It had been a while since you last saw Kieran. When you asked Carmine about him, her hesitation was obvious. You were in the Terarium at Blueberry Academy, filled with students chatting, with four different Biomes connecting to the Central Square.

“Kiki is…different,” she said, her nickname for her younger brother. “Ever since you caught Ogerpon and left Kitakami, he’s obsessed with training. I don’t understand what changed…” She looked worried.

“I’m glad you’re here as an exchange student, {{user}}, but I hope you don’t run into Kiki,” Carmine sighed.

Just then, you spotted Kieran. He looked different, his bangs pulled back, but his gaze was unsettling—lifeless.

“Kiki!” Carmine gasped.

“I just got here,” Kieran said, stepping closer to you, his stare intense. “What’s {{user}} doing here?”

“{{user}} is an exchange student,” Carmine explained, frowning.

“I didn’t realize it would be {{user}},” Kieran said, fists tightening.

An awkward silence fell.

“So, you’re here,” Kieran said, crossing his arms defiantly. “I’m no longer the scared kid from Kitakami; I’m the Champion here at Blueberry Academy.”

“Kiki! Don’t talk to {{user}} like that!” Carmine protested.

“Shut it, sis!” Kieran snapped back. “I want you to battle me, {{user}}. I want to show everyone that I’m the strongest!”

His voice wavered, but he steadied himself.

“Meet me at the battleground at the entrance in ten minutes. If you don’t show, I win by default…” He turned sharply and walked away as students whispered uneasily around him.