indigo_league: Artist: <user name="jellosaurusrex" site="tumblr.com"> (Default)
The Indigo League ([personal profile] indigo_league) wrote in [community profile] victory_road2023-03-12 12:11 pm

come alive, come alive - spring is here!

Who: Everybody!
Where: Ilex Forest
When: March 14th
Summary: Come one, come all to the newest contest hosted by Riegfried and Soy. Today's theme: springtime and nature!

The sun is shining brightly and the weather is surprisingly fair–perfect for an outdoor contest spectacular! Spring is finally around the corner, and with it comes budding trees and the first fresh green leaves in many months. Just a short walk away from the edge of the Ilex Forest is a clearing where the contest is being set up, and boy, have Riegfried and Soy gone all out. This is one of the few contests to take place outdoors, after all.

The contest grounds have been set up so that the ‘stage’–in this case, a wide, clear patch of ground designated for performances–is at the center of everything. Despite the thick trees of Ilex Forest, this singular patch of grass seems to have a natural spotlight cast upon it, which makes it perfect for people’s attention to be drawn to it. Foldable chairs have been placed in concentric circles around the area, so the audience can get a nice 360 degree view of your performance.

Next to the stage is a private, portable dressing room where contestants can go get ready. All manner of costumes have been provided, if you don’t mind the fact that most of them are quite ostentatious. There is also a treasure trove of decorative props that you can weave into your performance.

Further into the trees, market stalls and concessions have been set up for your enjoyment. Local craftspeople seem to be selling all manner of trinkets and baubles, many of which are Celebi themed. You can also buy all manner of specialty PokéBalls–hey, we are near Azalea Town, after all. There are workshops where you can pay local crafters to walk you through making something with your own two hands, such as your own clay bowl, or a birdhouse, or a floral arrangement, or heck, even forging a tiny, decorative metal broach! (Results may vary based on individual skill.)

The food stalls seem to be mostly street food that you might see at an outdoor market–things that you can easily carry with you and eat on the go. Yakitori skewers, takoyaki, mochi, sandwiches, meat patties, hand pies, and kebabs are among some of the selections. Yum!

If you’d like to get away from all the hubbub, you can pay a visit to the Ilex Forest Shrine for some quiet contemplation. Riegfried and Soy were careful to set up far enough away so the shrine would not be disturbed. A few townspeople have left some offerings–perhaps you’d like to, as well. They say it grants you good luck and wards off evil spirits.

Let’s get this show on the road, shall we?



[Don't forget to view the contest FAQ here!]
shiro2hero: (how to look leader like step 1)

OTA

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2023-03-18 11:54 pm (UTC)(link)
CRAFTING
Listen, Shiro's no great artist. Not even a little. Hardly anyone on team Voltron is. But he's going to try. Some of his friends could use a little gift. And, of course, the guy he's seeing. He isn't an outright success at any of the stalls, but he is absolutely determined. Catch him at any of the crafts - bird houses, metal decor or flower arranging.

FOOD STALLS
"Blue, no."

Seems like a weird comment to make, right? Especially if you have no idea who in the world Shiro is talking to. Oh, it's a Gallade. And it's a Gallade holding up a skewer of vegetables and making a series of gestures and squeaks. Shiro just keeps shaking his head.

"Absolutely not. We are not doing that."

Oh great. It's that Gallade. What's going on now?

SHRINE
You know, everyone could use some good luck. Shiro's friends in particular. He's only taken his Aggron out for this little hike, and despite the pokemon's size, Kuro is exceptionally quiet and careful as they head out. He even has a couple berries to leave as an offering too.

Shiro leaves some flowers. Kuro leaves the berries. Then it's time for some quiet contemplation. And, of course, potential conversation if anyone else is out at the shrine too.
a_sin_for_him: (appreciative smile)

Crafting

[personal profile] a_sin_for_him 2023-03-19 01:09 am (UTC)(link)
"Seeing anything that appeals?"

Lust rarely misses a contest, even if she doesn't participate in them these days. It had always been fun, and she's proud of her one win, but she spends so much time choreographing routines and designing costumes and sets and all of that...it just isn't something she needs more of in her life. But she attends, always eager to see what everyone's come up with.

And sometimes scout talent.

But for now she's simply enjoying the stalls and fair-like atmosphere of the grounds, Baby the Sylveon at her side. On sighting Shiro, of course she joins him.
shiro2hero: (oops accidentally charming)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2023-03-19 06:04 am (UTC)(link)
"I see my good friend. Does that count?"

He's teasing. But, really, seeing Lust always appeals. He turns his head to greet her, his already amused expression turning into a beaming smile. And he then shifts to one side, to let her see what he's working on.

A flower arrangement. Mostly blue and pale green.

"But uh. This?"
a_sin_for_him: (sure i believe you)

[personal profile] a_sin_for_him 2023-03-19 08:22 pm (UTC)(link)
"What a flatterer you are."

Lust chuckles fondly and moves closer to see what Shiro's working on.

"Oh, flowers. Floral design is a great deal harder than one would think. I've made some attempts myself, but they were...uninspiring, we'll say." Certain crafts simply elude her. Florals used in costuming? She has no issues with that. Trying to make a pretty bouquet? She can't seem to quite get the hang of it.

"But this looks lovely."
shiro2hero: (give me the dokis)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2023-03-20 04:51 am (UTC)(link)
"Hey, someone's got to be."

Because Lust deserves it. For many, many reasons. He laughs a bit, self-consciously, pushing a hand through his hair. "Well, I'm pretty sure mine might be heading down that road..."

She seems to like it though, and he brightens. "You think? I'm... trying to make it for someone."
a_sin_for_him: (appreciative smile)

[personal profile] a_sin_for_him 2023-03-22 12:11 am (UTC)(link)
"I do. The colors go nicely. And it isn't looking crowded, mine always look so crowded."

As though the damned flowers got bigger when placed in a vase. It's maddening.

"I'm sure the recipient will enjoy it. Flowers are a traditional gift for a reason. I always enjoy receiving them."

Though these days it's bouquets from fans after performances rather than romantic gifts. Still. She enjoys them.
shiro2hero: (time for the charm bomb to explode)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2023-03-22 05:45 am (UTC)(link)
"You've never steered me wrong before." Therefore, if Lust says it looks good, then it must look good. Friend approved!

Sometimes we wonder if Shiro's some kind of golden retriever in a human body.

"Hey, in that case, let's see if we can make one that doesn't end up crowded for you."
a_sin_for_him: (sure i believe you)

[personal profile] a_sin_for_him 2023-03-23 12:13 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, why not?"

It isn't as though Lust is doing much else, just wandering the grounds and enjoying a day out. If nothing else, she's always glad to spend time with Shiro.

She settles in, Baby hopping up to investigate what her trainer's getting up to.

"It is nice, these little workshop stalls. Something a bit different, they seem popular."
shiro2hero: (right ok pretend to listen and look cool)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2023-03-24 05:41 am (UTC)(link)
He shoots her a grin, then offers out his hand for the pokemon to sniff. Hello there, Baby. Nice to meet you.

"It is, yeah. I think they had some at another contest? Or maybe it was a festival. I really was not good at it then."

So he's kind of surprised he's not bungling this one too badly.

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outofsynth: (6199945)

Shrine

[personal profile] outofsynth 2023-03-19 09:36 pm (UTC)(link)
This is Min's second trip to the shrine today. Mostly because the first time it hadn't occurred to him to bring an offering. This time he hasn't arrived alone. He's recruited his Rillaboom to help him find berries, and now the large Pokémon has their findings cradled in his hands. Xanadu nods at the pair already at the shrine, while Min-Gi startles slightly. It had been quiet enough he'd thought there might not be anyone else at the shrine this time, and unlike when he'd ran into Riz this does feel like an intrusion.

"Sorry," he whispers, keeping a respectable distance while Xanadu plods forward to carefully lay the berries down next to the shrine. "We didn't mean to interrupt."
shiro2hero: (wait no i think that's a killers song)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2023-03-20 05:07 am (UTC)(link)
It's Kuro the Aggron who notices Min-Gi first. And, fortunately, the look he turns on the approaching pair is mild as can be. He even rumbles out a greeting. Trust an Aggron to not be able to hide his feelings on something.

Shiro looks up then, and just smiles.

"No, you're fine. It's not anything personal or anything."
outofsynth: (1000_cb=20210514203402(1))

[personal profile] outofsynth 2023-03-20 04:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Min-Gi edges closer at the assurance. He still feels bad about interrupting, but neither of them seem to mind. Xanadu is quiet, but doesn't seem the have the same qualms Min does. Once the berries are set out he turns to the Aggron to introduce himself.

"If you're sure. I was already here earlier, so if you do need some privacy..."

The offer to go is there if he needs it, but it's always nice to see Shiro.
shiro2hero: (time for a car trip children)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2023-03-22 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
Kuro tilts his head, then nods to Xanadu. Hello stranger. Come hang out while the trainers talk.

Shiro just shakes his head again, motioning Min to keep coming up to the shrine if he wants. "Really, it's okay. I'm not here for any deep introspection."

He'd have done that when he was sure no one would interrupt, if he wanted to do that.
outofsynth: (respectable oh presentable a vegetable)

[personal profile] outofsynth 2023-03-22 04:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Xanadu nods with a pleased smile, heading over to Kuro so they can get to know each other.

"That's good. It's hard to tell somewhere like this. I know it's supposed to be a shrine, but it doesn't seem like there's too many other places to get away from the main event."

That had been his reasoning earlier. Now he's mostly making sure he didn't unintentionally offend Celebi. He wouldn't have worried so much back in his own world, but this one is different enough it seems better to play it safe.
shiro2hero: (no really i don't get it)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2023-03-24 05:19 am (UTC)(link)
"Not much of a social event guy?"

It's just a question. Like usual with Shiro, there's no judgment here. He's just curious. Plenty of people he knows don't want that much social interaction. And contests can be a lot.
outofsynth: (1000_cb=202105142034022)

[personal profile] outofsynth 2023-03-24 11:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Min-Gi shrugs at that. It's not like he minds them, or can't have fun, but he absolutely prefers moderation when it comes to being around large numbers of people. He reaches the point where it's easier to retreat to the sides for a while to let him recharge.

"It's nice to have the chance to see everyone, but something big like this? It's more Ryan's thing than mine."
shiro2hero: (right ok pretend to listen and look cool)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2023-03-26 04:39 am (UTC)(link)
"I get that. I know a lot of people here who aren't big on the party scene."

Shiro's sort of in the middle. He doesn't mind it so much. But it can also get a bit overwhelming, sometimes, too. Especially in big contests...

Or prom.

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tempredmental: (Exhausted But Happy)

Shrine

[personal profile] tempredmental 2023-04-03 06:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Keith came in after them. He'd sort of passed the place by a bit quickly on his first trip through Ilex forest, determined to just get to the next gym. He and Allura tended to be pretty goal oriented. But, they had some time now for him to really appreciate it for what it was. So, he'd come in this direction to see what it was about.

He gave a quiet wave to Kuro where the massive Aggron was resting near Shiro. Keith had "Little" Red with him this time around. He'd taken to calling Shiro's Red, "Big" Red, because of having evolved all the way to Incineroar, while his own starter had decided to stay a Torracat. He liked being small enough to carry and cuddle on people.

"Mind if I join you?"
shiro2hero: (wait no i think that's a killers song)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2023-04-04 04:42 am (UTC)(link)
"Nah, go for it."

He offers a brief grin, before scooting over a bit where he's kneeling. Kuro does too, craning his head over his trainer to sniff at "Little Red". Listen, he takes after Shiro - he has a need to look out for smaller Pokemon. He knows this one, but he has to say hello!

"Wishing for anything in particular?"

Shiro even holds out one of the offerings he'd brought. A little bundle of berries. Just in case Keith wants to leave it.
tempredmental: (Soft Smile)

[personal profile] tempredmental 2023-04-04 07:26 am (UTC)(link)
Keith looked contemplative for a moment, definitely considering something pretty deep, but he took a breath before giving a small shrug.

"I don't know," he said, finally settling down next to Shiro. "I don't know." He considered back to the last time they'd done wishes, and the pair of plushies from Jirachi. "I had some ideas, but..." He shrugged. "Some of them are things for back home, and I don't think that's really even possible."

He did glance over and take the offered berries, even if only to look them over as he considered his options.
shiro2hero: (maybe he's born with it)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2023-04-05 05:34 am (UTC)(link)
"That's okay. I don't think making a wish is necessary."

It's probably just encouraged while you meditate at the shrine or something. He exhales, turning back to the structure.

"It's probably not possible," he admits, after a while. "But hey, with those weird weekends, you never know." Or there were more general things. Like good luck. Like people close to you sticking around - getting through tough times. That sort of thing.
tempredmental: (Coran Are You Okay?)

[personal profile] tempredmental 2023-04-14 01:54 am (UTC)(link)
"Yeah... I guess."

As much as Hunk was a good sounding board, part of Keith wished he could tell Shiro what was going on, to be honest, but he knew that might not be a good idea. The whole future knowledge thing and all that. While he was pretty sure it wouldn't really affect anything, he was also pretty sure Shiro didn't need to know the news Keith had. He took a deep breath, an idea coming to him along those lines, though.

"Hm." He got up again, moving closer, and then placed the berries with the rest of the offerings before coming back to settle again. It was worth a try...
shiro2hero: (im so proud of u nerd)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2023-04-15 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
He's just going to sit back with his Aggron, and watch. He'd figured out a long time ago that you didn't push Keith if you wanted him to do something. Nudge, maybe. Pushing? Nah. This isn't something they have to do, either.

It just might be nice to try. A little extra luck never hurt.

"Think it's like birthday wishes?" he says after a moment more. "Don't tell someone your wish, or else it won't come true?"
tempredmental: (Somewhat Amused)

[personal profile] tempredmental 2023-04-16 07:01 am (UTC)(link)
Keith made an amused sounding snort through his nose at the suggestion, but then... yeah. That was a good excuse.

"Yeah... maybe." He managed a small smile at the idea. "Can't risk it, right? Gotta keep it a secret." His smile was a little sad, but he seemed content to let that go.

"How long have you been out here?"
shiro2hero: (wait no i think that's a killers song)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2023-04-17 04:21 am (UTC)(link)
"Just maybe don't blow out shrine candles."

He grins, teasing. There's no big sad reason for him to be out here, so he may as well just joke around. It was quiet, peaceful, and hey, a little luck couldn't ever hurt.

"Maybe a half hour?"

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