The final chapter of the Paldea Trilogy is here. I'll see you at the bottom. For now, final chapter start!

Chapter 23

A Parting

"Paldea, and perhaps the entire world, are in for a sea-change."

Geeta's words, spoken to a room filled with notable faces, had never been truer. Ash sat back in his seat, frowning but watching the esteemed Champion all the same. For someone who had almost been disgraced for what had happened under her watch, she carried herself with remarkable nobility. Not once did she waver under the withering stares of her fellow Champions.

It was a fact they saw fit to bring up, most notably Lance, his red hair graying further with every word spoken. "I'm sorry, but these are all obvious facts. Can we please address the issue of what exactly occurred in Paldea? And why did you authorize all of this without our full knowledge, Malva?"

"I didn't think we had the time to organize a full Champion meeting for what amounted to a regional issue." Malva's words didn't assuage the resentment underneath from all the Champions. Only one other person in the room (besides the aloof Paul, who really couldn't be bothered at all) appeared to stand by Geeta and Malva.

"I'd ask to cut her some slack," Leon said, his eyes showing his attempt to absorb every piece of information thrown at them. "Everyone's made mistakes."

"Forgive us, Leon, but as you're standing in here temporarily with Gloria's absence-"

"Is now the time for squabbling?" Cynthia asked, silencing the growing arguments in the room. She was almost as disinterested as Paul, though Ash knew it was more because she already knew everything going on in the room. "Geeta is right. The world is in for a change, and if we are not armed with information and prepared for what's to come, I fear it will get far worse before we can do anything to stop it. Please, continue."

"My thanks." Geeta cleared her throat and tapped a button. Images played out on a screen in the room, but they were nothing Ash hadn't seen before. It allowed him to retreat inside his head, barely noticing Pikachu's tail swishing back and forth in front of him. "It's been a month since that expedition, and in that time, there have been sweeping changes to Paldea. I won't bore you with the school politics, but the most notable have been the alterations to the landscape of Paldea. The crystal has disappeared, seemingly drawn to Area Zero, and the chasms that ripped open have been closed."

"And these Paradox Pokémon. They're gone, right?" Steven's question received a nod in turn. "A frightening concept. One that bears further study. That there would be such bizarre versions of common Pokémon, so easily controlled as well, like they lack wills of their own…"

"The concept has brought many researchers to Paldea. It's no surprise." Geeta continued clicking through the pictures, eventually settling on one that showed the crystal dome that sealed Area Zero. Ash found his fingers tearing at his knees. "We're trying to be very careful about who can go where, especially after Sada and Turo, rest their souls, ran afoul of so much."

"Burnet's trying to get in, I know that much," Kahili said from a corner of the room. She was tossing an apple up and down, glaring at the screen. Ash felt more than a bit self-conscious with her there, that old failure rising in him again. "And from what I understand she's proposed a joint investigation with Sonia and Sycamore. Apparently, Alain is being dispatched."

"Luckily for the researchers, Area Zero isn't entirely sealed off. The Zero Gate survived and I'm sure we can start sending escorts in the near future."

"And the prisoners?" Lance's sobering question made Ash slam the table without meaning to. Pikachu was jarred loose, tumbling into his lap with a very concerned and confused expression. Kahili took a bite out of her apple and looked him over. "Something wrong, Ash?"

"It's nothing. Sorry, keep going. I'm gonna get some air." His chair scraped out and he made for the door, feeling Kahili's eyes on his back. She didn't say anything, but he felt the act of not saying anything was saying enough. True to form, Geeta continued like he wasn't leaving.

"We've recorded a total escape number of fifty prisoners. Most were low level, hardly a threat comparatively, though we can confirm that Matori and Colress were taken into the Phantom's confidence. Rose and Xerosic-"

The door closed.

"Phantom…" Ash growled out, noting his own irritability as he said it. "Volo."

"Pikapi," Pikachu said. His own concern made Ash come to a stop halfway down the hall. He reached up and scratched his partner behind the ears.

"Sorry, Pikachu. I haven't really been myself since the whole thing." Pikachu nodded sagely, as if to agree with the concept. The pair leaned back, hitting a wall and resting against it. "I just…feel like I failed."

"Pika…" Pikachu slumped on his shoulder and Ash more than got the message; he was feeling the same way.

"I let Volo get away. Watched the people at the Academy get hurt. Some Pokémon Master." Ash grabbed the brim of his hat and pulled it low over his eyes. "I even lost Gloria."

"Kapika. Chuu…"

"Still doubting yourself, are you?" Cynthia's warm voice jolted him from his ruminations. He lifted his head, finding her leaning next to him and offering him a packet of candy. He took it and popped some in Pikachu's mouth.

"I've had a month of doing nothing but thinking. You know how hard that is?"

"It's hard for all of us," Cynthia said, tacking on a chuckle. "Though you've always been better at taking action. Do you want to share what's on your mind?"

He didn't, really. Mostly because he wasn't quite sure what was on his mind to begin with. After a moment of contemplation, his mouth found the words. "Cynthia, am I fulfilling my responsibilities as a Liaison or a Pokémon Master?"

Crunching followed, Cynthia slowly chewing on her candy as she considered what to say. Every second made Ash feel more and more of his failure settle down on him. Hoping to distract himself, he began to snack on the candy. Once he did, Cynthia answered. "I think you did a fine job in Paldea, Ash, no matter what you tell yourself."

"But I let Volo-"

"And no one else could have done any better." This time her tone was instructive and remonstrative, reminding Ash of the Champion of old that had always sought to aid him and help him grow. Even now he could see her doing the same. "We were all at the Academy and we all failed. Perhaps it's best to consider that, instead of failing, Volo was a foe beyond any of our capabilities alone."

"Yeah, I guess… But-" He still felt as though he'd failed. Cynthia tapped a hand to his shoulder.

"Finding your own responsibility is hard, Ash, and sometimes as adults we don't want to accept failure. But I know you're just fine. Trust me. Volo just brought out the worst in people. We can only combat that by finding our best." Cynthia tipped the rest of her candy back, swallowing it whole. "It's a wonder Akari was able to deal with him all that time. One has to wonder how."

"Akari…" Ash breathed out. It was hard to forget those gray eyes burning with a fire that the rest of her body didn't match. She seemed, if possible, even more burdened by responsibility than he felt, even if he didn't know what his was. He only knew he had to find a way to protect everyone from the monster that had been unleashed. His mind began to turn in that direction, his eyes dancing with their expression that Cynthia recognized. Ash cleared it with a cough. "What's the plan with her, by the way?"

"She's better, but still convalescing. That atrophy will take months. So, I got permission from the League to bring her back to Celestic Town. She can recover there in a familiar setting with someone who, according to her, has a friendly face." When Cynthia turned and smiled, Ash doubted that, seeing Volo for a moment. He shook his head of the image. When he stopped, Cynthia flicked his nose. "Don't worry about it. For now, we just focus on Paldea's recovery. Only think about what you can do. Okay, Ash?"

She walked away, leaving him with his thoughts. Ash flexed his fingers. "What I can do…"

"Pikapi?" Pikachu craned his neck over, nuzzling Ash for a second. He matched eyes with his partner and grinned, finding some spark and purpose returning to him.

"Pikachu, I think I know what I have to do." Pikachu nodded. Ash scratched him behind the ears. "It'll be hard, but only all of us can do it. If we want a world where Hanna can grow, I have to do it and protect everyone, down to the last person. You coming with?"

"Piiika! Chu pika pika!"

Ash laughed, slapping a high five with his best friend. They started off down the hallways again. "Let's head back, then. Time to move forward!"

"Ow ow ow! Stop it! I was healing not dead, so stop pinching!"

"Just making sure, Juli!" Arven let go of Juliana's cheek, causing the skin to snap back into place. Its annoying ache made the girl sit up from her bed and glare at the older boy. He just started to laugh.

"Don't tease her, Arven," Penny said, placed in a chair opposite her. Looking over, the distance between them seemed wide, though Juliana suspected that was because of how empty the infirmary was, with only one other general occupant that had currently left the room. "She could kick your ass."

"Don't I know it!" Arven continued to laugh, unfettered by the glare. The more he laughed, the more Juliana started to wonder if it was just him putting on a brave face. Although she supposed that time had long passed. It had already been a month, after all. "Still, I'm glad you're finally cleared to leave. Took you long enough."

"I had broken bones and stab wound. What else do you want from me?"

"Miss Serena had a broken arm and she's been busy for the last two weeks," came the voice of Nemona. She was followed by the slamming of the infirmary door, something that woke up Miriam in her office and caused her to stare wildly. Books fell off her desk, but no one paid attention to her. Most eyes were on Nemona, the girl walking in and handing Arven a drink.

"Sorry I don't have the constitution of a tank." That earned a laugh from Nemona. The girl also took it as permission to give Juliana a tight hug. She gagged, her wounds and scars acting up. Nemona withdrew, offering a silent apology. "Still, I see things have changed."

"See or hear? Can't imagine you can see much from here," Arven said. He sat himself down in a different chair, putting him far out of Juliana's reach in case of retribution. In response, Juliana pointed to the open window, its white curtain flapping in the wind. They each peered out of it, looking down to the entrance courtyard below. "Ah, makes sense."

A comfortable quiet followed, allowing Juliana the chance to breathe alongside her friends, flexing her fingers and feeling over her healed wounds. They still smarted with some movements, but their pain was eased knowing that in each of the Poké Balls resting on her infirmary nightstand were her own recovered Pokémon. And by her side were the best friends she could possibly ask for.

Their presence was about the only thing keeping her from drawing into the deep, dark corners of her mind. The place where Volo occupied in full force, his back vanishing with threat into the darkness. She gripped at the sheets.

"So…" Nemona started. The others looked at her, noticing her movements becoming bashful. "I know we haven't talked about it, but with Koraidon… It's just… Well, Miss Serena was thinking now was the right time to-"

Ding dong dang dong!

The ringing of the bell drew the quartet's attention outside. Crystal blue sky was mixed with a warm sun that shined upon the courtyard and showcased the gathering that was there, slowly coming out of the Academy's front doors. In their own room, Miriam emerged, disheveled with sunken eyes from hours of studying.

"That'll be the end of the semester's graduation ceremony," the nurse said, adjusting her sweater with a smile. "I'm glad we were able to hold it after everything that happened. Surprised you didn't graduate, Arven."

"Don't think I attended class enough this semester. Maybe another year." It wasn't lost on Juliana that he didn't confirm he'd be attending the next semester.

"Well, it's a beautiful day out there. No business staying cooped up in here, Juliana. You're free to go." Juliana nodded, slipping out of the bed and into her shoes. A calmer breeze floated in, carrying the giggles and cheers of all the students congregating outside. There was some music playing, one that sounded distinctly like Giacomo's mix, and it gave her confidence that everything had turned out okay.

"Thanks," she said. There was soreness in her walk, but she was able to hold herself well enough to continue for the exit into the halls of the Academy.

"Oh, you four! If you see Akari, let her know I have her next round of meds ready!"

"You got it!" Nemona signaled, throwing a thumbs up. They passed through the door.

It was immediately apparent how much the school had changed in a way she couldn't have gathered from the window. Part of it was the result of the skies clearing up and the threat of the Paradox Pokémon having disappeared entirely. Those were obvious results that had led to the whole of Paldea breathing in relief. It was what lay under the current that concerned Juliana more, and that was only evident by walking through the halls.

"Lemme try those glasses on, amigo!"

"You hear Giacomo's new mixtape?"

"Man, if you watched Eri try to dance in Performance, it just takes her battle skills to a whole new level!" Juliana chuckled, finding it rare for Eri, or any Team Star boss, to be talked about in such a positive manner. Yet it was reflective of what had changed, the defense those once-outcasts had led marking a shift in opinion for the wayward students. "Wonder if she'd go out with me."

"Blegh," Penny blanched. "I'm glad they're doing well, but I don't think they should do that well."

"Eri's more likely to punch someone than date them, anyway. All of our social skills were near zero outside of each other," Juliana said, chortling as she did so. The thought of Eri dressed for a date was enough to make her snort.

"Nemona, there you are!" a student shouted, skidding into the hallway. Well, he more stumbled up stairs leading to the entrance hall, panting the whole time.

"Hola, Julio, what can I do you for?" Juliana recognized the boy at Nemona's mention of his name, the first one to have challenged her in the tournament. Further examination brought forth her memory of Julio as Nemona's number two in the student council.

"What can you-? Nemona, you've missed like six student council meetings! That's unprecedented!" Her failings pointed out, Nemona began to whistle. "Hey, don't put it off! Team Star might not be causing trouble anymore, and I'll admit that Atticus and Ortega have some great ideas but I-hey, don't walk away!"

"Come on, Julio! You don't need me! If we're honest, I love a battle more than any of that stuff. You've always been better at running student council than me!" Nemona was waving him away, a grin upon her freckled face.

"Nemona! There are a million issues! The Disciplinary Committee was a problem but without them we have no sanctioned-"

"Figure it out! I'm gonna see the graduates! Bye!" Julio was left in an absolutely flustered state. Yet soon as Nemona was out of range, Juliana could see the boy running to grab some nearby Star students in order to get some work done. They shrugged, but were more than happy to be included.

The Disciplinary Committee… The thought of that alone brought Juliana right back to the dark place her mind had played over again and again. Volo's words in the void about what he intended to do, knowing he was out there somewhere, it brought a chill to her heart.

I want to watch them burn.

That one line drowned out the students around her. Juliana's feet moved on autopilot, not even noticed by Arven chastising Nemona. Penny was clueless, too, her nose still buried in her manga while her eyes rolled. It was a lucky break that Juliana didn't fall down the stairs as she thought on that statement. Had he meant he wanted to see Akari burn? Or the whole world? Either way was frightening, and something that occupied a huge space of her mind.

It was made even worse by seeing the students around them. Knowing that just a mere month ago he had twisted the minds of all of them, driving Team Star to look like villains, it made her fear for what he could do otherwise. After all, she realized, he had just been a mere student when he manipulated the faculty and the student body both, driving them to the edge of burning each other.

She could only guess what he would be capable of now, having shed that disguise.

"Oh, it's Miss Serena." The presence of her friends and acknowledgement of her mentor banished the thoughts of Volo. Juliana looked up and across the courtyard they were now striding into. Sure enough, Serena was near the center, talking to Clavell. Next to her on a bench was Akari, crutches lying next to her as she fiddled with a phone. It clearly confused her, judging by her expression.

"You're sure you don't want to stay on another semester?" Clavell said, wearing his gaudiest orange pinstripes the whole while. "The students really do seem to love you, and I can't imagine another semester without a performing course."

"Honestly, I'd love to stay on," Serena said, laughing gaily as she said it, "it's just that I think I need to tackle something more important. I've even told Heather I'm taking a leave of absence. She'll send someone to cover for me, I promise."

"I can't imagine they'll compete, but continuing to offer the class on the curriculum will be good for the students. Eri, in particular, has taken a shine to it. I've thought a performance club might do them some good." The director tapped his chin, causing his glasses to slide a little down his face. He quickly caught them and leaned forward, hugging Serena briefly. "Alas, thank you for everything."

"No, thank you. This was a wonderful experience. So wonderful, Ash and I have been talking, actually-"

"Oh, you let him know yet?"

"Ash!" Serena wasn't the only one to call out to her husband. Nemona did, too, looking just as much like the giddy schoolgirl she had the day she met him. It was tempered by her time with him and the lessons she'd learned, but the excitement playing on her freckles couldn't be denied. Her voice did alert Clavell to their presence, however, and the man bowed in their direction. Juliana waved, saying all that she needed to say about her wellbeing.

"Pipika!" Pikachu called out, jumping from Ash's shoulder and scampering up to Serena's. She instantly scratched him behind the ears. "Chaaaa!"

Ash paused, looking around the courtyard. "Hey, where're Jessie and James?"

"Probably at their school?" Juliana muttered, but only Penny heard her. The girl shrugged, bookmarking a page in her manga and stowing it in the pockets on her sweatshirt.

"Ah, I see," Clavell noted. He was nodding in full understanding. "You mean to enroll Hanna in the Academy, don't you? A lovely suggestion! We'll take full care of her in your absence. Though I daresay her energy may be a bit much."

"I'm sure she'd be a rockstar of the school in no time," Serena said with a laugh. Ash joined her, prompting Akari to look up at the pair of them. She said nothing, her lips remaining in a grim line the entire while. "Ah, there they are! Jessie!"

"Mama! Daddy!" The former trio of Team Rocket and Wobbuffet were preceded by the blur that was Ash and Serena's daughter. In no time at all, she ran straight into her parents and hugged them both around the legs. Akari watched the little girl as well. For a moment, Juliana thought her eyes had changed, but she was too distracted by the panting Jessie and James. Wobbuffet was the only one to not look exhausted.

"No more favors, twerpette! No more babysitting! This is why I will never have kids!"

"Yeah, cause youse and James never got tog-agh!" Meowth was punched in his face, his whiskers caving in. The action caught Hanna's attention and she ran over to pat the pair on the head.

"It's okay Uncle Jessie, Auntie James!"

"It's Uncle James to you, twerp's twerp!"

"Oh please, James, we all know dat Jess is da one wit da pants in dis relationship." This one earned him a great kick from both of them, sending Meowth flying across the courtyard. Wobbuffet went running after him.

"Sorry," Serena said, unable to hold back her giggles. Even Ash and Pikachu looked on the verge of breaking out into laughter. "But I'll have to ask you to babysit a little more. Unless you're joining-"

"No thank you!" the pair said in tandem. Juliana raised her eyebrow; despite their protests, there were times the duo of Jessie and James looked more like a couple than ever. "World-changing stuff and attacking Pokémon is something I'm done with! I'll take babysitting over it! Besides, I've got a school to run."

"And we're very busy! Speaking of, Jessie, you had a meeting with that bigshot investor!"

"Agh, James, why didn't you tell me! I thought you were my business manager!"

"Then why do you treat me like a receptionist?!" Jessie was already rushing off, Wobbuffet dashing after her with Meowth in his arms. Only James paused, looking back to his favorite twerps before his eyes fell on Juliana. He smiled at them. "Don't be strangers, though. If you absolutely need help, we're a call away. It's our world too, you know!"

He went with the wind.

That appeared to be the sign for Clavell to depart as well. He raised a hand in farewell before placing it behind his back and walking away towards a group of graduates that clutched to their diplomas. It left them with just their small group, gathered around a bench. In their silence, Hanna broke it, looking up at her parents.

"Are you going away, mama?" Her tiny hands reached up, trying to grab Pikachu, only to be unsuccessful. Serena and Ash crouched down, putting the electric mouse within her range.

"Yes, I think I have to. If I want to help people smile and make the world safe for my brave little girl, I think I need to." Serena reached forward, taking her daughter in a hug. Ash did the same, their family looking almost picture perfect for a moment. So perfect that Juliana could feel their own warmth cocooning her, reminding her that even with their families gone, they were part of one that was bigger.

"It's no place for a kid, either. Even one as brave as you, Hanna."

"Pi." Pikachu nodded, arms folded with his trainer's agreement. Hanna tilted her head, as if she couldn't understand. However, after a moment, she distracted herself with hugging Pikachu. Ash chuckled and reached up, removing the locket from around his neck. He reached forward when Hanna disengaged and placed it on hers.

"But we're gonna come home. I promise. And you'll be a super awesome trainer by then. So, whenever you think about us, just open the locket and we'll be right there with you. Okay?"

"Okay…" Hanna's head hung and her tiny fingers played with her new locket. It soon fell from her hands and she looked up with a wide grin. "Mama, daddy, go kick butt! I'll be cheering!"

The family laughed, sharing one last hug, and then Hanna disengaged quicker than lightning. "Oh, a Fidough! I wanna play, too! Lemme find the foxy first!"

She ran after the gamboling Fidough with joy, many eyes keeping a watch on her as she did so. Juliana couldn't help but laugh, herself, finding the little, joyous girl to be the perfect picture of peace.

A peace that was shattered when Akari opened her mouth.

"It won't last," she said. Her voice had recovered much in the month, though still croaked from general disuse; she wasn't the most loquacious. "This peace. It's a nice sight, but we're just in the middle of a reprieve. I hope you know that. Volo will be back. He's always back, and stronger and wiser than before. Wherever he is, he'll show up with greater ambition and force than before. The peace will shatter."

"Well, aren't you a bright ray of sunshine," Arven said, rolling his eyes and turning away. Ash's shoulders were the first to sag.

"We know that, Akari," he said, not bothering to put his gaze on her. "We know. But we can't rush into the search or battle with him without tying things up."

"Tying things up?"

Serena rose from her crouch and walked over to Akari, taking the girl's hands in hers. "You've been fighting alone a long time, Akari, bringing that battle to Volo. We know that, and we know what a threat he is. But we've fought alongside comrades, and we can't forget that. If everyone's ready, that is."

"Hop and Clemont are waiting by the lighthouse," Ash confirmed. Serena nodded and her eyes now turned to Juliana. So did the others, each asking the question that needed to be asked, and finishing the sentence that Nemona had started in the infirmary. Juliana swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded.

"Waiting?" Akari asked. She tried to stand, gripping tightly on her crutches. Her movement was shaky, still a far cry from being anywhere fighting fit. She still showed curiosity, however, hobbling forward until Ash caught her. "Waiting for what?"

Wind blew over the courtyard, stirring up the emotions that had lain dormant for the last month while they healed. Many hung their heads or raised them to look at the glimmering, crystal dome. It was Arven, however, who stepped forward to the longest steps in Mesagoza.

"They're waiting to say goodbye."

The horizon where his gaze ended was plain for all standing there. Their destination stood out amidst the azure ocean and beautiful skies. It was nothing less than the place that had started everything here and tied all of them together. With purposeful strides, Arven walked forward towards the lighthouse on the shores of Cabo Poco.

Juliana hesitated for a moment, unsure if she was ready. She looked back over to the Crater, its dazzling crystal serving as a hallmark to her journey more than any other. A hand found its way to her back and there was Serena's smiling face. With the lightest of taps she urged her on and the pair began to walk.

Whether from curiosity or sensing the undercurrent of grief running beneath them, Akari followed. Ash supported her even as they entered the wilds of Paldea.

The landscape had changed since Juliana had last come this way. Gone was the threat of the Paradox Pokémon that had plagued the air, tinging the sky with its horrible overcast. Instead, joy, safety and security had returned to Los Platos and the surrounding area. The same was said of the seal that had long held the ancient Pokémon that caused the trees to wither and die. Its presence had vanished, though to where, Juliana didn't know.

Perhaps it, like the rest of them, had gone on a journey to find answers to the age it had awakened in.

Night fell around them, draping the coastline in a comforting navy before they arrived at the lighthouse. Some of the air gained a chill, but it was nothing against the sight of the Inlet Cave. That caused Juliana to shiver the most, something that the large bonfire they were approaching couldn't stop. When they arrived, her Poké Balls shined with light and her Pokémon emerged, gathering around that fire. Sitting nearby and cradling something in his hand was Hop. With a furious twitch, he tossed a log on the fire.

"Oh, you guys made it," Clemont said, the man sitting on the other side of the fire. He was busy on his devices but had time to share a nod with Ash. As if sensing some kindred spirit, Penny sat next to him, sneaking a peak at his many screens.

"For all the good it'll do," Hop muttered, throwing another log on the raging fire. He went to throw another, only for Serena to clasp his hand. He looked up at her, tears streaming from his eyes that likely hadn't stopped in the month since the Expedition. Juliana forced herself to turn away from that, the guilt eating away at her.

"It'll do some good." Serena's soft, somber words set the tone as they surrounded the fire. Only Akari, out of all of them, hung back and watched.

No one said a word, each of them just staring back into the fire that crackled and popped under the starry sky that each of them shared. Juliana swallowed, unable to find the words she could say, or if they'd ever be enough. It wrapped around her heart like a vise. Arven noticed, tossing an arm around her but failing to coax the words out of her. He had his own pain to bear and Nemona helped him with it, taking his hand.

Oddly enough, it was Hop who continued the conversation.

"Do you think Gloria's…?" he sniffled, wiping away the tears he hadn't expected anyone to see. "Do you think she can see the same sky we can?"

"No," Ash answered. It was so blunt even his wife looked at him like he had left his own body. Ash didn't look away from the fire, but his fists grew tighter with every passing second. "I think she's looking at a totally different sky. So, we'll just have to find that sky."

"Ash?" Clemont and Serena both asked, stunned by the conviction with which he said it. So strong was it that Hop stood, the object in his hands falling to the ground: it was a ring.

"I'm not gonna believe that Gloria's gone. She's out there, somewhere. Cuz there's no way she'd just disappear."

"Yeah… Yeah!" Hop shouted. He bent down and grabbed the ring from the dirt, watching it reflect the firelight. "She has to be! And we'll have to find her."

"You could search the whole world over," Penny said, looking lazy as she said it. It wasn't callous, though; something about her eyes said she wanted to help in the endeavor. That was a something Clemont picked up on.

"Or maybe somewhere else. Like you said, Serena, that place reminded you of the Ultra Space. It gives us a place to start." Ash punched his own fist forward into the flame. Pikachu did the same. Neither of them burned. "Let's do this, Hop. And if we run into Volo along the way, then that's fine with me."

Volo… Just imagining his face in the fire, having felt his breath on her ear, stirred up so many memories, most of them ones she was loathe to have. All of his actions and their consequences still lay on her body in all of her scars, some more visible than others. She started to shake, unsure if from anger or some other emotion. Conversation sparked around her, the first time most of them could feel hope since the conflict in the Crater, but all Juliana could see was the crystal where her parents once were, the dark eyes of Sada and Turo, and Koraidon desperately holding on.

They were all gone and nothing was bringing them back. Nothing ever could. They were the sacrifice in the battle against a madman and a portent of what was to come if they sat back.

"Juliana," Serena said, touching gingerly to her shoulder. The girl turned her head on the once teacher, a strange sensation running down her face.

"They left me… They're gone…" She couldn't stop it, the floodgates opened at last. Tears streamed down her face, having nowhere else to go. "I couldn't help them. I couldn't say goodbye to all of them. I couldn't find the answers they wanted." Serena reached forward, taking Juliana in a hug that stained her blouse. "I wanted to find their meaning and their purpose, but all I found was nothing. I just… I only…

"I wanted to say goodbye! Why couldn't I say goodbye?!"

Grief roared out of her. Had it taken any other form, she would have relentlessly beaten against Serena's chest. Instead, she sobbed, all of her tears that she'd held back releasing in a mighty deluge. Serena continued to hold her close.

"You fought to stay strong for so long, Juliana. But it's okay."

"No, it's not! I can't…I can't allow myself to cry! I have to be strong for all of them! To prove I was living! To-to know I can…" Her body wanted to curl up and her hands balled at Serena's blouse, wrinkling it with her abject grief. Her howls reduced, soon coming out as a whisper. "Why does it hurt so much?"

Another hand touched to her back, pushing her just a little higher in support. She didn't need her sight to know it was Arven. He didn't say a word, but Juliana knew that even through her own grief, he was feeling the same. Serena held on. "It's because it's real, Juliana. And that's worth more than any smile."

It was this solitary admittance that made Juliana look up at the teacher. She was smiling at her, a soft, sad smile that spoke to all her years of experience. Yet not once did she urge her to smile on, only encouraging her tears to continue. Juliana's whole body shook and she flung herself on the teacher, becoming the young girl she knew she'd been stunted as the last few years.

She screamed into Serena's chest, crying out all the tears she hadn't shed for the last many years. And Serena and Arven held her, letting her spill all of them out until she could cry no more.

Yet they hadn't stopped because she no longer could, but because of the arms encircling her. Because, Juliana remembered, she wasn't alone. Her hands latched out, holding around Serena's midsection and hugging her tight.

Right there, in between Arven and Serena, they had all found their place to belong.

And when Volo's name echoed in her mind again, she knew that place to belong wasn't here in Paldea. She and the others belonged in the world, fighting the battle that was knocking on their doorstep.

Right, she thought, pulling back and rubbing at her eyes, no more despair. She sniffled and rubbed at her eyes, the last of Serena's warm touch fleeing from her skin. When she stopped, a smile came to her face; one that wasn't forced, but a genuine grin of gratitude for the people surrounding her. "Thank you, Serena, Arven. All of you. Thank you for helping me find what I was looking for."

"What you were looking for?" Arven asked, almost laughing out the question. Juliana nodded but didn't quite answer.

"With it, I have enough strength to move forward. To stop running and stop standing still. If there's a fight with Volo and Fidel, then I want in! Point me at him!" Juliana pumped her fists. She received a cheer from Ash and Hop. And just like that, every person and Pokémon in their party was coming to stand around the fire, like a council that was ready to decide the next move.

"Don't treat this lightly," Akari said. She limped forward, her feet dragging on the ground regardless of the crutches' aid. Shakily standing, Akari straightened next to the fire and clasped her hands together. It looked to Juliana like she was offering a prayer. Yet when she spoke there was no ounce of reverence. "This is a war. Volo won't stop until he's seen everything reduced to nothing. It's one of his best and worst qualities."

"We know that. None of us are entering blindly," Ash said. He folded his arms in the clear hopes of bolstering his stance.

"But we also have to believe we can do it!" Juliana insisted. Her Pokémon paused in their movements, watching her as she strode up to Akari and took her hands. "If we don't believe that, then we can't. And we have each other."

"Even if we're far apart," Nemona agreed. She padded against the sand, coming to rest right next to Ash and Hop. "Because we're gonna have to be, right? People like you, Juli, have to do what you do best, and we'll have to do what we do best."

"You mean beating the crap out of things?" Arven laughed. Nemona glared at him, though even the fire couldn't hide the red tinge on her face.

"A parting of the ways, is it, then?" Penny said. She scratched the side of her face. "I'll have to run support, then. Might be the only one who doesn't leave Paldea."

"I wouldn't bank on that," Clemont said. "If I took you on as an apprentice, I'd say we could do more than just some tech support."

"You people are crazy…" Akari said. She shook her head and her legs gave out beneath her, sending her into the sand. "You've only scratched the surface of what Volo's done and you're so willing to-"

"Because we have people to protect."

"And we share the same goal."

"All of us are striving towards a future, together," Serena said, hooking arms with both Juliana and Arven. "And that's why we know we'll meet again. But for now, we're going separate ways to fight the war that needs fighting."

"To find Gloria," Ash said. He punched his fists together as did all his companions. "And we'll beat Volo along the way. Hop, Nemona, time for a hunt!"

"What'll we do?" Arven asked, finding it in him to grin down at Juli.

"We'll follow the research. Whatever that crystal core was, and that flower in the space between, we need to know more about what it could be. To the deepest dungeons and the highest peaks, we're gonna have to travel the world over for an inkling," Juliana said. Arven raised his hand and the two slapped them against each other. Serena pulled them in closer.

"Then count on me to support you and protect you on the way. Sound good, Ash?" Her husband only shared a nod to convey their connection and support.

"Even far apart," Clemont said, adjusting his glasses, "we'll help you keep in touch. I'm sure the League will be interested, too. I've some ideas about where to start, too. Time to see what your father is up to, Serena."

"I'll keep you informed by every going on! I promise!" Penny stepped forward, finding her strength and determination. Juliana, Arven and Nemona converged on her point, throwing in their hands.

"No matter how long it takes…"

"…or how many battles we fight…"

"…we're going to stop Volo from destroying our world!"

"YEAH!" They tossed their hands skyward once more, the image reflected in Akari's eyes. She scoffed and shook her head.

"Then I guess I'll recover," she said, a shadow passing over her face while she stared into the fire. "But once I have, I'm joining the fight.

"This time, I'm ending the conflict for good."

It felt like more than just her statement, but one that could apply to the whole world. Juliana swallowed and she saw even Ash and Serena shiver. This wasn't just about one man or one region. Not anymore. It was very possible this wasn't even about one world.

This was a battle for all existence and they had no choice but to come out on top.

And knowing they had one night left before the hunt began anew, Juliana turned to walk towards Inlet Cave, her Pokémon with her. Arven decided to sit next to Nemona, while Penny and Clemont found a sudden, easy groove as they talked shop. Serena went towards her husband, too, but stopped and called out to her.

"Juliana," she shouted, her voice rising above the crackling fire, "you never said what it was you were looking for. The thing you'd found."

"Hm? Oh…that…" Juliana looked up to the endless expanse of stars beneath which they sat. The stars that covered the sky, ranging on to infinity, only served to reinforce the feeling that had grown inside her. Especially now, ready to go their separate ways, that same sky they'd be standing under was more important than ever.

Juliana turned around and flashed the most brilliant, beaming smile she had ever worn; one that lit up the night. She raised her hand to the sky, grasping the stars while she looked at everyone that had been a part of her journey. Those that would continue to be. She sucked in a single breath.

And Juliana continued smiling.

"I found a genuine, unbreakable connection."

TO BE CONTINUED

IN

THE FINAL TRILOGY

Author's Note: And so we reach the end. Juliana's journey from a grief-stricken loner to someone who found genuine connection in the world and those around her is complete. I hope it was a character arc that held itself well, giving reason and purpose to every stage of her journey.

And no one was more key to that journey than Volo.

There's a lot I could say about all the various characters and themes I tried to explore in this one, but at the end of the day, Volo's presence dwarfs all of them. Because he's far from done. Paldea was just a small stepping stone that has begun to guide his path forward. Now the hunt is on. The war is beginning.

And as it says above, that is a story for the aptly named Final Trilogy.

So when, you may ask, is this coming out? The answer is…I don't know. Not right now. I'm giving a fuller explanation on my Twitter account, but suffice to say that right now, I need a break. My original plan won't be happening, and I'm too exhausted to commit to three more books. So I simply ask you be patient and wait for news on it. It'll take some time, but this book will release.

Of course, this means we won't see each other awhile. And for this reason I ask you, on this final chapter, to review and comment and, as it's always been,

Dare to Be Silly,

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