Author's Note: Hello everyone! Welcome to another chapter! Hope you enjoy!

Juliana woke up the next morning feeling a bit sore. The battle party she had with Nemona proved to be quite intense on her. Nonetheless, she threw the covers off and sat up, stretching her arms above her head.

"Wow! What a workout Nemona and I had yesterday!" She said to herself.

After slowly getting out of bed, she got dressed in her Blueberry autumn uniform and laced up her green high-top sneakers, "I have a class in the Canyon Biome soon, I better hurry so I'm not late!" She looked at the time on her rotom phone, then grabbed her green frilly backpack and rushed out the door.
Once in the Terarium, she summoned a taxi to take her to the outdoor classroom in the canyon and got there quickly. She hopped out, thanked the driver, and joined the small group of students filing into class.

"Juliana!"

Juliana turned to the familiar voice and saw Crispin waving her over, she smiled and sat down beside him, "Hey Crispin! You have a class too, huh?"

"You bet!" He affirmed, "Glad to see you here! How are you liking it so far?"

"It's great here!" Juliana nodded, "Yeah, there are days I miss being home, but I'm truly happy!"

"That's great!" Crispin replied with a thumbs up, "Hey, I heard from some others that you and that Nemona girl REALLY battled hardcore yesterday evening! Man, I wish I could've seen that!"

Juliana laughed sheepishly, "Yeah, we get carried away a lot…"

"I said hi to her the other day, Nemona I mean. She's really cool! I like seeing that fiery energy in others!"

"You should try offering her a battle sometime, Crispin! I'm sure she'd love it!" Juliana grinned.

Crispin's eyes widened in fear, "Wha!? Oh, I know for sure she would singe me to ashes!"

Juliana giggled, "She's really passionate about battles… but she's a kind-hearted girl."

"Yeah, I can see that! That's great! Maybe I'll take your advice and challenge her!"

The instructor leading the class cleared his throat, "All right everyone, settle down. It's time for class."

Everyone immediately became quiet. So the instructor continued, "Today, we're gonna learn more about different variations of Pokemon. As you all know, there are certain Pokemon that appear different depending on what region they are from." He paused to let that information sink in, "To assist us in our lesson today, we have a special guest from Paldea. Everyone, please welcome a member of the Paldea Elite Four, Miss Rika."

Juliana was pleasantly surprised to see Rika confidently walk out from behind the digital screen in front of the class with a smile. She was wearing her glasses, "Hello students. It's a pleasure to be here today. Some of you may recognize me from yesterday when I battled Juliana here." She focused her playful gaze on a now flustered Juliana, who nervously folded her hands together. Crispin patted her shoulder in support.

"Now then, let's cut to the chase. As you all previously heard, some Pokemon have different appearances depending on their home region. That can also mean that they may have completely different types and abilities! For example!"

She sent out her signature Pokemon, Clodsire.

"This is Clodsire, the final evolved form of a Paldean Wooper."

Many of the students appeared confused. Rika chuckled lightly at this, "Has anyone here seen a Paldean Wooper?"

A female student raised her hand, "Well… I know Wooper is a blue Pokemon. It's also a Water and Ground type! It evolves into Quagsire starting at level 20!"

Rika smiled, "That's the profile of a Johto Wooper. A Paldean Wooper is a Poison and Ground type, and evolves into the Pokemon you see before you now."

The instructor displayed a picture of a Paldean Wooper on the digital screen and explained, "This is what she's talking about. As you can see, it's the same Pokemon, but different."
The Blueberry students marveled in fascination.

Crispin spoke up, "That's amazing!"

Rika chuckled, "It certainly is. There are many Pokemon in this world. And it's up to us to learn as much as we can about them. Despite the many miraculous discoveries humans made since working closely with Pokemon many years ago, there's still so much unknown. I hope you all never neglect the desire for knowledge."

The instructor spoke, "Thank you very much for your wisdom, Miss Rika. We appreciate you taking time to join us here and teach our students."

"The pleasure is all mine." Rika replied, "I'm always happy to instruct no matter where I am."

"Looks like that's all the time we have for today. Thank you for your attention, everyone!" The instructor bid, before dismissing the class.
Outside of the class area, Crispin was enthusiastic, "She seems really cool! Sure, she's a ground-type trainer, a type that makes me tremble… But she seems awesome!"

"She is!" Juliana affirmed, "I'm so glad she's part of Paldea's Elite Four! She was a challenge to beat when I became a champion-ranked trainer!"

"Yeah, I bet!" Crispin replied, "Say, you've got some free time Juliana? If so, wanna hang out?"

"Yeah! I've got nothing else to do. Where would you like to go?"

"Let's go to the Savannah Biome and set up a picnic!" Crispin suggested, "To be honest, I'm really craving that painfully spicy sandwich you made for me that one time!"

Juliana laughed, "Okay, I'll make it for you! Let's go!"

While this was happening, Rika had returned to the League Club room, where she was greeted by Drayton, "Hey there, welcome back to our little getaway! Wanna snack?"

Rika replied, "Hey there, Drayton. Sure! I'll take a snack. You guys are so kind."

"Heheh… Anytime. I'll be right back."

While Drayton walked off to find a snack, Rika glanced around. The room was still in the feminine and fancy décor that Juliana had picked out. This made her chuckle, remembering the League Club members telling her the tale.

"Hello there, Rika."
Rika was greeted by the Top Champion, Geeta.

"Oh, hey boss!" Rika responded, "I just got back from teaching a class."

Geeta smiled, "How wonderful. I assume it went well?"

Rika nodded, "Yeah, it did. I'm glad the students here are so eager to learn, and Juliana was there too!"

Geeta chuckled quietly, which Rika noticed, "Huh? What's so funny, boss?"

"Oh, nothing really." Geeta answered, "Except that, you seem to be smiling a lot more often these days, Rika."

She recoiled, "Wha!? What's this all of a sudden!? Kind of a creepy thing to mention outta the blue…"

"I do beg your pardon. I simply assumed you were in a good mood, considering you now get to meet your favorite trainer more regularly." Geeta snuck a wink making that last comment.

"Whaaat? What are ya goin' on about now!? Ol' Rika doesn't have favorites!" She turned away with a defiant expression.

But Geeta knew better, "Heh… of course. I'm sure you don't"

"Oh yeah? Look who's talking! You seem to have a real high opinion of her too, boss!" Rika fired back.

Geeta feigned surprise, "Oh my, I've been found out."

"Sheesh… just don't steal her away from Nemona! You know she'll throw a fit!"

Geeta did her best to keep a neutral expression, "Hmm… I'd prefer to avoid that. I'll keep your advice in mind."

"Someone said my name over here?"
Nemona's voice startled them both, she had suddenly appeared behind Rika.

Rika yelled in fright, "Aah! Nemona! You shouldn't sneak up on people like that!"

"Ooh, I'm so sorry!" Nemona apologized, "I just heard my name! So I had to come and investigate!"

"No worries Nemona." Geeta assured, "All is well."

"I'm happy to hear that!" Nemona sighed in relief, "I would hate to be in trouble!"

Rika inquired, "So, what's going on with you? I've been hearing some kids saying that you and Juliana were battling like crazy yesterday evening?"

"Oh we were!" Nemona confirmed with a huge grin on her face, "It was the best time! We were having a blast! Then before we knew it, it had gotten so late!"

Rika laughed, "You girls are so funny."

"I'm actually going to be meeting with Kieran soon!" Nemona informed, "I ran into him in the cafeteria, and I asked him if he wanted to face off again. And he said yes! I can't wait!"

"Okay, just be careful out there." Rika cautioned warmly.

"Thanks Rika! I'll see you guys later!" She enthused before skipping off out the room. Rika watched with a chuckle.

Geeta was pleased by the conversation, "I'm happy to see she's thriving here."

Rika nodded in agreement. It was then when Drayton finally returned with some snacks, "Here ya go. Sorry it took so long. I ended up eating some and I had to go to the school store to get some more. Heheh… sorry."

Rika laughed it off, "Don't worry about it." And graciously accepted the snacks.

In the Savannah Biome, Juliana had just finished creating the sandwich for Crispin. He stared at it in excitement, "Wow, it looks just as awesome as it did the first time!"

Juliana smiled, "Thanks Crispin! I used the exact same ingredients as before!"

"All right! Hey, let's try it together!" Crispin suggested, taking out a knife and cutting the sandwich in half.

Juliana instantly became nervous, "Ah! Uh… okay!"

Crispin laughed, "Haha! Are you scared?"

"Of course I am!" Juliana admitted, "When you tasted that before, you looked like you were about to die! Your face was so red and you were sweating like crazy!"

"No worries! It's just a little bit of heat pain, you'll be fine!" The way Crispin said that with a smile on his face made it comical.

Juliana was still very hesitant, "I don't know…" She remembered how hot the Spicy Herba Mystica was, and this sandwich looked even more agonizing.

"Juliana!"
Arven's voice from behind caused Juliana to feel relief. The perfect distraction was just what she needed. She turned to face him, "Arvie! Crispin and I were just about to have a sandwich!"

"Aha! Is that so? Well not so fast, because I'm gonna join you guys!" Arven declared, "You can't have the perfect sandwich without me!"

"Welcome!" Crispin greeted, "Say, you're Arven, right? You're also from Paldea?"

"That's right." Arven affirmed, "I'm also Juliana's boyfriend, just so you know."
This made Juliana blush.

Crispin grinned, "That's right! Juliana told me all about you! You're a cook yourself, right? She told me!"

"Heheh… It's a hobby of mine. So what do we have here?" He looked at the sandwich cut in half on the table.

"Juliana made this sandwich! We were just about to chow down!" Crispin explained.

Arven's face immediately lit up, "Juliana made this!? Oh, right on! I have to try it!"

Juliana then had an awful idea, she grinned impishly, "Here Arven, you can taste my half!" She handed him the piece.

"Thanks Juliana!" He readily took the piece and immediately bit into it. Crispin stood there with a horrified expression. Something Arven noticed, "What's wrong?" He asked after swallowing the bite.

Then it hit him. It started off slow, then before he knew it, it was like a volcano was in his mouth. He screamed in pain, "AAUGH! What is this!?"

"Just grin and bear it! Grin and bear it!" Crispin advised like he was coaching a sports team.

Juliana thought it was the cutest thing seeing his eyes widen and his face turning red from the heat. He frantically used his hands to fan his mouth in a vain attempt to lessen the pain. She put her hands over her mouth and giggled behind them at the sight. Once the burn had passed, Arven was slouched over with both his hands on the table. He was trying to catch his breath. Crispin grinned wide, "How was that!? Hot huh?"

Arven slowly looked up at Juliana, "Cutie! What the heck was that!?"

Juliana acted innocent, "You didn't like it?"

"No, I loved it!" Arven insisted, "I just never knew you could be so sadistic! Not even the Spicy Herba Mystica was that painful!"

Juliana laughed, which made Arven even more lighthearted, "Oh, you're so gonna get it!" He began advancing toward her.

"Oh no! I'm in trouble!" Juliana replied impishly, grabbing her bag, "Sorry Crispin! I gotta get out of here!"

Crispin waved while laughing, "All right then, see you guys later!"

Juliana immediately took off running, with Arven hot on her trail. Juliana squealed with laughter knowing that he would definitely give her what for once he caught her. Several Pokemon rushed out of the way when they heard the couple coming their way. Juliana bolted in several directions, trying to outwit her boyfriend. Behind boulders, around trees. But Arven managed to keep up each time.

"You aren't getting away from me, cutie!"

Juliana squealed, "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"

Arven grinned, "Ah, ah! You aren't getting off that easy!"

They ran so far they made their way to the boarder leading to the Coastal Biome. Juliana crossed the blocks and landed onto the sand, then looked around. She was puzzled not seeing Arven anywhere.

"Huh? Where did he go?"

She didn't see that he was hiding behind a thick palm tree. As soon as she walked by, he leapt out in front of her.

"Aah!" She yelped, but it was too late. He got her in a tight embrace.

"Gotcha!" He teased. And the two fell to the sand to engage in a tickle fight. A pair of Meowstic walked by, gave them a brief glance, then continued walking like they weren't there.

Once they were out of breath, Juliana sat up and watched the waves of the artificial ocean, "You know Arvie, the waves here are still pretty. Even if they aren't natural."

Arven sat up beside her, "Yeah, they are. I'm still shocked that we're under the sea right now."

Juliana nodded, "They did a great job with all this! Say, how do you think they managed to build this?"

Arven thought about it, "That's a… really good question, Juliana."

"Probably above ground first, before putting it down here. That makes the most sense."

Arven then remembered the thing he wanted to tell Juliana earlier, "Um, Juliana? There's something I need to say…"

Juliana noticed his serious demeanor, "What is it?"

"There's… a certain someone here."

Juliana raised an eyebrow, "Huh? Who?"

Arven looked at her without a word. Juliana thought about it for a bit, before her face lit up with realization, "Are you talking about… Professor Raifort?"

Arven nodded the affirmative, "Yes."

Juliana felt her heart jump a bit, "I… see. I didn't know that. I hadn't seen her."

Arven put an arm around her, "Don't worry, Director Clavell is here too. From what I've seen, he's keeping a close eye on her."

Juliana sighed, "Oh good. I would hate to think she's up to something again. I hope she got the help she needs."

"Same." Arven agreed, "I just wanted to let you know."

Juliana smiled at him, "Thanks Arvie." Before giving him a light kiss on the cheek.

Arven blushed, "No problem, cutie. Come on, let's walk around!"

He got up first before helping her up. Joining hands, the pair walked down the shore toward the more grassy area. Juliana was excited to point out the many different Pokemon. She wasn't going to worry too much about Raifort, especially since Clavell was also here.

For now, she was just going to enjoy herself.