Previously on Oranges to Grapes...

On the day before the "project," Camilla, Pico and Balto confront Rima, Sylvan and Spike, only to discover that the latter trio is actually (technically) inhuman monsters. But after sustaining minor damages and shutting down unrule, the three anthros are confronted with their teacher looking down at them...

-

"In all my days as a battle studies teacher," Ms. Dendra said as she escorted Pico and Balto down the halls (with Camilla hobbling behind), "I never thought I'd see the day when something like this would happen."

"I know," Pico said, forlorn. "We broke the cardinal rule about not inconveniencing others, and there's no excuse for what we did."

"No, there isn't," Ms. Dendra punctuated, "because you three... did the right thing."

"Huh?"

"Wha?"

"I'm sorry, I'm a little far back here," Camilla interjected. "What did you say, Ms. Dendra?"

"We'll have to get into that later, but first," Ms. Dendra said as she opened the door to Miss Miriam's room, "let's get you three patched up. Miriam! I need your healing services again!"

"Again?" Miss Miriam sighed in exasperation. "Hasn't four years taught you anything?"

"Not for me this time," Ms. Dendra assured, "but some of these patients may be familiar. Kids, come on in!"

"Pico?" Miss Miriam exclaimed. "What happened to you?"

"My tail got torn off, and I don't feel so hot," Pico explained. "Also, Camilla hurt her foot, and Balto chipped a tooth or two."

"Try two," Balto said.

"Oh, you poor things!" Miss Miriam exclaimed in concern. "I'd better get you to the nurse's office so you can get the help you need. Dendra, thanks for bringing them to me."

"Well, I do know what your domain is," Ms. Dendra said, "just like my domain is enthusiastic encouragement! Trust me, kids, you're in good hands with her!"

-

(Scene transition: Academy crest)

Several minutes later.

-

"I see," Clavell said, mulling the information that Dendra gave him over. "So, I am to believe Jacq's suspicions proved correct?"

"I guess so," Dendra confirmed.

"Well, thank you for informing me promptly, Ms. Dendra. This will surely help us along greatly in the future. Now, if you'll excuse me," Clavell said, "I need to bring our three newest students in for questioning... after their treatment is administered, that is. Dismissed."

"Right!" Dendra said before going back to her class.

As soon as Clavell was the only person in his office again, he spoke into a microphone on his desk. "Camilla Otore, Pico Hatsuki and Balto Mijuumi, please report to the director's office at your earliest convenience. Again, Camilla, Pico and Balto, to the director's office as soon as you can, please."

-

At Camilla, Pico and Balto's earliest convenience.

-

The door to Clavell's office was opened, and Miriam was shown escorting Pico with a used napkin in his hand, Balto wearing a surgical mask, and Camilla with a cast on her foot. "You wanted to see us, Director Clavell?" the lattermost asked.

"Ah, good, you came. Please come in, and take your time."

"Perhaps it would help if I came in and explained their situation, Director Clavell?" the nurse-slash-health teacher asked.

"Very well, miss Miriam," the director admitted. "You may state your case once everyone is situated."

Once again, the three anthros walked past the lab equipment and stood at Clavell's desk, but with miss Miriam following close behind.

"Now, miss Miriam," Clavell said once everyone was in position, "what must I know about these three?"

"Well," Miriam listed off, "from what I saw, Camilla only has a muscle spasm, but a sharp one in her right ankle down to her heel, which can be resolved with plenty of bed rest and alternating between ice and heat. Balto has minor fractures in his canine teeth, but that can be worked around if he changes his diet to softer foods and brushes his teeth with special flouride enamel repair toothpaste."

"And what of Pico," Clavell inquired, "one of your own homeroom students?"

"His tail was torn out of its socket," Miriam explained, "and it drained him of some of his energy. But if he keeps using medicated bandages, it should heal up enough to start growing back in a few days, after which he needs to keep eating his three squares with B-vitamins to help it along."

"I see," Clavell said, mulling the new information over. "Well, thank you for informing me of the situation, miss Miriam. Now, if you'll excuse us, I need to speak to these students."

"Of course, Director," Miriam said. "I'll just be on standby outside the office in case they still need me. Remember what I told you, kids!"

"We will, Miss Miriam!" the three anthros said.

As soon as the door was closed, however, they braced themselves for what the director had to say. "Now, then," he said, "I am quite certain that you are aware of what Ms. Dendra informed me of while you were being seen to?"

"I believe I can answer that, Director Clavell," Pico said, having patiently listened to the conversation. "She told you about us using our Pokemon against three fellow students. And we know that's no excuse for breaking rule number three of the code of conduct."

"Exactly," Clavell punctuated, "and I appreciate you owning up to that transgression. But from what Ms. Dendra told me, you three... did the right thing."

"I repeat: Huh?" Pico said.

"I repeat: Wha?" Balto said.

"Okay, that's twice we've heard that sentence," Camilla tacked on. "Pardon my Kalosian, Director Clavell, but with all due respect... The Distortion World do you and Ms. Dendra mean 'we did the right thing?'"

"Well, the bluntness of your question wasn't quite necessary," Clavell answered, "but I'm glad you asked all the same. In fact, someone else would appreciate that question as well."

"Who, Director Clavell?" Balto asked, tilting his head to the side.

"Watch the screen, and you'll find out."

And with a few taps of his Rotom Phone, the TV screen lit up with a loading icon for a few seconds. The image was then changed to Professor Jacq's face. "Oh, Director Clavell! Wasn't expecting to hear from you again so soon! So, what can I do you for?"

"The reason I called you, Professor, is because there has been a development in the situation," Clavell explained. "These three students of mine have just exposed and silenced three sleeper agents!"

-

To be continued.