Hello one and all to a new chapter of Pokemon SVTA where today, the gang arrive in Artazon prepared for Nemona's next Gym battle with the Grass specialist Brassius but he's feeling a little down in the dumps, so Nemona agrees to find him Sunflora to cheer him up. Meanwhile, Penny encounters Mela again who's searching for her frie- comrades who went missing only to find Carmine dealing with Mela's friends for the sake of 'justice', will Penny be able to stop her?
Cover story 45: The Looker Files 3: Rosey Lookalike 3
With Looker searching for Peony who went in searching for his daughter only for Looker to find out she was here the whole time, Looker decides to go in with Peonia, Marin and Faba in order to find Peony. They enter the cave, but Looker asks why Peonia acts this way towards her father while in there to which Peonia says she loves her father but hates how annoying she is but says it was due to her mother's injury that Peony became more annoying lately.
Looker understands but tells her that her father loves her and just wants her safe and possibly the trip is a way to cheer Peonia up from what happened which causes Peonia to think to herself for a while possibly on how she treated her dad. They enter the first den which was of a GMAX Centiskorch. Peonia appeared excited but the other 3 appeared scared having never seen a GMAX/Dynamaxed Pokemon before. Peonia decides to teach the group basics of Dynamaxing by Dynamaxing her Pangoro and to follow along.
Each of the 4 has some sort of note detailing the Pokemon's moves so Looker calls out Coalossal to use Meteor Beam which it charges up, Mairin tells her Drakloak to use Dragon Rush and Faba tells his Jigglypuff to use Light Screen protecting the group and Peonia says to Pangoro to use Max Darkness (from her Darkest Lariat) and they all attack aside from Coalossal due to the effects of Meteor Beam and Jiggilypuff who defended the group with Light Screen. Centiskorch attacks the group but fortunately weren't too damaged due to Light Screen.
Looker's Coalossal finishes charging and launches a Meteor Beam towards Centiskorch finishing it but it's still not down. Peonia explains that you can capture fallen Pokemon on time and keep them after the adventure and demonstrates it using her Great Ball which grows huge, and she throws it towards Centiskorch catching him and surprising the group. The group continues their journey and start to know each other well with Mairin being a fan of the Masked Royal when she watches on TV alongside Faba, Looker remembering a case in Kalos over a missing Chespin of Mairin's in Kalos which causes Mairin to worry about Chespie even more due to his disappearance to which Looker apologizes. Mairin bonds with Peonia over their interests and Mairin learns that Peonia was accepted into Platano academy and that Peonia is nervous to announce it so soon after her mother's injury, but Marin and the group encourage her.
They keep going through the cave through the next 2 challenges of a DMAX Mimikyu which Mairin catches and a DMAX Sigilyth which Faba catches eventually entering the final den in which they see Lock, Chespie and Peony knocked out causing Looker, Mairin and Peonia to run to them worried eventually seeing what defeated them, a DMAX Shiny Xurxitree which shocks Faba as to how an Ultra Beast got into the den but will have to question it later as they have to be ready to fight the Glowing Pokemon.
TBC
Cover Story 46: Alain's Investigation Days 3: Clues
We see Alain talking with Sonia about the Regional Legendary Birds and the Swords of Justice. Sonia explains that rumors of Regional Forms of the birds have been passed down everywhere but knows of one rumor, they're gathered at a tree called the Dyna Tree, a massive tree that produces large berries and is said to have been struck by Dynamax energy long ago hence it's size but it's also where rumors of these Legendary Pokemon took place with some saying they might not be regional forms but more of Pokemon imitating the Kantonian Legendary Birds.
Alain finds this interesting and decides to take a look, but he also says he might help Sonia with this mysterious robot Virizion when he has time much to Sonia's gratitude, but Alain realizes that Mairin's been gone for a while and takes a look outside with Charizard and Sonia asking around. Alain asks the villagers if they've seen a girl around here wearing green with a Chespin, they say that Mairin went into the Max Lair with a group and although Alain is worried, he's at least relieved that she's with a group and decides to talk to the town about these Pokemon.
They've said that they've seen the Legendary Birds fly by on occasion causing mischief flying towards Dyna Tree while some say that this robotic Virizion was seen observing people in the village and battled those who they see as worthy with the actual Swords of Justice rumored protecting the people and Pokemon from this bloodthirsty robot Virizion. With the information gathered, he prepares to wait for Mairin at the Max Lair. Sonia teases Alain that Mairin is his girlfriend which he denies but before they could continue talking, he sees a flash of light in the distance and Charizard stands in front of Alain as this flash of light pops out of the cave as Shiny Pheromosa surprising Alain and everyone as Charizard blocks Pheromosa's Triple Axel with Dragon Claw and prepares for a fight.
Cover Story 47: Gladion's Ultra Journey 3: Emotions Fly Rampent
Gladion and Rotomdex follow the footsteps of the distressed Guzzlord to see it saddened, Rotom determines it's what the old lady said earlier about jealousy and the two decide to calm down Guzzlord and reassure it somehow but before things could commence, they see the red cheeked Cosmog fly towards the Guzzlord happily and out of rage, Guzzlord prepares to use Brutal Swing but Gladion sends out a Pokemon he caught while searching for his father, Dragapult to save the Cosmog. Gladion decides to fight Guzzlord to calm them down sending out Midnight Lycanroc.
Guzzlord attempts to use Snarl, but Lycanroc strikes at Guzzlord with Throat Chop causing Guzzlord to stop and Dragapult to launch Dragon Darts which Guzzlord attempts to block and does but leaves them open for Lycanroc's Stone Edge from below tumbling them over leaving them more angry about it. With no avails at calming them down, Gladion has another idea, he sends out Nihelego to hopefully have the two Ultra Beasts reason things out with each other and they begin to have a conversation. Rotom is unable to tell what they're saying due to their unique language, but it appears like they've reached some sort of understanding as Guzzlord gets up and is ready to go back causing Gladion to breathe a sigh of relief.
They return to the village but notice that the town looks a bit messed up from something but also sees the old woman walking out of her house towards Gladion as she pats Guzzlord and apologizes for not giving them attention and Guzzlord appears to nod but just as things were calming down, the woman collapses to the ground causing Gladion and Rotom to check on the woman with the mayor helping to carry her as the oldsters Ultra Beasts look on worry as they wait for results.
Prologue
It was around late night back in Mezagoza where we see TR back at their house bandaging each other up after that powerful attack of Enamorus's Sprigetide Storm and Pikachu's Thunderbolt very annoyed by those circumstances.
"That Enamorus and Pikachu did a real number on us, I can see the results of the twerp have gotten stronger over the years." Meowth says yelping in pain as Wobbuffet applied the potion spray onto Meowth's side.
"It's unfair! We almost had them if it wasn't for Enamorus displaying her powerful abilities, if only I had those powers!" Jessie complained as James sighed.
"If only we had a deus ex machina like item by now." James says as the doorbell rings and the gang look to James in surprise, "Wow that really worked." James says.
"Now tell me my fortune!" Jessie says as James thinks.
"Your Lechonk will learn Aura Sphere!" James suggested but instead of Lechonk launching a powerful move, Grafaiai got too excited and launched a blast of white energy towards James covering him with smoke as the gang look disappointed. "Or my Grafaiai will learn Tera Blast." James says as Meowth goes to answer the door revealing a familiar Pelipper to the group.
"Pelli?" Pelliper says as the gang recognize him.
"Wait your that Pelipper, you found us?" Meowth says in surprise as Pelipper nods and spits out a package before flying away.
"Well, that was unexpected, who sent this to us?" James says as the others had a feeling as Meowth cut the box open to reveal another box with a TR logo on there.
"It's from the boss!" the gang says as Meowth brought it inside and they open the other box to reveal a Tera Orb and a machine as the gang look on in intrigue while Jessie looks on in delight at the Tera Orb.
"It's a Tera Orb! Finally!" Jessie says as James and Meowth look on with a deadpan star as Meowth pressed a button on the machine with popped out a hologram of Giovanni and his Persian as the gang stand in formation.
"I see your 'vacation's' going well? I wasn't expecting anything out of you, but you managed to photograph a particular Pokemon I'm searching for, Enamorus and for that, I commend you. As thanks for your actions, I gift you a Tera Orb." Giovanni says with a sinister grin as the gang look on with happiness.
"We were acknowledged by the boss!?" TR says happily as Jessie gave a sinister laugh.
"Take that Matori, we got praise!" Jessie says talking about her rival as Giovanni coughs and the gang get back into formation.
"As thanks for your efforts, I'm also allowing you into our special operation, my goal is to capture Enamorus, a Pokemon of life and is said to give life to those who respect her and nature but naturally, I'm not aiming for that at least, not yet. She will be a part of a plan to search for Mewtwo by recapturing the Forces of Nature. I want you to rendezvous to Uva Academy where I have an 'informant' on the inside and it's where you'll learn the jest of our plans once more. You'll be entering as transfer students in order to infiltrate the school. Don't disappoint." Giovanni says as the hologram disappears and pops out 3 IDs, and the gang are left in shock as they pick up the IDs.
"He wants us in on his plan?" James says surprised as the others nod.
"And we're going in as official students, I'm Meowston Horwitz." Meowth says as James looks as his.
"I'm Jamie Howard." James says as Jessie looks at hers.
"And I'm Jess T. Fine." Jessie says as the 3 stay silent until their eyes sparkle with glee.
"I've never been so proud at this level in my life." Meowth says tearing up.
"Me too pal." James says also comedically tearing up as Jessie rolls her eyes and thinks about the assignment.
"He wants to capture Enamorus and the Forces of Nature again, didn't that fail the last time because of the twerps?" Jessie says as Meowth shrugs.
"Well, whatever Giovanni is planning, it might be something ultimate judging by his expression." Meowth says as the gang stay silent until Mowth speaks up again, "Well, let's not let that concern us, let's try out that orb thing." Meowth says as James and Jessie nods.
"Let's see what your Tera thing is." Jessie says as she throws the Tera orb at Meowth causing him to get a bump on his head and a scowl on his face.
"Hey! Watch where you're throwing that thing!" Meowth yells out as the Tera Orb flashes dark energy as the gang look on confused.
"What the, that Tera light isn't flashing white, what's going on?" Meowth asks as James grabs a book about Paldea and flips through the pages.
"Oh, here we are. According to this, Tera types are determined when the Pokemon Terastalizes but on rare occasions, it may glow a particular color that shows their Tera type and it's currently glowing black indicating you have a Dark Tera Type. In order for the Pokemon to Terastalize, the trainer must be in focus and wait for the orb to flash." James says as Meowth and Jessie looks interested again.
"Alright, once more." Jessie says as she holds out the orb and it suddenly starts to glow, "It's glowing real bright, so pretty." Jessie says as she throws the Tera Orb at Meowth and he's covered with crystals Terastalizing into a Dark Type as everyone looked to Meowth in awe.
"So crystalline." Jessie says.
"Pristine." James says as well.
"Wobbu Wobbu." Wobbuffet says as Meowth feels uncomfortable and has a vein on his head.
"Alright, knock it off!" Meowth says as his right hand glows a dark aura and his Tera hat glows as TR jump back before Meowth could strike with that attack.
"Hey, watch your Throat Chop's before I lose my voice!" James says as the gang remain silent until they realized what just happened.
"I/You learned Throat Chop!" Meowth, James and Jessie say in shock as Meowth smirks.
"Now I have a powerful move on me ready for a fight!" Meowth says as James and Jessie nods. "I think now is the time for action." Meowth says.
"Yeah." James says but Jessie yawns.
"But after a good night's sleep." Jessie says as the others agree.
"Good night." Meowth and James says as they head upstairs to their room, but Meowth's Tera hat was still there as Meowth bumps his head and falls to the ground.
"Or I guess I'll sleep here until that thing wears off." Meowth says.
Main Story
We see the gang at their camp within the morning as Penny was watching her Pokemon play together fondly, Arven cooked breakfast, Ash was training with Nemona using his Infernape and his Tinkatink while Nemona used Teddiursa and Gimmighoul while the rest of their Pokemon trained from the side. Penny picks up Sprigatito and she notices something about Sprigatito that's surprising to her.
"My Sprigatito, you're getting big, and it's only been a month, pretty soon you won't be able to fit in my jacket anymore." Penny said fondly as Sprigatito gasps in shock.
"Tito." Sprigatito said in shock as Penny giggles and nuzzles her fondly, "Don't worry, you'll always be my small cutie to me." Penny says as Sprigatito felt reassured as they watch Ash's training with Nemona unfold.
"Infernape use Mach Punch and surround Teddiursa, Tinkatink, use Metal Claw!" Ash says as his Pokemon nodded and rushed in as Nemona's Pokemon prepared themselves.
"Stay on guard you two. Teddiursa, use Slash and Gimmighoul, use Astonish to counter Metal Claw!" Nemona says as her Pokemon nodded and Infernape rushed at Teddiursa and clashed with Teddiursa's Slash while Gimmighoul uses their coin to block Tinkatink's attacks before attempting to strike using Astonish.
"Now, Play Rough Teddiursa!" Nemona says as Teddiursa nods and attempts to hit Infernape.
"Use Acrobatics to dodge and trick Teddiursa!" Ash says as Infernape nods and jumps around avoiding Teddiursa's attacks much to Nemona's annoyance.
"You're too fast Infernape!" Nemona complained as Ash nods.
"You have to expect stuff like this when it happens, opponents will have strategies they can use to slow you down and attack when the moment is right. An example would be a quick Pokemon like Infernape using their movements to avoid an opponent's attack or if a Pokemon were to surround you with something like Hurricane, you'll be trapped so you'll have to use your wit to make it out." Ash informs as Nemona appeared to be overloaded with information but is trying to make sense of it.
"Did you go through something like this?" Nemona says tired as Ash nods.
"I was battling my old companion Misty with her Mega Gyarados and Gyarados surrounded Pikachu with Hurricane which caused us to think of a plan on the fly so we used a mixture of Thunderbolt on the Hurricane and using Quick Attack to hop on the lightning to get out of there." Ash says as Nemona looked impressed.
"So, you're saying I can try thinking of a strategy like that, I can get through something like that?" Nemona says but Ash shrugs.
"That's up to you, everyone's different in the end." Ash says as Nemona notices Pawmo trying to mimic Infernape's punches with Nemona appearing intrigued.
"Pawmo, what are you doing bud?" Nemona asks.
"It seems like Pawmo's taking a liking to Infernape's battle style with quick punches from Mach Punch, Pawmo's trying to punch quicker than his Arm Thrust." Ash suggests as he notices Pawmo's quick movements with each punch and trying to lunge like Mach Punch.
"You want to learn Mach Punch?" Nemona asks as Pawmo nods, "Well then, we'll keep trying." Nemona says with determination as Arven looked to the group.
"Breakfast is ready!" Arven yells out as Ash and Nemona look to Arven and nod before Ash looks back to Nemona.
"I know you'll do great in this Gym Battle, just keep control and believe in yourself and your Pokemon." Ash says to Nemona as she nods and walks to the table as Arven passed out breakfast which was some Oran Berries covered with a special syrup.
"That recipe you gave was pretty fun to make, and you said that Crocalor likes these during his phase?" Arven says as Nemona nods.
"Yep, he even likes them burned as it provides extra flavor." Nemona says as she looks to Crocalor who lightly uses Flamethrower to scorch the berry a bit and eats it enjoying it, it seems it got Infernape, Koraidon and Penny's Flareon's attention as they also light their berries on fire using Flamethrower and Temper Flare and they enjoy it.
"You like it you 3?" Ash asks as the Pokemon nod with approval and Ash smiles. Penny notices something about Gimmighoul that caught her eye.
"Say Nemona, your Gimmighoul is a bit bigger compared to a normal Gimmighoul." Penny says as Nemona looks to Gimmighoul who was normally 4 inches tall but they around the size of Pikachu's waist at around 1'00 or 1'02 as Ash got curious.
"Oh yeah, Gimmighoul is a bit bigger compared to most." Nemona says.
"That's a bit random, is size common around Paldea?" Ash asks as Penny nods.
"Yep, Jacq says that Pokemon in many parts of the world like Paldea and the Sinnoh Region have Pokemon of various sizes even some that feel very out of size. Gimmighoul is normally 4 inches tall while Nemona's Gimmighoul is around a 1'00 or 1'02 around Pikachu's size. Pikachu is around regular size of any other Pikachu while my Vaporean is a bit larger compared to most." Penny says.
"Vapo!" Vaporeon says happily.
"So, a tiny Raichu could exist?" Ash says as Penny nods causing Ash and Pikachu to think about a Raichu that was tiny that was smaller than a Pikachu as they looked on confused.
"I'm sure it's not that tiny." Penny reassured before looking to Nemona once more, "I would say that Gimmighoul's 0'04 size could've provided an advantage being a bit short and being able to evade more but I know you'll find a way." Penny says as Ash began to wonder something.
"What is this Gym Leader like anyway?" Ash says as Penny allows her Rotom phone to fly allowing the others to look at the phone which displayed various pictures and articles showing a man who looked tired and like a circus performer with a vine whip and green messy hair.
"Wow, he looks a bit tired." Arven says as Penny nods.
"Yep, Brassius is an artist who works nonstop to make sure his art is perfection even if means he'll be asleep during battle. He makes various sculptures that represent a mood or emotion and has won many awards and artists looking to understand Brassius." Penny says as they gang look on in awe over his sculptures many of which were Grass themed.
"Judging by those Sculptures, he's a Grass type Gym Leader." Ash asks as the others nod.
"So, Grass type it is, I feel like I'm ready." Nemona says with determination as the gang cheer her on and with the gang done with breakfast, they pack up and continue to hit the road with Artazon not too far from their location.
We see the gang ride on Koraidon while Arven was on Gogoat as they reach the limits of the town and they marvel upon it, Artazon was a town full of life and art where people talked about the latest trends, looked at the artwork of various posters and statues of Brassius's creation and trainer's battling as the gang looked on in awe.
"So, we made it to Artazon. Time to find the Gym Leader, right Pawmo?" Nemona asks her day 1 Pokemon as he nods and gets off of Koraidon and rushes in town as Ash sighs but smiles.
"Eager today, alright, let's head in." Ash says as the gang get off of Koraidon and returns Koraidon to their Pokeball. Nemona looked around taking in the artwork of the town and its inhabitants. Pawmo taps Nemona's shoulder catching her attention.
"What's up Pawmo?" Nemona asks as Pawmo points to Sunflora headgear that made Nemona a bit interested, "Aww, that looks cute, ok, I'll buy it." Nemona says as she heads into the shop and buys 8 pairs of the Sunflora headgear and heads outside to put it on as Nemona smiles towards her Pawmo who also had the headgear on.
"Aww, look at ya, Pawmp, hang on, let me get everyone in here." Nemona says as she sends out her Pokemon and puts the headgear on them as well and looks fondly at them. "You're all cute, let's get one photo together." Nemona says as she sets her Rotom phone to fly and gets near her dressed Pokemon.
"Smile!" Nemona says as the Rotom phone flashes taking the picture as she smiles and sees the gang walking towards her.
"I see you're doing some tourist stuff instead of battling, is this part of your strategy?" Arven says with some snark as Nemona puffed her cheeks.
"It's not like that! I just thought these were cute and we got a cute photo, I even got you 3 some Sunflora headgear." Nemona says showing her photo to her friends as they looked at it.
"I didn't know you owned 4 Sunflora." Ash says as Nemona looks at the phone to see 4 Sunflora in the picture and looks to her Pokemon to see the Sunflora walking away happily as she was confused. An old man walks by and notices the group.
"I see you've taken in the Artazon tradition of wearing Sunflora gear." the old man says as Nemona nods.
"Yep, they looked kind of cute." Nemona says as the oldster chuckled.
"They certainly are, Sunflora are considered good luck in this town and for those who decide to face Brassius, they say it increases luck by having Sunflora around or wearing their headgear." the oldster says as the gang are intrigued.
"Where might I find this Gym?" Nemona asks as the old man points over to a building similar to the one in Cortondo but this time more colorful with painted flowers and rainbows.
"It's right over there, Brassius painted the Gym himself so it would be more colorful and distinguished. I wish you luck on your endeavors, all of you." the old man says as the gang nod.
"Thank you, we'll do our best!" Nemona says happily as the gang set their sights on the Gym.
The gang make it to the colorful gym with Nemona determined and ready to go.
"Well, Pawmo, we made it. This will be our 3rd Gym Battle and hopefully our 2nd win we need to get on track." Nemona says to Pawmo.
"Paw!" Pawmo says in determination. Nemona proceeds to walk to the Gym only for her to bump her head against the glass as the automatic door didn't open, she rubs her head and looked slightly irritated.
"What in the world?" Nemona says as Ash walks to it and looks at some sort of sign.
"'Closed for the day due to my sadness', wonder what that's about?" Ash asks as Arven points to someone.
"I think we have our answer." Penny says as the gang look to see a sad older man with vine-like hair, a tired expression and appeared to be sad as his Lilligant, Bulbasaur, Flapple, Sudowoodo and Dolliv appear to be comforting him as the gang look surprised.
"Sorry folks, I don't think I have the energy today." the man says.
"That's Brassius, but he looks so sad." Arven says.
"What happened?" Nemona asks as Brassius looked to the group and slightly smiled.
"You're willing to hear my problems, your grateful. I was planning an anniversary dinner and date for my husband, but he had to be called on a business trip and I'm just... saddened." Brassius says feeling down on himself.
"Aren't you able to do it at another date though?" Ash asks as Brassius shook his head.
"I could but, this day really means much to me, it's the day I met my husband when he ran away from his home and so I offered him a place to stay and that's where we kicked it off. He's my muse alongside my Grass types, it's the day we create art for the world to see but this meeting was very serious so I don't blame him, but I've been in an artists' slump lately and Hassel would know what to do." Brassius says depressed as the gang were surprised.
"Your husband's our Art teacher!?" Ash and Nemona say in shock as Brassius looks on.
"Yeah, you never saw me in that last school year in Spring?" Brassius says.
"Nemona was sick that day and Ash is new." Penny says as Brassius nods understandingly before being depressed once again.
Nemona looked disappointed towards her lack of a battle, but she looked around to see how much people loved Brassius's and had an idea in her mind. "Brassius sir, what if I help you find your inspiration to cheer you up?" Nemona suggested as Brassius was surprised.
"I couldn't possibly ask you to do that." Brassius says but Nemona shakes her head.
"Nonsense, I want to help you feel better about yourself and I'm aiming for a Gym Battle." Nemona says in determination as Brassius looks on and is surprised by her energetic spirit.
"Hmm, alright, very well. Consider this my Gym Test, I was thinking of designing my art based on Sunflora the other day and so for this test, you have to find 10 of our town's Sunflora throughout the town and bring them to the stable and if you can gather all 10, I will grant your request for a battle although be warned, two of them are battle lovers so you may have to calm one down via battling." Brassisus says slightly cheered up as Nemona smirks with confident.
"Alright, let's-" Nemona didn't finish as Brassius intervenes again.
"But you have to do this alone and with your Pokemon not your companions help unless the townsfolk give you hints, it wouldn't be a test of a trainer's skill if I were to allow your friends to join as nice as they are." Brassius says as Nemona was disappointed but nods. Ash looks to Nemona with determination.
"It will be alright Nemona, I can tell your determined and ready to go and we'll be cheering you on as you go. We'll explore around town waiting for you and we'll watch your battle." Ash says as Nemona nods.
"Right, sensei. Wish me luck, ready Pawmo?" Nemona asks as Pawmo nods, "Alright, let's go all of you!" Nemona says throwing her Pokeballs in the air releasing Crocalor, Teddiursa and Gimmighoul who split up to search for the Sunflora with Nemona following behind.
We see the remaining members of the gang exploring the town taking in the sights while Ash looked worried for Nemona as the others noticed. "What's wrong Ash, your worried about Nemona?" Penny asks as Ash shook his head.
"I know Nemona can handle it, but I feel bad leaving her there." Ash says.
"You got to trust in her, she looks to be improving on herself compared to last time in Cascaraffa. I bet it's the teacher instincts huh?" Penny says as Ash looks on and nods.
"I guess you're right, Nemona seems pretty confident in this." Ash says casually as the gang kept on walking until they heard a noise in the distance, as the gang turn around to see a familiar figure.
"Ash! You made it!" Kieran says as Ash smiles.
"I didn't know you were in town, you managed to beat us here." Ash says as Kieran shyly blushes and awkwardly smiles.
"Well, I took a Squawkabilly taxi to get here hehe." Kieran said shyly as things were silent until Kieran spoke up once more, "Ash, are you up for that battle? I've worked hard to get stronger to match your level." Kieran asked as Ash looked on in Kieran with intrigue.
"Well, you don't have to match my level, it's for fun right?" Ash says as he saw the fire in Kieran's eyes that made Ash a bit worried but smiled, "Alright, I have time." Ash says as Kieran smiles.
"I think I'll take a look at this battle; I have enough stuff for the journey, so I'll sit and relax." Arven says as Penny nods.
"I'm going to explore town for a bit, I'll catch up with you once Nemona's done." Penny says as the others nod and Penny walks away. (I'm going to write Ash and Kieran's battle in a separate side story because it would take a bit).
We see Penny wandering through the town along with Sprigatito and Sylveon enjoying the scenery, Sprigatito, Greavard and Sylveon were wearing the Sunflora headgear as Penny smiles and the other townsfolk smile towards Sprigatito's, Greavard's and Sylveon's cuteness.
"Why are you three so cute when wearing those headgear?" Penny says happily as she takes a picture of the 3 with her Rotom phone but just as things were beginning to feel happy, Penny looks on ahead to see some Team Star students ahead both from Naranja and Uva holding out posters. Penny hides near an alleyway and looks to see a wanted poster of her, Ash and Clive and some of their Pokemon shocking her.
"Team Star? Of course, Mela's base is nearby but it seems they're holding different posters than before. We did take down Giacomo's base after all so of course they would be suspicious of us. I can't go around walking near them in this get up." Penny says as she looks into her bag to grab a toolbox and Sylveon looks like she knows what she has to do. "Sylveon, it's time for 'Operation Makeover'." Penny says as Sylveon nods and opens the toolbox with her feelers and creates a puff of smoke as she got to work.
The 4 Team Star students consisting of 2 Naranja (1 boy and 1 girl) and 2 Uva academy students (2 girls) were asking around for where Penny, Ash and Clive were when an androgynous individual walked towards the 4 students as the students turned to the figure and blushed as the person was Penny with a front spike hair style and a fancy suit.
"What do you have there?" Penny says as the students don't recognize her and one of the students walked over to her.
"Well, um, we're searching for these 3 individuals who were involved in taking down Segin base and we were hoping one of the people here recognized them, have you seen them senpai?" the Uva girl said with a nervous blush as Penny looked to the posters and shook her head.
"I haven't but I'll keep an eye out for them when I have the chance." Penny says as the girl and the other students blushed and nodded.
"Thank you and careful, that Ash kid is tough." the students said as Penny smiles and flicks her hair with her hand.
"It's not a problem for me, I'll take care of it." Penny says as the students blushed harder and fainted, Penny smirks and grabs the posters to throw in the trash before leaving placing 4 roses onto the students before she sighed and released her 3 aforementioned Pokemon from their Pokeballs who breathed a sigh of relief.
"Sorry I had to keep you in there, they would've caught on if I had you 3 out. At the very least, we're out of the clear for now, we should make are way back to-" Penny didn't finish as she bumps into someone with a bright green dress.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see you there." Penny says as the individual holds out their right hand towards Penny and they help her up, "How can I thank you- Clive!?" Penny says as the person in the green dress was Clive who was also wearing a black mustache and monocle with his Inteleon dressed as Alola Detective Laki confusing Penny.
"Penny, I didn't realize you were in town." Clive says.
"Why are you in a green dress and why is Inteleon dressed like Laki from Alola Detective Laki?" Penny asks.
"Oh, we were placed onto a wanted poster, so I dressed my good chap as his favorite TV character. Also, this dress was at the bargain bin nearby for $5 so I thought I might as well." Clive says.
"Isn't the monocle and mustache a bit overkill." Penny says with a deadpan expression, but Clive doesn't answer that, "What are you doing out here anyway, I haven't called you for an operation?" Penny asks.
"Oh, I know, I'm meeting up with a close friend within Cortondo though he seems a bit late and that's when I found out about the posters ruining my based day. What are you doing?" Clive asks as Penny cringed towards Clive's slang before sighing.
"I'm just trying to enjoy the day with my Pokemon while Nemona's out doing her Gym Challenge. Speaking of whom, we should reunite with everyone where we'll be safe from Team Star." Penny says as she turns around and accidently bumps into a familiar figure in a black hoodie whose hoodie was dropped revealing to be the redheaded girl with the freckles.
"Oh, sorry about... that." the hooded figure says recognizing Penny who also recognized her and so did Clive as they looked on shocked at each other.
"It's you!" both Penny and Mela says in shock as Mela attempts to run but Penny stops her, "Wait!" Penny says as she tries to reach out to Mela's hand as Mela stops.
"There's nothing to talk about, you know my secret, I know yours, you're trying to take away everyone's sanctuary, their safe place!" Mela says as Penny shook her head.
"That's not it, I just don't want you guys to end up ruining your futures!" Penny insisted as Mela looked surprised.
"Why are you so concerned for us? I have no future to begin with, no home, not meant for this world, no family and everyone who I thought I cared about abandoned me." Mela says as Penny and Clive looked on shocked.
I heard Ms. Mela's homelife hasn't been one full of happiness, but I didn't think it would go this far. Clive thought to himself.
"That's not true, don't let what happened define you as a character, carve-" Penny didn't finish as Mela interrupted.
"Yeah, yeah, carve your own path and define my own future despite what happened, friendship crap. Look, I don't have time for all that or to fight you, I need to search for my frie- err comrades." Mela says sounding worried for them.
"They mean a lot to you, don't they?" Clive asks as Mela shivers in surprise.
"Um, well, of course- not, they're just comrades that disappeared a couple of hours ago when they said they needed to run into town real quick and they haven't been answering their calls so it's my job as leader to protect them, not like it matters to you two." Mela says stubbornly.
"You want help but you're afraid because people will hurt you?" Penny assumed as Mela sighed, and she bit her mouth trying to deny it making it bleed.
"They mean the world to me; I hate myself for what I am, but I don't want others to feel this way! I want to make a temporary truce, please help me find them, I'm scared for them!" Mela says tearing up as Penny held out her hand and softly smiled.
"I would be glad to help even if that truce is temporary." Penny says as Clive nods.
"So do I." Clive says as the 3 began searching around.
Meanwhile, we see Nemona searching around for the Sunflora and it seemed to be going pretty slow thus far, Nemona and Pawmo search around to find two Sunflora sitting at a fountain as Nemona saw her chance.
Ok, I can do this, I just need to ask the Sunflora to come with me and then we can get going, this shouldn't be too hard. They're Sunflora, they're usually pretty calm and simple Pokemon when you get down to it so how hard could it be? Nemona thought to herself as she walked towards the Sunflora.
"Hey there Sunflora, how are y-" Nemona didn't finish as one Sunflora walked towards Nemona happily as Nemona blinked twice in disbelief, "Oh, well that was easier than expected. What about you little fella? Would you like to-" Nemona didn't finish as the other Sunflora jumped in the air and launched Sludge Bomb towards Nemona causing the other Sunflora to run behind Nemona and Pawmo to launch Discharge towards the Sludge Bomb.
"Woah! Thanks, Pawmo, guess it's as Brassius says, these Sunflora like to fight. Very well, Pawmo, try not to hurt them too much, just try to calm em down." Nemona says as Pawmo nods and prepares to fight the Sunflora. The panicked Sunflora has their body glowing with a green aura and rushes towards Pawmo with Grassy Glide. "Pawmo, use Arm Thrust to push him back!" Nemona says as Pawmo nodded and his arms glow to strike Sunflora twice staggering him, but Sunflora launches an Energy Ball to send Pawmo flying.
"Pawmo!" Nemona yelled out but Pawmo was able to get back on his feet prepared for his next attack as Nemona smiles, "That's the spirit Pawmo, now use Discharge!" Nemona says as Pawmo nods and launches 4 electrical beams towards Sunflora who runs away behind the fountain causing Pawmo to stop and the Sunflora walks over to Nemona and Pawmo apologetically by bowing as Nemona put her hands up.
"Now, now, you don't need to do that, I should be sorry too. Are you ok?" Nemona asks as Sunflora nods and Nemona smiles, "That's good, do you want to help me make Brassius's day a bit better?" Nemona asks as Sunflora nods as Nemona sees Crocalor, Gimmighoul and Teddiursa bring along 3 other Sunflora who went along with the Pokemon happily.
"You found the Sunflora, they didn't battle you, did they?" Nemona asked as her Pokemon nodded except for Crocalor who gave an intimidating stare towards Sunflora who tried to battle him.
"Well, as long as you found them safe, that's good. Let's go find the other 2 Sunflora." Nemona says as her Pokemon nod, but Teddiursa pulls on Nemona's hand getting her attention. "What's up Teddi?" Nemona asks as Teddiursa points to the roof of a building where a scared Sunflora was seen and couldn't get down.
"A Sunflora is stuck up there, c'mon let's go." Nemona says as she heads over to the building with the scared Sunflora and tries to hold out her arms for the scared sunflower Pokemon. "It's alright Sunflora, just try to aim for my open arms and it will be ok." Nemona tried to reassure the Sunflora but was afraid to jump causing Nemona to think to herself about how to catch Sunflora and had an idea and looked to the Sunflora.
Sunflora are pretty light right? I may have an idea. Nemona thought to herself, "Sunflora, form yourselves together and act like a trampoline!" Nemona says as the 5 Sunflora nod and come together to put their faces up to the sky and position themselves.
"Alright, it's alright to come down, they're here for you alright?" Nemona says as the nervous Sunflora nods and takes a deep breath before jumping down onto the Sunflora and bouncing off into Nemona's arms as she smiled.
"There, that wasn't bad, was it?" Nemona asks as Sunflora smiles and she puts him down and counts the Sunflora, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, we have 6 but where's the 7th?" Nemona asks as she sees some townsfolk worrying about something as Nemona goes to check it out.
"What's going on over here?" Nemona asks a random lady as she turns to Nemona worried.
"Our town's Sunflora has went missing and we're scared for them." the woman said as Nemona displayed the Sunflora next to her, but the woman shook her head, "No, not those Sunflora, she's a differently colored Sunflora and we're worried she went out through the South province and might've encountered those dang Krookodile and Zangoose that's been nagging the town " the woman says as Nemona had a determined look on her face.
"I'll get the Sunflora back, don't you worry." Nemona says as the folks turned to her in curiosity.
"You will?" a random man says as Nemona nods.
"I promise you I'll do what I can to help the Sunflora." Nemona says with determination as the crowd cheers for her and she goes to find the Sunflora with the other Sunflora following behind passing by Ash's Pikachu clashing with Kieran's H Decidueye's Leaf Blade and exiting through the town gates. Meanwhile, Brassius in a slump walks outside to see the commotion.
"Hmm, what's going on out here?" Brassius says to a random citizen who turns to them.
"Our Shiny Sunflora is missing but it seems like this girl will save the day." a random citizen says as the color that was lost on Brassius came back and now appeared worried.
"Were there any Zangoose or Krookodile bothering the Sunflora?" Brassius asks as the random citizen shrugged.
"We're hoping not." they say as Brassius rushes through the crowd at the speed of sound where unbeknownst to Brassius, Hassel and Charlos were passing by and noticed his husband running past him.
We see Penny, Clive (still disguised) and Mela search around town for Mela's friends- err acquaintances, Aaron and Yuka around the town, many of the citizens say they haven't seen where they went while others didn't care due to them being Team Star which was starting to worry Mela.
"What am I going to do? They never disappear that long without reason so why?" Mela says as Penny patted her back in reassurance.
"Don't worry, we'll find them, maybe they just had an emergency, maybe they're alright?" Penny says as Mela looked unsure but nodded.
"I hope so." Mela says as they keep moving but Sprigatito hears something and looks to her right.
"Tito, Tito!" Sprigatito says catching everyone's attentions as Penny looked to her Pokemon.
"What's up Sprig?" Penny asks as Sprigatito points over in the alley to which the 3 trainers eyes widen in shock and they hide behind the corner, they see 3 students in Uva school uniforms which were purple and one of whom is Carmine while the other 2 had some sort of capes. They seem to be confronting two Team Star Uva students with a boy student and his Talonflame battling Carmine's H Samurott.
"Talonflame, use Double Edge!" the boy said as Talonflame's body glows and flies at Samurott at full speed as she stays still waiting for her chance to attack.
"Razor Shell." Carmine says as Samurott grabbed her right seamitar and slashed at Talonflame sending them flying towards her trainer knocked out, "Talonflame!" the boy trainer says going to attend to his Pokemon as Carmine gave a cold glare and walked towards the two cowering trainers.
"Now that you've lost, now you'll be coming with me to face justice." Carmine said coldly as the girl trainer gritted her teeth.
"For what!? Trying to find a birthday gift for our friend, you're out of your mind!" the girl says as Mela looked shocked and even blushed.
"It's not that, it's your existence at school, you could've been normal students living your life under my protective thumb but instead, you joined an organization of delinquents bent on ruining everyone's lives and as the headmaster's trusted student, it's my duty to expel you." Carmine says coldly.
"Oh, so you became a teacher's lapdog doing what you want thinking it's alright to hurt others for who they are. You used to be a kind student, what happened to you?" the boy student says as Carmine's eyes widen with anger and Samurott tries to step forward, but Carmine stops her.
"What happened was I grew up and had to deal nuisances, I'll give you a chance to apologize for your actions." Carmine says but she got no response as she sighed, "Very well, maybe a little lesson needs to be taught. I rule the school, you don't. Hydro Pump." Carmine says as Samurott launches a blast of water towards the students but before it could land, a Pokemon pops out of the Pokeball being Vaporeon who absorbs the Hydro Pump and is absorbed into her skin as the students looked on shocked.
"That's a Vaporeon and that was Water Absorb, who did this!?" one of the caped students says as they turn around to see Penny with her Pokeball as the opposing group look on shocked as Penny returned her Vaporeon as Carmine turns to face her.
"You're Ash's girlfriend and Nemona's colleague, right?" Carmine said teased as Penny blushed.
"He's not my boyfriend!" Penny yelled out but shakes it off, "That's not the point, what are you doing to these students!?" Penny called out to Carmine.
"They're of Team Star and specifically, from my school. It's my duty to stop those who interrupt the way of our glorious school by expelling them." Carmine says as Mela looked angry.
"Those are my friends your hurting, they did nothing to you!" Mela yelled out as Carmine looked away possibly conflicted but shook it off.
"They'll only be a nuisance if I let them be, they only cause destruction around them." Carmine says as Mela grits her teeth and Clive looked disappointed towards Carmine while Penny looked infuriated.
"That's not true and you know it! They're trying to stand up to themselves against people who put them down, yeah, their methods I don't agree with, and I don't want their futures ruined but these kids are put down for who they are and bullied and something tells me that you beating them up shows you're not a savior, you're a bully." Penny says as Carmine and her entourage looked shocked as the two caped students walked forward but Carmine stops them.
"If you want to defend them so much, why not battle me and I'll leave them alone and if you lose, I'll make sure that you are expelled from Naranja, how does that sound?" Carmine said with a dark grin as Clive and Mela look on shocked towards this proposition.
"Penny, you don't have to do-"
"I accept!" Penny says interrupting Clive as Carmine smirked.
"Gladly, follow me." Carmine says as she walks away as Penny follows her along with the other students while Clive looked on shocked and unsure of what to do.
This can't be happening; I can't let my student go through this thing but they're standing up another student even if they're associated with a group of students. I need to step in when it's right or things will get nasty. Clive thought to himself as he walked over to the battlefield where Penny and Carmine were at as Carmine tossed her Pokeball up and down in the air prepared to fight.
"You know, I can give you one last chance to apologize or are you going to act like a Torchic and run away?" Carmine says as Penny and Sprigatito gritted their teeth in anger and caused Sprigatito to hop out of Penny's jacket and onto the battlefield surprising Penny.
"Sprigatito? You want to fight with me?" Penny says as Sprigatito nods with determination and Penny nods, "You've grown a lot so quickly, alright, just be careful." Penny says as Sprigatito nods and Carmine coldly smiles.
"Sprigatito? Small and weak, this shall be easy. Kleavor, don't go easy." Carmine says as she throws out the Pokeball releasing a Scyther-like Pokemon with a rocky like appearance, sharp stone axes for hands and a menacing glare. The gang look on shocked towards this new Pokemon as Penny brings up her Rotom phone to scan the Pokemon.
Kleavor, the Axe Pokemon, a Bug/Rock type and the evolved form of Scyther, this Pokemon evolved from Scyther via a special rock found in the Sinnoh Region when it was called Hisui. A violent Pokemon, they use their large axes to finish their prey. It is said that their evolution materials became rare due to the environment changing thus making Scizor more common than Kleavor nowadays.
A violent Pokemon like Kleavor with her mindset is dangerous, she didn't always act this way in the past, could she not want to be seen as weak to others? Clive thought to himself as Penny looked worried, but Sprigatito was determined.
Alright Penny, stay calm, a Bug/Rock type like Kleavor can be worrying but I just have to focus and make sure Sprigatito isn't too hurt. Penny thought to herself as Carmine called out her first move.
"Use Fury Cutter." Carmine says as Kleavor's axes glow a light green and rush towards Sprigatito as Penny nods.
"Use Shadow Claw to clash with Fury Cutter!" Penny says as Sprigatito's back fur glows purple and Sprigatito nods as she rushes in and jumps using her shadowy claw to clash with Kleavor's right axe. They both stayed clashing their attacks, but Penny had another idea.
"Now Quick Attack!" Penny says catching Carmine off guard as Sprigatito's back fur turns gray and dashed from Kleavor's axe in a quick fashion to strike Kleavor which sent him back slightly even if it didn't do that much damage. "Nice going Sprigatito! Guess Ash's training really helped us!" Penny says cheering on her Sprigatito who nods.
"You got one over me, not again. Vaccum Wave." Carmine says coldly as Kleavor creates a wind ball in their axe hands and launches a ball of wind towards Sprigatito as both get back into focus.
"Quick, Leafage!" Penny says as Sprigatito's fur turns green and launches a barrage of leaves towards the Vacuum Wave which only spreads away the leaves and land on Sprigatito who is sent flying back as Carmine sees her own opportunity.
"Now Stone Axe." Carmine says as Kleavor puts their axes together and rushes towards Sprigatito and strikes her sending her flying in the air while rocks were created that landed underneath Sprigatito.
"Sprigatito!" Penny yelled out in worry as Sprigatito reoriented herself to land on her feet but landed on the Stealth Rock causing her feet to be damaged and Sprigatito to produce a tear out of her right eye. The gang look on in shock over Kleavor's brutal fighting style.
"That move, it created rocks?" Mela says as Clive nods.
"Indeed, Stone Axe is a move that creates Stealth Rocks which will really damage the opponent upon moving or switching in." Clive informed as Mela looked on worried.
Damn it blue and red girl, stop doing this for your enemy, I'm not that important. You'll only get yourself hurt because of your actions. Mela thought to herself as Sprigatito tried to keep it in there emotionally.
"Sprigatito, don't do this to your-" Penny stops upon seeing Sprigatito's determined expression and Penny admired that about Sprigatito and her determination and nodded, "Alright, let's do this!" Penny says as she brings out her Tera Orb and Sprigatito nods throwing the Tera Orb at the Grass Cat Pokemon who Terastalizes into a Grass type whose hat had 3 flowers on it while Carmine scoffs and brings out her own Tera Orb Terastalizing Kleavor into a Fighting type.
"Dual Wingbeat." Carmine says as Kleavor's arms glow, but Penny smirked.
"Sucker Punch." Penny says as Sprigatito nods and her fur changes to a black color surprising Carmine as Sprigatito rushed at Kleavor before he could move and smacked Kleavor in the face as Carmine gritted her teeth.
"Continue your attack!" Carmine says as Kleavor nods and prepared to attack with his right axe.
"Dodge!" Penny says as Sprigatito hopped of Kleavor's left axe away avoiding the first attack and landing on the Stealth Rock again which worried Penny, but Sprigatito looked back to her in determination easing Penny as the Kleavor rushed in with the second attack prepared to strike at Sprigatito. "Now jump real high!" Penny says as Sprigatito nods and jumps in the air avoiding the attack but also clearing the rocks.
"No way-" Carmine says as Penny smirks.
"Leafage Sprigatito!" Penny says as Sprigatito's hat glows and launches a barrage of leaves towards Kleavor which pushes Kleavor back by a lot and with Kleavor staggered, Penny had another idea. "Now Shadow Claw!" Penny says as Sprigatito's right paw glows and rushes down to slash at Kleavor dealing major damage as Carmine appeared irritated beyond that point.
I can't lose, I can't lose against someone who barely fights. Why am I so pathetic. Carmine thought to herself calling her next attack, "Vacuum Wave!" Carmine says as Kleavor's hat glows but Penny sees an opportunity.
"Sucker Punch!" Penny says as Sprigatito rushes in attempting to strike at Kleavor but Kleavor was much faster and landed Vacuum Wave first damaging Sprigatito and surprising everyone.
"What just happened, Sucker Punch should've landed right?" Aaron (the boy) says in disbelief.
"Sad but that's the truth, although there are instances where Sucker Punch can land, it also depends on the user's speed and with Kleavor being much faster than Sprigatito, Kleavor attacked first." Clive informed the group as Penny looks on worried.
"Sprigatito!" Penny called out but Carmine smirked.
"Fury Cutter multiple times." Carmine says as Kleavor rushed in at the injured Sprigatito and slashes at Sprigatito multiple times as Sprigatito tries to endure this relentless onslaught of attacks as Clive reached his point.
"That's it, I'm stopping this-" Clive couldn't finish as Sprigatito looked to him with determination and Clive stood there frozen and unsure what to do as Penny looked on worried.
"Please Sprigatito, you'll only get-" Penny stopped upon seeing Sprigatito trying to stand up for herself and thought about the first day they met and the time they spent afterwards. How Sprigatito revived Penny's spirits after losing her Eevee, how Penny didn't want Sprigatito to be alone, how Sprigatito was similar to her Eevee.
You helped me out of my slump, you've encouraged me to push forward, I met some great people because I wanted to be like Ash's cheerful self. You pushed me forward, now I want to do the same for you. You've grown up a lot and I love you for that. Penny thought to herself as she teared up and nodded.
"Don't give in Sprigatito! I know you can do this; I don't want you to give in! I know you're doing to this to protect me and grow together, so let's do this Sprigatito! We may not win, but I know when you're by my side, we can get through the hardest of challenges so let's do this!" Penny says as Sprigatito's eyes widen in happiness and teared up as she nods.
"Sprigatitooooo!" Sprigatito yelled out as she glowed in a blue light surprising everyone as Kleavor stopped as Sprigatito grows and stands upright, a mysterious ball-like object appears in her hands and the glow dissipates to reveal Floragato who wielded a yo-yo as a weapon and was still Terastalized which made for a pretty sight as everyone looked on in surprise and Penny brings up her Rotom phone to scan her newly evolved Pokemon.
Floragato, the Grass Cat Pokemon, a Grass type and the evolved form of Sprigatito. The hardness of Floragato's fur depends on the Pokémon's mood. When Floragato is prepared to battle, its fur becomes pointed and needle sharp.
"Floragato." Penny breathed out in shock as Floragato's Tera Hat glows and creates large seed-based attack as Floragato launches 4 large seeds towards Kleavor as Carmine wakes up.
"Quick, use Dual Wingbeat against the Seed Bomb!" Carmine says as Kleavor deflected one and the other but couldn't deflect the other 2 in time as Kleavor was sent back and the gang were astounded. Penny looked on impressed towards Floragato's skills, but she was also fatigued due to the amount of damage as even Carmine saw it too and sighed.
"Stone Axe." Carmine says coldly as Kleavor's axes glowed and rushed at Floragato.
"Shadow Claw!" Penny says as Floragato nods and rushes at Kleavor with a glowing purple claw and her poncho-like fur turning purple, she jumps and clashes with Stone Axe as Floragato struggled to push on.
"Vacuum Wave." Carmine says surprising everyone.
"But Floragato's a Ghost type with Shadow Claw!?" Yuka says but Clive seemingly knows what's going to happen as Kleavor's hat glows and launches an air wave from his mouth that goes through Floragato as expected but creates a dust storm blinding Floragato as Kleavor rushed behind Floragato.
"Flora-" Penny tries to say but Carmine snaps her fingers.
"Stone Axe." Carmine says as Kleavor puts his axes together and slams her axes to Floragato's side sending her flying towards Penny's direction and faints.
"FLORAGATO!" Penny yells out rushing to her Pokemon as Carmine returns Kleavor to his Pokeball thanking him for his actions as Carmine smugly walks over to the distraught girl as Penny hugs her Floragato.
"Well, you lost fortunately but I doubt you were going to win anyway." Carmine says as Penny glares at her.
"What do you have against everyone? They did nothing to you so why hurt them, is it to claim your so called 'status' back?" Penny remarked as Carmine gritted her teeth.
"I suggest you take that back." Carmine says but Penny shakes her head.
"I meant everything I said, rumors have it you used to be caring when you arrived to Uva now you're just a tyrant." Penny says.
"That was the old me, the weak me. When most of my friends left and my father and brother acted like cowards, I knew I needed to step up. Now come with me so I can escort you to Naranja to have you expelled my Clavell." Carmine says but a looming shadow hovered over Carmine and the others looked on shocked but Carmine didn't flinch.
"I suggest we talk things over." Ribes says as Carmine grits her teeth and turns to her father.
"There is nothing to talk about, now you decided to come back after running away like a coward over some 'stars' or something, what right you have to talk to me!" Carmine says turning around to her father as Ribes looks away unsure of himself.
"I'm your father." Ribes could only mutter out, yet Carmine felt angry at him.
"Oh yeah and where were you!? You only occasionally came around to 'check' on us and then went away to weep. You may be my father but your as weak as a child." Carmine says walking away as her caped students walked alongside her. "Pretend this fight never happened, you're off the hook." Carmine says to Penny as Penny sighed and looked to Clive, but she notices that Mela and the other two students were gone.
"Where did they-" Penny asks as Clive walks to her with a note in his hands.
'Umm, geez, why is writing a letter so hard! (Sigh), alright, alright. Thank you for defending my fri- comrades and we're grateful but I know what you are going to break into our base to try to stop us. I'm glad you understood us, I just wish you didn't have to destroy us. I'll be waiting numbskull. - Mela
Penny looked on saddened and sighed as Floragato nuzzled her.
We see Nemona, Pawmo, Gimmighoul and the Sunflora heading out of the city searching frantically for the Shiny Sunflora from the highest of hills to the lowest of slumps, all around wherever they go to no avail.
"Where could that Sunflora be? She couldn't have wandered too far." Nemona says as they hear a high-pitched scream coming from over in the distance catching their attention, "That must be Sunflora! C'mon let's go!" Nemona says as the Pokemon nod and follow Nemona as they arrive to the scene where the Shiny Sunflora is surrounded by a Gumshoos and a Makuhita scaring the Sunflora.
"Oh no Sunflora-" Nemona stops upon seeing a Heracross block their path and launch Pin Missile from his arms. "Dodge it all of you!" Nemona says as everyone jumps out of the way avoiding the attack.
"If you're not going to step away, we're going to make you go away. Pawmo, Arm Thrust and Gimmighoul, Shadow Ball!" Nemona says as the Pokemon nod and Pawmo rushes in with his arms glowing and Gimmighoul creates a shadowy ball, but Heracross launches a barrage of Bullet Seeds towards Pawmo pushing him back while Heracross rushes at Gimmighoul quickly with Megahorn breaking through the Shadow Ball and towards the large Gimmighoul sending them back.
That Heracross is skilled in both close ranged and far-ranged attacks, he's also pretty fast. Is this what Ash means, opponents can have strategies of their own? I'm a dummy and I can't reach them on time to stop them. Wait a minute, maybe a powerful attack could stun Hariyama and Gumshoos and quick attacks could subdue the Heracross quickly. Nemona thought to herself as she looked to the Sunflora.
"Quick, do you know Solar Beam?" Nemona asks as the Sunflora nod, "Then I need you to prepare one to take care of Hariyama and Gumshoos so get together and prepare a beam of light." Nemona informed as the Sunflora nod and huddle together to appear like a larger sunflora and they glow as Nemona looked to her Pokemon.
"We'll need to work together for this one, we need to outspeed the Heracross so let's work on our Arm Thrusts in hopes they're faster enough right Pawmo?" Nemona says as Pawmo nods, but the Heracross calls over the Makuhita and Gumshoos over to fight as Nemona sighs. "So much for our plan but we might as well keep em busy. Pawmo, Arm Thrust towards Gumshoos and Gimmighoul Shadow Ball at Makuhita!" Nemona says as Pawmo tries to use his Arm Thrust a bit faster than usual appearing like quick jabs and rushed at Gumshoos who creates a Fire Punch to clash with Pawmo's Arm Thrust.
Gimmighoul meanwhile launches a ball of darkness towards Makuhita as Makuhita's hands glow purple and they use Poison Jab to hit the Shadow Ball multiple times before launching it back at Gimmighoul jumping out of the way to avoid their own attack. Gumshoos meanwhile uses Iron Head to slam their head on Pawmo stunning him as Pawmo tried to Punch a bit faster, but Gumshoos sends him flying with Take Down as Nemona struggled to think of what to do.
"They're so much faster than us." Nemona says.
"Then copy their actions." a voice was heard as Nemona turns to see Brassius with an Arboliva next to him in a more confident, serious expression as Nemona looked on shocked.
"Mr. Brassius!? I thought you were down in the dumps?" Nemona asks as Brassius nods.
"I was but then I hear about these holligans, these 3 cause nothing but trouble for the town's Sunflora when around here." Brassius says.
"Almost like with another group." Nemona says with snark before looking to Brassius, "What do you mean, copy their movements?" Nemona says as Brassius nods but before he could say anything, another voice was heard.
"It means to copy what they do, not in a literal sense but more of 'imitate their actions to have a better advantage' sort of way." a voice was heard as the two turned around to see Hassel and his Baxcalibur walking down the hill as Brassius looked shocked.
"Hassy?" Brassius says as Hassel smiles.
"I know I have a lot to make up for but for now, we need to save that Sunflora. Let's show them the power of our love and strength Brassy." Hassel says as Brassius nods.
"Gladly, Arboliva, use Energy Ball!" Brassius says as Arboliva nods and launches a ball of energy towards the opponent.
"Baxcalibur, Ice Shard let's go!" Hassel says as Baxcalibur creates a small shard of ice that he launches towards the Energy Ball which explodes releasing sprinkles of energy that blinded the Pokemon due to the bright sparkles as Nemona looked on astonished as the Shiny Sunflora ran away from the bully Pokemon and joined her fellow Sunflora in using Solar Beam.
So just like that huh? Adapt and imitate their actions in order to get anywhere. So just like what Brassius and Hassel did, I have to try something similar. Nemona thought to herself as she sees the Pokemon who were staggered from the light about to recover and had an idea.
"Alright Pawmo, Gimmighoul, I have an idea, but it requires a lot of focus. Pawmo, I want you to charge yourself up with electricity to make yourself go faster in conjunction with Arm Thrust and Gimmighoul, use Power Gem when that happens." Nemona spouted as the Pokemon were concerned at first but noticed Nemona's confident expression and Gimmighoul noticed Pawmo's determined expression as well as Gimmighoul noddeed and Pawmo proceeded to punch rapidly quickly as the electrficity pumped Pawmo up quicker.
Gimmighoul breathed in and launched a series of rocks towards Pawmo as Pawmo punched them quickly breaking them apart and sending them flying but they wern't flying very far worrying Nemona.
"Oh, no they aren't going very far!" Nemona says worryingly as Brassius and Hassel nodded and Hassel sent out a Noivern.
"Allow us to lend you a hand. Petal Blizzard/Tailwind Arboliva/Noivern!" both Brassius and Hassel say as Noivern flapped their wings quickly allowing for the rocks punched by Pawmo to go furthur and Arboliva launched a series of leaves mixed with the Power Gem rocks as the attacks landed on the 3 Pokemon staggering them once more as the winds stopped but made Gumshoos angry enough to launch itself using Thrash hoping to attack the group as Pawmo looked to Nemona and she nodded.
"Alright, Pawmo, Arm Thrust!" Nemona says as Pawmo's right arm and rushes at Gumshoos like a jet punching him quickly and sending Gumshoos flying towards Makuhita and Heracross crushing them as Hassel and Brassius looks on astonished.
"That was Mach Punch!" Hassel says as Nemona was surprised and looked to her day-1 partner excitedly.
"You learned Mach Punch, that's amazing Pawmo!" Nemona says as the 3 trainers notice the Sunflora were almost finished with Solar Beam and Hassel ushered her and her Pokemon to the side as the group of Sun Pokemon launched an almighty Solar Beam towards the 3 opposing Pokemon as Brassius looks on astonished at the sight of the large beam hitting the opponents as Brassius eyes sparkle with intrigue.
Their formation, their teamwork, their elegance. They're why I started to become an artist in the first place. All the statues of them so deathly ill at the time they earned the name 'Surrendering Sunflora', but these Sunflora and my Hassel are my light, my powerful 'Knight of the Sun' Brassius thought to himself remembering the times he felt ill and depressed but how Hassel was there for him and created a statue in the Sunflora's honor, a tall Sunflora protecting the smaller ones, the 'Knight of the Sun'. The Solar Beam disappears to show the 3 Pokemon huffing smoke before they run away afraid like a scaredy cat.
"And stay out of this town with your bullying ways!" Brassius says having his energy back before he turns to Nemona and Sunflora. "Your teamwork was impeccable, and your strategies are as artistic as Hassy's paintings." Brassius says happily as Nemona smirks.
"Thanks, I see your happy now, does this mean?" Nemona asks as Brassius nods.
"Thanks to your efforts, I will allow for a Gym battle against me, if you're ready, meet me at my stage and I'll give you a satisfying battle that will be like art." Brassius says before he looked to Hassel in confusion. "Hassy, I thought you were on a business trip?" Brassius asks as Hassel rubbed the back of his head.
"Well, I was supposed to, but my meeting was cancelled due to unfortunate circumstances aka the others got food poisoning, so I quickly rushed back here to give you your present." Hassel says as he opens a box showing a medal that resembled a bouquet which both Nemona and Brassius looked astonished at as Brassius picked it up.
"This is the rare platinum bouquet, there's only 7 of these in the world, how did you find this?" Brassius asks.
"It was my mother's gift she gave to me before her death, she says to give it to someone most special in your life." Hassel says as Brassius teared up and hugged him happily.
"Oh Hassel, I love you!" Brassius says as Hassel hugs back.
"I love you too Brassy." Hassel says kissing his cheek, "Well, since I'm here, I would love to see a Gym battle of yours, I hear they're exhilarating." Hassel says as Brassius nods.
"Of course, you can watch, everyone can. Nemona, I hope you'll give it you're all during this battle." Brassius says as Nemona nods.
"Of course!" Nemona says with determination as she and Brassius walks towards the Gym, but Hassel had one other thing to say.
"Brassy?" Hassel asks as Brassius turns around.
"Yes Hassy?" Brassius asks his husband but he wasn't sure what to say.
"Um, well how do you... how do you feel about expanding the fam-" Hassel didn't finish as the Sunflora ran by the 3 trainers and Nemona and Pawmo giggled over the Sunflora surrounding her.
"Hahaha, stop, stop! Am I your savior or something?" Nemona asks chuckling over the Sunflora tickling her as the two older individuals smiled.
"What were you saying Hassel?" Brassius asks as Hassel didn't remember.
"On second thought, I'll till we get home." Hassel says as Brassius nods and the 3 trainers head back to town.
We see the 3 back at the Gym as Ash, Penny and Arven arrived at the scene along with Kieran.
"How was your day you 3- 4!? Kieran?" Nemona says surprised as Kieran gave a slight chuckle but also appeared to have a pained smile.
"Guilty, I was wondering if I could watch your Gym battle as inspiration for my journey?" Kieran asks as Nemona nodded.
"Of course, your good pal of ours, go ahead." Nemona says as Kieran nods and goes to the stage as Nemona catches up with the aforementioned 3 and noticed Penny's Sprigatito was now a Floragato and looked on surprised. "Penny, your Sprigatito evolved, you must've went through some battle?" Nemona asks cheerfully as Penny looked on nervously.
I don't want to say right there with Kieran around, I don't want to say anything rash so improv time. Penny thought to herself as she shook her head, "Nah, we were just walking around the area and she evolved randomly." Penny says as nodded but Ash looked worried.
"My day was fine, I was battling Kieran but I'm a worried for him." Ash says.
"You won, didn't you?" Nemona says as Ash nods.
"Yeah but Kieran seemed sad about it. I know that some people get sad about it, but he said that he has to rely on strength to get by and that he'll be seen as weak if he can't prove himself." Ash says as Nemona looked on worried.
"I mean, I get that feeling but he knows he can be himself, right?" Arven says as Ash nodded.
"I'm sure he'll feel better later. For today, let's see what you got Nemona, are you prepared to face Brassius with a full head of confidence?" Ash asks as Nemona and Pawmo nods.
"I'm sure of it, I know I messed up last time but not this time, I'm ready and focused, right Pawmo?" Nemona asks as Pawmo nods and walks up the stage prepared to fight her next challenge as she sees her friends enter the sides and sees Hassel and Kieran as well as Nemona looks above to see Brassius on top of a building looking down at Nemona confidently as Nemona smirked ready for battle.
END
Extra
After Penny's battle with Carmine, everyone splits up with Penny going to find Ash and Arven while Carmine and the students headed to places unknown leaving only Clive (still disguised) and Ribes.
"I see you took time to find clothes?" Ribes says as Clive nods.
"Thanks, I needed the appropriate drip for people to not recognize me." Clive says as Ribes weirdly smiles as he also appeared as if he was cringing at Clive's slang but also appeared sad.
"Yeah, haha." Ribes says as Cliive notices his sad expression.
"It's about seeing your children, isn't it?" Clive says as Ribes sighs and nods.
"When you haven't seen them in a while, it's just hard to think about it. I mean Carmine's right about me, I shouldn't have just left like that, that's not what parent does and yet I felt lost within myself. It's not an excuse and never is." Ribes says as Clive sighed.
"Sometimes as parents, we all make mistakes even if it means we upset those around us." Clive says as Ribes sighed and Clive remembers something, "You know, your daughter was seen leading some students of Uva Academy, something about being the headmaster's trusted student." Clive says as Ribes perked his head up.
"The headmaster? Headmaster Phyllus? Now that you think about it, I've seen various students wearing those capes harassing other students, not just Team Star in order for them to stay in line." Ribes says as Clive thinks for a moment.
"You don't think that Phyllus is behind this do you?" Clive says as Ribes looked unsure.
"It seems so unlike Phyllus to do this if he did, he cared for the students so why control them?" Ribes asks as Clive was unsure as well.
"I'm not sure, but I think we'll need a closer look." Clive says. They decide to split off, with Ribes finding more info while Clive looks over a hill and sees Uva Academy, it had a similar body structure to Naranja but with purple and a grape logo and was across from a bigger city Levincia.
END
Sorry about the long wait everyone, I was finishing up college finals so I didn't have enough time to write more chapters. The next chapter will revolve around Nemona's battle with Brassius but I also want to focus on the 2 side story chapters I need to do, Nemona vs Sarah and Ash vs Kieran as I need to write them so you might see 3 chapters next time.
For now, I'll see you all later.