Disclaimer: I do not own any of the material appearing in this story. The OC's belong to their respective owners.
BGM: Timeless Woods (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask)
"Sooo, who were you talking to?" Jaune asked as he managed to slip away from the ladies.
"Weiss." Pyrrha responded.
"Weiss? What'd she want?"
"She was just checking up on me. She… sounded a little chipper than last time I've seen her."
"Oh, that's good! You know, you're sounding a little better yourself."
"Am I?"
"Yeah!" Jaune smiled. "This place seems to be doing ya some good."
"I… don't feel any different."
"Ah, I'm sure you will at some point."
"I will say…" Pyrrha reached into her pocket and pulled out a ring. "I'm not… sure why Luminary would craft me a ring but-"
Jaune blushed a deep red. "Wh-whoa… h-hey!" He started waving his hands. "I love you but I don't think I'm quite ready for that…"
"Don't worry, it's not what you think it is. He said it activates as soon as I activate my Fire Brand, but… I'm not sure what he meant by that." She said, putting it away.
Jaune smiled, gently taking her head as they looked up at the stars as some Volbeat and Illumise flew by. Pyrrha closed her eyes and leaned her head against Jaune's shoulder. He gently turned his head and kissed her head before closing his eyes himself.
The next morning…
Pyrrha let out a yawn, waking up to a pleasant smell that entered her nose as she slowly got up and walked out of the tent.
"Mornin'!" Perrin greeted as she was cooking breakfast over the campfire.
"You're up early…"
"I could say the same to you." She teased.
"I… sometimes tend to wake up early." Pyrrha admitted.
Perrin chuckled. "Understandable." She said as Pyrrha sat on a log and warmed herself up by the fire.
Pyrrha looked at the Dusk Ball that she had caught her Ursaluna in and tossed it in the air to call him out.
"Luna…" The Ursaluna mumbled.
"Here." Perrin tossed a Full Restore at her.
"Thanks." Pyrrha used it on him.
"Luna!" Ursaluna smiled before turning his gaze toward Perrin.
"Soooo… no hard feelings flashing you?" Perrin asked, where he responded by lightly smacking her on the head. "Ow!" She winced as a small goose egg appeared on her head. "Okay, I deserved that…"
Ursaluna sat down next to Pyrrha. "Ursa Urs Lu…"
"Hmm? Oh, what is it?"
"Ursa Urs Lu Luna Ursa."
"Sorry, I don't speak Pokemon." Perrin said.
"I know someone who does." Pyrrha pulled out her scroll but paused. "...Though I'm not sure if she's a morning person." She said as she put it away, not wanting to face an early morning Scottish rant. "Okay, I think I can do this… you're… apologizing for your behavior last night."
The Ursaluna nodded. "Ursa Ur Luna Lun Ursa." He said, trying to do charades.
Perrin narrowed her eyes, tilting her head. "Ah, you were probably angry because… you were out of food!"
Ursaluna shook his head.
"Couldn't find any berries?"
Nope.
Pyrrha rubbed her chin. "You're… the last of your kind?"
The Ursaluna nodded.
"Oh… you're upset that no other Ursaluna followed you from Hisui and… you feel lonely." Pyrrha frowned.
Ursaluna nodded again.
"Oooh, that has to be rough… no wonder you're so grouchy." Perrin said.
The Ursaluna then smiled. "Luna Lun Ursa Lun!" He said, wrapping an arm around Pyrrha for demonstration.
"But you have a friend making you feel not so lonely?"
Ursaluna nodded.
"Ooooh! Who's your friend?"
Ursaliuna picked up a log and pulled the bark apart before making a mask and planting it on his face with one hand and used the log as a club for the other. "Luna!"
"The… ogre?" Pyrrha asked as Ursaluna nodded. "That's cute."
"Luna Ursa Ursa Luna Lun."
The Ursaluna then gently put the log over his head and lightly bonked himself on the head.
"Ooooh, the ogre knocks you to your senses when you're on a rampage?" Perrin asked as Ursaluna nodded. "That might sting but… hey, whatever works." She said as Ursaluna put the log down.
Pyrrha gently rubbed the Ursaluna's back as he sat back down. "I… never thought I could relate to you."
"Oh? You feel lonely too?" Perrin asked.
"I… have my friends but… It's a different story."
"I've been meaning to ask why you look so down in the dumps. But I never got around to it since I've been busy processing Jinx's story. I… don't mean to pry but what exactly happened?"
End BGM
BGM: Scent of Silence (Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories)
Pyrrha sighed. "Well… it all started when I was on my way back home from the library listening to my ancestor and her friend's stories. I was then pulled into an alleyway by none other than Doctor Eggman-"
"Doctor Eggman… I've heard about that guy. He was all over the news when he made that announcement over some place called Atlas falling." Perrin said. "I thought it was just some really incredible TV show."
Pyrrha looked at Perrin with sad pain in her eyes, causing the latter's eyes to widen.
"It… it wasn't a TV show?"
"It was reality, and I don't mean your typical reality TV show. This was actually legit."
"Oh no…"
"Eggman kidnapped me and managed to brainwash me, turning me into a robot where I watched my body move on its own and I could do nothing about it, no matter how hard I tried to resist, my robotic body ignored my pleas. Two weeks later, I watched Atlas slam into the ground."
"Oh, Pyrrha…"
"At the same time, I was creating a powerful weapon that would destroy Argus, my home town. It was a gigantic nuke that I ordered to launch."
Perrin put her hands over her mouth in horror. "You destroyed your own home and you could do nothing…"
"I wanted to stop, but my robotic body refused to listen. I began to wonder if I could ever get out. For two. Long. Weeks… I watched myself build a weapon of mass destruction while also sending some friends to their deaths… I was eventually pulled out, but the damage had already been done. I've been… depressed for a long time after that…"
"Arceus…" Perrin whispered. "You've been through so much…"
She slowly got up and immediately went over to hug Pyrrha. "The fact you're still going is… amazing. I would've given up if that had happened to me."
"I just… wish I was back to normal."
Perrin grasped Pyrrha's hands. "You've come so far after that event, just by looking at you, you're looking a lot better than you were yesterday. You may have lost that smile of yours, but… I've a feeling you'll get it back."
"How did you-"
"Everyone else around you has been smiling. I'm surprised even Jinx is smiling after all the crap she went through… but honestly? Just keep holding on… you're getting a lot better than you think you are."
"If only I could tell…"
Perrin gave her a soft smile, patting her on the shoulder. "You'll be okay." She said, giving her a friendly wink.
"Grow!" The Growlithe jumped into her lap and licked her cheek.
Perrin rubbed her chin. "Hey… why don't you look after the little guy for me?"
"Huh? You… want me to take him?"
"I think you should. He's taken a shining to you. Plus, he can be fuzz therapy!"
"Hmm… I suppose that makes sense."
Perrin smiled and ruffled the Growlithe's head. "Take care of her, okay?"
"Grow!" The Growlithe smiled, licking her face before nuzzling back with Pyrrha.
"By the way, I kinda… stink with names… I don't really bother nicknaming my Pokemon." Perrin admitted. "If you can come up with-"
"Argus." Pyrrha said, softly scratching his head. "I'll name him Argus." She softly said, her mouth softly twitching before resorting back to her frown, but it was enough for Perrin to notice, causing her to smile.
End BGM
"Naming him after your hometown, letting the legacy live on in Growlithe form. Beautiful." Perrin smiled. "So… what about the big guy?"
Pyrrha thought about it. "...How about Bloodmoon?"
"Ursa." The Ursaluna nodded.
"Hey, that works." Perrin chuckled.
"Yaawwwn… morning…" Mahiru walked out of the tent while rubbing her eyes. "Oh, hey big guy… you feeling better after last ni-"
POW!
"Ow!" Mahiru yelped as a goose egg appeared on her head with Bloodmoon folded his arms. "Yeah… definitely feeling better…"
BGM: Timeless Woods
"I still feel a bit bad that I'm taking your Growlithe…" Pyrrha said.
"Oh, don't worry." Perrin smiled. "Remember when I said I have two?" She called him out.
"Grow!"
"Oh!"
"I also have a Noctowl." Perrin giggled. "I'm not heartbroken that I'm giving away his younger brother." She said as the two Growlithe interacted for a bit before Argus hopped back into Pyrrha's lap.
Jaune walked out with a stretch. "Morning, ladies…" He said, sitting by Pyrrha as they all sat down to have breakfast.
"So, now that you've taken pictures of Bloodmoon, what are you gonna do next?" Mahiru asked.
"Honestly? I like you guys a lot, I might as well hang around y'all for a while longer." Perrin responded. "Heck, I might set up a new base of operations in this Mushroom Kingdom if you're not too swamped."
"Well, I do tend to collab with Kylie Koopa every once in a while, but I wouldn't mind doing it with you too."
Perrin grinned. "Atta girl!"
At that moment, Jaune's scroll went off as he answered it. "Hello?"
"Jaune, it's me."
"Hey Ren, what's up?"
"Carmine asked us to meet her at her house. She even requested you guys to tag along."
"Oh? Okay then. We'll be on our way over." Jaune said as he hung up.
"Now what does that bitch want anyway?" Perrin wondered.
End BGM
Later, after packing up…
BGM: Mossui Town (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask)
"Hey, good mornin'!" Kieran greeted as he walked out and saw everyone at the front yard, as Perrin's crew walked over.
"Hey!" Mahiru greeted.
"So, you guys want to see the last signboard?" Kieran asked.
"Kiki, they got business with me!" Carmine said. "Scram!"
"Ugh, they've been hanging around you a lot lately… that's so unfair! You can be such a-"
Carmine glared. "Such a WHAT, exactly?"
"Such a jerk!" Kieran spat out and walked off in a huff.
"What'd you call me?! You get back here-"
"That's enough, Carmine! There's no need to be rude." Yukito scolded.
"Come on, it's not like I hurt him or anything!"
"Hurt his spirit, maybe…" Perrin mumbled.
"She… has a good reason, though… it's not very good, I might say." Hiyoko said.
"Ugh, I know…" Carmine groaned. "Anyway, Ren… you still have it, right?"
"Of course." Ren nodded, pulling out the ogre's mask. "This was dropped by-"
Yukito's eyes widened, taking the mask. "Where exactly did you find this?"
"The ogre dropped it. We accidentally scared it off and it dropped the mask." Nora replied. "Ren tried to give it back but it ran off."
"The poor ogre… I never thought that the ogre would still be gracing our festival after all this time…"
"Hmm?" The others curiously looked at him.
"Oh, did Kieran run into the ogre?" Jaune asked with a smile.
"No, I shoo'd him away… for good reason." Carmine said, pulling out her phone.
"Why would you want to shoo him away? The ogre is his dream to- WHOA." Perrin said in shock. "Is… is that a shrine? …Is that frickin' fanfiction?!"
"Yes." Carmine nodded. "His obsession is… extremely unhealthy."
"Indeed…" Yukito nodded. "I have seen this shrine for myself. I worry about the boy…"
"Okay, that explains a few things…" Perrin said, folding her arms. "Still, your anger is… undesirable at best and nuclea-" She glanced over at Pyrrha. "-Toxic waste at worst. Do you even have an explanation for that?"
"She's a traditionalist and would rather have things be pure the way they are because tourists tend to ruin things." Nora explained.
"Oh… bad tourism… that… ALSO explains a few things." Perrin said. "Still, my question is up in the air about your anger."
End BGM
Carmine's eyes changed, her looking away in sadness that was enough to make Perrin feel concerned.
"...Carmine?"
"Hmm… Carmine, do you want me to tell the story?" Yukito asked.
"Only after you tell us what you meant by "poor ogre", because I always thought the ogre was a scoundrel that attacked the village."
Yukito softly hummed. "I suppose now it is time I told you, Carmine… for you see, the legend goes the other way around."
"Huh?"
"All of you should hear it, especially the ones who have met the ogre… or Ogerpon, as it's rightly named. Let me tell you all the true story, passed down through our family for generations."
"I had a feeling there was more to the ogre… or… Ogerpon." Ren said.
"This has been passed down by word of mouth. I learned this from my father." Yukito began. "It is a story of truths… a story that must never be told to the rest of the village. You must never speak of it to others."
"Okay." Carmine nodded.
BGM: Fearsome Ogre Folktale ~ Truth (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask)
"A long, long time ago, a man and an ogre came to Kitakami from a foreign land. The people of the village feared the man and the ogre, who looked so different from them… and so they refused to let the travelers come anywhere near the village. The man and the ogre were saddened that the villagers did not welcome them… but they were happy just to have each other. They settled quietly in a cave on the mountain.
There was only one villager who pitied the two travelers: The village mask maker. He made several masks for the man and the ogre. The masks were brilliant works, adorned with gems the man brought from somewhere far away. By wearing these masks, the travelers could hide their true faces and mingle with the villagers. The man and the ogre were overjoyed. They thanked the mask maker for his kindness.
Wearing the masks, the man and the ogre started secretly joining the village festival. The mysterious pair soon became the talk of the village because of their brilliant masks. In fact, rumors about them quickly spread far and wide, even to distant lands. But rumors of exquisite, shining masks attract more than just innocent curiosity…
A group of greedy Pokemon soon made their way to the land of Kitakami, presumably led by a floating Pecha Berry. These Pokemon sneaked into the cave in which the man and the ogre lived… and tried to make off with the masks, which were carefully stored away. The man happened to be there. He managed to hold on to one of the masks… but he was not strong enough to protect them all. The Pokemon stole the other three masks.
Several hours later, when the ogre returned to the cave… it found its beloved home in ruin. All that was left were the signs of a struggle and a teal mask. The ogre donned that mask and went down to the village, perhaps in search of its friend. It found the greedy Pokemon there, gloating over their stolen masks, and defeated them, including their leader. The villagers, of course, had no idea what was happening nor why. All they saw was the raging ogre. And they felt great fear.
The villagers thought the three Pokemon had fallen trying to protect the village from the ogre. To honor their sacrifice, the villagers named them the Loyal Three and interred them with care. Wounded and weak, the ogre returned to its cave… alone and with great sadness. Although the ogre found a friend in the Timeless Woods, bearing great resemblance to an Ursaluna."
End BGM
"Oh… oh my goodness." Hiyoko said once the tale was over.
"So the ogre wasn't really that bad…" Erza said.
"I should've known there was something off about those signboards…" Ren said.
Carmine let out a deep throaty growl.
BGM: Carmine's Theme (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask)
"Those lousy-...!" Carmine growled, an angry fiery aura surrounded her. "Ogrepon didn't deserve ANY of that! Those so-called Loyal Three are just… RRRRGH!" She growled. "I am going STRAIGHT to the town square and let everyone know that-"
"Enough, Carmine!" Yukito said. "The people in town already believe their own version. What would they think if you told them the true version?"
"They'd… probably get upset."
"Indeed. I know it's aggravating… but it is best if we kept quiet, no matter how awful it may be."
"Nnnngh… fine…" Carmine sighed.
End BGM
BGM: Mossui Town
"Back when this all first occurred, the mask maker, that is to say, our ancestor, tried desperately to tell the truth of the matter. But nobody would take him seriously… in fact, it's said he was persecuted as a heretic."
Carmine growled. "That's really getting my blood boiling."
"Preach it, sister. I ain't happy about this either." Jinx said.
"In the end, the mask maker chose to protect his descendants, us, by keeping his mouth shut. However, he kept the truth alive, passed down from generation to generation as a family secret."
"I see…" Carmine nodded. "Does… Kiki know the full story?"
"He shouldn't. I've certainly never spoken to him about it. Why do you-... oh, right…" Yukito nodded. "It wouldn't surprise me if he intuited the truth… but I vow to tell him when the time is right. However, given his… obsession, I fear he may spiral further out of control."
Carmine groaned. "That's what I'm afraid of…"
"Now then, about this mask…" Yukito turned toward the Teal Mask. "I've noticed the jewel on its forehead was chipped. I might be able to fix it. Would you mind if you left it here with me?"
"Sure." Ren nodded.
"It's chipped?" Carmine took a closer look. "Oh! It must have been chipped when it fell down the stairs. Let's get this all nice and cleaned up before we deliver it back to Ogerpon!"
"Don't you worry, I'll take great care of this." Yukito smiled.
Unbeknownst to them all, Kieran eavesdropped on the entire conversation. A small silent growl escaped his lips before he walked off.
"Hey…" Mahiru took a closer look at the mask. "I can't help but notice that the jewels on the mask kinda look like Terastal crystals."
"What makes you think that?" Hiyoko wondered.
"Well, they look similar to when that Geodude Terastallized on us yesterday."
"Really?" Hiyoko took a closer look. "Oh hey, you're right!"
End BGM
"Now…" Yukito's face turned serious. "I believe now it is time to-"
"Let me say it, grandpa. It'd be better if I said it…"
"Are you sure?"
Carmine nodded. "It's better if it came from my mouth than yours."
"Hmm… very well… but if it gets too painful, don't hesitate to tap out and I will share the rest."
"Right." Carmine nodded and let out a sigh. "There's… another reason why I'm the way that I am… why my anger is so explosive that I turn people away without even realizing it. It has to do with my… upbringing."
"Let me guess, prissy princess type?" Perrin rolled her eyes.
"More like wounded Obstagoon."
"...What?"
BGM: Dream (Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX)
"You see… I lived in a small village in Johto along with Kieran who was just really little at the time. My parents were… broken, shall we say. My father would just ignore everything and drink nothing but sake while watching TV. And my mother…?"
Carmine turned around and pulled her shirt up, revealing a permanent bruise on her back.
"She often got physical with me, and this is without alcohol, mind you. She was definitely a piece of work… because I often got into altercations with her. She had an explosive temper that she verbally, physically and mentally abused the hell out of me. I was always by Kieran's side because she would try to go after Kiki, but I would always shield him while I was getting beaten up by her. As you can see, that bruise has never fully healed."
Carmine pulled her shirt back down.
"It got to the point that my grandparents came to visit one day. When my folks didn't answer the door, they walked in and saw a horrid sight. Me getting beaten up to high heaven and shielding Kiki while my old man didn't bother laying a finger. He'd rather drink sake than deal with his rageful wife. My grandparents called the authorities because… everyone in town knew about the abuse but were too scared to do anything. Those deadbeats were arrested and thrown in prison while they took us in, having us move here to Kitakami."
She clenched her fists. "Kiki was too young to remember it all, but I do. All the punches, all the screeching, all the mental trauma… I remember everything. Unfortunately, her… explosive anger managed to seep into me, causing me to… become who I am now."
A tear escaped Carmine's eye. "My parents failed us… and I'm trying NOT to fail Kiki but my frustrations just… turn into that bitch…"
End BGM
Jinx let out a growl. "Those no good… they should be GLAD they're rotting in prison!"
"What you went through… no one should ever have gone through." Erza frowned.
"How despicable…" Hiyoko growled.
"Truly reprehensible." Mahiru said.
"My goodness…" Pyrrha frowned.
"That's… ooof…" Jaune said, unsure what to say.
"I wish I had something to say…" Ren said.
"Carmine… I… I had no idea…" Perrin said. "I'm… had I known, I'd… I'm sorry for calling you all those things after we met…"
"I should be the one apologizing considering I was so hostile toward you…" Carmine said before she felt arms wrapped around her. She looked down to see Nora hugging her, along with Magnhild hugging her leg.
"You need this…"
Carmine said nothing, but instead smiled and ruffled Nora's hair before hugging her back. "I can't remember the last time I've been hugged like this…"
Once Nora broke away, Perrin immediately hugged Carmine, then the rest followed suit.
"Aaah… goodness, I feel a lot better after all that." Carmine said.
End BGM
"Now then, let's go back into that orienteering thing. It's too bad I'm not with you guys… the other Paldean kids aren't as… colorful as you are." She chuckled. "It's a bit underwhelming…"
"I wonder where Kieran might be." Nora said.
"Probably hanging around Mossui. I'll see you around." Carmine walked off.
"I would advise that you don't tell Kieran about this either." Yukito said. "Carmine has been trying to work up the courage to tell him the whole story. It wouldn't be right if anyone else told him."
"Right." Ren nodded as they walked off.
BGM: Mossui Town
"Heeeey, Kieraaaan!" Nora called out as they walked toward Peachy's where he was at.
"Oh, hey…" Kieran greeted as Nora and Jinx immediately hugged him. "Oh… what's… this?"
"Ooooh, we're just happy to see you!" Nora smiled with Jinx nodding.
"I… see." Kieran faked a smile. "So… what were you guys and Carmine talking about?"
Everyone paused, quickly giving each other side glances, wondering what to say.
"Oh, ya know… grown up stuff… the Tailows and the Combees, stuff like that." Jinx said.
Phew… Perrin sighed.
"Oh… uh… odd topic to talk about in the open but… okay then." Kieran nodded.
"Yeah…" Ren nodded, feeling awful that they had to lie to him.
"Soooo… um… the third signboard! It's in Paradise Barrens." Kieran said. "It's a bit of a hike past the other side of Oni Mountain, but it's doable. The best place to go is through the Wistful Fields. It's the opposite side of Loyalty Plaza, then you'll be able to hop down into the Barrens. It's past some rock walls, but I know you guys can do it."
"Well then, let's be off then!" Nora said.
"You guys… go on ahead. I'm gonna get some snacks for all of us."
"You sure?" Hiyoko asked.
"Yeah."
"Okay!" She nodded as they walked off.
Kieran looked down. "...Why did you all lie to me…" He clenched his fists in anger. "Especially you, Ren?"
End BGM
BGM: Kitakami Region (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask)
"Okay, I don't like this." Hiyoko said as they walked through the Apple Hills. "I'm not a big fan of lying to Kieran, but what choice do we have when Kieran's the biggest Ogerpon simp and the whole town believes Ogerpon is a monster?"
"I don't like it either… I feel awful." Ren said.
"We're kinda stuck though… considering the traditionalist view." Nora sighed. "Oh, I hope Kieran won't get too upset."
"We'll just have to make due… no matter how much I dislike it." Erza said.
"Unfortunately. Hopefully he doesn't find out the true story." Perrin said as they made their way into the Wistful Fields, watching some Cutiefly and Ribombee flying around with some Grubbin and Charjabug chasing after them while some Rockruff played with each other.
"Hmm?" Pyrrha wondered as she spotted a Tandemaus walking by. "I don't recall seeing those before." She said, deciding to pull out her scroll to scan it.
"Tandemaus, the Couple Pokemon. Exhibiting great teamwork, they use their incisors to cut pieces out of any material that might be useful for a nest, then make off with them. The pair sticks together no matter what. They split any food they find exactly in half and eat it together."
"That's adorable!" Nora gushed.
"I think I saw a family of them hanging around the Future Foundation." Mahiru said.
"Yeah, they serve refreshments." Hiyoko said. "Mostly doughnuts and coffee, but hey, they're pretty cute."
The group continued on, seeing two Morpeko fighting over a seed while a Mienfoo sparred with a Pawniard with a Petilil basking in the sun nearby.
They soon reached the cliff edge of the Paradise Barrens, where they climbed down until they reached the bottom… or in Basalt's case, he jumped down with Mahiru on top, slamming into the ground and startling a few Houndour, Nosepass and Timburr.
They continued on to the signboard, with Nora noticing an Orthworm. "Oh? Hey there cutie." Nora pulled out her scroll to scan it, but the Orthworm went back underground before she could properly scan it.
"No Pokemon found."
"What…?" Nora looked up to see the Orthworm gone. "Awww…" She frowned before shrugging as she put it away. "Maybe I was just imagining things."
"Ah, there it is!" Perrin pointed toward the sign board as they hopped down towards it, and with the gigantic THUD that Basalt gave, it startled the hell out of some Sandshrew and Sandslash.
"It's a pretty lonely place, huh?" A voice asked as they turned to see Kieran approaching them. "According to the old legend, the ogre used to be seen around here lots."
"Aw, perhaps the ogre was busy making friends out here." Jaune said.
"Yeah… probably." Kieran mumbled before turning to Ren. "Hey… Ren? Before we check the sign out… could you battle me again…?"
"What for?" Ren asked.
"It's… for personal reasons…" Kieran responded, hiding some anger in his voice.
"Does he look okay?" Perrin whispered to Mahiru.
"Something seems off… but I don't know what…" Mahiru whispered back.
Ren frowned, feeling that there was something… off about Kieran. "Are you absolutely sure?"
"Yes!"
"Okay." Ren nodded as Kieran walked away, the latter scowling, remembering what he had overheard and how Ren met Ogerpon.
Keep secrets from ME, will you… Kieran thought as he turned around as Ren got into position while everyone else surrounded the two. "This time… I'LL WIN!"
"Hmm…?" Erza narrowed her eyes. Something did indeed feel off but she didn't know what it was.
BGM: Battle! Kieran (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask)
Growing Animosity - Kieran
"Yanmega/Racer!" Both of them yelled, sending out their Pokemon.
"Yan!/Accel!"
"Bug Buzz!" Kieran ordered.
"You do the same!" Ren ordered.
Both Pokemon launched toward each other as Yanmega used Bug Buzz, but Racer swiftly dodged and used Bug Buzz after flanking him. "Mega…!" Yanmega shook it off.
"Giga Drain!"
"Dodge it and use Water Shuriken!"
"Yaaaaan!" Yanmega tried to use Giga Drain, but Racer disappeared and was pelted by the Water Shurikens. "Meg…!"
"Rrrrgh! Knock that speedy thing out with an Air Cutter! I don't care how many times you do it!" Kieran said.
"Kieran…?" Pyrrha wondered.
Yanmega quickly used Air Cutter on Racer, who quickly dodged the attacks and used Bug Buzz and Water Shuriken on him, but then got struck by an Air Cutter when Yanmega turned at the right moment.
"Got ya!" Kieran said.
"Recover!" Ren ordered.
"...Aw man." Kieran slumped. "Wait! Use Giga Drain to stop it from doing so!"
"Yaaaan!" Yanmega used Giga Drain, but Racer was already gone. "Yan…?" He wondered as the Accelgor then landed on his back and used Recover. "Mega Meg?!"
"Shake him off!"
"Water Shuriken!"
Yanmega tried to buck him off, but Racer swiftly used Water Shuriken to knock the Yanmega down.
"Man…" Kieran mumbled as he recalled the KO'd Yanmega. "Go Furret!"
"Furrrr!"
"Use Bug Buzz!" Ren ordered.
"Stay right where you are…" Kieran said as Racer appeared in front of Furret within seconds. "NOW!" Kieran yelled.
"Furr!" Furret Sucker Punched Racer in the abdomen.
"Accel…!" Racer cried in surprise.
"SUPER FANG!"
Furret chomped down on Racer.
"GOR…!" Racer cried.
"Where'd this aggression come from?!" Jinx wondered as Ren's concern doubled. Not because Racer got heavily hit, but due to Kieran's sudden aggression.
"Racer, use-"
"Don't let him attack!" Kieran ordered as Furret used Sucker Punch again to daze the Accelgor. "Now Double Edge!"
Furret jumped back and unleashed Double Edge, slamming into Racer and knocking him down for the count.
"You've… definitely trained a bit." Ren said, recalling Racer. I would say I'm proud but something's definitely off. He said, calling out Rami.
"Use Tidy Up!" Kieran ordered.
"Furr~" Furret cleaned his tail up before feeling a little more powerful. "Fur Fur!"
"Now use Double Edge!"
"Hydro Pump!"
"Furret Fuuuuur!" Furret cried, unleashing Double Edge as Rami used Hydro Pump, slamming it into the Furret as he was pushed back. "Fur…! Fur Fur Furrett…!" Furret cried out as he tried to push as best he could.
"Keep pushing it back!" Ren ordered.
"Rrrgh, get out of there and flank him!" Kieran ordered as the Furret dove out of the water and started charging at him toward the right. However, Rami smirked and used Snipe Shot immediately when Furret got out of the Hydro Pump/
"Furr…!" Furret cried.
"Super Fang!"
"Snipe Shot again!"
Furret ran around before jumping into the air, opening his mouth… and got a massive water bullet to the mouth. "Furrrr!" Furret fell flat on his back, KO'd from it.
"Augh!" Kieran cried, recalling the Furret.
"Are you feeling okay? You're… getting unnaturally aggressive." Ren said.
"I'm peachy…" Kieran responded a little coldly and called out his next Pokemon.
"Wraaaath!" His Poliwrath cried.
"You still good to go?" Ren asked as Rami nodded. "Alright."
"Hydro Pump!" Kieran yelled.
"Do the same!"
Both Pokemon unleashed their Hydro Pump, both striking at the same time as they attempted to push one another back.
"Hold it steady." Ren said.
"You know what to do." Kieran said as Poliwrath nodded, proceeding to stomp it's foot on the ground, where Earth Power struck Rami from below.
"Intel…!" Rami cried, being knocked up in the air as Ren's eyes widened in surprise, as the Poliwrath then jumped up and used Brick Break to send Rami crashing into the ground.
"Rami!" Ren called out as Rami got up, holding on to his shoulder while Poliwrath landed. "You okay?"
"Leon…" Rami grunted, giving him the thumbs up.
"Alright. Use U-Turn!"
"Hit him with an Earth Power!"
"POOLIIII!" Poliwrath punched the ground to use Earth Power but Rami jumped to the side to avoid it and slammed into Poliwrath before turning around as Ren recalled him back, and then called out Weber.
"Spido!"
"Squash that Bug with a Brick Break!"
"Silk Trap!"
"Spidooooo…" Weber hummed as he used Silk Trap right as Poliwrath burst through and hit him on the head with a Brick Break. "Dops!" Spidops grunted a bit, shaking it off like a champ.
"Earth Power!"
"Circle Throw!"
Poliwrath punched the ground but Spidops weaved around it as Poliwrath kept using Earth Power until Spidops was struck and was flown into the air, but he recovered and landed on the ground before grabbing Poliwrath and slamming him to the ground.
"Wrath…!" Poliwrath grunted.
"Point blank Hydro Pump!"
"WRAAAATH!" Poliwrath bombarded Weber with a Hydro Pump, but the Spidops crossed his arms into an X while being pushed back.
"Brick Break!"
Poliwrath jumped in and swung his arm down, but Weber caught it and instinctively used Circle Throw, throwing him into a rock wall to knock him down.
"Wraaaath…"
Kieran gritted his teeth as he recalled the Poliwrath. "This isn't fair…" Kieran growled under his breath as he pulled out his last Pokemon. "Dipplin, let's go!" Kieran called out, throwing the Pokeball in the air.
"Dipp!" Dipplin cried.
"Hmm? Is that a new evolution?" Jaune wondered as he scanned the Dipplin.
"Dipplin, the Candy Apple Pokemon and the evolved form of Applin. Dipplin is two creatures in one Pokémon. Its evolution was triggered by a special apple grown only in one place. The head sticking out belongs to the fore-wyrm, while the tail belongs to the core-wyrm. The two share one apple and help each other out."
"Two worms in one apple…? I wonder if there's any breathing room in there." Jaune said.
"Thank you! I was thinking the same thing." Nora said.
"Hmm…" Ren recalled Spidops. "Tank, let's do this!" He said, calling out his Munchlax.
"Muuunch!"
"Syrup Bomb!"
"Dodge it!" Ren ordered as the Dipplin spat out a Syrup Bomb… and instead of dodging, the Munchlax's eyes widened and sparkled before jumping in and chomping down on the Syrup Bomb before swallowing it.
"Muuuunch~" The Munchlax smiled, rubbing his belly while Ren, Kieran and Dipplin sweatdropped.
"Well, that's one way to do it…" Ren said.
"I can't believe… okay! Dragon Pulse!"
"Stockpile!"
Tank crossed his arms as a white aura surrounded his body as the Dragon Pulse hit him, but he brushed it off. "Munch!"
"Now use Body Slam!"
"Hit it with an Energy Ball!"
Tank ran forward, jumping into the air and leaping over the Energy Ball as the Munchlax slammed into the Dipplin.
"Dipp…!" Dipplin cried as Tank got off of him and jumped back.
"Dragon Pulse again!"
"Do another Stockpile!"
"Muuuuunch!" Munchlax crossed his arms again and soaked in the Dragon Pulse.
"Now use Metronome!"
"Munch Munch Munch~" Munchlax wiggled his fingers together.
"Use Double Hit before he even tries it!"
"Dipp!" Dipplin launched himself, ready to use Double Hit… before a storm cloud appeared above Dipplin and struck him with Thunder. "LIIIIIIIN!" Dipplin cried as Kieran gasped.
"Swallow up that Stockpile!" Ren ordered as Tank swallowed it and felt a lot better.
"Dipplin, use Energy Ball!"
"Dipp-" Static electricity wrapped around him. "-Lin…!"
"No!" Kieran exclaimed.
"Metronome again!"
"Munch Munch Munch~"
A horn appeared on Tank's head as he bent over and ran toward him, immediately using Horn Attack on the Dipplin to knock it back.
"Come on, hang in there! Use Double Hit!"
"Body Slam!"
"Muuuuunchlaaaaaaaax!" Tank slammed into Dipplin as he was unable to move due to being paralyzed.
Once the dust settled… Dipplin was KO'd.
End BGM
"Nice job, Tank." Ren praised as Tank hopped into his arms and hugged him happily.
Kieran fell on his knees. "I'm too weak… I lost… because I'm too weak…" He mumbled, clutching his head. "I'm too weak, I'm too weak, I'm too weak, I'm too weak…"
"Hey… hey! Kieran!" Nora put her hands on his shoulders. "It's okay! Deep breath… just… take a deep breath…"
"Right…" Kieran closed his eyes. "I… don't know what came over me…" He said, brushing Nora's hands away. "Let's just look at the sign."
"You sure?" Perrin asked. "You don't want to take a few deep breaths and collect your thoughts?"
"No… the sign will clear my head." He said as he walked over to it with everyone looking a tad concerned before approaching the sign.
BGM: Fearsome Ogre Folktale (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask)
"If you see a shadowy figure approaching you outside the village at twilight, be wary. Don a mask at once, and hide your face. Do so, and whether the shadow is man or monster, you will pass each other by as fellow mask wearers. If you should meet the shadow when you have no mask in hand, then pray that it is only a man. If it is, you will live to see another day, and you will remember to never forget your mask again. But if it is the ogre, you will meet your end, as do all humans whose faces are seen by it. Once it sees your face, your soul will be forfeit. And you shall never return to the village."
End BGM
"Hmm…" Ren took a picture of it.
"It must be so sad… being all alone and being treated like an outcast." Kieran said. "The masks were made by my great great… a lot of greats grandfather. They were all mask makers, including my gramps. Though, I have a feeling this Festival of Masks was because of what had transpired so long ago… which, honestly, the whole soul eating thing is a bit overkill. Don't you think it's awful that the ogre is treated like an outcast?"
Ren nodded. "It is." He said as the others nodded as well.
"...So you think the same…" Kieran said as a hint of anger was seen in his eyes. Liars…!
"Soooo, let's take a pic!" Perrin said, trying to ease the tension.
"Yes… let's get this pic over with…" Kieran mumbled.
Everyone gathered around as Perrin aimed her selfie stick at them. "Hey Mahiru, why don't you do the honors?"
"Okay!" Mahiru nodded as she traded places with Perrin as they all posed, though Kieran simply had an annoyed look toward them.
Click!
"There we go!" Mahiru smiled as she handed the selfie stick back to her.
"Well… the assignment's done and over, so… I'll be off." Kieran walked away.
"Kieran!" Ren called out. "You want to hang out with us some more?"
"...I'd rather train. Don't y'all have a date with Carmine?" He asked coldly and walked off.
"What's with him?" Ren wondered.
"Well, I think he needs some space. He did lose to you thrice." Hiyoko said. "Though, admittedly, I feel he was a little more aggressive than usual."
"Hmm…" Erza folded her arms. "Maybe when he cools his head, he can tell us what's bugging him."
"Yeah." Ren nodded.
"Toucaaaan!"
They all looked up to see a Toucannon flying toward them with a note in his talons. He dropped it in Ren's hands.
"Hmm?" Ren wondered as he opened it up.
"Meet me back at grandpa's. Make sure Kiki doesn't follow. - Carmine."
"Wonder what she wants?" Perrin wondered.
"Well, let's find out." Nora said. "Can you warn us in case Kieran is following us, just in case?"
"Tou." The Toucannon nodded as he flew up while everyone else started to climb out of the Paradise Barrens.
Ibuki: Poor Kieran... he's nearing the tipping point...
Indeed...
*looks both ways* Wait, where the heck is Deadpool?
Ibuki: Celebratin' the launch of his movie.
Aaaah, right.