As Nemona's stadium dissipated, the surrounding crowd finally beca visible. Murmurs erupted upon seeing Lacey and , quickly silenced by a curious voice from the crowd.
"Is that Lacey's new boyfriend? Why isn't he wearing a shirt?!"
I slapped my hand over my face, and Lacey hurriedly stepped forward, arms crossed defensively. "No! This is Landon, a new student at Blueberry Academy. I requested this match be private, so everyone please give us so space."
The crowd dispersed with murmurs, and Lacey turned to apologetically. "Sorry about that. News spreads fast here."
Chuckling, I retrieved my shirt. "No worries. Didn't expect an audience. I guess we made quite an impression."
Lacey nodded, eyes sparkling with amusent. "That you did. I have to admit, what you and Nemona did was astonishing."
I shrugged modestly, feeling a tad self-conscious. "We're just adapting and trying to get stronger. This place seems perfect for that."
Lacey's gaze softened with admiration. "You'll fit right in, Landon. Blueberry Academy is for the extraordinary, and you and Nemona certainly are."
Before I could reply, an unusual group approached, led by a guy with purple hair in a partial ponytail who waved in our direction. Sothing about him rubbed the wrong way even before he spoke.
"So, you're the big shot Geeta warned us about? You don't look like much!"
Lacey stepped forward protectively, making an 'X' gesture with her arms. "Don't be rude, Kieran. This is Landon, a new student recomnded by Geeta and accompanied by Gym Leaders Iono and Grusha. They'll be here soon, so please, show so respect."
Kieran laughed dismissively. "You think I care about mainland Gym Leaders? What a joke! So, you really think you're so hot shot? There's sothing about you that doesn't sit right with ... Maybe it's that stupid face of yours!"
Suppressing the urge to react, I took a step toward Kieran, towering over him. "What did you say about my face?"
[Do not attack him. You're much stronger than an average person and could cause serious harm.]
Kieran backed away, visibly shaken. It was my first day, and already soone was trying to provoke . I wanted to retaliate, but Cryo was right; violence wouldn't help.
Suddenly, a burst of light surrounded , and Tallia appeared. She was dressed in black jogging shorts, a knotted white t-shirt, and a pink sweatband, visibly exhausted and sweating.
Before anyone could speak, Tallia marched up to Kieran, who tried to retreat but found soone behind him. Hands landed on his shoulders, and when he looked up, he froze.
"S-Sister? What are you doing here?!" Kieran demanded, but the older girl with black hair and orange highlights laughed.
"I'm here because my friend texted that my little brother was causing trouble for her friend!" she growled, then turned to , tossing her brother aside like a rag doll. "So, you're the friend?"
Her presence unnerved . She seed a bit older than Nemona and , yet sothing about her set off warning bells. It was like a mix of Tulip and Lusamine in her early days; I sensed trouble, though her attractiveness softened my apprehension.
"Yes, Landon and I are good friends," Tallia affird, glaring at Kieran. "So don't be an to him, or you'll have to deal with !"
Regaining his composure, Kieran pointed a finger at Tallia. "You! You're the reason I worked so hard to get this strong! Let go of right now!"
He reached for a Poké Ball, but his sister seized him by the ear, making him yelp. "Read the room. No battling right now because Landon just arrived, and you're turning this place into a circus! It's lunchti anyway, so scram!" She snapped at Kieran's friends, who reluctantly followed her orders, apologizing as they passed.
Lacey and Tallia exchanged relieved looks as the group dispersed.
"Thanks for stepping in, Carmine," Lacey said with a sigh. "Things could've gotten ssy."
Carmine released Kieran, who rubbed his ear, shooting daggers at her. "You didn't have to do that, sis," he grumbled.
"Oh, but I did," Carmine replied, her tone softening as she turned to . "I'm Carmine, by the way, and quite beautiful, as you can see. I've heard a lot about you, Landon, not that it matters to , but Tallia seems to think highly of you. Welco to Blueberry Academy."
I paused, processing Carmine's self-assured introduction. It was the first ti I'd heard soone openly praise themselves in public. As I mulled over her words, Lacey approached Carmine, and Tallia ca over to .
"Carmine, could you show Landon around?" Lacey asked, adding, "You know how your brother can be. I'm sure he's pretty upset, and he tends to bully other students when he's like this. Landon also needs to finish his registration and sign up for the BB League."
"Sure, I can show him around," Carmine agreed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Not like I have anything better to do. Besides, it’s not every day I get to guide soone as... intriguing as Landon."
Tallia gave an approving look and a quick nod. "You'll be in good hands with Carmine, Landon. Just keep up."
I chuckled, shaking off the oddity of Carmine's self-complint. "Thanks, Tallia. See you later, then?"
"Absolutely. We still need to train together," Tallia replied warmly.
As Tallia turned into light and then absorbed into , Carmine turned to , her expression a mix of curiosity and challenge. "Alright, newbie. I am going to pretend like I just didn't see my best friend disappear into light like a Pokémon and go into your body. She told she was thinking about it, and I had to keep it a secret, but wow. She actually did it... does that an that... No, I am getting sidetracked! Co on Newbie! Let’s start the grand tour. First stop: the Savanna Bio."
We began our walk through the bustling halls of Blueberry Academy. Carmine led confidently, and I couldn't help but notice heads turning to watch us.
"So, what's the Savanna Bio like?" I asked, trying to start a conversation.
Carmine glanced at with a small smirk. "Looking for a new Pokémon? You are going to need them, but it's exactly as it sounds. An artificial savanna with Pokémon adapted to that environnt. It's used for training, catching, and research."
Entering the Savanna Bio, I was struck by its warmth and vastness, with tall grass, acacia trees, and various Pokémon roaming freely.
"Impressive, right?" Carmine said, crossing her arms. "I like to train here. It's one of my favorite spots."
"It’s definitely impressive," I agreed, taking in the scenery. "Must be a great place to practice strategies."
Carmine nodded, her eyes gleaming. "It is. You should see it at sunset. The whole place looks like it’s on fire... Do you want to battle?"
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