Chapter 13: The gauntlet begins
As Saguaro's voice resonated through the classroom, announcing the first matchup, a powerful tension filling the air. "Alright. Our first matchup... it will be Juliana and Arven, pitted against Mercer and Ernie," he declared, his words landing like a thunderbolt in the room.
"W-what?" Juliana and Arven gasped simultaneously, their voices echoing in disbelief. They exchanged wide-eyed glances, their expressions a mix of shock and uncertainty. Across the room, Mercer and Ernie's smirks widened, relishing the opportunity to face off against their unexpected opponents.
The classroom seemed to hold its breath, a charged silence enveloping the space as the gravity of the situation sank in. Juliana and Arven's mind raced with a whirlwind of thoughts, grappling with the sudden twist of fate that thrust them into the spotlight.
Saguaro's commanding presence filled the room as he cleared his throat, grabbing the attention of every student. His gaze swept across the classroom before he continued with measured authority. "You lot will be our first matchup this Friday," he announced, his tone carrying a weight of expectation. "I hope all of you bring your A-game."
"Hah, don't worry 'teach," Mercer interrupted, his voice dripping with arrogance as he leaned forward, his eyes locked on Juliana and Arven, cracking his knuckles. "Me and Ernie won't hold anything back."
Ernie, with a smirk on his face, snapped a pencil in two, the sound of splintering wood echoing in the tense silence of the classroom, adding emphasis to Mercer's declaration.
Juliana held their gaze for a fleeting moment, her expression shifting from surprise to a confident smirk. With Arven by her side, she felt assured they couldn't possibly lose, especially not to Mercer and Ernie, not with their teamwork.
As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, the tension that had gripped the classroom during the battle finally dissipated. Apart from the announcement of the competing teams, the rest of the class proceeded uneventfully.
Juliana's heart raced with excitement as she and Arven stepped out of the classroom door simultaneously. She couldn't contain her enthusiasm, her steps practically bouncing with each stride.
"What's got you in such a good mood?" Arven couldn't help but ask, curiosity lacing his tone.
"Isn't it obvious?" Juliana exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she turned to face Arven, each step seemed to be infused with newfound energy as they walked together. "We're going up against Mercer and Ernie! I couldn't ask for two better opponents!"
Arven's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he glanced at Juliana. "Wait, so you mean to say you actually want to go up against dumb and dumber?" he quipped, a hint of amusement attached to his words.
Juliana's eyes further sparkled with excitement as she let out a girlish squeal. "¡Por supuesto!" she exclaimed. "Those guys have been total jerks since day one. But with a chef like you on my side, I have no doubt we'll crush them into mincemeat!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she couldn't help but bounce a little on her toes in anticipation.
"Haha, is that right?" Arven remarked, their footsteps echoing through the hallway lined with rows of metal lockers adorned with colorful stickers and artistic drawings.
As they strolled toward the exit leading to the dorms, Juliana suddenly veered in front of Arven, halting him in his tracks. "Hey, you should swing by my place again!" she exclaimed, her eyes bright with anticipation. "I could really use some more of your help if I'm going to be able to help you this Friday!"
"Oh yeah," Arven replied, his expression brightening with sudden recollection. "Um, look, Juliana. I think I'm going to take a rain check on that today."
Juliana's excitement waned, replaced with a tinge of disappointment. "Oh... okay," she responded, her tone losing its former enthusiasm. "Why not, what's up?"
"Listen, Juliana, it's just..." Arven paused, gathering his thoughts. "I've decided what you'll be doing this Friday," he declared, his hand gently resting on Juliana's shoulder. "You'll be in charge of the most important part!"
"The most important part..." Juliana echoed; her interest piqued.
"You'll be in charge..." Arven's voice trailed off, hanging in the air with a tantalizing suspense. Juliana leaned in, her anticipation tangible. Finally, he broke the silence, "You'll be in charge of washing the vegetables!" He feigned excitement, hoping to lighten the mood.
Juliana's expression shifted into one of puzzlement, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tilted her head to the side. "Wait... that's it?"
Arven let out a deep sigh, trying yet struggling to articulate how he felt. "Look, I know it might not seem like much, but it's the best way we ensure everything goes smoothly," he explained earnestly. "We each have our strengths and weaknesses. You're a Trainer, and I'm a chef. Do you get me?"
Juliana's voice quivered with disappointment as she spoke. "But isn't the whole point of this assignment to work together?" she questioned; her words infused with disappointment. "I know my sandwiches weren't amazing or anything, but we have two days! I can improve, I promise!"
Arven's voice softened as he tried to reassure the girl. "Juliana, believe me, I'm making this decision for a reason," he reasoned gently. "I know you can improve, but we're running on a short time schedule. I don't want to take any risks on this assignment. Work with me here... please?"
Juliana's expression fell into a disappointed pout. Deep down, she understood why Arven didn't want her help. The previous day, she had made multiple attempts at replicating Arven's sandwich recipe, only to mess it up each time. It was frustrating, but she couldn't blame Arven for not wanting her help.
"Okay Arven. I get it," With a heavy sigh, Juliana acquiesced to Arven's decision, her shoulders slumping slightly in resignation.
"Thanks, Juliana," Arven replied, gratitude in his tone. "I promise, once this project is over, I'll make it up to you with more culinary lessons. You can count on it."
"Yeah, sometime..." Juliana muttered softly, defeat in her voice. As they parted ways, heading in opposite directions, Mercer and Ernie watched them from afar, their expressions unreadable as they leaned against the lockers.
Sprigatito purred softly as she lay on Juliana's chest, her warm weight comforting against the Trainer's skin. Juliana's fingers moved gently over the Grass Cat's fur, lost in the rhythmic motion as she sought solace in the presence of her First partner Pokémon.
Wattrel swooped down gracefully from the ceiling, his wings fluttering lightly as he landed beside Juliana. With a gentle chirp, he nudges his head against her hand, seeking affection. Juliana smiled and reached out, stroking his feathers softly as he leaned into her touch, his eyes closing in contentment.
Juliana reclined on her bed, her gaze drifting upward to the ceiling as her Pokémon nestled close to her. With a thoughtful expression, she mused aloud, "Maybe it's for the best..." her words echoed softly in the room as she contemplated. "Arven's right, I'm a Trainer, I'm no chef, and technically, washing some veggies does count as teamwork. Plus, my job's gonna be a lot easier now, this is for the best."
Just as the girl was about to delve deeper into her thoughts, a firm knock on the door shattered her silence. With a slight frown of curiosity, she rose from her bed and made her way to the door, her footsteps resonating in the room.
"Hello!" Juliana's cried as she swung the door open eagerly, only to be greeted by an empty hallway. Surprised, she poked her head out to the left and then to the right, scanning the corridor for any sign of movement. There was none. Could it have been her imagination playing tricks on her?
At that moment, a tantalizing aroma wafted through the air, tickling Juliana's senses and drawing her attention downward. To her astonishment, a delightful sight greeted her eyes: a beautifully arranged basket of freshly baked muffins, their golden tops glistening under the soft glow of the room's lighting.
"Hey, check this out, you two!" Juliana exclaimed, turning toward Wattrel and Sprigatito with excitement sparkling in her eyes. "Look what somebody left for us here!"
Juliana knelt down and carefully picked up the basket of muffins, cradling it in her arms as she turned back to her two Pokémon, who were already eying the treats with eager anticipation. "Looks like we've got a surprise delivery!" she exclaimed; her voice filled with excitement. As she approached, she noticed a small note tucked into the basket.
Juliana carefully unfolded the letter, her heart racing with curiosity. The words on the paper seemed to dance before her eyes as she read, "Juliana Quintanilla, I've admired you from afar for quite some time. Please accept these muffins as a token of my affection, and let's meet up real soon. - John Doe." She couldn't help but feel both surprised and intrigued as she pondered the mysterious sender's words.
Juliana's eyes sparkled with delight as she clutched the letter to her chest, a wide smile spreading across her face. "A secret admirer!" she exclaimed; her voice filled with happiness. "That's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me since I've got here!" Her heart swelled with gratitude and excitement, wondering who this mystery person could be.
Sprigatito and Wattrel gathered eagerly around their Trainer, their mouths watering in anticipation as they caught the tantalizing scent of the freshly baked muffins. Their eyes gleamed with excitement as they waited for Juliana to share the treat with them.
"I wonder who this guy is, I hope he's handsome!" Juliana mused dreamily, imagining her mysterious admirer. As she reached for one of the muffins, a sudden realization struck her. "Wait a sec... what am I doing!? We should eat these with Arven! I can make it up to him for making him eat all those no-good sandwiches from yesterday!"
Juliana and her two Pokémon strolled through the halls, the basket of muffins cradled in her arms. Arriving at Arven's dorm room, she raised her hand and rapped on the door, waiting for him to answer.
"Arven, open up! It's me, Juliana!" she called out, her voice reverberating through the hallway. Despite her loud plea, there was no response from inside the room. She hesitated for a moment debating whether to knock again or try the doorknob.
With a sense of urgency, Juliana grasped the doorknob and pushed the door open. Not very surprisingly, it swung open easily, revealing Arven's dimly lit dorm room. She couldn't help but why Arven never seemed to lock his door, but she pushed the thought aside as she stepped inside, Sprigatito and Wattrel following closely behind.
"Arven, you home!?" Juliana's voice echoed in the cluttered room as she stepped farther inside. Just like the other day, papers were strewn about, and clothes lay haphazardly on the floor. "I'm sorry for barging in like this, but I've got something you're absolutely going to love!"
As Juliana stood in Arven's messy room, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Her attention was caught by the bathroom door, slightly ajar and emitting a faint glow of light. Suspicion gnawed at her; she dropped the basket of muffins on the floor to investigate.
"Arven?" she called out, her voice echoing softly in the dimly lit room. As she approached the bathroom door, she could make out a strange noise, prompting her heart to quicken its pace. With each step, Juliana's apprehension heightened, the suspense thick in the air.
Reaching the door, she pushed it open slowly, the hinges creaking softly in protest. The sight that greeted her sent a jolt of alarm through her veins— Arven knelt before the toilet; his body hunched over as he retched into the bowl. The pale light filtering into the bathroom cast eerie shadows across his trembling form.
"A-Arven!?" Juliana's voice wavered, a mixture of concern and confusion coloring her voice. Arven's head turned slightly towards her, his eyes reflecting pain and discomfort. "J-Juliana?" he murmured weakly, his voice barely audible over the sounds of sickness.
"What... what happened!?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of shock and concern. Her eyes widened as she observed Arven, his pallid complexion and trembling form betraying the severity of his condition.
The girl rushed to Arven's side, offering him a supportive hand as he struggled to rise from his kneeling position. "Here, let me help you," she said in a soft tone. With gentle yet firm guidance, she assisted him in standing and carefully led him to his bed. As Arven settled onto the mattress, Juliana hovered nearby, Sprigatito and Wattrel watching attentively on her shoulders, their eyes reflecting worry for their Trainer's well-being.
"Thank you... Juliana," Arven weakly muttered, his voice strained from the exertion. Before Juliana could respond, he was overcome by another fit of coughing, doubling over slightly as she struggled to catch his breath.
"I can make some tea with honey. It'll help soothe your throat," Juliana offered, concern evident in her voice.
"Y-yeah, that would be great... thanks," Arven weakly replied, his voice barely above a whisper as Juliana got up to prepare the tea.
Juliana walked towards the kitchen, her steps cautious as she entered the familiar space. She reached for the kettle on the countertop, filling it with water from the sink. With a click, she switched on the burner beneath it, the soft hum of the heating element filling the room. As she waited for the water to come to a boil, her thoughts turned to Arven's condition.
"Man, with just two days until the big assignment..." Juliana muttered, her brow furrowing with concern. "What happened to you?" She couldn't shake the worry that lingered in her mind, wondering what could have caused the boy's sudden illness.
Arven's voice was strained, each word punctuated by a rasp of discomfort. "I'll explain once you bring me my tea..." he managed, his breaths shallow and ragged. "But hopefully your tea's not as bad as your sandwiches." A fleeting chuckle escaped her lips before it dissolved into a fit of coughing, his body wracked with spasms of illness
After making the tea, Juliana carefully mixed the honey into the steaming tea, swirling it until it dissolved completely, infusing the brew with a soothing sweetness. With a satisfied nod, she declared, "All done," before gently carrying the cup to Arven's bedside.
The boy accepted the tea with a weak but grateful smile, his fingers shaking slightly as he wrapped them around the warm mug. "Thank you," he murmured hoarsely, his voice barely audible above the hum of the room. He took a tentative sip, the comforting aroma enveloping him as he sat up slightly in his bed.
Juliana stood before Arven, worry etched into her features as she gazed at him. "Now will you tell me what's going on?" she asked softly, her voice laced with worry.
Arven took a weak sip of the tea Juliana had prepared before continuing. "Alright... I'm not entirely sure who, but someone going under a Jane Doe alias left a basket of muffins at my doorstep. Something was definitely off with it. I haven't felt right since. I think I got food poisoned."
"Wait, what!?" Juliana exclaimed, her surprise mirrored by the incredulous expressions of Sprigatito and Wattrel. "You werehanded a basket of muffins!?"
Arven sighed weakly. "Yeah, that's right... The note claimed it was from some secret admirer. I didn't think much of it at the time, darn... how could I have been so foolish?"
Juliana's heart raced with disbelief and concern as she recounted her discovery. "A-Arven," she stammered, her voice tinged with shock, "I... I came here today to share a basket of muffins with you. Someone left it at my doorstep, just like yours. It had a note from a secret admirer too!" She said pointing towards the basket of muffins she had set aside, her words hung in the air, heavy with worry and suspicion.
Arven's voice carried the weight of realization, his breath heavy with the gravity of the situation. "This can't be a coincidence," he muttered, his tone frustrated. "Someone did this on purpose. Someone that wanted to hurt us." His words hung in the air, punctuating the unsettling truth they both now faced.
"Well, for what it's worth, neither me, Sprigatito, or Pajarito ate any of those muffins. Gracias a Dios todopoderoso," Juliana said in relief, gratitude in her voice.
"I'm sorry this happened, Juliana..." Arven's voice wavered as he took another sip of his tea.
"It's not your fault, Arven. It's neither of ours... there was no way to see this coming," Juliana said, with a concerned furrow in her brow, she made her way to the basket of muffins, her eyes narrowing as she inspected it closely. After a moment of thoughtful silence, she turned back to Arven with a determined look. "You know," she spoke, resolve coloring her tone, "I think I have a pretty good idea who would do this..."
In Saguaro's class, the students found their usual seats, exchanging greetings and small talk as they settled in. The room hummed with the sound of shuffling chairs and whispered students flipped through textbooks or reviewed notes, while others leaned back in their chairs, chatting animatedly with their classmates. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, knowing that today would be the big day, the competition to see who had the best sandwich was on.
At the front of the classroom, Saguaro stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze sweeping over the assembled students. The room buzzed with energy, but two familiar faces were noticeably absent: Arven, no surprise there, and Juliana, who surprisingly didn't show up to class the day before either. Their empty seats stood out among the sea of desks, drawing curious glances from their classmates,
Mercer and Ernie sat side by side, their heads inclined towards each other as they whispered conspiratorially. Their laughter punctuated the hushed conversation, their expressions smug and devious. With heads close together, it was almost like they were plotting something, their eyes occasionally daring around the room as if to ensure their secrecy.
As Saguaro glanced at the clock, he realized that it had already been 5 minutes since the class had begun. Though he held Juliana in high regard, he couldn't delay the proceedings solely for her. "Alright amigos, it's time we begin the competition, now, the first matchup was supposed to be Mercer and Ernie against Juliana and Arven, but, seeing as either of them aren't here, I suppose we'll have to move on to the next matchup."
Mercer and Ernie exchanged glances, a mischievous spark lighting up their eyes. With a wild smirk, Mercer extended his hand, and Ernie swiftly slapped it, their laughter filling the air as they reveled in shared amusement.
"Okay, and as for round 2..." Saguaro's voice trailed off as the classroom door swung open abruptly, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Surprised gazed converged on the doorway, anticipation building as the person revealed themself.
The entire classroom fell into a tense silence as Juliana burst through the doorway, her breaths ragged and hurried. All eyes snapped to her; the anticipation palpable as she struggled to catch her breath. Beads of sweat glistened on her forehead as she finally managed to utter, "Finally... made it," her voice strained with exhaustion.
Mercer's jaw dropped in disbelief, his eyes widening as he stared at Juliana. "J-Jules!?" he stammered out, astonishment filling his tone.
"Ah, Ms. Quintanilla, so nice of you to finally join us," Mr. Saguaro remarked with a smile, happy to see his favorite student.
"I'm sorry I was late, Mr. Saguaro. And I'm sorry I couldn't make it to yesterday's class, I promise it won't happen again," Juliana apologized as she walked forward toward the front of class, a hint of urgency in her voice. With a subtle but deliberate step, she brushed past Mercer, purposely stepping on his foot as she moved past him. "I hope I'm not too late..."
"Cutting it a little close, but you're here now," Saguaro acknowledged before his expression shifted with concern. "But what of Mr. Sada?Don't tell me he's skipping another one of my classes, especially on a day like this one!"
Juliana's face hardened, her voice firm as she spoke. "He won't be able to make it today. Someone left this basket of muffins at his doorstep, and he's been terribly ill ever since," she explained, her eyes flickering a brief glare at Mercer and Ernie before continuing. "He even went to the nurse's office. They said it's pretty serious. If you need one, I'll make sure he sends you a note from them."
"No need, I trust you, Ms. Quintanilla," Saguaro responded thoughtfully. "But that still leaves us with a dilemma. Having you go up against both Mercer and Ernie without your partner would be unfair. I suppose I'll just have to grade your and Arven's sandwich at a later date then."
Mercer and Ernie once more gave each other a knowing glance, their heads close together as they shared a quick whisper, their laughter echoing softly in the air. Juliana observed their camaraderie from her seat, her expression darkening with anger at their insolence.
Juliana stood up confidently, her voice firm as she addressed the teacher, her determination palpable in the tense silence that followed. "Mr. Saguaro, if it's alright with you, I'd like to still go up against Mercer and Ernie. I know I'm as ready as I'll ever be." Her declaration reverberated through the classroom, leaving her classmates stunned by her boldness.
"But, without a second pair of hands..." Saguaro added, his surprise evident as he processed his favorite student's unexpected request.
"I know it's a little unorthodox, but I really want to settle this— uh, I mean, do this!" Juliana asserted, a commanding presence in her voice. "Please, Mr. Saguaro, I'm not alone. Even if he's not here physically, I have Arven at my side, and that's worth more than a thousand partners."
Saguaro finally nodded approvingly. "I admire your determination. Very well, you may proceed to the kitchen station, and we'll get started."
As Mercer and Ernie rose from their seats, Juliana's glare burned with an intensity that could almost be felt. With sheer disdain etched on her face, she watched them make their way to the back of the class where the kitchen area awaited. The kitchen, dimly lit yet functional, boasted stainless steel countertops, rows of gleaming appliances, and neatly organized ingredients lining the shelves. A faint aroma of spices lingered in the air, adding to the tense atmosphere as the rivals prepared to face off.
A buzz of excitement in the classroom as students eagerly rose from their seats, their footsteps echoing against the tiled floor. With murmurs of anticipation, they made their way toward the back of the room to watch. Conversations hummed with speculation and excitement, while the occasional nervous laugh broke through the tension. As they gathered around the kitchen station, their eyes were fixated on Juliana, Mercer, and Ernie, awaiting the start of the culinary showdown.
"A basket of muffins, you said?" Ernie's voice cut through the air, breaking the tension as he spoke aloud.
"I wonder who could have done such a thing," Mercer sneered, his voice dripped with malice. "There must have been some malicious intent behind it... poor Jules and Arven."
Juliana's lips curled into a tight line as her expression deepened, her eyes ablaze with a fierce intensity. "There was definitely some malicious intent behind it, Arven suspects there were some laxatives placed in those muffins," she began, her words seething with anger. "But don't worry, whoever did it will get what's coming to them, that's for sure," she declared, her tone unwavering and resolute.
"Allow me to introduce the other two judges who will be evaluating your sandwiches," Saguaro declared, his voice carrying across the room as he unveiled two Poké Balls with a flourish. With a swift motion, he released the two Pokémon within, unveiling a Hatterene and a Pachirisu.
The Hatterene stood tall and regal, its delicate features exuding an air of sophistication and elegance. With its pastel-colored body adorned with intricate patterns, it gazed upon the students with a serene expression, its piercing eyes taking in every detail.
On the other hand, the Pachirisu was small but spirited, its bright eyes twinkling with curiosity and excitement. With its fluffy fur and perky ears, it bounced with eagerness, ready to eat some hopefully tasty sandwiches.
"Alright, let the match commence!" Saguaro declared, his voice echoing with authority as he signaled the beginning of the round. With a flourish of his hand, he stepped back, allowing the tension-filled atmosphere to engulf the classroom as the students plastered their eyes to the match.
Mercer and Ernie swaggered over to the kitchen counter, taking out a loaf of artisanal sourdough bread. With a devil-may-care attitude, they each grabbed a knife and began to slice through the bread, the blades cutting smoothly through the crusty exterior. As they worked, they exchanged smirks and muttered remarks, their camaraderie evident.
Juliana wasted no time as she swiftly gathered the ingredients for her sandwich. With Arven's recipe in mind, she reached for pre-baked tofu slices which was what caused her to be late, her hands trembling slightly with anticipation.
Mercer and Ernie's sandwich began to take shape with a flourish of creativity and flavor. They added slices of savory grilled eggplant, roasted red peppers, and tangy Miltank cheese. Each ingredient complemented the next, creating a symphony of taste and texture that promise to tantalize the senses.
Juliana, on the other hand, carefully spread the chopped vegetables onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they were evenly distributed. She drizzled them with olive oil, sprinkling on some salt, pepper, and dash of some herbs Arven recommended for added flavor. With a gentle hand, she tossed the vegetables to coat them evenly in seasoning. Then, she placed the baking sheet into the preheated oven, watching as the vibrant colors of the vegetables started to intensify under the heat.
She couldn't afford to make any mistakes, especially not against the two people she hated the most. She had spent the entirety of yesterday going over Arven's recipe, ironing out any major blemishes she had in her technique. She may not have been perfect, but she had to succeed, not just to best Mercer and Ernie, but for Arven's sake.
After ensuring they had applied the right amount of ingredients, Mercer and Ernie pressed the sandwich together firmly but gently, making sure everything was evenly distributed and the sandwich well-packed. With the sandwich assembled, it was now time to toast it.
As the roasted vegetables finished baking, Juliana eagerly removed them from the oven, their vibrant colors and enticing aroma filling the kitchen. With nimble fingers, she carefully placed them onto the sandwich, laying each slice of bread with the grilled tofu and garden vegetables. Next, she applied Arven's secret sauce, lending a unique and delicious flavor to the sandwich. She spread it generously over the vegetables, ensuring that every bite would be infused with its sweet and tangy essence.
Mercer and Ernie carefully retreived their sandwich from the toaster oven, the warm aroma of freshly baked bread grasping the noses of everyone watching. With synchronized movements, they lifted the sandwich onto the countertop, its golden-brown crust glistening under the kitchen lights.
With a grin, Mercer reached for a bottle of hot sauce, and with practiced precision, he applied a generous drizzle of the spicy condiment onto the sandwich, ensuring each bite would pack a powerful punch of heat.
Both boys looked up towards Juliana, their expressions contorting into sneers of disdain as they caught sight of the grilled tofu on the sandwich. "Ew, is that tofu?" Mercer exclaimed; his tone laced with mockery. "I wouldn't feed that to my Zangoose." Ernie joined in with a hearty laugh.
Ignoring their remarks, Juliana sprinkled the mixture of toasted sesame seeds, flaxseeds, and chopped almonds over the sandwich, ensuring that every inch of the savory creation was adorned with the crunchy blend. She may have slightly overdone it, but the sandwich was finally done.
With their sandwiches in hand, Juliana, Mercer, and Ernie approached the judges' table, each step feeling like a weighted journey towards an uncertain outcome. Tension reigned in the air as they walked from the kitchen area to the judge's station. Every eye in the room seemed to follow their movements, waiting with bated breath to see just who's sandwich would be deemed superior.
Juliana's grip tightened around her plate, her heart beating twice as fast. She did her best with the sandwich, but still, even she knew that it still paled in comparison to Arven's, but still, it was a lot better than her earlier attempts.
She couldn't help but steal a glance at Mercer and Ernie, their smug expressions only fueling her determination to prove herself further. As they reached the judges table, Juliana's senses heightened, acutely aware of every sound and movement around her.
Standing beside Hatterene with Pachirisu atop his head, Saguaro's authotitative yet welcoming presence commanded the attention of everyone in the room. His voice, calm yet firm, cut through the tension that lingered in the air.
"Please set your plates down," he instructed, his words punctuated by a gesture towards the table he sat besides, Juliana and Mercer complied, both setting their culinary creations before the judges, the weight of the moment seeming to hang in the air.
The girl navigated back some, her heart still pounding. Mercer, flanking Ernie, leaned in towards Juliana with a sly grin playing on his lips. "You should've eaten those muffins," he murmured, his voice laced with a subtle edge of menace. Juliana felt a surge of anger welling up inside her, the urge to retaliate nearly overpowering. Yet, with a measured breath, she exercised restraint, opting instead to ignore the boy.
With cautious anticipation, Saguaro, Hatterene, and Pachirisu began their assessment, each taking a bite of Mercer and Ernie's sandwich. Heir expressions fluctuated between nods of approval and furrowed brows of critique as they savored the flavors and textures presented before them.
"Interesting combination," remarked Saguaro, his tone neutral yet analytical. "Although the grilled eggplant adds a unique depth, it tends to overpower the subtler flavors. The roasted red peppers provide a delightful contrast, but perhaps a touch more seasoning would elevate the overall experience. But regardless, I cannot deny this is a very good start for our competition today, the melted cheese is perfection, I'd say."
"Rene, rene." Hatterene's delicate features contorted into a thoughtful expression as she agreed with her Trainer. Pachirisu did the same, agreeing with Saguaro's sentiment.
"You hear that, he said the cheese is perfection!" Mercer said to Ernie with a grin coloring his face, completely ignoring any criticism that was leveled at them.
As the judges moved on to Juliana's creation, an almost palpable tension filled the air. Juliana held he breath, her gaze fixed on their every reaction, filled to the brim with nervousness. With each bite, she could feel her pulse quicken, her anxiety mounting with each passing moment.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Saguaro looked up from his plate, a smile spreading across his face. "This," he declared, his voice ringing with genuine enthusiasm, "is exceptional."
Hatterene and Pachirisu, echoing their Trainer's sentiment, chirped and nodded in agreement, their expressions conveying an unmistakable sense of delight. Juliana's heart soared with relief, a wave of triumphant satisfaction washing over her as the weight of uncertainty lifted from her shoulders.
Juliana's breath caught in her throat, radiating with happiness as she processed her teacher's words. "R-really!?" she exclaimed, her voice betraying a mix of excitement and disbelief. The validation of her culinary efforts filled her with a rush of euphoria, a wide smile spreading across her face.
"Absolutely," Saguaro replied with genuine enthusiasm. "This sandwich, it's incredible! The flavors are dare-I-say perfectly balanced, the ingredients are fresh and vibrant, and the presentation is impeccable. You've truly outdone yourself, Ms. Quintanilla."
Mercer and Ernie shared a stunned glance as Saguaro's praise for Juliana's sandwich poured forth without a hint of criticism. Their expressions dropped from confidence to shock, realizing their own sandwich paled in comparison to "Jules."
Juliana's smile radiated with gratitude. "It's all thanks to Arven," she explained warmly. "This was his recipe, not mine. Believe me, it took me a lot of practice, but I'm glad you guys like it!"
With a chuckle, Saguaro leaned back slightly, savoring another bite of the sandwich. "It's the niño's recipe, is that right?" he mused between mouthfuls. "When I see him next, I'm going to have a lot to ask him, seriously," he paused, considering. "He might even be a better chef than myself, and as for this round, it's safe to say that the winner is Juliana and Arven!"
Mercer and Ernie's disappointment further, their shoulders slumping as Juliana jumped in the air, exclaiming excitedly "¡Lo logramos!" she shouted happily, having been pronounced the winner.
Later that day, Juliana approached Arven's door with a tentative knock. To her surprise, it appeared Arven actually remembered to lock his door for once. Just as she began to wonder if he was even home, she heard the faint shuffling of footsteps from within. Moments later, the latch clicked, and the door creaked open, revealing Arven standing on the other side, a curious expression on his face.
Arven's voice was still strained, his words punctuated by a hoarse cough. "Oh, there you are, Juliana," he said, his tone still laced with fatigue. "You got here later than I thought you would."
Juliana's smile widened as she revealed the basket of muffins from behind her back. "I went shopping and picked these up from a store around Mesagoza, I thought they'd be fitting considering... you know," she explained, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. "To victory," she declared, handing Arven one of the muffins.
Arven's expression soured as he held the muffin in his hand. "Muffins, really?" he voiced with a hint of skepticism, his tone laden with exhaustion and uncertainty.
Juliana tilted her head slightly, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "That's right," she affirmed, her tone light and playful. "And don't worry, I promise there's no laxatives in it," she added with a wink, trying to ease the boy's apprehension.
Arven smiled faintly, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "To victory," he echoed softly, mirroring Juliana's gesture as they both took a bite out of the muffins.
Hey y'all, I actually managed to finish this chapter... relatively quickly, I'm pretty happy about this, I'm in Maryland right now by the way, having a good time too,
As for this chapter, I think it's pretty obvious who delivered those rotton muffins, but well, let's just leave it to interpretation, I suppose.
Anyways, I'll be writing the next chapter tomorrow, — letsgojojo out.