Hello one and all to another chapter of Pokemon SVTA where today is part 1 of the two-chapter epic where we technically have our first Team Star raid though it will mainly focus on Nemona trying to reestablish the bond between her and the newly evolved Crocalor but things go array as Giacomo has unfinished business with Nemona as their emotional story is semi-revealed at least for this first part.
And as of writing, the Teal Mask came out and I enjoyed my playthrough of it and can't wait until the Indigo Disk. Story wise however, we are leagues away from reaching that point. I should also note (no spoilers) that my perception towards Carmine changed when playing the DLC. When she was first revealed and when her info came out, I assumed she was racist towards outsiders and that's how I interpret her in this story but upon the DLC's release, I realized there was more to that which I won't spoil (unless necessary).
It's too late to change the characterizations that were established in that DLC but I will most certainly adapt to it and even incorporate it into my own style so it will feel consistent, but it also means more work coming up with the plot of the Teal Mask arc and the eventual Indigo Disk DLC.
Cover Story 30: Ingo and Emmet lost to time 2: Pathways.
With Ingo having disappeared one morning, Emmet seeks out his brother alongside Ingo as he gets word from Cynthia that she may know some evidence towards Ingo's disappearance in Sinnoh and so he goes to Sinnoh to meet up with Cynthia. Meanwhile in the past, we see Ingo implanting his name on a nearby large rock with a chisel having seen this in a movie despite his hazy memory.
Curious, Irida asks Ingo what is a 'movie' but before Ingo could answer, a scout of the Pearl clan arrives to tell Irida they found the chandelier Pokemon raging nearby, they head over to see a Chandelure in distress and spewing fire which causes Ingo's mind to create more memories of him as a young lad and his Litwick who he got for Ingo's birthday. With that knowledge in mind, Ingo goes to the Chandelure and initially hesitates and even appears hostile until Ingo touches Chandelure's glass and both of their eyes seem to sparkle with hope and upon blinking, the realization came to them, and both hug it out though Ingo's mind still feels hazy.
Irida appears impressed and nods, she goes to him and asks if Chandelure is his Pokemon to which Ingo says yes. Irida with that knowledge in mind offers him a job to investigate what they call 'Space-time distortions', mysterious dimensional rifts that have caused the appearances of several Pokemon and has affected certain Pokemon from growing larger to the point of being called 'Alpha' and affecting their 'Noble' Pokemon, Pokemon who served as companions to Arceus but went crazy due to the distortions. Irida offers him to join 4 other trainers in order to stop the Nobles and possibly to find Ingo's memory back.
Seeing no other choice and wanting to recover their memories, Ingo joins Irida, and the group make their way to the village of Jubilife.
Meanwhile in the present, Emmet arrives to Jubilife city to meet up with Cynthia at the airport. Once there, they head to a cafe where Cynthia reveals that while exploring some ruins, she discovered Ingo's nametag and his famous watch which was gifted to Ingo by Emmet at their 14th birthday, the watch and nametag look old despite being from modern times and while Emmet assumes that Ingo might've just went to Sinnoh without telling anyone, Cynthia refutes this by showing them a rock with Ingo's name that dates back to around the late 1800's according to scientists.
This weirds out Emmet but it's not the only thing he should be weirded out by, Cynthia says that if he wants to figure out the truth and find out the disappearance of his brother, she mentions going to the old city hall and that she found some files dating back to the late 1800's alongside Ingo's name. Curious to find his brother, Ingo agrees to go with Cynthia throughout Sinnoh to search for his beloved brother.
END
Main Story
Last time, Nemona decided to face Cascaraffa Gym Leader Kofu in order to achieve her 2nd Gym badge however, it appears that Nemona appeared to be struggling with personal issues that plagued her mind in the Gym and ultimately lost against Kofu despite her Teddiursa learning Trailblaze and Fuecoco evolving into Crocalor. This battle also left Crocalor in a nasty mood due to their training making him feel undermined compared to the others and so Nemona seeks to repair that bond, but it seems like Giacomo and his crew have other plans.
We see the gang at a park where we see their Pokemon playing with each other with Hawlucha teaching Nymble and Morada his moves, Appy trying to bond with Sprigatito, Greavard and more while Nemona, Ash and Pikachu were hanging out with the aloof Crocalor trying to make him happy once again. Crocalor was facing away from Nemona making her nervous, so she grabbed out an Oran Berry and put up a smile.
"Hey Crocalor, you want to do your berry trick?" Nemona says getting Crocalor's attention, but he refused to look at her, "Berry trick?" Ash asked as Nemona grabbed an Oran Berry from her bag as well as her Rotom Phone and showed pictures of her Fuecoco having an Oran Berry on his nose trying to catch it in his mouth.
"Isn't he adorable!? He usually gets a mess on his face upon doing this however, but it doesn't stop him from being cute right Crocalor?" Nemona tries to say happily but Crocalor sniffs out flames and looks away worrying Nemona.
"Well, I guess we all have bad days, why don't we do that berry thing you loved to do huh? Come here!" Nemona tries to say happily scooching over to Crocalor but he unleashed a spurt of flames covering Nemona comedically. "C'mon I'm not a marshmallow!" Nemona yells out as Penny sends out her Glaceon and uses Icy Wind to freeze Nemona in place.
"Ah, thanks Penny and Glaceon." Nemona says grateful within the ice cube as Penny and Glaceon nods.
"Glace." Glaceon said with sincerity.
A little while later, Nemona defrosts and looks over worried at Crocalor and his behavior as he's seen ignoring his friends and is busier taking care the egg on his head nest as he scowls at the others.
"Just what is that nest there that Crocalor is taking care of?" Ash asks as Penny brings up the dex, "According to the almighty Pokedex, the egg on its head is actually a result of its vitality and fire energy but how that results in an egg is anyone's guess but Crocalor's are known to protect the egg until they evolve." Penny informs the group as Nemona looks on worringly towards her Pokemon who's all by himself.
"I'm worried for Crocalor." Nemona says worryingly.
"Don't worry Nemona, you'll just have to wait until it hatches." Arven says unknowingly as Nemona glared at him.
"Not the egg! I mean his attitude; I know it's my fault for pushing him too hard, but I don't want that to rub off on him and cause him to act aggressive towards everyone. What should I do?" Nemona says worryingly as Ash stepped forward.
"Well throughout my journey, I've seen that Pokemon are usually disobedient due to them adjusting to evolution rather than being full on angry so it could be that Crocalor maybe is just adapting to its newly evolved state, or it could be those reasons from earlier. I don't think you should take it personally; I think that some bonding and some time and Crocalor should be friendly once more." Ash says as Nemona ponders upon Ash's words and an idea pops up.
Bonding, bonding, time, adapt, sandwich. Damn it me, this is no time to think about sandwiches! Nemona thought to herself as she took a deep breath, "If you guys are going to Giacomo's base, I'll catch up, I want to spend time with Crocalor and maybe a walk will clear both of our minds over earlier." Nemona says getting the gang's attention.
"You sure? Crocalor isn't in the best of moods right now." Penny says bluntly as Nemona nods, "It's as Ash says, a little bonding will help make a Pokemon calm down and I can find out how Croco's feeling right now and resolve it." Nemona says with determination as Crocolor overheard it and turned his head away bashfully as the gang nods.
"Alright, we'll call you when Clive calls us and we'll discuss the plans." Penny says as Nemona nods and kneels down to her Pawmo and Teddiursa, "Listen Pawmo, Teddiursa, I'm going to go with Crocolor for a bit and see what's making him feel this way. So, can I trust you with Ash and co while I'm away?"
"Paw/Ursa!" Pawmo and Teddiursa say with excitement as Nemona softly smiles, "That's the spirit, be good." Nemona says as she walks along with a nervous Crocolor leaving the gang behind.
"Well, if we're going to prepare for this raid, I'm going to go buy some healing items." Ash says as Penny nods and Arven also prepares to leave, "I also have to grab supplies for the adventure, I don't think I'll be able to go in." Arven says as he and his Sneasel head off leaving Penny and Nemona's Pokemon alone at the park as she looks at her phone until she receives a call.
"What the- hello?"
"Yo yo yo, it's your boy Cl-"
"Keep it down Clive, I'm assuming your calling about the information you gathered?" Penny asks the 'hip' man.
"Yes, I'm on my way over to Cascaraffa."
"Alright, meet us at Coral Park as soon as you can."
"Well do boss." Clive hangs up leaving Penny a bit nervous which catches the attention of hers and Nemona's Pokemon.
"Tito/Vard/Glace?" Penny's Sprigatito, Greavard and Glaceon asked in concern to Penny who woke up from her distraction, "Oh sorry, I'm just nervous about this whole thing. Heh, to think I've been hyping it up and getting anxiety over this, I'm about to take on my biggest challenge to date with Ash but I hope these raids are successful so Team Star can find their future but I'm also nervous about Nemona taking on this challenge. I don't want Nemona or Giacomo to lose themselves over their former friendship and yet-" before Penny could finish, she sees a familiar figure walk towards Ash's direction in the distance but was too far away to look at who.
Meanwhile, we see Nemona and Crocalor walking through the market filled streets with various stands of toys, games and food as Nemona looks fondly at each one of them while Crocalor tries to look away from each one of them trying to seem more mature which Nemona takes notice of.
"Say Croco, do you want a candy apple, you loved those righ-" Nemona didn't finish as Crocalor scoffed and ran off leaving Nemona worried about him, "Crocalor..." Nemona says as she catches up to Crocalor.
"C'mon Crocalor, don't run off like that. You'll make lil 'olé me sad." Nemona says but Crocalor ignored her as he ran off to a food stand that were giving candied Oran Berries covered in a special syrup which caught Crocalor's attention. Nemona walked over to see that although Crocalor's expression didn't appear to change, there was a hint of excitement in his eyes as the old woman providing the berries noticed and softly smiled.
"You like these don't you?" the old woman says as Crocalor nods causing Crocalor to nod frantically as the oldster smiled once more, "Just like my dear Skelly." the old woman says as Nemona walked over to the stall and the old woman noticed.
"Ahh, is this your Crocalor sweetie?" the old woman says as Nemona nods, "Yep, we were just walking by when Crocalor noticed the food nearby. But I didn't think Crocalor would be excited considering the events of today." Nemona says as the old woman looks to Crocalor and nods.
"Ahh, so it's entered that phase huh?" the old woman says as Nemona's head perked up, "Phase?"
"Yeah, most Pokemon that enter this 2nd stage of evolution usually act a bit rebellious, but they have hidden heart of gold underneath all that, it takes time and bonding to truly work things out with you and your Pokemon. This happened to me when I was younger, isn't that right Skelly?" The old woman says as a large, crocodilian Pokemon who had fire from both sides of its mouth and a small fire bird on its snout crawls next to her surprising both Nemona and Crocalor over its size.
"Woah, that Pokemon's huge." Nemona says as she grabs her Rotom phone and scans it.
Skeledirge, the Singer Pokemon, Fire/Ghost type and the evolved form of Crocalor and the final evolved form of Fuecoco. This Pokemon's singing voice can soothe the souls of the dead into a peaceful slumber but is also said it can burn enemies to a crisp when messed with.
"Don't worry, my Skelly is very friendly." the old woman says as Skeledirge goes to Crocalor, who looks enamored with Skeledirge as the old woman places down a plate of the syrup covered Oran Berries on the ground for Crocalor who looks interested and takes a bite. He appeared to have his eyes water with delight surprising Nemona ask he bites down on another berry until Skeledirge nudges at Crocalor.
"Dirge?" Skeledirge asks as Crocalor nods causing Skeledirge to lightly breath fire onto the berries making them warm and Crocalor eats one and appears to be satisfied once again and finish the entire plate.
"Wow, Crocalor really likes them." Nemona says in surprise as the old woman nods, "They get around eventually, you just have to notice the hidden details about an individual even if they don't appear like they enjoy it." the old woman says as Nemona nods and grabs her wallet, but the old woman stops her.
"This one's for free, I'll even give you some syrup berries for Crocalor and even my recipe for the road, it can be a good way for Crocalor to behave." the old woman says as Nemona appears grateful and nods.
"That would be great, thank you!" Nemona says as she grabs the bag and thanks her, "Crocal-" Nemona didn't even finish as Crocalor bows in thanks before running off causing Nemona to sigh and heads off. The old woman smiles and looks to Skeledirge, "Are you glad you made a friend Skelly?" the old woman asks her Skeledirge who nods and says their name cheerfully causing the woman to smile.
"That's great." the old woman says.
We see Nemona and Crocalor walking down the street where Nemona looks fondly at Crocalor before she gets a vision of a much happier Fuecoco in front of her carefree and having fun before the vision fades away to the aloof Crocalor as Nemona looks on sadly.
Crocalor, you were the first individual aside from Pawmo to give me hope in life after Grace's death, I want you to be happy again, please? Nemona thought desperately as she remembers the time, she met Crocalor.
A year prior,
It was around two weeks after Grace passed on and Giacomo left that Nemona was in a slump, she was pushing everyone away from her, she was more depressed in Student Council meetings, and she appeared distracted lately. Jacq suggested to Nemona to take a walk to help clear her mind of her issues and we see her walking through Mesagoza, tired and with bags around her eyes causing her Pawmi (at the time) to look concerned.
"Paw, Paw?" Pawmi asked the tired Nemona who looked to Pawmi with dead-looking eyes, "I'm fine Pawmi, I just need my coffee." Nemona said as Pawmi climbed into Nemona's backpack to grab a mirror showing that her hair was messy and her green streak in her hair was gone. Nemona sighed and grabbed some cream out of her backpack and untied her hair before proceeding to fix it.
Her hair was straight again but the green streak was missing, "I'll do it later. Let's grab some flowers, right Pawmi?" Nemona asks her Pawmi who nods and Nemona softly smiles. The two head to a nearby flower shop to grab some flowers of varying colors before they head to a memorial site for her departed friend Grace where people left flowers and notes for sympathy. Nemona with a hint of sadness placed her flowers down and softly smiles before she looked to the picture of a girl with long black hair, fair skin and a soft smile pictured alongside a similarly happy Sliggoo.
"Hey Grace, sorry I didn't get a chance to talk to you last week, you know just Student Council work and me being the new president really takes the energy out of you haha. I also apologize but I haven't opened my early birthday gift yet, but it appears interesting, and I was hoping to find something you liked as well. I know that you and I love hearing about Champions, and I was wondering if you heard that a boy named Ash Ketchum recently became the youngest Champion and the first Alolan Champion too, he even had a Pikachu as his strongest Pokemon which is so awesome, and I hope I can battle him one day!" Nemona says trying to cheer up and looked to the photo, but she still felt sad and started to tear up but tried to keep a sense of optimism.
"I- I tried to follow your advice and get along with Giacomo like always but it seems like he's really angry at me, even called me some 'killer' like I was some... villain. It seems everything I do always ends up wrong, I want to try to make amends to Giacomo, but it seems like I'm just going to screw things up. I- I- I want to- was there a reason you joined Team Star? We're friends right, friends shouldn't keep secrets away, did I do something? Please answer me!?" Nemona said now on the verge of a breakdown before she stopped herself.
"Sorry, I shouldn't act this way. I'll try to visit you tomorrow and even find you your gift and I'll let you know how this gift is. Hasta luego Grace." Nemona says as she wipes her tears away and heads off in another direction. She kept walking until she reached the east Mesagoza gates and looked on nervously.
"Maybe some training should clear my mind but why here?" Nemona says before she reluctantly walks through the gate. She walks along the trail alongside Pawmi as Nemona looked on nervously but kept on walking trying to have a clear mind.
"Maybe this place will do?" Nemona said to Pawmi who looked concern but before he could talk to his trainer, a Teddiursa ran towards the duo scared catching the duo's attention as Nemona kneeled down.
"Teddi, what seems to be the problem!?" Nemona says as Teddiursa imitated a scary monster with some net concerning and confusing the duo who nod, "Alright, let's see what's going on." Nemona says with determination as she follows Teddiursa.
They continue along until Teddiursa pointed towards a trio of hunters with their Arbok, Arctibax and Skuntank with caged Pokemon holding a Fuecoco hostage, "Ah, here's a rare bugger. He'll make for easy cash." the tall hunter says as the Fuecoco tried to get out of hunter's net.
"Quit squirming, you'll have a good, caged life." the shorter hunter says as Nemona gritted her teeth, "How dare they do that to the Pokemon, they think they're kings of this place, well let's give them an introduction, right Pawmi?" Nemona asks her day-1 partner who nods but pints to the gift that has a note on it Nemona didn't notice before.
"What's this, a note?" Nemona looked to the note.
'To Nemona, these might come in handy in an oddly convenient emergency' - love Grace.
Nemona opened the gift to reveal a Tera orb that had a heart marking on it and a red arm gauntlet as Nemona looked on shocked at this discovery, "Her Tera orb, no- I couldn't possibly-" Nemona looked to the note once more and turned to the back.
'If you're reading this, I insist, I wasn't planning on using the Tera orb to begin with, so I wanted to give it to you but as you're reading this, I'm gone... I also know you wanted to practice throwing correctly so I found this neat gauntlet from Glamazon that is said to improve your throwing. Hasta luego Nemona.' - love Grace.
Nemona teared up slightly and wipes her tears away looking on with determination, Nemona puts on the gauntlet and looks to Pawmi who nods and runs up on Nemona's arm charging his electricity.
"Alright Pawmi, use Thundershock!" Nemona yelled out as Pawmi unleashed his electricity amongst the Pokemon and hunters letting Fuecoco go free, and the hunters glared at her, "What the- some girl is going to stop us!?" the lanky, 2nd hunter says in shock as Nemona smirks.
"I'm not just some girl, I'm 'the' girl who's going to kick your Mudbray's behind for hurting these Pokemon!" Nemona says as Pawmi prepared himself, "Alright Pawmi, Terastalize!" Nemona yelled out as Nemona threw her Tera orb at Pawmi with perfect accuracy and crystalized in front of Nemona as she looked on in awe as the crystals disappeared to show Pawmi's electric bulb Tera surprising the group.
"Wow what a beauty, let's take it! Arbok use Fire Fang!" the tall 1st hunter says as Arbok rushed towards Pawmi as he prepares himself, "Alright Pawmi dodge and use Nuzzle!" Nemona yelled out as Pawmi used his swift speed to dodge the bite attack before his tera hat charged with electricty and nuzzled Arbok into paralysis causing Arbok to stay stuck.
"Come on Arbok, you're better than this!" the tall hunter says as Nemona smirked and called out her next attack, "Pawmi use Thundershock!" Nemona yells out as Pawmi releases a stream of electricity towards Arbok sending it flying towards the tall hunter who promptly falls down.
"How do you like that!?" Nemona says as the hunters gritted their teeth and Fuecoco sees an opportunity to run to which the small hunter notices and takes out a net launcher, "Oh no, no, no!" the small hunter says as Nemona panics and tries to search for something only finding a Pokeball to which she reluctantly nods and looks towards Fuecoco.
"Fuecoco, catch!" Nemona yells out as Fuecoco nods an Nemona throws out a Pokeball causing Fuecoco to notice and jumped to touch it causing him to disspate into red energy, the Pokeball was sent to Nemona and sent it out unaware to Nemona that the ball sparkled as she let it go.
"You alright Fuecoco?" Nemona says as Fuecoco nods as the hunters get angry.
"Why you little- you'll pay for this! Arctibax use Icicle Spear!" the short hunter says as his Arctibax launches shards of ice towards Fuecoco as he goes in front of Nemona to launch an Incinerate towards the icicle's melting them and leaving Nemona and Pawmi impressed.
The tall hunter and his Arbok get back up and prepare for revenge, "You'll pay for this, use Sludge Bomb!" the tall hunter says as Arbok launches a large ball of sludge towards Nemona and the Pokemon.
"Why you- use Icicle Crash!" the short hunter says as his Arctibax launches a couple of larger icicles towards the group and the lanky hunter joins in, "Use Fire Blast Skuntank!" the lanky hunter says as his Skuntank launches a fiery Daimonji symbol towards Nemona. Nemona grits her teeth but stays calm.
"Alright then, Pawmi use-"
"Electivire use Rising Voltage!" a voice was heard out as electricity appeared from the ground shocking the 3 Pokemon in their place, "Lurantis use Slash on those cages!" another voice was heard out as a Lurantis slashed the locks to the cages releasing the captured Pokemon as the hunters began to sweat nervously. We see Clavell and his Electivire walk next to Nemona surprising her as well as Jacq and his Lurantis coming over.
"Clavell, Jacq, what are you doing here!?" Nemona says as Clavell turns to her, "We heard reports of Pokemon hunters in this area and we tried to find out where they were, and then we find you here battling them bravely. I'll inform Geeta of your lit battle style to get you a metal." Clavell says as everyone cringed.
"Never use lit like that again." Nemona says as the tall hunter started to get nervous, "Oh no, not that guy!" the tall hunter says confusing the group.
"Who's that buoss?" the lanky hunter asked, "The king of Bingo and cringe culture, Clarence 'Clavell' Hawthorn." the tall hunter says worrying the group as if they know that name and prepare to run.
"Sandaconda use Glare!" a female voice was heard as the criminals stopped in their tracks out of paralysis and we see Officer Jenny and her Sandaconda heading towards the group. With everything settled, Jenny says that she'll handle the group and takes them in while the Pokemon go free. As they prepare to leave, Nemona looks to Fuecoco and pats his head.
"I'm glad your safe Fuecoco, I'm sure you'll do fine from here on out and we'll meet again, I promise." Nemona says as she and Pawmi left leaving Fuecoco inspired and decided to follow the group.
The next day, we see Nemona in the student council room seemingly happier but with slight sadness in her voice as she discussed with everyone the boring school news and such. This leaves the students in the room to talk amongst themselves as Nemona discussed some stuff.
"Well, I'm glad she's feeling better compared to last week."
"You can't really blame her considering what happened."
"Can we not talk about this, I'm sure the others are feeling their loss as well."
As they were talking, it seemed like Nemona was visibly annoyed towards their conversation and was seemingly prepared to say something but before she could say anything, a door was heard opening and students were seemingly annoyed by something under their feet catching the attention of Nemona and Pamwi who turn to see Fuecoco surprising Nemona who recognizes him.
"Fuecoco!? What're you doing here? Don't you have friends back at the Vast Beyond?" Nemona asks as she picks him up as Jacq walked into the room, "It's possible that Fuecoco wants to stay with you after you saved him yesterday." Jacq says appearing exasperated. This surprised Nemona as she looks to Fuecoco who smiles which left Nemona to smile and reminisced on Grace's smile.
"You're a smiler like Grace, alright, do you want to join me on my journey?" Nemona asks the croc Pokemon who smiles.
"Coco!" Fuecoco says with a huge smile on his face.
Present day
We see Nemona appearing to be fondly smiling towards the still aloof Crocalor.
Those were good times, he and Pawmi helped me feel satisfied with my life once again even if there were ups and downs including what happened afterwards.
A year prior.
After Nemona 'officially' caught Fuecoco, Clavell wearing 'cool' clothing that consists of 80's style sunglasses, gold chain, white tanktop and a boombox and his Inteleon also wearing 80's sunglasses causing the others (sans Jacq) to immediately cringe.
"Yo, yo, yo my cool Lilipups, I need your opinion if this is what people are wearing for 90's appreciation week and if I feel wackity wack yo?" "Tel, teleon." Clavell and Inteleon say trying to sound cool only for it to have the opposite effect. Nemona held Fuecoco and faced him.
"I need you to use Incinerate on my eyes immediately."
Present day
Good times. Now, I want to make that up to Crocalor and want him to feel happy about himself once again. Nemona thought to herself with determination as she walked next to Crocalor prepared to talk to him.
"Say Crocalor, I was thinking, how about we spend time together to reconnect with one another, what do you say?" Nemona says trying to sound cheerful but Crocalor ignores her, but it doesn't let Nemona down.
"Alright, where do we start!" Nemona says to the aloof Crocalor but as they were walking down an emptier street, we see some Team Star grunts surround Nemona and Crocalor to their surprise causing her to be more alert. A grunt round Nemona's size, sunglasses and a cape walk towards the group to which the group salutes the boy.
"Where you start is coming with us." the captain says as Nemona looks around for a solution, "Oh, I can't, I have to do my dry cleaning. See ya in 15 years." Nemona says walking up to a laundry building only to find out it's closed.
"Damn it."
The captain smirks. "Uh huh, sure." the Captain says as Nemona seems to recognize him.
"Wait a second, you're Pedro Nombre Largo Inútil y Sin Sentido En Existencia Hernadez, the captain of the football team!? What are you doing a part of Team Star!?" Nemona says as a couple of students snickered until Pedro glared at them causing them to be quiet. "It doesn't matter, you're coming with us, or do you want to force your way out?" Pedro says as Nemona appears confident.
"Alright, I can request that wish, Crocalor let's go!" Nemona says but Crocalor ignored her, "Guess we're going then." Nemona says as she and Crocalor were forced to go along the group. A random grunt looks to Pedro with worry.
"What if her friends decide to break in?"
"Are you questioning the strength of our boss? He can handle anything and if not by himself, then he has aid in the form of his Starmobile." Pedro says to the grunt getting Nemona's attention.
Starmobile? Nemona thought to herself as she kept walking.
Nemona looks on worryingly but when no one was looking, Pedro passed a note to Nemona as she read it.
'Please help our boss, he used to be so carefree but after her passing, Giacomo acts like he has to do everything on his own to continue Grace's legacy. He's not caring about his own emotions and feelings, your feelings or our feelings. Please put some sense into him and let him know that we're here for him, I beg of you!'
Nemona looks on with surprise as she nods to herself which Pedro took as a sign of acceptance and nods. Unbeknownst to the group, Clive was watching from the distance and went away to go report to the others.
Meanwhile, we see Ash exit out of a clinic with Pikachu and Tinkatink all 3 seemingly prepared for the adventure, "Alright, we got our snacks, medicine and I think we're ready to go right guys?" Ash asks his Pokemon who say their names agreeing with Ash.
Ash walks along the street discussing things with his Pokemon until he accidently bumps into someone and his Weavile, Ash recovers from this and looks to them to see a boy wearing a cap, headphones and wearing a snazzy jacket with Naranja's uniform underneath. Ash gets up and offers a hand up along with Pikachu and Tinkatink offering Weavile up.
"Are you alright?" Ash asks as the boy blinked twice and nods holding onto Ash's hand along with Weavile doing the same, "Thank you/vile." both the boy and Weavile say as Ash nods.
"Say, are you the Ash Ketchum?" the boy asked as Ash nods causing the boy to smile happily, "Oh I knew it, I finally get to meet a Champion in the flesh and- do you have time to talk at a nearby cafe?" the boy asked as Ash looked to his mons and slightlly nodded.
"I should have a couple of minutes."
We see Ash and the boy talking to each other at a nearby table where Ash and the boy talk to each other about their interesting adventures.
"So that rumor of catching 30 Tauros, jumping off Lumiose Tower to save your Pikachu and the lazy Charizard incident are all true!?" the boy says excitedly as Ash rubs the back of his head and nods.
"Yep, that's me." Ash says awkwardly as the boy's eyes sparkle with excitement, "Oh I knew it! I've been a huge fan since your Orange Islands win, you're one of the youngest Champions in the world and instead of stopping there, you also became the first Alolan Champion and then the youngest World Champion and now you're a student here in Paldea!? You never stop the adventures, do ya?" the boy says excitedly as Ash smiles and nods.
"I like the thrills and adventure." Ash says as the boy calms down and settles down, "I wish I had that adventurous spirit like you." the boy said with a hint of sadness in there.
"Say, what's your name? I never got the chance to ask that." Ash asked as the boy perked up and nodded, "The name's Giacomo Martinez." Giacomo said as Ash's eyes widen in horror over the name.
Giacomo, this is Segin's leader. But he seems so happy, maybe he's willing to talk about some stuff with me. Ash thought to himself as he looks to Gaicomo, "Ah Giacomo, that's a very unique name you got there." Ash says as Giacomo blushes lightly.
"Oh, really. Most people who hear my name laugh for how nonsensical it is, but I honestly don't blame them." Giacomo says a bit nervously as Ash continues to listen and talk to the boy, "You shouldn't let people get to you because of your name." Ash says genuinely as Giacomo's surprised but looked grateful.
"Thanks, for all my life, I've been waiting to hear someone compliment me for a long time ever since an old friend of mine. I was always picked on for my name, my hair which looks like an old man or barber cut it terribly and my dream." Giacomo says which got Ash's attention.
"Dream?"
"I always wanted to be a DJ so I can produce great music that resonates with freedom and expression, but it seems bullies don't share my interest as they much rather do pummel and kicking at my dreams more do listen." Giacomo says sadly as Ash's eyes widened in anger.
"How could they do such a thing?" Ash says with quiet fury as Giacomo shrugs, "Who knows, all bullies don't feel regret and to me they're just disposable." Giacomo says truthfully as Ash calms down and looks to Giacomo peacefully.
"I'll play devil's advocate and say that there might be some people who regret their actions and-" Giacomo interrupts Ash before he could go further.
"I wish I could believe that but unfortunately in my eyes, they don't feel regret even the ones who don't bully like teachers and pests are just as evil as bullies." Giacomo says as Ash looked on worryingly.
"Well, wasn't there a teacher or someone who believed in you?" Ash asked as Giacomo's eyes widen and tried to look away, "Well, my homeroom teacher always believed in my skills, but he likely hates me for being associated with some bad people. And then there was my childhood friend, she always encouraged me to be more outgoing with everyone, to do the right things and always loved my music and I wanted to confess my feelings to her when the time comes, but then that 'killer' student took her away." Giacomo said darkly as Ash gritted his teeth secretly.
Giacomo, you shouldn't think those things. Maybe I can try to talk him down from those words? Ash thought to himself as he took a deep breath, "You shouldn't say those things, we may get angry at this student, but I don't think they really took them away, right? I'm guessing this person is very special to you right Giacomo?" Ash says nervously as Giacomo calmed down.
"Yeah, sorry about that. Grace cared about me and helped me to where I have people praising me as a Student Council president to the point of forming a team and yet despite this, I still feel like I have to carry their burdens alone in order to make peace with myself and Grace. Even if I make them happy, I'm still alone in the end." Giacomo says surprising Ash about his hidden sadness.
He feels alone? He shouldn't have to carry those burdens alone; he has Team Star and I'm sure they're worried about him. Maybe the others are trying to reach out to him as well but it's only some guess. Ash thought to himself but before any of them could say anything, their phones rang surprising both of them.
"Oh sorry, Giacomo, I have to take this."
"No problem I have to take this too."
Both trainers walked away from each other to talk to whoever was on their phones, "Hello." Ash says.
"It's Clive and Nemona has been kidnapped by Team Star!" Clive says putting Ash on full alert, "What the- is it to that base!?" Ash says worryingly.
"Yes, I'm in Cascaraffa right now with Penny, get over here as soon as possible!" Clive said worryingly as Ash nods, "I'll be on my way!" Ash says as Pikachu and Tinkatink were alert as Ash turned to Giacomo who was also finished with his call.
"Hey, Giacomo, something came up and I-"
"No need, I also have to be somewhere soon. If you're in town later, do you think I can have your autograph?" Giacomo asked as Ash nods though he appeared nervous.
"Of course."
With that, both Ash and Giacomo bid their farewells and headed off to their respective locations.
We see Ash, Pikachu and Tinkatink rushing back to the park more alert and serious as he makes it back, "Sorry I'm late! Did you see where they were going?" Ash said in a panic as Penny and Clive shook their heads.
"No, but I presume towards the base." Clive said as Ash and Penny were in panic mode as Ash had another thing to add, "I should mention that I encountered Giacomo on the way to the shops." Ash says getting the full attention of everybody.
"Giacomo talked to you?" Penny says as Ash nods, "Yes, it seems like he's a huge fanboy of me. But he seemed rather troubled by being alone and he thinks that being alone and shouldering everyone's burdens is the only way for everyone to be happy." Ash says leaving the gang saddened.
"That kid." Clive said with confliction as Penny nods, "Giacomo's always had a dream of wanting everyone to be proud of him but he was kind of a stickler for rules and so I can get trying to keep everyone safe and happy but if he continues to act like that alone then he- he-" Penny appeared to be stuck on something but Ash could tell both Clive and Penny were worried about them and so Ash makes the ultimate resolve.
"We're going to save both Nemona and Giacomo." Ash says with determination getting the two's attention, "Saving both of them, my bro?" Clive asks as Ash nods.
"Yes, Nemona wants to make amends to Giacomo over their differences and Giacomo feels alone over Grace's loss. I want Giacomo to know that he's not alone and has Team Star by his side, they care for him, and I assume he cares for them, so I want him not to feel alone and let him know there will always be someone there to pick him up. Team Star re made up of troubled students, right?" Ash asks as both Clive and Penny nod and Ash nods too.
"Then Team Star were formed on the basis of finding each other and being there for one another, to help pick up one another through the toughest of problems, comfort one another and to stand up to those who pick on the weak. If the students are like this, then the bosses should feel the same and not be alone. And then Nemona, wanting to make things right for herself and Giacomo over their past, then let's go save both of them and make things right." Ash says as Clive and Penny feel inspired and follow Ash alongside Nemona's Pawmo and Teddiursa.
"Right." both Clive and Penny say.
Meanwhile, we see Nemona and Crocalor stuck in a tent where Team Star students were patrolling outside as Nemona had a deadpan look on her face as her Crocalor ignored her.
What a mess of a day, I got too overconfident in my Gym Battle, I pressured Fuecoco to the point of anger and evolution, I was kidnapped by Team Star for revenge and Giacomo holds a grudge against me. Can things get any worse? Nemona thought to herself as the two Team Star grunts saluted to Giacomo who walked in causing Nemona to be more alert as worried towards Giacomo who's eyes displayed dispair and hatred.
"Been a while Nemona." Giacomo said coldly as Nemona was worried, "Look Giacomo, you don't have to do this. I know you're angry at me for what happened, and I don't blame you, but I want to make amends for what happened." Nemona said desperately as Giacomo ignored her but looked conflicted at the same time.
"Grace was everything to me and you took her away. I hope you're up for a battle." Giacomo said as the two grunts seemingly shivered towards 'Grace' and 'me' which Nemona took note of. She realizes her Pokemon are with Penny at the moment and looked to her only Pokemon Crocalor, though nervous, she ultimately gulped by tried to look determined.
"I won't lose."
END
Hey, sorry about the long wait, school is keeping me busy and so the chapters here on are going to be a bit unpredictable. I'm sorry if this chapter seems kind of sloppy at times, I wanted to make it one chapter, but I also don't want to keep you waiting so i thought I might as well do this chapter now and end it at this chapter here rather than go on for a bit longer.
The next chapter will hopefully be a bit less sloppy and be a bit more interesting and emotional than this chapter but until then, Hasta la vistar!
