This is probably the longest chapter in the trilogy. It just ended up being that way with the pace I wanted for this. It's also pretty momentous. Let's stir some passion up with Chapter 14!
Chapter 14
A Stimulation
"You're joking, right?"
Larry's response made Juliana feel momentarily foolish. Her outstretched hand almost went limp, looking awkward as it was presented to a man that didn't want to take it. She refused dropping it, however. Both eyes trained themselves on Larry, the Gym Leader regarding her with equal parts exasperation and exhaustion. The faint rumble of the storms over Casseroya could be heard, and likewise, the general murmur of the crowds in the town provided a backdrop as the sun set upon Juliana's offer.
"So, uh…are you gonna take it?"
Larry's eyes narrowed, their dark bags becoming all the more evident. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. As he did, Juliana finally caught sight of the Poké Balls on his waist, ones he'd miraculously kept hidden, but one that showed if he accepted her offer, he was ready for it. Another sigh parted his lips instead. "You young people are so exhausting, making me work up a sweat like that. And for what?"
"I told you," Juliana said, taking her turn to be exasperated, "you and I are the kinds of people who need to do something different."
"Sounds like a pain. And a lot of trouble. You sure you wanna do this, kid?"
"It's Juliana and no, I'm not sure." Juliana's arm was starting to get tired in her position, but it remained adamant in pulling him up, getting him to agree. Maybe it was Nemona's taunting face, but more importantly, Juliana saw something else in the opportunity: a branching path. She steeled her eyes. "I'm not sure at all. This could do nothing for me. Just another pointless decision in a series of pointless decisions.
"But I'm tired of taking steps backwards to zero just because I wasn't willing to try something else. Aren't you?"
"That's just your youth talking. Trying new things? I'm too old and too set to do that."
"Then I'll offer you a way to try. It's worth an attempt, isn't it? Even if it leaves us no closer, we won't be kicked back. We'll have just…taken a detour." Larry frowned, his eyes now regarding her hand. His raised for just a moment, but a different voice cut across the din, and this time made Juliana's arm flop at her side.
"I like the sound of it!" Juliana jumped at the same time her arm dropped, casting her eyes around for the voice. She knew it, of course, and it didn't take long to find Arven walking down the row of bleachers. Behind him was Gloria, still eating, but with a glint in her eyes. "I think it'd be great to watch you battle. I know you don't like it. I don't either. But when we fought Orthworm together, it really made me realize that if any one of us can take on Titans, you're the one to lead us."
"Arven…"
"No, I'm serious!" Arven jumped down the steps, joining Juliana and Larry. In seconds, he had his hands on Juliana's shoulders with a grin. Koraidon was there, too, looking ready to pounce, but a quick gaze from both trainers made him sit. Arven never lost his grin. "Juli, you and I together have the chance to discover something meaningful. And you've been beating yourself up about your choices since Zapapico, doubting your strengths or if you're right at all. So, if you're willing to reconsider your opinions, try new things, embrace spontaneity, then I'm all there for it. One hundred percent of the way!"
Juliana lowered her head. Her voice dropped with it. "Even if I'm wrong?"
"Hah, especially if you're wrong! Wouldn't be much of a friend if I only supported you when you made perfect decisions! No, all that matters is supporting you as you try to bounce back the way you've supported me!" Gloria clapped at the statement, an action which drew an eyeroll from Larry.
Juliana's chest, on the other hand, swelled with elation and pride. Standing there with Arven, his hands still on her shoulders and his grin bright, made her realize the depth of support she was receiving. An almost tortured chuckle emerged in her throat, but never made it out. She swallowed it back down, hard as it was to really grasp what Arven was saying. His standing by her was an anomaly when so many others had walked away; when too many of her relationships had turned out to be shallow.
But not all of them, right? Juliana's own fingers touched to the Poké Balls on her waist. Each shook with anticipation and excitement. No, you stood by me. Protected me. Sacrificed for me.
"So can I ask for a little indulgence here?" she whispered to her Pokémon. They heard her, each shaking their Poké Balls, pledging to stand by her. The depth of their loyalty, far from the shallow relationships of yesteryear, was enough for her to re-extend her hand to Larry.
His eyes weren't leaving Juliana's Poké Balls, though, an enigmatic expression settling on his face. After an eternity, he looked up to lock eyes with Juliana again, an action that prompted Arven to disengage. "You really think you can do this? Muster up some new passion?"
"Again, no. But if my Pokémon are willing, I am. How about you, Mr. Larry?"
Larry's response was a sigh, and then a grabbing of a Poké Ball. He hurled it high with a lazy pitch, and from within its confines emerged a Staraptor. The bird made one fast screech and then took off in the direction of the Eatery. Juliana was distracted by it for a second, and in that second, Larry reached forward to clasp her hand, sealing the deal.
"Looks like you have yourself a Gym battle. Let's get this over with."
"Wait, now?!" Larry pulled on her arm, but didn't yank her over. He came to a stand, swiping his briefcase as he did so before he played with the cufflinks of his suit.
"Did you really think I'm putting off to tomorrow what we can do right now? I told you, this is the job, and the job is always ready for new applicants. My employees understand that as well as everyone. Day in and day out the same."
"You should at least give her time to prepare," Arven said.
"No, he shouldn't," Gloria said, having finally finished her food. "The Gym battle began the moment Juliana extended the invitation. If she wasn't prepared, that'll be her price to pay."
Juliana grimaced at the thought she had never considered. Rather than relenting, however, she stood straighter and nodded. "Bring it on."
"All right, then. Come on. Time for another battle…" He was so unenthusiastic, it made Juliana doubt her decision all over again. The slow shuffling of his steps, and his rote greetings to people on the street only hammered that nail in. They followed him, nonetheless, but it did little to shake the newfound doubt from within her.
That doubt increased tenfold when they were back outside the Eatery, looking no different than it had when they'd left. Larry opened the doors, leading the entourage in, only to reveal that much had changed inside the restaurant. Chairs and tables were moved off the raised stage, and many of the patrons and guests had gathered around the side in silence. Glances told Juliana that they were watching Larry, and she had a guess that this was the way the man ran things: quiet, efficient and without any emotion. Like Larry, they were just there to be there, and little else shook them from their stupor.
"I received your message, boss," the hostess said, bowing low. Her black braid swung back and forth, and her mannerisms remained curt and professional. Larry's Staraptor swooped down from her shoulder, returning to its Poké Ball. "Are both sides ready?"
"Yes."
The blunt answer showed how business-like Larry had become, as had the rest of his staff and spectators. The hostess snapped, and when she did, the stage began to move. It flipped over with a loud grinding, revealing painted lines enclosed by wooden fencing to protect all those watching. The battle court revealed, Larry took a step on the stage and stared back at her. It beckoned her, and offered her one last chance to back out.
She considered it, hand on a post as her nails dug in.
But then she saw Arven and Gloria joining Cynthia, each ready to cheer with all their might; a sharp contrast to the rest of the patrons. Even Koraidon gave a roar of support.
No way to go but forward. Time to stop moving back.
Juliana stepped on the stage. By the time she did, Larry had already moved to his box, leaving just one place for her to go. She did so, the wide expanse between her and Larry beginning to make the task feel insurmountable. Even if it didn't matter who won or lost, this was still a battle she had to fight.
Not for information. Or strength.
Just the chance to expand her world.
Both trainers gripped their first Poké Balls, Larry indicating he would waste no more time. The hostess stepped forward, silencing all but the outspoken duo that was there for her. She raised a hand.
"Per League regulations, this is a battle between our challenger, Juliana, and the Medali Gym Leader, Larry. Are you both ready?" They nodded. "Good. The rules are simple. Each side is allowed three Pokémon. The match is over when all of one side's Pokémon are unable to battle. The challenger is allowed substitutions. Battle number one thousand seven hundred ninety-two, commence!"
The crowd quieted, including Juliana's companions. They were all waiting with bated breath, and Larry wasn't the first to make the move.
Then time to be impulsive and spontaneous. I'll make mine, Juliana realized. She grabbed a Poké Ball and held it up, staring right across the battlefield to Larry's eyes. No more running away.
"Dolliv, I think it's time we gave you a battle to win! Let's go."
"Scent for scent, then. Oinkologne, fill out the paperwork."
Both Poké Balls arced upwards, and both exploded with light. Dolliv appeared close to Juliana, while opposite them a black and pink pig appeared, sniffing the air as his ears flopped about. His nose caught a whiff of something, and a swivel of his head had him locking on to Dolliv. A squeal later showed they were ready.
And Juliana knew Larry couldn't make the first move. She clenched a fist, and then punched it into her palm before the order issued from her mouth on full alert. "Earth Power, Dolliv! Let's show 'em your tenacity!"
"Yeah! Go, Dolliv!" Arven shouted. Koraidon matched him, though they were the only two cheerleaders in the entire establishment. Even Gloria and Cynthia watched on in silence.
Dolliv wasn't silent, though. Her glare grew fierce and her leaves elongated. They dug themselves into the ground with a cry. "Doliiiiiv!"
Cracks appeared along the foundation of the battle court, turning to their telltale golden glow. They expanded, racing towards the piglike Pokémon, who snorted and sniffed at the air. He looked back at his trainer, and Larry sighed.
"Oh, all right, then. Earth Power."
"What?!" Juliana's own surprise made her take a step back. Oinkologne snorted and both of his front hooves came smashing into the battlefield. Like Dolliv's own attack, the ground beneath their feet glowed bright, the churning earth racing to meet the Grass type's attack. Like waves of stone and mud, they collided with one another, breaking apart and sending rubble loose across the court. Some hit the wooden pillars of the restaurant, while others were shielded by a collection of briefcases. Juliana, herself, was almost blinded by the rubble.
In that, Larry took advantage in a way only his experienced self could. "Mud Shot. Make this your breakroom."
"Oinkal!" Juliana instantly screwed herself into a grimace. Oinkologne stretched his body out, and then snapped it forward. From his snout fired a murky globule. It grew large, but hit nowhere near Dolliv, splattering instead to the ground, itself. Another followed, this one striking elsewhere across the field. Soon, Oinkologne was on the move, turning and bucking with a snort while the Mud Shot covered the entire court in the filthy substance, making it more pigsty than battlefield. Juliana shook her head.
"Now, I hate doing this. But you asked for the battle, and I'd rather we finish. So, against my better judgment, Work Up."
Can't let him get momentum. Juliana wanted to slap herself, recognizing the telltale red glow of enhancement surrounding Larry's first Pokémon. More images of Nemona, and their previous battle, floated in front of her. Dolliv's own loss to Floragato was front and center, a humiliating defeat. One she was unable to let happen again. A sharp sucking of breath through her teeth later, and she took a step forward. "Not gonna let him get ahead. Energy Ball, wide field!"
"Dol!" Dolliv's leaves retracted, and the olives atop her head turned. At their pits, the green orbs formed, crackling with their power. They fired, two at a time and sailing right for Oinkologne.
"Dodge." Arven's groan at the command was audible, but no one else said a word. Oinkologne snorted, and suddenly rolled on his side, straight into the mud. One of the Energy Balls grazed his side before careening into the wall, but it did nothing to stop the momentum. Oinkologne hit the next mud patch and slid right through it, carrying the substance on his body.
"Keep it up!" Juliana ordered, drawing a fist close to herself. Dolliv nodded, firing the olives like a gatling gun of Energy Balls. Yet wherever they tried to land, Oinkologne was already slipping past, dragging the mud to further places. It began to seep, washing across the remainder of the battlefield where Dolliv stood.
Once it had, the pig kicked his hindlegs and launched himself at Dolliv. "Oin!"
"Mud Shot." Larry's unenthused call was met with an enthusiastic attack. Oinkologne was suddenly in Dolliv's face, creating another orb of mud. He snorted, and the attack hit Dolliv, pushing her back. She shook her head, her eyes crusted over with the dripping mud.
"It's okay, Dolliv. He can't escape that close. Dig in and use Earth Power!"
"Dol-dolliv!" Dolliv shook her head, an obvious attempt to rid herself of the mud. At the same time, Oinkologne landed and pawed at all the mud surrounding them. Dolliv's leaves extended, burying themselves in the floor and sending power through them. A scream issued forth and the mud began to bubble.
"Oin oink."
Damn it, Juliana thought, gritting her teeth as she saw the problem. The earth still glowed golden, pulsing and sending a wave of energy outwards, but its power was reduced. Trapped under the sludge that was the mud, it instead created a bubble of dirt which exploded under Oinkologne. Damage was done, the pig crying out, but the glint in his eye said it was hardly the strength it could have been. Worse yet, Dolliv was sent spinning backwards from her own force.
A force Larry, with all his impassioned experience, was quick to capitalize on.
"Giga Impact."
"OINKAAA!" Oinkologne drew back with a cry, hooves cleaning away some of the mud that in small patches had started to dry. His body glowed a purple and yellow, summoning great energy around himself. Dolliv still shook, her eyes crusting over while she slid slightly. "KOLO!"
With the sound of a sonic cannon, Oinkologne blasted forward, leaving a trail of disturbed mud in his wake. Barreling down, the whole room could be felt shaking from the incoming impact, enough that Dolliv stopped and watched, the lights filling her eyes. Juliana snapped to. They weren't losing this one. They couldn't. Not after the path to get them to this moment. To live beyond. Juliana stomped her foot. "Dodge it by sliding. Trust me."
"Dol!" One of her leaves snapped out, wiping at the mud. It pushed her to the side just in time for the uncontrollable Giga Impact to wind right past her. Oinkologne kept going, momentum carrying him into a wall that he slammed into, nearly breaking through. His eyes slipped in and out, dazed, but he gave a quick snort as he turned back to the battlefield. Once more, his body began to glow for a second go.
"We're not staying on the backfoot. If Oinkologne loves the mud so much, then we'll make him hate it. Sunny Day!"
"Dolliv dol!" The olives came together, touching. This time, it was an orb not of green crackles, but of pure sunlight. That orb shot to the roof of the Eatery, where it exploded with all the intensity of the sun. Many covered their eyes, though Arven remained cheering even as he did so.
Juliana only cared about the battlefield, though, and felt a thrill of excitement and success flood her when she saw the mud quickly began to dry. When Oinkologne's hooves hit it, a short clop over the sliding momentum of before, she knew she'd succeeded. "Great work. Now, let's break 'em down. Earth Power!"
"Dol!"
"Run 'em down." Larry's command was just a bit more terse than before, like he was caught in a deadline he wasn't fond of. Oinkologne heeded him, charging Dolliv down, even as the earth broke up under his feet. None of it deterred him, and he was quickly closing the gap.
"Take it!" Juliana shouted. She stamped her foot in, as if she was taking root just like Dolliv. Her loyal Grass type looked up, straight at her, and with a nod, showed she trusted her implicitly. Her leaves dug deeper, the golden glow becoming more intense. "That's right. You can be strong, just like Lokix. And that strength will guide us even further."
Oinkologne's aura flared higher, and his body struck Dolliv, sending an explosion of dried mud and rubble flecking about the restaurant. This time, some cried out, few matching Dolliv's own straining intensity when the dust cleared away. There were clefts in the ground, signs of her movement, and bruises all along Dolliv's figure, but she remained there, holding back the mad, charging pig. The dried mud had remained, providing a backing for her to stop.
"Yes. Now, Energy Ball!"
"Mud Shot." Something in Larry's voice made it sound less like exhaustion and more like stress. As if he hadn't actually expected her impromptu challenge to make it this far. She was glad to prove him wrong.
Dolliv's olives lowered and created the telltale grassy projectile. At the same time, the aura of the Giga Impact faded to give way to the matching projectile that was Mud Shot. They both fired, each striking the other with an explosion that sent green particles and dirty droplets flying through the air. It obscured all view, and was a move Larry trusted in.
"Earth Power."
"That's our earth," Juliana said, showing the same trust. She clenched her fist. "Launch up with Energy Ball!"
There was no immediate cry, unless one counted the issuance from Oinkologne's mouth as it stomped the ground and sent the power of earth ranging high. It obscured much from view, leaving some to gasp, even if they reined it in. Juliana, however, decided to trust.
You can do it. You can win. And when your hard work pays off… Juliana cracked a sudden smirk, a shadow appearing in the effulgent glow, high above Oinkologne. "All of our goals are reached! Straight down, and Earth Power!"
"Dolliv!" The shadow fell, becoming more visible. Larry quirked an eyebrow, and his Pokémon looked up in a vain attempt to locate his opponent. Before he could sniff her out, either, Dolliv landed on his back and her leaves shot out. They immediately ruptured the ground, pouring all of her desire into that dirty field.
Cracking and crumbling followed, and the golden light began to consume all, gathering to the one spot underneath Oinkologne's body. The pig's eyes widened…and then the field erupted with earthen fury that consumed both, ranging high to the roof, where the lightest of cracks appeared.
A moment passed, and the attack faded.
Dolliv flipped off, running tired but nodding. Oinkologne stood a moment, blinking, and then his four legs gave out.
"Kolo…"
A surprise, brief though it was, passed through the crowd. One sounded like a groan of disappointment that was swiftly stifled. All were waiting for the referee, though, who stepped forward to see the dazed expression upon Oinkologne's face. She sighed, almost like she was disappointed in her boss. "Oinkologne is unable to battle. Dolliv is the winner."
"Doll dolliv!" she suddenly cried, overjoyed with the sense of victory. Juliana was, too, glad she had helped her Pokémon achieve that end. So proud were they, that they barely realized Larry had returned his Pokémon, beckoning them to continue proving themselves.
"Well, guess you have fiery passion, after all. Sure you don't want to end it here?"
"No way," Juliana snapped at Larry. Dolliv snapped, too, joining in all the fierce expressions. "We're just getting started. I don't want just a round. I want to find something genuine in this battle. A real bond tested, and a new path."
"Well, we can certainly help with the first, and get this out of the way at the same time. Let's make this quick, Staraptor." Larry tossed his Poké Ball high, soon opening with bright light that revealed the regal, gray bird who emerged with a territorial, and powerful, cry.
"Staaaaaraptor!"
At the cry, Dolliv balked, fear taking over where once strength was. Juliana clenched at her jaw. Always two steps forward, one step back. Guess that's just me and my team's story. But for now…
"We're not letting him get an advantage. Press through the fear, Dolliv, and let's show him another Energy Ball!"
"Doliiiv dol!" The olives on her head twitched, creating the Energy Ball. It pulsed and crackled, but the bird of prey above them regarding the plant with naught but a tired look. Like its trainer, Staraptor looked ready to finish the battle with all speed. "Dol!"
The grassy orb fired forth, speedy and on a collision course for Staraptor. The bird sighed, and its trainer sighed with it. "Double Team."
"Star." Staraptor's wings expanded, making it larger than before. Dolliv squeaked, beginning to shake at the enormous size of her new foe. Or foes, for multiple Staraptor appeared around the battlefield, covering in a wide circle that inspired fear in Dolliv no matter which way she turned. So consuming was it, that Juliana almost missed the Energy Ball soaring harmlessly through one of the copies.
"Brave Bird."
"Staraaaptor!" Every clone pulled back, and flames ignited upon all of them. They made a wide circle, each moving in perfect tandem with one another. Then the flames turned blue, becoming a bright aura that encompassed their entire beings. As one, Staraptor dove, all copies converging on the single, shivering point that was Dolliv.
Juliana didn't even both opening her mouth for a dodge. It was clear to anyone watching that this round was over before it began. Arven even groaned from next to Gloria, who shook her head. The copies disappeared, and the lone, true Staraptor ripped through Dolliv, sending her flying and tumbling through the air until she landed with a thump at Juliana's feet. No one needed the referee, not with the way Staraptor pulled back and flapped its wings. Though the ripple of a recoil passed through its body in the form of blue sparks, it remained king of the sky and the battlefield. Larry patted it.
"You tried," Juliana spoke softly, bending to touch Dolliv's smooth petals. "But you took a step forward today. You won a battle! That's why, I'll keep stepping forward too. Not sure where it'll lead…but let's all trust each other to finish this right. Quaxwell, you've been here the longest, so let's show Larry how it's done!"
"Quaxell!" No sooner had Juliana recalled Dolliv than her loyal duck appeared on the field. Staraptor regarded his fellow bird, if flightless, with a gleam in its eye. Though neither it nor Larry showed it, however, Juliana had a feeling that Larry wasn't going to let this round go so easy; whether through exhaustion or actual excitement, he was stepping it up.
They would, too.
"Focus Energy!" Quaxwell's palmate slapped down, the red flashes of energy traveling up his body as he prepared. Across the restaurant, Larry sighed.
"And here I'd have thought someone who ran from battles would know better," the man said. He looked over to her, his expression sunken and lidded. Yet there was a hint of that same look all the other Gym Leaders had shared: the one where they knew their challenger was on the backfoot. "But you wanted this. Close Combat."
"Star!" Another flash of Staraptor's wings and he shot forward, divebombing the prone Quaxwell. Her duck's eyes widened, and his Focus Energy finished, but provided no time to dodge. The Predator Pokémon was upon him, his talon screeching out to nail Quaxwell in the chest. The blow smarted, pushing him back before the wing shot out. Its razor-sharp feathers sliced along Quaxwell's side.
"Quaxaaa!" The cry of pain made Koraidon howl from the sides, while other onlookers seemed to hold their collective breath.
Juliana, however, saw what was more obvious: Larry had left Staraptor open. "Acrobatics, nail it!"
"Quax!" Planting himself on one leg, a now turquoise aura mixing with the red to create a shimmering hue, Quaxwell swung his free leg around to great impact on Staraptor's exposed chest. The bird squawked, pushed back, only to receive another blow from Quaxwell's shining feathers. Staraptor hit the floor to some groans and winces, but with a single flap of its wings, buoyed itself back into the air.
"Aqua Cutter. Don't let up!"
"Double Team." She had forgotten about that.
Quaxwell's feathery arms bloomed with a bright, aqueous edge, and he slashed upward for where Staraptor was hovering. Just before contact, the bird's eyes flashed, and a smirk could be seen stretching across its beak. For the smallest of seconds, Juliana could see Larry smirking, too, giving rise to an emotion she never expected to feel during battle: frustration.
Staraptor vanished, becoming as multiple copies around Quaxwell. Unlike Dolliv, her first partner showed no fear, keeping his eyes trained on the bird and his footwork light. They both knew an attack was coming next.
"Take Down."
What? Juliana blinked, unable to muster much else. She couldn't call to dodge, her brain working too furiously, and her foot beginning to tap. Quaxwell trusted her, crossing his arms in preparation of Staraptor streaking down. A white blur surrounded Staraptor, the speed it was traveling at turning to blinding light before it made impact.
Make impact it did, tearing out the other side of Quaxwell's defensive posture. He buckled, his body rippling with bruises and scuff marks. Staraptor came out the other side, grinning as its attack continued to affect Quaxwell. White shocks traveled along the bird's body, only briefly interrupting the grin, but it was nothing against the damage dealt to Staraptor's foe. The duck dropped to his knee.
"Staaaar…"
Juliana watched the bird, and then watched Larry. Neither showed much beyond a willingness to get this over with, as fast as possible in either direction. All of Larry's ethos was on display, and it was that which made Juliana look over to the pair of Champions next to the cheering Arven. They were watching her.
Because you see it, too. Close Combat. Brave Bird. Take Down. He's risking it all to bring us down fast. Which means this isn't a fight. It's a race to the finish. Knowing she was right, Juliana reached up, realizing there was now sweat on her brow. The battle was more intense, took more than she thought.
Was giving her more than she thought: a chance to connect to someone else.
Stupid Nemona, she thought savagely. But that's not all I need strength for. And right now, focus, Juli. Focus!
"Let's get some leeway! Quaxwell, Rain Dance!" The call uttered, Quaxwell spun in a gracious dance to face Staraptor, ignoring all of the damage to his body. He raised his feathers and the air grew dense and heavy with the incoming downpour. Around the restaurant, people held their briefcases up, or their Pokémon watching the fight created a makeshift roof. Larry just quirked an eyebrow.
"Quaxwehhhhhl!"
"Take Down." Juliana's face scrunched in at the order and her mind started to scan every facet of the battle. Like a research project before her, she searched for the answer of Larry's motives in so recklessly charging forward. Unlike her usual line of work, she couldn't find it right away. The clouds overhead opened and the rain began to fall, obscuring some of the field from sight. On the ground, what little was left of the mud began to wash away.
Staraptor didn't halt his own assault, though, screeching in with the vicious Take Down. And that was when Juliana saw it: the opposing bird was slowing. Imperceptibly, perhaps, but enough that Juliana's next command could take effect.
"Dodge! Let it pass!"
"Quax!" Her first partner understood, and the swift dance of his feet provided just enough air as the deep rain was parted. Staraptor slipped past, cutting at the rain but leaving Quaxwell unharmed. Its attack wasn't finished, however, and Staraptor did a swift one-eighty to streak right back at its foe. Juliana wasted no time, and issued her next order, one that prompted the familiar red glow to creep up Quaxwell's body. Like before, however, Staraptor was upon him, ready to interrupt. His wing slashed straight into Quaxwell. "Quaxa!"
"If they wanna dole out hits, then we'll take 'em and return them tenfold! Aqua Cutter!" Quaxwell's blade shined a bright blue, the rippling waters becoming more than a sword, but an elegant rapier which was sliced down, consuming Staraptor's entire figure.
"Close Combat."
"Star!" The talon snapped out, through the torrent, to strike Quaxwell in the face. He retaliated by slashing upwards and sending Staraptor tumbling through the air. His wings spread, and the bird regained momentum just as Larry issued his next order, one that brought blue fire blazing to life.
He can't keep that up forever, Juliana noted, watching Staraptor's form, already flagging with the recoil damage. The more exhausted Staraptor is, the weaker its attacks will become. He can't make up for that.
But Staraptor wasn't weak yet, and Juliana knew it. So, she stomped. "Block it with Acrobatics!"
"Quax!"
"Rrraptor!"
The Brave Bird went on its collision course. Staraptor tucked its wings in, turning itself into a honed projectile that could pierce through the toughest of armors. Quaxwell put a leg back, readying himself. When Staraptor was upon him, he flipped up, the teal sheen traveling with him. Palmate hit beak, clashing against one another with blue powder emanating from the collision point.
The force rippled through both of their bodies, but neither wished to waver, leveling a glare in the other's direction. Some of the crowd mumbled at the display, while Larry sighed. To anyone else, that was a sign of his boredom with the battle. But Juliana saw more: he was getting incensed.
"Kick off!" Juliana shouted, trying to stop the smirk from reaching her lips. There was going to be no holding back, and Quaxwell was beginning to flag. His other leg swiped up, knocking Staraptor's beak skyward and giving him a chance to break off. Larry followed with another sigh, and he began to kneel.
"Well, I can't say I was expecting overtime," the Gym Leader said. His hand burrowed into his suitcase, pulling something out from within its confines. Juliana didn't need three guesses to know what, but she still clenched at the swirling, crystalline orb the man pulled out. "But whenever I get it, I make sure the work gets done. I think we've continued the battle long enough. Staraptor, we're done here. Terastallize."
"Starrraptor!" Staraptor's wings spread to full length, the grin across its beak becoming a powerful smirk. Quaxwell flipped backwards, giving a gaze to Juliana. He was roughed up, bruises dotting his entire figure, and parts of his feathers were matted. The damage he had accumulated from such high-powered moves was evident.
But then…so was Staraptor's; something a simple encasing of crystal couldn't fix.
"Korrra!" Koraidon's call confirmed that for her, a shout at the sight of the room darkening. Crystal particles danced within the Tera Orb, Larry holding tight to it even as it rustled the wind around him. That crystal shot out, consuming Staraptor and wrapping around it in a swirling storm of glittering dust. Crystals built themselves up, shattering into pieces to reveal the crystal armor that now surrounded Staraptor, a giant gem worn as a hat.
Normal type, huh? So now we know. Juliana dug into her own pocket, feeling the smooth surface of her own Tera Orb that rested there. She looked over to her companions watching, Gloria in rapt attention while Arven pumped his fists. They both knew only one Pokémon was walking away from this clash. "Get ready. Focus Energy."
"You keep making the same mistakes. Take Down."
It was fast. A keening cry echoed, and crystal dust erupted from Staraptor. Then it dove, emanating the power its Terastallization gave. Per Juliana's orders Quaxwell nodded and started to summon all the energy he could. It made him a prone target yet again.
But as it flashed up this time, he met Staraptor head on.
The now pure Normal type slashed clean across Quaxwell's figure, as if slicing through steel. It emerged on the other side, squawking with the recoil that ran through it. Meanwhile, its attack exploded against Quaxwell, almost driving him back, were he not trying to remain still. He nearly buckled, huffing and dropping to his knee again.
Quaxwell's eyes then flashed, and droplets of water surrounded him, ones not produced by the rain around him. It was exactly what she was looking for.
"I agree, Larry. I think it's time we do the same. Quaxwell, Terastallize!" Juliana slid her Orb from her pocket and held it high. Just as with Larry, crystal dust gathered and shot out towards Quaxwell. The rain grew in intensity, and the blue, watery aura surrounded all of Quaxwell. Crystal mixed with it, growing to consume him before shattering and revealing the crystal form of Quaxwell, spouting a fountain of water. "Aqua Cutter!"
"Quaxwell!" He spun in place, the duck drawing his feathers back like a samurai drawing a blade. Then he slashed, and Juliana herself was surprised by the sheer power exuded. Larry's eyes widened.
So, this… Juliana gasped. The Aqua Cutter grew, powered by the Terastallization, Focus Energy, rain and Torrent all at once. It ripped across pillars, aiming right for the weakened Staraptor. So gripping was it, that Larry hesitated a second, enough for Juliana to finish her thought. This is the potential of battle. The potential to find something new!
"Korrrrai!"
"Yeah, go Juli!"
"Double Team!" Larry shouted. He appeared surprised by that very action, though Staraptor was undeterred. With a shout, many forms appeared around the field, the water passing through them harmlessly. It wasn't enough to stop it entirely, the attack grazing Staraptor's wing. "Finish it. Take Down!"
"Acrobatics!" Juliana punched forward, and Quaxwell acted in turn. He flipped forth and met the last copy in a head-on clash that brought their crystalline power raging forth. Staraptor had the edge, and a guttural cry began emerging from its beak.
"Staraaaaaap!" Crystal was cracking, though Juliana couldn't tell whose. All she could tell was that there was one way to victory…and one angle Staraptor's mad attack hadn't covered.
"Lay on the hurt! Pummel it!"
"Quaxaaaah!" The feather shot out like an uppercut, infused with water that became a geyser, shooting Staraptor right for the ceiling. Quaxwell followed, twisting in midair to deliver a mighty drop kick with both feet.
Staraptor hung there, just for a second, and then momentum caught up and it spiraled down, crashing into the earth. The crystal cracked and shattered, covering up the groans of the crowd, and leaving Staraptor all but spent.
"Oh, come on!" came a shout. "Your Terastallization is better than that!"
"Pipe down. Larry still has one left. He hasn't clocked out yet."
It was true, Juliana realized. Though the threat of Terastallization was over, the fight was far from finished, and Quaxwell looked like he could barely soldier on. The glint of his eye told a different story; one willing to stay in and do what little damage he could. They couldn't lose their momentum.
"Well, that surprised me," Larry admitted, the red light at his side indicating he had called back his powerful Pokémon. "Feels like I haven't been bested like that in a while. You sure you're not taking Victory Road?"
"Pretty sure."
"Good. Don't. Geeta will drive you mad." Larry reached up to run his fingers through his hair, all of them twitching like he wanted another good smoke. "But then, you're making me work up a sweat for all this. What for?"
Juliana hung her head, feeling the rain continue to plink on the wood. She breathed out and looked over to Arven and Koraidon, and then to Gloria, and finally to the Pokémon that remained ready to fight. "Not really sure. But I know I want to do it for them. Is that enough?"
"It's not the passion you're looking for," Larry said. He tossed a Poké Ball up, his final one, and he caught it. "Not mine, either. So, if you're pretending we might still find something in battle, let's end the farce here. Dudunsparce, this is the end of shift."
Light erupted. Gasps were heard. Across the field, Larry's Pokémon appeared in the haze and rain. Juliana quirked an eyebrow, though every pore was telling her to be on alert. On the battle court was Larry's final Pokémon, a cream and blue colored Pokémon with tiny little wings. It looked similar to its pre-evolved form, just large enough with multiple segments. On first glance, it appeared to look lazy with eyes closed, but Juliana still felt a shiver run up her arm.
Gloria didn't, making immediately clear how funny she found it. Cynthia rolled her eyes.
Then, Larry took the first move. "Air Slash. Clear this mess away!"
He's focusing on the rain…? Juliana narrowed her vision, watching Dudunsparce as a globe of compressed wind appeared at the creature's tail. It fired, bursting before it barely left and sending a rippling wave of wind that cleared out the rain, removing Quaxwell's advantage. But not all of them.
"Acrobatics!" Quaxwell was off like a shot, his crystallized pitter-patter leaving imprints behind. He reached Dudunsparce, the Pokémon barely moving, and then gave a roundhouse kick that sent the Normal type flying.
"Not that easy. Rollout."
"Duduuun!" The almost dopey cry was not indicative of strength. Still caught in midair, Dudunsparce wrapped itself into a ball that charged forward, cutting through the wind on a collision course right for Quaxwell. It gathered speed and power as it went, a single move that could crack Quaxwell's crystal.
"Aqua Cutter! Impede it!" Quaxwell slid back, the ground swiftly losing its slickness. The sight of that made Juliana bite her lip, not helped by Dudunsparce on a course that looked like it would end in but one result. Quaxwell slashed out, his powerful, aqueous blade colliding with Dudunsparce. It held for a moment, but soon broke into a multitude of droplets as Dudunsparce broke through, slamming straight on Quaxwell's chest.
The blow smarted, sending him flying back.
This time, Larry didn't let up. "Hyper Drill."
"Dun." All at once, and before Quaxwell could fully recover, Dudunsparce ceased his spinning roll, only for his tail to become jagged and pointed. That appendage began to spin, becoming a drill that bore the very air, set to crack crystal. They had no moves left.
"Rain Dance."
"Huh?" Arven's confused call didn't cast doubt on her decision. Nor did the Hyper Drill piercing through with a flash of red. The clouds appeared above them, though the room brightened as the crystal cracked, exploding into dust. Plinks of rain fell, as did Quaxwell, finally spent, but utterly satisfied.
Juliana wiped the rain from her brow. One Pokémon left.
"Backed into a corner, yet? What're you planning?" Larry asked. There was genuine curiosity there, not just obligation. They were getting somewhere. Juliana gave a barking laugh.
"Not sure where I'm going yet. But I'm gonna win it. Still sticking to my guns, though, and that means…I'll use every advantage I have. Tinkatuff, tear 'em up!" She tossed her Poké Ball out, but it wasn't the only one to shine with light. Her other two did as well, Lokix and Wattrel appearing atop Koraidon, cheering them on now that they knew they'd no longer be in the battle. Tinkatuff, on the other hand, appeared on the field, grinning her sadistic grin.
"Then you won't mind if I press the advantage. I'm rather done working, you see, and there's nothing more to get. Air Slash!"
"Heh, we'll see about that! Stone Edge! Make a barricade!" As Dudunsparce began to create the whirling sphere, Tinkatuff grinned. In her eyes rested a lust for battle, and a need for victory, one Juliana shared. Driven by that loss a few days past, Tinkatuff stepped forward and slammed her hammer down.
"Tuff!" The Air Slash fired, this time retaining its form as it tore across the battlefield on a collision course for Tinkatuff. She, however, grinned when her hammer made contact with the ground. Jagged stones emerged like a shield straight in front of her. The Air Slash struck that very shield and with an explosion, broke it apart into splinters that flew all over the battlefield and into the restaurant. Patrons ducked for cover, but many couldn't tear their eyes away.
"Rollout!"
"Match it with Brutal Swing!" Juliana pitched forward with her command, her braid swinging back and forth.
"Duduuun!" came the shout of Larry's Pokémon. It began to spin, wobbling in the rain that fell around them, but managed to gain its momentum. With vertical rotation, it shot straight for Tinkatuff.
"Tinkaa!" Tinkatuff grabbed her hammer with both hands and began to spin, herself moving horizontally and carrying herself straight into the fray. Both opponents spun at each other, and when they reached the center of the court, they collided. A grating, screeching sound filled the entirety of the Eatery, causing many spectators to grimace. Juliana did no such thing. Rain flew at her from the force of their clash, and the sparks sputtered and spat to the ground, neither looking to give an inch in their spinning match.
So, Larry changed it up. "Hyper Drill!"
"Take it and keep going!" Juliana ordered, finding a grin sliding on to her face. She could tell from the simple inflection of tone: despite his protests otherwise, Larry was enjoying this. That or he was ready to just end the battle and get back to resting. She couldn't know.
But she did know that she was meeting him on his level. Connecting the way Nemona had hoped, but could never achieve, connecting with her.
The spinning battle continued, but Dudunsparce was changing, its body elongating and its tail beginning to shine. It was the only part to continue spinning, whirring and grinding like the drill its move was named for. Carried by the momentum of its previous Rollout, Dudunsparce swung its tail into a piercing lance that struck Tinkatuff, grinding straight past her face and shaving off pieces of her hair. It left a nasty welt on her face, one that was hardly visible in her pink complexion, and was offset by the chilling grin in place. Juliana even shared it.
"Now, hit it hard!"
"Tinktuff!" Undeterred by the attack, Tinkatuff continued her mighty swing, the dark energy coalescing around her hammer. Dudunsparce, its attack now finished, remained prone to the strike, and before it could land, Tinkatuff caught its entire form with her weapon. "Tuuuuff!"
There was a mighty heave, the Brutal Swing becoming an upwards swing that put all eyes on her. The rain parted from the movement, drawing full attention to the pair as Dudunsparce was flung straight for the ceiling of the Eatery, where cracks were showing from the earlier rounds. Juliana apologized internally for what would come next.
"Stone Edge! Bring it down!" No sooner had Tinkatuff finished her wild swing, than she smashed her hammer down. The jagged plinths of rock emerged, running from where the hammer struck and traveling up a pillar of the restaurant before becoming as stalactites that emerged one by one from the ceiling. Dudunsparce squealed, flapping its wings in an attempt to change course, but failed as the final Stone Edge emerged, crushing into its figure and sending it flopping to the ground.
"Interesting," Larry said, narrowing his eyes on Juliana. She swallowed, a thrill of fear going through her that blocked out all else but the battle. "But Dudunsparce can take more than a few hits. Or did you think loss of passion means a loss of tenacity? Rollout."
"No, but you're forgetting about something important, Larry!"
Larry's quirking eyebrow made his hair look even more like tangled twigs, but that arched eye soon gave way to understanding. Dudunsparce started to spin, flicking water out. A squealing emerged, showing friction taking over, and Dudunsparce wobbled. The plentiful rain had at last taken effect, giving her and Tinkatuff their advantage.
"Yeah! Go Juli, brilliant move!"
"Wattrel!"
"Loka!"
"All right, Metal Claw!" Juliana ordered, her palm pushing forward.
"Tinka tinkatuff!" The wicked grin split all of Tinkatuff's features. She jumped forward, spinning in midair as her hammer gleamed with the mighty, rugged silver of her great attack. With a simple flourish, Tinkatuff brough the clawed hammer swiping down. It flattened Dudunsparce, causing it to cry out, and Larry to scoff.
"Air Slash!" As he said it, his fist clenched, and there was the slightest tweak of a smile. Dudunsparce's tail flicked up, forming the telltale globe of the attack. It fired soon as it was charged, nailing Tinkatuff in the jewel upon her chest. She staggered back. "Now, let's get rid of that rain."
"Stone Edge!"
"Spar!" In response to Juliana's call, her opponent's tail created another sphere. It grew larger, adding a little time to the charge that allowed Tinktuff to act. This time, instead of from above, the slamming hammer brought stones racing from below. The final one jutted out underneath Dudunsparce, but ere it made contact, the Land Snake Pokémon struck, sending its Air Slash flying in a wide arc upwards. Ribbons of air bisected the cloud, cutting off the supply of water that made traction difficult. The stones hit seconds afterwards, causing Dudunsparce to fly back.
"Rollout!"
"Hit it back with Metal Claw!" Juliana shouted, her hand waving out. That hand turned to a fist, her thoughts turning towards victory at last.
In midair, Dudunsparce spun. It hit the ground and sped off towards Tinkatuff. She swung her hammer around, sporting the vicious grin she loved. When Dudunsparce came close, she swung with great force, making contact with the Normal type and sending it flying towards the wall. It hit, but quickly used the rotation of its body to shoot straight back at her.
"Tink! Tuff! Tuff!" With every misdirection and smack, Dudunsparce would bounce off the nearest surface, taking the hits that were clearly wearing down its body. Every time, Tinkatuff would hit it straight back until, finally, she started to growl. With a hearty swing, Dudunsparce was sent towards the pillar closest to Arven, and Juliana caught sight of Gloria and Cynthia's faces. They were pensive.
Then we need to finish, Juliana thought. "Now, Metal Claw straight down."
"Tinka!" Dudunsparce got close, but instead of batting it away, Tinkatuff readied her hammer, and with a powerful downward cleave, brought her opponent crashing into the field. Many winced, watching the Normal type flop. Larry didn't.
"Endeavor."
"Duuuuun." That simple, doleful cry was the bell of doom. Deep and low it sounded, one that would have been dopey were it not for the dread that creeped down Juliana's spine. A black and red wave radiated from Dudunsparce's figure, one that could not be avoided. Tinkatuff drew back, sensing its danger, but unable to stop as the wave washed over her and the entire battlefield, covering it in murk. Then it paused and faded into nothing, even silence which consumed the Eatery.
"Tiiink…" Tinkatuff all but dropped. Her hammer became a support, sudden bruises and scuff marks appearing on her body. She looked ready to fall, the damage she had inflicted being returned to her.
"And now you're seeing the exhaustion. Maybe we should end it here? No one wants that more than me."
"End it…?" Juliana breathed out. Her own eyes slipped in and out of focus, matching Tinkatuff's wavering stance. It felt like everyone there was holding a collective breath.
"You put in a lot of effort, but it's not getting you anything, right? Whole lot of effort for nothing." Larry placed his hands in his suit pockets, one eye closing away from sleep. "Do you really want to waste it?"
Waste it? Make it pointless? Juliana's fists clenched again, zeroing in on Tinkatuff. She was struggling to keep standing, but retained a firm grip. There was no letting up for her. And then Juliana found Arven, himself carrying balled fists with the tension the battle gave him. As if her losing would mean both of them losing. That's right. Which is why I can't lose. Because that'd be kicking away all the people and Pokémon that have gotten me this far.
No, more than that… Juliana breathed out. Her words were even softer than her breath. "I want to win."
"Hm? What's that?"
"I want to win!" Juliana stamped forward, her rising energy causing Tinkatuff to grip that little bit tighter. "I want to win, so me and Arven can keep going. I want to win to prove I can.
"I want to make it that nothing I do is pointless from here on out! Nothing we do is pointless!"
Larry blinked. Gloria clapped.
And Arven? Arven practically vaulted over the borders of court, all of Juliana's Pokémon and Crocalor at his side with a cheer. "Yeah, that's right! Come on, Juli, let's win!"
"Korrrrai!"
Larry issued another sigh. "Honestly, if you're that fired up, I might as well just give you the battle."
"You can't do that, Larry!"
"Yeah, come on! You're our Leader!"
"Just a little bit more effort, please! We wanna see how badass you are!"
"All of Medali roots for you. So just one more push!" All the voices rose, pushing and urging Larry on, a rising tide that matched Arven's increasing cheers. Larry hung his head, causing Dudunsparce to look back at him.
"Hah," he chortled. Then his head flew back, youthful energy returning for the briefest of moments. "Ha ha ha ha ha! Well then, if it's for someone else, I guess I have to keep going until we're closed. Looks like you fired them up."
"Then let's burn down the house!" Leader and Challenger stepped forward, meeting in the center with their spiritually outstretched hands. Together, they were finding it, the meaning and purpose in those around them. With it, they stretched off the path, and with great bellows, they gave their commands.
"HYPER DRILL!"
"STONE EDGE!"
Their cries gave rise to passion, and with it, their Pokémon became invigorated in spite of their fatigued states. Tinkatuff was the faster, whirling her hammer around to create another bulwark of stones that emerged from the ground in a line. Dudunsparce's tail glowed and jabbed forward with whirling, spearing power. The stones never quite made it and the Hyper Drill pierced the line, right for Tinkatuff.
"Metal Claw!" Juliana shouted, feeling a genuine grin come to her face. Tinkatuff sported it as well, spinning her hammer before bringing its lustery material up to match the drill. She blocked it, holding and straining with knitted brow. Sparks flew off. The crowd cheered. Each was pushing for either side to win until, finally, Tinkatuff pushed just far enough to send the drill upwards and out of her harm's way. She ran in, giving a lateral swing that caught Dudunsparce's body.
"Air Slash!" Larry shouted, himself now wearing a smile that spoke to his renewed fervor. Dudunsparce's tail angled itself straight at Tinkatuff and fired. The attack hit her point-blank, exploding against her face and causing her to drop her attack. Dudunsparce landed but a foot away, angling yet one more attack. "Hyper Drill! Finish her!"
"No, we're going to win! Brutal Swing, use everything!"
"Yeah! Yeah! Go, Juli, go!"
"Tinkaaaaaaaaa…" Tinkatuff began to scream, and soon plunged her hammer right in the floor, where it cracked. Then she held tight and used it as a pole to gain momentum. Dark energy crackled around her entire body, and soon enveloped her. Then, she let go and her full body made contact with Dudunsparce. "TUUUUUUUFF!"
"DUDUUUUN!" The cry of agony as Tinkatuff brought her body raging into the snake caused Larry to falter, but all they could watch as the pair charged right into another pillar. It all but snapped the support in two, woodgrain and splinters flying everywhere. From within, a black spark crackled out, and moments later, a silver grin emerged.
"Tink-ah."
The hostess stepped forward. "Dudunsparce is unable to battle! The winner of the match is Juliana!"
"YEAAAAH!"
Juliana fell back, numbing disbelief filling her. Tinkatuff grinned at her from across the way, just about ready to keel over herself. The entire Eatery rose a cheer that just about cracked the roof, or what wasn't damaged on it. All at once, relief followed, and Juliana found herself beginning to laugh.
"Kora!" She looked up, just in time to be tackled by Koraidon and Lokix. Wattrel paused by Tinkatuff, who puffed her chest, though nearly fell over, were it not for Gloria's foot propping her up.
"You did good, kid," Gloria said. "Feeling better?"
"I feel…" Juliana took a moment, trying to find the words. What she found was Arven, grinning right at her with the pride only an upperclassman could show. His hand was held out to her. This time, she reached out to take it. "I feel like we're unbeatable! I bet we could even take on those storms in Casseroya!"
"Can you now?" Cynthia said, her amused drawl evident.
"I'd advise against it, personally, and not because it'd be too much effort." Larry's voice indicated he had drawn close, a sight made clear when Juliana finished bringing herself to her feet. "Rather, I think you might find a better path through that maze. Say…in Cascarrafa."
"Cascarrafa?" Arven looked to Juliana, who shrugged. Rather than question further, she dug into her pocket for her phone and brought up the map. "Whew, that's a distance."
"Might be," Larry said with a shrug. His eyes met Juliana's, the pair all but nodding at each other with the fire in their eyes. "But you could dive right into the lake and get torn apart…or you can take the long way and speak with Gym Leader Kofu, who knows everything about the lake."
"I'm surprised you would know that, Larry," Cynthia said. "Though I personally can't afford to wait for that. I'll find some way around."
"I know because it's my job to know. Thought you'd realize that by now," Larry said, shrugging. Despite the fire stoked, he was still the same as ever, a fact which made Juliana laugh. "If Rika is Geeta's personal assistant and Hassel is her man inside the Academy, you can think of me as the paper pusher: the guy who knows everything and does all that stupid administrative work."
"Oh, so that's why Ash already battled you!" Gloria said. A pallor drew over Larry's face, but he didn't contradict her. "Well, doesn't matter to me. Juliana, it's your choice."
Straight shot into danger, or a long detour that may end in nothing? Juliana swallowed, mulling over the thoughts, but soon looked up to Arven and held her fist out.
"Arven, I'm gonna promise you here and now, I'll see your dream done. Your treasure found. We'll heal Mabosstiff, and we'll find the answers together!" she said. Arven had no hesitation in tapping her fist with his own. "Let's head for Cascarrafa!"
"Then here's where we part ways," Cynthia said. She put her hands on all their shoulders. "I look forward to hearing what you learn. Gloria, stay out of trouble."
"Hey, trouble finds me!" Gloria snapped back. As she did, a shrill ringing followed, as did another of Larry's sighs. A Rotom Phone came out of his pocket, bothering him with an incessant sound.
"Looks like we're the same. I can't imagine this'll be good." No one needed three guesses to know it was Geeta's name on the screen. Larry turned around. "Esmeralda, I need you to look after the Eatery. Knowing the boss, I'm needed in Mesagoza."
"Yes, sir. And might I say, it's good to see you give such a strong battle again."
Larry paused, halfway to turning around, and gave a scoff. To Juliana, it was more of a chuckle. He dug into his pocket, pulling out something circular, and flicked it towards Juliana with his finger. She caught it deftly, turning it over to see it was a Gym Badge. "It was a good battle. That's proof of it. Should get you through any barricades around the area. Keep in touch."
Larry walked off, his hostess at his side. Juliana held the badge up, its surface catching the light. Then, her hand closed around it and she nodded. As the air of the Eatery returned to normalcy, she steadied her breaths, her mind at peace.
"Let's go."
Juliana took her steps outside of the Eatery and into the world that had just become a bit wider.
Author's Note: Juliana has finally taken a step into a bigger world, the world Nemona wanted to show her. Of course, that isn't to say the two will understand each other when next they meet (which may be sooner than you think), but it's a step. Because this is a moment of Juliana realizing how many people are there for her, will be there for her, and a moment where she accepts she wants to be there for them.
More than anything, Juliana's promise to Arven is her rebuilding herself. It's not just about answers anymore.
But yeah, I hope the Gym battle was good, too.
With that, we move on to Cascarrafa as the story continues. Give me your thoughts in a review or comment, and until the next chapter, Dare to Be Silly.