Chapter 9: Hasta la vistar
The journey from Cabo Poco to Mesagoza had proved rather uneventful and surprisingly short, taking a mere 45 minutes by car instead of the lengthy seven-hour walk it would have been on foot.
Mesagoza City unfolded before their eyes, a picturesque blend of tradition and modernity. The architecture reflected a harmonious mix of historic charm and contemporary elegance. Low-rise buildings adorned with intricate designs lined the streets, showcasing the city's rich cultural tapestry.
The lively bustle of the city was accompanied by the aromatic symphony of street vendors offering delectable treats. Endless people and Pokémon traversed the streets, creating a vibrant fabric that interwove seamlessly with the urban landscape of the place.
Juliana, with her partner Pokémon on her shoulder, eagerly stepped out of the car, her eyes widening with amazement as she took in the vastness of the city. Having spent her entire life in small settlements, the bustling streets and towering structures of Mesagoza overwhelmed her senses. The vibrant energy of the city, a stark contrast to the quiet communities she was accustomed to, left her breathless and filled with wonder.
As the girl marveled at the teeming cityscape, Clavell and Nemona gracefully exited the car beside her. The director couldn't help but wear a satisfied smile, finding joy in witnessing Juliana's astonishment unfold before him.
The car was neatly parked by the high-spirited city square, surrounded by the lively atmosphere of bustling markets, colorful stalls, and joyful chatter. The rhythmic pulse of the city echoed in the air, welcoming all newcomers to the heart of Mesagoza's energetic embrace.
Nemona strolled to Juliana's left, deftly retrieving her Rotom Phone from her back pocket. With a swift motion, she captured a photograph of Juliana and Sprigatito, which the girl hadn't expected.
"¿Qué estás haciendo?" Juliana asked, glancing at Nemona who wore a smile.
"You looked so funny standing there with that look on your face." Nemona chuckled. "So, I'm guessing you don't think place is too shabby, huh?"
"Yeah, it's something alright. Looks like it's the kind of place that'd be easy to get lost in, and not in a bad way."
"I'd say. Just wait to you see the school though."
Clavell gently rested his hand on Juliana's right shoulder, his gaze thoughtful. "Welcome to Mesagoza, Ms. Juliana. I do hope in your time with us at Naranja, you'll be able to call this place home."
"Thanks, I hope so too, Mr. Clavell." Juliana said, her eyes wide with curiosity as she glanced up towards him. "From the looks of it so far, it definitely looks interesting. I've never been to a place as big as this before."
"Is that so?" Clavell remarked, checking the time on his watch. "Oh dear, time has flown. I must head off for a meeting with the school staff. Ms. Nemona, would you mind guiding Ms. Juliana to campus?"
"I can't think of a good reason to say no," Nemona casually replied.
"I appreciate your assistance, and Ms. Juliana, I extend my best wishes to you. I look forward to crossing paths with you again on school grounds," Clavell expressed with a warm smile, gracefully turning around and striding past them.
"I really like Mr. Clavell, this school's lucky to have such a kind director!" Juliana remarked, receiving an approving nod from Sprigatito.
"Yeah, Mr. Clavell is pretty cool, just avoid getting on his bad side," Nemona cautioned. "He can be a little strict sometimes, but out of all the staff, he's definitely my favorite." A mischievous grin appeared on Nemona's face as she emitted a little snicker. Glancing past Juliana to confirm the director was out of sight, she pulled out his car keys with a smile worn on her face. "Not only is he kind, but he's also surprisingly easy to get by," she declared, shocking Juliana.
"N-Nemona, that can't be what I think it is, can it!?" Juliana exclaimed, her eyes widening in complete disbelief. Nemona playfully jingled the keys, maintaining her naughty smile.
"Sí señorita, it is what you think it is." Nemona confirmed with a sly grin, effortlessly opening the car door sliding into the front. "I snatched it from him when he wasn't looking. What do you say you and me drive around Mesagoza a bit, see the pretty sights."
Juliana furrowed her brows, clearly not a fan of Nemona's proposal. "That's a really bad idea. What if Mr. Clavell notices his missing keys, comes back, and notices his car is also missing? He'd kill us!"
Nemona kept silent, ignoring Juliana's plea, instead inserting the keys into the ignition and revving up the car. The sudden roar of the engine jolted Juliana, taking her by surprise as the sound filled the air.
"Ya es suficiente, Nemona. You're the president of the student council, aren't you? You're not acting like it at all right now!" Juliana argued earning a thoughtful gaze from Nemona.
Nemona sighed, "You know, back when we were stuck in that cave, when all hope seemed lost, I realized something. I've lived my life way too close to the books. Being in the student council means nothing if I can't be myself." She said looking up towards Juliana, still outside the car. "Just 10 minutes, how would Mr. Clavell notice his car is gone in that short of time."
Juliana crossed her arms, caught in uncertainty. She turned her gaze toward her first-partner Pokémon perched on her shoulder. "I don't know, Sprigatito, what do you think?"
"Tito, Tito!" Sprigatito turned to her Trainer and shook her head, unwilling to entertain the idea.
"Well, you heard her. We're not doing it," Juliana firmly stated, redirecting her gaze toward the senior student in the car.
Nemona's neutral expression transformed into a sly grin. Nonchalantly, she lifted her foot off the car's brake, and it began to move. "Well, see you at school, Juliana!" she said with a wave of her hand.
"H-hey, Nemona!" Juliana exclaimed startled, the girl's reaction prompting Nemona to return her foot to the car brake.
"I'm telling you, there's nothing to worry about, just 10 minutes and we'll be right back, and no one will be the wiser. Come on, get in already... please?" Nemona said, looking at Juliana with a pleading expression.
After a moment of contemplation, Juliana closed her eyes taking a deep breath before opening them. She reached for the car door and swung it open. "Fine, 10 minutes!" She exclaimed as she settled into the car seat. "Honestly, do you even know how to drive?"
Nemona chuckled, a rascal glint in her eyes. "Of course I do; my madre and padre bought me a car for my 15th birthday. I'm a pretty good driver, too; I've only crashed twice."
"Espera, ¿qué?" Juliana muttered, but the roar of the car taking off drowned out her voice. Nemona skillfully maneuvered the car through the lively city square, ensuring a slow and cautious pace to avoid any unforeseen obstacles. The pedestrians flowed around the car like a stream, creating a dynamic scene of urban life. Mesmerized by the vibrant surroundings, Juliana couldn't help but glance at the diverse array of people and Pokémon bustling about.
The girl couldn't help but notice a few residents were dressed in the same uniform as hers and Nemona's, sparking her curiosity. As they ventured onto the road, Nemona accelerated, taking advantage of the sparse traffic. The wind tousled Juliana's hair, and Sprigatito responded with boundless joy, mirroring the exhilarating pace with playful leaps and animated chirps.
Juliana, feeling the rush of the wind and witnessing Sprigatito's gleeful antics, turned toward Nemona with an impressed guise. "Wow, for someone with two accidents, you're not a half-bad driver!"
Nemona momentarily shifted her focus from the road to her companion, a sly grin playing on her lips. "I try not to be, at least not when there's a passenger with me," she confessed. "Anyways, there's this really good helado spot around here, you a fan of ice cream?"
"¿Tienen sabor a turrón?" Juliana asked, the thought of ice cream enticing her.
"Of course, they have every flavor you could dream of. I practically live there," Nemona replied leaning back in her seat, effortlessly steering the wheel with one hand, confidence evident. Glancing at the car's radio, Nemona swiftly scanned through the channels to find the perfect song. She finally stopped upon one radio station that was playing a half decent track.
"🎶P-O-K-É-M-O-N, POKÉMON " The energetic rock tune filled the car, creating a lively soundtrack as Nemona drove through the bustling city streets.
Juliana cocked her head in puzzlement, the unfamiliar rock song playing. "This is... quite an interesting song, huh?" She turned her gaze to Nemona, who was fervently rocking out with her free hand, completely absorbed in the music.
"What, you don't like Roxie Venomeaux?" Nemona asked as she bobbed her head.
Juliana shrugged, a bemused expression painting her look. "I don't think I've ever heard of her. But judging from this song, I think it's safe to say you and I have different tastes in music. Also, it's been about four minutes or so, almost five minutes left till we go back."
Nemona's eyes darted at the time on the dashboard. "Woah, you're right. I better pick up the pace then, hang on tight!" she declared, her foot pressing firmly on the gas pedal. The car surged forward at 15 miles over the speed limit, navigating the streets with precision, and a gust of wind untidied their hair as Mesagoza's vibrant cityscape blurred around them. Pedestrians and city-goers turned their heads in astonishment as Juliana and Nemona sped through the streets. Bystanders exchanged surprised glances, their curious eyes following the car's swift journey through the bustling city.
Due to the existence of Pokémon, cars weren't a common sight, at least not in the Paldea region. As a result, the streets were almost always devoid of any other vehicles. It felt like they could go as fast as they wanted with no consequence.
Juliana gazed out the car window in sheer awe as the city blurred into streaks of color, the speed at which they were traveling through the streets leaving her breathless. Sprigatito, perched on her shoulder, seemed to enjoy the exhilarating rush, her fur ruffled by the wind.
The girl turned her head to Nemona and giggled, "You're crazy!" she exclaimed, breaking into laughter.
"What was that? Can't hear you!" Nemona said, confidence absorbing her as she blasted the music even louder, cranking up the volume to the maximum. The deafening music roared behind them, trailing like a jubilant parade accompanying their rapid journey through the lively city.
Amidst the cacophony of music and city, Juliana, relishing the sudden exhilaration, had one question on her mind. "How much farther until we reach the ice cream place!?" she shouted above the rock music, hoping Nemona would hear.
"You'll have to speak louder than that, Amiga!" Nemona yelled over the loud music.
Juliana laughed, "I said, how much longer until we reach the ice cream place!?" she repeated, this time shouting loud enough for Nemona to hear her.
Nemona turned to Juliana with a playful grin, "Oh, we already passed it!" she shouted over the music, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
Juliana tilted her head in confusion, lowering the music's volume so Nemona could hear her without exhausting her lungs. "We passed it? I thought that was where we were going!?" she exclaimed, her voice rising above the fading music.
"Don't worry about it, Juliana. Stop yapping and start relaxing..." she leaned back in her seat releasing the steering wheel, closing her eyes as if surrendering to the thrill of the moment. "Just sit back and relax..."
"Nemona!" Juliana barked, her voice stern, causing Nemona to sit back up in her seat. She returned her hand to the wheel, laughing at Juliana's reaction.
"I'm just kidding, I'm just kidding..." Nemona reassured with her mischievous grin. "You're a lot of fun, you know that Juliana?"
"Humph, well, you'd better keep those eyes on the road, or I swear I'm going to jump out of this thing!" Juliana warned. In an instant, her eyes widened as she spotted a figure up ahead on the street like a Deerling in headlights. Panic surged through her. "NEMONA!" she screamed desperately, catching the driver's attention.
Utterly terrified, Nemona abruptly jerked the steering wheel, simultaneously slamming on the brakes, the car careening in an uncontrolled spin. The world around them became a blur of motion as fear gripped them, the screech of tires echoing chaos. The scent of burning rubber lingered as the car came to a halt, stopping just a hair's breadth away from a stoic streetlamp.
A gasp rippled through the onlookers, both humans and Pokémon alike, as they witnessed the perilous spectacle unfolded before them. Horror etched their faces, but a collective exhale of relief followed as the two girls somehow were miraculously able to avoid crashing.
Nemona, Juliana, and Sprigatito sat in the car, their breaths heavy and labored, the adrenaline-fueled tension still lingering in the air. Stunned expressions carved across their faces as they grappled with the near miss, each heartbeat echoing the intensity of the moment.
Juliana was the first to break the silence, "Well, I can see how you managed to get into two accidents, Nemona."
"Tito... Ti..." The Grass Cat Pokémon muttered feeling dizzy.
Nemona, on the other hand, didn't respond kindly. Or respond at all for that matter. Instead, she shot an angry glare at the pedestrian that had almost caused them to crash the director's car. It was a young-looking girl, probably around the same age as Juliana, maybe a bit older. She was rather slender, with fair skin and a unique hairstyle featuring bold red and blue tones. She donned a stylish ensemble— a long-sleeved black hoodie with a Poké Ball emblem, a transparent skirt over gray shorts, and long gray socks with symbols. Completing the look were calf-length black boots, round spectacles, and a large Eevee-themed bag on her arm.
Frozen in place, the slender girl stood petrified as Nemona swiftly exited the car, marching determinedly toward her.
Nemona's voice reverberated through the air as she shouted, "Oye, ¿cuál es tu problema?" The frustration in her voice evident in her tone as she questioned," Who walks in front of a speeding car anyway?" Her anger shifted to recognition for a brief moment as she got a good look at the girl in front of her. The girl's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and realization, her voice carrying a tone of familiarity. "Penny..." The name escaping her lips holding a hint of history.
"Um, t-terribly sorry for nearing causing a kerfuffle, but you see..." The girl stammered an apology, her voice carrying a tremor of shock and the distinct lilt of a Galarian accent. She gestured toward a nearby pedestrian crossing sign, showing she had right of way.
Nemona glanced at the sign before dismissing it with a scoff, redirecting her frustration toward Penny. "Pfft, whatever. Just make sure you look both ways next time you cross the street, tonta," she remarked, turning around and walking back.
"She does have a point; it was her turn to walk," Juliana remarked, vouching for the girl, as she stepped out of the car, Sprigatito on her shoulder.
As Nemona angrily moved forward towards Juliana, Penny called out to her, bringing her to a halt. "Excuse me, but aren't you Nemona Menzi? Distinguished president of Naranja's student council?" Penny inquired.
Nemona turned around, her face reflecting frustration and impatience. "Yeah, what about it?" she replied.
Penny delicately raised an eyebrow, her voice not projecting very far. "No-nothing, I suppose..." she began, her gaze directed towards the white pristine car that had narrowly avoided collision. "I-it's just that, isn't that Mr. Clavell's motorcar?" She said, bringing her hand up covering her mouth with her sleeve as she spoke.
Nemona and Juliana shared wide-eyed glances, a realization dawning upon them that they were just caught red-handed. Attempting to mask her surprise, Nemona wore a fake smile as she addressed the observant girl.
"You're so funny, Penny, Mr. Clavell's car!?" Nemona replied waving her hand dismissively, a bead of sweat trickling down her face as she maintained her facade. "Yeah right, as if he'd trust me with such a thing! A-anyways, um, I'll catch you later, yeah!?"
"Oh, very well. Do excuse me." Penny gracefully inclined her head, offering a polite nod, before elegantly strolling away.
As Nemona gazed at Penny's back, Juliana was the first to speak. "You seemed to know her, who was she?" she asked.
"Huh?" Nemona turned her head to face Juliana. "Oh, that's Penny— Penny Rose. She's a transfer student from Galar, though you probably wouldn't guess that from the way that she looks. She refuses to wear school uniform,"
"She seemed pretty nice, well... considering you nearly killed her." Juliana said getting a frustrated groan from Nemona.
"Nice!? That girl is anything but nice!" Nemona exclaimed, crossing her arms. "You didn't see how she was threatening me there!?"
"I think you're misreading her, Nemona." Juliana replied, dismissing Nemona's concerns with a calm assurance.
"Whatever, ay ay ay..." Nemona said, her eyes once again gleaming mischievously. She turned to Juliana with an infectious smile. "Hey, we still have 3 minutes left. Want to grab that helado now?"
"You know, after nearly turning a fellow student into roadkill, I don't think I'm exactly screaming for ice cream anymore." Juliana said, her tone a mix of amusement and concern. She looked at the senior student, suggesting a more sensible course of action. "Let's just return Mr. Clavell's ride and head back to school before we cause any more trouble, alright?"
"Fine," Nemona responded nonchalantly, strolling over to the driver's seat smoothly opening the car door.
As Nemona and Juliana slid into the car and drove away, Penny, standing at a distance, observed their departure, her black eyes masked behind her round glasses reflecting the departing car. A subtle smirk played on her lips, hidden beneath the veneer of her meek demeanor. As the vehicle glided away, the streetlights cast flickering shadows on her face, revealing a hint of something enigmatic. With a deliberate motion, Penny pushed up her glasses, sealing the scene with an air of mysterious intent, and she calmly turned her heels, walking away from the scene with calculated composure.
Penny continued her stride along the busy streets of Mesagoza. Her attention to academic matters was practically nonexistent, a fact she didn't bother hiding. Regularly skipping class and neglecting schoolwork, she strolled through the city with an air of nonchalance, seemingly unfazed by the responsibilities that typically accompanied student life.
On this particular day however, an unusual force drew her steps toward the imposing school steps of Naranja Academy, a place she typically steered clear of. Despite her reluctance, an unseen current compelled her to approach the institution, a departure from her usual routine of avoiding academic settings.
Naranja Academy stood proudly against the cityscape, a testament to its architectural brilliance. Tall spires adorned with intricate carvings reached for the sky, creating a silhouette that captivated the eye. The building's facade showcased a harmonious blend of vibrant colors, with each detail contributing to the overall sense of grandeur. Stained glass windows adorned with captivating patterns allowed colorful light to filter through, creating a mesmerizing glow on the surroundings. The centerpiece, however, a sizable Poké Ball nestled between its towering spires, positioned prominently, the iconic symbol adding a touch of whimsy to the grandeur of the academy.
A sweeping stairway, seemingly endless in its ascent, unfolded before the entrance of the academy. The steps stretched gracefully, leading students and visitors to the imposing structure. Of course, Penny, as well as most other students at the school hated how long the staircase was.
Approaching the stairway, Penny became the subject of curious gazes from fellow students. Whispers circulated among the onlookers, yet she paid no attention, focused on her own thoughts as she ascended the impressive stairs of Naranja Academy.
Upon reaching the summit of the grand stairway, Penny found herself enveloped in the vibrant tapestry of student life. The air buzzed with the hum of various conversations, the rhythmic shuffling of papers, and the occasional laugh.
As Penny made her way to the entrance door, a gentle touch graced her shoulder, prompting her to pivot around, turning to face who had touched her.
It was a female student. The girl before her defied the traditional school uniform, sporting a modified ensemble. Her brownish short hair framed her face as she wore a distinctive helmet with a star logo on it, with matching star-shaped glasses to complete the look to boot. It was clear that this student belonged to a group that marched to the beat of its own drum.
Penny's eyebrows slightly raised in inquiry. "Might there be something I can assist you with?" she asked, her voice, still meek.
The female student, her brown hair cascading over the star logo on her helmet, finally spoke. "Yeah, there is something you could help me with as a matter of fact. I've been seeing you around school a bit, you see, I belong to an exclusive club here, we call ourselves Team Star. I think you'd make an excellent fit."
Penny's gaze intensified, a silent response to the Team Star member's invitation. Her eyes, framed by her round glasses, bore into the girl, radiating an unspoken intensity that seemed to challenge the proposition.
Amidst the flow of students passing by, the Team Star member couldn't suppress a condescending snigger. Their presence created a momentary disturbance, drawing glances from onlookers, some curious and others merely continuing on with fleeting interest in the unfolding interaction.
With a calculated pause, the Team Star member withdrew her hand from Penny's shoulder. Delving into her pocket, she retrieved a star-shaped emblem, its polished surface catching the light. As she extended it towards Penny, she continued her persuasive pitch. "There are several students in this useless school that align themselves with Team Star; join us. You can find friends and peers a lot like yourself even, so, what do you say?"
Penny locked eyes with the Team Star member, her gaze carrying a subtle air of menace. "Team Star... a name quite unfamiliar to me." She said, dismissing the proposal and beginning to walk forth. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline."
The Team Star member, persistent in her recruitment efforts, intercepted Penny's path and seized her arm. "Hold up, I wasn't finished talking to you," she asserted. With an attempt at camaraderie, she added, "There's a quota we Team Star members need to meet in recruiting. I just want to be your friend; are you really going to decline my friendship?"
"I don't do friends," Penny asserted, starting to raise her voice as she started trying to retract her arms. "Now, remove your hand. I am not interested!"
Even more students now, in their collective passivity, observed the scene unfolding, their eyes drawn on the developing confrontation. Some chose not to even acknowledge it, maintaining a deliberate distance, while others continued to watch, opting for safety over non-engagement.
"Team Star; you will join our ranks. Is that clear?" As tension hung in the air, the Team Star member stood firm, her demand echoing through the surroundings. The collective gaze of onlookers fixated on the unfolding confrontation. Suddenly, the authoritative atmosphere was interrupted by another voice, capturing the attention of both Penny and the Team Star enforcer.
It was that unfamiliar student from earlier— the one from the car with the student council earlier, her name had slipped Penny's notice, but thankfully, she had slipped into the scene.
Perched on the girl's shoulder was the vigilant first-partner Pokémon, Sprigatito, its fur bristling with an indigent energy, the Pokémon mirroring the intensity of the situation with a scowl.
The outspoken girl stepped forward, her voice cutting through the tension. "Enough already! Leave her alone. Whatever you're after, she's not interested!"
"Spri, Sprii!" Sprigatito, from upon its Trainer's shoulder, emitted a low growl at the deviant student.
The Team Star grunt smirked, reveling in what she perceived as a fortuitous turn of events. "Well, well, looks like it's my lucky day, there's another student who wants to join the team! What's your name anyway!?"
"Juliana Quintanilla," the girl responded with a firm tone. "Though I have zero interest in joining your little book club or whatever it is."
The Team Star grunt, wearing a confident smirk, reached for a Poké Ball enlarging it in her hand. "Looks like I'll just have to change your mind then," she declared with a hint of amusement as she casually tossed the ball into the air.
The unfolding scene captured the attention of every student in the general vicinity. Unregulated battles were strictly prohibited on school grounds, yet these two students were blatantly defying that rule, holding everyone's gaze hostage in a tense anticipation of the upcoming clash.
Penny, in particular, observed the unfolding spectacle, her gaze keen and discerning, curious to witness just how powerful Juliana really was.
From the Poké Ball, a diminutive shrew-like Pokémon emerged. Its body was almost hemispherical, featuring a stubby tail and four small white feet with gray paw pads. Gray fur covered its top, while the underside was white. Its distinctive black head occupied about half of its tiny body.
The Pokémon was small. Barely half the size of Sprigatito, who was already on the smaller end of Pokémon at that. Still, Juliana's Rotom Phone emerged from her back pocket, swiftly scanning the shrew-like Pokémon before them.
"Shroodle, the Toxic Mouse Pokémon. Though usually a mellow Pokémon, it will sink its sharp, poison-soaked front teeth into any that anger it, causing paralysis in the object of its ire."
"Shro, Shroodle!" The Team Star grunt's Pokémon cried defiantly, exchanging intense glares with Sprigatito, who mirrored its hostility.
Juliana concluded reading the Pokédex entry on her Rotom Phone before it smoothly returned to her back pocket. Assessing the situation, she commented, "A poison and normal type, huh." her gaze shifted to Sprigatito, acknowledging the disadvantage she faced. Sprigatito might be weak to poison types, but I can't let this chick to continue harassing students like this, we'll just have to be careful to avoid any poison type moves.
"Alright, Sprigatito, I choose you!" Juliana exclaimed, her grass type leaping from her shoulder. Sprigatito landed elegantly in front of her Trainer, shooting a defiant expression at her opponent.
Emerging from the top of the staircase, Nemona caught sight of the unfolding battle. A sly smile played on her lips as she perched herself on the stair railing. Now might be a good opportunity to analyze Juliana's battle style... Nemona pondered, before cheering her friend on. "You've got this, Juliana! Mop the floor with her!"
The onlookers were taken aback as the champion-ranked student, Nemona, joined the audience. Murmurs circulated through the crowd, puzzled by the unexpected sight of the student council president cheering on some random nobody.
"Err, we'll start this Shroodle!" The Team Star grunt's command echoed through the air, "Begin with Leer!"
Shroodle executed Leer with a menacing intensity. Its sharp green eyes glowed as it locked onto Sprigatito, sending an unsettling shiver through the Grass Cat Pokémon. The air around Sprigatito seemed to thicken as Shroodle's Leer successfully lowered its defenses, leaving an ominous atmosphere in its wake.
The Team Star grunt grinned confidently. "Now, unleash Fury Swipes!" she directed Shroodle with determination.
Shroodle, despite its short arms, swiftly rushed forth, slashing the air with rapid, yet limited, strikes aiming straight for its opponent.
"Dodge it, Sprigatito!" Juliana urged, shouting out.
Sprigatito, displaying remarkable agility, stylishly danced around the Fury Swipes, executing intricate dodges with a finesse that left the spectators in awe.
With frustration evident in her voice, the Team Star grunt changed tactics, "Alright Shroodle, quit using Fury Swipes and use your Poison Fang attack!" she yelled, catching both Juliana and Sprigatito off guard.
The Shroodle abruptly ceased its Fury Swipes, lunging forward with incredible speed, aiming its Poison Fang directly at Sprigatito's belly.
Both Pokémon landed on the floor with a thud, Shroodle being directly on top of its opponent. In an intense struggle, the poison type aimed to sink its fangs into Sprigatito's belly. However, Sprigatito, with impeccable timing, deftly used her paws to hold Shroodle's head at bay. Venomous bubbles sizzled and popped in the air, intensifying the dramatic showdown.
"Spriii...!" Sprigatito screeched, her efforts evident as she just barely managed to keep Shroodle's jaws from sinking into her skin. Despite its unassuming appearance, the Toxic Mouse Pokémon proved to be a serious threat.
"Augh, Sprigatito, no!" Juliana shouted, her voice shaky and laced with distress as she found it almost unbearable to watch any further. She had to think of something, fast.
Penny fixed her gaze on the unfolding spectacle for a moment before closing her eyes and turning away. She derived no pleasure in watching a first partner Pokémon— or any Pokémon for that matter, being pummeled.
Nemona on the other hand, observed with unwavering attention, not even blinking. Come on Juliana, where's the same girl who outsmarted a Houndoom earlier...? She thought, placing her hopes in her struggling companion.
Juliana tensed up, her mind racing for a strategy. I have to think of something, what should I do...? She wondered before a spark of inspiration hit. "Wait, that's it! Sprigatito, use Leafage!" She finally shouted.
Continuing to resist Shroodle's assault, Sprigatito tuned into the voice of her Trainer. Her eyes ignited with a vibrant green glow, mirroring the leaves around her neck. The leaves, now charged with energy, transformed into multiple razor-sharp glowing green projectiles which made direct contact with the poison type.
Being tossed into the air, Shroodle endured the onslaught of knifelike leaves, each cut adding to its annoyance. It landed on the floor headfirst in front of its Trainer, but quickly got back on its feet, growling in frustration.
"Shroodle!" It screeched angrily at the grass type Pokémon, who had just got back on her feet with a determined glare.
"Tito, Tito!" Sprigatito cried as she turned around, flicking her tail in a playful manner as if mocking her adversary.
The Team Star grunt smirked, conceding begrudgingly, "Hmph, alright, maybe you're a better Trainer than I anticipated. Good. That just means Team Star will be even stronger once we have you in our organization." As she spoke, a voice caught her attention, prompting her to turn around and face a man clad in the same Team Star uniform.
He casually rested his hand on her shoulder, a sardonic smile on his face. "Wow, look at you, getting clobbered by some kid that looks like she still watches Disney Channel. Need some help?" He offered, lifting a Poké Ball with a smirk.
Juliana, caught off guard, felt the weight of the situation sink in. Battling against the singular Shroodle was challenging enough, but facing a two-on-one scenario was far from ideal.
The female Team Star member exchanged glances with her fellow teammate, offering a nod of agreement. "That's alright by me. Two heads are better than one, aren't they?" she conceded, a hint of determination in her voice.
Juliana, angry, could no longer keep her composure. "Errrr, just who are you patanes anyway?!"
The two Team Star members turned their attention to Juliana, wearing matching smirks on their faces. "Why, we've already told you. We're Team Star, and we're going to defeat you!" they declared in unison forming a star symbol with their hands. "Hasta la vistar !" They shouted together, exuding a sense of arrogance.
"Hasta la what now?" Juliana replied, now more confused than anything else. Before she could contemplate the nonsensical wordplay any further, the male grunt hurled his Poké Ball, summoning another Pokémon Juliana couldn't identify.
It was a small, rodent-like Pokémon. It had brown fur covering its body, with a lighter shade on its face, paws, and underbelly. It had sharp, pointed teeth, and its eyes conveyed anger as it glared at Sprigatito standing side-by-side with Shroodle.
"¿Qué diablos es ese Pokémon?" Juliana muttered under her breath, her Rotom Phone emerging to scan the unfamiliar Pokémon.
"Yungoos, the Loitering Pokémon. Its stomach fills most of its torso. It wanders the same path every day, searching for fresh food."
"An Alolan Pokémon, huh." Juliana said with her Rotom Phone hibernating back into her pocket. "Looks like's it's a normal type." She turned her head back toward the champion-ranked Trainer who was diligently observing the battle. "Nemona, what do you say we show them just how strong we are when we battle together!"
Nemona couldn't help but smile at the thought, yet she shook her head. "I don't think so, Juliana. You can handle it." she said, surprising Juliana.
"B-but it'd only be fair if it were a two-on-two?" Juliana cried, confusion gripping her voice.
"Nope, I insist. You handle this, Juliana." she said, much to the annoyance of the girl at the forefront. Juliana groaned, turning to face her two opponents with frustration etched on her face.
Sprigatito widened her battle stance, ready to face two opponents simultaneously, her focused eyes and poised posture signaling determination and readiness.
"Now, start with Tackle!" The male Team Star member bellowed. Yungoos lunged forward, its body propelled with energy, aiming to collide with Sprigatito in a forceful collision.
"Quick, you're faster than it, Sprigatito! Hit it with Scratch!" Juliana instructed, urging her grass type Pokémon to counter the approaching Yungoos with the swift move.
Sprigatito's eyes gleamed with ferocity as she crouched, claws unsheathed. The air around it seemed charged as it moved with precision, aiming to strike Yungoos with enhanced razor-sharp claws.
While Juliana remained unaware, Nemona keenly observed the battle tactics unfold. A subtle grin formed on her face as she recognized Sprigatito's strategic move, That was Hone Claws, wasn't it. Sprigatito increased its physical strength and accuracy, smart gal... she thought.
In a well-timed maneuver, Sprigatito extended her claws just as Yungoos closed in. The swift movement resulted in a precise scratch across the normal type's face. Yungoos recoiled, landing on its feet with visible claw marks etched across its cheeks.
The onlookers erupted into cheers, their excitement reverberating through the air as Juliana and Sprigatito displayed their skill in the heated battle. Penny refrained from cheering, but a blink-and-you-miss-it smile graced her face as her attention lingered on Juliana. Perhaps she had underestimated the girl, she figured.
The female Team Star grunt glanced at her partner. "Follow my lead," she instructed him before issuing another command, "Now, Shroodle, once again, attack with your Poison Fang!"
Shroodle's sinuous body contorted as it lunged forward, venomous bubbles dripping from its open jaws. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as it aimed to sink its teeth into Sprigatito, its eyes gleaming with the poison-laden intent.
Seeing his partner on the offensive, the male grunt gave a command as well, "Help your buddy out, Yungoos, use Sand Attack!"
The female Team Star grunt, anxiety creeping into her voice, desperately shouted, "T-time out, from that distance, the only Pokémon that'll be affected by Sand Attack is—"
It was already too late however, Yungoos had already unleashed the move. Sending a gust of sand at Sprigatito, but instead of hitting the grass type, its short range could only reach the charging Shroodle. The sand swirled around the poison type; its vision obscured by the fine particles. The Toxic Mouse Pokémon, momentarily blinded, shook its head in an attempt to clear its sight.
"N-no!" The female Team Star member panicked, her eyes widening as she shot an intense glare at her male counterpart who had just messed up her entire attack plan.
"Yes!" Juliana, in the heat of the moment, seizing the opportunity with a triumphant roar. "Now, Sprigatito, show them just how fast you are, Quick Attack, ¡Vamos!"
"Sprigatito!" The Grass Cat Pokémon growled as she launched off the ground with incredible speed, her agile form weaving through the air. First, she struck the disoriented Shroodle, sending it sprawling backward. In a seamless motion, Sprigatito continued her assault, colliding with Yungoos, and the two Pokémon tumbled together, a chaotic mix of tangled limbs and fur.
Sprigatito soared gracefully through the air, her silhouette outlined against the radiant glow of the sun. The brilliance of the sunlight above was blinding, forcing the Team Star grunts to avert their eyes and shield themselves from the intense radiance.
"Alright, now, finish it with Leafage!" Juliana cried out, signaling the battle's climax. In a burst of energy, Sprigatito once again summoned the power of nature, causing vibrant leaves to swirl around her. With a triumphant roar, she unleashed a torrent of razor-sharp Leafage that cut through the air like a powerful Gust. The leaves descended upon the already weakened Schroodle and Yungoos, creating an impressive display of force, leaving the Team Star Pokémon battered and knocked out.
The grass Pokémon gracefully touched down, each paw hitting the ground with a sense of accomplishment. Despite the visible signs of fatigue, she stood before Juliana, triumphant and proud.
"¡Lo logramos! ¡Increíble, señorita!" Juliana cheered, extending her arms as Sprigatito swiftly turned around, leaping into them with a victorious celebration.
A radiant smile adorned Nemona's face. She managed to defeat two Pokémon at once, she's even exceeding my expectations...! Nemona thought, her excitement bubbling over.
Penny's grin deepened with a glint of calculated acknowledgement in her eyes. Well done, Juliana. Seems you've got a fair bit of prowess. I'll certainly bear that in mind... she thought feeling a touch of approval for the battle's victor.
The crowd erupted in an exhilarating symphony of cheers, their excitement resonating through the air like a lively melody. Joyous voices blended together, creating a harmonious celebration for Juliana's impressive victory.
As the jubilant cheers of the audience echoed around them, Juliana glanced up from Sprigatito to her vanquished foes. "Teamwork won't get you anywhere if you guys can't coordinate your attacks. You guys would've been better off battling separately," she remarked confidently, her voice cutting through the joyous atmosphere.
The male grunt somberly withdrew his defeated Yungoos, while his female counterpart sported a subtle grin. With a sense of intrigue, she revealed a dark burgundy object, akin to a Poké Ball, its surface gleaming with the mesmerizing glint of an embedded crystal.
"Oh, so you've got another Pokémon up your sleeve?" Juliana inquired, her anticipation building. Sprigatito, still in her arms, seemed poised for action, ready to leap into the fray once more.
"No, not another Pokémon; how about I give you a taste of Terastallization?" The female grunt sneered, her words oozing with menace. Of course, Juliana had no idea what the girl was referring to.
"Terastallization...?" Juliana murmured softly, perplexed by the unfamiliar term. The mysterious object in the Team Star grunt's hand emitted an eerie glow, casting a dark burgundy hue across the surroundings. The crystal inside flickered with an ominous light, captivating the attention of the crowd. Whispers of uncertainty and intrigue spread among the students as they observed the scene.
The male grunt smirked, crossing his arms confidently. "Prepare to kiss the dirt, because you don't stand a chance now!"
Juliana was captivated by the mysterious glow emanating from the object in the female grunt's hand. Before she could fully comprehend the situation, she sensed Nemona approaching from behind, a visible anger etched on her face.
The Team Star grunts, seeing the approaching champion-ranked Trainer, started to freak out, with the female grunt exclaiming, "W-woah, isn't that the student council dweeb!?"
Nemona stood right by Juliana's side, her voice laced with anger and a mix of fury and frustration as she stood firm, her eyes fixed on the Team Star fools. "I don't know how you two imbécils got a hold of that, but return it right now." Nemona said in a commanding tone as she held her palm out. "Unless you want me to fold you two in half like a piece of paper, I advise you do it."
Caught between their own schemes and the formidable presence of Nemona, the Team Star grunts exchanged uneasy glances. The realization dawned on them that even with terastallization, they posed no threat to the champion-ranked Trainer. Reluctantly, the female grunt tossed the mysterious sphere, and Nemona effortlessly caught it, a testament to her unrivaled dominance.
"U-um, well, the thing's yours now, so..." stammered the female Team Star member, returning her Shroodle, casting a hesitant glance as they reluctantly relinquished the mysterious sphere. Stepping back, they both formed a star symbol and shouted, "Hasta la vistar !" before hastily retreating through the crowd, pushing and shoving.
"Hmph, cobardes," Nemona remarked, her eyes following the fleeing duo. Juliana's eyes fixated on the mysterious object now in Nemona's possession, a mix of curiosity and suspicion etched across her face.
"So, what is that thing exactly...?" Juliana inquired with curiosity in her voice, her eyes following the enigmatic object Nemona securely stowed in her bag.
Nemona pivoted to meet Juliana, her eyes shuttering with a contagious smile. "Nothing you have to worry about now, Juliana. But seriously, you and Sprigatito were amazing. And I'm sorry for not helping you, by the way, I wanted to see how you would fare against them by yourself. And you did not disappoint."
Juliana pouted, feeling she was entitled to an explanation after winning the bout. "You're really going to keep me in the dark like that?" she whined before getting a realization. "Oh yeah, who exactly were those weirdos anyways?"
"Team Star," Nemona stated, her expression returning to one of seriousness. "They're a bunch of troublemakers who seem to think they own the place. Lidiar con ellos es un verdadero dolor de cabeza; even the teachers don't know what to do with them."
The senior Trainer then scanned the stunned crowd with an intense glare, she then retrieved a Poké Ball. "What are you all staring at? If you want a show, I'll take on every one of you. Get to class, now!" She commanded, asserting authority.
Heeding her word, the crowd quickly dispersed, a ripple of urgency driving them away from the scene in fear, eager to avoid any confrontation. As the last of the onlookers disappeared from view, Juliana and Nemona shifted their attention toward Penny, the recipient of their assistance, only to discover she too had left the scene.
Hola amigos, that was... long. Not as long as chapter 7, but still long. I've got to say, this was probably my new favorite chapter, I had a lot of fun writing Juliana and Nemona just hanging out and bonding.
Speaking of Nemona, this chapter is kind of a response to a reviewer who's a friend of mine, they felt that Nemona was kind of written out of character in the last chapter, which I can see how they would think that.
Also, we're in a review exchange, they're writing a story called A Clock and the Compass on AO3, which is basically a Legends: Arceus fic with a few changes, if you like this story, I advise you read that one, since it's just as good as this one... maybe even better.
Oh yeah, how could I forget, Penny! In case anyone's wondering, her last name is "Rose" since, well, apparently, she's related to a pretty important character from Sword and Shield. Now I haven't played Sword and Shield, but I heard a lot of people saying that on Twitter (or X now, ugh) so, I decided to incorporate that into this fic. Her father is Peony, and her uncle is Chairman Rose. One other thing about her too, I imagine her speaking in a British accent since she's from Galar, same way I imagine Juliana and Nemona with a Spanish accent.
Alright, well, that's it from me, hasta la vistar !