Previously on Oranges to Grapes: The Tree of Masks...

While the Pomegranetes are asleep in Kitakami, Terry gathers them in their dreams to touch base with them about their mission, telling them the local legends of the land before hinting that what they're looking for is in the water...

-

The next morning, the students had gathered in the lobby of the rec center, and Briar and the caretaker were standing before them. "Good morning, everyone!" Briar greeted.

"Good morning, Ms. Briar," the students replied.

"Now, I hope everyone got plenty of rest last night," Briar said, "because today, the real task of our field trip begins!"

"And here's how it works," the caretaker said, taking over. "You'll all be traveling around Kitakami, looking for signboards that explain the local legends of our land. Once you find a signboard, your next step is to take a photo of yourselves in front of it with your Rotom Phones. There are three signboards all around Kitakami, and once you've taken photos in front of them all, the project is complete. Simple, right?"

"But let's not make the assignment the only reason we're here, okay?" Briar added, taking control back. "We're also here to enjoy what this cozy little corner of the globe has to offer its visitors... like the annual Festival of Masks!"

That got the attention raised from the students, which the caretaker noticed. "Now, I've been told to understand that one of the students joining us is a former native Kitakamite, so I'd like to ask her not to spoil the experience for anyone else who wants to explore the land for themselves."

"Yes, caretaker," Camilla said, feeling called out.

"Good," the caretaker said with a smile. "Now, with all the context out of the way, go forth and explore the land of Kitakami!"

The group got up from their seats and exited the rec center... but only Gari was eager to find all of the signposts and get his selfies. The other three stayed in the center of Mossui Town because there was a loose end they had to tie up.

"Alright, Pico," Camilla said, regarding the lizard, "have you had time to settle and think about what happened yesterday?"

"I have," Pico answered. "And if I ever happen to meet that other rabbit again, I will be sure to apologize to him; not for what I did, but for how I did it. I just hope he hasn't stewed about what happened."

"Hold that thought," the bunny said as she took out her Rotom Phone and made a call.

"Hello?"

"The stovetop has cooled," Camilla said. "Repeat, the stovetop has cooled."

"Copy that, I'm on my way," the other voice said before the connection was ended.

Balto was about to ask who she was calling, but just as quickly, his ears picked up the sound of a door closing. Coming from the house below the one on top of the hill was Samuel, now with a bandage on his paw to help the sting from yesterday. "Here he comes now," the husky piped up.

"Hello, cousin," Camilla said after Samuel met up with the group.

"Hi, Cammie," Samuel replied.

"There's someone who has something to say to you," the female rabbit said before she let Pico have the con.

"Hi," the lizard said. "Listen, before it's too late for the healing process to start, I have something to say in my defense. I will admit I do tend to run hot from time to time, but I can promise you, I am not a bad person. I only reacted the way I did because I was following Trainer protocol and took 'not so fast' as a challenge. I am capable of meeting new people and welcoming them into my world, and can be open to entering other people's worlds as well. So, I am sorry I took our battle too far and hope we can give this a do-over... please."

Samuel regarded the lizard's words, and after thinking it over a bit, he smiled and said, "Sure, I can do that."

"Alright, then let me try this again," Pico said before he held out his... other hand. "Hi, my name is Pico Hatsuki, and I am not a bad person."

"Nice to meet you, Pico," Samuel said as he shook the lizard's hand with his un-stung paw.

"And this is my other friend, Balto Mijuumi," Pico said as he gestured to the husky.

"Hi," Balto said with a smile on his muzzle and a wag in his tail.

"And her you already remember," Pico added as he regarded Camilla, "but I'd imagine that it's been a long time since you've seen each other face-to-face."

"It really has," Camilla confirmed.

"Alright, now it's my turn to try again," Samuel said. "Hello, Pico, Balto... and Camilla. My name is Samuel Otore, and welcome to the land of Kitakami!"

-

To be continued.