Author's Note: Hey everyone, how's it going?

I know it's been a bit since I updated. Writers block and that kinda stuff.

Hopefully you enjoy this chapter because I like how it turned out!

Ready...set... go!

"So where are we going now?" Nemona excitedly skipped ahead as the girls left the Pokémon center, "We've got to find another one!"

Juliana studied the map carefully, "According to the places Raifort located… there's a shrine north of Casseroya Lake! Wow… that blows my mind too." Juliana reminisced, "Arven and I fought a titan Pokémon there."

"Oy, really? Agh, sounds like you two had a lot of fun with crazy battles! I'm a little jealous!"

"Ha! Remember Nemona, you got to crazy battle in Area Zero! But yeah, it was fun. That battle at the lake was a real twister. A bigger fish ate a smaller fish, then after we beat the bigger fish, the smaller fish came back! My brain is fried just thinking about it."

Nemona was amazed at hearing that, "Whoa, that is a twist indeed."

"Anyway, the shrine looks like it's going to be hidden in a place where there's a lot of rocky terrain. Really hard for people to get to."

"Well, it's a good thing we've got Koraidon on our side, right?" Nemona winked.

Juliana nodded, "That's right! I bet the stake holding the shrine shut is there too."

"Then come on, let's get this show on the road!"

"Wait for me Nemona!"

The girls decided to take a flying taxi to Casseroya Lake. On the way, Juliana glanced out the window, looking at the stars that were starting to appear in the sky. She quietly sighed happily, remembering that night she and Arven became a couple. At the same time, she was silently worried over the fact that she was hunting for the ruin Pokémon without his knowledge. Pushing those thoughts aside, she looked at the map again and noticed that Raifort had marked that the stake holding the shrine would be located somewhere in the forest.

They guided the taxi driver to drop them off on the north side of the lake at the forests edge. The trees loomed high over them, appearing as mysterious shadows while they swayed calmly in the wind. Juliana could hear the sound of the leaves brushing against one another as the wind chilled her.

After the taxi flew away, Nemona clapped her hands together excitedly, "All right! Let's get searching! You said the stake was around here, right?"

Juliana affirmed, "That's right."

"Wow, it's so beautiful out here!" Nemona observed their surroundings, "And the temperature is just right! You can't get a better night than this one!"

Indeed, the night was quite a splendor, as they were in the cool embrace of the blue hour. Only a tiny circle of orange rested upon the western horizon, clouds appeared as wispy, dark blue paint strokes in the sky. Looking toward the lake they could see the reflection of the sky and the various small islands centered on the lake.

Juliana joyfully smiled, "It is wonderful, could've have asked for a better night!" She didn't notice her cheeks were turning a bit red.

Nemona did notice, "Oy! Don't get all bashful now my bestie! Wouldn't want you to be too distracted for our next battle!"

"Sorry, I just feel so perky!" Juliana impishly apologized, "You're right, it's honestly the perfect night! Everything is so blue!"

"That's the magic of nature for ya. Now come on, vamos! Let's hunt for a stake!"

They took to Socarrat Trail, knowing they were heading into the direction of the forest with quite a few ledges, Juliana fully realized that they would be in for quite the search. There was a lot of ground to cover, cries of various Pokémon could be heard from within, and Juliana remembered how strong the Pokémon in this area were. Not that she was worried, both her and Nemona were powerful, champion-ranked trainers after all!

While they were walking, Juliana decided to bring something up, "Hey Nemona? Do you remember when we were walking in Area Zero and you spoke about your family?"

Nemona did recall, "Yeah, I remember that! What about them?"

"I've been curious." Juliana admitted, "You said you had a sister; I was going to ask you about her but then we got distracted."

"Oh, okay! What would you like to know?"

"You and your sister… do you two get along? How old is she? What's she like?"

"She's twenty-one." Nemona answered, "As for our relationship? Well… we're friendly, but we've never really been close or anything. She's always been more… serious in terms of personality. But she is a cool person. We just aren't that close, really."

"Ah, I see." Juliana replied.

"It's because my parents are set on her inheriting the company, being the older sibling. So, from a young age she was taught the ways of the business world. My parents aren't bad people, they just have this vison on how they want their company to go once they retire."

Juliana hesitated for a moment before answering, "I've always wondered what it was like to have siblings. I'm an only child, so I can't fully comprehend what you've experienced, but… I do want to understand as much as I can."

Nemona smiled, "You're so kind Juliana. But you don't have to worry, it wasn't like it was a bad situation where I was neglected or anything. Mother and father loved us both equally and they showed it well. They were just more… teacher-like to my sister than they were to me."

"Ah, that makes sense." Julian realized, "Well it's good to know you were loved."

Meanwhile, they kept on the path, trailing off to search in the obscure spots. Various bug-type Pokémon watched them from high in the trees. Within a few more steps into the forest, the girls came across a small pond. To Juliana's surprise, Nemona stretched her arms above her head and then went to go have a seat on the grass in front of the water.

"Nemona? Are you all right?" Juliana questioned, concerned.

"Say uh… Juliana? I actually want to ask you something now. Come sit." She patted the ground next to her.

Juliana did as requested and sat next to her, feeling worried before Nemona explained, "I'm sorry for bringing this up so suddenly… Juliana, when we were walking in Area Zero. You said your father had passed away? I'm sorry for asking, I just want to know more if you're okay with talking about it."

Juliana took a breath and responded, "It's okay, Nemona. Yes, he passed when I was eight. It… was because he got really sick, and he wasn't able to recover."

Nemona put her hand over her mouth in surprise and then answered thoughtfully, "O-Oh… I'm so sorry to hear about that. I can't imagine what that must have been like for you and your mother."

"We managed through it." Juliana assured, "It wasn't easy in the beginning but… in the end, we made it."

"That's so great to hear. Glad it worked out for ya in the long run."

The girls didn't notice that a few Sudowoodo, a Raichu, and a Leafeon had gathered and were watching them curiously several feet behind them.

Juliana mentioned, "I told Arven about that the other day. Because… I wanted him to know… that I know his pain."

Nemona nodded understandably, her amber eyes showing concern, "Oh yeah, I remember… still, hard to believe that Professor Sada is gone, huh?"

Juliana nodded silently, Nemona continued speaking, "It seems like any day now she's gonna appear on TV again happily raving about something amazing she discovered."

"Yeah, that's true." Juliana sighed, "It breaks my heart though, the fact that Arven knew deep down that she was gone before, but was in denial about it…"

Nemona put a comforting arm around Juliana, who had just shed a tear, "I've lost a parent too, but I still can't imagine what being in denial about a parent that you haven't seen in years being gone must be like."

"It's all right Juliana." Nemona tried to comfort, "Just remember this… he's got you by his side now. Even if he still feels some hurt."

"You're right Nemona." Juliana nodded, wiping her eye, "I'll always be there for him."

As if the timing could not have been worse, Nemona suddenly remembered her and Eri seeing Arven and Juliana cuddled up together in The Grand Olive Orchard. She let out a tiny snorting yelp before immediately slapping her hands over her mouth and nose.

Juliana laughed a little, "Are you okay? What the heck was that?"

Nemona felt her barely held-in laugh about to pop. She immediately hopped to her feet, barely chirped out, "Excuse me." before sprinting away. The Pokémon that had been watching scampered off into the darkness. Nemona managed to leap around a corner before she bust a gut laughing, she almost folded herself in half with how hard she was splitting her sides.

Juliana could faintly hear the noises but couldn't tell what they were, "Nemona?" She stood up and walked toward the noise. Nemona managed to calm herself a little as Juliana found her around the corner, "What's the matter?" she asked.

"It's nothing." Nemona wiped her eyes.

"Ohhh what's so funny?" Juliana urged, "Come ooooonnnn, you can tell me!"

"No, I can't. Trust me, I can't" Nemona chortled, at that moment she looked ahead and what she saw took her by surprise, "Juliana, check it out!" and pointed.

Juliana looked to see a glowing, green stake planted in the ground. Her eyes flew wide, "Oh wow, we found it!"

"That's awesome, let's go tug on it!"

Juliana expressed confusion, "Huh… well that was a lot easier than the last time. I wonder what that could mean?"

"It means we were lucky this time?" Nemona guessed, "What are you thinking about?"

"I'm not sure." Juliana admitted, "I'm just saying, come on."

She approached the stake with more confidence, took it by the handle and lifted it out of the ground. Like last time, the stake crumbled and vanished from sight. A few seconds of silence passed before the girls heard a noise.

"Poooouur!"

Nemona looked at Juliana, "You heard that too?"

Juliana nodded, "I think it came from over there. Let's go look." The two walked onward to find a labyrinth. Rockfaces were all around them, surrounding the girls with rock and yellow grass.

"I've never seen this place before." Juliana noted, "I didn't realize this was here. It's not too obvious looking from the outside."

Nemona agreed, "Yeah, it's one of those places where it's hiding in plain sight."

The girls then came across a wide river with a small patch of land on the other side.

"This river looks really deep…" Nemona stated, looking closely at the water, "Hard to tell though cause it's getting darker."

"Well, it's a good thing we've got our buddy here!" Juliana winked, taking out Koraidon's Pokeball, "Come on out pal!"

Koraidon appeared from the Pokeball, surprised that he didn't have to pop out on its own.

"Could you help us out again Koraidon?" Juliana requested.

Koraidon readily nodded and allowed the girls to climb on its back.

"There's nothing we can't do with this guy on our side!" Nemona enthused.

"You have no idea how much it's helped." Juliana smiled, "The power of friendship has overcome everything so far!"

"Haha!" Nemona laughed, "Come on, let's go!"

Koraidon waded in the river until its feet couldn't feel the ground anymore. Without fear, Koraidon paddled effortlessly over to the small patch of land, reaching it in no time. When it climbed out of the water, it allowed Juliana and Nemona to hop off before shaking like a wet Daschbun, sprinkling the girls with water drops.

Juliana laughed, "Hahaha! Koraidon, you're getting us wet now!"

Nemona was also laughing, "Koraidon is so adorable! Its so strong and from the past but it acts just like a typical Pokémon!"

Koraidon acknowledged the compliment with a smile and a head nod. After a few moments of rest, the team carried on. They saw immediately that there was an incline leading down into a cavern area with an open ceiling, acting as a skylight window. A round, green glowing door was the only thing present in this area.

Juliana and Nemona looked at each other and exchanged encouraging nods before approaching the shrine. When they got close, Juliana reached for the door with caution and barely touched it with her fingers when they were startled by a loud rumble.

Nemona protectively took Juliana's arm and pulled her backwards. The girls looked on in awe as the door disappeared and out stepped a large Pokémon resembling a cloven-hoofed creature. Its body was composed of layered rock, ranging in color from dark brown to light tan. Its head had several red markings, as well as small red eyes and what appears to be a on its chin. Upon its head is a large ritual vessel cracked down the middle, with an ornate rectangular pattern resembling eyes at the front, with antler-like spikes jutting from the rim.

The Pokémon shook its body, like it were awakening from a long nap, and roared, "Pooouuurrr!"

Juliana was impressed, "Wow! That looks like a Sawsbuck! I've seen a lot of those in Paldea!" Her rotom phone read,

Ting-Lu

Ruinous Pokemon

The fear poured into an ancient ritual vessel has clad itself in rocks and dirt to become a Pokémon.

Juliana acknowledged the description, "Just like what Raifort described." She grabbed a Dive ball, "All right Palafin, it's your turn!"

She threw the dive ball into the air and out popped the aquatic Pokémon, who chirped excitedly before engaging the ruin Pokémon in battle.

Nemona stepped forward with her Pokémon of choice, "Good choice Juliana, what a cute little water type you got there! All right, Quaquaval, let's go!" She sent out her starter Pokémon. The dancing duck emerged from the light with a great spirit and stood by Palafin's side.

"Ha! I see you went with your starter!" Juliana praised, "We've got a water-type team here, yay!"

"You've got that right!" Nemona confirmed energetically, "Juliana, let me get a head start here! Quaquaval, use aqua step now!"

The water duck quickly bounced up to Ting-Lu and attacked using light and fluid dance steps. This also made Quaquaval lighter on his feet.

"Nice move Nemona!" Juliana cheered, "Now it's my turn, Palafin, use jet punch!"

Palafin summoned a torrent around her fins and slapped Ting-Lu at blinding speed. Ting-Lu leaped into the air and landed hard, causing the ground to shake violently, striking both Quaquaval and Palafin simultaneously.

"That was the move, earthquake!" Nemona exclaimed, "No worries, we've still got this!"

Juliana called out to their Pokémon, "You can do it guys! Keep strong!"

Palafin and Quaquaval shook it off quickly and kept focused on Ting-Lu.

"Quaquaval, use brick break!"

The dancing duck attacked with a swift chop, Ting-Lu responded by summoning a ruinous disaster upon Quaquaval. The water starter fell backwards from being hit.

"Palafin, use wave crash!"

Palafin shrouded herself in water and slams into Ting-Lu with her whole body. Ting-Lug was heavily damaged, Palafin was also hurt a little.

Juilana whispered, "Sorry Palafin, I know that move hurts you too…"

Thankfully, Ting-Lu showed signs of exhaustion. It didn't retaliate with another move.

"Now's my chance!" Thought Juliana as she took an ultra ball. She focused her aim on Ting-Lue and with a graceful toss the ultra ball hit Ting-Lu in the vessel, absorbing it inside. Like last time, the ball shook aggressively on the ground. Unlike last time, Ting-Lu gave up pretty quickly and the ball fell silent.

Nemona rushed to Juliana, "That was great! Good job again, Juliana!"

Juliana took a deep breath, "Thanks Nemona, let's check on our Pokémon!"

"Right!"

The girls ran up to their respective Pokémon. Juliana carefully caressed Palafin, "Good job Palafin, you're so strong to have taken those hits, sorry about having you use wave crash. I know that hurts you too."

Palafin smiled and nodded, too tired to make a sound. Koraidon walked up to Palafin and sniffed her before giving her a supportive nuzzle. Palafin smiled brighter and returned the cuddles.

"Okay Palafin, you should take a rest now." Juliana advised, and recalled the dolphin Pokémon to her dive ball, "You're so kind Koraidon. Don't worry too much, all the others are strong just like you!" She patted its face.

Koraidon replied, "Agaii!"

Nemona encouraged her Quaquaval, "You did great Quaquaval! That was a very tough match but we made it through! All right, you need a break. Back into your pokeball now, okay?" She recalled her starter Pokémon.

"All right, we've done it again Juliana!" Nemona applauded.

"We sure did!" Juliana responded, she then yawned, "Wow, it's gotten a bit late, hasn't it? I think we should go back for the night."

Nemona had an understanding face, "I hear ya, that's a good idea. Me? I'm always raring to go on, but I need rest too! Haha…"

Juliana smiled, "I wonder how you do that sometimes."

Nemona shrugged, "I just like adventure, and of course, the battles!"

"Of course you do. But hey, I'm okay with that!" Juliana responded, "Let's get back to the academy! We can continue tomorrow."

Nemona agreed, and the girls walked out of the cavern to summon a flying taxi. The taxi arrived quickly as always and the girls boarded and asked to be taken to the academy. On the way back, Juliana considered finding Professor Raifort and giving her a progress report. But she decided against it, that woman gave her the creeps and did not want to interact with her any more than necessary.

"Hey Juliana?" Nemona spoke.

"Hm? What's up Nemona?"

Nemona appeared nervous, she shuffled her hands in her lap, "I… I'm sorry."

This confused Juliana, "What for Nemona?"

"The other day… I told this to Penny. But I feel like I should tell you… I don't feel this way anymore. But for a short time, I felt envious of you."

"What for?" Juliana inquired.

Nemona sighed, "I saw all the good things going for you, especially with how you connect well with others. It made me feel inadequate because I could never… do that myself. I guess I just wanted to be like that too."

Juliana looked at Nemona with concern, "Nemona…"

"I'm sorry." Nemona apologized, "I know that's childish. And I had to get it off my chest, because the fact that I felt that way about my bestest rival for life… I don't feel like a good person sometimes…"

"Don't say that!" Juliana objected, "You are a good person!"

Nemona obtained a look of shock. Juliana explained, "You're always so sunny and cheerful! That kind of disposition is good to have! Not to mention you are really passionate about the things you enjoy, and you never give up no matter what! I mean, yeah, there are times when you've said some tactless things… but that doesn't mean you're a bad person. You just need… more practice. Like how you practice Pokémon battles."

Nemona kept her shocked expression, she then took a deep breath and smiled warmly, "I really love how you always find good in people. That's not always easy to do, you know? Someone's good qualities aren't always easy to find…"

"That doesn't mean they aren't there." Juliana stated, "It's like… a hidden treasure, hm?" She winked.

The taxi driver piped up, "Girls? I don't mean to interrupt, but we're here." He spoke with a kind voice.

The girls looked up and sure enough, they were at the academy.

"Oh! We're sorry!" Juliana apologized, "Thank you!"

"Thanks!" Nemona also thanked the driver.

"No problem!" The driver assured, "Hope you girls have a good rest of your night now!"

The girls disembarked and the taxi flew away.

"Now what was I saying?" Juliana remembered, "Oh, yeah! It's a hidden treasure, that you have to uncover."

Nemona froze for a moment before throwing her arms around her friend, "Thank you Juliana. I needed to hear that."

Juliana returned the hug, "Anytime Nemona! Remember, you just need practice. But I know you can do it!"

"Juliana?" The girls were surprised by Arven's voice. Prompting the two to break away from the embrace, "Oy! Arven?" Nemona responded, "What are you doing up so late?"

"Hi, Arven." Juliana greeted somewhat nervously.

"You two were out quite late today, I was starting to worry a bit."

The girls exchanged a quick glance before Nemona answered, "We were just having too much fun and we lost track of time! No biggie, right Juliana?"

"Y-Yeah, that's right. Heheh…"

Noticing her timid tone, Arven asked, "Are you okay Juilana?"

"I am…" Juliana answered, "I'm just really tired, I'm ready to go to bed."

Arven smiled warmly, "All right."

Juliana gave Arven a hug before saying, "I'll see you guys tomorrow, okay? Good night."

Arven hugged her back, "Good night." He kissed her forehead before watching her walk away, Nemona and Arven waving as she left. Once she was out of sight, Arven turned to Nemona, "So what were you girls doing all this time?"

Nemona answered with a grin, "Oh, we had some battles you know."

"Huh! Figures." Arven replied with a snarky tone, "But for this long? What else did you two do?"

"We uh… walked around. Talking about things."

Arven raised an eyebrow. Nemona clarified with an insistent voice, "Personal things."

"Ah, I see." Arven accepted, "Well, as long you both come back safe that's fine. I especially don't want anything bad happening to my girlfriend."

"No worries!" Nemona assured, "I'd never let anything happen to her! She is my bestest rival for life after all."

"Right." Arven nodded, "Well, I'd better get going to. I'll see you around Nemona."

"Later Arven!" Nemona called to him as he left quickly. After waiting a few seconds, she left for her dorm room too.

It had been a long day, and tomorrow would be another one.