The latest content update for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has introduced players to a host of new characters, two of whom have sparked considerable intrigue – Kieran and his older sister, Carmine. However, there's a notable undertone in their relationship that some players have found disconcerting. In this article, we'll delve into the dynamics between these two characters and examine whether the allegations of Carmine's borderline abusive behavior towards her brother hold any weight.

The Pokemon Scarlet and Violet subreddit became a hub for this discussion following a post by u/Misnome5, who shared their observations about the growing criticism directed at Carmine. As players progress through the Teal Mask expansion's story, it becomes apparent that Carmine is often unsympathetic to Kieran's dream of meeting Ogerpon and appears to favor the main character as the narrative unfolds.

Kieran's character arc is tinged with sadness as it becomes evident that he doesn't find a happy resolution in the Teal Mask DLC. Devastated by his treatment at the hands of both the main character and his sister throughout their time in Kitakami, Kieran eventually vows revenge on the player before retreating to his room, never to be seen again.

Critics of Carmine argue that her behavior towards her brother is unusually harsh compared to sibling relationships portrayed in previous Pokemon games. However, it's worth considering that this portrayal might be one of the most realistic sibling dynamics depicted in the franchise to date.

Carmine's occasional harshness towards Kieran could be interpreted as her desire to see him improve and reach his full potential. Such behavior might be expected from an older sister and is a dynamic many can relate to through their own sibling experiences.

Some members of the subreddit pointed out the significant cultural differences between Kitakami and other regions in the Pokemon universe. Kitakami is inspired by rural Japanese culture, and it's plausible that families in this region follow a similar structure to those in real-world rural Japan. As u/I-am-the-trashcan noted:

"Overall, many players may be jumping to conclusions regarding the sibling relationship portrayed in the Teal Mask story expansion of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. The interactions between Carmine and Kieran could simply be chalked up to typical sibling dynamics and a reflection of cultural differences."

However, despite these explanations, some players may still find a sense of sadness upon completing the story, as Kieran does not achieve the satisfying resolution he had hoped for.

Considering that both Kieran and Carmine are students at Blueberry Academy, there's a possibility that their character arcs will see further development in future updates. Only time will reveal whether we'll encounter these characters again when the Indigo Disk portion of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is released.