With this chapter we return to our intrepid protagonist. What struggles is Juliana undergoing? Let's find out in Chapter 2!
Chapter 2
A Pallor
The atmosphere in the Academy had changed. There was no denying that.
The pall cast over the sky was the biggest cause, granting a certain malaise to the students every time they looked out the window. Faint echoes only added to the foreboding everyone experienced. It set the entire student body abuzz with fear and gossip, one that not a single class or teacher was able to stop.
To Juliana, it was an incessant buzzing of ill will inside her breast that grew by the day.
"I heard Ernesto was out with permission and ran afoul of one of those Jigglypuff looking creatures," a student could be heard loudly, his voice echoing across the classroom.
"Was he hurt?"
"Nurse Miriam is so backed up these days."
Juliana bit her lip, shaking her head as she refused to look any longer at the overcast sky, one making the pit of dread inside her even worse. The student conversations were far from uncommon, having heard many of the same comments day in and day out. It wasn't difficult to; with classes resuming and the Treasure Hunt put on an indefinite hold, far too many students were left to pack the Academy.
"Koooor…" The whining at her feet from the lizard that never left her side caused Juliana to lean down and pat him on the head. Unlike herself, he couldn't stop staring at the sky. A tremor of fear ran down his back while she touched him, the same one she felt every time she petted him. No matter how many of her Pokémon tried to reassure him, he could not help but curl up at the thought of going outside.
"It's okay. You're okay," she whispered. Koraidon didn't agree, burying his head further into his body. With words far from consoling him, Juliana pulled away, and her own head fell to her desk, staring at the front of the room where Serena was leading a distracted class on advanced techniques. No one was paying attention. Not really. We're all too scared to think about education.
Though she quickly undercut that thought with the knowledge their fear likely came from very different places.
Silently observing, catching snippets of the hushed gossip between students, Juliana could tell their fear lay solely in the external. Everything that could be viewed from the window. The horrible skies. The unfamiliar Pokémon. The crystal structures that had erupted in the wake of Volo's actions. All of it boiled in a pot of seething fear that gripped the Academy. Hardly a moment went by where the students of any class Juliana attended didn't look out the windows to Area Zero, and the dark clouds gathering over them.
Just as Volo, as Des likely wanted, fear, terror and hatred gripped the Academy, setting it on the edge of a knife that would knock a flint and burn it all down.
But for Juliana, it couldn't be any more different.
"Take notes on this," Serena called from the front of the classroom. "The most important part of being a Performer is the synergy between you and all your Pokémon. Dark Pulse, for instance, works well with a Flamethrower because their colors and energies are almost completely opposite."
"Man, how can she keep smiling?"
"I know, right? Kalos Queens are something else. I heard Miss Serena is even helping with rescue efforts and that rumored Expedition."
"That's just a rumor, right?" hissed a girl, almost leaning across Juliana's desk to say it. She shot an apologetic look, but the conversation continued right on.
"I don't know. Nemona's been doing more Student Council stuff than usual."
"You don't think they'll expect us to-"
"Do you three have anything to share with the class?" The trio of talkative students snapped their mouths shut. "Well, since you volunteered, why don't you join me up here?"
Mollified and embarrassed, the students rose from their seats, their knees knocking against each other. It proved what Juliana already thought, and she blew upwards, flapping her bangs. Another whimper from Koraidon showed he was no different. Like the other kids, he was scared of what was out there.
Juliana, however, realized the longer she watched, that she was scared of the gnawing inside.
Watching the students attempt her routines, she could see how even with their steps faltering, they remained focused on trying their best, attempting to reach the next level. It was something she was familiar with, constantly striving for what she believed was her goal. Or so she had thought, until it all came crashing down around her.
The bravado she'd spoken with in the Cabo Poco harbor crashed down in a matter of hours. Bold statements turned to questions of how. Once-powerful drives turned into inadequacies. And watching the students perform, Juliana could only let the doubts that had plagued her since the confrontation with Team Star and the Phantom rise to the surface.
It was a maze of feelings she had no answer to, except for the one that constantly rose to blame herself for things. If she had reached out. If she had been stronger. If she had known more. If, if, if…
Ding dong dang!
The bell chiming signaled the end of class, resulting in a flurry of book collections and Pokémon returns. The trio of students swiftly grabbed their own things and was out the door before Juliana had even risen from her chair. In no time, it left only her and Serena in the room.
"Might want to get moving, Juliana. Don't you have another class?" Juliana swallowed, realizing this was the first time the pair had been alone since that night.
Do you really want to live life separate from everything else?
Juliana's nails scratched the surface of her desk. The answer to that question seemed so simple now, but she didn't have the words to form it. She shook her head. "No, not today."
"Don't tell me you're playing hooky." The laugh in Serena's voice was at odds with the rest of her rigid body language. She clopped across the room in her shoes, and her finger soon tilted Juliana's head up, allowing their eyes to meet. They stared awhile, and then Serena cleared her throat. "I know, you must find this difficult. Being here, in class, knowing there's something you can do. That Akari…"
"Maybe…" Juliana muttered. The mere mention of the girl in crystal changed the air considerably. "Not sure. Honestly, I feel a little…lost."
"Mmm," Serena said in understanding. "It's okay to feel lost. But your words, they reminded me how much this is a conflict for Paldea. If you need time to work through that, no one would fault you. Especially when even the rest of us are on standby."
"I think I hate that more…" Juliana admitted, looking out at the sky. It kept calling to her, as if begging to solve its problem. "Waiting around sucks. I can't even research. I feel so bloody useless."
"Then feed the brain," Serena said, flicking her on the forehead. It was an affectionate gesture, one that made Juliana feel a little less distant. "That's what Ash and Gloria would recommend. Food can help perspective. Or maybe friends can. You're not alone, Juliana."
No, there's a whole world out there, and right now it's in trouble. Juliana nodded, swallowing as she did so. Sensing her message had been imparted, Serena ruffled Juliana's head. Guess I could see Arven. He's at least busy doing something.
"Phone call! Phone call!" The discordant ring of Serena's Rotom Phone broke the moment. With an apologetic smile, Serena stepped away, taking the call as she exited the classroom.
"You're here?! I thought you weren't getting back until-" Serena sighed. "Yes, Jessie, I know I still owe you. Just meet me in Clavell's office. He'll want to see you, too."
With Serena fully occupied and on her way to the Director, Juliana finished packing her things. "Come on, Koraidon. I know you might not be in the mood for it, but let's get Arven to make you a sandwich."
"Kor…" That purely lethargic comment didn't inspire much confidence. He followed her out of the room nonetheless.
The hallways were packed, moreso than normal. They had been since Clavell's order had come down, calling all students back. While a few had taken the offer to transfer to Unova and the Blueberry Academy, most had elected to stay behind, focusing on their studies and preparing to set out once again when the all-clear was given. It still made the hallways jampacked and difficult to maneuver, though. More than once, it made Juliana snort when she thought about how chaotic it all was, and that chaos had been Des's goal all along.
Thinking on the man that had caused so much tension, Juliana observed every student she passed. The symbol of the Disciplinary Committee had all but disappeared from the halls of the Academy. As if Des's true identity had lifted all of the others, they had pulled out, leaving only a scant handful of bullies. It was a handful too many, far as Juliana was concerned, but revealed the extent to which Volo's manipulations had spread.
And if he could do this to the Academy, I shudder to think what he could do to Paldea, Juliana thought. It hadn't been the first time, either. More than once since she'd seen his true face, and Akari, and the damage done to Team Star, Juliana reflected on Volo and his machinations. Serena had been upfront about her own discoveries with regards to him and Team Star, pushing Juliana's mind ever further into doubt. Did he really create Team Star just to have a patsy? Could he have purposely driven Penny to the brink that she did this? And if that's the case, did he anticipate me leaving all along?
They sounded like outlandish thoughts, but each held a kernel of reality to them. After all, as the Phantom, he had embedded numerous agents in all their ranks. That served only to fuel Juliana's conflicted mind.
Is there anything I can do? Against someone like that in Area Zero?
Her thoughts ended when she smelled the savory aroma of the cafeteria. Stepping into it, she found it was just as packed as the hallways, though there were a few tables open. Home Ec students were busy serving up lunch, and Juliana could spy Arven somewhere in the kitchen. Next to him was Crocalor and a rather intense and awkward Ceruledge, the bladed, flaming knight taking instruction from Arven. He seemed to catch her eye, but went back to chopping when Crocalor snapped at him.
A Fletchling swooped overhead, almost pecking Juliana, and she ducked. As she rose, Juliana noticed one of the few tables with a sole occupant, one she more than recognized. She held no hesitation in approaching, opening her Poké Balls as she did so to let her Pokémon breathe. Dolliv, in particular, showed gusto in running to the kitchen with ferocity. Juliana finished her approach. "Mind if I sit?"
"Juli!" Penny choked out. She coughed, her wounds clearly causing her more pain than she wished.
"Didn't expect to see you here. Wounds okay?"
"I'm allowed to eat. It's not like they arrested me. Besides, they're starting to ask me to monitor…well…the others." Juliana didn't need to ask who the others were. She pulled a chair out and sat down. "I hear recruiting them was your idea."
"More or less," Juliana admitted. It didn't make her feel any less empty. "Is that an issue?"
"No. You know we only wanted to protect the Academy." Penny's chair was suddenly bumped into, and though she didn't see it, some students glared at her. A sardonic chuckle followed. "I don't think it worked out the way we planned. You were right."
"About that, maybe. But I feel like I've been wrong about a lot of other things. Tinkatuff, stop antagonizing the Rookidee!" Over by a tray of food, Tinkatuff gave her trainer a lidded gaze, but withdrew her hammer nonetheless. In the kitchen, Ceruledge could be seen shaking his head, disapproving of the Fairy type. Juliana exhaled. "I keep thinking about everything that happened, and what I could have done differently. But I keep circling back to the fact some of my actions caused this. Maybe that's why I suggested Team Star help out."
"But you're not doing anything about it." Penny's blunt remark was edged, making Juliana wince. Though they were talking and understanding one another, it was a reminder of the bitter pill between them and the way they had hurt each other in the long run. "You suggested it, but you're still here. Can you really go to Area Zero that way?"
"I don't think they'd want me," Juliana said with a humorless chuckle.
"Isn't that the same as running away again?" Juliana didn't look at Penny; she was right, of course. "Juli, what's holding you back? I know you were our strategist, and that kind of strategy will be needed for the Expedition team."
"So, you are on it, Penny?" A clatter followed, signaling Arven's arrival. The boy wiped at his brow with a handkerchief, presenting the food he'd brought at the same time. He looked tired; a fact made evident when he sat down. Trailing behind him was Dolliv, carrying some food over to Koraidon. "I know it was talked about, but I didn't know you were set in stone."
"Apparently, they need someone with my…expertise. Same as you. And they need the monster."
"Hey now, that's not a nice way to talk about Nemona," Arven said. He collapsed in his chair, his long locks falling as he stared at the ceiling. "She loves to battle, but that's the heart of who she is. And if you've seen the way she's been, it's not just about a battle anymore. There's a beating heart and a reason behind what she's doing now."
"Why Arven," Juliana said, reaching over to poke him, "if I didn't know better, I'd say you developed a little crush on her."
"Spend enough time with someone, and you pick up on things and feelings you wouldn't otherwise." It wasn't quite a denial, and that alone made the pair of Juliana and Penny break down into laughter. Arven didn't. He snapped his head back, lacing his fingers. "And I feel like I'm starting to wonder if I didn't consider their feelings enough. Mom and dad, I mean."
"You mentioned you felt like you started this journey wanting to be closer to them," Juliana said. She hesitated in taking his hand, imparting the strength he gave her. It took a moment, but she reached over and did so.
"Yeah, but that was just selfish, wasn't it? I was really just focusing on myself and Mabosstiff. He'd be so ashamed of me."
"Kor…"
"Sounds to me like this brute disagrees," Penny said. Her insult didn't even ruffle Koraidon's feather, a fact that disturbed Dolliv next to him. She poked at him, even offering food, but the lizard refused to eat, making the Grass type droop.
"Well, either way, I don't want to ignore when a friend is hurting or my parents. Everyone is heading into danger, and I need to be there to help, no matter what little I can do."
"Then you just need to do what you've always done," Juliana said, squeezing his hand. "You've given me strength with your selflessness. I'm the one who…" Juliana breathed in, ignoring the sudden loudness of the cafeteria. "I'm the one who's afraid, I guess. Scared I'm not strong enough. Scared of what Des, or Volo or whatever wants."
"I'm scared, too," Arven said. "A man like that down there with my parents…"
"Guess you've got your reasons for going, then." Penny picked up a slice of bread. "Well, I'm no Elite Four, but looks like we're in this together, Arven. I'll help protect you or whatever. Maybe hack one of those robotic looking Pokémon if I can, ha ha. What about you, Juli? What are you gonna do? And what's stopping you from doing it?"
Now that Penny was talking, her comments were getting blunter, and Juliana was starting to hate it. Not that she was wrong, of course. She was just peeling back the bravado to reveal the girl who only stuck to her preconceived path because she felt weak, and like answers would give her strength rather than the other way round.
"I don't think I'm strong enough. Not for Area Zero. Not for Eri." Juliana bit her lip, looking between the two friends at the table. "And I'm scared there won't be any answers for me. Like it'll all be for nothing. Like I won't find what I'm looking for."
To that, they couldn't help her. They couldn't even form a response. Luckily, they didn't have to.
"Excuse me, everybody! Can I have your attention?" That was Nemona's exuberant voice, prompting all three to turn towards her. Not that everyone was until her voice ratcheted up. "OYE!"
The cafeteria quieted at Nemona's mighty bellow. The cooks stopped their activities and the entire student body shifted. It can't have just been those in the cafeteria, either, as Juliana heard Nemona's shout echo through the speakers. Having fully gotten everyone's attention, Nemona breathed out deliberately.
"As students, we've been facing a difficult few days," she started, standing straight and with grim lines on her face. The transformation from battler to student council president was almost remarkable. "The skies are darker and there are bigger threats out there, something even our teachers remain concerned with. After what happened with Team Star, there's no doubt you've all been worried and upset. I don't blame you."
Penny shifted in her seat uncomfortably, trying to ignore the many gazes that fell on her. One such student stepped up. "President, what do you intend to do about that?"
"Nothing. There's nothing I can do to stop you all from being afraid," Nemona answered. That brought the tension ratcheting back up, but wasn't enough to stop Nemona from continuing. She brushed her hair back, adopting a grin. "That said, I'm sure you've all heard the rumors of an upcoming expedition to Area Zero, one that intends to put things right in this region. I'm here to tell you the rumors are true, and what's more, we're welcoming students brave enough to dip their toe into that area."
"You're saying we'll be allowed permission to go to Area Zero?!"
"That's a treasure hunt's dream. Full marks for sure!"
"Imagine what we could discover." Juliana frowned. The enthusiasm was certainly there, but some of those who said it looked like they would be torn apart by Area Zero…if Volo didn't get them first.
"There's one condition to that!" Nemona interjected. That silenced the crowd real quick. "If you want in on the expedition, you'll have to prove yourself in a tournament. And not just any old tournament. This isn't a League. Just a test.
"Anyone who can beat me in battle will be allowed to probe the depths of Area Zero. So, bring it on! I accept all challengers!"
Nemona's final statement sent the room flying into a tizzy. Some backed off right away, while others looked to roll up their sleeves, like it was a challenge they always wanted to hear. Watching the girl, Juliana figured it had to be in how she put it. Nemona always loved to battle, but there was something different about this one that made it stand out. That only became more evident by the fire in her eyes as she approached their table, looking in a hurry.
"Well, I think that went well. Looks like I've got a few challengers already! Gonna have to keep my team sharp."
"You're a monster…" Penny retorted with a snort. She looked amused, though, only for something to beep and her expression to fall. "And duty calls. Juli, Arven, see you around."
Penny left, the pair offering her a wave of goodbye. It wasn't long before Arven turned to Nemona, her feet halfway to following Penny. "You really don't do things by half, do you?"
"No way! Especially not this. Those trainers won't have an easy time of it, believe me," Nemona said, pumping her fists. After a breath, they fell, and her voice with them. "There's a battle ahead, and I need to do my part. I'm best at battling, in the same way you're great at cooking. So, if this helps put together the team for the mission, then I'll do it. What about you, Juli?"
Juliana's lips twisted, unable to form words. She met Nemona's eyes, and all their tension returned, like the girl was prodding at her to open up and consider her world. The only problem was that Juliana didn't know what her world was anymore. All of her conflicts felt like they'd ripped everything wide open and she was no longer on stable ground. "I don't know."
"Thought you were gonna join us on the mission?" Arven said.
"I don't think they'd want…" Juliana rubbed at her temples. "I'm not sure. I feel like any reason I'd have to go to Area Zero would be selfish. I want to do my part but I don't think I can. If I couldn't face Des, then-"
"Who cares about that?" Nemona waved her excuses off, walking away with the same brusqueness that she had the day she'd crushed her in battle. It brought all those feelings roaring back, from anger to the overwhelming sense of weakness. Only this time, Nemona paused, looking back. "Juli, I'm going to accept your challenge, when you're ready to give it."
"Hey, I never said-"
"Because I want to battle you." Her statement was firm and resounding. "Stuck or not, I want to battle with you, both in this tournament and on the mission. It's not about pure connection, but just the need to prove to you. You have what it takes. To find your answers, to win your battles and to help Paldea. You just need to find that strength.
"I'll be waiting."
Nemona stepped away, leaving Juliana with all that impact sitting right on her shoulders. She could feel the weight crashing down, something emphasized by the looks of her Pokémon coming near. They each glinted, like they, too, wanted to prove to Nemona that they had what it took. Arven laughed, coming to stand and putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Much as you hate it, she's not wrong," he said. He squeezed a bit, imparting his comfort. "So, with little time, I'd tell you to find it. I'll help you out. Just let me know where to go."
"Where…to go…" Arven departed, leaving Juliana alone with her thoughts. They all believe I can do something with this, even if I got us into this mess. They really think I'm strong enough to pull this off, but I know I'm not. Because I'm scared of what I'll find. I'm scared I don't have the strength to handle this. Juliana exhaled through her nostrils and looked up, meeting the eyes of all her Pokémon, including Koraidon. "Then I need to prove I can. I promised. No more running."
Juliana now stood, returning her Pokémon and departing the cafeteria. The Academy was abuzz with Nemona's declaration, the sounds of many challenges evident, but Juliana only put eyes on her own challenge.
For the first time in ever, she realized she wanted to take Nemona's challenge.
But the only way to do that was to gain the strength she needed. The strength only a Gym could offer. The strength that only confronting her past once and for all could resolve. But I'll need one to tackle the other. I'm going to help!
Determination filling her steps, Juliana made straight for the elevator. She pressed a familiar button and rode its shaky supports all the way to the top, to the very floor where Director Clavell's office sat. She didn't wait for permission to approach the door and knock loudly.
"Enter." The door swung open and Juliana continued inside with the same sense of purpose. It took her no time to realize she wasn't alone with the Director, a whole group of familiar faces already sitting down, along with one unfamiliar face outside magazines leaning against a shelf. "Ah, Juliana. Your timing is fortuitous. How can I help you?"
Rather than answering right away, Juliana approached the desk. Serena and Gloria were both facing towards her, offering her a smile and a nod respectively, while the ever-bizarre trio of Jessie, James and Meowth seemed to bicker in hushed tones. Only the unfamiliar leaning person didn't pay her any mind. They all let her reach the director without incident.
"Director, I want to help."
"Oh, great, another goody two-shoes twerpette," Jessie groaned. "Do you people ever rest?"
"Says da person draggin' us all over da region."
"Wobba."
"Yes, and the Academy is grateful for your services," Clavell said, hardly missing a beat or throwing a glance their way. "Thanks to you, many of our students who might not be are safe, leaving but one location. Isn't that right, Grusha?"
The other occupant of the room finally opened his eyes, adjusting his scarf. He didn't say anything, or if he did, it was in a whisper. After a while, though, he cleared his throat. "Myself and Ryme are monitoring. Glaseado has a lot of mountain to cover."
"And as Geeta puts it, you know every inch of the mountain."
Glaseado… Juliana's head creased in thought. The gate where Team Star lies behind. Where Eri is. Where I need to go. But first-
"Look, old chum," James said, jerking Juliana out of her thoughts. He sidled over to Clavell, throwing an arm around him. "Platitudes and praise are practical, but we were perhaps hoping for a parcel of something productive."
"Jimmy means ta say cough up da goods, we ain't doin' dis for free."
"Oh, brother…" Gloria said, shaking her head with an amused sigh.
"No one asked you, Champion Twerpette!" Jessie looked ready to lunge, but Gloria held her off with a single hand. Serena rolled her eyes, and Juliana was mighty quick to agree.
"Look, we'd like to thank you for your amenable services," Clavell said. He didn't throw James off, but he did adjust his glasses. "However, given the circumstances, that's not feasible. And to that end, Juliana, how do you intend to help?"
"I want on the mission." Alarm filled the director's eyes, but she was quick to elaborate. "I know. I know I'd need to beat Nemona. And I know I'm not strong enough, but this is something I have to do. Can't run away and can't stand still. I need to drag Eri and Team Star back here, kicking and screaming if I have to and-"
"Juliana, take a breath."
She did just that, righting herself and ignoring Gloria and Jessie almost strangling each other. Juliana leaned forward. "Director Clavell, I want to bring Team Star back. I think only I can do it, convince them to be a part of this. But I'm not sure I can. Not as I am. I need to get stronger. I need to battle a Gym Leader, and Mount Glaseado-"
"I'm going to cut you off right there," Grusha said. Juliana finally took the Gym Leader in, recognizing the magazines she knew him from. He was dressed in a parka of sorts, with a thick scarf wrapped around his face that concealed his mouth and long, blue hair. His eyes were cold, merciless and piercing, yet the warning he spoke gave a tilt of compassion to his voice. "Mount Glaseado is dangerous at the best of times. We don't even recommend traversing it unless you've bested six Gym Leaders in battle. Not that everyone listens. And if you want past the Glaseado Gate-"
"They are still past the Glaseado Gate, no?"
"Far as I can see. But I don't recommend some shrimp like this climb the mountain. She'll be shredded. Especially with that creature."
"I'm not some shrimp!"
"Yeah, she's a bona fide twerpette!" James shouted. It sounded like a defense, but hardly a good one. Clavell finally twisted James's finger to remove him.
"I'm inclined to agree with Grusha." Juliana's body started to sag. "At present."
"At present?" Serena said, her own eyes glinting.
"You heard Grusha. Six badges. Juliana, how many Gym Leaders have you faced?"
"Lost count," Juliana muttered, acting as if it didn't matter. It did, of course, the battles against those she'd faced seared into her as tests of her mettle and willpower. This felt like yet another one, and the two girls standing at the end by the goal were the proctors. She clenched a fist.
"Five, wasn't it?" Gloria said, pulling on Jessie's lip. She let go and the lip snapped back. "Director, you sly Yamper, what're you up to?"
Clavell's fingers tapped the desk, and while his expression didn't change, there appeared to be some decision reached that Juliana had a feeling would be beneficial to her. "I can't allow you on Glaseado, and certainly not past the gate yet. But with another Gym Leader, I can permit it. Plus, it fulfills your goal of getting stronger. On top of it, there have been some calls for aid which the League, being stretched thin, is unable to provide."
Juliana's eyes narrowed, parsing the director's words. She quickly figured out what he was saying. "Okay. Where?"
"Alfornada."
"I don't see what this has to do with a pasta sauce," Jessie said, shrugging as she finally gave up the fight with Gloria.
"I could go for some a dem noodles right now."
"Long as you make them, Meowth."
"Wobba wobba…" All four were drooling.
"They've been hit by this disaster, haven't they?" Serena said, leaning forward in her chair. "Tulip's been busy enough she hasn't taken my calls at least."
"Wait, Turmeric is the Gym Leader of Alfredo?" Jessie said, as if something was dawning on her. Her eyes lit up, gleaming with a shine no one noticed. Meowth patted her on the leg.
"Impressive, Jess. Pretty sure everyting you just said was wrong."
"Yes, Tulip's been kept busy. Something I should be doing. After all, feels like we're both dealing with the same kind of problem," Grusha said. He offered a small bow to Clavell and was soon heading out the door. "I'll check in a few days. Geeta will send Larry or Rika after me if I don't. Just as long as she doesn't send Poppy…"
Grusha disappeared through the door, leaving the rest of them to mull over his words. Juliana squinted, trying to figure it out. "Same kind of problem?"
"One of the Zero creatures," Clavell said. He tapped the desk a few more times. "There are reports of one in the Alfornada Caves, which makes reaching the town more than a mite difficult. Plus, the words of crystal pits that opened up near the town. Tulip is no doubt struggling."
"Korai…" The mere mention of the Zero creature, as Clavell put it, made Koraidon shrink back, frightened. Juliana patted the top of his head, however.
"Sounds like a plan to me. You'll give me permission to go?"
"Not alone, he won't," Gloria said. She was lazing in the chair now, keeping an eye on Jessie and James who made no further overtures against her. "You can't think you'll be rid of me that easy. Finding strength or not, we've no clue what those things are fully capable of yet. Barely got through the one in the desert."
"Then I'll come along as well. It'll do Tulip good to have a familiar face, I think," Serena said. She stood, clapping a hand on Juliana's shoulder. It was nothing less than reassuring.
"Dendra has already gone on ahead, as she's Tulip's close friend, but there's only so much she can do."
"Sounds like you'll be needing a team with some trouble!"
"And it's time to collect so make that double!"
"To protect the-"
"Motto later, traveling now, ya dunces."
"Wobba wobb wobba!" Jessie and James's mouths went agape, stunned at Meowth interrupting their motto. They quickly collected themselves at a slash from the feline's claws.
"Looks like your traveling party is set, then, Juliana," Clavell said. The young girl turned in his direction, nodding as she swelled with accomplishment. It wasn't much, but it felt like a step in the right direction. A step on the road to Nemona, Eri, Area Zero and the treasure that lay beyond it. "Tomorrow morning, this relief team sets out for Alfornada, to observe what dangers may lurk in Area Zero and to help the people in peril.
"Miss Juliana, you have my permission to leave the Academy."
Author's Note: This was still a bit of that setup phase for the story, only this time focusing on Juliana and moving the pieces forward for her. She's having quite a bit of doubt, but I didn't want her story to feel quite like how Ash and Gloria's felt in the Alola and Galar Trilogies. She's not at a low point; that was reached last book. But rather she's struggling with the how to move forward. Now she has a path and the next chapter should start kicking some action into high gear.
So, with all that said, please look forward to the journey towards Alfornada under overcast skies. Thanks for everyone who commented and reviewed and I hope you'll all do so for this chapter as well! Until then, as always, Dare to Be Silly.