make do with just the shiinotic. Hattie matches the haxorus with her own war cry, energy streaming through her coat in a last-ditch attempt at damage. 

In the span of a split second, something orange collides with the tail, knocking it off track. 

Then the world flashes white. 

When you finally regain your vision, the haxorus is back to its regular size and barely conscious, keeling over onto the ground. Hattie twirls, unscathed save for shards of steel tangled in her hair. 

You could hardly recognize it without its boulder shell, but buried in the sand beside her was the fainted body of Gloria’s crustle, who’d taken the brunt of the steelspike. 

“What was that?” You ask Gloria, who had recalled the fallen haxorus into its gym-issued pokeball. 

She crouched next to her crustle, checking it for injuries before withdrawing it as well. “Crustle blocked its attack. Don’t worry about him; he’s tough, and I’ll reward him with extra fertiliser to his favorite tree after this.” 

“Hattie could’ve take—” You stop, because no, she wouldn’t, before amending “It’s unnecessary. Crustle could’ve utilized the chance to get its last hits in.” 

“He might’ve missed. This gave us the best chances of winning, and he wanted that. Wouldn’t have followed my order if he didn’t. Also...Hattie?” 

“Stop changing the topic. You’d let it throw itself into the path of danger for a chance?” 

“Yes.” 

She looks a little dejected, but doesn’t push like he expects her to. Nobody gives charity for free; he’s learned this through his multiple orphanage relocations, Rose’s too-large watch, Opal’s quest for an heir. His mind is quick to point fingers at pity, just like the others, but he can smell pity a mile off and Gloria’s never been the type for it, not to him. 

Why?

“Isn’t this a betrayal to Hop?” 

Her face steels over. “He doesn’t have to like anything I do. He’s not here, and this isn’t about him.” It’s a far cry from Stow-On-Side, her fury on Hop’s behalf. You’ve noticed the two seem more distant lately. The gym challenge changes people, they say. 

The outside air is cool on your face. Gloria’s vikavolt has its claws latched onto her backpack, carrying her in what you’d describe as the most dangerous method of flying and you still don’t understand, why why why why why? 

“Gloria?” 

She glances back at you, head tilted slightly to the side. Your question dies in your throat. 

“Stay safe.” 

She looks at you strangely. “T-thanks. Stay safe too.” 

You watch until her figure becomes a dark speck on the horizon before heading home, alone.

[rawbin69]

*Slowly walks up to you, cradling this*

*Gently sets it down in fromt of you*

*SPRIN TS THE FUCK AEWAY IN PANIC*

Okay anyways hi I’m back after like, months lol, sorry about that (but I’m not actually back because I’m busy trying not to die because of school-work and trying to work on some MAP parts. I literally said five days ago on my yt channel “Hi I’m back now!! :-D” and school just said “no <3″ which, um, rude. So yeah I might come on and occasionally come post something but I’m really not gonna be coming on here to be active

OKAY OKAY but I need to explain these sketches because they will be suuuper confusing without context, I am very aware, yes, so there’s an explanation (+ some extra art and a non-shaded version of the stuff above) under the cut :-)

BASICALLY, @lulzyrobot​ made this AU of Pokémon Sword and Shield and now I have brain rot because of it. Also this AU will indeed be confusing to those who have no knowledge about sword and shield so here’s a skippable paragraph about the game:

(OBVIOUSLY SPOILERS BELOW)

Basically, SwSh is just a Pokémon game (no surprise there) and its gimmick or whatever is Dynamax, which turns Pokémon like. Really fucking large. (Some of them can also Gigantamax which changes their appearance as well as size, but we don’t care about that here bc it really isn’t relevant). In all gyms (except one, Spikemouth) there are power spots, which are needed for a Pokémon to Dynamax. If they’re not close to a power spot, they can’t do it. There are also power spots in the Wild Area (which is, you guessed it, an area in the game). At one point in the game, the villain -- Chairman Rose -- starts up something called “the Darkest Day”, which happened before in the Galarian region (which is where everything takes place), in hopes of getting infinite energy for them or something like that (really makes no sense but like ok pop off ig). To do this, he basically uses these things called Wishing Stars -- which are what allows Pokémon to Dynamax -- to summon a Pokémon called Eternatus. In-game, you basically just summon two other legendaries (Zacian and Zamazenta -- they’re on the cover of the games) and fight Eternatus and then catch the fucker. That’s all context you need for this AU so let’s move on to that now:

The AU is basically that Eternatus sends out a powerful blast which fuses trainers with Pokémon, to varying degrees. The closer to a power spot you are, the more likely you are to get it bad. If you’re far enough from one you won’t be affected at all. A person can merge with multiple Pokémon, but the more of them, the harder it is to not go wild. If you merge with a wild Pokémon, you’ll become a Wild Trainer (and those basically act like, well, wild Pokémon).

If you want more info (which you do want, trust me on this), here’s a post made by the creator themself!! https://lulzyrobot.tumblr.com/post/610890677032747008/pokemon-dynamorph-au-masterpost

OKAY ANYWAY, back onto this specific sketch (wow I really went on a rampage there lol)

I decided to Dynamorph my trainersona(??????) (btw, both the Dynamorph version AND the “human” version are WIPs, I’m not completely happy with either of them) and this was the resuulltttt

- Their name is Robin (because I’m a bastard that does self-insert ships with no shame)

- They merged with their Arcanine (and I’m considering also adding a wild Lycanroc, both so I can give them Epic Claws™ and so that their whole extremely volatile nature makes any sense)

- They have some REAL trouble keeping themself in check. Like. They’re constantly on the edge between becoming a Wild Trainer and being “normal”

- Because I am, like I said, a bastard who does self-ships without any shame they are together with Piers. yes I am a simp for him. 

- Robin has their select group of friends (made up of all gym leaders minus Opal because they have no idea what the fuck is up with her, as well as Marnie, Hop and Leon. No they don’t give a shit about Bede) which they are super protective of. They have to be reminded that they can all handle themselves, because they might otherwise become a bit possessive.

- While they are a raging storm you do NOT want to get involved with in any way to anybody outside their friend group, they are really nice to be around when they really care about you. They may be pretty stubborn, but they always do what they think is best for their loved ones. On multiple occasions, they’ve gone out to collect any sorts of gifts they can find that they think their friends will enjoy. They are super gentle and kind with Hop and Marnie (which, by the way, they’d literally die for either of them) and they’re overall a good friend/partner. Their main flaw here is their temperament and somewhat possessive nature.

- If anybody did something to even moderately hurt any of their friends... hoo boy, you do NOT want to do that. They’ve nearly killed people for leaving so much as a scratch on their loved ones, and have to be physically dragged away so they won’t really kill somebody. 

- However. Despite really, truly believing they'd never, under ANY circumstances, hurt ANY of their friends... they’re wrong about that. The only ones they could truly never purposely cause harm to would be Piers, Marnie and Hop. Yes, it would take A LOT for them to hurt any of the others (like, they’d only hurt the others if they tried to, idk, kill them or something. Or if they tried or actually did kill somebody else in their close circle) but it could hypothetically happen.

- If they ever were to see Rose, he’d probably be torn to shreds on sight. Literally nothing would be able to stop them. 

- While it’s near impossible for anybody they don’t care about to calm them down, it’s pretty easy for especially Hop, Marnie, Piers, Raihan, Leon and Milo (and the others, but less so for them lol). 

- They were right by a power spot, like they were about to step into a den, when the blast happened so they were. Really fucking affected by it. They stayed in the Wild Area for a while after that, searching for their Arcanine who had “mysteriously vanished”, before they transformed. They were basically a Wild Trainer for at least a month before Piers found them and managed to get them to remember who they actually were over the course of two days. It was,, really concerning when they’d at first been texting him pretty much non-stop to update him on what was going on with them just to then go radio silent for a few days, especially since people had begun transforming at that point. Haha angst go brrr

- You must ignore how their clothes still kind of fit despite them growing to be both more ~muscular~ and tall and how it’s not dirty for the sake of my convenience ok

Ok I think that’s all? woah that was a long post lmao

Anyways, here’s the promised extra art (first one is the same sketch without any shading and that stuff (buT I MISSED ONE, I DIDN’T REMOVE THE SHADING FROM ONE I AM SORRY LOL), second is Robin as just a regular trainer)

Oh also some context for some of the sketches:

Bottom one where they’re screaming “yOU mOthErFuCKeR” is what their reaction would be to one of their loved ones being killed

The one with Milo is Robin just. Being near him. After probably having some sort of panic or anxiety attack because they’re worried about everyone. Because Milo is a really calming person to be around.

Top one in the middle is Robin just patting the red eye-lens-things Raihan got from his Flygon because they find it to be Very Entertaining to just pat them for no reason at all.

The ones where they’re hugging Marnie would take place right after they come back to Spikemouth after their month(s) as a Wild Trainer. They still weren’t used to being around people (and much less BEHAVING like a PERSON) so they were pretty awkward about Marnie hugging them.

The one where they’re surrounded by darkness to the right and kneeling forward is them in the middle of their “transformation” after the blast happened.

Fiery ones at the top right are just Robin being pissed as fuck lol

(Still haven’t decided if this will be the “official” team of Pokemon I have, but it’s cool for now. Also yes, I added an extra Pokemon to my “team” who isn't actually a battle-Pokémon or whatever. I NEED APPLETUNS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT OKAY)

[absolutelypink]

Pokémon Sword and Shield Luca AU

Here’s a little breakdown of the prompt I’m working with:

Known sea-monsters: Allister, Avery, Bea, Gloria, Hop, Kabu, Klara, Leon, Leon/Hop’s mother and grandparents, Milo, Mustard and Raihan.

Known humans: Ball Guy, Bede, Chairman Rose, Gordie, Marnie, Melony, Nessa, Oleana, Opal, Peony, Piers, Professor Magnolia and Sonia.

Eternatus came to the Galar region 20,000 years ago, attached to a meteor. The collision and ensuing battle with Zacian and Zamazenta sank half the region.

Champion is what the sea-monsters refer to Leon. He has taken on the role of the chief protector after the death of his father and training under Mustard’s wing. Leon suffers from nightmares, has a fear of harpoons and hasn’t returned to the land monster town ever since he was a child (or at least until Hop sneaks away). He has a conch shell which he uses to summon his Pokémon. They’re usually wandering the area and not that far away.

Leon and his mother are extremely protective of Hop. Any mention of the surface is forbidden, especially around their mother. While Hop is helping out on the kelp farm, he is normally supervised. Sometimes, Leon would ask Raihan to babysit when he’s out on patrol. 

Raihan is second in command. If anything were to happen to Leon, he would have to step in. Even so, he’s mischievous but has good intentions. Unbeknownst to Leon, he’s been to the surface several times. He constantly brags about how he’s visited the land monster town but whether that’s true or not remains in question. Leon thinks he’s a terrible influence on Hop especially since, he’s filling his head with all these stories. Instead of a conch shell, he relies on his own empowering roar to summon his Pokémon.

Gloria lives alone in a tower on a small island a ways off from the land monster town. Her first encounter with Hop was on his kelp farm which involved wearing a diver’s suit, pretending to be a land monster and nearly giving him a heart attack. Eventually, they sneak away to the land monster town. She told him that she’s waiting for her mum to come back after they got separated during a storm. 

Sonia, Piers and Marnie are roommates. Piers would often annoy Sonia with his music in the late hours of the night. He thinks she’s a bit quirky with her sea-monster obsession otherwise, he’s cool with it.

Before meeting Hop, Gloria and Leon, Marnie was training to compete in the Pokémon tournament in hopes to one day take down the tyrant.

Gloria, Hop and Marnie together form the Underdogs.

Bede is the tyrant. 

Chairman Rose is a man of many dark secrets. He would rather bring back the Darkest Day than coexist with sea-monsters. He hosts a yearly Pokémon tournament which is just a ploy for something else entirely.

Peony knows what Leon truly is. He’s retired to a cabin with his family outside of town, makes an effort to avoid his brother at all costs and guilt is constantly eating away at him.

Sonia has spent most of her life looking for sea-monsters. She first met Leon wandering around the land monster town in his human form and the two became best childhood friends. She introduced him to Pokémon battling. Him being a sea-monster was unknown to her even on the day he mysteriously disappeared. The last thing she remembered seeing was discarded clothes and glowing golden eyes gazing at her before disappearing underneath the surface. She’s told countless people about this and has been sent to get psychological help multiple times. She was completely livid when he showed up again on her doorstep out of the blue.

Nessa is extremely supportive and will defend Sonia, even though the entire town thinks she’s the crazy sea-monster lady. Sometimes she would help Sonia with her research on her days off, go on shopping sprees and listen to her drone on for hours.

Professor Magnolia calls Sonia from time to time to check on her. 

Leon found a Charmander clinging to a piece of driftwood while on patrol. He brought it back to shore and raised it back to health. One day, Leon returns to the very same beach finding a Charizard instead. Charizard is eternally grateful to him, lets him ride on his back and comes to his aid when called.

Sordward and Shielbert do not exist.

[a-tale-of-legends]

Siblings Bond

Summary: Carol didn't except Bede to call them. Usually it's the other way around. And even then they would have to drag Bede along. Though Bede sounded....upset. And not in his usual way. Wonder what's that about?

Or

Bede and Carol get surprisingly sentimental with each other. Don't tell anyone.

Notes: I'M WRITING ABOUT BEDE AND CAROL WOOOOOOOO. Also, there is a brief topic of future death! Don't read if that makes you uncomfortable!

~~~~~~~~~

Glimwood Tangle was not Carol's favorite place in Galar. Don't get them wrong, the place is very pretty. Great for a wallpaper. But actually being in it? No thanks. Fortunately, Flying Taxi makes it easy to just fly over the bloody forest. But Bede, because he's Bede, says that they have to go in there. Why? They don't know, but it's obvious Bede isn't taking no for an answer. So here they are. In the bloody Tangle.

" You better have a good reason for this," Carol mutters, eyeing the forestry around them, " This place is giving me the creeps,". Bede, who has taken a seat on the abnormally large glowing mushrooms, smirks at them.

" What's wrong? Can't handle the fae? I thought you loved mysterious" He taunts, which causes Carol's eye brow to twitch.

" I'm surprised you even know that, Bede-a-lee. Does that mean you care?" Carol taunts back, pronouncing every word in they're little nickname for the Wooloo head. Speaking of which, their taunt works, and Bede's smirk flattens into a scowl.

"Don't call me that, Fitzroy,"he warns. Even popped out the last name. Eh. Better than calling them Rose.

Carol smiles to themselves, satisfied in annoying the other.

"Sure, sure," they put their hands behind they're head, " So what you wanted to talk about? You sounded upset on the phone?"

Bede makes a face that Carol never seen on him before. Something more.... solemn. He avert his eyes away from them, his expression and body seeming more reserved that before.

It's silent between them for a moment, the only sounds they hear were the sounds of the ghost and fairy Pokemon around them. Carol is surprised that they haven't attacked yet.

After another moment of silence, Bede sighs, " I've been thinking about....Ms.Opal," Oh. That was not what they were expecting. The one time they talked like this, it was about Rose. Though, knowing Bede( and knowing themselves) it will always lead back to the former chairman one way or another.

"Oh?" Carol starts carefully, " What about her?" Whatever is going on in Bede's head right now is making him grimace. He's still not looking at Carol.

" I- I'm just...." He paused for a minute, seeming to struggle to find the proper words, " I...I know Ms.Opal is very stubborn. She's lived a long 88 years, and I bet if she wants to, she could live 88 more...."

" But?" The word comes out before Carol could even register what they've said, and coming out so impatiently. They mentally kick themselves for their rude comment. They kick themselves even harder upon the dejected look on Bede's face. Curse them and their bloody mouth.

" Well, you really can't wait to get out of here? Or maybe you just don't want to see me? Either way, it's fine," Bede hops off the tree root he was sitting on, " Just forget I said anything," and he starts to march off. Well starts to.

" Wait, Bede-" Carol grabs Bede's wrist, but he violently wanks it away.

" No, no it's fine! Truly, it's fine. It's my fault really," Bede rubs his wrist, looking down at his feet " Why would you care for someone who took everything from you? Let alone cause problems for your friends. For the world,". Bede sighs, once again turning away from Carol.

"Please, just forget I said anything. It's fine. You can go," his voice is soft and quiet. Strained. He sounds as if he's about to cry. Carol's heart breaks for the boy. He needs to fix this.

" I'm sorry I said that, Bede. It just came out. But if it just came out then....it probably means I was thinking it, and I'm so so sorry,". When Bede doesn't respond, Carol continues;

" But I'm not going anywhere. Your my sibling, and right now your in emotional distress. Like hell I'm leaving you here like that!" Carol boldly proclaims, before quickly adding " U-unless you want to be alone right now,". The later sentence causes Bede to spill his tears.

" Miss Opal is going to die someday! She can't live forever, and I don't know what to do about it! I'm so scared- I don't want to be alone again!" Bede cries, and is immediately covered in a hug by Carol. He doesn't object. In fact he hugs back.

" I don't want be alone Carol," Bede whispers as he buries his head into their shoulders. Carol in return, rubs their hand on their siblings back, hearing the sob into their shoulders. They pondered on what to say. As good as they are at playing to others emotions, and recognizing said emotions when they happen, comforting was never their strong suit. There was always a joke or comment, often to make the other party less tense. It worked well with Hop and Naomi, any tense moment would end in laughter or playful banter- but this is Bede. Bede isn't Naomi or Hop. So Carol thinks. And once they collect their thoughts, they finally speak:

" Your not going to be alone Bede," they whisper, " You have Uncle Peony and Nia, who's always a call away if you need them. A-and the gym staff! They're all close to Ms. Opal, right? And I'm sure they care plenty for you too," Carol looks up at the trees above. Mushrooms big and small, colors of green, pink, yellow and blue surround the two of them in a comfy glow.

" You have Naomi, too. You know how she is. If she could, she would stop bye almost everyday just to see if your okay. You have Hop too," the mention on the younger boy causes Bede to let out a little 'tsk', though there's no rebuttal or snide comment. Progress.

" Hop would be there for you, even if he's seems grumpy about it. He has a big heart, and he respects you....though you didn't hear that from me," Carol would only imagine a flustered Hop, scolding then for exposing his secrets to the " Wooloo head". Not that he didn't do a good job keeping it secret.

" And Marnie's chill! And great support if you need her," To remedy the image of a scolding Hop, Carol know imagines Marnie giving them a simple thumbs up.....while eating their chips. They're still not over that.

Bede by now has stopped his crying, only a few sniffles here and there. But he still hasn't responded. Did they do something wrong? Fuck, they knew they weren't good at this-

" And you?" Bede says, moving away from the hug to look him right in the eye. Carol tilts their head to the side.

" Me? What do you mean? Bede, we're siblings, why would I leave you?" Bede eyes widen a bit, and an embarrassed blush spreads around his face.

" W-well- yeah! I knew that!" From his reaction, he most definitely didn't know that.

" Bede! Come on! I'm Rose's bio kid, you were adopted by Rose, both of us got screwed over by him, we're sibling!"

" That makes no sense- whatever!" Bede crosses his arms, his face still red, " Just don't go around saying it, okay?"

" I'm just surprised you accepted it to easily," Carol teases, " Aw,does that mean you care about me? Bede I didn't know you had the heart," Bede's face is now redder than a tamato berry.

" You- this conversation is over!" Bede says, quickly turning away from Carol, his sibling, and walking in the direction out of Glimwood Tangle. Carol can't stop giggling.

" Oh! You didn't protest when I mentioned the others! Does that mean you care about them too?! Aw, Bede!"

" This conversation is over!" Bede yells, now running away from Carol. They could see steam coming out of Bede's ear. Oh they are never letting this go.

" W-wait! Bede! Bede, wait for me!" Carol runs after their sibling, laughing all the way. As the two run through Glimwood Tangle, somehow not getting lost, Carol can't help but take in the Tangle. The lights, the forestry, the pokemon peeking out to see all the commotion; it's actually pretty nice. Still not their favorite place in Galar, but-

Glimwood Tangle isn't so bad, huh?

[lawrenceop]

HOMILY for Sunday after the Ascension (Dominican rite)

1 Pt 4:7-11; John 15:26, 27; 16:1-4

“Be watchful in prayer” says St Peter in today’s epistle, for this is the time for prayer, these nine days between the Ascension of our Lord and the Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. For Our Lord, before he returned to his Father in heaven, had told his disciples to pray for the Holy Spirit to empower them to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. And so St Luke tells us in the Acts of the Apostles that the apostles returned to the upper room in Jerusalem, and there “with one accord [they] devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus” and with his relatives. (Acts 1:14) So all the followers of Christ, the whole Church, were gathered together in prayer – for a Novena, to be precise, that had been instituted by the Lord – and they were altogether in that room where Christ had instituted the Holy Eucharist.

We’re meant to understand from this, I think, that the Church prays principally through her Sacred Liturgy, gathered for the Holy Mass, and it is upon this liturgical assembly that the Holy Spirit will descend in great power. The Liturgy, therefore, is the “source and summit” of our Christian life, and we, who are gathered here at the Altar, are at the heart of the praying Church, together with Our Lady, the apostles, the holy women, and the family of Christ. Indeed, through grace, we have become his kin, his brothers and sisters, and indeed, through Holy Communion, we become sharers in his own body and blood. And so, it is from this upper room, this holy place where we celebrate the Eucharist and pray together, that we shall be sent forth in the power of the Holy Spirit to become witnesses of the Resurrection. As Jesus says: “You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8b) Indeed, we are to be his witnesses in London, and in all the surrounding boroughs even to the ends of the earth.

To be a worthy and credible witness, then, we must first have seen and known the Risen Lord. Hence we’re told by St Peter to be watchful, to be vigilant, in prayer. One who is vigilant has his eyes peeled, watching at all times, on the lookout. Many of us probably close our eyes when we pray – mainly to shut out distractions and to focus our minds! Thus we realise that the watchfulness enjoined upon us is interior, spiritual, and is not an external matter.

In prayer, therefore, we’re to focus the eyes of our heart and of our minds on heavenly things, on the saving works of Christ, on the wonderful things the Lord has done for us. The Liturgy, therefore, is the principal locus of prayer because it is here above all that the saving mysteries of Christ are present and his work of salvation is being renewed at the Altar. As the great English Dominican, Fr Bede Jarrett OP said: “Calvary meant for us the undoing of all our woe and the upbuilding of our lives for the service of God; in consequence, the Mass being but a prolongation of that ‘far-off event’, it, too, becomes the living reality of that which is most real in all the world… It is the eternal testimony of God’s love for man; the eternal stimulus to man’s love of God.”

Here in the Mass, therefore, if we attend to it with prayerful hearts and minds, we shall receive the power of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God’s love which inflames our hearts with charity, just as the Holy Spirit descended in the form of fire upon Our Lady and the Apostles in the Upper Room, given to them as the fruit of their prayer and of Christ’s promise. The Lord promises us too the gift of the Holy Spirit which is why he calls us annually to observe this sacred novena of prayer to the Holy Spirit. For the Holy Spirit, as we hear in today’s Gospel, will bear witness to the Lord Jesus. So, it is from the Spirit, the faithful and true witness, that we shall learn to become authentic witnesses of the Risen Lord. The Holy Spirit, therefore, will enable us to be watchful in prayer, to watch what the Lord does and say, and so to follow his teaching and his example.

As we are still in Our Lady’s month, and as we are gathered here in Our Lady’s House, I cannot fail to point out that the Holy Rosary trains us to be watchful in prayer, because as we pray the Rosary we must meditate on the mysteries of Christ’s life, contemplating with Our Lady all that her Son has done for our salvation. To meditate on the Rosary is to ponder in our hearts the great love of God for us, just as Mary pondered and treasured these things in her immaculate heart. (Lk 2:19) So last Thursday we recalled that Our Lady herself came to us at Fatima, and there she told the three children to “pray the Rosary every day”, specifically five decades of the Rosary. For it is through the Rosary that Our Lady, the Spouse of the Holy Spirit, trains us to be watchful in prayer, to be focussed on her Son, and so to be taught by the Holy Spirit to become an authentic witness of the Risen and Ascended and Glorified Christ.

To be an authentic witness of Christ, as St Peter reminds us, means to remain “unfailing in your love for one another” (1 Pt 4:8). As such, we need to be vigilant, watchful, always on the look out for opportunities to exercise charity, to extend hospitality, to serve the other, as St Peter says. In this regard, it seems to me, we have much to learn and far to go. Often, our tendency is to be watchful for the failings of others, and we are much too vigilant of the sins of others. However, none of us have been called to this. Rather, as witnesses of Christ, we’ve been called to be “unfailing” in love, “good stewards of God's varied grace”, says St Peter, so that “in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ”. (1 Pt 4:10-11)

Therefore, we are gathered here in the Sacred Liturgy for prayer, in order that we might see again the unending mercy and love of God for us, the “eternal testimony of God’s love for man”, as Fr Bede Jarrett said. “Be watchful in prayer”. Therefore, be sure that your hearts are focussed on God, on the Cross, and ponder anew your unworthiness and God’s great mercy and undying love. So Fr Bede Jarrett considers how it might have been for Our Lady and the apostles to have celebrated Mass in the Upper Room in Jerusalem. “She saw, as on Calvary, her Son’s death”, says Fr Bede, and as for the apostles, “how fervent must have been at Mass their reparation for that sad night when they left him, or denied him, or stood far off from him!” All the more, when we gather around the Altar for prayer, here in this upper room of the Eucharist, we should likewise make reparation for our sins; offer up our sufferings and daily humiliations and mortifications; and call down the fire of the Holy Spirit to receive the oblation that we offer on the Altar of our hearts. And so, if we are truly vigilant in prayer, the Lord will “take out of your flesh the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh”, as he promised by the word of the prophet Ezekiel.

The authentic witness of Christ, the true disciple of the Lord, will thus have a heart of flesh. This is a heart that bleeds for the world when it encounters injustice, and inhospitality, and division; this is the heart that cares for refugees, and the unmarried mother, and the victims of the world’s sinful callousness; this is the heart that loves as Christ has loved all of us sinners. For the one who loves will be watchful for those who are in need of God’s mercy, forgiveness, and love; the one who loves will lay down his life for his friends. St John Houghton, the first martyr of the English so-called Reformation thus said: “Good Jesus, what will you do with my heart?” Or as another notable English Dominican, Fr Herbert McCabe OP once said: “If you don’t love, you’re dead. And if you truly love, you will be led to the Cross”.

Here in the Mass, here in the upper room of the Church’s Sacred Liturgy, we stand at the foot of the Cross. Here is Calvary, here, “the eternal stimulus to man’s love of God”. So, here we learn to truly love, overcoming our sinful selves, so that we can at last truly be authentic witnesses to the God who died for sinners, and who rose from the dead and ascended above the stars. All this Christ did for us, even though none of us are worthy, so that his grace, his Holy Spirit might bring us to live fully by inflaming our hearts with love. For God is glorified when we are alive with charity, burning with love as the Saints and Martyrs are. Thus St Irenaeus said, “the glory of God is a human being fully alive!”

[lokibeloki]

A letter to the heart

Bede x reader (soulmate AU)

~💌~

Warnings: none

The peeps in this story: Bede, The bootiful (y/n) and Marnie :D

Summary: In a world full of soulmates a simple letter connects two idiotic teens.

A.N. This is my first posted fanfic EVER. please send me tips and stuff :D

~💌~

A letter that’s all it took to find the one you were made for. Bede didn’t know what to feel about it, should he be confused? Should he love it or hate it? He didn’t know what to feel especially after he found a pink envelope with his name on it. Once again confused but surprisingly exited he was also scared. Scared of the future. Scared of committing to something, no... someone. Bede never truly loved or felt loved by someone except for Opal so the concept of soulmates made him scared and confused to no end. He reminded himself how happy other people looked with their soulmate. How free and let go they looked. Bede wanted to feel like that, so finally (after allot of thinking and consideration) with a new sense of determination he carefully opened the letter as if it was made of glass

 ~(y/n)’s POV~

A letter. WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE A LETTER?! That’s all (y/n) thought while throwing away her 34th attempt at writing a simple letter to her soon to be prince charming. (y/n) loved the idea of soulmates ever since she was little. Dreaming of the day they would meet yet she couldn’t find the words to say to hers. Should she stay casual or go romantic? mysterious or friendly? “What do you even say to someone you don’t know?!” “Maybe a hi?” Marnie said puzzled. “oh, hi Marnie.” You replied with a smile. “Have you already finished your letter?” Shaking your head no was all it took for Marnie to understand what was going on after all she was your bestfriend and had been for awhile. Sighing sadly you asked for her help. “ You should introduce yourself and maybe...ask to battle?” “Isn’t that a little to straightforward?” “ I don’t see why not? Why not get to know them thru battle. It tells you allot about a person you know.” Agreeing to her statement you start to write every last word coming straight from the heart. You write and write (Marnie occasionally helping) till you’re satisfied with every last sentence. Sealing the letter in a pretty pink envelope you admire your work. “ It’s done.” “ It’s done she says.” Marnie says teasingly. Making a face at her you dash out the room to send the thing that will find it’s way to the heart of your soulmate. 

 ~fin~

(not proofread)

Please tell me if I made grammar mistakes. grammar isn’t my best quality >:( ❤

Adios my amigos' 

~love rat

[sexysilverstrider]

Endless Love

 I love her.  Crimson eyes were fixed at the light that lit up his once darkened heart. Fingers perfectly intertwined together like perfect puzzle pieces. Sometimes his thumb would brush the smooth surface of her skin. Sometimes her hand would give his own a gentle, reassuring squeeze.  He loved her smile.  “Skitty, look!” Hazel eyes beamed at the beautiful lights of Wyndon’s famous Ferris wheel. A smile so wide that it could rival the sun, Kotone started tugging her husband towards the amusement ride. It was a Saturday night, and people and Pokémon were buzzing in various lively manners. Luckily for the couple, they were able to reach the Ferris wheel without any delay or trouble.  He loved her enthusiasm.  Bouncing up and down with arms now wrapped around his right arm, Kotone looked at him. “Oooh, this is gonna be so fun! It’s been a while since we’ve been so high up!”  A snort couldn’t be stopped even if he tried. “You do know you have your Charizard to fly you up and that Mewtwo of yours to float you whenever you want, right?”  He loved the colour of her eyes when they rolled in his gaze.

 “That’s different.” Left hand casually slipped down until it was back to curling around his own. “Besides, I don’t think the authorities would appreciate seeing a wild unauthorized legendary casually hovering two humans out in public.” Arceus, she still remembered the immense pain she had to go through just to make sure her Mewtwo was able to go through customs.  Never again did she want to see another document for the next 10 years.  Thankfully, her darling legendary was tucked inside his Pokéball. As much as it irritated the Genetic Pokémon that he couldn’t walk freely around the city like any other Pokémon, both Mewtwo and Kotone were just glad that he could join her in their vacation.  Smiles appeared so easily when it came to her.  “It’d be funny to see Mewtwo fight some cops, though.” Laughter peeped through his smile to feel her playful slap on the shoulder. A silent apology was given in a form of another hand-squeeze. The two talked and joked while they waited in line for the Ferris wheel. The cold winds of Galar wasn’t unbearable, but that never stopped Silver from wrapping one arm around his petite wife.  He absolutely needed no reason whatsoever to plant a kisses on the top her head too.  He loved how happy she made him. ---  The lights of Wyndon truly didn’t disappoint. Once safely entered inside the cargo, Kotone and Silver wasted no time to cuddle as they sat side by side. She would go on and talk about any random thing that catches her eye. He would respond and reply back with anything that either made her laugh or smile.  It’s the best feeling ever.  “It’s really nice, isn’t it…?” Her voice was a gentle lull inside the comfortable cargo. Left hand never letting go of his right, Kotone pressed her free hand against the thick glass. Lights of pink, blue, red, and purple livened the majestic city. There were some big balloons seen tied and hovered under the starry sky. From afar, she could see Wyndon stadium. It was then that her mind clicked about the famous Champion Cup that happens every year.  It was a shame that the sport’s event was only applicable to Galarian trainers and that it only happened from February to May. And she wasn’t Galarian. And it was already June when she finally arrived in Galar.  “You do know that even if you entered, you’ll just end up sweeping the whole challenge, right?”  Surprise brought her back to realize at his statement. Lower lip jutted slightly—just the slightest—as she looked at him. A cheeky smirk curled those luscious lips. Blush peppered each cheek knowing that he read her mind so well without her uttering a single word.  “Well…” A little pout formed her pretty pink lips. “You don’t know that. I heard their Champion is insanely unstoppable. I mean, I’ve battled some super strong trainers before.” Her mind brought her the images of the silent trainer she encountered at Mt Silver as well as the Hero of Truth that resides in Unova. “It would be fun to see what sort of Champion Galar has to offer, no?”  Kotone had a point. As much as they came her for a little getaway, even Silver couldn’t deny the curiosity he had about the Galarian Champion.  The Glorious Champion. The Hero of Galar. The Royal Hero Who Vanquished the Second Darkest Day.  At least…that’s what Silver had heard about her.  Arceus knows what kind of bullshit the Galarian Champion had went through to obtain such titles. Silver eyes gazed at the brilliant gleam of darling hazels.  If it’s anything like what both Kotone and Silver had went through when they were teenagers…  An unnerving shiver crept up his spine.  “Silver, you okay?”  A smile trembled the corners of his lips. “Yeah…just…” He released a small sigh. “Thinking about the things we went through.”  She understood him.  A small smile mirrored his own. “We’re here now.” She gave his hand a squeeze. “We’re alive. We’re together.” Scooting closer to him—as if they weren’t close enough already—Kotone brought his hand up and kissed the back of it. “I love you.”  Arceus, he loved her so much.  “I love you too…” He kissed her forehead, then slowly traced down to the cute tip of her nose. “So much…” Gaze filled with warmth that could melt her heart into puddle, Silver gently tipped her chin. “So very…” Chu… “Very much…” Kisses feathered her plump lips at every unrestrained emotion.  Her smile became honest. Became shaky. “Geez…” Face now reflected the dazzling colour of his hair. Kotone cupped her face with both hands.  How easily he laughed now because of her.  “Are you really embarrassed right now to look at your handsome husband?” Smile back to that cocky grin of his, Silver lowered his head to meet her gaze.  She didn’t lower her hands. But he did hear a cute, “Humph…”  Fuck, he was so in love with her.  Very thankful that they were so high up right now, Silver gave no hesitance in wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her up.  That definitely made her hands go down.  “Waah—Silver!” Plop! Her butt rested comfortably on his lap. Shock and embarrassment giving a nice splash of colour on her cheeks and ears, Kotone tried her best to look angry as she looked at him.  Tried.  Chup!  Shock once again took reign as she felt the lips she adored so much pressing so perfectly against hers.  His arms were locked neatly around her waist. “I love you…” That sincere smile back in its place, Silver continued his kissing adventure by moving to her left cheek, her neck, her shoulder, then back to her pouting lips.  Ah, he was insufferable.  Forever giving in to his bold advances, Kotone returned his kisses with a long, sweet, sighing kiss to his smiling mouth.  “I love you too, you naughty Skitty.” Hands cupping his warm cheeks, Kotone kissed the tip of his nose.  She always loved his laugh. ---  It shouldn’t be a wonder to see so many couples tonight.  And yet, Gloria didn’t know why a certain couple caught her attention at the moment.  They were a couple of adults. Around their late 20s or early 30s, Gloria assumed. The woman looked absolutely adorable in her low pigtails and white beret. The man beside her was a sight for sore eyes indeed. Never had she seen hair so devilishly red, and she once dyed her hair red herself. It was seen tied to a low ponytail, and his clear-cut face was an absolute picture if he were able to pull off such a simple look.  Clearly the two weren’t from Galar. It wasn’t unusual for Galar to accept tourists at this time of year. But it was definitely something for Gloria to see such a couple that sparked such…an intimidatingly lovely radiance.  That, and the fact that the woman’s arm was all too happily hugging the man’s left arm.  That’s sweet… So sweet, she added. Oh to be in love no matter how old you are—  “What are you staring at?”  Thoughts crashed against a wall to hear his voice. Quickly she looked to her side, only to have her head tilted upwards slightly to see the tall man.  Confusion and irritation masked such a beautiful face.  “You’re spacing out.” One finger gently poked her forehead. “If I didn’t call out for you, I bet I could see your soul casually slip out and wander off.”  Arceus, she was so cute when she puffed her cheeks.  “I wasn’t spacing out.” Never one to say much, Gloria pushed a few strands of her hand behind her ear. Crimson eyes stared at the area around them, silently trying to spot the mysterious couple.  But alas, they were gone in a sea of lively crowds.  Unbeknownst to her, Bede never liked to be ignored. “Seriously, what caught your attention?” He leaned to where she was staring. Curiosity now sated his mind, the Gym Leader looked around but found nothing.  She opened her mouth, the pure intention of wanting to explain what she saw remained in her mind.  But all that was thrown out the window when he turned his head to face her as well—which in the end resulted with their noses brushing each other.  “Ah—” was all she peeped.  “I—!” was all he sputtered.  Quickly both straightened and took a single step back. Pink puffed their cheeks at the simple physical contact. Luckily Gloria had her glasses to use as an excuse to hide her shame. Bede was just as lucky to have brought his red scarf tonight and already had it wrapped around his neck.  Shit, it smelled like her since she just wore it 10 minutes ago.  Ah, he was sure his face was growing pinker.  “A-Anyways…” he flustered, then took a deep breath to keep himself together. “We should—we should go. We should be quick if we want to go to that dessert café you love so much.”  Curse her face for getting warmer.  “Okay…” Cheeks cupped by cold hands, Gloria managed a nod.  Signalling the single action as approval, Bede spun his heel and began walking—  “Wait.”  The crunch of snow hit the sole of his boot at the meek sound of her voice.  Without a word, Bede turned around, a single eyebrow raised in confusion at the woman still standing in one place. “Gloria?” Concern now dripped out of pink lips, he turned to face her again. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you hung…ry…?”  The last question slurred to a gape when his gaze dropped to her outstretched hand.  “Hand…”  Violet eyes widened at her waiting palm, then at her.  She was as red as her irises.  “I want…” A deep breath was pushed out of suddenly heavy lungs. “I want…” The shine of her glasses hid such a sheepish expression. “Can we—h-hands…” Ah fuck her for failing a simple sentence right now—  Shoulders actually flinched to feel her right hand being held.  Immediately she looked up, glasses almost thrown off her face to see the tall Gym Leader.  Oh how glad she was to know he was just as embarrassed as her.  Violet eyes never met the pair of dazzling crimsons. “Come on…” Voice actually quieter than hers, Bede gently pulled her close. Fingers curled lovingly around hers. The grip felt shaky, then firm. Without another word, Bede patiently signalled her to walk.  Side by side. With their hands intertwined together.  Baffled was an emotion the Champion rarely felt in battles, but an emotion she definitely felt around him.  She then remembered the happy couple.  Gloria didn’t know why, but a smile shakily curled upwards, so bright and so ecstatic at the thought that maybe, just maybe, one day she and Bede would be just as happy as them.  It was Bede’s turn to flinch when he felt his left arm being hugged.  Luckily they kept moving, but he never tore his gaze away from her for a while. She still held his hand, but was now wrapping his arm with her other hand. Though her height prevented him from seeing her face clearly, Bede could see the hints of red on the tips of her ears.  She was excruciatingly adorable.  Blowing out a sigh—a sigh so shaky he feared it couldn’t hide the indescribable happiness he felt right now—Bede gave her hand a playful squeeze.  I love her. END

[vulpiximisa]

a bedehop thingy for white day. its unrefined and straight up copy/pasted from my docs but enjoy? (theres a few references to my HCs like this one)

It’s Valentines Day and Bede gets a lot of chocolate and even a huge ass cake and he doesn’t know what to do with it all. He wants to share it with Opal and the gym trainers but they’re all aunties and grannies that they can’t have a lot of sweets and they did give him some of it so he can’t exactly give it back. 

The gym trainers aunties tell him to share with his friends. Bede says he doesn’t have friends but they mention Hop, who had been seen coming to visit him often and they seem to get along very well, if the earrings that Bede always wears isn’t enough evidence. 

Bede is standing on route 1 with a box of cake and a couple of paper bags filled with cookies and chocolate. He should have contacted Hop in advance. What if he wasn’t home, or was at work with Magnolia’ granddaughter? Worst case would be if he was with company and then he’d have to embarrass himself in front of Hop AND his company. 

He takes his chances and walks towards Postwick. It’s so rural, with the Wooloo rolling about and Buttefree and Rookidee flocking. There’s two houses and he isn’t sure which one it is but he sees two familiar figures chatting in front of the gate of one of them. He flinches when they spot him.

He greets them courteously. The ex champion and Hop’s brother returns the greeting with a curious look. The other, the current champion’s brother and Hop’s friend, is looking at him suspiciously. He sucks up some courage and asks if Hop is available. They give each other a look before answering him. 

Hop’s friend, Victor, asks why he was here and what he needed from Hop. Bede shuffles with the bags around his arms, the cake was getting kind of heavy. He gestures to all the sweets and tells them his intentions. Of course adding on that they are also free to indulge as well. 

They give each other a look again and Bede wonders if they are somehow communicating telepathically. Leon scratches the back of his head, confessing he had even forgotten that today was a special day. (Victor points out that Leon would normally also get a ton of gifts today but Leon said he hadn’t checked his PO box yet.) He invites Bede into his family’s house, Victor following in after him. 

Bede settles the sweets onto the coffee table in the living room that he is led to. Apparently the other adults of the house had gone on a vacation for the week, so it’s just them. Victor makes himself comfortable on the couch, Bede takes a seat on the one opposite him. He could hear Leon calling Hop down and the sound of footsteps padding down the stairs. 

Hop’s voice carries from the foyer asking what his brother needed him for. (“I thought you and Vic were heading out?”) Leon from the kitchen tells him to go to the living room. 

Bede self consciously fixes his appearance as Hop turns the corner into the room. He could hear Victor let out a snort. He sits up straighter when their eyes meet and Hop exclaims his name in surprise. Bede gets a small satisfaction when he sees that Hop also tries to fix himself to look presentable. 

Hop asks what he’s doing here and Bede gestures to the box and bags sitting in front of him. (“Don’t get the wrong idea. I got these all from my fans and I definitely can not finish these all by myself.”) Hop scratches his head and mentions that he had forgotten today’s date as well. Victor rolls his eyes but with a smile. Bede also snorted softly (but fondly). Hop asks why they reacted like that but Leon asks him to move so he could put the tea down. 

Bede helps make room on the table for the tea. Victor sets the cups and plates. The two brothers take a seat and Bede sweats when he’s staring at the other three from the other couch. (There was plenty of room next to him?)

Hop is beaming but Victor on his right is glaring at Bede with crossed arms and Leon (at Hop’s left) is also staring at him expectantly. Bede somehow feels like meeting Hop’s parents would be a lot less nerve wracking than this. 

Bede coughs to break the silence and starts the conversation. He thanks Hop for all the snacks he brought from Kalos so hopefully these make up for it. He hadn’t gone through them yet but they’re free to help themselves. Hop vigorously empties one of the bags onto the table and starts shuffling through them for any interesting ones. 

Victor helps himself to some of the fancier packaged ones. Leon is sipping his tea, only picking from the ones that Hop had already opened or dug into. Bede wonders if they actually really wanted to eat chocolate or if they stayed for other reasons.

Hop notes that there’s letters attached to some of them and opens one with sparkling stationery. Victor reprimands him for looking at a letter that isn’t addressed to him but Hop waves it off. Bede had enough fan mail and letters that he disregards most of them. It might have been mean but most of them are the regular “please be my girlfriend!” that he just has no interest in. Hop reads the letter out loud, just a general confession, signed with love from a girl from Hammerlocke. Victor sighs and tells him that it’s really rude and Bede should have taken them to heart since the writer had taken the time to write to him. Bede shrugs, saying he has no interest in the girls that try to court him through these kinds of means. (“If they were serious, they would tell me to my face.”) 

Hop is munching away on some cookies when he finally notices the box. He asks to take a look and pulls it towards him before Bede even gives him permission. (Well, he had said everything was open territory.) Hop opens the box and the two at his side lean over this shoulder to get a look at the cake. Hop lets out a snort. It’s a chocolate cake in the shape of a heart with “I LOVE YOU!” on it written in frosting. Victor looks impressed, saying it looks homemade. Leon comments that it’s very thoughtful.   

Hop pulls the cake out but realizes there’s no knife, so he puts it down and heads to the kitchen. Bede was in the middle of a sip when Victor speaks up. 

“From your fans huh?”

“Pardon?”

Victor leans over on his knee trying to look intimidating. Victor insinuates that Bede had planted a few items in there intentionally meant for Hop but hiding it as a subtle confession because he’s too scared to confront him directly. Bede is about to argue at the ridiculous notion but Hop walks back in with the knife. He doesn’t notice the tension in the room and goes right ahead cutting the cake up. 

“You’d really think I would do that?” Bede starts up. 

Hop looks rightfully confused. Victor takes a bite out of the cake that Hop had handed to him before looking right at Bede.

“I wouldn’t put it past you.”

“So you’re saying I’m a coward.” Bede slants his eyes

“Perhaps.” Victor glares back.

“So you do want me to say it? And all this time I thought you wanted me to stay far away.”

“Uhhh guys?? What are we talking about?” Hop is looking back and forth between the two.

“This cake is good.” Leon chimes in.

Bede’s smile looks cat-like as he takes a glance at Hop. Victor glares at him in warning.

“Hop, I actually have something to say to you.”

Hop sits up straight at Bede addressing him. Victor is wide eyed. 

Bede opens his mouth again but realizes what exactly he is about to say and freezes. Victor takes the opportunity to chime in that they’re out of tea and asks Hop to make more water. Hop glances at Bede, hoping to get him to finish but Victor pushes him out the room with the kettle.

Bede felt a sweat trickle the back of his neck. He really was almost goaded into confessing to Hop. Out loud. He had just very recently processed the emotion to himself in the confines of his own thoughts, he wasn't ready to bring the thought to life yet. Well, it would be one thing to ask Hop out on a date, he could have said so without meaning it, just to put on airs in front of Victor to show him up. But that didn’t feel right to him, especially not how Hop had looked at him so eagerly. 

He did like Hop. How and why was a mystery even to himself. Lies. He liked when Hop smiled or got angry and shouted. He liked seeing him fired up and he could be annoying and all up in his space and wouldn’t leave him alone, but he liked that someone wanted to be with him. But he wasn’t ready to tell him that yet. 

“That was close.”

Bede jumped. Victor had gone to the kitchen with Hop but Leon was still sitting on the other side of the couch. 

“Well, for both of you, I guess. That was a dangerous game.” 

Luckily Leon didn’t look angry, but Bede couldn’t get a read on him. He had no idea what the older brother was thinking, but Bede assumed he was on Victor’s side. 

“Please don’t let that happen again. I don’t want you two to hurt Hop over a silly rivalry that he’s unaware of.”

Bede realizes he was wrong in his assumption of Leon’s stance. Leon was on Hop’s side first and foremost. And he was right, if Bede had confessed prematurely, it would have ended up hurting Hop and himself.

“I’ll have to talk to Victor later too. But for now, let’s not bring that topic up. I know it’s Valentines day and you came all this way to share us your haul, but I’d rather not have you guys regret the things you say when you don’t truly mean it.”

Bede nods and agrees. He finally picks up the piece that Hop had sliced for him and took a bite. It was good, not the best he’s had but it was homemade. He looks at the letters that had been put to the side. Perhaps he should actually take a look at them. He wasn’t going to reply to each and every one of them, but at least look through them, if the writers had some guts to say something, that took at least a little bit of courage. Bede wasn’t a coward, he would tell Hop to his face when he was ready, none of this letters and chocolate nonsense. 

Victor and Hop come back with a new pot. Bede wonders what they had talked about in the kitchen because Hop kept taking glances at him. Hop takes his seat back on the couch when Leon rises and announces he’s heading out and thanks Bede for the sweets. Hop asks where he’s going since he just boiled a new pot. Leon pulls Victor away with an arm around his shoulder and tells Hop that they were sticking with their original plans. Victor tries to protest but Leon’s hold is firm and he is dragged out of the room.

It’s quiet for a good two seconds when they realize they are alone. Hop uncharacteristically stutters and offers Bede more tea. Bede accepts with trembling hands.

Hop brings back up that Bede had wanted to tell him something before Victor had interrupted. Bede doesn’t know how to change the topic but he knows he can’t say what it is he thought about saying before yet. 

Instead he asks Hop if he’s ever had homemade chocolates gifted to him before. Hop looked disappointed when he heard the question. Bede wonders what he was expecting. Hop answers that he gets chocolate from Gloria whenever she gets the chance to make them. They’re usually friend chocolates though so they don’t really count? They count as much as getting them from his mom and Gloria’s mom? Also a few years of friend chocolates from when he was still working with Sonia.

Bede exhales from his nose, which Hop took as a taunt. “Well, sorry I’m not a super pretty boy that gets so much chocolate that he has to find people to share it with.”

In reality, it was a sigh of relief, knowing that Bede doesn’t have much competition. Well, perhaps quality over quantity, Champion Gloria and Hop are known for their deep bond. 

“So you’ve never been confessed to?” 

“No…” A pause. “Not yet at least…”

Uh oh, this was dangerous. He didn’t promise Leon anything but he knew he shouldn't be heading in this direction. 

“Mah, good luck then.”

“Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence.” Like, who says good luck to getting confessed to? That’s not in his control? 

“Though I would feel sorry for any girl who would confess to you. Clearly they need a change in taste.”

“Rude!”

They banter about other things but they know it’s all harmless and it’s easier for them this way. They nibble on a few more sweets before it’s too much. Hop claims the ones he likes best and cuts the cake into saveable portions to pack up. As they’re cleaning up, Hop asks what he’s going to do with the letters. Bede usually throws them away but he’d at least want to read through them first.

“What? Change of heart?”

“Well, Victor is right, they did take the time to write to me, I could at least skim through it before I trash them.”

Hop sidles next to him, a little too close, wanting to read with him. Bede scoffs at him being nosy but they go through the letters. As they thought, most of them were the same. One signed with a male name stuck out but that was it.   

Hop asks if Bede would ever respond to an admirer and Bede just says none of them had a chance. They all lost the moment they thought slipping a piece of paper and some cookies would woo him. They were all fans though, they didn’t really know him and probably only liked the idea of him, or their own version they have of him in their minds. Hop hums in thought and asks what someone would have to do to impress him.

“Why? Interested?” He jokes but his heart races.

Hop splutters, trying to save himself by saying that jerks aren’t very attractive. 

“Guess this jerk can take all these goods back then.”

Hop hugs the haul he picked out possessively. 

Bede ponders over Hop’s question. He couldn’t imagine being wooed, and yet, this fool sitting next to him had managed to do so somehow. It’s not like Hop did anything special, if anything his first judgement of him was far from impressive. But they learned that they weren’t too different from one another, and maybe that was enough for him to open up to someone who was the total opposite of him in personality. 

He didn’t realize he had been in his own thoughts that Hop was waving a hand over his face. He asked what Bede was lost on but Bede just brushed it off. Hop didn’t look convinced and asked if it was about what he was going to say about earlier. 

Bede said he had already asked his question but Hop is still staring him down. He decides it time to leave, lest he actually spill his guts. He excuses himself and Hop sees him at the door. Hop scratches his head and asks if he would mind if he gave him something in return for White Day. Bede whips around at the implication but glares, trying to look offended. He reminds Hop that these were from the fans and not from him personally so there isn’t really a reason for Hop to have to pay him back. (He also adds that he’s only sharing with him because Hop had given him all the Kalos snacks.) Hop lets him go and tells him he won’t give him anything for White Day then, geez. Bede huffs. (“Good”)

Hop does show up at Ballonlea gym on White Day with chocolate and flowers (a single rose). Bede is gauging Hops mood, what were his intentions? Hop gives him a cheeky grin, says he’s here because Bede told him specifically not to get him anything and Bede just sighs. 

Hop asks if he’s free though and maybe they could go out later. Bede narrows his eyes and asks why. Hop is swaying around and says it’s cuz he wants to take him out, to get dinner. Bede stares. Hop gets increasingly nervous and asks Bede again if he’ll go? Bede pulls back and asks that he not joke with him but Hop jumps up and says he’s serious. 

Bede asks if he knows what he’s saying. Hop nods and says that he wants to go on a date with Bede. Bede is super flushed but super pleased and just tells him to wait a moment cuz he’s not done for the day. Hop nods and asks when he should come back. They agree on a time and Bede doesn’t think it’s really happening because that’s not how he planned it. 

When they meet up again, Hop is not dressed up any more than usual, which Bede points out. (Bede dressed a little nicer but he usually does.) Hop scratches his head and says he didn’t actually expect Bede to accept. 

They go to dinner, it’s not awkward because they interact as they always do, though they both have in the backs of their minds that this isn’t just a regular hangout. Bede finally asks why he came today, was it just to mess with him? Hop said initially, yes it was to piss him off (with the chocolates) but he asked him out with a purpose. 

Hop confesses that he likes Bede and that he’d hope Bede would be his boyfriend. Bede is silent and Hop takes it as Bede not believing him and he’s trying to convince him that he really does like him and he starts rambling about all the things he likes about him (he’s a good trainer, he’s cool with his fans even if he’s a jerk sometimes, he’s smart and okay yeah he’s very pretty and he aggravated him but he can’t stop thinking about him and) Hop realizes he’s rambling and Bede is looking at him with a cat smile. 

Hop thinks Bede is playing with him and tells him he could be a little nicer and just reject him already instead of letting Hop inflate his ego. Bede instead calls for something. The waiter comes back with a bunch of roses and hands then to Hop. Hop is confused but Bede finally answers. 

He was going to confess today. Well, he had made plans to but Hop ruined it by coming here first. Hop is wide eyed behind the roses. Bede doesn’t say “I like you” but just “the feelings are mutual” and leaves it at that. 

When they leave the restaurant (Hop demanded he pay), Hop is trying to get Bede to tell him more but Bede just tells him that’s all he needs to know. Hop looks disappointed but offers to walk him back to his home with Opal. They do and Bede allows them to talk about other stuff and it’s almost like before they had confessed. When they’re at the door, Hop looks on expectantly. Bede asks him what he wants and Hop shuffles with the roses in his hand. Hop bails though and just tells him he enjoyed the night and he’ll text him later. He’s about to leave when Bede pulls him over and kisses him near his mouth. 

Bede quickly bids him goodnight and flees into the house. Hop is flushed, staring at the door that Bede had fled behind. He grins brightly and does a fist pump. Bede is leaning behind the door, trying to calm his racing heart. It almost feels juvenile, all this non sense. But he remembers Hops smile and it makes him think it’s not so bad. 

-----------------

i havent been able to draw because im still recovering from whatever the fuck my wrist is doing but i still want to see content for this ship so im doing whatever i can to see them flourish ;w; 

[imthepunchlord]

For all the new things, I kinda wished they showed all of this before SwSh was released, now it's a bit more pricey and I feel like it's kinda rushed. Also for the Mystery Dungeon, I'm excited for that bit I really hope that include all the starters and non starters as well in the final.

I wish they went ahead and pushed back SaS so it’d be released 2020, with this expansion back already included, and the new places we go to can be unlocked during our adventure or as postgame. I would’ve fine waiting and would’ve preferred it, especially to give them a chance to do more with the main story which is pretty weak and made little sense, and Rose was a very forced in villain. Also made no sense in the story climax. Watching playthroughs and seeing the climax of SaS I’m just... 

Its also frustrating that you get to hear about things happening and not actually witness or help. Like, its nice having adults acknowledge that you’re a kid, don’t worry about it we’ll handle it, but at the same time, that’s a chunk of story we have a right to see, and we’re kids in this game, we don’t always do what adults say we should follow and see what’s going on. That could’ve been something optional. Go to event to see what’s happening or skip it to go to the next gym. 

And this is turning into a rant so I’m going to put this below. For those that just want to read my comments on Mystery Dungeon, scroll down till you get to the Pikachu gif, I’ll talk about it below. 

Also there could’ve been improvements with the rivals. Marnie is suuuuper intriguing and I love her, Bede I also like though that’s more me missing mean rivals and man, he’s a brat and I say that with affection. But in the grand scheme of things, they felt pointless. More could’ve been done to include them. And Hop. God, Hop. I know people like him, but from what I’ve seen, he seems like the most annoying “friend rival” made to date. He does not know what personal space is. He waits for you in front of gyms. He waits for you on new routes. He has to comment on almost every move you make in your fights with him. 

I don’t even own the games but just from the playthroughs I’ve watched I’m just... go away. Leave the lead alone. Everywhere you turn, he’s there, waiting for you. It also feels like he only got endorsed because he’s Leon’s younger brother. There’s nothing about him that I like. And, I don’t know why he gets the other wolf legendary? What makes him worthy?What makes him want to be a Professor in the future? That’s out of nowhere. 

Something more could’ve been done with Hop, maybe an arc of him resenting you a little because every match you beat him, and he’s the Champion’s younger brother and you just seem to stay ahead. Maybe let us have more scene of him talking with Sonia since he’s going to be her future assistant. If he’s going to be constantly stalking us and waiting for us, then yeah, let’s at least better build up where his character will go. 

Then there’s the issue of pokemon. With it pretty much confirmed they just reused models from gen 7, yeah, there’s no reason to not include more pokemon. If not the National Dex, which wouldn’t bother me too much, then go ahead and add about half. At most, I’d love pokemon included that would make the most sense. Like, lion is a big symbol throughout all of Europe. There should be a lion in Galar, either Litleo or Shinx returning if not a new lion pokemon. And with the expansion packs, yeah, they’re already adding 200 each pack. 

And a lot of this dlc should already be in the game. If 400 pokemon are going to be added in, they should already be there. The new Giga forms should already be there and we should’ve seen the Giga Venusaur and Blastoise the same time as Charizard. 

I’m also salty that there’s no going to Kalos. Maybe it’ll be a future expansion, and that’s a dlc I wouldn’t mind, but those are two very linked countries they’re based on. And Galar truly isn’t a big region. The Wild Area isn’t as big as it could be. Like, it doesn’t have to be BotW big, but it could’ve been bigger than what we got. And if not expanding the Wild Area, we could’ve had Kalos as a new region to go to, and more gyms for us to do. 

ALSO.

I am not a fan of you refacing the gyms and having them act as your “Elite Four”. 

They’ve already been fought. Aside from the first two, you’ve already fought all the star Giga forms they have. Its a really lazy decision. At least, you can have the two first gym leaders come in since you didn’t fight their star Giga forms, and include the other two version exclusive gym leaders as the other two. Just for some freshness in this final challenge. 

I know they’re not big on voice acting, but, they should’ve put some form of VA into these games. Its a little awkward to get animated cutscenes and there’s no voices coming forth. And its at its worst when you get to Piers and you see him singing away, I presume loudly, into his mic and its just awkward cause there’s no voice and you can hear him tapping his foot to the music and its just so off putting to watch cause something is missing: a voice! And you know what’s the kicker? Pokemon has included voice acting before. 

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There is no reason to not do something similar, at least for Piers’ intro so its not so awkward to watch. 

And then post game... the official post game... I, I honestly can’t say what is even going on? Those two blonde bimbos, those designs, who agreed to pass them? For sword guy, I don’t know whether I should be laughing or uncomfortable. Its like, an in between especially when his hair flops around. Also, their reasoning, they’re causing chaos in Galar because they didn’t like a book Sonia wrote??? 

The villains in these games are just so dumb.

Like, Rose had a good motive but, he is still forced in. And he activates the climax for no reason. He was promised by Leon that he would help with Eternatus, all he had to do was wait through one match. One match that would’ve been 30 minutes at most, roughly. Yet he couldn’t wait for one match and went ahead and woke up Eternatus, does a video asking for help, and when you arrive, stops you for a battle that doesn’t make sense to have cause he asked for help why is he holding you up with a battle?? 

And Team Yell. Supposed to be like, a 2nd Team Skull and these guys could dream to live up to Team Skull. They can’t. They’re not funny or enjoyable at all. And my friend brought up a good point on the issue of having Team Yell based on punks when they’re supposed to be the “villainous” team. Punks, historically, were rebelling against an unfair system, they were progressive and revolutionary. They stood up for LBGT rights, they stood for having individual freedom, and just wanted to break the restrictions society wanted to place on people, let people express themselves and be who they want to be. 

If you want Team Yell to be a 2nd Skull and play around with punks as their theme, then they should’ve been set up to be red herrings as well. Be wary at first and then later find that they have hearts of gold, and mean well, even if they can be a tad extreme sometimes. And maybe they can help build up the danger of Rose, who in turn wants to paint them in with a bad image since they’re going against him and what’s normal in society. 

Anyway... Sword and Shield honestly should’ve been pushed back. They should’ve been saved for 2020, or even 2021, or however how much time they need. I would’ve been fine waiting. A lot of fans would be. But what we got wasn’t worth the $60 it was being sold at, and definitely not worth the $90 its being sold at with the expansion packs, and as far as I know, these are very, very small areas to explore. Cause as we’ve seen with SaS, they built it up to be big and grand and, well, the Wild Area was smaller than expected and the whole was far shorter than expected. You could beat it in 20 hours roughly. 

I even have mixed feelings on there being no enhanced version, cause these games do have potential, they just needed more time and polish, and then it could’ve worth the $60 price. But also thankful that there’s not another 2nd version and we may be getting a few expansion packs instead. 

Though I do think a lot they’re bringing in should already be in the game. 

Anyway, enough ranting about Sas, onto Mystery Dungeon!

Demo I think could’ve been a little longer, they stop you before you go on the Skarmory mission, I think it could’ve been a better placement to end after the Skarmory mission. 

Anyway, I like the changes so far. I love you can choose a different pokemon if you don’t like what you got from the test. I love that you have an updated move pool, though I feel kinda OP but you also kinda need it for these games cause I remember them being so hard and as a starter that can’t evolve till like, post game, yeah you’re going to need that help. I love that you get to wear a little scarf. Design wise, a little weird at first but it grew on me. Kinda reminds me of Okami. 

By trailer, for sure they’re adding more pokemon in. Lucario is seen in the team, when before, you only saw Lucario as a statue in Red Blue, I believe? Its been a long time. But they only had Gen 1-3 in RB, and Lucario is there so I would think they’d add in a lot more pokemon. 

For starters, I’m hopeful that beating the game, if you replay, you’ll get more options for the starters to play as and have as your partner. I’d loooove to have a chance to play as Popplio. Mega Evolution is confirmed, I wonder if regional forms would also be playable, like if we could evolve into Alolan Marowak or be one of the other two regional Meowths. Otherwise, everyone you could be in the old game is there, with no gender restriction! You can be a female Cubone! A male Eevee! A female Cyndaquil! I’m so happy about that since as a kid, I wanted to play Cyndaquil but never got it in the test and had to look it up and was bummed that it was male only and I wanted to be a girl. 

My biggest hope though is that with this, we’ll have a chance to play two player, since you have a team of two usually, and your friend or sibling or SO can play your partner. 

I am pleasantly surprised with it so far, though I will be holding off when its released in a few months, just going to listen to all reviews once they beat the game and if its very positive, cause SaS had a strong start and then went down hill with Gamefreak rushing it and cutting corners. I’m hopeful for this remake but cautious still. 

[pinkrival]

@100eightynine said: ◓( get a pokemon )

                ❝ if you truly wish to become a researcher, you’re going to need to learn about pokemon eggs sooner or later. so take this, and you’re welcome. ❞ was the explanation bede gave, when he showed up holding the egg in question. it was small, largely milky white in color, but with a series of odd blue and red patterns across the shell.      ( geometric in shape yet chaotic in placement. ) ❝ i’ve heard there’s a professor in the johto region who is apparently quite knowledgeable about them. a bit strange to think they were such a mystery until fairly recently, isn’t it? ❞ at least in the grand scheme of things.

               carefully — very carefully, he held out the egg for hop to take. ❝ don’t you dare drop that. ❞ in truth, bede doubted he would.      ( he wouldn’t have trusted him with an egg to begin with if he believed hop wasn’t capable of caring for one. ) ❝ who knows? perhaps you’ll actually be able to glean something useful. ❞

[clever-beets-moved]

@skullgruntdana liked for a starter!

Bede is the new fairy-type gym leader, and there’s no mistaking that he adores the little fae. Such great power and intelligence usually hidden behind cute and innocent exteriors, the air of grace and mystery they carried themselves with, their penchant for trickery... truly it was impossible for him to find something to complain about.

But all that being said, just because they were his specialty doesn’t mean he has to restrict himself to the type. It’s by this logic that Bede makes his way into the wild area, Thyme in tow. The Reuniclus may not be in his lineup for gym battles, but that wasn’t to say Bede’d be neglecting him the training and playtime he so deserves.

It’s after a good hour or so of said training that Bede sets up camp in the shade of the Dappled Grove to start cooking, Thyme lazing in the grass nearby in a position Bede might behind closed doors, of course affectionately refer to as ‘a squishy little pile’. Soon enough, the orchard begins to carry the scent of curry on the wind...