Hello one and all to another chapter of Pokemon SVTA and my vacation ended a bit sooner but I reccomend Branson, MI, fun place but anyway. Today, we will begin part two of 'Two sides, same coin' by focusing on Nemona's side of the story where she'll face against Carmine for the 2nd time, what's her motivations now that the Treasure Hunt has started and will Nemona put her skills to good use? (Although you likely know the answer by now).
No Cover Story for today but the next chapter will contain one. Without further ado, let's begin!
The day prior to the treasure hunt.
Oh my, we aren't at Ash's camp or at Naranja this time around but instead the school of Uva Academy located near Levincia where school life is similar to Naranja's where students can freely enjoy themselves although it's more under the watchful eyes of the school's headmaster and the head security guard. But other than that, students are free to do what they want with limitations of course.
We see Carmine in the headmaster's office where we see that the room was plainly average but resembled Clavell's room quite a bit with some technology there and there, the headmaster looked rather young with light blue hair and a charming appearance and beside him to his right was his bodyguard/head of security who looked to be middle aged and not in the best of shape but still rather muscular. To the headmaster's left was his Bombirdier.
"Ah good morrow, lord Carmine, I'm sure you you're aware of what's happening tomorrow?" the headmaster says medieval like.
"You were watching Men in Tights, weren't you?" Carmine asked suspiciously.
"That's not important but anyway, tomorrow is the Treasure Hunt and I asked you here on a request. I'm sure your aware but I've received another report that you were 'bullying' Naranja's student council president over trying to drive away a friend of hers for being from another region." Phyllus asked.
Carmine looked to be shocked, "Sir I-"
"Let me finish, normally I would admonish you for your actions and then get you out of that problem but, I hear this student is Ash Ketchum from what I've heard. Now we wouldn't want to cause a controversy because of his status but your goals happen to align with mine, getting rid of Ash from this region because he undermines our strength in a way but me and my good bud here don't want to be in trouble but I'm willing to throw away those reports of yours and help get your status back amongst the people if you get rid of Ash-"
"I may not like Ash but I'm not killing him!" Carmine interrupted as the headmaster sighed.
"I didn't say kill, drive him out of this region and I'll get your status back by giving you the Top Champion ranking and find your father, isn't that right Champion princess?"
"Champion queen." Carmine clarified as the headmaster nodded.
"Sorry, queen. Your stronger than Ash so don't disappoint yourself or me. But, if you receive another report and they catch on, you're on your own, do I make myself clear?" the headmaster said sternly.
"Yes Phyllus."
"Good, don't let others beat you down. Now in terms of your student council reports, we must-" Phyllus didn't finish as he heard his phone rang and looked at the caller id nd appeared he recognizes it.
"Ah, an old friend of mine. Could you two step out for the moment?" Phyllus says as Carmine, the guard and Bombirdier try to step out, "Except you Bombirdier." Phyllus clarified.
Carmine walked to her locker and whispered to herself.
"I can't lose this opportunity and I most certainly can't deal with that Banderas girl. I must win against Ash at all costs, right Samurott?" Carmine says looking to her Pokeball which shakes in approval as Carmine gives a soft smile.
"Glad you're my Starter." Carmine says as she walks off, "Don't think I'm forgetting about you, you runaway dad."
Carmine wakes up from that dream at a camp site breathing heavily in her tent as her Samurott wakes up and she hears rumbling at another tent and sees a light turn on.
"Sis, are you ok?" Kieran asks from the other tent, "Yes Kieran I'm fine, get back to sleep." Carmine says as she lays back down.
I'll fight Ash today, no matter what even if I have to pummel that girl again till she gives up."
We switch to Ash's camp later that morning where we see Ash and his friends having a tense conversation about the events that happened the day prior, Ash is worried about what will happen in the future with Ash sacrificing himself, his self-sacrificial attitude and the fact Paldea is going to be crystalized left a bad feeling in everyone's mouths but specifically, Ash.
"I'm glad you're looking out for us, but you need to remember, you're an individual who can laugh, cry, be mad, etc, you need to be happy as well. When it comes time to whole event, you shouldn't just shoulder the burdens on your own but allow us-"
"I know! I know. It's just that I- I- I'm scared of losing you for getting into something very dangerous, could end the world and I wouldn't know what I would do with myself if I were to lose my own friends and Pokemon. I'm scared of losing the people I care about most including you three." Ash said a bit upset as the gang look on with sympathy.
"Ash." Arven says as Ash stood up from the table, "I think I just need to take a walk a bit to let out some stress, it shouldn't be that long." Ash says as he dashes off causing a worried Pikachu and Nymble to follow him as Nemona attempted to follow but Penny lightly grabbed her arm.
"I know you want to follow Ash, but he needs some time to cool off a bit." Penny says but she's feeling a bit decisive.
"But I don't want Ash to feel like this he has to handle this by himself." Nemona says as Penny nods, "I'm worried too but I feel like this conversation should help him in realizing those things soon." Penny says as Nemona reluctantly sighs and sits back down. This left everyone up to their own devices but decided to continue the conversation from before.
"Crystallization of Paldea? Ash's sacrifice? A mysterious Pokemon egg? Just what is going on in Paldea and what will happen?" Nemona said worryingly as the others nod in agreement, "Whatever is about to happen, is not going to be pretty." Nemona continued.
This left the gang in a bit of conflicted state, "That's not all that's worrying me, that Pokemon says that Ash will sacrifice himself for Paldea and that it will ultimately be pointless. I don't blame him for wanting to do this but the fact that he's trying to push us away and the fact that it will only end in failure makes me concerned that him working alone will-" Penny didn't need to finish as the other gazes showed their worries as well.
"We won't let that happen! I know Ash will try to push us away, but I don't want to lose him. He helped us and we need to help him and so I hope Ash's alone time will help him think about it." Arven says as the gang were left flabbergasted but ultimately nodded in agreement.
"While I agree, I also think there are times where we shouldn't step in like if it's really serious and Ash has to go even though I still feel conflicted about it despite that being for our own good." Nemona says simply.
They sat there for a while before Nemona thought of something else that came to mind.
"With Koraidon and Iron Valiant coming here via the air gusts, do you think more Paradoxes might come here?" Nemona says as the gang were alerted to that fact.
"Now that you mentioned it, yeah. If it has something to do with that time machine that mom and dad made, then I have a feeling more of these Pokemon will appear but Valiant in particular is interesting because he's specifically made by a professo-" Arven stopped upon seeing a girl and an H Samurott uncomfortably staring down at Ash's defeated Pokemon.
"So, this is Ash's team they look pretty broken to me." "Samu." the girl said coldly and Samurott said in agreement as Quaxwell tried to get up in anger, but the similarly injured Hawlucha stopped him but glared at the girl in anger, "If you don't mind, you're making them feel uncomfortab- Carmine!?" Nemona says shocked as Carmine turns and has that cold glare on her face and walked over to Nemona who had slight fear but tried not to flinch.
"Hello Nemona, you wouldn't have happened to see Ash, have you?" Carmine asked as Nemona gulped, "You won't find him! He's not traveling with us so go away!"
"Then how do you explain him fighting that Gardevoir, Gallade object with his Quaxly evolving?" Carmine asked as Penny gulped, "Don't you have something better to do than stalking us!?" Arven says as Carmine nods and brings out a couple of files containing papers.
"I do actually, I'm on a trip to deliver these files to the other headmasters of the other schools and I'm on my way to meet with Platano's Sophia but since I heard Ash is here, I thought I might as well be a good individual and introduce myself."
"So, you can promptly kick him out of Paldea and be a 'queen' of this region like you were before. Look, we're dealing with our own problems so if don't-" Arven didn't get to finish as Carmine glared at him.
"If don't mind one eye, I'm trying to have a sophisticated conversation with your student council president so go and play with your toys." Carmine says coldly making Arven grit his teeth while his Sneasel and Penny pat his back out of comfort. That causes Nemona to be angry.
"I don't know what gives you the right to do that but that's my friend you're hurting, and I won't let you do that, so I challenge you t so you can leave us alone. I've improved since last time, so I'll make you regret what you said about my friends!" Nemona said sternly as Carmine looked on emotionlessly. We see Kieran running up the hill with Rookidee flying by his side huffing.
"Stop running off like that, your making me feel ol- don't tell me your going to-"
"I accept."
Of course, she did. Kieran thought to himself as he went over to Arven and Penny, "Kieran, going on the Treasure Hunt too?" Penny says in a friendly tone as Kieran nervously blushes and scratches his head.
"Y-y-y-y-y-y-yeah, I may have the Champion rank, but I always wanted to do the Gym Challenge so I'm going around the region trying to keep my sister sane but unfortunately, to no avail. I'm so sorry for my sister's actions." Kieran says apologetically as he bows but Arven and Penny put their hands up.
"Hey, it's not your fault, there's no need to apologize." Penny says as Arven got a bit curious, "So I take it you didn't earn your Champion rank normally then?" Arven says as Kieran nods.
"Yep, we had status up until last year for- reasons, but not Champion ranks but I earned that via helping out in my home of Levincia but I always wanted to go for the Gym Challenge so that's where I am.
The 3 continue talking as Carmine looked to Nemona, "Damn little bro telling your life stories like that. Regardless, you'll lose." Carmine says coldly.
The two trainers face each other for battle as Arven, Penny and Kieran watched from the distance concerned.
"Who knows, maybe Nemona will have some luck in this one?" Arven says as Kieran shakes his head, "I wouldn't count on it, she's training everyday to surpass Ash and his team using whatever Pokemon she's got and 'hopefully' making it through with super effective prowess." Kieran says informally to the group as the silence was getting tense and Nemona stared at Carmine with both confidence and nervousness.
"Well then, Pawniard it's time for your first battle!" Carmine says as she throws out her Great Ball releasing Pawniard who stands mighty and fierce for battle, "Pawniard!" Pawniard says confidently but surprises the group (sans Kieran).
"I wasn't expecting a Pawniard. I thought she would use a Haxorus, a Garganacl or a Baxcalibur not a first stage Pokemon?" Arven says as Kieran nods in approval, "It's as I thought, she's trying to use any mon she can catch in order to win against Ash." Kieran says as Nemona smirks.
"A Pawniard huh, well then Fuecoco time to burn!" Nemona says as she throws her Pokeball releasing the feisty Fuecoco.
"Coco!" Fuecoco says enthusiastically as Nemona nods, "That's the spirit now lets-" Nemona stops upon seeing her Fuecoco comedically sleeping on the ground.
"Ok that's cute but this isn't the time for a siesta!" Nemona says as Fuecoco gets up and is ready for battle, "You may have the first strike." Carmine says coldly as Nemona nods.
"Alright Fuecoco use Incinerate!" Nemona yells out as Fuecoco launches a fireball from his mouth towards Pawniard who doesn't look phased, "Use Air Slash!" Carmine says as Pawniard launches a slice of air towards the Incinerate creating a puff of smoke.
"Wha-" Nemona didn't even have time to finish as Pawniard rushed in towards Fuecoco taking both by surprise, "Pawniard use Night Slash!" Carmine says sternly as Pawniard nodded and glowed their blades frightening Fuecoco.
"Don't be afraid Fuecoco, start dodging with all your might!" Nemona says as Fuecoco shook off the fear and started to hop backwards away from Pawniard's Night Slashes, "Now get behind to attack!" Carmine says as Pawniard rushed from behind and slashed at Fuecoco causing him to be injured.
"Fuecoco!" Nemona yells out as Carmine smirks, "Alright, Pawniard use Metal Claw multiple times!" Carmine says as Pawniard nods and glows their claws before slashing at Fuecoco multiple times relentlessly.
The gang look on with shock, "Carmine's absolutely brutal out there." Penny says.
"She's using a not very effective move, but it seems to be working out for her." Arven says as the others nod, "Yeah, she knows it's not effective but with Pawniard's agility and the fact that Metal Claw has the effect of boosting attack, and you got a recipe for disaster." Kieran says which catches the attention of Penny.
"Wait did you say that she's trying to get Pawniard to boost their attack?" Penny says as Kieran nods but Penny smiles, "Then Fuecoco should have nothing to worry about for now." Penny says confusing Kieran and Arven.
We see the Pawniard receiving an attack boost via an orange light, but Fuecoco didn't seem more damaged compared to before confusing Carmine.
"I thought the attack boosts would do something." Carmine says frustratingly as Nemona smiles, "It seems I'm 'unaware' of why it's happening." Nemona says slightly laughing causing both Carmine and Pawniard to be confused until the realization kicked in and made Carmine frustrated.
"How dare you! use Night Slash!" Carmine says as Pawniard rushed Fuecoco angerily as Nemona sees an opportunity.
"Fuecoco use Snarl-"
"Stop and dodge-"
"-on the ground." Nemona finished blindsiding Carmine and Pawniard as Fuecoco launched a Snarl from his mouth launching him in the air and attacking Pawniard, this attack blindsided Pawniard a bit who got a bit dazed as Nemona sees another opportunity.
"Use Incinerate!" Nemona says as Fuecoco launches a fireball from his mouth and Carmine gets worried, "Snap out of it Pawniard!" Carmine yells out but was hit by the fireball sending them back by a margin but was still up for the count.
"You alright Pawniard!?" Carmine yelled out as Pawniard nodded and Carmine nodded, "Good. You'll pay for that, use Night Slash!" Carmine yelled out as Pawniard rushed towards Fuecoco angrily as Nemona came up with another plan.
"Fuecoco, let's try a pseudo–Fire Fang by combining your Bite and your flames together!" Nemona yelled out as Fuecoco nodded and rushed towards Pawniard as his fangs glowed and combined them with fire. Pawniard prepared to strike and as Fuecoco was about to bit onto Pawniard's arm, the flames converted into electricity and bit onto Pawniard's arm at full force with the new electric infused Bite which made Pawniard paralyzed.
This surprises the group, "Wow, those flames from that fake Fire Fang became Thunder Fang." Arven said astonished as Fuecoco huffed smoke from his nose and Pawniard became twitchy due to the paralysis.
"Wow Fuecoco, that's amazing!" Nemona said encouragingly as Carmine gritted her teeth, "Alright Fuecoco, time to finish things off with Incinerate!" Nemona yelled out as Fuecoco nods and prepares to release a large fire ball.
"No, you don't, Pawniard use Metal Sound!" Carmine says as Pawniard used their two metal blades to screech causing Fuecoco to be distracted and unable to focus, "Fuecoco no!" Nemona yelled out as Carmine called out her next move.
"Use Night Slash." Carmine says calmly as Pawniard rushed through the paralysis and slashed at Fuecoco hard enough to send Fuecoco flying worrying Nemona, "Fuecoco!" Nemona yells out as the dust clears to see her Fuecoco knocked out.
The gang look on shocked, "Her Fuecoco got knocked out by a Night Slash, but Fuecoco seemed fine like before." Arven says surprised.
"I'm assuming it has something to do with Night Slash having a rare chance of critical hit which is what I assume what happened. Either way, Nemona does have a shot of knocking out her Pawniard due to their paralysis.
We switch to Nemona who gets nervous and grabs her Pokeball to return Fuecoco before nodding to the ball, "Thank you Fuecoco, get some rest." Nemona says as Fuecoco's ball nods.
Carmine all but smirked, "How weak, your Fuecoco was slow and couldn't handle the might of my Pawniard." Carmine says with a smug look on her face as Nemona gritted her teeth.
"Sis, I recommend you keep yourself in control. Don't let my sister get to you Nemona." Kieran says earning a glare from his sister as he and his Rookidee's skin's rise in fear.
"Whose side are you on?" Carmine said with a dark glare, "I'm on the side of neutral." Kieran simply responded earning a scoff.
"Whatever, I'll at least say your Fuecoco has 'some' skill but that won't get you anywhere."
"I'll take that as a compliment, Teddiursa time to fight!" Nemona yells out as she sends out her Pokemon who was ready to go, "Don't falter yet Pawniard, be on guard." Carmine says accordingly.
"Iard" Pawniard responded but twitched which both Nemona and Teddiursa took notice of.
Well then, Pawniard is paralyzed so it might not be able to catch up with Teddiursa. Alright then. Nemona thought to herself before confidently calling out her next attack.
"Alright Teddiursa, use Play Rough!" Nemona yells out as Teddiursa nods and rushes towards Pawniard at full force, "Pawniard use Metal Sound!" Carmine yells out as Pawniard crosses their blades to create a screeching noise distracting Teddiursa as Carmine smirked.
"Now use Metal Claw!" Carmine yells out as Pawniard in a twitchy state rushed at Teddiursa and slashed her multiple times causing everyone to be shocked, "Absolutely brutal." Kieran says mortified by his sister's actions.
"Teddiursa use Covet!" Nemona said desperately but Carmine smirked, "No you don't Air Slash!" Carmine yelled out as Pawniard released a wave slice towards Teddiursa who sends her back by a margin.
"Teddiursa!" Nemona said desperately as Teddiursa tried to get up, "Pawniard use Night Slash!" Carmine yelled out as Pawniard attempted to dash over to Pawniard but due to the paralysis, they had a hard time moving and started to twitch which made Nemona smirk.
"Alright Teddiursa, use Covet at the legs!" Nemona yelled out as Teddiursa's legs glowed and sweeped Pawniard off of their feet, "Pawniard, reestablish yourself!" Carmine yelled out but it was too late.
"Use Play Rough!" Nemona yelled out as Teddiursa punched Pawniard with a glowing pink fist and send them flying over to Carmine knocked out.
The gang cheered on for her sans Kieran who was neutral to all this but gave an approving nod towards Nemona, Carmine gritted her teeth but sighed and returned Pawniard to their Pokeball.
"Thank you Pawniard, I promise we'll train harder next time." Carmine said with a soft smile blindsiding Penny.
"I wasn't expecting that." Penny says getting Arven and Kieran's attentions.
"Expecting what?" Arven asked.
"Well, I thought she would be strict and act like a jerk to her Pokemon like Ash told me in his travels meeting with 'certain' trainers." Penny says as Kieran nods.
"She gets that often sometimes due to her scary-"
Kieran stopped upon seeing his sister glare at her.
"-err I mean her stern appearance, but she loves Pokemon and has friends though they're your stereotypical mean girl-"
Carmine glared once more.
"-higher class students." Kieran finished as Penny and Arven nod.
"Alright, we did it Teddiursa!" Nemona said to her Teddiursa holding out her arms for her, "Ursa!" Teddiursa yelled out happily as she hugged her trainer but Carmine scoffs.
"I don't know why you're celebrating, you only knocked out one of 3 Pokemon of mine and my Pawniard was just tired." Carmine says rudely as Nemona smirks, "Do you ever take a chill pill?" Nemona responded.
"Wasn't prescribed one." Carmine says snarkly.
"Well, I'll help with that, Teddiursa let's go!" Nemona yelled out as Teddiursa jumped from Nemona's arms onto the battlefield, Carmine's Samurott walks next to her trainer and Carmine nods to her.
"Go in Samurott!" Carmine yelled out as Samurott jumped onto the field and displayed her intimidating presence towards Teddiursa and Nemona. Samurott's presence intrigued and scared especially with her side glare.
"That Samurott is certainly something, much more intimidating and threatening than their Unovan counterparts who are honorable. Do you think it's genetics that could've caused it to turn into its Hisuian form?" Arven asks as Penny shrugs.
Her ace in the sleeve already, she must be getting serious, I must be too then. Nemona thought to herself as Teddiursa also got over her fear quickly and was prepared for battle.
"I'll wipe that confidence straight out of your face, Ceaseless Edge let's go!" Carmine yelled out as Samurott nods and rushes towards Teddiursa with malice, Nemona perked right up.
"Teddiursa, counter it with Slash!" Nemona yelled out as Teddiursa nods and rushes towards Samurott as they began clashing their slash attacks with each other, surprisingly, Teddiursa was able to catch up with Samurott's slashing power of Ceaseless Edge and things were going swimmingly but both Nemona and the gang noticed something was off about the ground as Spikes started to appear from Ceaseless Edge.
"Those Spikes, they from the Ceseless Edge." Penny says surprised by this as Kieran nods, "Yeah, that's the effect of Ceaseless Edge. It's able to create a layer of Spikes from Ceaseless Edge and is able to damage those individuals who switch in." Kieran informed the group as Nemona started to get nervous but tried to be optimistic and confident.
"Keep pushing Teddiursa!" Nemona yells out as Teddiursa tried to keep pushing forward, "You too Samurott!" Carmine yelled out as Samurott moved forward and Teddiursa trips over a Spike which made both Carmine and Samurott smirk with glee.
"Oh no Teddi!" Nemona yelled out as Carmine called out her next course of action, "Use Razor Shell!" Carmine yells out as Samurott prepared to strike at Teddiursa and Nemona panics.
WhatamIgoingtodo? WhatamIgoingtodo? WhatamI- wait, maybe. Nemona breathes in and calms down, "Alright Teddiursa, wait there for a moment!" Nemona called out as Teddiursa nodded and braced herself as Samurott prepared to strike.
"Now roll to your right!" Nemona yelled out as Teddiursa nodded and rolled out of the way of the attack causing Samurott's blade to be stuck in the ground shocking Carmine.
"Wha-"
Nemona smirks, "Now run up on the arm!" Nemona yelled out as Teddiursa nods and runs up the arm before jumping high into the air.
"Now use Play Rough!" Nemona yells out as Teddiursa's fist glowed and punched Samurott in the face sending her back impressing the group.
"Teddiursa is certainly stronger than I expected." Kieran says surprised, "That's to be expected, most wild Teddiursa are able to lift a tree so maybe that punch was comparable to lifting a tree?" Penny says flabbergasted.
"Samurott are you ok?" Carmien to her Starter who shakes it off and nods, "Good, now use Sacred Sword but slow!" Carmine says as Samurott rushes in and prepares to slice at Teddiursa much slower than before, but Nemona and Teddiursa seem prepared for the attack.
The others on the other hand look on unconvinced, "Just what is Carmine's endgame here?" Arven says suspiciously Teddiursa prepared herself.
"Grab on to it!" Nemona yelled out as Teddiursa grabbed onto Sacred Sword and smirked, "Gotcha!" Nemona says as Carmine smiles maliciously.
"Lift." Carmine says as her Samurott lifts the worried Teddiursa in the air.
"Slam." Carmine says as her Samurott proceeds to slam Teddiursa to the ground at full force worrying Nemona.
"Teddiursa, quick reestablish yours-" Nemona didn't even have time to finish as Carmine interrupted, "Razor Shell." Carmine says coldly as Samurott slashes at Teddiursa knocking her out.
"Teddiursa!" Nemona yelled out in worry, as Carmine scoffed.
"Stop trying to play by the rules, it won't get you anywhere." Carmine says coldly as Nemona glares at her and returns Teddiursa to her Pokeball.
"Thank you Teddiursa, get some rest. Alright buddy, you're up!" Nemona says trying to keep her groove in check as Pawmo jumped from Nemona's shoulder onto the battlefield but is damaged by the Spikes.
"Pawmo are you alright!?" Nemona yelled out as Pawmo held in a tear or two and nodded.
"Samurott use Ceaseless Edge." Carmine says coldly as Samurott nods and rushes towards Pawmo, "Time to Dig!" Nemona yells out as Pawmo quickly dug underground to avoid the Ceaseless Edge, but Samurott remained calm and stopped.
"Let Pawmo dig for a bit." Carmine says as Samurott nods and Pawmo keeps on annoying Samurott with the holes, but Samurott was patient which got the others suspicious towards Carmine's actions.
"Another plan of Carmine's?" Kieran says unsure of his sister's actions. After enough holes were there, Carmine calls out her next plan.
"Use Hydro Pump into one of the holes!" Carmine yelled out as Samurott nods catching Nemona off guard as Samurott launches a stream of high-pressure water towards the hole which erupted like a geyser and brought out Pawmo who was struggling to make themselves stable.
"That was her plan!?" Arven says, "It seems like after that last battle, she didn't want to be embarrassed once again by Dig so she must've taught her Samurott Hydro Pump to counteract that." Penny says as Carmine smugly smiles.
"Use Sacred Sword!" Carmine says as Samurott brings out her Seamitar to slash at the falling Pawmo who was sent flying from that powerful attack worrying Nemona.
"Pawmo!" Nemona yelled out as Pawmo repositioned himself and was back to battling, "You alright bud?" Nemona asks as Pawmo nods.
"How weak is your Pawmo, he would do much better with me." Carmine says but Pawmo glared at her and had electricity spouting out of his arms angrily.
"Maybe not." Carmine says focusing on the battle at hand.
Her smug and queen-like attitude are pissing me off, if she wants to play dirty, fine by me. Nemona thought to herself as she called on her next move, "Use Arm Thrust!" Nemona says as Pawmo nodded and rushed at Samurott.
"Use Ceaseless Edge!" Carmine says as her Samurott rushes at Pawmo and prepares to strike, "Grab it with both arms!" Nemona says as her Pawmo quickly grabbed onto it which made Carmine unamused.
"You really going for that same old trick again? Lif-" Carmine didn't finish as Nemona smirked, "Pawmo, into the ground!" Nemona yelled out as Pawmo used his strength to head into one of the holes slamming Samurott onto the ground and causing her arm to get stuck blindsiding Carmine again.
"Wha-"
"Now use Arm Thrust from the ground!" Nemona yelled out as Pawmo rushed back up and used Arm Thrust on Samurott's stomach sending her flying in the air as Pawmo rushed out of the hole and Nemona grabbed her Tera orb.
"Time for a bit of electricity, Terastalize Pawmo and use Thunder Shock!" Nemona yelled out as Nemona threw her orb and Pawmo started to Terastalize into his Electric Tera hat. Pawmo launched a Thunder Shock towards Samurott who is badly damaged by the attack and falls to the ground.
"You like that, Carmine? I learned a bit from you and Ash to not play by the rules at time, so I want to thank you." Nemona says in a snark tone causing Carmine to grit her teeth, "Shut it Banderas." Carmine says angrily as her Samurott attempts to get up getting Carmine's attention.
"Samurott!" Carmine yelled out worryingly as Samurott gets up and appears to be angry.
"Samurott!" Samurott yelled out as Carmine nods, "Glad you're alright girl, I'm sure you're aiming for your status back as well so let's Terastalize!" Carmine says as Samurott nods and Carmine throws her Tera orb at Samurott who Terastalizes into her Dark Tera hat.
Carmine stares down at Nemona, "I won't let you make a fool out of me no more, be more brutal Samurott use Hydro Pump!" Carmine yelled out as Samurott launches a stream of water from her mouth as Nemona prepares to counter it.
"Countershield!" Nemona yelled out as Pawmo got spinning and releasing Thunder Shock in a spinning motion and it hit the Hydro Pump causing a puff of smoke to appear, "Yes!" Nemona yelled out excitedly a bit too soon as Samurott rushed through the smoke angrily.
"Wha-"
"Ceaseless Edge multiple times!" Carmine yelled out as Samurott slashed at Pawmo surpassing the electricity and attacking multiple times, "How utterly pathetic, why even go on this journey when you know you'll just lose more future battles. Give up." Carmine says making Nemona angrier but saw the determined look on Pawmo's face as he braced himself and nods.
"What do you know about me, your just some bratty queen. Pawmo Dig!" Nemona yelled out as Pawmo saw an opportunity to dig and escape another Ceaseless Edge as Carmine scoffs once more.
"Really, another one? Hydro Pump!" Carmine yelled out as Samurott launched another stream of water, "Dig through the holes and pop out at the right moment!" Nemona yelled out as Pawmo nodded and ran through the holes to escape the Hydro Pump.
"Prepare to Razor Shell when Pawmo pops out!" Carmine yells out as Samurott nods and notices movement next to her and a hole appeared, Samurott stops her Hydro Pump to use Razor Shell, but nothing came out of the hole leaving Samurott confused until Pawmo popped out of an already open hole which Carmine notices.
"Samurott, to your left!" Carmine yelled out but it was too late, "Thunder Shock!" Nemona yelled out as Pawmo released a stream of Tera-boosted electricity towards Samurott but it seems to split into 4 directions which catches everyone's attention.
"That's- that's Discharge!" Arven says, "Cool! Two new moves in one day!" Nemona says as the Discharge hit Samurott hard and started to stagger a bit.
"Alright Pawmo, finish this with Arm Thrust!" Nemona yells out as Samurott staggers but is angry, "Ceaseless Edge." Carmine says calmly as Pawmo jumps and Samurott strikes Pawmo hard sending him flying towards the ground and knocking him out surprising everyone.
"Pawmo!" Nemona yelled out going to his side and putting him in her arms, "Can you hear me Pawmo!?" Nemona yelled out nervously as Pawmo put his arm up weakly but gave a thumbs up.
This caused Nemona to tear up, "I'm glad you're alright." Nemona said throught the tears as Carmine and Samurott walked towards Nemona and Kieran stood up to prepare to stop Carmine.
"Is that it? Is that all your Pawmo improved on from last time? At least you and Pawmo got a bit darker in your battle tactics but other than that, you're pretty weak." Carmine said coldly as Nemonaa grits her teeth.
"Will you ever stop talking?" Nemona says angrily,
"Not until I drive out 'that' trainer."
"I won't let you see him!" Nemona said with cold fury in her voice as Carmine was taken aback.
"Now where is he?" Carmine asked as Penny, Arven and Kieran looked a bit shocked as Nemona turned her head to see a familiar figure as Carmine turned around and smirked.
"If you're looking for me, I'm right here and ready to battle!" "Pika Pika!" both Ash and Pikachu say.
"Ash no-"
"I know Nemona, but it's clear that she won't stop until she's battled me, and I'd rather not let her hurt you or my friends because I'm kind of already mad already towards this person. Honestly, you've done an amazing job in this battle now let me pick up the rest." Ash says calmly but giving a glare that surprised Carmine but smirked.
"Heh, the fabled Champion's glare, they say this glare can frightened those with a weak constitution but not me. Well, I have time so why not."
"Sis don't do-"
"Stay out of it Kieran, it's my choice."
Ash and Carmine stood across from each other with Ash's Pikachu out on the battlefield while Carmine's Samurott still wants to battle despite the injuries she has, Ash's Nymble (not being too injured from her fight with Iron Valiant) watches from the sidelines. Ash's friends cheer him on with Kieran remaining neutral again and Ash's Pokemon watch on with anticipation from the sidelines.
"I hope Ash can do this; Carmine is very brutal." Kieran says with concern and although the other do look concern, they don't seem to be too worried.
"Knowing Ash, I have a feeling he won't lose." Nemona says with optimism and worry.
Ash looks to his day-1 partner and both nod to each other, "You ready bud?"
"Pika!" Pikachu says with determination as Ash smirks and prepares himself for battle while Carmine scoffs, "For a Champion of this entire world, your awfully childlike and I consider that-"
"Pathetic? yeah, I've heard that one too many times but look at where I am now." Ash says not seeming bothered by that word causing Carmine to scoff once more.
"I'll make sure you're humiliated once you lose."
"I await how you'll humiliate me; you may go ahead with the first move." Ash says not seemingly bothered as Carmine calls out her first attack, "Samurott Razor Shell!" Carmine yelled out as Samurott rushed forwards and pulled out her seamitar to slice and dice.
"Alright Pikachu, dodge with Quick Attack!" Ash yelled out as Pikachu proceeded to dodge with Quick Attack and hopped from place to place avoiding the Razor Shell at all costs which made both Carmine and Samurott angry.
"Stop dodging, use Sacred Sword!" Carmine says as Samurott nods and rushes at Pikachu with Sacred Sword, "Wait for it Pikachu." Ash says calmly as Pikachu nods and just as Samurott was about to strike, Ash sees an opportunity.
"Use Iron Tail to place that seamitar into the ground!" Ash yelled out as Pikachu nodded and metalized his Tail to strike at the seamitar locking it to the ground surprising Carmine.
"Wha-"
Ash smirks and calls out, "Pikachu use Electro Web in the air to trap Samurott!" Pikachu nodded and jumped in the air to launch a Thunder Web prompting a quick reaction from Carmine.
"Oh no you don't! Use your other seamitar for Sacred Sword!" Carmine yelled out but it was too late as Samurott didn't get it out in time and got hit by the Electro Web shocking her.
"Samurott!" Carmine yelled out worryingly as she used Razor Shell to get out of the web, "Alright Pikachu use Iron Tail!" Ash yelled out as Pikachu dives down to attack Samurott but Carmine was made more alert this time.
"Ceaseless Edge!" Carmine yelled out as both Samurott and Pikachu clashed with each other with their move's multiple times until Samurott sees an opportunity upon Pikachu facing the other direction and slammed Pikachu to the ground.
"Pikachu! Are you ok?" Ash yelled out as Pikachu got back up and ready to go.
"Hehehe, I finally landed a hit on that Pikachu, let's continue." Carmine says seeming more 'bloodthirsty' unlike her previous calm composure which did not go unnoticed by the group.
"Carmine seems more excited when she's battling Ash compared to my previous two battles with her." Nemona says, "Paw" Pawmo says in agreement.
"I'm not surprised, the moment she first heard Ash was here, a new sense of bloodlust risen within her and since then, she's made efforts of training herself to get rid of Ash." Kieran says as Ash keeps his composure in check and faces Carmine with a confident smile.
"Don't let your ambitions blind you." Ash says getting Carmine's attention, "What?" Carmine says coldly.
"To me, you seem like you aren't giving it 'your all' despite your 'supposed' training to deal with people like me. Now show that strength at full." Ash says calmly as Carmine get's angry.
I'm getting talked down by a 12-year-old, I'm supposed to be the queen of everyone! I won't let some damn brat get in my way! Carmine thought to herself as she calls on her next move.
"Samurott use Razor Shell!" Carmine says furiously as Samurott rushes at Pikachu with maliciousness in her eyes.
This catches the attention of the gang, "Earlier, she used strategy to try to defeat Nemona but it seems like she's lost her focus." Arven says with the others agreeing as Ash prepares for his next plan of action.
"Alright Pikachu jump from the Razor Shell!" Ash says as Pikachu nods and jumps narrowly avoiding the Razor Shell and jumping high in the air as Carmine takes notice and smirks, "I won't let you, use Hydro Pump Samurott!" Carmine says as Samurott launches a Hydro Pump towards Pikachu.
"Electro Web!" Ash yells out as Pikachu launches a fast Electro Web creating a puff of smoke and Pikachu lands back on the ground, "Hydro Pump once more!" Carmine says as Samurott launches a Hydro Pump towards Pikachu.
"Time for the Countershield!" Ash says as Pikachu proceeds to spin around releasing a stream of electricity all around stopping the Hydro Pump from hitting but Carmine smirks, "Sacred Sword!" Carmine says rushing at Pikachu as both Ash and Pikachu smirked.
"Now jump with Quick Attack at Samurott!" Ash says surprising everyone as Pikachu jumps from his Countershield and hits Samurott's chest, "He stopped his Countershield to attack!?" Carmine says.
"Like it we call it Counteraction and we made that up on the spot!" Ash says but everyone (including Ash's Pokemon, Carmine and her Samurott) goes silent towards that name, "Come up with a new one." Penny says with a deadpan tone as Ash deflates.
"I know." Ash says before getting back to the flow of battle to see that Samurott is staggered.
"Now use Thunderbolt!" Ash yells out as Pikachu launches a Thunderbolt towards Samurott who staggers and falls to the ground defeated. This surprises the group including Kieran as Carmine looks on with shock.
"Carmine lost against Ash." Arven says surprised, "Ash has won-" Nemona didn't finish as Carmine's Samurott gets back up staggering but determined to finish things off causing the group to be surprised once more.
"Will her Samurott ever give up!?" Penny says as Kiern sighs and grabs his Pokeball.
Carmine is surprised to say the least, "Samurott, you don't want to give up either?" Carmine asks as Samurott nods.
"Alright, Sacred Sword." Carmine says as Samurott staggers and attempts to rush at Pikachu despite her fatigue all while Pikachu stood there but all of a sudden. "Deciueye, Triple Arrows!" Kieran yells out as a rain of 3 arrows drops from the sky and traps Samurott to the ground in place.
"What the-" Ash and Carmine says as they look up to see a flying Pokemon who flies to the ground in front of Samurott.
"Is that a- Decidueye?" Nemona says as Arven and Penny were also shocked to say the least.
"But it's so, ronin like." Penny says looking at the Decidueye who appeared to resemble a wandering vagabond with an old-style haircut resembling an old hat, red, autumn like feathers with a calm but stern look on its face.
Ash grabs his Pokedex to scan it.
Decidueye (Hisuian form), the Arrow Quill Pokemon and a Grass/Fighting type. Hisuian Decidueye evolved from Dartrix in the land of Hisui and adapted to the cold by making its wings shorter to resemble a robe and developed a close-range fighting style to combat the tougher foes of Hisui.
"Hisuian Decidueye looks so cool, say Pikachu?" Ash says to his partner, "Pika." Pikachu said in agreement. Carmine on the other hand looks angrier along with Samurott who gets the quills off of her fur.
"Damn it Kieran, I had him and you ruined it!" Carmine says as Kieran shook his head, "No you haven't, whether Samurott was about to hit or not, Samurott was about to be defeated and since you two are stubborn to realize that I had to take action alongside Decidueye." Kieran says to his sister more confidently as Carmine gritted her teeth and returned Samurott to her Pokeball.
"Thank you Samurott, rest easy." Carmine says calmly before running off.
"Sis!" Kieran yelled out trying to reach out to his sister.
"Leave me be Kieran, I need to cool off!" Carmine said angerly as Kieran puts his head down.
Kieran immediately turns around and bows apologetically, "I am so sorry for my sister's actions, let me heal your Pokemon as an apology!" Kieran says apologetically as Ash puts his arms up.
"It's not your-"
"Please, I insist."
A little while later, Kieran sits with the group to discuss for a little while as his Rookidee, Decidueye and Florges were seen playing with the gang's Pokemon.
"Thank you for healing our Pokemon, you and Florges are pretty good at what you do." Nemona says kindly as Kieran blushes nervously blushes, "Oh thank you, I was always told that I was great at healing back at school but never really tried out healing others outside of school until now." Kieran says nervously.
"So, what's your plan for your Gym Challenge?" Arven asks, "Oh, I'm actually heading over to Porto Marinada and dropping off some school files to the school of Platano then we're going back to Cascaraffa for my Gym Battle." Kieran mentions which catches Ash's attention.
"Platano, that's one of the 6 schools I've heard about, are they all the same as Naranja?" Ash asks as Kieran shakes his head.
"Not exactly, each school has their own quirks that makes them stand apart. For instance, Naranja is your typical school, anyone can get in and serves as an all-ages school so it can be thought of as an elementary, middle and high school plus college. Uva is similar to Naranja but has a bit more security especially after the Starry Skies incident so while students are free to do what they want, it's a bit stricter to keep everyone safe but it wasn't always like that, it was more comparable to Naranja in terms of rules, maybe Mr. Phyllus had a change of mind because of the incident? Platano is what I like to call college of the region or at the very least, an elite school as only those who're truly smart enough can enter that school. Manzana is similar to Naranja but doesn't have a dress code and is the only one that contains a secondary school for troublemakers though if they behave, they'll be back in the main building. Momolocoton is also thought of as an elite school but accessible to everyone, but mainly rich people go there. Lastly, Arandano or Blueberry academy is a mysterious one and me and Carmine were only there for a short time until our father got the position as Top Champion and we briefly went to Momolocoton afterwards and so each school is relatively differ-" Kieran stops his long speech to see Penny and Arven taking notes while Nemona and Ash were brain dead beyond that point.
"Oh, my goodness, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to talk so long!" Kieran says worryingly as Ash puts his hands up for Kieran to calm down.
"Speaking of Carmine though, will she be ok?" Arven asks as Kieran nods, "Yeah, she always wants to be alone to calm down but eventually I find her." Kieran says as Nemona got curious.
"Say Kieran, you don't have to answer this if you don't want to but was Carmine always like this?" Nemona asks taking Kieran off guard, "Not really, Carmine was always the one who like to flaunt her cash and wanted others to be her friends because she's rich and had status due to our dad being the Top Champion. But me, dad and our mom were never like that and preferred to keep to ourselves but otherwise, she wasn't cold. However, after dad left following the Team Star incident to reflect on his actions, we lost our status, we were still rich, but we didn't have the status and when dad brought in his old student Geeta to take over, it kind of put Carmine over the edge and blamed her and other ''outside' Champions for making Paldeans look weak and decided that she would train to defeat any Champion."
The gang look on with surprise, but Ash had some sort of unsureness to him, "I guess I get it trying to earn your spot back but that's still no excuse for being hurtful towards others and being Regionist." Ash says taking Kieran by surprise but nodding.
"Again, I'm sorry for my sister's actions. You know, you are an extraordinary Champion, I just wish I had that sort of confidence and Champion skills that people see in my sister." Kieran says sadly as Ash places a hand on Kieran's shoulder.
"Hey, don't put yourself down like that. Instead, use your skills to impress everyone rather than letting some rankings get to you." Ash says encouragingly as Kieran nods.
"Thanks Ash, I want to have a battle with you when my sister isn't around at times, but I have to go now and search for her." Kieran says as his Pokemon come to him and returns his Decidueye and Florges and heads off waving to the group.
Ash faces the group and breathes in, "Look, I want to apologize for my outburst earlier in the day, I was-"
"Scared?" Penny says surprising Ash, "I'm guessing you guys talked this over huh?" Ash says as the gang nod.
"Of course. I think we get it, as a Champion, you have to put us first in order to keep us safe and we get that. But when it comes to adventures or if we're involved, we just don't want you to handle this stuff alone because you're our friend and friends shouldn't have to work alone but we should help you rise up and work together to finish the fight. If you have to go on a major Champion duty, we won't stop you but when it comes to your adventures here in Paldea. It's as we said at the group's formation, you helped us, now it's time to let us help you." Nemona says which catches Ash off guard, but he smiles.
"Thanks. I'm sorry, I kind of saw all of you as citizens at times because of my Champion duties and wanting to keep you safe but I realize, you're all capable of great things. Arven, you rescued Morada from falling by jumping to hug her and we faced a Titan Klawf and although we didn't succeed, you were capable of working alongside me. Penny, we may not have faced Team Star yet, but I see you growing more as an individual and being braver. Nemona, you had the confidence to face me in battle knowing I was Champion and decided to train under me, you put your skills to good work at times such as with Carmine, Team Star and you displayed your leadership skills to good work with the student council. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I shouldn't undermine you because I know you have the- I- I can't find the words I'm-" Ash is stopped by Arven who nods.
"I think we get it. The future is looking unpredictable with the crystallization of Paldea and your sacrifice, but if we work together not just as friends but a team, we maybe able to subvert those odds." Arven says as he puts his hand in causing Nemona and Penny to place their hands in as Ash looks on with surprise but nods with him putting his hand in.
"Pika/Paw/Snea/Tito/Don!" Pikachu, Pawmo, Sneasel, Sprigatito and Koraidon (who woke up from their nap) say wanting to join in, "Oh right." the group says as they lower themselves to allow their Pokemon to join in as well before releasing it with a hoorah.
Over in the distance, we see Iron Valiant watch on as it nods.
As generic as Anime tropes go, I'm glad he realized he has his friends by his side. Now all they need to do is fight fate and I need to fix my memories Iron Valiant thought to themselves before walking away.
Meanwhile, Carmine is walking around frustrated over her lost against Ash.
I won against that student council president, but I lose to a pipsqueak. No matter, my Samurott just needs some rest, and I can try fighting them the next time. For now, I'll- Carmine stops her thought as she hears mechanical noises nearby and goes to it. Upon looking through the bushes, she sees a Hariyama but it looked more mechanical with floating hands and appeared to be training by fighting other Hariyama.
"What in the world is that Hariyama? A children's toy?" Carmine asks before she pulls out her blue Rotom Phone and scans it.
Iron Hands, the Paradox Pokemon and a Fighting/Electric type. According to a magazine, in the future, Iron Hands is believed to be a modified form of a famous athelete who died a long time ago, but it is unknown if this athlete referred to a human or a Hariyama altogether.
"A robotic Hariyama? It must be those Pokemon in those books. Well then, Metang come on out!" Carmine yelled out as she threw her Pokeball releasing Metang who was ready for battle. Iron Hands stared on and analyzed Metang.
"I know you're searching for a challenge and I'm searching for a challenge too. What do you say?" Carmine says as Iron Hands nods and prepares to fight.
END
Phew, that was a very action-packed chapter and thus concludes the two parter episode. This end section is going to be short due to me readjusting (I got back from vacation). The next chapter will revolve around the gang leaving for Cascaraffa when they encounter a kid seaching for a Rellor, a Pokemon of miracles said to revive the one you love after taking a thousand steps, but Penny heard this story before in her sad past, can she tell the group the truth? It also seems like Jessie's interested in this Rellor but not for comedic purposes.
I'll leave off on this note; How do you all like Carmine as a rival in this story thus far?