[attr="class","witness"]While it took Francie a hot second, she made her way out of the maze with a cough. She was covered in dirt and dust, with a graveler waddling behind her. She returned the graveler before looking up to the girl who had called out, an apologetic smile on her features.

"I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting. I had to attempted to some mild repairs. But! The gym's up and working now, maze is all taken care of, and ready for your appointment, Ruby!"

She remembered her from their rock climbing adventure.

"Basics are, you're not allowed to use any damaging moves, even if you're not causing damage with them, as they can be harmful to the maze's structure. I have to cross the finish line with you, along with your pokemon. Um... other than that, when you cross this line, you've begun the maze and your timer starts!"

With a happy grin, she looked to whisper and gave a wave, then moved over to stand beside Ruby.

"Ready?"

Ruby Walker - you may begin your rolls

[attr="class","witness"]Thus far, nothing major in the maze. Just a few twists and turns here and there. The maze itself was supposed to be the difficult part. It was if they proved they were decent at figuring out the patters of the way the maze turned and twisted, or if they had dumb luck like kyle lopez, that the challenges would present themselves.

As it were, it was a nice stroll. Francie gave a smile at the large hatterene and considered it for a moment before smiling brightly.

"She's really gorgeous, by the way. Do you feed her certain berries for her hair?"

What better way to pass the time than conversation??

Ruby Walker - roll total 32/200

[attr="class","witness"]As if summoned by Ruby's progress, as they turned down one corridor a challenge presented itself. Two arons and a lairon were in the walkway. All three asleep quietly, snoozing adorably. Francie quickly brought her fingers up to her lips to shoosh Ruby, before moving so the pokemon couldn't hear them.

"This is your first challenge, you're doing great!"

Francie's tone was soft but excited with her whispered volume.

"We've got to make it past them without waking them up. Quietly, but quickly!"

Ruby Walker - roll total 121/200
you may /not/ roll in your next post

[attr="class","witness"]Francie followed Ruby's lead happily. She loved seeing how these trainers tried to go about these challenges and it seemed Ruby's strategy was perfect. The arons didn't budge, neither did the lairon, and Francie was relieved. They'd been rambunctious the night before and needed the rest honestly.

As they crossed and made their way around to the other side, a but away, Francie began pulling her shoes back on. Where they had stopped to do so seemed to be a dead end, until one could see the floor going down instead of flat.

"What you see before you is the next level of your quest."

She loved making it sound like a game. It was supposed to be fun, right??

"The next part of the maze extends into the underground of the gym. It's pitch black, so be careful! You may use a status move, or your pokemon's natural amenities, to illuminate your path in the pitch black underground tunnels. If you have access to neither, then you're more than welcome to use technology."

Ruby Walker - roll total 121/200
you may continue rolling

[attr="class","witness"]Francie enjoyed seeing the displayed affection and trust between the two. Ruby and Whisper were very close. Anybody with two eyes and brain cells could put that together just from witnessing how they interacted with one another. It was beautiful. Francie felt the very same way about her lycanrocs. But there was no one pokemon she supposed she felt that close with... but, who knew. Maybe she had time to find that pokemon, or for that pokemon to find her.

"Ballonlea, Galar."

Francie repeats the name, thinking she'd heard it before. Had kim cole-essam noticed it? Honestly, she had no idea. Cities and names were beyond her if she didn't step foot in it. Experience something and she'd remember it forever, be told and she'd forget it in a flash.

"What's it like, Ballonlea?"

Ruby Walker - roll total 130/200

[attr="class","witness"]They were getting close to the limit of time, but Francie had a feeling they'd be okay. Whisper was doing a fabulous job of leading them and the trust they had in one another, it was as powerful as the heart of the cards stuff in Yu-Gi-Oh.

"That sounds absolutely amazing, and like, so magical. Man... growing up in a forest like that, I can't imagine. The darkness doesn't bother me much, or even what might be in the darkness. But the lack of rocks... i think that would really bother me."

She enjoyed hiking far too much, as Ruby was already aware.

"I mean, could you imagine me living in a forest? I think I'd go crazy. But I'd really love to visit one day. Maybe we can visit together, if you're not impartial to the idea."

Ruby Walker's roll total 186/200

[attr="class","witness"]"Stow-on-Side. Stow-on-Side."

Francie mumbled it to herself and made a mental reminder to check it out later on when she wasn't in the middle of a challenge. Why? Because it sounded amazing!

"Oh we've gotta plan a girl's getaway then."

Francie blew raspberries before she demanded a girl's vacation. Taking Ruby anywhere would be super fun. While she was quiet, she was so full of life and excitement that Francie found a kindred spirit in her. She wasn't without her flaws or hurt but she made the best of it as well as she could and Francie knew that feeling all too well.

Hook, line, and sinker. They're best friends now. And just in time for a light to come around the corner as they passed. The finish line was in sight, and they both crossed it without much fuss. The light took a minute to adjust to, but once she had adjusted, she was making her way over to the podium containing the Stone Badges.

She definitely tugged Ruby along with her.

A quick retina scan and the case unlocked. She took a Stone Badge and the case locked back. She turned to Ruby, which didn't take much, and offered the badge out to her with a beaming smile.

"Well, Ruby. Vacations aside, you and your beautiful Whisper have overcome this gym with bravery and trust. Seeing a bond like yours is rare, and I consider it a privilege to know the both of you."

Ruby Walker's roll total is 208/200