Author's Note: Hey everyone! Sorry if this seemed a bit delayed. I did write finish this a few days ago, but I was unhappy with how it was so I started over. I'm much happier with how it is now. So... yay!
On a more nostalgic note, I went back to my parent's house to grab some things and I found a stash of my old CDs from way back when... In that mix was Pokémon The First Movie Soundtrack CD. Dang, so many memories attached to that...

Anyway... enjoy the chapter!

The lively bustle of Porto Marinada greeted the couple as they entered the boundaries of the oceanside city. Juliana removed her hat, placed it back into her bag, and skipped down the curved path with a smile on her face with Arven chasing behind her. She stopped at the steps leading up to the marketplace, Arven caught up with her and took her hand, "Haha! Where did all this energy come from cutie!?"

Juliana replied bashfully, "We're finally here, of course! We can relax now!"

Arven kissed her head, "You're so cute." He faced forward and eyed the marketplace, "So this is where those famous auctions take place, right?"

Juliana confirmed, "That's right!"

"Have you ever done one of them, Juliana?"

"I have! The first time I tried was when Kofu, the gym leader from Cascarrafa asked me to participate in one that was selling some rare seaweed from the Hoenn region. He did that as the gym test… haha…"

Arven was baffled at this, "Well, that must have felt like the most random thing."

"It was! The plus side was he let me keep any money I had left, so I got a generous tip for the task!" She winked.

"Oh wow, he sounds like a great guy!"

"He is! If you ever try the gym challenge, you'll meet him! I think you and him would get along, he's a chef you know!"

This caught Arven's attention, "He is? That's awesome!"

"He's the head chef of the Kofu Lounge!" Juliana explained, "Naturally, he specializes in seafood cuisine. One of his students is Katy, she's the gym leader of Cortondo's gym. She's a bug-type specialist and she runs a bakery!"

"Okay, I definitely want to meet this guy." Arven stated.

"I think you should!" Juliana agreed, "He could help you out with being a chef!"

"If he could, that would be great."

"I'm sure he would love to give you advice!" She encouraged, "We should go to the Kofu Lounge someday!"

Arven nodded, "That sounds like a great idea! I would love that."

Juliana clapped her hands together, "It's a date! Now, let's go get those crepes because I am seriously craving them!"

Arven chuckled, "Haha! All right, let's go!"

She eagerly took Arven's hand and led him to the stand where the same lady was selling them. The stand was in full view of the sea and nearby were several tables and chairs shaded by colorful umbrellas. Upon seeing them, the lady's face lit up like a light, "Aha! You're back again student? Hahaha! I don't blame ya! Hardly no one can resist the crepes from Kanto! You want some?"

Juliana grinned, "Of course I do! Could I get the strawberry whipped cream one today?"

The lady gave an approving gesture, "You got it girly!" At that moment, she noticed Arven, and the couple's joined hands, "Ooooh! You brought your boyfriend today, eh? How cute! An ice cream date!" She fawned, making both of them blush.

"And what can I get for ya today young man?"

Arven chuckled and answered bashfully, "Heh… I'll get the same thing she's getting…"

"I gotcha." The lady replied with a wink, and prepared two strawberry whipped cream crepes. Once they were prepared, the couple went to take a seat at one of the shades tables. Juliana took a deep breath to enjoy the smell of the ocean, that made her first bite taste all the more delicious.

"Oh wow! This is delicious!" Arven exclaimed, having taken a bite of his.

"I told you so!" Juliana enthused, taking another bite and getting some on her nose. Arven noticed and laughed, "You got some on your nose cutie!"

Juliana giggled and wiped it away, "Oops, I guess I got too carried away… hehe…"

Arven chuckled again, "You're honestly the most adorable girl. I love you so much."

Her face went red, "I love you too Arven!"

Arven chuckled, at that moment something completely random popped into his mind.

"Are you two gonna get married!?"

The words from Poppy, the young elite four member echoed in his mind. Just thinking about that moment was making his heart beat a little faster. He was embarrassed that she had suggested such a thing. Yet he couldn't help but wonder… He gazed at Juliana, innocently enjoying her crepe. Before he could stop himself, he imagined her in an elegant, long white dress with lace detailing. A veil draping over her face. She looked at him with an overjoyed expression, "I love you so much, Arven! Let's be together forever!"

He had a goofy grin on his face for a few seconds before he snapped out of it, "Wait, what the heck am I thinking about!?"

Juliana giggled, "Are you okay Arven?"

He quickly answered, "Yeah, I'm fine!" Before quickly chomping down the rest of his crepe. Likewise, Juliana had finished hers, "That was the best ever!"

Arven replied, "You were right Juliana, those crepes are great!" He looked toward the ocean, "What should we do now?"

"Let's go over here!" She took Arven by the hand and guided him away from the dining area, down the stone steps and onto the walkway that lead to area two of the west province. The pair took a seat at the first bench they found, overlooking the west Paldean Sea. While the waves of the ocean made splashing sounds beneath them, Juliana wrapped her arms around Arven in a side hug. He smiled warmly and hugged her back. After holding onto him for a few moments, she gave him a light kiss on the cheek, making him chuckle. He returned the kiss on her forehead.

"This view is great." Arven noted, watching the horizon.

"It's beautiful." Juliana agreed, "I always wonder what could be beyond that horizon."

Arven smiled at her, then sighed, "You know, this… reminds me of the day I met Koraidon for the first time. I was just a kid, and it was a cloudy day. But I remember it started with me looking out at the ocean like this."

Juliana immediately became interested, "Really? How did it happen? Professor Sada brought it home to you, didn't she?"

"Yeah, she did."

FLASHBACK

At the Poco Path lighthouse, young Arven watched the ocean horizon with his loyal Maschiff by his side. He didn't pay any mind to the dark clouds that were slowly brewing around them. He was only thinking about his mother, who had been gone for days.

"Where did mom go? She hasn't come back yet…" He looked at his Pokepal, "What do you think Maschiff?"

Maschiff looked at Arven, then stared into the horizon. As if he was trying to think of an answer. At that moment, rain drops began to fall upon the pair. Prompting the duo to rush inside the lab. Arven looked around the silent lab, and with nothing else to do. Maschiff picked up his pokeball and rushed to his child owner, dropping the ball at his feet.

This made Arven smile, and he picked the ball up and rolled it across the ground. Maschiff gleefully chased after it and pounced to catch it, then brought it back to Arven. The pair repeated this a few times before they heard a click and the creak of the door swinging open. Arven turned around and was excited to see his mother walk in.

She muttered to herself, "Goodness, I was not expecting that rain…"

"Mom!" He hurried over to her, "Mom, you're back!"

Professor Sada smiled, "Oh, my son! I've missed you! I'm sorry, I was gone for longer than I thought." She crouched to pat her son's shoulder.

Little Arven was worried, "Mom… why do you have to be gone all the time? Why can't you stay here?"

"Oh son… it's part of my work. I want to surprise you, so I can't tell you everything yet. But once it's done, I'll be with you all the time." She assured him.

"Will it be done soon?"

She hesitated with a sigh, "Hard to say son, it's hard to say. Hang in there until then. You know I love you."

Arven wasn't comforted by those words, knowing she would be gone again quickly.

"Arven, I brought you a Pokémon. I want you to help me look after it."

"A… Pokémon?"

Sada smiled and revealed a Pokeball, she tossed it to the ground and out came a sizeable reptilian Pokémon, mostly scarlet in color. The strange Pokémon curiously studied its surroundings, not knowing what to make of it's new environment.

"It's name is Koraidon."

Arven looked at the Pokémon and blinked, mostly uninterested. Maschiff walked up to Koraidon and sniffed it. Koraidon turned to face Maschiff and sniffed back. Both sniffing each other's noses. Koraidon then made a smiling expression and nodded, Maschiff also appeared to accept the odd Pokémon.

"That's a weird Pokémon." Arven blandly stated.

Sada giggled, "Oh Arven, it's from the past! I got it using my invention! Isn't it adorable? It's a very friendly and sweet guy."

Koraidon approached little Arven and began smelling him, Arven scrunched his face and recoiled feeling the reptile's breath puffing on his face, "Ew, your breath smells bad!" he pushed Koraidon's face back. Koraidon responded with a curious expression, nonetheless it smiled and gave Arven a lick.

"Ew!" Arven reacted, then hid behind his mother, "Mom, I don't want it!"

Koraidon appeared confused at Arven's disapproval.

Sada smiled and shook her head, "Oh Arven, I think you should give it a chance. It's a sweet Pokémon! I… want to keep it here for a while!"

"Mom!" Arven protested, "Do we have to?"

"Yes Arven, its only gonna be for a little while. Besides, I think you'll grow to like it eventually!"

"I won't like it." Arven pouted, crossing his arms, "Take it back!"

"Arven… give a few days please? I just want to keep an eye on it."

"Hmmph…"

Seeing that she finally got Arven to reluctantly cave, she changed the subject, "Now, how about some dinner? I've got this neat little recipe in mind! Let's go turn on the stove!"

The professor stood and walked over to the kitchen area while humming a happy tune, leaving Arven and Maschiff with their odd new companion. Arven looked at Koraidon with a grumpy face, then stuck his tongue out and blew a raspberry at the scarlet Pokémon. Koraidon widened his eyes, reared its head back and jerked it back forward, blowing a bigger raspberry back at Arven, showering both the child and Maschiff in slobber.

"EWW!" Arven yelled, "MOOOOOMM!"

In the kitchen area, Sada was turned away from the group, barely failing to stifle her laughter. Koraidon looked at the Professor with an innocent smile.

END OF FLASHBACK

Juliana was laughing so hard she had fallen off the bench. Arven remained seated, chuckling lightheartedly at his own story.

She barely managed to speak through fits of laughter, "You spit at it, then it spit at you back! And covered you in slobber! That's so hilarious!"

"Yeah… heheh. My mom was laughing too, of course that just made me more mad at the time…"

Juliana got herself up and back on the bench next to Arven, "I'm so sorry… that was just too funny!"

"No, no it's okay!" Arven assured, "I mean, thinking about it now… I kinda deserved that… haha…"

Juliana put one arm around Arven, "Don't say that, it's understandable the way you felt."

"I guess it's hard to blame me too much for being a kid, haha!" Arven shrugged, and put one arm around Juliana, "I'm able to look back at that moment fondly now. It was one of the few times that mom was actually home. Of course, she only got a few bites of dinner in before she had to take off again. She left Koraidon with me that day."

"I see… still, I can't imagine how hard that must have been." Juliana sympathized.

Arven shrugged, "I wouldn't see my mom again until about a year later. Koraidon ended up getting out and attacking several wild Pokémon. Many people saw it, so my mom was forced to return and take it back to the lab in Area Zero." He took a deep breath, "That would be the last time I would see her…" He finished that sentence with a lowered voice.

Juliana held Arven closely. He hugged her back, shaking his head, "Years would go by, and I would never hear from her again… You know, when I saw Koraidon with you the day we met the first time… all of that anger that I had bottled up came to the surface… All I could think about was that this was the Pokémon that took my parent away. I did NOT want to be responsible for it again. So, when I met you, I saw a way out. I didn't care what happened anymore. My mom was gone, and I just wanted the Pokémon I saw as responsible out of my life. I challenged you to a battle, knowing that you would defeat me because I was not good at battling. That's how I handed Koraidon over to you without looking too obvious."

Juliana sat quietly, calmly taking in the story.

"I wasn't expecting to see you again after that day…" Arven admitted regretfully, "That's why I was so eager to be rid of Koraidon once and for all.

"Arven…"

"I'm sorry." He apologized, his tone more somber, "Honestly, I'm… I'm a terrible person…"

Juliana turned to him, "What…? No, you aren't! Why would you think that?"

A tear fell from his eye, "Well, first I passed off Koraidon to you like you were some donation facility not caring what happened as long as it was out of my hair, second I roped you into some crazy adventure to heal my Mabosstiff without telling you the full story right away… then there was that incident in Area Zero… and… just my background, and the things that have happened in my life…" He leaned forward and placed his face into his hands, "Honestly Juliana… how…? How are you able to love someone like me…?"

Juliana was so surprised, she put her fingertips up to her mouth. But before she could say anything, Arven continued, "I just don't have much to offer… My grades aren't the best, I'm not the most likeable person, and I don't have anyone to call a family except for Mabosstiff. I'm amazed that you're able to love me."

Juliana put her arms around him, "Arven… it only sounds terrible if you put it like that. But there are so many other things to consider! You'd been dealt a rough hand in life, and you were just doing the best you could…"

He looked at her, his eyes red with tears.

"You were just trying to feel less burdened… no one can blame you for that… Remember what I told you before, I love you because I know the real you."

Arven sniffed, wiping his eyes, "Juliana…"

"Also, it's okay if you don't have the best grades. And yes it's true you're a little rough around the edges, and I get why you feel alone without your mother… but don't forget who you are, a kind, warmhearted guy that would go to great lengths for the ones he cares about. And you care about doing the right thing! You're still a noble person despite everything, and you try your best."

Arven felt more tears forming in his eyes.

Juliana concluded, "That's why I love you… Please Arven, don't think about the bad side too much… I mean, yeah, learn from bad things… but think positively too. Don't let the negative consume you."

He looked into her bright hazel eyes, sparkling with sincerity. He knew every word she said was the truth. He stood from the bench and took a step forward, "Juliana…"

She stood and stepped beside him, "Arven…?" She became worried, "Oh no… did I say something wrong?"

Without warning he pulled her into a tight hug, "Thank you… I love you, Juliana. I love you so much…"

Feeling joy completely consume her, she squeezed him, "Arven, I love love looooovve you!"

His eyes widened, caught off-guard by the intensity of her response. But he smiled brightly and continued to hold her close, letting the wind brush against them. After regaining some composure, he spoke, "Hard to believe we are where we're at now. All this happened because of you, Juliana. I know I've said this before, but I'll say it again, and many more times in the future… I'm so grateful you came into my life, I don't know where I would be if it wasn't for you. But I know I'd be miserable."

Juliana felt her eyes sparkle, "Arven…"

"I mean it, truly. You've brought a light into my life, that I had lost so long ago. I honestly can't remember a time when I would wake up in the morning feeling positive. Or looking toward the future without a sense of dread. And now… everything is much brighter."

Juliana grinned, "Happy to help!"

They continued to hold onto one another, feeling their hearts beating together.

As the golden hour descended upon Paldea, Juliana and Arven moved down the path to the unoccupied beach that rested just north of Porto Marinda. They had taken a seat at one of the many vacant tables, shaded by yellow umbrellas. Since they were in the west province, the setting sun was more prominent.

"It's so beautiful here!" Juliana observed.

Arven smiled, "It is, I wonder why there aren't many people here?"

"It's because everyone comes here for the market, so they don't really pay much attention to anything else. That's what a local told me."

"Well, they're missing out on a beautiful sunset."

Juliana looked at the ocean horizon, feeling nostalgic, "This is… where I caught Palafin as a Finizen."

"Really? How'd that go?"

"She came right up to the shoreline. I spotted her and decided she was so cute I had to have her."

Arven smiled, "You really have a way of finding Pokémon that suit you so well."

Juliana grinned and retorted, "So do you, goofball! Except for Mabosstiff, all your Pokémon resemble food in a way!"

He laughed out loud, "Ahahaha! Yeah, I guess you're right! And what did you just call me?"

"A goofball because that's what you are." She shoved him playfully. Prompting a mischievous grin from Arven, "Oh, you want to be tickled that bad huh? All right! Wish granted!"

Juliana squealed and dashed from the table, Arven got up and was right on her heels. He caught up to her and began tickling her sides. Juliana's laughter echoed down the shoreline.

"I gotcha cutie~! You aren't going anywhere~!"

"Ahahaha! I'm sorry Arven! I'm sorry!"

"Oh, you aren't getting off that easily~!" He teased, "You're gonna have to be punished for being such a smark aleck~!"

Juliana laughed, trying in vain to fight back. She found the sensation almost unbearable, but it was in no way unpleasant. In fact, she was glowing with happiness. Arven was laughing too, both were overtaken with joy.

Without warning, Arven scooped her up in his arms and spun her around. She laughed out loud, holding him tight as the world around her was reduced to a blur. She looked up and saw the sky was dark blue with a pinkish tint, like a mix of carnival cotton candy.

Eventually, the couple tumbled to the ground, facing the sky above them. Juliana felt her head spinning, "I'm seeing stars…" She giggled.

Arven was also in a daze, "That's because they're right above us."

She watched above as she rested and recollected herself. Sure enough, there were many stars above them. They twinkled like diamonds, perhaps reflecting the happiness in her heart.

"I love you, Arven!" She spoke.

He replied, "I love you too, Juliana."

At that moment, the pair witnessed two sparkling orbs fly across the sky. The surprised couple sat up and tried to find them again, but they had disappeared as quickly as they appeared.

"Did you see that too?" Juliana asked.

"I did." Arven answered, "Were those shooting stars?"

"They could have been, but they looked a little different."

The pair watched the sky in wonder as the sun disappeared below the horizon. Eventually, they decided they were ready to turn in for the night. So they called a flying taxi to be taken back to the academy. In the cab, Juliana had leaned on Arven's shoulder. Arven didn't mind though, he put an arm around her and held her close. All the way back to the academy.

Back on the beach, the spirits of Professor Sada and Liam walked the shore together.

"I think we startled them Professor." Liam chuckled.

"Oh, they're fine." Professor Sada smiled, "It was worth to get a closer look at our children."

"They're growing up fast, aren't they?" Liam spoke, "I'm happy, but at the same time. I feel a little sad."

Sada nodded in understanding, "I feel the same way too Liam. I thought I was just strange, but this must be a normal thing.

Liam sighed, "She never fails to amaze me, how much higher will she soar? Although I must confess, it makes me a little worried about my wife."

"Why's that Liam?"

"Juliana has so much going on in her life now, I'm worried she might forget about her mother eventually. I know that's not likely, but I can't help but worry."

"Don't say that Liam!" Sada objected, "I know Juliana isn't that type of girl, she's wonderful! The odds of her forgetting about your wife is extremely low, believe me, I do calculations for fun." She winked in assurance.

Liam laughed out loud, "Professor, you sure have a way with words. But thanks, that does make me feel better.

"I'm glad to hear that. I wasn't very good with words when I was alive. Especially when I was a student at the academy! Ahaha!"

This piqued Liam's interest, "You'll have to tell me all about your days as a student Professor! I would love to hear them."

"I'd be glad to tell you Liam." Sada grinned, "By the way, something I want to ask you…"

"Yes?"

"What's your wife's name?"

Liam perked up, "Her name? It's Adeline."

"Adeline, that suits her." Sada nodded.

Liam smiled, "It does. I'm blessed to have been her husband, and even more so when we had our daughter."

Both parents shared a smile and gazed out toward the ocean, Professor Sada especially was smiling big. She whispered, "Arven, my son… I'll continue to look over you."

Juliana was yawning by the time the flying taxi had arrived at the academy doors. Arven smiled at her, "We're here, sleepyhead."

She giggled softly, "Thank goodness, I'm about to fall asleep."

Arven put an arm around her after they stepped off the taxi and they walked into the entrance hall together. Juliana also had her arm around him as they headed to her dorm room.

"Juliana! Arven!" They heard a voice calling from behind, Arven looked to see Nemona headed their way.

"Hey, what's up?" Arven greeted her, "It's been a while since I've seen you. Have you been all right?"

"Oh, I'm great!" Nemona replied, "I was just headed back to my room, today was so much fun!"

"Heh, Juliana was telling me about it earlier."

"Oh, she did!? Did she tell you how Eri beat us all at running? That girl runs faster than a Jolteon!" Nemona bounced on her toes, "Oh, I wish we could've had a battle with all of us! But Miss Dendra had a class, Eri had to meet with others, and Juliana had to recover too… How 'bout it Juliana? You ready to battle!?"

Arven stopped her, "She's tired Nemona, she needs some sleep."

Nemona looked at Juliana almost completely asleep with one arm around Arven.

"Oooh, I'm sorry! I didn't notice, of course! Go right ahead!" Nemona stepped aside. Arven nodded and walked with Juliana past her.

"Hey Arven?" Nemona called.

Arven stopped and looked over his shoulder, "What is it?"

The Student Council President hesitated before responding, "You… you aren't mad at me, right?"

He was confused at first, then remembered, "Are you talking about the whole thing with the Treasures of Ruin Pokémon? No, I'm not."

Nemona's eyes slightly widened with surprise and relief, "You… you aren't? O-Okay."

Arven faced forward and continued walking.

"Arven! Thank you!" Nemona called out to him.

Without stopping, he called back, "You're welcome."

As Nemona watched them leave, she couldn't help but think to herself, "Was she sleeping like that!? How in all of Paldea is she doing that?"

Author's Note: Hey Nemona, I've done that before lol...

Hope you all enjoyed!

One final note I want to share. I was listening to that old Pokémon CD as I was writing this, I got to the song If Only Tears Could Bring You Back by Midnight Sons. I know the song was in the first Pokémon Movie, but I could totally picture it in Scarlet/Violet too considering the plot of The Way Home.

Well I'll leave you all with that, that's enough of my ramblings.

See you next time!