A/N: My fanfic has an illustrated cover for each chapter, but since FFN doesn't allow inserting images nor does it accept links within the fanfic itself, please head over to my tumblr (carefreejules) if you'd like to see the covers!

Side Chapter - Where it All Began

Being stuck in the hospital felt so...sterile. Uncomfortable. Juliet was appreciative of the hospitality and care that the hospital staff gave her, and the food wasn't as bad as many people made it out to be, but it wasn't the same as sleeping in the comfort of her own bed. She missed waking up in her comfortable bed, surrounded by the various stuffed animals she amassed over her travels.

Having various tubes and wires tangling all around her wasn't exactly her idea of 'making herself at home'.

But, complaining wasn't going to get her anywhere so she just had to suck it up for a bit longer.

"Champion Juliet, my report."

"Welcome back, Darkrai! How does everything look?"

"There appears to still be a lot of damage to businesses and recreational facilities, but homes are starting to be repaired."

"Ha...That's a relief. Hopefully everyone can go back to their homes soon." She counted herself lucky that her flat came out unscathed, but if people were still displaced from their homes by the time she was discharged, she would welcome them into her flat if they didn't mind sleeping on the couch.

"Indeed. How are you feeling?"

"Hmmm…" Juliet hummed. "I honestly still feel a bit tired...on the emotional side, anyway."

"I see. Do you wish that I leave you alone, then?"

"No! You can stay." She crossed her arms over the railing on the roof, content with the gentle breeze brisking through her hair. "Now that I can remember things more clearly, I've had time to sit with my memories and come to terms with them. But, I've always wondered something…" Juliet looked to the Mythical Pokemon. "You still never told me how you met me. I mean, you don't seem like the wandering type."

"I suppose you make a fair point. Though, what will you gain from this information?"

"I'm not looking to gain anything. I'm just curious!"

"Curiosity...Hm. That's very like you." Darkrai chuckled. "Very well. Do you recall journeying to the Sinnoh region?"

"Ugh, I can't believe I spent so long at the library until they closed!" Juliet huffed, running with her arms bracing over her head to shield herself from the torrential rain. She barged into the Pokemon Centre, soaked from head to toe, leaving behind puddles of rain water by her feet.

"Oh my! Are you alright?" Nurse Joy asked worryingly with a fresh warm towel in her arms. "Here you go. Quite the storm out there, isn't it?"

"Thank you, Nurse Joy! Sorry for the mess. It's thundering out there too." Juliet graciously took the offered towel, undid her low pigtails, before drying her hair thoroughly with it. She shivered uncomfortably, feeling the chill of the AC against her soaked form. She needed to take a bath and into dry pairs of clothes or else she was going to catch a cold at this rate.

"Are there any beds left?"

"I'm sorry, but someone just took the last bed for the night. You're more than welcome to stay here in the lobby if you'd like."

"I see. Then, can I use the showers first?"

"Of course! Let me show you the way."

Nurse Joy led her to the woman's communal showers before leaving her to warm and wash herself off. There was nothing more comforting than taking a hot shower after returning from somewhere cold or escaping inclimate weather. Juliet took her time enjoying the warmth of the shower before jumping into spare clothes that were miraculously still dry within her bag.

Walking out of the showers and quietly tiptoeing past the suites where trainers and even families were sleeping in, a light from a window caught her eye. She stopped in her tracks and looked outside of said window to see what looked like a small inn, across from the Pokemon Centre.

Huh, how did she miss that? She adapted to sleeping in places that were far from ideal, but a soft bed sounded a lot more appealing than the floor of the Pokemon Centre. The rain had settled just enough for her to take the risk of running to the inn without getting drenched in the rain again.

She only hoped that there would be a spare room for her so she didn't go there for nothing.

After grabbing her things, she dashed out of the Pokemon Centre and into the inn that looked a lot more run down than she thought from what she saw from the window. By her standards, it didn't look that bad - it was probably just really old, which carried character in its own right.

The old man behind the counter turned to her and gave her a smile that for some reason, sent an unpleasant chill down her spine. She probably should have listened to her gut and left right away, lying that she mistaken the inn for somewhere else, but it felt like...something was drawing her to the place.

Like a Dustox to a streetlamp.

"Good evening, sir! Are there any rooms available?"

The old man's smile only widened, looking more unsettling by the second by how far it stretched and crooked. "Why yes! We have plenty of room available, but because of this dreadful rain, you may stay free of charge!"

OK, something didn't feel right.

But…

Something was telling her to stay.

What was she doing?!

"Thank you very much, sir!"

What was she saying?!

Now it felt like, like she couldn't control her own body! She could only watch herself being led to a non-descript room that was completely barren besides the single bed that sat in the middle of the room like she was in some kind of out of body experience.

Then, her body lay back into the bed and the moment she closed her eyes, she found herself in a strange place, surrounded completely by trees. Her feet were covered in mud and dirt, with puddles littered all over like it had just rained.

She felt a creeping presence right behind her, but when she turned around to look-

She woke up with her knees tucked to her chest, sitting on the floor of the Pokemon Centre, like she hadn't left in the first place.

Was that all just a dream? Did she imagine it all?

When she abruptly left the Pokemon Centre to check out the inn, it was completely dilapidated, with all the windows boarded up. Not a single soul had entered or even used that place for who knows how long.

What was that place…?

"Huh...so that's what happened…" Juliet hummed, before laughing openly and leaning against the railing. "I can't believe I didn't just book it like what my gut was telling me to do."

"I suppose, but I'd like to believe that the way things have transpired, it was for the best, wouldn't you agree?"

She closed her eyes and smiled. "You're right. Even if those nightmares were a pain in the ass, they were signs. Signs that were telling me to face myself, even through the pain. Thank you, Darkrai."

"...You're welcome, Champion Juliet."

It was funny how things could change from a single meeting, and purely by chance. What would have happened if she stayed at the Pokemon Centre during that storm? When she went to Unova, what if she didn't take shelter in that abandoned house in Reversal Mountain? She clearly had a track record for being in dangerous situations, but she gained so much from each encounter that it didn't matter how different things would have gone if she approached situations differently.

Life wasn't a video game where she could load up a different save file and work towards a different outcome. Life was about making decisions, dealing with the consequences, and moving forward, regardless of what happened. There were no such things as second chances once a decision had been made - but that just meant she was able to make wiser choices.

No matter how many times life would beat her into the ground, she was always going to get back up.

Life wasn't going to control her - she was going to control it from now on.

And she wasn't alone. She was never alone. Someone was always thinking about her, and she wanted to be that for someone else. No, she already was that for someone else.

How many more ties will she bind with in the future?

"Yo! Juliet!" Brendan called out cheerfully, May following close behind him with something behind her back. The Hoenn Champion and Pokemon Coordinator flinched upon seeing the Nightmare Mythical Pokemon, making Juliet snicker in amusement.

"S-Sorry. We weren't expecting to see Darkrai as well."

"You two both have Latias and Latios, though."

"Y-Yeah, but! To think that you'd get a Mythical Pokemon as well. I've always thought you'd get a Jirachi or something. Suits you more." May, realizing what she might have implied, flailed her arms in protest. "N-N-Not that Darkrai isn't cool or anything-"

Darkrai chuckled. "It's alright if you find my appearance intimidating. I assure you that I mean no harm."

"Oh! So polite and articulate!"

"That was a quick switch." Brendan chuckled. "Anyway, we wanted to stop by to check how you were doing and maybe even catch up. We were originally a trio when we were kids, you know."

"I suppose, but I wasn't allowed to play or go outside as much as I would have liked." Juliet looked out into the sky with a far-off smile. "It feels so long ago…"

Brendan shrugged. "To me, it doesn't matter how often we hung out. The fact that we hung out at all is what matters."

"Yeah, quit being all doom and gloom! All that matters is that we're all together now so let's try to get along like old times! Water under the bridge!" May retorted, pulling out the box of cupcakes she held behind her back.

"Come on! Let's enjoy some cupcakes! You too, Darkrai!"

"Understood."

"Oh! That reminds me." Brendan reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card and handed it to Juliet. "Cheren wanted to give this to you. He said he'll talk to you properly in person later about it."

"Cheren? He's the Normal-type Gym Leader from Unova, right?"

"Yeah! He's also a teacher at the Trainer's school there."

Juliet flipped the card over. "This is a business card for a principal at a trainer school in Alola?"

"Cheren told us briefly that he thinks you have what it takes to be a teacher. He has connections with the other Trainer's schools around the world, but it sounds like there's an opening for a TA in Alola."

Her jaw dropped and she pointed at herself in disbelief. "Wait, me, a teacher?! Where did that come from?"

Brendan shrugged and laughed at her baffled reaction. "You'll have to ask him about it if you can't wait for him to approach you. But, now that I think about, 'Teacher Juliet' - that does have a nice ring to it."

May covered her mouth as she chewed on her cupcake. "Galar doesn't have a Trainer's school, does it? Don't you think it'd be great to be the first teacher for a Trainer's school here?"

The thought had never crossed her mind and Juliet didn't even notice that there was no Trainer's school until May mentioned it. But, her, a teacher? She never considered herself to be the mentor type, but the idea of guiding the younger generation towards their goals and dreams honestly didn't sound so bad. If there's one thing she wanted to offer to all the aspiring trainer's out there, it was encouragement. She didn't want anyone else to experience the self-doubt and lack of confidence she endured in her youth and she genuinely believed that everyone had a special spark inside of them.

If she could help tap into their potentials…

Juliet hummed. "I guess so, but I think I need a lot more time to think about it."

"I don't blame you, considering all that you've been through. I'd say, take a nice, long deserved vacation, and come back to it!" May added cheerfully.

"A long vacation...That sounds nice." Juliet smiled dreamily.

"Are you going to invite Leon?" May asked with a sly grin. "Maybe go somewhere romantic like Kalos? Unova's pretty nice too-"

Juliet choked on her cupcake. "W-Why Leon, though?"

Brendan and May looked at each other and blinked before looking back at Juliet with narrow eyes. "We thought you two were dating? We're not one to buy into rumors, or at least we try not to, but it's kind of hard to ignore how people around the hospital are noticing how often you two are seen together especially in rehab."

She grumbled embarrassingly to herself and looked off towards the side in a poor attempt to hide her blush. "I don't know that we are but, there's definitely something there as far as I know."

"Something?" May squinted. "You call risking your lives to save each other, 'something'?"

"Sorry to impose but I do think what Champion Juliet meant to say is 'love'. I do recall her thanking Champion Leon for loving her, to which he responded in kind." Darkrai interjected, dark face covered in sprinkles and icing.

Juliet blush deepened as she gasped. "Darkrai!"

"Awwwwww! That's so sweet!"

"Good for you two."

"Stop!"

"Keep going, J! You're almost at the end"

Who knew physical rehab was so exhausting? Juliet had never felt such heaviness in her legs and feet, as if they were made of lead or someone strapped iron balls around her ankles. The metal braces helped a lot to at least keep herself up right as she struggled to move one foot in front of the other, while balancing herself on the railings that were on opposite sides of her. Honestly, Leon's cheer from the other end helped a lot because it felt like she didn't have to struggle on her own since he was physically recovering as well. It was strange - was this a side-effect of being influenced by Dynamax?

With one more push, she finally made it to the end and collapsed on the ground in relief. Yeesh - it was like she was a newborn Deerling taking its first steps. But from how hard she was panting, she might as well have run a marathon. "I...did it…"

"Congratulations! You made it to the end without our help!"

"Heh, I bet being cheered on by the Champion was what helped, huh?"

Juliet folded an arm over her eyes as she tried to catch her breath. "It...helped…"

"Ahaha! That's the spirit! Alright, that'll be it for today."

Her nurses helped her up and guided her to a nearby bench next to Leon's wheelchair. They handed her a fresh towel and a water bottle before leaving the two of them alone. Juliet downed half of the water battle in one go and slumped in her seat from exhaustion. "Physical rehab is so tiring…"

"But, you made it to the end! That's awesome! Meanwhile, I'm still stuck in a wheelchair." Leon chuckled.

"You can move your legs and feet though, right?"

"Thank Arceus I can. I really want to be able to walk around soon instead of sitting all the time."

"I bet you're itching to train and exercise, huh?" Juliet looked down at her body and then at his. Even in his hospital gown, she knew he was much more fit than her based on his fitted jersey. "Maybe I should get into exercising more. Archery gives me upper body strength but my endurance is a joke."

"You know, I've always wanted to give archery a try. I only know martial arts." Well, hopefully he still could given the circumstance.

"Really? Like karate? That's so cool!"

Leon bashfully rubbed the back of his neck. "You think so?"

"Of course I do! Seems like a pretty handy skill to have if you're ever in a pinch. Though, I can't imagine you punching someone-"

"He almost did, though." Sonia giggled, joining them on the bench. Juliet's jaw dropped and whipped her head to Leon who blushed heavily and held a finger up to his lips desperately so she wouldn't elaborate.

"Seriously?! Why?" Juliet encouraged.

"I think he was 12 at the time, it was early on in his reign as Champion, and some kids were picking on Hop. Of course, in the heat of the moment, he got really mad and almost hit one of them but I managed to pull him back in time. Yamper managed to chase those rascals away."

Juliet stifled a snort and looked at Leon with a growing smile, who could only grumble embarrassingly to himself. Of course the only times where Leon would get viscerally angry, was when someone he cared about was in trouble. Thinking about it now, she technically experienced it first hand. It was a little endearing. "Can't really blame you honestly. If I saw anyone picking on Courtney, I would have thrown hands."

"Still, can't believe I almost lost it." Leon laughed nervously.

"...I'm guessing you came here not to just tell us embarrassing stories from your childhood. Though, I won't complain if you are. I'd love to hear more, Sonia-"

"Please don't-"

"Maybe another time, Juliet. I actually came by to update you on what Gran and I have theorized about your experiences with Dynamax." Sonia looked to the side with trepidation. "As well as how that ties in with Rose's methods and motives."

Juliet and Leon looked at each other, understandably nervous about what Sonia and Professor Magnolia had discovered, but mainly if the results were against their benefit. They were told they were going to recover, but the relationship between Dynamax and people was still uncharted territory.

"...What did you find out? Or think you found out?" Juliet asked.

Sonia cleared her throat. "Dynamax is a power that makes Pokemon grow 20x their normal size, amplifying their power and abilities. Dynamax is achieved when Pokemon come into contact with concentrated levels of Galar particles that are found within Power Spots. For a long time we just assumed that Galar particles were harmless to us because there were no visible side effects as far as documentation goes."

Juliet gulped nervously. "And I'm guessing you and Professor Magnolia discovered otherwise?"

"Yes, and you, Leon, and Rose are living examples of that theory."

"W-We are?" Leon uttered in disbelief.

"Yes. A little bit of exposure doesn't affect us at all but if Pokemon Dynamax when exposed to Galar particles in concentration, how would that affect people? We don't have any powers or abilities that Pokemon have so there's nothing to amplify. So, where does Dynamax end up? Gran and I believe that Dynamax impacts humans on a more...emotional and mental level. Hopes, dreams, goals, happiness, sadness - it's through those various things that makes us motivated and strong in a different kind of way. When you maximize the feeling behind those ambitions and desires, what does that turn into?" Sonia looked at them seriously. "Obsessions."

Juliet's eyes widened, slowly piecing everything together. "So, the reason why Rose was so obsessed with saving Galar was because-"

"Yeah. Since Eternatus is basically made up of a limitless supply of Galar particles, being exposed to it for who knows how long, during experiments, the exposure was slowly warping and intensifying his desire to complete his goal."

Juliet looked down at her knees in complete shock. "...And when someone becomes obsessed, they become irrational and even delusional…"

"So…" Leon tightened his hands into tight fists. "How would that affect Rose's charges? If he wasn't himself because of being influenced by Dynamax, wouldn't he have to get a mental evaluation?"

Sonia sighed and shrugged. "That, I don't know. I told Anabel and Looker about it, but it seems that even they don't know how to use that information for now especially since this is just a theory."

"...Does that mean Rose isn't as bad as we thought?"

"It's probably a lot more complicated than that…"

"Then, how did it affect us?" Juliet asked.

"For Leon, the crown and suit of armor Rose made him wear was made with Galar particles that were likely extracted from Eternatus itself, so he was directly linked to it and thus, could control it for that purpose." Sonia bit her lip, unsure if she wanted to elaborate further. Yes, she had to. She needed to be transparent, especially towards her childhood friend. "The reason why Leon was able to harness its power with ease was...because of his loyalty to the Galar region. That's why Rose chose Leon."

Leon let out a shaky sigh, one that sounded like he was holding back tears. Even if Rose wasn't completely himself, it didn't change the fact that he had used him for a purpose that he didn't have a say in. It still made him want to drown in guilt. His shaky breaths ceased for a moment, when Juliet gingerly took one of his hands and gave it a comforting squeeze. He smiled gently and squeezed back.

"And me?" Juliet asked again, diverting the uncomfortable topic away from Leon to her this time.

"Darkrai was overwhelmed by the power of Dynamax and in turn, released it through an attack that you took the brunt of. In your case, the power of Dynamax amplified...your trauma and insecurities, within a nightmare on top of it."

"That's putting it bluntly." Juliet chuckled wryly.

"I'm sorry, but I had a feeling you wouldn't want me to sugarcoat it." Sonia replied sheepishly.

"Can't really do that in the world of research as a Pokemon Professor. Which reminds me - congratulations, Sonia! When the both of us get discharged, let's throw a party for you-" Juliet grinned.

"You don't have to! I think you two deserve a party more than me after everything you've been through-"

"In that case, let's throw a party for all of us - to celebrate for saving Galar!"

"Now that sounds more like it," Sonia laughed cheerfully. "Thanks for hearing me out, you two. There's still a lot Gran and I have to iron out and see if our theory holds enough credibility so we can move forward from there. For now though, I'll leave the both of you Luvdiscs to yourselves~"

Juliet sputtered. "L-Luvdiscs?!"

"Oh come on, don't play dumb. Everyone in the hospital is talking about how close you two are, hee hee!" Sonia winked as she left. "Why else would you guys be holding hands all the time?"

Watching Sonia leave with a smug smile on her face, Juliet pouted. First Brendan and May, and now Sonia. Part of her wanted to stay in the hospital and away from the world that was inevitably going to bombard her with questions about the nature of her relationship with Leon, but at the same time, she wanted to get to a place where she can happily hold his hand out in the open.

"Leon? Are you OK?" Seeing how he didn't answer, he still felt conflicted and confused about Rose, and she wasn't one to force answers out of him especially since she understood that he probably didn't have one. Instead, she leaned in close and gently brought his head to her shoulder, which in response made him clutch to the back of her hospital gown. She could feel him holding back his tears from how he would rasp and breathe unevenly into her shoulder, making her heart ache at the fact that he probably hadn't gotten the chance to really...let go. Release. Get catharsis.

Sometimes when so much has happened, none of it really sinks in until later. Or in this case, the weight of everything must have crashed down on him all at once.

Juliet held him tightly, stroking his hair and humming the soothing melody she remembered singing to Maya many nights ago in her dreams. She wasn't going to make any jokes or try to say anything to lighten the mood because right now, he was grieving. And she wasn't going to take that away from him.

But, what she was going to do was keep holding onto him - for as long as he needed.

"Chief, your forehead is going to be permanently creased the longer you furrow your eyebrows like that."

Anabel let out an exasperated sigh for the 5th time of the day. She didn't want to feel frustrated but the information that Sonia had disclosed to her made the case infinitely more complicated. Even if they were still tentative theories, a lot of what Sonia said explained a lot more before the agent even got a chance to properly interrogate Rose because of how closely and protectively the health officials were monitoring his health. He sustained no injuries, and as far as she could tell, he was perfectly healthy.

It was only a matter of time that he'd be evaluated mentally, and that meant there was a chance he could be relieved of all charges because he could be diagnosed as insane - but even that wasn't black and white as it seemed. If there had been a factor that influenced his behaviour, he'd still be held liable, but it meant that he didn't act purely of his own accord. The disaster with Eternatus had only just ended a few days ago, and there were more questions than answers in regards to its existence and how it only deepened the lore behind the Dynamax Phenomenon.

There were so many unknowns and so little time-

"Chief!" Looker called again. "You're getting stuck in your own head again. Relax."

"...Sorry, Looker. You're right. It would have been nice if this case could close itself once we've interrogated Rose and put him on trial but, it looks like we got our work cut out for us." Anabel pressed her fingers to her forehead, feeling a migraine creep up from the stress.

"I know but, I think this gives us a greater opportunity to be as thorough as possible. Besides, HQ isn't pressuring us to get the job done - what kind of officers would we be if we rushed the most important part to this whole investigation?"

"I just feel bad knowing that it'll take a while for us to have an answer for the people of Galar. No one's loyalty can be overturned overnight, even after experiencing all that. If it's not HQ pressuring us, it's the public."

"And we're doing all we can to appease them with what we know so far. Have you talked with Leon or Juliet yet?" Looker asked.

"No, not yet. I was hoping to get a word from Rose first since he's the prime suspect. But, I haven't been allowed even a short interview yet." Anabel turned her back away from Rose's room to get some fresh air, only for a doctor to come out of the room and call her back.

"Miss Anabel, Mister Looker - Rose would like a word with you."

Finally.

"Thank you very much." Anabel bowed politely before entering the room to see Rose sitting up in his bed with a blank expression on his face. There wasn't anything sinister about it, or anything cunning lurking beneath - it honestly looked like he had been completely drained of who he was, leaving behind nothing but a tired man. It was a far cry from the maniacal man he was on the Darkest Day and during their confrontation. The madness she saw in those emerald eyes was completely gone, leaving them hollow and she would daresay, darkened with remorse.

Maybe Sonia's theory was right after all, and Anabel had been too harsh on him, because the Rose she was seeing right now was one where he looked both freed and trapped at the same time. Freed from Eternatus' influence, but trapped with the repercussions.

"Chairman Rose."

Rose barely acknowledged her greeting with a small nod. "Yes?"

"Are you ready to talk about what happened?"

"...Yes. I'll cooperate and tell you everything that I know and remember. But first, there's something that I need to say."

Anabel raised a brow. "What is it?"

He took a deep breath before speaking. "...Though I don't understand everything that happened within the last 10 years, I won't lie and say I didn't notice the signs near the beginning. I'd like to believe that I truly always had Galar's best interest in mind, but I became desperate and selfish, thinking that this region belonged to me to go that far. I fully acknowledge that I was...brainwashed for lack of a better word, but I should have considered the risks more carefully from the start."

"So, assuming that you're admitting all that with a clear mind, you're basically reassuring us that you aren't going to use the insanity defense in your testimony?"

"...That is correct."

Anabel sighed and crossed her arms. "I see. Thank you, Rose. That definitely makes things a bit easier to work with. But, that being said, you'll still be mentally evaluated to see if your words hold any truth and sincerity to them, but I'm getting ahead of myself. For now, let's focus on how all of this started, and why."

Looker had just finished setting up a tripod with a camera mounted, aimed directly at Rose, before hitting the record button.

"Whenever you're ready Rose. What was your motive behind the Darkest Day and how did you get the resources to make it happen?"

"...Can't I leave the hospital yet?" Juliet pouted, watching her brother scribble something on a clipboard with focused eyes. He re-adjusted his glasses and snorted at his sister's impatience. He couldn't blame her though. Long hospital stays made most people antsy and it probably didn't help much for someone who had a fear of blood and needles like Juliet.

"Two more days at most. I want to be absolutely sure you're OK. I mean, you could have fallen into a vegetative state, you know."

"Being extra protective to make up for lost time?" She joked cheekily.

Matthew rolled his eyes and patted her on the head. "It's my job just as much as it is my duty as your older brother-"

"Excuse me-"

Juliet turned her attention to the door and beamed upon seeing Leon. It seemed that he upgraded from being confined into a wheelchair, to using a walker to get around. He was recovering a bit slower than her because of the earlier injuries sustained after his encounter with Eternatus, but it put her heart at ease to finally see him able to hold up his weight for the most part. "Hey, Lee! Look at you! You're almost walking on your own!"

"Hey, J. And yeah, it feels great to be back on my feet even if I need a bit of support." Leon grinned gently. "Are you free right now?"

"She is now, Champion. Let me just help you get seated." Matthew carefully guided Leon to a chair by Juliet's bedside. Once Leon was seated, both him and Juliet fully expected the doctor to give them some privacy, but it didn't seem he got the memo.

Or so they thought.

Noticing how intently they were staring at him, he smirked. "Oh, sorry. Am I not welcome?"

"Matthew."

"Alright, alright. I'm out. Just press the call button if you need me." Matthew relented with a hearty laugh and left the hospital room to give the two a moment for themselves. Leon turned his attention back to Juliet from watching her brother leave and shot her a wry smile.

"It seems like you two are getting along."

"Something like that. Anyway, what's up?"

Leon opened his mouth to talk, before abruptly closing it upon seeing the bruises wrapped around her neck. As if someone had choked her. His hands began to shake, vividly recounting the terrifying moment where his...his hands were wrapped around her throat, with the full intent to kill her. Even if he was possessed, his body had hurt her. His hands had hurt her. Before the overwhelming feeling of guilt could wash over him and drown him once more, he felt her gently tug on his hands until they were open, palms up, on her lap. She traced along the creases of his palm, and dragged her fingers up and down his own, which helped steady his shaky breathing and rapid heart beat.

"I know what you're thinking and yes, these hands of yours did try to hurt me. But, look at them now. Even with how rough they are from years of battling and training, can't you see how gentle they are? When you're petting your Pokemon, or even when you're holding my hand - these hands of yours offer nothing but warmth and love." Juliet confided honestly and warmly. She lifted one of his hands and pressed her hand up, flat against his palm. "Hee hee, my hands are small in comparison."

It was true, but even though her fingers were slender and dainty, they were strong - just like the person they belonged to. His finger curled instinctively through her fingers, like they were meant to be laced together in order to protect the love that she offered through her fingertips. Her fingers followed, folding over his bandaged knuckles and basking in the loving warmth that radiated through his palm.

"Feel better?" She asked softly.

Leon took a deep breath and sighed in content. He felt his shoulders relax considerably and he felt his heart calm down as well. Who knew all he had to do was just hold her hand? Maybe it was her way of absorbing some of his worries through the simple, yet comforting gesture. That was something he was going to treasure. "Yeah. Thank you, J."

She gave him one of her bright smiles that he loved so much. "Good. The hospital is already so doom and gloom and we don't need any more of that. Were you going to say something?"

"Oh, right." With his free hand, Leon reached into the pocket of his hospital gown and fished out her Heart Scale. The one he used as a 'lucky charm'. Part of him felt a little sad having to return it, but he did promise that he was going to give it back when they saw each other again. "This is yours. Thanks for letting me hang on to it for all these years-"

Juliet stared at the Heart Scale with flushed cheeks. "Oh...Are you sure?"

Leon raised an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't I be? You told me to give it back to you when we'd see each other again."

Then her eyes shifted to the side and her blush deepened. "I...uhhhh...don't mind if you keep it."

"Why are you being bashful all of a sudden?"

Juliet grumbled something under her breath and met his gaze again. Did she really have to say something so cheesy out loud? Here goes nothing…"When I gave you that Heart Scale all those years ago, I...I was actually giving you my heart. "

…

Leon's face erupted in a deep shade of red and he looked down at the Heart Scale with his jaw dropped. This...This whole time he had been hanging onto Juliet's heart and he hadn't realized it?! Arceus, he knew he was dense but this was on a whole different level! "O-Oh…"

"I mean, if you don't want it anymore-"

"No, no, no, it's not that I don't! It's just...I had no idea you felt that way…"

"I didn't really know either but, if I was going to say good-bye to you, I wanted it to have...impact. So, you wouldn't forget me."

"I could never forget someone like you. I told you that before." Leon chuckled lightly. He looked down at the Heart Scale and smiled fondly. All this time of thinking his feelings were one-sided, he had her heart all along? His heart fluttered uncontrollably from the rush of tender feelings. It felt like he was 16 all over again.

"But, in that case," He reached into his other pocket and pulled out his Heart Scale. He didn't carry it around as often as he did for hers, so the condition for it was practically immaculate. He offered it to her with expectant eyes. "If you're giving me your heart, it's only right that I give you mine."

Juliet took a sharp in-take of breath and it suddenly got very warm all of a sudden. "Using my line against me? Not fair."

"Hey, it takes two to tango, right?"

"That's one way of looking at it." Juliet giggled. She picked up the smooth scale from his hand and gazed at it longingly. It shimmered and sparkled in the sun, casting the bleak hospital room with colourful rays. Leon's heart. So bright and warm. No, it wasn't just his heart that was those things.

All of him was bright and warm.

"Juliet."

"Hm?" Juliet looked over to him, only to have her chin gently grasped between his thumb and index finger. She had never seen so much love and devotion swimming in anyone's eyes before, and his golden eyes practically overflowed with those feelings. Her breath got caught in her throat, leaving her utterly speechless as he closed the gap and she could feel his warm breath against her parted lips. His golden eyes flitted to hers, looking for any signs of discomfort or regrets. Even though he had waited 8 years for this moment, to seal his undying affections with a kiss, he wanted to be absolutely sure that she wanted it too. Her eyes shimmered, welcoming his earnest feelings with excitement.

His heart swelled, so glad that they finally had this moment. Both of their eyes fluttered closed, their noses brushing against each other-

"Ah! There you are Le-"

…

Leon rarely swore, but having their moment interrupted was enough to make him mutter, "Are you fucking kidding me…" He slowly turned his head to the owner of the voice, who was the nurse that tended to his wounds and oversaw his physical rehab schedule. Locking eyes with the Champion and noticing the boiling disappointment in his gaze, made the nurse slowly back out of the room with a meek, "Sorry…"

Leon hung his head in anguish. So close, yet so far-

"Leon."

"Hm?" Leon lifted his head, only to be greeted with the feeling of Juliet's lips against his cheek. He thought his heart burst out of his chest, drowning him in the feeling of warmth and joy from such a simple gesture of affection. He probably looked stupid with how dopey his smile was.

Juliet giggled lightly and patted his hands. "Maybe the hospital isn't the most romantic setting."

He pouted. "You're probably right…"

"You should go see what's up. I'm sure your nurse didn't mean it."

"Yeah...But, before that," Leon gingerly grabbed one of her hands and pressed his lips against the back of it. It was Juliet's turn to crack a dopey smile on her face from the smooth gesture. He didn't pull away immediately, opting to flash her a playful smile against her hand when their gazes met. "I'll see you again later?"

Juliet smiled adoringly. "Looking forward to it."

When Juliet had woken up from a nap, she barely had a moment to register her uncle, aunt, and cousin entering her room with armfuls of gift baskets and flowers. Courtney nearly dropped the vase she was holding out of sheer excitement and quickly placed it on a table before practically launching herself onto Juliet's bed. Juliet barely caught her cousin's hug and not even a second later did she start to sob into her hospital gown.

"I...I was so worried! I thought you weren't gonna ever wake up!" Courtney wailed, hugging her tighter. Juliet chuckled weakly and gingerly stroked her cousin's hair as Tiffany and Dave joined on the other side of the bed with watering eyes. Tiffany cupped both of her cheeks and sniffled. Besides the bandages on her face, she was warm and alive. Her smile was small, but she knew she was happy. A happiness that she vowed to protect.

Tiffany tenderly cradled her face. "How are you feeling, sweetie? And be honest."

Juliet paused for a moment before answering. "...Drained. Like I came back from a long, long battle. But, I'm going to be OK now."

Tiffany's lip quivered from her response and gently pressed her lips against her forehead, holding her close, but gently. "G-Good. I'm...so happy to hear that. You deserve nothing less."

"Thanks, mom-"

Courtney lifted up her head and Tiffany pulled back abruptly with wide eyes. Dave could only smile gently at Juliet's supposed slip up. Juliet, on the other hand, blushed profusely at accidentally calling her aunt 'mom'. It was an innocent mistake, and she'd be lying to herself if she said she didn't regard her aunt as more of a mom than her biological one was, but even so it was a bit uncalled for.

"Crap, that came out wrong. I'm sorry, auntie, I didn't mean to-"

"...I don't mind."

"...Huh?"

Tears streamed down Tiffany's face, pulling Juliet back into a loving hug. "When we took you under our care, a part of me...wanted to hear you call me your mom. Of course, considering what you went through with my sister, it wasn't right to bring it up when your wounds were still fresh. It wasn't right for me to be selfish. So, hearing you call me 'mom' is just…you have no idea how happy that makes me."

"...You really don't mind?" Juliet whispered.

"Sweetie, you can call me whatever you want. Whatever makes you happy, makes me happy. Even if you didn't come from my womb, I don't see you as anything less than my daughter."

Juliet whimpered and buried her face into her aunt's shoulder, sobbing quietly as her aunt cooed and gently rocked her. For the longest time, she didn't think she had a real home, a real family, to return to, but all this time, it was right in front of her. In this case, sometimes a real family is one that you find later on, not the one you were born into.

And that familial bond transcends bloodlines.

Juliet pulled back and smiled. "Mom?"

Tiffany returned her smile with her own. "Yes, sweetie?"

"I love you." Juliet looked to Dave. "You too, dad. And…" Then at Courtney. "My little sister, Courtney."

Courtney was practically glowing and she shared a knowing glance with Dave who could only smile just as brightly and joined in on the family hug. They all laughed joyously, and though they've shared many laughs over the years, this was the first time they laughed as a real, loving family.

And there was no doubt that there would be more in the future.

Juliet wasn't expecting to wake up in the middle of the night by something (or maybe somethings?) licking her hands. Her face scrunched up tiredly and it took a lot of will-power to crack her eyelids open, only for them to snap wide open upon seeing what was paying her a late night visit. She smiled gently and scratched both of their ears affectionately, giggling to herself seeing their eyes close in content.

"Zacian, Zamazenta, how'd you two get in here…?"

They didn't say a word, rather answering her question with eyes of guilt and regret.

"It seems that they came to check on you."

Juliet turned her head to the darker side of the room to see Darkrai rise from the floor. The two legendaries immediately bared their fangs and growled at his appearance but she shushed and cooed them gently, reassuring them that he didn't mean any harm.

"It's OK, you two. He wasn't himself, so he didn't mean to hurt anyone. I promise."

Both canines looked at Juliet and then back at Darkrai, before bowing their heads apologetically.

"It's alright. If our roles were switched, I too would have reacted the same. I'm deeply sorry for almost harming you both, even if I was in immense pain."

Zacien and Zamazenta's tails swooshed back and forth against the ground - happy and pleased with knowing any threats that may have lingered in the Galar region, were none. They returned their attention back to Juliet, both of them standing on their hind legs to lick her face, making her giggle uncontrollably. For Legendary Pokemon that saved an entire region, they were a lot more affectionate than she thought they'd be. Perhaps at the end of the day even if they were heroes, at their core they were still Pokemon, capable of feeling love and joy given to them by humans.

"Thank you for checking on me. I'm doing much better now! You two should go back to Slumbering Weald to rest too. I bet you two are just as tired from that battle-"

"They have something they want to give you."

"They do?" Juliet blinked, squinting her eyes and noticing something lodged in between Zacian's fangs. She plucked the object, flipping it back and forth, and realizing that it was a badge of some sort. Since it was given to her by Zacian and Zamazenta, she half-expected it to have a sword and shield engraved into the metal, but instead was what looked like a scepter.

"Is there a scepter on this badge?"

"It seems like you've earned both of their respects. The courage to fight, the selflessness to protect, and the voice to lead - you've displayed all of those things. The legends speak of two heroes and two Legendary Pokemon, but you've awakened as a third hero as Galar's Tactician. That badge is to symbolize that."

Her jaw dropped and she stared down at the badge. Galar's Tactician...it did have a nice ring to it and it was an astounding award and title to be given, by Zacian and Zamazenta no less. The way it was given to her was the best way it could have happened. No fanfare or applause - just a private exchange so the moment was only hers.

Like a sacred ceremony.

"Zacian...Zamazenta...Thank you. I'm glad I could help."

They gave her one last nuzzle and a glance back before phasing through the door in a veil of fog, leaving behind only the sounds of wistful howls. Juliet looked down at her badge before crawling back under the covers of bed and holding it close to her heart.

Her smile widened upon feeling a ghost hand brush her hair gently as she slipped back to sleep.