Shiitake ✦

Shiitake was born into and raised by a family of Shiitake mushrooms, who are known for their Zen and monk-like beliefs towards spore power and a dedication to elemental powers. Although her family didn't have much to live on, they always had peace at mind as long as they had each other.

Since a young age Shiitake preferred to keep to herself instead of interacting with other fungi in order to better dedicate herself to improving her connection with the spore power. But one day, for some reason unknown to Shiitake, the princess of the colony decided to approach her during their class' lunch time.

Rather than introduce herself as royalty, the other shroom said her name was Peckii. Shiitake was a bit shocked at first that the princess (or anyone) spoke to her, and introduced herself. Peckii pointed out that she thought it was cool they both had two "i"s in their names, and asked to join her for lunch before sitting next to Shiitake. The silent fungus simply nodded and began eating, and Peckii even offered some of her food. Shiitake asked the princess why she was being so nice to her all of a sudden. Peckii answered that she noticed Shiitake seemed shy and lonely, and felt that she didn't deserve that. Shiitake was not used to random kindness, and pointed out that maybe she preferred to be left alone. But Peckii said the two could be each other's second "i". Shiitake was confused as she mentioned they both already had two "eyes", but Peckii explained she meant that both their names have a pair of the letter "i"s that need each other to complete them. The silly idea made Shiitake smile, which blossomed both of their very first friendship's.

Over the years the duo became best friends, with Shiitake becoming loving and protective of Peckii, and Peckii caring and supportive of her. They learned knew things from each other and grew as people: With Shiitake helping Peckii to become a stronger individual, and Peckii helping Shiitake learn to be compassionate. Both families were very loving and accepting of the friendship, and even grew closer together. Which really helped Shiitake's family live a more comfortable life thanks to Peckii's. 

Once the fungi gal pals reached adulthood, Peckii was very involved in royal affairs and charity work for the fungui people, with Shiitake by her side as her official royal guard (even though Peckii was strong enough now to protect herself, she still wanted her best friend with her). Both had become strong individuals who were fully capable of using their just as strong spore powers, but nothing was stronger than the bond the two had built together.

One day while the two were planning a charity event, Peckii had become interested in a hot new fungi idol named Poly who just debuted, and decided to book her to perform at the event. Shiitake was a bit reluctant at first since she had doubts a new uncommon artist would help them get attention to their event, but she trusted Peckii's judgement. When they met Poly at the event she was kind and grateful for being invited to perform, which turned out to be a success. After that Shiitake decided to fully endorse Poly publicly with Peckii.  The idol began plans for her first album, with Peckii paying for her to record in a high class studio. It released the following month and was titled "Amber Tears", and reached number one within the mushroom colonies.

The trio continued being friends as Poly was rising in popularity and was even giving back to the community with charity donations. Peckii and Shiitake were sure to advertise and attended most if not every gig Poly had to support their new friend.

Over the year as they grew closer and after Poly had become a well known idol, she showed how grateful she was for her friend's support by writing, recording, and releasing two new complimentary albums in their tribute: The album themed off Peckii titled "Ruby Blood", and the album themed off Shiitake titled "Smoky Sweat". Poly wanted the themes and names to compliment her first album as well in order to symbolize the expression "putting your blood, sweat, and tears into something". Meaning that the three of them, as well as the rest of the fungi people as a community, contribute all their hard work in some way to help the colony and have given their own efforts into reaching their own goals.

The albums became hits and peaked charts, and Peckii and Shiitake were so touched by the tributes they planned and sponsored Poly to go on her very first tour to promote all three albums with the "Blood, Sweat, and Tears Tour".