I'd like to think this story instantly starts off as more exciting and intense than the last story. Hopefully this lives up to it in Chapter 3!
Chapter 3
A Vigilante
To say Mela was stunned was an understatement.
Framed in the burning lights of many hues, her face stood out to Juliana's the most. Enigmatic, with little emotion to spare, she could see the thoughts playing behind Mela's eyes as the girl tried to reason the fact that she, of all people, was standing there mere hours after her threat. Also illuminated by those same lights were the various member of Schedar Squad, each either attempting to stand or watching her with the same dazed expression that their boss wore. More than a few of the newest members expressed confusion, but even with the star-shaped glasses, the older members' thoughts were made plain.
"Who is that?"
"What's going on?" The renewed whispers brought attention to who was new, though some were pointing past Juliana, to where Arven stood by Koraidon and Gloria, none willing to intervene. Or at least, Gloria wouldn't let them, holding an arm out. Her intent was more than plain.
"That's the legend," answered an older student. He sounded familiar, as if he was someone she knew from her days in Team Star, but she didn't have the courtesy to ask. "Team Star's second-in-command. If Boss Giacomo made the rules, and Boss Mela enforced them, she was the one who ensured everything was going well."
"Only because Cass refused to see anything in person," Juliana shot back. At her words, Quaxwell flipped away, joining her. He twitched this way and that, keeping an eye on all surroundings. Juliana kept hers on Mela. "Well, Mela, I saved you the trouble."
"Juli," Mela repeated. She took a step down from her perch. Houndoom started to growl, but a single hand stayed him as she drew further into the light. Beyond the haze of it, Ceruledge remained, slouching a bit from his wounds, but keeping both burning gazes on the reunion he could have never expected. "I didn't think I'd…"
Cast in orange and purple light, Mela looked soft. Softer than she had on the call. Her eyes lost their sharpness, and her lips longed to turn into a smile. No matter her gaudy fashion, for the first time in years, Mela looked like a giddy schoolgirl whose friend had returned to play with her. That sight alone made Juliana tighten up, clenching her fists. She couldn't afford this. Couldn't afford to look at them as friends. There was a reason she was here.
"You're back. You…you came to us," Mela said. She took a step forward, and Quaxwell tensed. It brought attention to him, and Mela's features began to regain their harshness. It only doubled when she saw Arven and the others in the background. "And you've brought your new friends, I see."
"Companions," Juliana corrected. She winced saying it, though.
"Well, whatever they are. Looks like you found yourself a Pokémon," Mela said. Her tone was lighter, no longer carrying that edge. The ring around them loosened, all of the grunts sensing the tenderness coming from their boss. Probably the only time she had ever actually shown it. "Here I thought it might have been the little one that-"
"It doesn't matter." Juliana put as much ice into her tone as she could. "You and I both know why I'm here. Saving you the trouble."
Mela stopped advancing, instead taking a step back. She looked wounded, but Juliana couldn't care for that. Her legs wouldn't stop shaking, her body rebelling against the idea of facing down a former comrade; one she knew that in a straight fight would be much stronger than her. That alone sent her nervous system into overdrive.
"So, you really did want to…walk away?" Mela flashed through a myriad of emotions, puzzling out some mystery she had never considered before. Past her, Ceruledge creaked his head, his purple eyes finding Juliana, watching her. It was like he was burning a hole in her, but she knew if she looked to him, she'd lose all nerve of facing down Schedar Squad. "For a while, me and Ortega thought you were coerced, or maybe Cass asked for you to be sent away. But I never thought you'd…you'd ran?"
"I left," Juliana said, refusing to acknowledge the other word. "I left to pursue my treasure. Why can't any of you understand that?"
"What's that mean?! I thought Team Star was everyone's trea-"
"Quiet!" Another unsettling hush came upon them all. Mela said nothing, just watched Juliana, waiting for a good long moment.
Soon, she found the words to speak. "Did you find it?"
"In progress." Those two words were enough to loosen the softness and cause Mela's lips to purse. She took another step back and sat down atop the still thrumming Starmobile. Her legs were spread, and her hands folded as she started to regard Juliana with venom.
"So, you're not here to come back to the fold?"
"Why would I be? I left. I had no intentions of coming back until you all started picking a fight!"
"Korra!" Koraidon's roar emphasized her statement, but did little to change the growing mood of resentment surrounding Mela. The girl began to scoff, whatever softness she held vanishing in a snap.
"Of course. How silly of me. You would never rejoin willingly."
"I won't join you ever," Juliana responded, matching Mela's icy tone. On the fringes of the light, there was movement, little dots appearing. The shadows were cast in the pool, and there was little doubt that various members atop Cyclizar were waiting for their boss's orders. Her eyes shifted to Koraidon and Arven, themselves preparing for a fight as some of the more eager grunts encroached on them. "You're just getting in my way. I don't want you to."
Mela's eyes narrowed, but she didn't stand. Soon, she scoffed. "Weren't we always just those getting in Joyless, Humorless Juli's way?"
It was Juliana's turn to soften, but not before Mela stood. "Not always."
"It doesn't matter. Looks like you made a choice. You picked a fight with us, just like those Phantom freaks. You fired the shot, and we're ready for war."
"Fight your own damn war. I'm just fighting you. Getting you off my back!" Juliana took a step forward, matching Mela's glare with her own. Mela leaned forward, ripping a Poké Ball from her belt. Houndoom started to snarl, and Quaxwell raised his watery feathers.
"You can try. But we're ready to hunt. We're ready for the boss's orders to make our move."
"Tch, still listening for Cass? What if they never call?" Mela's eyes had all but turned to slits. A callous laughter left Juliana's lips. "Never considered, did you. Or was Operation Star so long ago you already forgot?"
"Boss called that off for a reason!" Mela shouted. The Starmobile thrummed to life, the lights on the Cyclizar illuminating the entire base. It put Mela's now furious expression into sharp relief. She was livid, every part of her body shaking, her fingers nearly cracking into her Poké Ball. "The Disciplinary Committee got wind of it, and we weren't looking to cause a scene."
"That's exactly what Operation Star was! That's why it was doomed to fail!"
"Not this time it won't, Juli. Especially once we either bring you in…or take you out. Then, Cass will have no reason to call off anything."
"This time?" Juliana's brow knitted into one of confusion. The words made no sense, unless… Is Cass…planning something else? Then why send…me to…?
"Hey, back off! Fuecoco!"
"Fueco!" A jet of flame brought Juliana back to the present, Fuecoco defending his trainer as the Star grunts attempted to approach. Gloria hung back in the shadows, no one daring to near her. Juliana shook her head. This was no time for distractions.
Yet a distraction for both was what arrived. "Seledge!"
Like a hot knife, the bladed arm of Ceruledge slashed down in the space between Mela and Juliana. It attracted the attention of both girls, each looking to the furious armor. Its body clanked with every tremble of its body, and the various flames that comprised it flared with all the minute movements it made.
"Hah, looks like we're not the only ones still angry about your departure," Mela snarled. Houndoom barked, licking its lips, but Ceruledge only gave a slow turn in its direction. He kept one eye firmly on Juliana. "But given how much you seem to have forgotten, it's no surprise if you don't remember this little weakling."
"The hell are you on about?" Juliana took another step forward. This was met by Ceruledge's blade flashing out towards her.
"Sedge!"
"Quax!" Quaxwell's wing flashed out, wreathed in water and batting it aside. Juliana's hand found another Poké Ball on her waist. The thrumming engines were taking over all noise, the air of tension like a bubble ready to burst. She just wasn't sure which would make the first move.
"Don't play with me, Juli. I know full well you remember that Charcadet!" Mela snapped. It did little other than make Ceruledge's eyes flare, confirming what Juliana had already suspected. "The little one that clung to you as you trained with Eri, getting stronger, never realizing…poor, Joyless Juli doesn't give a shit about anyone but herself. You convinced him to train with me, though, but the poor thing couldn't hack it."
"That's because you were too harsh!" Juliana tried to step forward again, but stopped on fear of impalement. Both of Ceruledge's arms flew out, pointing a blade at both girls. Juliana found her throat going dry. Once again, she shook her head. "So…you really are…?"
"The very first Pokémon you might have had. If you weren't so cold." Mela sounded particularly enthused with this notion, her lips turning into a sadistic grin, one that earned further ire from Ceruledge. "Guess he wandered off, found power, and sought to pay back the harshness he was shown. He's tried again and again to assail my camp, and turned back every time. Or maybe he's just seeking a challenge."
"Maybe he's trying to stamp out people who do no good like yourself," Juliana suggested. She only got a snarl from Ceruledge in turn. Mela shrugged.
"Maybe. My scouts have spotted him at Phantom sites, too, so you might be right. Not that it matters." The girl's eyes flashed and she jumped down, her boots hitting another part of the Starmobile and causing it to echo. Like a sign, flashes of light peppered around them, various Fire types appearing en masse. "He's still a weakling. Go."
The squeal of tires split the air, and the Starmobile suddenly kicked into overdrive. Fire razed from its exhaust, burning the hangar behind it and scorching the grass. It wheeled around, faster than its bulk suggested. Juliana's eyes went wide, and before it could slam into her, she dove to the side. Quaxwell was quick to cover her, tackling her to the ground. The rear of the Starmobile lifted up, passing over their heads as it turned, before that same rear collided with Ceruledge. Juliana's eyes met the flaming swordsman's, locking for all of one horrific second.
Then Ceruledge was flung back, crashing through ramps and tents until it smacked against a cliff wall and slumped down its cratered side.
Juliana's breath hitched, her palms gone sweaty, and she fumbled for her Poké Ball. Quaxwell leapt up, checking on her, feeling her rage grow and grow. With every passing second, he began to emulate her demeanor. Juliana pushed up, gripping the scorched grass. She could see Arven on the edge, backed against a rock, Koraidon whimpering with him. Cornered. Just like the bullies had done to them.
Juliana scoffed. "Amazing. For kids who were driven away by bullying…you've become no different from them, yourself."
"Or maybe we're just paying back what we've been given."
"No…you've always been that way, Mela. Just another bully in the crowd."
"And you're better? Your new friends are giving you an awfully inflated opinion of yourself. Maybe we should remind everyone who we really are! Team Star!" The Starmobile skidded back around, all so Mela could face Juliana as she whipped a glare towards her. The older girl held her Poké Ball out, and tossed it forward, arching high into the air. "Now, Juli, time to say hasta la vistar!"
"No, it's time for you to say good night! Aqua Cutter!"
"Gyro Ball!"
"Torkoaaaal!" The light finished exploding, a Torkoal appearing from within the Poké Ball. It began to spin before it even landed, popping into its shell and soaring right for Quaxwell. The sky brightened, an effect of Drought plaguing the base before Quaxwell could swing down with his thinly-wreathed blade of water.
"Quaxell!" Blade and shell met, an explosive burst of water sounding out. The duck was pushed back, while Torkoal dropped, popping his limbs out. Houndoom landed next to him, maw tickled with flames as it licked its lips. Mela stomped.
"Go ahead and try, Juli. But for however strong you are, or might have gotten, you can't beat me. You're just as weak as that little Charcadet that could never grow up." Juliana finished pushing from the ground, finding Mela looming tall before her, all the strength she had coming to bear. It was only made worse by the realization both she and Arven were surrounded by mounted and unmounted grunts.
There was nowhere to run. No way to go but forward.
A quick scan told her that, eyes darting everywhere to find some sort of weakness. The crackle of flames popped in her thoughts, the whistling of the wind carrying on it the rush of water just beyond the great gates of Schedar Squad. Juliana's head turned, peering to that invisible source of water.
The great river… she breathed inside her head. A smirk graced her lips, one that unsettled a grunt or two, but didn't affect Mela. I don't need to be stronger. Just smarter.
"And that much, I can do. Arven, Koraidon, time to fly!"
"Fly? What're you-?"
"Quaxwell, Rain Dance!" As soon as the order left her lips, Juliana had grabbed another Poké Ball. She flipped backwards, putting all the training from Serena's class into her feet and tossed the ball out. "Wattrel, Weather Ball!"
"Trrell!"
"Flamethrower, shoot it down!"
It was the biggest mistake Mela could have made. Quaxwell danced on the spot, calling rain from the heavens. Clouds moved in, covering up the drought, and the splashing of rain fell upon them. At the same moment, both Houndoom and Torkoal opened their mouths to let loose the great gush of flame. They weren't as fast as Wattrel. He beat his wings, creating an aqua blue orb made of water that with a flick he sent flying.
His little grin said it all, and Juliana started moving…right for Arven and Koraidon.
The Weather Ball blasted against the pair of Flamethrowers. They exploded, sending a wave of steam and mist that covered all of the base. It concealed all, allowing Juliana to charge right for one of the Star grunts. They turned at the last second, only to find Juliana's knee entering their face. They tumbled, and Quaxwell flipped out. More lights shined out, with Nymble appearing on the ground and Smoliv atop her head. Juliana rolled away into a somersault, popping up next to Arven.
"Bought us a little time."
"Take it you have a plan?" Arven asked, bending down to grab Fuecoco. Juliana gave a toothy smirk in his direction. "I don't like that look, Juli."
"How comfortable are you on a Cyclizar?"
"Not comfortable enough-hey! Juli!" She wasn't quite listening, flipping over to place herself on Koraidon's back. He stood at attention, and she patted at his side while all her Pokémon came to surround them. "Juli, what are you planning?"
"Cover my rear! I'm leading a merry chase! Koraidon, let's ride! Yah!" As if steering a Ponyta or Rapidash, Juliana kicked at Koraidon's side, grabbing the tendrils atop his head. He got the message and with a kick of his feet, sent dirt flying that pulverized the rock at Arven's back. His body sprang into a sprint, diving deep into the mist with only Juliana's authority on where to head. She would only have one shot.
They landed, right near a coughing, spluttering group of mounted Star grunts. Koraidon's large bulk parted some of the dense cover, enough that one of the nearest members spotted her.
"There she is!"
"Not right now. Smoliv, run defense! Energy Ball!"
"Sm-smol!" Shaking and jittering, Smoliv still managed to form the little green ball of energy and fire. It shot straight down, impacting with the ground. The Cyclizar there screeched, bucking and sending its rider to the ground.
"Great. Keep that up to keep anyone else off our tail. Quaxwell, Wattrel, Nymble, you're running straight offense. This won't keep Mela off us for long."
"JULIANA!" She almost felt she'd spoken too soon, the dripping anger quite evident. The rain was petering off, Quaxwell's well-timed distraction coming to an end. The mist didn't quite fade, but it was parted by a shot of two Flamethrowers coming from atop the Starmobile. Said vehicle itself was active, its crimson flames coming from twin engines and lighting the base smog with a most deadly look.
"Keep moving. This way!" Recalling the map in her head, Juliana jerked Koraidon to the side. They aimed right for the one of the two gateways leading out of Schedar Squad, past the natural fortifications and straight for the river. She kicked, and Koraidon sprinted.
With a guttural, churning growl, however, Mela was right on their heels.
"REVROOOM!" The Pokémon that made up the Starmobile came fully to life, pumping poison and fire through its exhaust. The machine spun, clearing away the last of the mist and revealing the leader of Team Star right behind them. Flanking her were various grunts atop their Cyclizar and running straight for them.
"No time to stop! Let's go!" Juliana issued another pat. Koraidon received the message, his hindlegs glowing with strength that he used to push off. Quaxwell kept up while Wattrel swept in, Nymble riding atop his back.
"Get 'er! Flamethrower!"
"Block it!" A mountain wall came close, hidden by the night, and Juliana directed Koraidon to the side. He slid into his swerve, his wheel-like protrusion allowing him to skid across the grass. As his body slowed, Quaxwell used his back as a spring before spinning down.
"Quaxel!" The Flamethrower from the combined grunts came for him, but the duck slashed down, splitting the fire in two. He flipped back, landing atop Koraidon and causing him to slow. It didn't stop the gate from coming into sight.
"Straight shot."
"Hounda!" Out of the darkness and from atop the crashing Starmobile, Houndoom arrived, his entire jaw glowing with flames. Juliana ducked, allowing the dog to sail right over and crash to the mountainous wall on the other side. Behind, an explosion of fire and wrecked tents echoed into the air. Houndoom sprang off.
"Nymble! Double Kick!"
"Nym!" Wattrel dove, spinning as his passenger held on tight. Soon as they were close, Nymble let go, soaring down with glowing legs. Houndoom's jaw opened wide, but Nymble slipped through the defenses. His kick drove true, right into the beast's throat. He sprang back.
"Korra!" Koraidon's cry showed their fortunes turning. The gate was within sight, but beginning to close, a few Star grunts manning it. That wasn't enough to stop them, Koraidon readying himself to jump.
The Cyclizar-mounted Star members didn't slow at all, each emerging from the smoke with a collection of Fire types. They took aim, and Quaxwell readied.
"Hee-yah!" The fire blasted out in a single stream, like a giant fireball set to consume the fleeing group. Juliana looked back, grimacing. That grimace turned to hope, however, as another Cyclizar emerged from the smoke, Arven atop it with Fuecoco. "Give 'em a taste of your own Flamethrower!"
"FUECOOO!" Fuecoco inhaled, and with a toothy little grin sent the fire to meet its brethren. The jet soared, soon making contact with the incoming attack. Koraidon began to leap, just as the two met.
"Thanks, Arven! Now, ride it!" The fires met, mingling and mixing until they became a giant fireball that exploded out.
"Go, Juli!" Arven shouted, just as his own attack caught him and most of the mounted Star grunts. He was tossed from his ride, the last thing Juliana seeing was him rolling across the ground before he was scooped up by Gloria, the woman grinning. Juliana faced forward. Koraidon was propelled through the air by the mighty force, all his passengers clinging tight until they were jettisoned over the gate and landed on the other side.
"Don't stop for anything. Straight on!"
"You're not getting away!" Mela's rippling snarl was enough to make Juliana look back. Through the explosion rode Mela and two other Star members. The Starmobile sucked in all the fire, helped by Houndoom absorbing some of it right next to Torkoal. They weren't out of the woods yet. "Flank her!"
"Nymble, Quaxwell, defense!" Juliana slung a foot off, using it as a pivot to turn Koraidon. He got the message, his protrusion cutting into the ground to allow him to brake and turn. With another light kick they were off, right as the Cyclizar caught up. "Slow 'em with Energy Ball!"
"Smol!" Smoliv hopped up, forming a trio of orbs around her. She spun, sending them flying to where they exploded in green powder on the ground. It did no damage to those surrounding her, but forced them to slow for a mere fraction of a second.
"Quax!"
"Nymba!"
The pair of fighters leapt from their places, one with blades of water and another with a piercing Bug type move. They tackled the riders' Pokémon, knocking them off the mounts. It didn't stop the pursuit, but Juliana wasn't worried. She still kept an eye on the Starmobile crashing through the mountain and continuing its pursuit. Wattrel swooped down.
"Watttrrrrrrel!" The little bird spun, thin blades of air flying off his figure to crash right in the Cyclizar's path. They tripped over their own legs and wheels, pitching their riders off and sending them tumbling to the side. Juliana found it in her to smirk.
"All right, now for Mela."
"Houndoom, Dark Pulse! Torkoal, Gyro Ball!"
"Keep it up. Follow my lead!" Juliana bit into her lower lip and now forced herself to look fully forward. There could be no more distractions. There was just the road, the grass, and the looming cliff that pitched itself into the river. She fingered the last of her Poké Balls. "Gonna trust you when it's ready."
"Knock her off!"
"Hound!" Houndoom fired his Dark Pulse, the inky spirals racing out to reach her. Quaxwell flipped off, his eyes reflected the determination in all of them. His wings glowed white as he spun, like an acrobatic. With a cleaving stroke, he split the Dark Pulse and spun over before snapping into Houndoom's chin. At the same time, Torkoal spun off on a collision course. It was met by Nymble, whose mighty kick clashed them into a stalemate that rained sparks upon the grass. It was lit aflame, giving more fuel to the Starmobile.
"There's nowhere to run!"
"Reva!" The cry of the Revavroom was right in Juliana's ear and she grit her teeth, turning to see that the Starmobile had pulled up right next to them. It was encroaching upon them as their race traveled closer to the cliff. Houndoom's jaw opened wide, clamping down on Quaxwell and holding him in place, while Nymble and Torkoal rebounded from each other, landing on their respective rides.
"You all right?" Juliana asked of Nymble. She didn't need to worry, Smoliv having caught her friend. She breathed in relief, but just for a moment. Mela swung down, leaping from her perch to give a kick.
"Quax!" Though his wing was still trapped, Quaxwell flipped around with his legs to clash against Mela's strike. Her eyes widened, and did so further when Quaxwell continued to push and forced her back. His other wing glowed blue and he brought it crashing down upon Houndoom's head. They broke free, but not by much. The Starmobile rammed Koraidon, jostling all of them.
"You've offered Team Star slight. So, here's the ultimatum, Juli," Mela shouted, her snarling face close enough that Juliana could smell her breath, "come back, or end your journey right here. You can't run anymore."
"Too bad for you that this time…I'm not running! Or did you forget what my role was, Mela?" Juliana looked up, right as Mela aimed a fist for her face. She took it, feeling her cheek instantly bruise. The force was enough that she yanked on Koraidon, pulling him away from the Starmobile as they neared the almost invisible cliff, the sound of rushing water muted. She smirked as Mela's eyes went wide.
"Not historian…" the girl said. She rushed to grab another ball on her belt, as if it would help, but she was too late. "Strategist."
"Damn right. Tinkatink! Send it over!"
"TINKA!" With the exploding light, Tinkatink appeared in midair with the giddiest of malicious grins. She spun, her hammer glowing with the sharp edges of a Metal Claw. Showing no fear, she brought it slamming down into the front wheels of the Starmobile. The tire popped, the vehicle sent off-kilter. Juliana pulled further away and dug her foot into the ground. Koraidon understood, screeching to a halt.
Inertia carried his body, just as it carried Tinkatink's. His claws dug into the grass, while Juliana gathered her small ones and held them tight. They came close to the edge, some screaming and waiting for the end, until finally Koraidon stopped, sending a trickle of stones off the edge to the rapids of the river waiting below.
The Starmobile wasn't so lucky.
With its front tires missing, it hit the edge of the cliff and flipped over. Tinkatink dove out of the way, but stumbled off the cliff, falling alongside its victim. She wasn't the only Pokémon, with Houndoom and Torkoal flipped over into the drink with their ride. Only Mela managed to climb up enough to jump, her remaining Poké Balls dislodging from her belt and dropping with her vehicle. Her hand slapped out, catching the side of the cliff at the same time Quaxwell raced forward to grab Tinkatink and lift her up with a toss. She landed on her butt.
"Tink tink…"
"Quax…" Both glared at each other. Juliana let them, dismounting the panting Koraidon. She, too, could barely control her breaths, but those same breaths hitched as Mela slapped a hand over the side and pulled herself up.
"You…pain in the…ass…" the girl breathed. Her clothes were more tattered than usual, and she leveled a glare so venomous, Juliana was surprised it wasn't from Atticus. A crash echoed and emanated from the river, the Starmobile finally colliding and sending an explosion of flame that rocketed up like a turret. It cast light upon everything there, from scorched ground to the ruined terrain as a result of their crash. Mela, particularly, was framed by it, snarling. "You think…you can just…run away?!"
"No. Moving forward," Juliana said, barely realizing her own words were gasps. "To my future."
"Just tossing us away, huh?" Mela shuffled forward, gripping to a bleeding arm. She was all alone now, nothing more than a cornered beast. And at her most dangerous. "You can't…do that. I won't let you, Juli! The boss won't let you! They need to…see us for who we really are!"
"Not me. I know who I am. I don't need validation."
"That just makes you a coward, throwing away her treasure. Refusing to engage with your worl-"
Mela's words cut off as soon as Juliana's fist sank into her stomach. The wind left her lungs, spit flying from her mouth. Her eyes bulged, transfixed on the younger girl that dealt such a grievous blow. She flew back, and Mela landed on her back, gasping with pain. Juliana remained there, heaving, her face dancing with shadow in the flames as her lips curled.
"Shut. Up." Her words were a hiss, so low she almost didn't hear them over the pops and crackles. Juliana tried to unclench her fists, but found herself unsuccessful. The words played over and over like a loop in her head. Coward. Running. Treasure. Engage.
Mela spat, blood coming from her mouth, and she stood, matching Juliana's scowl with a sneer. "Truth hurts, doesn't it? But I guess that's why you ran away instead of standing with us. Instead of standing with Team Star, executing Operation Star!"
Mela's leg kicked out, nailing Juliana on the face. Her Pokémon called for her as she was pitched to the side. She could taste the metal in her mouth, the iron in her blood making her cough. This time, Mela punched her directly in the stomach, but instead of taking it, Juliana screamed, driving her head into the girl's midsection. "Grrrraaaaagh!"
"Scream all you want! You know it's true!" Mela roared. "You fled like a coward instead of standing before everyone and telling them we were each other's treasures!"
"NO!" Juliana screamed. Her elbow flew up, snapping into Mela's jaw. They disengaged, and Juliana jumped, landing a haymaker on Mela's face that caused her to crumple to the ground. She wasn't done, though, another fist descending, morphed with rage. "I didn't run! I'm not some coward! And I'm! Not! Your! Treasure!"
Juliana's final fist descended, hardly realizing she had landed many more blows on the coughing Mela, overtaken by the sudden ferocity. Yet this fist made no contact, instead caught by a gentle, but firm hand. Whatever haze had entered into Juliana's mind suddenly cleared, and she looked up.
There, in the firelight, was Arven. A Cyclizar was nearby, Gloria astride it, watching the whole scene like the observer she always was. Juliana's breaths turned to shallow pants. Her eyes sought Arven, and he shook his head. "I think it's enough. You beat her. Schedar Squad is done."
She blinked, and the greater focus behind Arven came into view: the plains on fire, and the entire base smoking. On instinct, she dropped her fist, falling to her knees. Mela continued staring at her. Everything was silent.
"Juli…" Mela managed to whisper, her once harsh eyes welling with tears. "Do you really-"
Juliana pushed off from her, attempting to get her breaths under control. She wrenched her arm away from Arven, trying to find a spot that the flames weren't enveloping, some road onward. Once steadied, Juliana spoke. "It's over. You. Me. Team Star. I'm not fighting your war. So just let go. And you can tell Cass to let go, too. No matter how much they want us to fight, I won't."
"What?" Mela gasped out. She attempted to sit up, but was too winded, falling back once more. "You don't mean- The boss would never! They…they're the ones with Operation Star 2.0. Why would they-"
"I don't care. But I'm done. My treasure is bigger. So, stay the hell away." Juliana walked forward, away from the scene, her companions and her Pokémon, feet crunching on the burned grass. "If I catch you near me, I'll remind you of who I am again. Who I was. And this time, Arven won't be there to save you."
She kept walking, trying to get hold of her roiling, unstable emotions. It didn't help that Mela's voice raised, blanketing the space and overpowering the sound of the flames. "Yeah, well, you can't keep running! We might not be your treasure, but we still are to each other! We'll show it! We'll show the whole world! Eri, Orti and the others will stop at nothing to prove who we are and expose the real losers! Then you'll see. Cass will welcome you back. The world can welcome us back. Then you'll-"
Juliana froze, all to offer one last withering glare. "Piss off."
With a whip of her braid, Juliana stalked off, leaving Schedar territory behind. She only wished she didn't hear the words of the companions that stared after her, filled with worry.
"Juli…" Arven could be heard, hands dropped at his sides, staring after her uselessly. "Just…what is Team Star for you? Who are you?"
She didn't answer. But Gloria did, forming a pit inside Juliana's stomach as she continued to run away from the truth. "She's Juliana. The same girl she was in Team Star. The girl on a single-minded quest for treasure and the strength to reach it, shutting out the world."
Juliana walked on, her fists never unclenching.
Author's Note: I had a lot of fun writing this segment. I rarely do any actual race segments and that sort of thing, but as I planned this, alongside listening to "Midgar Expressway" from Final Fantasy VII Remake, it just clicked. Really made it different than just another battle I felt. Which has been something I'm going for a lot recently; writing standard battles gets boring, but different kinds is exciting!
We also get a bit more of Juliana's temperamental side which is starting to show itself thanks to the presence of Team Star in the story. How it will lead to some fallout will be seen next time.
Which, next time is where I hope we get some turnaround on the reception to this story. While I realize going on this long leads to a loss in readers, I can admit I was hoping for more. If you're out there and you're reading this story, please leave a comment or review! You've no idea how much it can help a writer to see people's thoughts! So, with that said, until next time, please review and/or comment and, as always, Dare to Be Silly.