We're off to the races with this book! No stopping this journey! Chapter 2 time!

Chapter 2

A Summons

"Again, how did you get this number? Also again, why are you really calling?"

Juliana's biting tone garnered more attention than she cared for. It was enough that both Arven and Gloria leaned in further, curious to get a glimpse of the mysterious Mela. Koraidon joined them, doleful eyes watching with confusion at the screen. On it, Mela scoffed.

"Well, isn't this cute," Mela said, her dark-colored lips turning up in a sneer. "How quickly you've found new friends, Juli."

"I'm not your friend," she snapped back. The harshness was enough to cause Arven to wince. Gloria was, as always, unfettered. "And I didn't declare war on you."

"Oh?" On the screen, Mela held a hand out, requesting something from one of the grunts near her. Said grunt, a boy with shaggy hair and the stripes to show he was Mela's second-in-command, tripped over to hand her his own phone. She turned it towards the screen revealing an audio file. With the press of a button, a voice began to play.

Juliana's voice.

"One base down," the voice said. It was stilted, as if absent of emotion, and Juliana narrowed her eyes at it. At first blush it sounded like her, but the longer she listened, the more even Arven rolled his eyes at the ridiculousness of it all. "I'm coming for the rest of you. Get ready."

Short and sweet, the message ended, and Mela tossed the phone away. As she did, more of her altered uniform was revealed, right down to her large boots, looking like they were on fire. The Schedar boss leaned in. "Declaration received."

"Declaration?" Gloria barked out, her presence being the one thing to take Mela by actual surprise. "This sounds like kids playing soldier. It's just a message."

"And not one I sent," Juliana insisted. She folded her arms, glaring at the phone before her.

"Your voice. Your number."

Juliana's cheek twitched, the realization dawning on her with an unpleasant thought. Cass…

She withdrew into her head, forgetting that Mela was on the call, glaring at her, while both Arven and Gloria waited for her response to it. Across the courtyard, Serena's class looked to have finished, but Juliana sunk into her own world. Cassiopeia was the only one capable of doing that, altering and mimicking her voice, hacking her phone. Just like with Giacomo, the leader of Team Star had sent a resounding message, but not for Mela.

Still wanting me in on your little plan. Still going scorched earth. I'm not your puppet, Juliana thought viciously. She wanted to rip her phone to shreds, or find whoever Cassiopeia was and strangle them. Instead, she gave a snarling sigh.

"It wasn't me. So, you can back. Off!" Juliana took a step forward, knowing full well it wouldn't serve in intimidating the girl on the other end. True to form, Mela did nothing, even as her grunts recoiled. A moment passed between them, one broken only by footsteps and the shifting of Arven next to her. Eventually, Mela scoffed.

"To be honest, I don't care if it was," the Schedar boss said, giving a shrug. Arven relaxed next to Juliana, but she knew the words indicated quite the opposite fortunes. "Did you really think after what happened with Segin Squad, with Giacomo, that we'd let all that slide? You made intentions very clear the second you gave him that bruise."

"That wasn't Juli-"

"Shut it!" Mela snapped. It earned just a little of Arven's glare at her, but the girl had eyes only for Juliana. "I don't care what caused it. You were there. Now Segin Squad is in tatters. As enforcer for Team Star, I won't let that go."

"Last I checked, you didn't even care. Giacomo mentioned how all over the place you were."

"Hah, shows how little you know." Mela straightened upright, a curl on her lips that wasn't very inviting to Juliana. She matched it nonetheless. "It's taken a while, but we might be coming together for the first time in years. All thanks to you, Juli. Cass is finally done waiting for you to come back to the fold."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Juliana finally grabbed her phone, putting herself as close to Mela as possible. "I've done nothing, and if you've got a war, why don't you focus on Phantom Zero."

"Oh, we've got our eyes on them, and we're ready. But right now, my focus is you." Juliana's breaths began to shorten, hissing out from her teeth. A warming presence was nearby, no eyes needed to tell it was Serena, but it wasn't enough to overcome the sheer bitterness on display. "You gave us two slights now, and neither are forgiven. Both times you managed to run away like a slippery little Wiglett, but your time running is over.

"I'm going to chase you down, clean up the mess, and remind you just who you're dealing with."

"Think I'll pass." Their faces were practically touching against the screen now, each wearing such an intense scowl that Arven backed into Serena.

"Running again. Well, you can try, but I'll track you down no matter what. Your time is up, Juli. I'm giving you three days, then it's on." The call disconnected. Juliana's phone went cold.

Still in her hands, Juliana's fist began to close. Little fractures appeared on the edge of her screen, soon zapping her as the Rotom inside got fed up. None of it dissipated her scowl. Nor did Arven leaning in front of her and waving a hand.

"Juli, you all right?"

"That…" Juliana's hiss turned to seething, and she stomped a foot on the ground. "That bitch."

"Juliana!" Serena shouted. It was one call of her name that froze her mouth, but did little to remove the anger fueling her words.

"Who does Mela think she is? Just because she and Eri helped refine my battling she thinks she can go hunting for me? I won't have it. I'm not getting delayed because they're a bunch of needy children who want to drag me back kicking and screaming!" Juliana began to pace, every breath turning to an effort that consumed her with each little step. She would have grounded the pavement if it had done her any good.

"Calm down. Gloria, what happened?"

"Beats me. Ask the kid."

"You realize you're only maybe four years older than me, right?" Arven said. Gloria must have shown indifference, because Arven was quick to move on. Not that Juliana had stopped fuming at Mela's threat to her. It only came to a halt when she felt the hands of the larger boy who pulled her to a stop by her shoulders. "Juliana, what now? We wanted to avoid Schedar Squad, right? Not go picking a fight."

That sobering thought put a halt to her steps. He was right, and the paling realization of it brought horror to Juliana's face. She wanted to curse again, but Serena's presence precluded that, leaving her to bite her lip and wrack her brain. "We can't afford Mela chasing us. She really will follow me around Paldea."

"Then the solution's pretty obvious," Gloria said. She was as lazy as ever, but her words held Juliana's attention, putting all eyes on Galar's Champion. Unlike the rest of them, she was grinning. "You don't wait for three days. You take the fight to her."

"Of course, you'd suggest that," Serena said, shaking her head. There was mirth in her words, however, as if she didn't disapprove of them. At worst, Serena looked a bit tired, but the shining in her eyes belied her own suggestion on the situation.

"We said we wanted to avoid a fight," Arven said.

"And sometimes fights can't be avoided," Gloria said. She was beginning to walk once again, circling Juliana, taking stock of her before stopping where she could be fully seen. "You already know it'll be the case with Orthworm. Besides, you said she'll keep chasing you. Better to strike first and ask questions later in this case."

Juliana watched her, trying to perceive the Champion's motives. Finding none, she put voice to her thoughts, instead. "So, what, is this your version of training?"

"I'd call it more a test. To see if you're worthy of my time."

"Is that how you're accepting apprentices now?" Serena asked. Gloria winked in her direction, but didn't say anything, waiting on Juliana's decision. Said girl turned to Serena, soliciting her advice, though it took a minute to garner a response. "It's your choice, Juliana. But Gloria has a point, and a good head on her shoulders, even if the decision seems rooted in impulse."

"Not impulse. Strategy. Girl's gonna take the fight to her either way, so might as well give yourself the advantage. It's the straightest, and safest, route to get to Levincia, right? Not like a cab is effective with the storms around the area. Plus, it gives me a chance to see how you battle." Gloria held a hand out, a smirk playing around her lips as she waited for the response. "Well, kid, what do you think?"

It wasn't entirely up to her. She looked to Koraidon, staring blankly at her, before eyes shifted to Arven and Fuecoco. The little croc climbed over his trainer's face, looking down at him. He appeared to consider it with some trepidation before eventually sighing. "I don't like the idea of it but…she's probably right. Though I'm not sure if I can help."

"Every little bit helps in a battle!" Gloria said. She was swift to take Arven into a headlock, knuckling down on him. "So, verdict?"

Juliana pursed her lips. "Looks like it's a fight. But! We're gonna make it on my terms."

"Your terms?" Gloria and Arven asked together. Serena didn't share the same confusion. She turned around and began to walk away from the group, towards the stairs that led into Mesagoza proper.

"I'm not rushing in blindly. It's been a while since I've been to a Star base that didn't get wrecked later. We need some quick intel, and then we can move out. Three days isn't a lot of time to work with, and it'll take us at least two to reach Schedar Squad."

"Look, you're learning already! Taking impulsive steps!" Gloria let go of Arven, the boy spluttering for air. "But I agree. Going in with a plan is good. You can fill us in on how all this Team Star nonsense works on the way."

"You pointed her towards it without having a clue, didn't you?" Arven asked, rubbing at his throat. Gloria shrugged. "But where do you plan to get intel?"

"By visiting the best intel-gatherers we know. You coming, Juliana?" That was Serena's voice, echoing from near the stairs. She waved to some nearby students, but otherwise kept her gaze fully on them. Juliana nodded, and set off into a sprint, following the woman. The others were quick to join her.

As they descended towards the heart of the city, Juliana's mind bounced around. Mela's words were only slightly cryptic, but in them, it hinted at something bigger than just chasing her to the ends of the earth. There was something about the timing, either the uncanny moment of the call, or because of the events that had been taking place around Paldea. Juliana wasn't sure which was more concerning, but with it came an additional reason to take the fight to the girl. Just as with the mystery of the Titans, Terastallization and the Herba Mystica, confronting Mela could get her answers on Cass's obsession and the reason behind Team Star's sudden stirring.

Those thoughts came to an end as Serena rolled to a stop outside the familiar, gaudy storefront. There were a few people outside, and less inside, but Juliana noticed the building at once. More than that, she noticed the trio that were on the inside, running the small school, the barking orders obvious. Meowth and Wobbuffet, however, were the first to catch sight of their group.

"Oh no. Not today. We got a no twoip zone in effect from now to eternity."

"Wobb wobba!" Like magic, Wobbuffet pulled out a sign. Arven chuckled once he realized it read "Nose Terp Sone". The brushstrokes had clearly been Wobbuffet's handiwork.

"Come on, Meowth," Serena said, leaning in with the sweet smile she always wore. Meowth was taken aback by the general kindness, taking a step off his podium and shaking his head. "Even for friends?"

"Friends or no, da bosses have said dere piece," Meowth finished with an emphatic nod. "Besides, Jess still remembers dat you owe her, and she don't forget, ya dig."

"Wobba…"

"Oh, don't be sticks in the mud. As I recall, you guys loved helping out," Gloria said, leaning over with a mischievous little smirk. Meowth backed away even further, up against the glass panes of the storefront that rattled.

"Oh, no. Don't you say dat. Yer da biggest problem of dem all, Champion Twoipette."

"This is going nowhere…" Juliana sighed, tired of the bicker and banter. Not bothering with decorum or any sense of rules or propriety, Juliana pushed past the group and opened the door wide, striding into the school space.

"Welcome to the prestigious Beau-ah! Twerps! Jessie, Code Orange!"

"Which one was that?! Hey, I told you to keep those feet moving!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

Juliana ignored the myriad of code colors posted on the wall, and leaned against the desk where James sat, tinkering with something or other. Arven was right next to her, though his awkward grin told everyone he felt out of place. "Twerps or no, I'm not really caring. I need information."

"Infor…mation?" James dropped whatever he was holding, something caught by a Mime Jr. that put it back into place. "What information do twerps possibly need?"

"Segin Squad layout. You saw it from the sky. I got a glimpse of it from the ground, but I need a more holistic view." Juliana's intensity wafted over to everyone nearby, painting concern on James's face. That transferred over to Jessie, whose annoyed scowl turned to an ambiguous sort of concern as she walked over.

"What exactly do you need that information for, new twerpette?" she snapped.

"Launching an assault." Both Jessie and James paled. "Have some scores to settle. I can pay you in…something. You guys were looking for treasure, right?"

"And nearly got killed thrice over," James mumbled. He looked up at Jessie, who paled further at the sight of Serena and Gloria in the doorway, but eventually she shrugged.

"We've no interest in doing that again. Just give her what she needs."

"Are you sure, Jessie? We're supporting her in her deeds."

"Long as she leaves…" Meowth grunted, leaping up to the desk with arms crossed. He, too, was looking at Jessie, finding the enigmatic expression on the usually haughty woman's face disturbing. Or that was Juliana's guess. She didn't know, and couldn't really care beyond a cursory examination.

In spite of that, Juliana found herself looking up to the older woman, and saw in her eyes something she didn't expect: someone who spent their life running. In fact, looking to all the others, she saw the exact same thing. A group of misfits who had spent so long running, that with the ground finally underneath their feet, they too could recognize someone who wanted to run away.

Except I'm running towards, Juliana thought savagely. It didn't erase the taste from her mouth.

"I told you to do it, okay. And next time, Honorary Twerpette, if you want something, we expect full payment. And none of that treasure nonsense! You're going to be helping me show up the Twerpette, herself! Now, get out!" Jessie whipped around, her hair smacking James in the face before returning to her class. "No! No! That's all wrong!"

"Sorry, Miss Jessie!"

"Ah, I like that! Call me Miss again!" Their class faded into the background, covered up by James taking out a roll of paper that he opened across his table.

"It's not much. More like a rough sketch we saw from the balloon," the blue-haired man said. With the illustration now before them, Juliana leaned forward. As she did, a phone rang, and Serena swiftly excused herself from the group, leaving only the two students and Gloria to look over the map. "It didn't help there were little mountains covering the area."

"And dat freakin' bird tryin' ta kill us."

"That, too."

"Wobb wobba."

"Mind getting to the point?" Gloria asked, her previous good humor with them turning to annoyance. Juliana nodded, agreeing with the woman. James sighed.

"From what we saw, it matched what you all noticed on the ground. Bunch of tents that snake their way like a defense, covering up all the way to the big hangar in the back, where the natural defenses are at their tightest." James pointed to each mark on the map. It painted a picture of all the various chokepoints, Juliana filling in the blank spots with the ramps she saw. Each spot was memorized, and while Schedar Squad would no doubt be different, it still led to one spot, far away from all the hangars and ramps, protected by a steep hill.

"Here. That's an entry point. Would require some climbing, though."

"That part, I can help with," Gloria said, nodding. "Mind if we take this."

"Ya already take our dignity every time we meet, Champion Twoipette, and I'm sure you'll do it again. Might as well."

"Great. I'll be in touch." That simple statement sent a shiver up the pair's spine; one that didn't go away in spite of Gloria rolling up the map and leaving with a whistle. Arven looked unsure what to make of it, but Juliana was quick to follow.

"Hey, Honorary Twerpette," James suddenly called, putting enough pause for Arven to exit before her. She looked back. "Are you going after the ornery Orthworm?"

"Something like that. Gotta deal with a problem first."

"Hmm…" the man mused, beginning to tap his chin with a pen, "well, just be careful. And uh…make sure what you're running towards while you're running away. Don't want to be left with nothing to hold on to."

Meowth's demeanor changed at James's words, another moment of softness that Juliana didn't expect. Like Serena before them, it was almost like advice, or some weird compassion they had. Juliana didn't need it at all. So, she nodded and left as quickly as she came, joining Gloria as the woman held their map out of Koraidon's hungry reach.

"Not for you!"

"Koraidon, we'll feed you later. Arven will make one of his specials."

"If it gets us where we're going fast, I'll make him a whole feast," Arven admitted, brushing some of the hair from his eyes. "Speaking of, when are we going?"

"Soon as we can. Just gotta grab some stuff to pack."

"Then this'll be where we part ways, it seems," Serena called. She stepped from the side of the building, hand still on her phone as it showed Ash and Hanna on the screen. The little girl waved, no one matching her exuberance but her Auntie Gloria. "Looks like Ash'll be leaving soon, too."

"Just for a bit. Geeta scheduled the next inspection," Ash said over the phone.

"Which means more time with mama!"

"But first we need time as a family. I'll join you both soon, kay?"

"Kay. Daddy, can we go get Pikachu a haircut?"

"Pika?!" The call suddenly ended. Gloria shook her head, chuckling.

"And that's another reason I need to go," Serena said, her sigh drawing attention to the circles under her eyes. "Motherhood never rests."

"Well, you'll be missed," Arven assured her. Though Juliana didn't say it aloud, she couldn't deny that being around Serena, whether on the road or at the Academy, had been a positive part of her days. "I looked forward to your cooking tips."

"If cooking's your thing, I know over a hundred curry recipes. You'll be in good hands," Gloria said, twirling the map in her hands. Koraidon still tried to eat it, no doubt thinking it was a sandwich.

"I'm sure they will," Serena said with a laugh. She was already starting to walk away, but paused at Juliana. "I wish I could keep going. See you search for your treasure, but…I'm still a teacher. I have my duties here. Of course, if you ever need to talk, just give me a call. Either of you. I'll pick up."

Juliana wasn't sure she'd ever avail herself of that option, their last conversation seared into her mind. She nodded anyway, and Serena patted her on the shoulder. The woman took off at long last, each watching until they could no longer see her in the crowds. With nothing left to hold them, Juliana reached up and slapped her cheeks.

"Right, gimme a bit and we set off to the east."

"Why does this feel like déjà vu?"

"Fuecococo," Fuecoco agreed. It stopped neither trainer nor Pokémon from grinning. Their excitement over setting off was palpable, even if a battle waited before them.

Knowing that, Juliana clasped Arven's hand and decided to get them there as fast as possible. With nary a word uttered, Juliana's unspoken rendezvous point was left behind and she raced back up the steps for the Academy. Like always, her brain ran her calculations, figuring how best to strike at Schedar Squad, and if a battle with Mela was truly inevitable.

If I can disable the Starmobile, a fight would be unnecessary… she couldn't help but think. So busy with her mind, she was, that she nearly bumped into someone. Both quickly apologized, until they realized just who they were speaking to.

"Oh, Juli. Sorry for almost bumping into you!" Nemona's chipper voice said, grating at Juliana's ears.

"It's nothing. Don't worry about it." Juliana brushed past, making for the elevators once more, only for Nemona's unwanted voice to call her back.

"Hey, about earlier today, sorry if I went overboard."

"I said it's fine-"

"And you know, if you ever need help with real training, I do genuinely want to battle you and all. After hearing what went down at Segin Squad, too, if you need help, just-"

"Nemona," Juliana snapped, unable to stop the coldness from rising in her voice, "you and I both know you'd just want to help with that for a chance to battle another opponent. Nothing else. You'd have no reason, so don't bother. I'm fine on my own."

She wasted no more words, leaving the stunned, frowning girl behind to go and pack her bags. Her mind remained tormented, however, realizing the flipside of what she'd said: if Nemona had no point to going but the battle, then Juliana had all the point in the world.

To keep running.

Forward, though. I'm keeping forward, she said. Even those words, however, felt hollow. Something she was telling herself, to convince herself she was nothing like the flippant Nemona. Or those she was moving to confront.

Yet as she packed her bags, it brought that one point into sharp relief. A fact she couldn't escape from: the battle with Schedar Squad had already begun.

The journey from Mesagoza took less time than any of the three travelers anticipated, all thanks to Koraidon and his swift sprinting abilities. Ones none of them knew he had, but ones he displayed proudly.

"Korrrrai!" came his shout with each burst of speed, taking turns with ease thanks to the protrusion on his body. As they sped by, the sight of Artazon drawing closer, Juliana chose to fill each of them in on the details she hadn't explained up to that point. Not that she was sure they'd heard her; the wind rushing past them in Koraidon's sprint was rather loud.

"In spite of Team Star being a bunch of idiots who cause problems, each of the squad leaders, myself included, made sure there were various rules," Juliana shouted. She was holding tight to Koraidon's ear extensions, feeling Arven and Gloria grip on to her. "Giacomo was put in charge of it all. Before Team Star he was one of those real sticklers. Even got to be president of student council before he was kicked off for being too strict."

"Makes sense," Arven shouted in her ear. His face was apologetic, but he continued with it. "Segin Squad was pretty well organized."

"Yeah. He was always good at all that order stuff. So, with Cass's input, he made some very specific rules about Team Star engagement." Koraidon bounded through the air, landing on a cliffside and beginning a descent towards Artazon. They were nearly at the border of the city, dusk settling in around them, but Juliana turned Koraidon before proceeding with her explanation. "The first rule: all declarations of war are to be accepted. If someone wants to take on Team Star, they announce their intentions and are met with the full respect of an opponent."

"Naturally, the reason we're sneaking in, right?" Gloria said, her eyes full of laughter. Juliana took her eyes off their road for a second, approaching the mountains that were coming up swiftly. The woman looked far too excited about bringing the fight to Team Star, but Juliana couldn't lie; that enthusiasm buoyed her, made her believe it was possible. There was some kindred soul in there, and the promise of this being a gateway to preparing them for Orthworm helped her push on towards the looming mountains.

"Far as I'm concerned, the declaration of war was accepted. Any actions from here on are fully anticipated." Juliana snorted, feeling like she could fire steam from her nostrils. "Anyway, second, if a squad leader loses, the squad disbands. Of course, no one has been stupid enough to challenge Team Star in the first place, so it's never been an issue."

"Then why instate the rules?" Arven asked. He was more thoughtful than usual, and probably would have tapped his chin, had they not been racing headlong towards the mountains. They were now rising sheer in front of them, the natural barrier between them and the Schedar Base. Koraidon began to slow with a tug on his body. "Just seems weird to me."

"I couldn't tell you. But Cass wanted the rules. Thought it was stupid, personally."

"It sounds it," Gloria agreed. "Can't say I understand much about these Team Star blokes, though. Mind telling more?"

As if a response to her question, Koraidon pulled to a stop. All three disembarked and looked up the cliffs of the mountainous terrain. The closer Juliana looked, the more she could swear to seeing the Schedar flag waving up top. She wondered for a moment if it had been the same one torn down by the Phantom's cronies, or if it had stood there, proud and abandoned the whole time. Juliana put her hand on the stone.

"What is there to tell?" she whispered. "Team Star were a bunch of kids with weird likes or strange situations, joined together because kids laughed at them. Gave them validation to be strong, and the rules made it feel like they were more than just the delinquents. Especially with our oh, so mysterious leader, Cassiopeia."

"Your friend." Arven wasn't asking a question. He walked to her side, looking up at the climb with her while the dusk deepened around them. "Though, you didn't seem friendly when they called you. Did it have to do with that…Operation Star?"

"You know, I'm not sure," Juliana answered honestly. Her mind was retreating, looking over all the facts. "What I mentioned before was definitely Operation Star. But in hindsight, with all the rules, I have to wonder if it was more of an Operation Starfall. Like, once I left, they wanted to torch the ground and run. Why else have a rule of disbanding squads, right?"

"Or maybe it was a way to keep everyone around," Arven said. With reluctance, Juliana had to admit he had a strong point. If they all left by losing, no one would think of leaving, but instead growing stronger together. It was a childish notion, one Juliana vehemently disagreed with, but it was a possibility.

Still, she could never know Cassiopeia's mind.

All she knew was the battle ahead, and the cliff to reach it.

"Either way, we'll have to take out Mela if we want to safely reach Levincia and take our time finding Orthworm," Juliana said. She earned a nod from Arven, the boy with her a hundred percent of the way. "We get through the gap that will likely be above her, make it to the large hangar from behind and dismantle the Starmobile. We'll need to be quick, though. Mela won't let it deter her for long."

"Let me guess, if Giacomo was the rule maker, Mela enforced them?" Arven asked. There was a rustling and a flashing light behind them, and a Corviknight appeared next to Gloria. The bird ruffled his steel feathers, surveying them all, but Juliana continued with the conversation.

"More or less. She and Eri oversaw all training, but while Eri seemed to believe the weakest flower could become a strong tree, Mela didn't have time for that. She gave all prospects three days to get in shape, and if you couldn't hack it, person or Pokémon, hasta la vistar." Juliana snorted again and shook her head, her mind drawn back to those days. Despite Mela's own training, it had still been Eri that had put in the work with her, leaving her to watch the flame-headed Schedar boss train her prospects with impunity. "More than a few people left because of her, and it just made the bullying worse. She was seen as ill-tempered, and only Eri could cool her down. Really hit a head when she bullied this one Charcadet, drove it off. He really just tried his best.

"Was kinda my fault, though. I pushed him to work with her, because she specialized in Fire types. Wonder how he's doing. If Mela realized what she'd driven away…"

The silence showed that all present knew Juliana wasn't just talking about the Charcadet.

"Kor!" Koraidon's sudden shout put the students' attention on their companion, only to find him clutched in Corviknight's talons.

"Um…Gloria, what are you doing?"

"Getting us up the mountain, like I said. Sorry, not one for sitting around talking too long. All right, Corviknight, take him up." She gave a beat. "Do not drop him as a prank."

"Corva…" The disappointment was palpable, but Corviknight listened to his trainer nonetheless. Blending into the night, the bird rose, as proud and powerful as his trainer. Juliana could remember him, the mighty bird that risked himself for her glory, and she found his strength in person to be just as remarkable. So remarkable was he, that in mere moments, he had deposited Koraidon at the top of the cliff and was soaring back down to pick up the rest of them.

"Arven first, then you and me." Juliana nodded, and stepped back to wait. It wasn't a long one, however, as Arven was much faster to bear than Koraidon, and the pair of them wasn't much heavier. In no time at all they were reunited with Koraidon, who licked Juliana's face before her expression told him to get serious. The Schedar flag was far too close for comfort. "All right, Juli, you're up. Let's see what you got."

Now faced with it, on Schedar's doorstep, Juliana found a ball settling in her throat. Her eyes took in the waving flag, a sign of who she was fighting. She shook her head, her fingers inching for Wattrel's Poké Ball, only to stop. If she kept trying to get information, she'd never actually get anything done. Now was the time for action.

Juliana steeled herself with a breath and then crept forward.

Her feet were light on the grass growing atop the cliffs, an expanse of greenery that expanded further, becoming sloping hills rather than mountains. The closer she got, the more the base was revealed to her, and she began overlaying it with the map of Segin Squad. They weren't quite the same, but had a similar enough composition, right down to the massive hangar where a crowd was gathered. There was just enough room to sneak from the back.

Right. Keep quiet. Juliana sank to a crouch and slid along the grass. Some of it was wet with late night dew, the sun now gone and cloaking the base in darkness. It nearly caused Juliana to slip. She allowed it to carry her to a rock, and before long she pressed her back against it. Above, Gloria and Arven were following her in. Hoping to not get them caught, Juliana peeked around the rock. No one was looking.

Her hand raised, motioning to Arven and Gloria that she was going to the side, towards the massive hangar. Arven nodded, sliding up to the rock without a word. Juliana took off, keeping low across the grass, keeping one eye on the base sprawled out before her, its sights becoming clearer.

Clear enough that she stopped in her tracks and fell on her butt.

As she did, a hiss rang on the air, as the clanging of a bell sounded. Juliana didn't move, stuck and waiting, but no one noticed her presence.

She noticed, though: she noticed the knocked-out, burned forms of three Team Star members, their Pokémon next to them, fainted. Immediate worry gripped Juliana, remembering the Brambleghast and the Phantom and the Schedar flag draped upon the cultists that were clearly picking a fight. For a moment, she wondered if she had stumbled into the same exact thing, a situation that only grew worse the further away she looked.

The grass was burned, more grunts knocked out, all of it leading to a trail right near the hanger. Some of the ramps, now that they were close, looked to have been sliced through, hot metal dripping from where they had once been connected. More grunts were that way, each downed, but further along there appeared to be actual activity. Juliana didn't dare sit up to try and discern the details, though.

She needn't have bothered, however, as there was not a single soul paying attention to her. All of it was focused on some other intruder, a fact made obvious by the sudden rumble that rolled through the base. Juliana began to back up, right into Koraidon's snout.

Light blazed in the center of the base, the hangar opening up. From within, lit by magnificent flame, a vehicle emerged, roaring with the tricked-out power it had. Decorated red with stars, the Starmobile flew from the hangar, casting a revealing light upon everything there, from the Star grunts and their Pokémon, to Mela, whose flame-red hair was unmistakable. So was her voice.

"Well, well, well, looks like we have an intruder. I would ask if you're with Phantom, but even they wouldn't be so stupid as to send a lone Pokémon to challenge our base!" Juliana once more bit her lip, unsure how to handle the situation. Koraidon was pushing her up, and Gloria and Arven arrived at her side, but she still had a moment of indecision paralyze her.

It was only made worse by the hissing voice that followed, one of malice, anger…and a personal pain. More than that, it was a voice that, while changed, sounded familiar to Juliana. As if it could trigger some memory. "Seledge!"

Juliana stumbled closer, towards the edge of the light, and the heckling grunts that were getting their second wind. Like Segin Squad, they had started to form a ring around the attacker of the base, as if they hadn't just been bodied by the mysterious force; one that wasn't mysterious much longer. Through the gaps of the students, the attacker, bathed in light, could be seen.

Manifesting at first as purple flame, its form was quickly made obvious. Blades were seen for hands, a suit of armor that covered its entire being prominent on the rest of its figure. Its eyes were lit with anger, yet could be seen watching every Star member before raising one blade and pointing it at Mela.

"Ser…"

"You really want to challenge me?" Mela asked, the faintest of laughs on her black lips. Matching it was a Houndoom, prowling the top of the Starmobile and licking his own lips. He regarded the Pokémon challenging them with the same amusement.

"A Ceruledge?" Arven could be heard whispering in Juliana's ear. Juliana swallowed again, her body shaking a little. The flash of purple flame seared itself into her eyes.

The night with Klawf… she began to think, quickly shaking her head. And the night at the seal. I was being watched. By something that knew me. And knows Schedar. Could it be…?

"Seredge!" The Ceruledge, dripping with its purple, malicious flame, leapt forward. Houndoom leapt to meet him, and they clashed. Fire spilled out in a torrent, torching the wooden planks and metal ramps around them. Some Star members dove aside, but Mela was unfettered, especially as the eyes of her Starmobile lit up and absorbed the flame, turning it to exhaust. Ceruledge's pointed legs allowed it to pirouette, slashing with a shadow-rimmed claw. Houndoom snapped up, grabbing the claw with its jaw and tossed Ceruledge to the side. He skidded back, leaving trails of flame. "Sedge…"

"Is that it?" Mela shouted, earning some of the jeers that bolstered Houndoom. The dog prowled back and forth, its gleaming eyes never leaving Ceruledge. The bladed Pokémon moved his armored head, eyes mostly drawn to Mela. They narrowed. Mela barked out a laugh. "You came in here, challenging me again. But this time, did you think a sneak attack would work? That if you got me on my own, you could earn victory? Prove something?!"

"Serula!" came the snarling hiss, another blade pointed in Mela's direction. It was a threat, and yet, the longer Juliana watched, the more her memory cracked through, it became clear it was just a show. A bluff. A bluster.

And Mela called him on it.

"I told you, I don't deal with weaklings!" The Starmobile roared to life again, flames jetting out its back. Heat pooled through the area, illuminating to the furthest reaches of the base. Juliana stepped, her skin gone clammy. Houndoom jumped up and over as the vehicle raced for Ceruledge. The Ghost type wasn't taken off-guard, though, slashing down to meet the Starmobile. He strained, trying to push against it, but in his hold, he missed Houndoom sailing to nail him in the side.

Ceruledge flew back, his eyes becoming a mix of hurt, determination…and a thirst for both vengeance and a need to prove himself.

"Can't be… Is it…?" Juliana found herself stepping forward, unable to stop herself. The closer she got, still unnoticed, the more she saw the familiar features that made up Ceruledge. Gone was its bright-eyed disposition as a Charcadet, but its personal, seething hatred remained. One that spoke of recognition. One Mela needed no reminder of.

"Give it up. This is your third try. I've already humored you enough," Mela said, folding her arms with a nasty snarl. "You failed before. You've failed again. And I don't enjoy dealing with someone as weak as you. Not now. I don't have the time for that. So, I won't accept any more challenges of yours. Houndoom, let's make sure he doesn't make any more!"

"Hound!"

Houndoom pounced, soaring through the air. Juliana's throat went dry.

Images flashed before her. Of the Houndoom that had attacked her, Quaxly and Koraidon. Of the little Charcadet that wanted to prove something. Of Orthworm wreaking havoc.

Of Nemona, calling her a coward. Implying she, too, was weak.

And the reminder that was now staring her sharply in the face: she couldn't keep running.

She was here to take down Mela, and continue her journey.

Juliana's hand found a Poké Ball, touching its button.

Light bloomed, this time alerting those nearby to the new presence. None were fast enough to react, though. Too fast was Quaxwell, his feathers wreathed with water as he slashed through to collide with Houndoom. With one cut, he sent the hound flying back, where it landed on all fours. "Quax!"

"Sedge?!"

"What the hell?!"

"Who did that?!"

Juliana's hand lowered, her Poké Ball still clasped in it, but her eyes looked up, staring into the light that now fell upon her. Ceruledge's eyes widened. Gasps scattered around the crowd. Harsh whispers of warning fell from Arven, who froze next to Koraidon. Yet the one who should have said something didn't speak. Instead, Mela stared, mouth open with shock.

"So…you really are still the same," Juliana breathed. Her free hand formed a fist. "Kicking out weaklings first chance you get. Should have known. Same way I should have known it was the reason I couldn't sneak past you."

"Juli…"

"But if you don't deal with weaklings," Juliana said, and her eyes flashed with challenge, committed to the battle now before her, "then how about old friends?"

The air in Schedar Squad went still.

Author's Note: There was a bit packed in this chapter, but all of it is really focused on Juliana's mental state, something that continues to develop from the first book. At the end of the day, this is her character journey, and I'm trying to represent that well. It really starts developing here, now that she's immediately confronting Team Star, who brings out a very different side of her. We also get Ceruledge, who was teased in Book 1 a few times, and who will be a major player moving forward.

Unfortunately, we're also off to a pretty slow start when it comes to feedback on this book. I'm hoping that can change as we move forward. So, until next time, please review/comment and, as always, Dare to Be Silly.