Disclaimer: I do not own any of the material appearing in this story. The OC's belong to their respective owners.
BGM: Kitakami Region (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask)
Pyrrha woke up with a yawn, stretching. "Mmm…" She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and noticed it was already 6:30 AM.
Strange, I don't usually get up this early… She thought as she softly smiled. Well, I suppose there's a first for everything.
She softly hummed as she walked off to take a shower, humming to herself as she stepped in and then stepped out a few minutes later. She planted her hands on the sink after she got herself dressed and looked into the mirror. There was a bit more twinkle in her eyes than before.
A small giggle escaped her lips as she walked out of the bathroom with a hum, walking into the cafeteria to eat breakfast, then she wandered outside as she saw the sun slowly rising up from the mountains.
She softly smiled, closing her eyes as the sun's rays hit her, enjoying its early warm embrace.
"You're up early…"
End BGM
Pyrrha turned her head to see Carmine approaching, who looked ragged and disheveled with bloodshot eyes.
"So are-... are you okay?"
"Mmm, I had a rough night… I went to sleep crying and… woke up crying." Carmine sighed.
"What… exactly happened?"
"I… told Kieran about our parents last night. I knew it would be a bad time, but… I didn't know when it would be a good time to tell him. I… hastily ripped the bandaid off and told him everything."
"He didn't take it well, did he?"
Carmine looked away. "He… snapped. I don't fault him for chewing me out but… the way he said "some sister you turned to be" and slammed the door in my face… it's like he pushed me out of his life…"
Pyrrha gently put her hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about him. If anything, I'm sure he's processing all of it and lashed out only because of losing to Ren and watching him catch Ogerpon. He probably didn't mean any of that and is working his courage to apologize to you."
"Oh… if only I can share your enthusiasm over this."
"Pono?"
The girls turned to see Ogerpon approaching them, which was enough for Carmine to smile at her.
"Morning cutie…"
Ogerpon smiled. "Pon-rah~! Pon-mine~!"
"Ooooh, I hope you never stop being adorable…" Carmine hugged her as Ogerpon hugged her back.
Carmine looked up toward the sunrise. "Hey… I know the best spot to watch the sun rise out of the mountains."
"Lead the way."
With a nod, Carmine walked off with Pyrrha and Ogerpon following her as they made their way to Loyalty Plaza.
"Pona Pon?" Ogerpon approached the destroyed ruins of the shrine out of curiosity while Carmine leaned against the railing behind the shrine as they watched the sun peeking out of the horizon.
"Wow…!" Pyrrha said.
"Technically speaking, the Crystal Pond has the best seat in the house but by the time I finally get up there, the sun's already out so… I went for the next best thing."
Pyrrha smiled. "It sure is lovely."
"Mhm."
"Pona Poooon…" Ogerpon watched on with her eyes sparkling at the sun.
"...Hey. Do you want to have a battle?"
Pyrrha looked at Carmine. "In your condition? You sure about that?"
"I just need to get my mind off things." Carmine grasped Pyrrha's hand. "Please… I think we both need this."
Pyrrha nodded with a soft smile. "Okay."
Carmine smiled back. "Thank you."
Both of them walked up to the front of the shrine with Ogerpon watching on with intrigue.
BGM: The Other Promise (Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMix)
Definitely Needs a Hug - Carmine
"Leonidas, let's go!"
"Mightyena, let's do it…"
"Fay Fay!"
"Rawr!" Mightyena growled.
"Do… what you always do, Mightyena." Carmine said quietly.
"Rawr…?" Mightyena turned to look at Carmine with a touch of concern before turning back toward the Falinks.
Leonidas started off with No Retreat while the Mightyena kicked back her paw and Howled.
The two of them then lunged, with Mightyena using Take Down and Leonidas used Close Combat as Mightyena bowled over the segments, but they brushed it off and proceeded to pummel the Mightyena.
Mightyena growled, her fangs turning fiery as she chomped down with Fire Fang, hitting two of the segments, but they proceeded to use Counter to finish her off, knocking her over.
Carmine recalled the Mightyena, only to notice Leonidas forming a heart in front of her. "...Huh?" She wondered before calling out Morpeko, to which Pyrrha recalled Leonidas and called out Nimue.
"Oh… you have a Nidoqueen? I've always wanted one of those." Carmine admitted with a soft smile.
"Mohpeh!"
"Nido!"
Morpeko immediately ran ahead and used Aura Wheel and slammed into Nimue, and while it did nothing to her, Nimue noticed the state Carmine was in and with a soft smile…
"Nidoooo!" Nidoqueen faked the hit, falling on her butt with a dramatic arm over her head, looking away with her eyes closed.
Carmine blinked before snickering. "Talk about a drama queen…" She giggled, which was enough for Pyrrha to smile as Morpeko immediately got hangry.
"Mohpeh Peh!" Morpeko cried hangrily as she used Seed Bomb at Nimue, which actually did hurt her but Nimue didn't seem to mind as she stood back up and stomped on the ground, unleashing Earth Power that knocked Morpeko away.
"Mohpeeeeh!" Morpeko cried out as she shook it off, eating a berry and then quickly ran over, unleashing Lash Out at her but Nimue sidestepped out of the way and used Superpower to punch the ground to create a shockwave and knocked Morpeko down.
Nimue then walked over to Morpeko and gently patted her on the head. "Mohpeh…" Morpeko softly smiled in her KO'd state as Carmine recalled her Morpeko and called out Leavanny.
"Leaaavaaan!" Leavanny cried as Pyrrha recalled Nidoqueen.
"Argus, let's go!" Pyrrha called him out.
"Grow!"
"Wait, isn't that Perri-... you named him after your home? Aww!" Carmine smiled.
Leavanny started off with Swords Dance and then unleashed X-Scissor, to which Argus proceeded to use Flame Wheel to push through the X-Scissor and slammed into Leavanny.
"Vaaan…!" Leavanny cried, barely standing after the heavy hit as Argus got in a stance and used Flame Wheel again as Leavanny's leaves glowed as she charged forward with Leaf Blade, but Argus went around Leavanny and jumped up, deactivating Flame Wheel and pouncing on Carmine.
"Wha…?! Oooof!" Carmine grunted, being knocked down as Argus licked her face. "Hehe~ Stop… that tickles…!" She giggled as Argus hopped off and gave her a friendly bark while turning around and slammed into a confused Leavanny with Flame Wheel.
"Vaaan…!" Leavanny cried as she was knocked down.
"Are you normally like this in battle, Pyrrha?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about~" Pyrrha smiled sweetly as Carmine sent out Ninetales after recalling Leavanny.
"Pon-rah Pon Po!" Ogerpon spoke up as she jumped in, pulling out the Wellspring Mask.
"Okay, I guess you're up next." Pyrrha smiled as Argus returned to Pyrrha as Ogerpon ran toward Ninetales, who swiftly used Will O Wisp on her, but Ogerpon jumped away and then used Ivy Cudgel, slamming it down on Ninetales.
"Taaaales…!" Ninetales cried as she was barely able to stand as she used a point blank Flamethrower on her.
"Pona…!" Ogerpon cried out before she used Ivy Cudgel again to knock Ninetales down… then she put her cudgel down and used Grassy Terrain, where it formed underneath Carmine.
"Huh…?" Carmine wondered as she felt a healing aroma around her as vines wrapped around Carmine to form a heart on her chest. It was enough to bring tears to her eyes as Ogerpon lifted up her mask and gave her a friendly wink to her.
"Pona Poni~!"
"Thank you…" Carmine smiled as she called out Toucannon, to which Ogerpon walked away with a hum as Pyrrha recalled Argus and called out Haruhi.
Toucannon flew up into the air and divebombed with Flame Charge, where Haruhi ducked into her shell and Sheltered as Toucannon slammed into her shell where she would then use Beak Blast to try and get her out.
Haruhi peeked her head out of the shell and used a point blank Dragon Pulse to knock the Cannon Pokemon off of her as she then used Iron Tail to knock the Toucannon away. Toucannon retaliated with Dual Wingbeat as Haruhi tanked it as Toucannon then used Flame Charge again, where she got hit with a Dragon Pulse to push her back until she was knocked fully away and knocked out.
Carmine recalled her Toucannon… and then saw Haruhi running toward her. "Wh-whoa! Whoa! What are you…?!"
"Goodra~!" Haruhi hugged Carmine.
"Bwah! Are you always this slimy…? But so soft too…" Carmine smiled as Haruhi pulled away as Carmine then called out Sinistcha while Pyrrha recalled Haruhi and sent out Spartacus.
"Sini!" Sinistcha cried.
"Scizor!" Scizor cried, getting ready to fight as Sinistcha scattered Stun Spore on him, but Scizor jumped to the side and used Swords Dance before lunging and slamming into Sinistcha with X-Scissor.
Sinistcha shook it off and used Scald to push Scizor back and then unleashed Hex on him. Spartacus brushed it off as he rushed ahead, quickly dodging a Matcha Gotcha attack and unleashed Bullet Punch, slugging into him as Sinistcha was sent flying away, slamming into a fence post and passing out from the strong hit.
"Ooooh…" Carmine sighed as she recalled Sinistcha and turned around, only to have Spartacus in front of her. "Whoa!" She yelped in surprise as Spartacus patted her on the head and walked off.
End BGM
"What's… gotten into you?" Carmine asked.
"You just needed some loves." Pyrrha said.
"Pona Pon!" Ogerpon agreed.
Carmine's eyes widened before chuckling. "So that's what all that was…" She said. "...While that doesn't change what happened last night, I… really needed that, honestly. Thank you."
"Hey!" A voice called out as they turned to see the others approaching.
"Oh… hey." Carmine greeted.
"Your grandparents told us what happened last night." Ren said.
Carmine looked away sadly. "I… didn't read the room… I didn't know when it would have been a good time to tell him. Even if he was calmer, that… still would have caused a reaction, I fear."
"What Kieran needs is some space." Hiyoko said. "Give him time, he'll come around."
"I… sure hope so." Carmine said. "I guess we both need some space after… last night."
Nora wrapped her arms around Carmine. "Hey, cheer up… what's done is done. All we need now is to wait for Kieran to come around and forgive you."
"I sure hope so…"
"We'll be right with ya all the way through!" Nora smiled.
Carmine softly smiled. "Thanks, Nora…" She said as Nora would then playfully poke Carmine on the nose.
"Boop~!"
"Oh…! Uh… thank you…?"
"That's just her being affectionate to those she likes." Ren explained.
"That explains a few things…" Carmine nodded.
"So… now what?" Perrin wondered.
"Good question."
"Poni Pon Ponya." Ogerpon said, pointing toward the destroyed shrine and then pointed toward Jaune, Nora and Pyrrha's Ultra Balls before pointing toward Oni Mountain.
"You… want the Loyal Three to see something?" Ren asked.
"Pona." She nodded.
"I wonder what she has in mind…" Jinx wondered.
Later, at the Dreaded Den…
"Well, here goes nothing." Jaune said as they called out Okidogi, Munkidori and Fezandipiti.
"Grriiifff!"
"Mmmkaaaay!"
"Yip-ipp!"
Ogerpon approached the three with an angry glare. "Poni Pon Ponna Ponya!"
"Grrif?"
Ogerpon walked toward her den and pointed toward the den. "Poni Pon Po Po PO!"
The three looked into the den, seeing the dried up blood stain on the floor of the den, and then saw Momotaro's clothes neatly folded nearby. Ogerpon then walked around the corner of her den and showed them the makeshift gravesight she made for Momotaro.
"Grriff…"
"Mmkah…"
"Yip…"
Their eyes widened in surprise.
"IIFFIC?!/KAAAY?!/YIPPY?!"
"Wait a moment…" Carmine spoke up. "Based on that surprised reaction… you… didn't know you actually killed Ogerpon's friend?"
"Griff if if Iffic If!" Okidogi had grabbed Munkidori and faked a few punches to his face as Fezandipiti demonstrated her pheromones, then Munkidori then lifted up Okidogi telekinetically.
"I see here." Ren said. "You had only meant to distract him with the Pheromones and while that happened, Okidogi would rough him up a little bit while Munkidori took the masks, then Munkidori would humiliate him with his psychic powers and then you'd rough him up some more?"
All three nodded.
"You just meant to maim but not kill him?" Mahiru guessed.
The three nodded again.
"Munkah Kah Kah Kah!" Munkidori flew his fists into Okidogi as the latter faked his injuries. "Munkah Kah Ko."
"But you underestimated him and he fought back, which resulted in a brutal fight between all four, which you had successfully overpowered him, but in the struggle… what happened?"
Okidogi grabbed Fezandipiti gently by the neck, picking him up and slamming him gently on the ground.
"You slammed him into the ground with enough force to KO him on the ground." Nora said.
All three nodded.
"Well, with the rough dexterity of boulders, that would knock anyone out… but, given how you forcefully slammed him into the ground, you more than likely cracked his skull wide open and you had killed him without knowing you did." Hiyoko guessed.
All three nodded again.
"I guess it was definitely an accident… but you did kill him regardless." Pyrrha said.
"Grrriffff!"
"Munkah Kaaaah!"
"Yip ipppp!"
All three humbly bowed before Ogerpon.
"And now they're apologizing or groveling… I can't tell." Hiyoko said.
"Hmm… Ogerpon? What do you think?" Jaune asked.
"Pona Pon…" Ogerpon let out a small growl, pulling out her cudgel. "PON POOOOON!"
POW!
SMACK!
SMASH!
Stars circled around the three dazed Loyal Three with goose eggs rising from their heads, pained tears running down their cheeks.
"Poni Ponya Pon Pon~" Ogerpon smiled, putting her Cudgel away.
Carmine sweatdropped. "Well… that's one way to forgive your enemies."
Ro-to-to-to-to!
"Hello?" Carmine answered her phone.
"Hey Carmine, it's Briar! Listen, I just wanted to tell you that the Paldean kids have found their last signboard. I don't know your group's phone numbers but-"
"They're with me. They're overhearing this."
"Oh good! Meet back at the community center then!" Briar said as she hung up.
"I… guess this is it then." Carmine said with a frown. "Let's… head back to the community center."
"Right. Let's go." Nora said as they started to walk away after recalling the Loyal Three as Carmine watched them all leave.
"You guys go on without me, I need to… do something."
"You sure?" Ren asked.
"Yeah." Carmine nodded as they nodded and continued to walk away.
She looked up toward the sky with a frown. "If I go to Blueberry right now, there's no telling what Kiki will say to me…"
She pulled out her phone.
"It'd be best if we went our separate ways for a little while… clear our heads a little."
She started to push in a few numbers.
Back at the community center…
"Ah, Team JNPR and friends!" The caretaker smiled. "...Where's Carmine?"
"She had to do something real quick. She'll be back soon." Erza explained.
"Very well. First Kieran and now Carmine… I hope something didn't happen between them."
"Ah, I'm sure it's just a little family squabble. I'm sure it'll patch up in no time." Briar smiled.
"Indeed!" The caretaker nodded. "Now then, with that… I have an announcement to make. Everyone has completed their self guided tour with their orienteering!"
"Woo!"
"Yeah!"
The Paldean students cheered.
"In fact, you did it in record time… you kids are all prodigies!" The caretaker chuckled. "Now then, you are all free to roam around Kitakami as you please. You're welcome to stay as long as you'd like."
"Ah… but that leaves a sad tale for us…" Briar said. "You see, Carmine, Kieran and I have to leave to Blueberry sooner than expected. Something just came up involving the Great Crater and I will have to investigate. In fact, as I am speaking, Kieran's at the airport already. He only said "I will meet you at the airport" and left without even saying another word."
"Oh, poor kid…" Hiyoko frowned.
"I guess he's eager to go back to Blueberry. Now then-"
Ro-to-to-to!
"Oh, hold that thought." Briar answered the phone. "Hello? Oh, hi Director Cyrano. Uh-huh… mhm… SHE WHAT?! Well… this… this is a surprise! O-okay! I'll let everyone know then! Okay, goodbye."
She turned to the group. "Okay, looks like only Kieran and I will be going back to Blueberry!"
"What? Where's Carmine going?"
"Going to hang out with you guys for a while longer."
They all turned to see Carmine approaching.
"What's the… occasion?" Perrin asked.
"Well…"
Earlier…
"Come on, pick up… please pick up…"
"Hello, Director Cyrano speaking."
Yes! Carmine fist pumped. "Hey Director, it's Carmine."
BGM: Blueberry Academy (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Indigo Disk)
"Ah, Carmine! I wasn't expecting you to call me. How's Kitakami treating you?"
"Oh, it's doing wonderful. But um… I was wondering if I could go to Paldea for a while."
"Paldea? Oh, I don't see why not. Let me talk with Director Clavell."
With Clavell…
"Just gotta do the hair a bit…" Clavell said, combing his hair.
Ro-to-to-to-to!
"This is Clive."
"Clive? Is that what we're calling you now? Going through a mid-life crisis, I see~"
"Cy-Cyrano!" Clavell exclaimed in surprise. "Uh… there's no such Clive!" He chuckled nervously. "I'm just, uh… practicing for a play and I'm way in character."
"Oh, you big fibber. I know a crack in your voice when I hear one."
Clavell slumped. "Right…"
"I could care less what you're calling yourself now, but… regardless, I have a proposition for you."
"Yes?"
"You sent some students to Kitakami, yes?"
"Of course."
"What would you say if a Blueberry student came to your neck of the woods for a spell?"
"Oh? A Blueberry student coming to Paldea? We'll make sure they feel right at home."
"Terrific! Thanks "Clive"." Cyrano chuckled and hung up.
Back with Carmine…
"Good news! You got the greenlight to head to Paldea."
"Oh, thank you!"
"You're welcome. Now, I'm curious… is it just you? I'm sure Kieran would love to go with you."
Carmine sighed. "We're… giving each other some space. I… told him about what happened several years ago and now he's not talking to me."
"Ah… well, everyone reacts differently when they receive news about their horrid parents. Give Kieran some time, he'll come around."
"Right."
"I'll make sure Lacey gives him a hug in your stead. Take care, Carmine. Have fun in Paldea!"
"Right. See you later." Carmine hung up.
Back in the present…
"I just convinced Director Cyrano to give me the go ahead to Paldea." Carmine said and then playfully smirked. "Did you really think you'd get rid of me that easily?"
"Aw sweet!" Nora smiled.
"She's coming with us?" A Paldean student whimpered as they felt dread wash over them.
"Well, glad to have you with us." Ren smiled.
"...Ya know what? I'm gonna go with you guys too." Perrin said. "I've never been to Paldea before. Should be a lot of fun!"
"Well, that settles things. Until then!" Briar waved and then walked off.
"Alright… now let's get on a plane and head back to Paldea." Jaune said. "...Assuming you guys want to extend the vacation a little longer."
"I wouldn't mind." Pyrrha said.
"Neither would I." Erza smiled as Ren, Nora and Jinx nodded.
"Oh, what the heck. Vacationing with you guys is a lot of fun." Hiyoko said with Mahiru nodding.
"To the airport!"
End BGM
"Ah… about that…" The Caretaker interrupted. "You see… after you came into Kitakami, there have been reports of you guys being on several no fly lists."
"No fly list?!" Perrin said in surprise.
"What the hell did you guys do?!" Carmine asked.
Mahiru turned to Basalt. "Clearly, they weren't properly equipped to deal with a Gravios." She said with a chuckle.
"That sounds like a skill issue with those guys." Hiyoko said. "Come on, like… they've probably dealt with heavier creatures than Basalt. What's the big hold up?"
"Not to worry!" Nora pulled out her scroll. "I know just who to call~"
Meanwhile, at the Smash Mansion…
"Alright…" Mewtwo spoke. "I am now ready to travel to Paldea."
He then sensed someone approaching.
"You need something, Leaf?"
Leaf opened the door. "Ah, sorry about this… but I just got a call from Nora that her team and a few of her friends are stranded in Kitakami and need a quick trip to Paldea."
"Kitakami?" Mewtwo raised an eyebrow. "Very well. I will be there momentarily."
Back with them…
"Thank you~!" Nora smiled as she hung up.
"So who's your friend?" Carmine asked.
"Well, it's-"
Mewtwo teleported to their location.
"You ready to go?"
Carmine and Perrin jawdropped in shock. "YOU'RE FRIENDS WITH MEWTWO?!" They both yelled.
Mewtwo shifted his gaze toward the duo. "And you are…?"
"P-Perrin! I'm Perrin and-"
"You hail from the Sinnoh region." Mewtwo said as he looked toward Carmine.
"I'm… Cuh-...Cuh-cuh…"
"Carmine." Mewtwo said.
"Gah! Get out of my head!" Carmine growled.
"I sense you are at war with yourself as far as your brother is concerned."
"I said get out!"
"As you wish." Mewtwo nodded. "I presume they are coming with you."
"Yeah." Jaune nodded.
"Very well. I was just on my way to Paldea to investigate a problem." He said as he wrapped everyone in telekinetic energy.
"Take us with you! Take us with you!" The Paldean students pleaded as they were also wrapped up in energy before they all teleported away.
BGM: Mezagosa - Walking (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet)
They all warped back in the middle of Mesagoza.
"Wah! Whoa… whoa…!" Carmine said, stumbling and catching herself on Basalt to stabilize herself. "Teleporting… that's… new…"
"Whew… that's gonna take a while to get used to…" Perrin said.
"I will leave you to it." Mewtwo said as he flew off.
"Alright… now where would everyone be?" Pyrrha wondered as she spotted a Sqwawkabilly taxi flying toward the school, seeing Cian get out and ran off toward the academy.
"Hey, that's Cian! HEEEEEY! CIIIIAAAAAAAAN!" Nora called out to him, where he would come back and see the group. Nora waved toward him as Cian waved back. "DO YOU KNOW WHERE LEVINCIA IS AT?"
Cian called back to them.
"WHAT?" Nora called back.
Cian then pointed toward the east side of Mesagoza.
"THE WEST GATE! OKAY!" Nora said as Cian turned around and ran back. "Alright, Levincia, here we come!"
"Actually, you guys go on ahead… I'll catch up soon." Hiyoko said.
"Really?"
"Yeah. I want to explore the eastern side of Paldea. I'll meet up with ya later."
"Okay. Take care." Ren said as they took off with Perrin and Carmine climbing on Basalt, all the while Mahiru scratched her head.
"Now what is that knucklehead up to…?" She wondered before chuckling. "She's a big girl, she can take care of herself."
Hiyoko wandered around the town. "Let's see…"
"Cyclizar! Get your Cyclizar bike here! You can ride around Paldea with a Cyclizar!"
"Perfect." Hiyoko approached the station. "Excuse me, how much is a Cyclizar?"
"It's free. Go ahead and pick one out."
"Perfect~!" Hiyoko smiled as she walked toward the Cyclizar. "I've played tons of Pokemon games, but the fact that I'm actually in this world… why, it just sounds so fun! It's a golden opportunity!"
She picked out the Cyclizar of her choosing and hopped on.
"My Pokemon journey begins now! Let's ride!"
"Zaaaaar!"
End BGM
Meanwhile, at Blueberry Academy…
"Hey, have you guys seen Kieran anywhere?" Lacey asked.
"Can't say I have… I know they just landed but, eh, maybe he just slinked back to his room." Crispin said.
"Hopefully he will meet us soon. It will feel weird without Carmine as she is heading to Paldea." Amarys said.
"Eh, they'll both be fine. It's not like Kieran's going through a crisis or anything." Drayton said, casually eating a yogurt.
"I hope you're right… I owe him a hug…" Lacey said.
Meanwhile, in Kieran's room…
"It's not fair… it's not fair it's not fair it's not FAIR!" Kieran mumbled as he was in the middle of a breakdown in his room. "Nothing ever goes right… if I had just gotten stronger, I would have gotten Ogerpon instead of Ren…"
His eyes went blank.
"Stronger… stronger stronger stronger STRONGER STRONGER STRONGER!"
He stopped scruffing up his hair.
"I just need to get stronger… this isn't about the ogre anymore… no… it's about beating Ren. He humiliated me… over and over again… and then Carmine dares to tell that to me?"
He smirked wickedly.
"Heheh… hahahahahaha! I'll show them…"
He started to push back his hair.
"I'll show them all. I will no longer be weak. I'll be so strong that I will overpower Ren! I'll… I'll show him! Just you wait Ren… soon I will be the one who humiliates you. I look forward to our rematch…"
Deadpool: Oooooh boy... he's lost it.
Ibuki: Indeed... though Ibuki wonders what Hiyoko-chan's up to?
Just gotta wait and see, but anyway, Teal Mask is officially wrapped up! And, to quell a guest's concerns, yes, Indigo Disk will happen, but not in the way you'd expect.