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It seems that the judges weren't quite as impressed with her take on a fish-less fish soup. But no matter! There's still a few rounds left and Luka isn't going to let a little slip-up get her down.[break][break]

Besides, she's doing far better than she'd ever anticipated. Though she isn't delusional enough to think she might win this thing, having Helios at her side at least gives her a fighting chance.[break][break]

When it comes to surf-and-turf, her take is obviously a little different from everyone else's. But hey, lots of stuff that isn't meat lives in the land, and the sea! And she thinks (or at least hopes) that vegetarian sushi might be the perfect compromise.[break][break]

Her arms fill with loads of different groceries as she thinks of the best way to prepare this dish. Honestly she's winging it, but that's been her plan this entire time. And if it ain't broke, why bother fixing it?[break][break]

She hums cheerfully as she starts preparing vegetables to use as a filling. Roasted carrots kind of look like fish meat, and avocados are typical sushi fare too! She throws in some mango and red cabbage for color to one roll, and tomatoes that have been soaked in kelp powder in another. Tomatoes like to suck up flavors, so maybe they'll kinda taste fishy...[break][break]

Those leftover vegan shrimps from earlier get utilized too, just in case there's not enough surf to go with the turf. And just for fun (and presentation!) Luka cuts some of the vegetables into different shapes! Hearts, stars, the works. They'll look so adorable in a sushi roll— at least she hopes so.[break][break]

Helios, meanwhile, prepares the rice. He's long since figured out that his trainer is ill suited to cooking with fire, and would rather not let the entire contest kitchen burn down.[break][break]

While Luka cuts and chops and carves little carrot stars, her eyes wander to some of the other contestants. Inevitably they drift onto Remiel Calcifet, and she can't help but reminisce about the times he'd cooked for her, even if she doesn't want to. The theme of the contest drags back other memories as well: walking barefoot on the beach after a contest win, splashing him with water and playing by the shore. The feeling of cool seawater on her skin and a warm flush to her face, the sand under her toes as they raced up the beach together. Her back against the sand, and—[break][break]

Her knife slips, and she hisses in pain as another shallow cut joins the others on her poor, bandaged fingers. But from then on, at least, Luka manages to focus properly.[break][break]

Rolling the sushi is a lot harder than anticipated. It's easy enough to lay everything out together, but when it comes to rolling everything, it turns into a hot mess in her hands. They're either squished too much and burst from their nori wrappers, or are too loose and everything just spills out![break][break]

After a lot of messed up attempts and a lot of frustration, three rolls are determined to be good enough. And with the clock winding down, there's really no time to do anything else! Luka once again utilizes presentation as a way to try and elevate her mediocre dish, this time decorating the platter of cut rolls with little edible flowers and elegant swirls of spicy mayo that vaguely resemble waves. That's...well, it's something, right?[break][break]

"I've always thought of sushi as a way for the sea to cradle the earth," she says as she presents her dish with a bashful smile. "They come together so delicately...you can experience the entire planet in a single bite. I hope you enjoy!"[break][break]

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total: 212[break]

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She finds her path blocked by two Pokemon, and the concerned reprimands of men in a far better headspace than she is. Luka bites back a shout of frustration as she tries to push through the blockade, but paxton concordas's Klingklang proves to be an immovable object, and she's stuck.[break][break]

"You don't get it!" she wails again, pushing her hand against the steel type's cold exterior. "It's calling to me! Can't you hear it?"[break][break]

But no matter what she says, it's clear that her other party members are unmoved. Luka bites her lip and tries to think of a way around the blockade and past the mechanical guards, but comes up empty. All she can focus on is the music swirling around in her head, and the voice that she can swear she hears lingering at the end of every haunting note.[break][break]

The sound of a gunshot rings out suddenly, and for a moment it's enough to cut through the cacophony echoing around inside her head. Just for a moment, she can think clearly. And in that moment, she makes her first rational decision of their excursion.[break][break]

"...fine. Let's get back to the entrance, quickly."[break][break]

It doesn't seem that she's thoroughly convinced, but she is aware that her group won't let her continue as she pleases. She recalls her Lopunny in favor of a Gardevoir— an Illumina variant, which appears to be dressed in a sparkling gown. Luka grasps her Pokemon's hand, and gestures for the rest of her party to hold onto each other as well.[break][break]

"I don't think we can get out of here with her, but at least we can get back to the entrance in a jiffy. Let's go!"[break][break]

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John Sullivan makes a good point— aside from a half-baked suggestion, Luka has no idea how to carry out any kind of plan involving the weather. At best, it might allow her to make a quick getaway, but it'd be cruel of her to leave the team when they're already so outnumbered.[break][break]

Instead, she tries her best to be a good support for the team as she tries to come up with another plan. But of course, it's not nearly that easy. Preparing defenses quickly shifts into all-out fighting, and she immediately becomes a target.[break][break]

Although her Alomomola tries to put up a fight, the fish is no match for such a direct and brutal attack from the great sea-beast. The thunder from Cillian Quinn's Lugia takes Madeleine out in one blow, and Luka is quick to recall her before any worse damage is done.[break][break]

Small victories come in the form of already established protections: though her Alomomola is no longer on the field, her safeguard remains. Though Gerald Kaiser attempts to confuse Kazimir Wynter's Lucario, he will likely find his attempt thwarted.[break][break]

In the meantime, Luka throws out another Pokemon in the hopes of doing some good for their team. Her Musharna seems a standard choice, but the move they unleash is anything but: there's a rumble underground as a frenzy plant erupts onto the battlefield.[break][break]

Thick, powerful vines lash out, striking with abandon and winding around any enemy they manage to find purchase on. The vines intend to grapple both human and pokemon alike, while another mass swarms to form a wall of foliage around the League's small team— the best protection they've got for now.[break][break]

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10 MP for assisting another character and/or their Pokemon.[break]
10 MP for referencing another character (must include tag).[break]
30 MP if you mention an opponent’s attempt (deceit, distract, strategy) is successful against you.[break]
30 MP for having your pokemon hit by an opponent’s attack.[break]
150 MP for having your pokemon knocked out by an opponent.[break]

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Wait, that...worked?[break][break]

It worked! Somehow, the pair had managed to pull off an almost perfect dish! Luka can't help her little cheer of excitement when the scores are announced, and Helios even returns the high five she eagerly offers him.[break][break]

She hopes that they can pull this momentum into the next round, whatever it might be. But luckily when it comes to soup, Luka knows exactly what to do. Well— kind of. She has a better idea of it, anyways. Her father's bouillabaisse was always one of her favorite dishes, and it just makes sense to present it here with the assistance of his former partner.[break][break]

Of course, it'll be Helios doing most of the heavy lifting this time as well...[break][break]

The traditional Kalosian soup is usually made with fish and other shellfish, but they'll be going with lots and lots of vegetables this time around. Luka makes sure to grab a few sheets of nori though, to still give her soup the 'taste of the sea', or something like that. What else might do it? Sea salt...sea cucumbers? She makes a grab for them before realizing that they definitely aren't plants. In fact, they look pretty gross.[break][break]

Armed with her sea-themed spoils and plenty of veggies, Luka makes it back to her station and starts to chop everything up with Helios' help. Her knife skills aren't the best, but she tries to slice and dice as finely as she's able. Somehow, even though Blaziken don't really have thumbs, Helios manages much better. He juliennes a carrot with ease, dices onion like a pro, and even tosses a bulb of fennel in the air to expertly slice in half.[break][break]

With everything prepped (and after Luka's bandaged up several cuts on her fingers from shoddy knife work), the soup easily comes together. Helios remains in charge of the cooking and seasoning, though he allows Luka to taste while she's not busy with the presentation.[break][break]

This is where she really shines— the woman is all about aesthetics! A large, decorative Clamperl shell becomes the base of the dish, it's shell deep enough to hold a generous helping of the soup. In the center, Luka places a small ramekin of aioli to go with the bread Helios prepared as a side, which shines like a pearl inside of the shell.[break][break]

As soon as the soup is ready, Luka carefully ladles it into the shell and garnishes it with a few more decorative shells and herbs before presenting it to the judges.[break][break]

"This is our take on a traditional Kalosian fish soup— and one of my favorite dishes from childhood. Even though we aren't using meat, you'll still get a taste of the sea with every bite! Please enjoy!"[break][break]

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total: 190[break]

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