Author's Note: Oh dear! Brace yourselves, trainers! This is a long chapter!

Be brave and trek forward!

Juliana and Arven descended into the tera crystal caves, the glowing light illuminated their eyes and painted their surroundings a deep blue. While aware of his surroundings, Arven kept an eye on Juliana. He was amazed at her composure, sharply focused yet temperate. A quiet dignity radiated from her, and her guard was up like a brick wall.

"Don't worry Juliana." He spoke softly so as to not startle her, "I know we can get through this."

Juliana nodded, "After everything we've experienced, I believe that."

Arven smiled a little, "Remember, I'm here for you." His voice was comforting to her. She answered, "I love you, Arven."

"I love you too Juliana."

The couple could hear the cries of the paradox Pokémon. For a moment they could hear the sounds of clashing tusks, indicating a physical struggle between two Pokémon. It made Juliana and Arven even more alert.

"Where's Professor Raifort?" Juliana wondered aloud.

Arven scoffed, "I don't think she deserves the title of 'Professor' to be honest. She's likely still down here, we'll find her."

"I hope Nemona and Penny get Director Clavell to safety." Juliana noted, "I shudder to think what would've happened to him if we didn't come down here."

Arven nodded in agreement, "Yeah, you've got that right."

"Although this makes me wonder." Juliana considered, "Why didn't Director Clavell contact the Pokémon League?"

Arven shrugged, "That's… a good question. Knowing him, he probably wanted to give her a chance to explain herself. If the Pokémon League found out about this, she would no doubt be in a world's worth of trouble."

"Considering she's already in hot water with them because of the whole treasures of ruin thing, you'd think she'd cool it. I wonder what her problem is…"

Arven took a deep breath, "I don't know. I guess we'll find out soon."

The teens could now see the lights of the Zero Lab glowing in the distance, looking at them like the eyes of a predator. When they stood directly in front of the entrance, Arven felt an icy dread creep through his gut.

Juliana spoke, "Here we are, you think she could be in here?" That's when she noticed Arven glancing around, a look of anxiety on his face, "Arven? What's wrong?"

"I have a feeling… no, we're being watched. I know we are." Arven answered, rising alarm in his voice. Juliana, now growing nervous, stepped closer to him, "From where?"

"Seviper… go!"

Juliana and Arven barely had time to register the faint voice they heard before they were suddenly lunged at by a long figure. Within a second they were wrapped up tight against each other, their arms and legs restrained.

"Aaaah!" Juliana yelled, "Wha-What's this!?" She tried to wiggle but she quickly found out that the only things she was able to move was her shoulders, head, and eyes.

"Wha!? What the-!?" Arven yelped, he also tried to move but was in the same boat as Juliana. When the teens looked at their sudden restraint, a Seviper turned and hissed in their faces.
"What's going on!?" Juliana cried out, trying in vain to free herself.

That's when she appeared, Professor Raifort slowly walked into their field of vision from behind them. A smirk on her face and a cold stare from her eyes. After having her back to the teens without a word for a moment, she whirled around to face them.

"Good job Seviper, be a doll and keep them there for me would you?" She spoke with an incredibly snide tone.

"Ugh, you!" Arven shouted.

"Professor Raifort!" Juliana reacted, "What are you doing!?"

Raifort giggled gleefully, "I could say the same to you Juliana. Don't you know that it's against the rules for students to be in Area Zero?" Her voice laced with sarcasm, "You could get in big trouble you know."

Juliana felt anger, "Why are you talking like that? I don't think you have permission to be down here either!"

Raifort remained unaffected, "Darling, I'm a history fanatic. It would be outright cruel to keep someone like me away from this lovely place hm? Those interesting Pokémon proved no match for me anyway, I sent them all running when they tried to attack me!"

Juliana's eyes widened with realization as she thought to herself, "So that's why we didn't see a lot of Pokémon on the way here!"

Arven retorted, "Seriously? Using your Pokémon to hold us like this? Yeah, real mature lady. You call yourself an adult!? This is completely unfair!"

Raifort's expression turned furious, "Unfair? You have no right to call this unfair. I know all about that. You two aren't the ones who've spent their entire lives being treated like you don't matter! To work your behind off only to be met with mediocre results! Well finally, my patience has paid off. I'm going to capture the scarlet Pokémon, and I'll finally get the recognition that I deserve!" She pointed an accusing finger at Juliana, "And no little school princess and her brooding boyfriend are gonna mess it up for me now!"

Juliana remained silent, locked in a daze from that speech. Her eyes displayed a glint of sadness.

After processing the shock, Arven snapped, "Oh real nasty ma'am. You have no idea what you're getting into!"

Raifort chuckled, "Oh don't try to dissuade me. If it's ancient, then it's nothing I can't handle. I think you just don't want me taking the spotlight from your mother. It's time for the underdog to rise above!"

What followed were footsteps. Heavy, menacing footsteps that caught everyone's attention. They echoed all around them, growing in volume with each one. From the shadows of the Zero Lab, emerged the other Koraidon. There it stood, tall and threatening. It's facial expression displayed calm shock upon seeing the unexpected visitors. Juliana and Arven's eyes widened with terror, recognizing the beast. Raifort's eyes were widened too, but with wonder.

"It's here…" She whispered, "That's the one…!"

Once she took in the amazement, she smiled a devilish smile. Readying the pokeball containing her lead Pokémon. She stepped forward and prepared to engage in battle.

"Oh no…" Arven uttered.

"Raifort, don't do it!" Juliana cried out.

"Quiet, you!" Raifort snapped back, "You're about to see history in the making…"

Without warning, the Koraidon let out a mighty roar. It got down on all fours and sped like a mighty Tauros at Raifort. When the history professor realized it wasn't going to stop, she gasped and tried to leap out of the way. But she wasn't quick enough and was struck. The teens watched in horror as Raifort was sent flying several feet away, tumbling across the ground before rolling to a stop.

"Oh my gosh!" Juliana shouted, terrified.

"Ooooouuccchhhh!" They heard Raifort's wailing echo off the walls.

The Seviper that had been holding them was terrified at seeing his trainer be attacked and released them to rush over to her. But Juliana and Arven barely had time to breathe before the rogue Koraidon turned its attention to them. The Koraidon got down again and charged at them, but in a flash of light it was stopped.

Juliana's Koraidon had leapt out its pokeball, and was holding back the other with its front arms. The rogue stopped and took a hop back, engaging in a fighter stance. Juliana's Koraidon growled fiercely, standing in front of its trainers protectively.

"Koraidon!" Juliana cheered in relief.

Arven pumped a fist in the air, "You've got this pal! Give 'em what for! You've beaten it once; you can do it again!"

The rogue was not happy at having its rampage interrupted and used the move Giga Impact. Juliana's Koraidon took the hit and shook it off. That's when Juliana commanded, "Koraidon, use Collision Course!"

Koraidon leapt into the air and transformed into a spinning wheel, then crashed into the rogue, causing a massive prehistoric explosion. Juliana and Arven had to put their arms up to ward off the flying debris. The rogue was clearly not expecting the increase in power from the last time they fought, but it was not to be deterred. It stood up straight and used Flamethrower.

Koraidon was hit with an intense blast of fire. But being a lot stronger now than it was before, it hardly did any damage.

"You can do this Juliana, finish this!" Arven cheered.

"Juliana! Arven!" Another voice came from the side. When the pair looked, it was Nemona! And she wasn't alone. Penny was with her, and also Rika, Poppy, Larry, and Hassel.

"Don't worry kiddo, we're here!" Rika declared, "Clavell told us the whole thing. Don't worry, you aren't in trouble!"

Juliana replied quickly, "That's great Rika! But tell me later I've gotta finish this!" She directed their attention toward the dueling Koraidons. In the background, Hassel, Larry, and Poppy rushed over to Professor Raifort.

Rika saw the determination in Juliana and nodded, "All right Juliana, do what you have to do!"

"I think this is a good time to Terastallize!" Juliana declared, "Let's go Koraidon, let's give you a bit of sparkle!"

Juliana held up her Tera Orb and activated it. A swirl of light and glitters spun into the orb until it flickered, briefly causing the environment to darken. Once it was ready, Juliana threw it above Koraidon. The orb emitted a shower of stars before Koraidon was encased in crystals. When it broke out, Koraidon was glowing and appeared to be made of glass. The head and wings of a dragon appearing like a crown on its head. The rogue took a few steps back as Juliana's Koraidon stood.

Juliana smiled confidently, "Koraidon, use Tera Blast!"

Koraidon unleashed sparkly, vibrant energy of the dragon type, which was super-effective against the rogue. The rogue stumbled forward, still trying to look menacing. But it was clearly exhausted.

"All right Juliana!" Arven enthused. Then to everyone's surprise, Rika stepped forward. She had a Master Ball in hand.

"Rika? What are you doing?" Juliana inquired.

"Let me do this Juliana!" Rika answered, "Let's go!" She threw the ball at the rogue. When it made contact, the rogue transformed into a ray of light and was sucked inside. The Master Ball fell to the ground and shook violently, but within a few seconds the shaking became less vigorous. Then the button light dimmed, signaling that the rogue had been captured.

Everything had become completely still. The tension that Juliana and Arven felt slowly melted away as they processed what had happened. Rika smiled and approached the Master Ball to pick it up, "It had no chance of escaping. That's the beauty of the Master Ball." She winked.

Understandably, Koraidon still had its guard up. It remained engaged in a fighter stance like it were expecting its wicked counterpart to break out at any moment. It wasn't until Juliana broke out of her dazed trance and rushed over to pat it, that it finally relaxed.

"Nice work Koraidon! You did great!" She praised.

Koraidon looked at its trainer with a smile, still glowing from being Terastallized. Arven enthusiastically rushed over to Koraidon and patted it, "That was amazing work Koraidon! Now you have TWO wins against that jerk!"

This made Juliana laugh out loud. She had been a bundle of nerves since this morning, and now that it's all done. She felt incredible relief. Arven looked happily at his girlfriend and went over to wrap her in a tight hug.

"You okay?" He asked in a soft voice.

She smiled, her eyes sparkling and her face red, "I'm more than okay, Arven."

Rika chuckled, "Ah, you two are so adorable. I'll be honest, I don't know what it's like to be in love because I've never experienced it. But you two make it look so wonderful."

The couple chuckled nervously and joined hands. Koraidon had changed back to normal. Nemona blurted out, "They are the most adorable couple ever! And hey, I didn't know that about you Rika! Yay! I have someone to join me in the 'Never Been in Love' club!"

Penny shook her head, "Oh my gosh Nemona…" Juliana and Arven laughed and smiled.

"The 'Never Been in Love' club? I like the sound of that!" Rika admitted.

Juliana recalled her own Koraidon and inquired, "Wait, Rika? What are you going to do with that one?" She pointed at the Master Ball still in Rika's hand.

Rika tucked it away, "Ah yes. Well, after Clavell gave us the story. He gave me a Master Ball and told me to capture the beast. He said that he doesn't feel comfortable letting that thing running loose down here. Understandable, as long as it was loose people would be in danger."

Arven questioned, "What are you going to do with it?"

Rika shrugged, "Something we probably have to keep confidential. But rest assured, it'll be in safe hands. Out of everyone's reach."

Penny stated, "That's probably for the best."

Juliana agreed, "Yeah, I'll be fine with that."

Rika looked around, "It looks like Poppy, Larry, and Hassel have gotten Raifort out of here. On that note, let's all get out of here. There are some things we must discuss."

The gang nodded and they all hurried to leave Area Zero. Juliana and Arven were especially eager to see the end of this place.

Once they all were warped to the front entrance, the group eagerly left Area Zero and the Great Crater of Paldea behind them. Juliana took a deep breath in and exhaled steadily, fully appreciating the fresh air of the modern world.

"Are you sure you're all right cutie?" Arven asked.

Juliana nodded, then whispered to Arven, "If I never see that place again, it'll be far too soon."

Arven readily agreed, "I'm with you there."

Nemona hopped beside Juliana and explained, "Once we got Clavell out of here, he immediately contacted the Pokémon League. He realized that this wasn't something that we could just take care of by ourselves."

Juliana inquired, "Where are they now? Director Clavell and Professor Raifort I mean."

Rika answered that question in an assuring voice, "They are both all right. They are receiving medical treatment right now. But they will be fine. Anyway, don't worry about them. I want to talk with you all at the Pokémon League. Please come with me."

As Rika called a flying taxi for them, Penny whispered, "I know she said we weren't in trouble. But I feel like we are…"

Nemona tried to be positive, "She probably just wants to talk to us! You know, about what we saw. Like a detective!"

Arven sighed, "I just hope it's over quick. I really just want to move on from this whole thing."

The taxi arrived, which prompted Rika to address the gang, "All right guys, let's get going."

And they all climbed into the taxi. Once it lifted into the sky, the gang all exchanged a glance of solidarity. They were ready to face whatever was coming their way.

The interview room of the Pokémon League. Juliana and Nemona remembered this mostly grey, unchanged room. Both felt nostalgic being back in here. Rika took a seat at her desk with a computer. She reached into a drawer and put on the pair of glasses Juliana remembered her wearing when she was giving the interview part of her champion assessment.

Rika cleared her throat, "Thank you all for coming here today. It should be obvious why I brought you all here."

"You want us to explain ourselves?" Juliana answered timidly.

Rika shook her head, "Not quite Juliana. I don't want to put it quite so harshly; I simply want to ask you what happened."

"Well, um…" Juliana began, Arven squeezed her hand. Letting her know he was there for her. Nemona stepped forward, "We knew Director Clavell had gone into Area Zero! We just wanted to make sure he was okay."

Penny added, "Yeah, and considering what happened before with Professor Raifort… we wanted to help!"

Rika closed her eyes and nodded, "I see. Yes, I do remember that incident."

Arven asked, "What do you all plan on doing about her?"

Rika sighed, "Well, considering this is her second offense. I can imagine the consequences will be much more severe. I'm not quite at liberty to say for sure what will happen. We'll have to speak to her with Geeta, and the rest of us."

"You two aren't the ones who've spent their entire lives being treated like you don't matter! To work your behind off only to be met with mediocre results!"

Raifort's words echoed in Juliana's mind. Despite the danger the history fanatic had put them in, Juliana couldn't help but feel sorry for her. It was clear that Raifort had emotional difficulties that likely caused her to not think these kinds of things through. Despite being more than old enough to know better, she likely just allowed those negative feelings to take over. She didn't think a harsh punishment would help her.

Juilana suggested in a soft voice, "I think you guys should just listen to her. Ask her how she feels and talk with her."

Everyone looked at Juliana with a shocked expression, especially Arven, "Cutie, what are you saying?"

"Arven, you heard what she said back there. How she worked really hard and didn't get the results that she was hoping for. I know how that can be really crushing… I mean… I know this situation isn't EXCATLY the same. But when my dad fell ill when I was a kid, I held onto hope that he would get better… But he didn't and passed away… I was so sad for such a long time, and I can imagine she would feel a similar way with her situation. I know this doesn't excuse her actions, but just maybe if someone were to speak with her and help her realize her value, maybe she'd have a change of heart. That way she won't have to go to such lengths for validation."

The room remained silent for several seconds. Nemona, Penny, and Arven all were wide-eyed at Juliana's kindhearted suggestion. Rika had her eyes closed, deep in thought. After taking a deep breath, she concluded, "We'll take that into consideration Juliana." She then smiled, "I must say, you are quite a generous spirit, it's no wonder you became a champion in such a short time. That is truly your greatest strength."

Arven spoke, "Juliana, I…" But he wasn't quite sure what to say after that.

Rika displayed sympathy as she added, "Also Juliana, I'm very sorry to hear about your father. It must have been very difficult."

Juliana nodded, looking toward the ground with sad eyes. Arven put an arm around her and kissed her head. Juliana assured everyone, "I'm okay now. My mom supported me throughout the whole thing, and I do my best to do the same for her. I don't think Raifort had anyone like that to help her through her troubles, and it made her a bitter person. So I would ask that you try to help her out, instead of just punishing her."

Penny added, "I also understand what Raifort feels like. I wasn't there when Juliana and Arven confronted her, but being treated poorly is something I'm no stranger to unfortunately… So I agree with Juliana about what to do about her."

Rika nodded, "I will discuss this with the rest of the Pokémon League."

Nemona took the opportunity to speak up, "I get it too! I know what it's like to have no one when you need someone… so I agree!"

Rika replied, "Thank you all for your time and input. Like I said before, I will discuss this with the rest of the Pokémon League."

When Rika didn't say anything else after, the gang stared at her expectantly. After silence hung in the air for about five seconds, Arven asked, "Can we go now?"

Rika smiled, "Yes, you are all excused now. Have a good day."

Penny was the first to turn around and walk, followed by Nemona. Arven took Juliana's hand and started to leave, but Juliana didn't budge. He looked over at her, "Juliana?"

Juliana spoke, "Thank you Rika."

"You're welcome, Juliana. You may go now."

Juliana nodded with a small smile and turned to leave. Side-by-side with Arven, both hurried to catch up with Nemona and Penny.

Once outside, Nemona had her energy back and she was not afraid to let it show, "Woo hoo! What a day huh!? I say we blow off some steam with some battles!"

Arven face-palmed, "Nemona, seriously!?"

This made Juliana laugh, "Oh Nemona! We should get something to eat first! I'm starving!"

Penny stated, "I'll second that! Come on, let's go find a restaurant!"

As if on cue, Nemona's stomach growled at her. This made her laugh nervously, "Haha! I guess we're eating first! Race you all to Barato's!" No sooner did that last word leave her mouth she took off sprinting.

Penny yelled out, "Hey, that's cheating! Get back here!" And she ran after Nemona.

Juliana laughed as she watched them run, deciding to stay by Arven. Arven shook his head in reluctant acceptance at their antics, "They're insane… Well, we're doing this aren't we?"

Juliana smiled bright, "I think we are."

He looked at his love with a tender smile before kissing her on the head. This made Juliana blush.

"Let them run ahead." Arven whispered, "I needed some alone time with you anyway."

Juliana replied, "Okay Arven! Hopefully they don't get too impatient…"

"Eh." Arven shrugged, and the two walked together hand in hand. Juliana looked at the sky above them and witnessed a few Fletchling flying over. It made her smile, knowing that today's events were gonna make the little slices of life lot sweeter from this day forward.

Author's Note: You did it! Great job! This isn't the end yet, but we are close!

Stay tuned! See you all next time!