Hello one and all to another chapter of Pokemon SVTA where today, Ash, Penny and Clive enter their first Team Star base to rescue Nemona from Giacomo and also rescue Giacomo from himself, Meanwhile, Nemona and Giacomo have an emotional reunion.
A bit of a warning; lots of flashbacks and it's more of a dialogue-based chapter than a battle focused chapter. Without further ado to not keep you waiting, let's get started.
Cover Story 32: Iris and the Shadow Triad 3: Betrayal?
Last time, Iris and her bodyguards the stubborn Hugh, the former Elite Four member Grimsley, and the ex-Shadow Triad member Marie were on their way to Anville Town to infiltrate a Shadow Triad based. But on their way, Hugh overheard a conversation between Marie and a mysterious Shadow Triad member and assumed that Marie betrayed the group but what he didn't hear was that Marie wants to see her sister again and so she must do her mission.
The next day, the group begins to head out towards Nimbasa City to take a train towards Anville Town and while on the train, Hugh begins to talk to Marie about the conversation yesterday, but Marie tells him to shut it and that he's hearing things, but Hugh warns her that if she tries anything to hurt the group, he won't hesitate to defeat her. They arrive in Anville Town after an hour and Marie leads the group to an abandoned shelter which she explains was used to monitor Team Plasma but as the gang walked in, Marie looked regretful towards her actions as Iris, Hugh and Grimsley are tied up in a net and several members of the Shadow Triad jump out of the shadows.
Iris asks why Marie did this but stays quiet as a large, burly figure walks towards Marie. the figure (known as Capo) congratulates her for capturing Iris, but all Marie is concerned about is her sister and asks where she is. Capo assures her she's fine and just resting but unfortunately, she's not in Anville Town. This causes Marie to be angry as he promised her that she would be here, but Capo said he doesn't remember telling her that and that he's still angry at her for leaving the group and making her 'father' upset.
Iris feels a bit of sympathy for Marie and Marie starts regretting her mistake, she asks Capo to let them go in exchange for her coming back and letting her sister go but Capo says Iris could be useful in telling where Ash is and also 'experimentation', this causes Maries to unleash a stun net to stun Capo before she sends out her Gothitelle who's Shadow Tag stops everyone in place. Marie throws a shuriken towards the net and lets her team go and asks if they're ready for a fight which they agree to. Hugh sends out his Flygon who blocks all entry ways with Sand Tomb and everyone prepares to fight.
Around 20 minutes later, all of Anville Shadow Triad are knocked out and Officer Jenny arrives to take care of the members, but Hugh specifically asks info out of Capo. He asks if he's seen a Liepard with a bell around her neck and Capo remembers one particular member who has one before he's hauled away to jail. Hugh smiles as he found his answer to his sister's Liepard.
Marie apologizes to the group, and she explains that she and her sister were orphans prior to Marie 'joining' the Shadow Triad or rather, she and her sister were adopted by the leader and Marie was forcefully made into a Shadow Triad but she wanted to leave to which she was denied. If she wanted to leave, she would have to bring Iris or Ash to them and thus joined Iris's team in order to lure them here. She attempts to leave but Iris stops her saying that while it was reckless, she understands that Marie wants to save her sister and wants to help her.
Feeling reassured, Marie decides to stay and explains that the main base is located in Lentimas Town however, it is a long ways away but Grimsley suggests on flying there with their Pokemon and they agree to do so with Iris sending out Dragonite, Marie sending out Mandibuzz, Hugh with Flygon and Grimsley with Hydreigon and fly off towards Lentimas Town but Hugh questions why they couldn't have flown with their Pokemon at the beginning but they ignore him.
To be continued.
Main Story
Following Nemona's kidnapping by Giacomo, Ash, Penny and Clive set out towards Segin base to rescue Nemona. Meanwhile, Nemona, who is already having a hard day by losing her first Gym battle, stressing out Fuecoco to the point of evolution and dealing with her nervousness over confronting Team Star is now kidnapped by Team Star and is face to face with her old friend Giacomo who hates her for supposedly causing his and Nemona's friend Grace's death.
Will Ash be able to rescue Nemona from Giacomo and Giacomo from himself, will Nemona and Giacomo make amends? Find out now!
Arven on the other hand is at the hotel confused as to where everyone else is at.
We see Ash, Penny and Clive walking outside of Mesagoza and to the base seemingly nervous about the events to come. They walk to the nearby Team Star flag entrance which led down to the gates where Captain Pedro and two other Team Star members lie. The 3 trainers breath in and hide behind a rock to discuss their plan.
"This isn't going to be a cakewalk, that's for sure." Ash says as the others nod in agreement, "I agree, they have a lot of grunts in there prepared to defend their boss at all costs and from what I gathered on my Roto-cam, there seems to be some sort of ritual if a trainer were to invade their 'castle', Team Star would go after them with their Pokemon but to what extent of the ritual I'm unsure of." Penny says as Ash looks over to the 3 guards and notices the captain who wore a cape and sunglasses.
"The middle guy looks particularly interesting, maybe some sort of bodyguard?" Ash says as Penny zooms in on her phone and seems to recognize that figure.
"Is that? He is."
"What is Penny?" Ash asked the bespectacled girl.
"That's Pedro Nombre Largo Inútil y Sin Sentido En Existencia Hernadez, his family is best known for their textile shop and the fact that they all have long names." Penny says as Clive also seems to recognize him.
Oh yeah, Pedro. He was the former captain of the wrestling team, and his muscles are no Ma-joke. I guess that explains him stepping down from wrestling around the same time as the Starry Skies incident. Clive thought to himself.
"Still though, we'll have to get our way through, and I have an idea, we-"
"Battle him." Ash said fastly as Clive shook his head.
"No disguises, I saw this in a show once and I think it will work." Clive said adamantly as Ash, Pikachu, Penny and Sprigatito look on with a deadpan expression as Clive went through the various costumes he had in mind for this operation.
We see Pedro and the two grunts beside him guarding the door as they were silent until a female grunt spoke up.
"Pedro sir?"
"Yes Emily?"
"Is Giacomo going to be ok?" Emily asked as Pedro's tough demeaner broke and he ultimately looked worried as well.
"To be honest, I'm not sure. I'm as worried about him as you, I get Giacomo is angry towards his lost, but I don't want him to push us away so he can be by himself. He became a boss to allow us to have fun but him pushing us away and thinking it's his fault for not looking out for Grace isn't fun." Pedro said worryingly as the other grunts looked on with agreement.
"Is that why you wanted Nemona to help Giacomo?" the male grunt asked as Pedro nods, "Their relationship may be rocky but after hearing about Nemona and her courageousness, I'm sure she can work things out." Pedro says as 3 mailmen with tails walked towards the group along with Pikachu, Sprigatito, Pawmo and Teddiursa also dressed as mailmen.
"How do you do fellow kids?" disguised Clive said as the 3 grunts were weirded out as well as a similarly disguised Ash and Penny who were also weirded out.
And he thinks a mailman disguise would work. both trainers thought to themselves as Pedro walks towards the group, "Now hold it there, who's the package for?" Pedro asks as Clive nervously gulps.
"Oh, it's for Giacomo Martinez and his DeadMaushold 5 figures." Clive nervously said as Pedro looks on suspiciously but sighs.
"Very well, you may enter." Pedro says as Ash and Penny look on flabbergasted towards this plan.
It worked!? both trainers thought to themselves as the 3 prepared to walk past the 3 but Pedro chuckled, "But there's only two flaws and number 1 is." Pedro stops himself to send out Bisharp who slashed at the mailmen's clothing to reveal their regular outfits.
"Giacomo gets his mail from Cascaraffa and Cascaraffa mailmen wear Meowth tails to signal where they're from and those outside Cascaraffa wear no tails. Secondly, how do you know the name of our boss? He gets his mail by leaving here." Pedro says as the gang sweat nervously as they prepare to fight.
"Look Pedro, our friend is in there because of your gang." Penny says as Pedro scoffed, "And what is it to you, our friend wanted to have a chat with her and that's that." Pedro said stubbornly as Ash looked on worryingly.
"Aren't you worried about your friend? He's upset at himself; don't you want to reach out to him?" Ash asked as Pedro and the 3 grunts look away nervously and even with some sadness in them before Pedro looks to the trainers.
"I- very well, if you want to enter here, you'll have to pass through 2 trials. Those who raid Team Star go through the entry trial and the Team Star Trial. For the entry trial, you 3 have to face against me and my two lackeys here i and whoever wins the most rounds win, deal?" Pedro says as the 3 trainers huddle up.
"What's your call leader?" Clive asks Penny who looks flustered.
"I'm not sure, I'm worried about Nemona." Penny says as Ash looked more stoically and nodded.
"I'm worried about her too but I've seen Nemona, she opened to me about her feelings and wanting to improve on herself and I can tell by her eyes that she can do it." Ash says as the two looked surprised but ultimately nodded.
"Guess it's worth a try fighting our way through." Penny says as Ash turns to Pedro and nods.
"We accept your offer and I challenge you first." Ash says as Pedro smirked, "Very well, Bisharp, slash your way through." Pedro says as Bisharp nods and takes center stage to fight as Ash grabbed his Pokeball and sent out Quaxwell.
"Quaxwell huh, very well. Let's see what you got." Pedro says smirking as Quaxwell stretched his legs ready for a fight. "Alright Quaxwell, this is your first battle after you evolved, you up to it?" Ash asked as Quaxwell looked back with a smirk.
"Quax." Quaxwell said confidently as Pedro smirked, "Alright Bisharp, use Metal Claw!" Pedro yelled out as Bisharp rushed towards Quaxwell who was stepping side to side ready to fight, "Dodge to your right!" Ash yelled out as Quaxwell spun to his right dodging the Metal Claw.
"Now Aqua Cutter!" Ash yelled out as Quaxwell's right foot created a concentrated water blade and prepared to slash Bisharp.
"No, you don't! Use Brick Break!" Pedro yelled out as Bisharp's right arm glowed and strikes down at Quaxwell whose attack landed at the same time as Brick Break causing both of them to be damaged and sent back.
"Quaxwell/Bisharp are you alright!?" both Ash and Pedro ask their Pokemon as they both nod and get back up. Pedro smirks and calls upon his next attack.
"Stone Edge!" Pedro says as Bisharp creates 4 large stones in the air and launches them towards Quaxwell.
"Use Rapid Spin to break them apart!" Ash yelled out as Quaxwell spins at high speed as he spins towards the rocks breaking them and spreading them apart including at Bisharp's eyes slightly blinding him.
"Bisharp are you alright?" Pedro asks as his Bisharp is having a hard time seeing and Ash sees an opportunity as Quaxwell rushes towards Bisharp.
"Boss below you!" the female grunt says as Pedro panics, "Quick use Low Sweep!" Pedro says as Bisharp attempted to sweep at Quaxwell who jumps in the air.
"Low Sweep also!" Ash says as Quaxwell's legs glowed, and he sweeps at Bisharp's chest sending Bisharp flying towards a wall and knocking him out leaving Pedro shocked. Pedro sighed and returned Bisharp to his Pokeball.
"Thanks, Bisharp, get some rest. Alright, you won the first round, who's up next?" Pedro asks as Clive steps up, "I will." Clive says as he combs his pompadour as the female grunt steps forward.
"Don't go crying at the nursery home when I beat you- that sounds wrong out of context. Don't go crying to your mama when I win." the female grunt says grabbing her Great Ball as Clive smirks.
"I won't, she's passed on already." Clive says as the female grunt feels bad but shrugs it off, "Stop making me feel bad! Sneasel let's go!" the female grunt yells out sending out Johtonian Sneasel who sharpens her claws.
"Very well, Inteleon old pal, let's do this." Clive says calmly as he sends out Inteleon who's stretching and the female grunt smirks, "Your Inteleon looks rather old which means it will be slower, sounds delightful." the female grunt says as both Clive and Inteleon stayed calm as the female grunt calls out her move.
"Sneasel, use Slash!" the female grunt says as Sneasel rushes towards Inteleon who stayed still leaving Ash and Penny intrigued and confused.
"His Inteleon is rather calm for a serious battle, he isn't even attempting to dodge." Ash says astonished, "Maybe Clive has a trick up his sleeve?" Penny says as Clive talks to Inteleon.
"Ready for your tricks, old pal?" Clive asks as Inteleon nods and simply steps to the side before Sneasel could slash at Inteleon giving Sneasel a simple push surprising everyone.
"What the- that was barely a dodge, are you taking this seriously!? Use Metal Claw!" the female grunt says as Sneasel rushes towards Inteleon once again who yawns and proceeds to backflip over Sneasel and do a low sweep towards Sneasel's feet causing her to trip surprising the group.
"What the- Inteleon can't even learn Low Sweep!?" the 3 grunts say in shock, but Clive remained calm, "Who said it was 'Low Sweep'? It's a low sweep." Clive says weirding out the group.
Were he and Inteleon formally a part of the military or some 70's martial arts movie!? Both trainers thought to themselves as the female grunt got angry.
"Oh, you've done it now! Sneasel use Trailblaze!" the female grunt says as Sneasel rushed towards Inteleon who still remained cool.
"I reckon we finish things here, dodge and use Snipe Shot." Clive says as Inteleon jumped in the air avoiding Trailblaze and aimed like his fingers like a gun and launched a concentrated shot of water towards Sneasel knocking them unconscious.
"What was even that battle!?" the female grunt says as Clive and Inteleon stepped to the side to allow Penny to face their final opponent, the male grunt who sends out Vullaby as Penny gets nervous.
"You can do it Penny!" Ash yelled out in support as Penny blushes and her Sprigatito seems eager to fight and attempts to jump out onto the field, but Penny catches her and softly smiles.
"Sorry Sprigatito, I don't want you flying away against their Flying moves." Penny says as Sprigatito pouts as Penny sends out Sylveon but the male grunt smirks, "A Sylveon huh? I've developed techniques to counter your Fairy types and your type advantage." the male grunt says as Penny calls out her first move.
"Sylveon use Play Rough!" Penny yells out as Sylveon attempts to rush at Vullaby who smirks, "Use Tailwind!" the male grunt says as Vullaby flapped her wings very hard pushing back Sylveon who struggled against the strong winds.
"Push through Sylveon!" Penny says as the male grunt smirks, "Use Dual Wingbeat!" the male grunt says as Vullaby rushes through the Tailwind to strike at Sylveon multiple times with her wings annoying Sylveon.
"You alright Sylveon?" Penny asks as Sylveon nods, "Alright use Hyper-"
"Sucker Punch." the male grunt says as Vullaby strikes Sylveon before she could try to attack sending Sylveon back a bit. Penny got nervous and shook a bit, but Sprigatito nudged her bringing her back to reality as she appeared a bit more determined.
Right, I can't give up here. I want to stop Team Star from ruining their lives in the future and if Ash isn't going to give up, then I won't give up either. Penny thought to herself as she called out her next move.
"Helping Han-"
"Sucker Punch, wait a minute." the male grunt says as Vullaby didn't attack as Sylveon's Helping Hand wasn't helpful in single battles but provided Penny an opportunity, "Hyper Voice!" Penny says as Sylveon screeched loudly stunning Vullaby as she stumbled around.
"Get under control Vullaby!" the male grunt says to no avail, Penny smirks.
"Draining Kiss." Penny says as Sylveon walked towards Vullaby and kissed Vullaby on the cheek draining Vullaby's energy and fainting. This victory caused Sylveon to go hug her trainer who hugged her right back and the gang celebrated as Pedro sighed.
"Very well, we'll let you through, but only because you won your match, be warned however of the 2nd trial. Once a raider breaks through our defenses, we initiate our trial requiring the trainers to get through 30 grunts before they face our boss using the first 3 Pokemon. So good luck, you'll need it." Pedro says sadly as Ash noticed his pain expression and looked concerned.
"Your concerned for Giacomo, aren't you?" Ash repeated from earlier as Pedro gritted his teeth but ultimately looked defeated and nodded.
"Of course, we are! Giacomo formed his base under the goal of welcoming those who appeared different from others, appearance, interests, sexualities and such without the need for prejudice amongst everyone. I never wanted to be some wrestling captain, I hate hurting others, but I was forced into this by my own flesh and blood that I call parents. When we joined, we were grateful towards Giacomo for allowing us to be who we are but he's pushing us away thinking he has to deal with the pain alone." Pedro says starting to cry.
"So Nemona-" Ash didn't finish as a female grunt stepped in.
"It's not like we want to kidnap her, but Giacomo ordered it. He's just blinded by his anger, and we don't him to feel this way. Pedro felt that Nemona had some confidence to stand up to Giacomo so we secretly-"
"Asked for help." Clive finished as Pedro nods, "She helped me feel welcomed in Middle School and I never got to thank her for it, please save them." Pedro begged as Ash, Clive and Penny nodded and proceeded to leave but Ash remembered one last thing and went to Pedro.
"Pedro?"
"Yeah, champ?"
"How did you feel about Grace back then?" Ash asked surprising everyone as Pedro wiped his tears and smiled fondly, "She was the previous vice-captain and was like our big sister to everyone, even non-Naranja Team Star members look fondly back at Grace for her friendliness. She helped me embrace myself not as a violent, wrestling person but as a kind lover of books."
"And I presume Giacomo knew her too?" Ash asked as Pedro and the grunts nodded, "Yes, from what I've heard, they were childhood friends back in elementary. But ever since Grace passed, Giacomo became angrier and sadder. I know Grace meant so much to Giacomo, but we want to let him know we're here for him and that Grace cared for all of us and not let him shoulder the burdens. Why?" Pedro asked as Ash softly smiled.
"I was just curious if you knew Grace and how Team Star felt about her. I have a favor to ask, could you to gather everyone in this base and have them meet us where Giacomo is at?" Ash asked as Penny and Clive realize why he's asking that.
"What for?" a male grunt asks.
"To show Giacomo care and happiness." Ash says as he rings the bell preparing to battle the 30 Team Star students as Pedro understands Ash's objective and nods.
Meanwhile, we see Nemona and Crocalor battling Giacomo and his Honchkrow and Giacomo appears cold and unforgiving as Nemona tries to plead with Giacomo to no avail, even his Honchkrow looked worried for his trainer.
"Giacomo, we don't have to do this." Nemona says but Giacomo didn't seem to care, "You want to give up? I thought Student Council presidents don't give up, or are you just running away because you're afraid." Giacomo said coldly as Nemona gritted her teeth and Giacomo called on his attack.
"Honchkrow, use Dual Wingbeat!" Giacomo yelled out as Honchkrow sighed and flapped his wings to fly before rushing towards Crocalor as Nemona prepared herself. "Alright Crocalor, dodg-" however, Nemona's words fall on death's ear as Crocalor acted on his own and tried to use Bite to no avail as Crocalor was hit by the attack and sent back annoying Crocalor as Nemona gulped nervously.
Oh right, Crocalor's still angry. Nemona thought to herself as she tries to focus, "Listen Crocalor. I know we have our differences but right now, we need to synergize and work together to overcome our problems. You with me?" Nemona asked as Crocalor ignored her but seemingly gritted his teeth with confliction as Honchkrow prepared his next move.
"Honchkrow, use Night Slash!" Giacomo called out as Honchkrow's wings glowed in a darkly aura and rushed towards Crocalor, "Use Snarl on the ground!" Nemona called out as Crocalor reluctantly sighs and launches a Snarl point blank on the ground avoiding Night Slash which surprised both Giacomo and Honchkrow as Crocalor came back down to use Thunder Fang without his trainer's command.
"No don't use a move without me saying it." Nemona said slightly whininig but Crocalor ignored her, "Use Defog!" Giacomo said as Honchkrow flapped a huge gust of wind sending Crocalor back by a huge margin as Giacomo smirked.
"It seems that even your Crocalor hates you as well." Giacomo says as Nemona gritted her teeth, "Enough of this Giacomo! You can't blame me forever over Grace." Nemona tried to reason with the heartbroken boy to no avail.
"You took her away!"
"I was doing what I was told!"
"She meant so much to me!" Giacomo tearfully said.
"She meant so much to us!" Nemona tearfully argued and clarified but Giacomo felt conflicted, "She was the only person who treated me like an individual. No one else treated me like a person and now you want to take that away from me and my crew!"
Nemona was taken aback by what Giacomo said and ultimately felt conflicted.
"I don't want to take that from you, I was mistaken about Team Star and your objectives. You want to feel equal to everyone, but society had different plans. Regardless, I always thought of you as an equal since Elementary but what you're doing will only bring you down a dark path towards the future." Nemona tried to reason with the heartbroken boy, but he didn't seem to budge.
"Lies, all lies! You were much better than me when it came to grades, friends, respect and the popularity! Your just better than me! That's all I want, respect." Giacomo says as Nemona looked on shocked.
He- he was jealous of me? Oh Giacomo. Nemona thought to herself as she shook her head.
"They never respected me. They only respected me because they thought I was going to be some mean rich girl and they didn't want to mess with me, and those 'friends' only came onto me because I was famous and didn't care for how I felt. I was lonely too you know! Always treated differently and so I'm sure you have the same feelings as me when Grace came to our lives and became our friend. Are the good times we had with Grace all for not or are you just trying to disguise your memories because you care and don't want to admit it?" Nemona said trying to sound confident as Giacomo appeared conflicted as Nemona remembered her first meeting with Grace those years ago.
8 years prior.
We see a 6-year-old Nemona tired out of her mind and her hair messy, as she was walking accidently bumps into a student as they both fall down.
"Ow. Are you ok?" Nemona says as she gets up and lends a hand to the boy who recognizes her and bows, "Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry Ms. Nemona, please don't hurt me!" the student says confusing Nemona as the other students go to her with questions.
"Ms. Nemona, could I be in your rich friend group."
"What's it like being rich."
"You could rule all the other students in the school."
"Please don't call me names Ms Nemona."
All these questions and words were bothering Nemona to the point of stress as her eyes widen in horror.
'That's all they think of me, some rich girl. Do they not know how I feel, not every rich girl is emotionless or just some jerk and yet, that's what TV tells them. I'm just some lonely-' Nemona didn't finish her thoughts as a whistle was heard as Nemona looks over to a medium length black haired girl whose skin was fair and her eyes were a bright brown but kept a calm demeanor and was accompanied by her Goomy.
"Hey, do you not see your stressing out Nemona? She has feelings you know?" the girl said as the others looked at her and some went away but some were stubborn about it, "What do you know, Nemona looks happy about it, she's the rich queen of the school." a random student said as the girl sighed.
"Do you think our 'queen' likes it when she's called 'queen', 'rich' or is claimed to be rude because of her status?" the girl asked as Nemona looks on with shock and tears as she looked happy until a group of 3 girls walks towards this girl.
"And what do you know about our best friend." the tall, mean looking girl said who was not Nemona's friend and the girl forcefully side hugged Nemona, "Well do you know her name, interests and what she even does at the school?" the girl said as the 3 girls were confused but all 3 spoke up.
"Well, her name is Menzi Nemola-Haysworth the 3rd of the Hasworth foundation." the short, mean girl said.
"She likes to watch horror movies." the lanky, mean girl said.
"And she's the janitor of the school." the tall girl said as Nemona looked annoyed while the girl shook her head.
"Wrong. Her name is Nemona Helena-Banderas, and her family is the Banderas Corporation, she likes action movies and is a member of the Student Council and is the captain of the Futbol club." the girl said confidently as everyone backed away from both the girl and Nemona to give Nemona breathing space as Nemona looked thankful.
"You're the new girl, Grace Hellingsworth. But why come to my aid for little ole me?" Nemona said with shock in her voice as Grace looked to her, "Because I don't like seeing people like this. Before my mother moved away, she always told me that no matter what the scenario is, always helps your fellow students who are in a bind." Grace said as Nemona looked on.
"It kind of sounded like your mother is a teacher."
"She is." Grace says as both students got along as Nemona had one last question, "How did you know I liked action movies?" Nemona asked as Grace cheekily grinned.
"I just guessed." Grace says as Nemona stared at her with a deadpan expression but dropped it as both began to talk about their interests and their love of Pokemon battling as Nemona felt jealous towards Grace having a rare Goomy
"Say Grace?" Nemona said nervously.
"Yeah?"
"Do you- do- one of these days, DO YOU WANT TO COME OVER TO MY PLACE!?" Nemona said rather fast and nervously as Grace accepted for tomorrow afternoon before she had to go for book club and ran off causing Nemona to blush and have tears of joy.
"My first friend." Nemona says crying tears of joy
We switch back to the present day where we see Crocalor shocked by Nemona's past and seemingly feeling bad as Giacomo still felt conflicted about this whole thing.
"I- I- you still-" Giacomo stuttered but Nemona understood his conflictions.
"I know this won't erase what happened back then or now and I get it, but Grace wouldn't have wanted this right?" Nemona asked as Giacomo gritted his teeth and remembered his first meeting with Grace.
8 years prior (again)
We see a 6-year-old Giacomo nervously walking down the hallway with his Murkrow by his side also appearing nervous as he holds his files close to him. His Murkrow turns to him nervously.
"Krow, Krow, Mur?" Murkrow asks as Giacomo nods, "I know, I'm nervous too. I know grandma told me that I shouldn't let some big kids bother me about my music but it's time for me to step up to them." as Giacomo was saying that, he bumps into a big kid with a cunning grin.
"Oh, hey Zane, just passing through." Giacomo says but Zane stops him, "Hey, you're in no rush 'buddy', why not let me listen to your music once again." Zane said with a menacing tone, but Giacomo was adamant.
"You'll just tear it up like you always do so leave me alone and pick on someone your own size!" Giacomo blurted out loud as Zane appeared to be pissed. "I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear you, you mind repeating?" Zane said as he raised his fist but as he did, slime dripped from the roof covering him with this goo.
"What the-" Zane looked up to see a Goomy dripping its ooze from its body covering him and making Giacomo slightly amused as Zane glared at Giacomo as he prepared to strike but due to the slime, he started to slip falling down.
Giacomo looked amused but before he could run off on his own, he was grabbed by the arm via Grace and dragged him to the nearby student council room to hide in. Giacomo turned to his savior and blushed.
"Ah- you're that new student Grace. Um, thank you!" Giacomo said sincerely as Grace chuckled.
"It's not a problem but you did the real work by confidently standing up for yourself." Grace said with confidence, but Giacomo blushed heavily, "That wasn't confidence, that was fear. Why did you help me?" Giacomo asked as Grace softly smiled.
"I hate seeing students hurt by bullies or by what people say, some people were saying this to my classmate last week and so I stood up for her. Why does bullying have to happen everyone?" Grace said sadly as Giacomo even looked confused.
"To be honest, I'm not sure either. Everyone's just being picked on which I don't understand, what did they do to deserve such treatment? I never hurt them so why should they hurt me?" Giacomo said sadly as Grace understood him.
"Who knows. Maybe one day, there can be some heroes group to prevent this sort of thing and I think you would make a great leader!" Grace said now interested as Giacomo blushed, "Nah, I feel more like the lonely grunt." Giacomo said honestly but Grace shook her head.
"Nonsense, you'll do great, I can tell." Grace said positively, "Heh, funny. To think we just met, and our first conversation is about how I should change the world." Giacomo says as both kids laugh alongside their Pokemon as the door opens to show Nemona carrying two cupcakes.
"Grace, I got an extra cupcake for you, I was wondering if you want-" Nemona stops herself upon seeing Giacomo as they both stare at each other as if they know each other.
"Fuzzball." Nemona said with snark.
"Streak." Giacomo said back as Grace tried to keep the peace and they ended up talking for minutes with Grae making something while Giacomo and Nemona were starting to get along (albeit slowly). Grace got up and went to the group.
"Say guys, look at what I made." Grace said as she presented rubber band bracelets that had the letters 'G', 'N', 'G', "Hmm, rubber band bracelets?" Giacomo said as Grace nodded and gave each one for them.
"Wow, these are beautiful and well-made, thank you." Nemona said genuinely as Grace nodded and blushed, "Thanks, it contains the first letter of our names to channel our new bond with one another." Grace said taking Giacomo and Nemona by surprise hurting Grace a bit.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I thought it would be nice for the 3 of us to be friends." Grace said sadly as Giacomo and Nemona were in panic mode, "No, no, it's not like that. We were just surprised as all. You're my first friend and so I was surprised." Nemona said as Giacomo nods.
"Me too, I love to be your friend as well. You're my first friend too." Giacomo says as Grace teared up a bit, "You guys, your my first friends too." Grace says as she ushers Giacomo and Nemona to place their hands in the middle.
"Well, it's official. We're friends! And as part of our introductions, I'm Grace Hellingsworth and I want to be a Pokemon nurse one day!" Grace said cheerfully as Giacomo joined in.
"I'm Giacomo Martinez and I want to help stop bullying for everyone while also being a great DJ!" Giacomo says as Nemona joins in as well.
"And I'm Nemona Helena-Banderas and I want to be a champion trainer like my mom!" Nemona said with determination as they put on their bands and officially became friends that day but sometimes, these friendships don't last forever.
Present day.
We see Giacomo conflicted with himself over his feelings.
"I should hate you for last year and defeat you but I-I-" Nemona stops Giacomo before he could continue, "If your so conflicted, then let out your anger in the form of a move on me, I can take it!" Nemona said with confidence as Giacomo and his Honchkrow looked on with shock.
"Wha- you want me to attack you. Are you crazy!"
"Crazy about saving you, yes. I'm your next opponent so hit me with your best shot!" Nemona said simply as Giacomo was on the verge of a meltdown and felt conflicted as Nemona's Crocalor started to look worried for his trainer's safety despite Crocalor's stubbornness.
We see Ash, Penny and Clive taking on several trainers with their Pokemon with the 3 agreeing to take on 10 trainers so they can defeat 30 trainers and we see that all 3 of them are almost done with each of them having took on 7 trainers each thus far with 3 left to go.
We see Ash with Tinkatink, Hawlucha and Pikachu taking on the last 3 trainers with quick succession.
"Alright Tinkatink, use Rock Smash! Hawlucha use X-Scissor and Pikachu, Iron Tail!" Ash said to his Pokemon as Tinkatink threw her rattle in the air charging her attack and avoiding a Deino's Fire Fang and Tinkatink attacking in return, Hawlucha using X-Scissor against Maschiff sending it flying and Pikachu uses Iron Tail against a Houndour to also send it flying as Ash breathes a sigh of relief.
"That's 10 on my end, I wonder how the others are doing?" Ash asks as we see Clive handling the 3 students in stride with his Ceruledge, Electivire and Inteleon handling them with no issues.
"Snipe Shot, Thunder Punch and Dragon Claw please." Clive said to his Pokemon as his Inteleon one shots a Sableye with a powerful water shot, Electivire sends a Morgrem back with a powerful strike and Ceruledge also one shotting a Nuzleaf in one slash.
"And that was a lit battle." Clive said causing everyone to cringe. We see Penny more struggling against the grunts with her Sprigatito, Sylveon and Greavard with the grunts using their 3 Morgrem and being tricksters but they pull through as Penny gains some confidence and calls out her attacks.
"Alright Sylveon, use Hyper Voice!" Penny says as Sylveon lets out a loud shrill stunning the 3 Morgrem as Penny calls on her next attack, "Sprigatito, Leafage!" Penny calls out once more as Sprigatito launches bristles of leaves towards the 3 Morgrem before Penny calls on her last attack.
"Greavard, Mud Shot let's go!" Penny says as Greavard launches a large Mud Shot towards the 3 Morgrem knocking them out and surprising the grunts over the gang's strength.
"Are they this strong or are we this weak!?" a random grunt says as they argue amongst themselves but are stopped by Pedro who takes them to the sides, and Penny goes to reunite with Ash and Clive who were stretching.
"Must've been easy battles for you two." Penny says as Ash nods.
"Must've been. I guess that's all 30 of them, now it's time to find Nemona." Ash says as Clive looks in his binoculars and may have found Nemona.
"I may have found her, she's over in the distance but it looks like she's blocking Crocalor while Giacomo's Honchkrow prepares to- attack!?" Clive said flabbergasted as Ash and Penny's eyes widen in worry.
"What?" Penny said as Ash alongside Nemona's Pawmo and Teddiursa who were beside Ash took off running towards Giacomo and Nemona in worry, "Giacomo, don't do this!" Ash shouted out as Giacomo felt broken at this point, but Nemona looked to Ash with a mix of stubbornness and determination as Giacomo prepares to attack but his Honchkrow tried to look at him worryingly.
"Honchkrow, use Dark Pulse!" Giacomo said as Honchkrow, though worried did as his trainer commanded and launched a beam of darkness as Nemona prepares to embrace it, until Crocalor ran past Nemona and jumped to bite down on the Dark Pulse with Thunder Fang surprising everyone.
Nemona appeared surprised by Crocalor's action as he looked back to Nemona in worry though his face didn't show it, "Crocalor, you-"
"Croca!" Crocalor interrupted as Nemona could tell by his expression that he did care but just doesn't want to show it, "I know, pretty reckless of me, I know that's what you're going to say. Now then, you ready to work together once more?" Nemona says to which Crocalor slightly nods but Nemona can tell what Crocalor's feeling right now.
"Dark Pulse!" Giacomo says as Honchkrow launches another beam of darkness, but Nemona and Crocalor are more prepared this time.
"Incinerate!" Nemona says as Crocalor charges up his flames and launches a large blast of flames that was much larger than Incinerate to which Ash notices in the distance.
That's not Incinerate, it's much larger. It's Flamethrower! Ash thought to himself as both attacks collide with each other and although they struggled at first, Crocalor through his determination breathed his flames a bit harder causing them to be a bit bigger and overpower the Dark Pulse. The scared Honchkrow, knowing its fate began to close it's eyes but all of a sudden, Crocalor stopped Flamethrower all of a sudden which left both trainers surprised by the outcome to say the least.
"What the- why did your Crocalor give up?" Giacomo says as his Honchkrow looks to him worried.
"Because even Crocalor knows your Honchkrow is worried about you and didn't want to attack Nemona." Ash says catching Giacomo and Nemona's attention as Penny and Clive caught up out of breath as Giacomo looked shocked.
"Champion?" Giacomo says,
"Giacomo, let's end this already. I know it wasn't easy for you a year ago but if you keep punishing yourself and being alone, we'll lose you so please come back to us!" Ash pleaded but Giacomo felt conflicted.
"Grace meant so much to me, she cared about me and everyone else treated me like I was nothing!" Giacomo argued causing Nemona to step up, "I care!" Nemona says getting Giacomo's attention.
"Wha-"
"I care! Penny cares! Ash cares! Saguaro cares! Your Grandparents and your team cares! You formed this team with other bosses to give them a safe environment where don't have to feel like they're nothing but instead be who they are, so stop acting like you have to be alone and be responsible for what happened, you're not alone! I know I caused so much pain towards you and I'm sorry, you can hate me for the rest of your life but at least let me help you because the last Grace wants is for us to bicker and have us hate each other." Nemona says tearing up but still having a sort of confident expression as she reaches out her hand towards Giacomo as he looks on shocked.
Penny, Clive and Ash notice that hundreds of Team Star students led by Pedro walking towards the gang and so Penny steps forward towards Giacomo.
"Listen, I know how it is losing the person you love most, I've went through that. But never- never forget that even if you're down and feel you can't get up within the darkness, there will always be someone to carry you through or should I say, everyone will help you out." Penny says gesturing to the group of Team Star students that caught Giacomo's eye as he looked on shocked.
"Everyone." Giacomo said stunned as Pedro stepped forward, "You and Grace helped us feel welcomed when no one else wanted us, even though some arguments of being 'safe' caused some annoyance, you just wanted the best for us and even had fun with us but after Grace passed, you tried to push us away thinking it's your fault, thinking you had to be responsible for everything. We want you back, our rule-abiding yet fun leader who even through faults, always cared. So please don't leave us-"
"Shut up!" Giacomo interrupted with tears in his eyes, "None of you care, none of you! None of you! So shut up and leave me... Don't leave me, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so pathe-" Giacomo's words got quieter and quieter until he eventually broke down, but Nemona hugged him surprising everyone as she began to cry as well.
"Nemona... I-I-I miss her. I'm so sorry."
"I'm sorry too, I miss her so much as well." Nemona says hugging him tighter as Team Star started to cry amongst themselves and even Penny and Ash started to shed a couple of tears towards this scenario.
Clive looked on with sympathy and has a new resolve.
I know this won't erase anything that happened but, a new start can bloom here. I promise that I won't let Grace's memory go in vain and I promise to help Team Star through their future. So why am I crying huh? Aren't I supposed to be the responsible one here? Maybe it's the rain. Clive thought to himself as he tears up.
We see the gang and Giacomo at the front entrance discussing some things with the gang.
"So, we technically 'raided' your base. Does that count as a takeover?" Ash asks as Giacomo thought to himself and sighs before flicking a coin towards Ash that contain Team Star's logo.
"Yes, you won this one but I'm not counting it as a loss, it's more of I need time to think to myself and clear my mind. But please, let my grunts have a future, if the school wants Team Star, they can take me but don't take their futures!" Giacomo says as Ash had a reassuring smile.
"I won't let that happen and I won't let your future be taken either." Ash said as Giacomo looked on with shock in his face and teared up slightly.
"Why?"
"You want to make music right? Well, as long as you attend school, you'll have your future and I'll work with Clavell so you can keep your future." Ash says with determination as Giacomo smiled.
"Thank you."
Nemona took a look at the coin and got rather curious by it, "What's this coin all about?" she asked as Giacomo perked up.
"We made a pact that whoever takes over our base gets a gym badge equivalent and those who take all 5 bases technically rules all of Team Star or shuts down." Giacomo says as Ash puts the coin in a special case and nods.
"We'll keep that in mind." Ash says as the gang are about to leave but Clive remembers something, "Oh that's right, I knew was here for something. Nemona, Giacomo, Mr. Clavell told me to give these letters to you two!" Clive says as he gives out two letters that were signed by Grace causing the two to be in shock.
"This is- Grace's letter, where did you get it?" Nemona asks as Clive has a nervous sweat drop, "Oh, Mr. Clavell had to clean the room of Grace to keep it cleanly and he found these two letters and so he gave me the task of delivering them to you two." Clive says as Giacomo and Nemona were stunned and looked at the letter.
This letter, it was written a year ago and two days before her- no- she was thinking about 'that' before I asked her to go to the office that day? Nemona thought to herself slightly sad as she puts it in her bag.
"Thanks Clive, I owe you one." Nemona says as Clive shook his head, "No owing needed." Clive said as they prepare to leave but Nemona looks back at Giacomo and both acted slightly awkward after what happened.
"So, are we friends again?" Giacomo asked as even Nemona was unsure.
"I'm not sure. After what happened, I think I want some time and space to think about it." Nemona says as Giacomo nods.
"Yeah, I also was thinking the same thing." Giacomo said awkwardly as Nemona looked in her bag to grab a restored photo that features her, Giacomo and Grace all happy and dating to a year prior to the Starry Skies incident.
"This photo-" Giacomo stopped as Nemona nods.
"Some people restored the photo and I decided to copy it so we can remember Grace together." Nemona says as Giacomo smiles with a hint of sadness in his eyes, "I'll always remember her." Giacomo says as the gang went their separate ways with Giacomo both fondly remembering Grace as they walk off but Clive stayed confusing Giacomo.
"Your friends are leaving you, aren't you going to catch up?" Giacomo asked as Clive shook his head.
"Nah, I walk solo and team up when it's time. I actually had questions for you Giacomo." Clive says as he takes off the wig to reveal himself as Clavell surprising Giacomo as he staggered a bit.
"Your-"
"Relax, I just want to know what you team is like and if you know of any behind the scenes issues with Starry Skies." Clavell asks as Giacomo eased a bit and began to talk.
The 3 trainers were walking back to Cascaraffa as Penny seemingly felt a bit uneasy towards what will happen in the future, so Ash decides to talk with her.
"You were impressive out there you know?" Ash complimented as Penny blushes.
"Nah, you were impressive, you managed to talk to Giacomo without resorting to battling which I find impressive, but I think the rest of Team Star won't be so easy nor are they the same as Giacomo." Penny says with honesty.
"Then we'll work together to take them down, what's next on our adventure!" Ash says with confidence as Penny smiles, "I'll work on it." Penny says slightly smiling as Koraidon comes out of their ball happily surprising the 3 trainers.
"Woah, Koraidon! What are you doing out!?" Ash said as Koraidon licked Penny happily surprising her.
"Ahhh! What's happening!?" Penny says as Koraidon stops, and Ash looks to Koraidon.
"Maybe because you were happy, Koraidon was happy too." Ash says confusing Penny.
"What sense does that make!? Does Arven know how I can get this off of me?" Penny says as Ash thinks, "Let's ask him, Arven! Arv-" Ash, Penny and Nemona then realize that Arven wasn't with them throughout the day causing panic amongst them.
'Arven wasn't with us throughout the day! He must be back at the hotel!" Penny says as Ash panics and gets on Koraidon to go to Cascaraffa as Penny follows but Nemona stays there.
"You comin?" Penny asks as Nemona looks to Crocalor looking at the setting sun and Nemona shook her head, "I'll catch up." Nemona says as Penny nods and heads off towards Cascaraffa as Nemona, Pawmo and Teddiursa walk towards Crocalor. Crocalor looks to Nemona with surprise, but Nemona softly smiles.
"Listen, I know that this day hasn't been the best. You resent me, we were kidnapped and had an emotional moment at Segin base, and I know that the past couple of days weren't the best for us. But I want to make myself clear, I'm always proud of you Crocalor for who you are, and you shouldn't change who you are just because I wanted change or you to fall in line with everyone else. I'm sorry for what I said earlier, and you have every right to be angry but I'm going to work hard so we can all reach the top together and this goes for Pawmo and Teddiursa too. If we're ourselves, we can try to work together to be successful." Nemona says inspiring confidence within Pawmo and Teddiursa and seemingly inspiring some hidden confidence within Crocalor who secretly smiles.
They all began to head back to Cascaraffa where all 3 trainers were promptly scolded by Arven for leaving him there throughout the day and leaving him worried sick for them and stuck dealing with an annoying chef for Arven to deal with but he forgives the 3... for now. Nemona decided she was too tired for dinner as she was too emotionally exhausted. On the hotel bed, she decided to look at the letter she was handed to earlier and began to read it. As she was reading the letter, Nemona started to tear up once again.
A burden!? She didn't want to burden anyone!? Why didn't you tell me how you felt, I know you don't want me to feel stressed some more but I could've helped you. Why didn't you- Nemona didn't finish her thought as she curled up and cried herself to sleep.
END
We finally made it to the end of another chapter as well as the first Team Star base captured. I know it wasn't exactly flashy or battle heavy, but I promise that later Team Star battles will be a bit flashier. I apologize if some things felt rushed in this chapter, I wanted the chapter as out as soon as possible but college got in the way, and I didn't want to keep you waiting.
The next chapter will involve the first titan battle as Ash and Arven work together to bring down the Titan Bombirdier and retrieve the first Herba Mystica to restore Mabosstiff back to health and Koraidon back to their power.
Here is another character extra and I'll see you next time.
Grace Hellingsworth (Age 13 when she passed, she would've been 14 alongside Nemona and Giacomo)
Home: Originated from Mossdeep city
Description: She moved from Mossdeep due to her parent's jobs and moved to Los Platos to attend an elementary school where she met Giacomo and Nemona and became childhood friends. Her parents got a divorce when she was 6 and lived with her father happily until he passed away from an illness and her Sligoo sometime after when she was 12. She is a happy and kind student who helps her classmates as if she was their sister but deep inside, she feel lonely but didn't want to burden anyone with her issues.
Pokemon: Sliggoo (female, deceased): Her partner Pokemon, her mother caught a Goomy for her as a birthday gift and both she and Grace were happy but passed away from an illness causing Grace much sadness.