Archive of Our Own

On the first day, it wasn’t immediately obvious.

Kieran thought he had set his alarm, but he woke later than he wanted, which instantly irritated him. He’d planned on getting out and training before breakfast, but now that had been ruined. He’d have to stay out later tonight instead.

Not wanting to waste another moment, he hastily dressed and left the house without stopping to eat. He was going out to the wilds to find whatever tough pokemon he could to practice on.

At least, that was his plan, until he stepped out of the door.

“W-What’re you doin’ here?!”

“Kieran! That’s no way to speak to a guest,” his grandfather chastised, but Kieran was too flabbergasted to pay any mind.

She wasn’t supposed to be here. She should have been on a plane, far, far away from here, where she couldn’t humiliate him any further.

Yet there was Juliana, still with her hair swept up in the style his grandmother had done for her, giving him a smile in greeting, the picture of innocence. As if this wasn’t a complete and total paradox.

“What did you do to your hair, Kiki?” Carmine’s words finally broke him out of his stupor. Kieran blinked rapidly and reached up to touch the piece of his fringe that refused to stay in his experimental ponytail.

“…Just tryin’ something different.” He swallowed, eyes still fixed on Juliana, beyond confused. “I thought you were goin’ home today.”

Juliana raised a brow. “No…that’s tomorrow.” She tilted her head, concern warming her chocolate brown eyes. Like she actually cared. “You okay? You look a little pale.”

Was this some kind of prank? It wasn’t enough that Juliana took away the ogre, she had to make him feel like he was losing his mind as well? Or had she decided not to go back with her classmates and stay around just to remind him of his weakness? But as he looked at Carmine and his grandfather, their expressions mirrored hers.

“Um…’scuse me.” Kieran spun around and sprinted back into the house. His grandmother was in the living room with the morning paper and a cup of tea. “Can I see that, Gramma?”

“Of course, dear.” She handed him the paper and he read the date.

Yesterday’s date.

Kieran was gripping the page hard enough to leave little tears on the edge. “I-Isn’t this yesterday’s paper?” he croaked.

Now his grandmother had the same look as everyone outside. “No, it’s today’s. I just brought it in before you got up.” She took it back gently and touched her hand to his forehead. “Is everything alright, dear?”

Kieran couldn’t answer. He didn’t know how.

It was even more obvious that this wasn’t a hoax when Kieran went into town. Ms. Briar and all the other students from Juliana’s school were still there. People were talking about the Loyal Three as if they’d never heard the truth he’d revealed. Peachy’s was running their Monday special on pokeballs.

Time had reset, and he was the only one that knew.

His head was spinning trying to unravel this situation. How had this happened? Why had this happened and why was he left unaffected? And most importantly…was it possible to change yesterday?

Because he realized that if today was yesterday, Juliana hadn’t caught Ogrepon yet. She was still out there on the mountain, and the Loyal Three were still dead at the monument. The masks were still in Kitakami Hall, except for the teal mask that his grandfather was repairing. Kieran hadn’t yet lost to Juliana for the final time, solidifying to both her and Ogrepon that he wasn’t good enough.

He had a second chance.

Whether this was some kind of cosmic gift or a fluke in space-time, he couldn’t say. What he did know was that he wasn’t going to let today be like yesterday. This time, Ogrepon would be his. This time, he was going to beat Juliana once and for all.

An hour later, Kieran was at the Dreaded Den with all four masks. Going to the Lousy Three monument last time had been a mistake. He should have known, he’d read that signboard hundreds of times after all. The teal mask brought life, bringing it to the monument was what had woken those traitors. Without them, Juliana and Carmine wouldn’t have the opportunity to play hero and retrieve the masks for Ogrepon.

Taking the masks from Kitakami Hall, though, had made him uneasy. The masks rightfully belonged to Ogrepon, but no one knew that anymore. Or yet. Either way, it felt like stealing, but without them, how could he get Ogrepon to trust him?

“Ogrepon!” Kieran called out, his voice echoing back around the mountain. “C’mon out, Ogrepon! I have your masks!”

Silence.

Figures.

Kieran huffed and plopped down by the opening of the cave to wait, as he had dozens of times over the years. She’d never shown herself then, but now that he had something of hers, maybe she would finally come out.

The sound of footsteps had his heart skipping a beat, until he realized that it wasn’t just one set. There were several, coupled with voices calling his name.

 “Kieran, there you are!”

“Gramps?” He wasn’t alone. Juliana and Carmine were trailing behind him, along with the caretaker from Kitakami Hall.

“This is unacceptable behavior, Hideko. I would have expected more out of your grandson,” the caretaker said. “Give those masks back to me, boy. They don’t belong to you.”

Kieran grit his teeth, ignoring the flush of shame from embarrassing his grandfather. “They don’t belong to you either,” he snapped back. “They belong to Ogrepon, and I’m gonna give ‘em back to her.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Juliana and Carmine exchange a shocked look.

“Watch your mouth, boy!” the caretaker said. “I don’t know what you’re on about, but those masks are historical artifacts. You had no right to take them.”

“Kiki, please, just give them back,” Carmine urged. “I know you love the ogre, but this isn’t the way to help her.”

Kieran’s gaze shifted from his grandfather to his sister and then finally to Juliana. The look she was giving him was laden with guilt, and for a moment he relished it. She should feel guilty. For lying, for acting like she was his friend and betraying him, for taking Ogrepon, even though that hadn’t happened yet. He wanted to fight her again, but it occurred to him that because time had reset, all the pokemon he’d caught and trained yesterday were gone.

“Ponyo?”

Everyone turned towards the sound. Ogrepon was cautiously peering out from around a boulder.

“What is that?!” the caretaker cried. “Is that the ogre?! St-Stay back! Get away!”

Ogrepon shrank back at the shouting and then turned to run away.

“Wait!” Kieran pushed past the group, chasing her back down the narrow path from the Dreaded Den, ignoring Carmine and Juliana calling after him. Ogrepon was fast, but Kieran was desperate, and he refused to let her out of his sight as she raced up the mountain towards Paradise Barrens. Her vibrant green cloak popped against the gray landscape, making it easier to track her until she dipped into one of the caves to hide. Kieran slipped in behind her, staying in the entryway so that she couldn’t escape.

Panting heavily, Kieran held out the masks. “H-Here…Take ‘em.” This had to work. She couldn’t refuse to be his partner after returning something so precious to her. But with all four masks proffered, Ogrepon remained pressed against the wall, wide eyes frightened as she stared at him. “What? What’s wrong?”

“Kieran!”

Juliana was standing outside the cave, alone. She must have ridden her kaiju to get here ahead of the others. Ogrepon spotted her and scurried around Kieran to get to her side, causing him to see red.

“NO! You’re supposed to go with me this time!” he snarled.

“This time?” Juliana looked as confused as he’d felt this morning. “What are you talking-”

“I looked for you for years! I believed in you! I’m the ONLY one who believed in you!” Frustrated tears were welling in his eyes. Ogrepon whimpered, pressing closer to Juliana.

“Kieran, you’re scaring her,” she said, putting a hand on the ogre’s head. The words cut through him, forcing him to confront the sight of Ogrepon cowering. No, this wasn’t what he wanted. He wanted her to trust him, not fear him. But the masks weren’t enough, of course, not when he was still weak. She’d never choose him when she could have Juliana.

He certainly wouldn’t.

Enraged, Kieran flung the masks to the ground and bolted from the cave. This was even worse than yesterday. At least he’d had a fighting chance then, but now he’d been stripped of any advantage he’d given himself and he’d dragged his grandfather into trouble. Meanwhile, Juliana still won without even having to battle him.

What had he done to deserve this?

The second day started much like the first.

Kieran had gone straight home from the barrens and locked himself in his room for the rest of the day, refusing to come out to eat or speak to anyone. Both his grandparents and Carmine had come to the door, but their words fell flat at the threshold. Nothing anyone could say to him right now could soothe the heartache of watching his dream be shattered twice.

He’d set his alarm again, but it never went off. He woke at precisely the same minute as yesterday. The house was calm. The sun was out. His grandmother was in the living room with her tea and the morning paper. Outside, Carmine, his grandfather, and Juliana were all standing exactly where they’d been the morning before, unaware that they were putting on a repeat performance.

“What did you do to your hair, Kiki?” Carmine asked again.

The de ja vu was disorienting, and Kieran ignored her question entirely. He looked directly at Juliana, ignorant of the encore of pain she’d caused him. Still pretending that she was his friend when she was harboring a backstabbing secret. But without Ogrepon once again.

Another chance.

Kieran didn’t speak, simply leaving the yard. There was no point in bothering with the masks this time. He had to catch the toughest pokemon he could find and train them until nightfall. If it was strength Ogrepon wanted, then that’s what she would get.

When he reached the Dreaded Den this time, it was with a full party and a fire in his belly. There was no possible way he could lose to Juliana this time, armed with three dragons, Kingambit, Basculegion, and Grimsnarl. If he’d had more time, he could have come up with better strategies for using them, but the raw power should have been enough.

It wasn’t.

Kieran dropped to the ground much like he had the first time, numb. When he remained silent, Juliana approached him, putting a hand on his shoulder. “You did really well, Kieran. You nearly had me.”

He looked up into her pretty face, that four days ago (though technically still two) had made his stomach swoop with hope of lasting friendship. Led him to believe that she understood him, that he was more to her than just a pesky partner she’d been burdened with. Now he only felt patronized. Pitied. He roughly shook her off and left, refusing to watch her take Ogrepon for a third time. He thought he’d caught the strongest pokemon in all of Kitakami, but as he descended the mountain it occurred to him that he was wrong.

There were others.

On the third day, he took the teal mask again and returned to Loyalty Plaza. It was a bit nerve-wracking, knowing how they’d behaved the first time, but outside of Ogrepon, they were the strongest in Kitakami. If he had to face Ogrepon directly, he wouldn’t have considered this an option, but since Juliana didn’t have her yet…

The trio burst from the monument just as they had before, and Kieran held up the mask to get their attention. “You remember this right? Remember the ogre?”

Despite their animalistic features, Kieran was sure they were smirking.

This time he won.

There was some shock when he brought out the first of the Loyal Three, but Juliana hadn’t backed down. She hit him with everything she had, the moves he was starting to memorize with each rematch, but he’d finally rubbed her advantage. At last, Meowscarada went down with a satisfying cry of defeat. Kieran recalled Fezandipiti to its ball, the adrenaline leaving him shaking and exhilarated. He did it. Ogrepon was finally his.

Carmine was sneering at him in disappointment. “I can’t believe you, Kiki. After knowing what those Lousy Three did to poor Ogrepon, you go and make them your friends?”

“They got the job done,” Kieran said simply. “Now Ogrepon knows who the strongest trainer is.” He shot a glare at Juliana, whose expression was unreadable as she stared at him. The intensity in her eyes made him squirm, and so he put his focus onto Ogrepon instead. “C’mon, Ogrepon. You’re gonna be my partner now.” Kieran held out a pokeball, ready to catch her.

Ogrepon had her arms curled inward, timidly taking a step forward and then stopping. She looked behind her at Juliana. “Pon…Ponyo!” The little pokemon turned around and scrambled back over to Juliana, hiding behind her.

It felt like the ground vanished beneath Kieran’s feet.

“No. I won. I’m stronger, you’re supposed to go with me!” he shouted, throwing the empty ball in fury. It cracked against the stone, and Ogrepon shrank back further.

“I told you, Kiki, you have to think of Ogrepon’s feelings too!” Carmine said. “And now you went and teamed up with her enemies, of course she doesn’t wanna go with you.

“Shut up!” he barked, then marched over to Juliana. “Move out of the way.”

Juliana, despite having lost, kept her chin inclined, brown eyes sparkling in defiance. “No. You can’t force her to go with you if she doesn’t want to.”

“AGH!” Kieran pulled at his hair, causing pieces of it to fall from the ponytail back into his face. “I beat you, that was the deal! I waited for years to meet Ogrepon and you find her and take her from me in two days! Why should you get to have her? Why do you get to have everything I want?!”

The way her face softened made him sick. “I’m not trying to take anything from you. It was an accident, Kieran, I didn’t mean to-”

“Lying to me wasn’t an accident! Sneakin’ around with Carmine wasn’t an accident!” The tears were back and Kieran refused to let them fall in front of her again, scrubbing harshly over his face.

“I know…I know, and I’m sorry,” Juliana said, and her voice sounded so earnest. He could almost believe her. “I never meant to hurt you.” She reached out, fingers brushing his shoulder, but he stepped back before she could fully touch him.

“Just go home and leave me alone!” Kieran ran away before he could completely break down. Not that it really mattered.

Juliana wouldn’t remember tomorrow how pathetic he must look.

On the fourth day, Kieran didn’t leave his room once. Why bother? It was obvious now that this wasn’t meant as an opportunity. This was a curse, and no matter what he did, the outcome wasn’t going to change.

That didn’t mean he had to make himself watch the replay.

On the fifth day, Kieran wasn’t feeling much better, but he knew he couldn’t stay cooped up forever. He dragged himself from bed and got dressed, not bothering with pushing his hair back this time. He had no plans to train when it was a fruitless effort.

By the time he got outside, Carmine and Juliana had already left, but his grandfather was still in the yard. Kieran sat on the bench outside the window with his eyes closed, taking a deep breath of the fresh, Kitakami air. Sometimes he forgot how stale and artificial the atmosphere was at Blueberry. Here at home, he could indulge in the earthy scent of the fields, the mist off the river, the crisp sweetness in the orchards.

“What’s the matter, Kieran?” his grandfather asked. “You look down.”

Kieran stayed silent for a moment before opening his eyes again. If this was all going to reset tomorrow anyway, there was no point in pretending. “I know about the ogre. I overheard you talkin’ the- yesterday.”

He’d expected his grandfather to be surprised, but the old man only tugged on the end of his beard. “I see…I would have thought you’d be more upset.

Kieran restrained a bitter laugh. If only he knew. “Why did they lie? Why would they leave me out when they know I love the ogre more than anyone?”

Now his grandfather was quiet, eyeing him thoughtfully. “I can’t speak for them, but perhaps that is why,” he said, sagely. “To protect your feelings.”

I never meant to hurt you.

Juliana’s words flashed through his mind, but it only aggravated him further. If she had really wanted to protect his feelings, she wouldn’t have gone looking for the ogre in the first place. She wouldn’t have ditched him for his sister. She wouldn’t have given him a taste of what it was like to have a friend and so cruelly ripped it from his grasp.

That was the part that hurt more than anything. Ogrepon’s rejection, he could blame that on himself for his weakness. Carmine leaving him out, that was nothing that new. Juliana’s betrayal…Maybe that was his fault too, for letting himself believe anyone would ever like him.

Knowing that Carmine would be gone for a while, Kieran snuck into her room to use her computer. If he couldn’t change the outcome of this day, then he wanted out of the loop. There had to be a way to break this curse and free himself.

A search for ‘same day repeating curse’ brought up a few pages on myths and legends, but nothing concrete enough to help. He tried adding ‘Kitakami’, but that didn’t change the results. The only other link was for an old movie called Watchog Day. He skimmed through the plot summary, which hit a little too close to home; a man stuck in a small town, doomed to live the same day again and again until he made things right.

Kieran scowled at the screen. He’d already tried to make things right, and that hadn’t gotten him anywhere. Winning against Juliana had backfired. Proving himself to Ogrepon wasn’t possible, because there was no way to become strong enough in twenty-four hours. Surely this couldn’t be meant to last for eternity, there had to be an exit.

Nibbling on his thumbnail, he tried to think. What else had happened the first time? He left in the morning to train (which was pointless now when all his progress would be erased), took the teal mask to the monument (that didn’t go well in any scenario), told the whole village that Ogrepon was innocent (that was a good thing, he shouldn’t have to change that), and battled Juliana (that was a lost cause).

What was he missing?

Kieran figured the best way to find out would be to experiment, and so he began day six by leaving the house in time to see Carmine and Juliana.

“Kiki, you’d better go kill time somewhere.”

Might as well start at the beginning. “No.”

Carmine clenched her fists. “What?”

Kieran raised his chin. “No. I know what you’re doin’ and I’m not gonna be left out this time.”

For a moment, it looked like Carmine would try to deny there was anything to be left out of, but Kieran held her gaze until it turned to daggers. She rounded on Juliana. “You told him, didn’t you? I told you to keep quiet!”

Juliana frowned. “I didn’t say anything! He probably figured it out because you’re acting suspicious.”

“Children, please,” his grandfather said, stepping in. “Carmine, perhaps it’s best if you tell the truth.” Kieran folded his arms, and his gaze drifted to Juliana. She was looking back, and there was guilt again in the curve of her delicate eyebrows.

Growling, Carmine flung her hands up. “Fine! We met the ogre and we have her mask. But you weren’t supposed to find out until we were ready to give it back to her.”

“We didn’t mean to,” Juliana was quick to add. “She stumbled into the festival, and I happened to see her, and…I’m sorry, Kieran, I know you wanted to find her so badly.” She came a little closer, her hand was extended again, and he stepped back.

“Whatever. I don’t wanna talk about it, I just wanna go with you.” Carmine didn’t look pleased about it, but she didn’t protest either, and with another huff she marched out of the yard. Kieran cast one last look at Juliana before following behind. A moment later he heard her footsteps bringing up the rear.

Tense silence accompanied the trio as they hiked up Oni Mountain. Kieran wasn’t sure what he was going to accomplish by going along this time. Nothing felt ‘right’ about this. If anything, he found himself stewing even more in his anger around the entire situation. It figured that it was Carmine’s idea to keep him in the dark. She still saw him as a kid, she never thought he could handle anything. But why did she have to go and make Juliana think that too?

Though he hadn’t given her much reason to think otherwise, had he? He made a fool of himself in every battle (that she knew of) and spilled to her about being bullied and sheltered. Of course she thought he was a loser. He just wished she’d told him that upfront instead of toying with his emotions.

About halfway through their journey, said brunette power-walked up an incline to catch up to him. The late morning sun caught on the cascading waves falling from his grandmother’s hairstyle, bringing out shimmering highlights. Kieran averted his eyes.

“Can we talk?” she asked and took his silence as permission to continue. “I really, really am sorry, Kieran. I didn’t even know it was the ogre until her mask came off, I thought she was a lost kid.” Juliana fiddled with the strap on her glove, the crisp sound of hooks and loops bouncing off the rock. “I didn’t want to lie.”

“Then why did you?” Kieran asked in a clipped tone.

She chewed on her lip. “I would say Carmine made me do it, but…I remembered how you said you spent so much time on the mountain looking for the ogre...I thought you’d be upset if you knew I met her after a few days of being here.”

The words struck a chord, vibrating in resonance with what he’d said to her in one of their erased confrontations. And it was true. He was upset that Ogrepon had shown herself to a stranger when half his childhood was spent on Oni Mountain. But Juliana wasn’t just any stranger. She radiated power and warmth and kindness.

It was the same aura that drew him to her too.

“I’d rather that than being lied to,” Kieran said bitterly. “I thought you were my friend.”

Juliana’s already big brown eyes went even wider. “I am your friend.” She touched his shoulder, but he wrenched away.

“You sure have a funny way of showin’ it,” he sniped. “Lying, leavin’ me behind, hiding something from me that you know I love.” His lip curled as his rage reached a boiling point. “You were never my friend. Ever since you got here, you just keep ruinin’ everything. I wish…I wish I never even met you!”

The words bounced around them, emphasizing the sentiment. Juliana’s hand retreated to her chest like it had been burned. “I’m sorry…” she whispered. “I never meant to hurt you.”

“Well, you did,” Kieran finished coldly, and then started walking faster, ignoring the pang in his chest. It was someone else’s turn to be hurt for once, and he soaked in the satisfaction of the wobble in her lip as he turned away.

Besides not tracking down the Lousy Three, everything else was essentially the same. Juliana returned Ogrepon’s mask, they cleared her name in the village, and Ogrepon was happily sealed away in a pokeball at the hip of her chosen partner. Kieran hadn’t asked for a battle, not self-hating enough to put himself through that again.

His descent from the mountain was slow and pensive.

He would have thought he’d feel better after telling off Juliana, but it didn’t bring him any peace. Her normally bright face had remained dull for the rest of the day, and when she attempted to smile it didn’t reach her eyes. Even the knowledge that everything would revert back tomorrow couldn’t fully assuage the nagging guilt.

He hadn’t really meant what he said. Meeting Juliana had been one of the most exciting things that had ever happened to him. He was surrounded by powerful trainers at Blueberry Academy, but she was the first to ever talk to him like they were equals. She hadn’t mocked him when he continually lost against her, or for believing in the ogre legends. She treated him like his own person, even spent extra time with him that she didn’t have to.

It was exactly the kind of friendship he’d always wanted. If it had been genuine.

So why should he feel bad that he yelled at her? He was the one that lost everything. He was the one that got cast out. He was the one trapped in a never-ending nightmare.

Yet he couldn’t shake the image of Juliana’s crushed expression from his mind.

As Kieran lay in bed with the newest memory of the same old story, he allowed the tears to roll down his face freely. He would do anything to get out of this torturous loop, but clearly whoever had cursed him was not yet satisfied. Would this continue until he died? Or would he never age because time kept resetting? Would it only end when his spirit had been completely broken?

Closing his eyes, he tried to sleep, resigned to his miserable new existence.

Day seven left Kieran with no energy to be angry.

In fact, he didn’t have much energy for anything. It wasn’t like it would make a difference anyway. Nothing he felt, did, or said changed anything. Sure, the paths may twist, but the destination remained the same: Juliana with Ogrepon, and Kieran alone.

He was so tired of it. Tired of the loneliness, tired of being treated like he was fragile, tired of losing, tired of crying. This time loop was a microcosm of his entire life, and as far as he could see, there was no way out. Maybe it was just better to lay here until he withered away.

When the mask was repaired this time, Juliana came to his bedroom door.

“Kieran? Can I come in?”

“Whatever.” He hadn’t moved from the bed, sprawled on his back and staring at the ceiling as he wallowed in his eternal prison. The door opened and he heard her step inside. Ordinarily, he’d be embarrassed that his room was decorated with dirty laundry and candy wrappers, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care today.

Juliana approached and suddenly she was hovering above him, heart-shaped face pinched with concern. “Are you alright?”

“No.” He swallowed back the lump of emotion forming in his throat and pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes.

Kieran felt the bed dip next to him. “You know, don’t you?” He could only nod, not trusting his voice. “Kieran…I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to find her, I thought she was a lost kid.”

“S’not just that.” Kieran let his hands fall away. Where yesterday he’d wanted to lash out at her apology, today he felt only sorrow. “You lied to me, Julie…after everythin’ I told you…”

Juliana had the grace to look ashamed, wringing her hands together in her lap. “I know…I shouldn’t have done that.” She cast her gaze away. “I thought you’d be upset if you found out I met the ogre when you’ve been looking for her for years…” Her eyes returned to his, two saucers of rich cocoa. “I never meant to hurt you.”

There were those words again, but with his mental thunderclouds having dissolved into rain, they hit his ears differently. She had hurt him, that couldn’t be undone, but it finally clicked that she wasn’t doing it on purpose. From her perspective, she was actively trying not to hurt him, even if it hadn’t worked as planned.

Was he being too hard on her? She had made a mistake, and it was a really big mistake to him, but faced with it multiple times over, she took responsibility. Apologized. Tried to be kind to him. He found himself wanting to sink into it, to let her warmth envelope him and burn away all his negativity. It was just so hard to trust that it was genuine.

Kieran finally pushed himself to sit up, feeling awkward at his current angle. His hair was half pushed back, the loose pieces scattering around his face haphazardly. He realized he was still in his pajamas, which only made him look more childish with their vibrant Lotad print. “What do you care if you hurt me? I’m not your friend.”

Juliana’s eyebrows peaked together, and she touched his elbow. He didn’t pull away. “Of course you are. Why would you say that?”

“Cause I’m not cool like you,” Kieran said, sniffling. “I’m weak. Everyone babies me or picks on me. I’ve never been on adventures or met strong pokemon or won league battles. I’m not even good enough for Ogrepon to trust.” He swiped over his eyes with his sleeve. “Why would you wanna be friends with someone like me?”

“Kieran…” Juliana’s hand slid up his arm, a gentle caress that sent a shiver down his back. She stopped at his shoulder, squeezing lightly. “Friendship isn’t supposed to be about any of that stuff. It’s about liking the person as they are.” She offered him a smile, refreshed to its usual sunny brightness. “And I like you. You’re sweet and thoughtful and you are definitely not weak. There’s more to being strong than winning in battles.”

As she spoke, Kieran studied her face, searching for any cracks in her façade and finding none. There was only sincerity, overflowing to flood his heart and wash out the festering wounds. No one had ever said such nice things about him before. Lip trembling, he couldn’t help seeking one last reassurance. “Really?”

Juliana indulged him. “Absolutely.”

He believed her.

For the first time in over a week, Kieran’s chest didn’t feel like it was made of lead, and though there was moisture in his eyes, he didn’t try to fight it. A smile tugged at his lips. She really meant it. It still felt too good to be true, but Kieran couldn’t resist soaking this in.

“I like you, too,” he murmured. Because he did. He had from the very first moment, and though it was temporarily buried under layers of pain and anguish, it had never gone away.

Being so close, he was treated to the rosy flush that passed across her nose, cheek to cheek. “I promise, no more lying.” She took her hand from his shoulder and lifted her pinky to seal her oath. Kieran hooked it with his own. “Now, come on, get dressed. Let’s give Ogrepon her mask back together.” Juliana stood and offered her hand.

Kieran took it and pulled himself up. She didn’t know yet that Ogrepon wouldn’t take the mask from him, but somehow the ache from that inevitability wasn't as strong now.

At least he was coming out of this with one friend.

Day eight started out smoothly.

Kieran got dressed early to wait for Juliana’s return. She apologized again, but he didn’t make her work for forgiveness. It seemed to surprise her, how easily he took the revelation, but she didn’t question it. Good thing. There was no possible way he could explain it.

They walked side by side to the Dreaded Den this time. It was easy to fall right back in step, and Kieran remembered how excited he’d been to spend another day with her after that first night at the festival. Now he’d get as many days as he wanted.

Juliana was looking around as they walked, a soft smile on her face. They were passing under one of the rock bridges, shadows and light dancing over them. “Kitakami really is beautiful,” she said. “I love how natural everything is.”

The words made Kieran swell with pride for his hometown. “Me too. It’s peaceful.” That was another positive about his predicament. At least he was stuck somewhere that he loved.

“Yeah,” Juliana agreed. “I’ll be sad to leave when this trip is over.”

That gave him pause, realizing that her trip was never going to be over. Up to now Kieran had been focused on himself, but he realized that as long as he was locked in this curse, so was everyone else in town, including Juliana. They were all unwitting victims of whatever cruel deity had tied the ends of time together.

Kieran scratched a hand through his hair. Obviously, he couldn’t tell this to Juliana, so he played along. “You can come visit. I’d be happy to see you again.”

The excitement in her eyes set off fireworks in his chest. “I’d really like that.” He couldn’t help a smile, even as guilt simmered in his stomach. It wasn’t fair. Juliana shouldn’t have to suffer on his behalf, even if she didn’t know. He just wished he knew how to get her out of this.

On the ninth day, Kieran tried again to find a solution.

He combed over every last detail of the day’s events, dissecting his words, his actions, his decisions, hoping something would jump out at him as the obvious moment that needed to be changed to end the loop.

If the answer was in there, it was so obscure that he’d probably never find it.

By the time Juliana came to the house, he was starting to wonder if he was approaching this all wrong. Why was he putting his faith in a blurb about a movie and inconsistent myths he found online? What if there was no way out except the mercy of the curse-caster once they had their fun?

Defiance puffed in his chest. If that was the case, then Kieran wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction of worrying about it any longer. He still felt bad that everyone else had to repeat the day with him, but his captor had to get bored of him eventually. Until then, he was going to make the most of this. For him and Juliana.

Which was why he took Juliana to the Timeless Woods for a picnic that evening.

It was a major diversion from the usual, but it was one of the quietest, prettiest places in Kitakami, and Kieran thought she’d really like it. Having already caught Ogrepon for the day, she let her out when they got there so she could explore, along with the rest of her team. Kieran released his pokemon as well, realizing that he hadn’t let them out since the last battle he’d attempted. They probably didn’t notice, but he still felt like they should get some air.

“This is a great spot,” Juliana said as she assembled sandwiches for them. The setting sun was casting a glowing halo around her. Kieran caught himself staring and flushed as he busied himself with rearranging stuff on the table aimlessly.

“Y-Yeah. I don’t come back here much, but I thought it might be nice.” His eyes flitted back to her with a little smile, pleased that she approved. Ogrepon came racing towards them, Dipplin hot on her tail, playfully tackling her to the ground. Kieran giggled. “She seems real happy.”

Juliana was smiling as well. “I hope so. And I hope she likes Paldea. It’s pretty different from Kitakami.”

Though he wasn’t sure when or if they’d ever get back, Kieran wasn’t worried. “She’ll be alright. She’ll be with you.”

Her smile waned at this, and she dropped her gaze, hands slowing as she spread jam on their sandwiches. “I feel bad,” she said softly. “You were the one that always believed she was innocent, and she must have seen you on the mountain over the years…I don’t know why she picked me.”

It was the first time in all nine days that Juliana had said anything like this, and Kieran was a little stunned. He was supposed to be the self-doubting one here. “Course she picked you, Julie. You like her just how she is and...you make her feel like she's worth somethin'.” Kieran looked at Ogrepon, still rolling happily in the grass with Dipplin. He'd always identified with the image of the ogre born of stories, but as he got to know the real Ogrepon, they were actually a lot alike. He understood her decision better than ever now.

He looked back at the brunette, who had lifted her head again. “No matter how much I want to be that person…it’s her choice. And m’glad if it was anyone else that it was you.” Besides, for the foreseeable…recycled past, he still got the chance to be friends with Ogrepon, even if he couldn’t be her trainer.

The Volbeat and Illumise had just started to emerge, setting their backdrop twinkling in gold. Even in the dim light, Kieran could see the dusting of pink on Juliana’s face, bookending her shy smile. “You’re very sweet, Kieran.”

Now it was his turn to blush. “S’just the truth.” He sent a smile back, heart suddenly thudding harder against his ribs. Why was he so nervous? She was holding his gaze, leaning slightly forward, expectant. Kieran swallowed, scooting his chair closer…

A splash of jam hit his face, as the table rocked with the impact of Ogrepon and Dipplin’s wrestling match. Kieran could only blink in shock, dripping all over the tablecloth.

Juliana was pressing her lips together hard, eyes watering, then burst into a fit of laughter. Kieran’s lips curled into a wicked smirk, and he swiped a glob off his cheek to throw at her.

She barely dodged it. “Hey!” Juliana scooped a fresh bunch onto her knife and launched it at him. They devolved into strawberry-flavored goop fight, giggling as they chased each other through the trees. Kieran couldn’t remember the last time he’d had so much fun.

This was one night he wouldn’t mind reliving a few times.

Ogrepon was as overjoyed on day ten as any other day when she saw her mask.

She danced around admiring as the new crystal shimmered against the wood. His grandfather had even polished it up and gave it a fresh coat of paint so that it looked brand new.

“Aww, she’s so happy!” Carmine said, clapping her hands.

“Yeah…” The jealousy that had colored this moment green the first few times he lived it had faded, the only shade left being the verdant colors of Ogrepon. Kieran smiled, though there was a sadness in it. No matter how many times they returned Ogrepon’s mask and told the truth in Mossui, everyone would wake up in the morning believing she was the villain.

Carmine noticed his glum tone. “Hey, Kiki…I’m sorry we didn’t tell you before.” Kieran couldn’t help the shock on his face. He could count on one hand the number of times in his life his sister had apologized to him (even if he included this in the tally). “You’re not mad are you?”

It took him a moment to formulate an answer. “Not anymore,” he started. “I just wish you’d stop treatin’ me like a baby. Julie and I are the same age, you wouldn’t hide stuff from her.”

Carmine pressed her lips into a thin line. “She’s not my little brother.” She put a hand to her chest, and turned away, voice getting softer. “I don’t like seeing you hurt.”

“Sis…” Kieran was touched by the unusual display of affection. “I…I appreciate it, but you can’t protect me from everythin’. I can handle more than you think.” That was the understatement of the century.

“I know…” Carmine slumped a little and spun back to face him. “I really do. It’s just so hard not to see you as that cute little toddler with one tooth runnin’ around pretending to be the ogre.”

Kieran’s face flamed, and he heard an aborted snicker from Juliana. “Sis!”

“Oops. Sorry, Kiki.” Though the mischief in her grin made him doubt she was remorseful.

Kieran groaned, pushing his fringe out of his face. He rearranged his headband to tuck some of it back. Ogrepon wandered over to him, watching curiously, and he grinned at her. Pulling the headband off completely, he placed it over her horns.

“Ponpon?” She reached up and touched it, smiling wide enough to show her fangs, and Kieran giggled.

“We should bring Ogrepon to the festival tonight,” he suggested. “Y’know, after we tell everyone she’s innocent.” He didn’t know why he hadn’t thought of that before, but it seemed fitting to let her celebrate, even if they had to remind everyone again tomorrow that the festival was always meant to be hers.

Besides, Kieran could really go for a candy apple after the week he had.

“That’s a great idea!” Juliana said, grinning.

Carmine, however, looked skeptical. “Are you sure? What if the town doesn’t believe us?”

Kieran barely hid his amusement. “I wouldn’t worry."

The de ja vu was welcome this time as they made their way into the festival, an extra guest in tow. As he’d hoped, the crowds were fawning over Ogrepon, and the little pokemon was basking in it. Kieran smiled warmly. After generations of being outcast, she deserved this.

Carmine rushed to the back to do more Ogre Oustin’ leaving Kieran and Juliana on their own. She hooked an arm through his as they headed for the candy apples. “I don’t want to get separated,” she said, a bit bashful.

“O-Okay.” Kieran’s pulse was going crazy at being so close, but he didn’t dare let go.

When they turned around with their apples, Ogrepon was gone.

“Aw man, where’d she go?” They split up to go looking for her, pushing through gaggles of happy patrons. How was it this easy to lose an ogre?

Kieran was starting to get worried when he heard some snarky laughter. Hurrying over to the barrier marking the edge of the festival, he saw a group of three boys crowding Ogrepon towards the cliff. “It don’t matter what that kid says,” he heard one say. “You’re a monster and you don’t belong here.”

“HEY!” Kieran jumped the fence and grabbed Dipplin’s pokeball. “Use Syrup Bomb!” he called as he released it, and Dipplin roared, casting a mighty wave of sticky syrup over the boys.

“What the?” The boys turned around and Kieran inclined his chin. He recognized them, local troublemakers that he’d been a target of himself. Their shock on seeing him was satisfying.

“There’s more where that came from.” Dipplin hopped over to him and let out a hissy growl.

One of them swiped over his face and flicked the syrup at the ground as he came closer. “Oh yeah? You ready to go three on one?”

“Three on two.” Juliana appeared next to him, letting out Meowscarada. Kieran tossed her a grin.

The boys eyed them both for a moment before the ringleader scoffed. “Whatever. Let’s get outta here.” They stiffly waddled away as the syrup started to harden on their clothes.

Kieran stared them down until they were out of sight, then went to check on Ogrepon, Juliana close behind. “You okay, Ogrepon?”

Ogrepon looked up at him and then threw herself at him for a hug. “Ponpon!” Kieran’s chest swelled, hugging the little pokemon back.

“Poor thing,” Juliana said, patting Ogrepon’s head. “Some people are so closed-minded.” She looked at Kieran, smiling in…was that admiration? “You were great just now, Kieran. You really scared them off.”

The words were sweet, but Kieran shook his head. “I-It wasn’t me. They probably didn’t wanna mess with you.”

“No way, I was just backup. You could’ve taken them.” This had him flushing, overwhelmed with the praise. He would have tried, that was for sure, but he probably wouldn’t have won. Though her earnest expression was almost enough to make him believe he could.

“Ponyo?” Ogrepon tilted her head curiously, shaking him from his thoughts.

Kieran grinned down at her. “Let’s go back. But stay close to us, okay?”

“Pon!” They called their pokemon back and then Ogrepon let them each take one of her hands as they headed back over the fence.

As he glanced at Juliana over Ogrepon's head, Kieran found the moment bittersweet. It wouldn't be so bad if this was his life from now on. He got to spend every day with his favorite people in his favorite place. But Ogrepon, Carmine, and especially Juliana deserved to be released from this madness. They should be allowed to go on with their lives, have new adventures, grow and change and explore the world. If that meant they left him behind to repeat this day in perpetuity...

It would be worth the loneliness to set them free.

Kieran made it his business to take Juliana and Ogrepon to every stand at the festival. Two hours in and they were full of delicious food and had won a few prizes, even with his terrible aim on the ring toss. Ogrepon had taken selfies with nearly everyone, and Carmine had beaten her own high score.

Thank goodness she didn’t know it would be gone tomorrow.

As ten o’clock approached, when Juliana had to be back at the community center for curfew, the four of them headed towards the stairs that led up to the Dreaded Den with the intent of bringing Ogrepon home, though of course she wouldn’t stay. While he’d made his peace with it, this was still Kieran’s least favorite part of the day.

“Ready to go home, buddy?” Carmine said cheerily. Ogrepon blinked at her and then looked at Kieran and Juliana, confused. “What? Don’t you wanna go back?” Kieran dropped his gaze. He’d given up participating in this scene. It finished faster that way.

“Kiki, I think she wants to stay with you.”

Kieran’s shoulders slumped, waiting for the next line, but no one spoke. Perplexed, he lifted his head. They were all looking at him expectantly, and his brow furrowed for a moment before his mind rewound Carmine’s words. Wait. Had she said…?

Ogrepon excitedly bounced closer to him and Kieran’s lips parted in disbelief. “Wha…Me?”

“Yeah, just look at her,” Carmine said, grinning. “She doesn’t wanna go back to that lonely old cave.”

“W-Well, yeah, but…” Kieran swallowed, terrified to let himself hope. “What about Julie?”

Juliana raised a brow. “What about me? You’re the one that always wanted to be her friend.”

Kieran was speechless. This had to be a dream. He’d been on this merry-go-round for so long that it was spinning up his subconscious, causing it to make up its own endings. But the longer he stood there, the more he could feel his feet on the ground, too solid for his imagination.

This was real.

“Well, go on, Kiki. She’s waiting,” Carmine huffed impatiently.

Moisture welled in his eyes. Kieran had done so much crying over the last week and a half, but this was one of the few moments that it felt good. It felt really, really good. “You’re sure?” he asked Ogrepon, who only made a happy sound and spun in place. Giggling he blinked the tears away and dug out a pokeball. “Wowzers, okay. C’mon then.” He clicked the button and Ogrepon willingly allowed herself to be captured.

As the ball sealed shut, Kieran held it up reverently, the capsule of his childhood dreams. He had no idea what he'd done today to deserve this, which tinged the ecstasy of the moment with grief, already missing what hadn't yet left. This might not be the outcome next time around.

“Oh shoot, it’s five ‘til. I gotta hurry back,” Juliana’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. She tossed a pokeball and Miraidon burst forth with an eager, motorized purr. “Do you guys want a ride home?”

Carmine’s smile suddenly turned sly. “I can walk, but why don’t you take Kiki? He’s so spaced out he might get lost.”

“Oi! I can walk.” Kieran carefully tucked Ogrepon’s ball away, eyeing Miraidon. A nervous thrill ran through him at the thought of riding it. Ordinarily he’d be too anxious to try, but considering that any injuries he sustained would be gone in the morning, he decided to be bold. “But I wouldn’t mind a lift.”

Juliana’s entire face lit up, and she hopped on the beast’s back, leaving enough room for him to get on behind. Cautiously, he climbed up, realizing there was nowhere to hold onto besides Juliana herself. He put his hands lightly onto her shoulders. Behind them, Carmine looked oddly pleased.

“Ready?” Juliana asked.

“Y-Yeah.”

“Alright, here we go! See ya, Carmine!” Juliana leaned forward and Miraidon took off, causing Kieran to nearly topple backwards off its rear end. His arms flew around Juliana’s waist at the last second to hold on tighter, face on her back, making his heart race for a myriad of reasons. She smelled really good, like sunkissed skin and fresh grass.

“Sorry! Miraidon has a pretty fast pickup,” Juliana called over the sound of the wind. After a moment of just hanging on for dear life, Kieran lifted his head enough to watch Kitakami going by. At this speed the glow of lanterns and streetlights became laser streaks as they passed. The wind whipped through his hair, loosening a few pieces from his headband, and he leaned back, laughing.

Juliana glanced over her shoulder at him. “You think that’s fun, watch this.” Kieran felt a lurching sensation beneath him as Miraidon lifted off the ground and then wings sprouted out of its sides. They started gliding over the road, and Kieran let out another excited laugh, squeezing Juliana around the middle. She was laughing too now, as they soared closer and closer to Kieran’s house, mere feet above the heads of people on the street.

Finally, Miraidon landed right outside the gate to Kieran’s house. He was breathless and windswept, but his smile wouldn’t relax. “Wowzers…that was incredible!”

Juliana twisted around, grin just as wide. “I knew you’d…like it,” she trailed off. It was then that Kieran realized just how little space there was between them, and his heart started hammering just as it had last night. The low light from the house set off sparkles of gold in her eyes as she stared at him. She seemed to be frozen too, caught in the spell of adrenaline and post-festival bliss. He’d never felt this close to anyone. Before he could stop himself, he swayed forward and kissed her, quick and fleeting.

When he pulled back, Juliana’s eyes had gone as round as Voltorbs, and Kieran panicked, realizing what he’d done. He might have fallen for her over the last few days, but Juliana didn’t even remember them. “Aw man, Julie, I-”

She cupped his face in both hands and kissed him again. And again and again and again.

If he wasn’t still holding onto Juliana, Kieran probably would have fallen off Miraidon in shock.

Thankfully it only took a nanosecond for his mind and body to sync back up and he kissed her back. He slid one hand up her to the middle of her back to pull her closer, tilting his head. Her lips tasted like candy apples and her palms were warm where they caressed his cheeks. When they pulled apart, Juliana was smiling and rosy-cheeked, tenderly tucking a stray piece of hair behind his ear, and her gaze was so fond that he melted. He couldn’t believe he was so lucky, that such an amazing girl liked him.

And tomorrow it would all go away.

Kieran’s heart sank as reality set in. Sure, now he knew that Juliana liked him, but they were doomed to have infinite first kisses and nothing more. Ogrepon had finally chosen him, but tomorrow she might change her mind. He was even in a good place with Carmine, but that would be gone too. He was so sick of this.

His distress must have been obvious, because Juliana nibbled her lip. “What’s the matter? Was that…Sorry, I never kissed anyone before.” She was blushing furiously, and Kieran was quick to shake his head.

“N-No, no that was…it was perfect. I just…” Kieran’s eyes misted over. Even though she wouldn’t understand, he couldn’t hold back the words. “Everything’s gonna be gone tomorrow. You, Ogrepon…I don’t wanna start all over again.” He tucked his face into Juliana’s shoulder, squeezing her.

“What are you talking about?” She put her arms around him anyway, hugging him close.

Kieran let out a shaky sigh. She’d think he was crazy if he told her. Even though she would forget tomorrow, he didn’t want to ruin this moment, so he shook his head. “N-nothin’…I’m just gonna miss you.”

Juliana squeezed him again, and he could hear the smile in her voice. “I’m not leaving right away. I’ll come first thing tomorrow morning before my bus leaves, I promise.” She nudged him back enough to kiss his cheek.

Kieran sniffled. “Yeah…okay.” She was half right. Tomorrow she’d be back here whether she wanted to be or not.

Day eleven started much the same as the others, though Kieran was feeling gloomier than usual. He woke, got dressed, and prepared himself to face a Juliana that knew nothing of yesterday. Shuffling his way through the house, he greeted his grandmother as usual, lounging in her armchair with tea and the paper.

At the door he paused, needing a moment to prepare his act, and then pushed it open.

“Mornin’ Grandpa,” Kieran sighed.

“Do I look that old to you?”

Kieran’s head shot up.

There in the arch of their fence stood Juliana, grinning playfully. He had to do a double take. “Julie?” He looked around the yard, realizing his grandfather wasn’t anywhere in sight. Was he running late? “Where’s Carmine?”

“Um…I assume in your house?” Juliana came closer, burshing his hair back much like she had last night. “You okay? You look a little pale.”

Kieran instinctually leaned into the touch, but his heart was pounding. Did he dare to even think it? “Julie…What happened last night?”

Juliana’s eyebrows knit together, blushing. “Well, we went to the festival and…we, um…I brought you back here, and then we-”

Kieran surged forward, cutting her off with his lips. He wrapped his arms around her so tightly that he lifted her feet off the ground.

Juliana threw her arms around his shoulders to hold on, giggling as they broke apart. “Whoa. I didn't think you'd be this happy to see me,” she teased.

Kieran’s smile was so huge his cheeks hurt. “You have no idea.”