I will be using first-person pronouns to refer to the player character because I am them.
The moment I began The Teal Mask, I knew Kieran was going to be an interesting character. From the start he took an immediate liking to me! Well, because I don’t come from Kitakami and I defeated his sister Carmine in front of him. And then I defeated him too. Wowzers!
My favorite part in The Teal Mask is when we got to visit the first two signboards, because that is where Kieran begins to shine! His dialogue during this point serves as exposition for the rest of the story to come, and oh my goodness, I didn't even realize how
adorable it was! If someone I had only been friends with for a few hours suddenly asked me if I’d like a sandwich, I would’ve said, “Yes, oh
yes, please!!”
okay, there’s probably going to be risks, but this is a video game, silly! It’s too bad we don’t get to the picnic…how come my ride had to interrupt our one-on-one time over a single mention of a sandwich?
But this is only the first signboard, and we’re just getting started. Once we got to Kitakami Hall for the second one, I found myself relating to him. He’s the only one in his hometown who takes a shining to the ogre, who was mentioned in a local folktale and was alleged to have terrorized the townspeople long ago. It’s not mentioned directly in the game, but it seems like people made fun of him for it and Carmine had to protect him every time. Now Kieran has this big dream he’s trying to pursue: if he could get stronger than he is currently, then he could be independent, reliable, and maybe even befriend the ogre. The feeling of being an outcast and wanting to be heard is something I felt connected to; I’ve felt (and still feel) out of place compared to everyone else in school, and, of course, I didn’t like it. Bullying does not happen to me a lot but I still had a fear of the consequences for speaking out. Because of this, hearing his story made me see a major part of myself in him.
And let’s not forget about the Dreaded Den! The developers put in this dialogue option where you can compliment Kieran and I know it doesn’t add a lot to the story but it’s still cute in and of itself. Kieran truly is a sweet kid…he just doesn’t wanna admit it.
I can also remember several more moments where Kieran is being a heartthrob… I told his grandpa that he and I were friends and then—I’m pretty sure it happened—he was
blushing. Then he kindly offered his mask to me because there was only two available! I didn’t get to wear it though. Lastly, on the Festival of Masks, he bought two candy apples just for us… <3
I wish Kieran did more cute things like this but unfortunately the story made him... Well, first off, I had to lie to him about me seeing the ogre in person. I know Carmine had good intentions when she made me do it and all but looking back, it was a jerk-ish move. Aren’t friends supposed to be honest? Things went further downhill on the last signboard. He was sad at first, and he felt more glum after I defeated him for the third time in battle. Something was off about him.
And then things took a turn for the worse. I'll just skim through it all because I feel bad thinking about Kieran believing I was bullying him when I didn't do any actual bullying, his envy towards the ogre (actually Ogerpon)'s attachment to me, and me defeating him (again!) in a battle intended to decide who will catch Ogerpon.
After Part 1 was finished, I couldn't wait for The Indigo Disk, and I had several questions about it. But one in particular was at the forefront of it all: how had Kieran changed?
Once Part 2 came I got my answer: he went edgy. Actually, I've seen a lot of people call his character during The Indigo Disk "edgy". And honestly, I liked him all the same. Especially his new hairstyle! Woah, I wonder how I can pull that off… I also enjoyed his “don’t mess with me” attitude, but only to a certain extent; he did intimidate a BB League member, after all… Plus, it was my fault he became that way, and I felt sorry for him.
Kieran is also no joke when it comes to battling and he makes Nemona (another Champion) seem like a piece of cake. There were several moments where he almost wiped out my team and I had to rely on max revives and full restores to keep on going. I know there are harder trainers out there; I have heard stories about people losing multiple times trying to defeat Cynthia in the Gen 4 games. But Kieran was especially memorable. Why? Keep reading…
For me, the most memorable part of The Indigo Disk was the climactic trip to the Area Zero Underdepths. And it was mainly because of Kieran. He only joined us so he could get his hands on the Hidden Treasure (Terapagos) and win against me. And then…for the umpteenth time…I defeated him. And *ahem* his Terapagos. And…a lot happened. He tried to give that gemstone turtle the Terastal treatment, but then it went haywire and it broke the Master Ball that he captured it with. And now I have to weaken it.
Poor kid! He had been mentally hitting himself for unknowingly causing chaos. I actually felt bad for him again and wished he could help me out…. Thankfully, he did. And that wasn’t all! He even let me catch Terapagos for myself.
So why all that anger and envy? It was because he admires me… I found that flattering! Being edgy wasn’t the best way to show your admiration for someone though… but I’ll take it. Besides, we already started from zero and became friends again. And he’s still my tutti-frutti precious lil’ jelly bean!
Finally, there was Mochi Mayhem. And throughout the epilogue I had an egotistical thought that it was made especially for me! Why!? Everyone in Kitakami was being posessed and mochi-obsessed
(wowzers, that rhymed!) and the only people intact who had to save them were me and
Kieran!
I also like how friendly he was towards my friends from Paldea and how he managed to be a good sport (with some support) after losing to Nemona. (I was rooting for Kieran and TBH I was disappointed when he lost. Ah well...)
Oh, and I can't forget about that trade we did! I got an Applin from him and it's one my most prized Pokémon
ever. I'm gonna be using it on my team when the next game comes out!
And that, my friends, is why I love Kieran, why I won’t shut up about him, why he’s my favorite antagonist-turned-protagonist, and why I find myself typing out “wowzers” more often.
wowzers, i’ve never typed out this much before…
I like Chikage too! It has been a long time since I watched it but he caught my eye too
. I love Hiyori too!
She’s my favorite female character in One Piece
I’m hoping to find out more about him sooner or later 
