ℂ𝕌ℕℕ𝕀ℕ𝔾

                       ❝  You’re new here.  ❞

It wasn’t a question so much as it was a statement of fact. Ballonlea was a small place compared to many of Galar’s other towns, and Opal made a point to acquaint herself with everyone who chose to live there. It wasn’t often that they got tourists, either. The horror stories and urban legends surrounding the Glimwood Tangle tended to chase away all but the very brave and the very reckless.

                     ❝  If you’re looking to participate in the Gym Challenge, you’re a few months too early.  ❞ Finally, Opal allowed her expression to relax and soften into a smile.

He was about to agree with her, when the attention turned to himself. His eyes widened in shock, and it took him a moment to respond.

“As I do?” Piers asked, trying to hide the disbelief in his voice, although failing miserably. He had always been bad at accepting compliments, feeling undeserving, but this one took him by surprise.

“I mean, I’ve kinda run my course, don’tcha think?”

That got a genuine laugh out of her. Impressive, considering how tightly she loved to keep her emotions under wraps.

                     ❝  Dear, if we could run our course that quickly, I would have found a successor years ago. If I can keep my theatre alive for seven decades, you've got the potential to keep your goals going for many more years yet.  ❞

                     ❝  No, the question isn't whether you can achieve what you set your mind to. What you need to figure out is how you want to be spending the rest of your life. There’s no doubt that you’re a wealth of talent when it comes to battling, but is that what you want to be centering yourself around?  ❞

PROS:

She’s ancient. Do you really expect her to win a fight.

Very light, one strong gust of wind would probably blow her away.

She was raised like a lady, and ladies were taught never to start fights (but they can finish them!)

CONS:

She will sic Bede and her Gym trainers on you.

She will sic the whole of Ballonlea on you.

She will sic everyone in the League on you.

Alcremie will be out for blood and will commit a murder. How do you think their bodies get that red tint in the first place??

The Glimwood Tangle will tear you apart should you ever dare to step foot in it. Have fun being part of fairy bloodsports.

You have to live with the knowledge you hurt an old woman. How could you even sleep at night?

SHOULD YOU?: You could, but you shouldn’t.

The opening ceremony was always a drag. Opal knew they meant well, but to gather all of the gym leaders in one place just seemed like a total waste of time when their introductions only lasted about half an hour put together.

The majority of the night was Leon and Raihan’s show, the both of them working to keep the rivalry alive for another season while everyone else sat backstage and waited to be dismissed.

Still, at least it provided an opportunity to strike up some conversations.

“I guess you’ve probably never been online or outside of this place. Well, I’m world famous, rich, and universally adored. Ever hear of Kanto? I’m Kanto’s greatest son.”

                     ❝  The adoration can’t be that universal if it’s never reached Galar. Have you been to Hammerlocke yet? Our dear Raihan is a social media sensation, or so I’ve heard.  ❞

“You do know who I am right? I’m Blue Oak. And I normally don’t let old crones within 20 feet of me, so to see you following me, I just wanna know.”

Opal laughs gently. Oh, the arrogance of youth. She was glad she had more common sense than to let such narcissists into her Gym.

                     ❝  I was simply curious, dear. There’s no need for such hostility.  ❞

Concerned about him? Piers shuffled where he stood uncomfortably at the statement. As far as he was concerned, there wasn’t anything to be concerned about… other than the usual issues he faced.

“Yea- she’s been doin’ great, uv’course I’m proud,” Piers agreed, leaping on the chance to talk about something other than himself.

“What about Bede? I know you took ‘em under ya wing.”

                     ❝  I did, yes. It’s cruel to leave a child with no one to turn to, and I can offer him a much better future than being at our dearly beloved Chairman’s beck and call.  ❞

Opal refused to say his name, for even something as small as that was like poison in her mouth.

She noticed the careful dodging of her earlier questions (he was so easy to read, more so than she’d expected) but didn’t push the issue further. His silence was answer enough. She’d have to start making more frequent visits to Spikemuth, maybe pass along some of the care packages she made for the more vulnerable residents of Ballonlea.

                     ❝  Besides, Bede has potential. Much in the same way that Marnie does.  ❞

( shoutout to @xfaucheuse​ for helping me think about this !! )

When it comes to vessel muses (and this goes for Eternatus AUs too), Opal will be aware that there’s something different about them. Being part Fae, she’s very aware of anyone else who’s not totally human.

The way I described it over on discord is that it’d be like hearing a thousand alarms set off at once. A complete mental overload that is impossible to ignore, and this gets stronger the more vessels are in the vicinity. One is just about tolerable, but any more than that is unbearable for her. For the most part, however, the Fae don’t mean them any real harm. They’re on high alert for a while, but ultimately decide that whatever they are is no danger to Galar and can be permitted to roam freely.

anonymous asked: Bede VC: I wear my grandma's clothes! I look incredible!

What a sweet child they were. A bit rough around the edges, perhaps, but something so simple as overconfidence would easily fade once they started to mature. There would be no use for self-importance once they realised they no longer had to prove their worth.

She could throttle Rose for what he did to the poor kid’s mental state.

                     ❝  Yes you do, dear. And once the tailor’s finished with the measurements, you’ll have your own uniform to wear, just like mine.  ❞