Blazepanzer here, and I'd like to start out by thanking duskinthedark for the fav and follow! And...well I hope that everyone enjoys the new chapter!
Note that Blazepanzer does not own Pokemon!
Weak sunlight fluttered through the window, and Rikona stirred, moaning gently as she rose out of the bed. Gazing at the sleeping ginger girl next to her, she let out a small smile as the sun caused Hanoashi's hair to glow like a flame in the light.
That always fascinates me, Rikona smiled as Hanoashi rose from the bed. "Morning beautiful," Hanoashi moaned groggily.
"Morning Blaze," Rikona smirked, brushing her hair gently. "Is it always this way when you wake up?" she asked.
"Either yes, or only when the sun shines on it," Hanoashi smirked. "Anyways, you can take the first shower," she offered.
"Alright," Rikona smiled as she walked in, before glancing back at Hanoashi. "Still sleeping in your undies huh?"
"You know it," Hanoashi laughed in response. "Although you look good in that sleeveless nightgown," she added.
"Fair point," Rikona shrugged, entering in the shower and slipping off her gown and underwear, hanging it on the door hanger, before stepping into the shower. You know you could sleep in your undies like her now, you're not a member of the prestigious Matsumino family anymore, she added quietly.
Her mind went back briefly to those days, days of constant travel and having to share the house with male relatives, cousins and uncles,and such. She smiled as she recalled how respectful they treated her, but the fact that she couldn't sleep in her undies like Hanoashi was a tad annoying, but in time she adapted to the standard affair. At least here she didn't have to wear joggers or tights under her dress like she did when they or she was visiting.
She washed, and brushed her hair after exiting the shower, gazing at herself in the mirror. "Damn I look good today," she muttered as she begin to slap on some skin protection, before pulling her night gown over her and sleeping her undies on, exiting the room while Hanoashi went in.
The room quickly smelt like a sauna, which would have been unusual for the Irish girl except that the nurses instructed her not to get wet for long, let along in cold water.
Quick as she went in, Hanoashi was out, dressed in her bra and undies. "Gonna put my uniform on," she gritted, rushing over to her side of the closet and placing the winter uniform on, which was also unusual for the Irish girl who preferred to wear skirts and tee-shirts in the fall. But her doctor had ordered her to dress warmly for the next few days at least, just in case.
At least she isn't coughing anymore, Rikona chuckled, placing on her short sleeve shirt and the designated Uva skirt uniform and tights. According to the rules, if you wore the skirt you had to wear tights or thigh high socks, and Rikona was not about to wear thigh highs for no reason. She might for a boyfriend or husband, but no one else.
"Ready," Hanoashi asked, grabbing her backpack.
"Ready," Rikona smiled,likewise placing her backpack on and following the Irish girl out the door, making sure to lock it behind her.
"Can't wait to get into shorter sleeves," Hanoashi muttered.
"You still slept in your undies," Rikona noted smugly.
"We each have on a heavy blanket," Hanoashi snorted.
"Meh," she shook her head, her light green eyes gazing through the dorms. "So we have a 2 million loan plus whatever the university has to pay for in terms of food and money loans."
"And we can either take on a part time job or earn money from battles, sounds fun," Hanoashi beamed.
"Why do I get the feeling that you'd fine both fun?" Rikona shook her head.
"I just would," Hanoashi smirked. "It's a Katoni thing," she added smugly.
"If you say so," Rikona shook her head. "I still don't get this whole Rotom phone thingy I've seen around school," she added.
"Just go along with it," Hanoashi muttered.
"You sense danger?" Rikona quipped, tipping her head in clear confusion.
"Potentially, yes," Hanoashi muttered darkly.
Rikona placed her hand on Hanoashi's shoulder. "What happened right before we were transported here wasn't your fault," she whispered.
"I know, but still..." Hanoashi let out a small sigh and placed her hand over Rikona's. "I know you're feeling guilty about be being into...you know..."
"You adamantly refused when I asked you to participate," Rikona sighed. "Sure, I enjoyed it, but I did it to myself willingly. You were forced into it," she added.
"Meh...it made the groping better," Hanoashi snorted. "But yeah, I'd be down to actually do it now if asked by you or my future husband."
"You waiting on Yukaro?" Rikona asked quietly.
"I miss him, yes," Hanoashi admitted silently. "But even so I'm not going to grow old childless trying to wait on him in vain so to speak. You must miss your friends too, right?"
Rikona let out a small nod. "Yes, and my mother and cousins, or at least the others I was close to, which wasn't many."
"You can finally tell me about them you know," Hanoashi challenged gently. "I mean the other Matsumino can't threaten you here."
"I never said anything about..."
"I've seen enough of the family to know how that works. I might not know exactly what they threatened you with, but you always had a bit of fear in your eyes when I asked," Hanoashi sighed. "You did a good job of trying to hide it, but when one is a Sensado Commander you have to be able to pick up on these things, you know?"
Letting out a quiet sigh, she knew that she lost. "They threatened to kill me if I so much breathed about Yu's daughter being alive to the other Matsumino," Rikona shook, before steeling herself. "They were three cousins I was close to. Fusae was one of them, obsessed with the Kancollie character Sendai that she modeled herself after her, acted a lot like her as well. Bit too European to complete the look exactly like her to a tee, but she got close.
"I don't think I've ever seen Kancollie," Hanoashi shrugged. "She does sound lovely though," she added.
"The second was Asuga," Rikona smiled, her eyes growing bright. "A polite and someone reserved girl, albeit great with a conversation and a sharp tongue if you got her mad. A true Matsumino, or at least what a true Matsumino should have been. Light brown, almost blond hair, waste length, fairly Japanese if you will, " Rikona let out a small snort. "She did get arrested though, police were wanting to let her go dispute her insisting on receiving punishment. They settled on a month of unrecorded juvenile."
"I wish I could have met them," Hanoashi sighed wistfully.
"I think that you would have liked them, and they likewise you," Rikona smiled gently.
"But wait...you said there was a third," Hanoashi paused, gazing at her evenly. "What was she like?"
"Well, this third cousin was the team commander of the Nishmari Sensado team..." Rikona began.
"Wait...you're talking about me, right?" Hanoashi gasped.
"Yep," Rikona smiled, giving her a smug look.
"Cheek," Hanoashi pouted warmly. "But us three were the only one's you were close to?" she asked hesitantly.
Rikona nodded. "On a more or less constant basis. Granted, I met and worked with others, but we eventually went our own ways at some point or another. But you, Asuga and Fusea always stayed close with me," she smiled gently.
"I'll always be right by your side Kona," Hanoashi mummered, patting her on the arm briefly.
"Same," Rikona patted her head in return.
At that point Hanoashi's belly rumbled.
"Look like's someone's hungry," Rikona laughed.
"No, I'm Austrian," Hanoashi joked.
"Irish-Dutch, and it shows," Rikona shook her head.
"No kidding, I mean have you seen all of my freckles," Hanoashi laughed.
"Your face upper body is covered in them," Rikona noted. "Combined with your ginger hair, it suits you," she added.
"That's what Yukaro always said," Hanoashi smiled. "I know it sometimes gave off a...awkward impression away from Nishmari, but I like my look to be frank," she added.
"Yet you're jealous of my brunet hair," Rikona jabbed playfully.
"Meh, I like it a lot, but I also like my own hair well enough," Hanoashi shrugged.
The two picked out the free meal and ate quickly. Uva provided a breakfast and lunch meal free of charge for students and faculty and while it was different each day, it was more or less bare bones. More elaborate meals, sandwiches, drinks, and snacks were available, but they cost money, and being in debt meant cutting when and where you could. Food was a good option.
As soon as they finished eating, they entered their private class. "Alright girls, listen up!" their gruff teacher began as he entered the class in his short sleeved army dress uniform. Thankfully, Paldea did had the sense to cover the midriff unlike the Spanish army dress uniform of their world, let alone the ultra-revealing uniform of the Blue Division academy, which Rikona knew would have been Hanoashi's favorite uniform if it weren't for it showing so much Maus-forsaken cleavage.
"I am Sargento Rako, you may address me as Sarge, Sargento, or sir, understood?"
"Yes sir," Hanoashi saluted.
"Yes...Sir..." Rikona took a step back, growing slightly fearful of him. To her dismay he walked up to her.
"You scared miss?" he asked.
She tried to look calm, but her familiar training was failing her at the moment. "Ye...Yes Sir." she whispered.
"Rikona, he's a Sargent, of course he's going to demand for us to be firm and respectful," Hanoashi whispered.
"I didn't mean to scare you young miss, but if you don't learn the laws and such while in this class, it's going to get much scarier. Trust me, you do not want to end up in a Paldean prison," Rako warned sternly.
"Yes sir," Rikona managed to find her firmness, dispute still being nervous around the guy. He could eat me alive, she shivered as soon as he turned his back on her.
She glanced over as Hanoashi was gazing at her, concern filling her dark green eyes, but Rikona just shook her head and sat down, folding her arms on her desk as she gazed at Rako, her light green eyes struggling to hide her fear.
"Right, so first things first, battling," Rako began. "I've got good news and bad news. The good news is that people and Pokemon both have some resistances to attacks. Having a Rotom phone or a Pokemon captured in a Pokeball increases these resistances. Now here's the bad news, it's by no means fail-safe, and neither of you have a Rotom phone."
Rikona let out a shudder at the implications, gazing at Hanoashi, who seemed calm dispute the dangers they were in. Is this what Sensado does to girls? She wondered, a mix of worry, wistfulness, and fear emerging from her.
"Now, to be clear, you can defend yourself from Pokemon," Rako continued his lesson. But you are not to use them to attack, kill, or commit crimes."
"Duh," Rikona muttered.
"Miss Matsumino, please take this seriously,"Rako chided.
"Right...I'm sorry sir," she gazed down at her hands apologetically.
"As I was saying..." Rako paused as Hanoashi raised her hand.
"So...if someone challenges us to a battle, are we obliged to accept?" she asked hesitantly.
"Yes and no. You may refuse if your Pokemon are weak, injured, or if the opposing trainer is too high of a caliber for you. But it is generally rude to refuse battling unless you are a pacifist trainer." Rako admitted.
That's a relief, Rikona sighed to herself.
"Next off...Pokemon centers," Rako continued on. "Pokemon centers will heal your Pokemon. They will delay the bill if you cannot pay, but a basic healing and care-over is roughly 300 pd per Pokemon or 1200 for a set of six. Additionally, while the cost of advanced care is higher, the cost depends on the injury. As such, healing items and potions can be more useful in some situations. Furthermore, going to a center requires all Pokemon to be checked out as per the Pokemon welfare law." Rako continued his lesson.
At once Rikona raised her hand excitedly.
"Yes miss Matsumino?" Rako asked.
"Is...it possible for someone to enter the medical field when it comes to Pokemon?" she asked.
"Ah...piqued your interest huh?" Rako chuckled. "Yes, though it will cost you, if you work hard you could make it as a Pokemon nurse fairly easily.
"Say I wanted to go into the daycare services, is their one for Pokemon and if so how hard would it be for me to study both?" Hanoashi asked.
"The motherly type?" Rako guessed.
Hanoashi nodded. "While my dream job is to be a stay at home wife and mother, I want to have the necessary credentials to work in child care in case I can't find a suitable husband." she admitted determinedly.
"Ah, that makes sense," Rako nodded. "And Rikona, you wanted to go into the nursing track, right?"
Rikona let out a nod. "Back in my old world us Matsumino girls were required to either marry into prestigious families or partake in high ranking jobs, or jobs which benefit society greatly. Even so, nursing always appealed to me, and Hanoashi would help me study when we visited."
"We also studied English together," Hanoashi added, speaking a few words in English at Rako's inquisitive gaze.
"Ah, Galor or Unova in our world," Rako began, but paused at a knock at the door. "Come in," he called.
"Directer Clavell" Hanoashi and Rikona rose up and bowed respectfully.
"Rako, may I see these two for a moment, it won't take long," Clavell requested.
"Of course, we were just discussing laws and got sidetracked on discussing their carrier choices. It seems that Pladea will be very lucky to have these two as her citizens." Rako smiled.
"I'm glad to hear it, may I ask what they want to be?"Clavell asked, gazing at the two.
"Human or Pokemon nurse," Rikona smiled gently, her previous discomfort long gone.
"Stay at home wife and mother, or a daycare worker, Pokemon or human is fine on that front," Hanoashi affirmed determinedly.
"Those are excellent choices young ladies," Clavell smiled, before motioning for them to exit the room.
Walking behind him, Rikona began to feel nervous.
"Relax you two, it's not that bad," Clavel promised, turning around to address them. "First off though, are you enjoying your time at Uva?" he asked gently.
Hanoashi smiled while Rikona found herself simply nodding. Despite some discomfort being around men, I am rather enjoying my time with my cousin, she realized.
"That's good to hear," Clavell nodded. "Now, there's two things I need to discuss with you. First of which, the government is wanting for you to publish a book on your world, having two folks from an alternate universe is causing them some worry as well as curiosity, so we need to know what your world is like."
"I doubt we'd have any conflict, but sure, we can do that," Rikona promised.
"As a side note would you want to return to your universe if given the opportunity?" Clavale challenged.
Rikona shook her head. "I do miss my mother and the two other cousins I was close to in that world, I'm much freer here," she admitted.
"I miss my father and my boyfriend Yukaro, but...I can't leave Rikona on her own like that," Hanoashi nodded determinedly. "Besides, this world has been kind to us, it'd be wrong for me to just up and leave it like that."
"Those are very good reasons," Cleavel smiled. "Now the other thing is the great treasure hunt," he added.
"Treasure hunt?"Hanoashi asked, sounding bored.
Why does she sound bored? Rikona mused before mentally smacking her head. Of course, aside from watches, she hates wearing any kind of jewelry, so of course a treasure hunt is going to sound boring to her!
"Well...it's not necessarily a treasure hunt, but it's kind of an independent study to where you travel around Paldea and basically do whatever you want. Although most people try to take on the gym challenges," Clavell explained.
Rikona could feel Hanoashi's doubt a kilometer away. "Honestly, while that does sound good, I'm not sure I could be ready for that. I mean...Wasp is still in his Weedle stage, and I don't want to risk him in a serious battle until he fully evolves."
"Same. I would like to thank Grusha for giving me Yuzu, but at the same time I'd rather not risk my Snom getting hurt until she evokes into Frosmoth." Rikona agreed.
"That's fine, we usually have at least two treasure hunts a year, so there's plenty of time for you to catch up," Clavell explained. "And there's a lot of other things you can do, just travel around, see the sights, try out the various diners, that sort of thing." He paused and smiled. "All we ask of our students is that they use this Treasure hunt to enrich their learning experience. And now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend to."
Hanoashi bowed gently to him as he left, and entered the room. Rikona just stood there, confused as her mind began to race. "A book huh...and this treasure hunt..."
"Kona...in case you forgot, we still have class to get through,"Hanoashi called out in clear amusement.
"Co...coming," Rikona acknowledged gently as she dropped her thoughts and sat back down.
Walking out of Mesagoza, Hanoashi let out a playful huff. "I can't believe that they exiled us to South Province Area One!" she exclaimed in clearly false indignation.
Rikona hummed in bemusement. In reality they were just on an assignment to catch another Pokemon, didn't matter which kind and they could keep it or donate it to the academy as they saw fit. It was ultimately up to them.
However, Rikona was privately hoping to keep the Pokemon which she caught. That didn't mean she was just going to toss one of the three balls she had at the first one she saw, but still.
"Shall we stick together?" Rikona asked gently.
"Always," Hanoashi huffed. "Or...at least until we get married," she added.
"I'm...not too sure I want to get married," Rikona confessed.
"That's fine so long as you're not letting the experience get to you,"Hanoashi sighed. "Believe me, I'm still shook from our kidnapping," she added sadly.
"How do you move on from it though?" Rikona asked, wrapping her arm around the Irish girl.
"I have you," Hanoashi smiled. "Plus my Sensado training," she added softly.
"Being around you helps me Blaze," Rikona whispered, but then let out a small sigh. "But my Matsumino training is dung for handling this situation."
"Hmm...remember the Sprint cup series you raced in?" Hanoashi asked.
Rikona nodded. "I'm not too sure that'd help," she confessed.
"Well, if nothing else try to focus on the things you do enjoy, alright?" Hanoashi urged, before gingerly grasping her hand. "And I'll always be there for you, okay Rikona?"
She couldn't help but smile in return. "Thank you Blaze...I couldn't do this without you."
"I'm just glad that we have each other still," Hanoashi mused.
After a moment Rikona broke off, gazing at a strange puppy-like creature. "What is that?" she whispered.
"A Pokemon?" Hanoashi narrowed her eyes at it. "You wanna catch it?"
"Guess so," Rikona nodded, sending out her Snom. "Yuzu, use Powder Snow!" Rikona shouted.
The worm let out a small nod and sent a flurry of flakes at the dog. "Great!" Rikona cried out, before tossing the ball at the Pokemon.
The Ball rattled a bit before settling down. Approaching it gingerly, Rikona prodded it, uncertainty clouding her bright green eyes.
"It's not as though it'll bite you," Hanoashi laughed.
"Um...right..."Rikona stammered, blushing at her fright as she picked up the ball, and then walked up to Yuzu. "You did great!" she smiled, petting the worm briefly before letting it climb on her arm.
"So now all I need to do is catch one," Hanoashi noted, gazing around at the area, frowning. "Not too sure if there's one I'd like to keep though," she admitted softly.
"You can always donate it if you recall Rako's teaching," Rikona suggested.
"You keeping the dog?" Hanoashi asked.
"It's too cure not too," Rikona smirked.
"Well, let's see what I come across," Hanoashi shrugged, and the two began to walk.
"Hanoashi, it's starting to get dark,"Rikona called after a while.
"Yeah it...wait...this one looks different from the others," Hanoashi nodded toward a Tarountula with red string. A polite lady at the Pokemon center had gifted them a local guide and thanks to that she realized that there wasn't really a Pokemon she wanted to raise. Deerling was one exception, but the two needed to build a balanced team if they expected to earn money from battles, and a grass normal wouldn't really go well with her bug and she wasn't about to give up Wasp.
"Right, let's do this wasp!" Hanoashi called out, her dark green eyes narrowing in seriousness. This is little different then my giving of orders to my tank crew! She reassured herself." Wasp, use String shot!" she shouted.
She smirked at the confused look Rikona gave her, but as soon as the enemy bug was wrapped in string, she had Wasp jab it with it's stinger, before throwing the ball at it, this time the ball stopping much quicker then it had with Rikona's Fidough.
"You alright Blaze?" Rikona asked, gazing at her in fear.
"Why wouldn't I...Oh!"she gazed down in shame. "I'm sorry...I shouldn't have had Wasp use that move giving what we both went through."
To her relief her older cousin simply nodded. "No, I need to get used to that, I wonder if Yuzu can use that move?" she wondered.
"Maybe?" Hanoashi shrugged. "Rako did tell us that Yuzu won't learn any new moves outside of TM's until she evolves. Wasp Meanwhile..." She knelt down and gingerly petted the caterpillar around the horn. "You did good Wasp," she smiled.
The caterpillar let out a small cry, and Hanoashi quickly returned him to the ball.
Letting out a small smile, they quickly returned to the academy and showed off their Pokemon to Rako.
"Great job ladies, and...wait...Hanoashi, you seem to have a knack for catching Shinnies," Rako glanced down at the spider like Pokemon.
"Shinnies?" Hanoashi tipped her head in confusion.
"Pokemon of a different color," Rako noted. "Some species have a different color than the original, could be a gender difference, a breed difference, but usually the term Shinnies is refereed to in situations though where the coloration is not simply a breed or gender difference," he explained. "Scientist used to get real mad about the name until recently though, giving that it was a term to come from the Pokemon video game's tendency to show off a sparkly sprite when encountering one."
"I...see," Hanoashi glanced at the spider, before shaking her head and returning it to the ball. "I can't afford to have two bug types on my team and since I hatched Wasp, I've got to keep him. So I'll be donating my latest catch," she announced.
"That's fine and all, but you do know that shinnies are rare, right?" Rako asked.
"Be that as it may, I need to think about my team and my finances," Hanoashi affirmed.
"If that is your wish," Rako nodded. "Either way, great work on catching the Pokemon today, and you may keep the unused poke-balls if you wish. Although anymore and you'll have to buy. But for now, it's time for you to turn in for the night.
Returning their Pokemon, Hanoashi followed Rikona out of the door. "So, do you have a nickname for Fidough?" she asked.
Rikona nodded. "Korone," she decided. "Namely because that was the name mother wanted to give to her next daughter...before she became..." She glanced down, sad.
"I'm sorry," Hanoashi whispered gently.
"It's alright, I just wished mom could have had another child...and...I...I can't think of how worried she must be...for us." She glanced at her, letting a small smile across her lips. "We'd better get you to the donate room and then to bed," she urged.
Hanoashi followed, feeling hopeless. I wish we could go back...but even so I'm just glad I have you at least. I don't know if I could have done this alone, she mused.
Sliding into their bed, the Irish-dutch girl let her mind wonder. Yukaro...she whispered to herself. I...I really miss you...I wish you were here, she prayed fervently, before gazing to her left, smiling at Rikona's sleeping from.
She's grown so much since we've met, she realized with a start. Hard to believe she's over six foot two inches, compared to my five foot two inches, she's a giant. Even so...she's always been so kind to me.
She couldn't help but let out a small quiet chuckle as she silently measured their hand sizes. Compared to her relatively small hands, Rikona's were giant. Somewhat similar to her father's, but still very feminine so to speak.
Arising in the morning, Rikona rose up quietly and went about her morning business alongside Hanoashi. It's like a dream...she realized with a start. Being with her everyday like this...granted it happened once before, but that was marred with Yu's death...
"Rikona, you alright?" Hanoashi glanced up as she made the bed.
"Oh, um...yeah, I'm alright," Rikona nodded. "But what about you?" she asked.
Hanoashi simply smiled gently in response as she finished making her bed. "I'm thinking about heading on out to Southern providence area three," she admitted.
"Why there?" Rikona asked gently, sitting on the bed and gazing at her.
"It's not fair that you have twice the Pokemon as I do," Hanoashi stared at her before laughing. "Nah, it ain't like that cousin," she added cheekily.
Rikona joined in the laugh. "We'd be better of having at least three I guess, and we have four Pokeballs between us, so why don't we try to do that?"
"Hmm...I think we ought to stick to just two until we get our bearing down," Hanoashi counted. "Remember we've got finances to deal with too, and while our debt and schooling is paid for, we've got to pay for our own way."
"But having three Pokemon would give us a buffer," Rikona interjected.
"Be that as it may, it is also a fourth expense," Hanoashi argued practically.
"I agree," Rikona began softly. "But I think it's worth the risk."
"I honestly don't think we should rush into it right off the bat. Besides, we were only given a crash course in battling," Hanoashi reminded her.
"Hm...let's commit to catching a third by the end of next week?" Rikona suggested.
"If finances permit," Hanoashi extended her hand.
"That's what I like about you Blaze," Rikona smirked, accepting the deal with a handshake. "You're always so cautions bout finances."
"I had to be," Hanoashi mused quietly. "And now so do you," she added with a quiet smirk.
"Well...yeah," Rikona blushed. "But missing my mom and other cousins aside, I'm actually glad to be away from all the smugness of the Matsumino family." she added.
"Smugness?" Hanoashi tipped her head in confusion.
"Don't forget they disowned Yu for simply wanting to marry your father,"Rikona deadpanned. "And sure, we might be willing to donate millions to projects and people in need, but..." she let out a small sigh. "Hanoashi, have I ever told you that hanging out with you is a massive breath of fresh air?" she asked gently.
"I think this is the fourth time," Hanoashi shrugged. "But what about Fusae and Asuga?" she dared to challenge.
"They were unique in their own ways," Rikona sighed happily. "Fusae with her endless energy and love of anime, and Asuga with her quiet yet humble demeanor...but it's not the same as you. Besides, we're closer in relation than I was to Fusea or Asuga."
Rising up, Rikona let out a smile. "Right, if we're going to be heading on out we ought to get going. We have a battle practical tomorrow."
"Right, our first battle," Hanoashi smiled in return.
Arriving at the area, Hanoashi didn't waste any time in picking a fight with a...rock? Rikona could only stare in shock. She's aiming for a rock and...is that salt coming out of it's back!? she gasped to herself. What the sprint car is this world!?
Before she could blink, Hanoashi had caught it, smirking at Rikona. "I'm winning that battle tomorrow," she warned.
Rikona let out a small shudder as she knew that look very well. It was a rare one, but it meant that her cousin knew something she didn't and was a slight warning for her to shape up or be destroyed in whatever game they were playing. Only once did she manage to successfully realize what her cousin knew, and it was during a game of chess that Rikona usually won. The issue was that Rikona used a similar strategy each time, only with minor altercations.
"So, what are you going to name him?" she asked.
"You'll see tomorrow," Hanoashi smirked. "I'd like to find out a bit more about this little guy before I name him," she added practically.
"This battle fill take place between Hanoashi Katoni and Rikona Matsumino," a referee announced.
Rikona walked up, slightly unnerved at there was quite a crowd standing around.
"Didn't know they'd be a crowd cousin, now they get to see us in all of our Dutch beauty," Hanoashi teased.
"Oh bug off Blaze, you barely respected your Dutch side," Rikona smiled, her nerves forgotten what with the banter.
"Meh, I look more Irish, what with the slightly reddish skin tone, freckles and ginger hair," Hanoashi shrugged. "Now get ready to get crushed!"
Rikona sighed and sent out her Snom. I never discovered what it is that she saw yesterday, and I'm dealing with a former Sensado team commander! But she pushed it down as she gazed forward determinedly. "Let's do our best, okay Yuzu?"
The worm let out a nod of determination.
"Let's go Carthage!" Hanoashi shouted, sending out her new Nacli.
"Battle begin!"
"Yuzu, use Powder Snow!" Rikona cried out.
"Quick use Mud Shot!" Hanoashi commanded calmly.
The powder snow nearly got to the salt-rock Pokemon, but somehow he barely managed to avoid the move as the thrown mud blocked out the ice.
"Now use rock throw!" Hanoashi called out.
To her shock a few small pebbles of pumice arose out of Carthage and were flung at Yuzu at high speed, sending the bug flying back. A small wire-frame grid of red and white light seemed to protect Yuzu, though Rikona could tell that it was a hard hit. "Any damage Yuzu?" Hanoashi called out, a small streak of worry crossing her face.
The worm shook her head, indicating that she was alright.
"Even so, I don't want to risk her even more," Rikona determined, recalling her precious friend. "Please give my cousin the win on this one," she added.
"Rikona has decided to concede that Yuzu is out of the fight, therefore it is two on one now!" the referee announced.
What was that? Rikona racked her head in confusion, before sighing and sending out Korone. "I know we just met, but let's do this, alright?"
The dough dog just let out a small bark, and Rikona couldn't handle letting out a small chuckle. "We'll get you this time Blaze," she smirked.
"Oh I don't think so," Hanoashi smirked. "Carthage, return. Let's go Wasp!" she shouted as she swapped Pokemon.
"What's all this about?" Rikona asked, folding her arms. "What is it that you know that I don't?"
"It's in the guide book," Hanoashi shrugged. "I simply saw it while you clearly didn't, it seems. But I'll tell you after the battle," she promised.
"Oh, I think I...oh no...that's why you swapped to Wasp!" Rikona gasped, realizing what Hanoashi had been going on about. "You little sneak! But even so I've got to hand it to you cousin, you've got smarts," she added with a smile. She couldn't be mad at her for this bit of trickery, and besides they had to learn to find things out on their own, not just rely on each other all the time.
"Well, we gonna do this or what?" Hanoashi called out.
"Korone, use Tackle!" She commanded in response.
The dog leaped forward, surging with all her might.
"Wasp, use String shot!" Hanoashi called out.
To Rikona's horror Korone's legs were tripped up by the caterpillar's web. "Korone, no!" she shouted.
"Wasp, use poison sting!" Hanoashi called out.
Rikona not even thinking rushed forward to protect her dog.
"Wasp, return!" Hanoashi called, withdrawing the warm before it could jab her.
"Rikona Matsumino has violated the rules of battle and thus will report to Director Clavell's office for a disciplinary hearing!" the referee called out. "Hanoashi is therefore the winner." he added flatly.
Rikona buried her head in her hands. "I blew it!" she cried out, sobbing.
At once she felt arms wrap around her, and a gentle, "I know you didn't mean to mess up like that," from her cousin.
Lowering her hands, Rikona sighed. "Would you comfort your teammates like this if they screwed up this badly?" she hissed.
"I have actually, Hanoashi withdrew the hug, nodding. "They still needed to be punished of course, but most of the time a few extra chores, a bit of time in detention as well as a few quick words of encouragement were all that were needed."
"Right...I'd better head on over to the director's office," Rikona admitted softly, withdrawing Korone, Giving Hanoashi a few hundred in coins and walking off.
Her head hung in shame, she trudged through the halls, not bothering to pay any attention to the other's staring at her. And yet there was a small part of her which was oddly happy. The Matsumino name means nothing here and that means that for once I'll be treated like a normal girl, not an untouchable rich lady, she reminded herself a small part of getting to live like her cousin had to making her excited.
Yet even so she couldn't help but feel dread. "Rikona Matsumino reporting in for her disciplinary hearing," she called out.
"Come inside," a voice boomed, and she found herself standing in front of the referee, Rako, and director Clavell.
"Miss Matsumino, care to explain what happened?" Clavell asked polity.
Rikona quickly listed off the details of the incident. "I have no excuses for my breach of the rules, especially since Sargento Rako taught them to me just yesterday." she finished, lowering her head in shame. "I'm sorry," she added quietly.
"Hm...what do you think?" Clavell asked.
"Is it possible that she was trying to make her cousin look bad?" the referee asked.
"I would never try to do that," Rikona shuddered at the thought.
"She's too close to her for that," Clavell sighed, turning to the girl. "And your apology seems sincere," he added.
"Maybe a separation then?" the referee suggested.
"Please, anything but that!" Rikona begged.
"Two days in jail followed by five days of community service, and separation if this happens again," the referee growled.
Clavell shook his head. "Give her a free pass on her record at least," he suggested.
"I'll take it!" Rikona cried out. "I mean...the two days in jail and five days of community service."
"Alright then, please wait in that chair for an officer to escort you then," Clavell nodded. "And no, this isn't going on your record so long as it doesn't happen again."
"I am very disappointed in you Rikona," Rako growled. "You deliberately broke a rule I had just taught you," he added.
"I know...I'm so sorry sir," Rikona whispered, glancing down in clear shame.
"I'll still teach you, but I expect you to be extra attentive in class, especially since the community service is going to take up your class time."
"And you'll be confined to your room while serving it," Clavell announced.
"I understand...I'll make it up to you," she promised. While I hate the idea of prison, at least it's fair. I can only imagine the damage that action could have caused me in the wrong circumstance, as it is I might have been in the hospital from just a Weedle sting. And the last thing I need is more medical bills!
"I certainly hope so," Clavell began. "Rako, you and Jeff are dismissed," he added.
The two walked out of the room, leaving a slightly distraught Rikona to sit in the room in silence.