Excitement abounds! Where will the story go next, now that we've already taken down our first Titan?! Find out in Chapter 6!
Chapter 6
A Stalker
The morning brought with it no relief. Whether it was because of their near encounter with the Phantom Zero cult, or the battle with Klawf, or even the fact her phone screen kept lighting up when she explicitly remembered shutting it off, Juliana was visited by the jitters when she started to pack the next morning. Arven didn't say a thing, nor did she endeavor to ask him. It was one thing to be feeling so antsy, herself; another to be thought of as paranoid.
Thus it was that she packed with speed and joined him outside the cave, now under the bright blue sky and the blazing sun.
"Ah, feel that fresh air!" Arven said, arms stretched high to the sky. Fuecoco and Quaxly attempted to mimic him, but the former fell backwards, both arms and legs too stubby for the exercise. It would have been a charming sight, if Juliana wasn't so tired. She wiped at her eyes, trying to rub the tiredness out of them, and approached. "Looks like all those hurt Pokémon moved on in the night. Without that Brambleghast and Klawf around they must have deemed it safe. Hope they all got back home okay."
"You're not suggesting to check on them, are you?" Juliana asked, interrupting Arven's morning stretches. "That'd take forever and we should press on to the next Titan."
"Without any information? That's a shot in the dark."
"Fueco fueco."
"Then we go towards wherever there is information. Someone is bound to have seen something," Juliana huffed out, walking right past Arven. He stopped his stretches but didn't make to immediately follow her. Feeling his eyes on her back, Juliana withdrew her phone, fingers fumbling around to try and get to her map, only to slide across the pictures she had taken the night before. They contained no new information, and frustration started to well up, her lack of sleep and restlessness getting the better of her. She considered sending them to one of the teachers, but paled at the idea of getting them involved. Her fingers tried to find the map again.
"Hey, you all right?" Arven asked, his voice so close she nearly dropped her phone.
"I'm fine! I'm fine." She took a deep breath, enough to stop her nerves. "I just want to be moving on. If Phantom Zero is out there looking for Area Zero stuff, then they could cause more damage to the Herba Mystica before we can find it. We can't take that chance. Can't stop moving."
Her fingers tightened on her phone, no longer searching for the map. That second passed in silence and then Arven grunted. "Well, all right then. Artazon it is. It might not be as big as Levincia, but maybe we'll learn something there. Whaddaya think?"
It was compassionate, Arven's words, and Juliana was surprised to hear how easily he had shifted to them. Rarely had anyone so willingly followed on her trailblazing path that refused to stay with anyone that fell behind. Only by remembering that Arven had tied his own personal quest to hers did she realize why that was the case. Still, there was gratitude. "All right, Artazon. Are we all packed and ready to go?"
"As well as we can be. The table needs a few repairs from Koraidon's manhandling, but it's nothing a woodworker can't fix. Though, it'll be a bit of a trek."
"I think we can handle it," Juliana assured the older boy, slapping him on his lower back. Now certain of their location, Juliana swung her bag around and secured it on her back. She turned her head. "Koraidon, Quaxly, you keeping up?"
"Quaxaquax!" the duckling called from atop Koraidon, his steed padding forward to join them. His feathers looked shinier, and Koraidon's eyes gleamed with a newfound strength for the road ahead. If she hadn't known any better, Juliana might have thought the Herba Mystica really did have an effect. As it was, she was sure it was just a good night's sleep. One they would have all needed for the road ahead. However, she let the thought of more information keep herself going, and she took a step forward…
…only to find something soft landing on her shoulder.
Craning her head, Juliana saw the tiny form of Nymble resting there. He yawned a bit, his legs jittering and his tiny winglike appendages fluttering. The action done, he turned on her shoulder and looked straight up at her, their gazes matching.
"We're not giving you more sandwiches to take back."
"Nym."
"And we're heading the opposite direction of home for you."
"Nym nym!" Nymble leapt like a spring, over her head and onto her other shoulder. His eyes blazed like fire.
"I don't think he's leaving, Juliana," Arven said. He came close as he spoke, examining the little bug that had attached itself to her. Said bug began to emphatically nod at the observation, which elicited an almost tired sigh from her.
"You do know we're going far away, right? And dealing with probably tougher things than that Klawf, right?" Nymble continued to nod. Juliana shook her shoulders, but he refused to let go, showing the same kind of tenacity and strength he had exhibited the night before. After the fifth attempt of shaking him loose and him refusing to let go, her body relented. "Well, I guess if you want to tag along on a mission that's nothing to do with you, be my guest."
"Nym-nymble!" He hopped upwards again, once more settling on her other shoulder with a misplaced sense of joy. She shook her head.
"Just be careful, okay? And no weird reckless stunts, all right? If you're with us, you listen to me. Got it?" Nymble appeared to comply. At least that insane strength of his could be helpful…
"Guess we have another travel companion. Shall we, then?"
"Might as well. Not like we can teleport to Artazon." Both humans nodded, setting their eyes on the path that now climbed upwards. Nymble clung to Juliana's shirt, while Arven returned Fuecoco to his Poké Ball. Koraidon and his rider quickly brought up the rear as they began their journey anew.
The journey quickly turned wearisome.
No sooner had they finished climbing the first turn of the labyrinthine hills than another presented itself. This one was more of a crossroads, a sign planted in the middle pointing the way back to either Mesagoza or onwards towards Artazon. The one leading them to their destination, however, pointed straight up another hill, this one looking steeper than the last. Already, Juliana could hear her legs begin to groan.
"The sign's lying, right?"
"Would you believe me if I said yes?" Arven asked, taking his old map out. Even there, the path seemed accurate, providing no small amount of despair. Koraidon interjected between the two, sniffing at the air as if wondering why they had stopped, and his action permitted Nymble to leap over and join Quaxly. "Don't suppose you could carry us there, huh?"
"Kor?"
"Of course not. Looks like we're making the climb."
"Joy. Let's hope we don't pass out before Artazon." As if hoping it would give their pair strength, they linked arms together and began to put one foot in front of the other. It made it no easier to ascend, the continually winding path doing them absolutely no favors when it came to inspiring hope. Juliana wasn't even sure they could catch the most minor glimpses of Artazon and sighed at the thought of it. That sole sigh nearly made her foot slip on the dusty, gravelly path. She almost dragged Arven down with her, too, just to find she was held up by Koraidon's snout.
"Quaxly quax!" Quaxly called from atop, but Juliana wasn't sure what orders he was barking. She just knew she was jealous of his very comfortable state. In fact, she decided to tell him that, turning around.
The words became interrupted, her whole body moving along with Arven's until, to their utter surprise, both were deposited on Koraidon's back. His body lowered from the weight, but following a few huffs, he straightened himself. "Koraido!"
"Are you saying…you'll carry us?" Juliana said, leaning forward. Their new mount turned his head back, barking again, and then she felt the muscles in his legs coil. Arven began to slip off. Sensing what was to come, Juliana made a wild lunge to grab his hand with one arm while the other coiled around Koraidon's neck, trying to grab at the tendrils on his head.
No sooner than she was secured and Koraidon bounded forward, setting off into a run that made the winding path look like a minor walkway. Wind whistled in their ears, the dust trail behind Koraidon showing the distance they were crossing. It was a testament to Koraidon's speed and strength, presumably found in that Herba Mystica, that Artazon soon loomed over the hills, vague at first before becoming clearer with details. Even some Cyclizar and students camped on the side of the road were disappearing as soon as they vanished. All of it nearly made Juliana laugh, surprised to find this almost indescribable sense of freedom inside her.
Yet just as she was about to, they reached the overlooking cliff, and the final road down to Artazon. The dirt turned to grass and the canyon turned to plains. Koraidon began to slump, losing energy, and all disembarked.
"Good work, Koraidon," Arven said, not quarreling with the Pokémon for once. "Just as a treat, I'll make you an extra sandwich tonight."
That perked him up quick, but he carried them no further. Juliana didn't need him to. With the windmill turning high above, and the flower-lined houses already visible at their distance, there was little doubt they had arrived at their destination. She began to crack her knuckles and started down the remaining path into the walled western entrance. "All right, Arven, plan of attack!"
"You make it sound like we're committing a siege…or a mission."
"Mission, quest. Kinda the same thing, no?"
"I guess. Though for me, I'm gonna get that table fixed and restock some supplies. Our little friend's swarm took quite the amount of berries." Nymble's sheepishness displayed itself when he hid behind Quaxly, the duck giving him a consoling pat. "How about you?"
"I dunno. Ask around town?" It wasn't much of an idea, but she didn't have anything else.
"How about a café, then? It'd be good to relax a moment and there's usually a lot of gossip in places like that." Juliana refrained from a snarky comment at how he could know that, instead considering the usefulness of the information. Loathe as she was to stand still, it wasn't an idea without merit. "We can meet after I'm done. How's that?"
"Guess that can work. Good luck, then!" They slapped hands, and soon as they crossed over the threshold into town, Arven had disappeared. "Well, let's find a café."
"Quax!" Quaxly saluted forward into town, and Koraidon began to lead.
"Do you guys even know what a café is?" Koraidon stopped short and all three of the Pokémon looked right at her. "Of course not. Come on."
She took point, leading them through the row of houses that marked the border of the town. Koraidon began to get easily distracted, were it not for the two atop him guiding him away from the many flowers surrounding them. Citizens of the town didn't blink twice at their presence, instead watering the various plants that hung from homes or surrounded the entrance square they were passing through. Some children ran around, and a Flittle floated overhead to carefully water the flowers that lined the steps. Here, Juliana climbed, getting a fuller picture of Artazon proper.
It was like an artist's paradise on first glance. The rustic windmill served as a centerpiece, lazily turning above the town's generous battle court. Sounds were emanating from there, a battle already taking place as it was watched by the interested townsfolk, but Juliana turned away from it. She was more strangely captivated by the pond and wooden walkways, or the odd jungle gym and the almost distorted sculptures of Sunflora that were peppered throughout town.
But the one that drew the most attention was the thing that stood out: a hulking, gray boxlike structure of modern metal. It stood as a solitary difference to the rest of the town, its opaque windows showing only faint light. To those living under a rock, it could have been a monstrosity. To anyone who had watched anything, however, the symbol on the front of the building identified it for exactly what it was: a Gym.
That was why Juliana gave it a wide berth, finally finding a far more quaint building where tables and chairs were set up and customers were chatting gaily. They'd found their café at last.
"Welcome, welcome, dearie, what can I get you?"
"Uh…just a hot chocolate, and something for these guys." A glance communicated that "these guys" were clearly tired, collapsing at the foot of the table Juliana chose, one wide enough she could place her books upon. The barista nodded and disappeared inside. When the bell finished ringing, Juliana slumped in her chair, but kept her ear open to all the conversations in the vicinity. At first, all she caught was the sound of some obnoxious voice coming over a phone, clearly a stream of sorts.
"…day's edition of 'Whozit, Whatsit' we're gonna talk about the, oooh, super strong foreigner!" Music accompanied the annoying, high-pitched voice, but with nothing else to listen to, Juliana slumped forward in her seat. "With a bird that fears none of its natural menace, she lights the sky like fire! All who challenge her fall before her! People have sighted her all over Paldea, like a mad woman obsessed with a search. Some say she's near Tera Dens! Others say she walks only in shadow! So, dear viewer, where can you spot her? Do you know her?
"Let Iono know and click that subscribe but-"
"Here you are, miss." The clatter of the cup jerked Juliana away and she muttered a quick thanks. The sounds of the stream descended into unintelligible babbling, allowing Juliana to draw into a thoughtful reverie.
Tera Dens, hm? Not the kind of info we were looking for. She twisted her lips with concentration, a frown creasing her face until she noticed the barista was still with the Pokémon at her feet. Finding no downsides, she opened her mouth. "Uh, excuse me, I was wondering…"
"Yes, miss?"
"Me and my companion were wondering, have there been any rumors of giant Pokémon? To the north of here maybe?"
"One of those Titan researchers, huh? Haven't seen one of you in a long time," the barista said, a light chuckle lacing her lips. "But no. Only thing remotely north of here is Levincia, but good luck getting there by the road. Team Star doesn't suffer any traveler, students especially, to pass through their territory."
"Team Star, huh…" She bit her lip; it was quickly looking like their way further eastward was running into a swift and nasty impediment. "Thanks."
The barista departed, and once she did, Nymble and Quaxly hopped on the table. "Nym?"
"Just thinking. Rare for Team Star to make a hassle like that. Is it because…?" Her mind flashed with images of the torn flags. She shook her head, drawing her thoughts inward while she nursed her drink. Did that cult really declare war? It's the only logical conclusion for Team Star's aggression. But I really don't want to get any nearer to find out.
Juliana sat back, continuing to drink as she lost herself in the clouds overhead. No other rumors floated to her, and little but the Pokémon munching happily interrupted her reverie. The first thing that succeeded was Arven's arrival, his face conveying exactly what was on her mind. "Any success?"
"None whatsoever. You?"
"Does Team Star count as a Titan?" Arven said, his bangs drooping in front of his face. Juliana scrunched her face into a rather hideous expression, but he failed to see it when he drew himself back up. Elsewhere, the sounds at the battle court died down. "The road to Levincia being blocked is about all that's being talked about here, and no one is aware of anything past the river. I'm afraid to say that Artazon might be a bust."
"Maybe we'll have better luck in Western Paldea, then. Probably would be wiser to turn around," Juliana replied, shoving her cup back on the table. It was too sugary, making her mouth feel like a hot dungeon of chocolate.
"Or you could just walk right back in." Arven's face turned like a puppy's at hearing the chime of a whistle and wondering where it was coming from. It was certainly sudden, but to Juliana, her paranoia only tamped down from the previous evening, it was hardly a surprising effort. The echoing, scratchy voice, altered by some software, rang clear as day out of her pack, and Juliana grabbed for her phone to throw it towards the table. Rotom halted its own fall, hovering mere inches above and displaying a black screen where nothing but a voice called out. "It'd be the easiest way through to the other side. I can help you get there."
"So, you're the one hacking my phone." Juliana's deadpan remark carried no emotion, and elicited even less from the one on the other end of the phone. Arven had enough for both of them.
"When did you notice, Juli?"
"A while ago. What do you want?"
"Uh, excuse me," Arven said, leaning across the table, "what's going on here?"
"Someone's been tracking me. Though I really can't fathom why."
"You know exactly why," the voice on the other end said, glitching in and out. "You're on the cusp of Schedar's doorstep and want to walk through. I can help with that and you know it."
"You can?! Don't make me laugh!"
"Why not? It's as simple as knocking on the door." The voice on the other end sounded bored, enough to make Juliana's hackles rise. She didn't care to admit it, but the rising annoyance was quickly taking her over.
"I wouldn't knock on Mela's door even if you paid me for that."
"Mela?" Arven questioned, looking just as lost as he was at the start of the conversation. He wasn't alone, the Pokémon shrugging with what they didn't understand. "Juliana, who is this person, and what's going on?"
"Just an annoyance who's tried to rope me into their clandestine missions in the past," Juliana offered, glaring at the phone. The person on the other end said nothing. "I thought I was shot of them, with a new phone and a year behind us, but it looks like you didn't abandon your stupid quest, have you, Cassiopeia?"
"So, you remember. I'm touched."
"Don't be. I told you, I've had enough dealing with Team Star in the past. I'm not going near them again," Juliana snapped. Her finger flicked the phone, as if it would banish the hacker to far away, but it did no such thing. "I don't know what you're playing at, or why you're hacking me again, but that's over. I want no part of it."
"No, you never did. Poor little Juli, refusing to engage with what doesn't benefit her."
"Team Star is nothing but trouble," Juliana said, speaking louder to cover up Cassiopeia's words. "They're nothing I want to tangle with. I'll find another way."
"I'm so confused…" Arven's comment drew some sympathy from Juliana, but she didn't explain anything. It was too long, too complicated, and nothing she wanted to revisit. Still, she felt she owed him, and she gave a laborious sigh.
"Let's just say Cassiopeia and I used to have an alliance. A weird, twisted one. I thought she could help, but it turns out, she was just like the rest of them. I wasn't getting anywhere towards my goal with her. Never dreamed she'd hack me again."
"Why wouldn't I? Team Star is more active again. It leaves only two options," Cassiopeia said, a bite coming into their words.
"And I want neither of them. I'm finding another way!"
"I thought I knew that voice!" The phone stopped hovering, dropping to the table as its screen went dead. Juliana's already scowling face drew itself in deeper. On the other hand, Arven looked far more relieved about the friendly face, pushing away the confusion of moments ago. He didn't quite smile, but his arm raised in greeting as the voice of Nemona drew closer. Juliana turned in her chair. "What a fancy to find you here, Juli!"
"Coincidence," Juliana spat, not wishing for her mood to grow any fouler. In an effort to prevent that, she focused on the man walking with Nemona. He was dressed in a suit, a thorny whip attached to his side. Trailing her eyes upwards, Juliana took in his relatively haggard state, his eyes narrowed with bags beneath them, accentuated by his drooping gray-green hair. Still, a thin smile rested on his lips, and the patina of sweat adorned his brow. "Who's your friend?"
"Brassius, the Artazon Gym Leader," the man said, bowing low to the pair of students. Quaxly and Nymble were quick to greet, but returned to their food. "This the friend you mentioned, Nemona?"
"Friend? Nemona, what kind of stories are you spreading?"
"Totally is, Brassius!" Nemona said with a squeal. It would have been enough to break glass, if she was standing next to a window. "You should see her in battle class. Once Juli finds a strategy, there's no breaking it."
"They're training battles, Nemona," Juliana groaned, her exasperation hitting peak. That count was proven wrong, as it ratcheted up mere moments later when Nemona and her companion pulled up some chairs to join them. "I'm just a handful of-"
"Extremely skilled trainers, I know!" Nemona's exuberance caused Koraidon to recoil, the Pokémon pushing his food as far away from her as possible. "Look, Juli, you might not pursue it, but I can see it. You can sum a Pokémon's strengths even if they're not yours and manage to use it to your advantage. It's like poetry in motion. That's why I want, no, I need to battle you!"
"Nym?" Nymble's curious question gave rise to a further grimace, and Juliana shoved him away. She didn't need Nemona aware there was an even slightly battle hungry companion with them.
"I'm not going to battle you. There's nothing in it for me."
"That's most likely why she wishes to battle you, miss," Brassius said. The barista was back, delivering tea to Brassius with a smile, and another cup of hot cocoa to Arven. "Nemona has a good eye for talent. It's what allowed her to reach Champion Rank at so early an age. Even now, I can't keep up with her."
"Are you kidding? That was an awesome battle, Brassius!" Nemona slammed her hands on the table, causing Juliana's phone to bounce before she snatched it. "You really gave Sprigatito a run for her money."
"It's one of your newest Pokémon…" Brassius said. Nevertheless, he chuckled and began to sip on his tea.
"Gotta give equal opportunity training!" Nemona proclaimed. Having enough energy for all four of them, she began to stand and posture on her chair, a triumphant gleam shining out from her eyes. Just like that, the conversation shifted tacks. "Ooh, that reminds me, have you heard? The Ash Ketchum is in the region! I know his wife is a teacher at the school now, but to believe he's actually here! Aaaah, I gotta meet him."
"Who?" Juliana and Arven asked simultaneously. Another chuckle was drawn forth from Brassius's lips.
"A League Liaison," the Gym Leader answered, calmly sipping his tea while Nemona hopped up and down. "The role, as I understand it, is fairly vague. Either helps to establish Leagues, evaluate minor Leagues like our own or occasionally conduct inspections. I hear that's what he's in-region for at the moment, though I've not had the pleasure, or perhaps misfortune, of meeting him."
"Huh…wonder why they'd call for a League inspection now, with the Treasure Hunt going on," Arven said, almost gulping down his drink.
"Perhaps that's why it's the best time," Brassius admitted. He leaned forward, elbows planted against the table and drawing the attention of all but Nemona, still lost in her own world. "Think about it. Students are out and about, many attempting Victory Road. What better chance to observe Gyms and League structure than when such an event is taking place."
"Yeah, but not every student is doing it," Juliana pointed out. Brassius inclined his head.
"True, but it's good for thought. Even the League thinks artfully in its decisions. How about yours?" A moment of silence passed, garnering nothing but confusion from Juliana and Arven. "Ah, excuse me, I mean your Treasure Hunt. I don't recognize either of you from Hassell's class, but even a day out, you must have a tale or two to tell."
"Something like that," Arven said. He tipped his head back to laugh, and then his eyes lit up with a shine. "Actually, we had a tussle with a Titan in the cliffs."
"A Titan? Really? That must have been quite the artful foe."
"Not for Juliana. Her strategy was brilliant." Juliana shrunk in on her chair, wincing at the praise, but fearing it was already too late. "Though, now we're stuck with no way forward. Don't suppose you've heard any rumors, Mr. Brassius?"
"Rumors…hmm… Where exactly are you looking? Because maybe-"
"Wait, Juli battled a Titan and I missed it?" Juliana finished curling into her ball, her fears now confirmed. "Aw, you gotta stop having these battles without me. I need to get a good measure of a future rival."
"How many times do I have to tell you I'm not-"
"Ooh, I know! You can battle Brassius! You'd take her challenge on, right?"
"Nemona, think carefully," Brassius said before she could roll over him. That still looked inevitable, and the Gym Leader started to speak fast. "I just came off a battle with you. Asking Miss Juliana to battle me now, when my Pokémon are exhausted, is shortsighted."
"Well, I wasn't saying now now. Just, you know, as soon as possible."
"And did you give thought to her? You love to battle, Nemona, but not everyone is the same. People need reasons to battle, not just because they enjoy it."
"But enjoying a battle is the best part of it!" Nemona's proclamation only drew forth Juliana's ire. Her fists began to ball, eyes zeroed on the inconsiderate girl and her battle-loving frenzy.
"Be that as it may," Brassius continued, "you'd do well to be more considerate of the world around you. Not even Paldea is all battles. There's a greater world, painted in a hue of all colors and not just one. Once you realize that, perhaps you can become an actual Champion and not just hold the rank."
"Okay, but just one bat-"
"Can you leave it alone for just one minute?!" Juliana stomped to her feet, her own hands now slamming the table. Arven jumped, spilling some of his cocoa on himself, but Brassius was unfettered, as though he expected the outburst. "I don't want to do your damn battle for the sake of it. Find someone else to pressure already!"
There was no wait for a rebuttal. Juliana stood, kicking her chair aside and striding from the café. Eyes watched her, some in shock and others in contemplation, but she put as much distance between her and Nemona as she possibly could. So incensed was she, that Juliana didn't even notice when she was nearing the jungle gym until she found a seat and decided to stew.
She didn't stew alone, all three of Koraidon, Quaxly and Nymble joining her. Juliana blew at her hair.
"Nemona just doesn't get it. And I don't get her or want to." Juliana flopped back, staring up at the tinted sky. The clouds were rolling away, the day already moving towards sunset. "Ugh, I don't want to deal with this…"
"Quax…" The sympathetic pat to her shoulder was enough to make Juliana sit upright. She couldn't sit here complaining. Her feet needed to move her forward. Find the next clue, figure out the next step.
Shoving her hands in her pockets, Juliana flipped to a standing position and trained her eyes on the rest of the town. With no other guidance to go by, her eyes roved until they picked a spot and, feeling she could reach it, she began to walk in that direction. The others followed her, and one by one they absorbed all the wild pieces of art that dotted the town. At some point, Juliana was sure there had to be a part of the town that wouldn't have them, but as she crossed over the pond, she could still see them, as much of its identity as anything.
Oddly enough, it gave her some peace, matched by the trickling waters that finally took the edge off the paranoia and worry she'd had. Just walking with the three at her side, the breeze on her face, she thought she could forget about Cassiopeia, Nemona, Phantom Zero and everything else.
It felt…nice.
A stronger breeze came through, and the creaking of the windmill could be heard. As the sun set and lights came on to blaze around Artazon, Juliana found her eyes drawn to it, the massive construct that could be considered the centerpiece of the entire town. Like a magnet, she walked towards it, climbing the steps and finding herself face to face with the battle court, lit up in presentation. She stepped over it, coming to the edge of the platform that was one of the higher points of the city, overlooking the long road to Levincia.
Even through the dark and the briefest of glances, the overlook showed her something else, too: the proud and waving flags of Schedar Squad. The impediment to their progress.
Cassiopeia's old offers, and her newest call, echoed in her head. She groaned, kicking at the wooden rails.
"Really don't want to deal with that right now…" came her breath. It was whispered only for herself, an admission she couldn't speak otherwise.
But she wasn't alone in the night, and a voice spoke back to her, from on high. "Then don't. Explore alternatives."
Juliana whipped around, but found no one there. The more she turned, the less she saw. Then, Koraidon grunted and nudged her upwards, towards the windmill, where the lights of Artazon were now brightest. It brought into quick relief the form of the man sitting there, watching her, yet Juliana wasn't frightened. Brassius didn't exude that kind of paranoia-inducing aura.
With a quick smile, the man snapped his whip, latching it around a hook and swinging himself down to the battle court. His eyes were still tired, but the rest of his body walked with vigor as he approached Juliana. "Forgive me, I was watching you."
"Yeah, figured that part out for myself," came the responding, sardonic drawl. It earned a chuckle from the Leader, who finished his walk and leaned on the railing next to her. "Any reason why?"
"You left in quite the huff," Brassius said. His own eyes watched the fluttering flags, but he didn't talk about them. "Nemona seemed to rile you up."
"Why wouldn't she? Battle this. Battle that. It's all she thinks about."
"She's just looking for someone to be her equal."
"Well, she can find someone else." Juliana's fingers began to dig into the wood, some of its paint getting under her nails. The Pokémon with her watched a moment before getting bored of the conversation and choosing to run around the battle court. "Battles aren't my thing, no matter how good she thinks I am at them. They're useful knowledge, but nothing else."
"Ha ha." The chuckle was unexpected, and Juliana made a slow turn towards Brassius before it broke out into full laughter. Torn between amusement and genuine good cheer, it echoed over Artazon, only stopping when Brassius turned around and leaned his back against the rail, instead. "It's amazing how alike you two are."
"No, we're not!"
"Two girls painting a landscape," he continued speaking, ignoring her protests, "yet one focuses on the edge of the horizon while the other seems to go in a wide brushstroke. I think it would do well for both of you to consider alternatives. Perhaps that's the only true way to find your treasure, no?"
"What are you talking about?" Juliana said, relaxing her hands, but finding the rest of her body fit to burst with the strain.
"You mentioned you don't want to deal with Team Star, correct? Then, as I said, don't. Take another route. Another side of Paldea. A longer way that skirts past them. The region is vast, and constraining yourself to one route, one method, one tool to reach the goal would never allow you your full potential, nor confirm the strength of your will and desire." Brassius stopped leaning, and suddenly bowed low to Juliana. It was a confusing act at best. "It is all right to doubt. I have doubted many times as both Leader and artist, but when that doubt creeps in, I find it best to push aside what was once that tunnel-vision constricting me like thorns and embrace alternative."
"Um…" Juliana began scratching her head. Brassius was definitely getting at something, but she was unable to fathom quite what that was. "Exactly what kind of alternatives are you talking about?"
"I speak of embracing that which you find ancillary." The Gym Leader straightened. "On hunts, one is often confronted by trials which they cannot foresee, as it is with creative stagnation in the arts. It is in those moments we can find true passion, and the strength of will to continue on. Only in those moments."
Juliana still understood nothing of what Brassius spoke, and she was about to dismiss it all as flowery nonsense. Soon as she did, he got to his point.
"Nemona wishes to see you battle though you detest it. But you're looking for an alternate way around your problem. Perhaps you should not look at them as separate things Battle is a part of the hunt, and in it, there is meaning to the battle. Don't constrain yourself to one path of your vision." It made more sense now, earning Juliana's nod, but she didn't respond. Brassius didn't ask her to. Not yet. He put forth one last statement first. "I feel as Leader, and as a fellow artist of the world, I need to help you get there, that you don't remain lost and stagnant in pain."
People in pain are the ones who need smiles most of all. Juliana clenched. Brassius spoke, loud and clear, the point he was always getting at becoming elucidated in a few short sentences.
"This should be the other way around, but I'd be forsaking my duties if I just waited for the opposite. Miss Juliana, as Gym Leader of Artazon, I, Brassius, challenge you to a battle!"
Author's Note: Juliana is not a battler in the traditional sense. I think it's obvious she has skills but not the desire. She doesn't want to be the best. But this story would be boring if I ignored the Gym Leaders and Victory Road entirely. Thus, enter Brassius and a challenge for a Gym battle that should already set apart how Juliana ticks. I hope you look forward to what's next.
On a different note is Cassiopeia. Yes, in this adaptation the mysterious Cassiopeia is someone Juliana already knows and worked with in the past. If you've played the game you'll understand some of this, but the context is still changed enough here. What is this person getting at? Why is Juliana being contacted again? It'll take time, but please anticipate those questions being answered.
Other than that, I hope you enjoyed. As usual, thanks to everyone who reviewed and commented, and I hope you do the same for this chapter! Until then, Dare to Be Silly.