Author's Note: Holy kasmoly this is a long chapter!

Just a heads up so you can get comfy!

Enjoy!

Juliana woke up the next morning to find Terapagos right beside her under the covers. It was a stark reminder of what had happened the previous day. The tiny Pokemon was clearly cozy and comfortable, snoozing away with a smile on his face. This brought a smile to Juliana, assuming he was proud of himself from the battle yesterday. It was fun to imagine that the day he rained colorful stars upon two paradox Pokemon much larger than him was the best day of his life, and this Pokemon had quite a long life already.

As stealthily as she could, she crept out of bed and tip-toed her way to the bathroom. She didn't see Koraidon open it's eyes and watch her go around the corner. After hearing the door closing, Koraidon decided it would get up as well and stretched it's body out, similar to how Arven's Mabostiff would.

Juliana's backpack lay next to her desk, where it just happened to land when she tossed it on the ground late during the night before flopping into bed and falling asleep instantaneously. The zipper was left open, which became clear when a certain ogre Pokemon decided to let herself out of her Friend Ball.

"Pon, pon!" Ogrepon expressed joy after appearing from the light, she looked around the darkened room, awash with soft blue tones from the early morning light. Koraidon greeted her kindly, "Agias!"

"Pon!" She replied and skipped over to the scarlet Pokemon.

The noise caused Terapagos to slowly stir awake, stretching his little legs and yawning. He was happy to see his teammates present and hopped off the bed to join them. Ogrepon giggled gleefully as she danced in circles around Koraidon. Terapagos joined in on the silly game.
Juliana appeared from the restroom, having changed into her League Club uniform, wearing grey crew socks and her white low top sneakers.

Her Pokemon wasted no time happily greeting her. She smiled warmly at them, "Hey guys!" She looked at her rotom phone, causing her mouth to drop into a nervous frown, "Director Clavell is ready to see us, oh… I'm so scared…"

Koraidon nuzzled her gently, which made Juliana giggle, "Tehe… me too bud. I hope he won't be too mad."

Ogrepon had a bright-eyed look of interest on her face, and Terapagos was just obliviously smiling. Juliana tried to assure them, "It's gonna be okay, hehe…"

She recalled them all to their respective pokeballs and prepared herself. After securing her backpack on her shoulders, she left the room to meet with Clavell. On the way there, Juliana couldn't stop her hands from trembling. Sure, she had been in a bit of trouble before, but this time felt more extreme. So much so that the hallway seemed much bigger. Upon reaching the classroom that Clavell directed her too, she took a deep breath and entered.

The room was empty, aside from Director Clavell and Geeta. They noticed her immediately. Geeta smiled, "Good morning, Champion Juliana. I'm glad to see you could make it."

Juliana thought to herself, "It's not like I had a choice otherwise…"

Clavell spoke only one word, "Juliana." Before beckoning her to come closer. Juliana did as instructed, albeit worried to death.

"I'm… in trouble… aren't I?" Juliana asked timidly.

Clavell shook his head, "No, you aren't. I just wanted to tell you that while it is regrettable that you entered Area Zero once again, I wanted to extend a thank you, for saving someone's life. I heard the whole story from Rika. She spared no detail."

Juliana smiled nervously, "Oh, I see... I'm really sorry about that sir…"

Clavell smiled warmly, "An apology is not necessary, Miss Juliana. I understand why you took the actions you did. Although I am in agreement with the League that you or your friends are not interfere with matters involving Area Zero any further."

Juliana nodded, "Yes sir. I would very much like to not have anything more to do with that crazy place."

Clavell chuckled, "Of course. Well then, onto another matter…"

Geeta spoke up, "Please excuse me, Director Clavell. If I may before you continue?"

"Yes, go right ahead." Clavell allowed.

"Thank you." She looked at Juliana, "Juliana, I just wanted to tell you that I understand Rika was quite harsh on you yesterday. But please don't think poorly of her, she truly cares about you very much. You see, she expects more of you than she does of others, and there's a reason for that."

"A reason?" Juliana inquired with curious eyes.

Geeta chuckeld, "Hehe… I will not disclose the reason here. But I'll tell you very soon. My goodness, you should have heard her yesterday. She gave me a call after you had run off into Area Zero and I had never heard her like that before. She was screaming into the receiver so frantically I thought her voice would go hoarse."

Clavell added, "I was on the receiving end of one of those calls…"

Geeta continued, "She was so terrified that she called multiple professors just to help get you all out, anyone she could. It became quite a scene as you can imagine."

Clavell shook his head, "Regardless, everyone turned out okay in the end. And that's the best we could've asked for."

Juliana inquired, "But… what about Kieran? Carmine? Perrin? What's gonna happen to them?"

Clavell replied, "I'm afraid I'm not privy to that information Miss Juliana, but given Cyrano's nature. He'll most likely let them off lightly, please don't be too troubled."

"I hope so." Juliana prayed, "They don't deserve anything bad."

Geeta smiled, "Now I believe Director Clavell had something to say?"

Clavell perked up, "Ah yes, Miss Juliana, thanks to your presence here at Blueberry Academy, I've been able to visit more often. Observing other schools firsthand can be instructive in all sorts of ways, you know. Right now, I'm considering how we can adopt the best aspects of this school at our own academy and would appreciate your input on the matter."

This piqued Juliana's interest. Clavell paused before asking, "So, Miss Juliana. What is it that you like best about Blueberry Academy?"

Juliana was thankful for a question she didn't need to think too much about. She was able to answer with ease, "I really like the values."

Clavell smiled, "Oho. Very interesting... I see you must appreciate the autonomy given to students here, as well as their vigorous appetite for Pokémon battles."

"That's right!" Juliana grinned, feeling much more relaxed now.

"Duly noted, thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. Talking with you like this reminds me of your very first day as one of my students. That was the day I gave you your first partner Pokémon, Sprigatito."

The memory brought a smile to Juliana's face and a peaceful, nostalgic feeling washed over her. It was the day that would change her life forever, in ways that she never imagined.

"Now then." Geeta spoke, "If you have time, Champion Juliana. Would you care for a battle?"

Juliana's heart jumped, "Now? Right now?"

"Yes, only if you want to, of course."

"Yes! I would love to!" Juliana agreed quickly.

"Wonderful! Let us make our way over to the academy's entrance, then."

Juliana's heart pounded with joy, eager with anticipation.
When they got to the entrance and took their respective sides, Juliana once again felt memories flooding back. It seemed like forever ago now that she faced Geeta during her Championship Assessment, and she was nervous, but excited.

Geeta took a few steps forward, adjusted her gloves, and held up a pokeball. Juliana could see the determination in her eyes from where she was standing.

The first Pokemon she sent out was her Glimmora. Juliana needed a moment to consider her options. She knew that Geeta's Glimmora had the ability Toxic Debris, which would send poison spikes all over if hit by a physical move. With this in mind, she selected Delphox. She whispered to the Ultra Ball, "You can do this, Delphox. I believe in you!"

"All right Delphox! Let's go!" Juliana did a twirl and tossed the ball into the air. Delphox emerged from the light, landing firmly on the ground. As usual, a nervous crowd began to form.

"Go Juliana! You got this, my greatest treasure!"
Hearing Nemona cheer behind her caused Juliana to turn around and see her best friend in the bleachers. Kieran was sitting beside her, "Y-You can do it, Juliana!" He called out.

"Thanks guys!" Juliana responded happily before turning back to face the battlefield.

Geeta was the first to go, "Glimmora, use Earth Power!"

Glimmora caused the ground to erupt with power beneath Delphox, thankfully, she was able to avoid some of it with Juliana's shout, so the move didn't do as much damage as it normally would have done.

"Delphox, use Psychic!" Juliana commanded.

Delphox wielded her magic stick and pointed it at Glimmora, hitting her opponent with a strong telekinetic attack.

Still with some fight, Geeta commanded, "Glimmora, use Sludge Wave!"

Glimmora summoned a giant wave of toxic ooze and hurled it at Delphox.

Juliana was ready, "Delphox, Light Screen!"

Delphox used her stick to create a wondrous wall of light, which deflected the Sludge Wave.

Geeta was mildly taken aback, "Glimmora, Power Gem!"

Glimmora attacked with a ray of light that sparkled like gem stones. It burned against Delphox's Light Screen like a welder to metal. Delphox began to struggle keeping her shield intact.

Knowing the shield would break at any moment, Juliana commanded, "Delphox, Mystical Fire!"

Delphox nodded as the shield cracked. Just as it shattered to pieces, Delphox leapt backward and breathed a special, hot fire. The charcoal she was holding onto increased the power of the fire type move. Glimmora was engulfed in the fire, which took out the last of it's HP. Geeta recalled her fainted Pokemon, and Delphox let out a joyful cry and ran to her trainer when she realized she defeated her opponent.

"Good job, Delphox! That was great!" Juliana cheered, giving her a pet on the head.

Geeta praised, "I see that you've broadened your horizons with new Pokemon! But don't let your guard down yet!" With her confidence unwavering, Geeta sent out her next Pokemon, "Go Dragapult!" Sending out the ghostly dragon.

Juliana recalled Delphox and grabbed the Heal Ball containing her Tinkaton. She whispered, "It's your turn now firecracker, we're battling her again. Do your best!" The heal ball shook vigorously in response. Juliana laughed, imagining Tinkaton inside screaming, 'Come on! Let me out!'

Juliana did her twirl sending Tinkaton out, "Go get 'em, Tinkaton!"

Tinkaton popped out of the ball with a big smile, more than ready to use her hammer.

Geeta chuckled, "Ah, I remember you. Let's see how strong she's become since our last battle. Dragapult, use Shadow Ball!"

Dragapult summoned a dark, shadowy blob and sent it to Tinkaton. Using her giant hammer, Tinkaton launched herself into the air by hitting the ground.

Juliana commanded, "Now Tinkaton, Gigton Hammer!"
Tinkaton swung her body in circles mid-air to gain momentum, bringing the hammer down onto Dragapult. The ghost dragon was stunned for a moment, before shaking it off and returning to battle.

"Dragapult, use Thunderbolt!"

Dragapult glowed with the power of electricity and attacked Tinkaton with a strong electric bolt. Tinkaton recoiled for a moment before taking a stance again.

"Tinkaton, use Play Rough!"

Tinkaton leapt atop of Dragapult and played rough, this lowered it's HP down to zero, resulting in a KO.

Geeta recalled Dragapult, thanking it for the effort. Tinkaton hopped three times and ran to her trainer. Juliana knelt down to give her a hug, which Tinkaton returned.

"Good work, Tinkaton!" She leaned closer to whisper, "Hopefully that makes up for not being able to fight any Corviknights in Area Zero!"
Tinkaton responded with a polite nod.

Geeta was pleased, "Wow, that Tinkaton is really something."

Back to the battle, the Chairwoman sent out her Espathra.
Juliana recalled Tinkaton and decided it was time to use her starter, "Go Meowscarada! Show 'em what you've got!" Tossing the Pokeball into the air.

"Myah!" Meowscarada yowled as he landed on the battlefield.

Geeta nodded, "Aha! The one that's been with you from the beginning!"

Juliana replied, "That's right! He and I have been through it all!"

"Then show me your experiences now, Espathra, use Dazzling Gleam!"

Espathra emitted a power flash, hitting Meowscarada. The grass feline took a hard hit from the super effective move, but was ready to keep going.

Juliana commanded, "Meowscarada, use Night Slash!"

Meowscarada zipped back and forth until Espathra couldn't keep up. Then once the opportunity presented itself, Meowscarada struck with dark claws. This landed a critical hit, resulting in a KO.

Juliana cheered, "Woo hoo! Good hit, Meowscarada!"
The proud Meowscarada struck a pose, giving the peace sign with both front paws.

Geeta recalled Espathra, "My goodness, what a powerful Pokemon." She selected her next Pokemon, "Go Avalugg!" Out came her giant living glacier.

Juliana recalled Meowscarada and sent out her Tinkaton once more. The latter was more than happy to get back in the game.

Geeta commanded, "Avalugg, use Earthquake!"

Avalugg stomped it's feet, shaking the ground beneath Tinkaton. Juliana was alarmed seeing Tinkaton caught up in the moving earth, but keeping calm, she commanded, "Use Thunder Wave Tinkaton!"

Tinkaton sent weak electric waves toward her opponent, causing it paralysis and ceasing the earthquake. Geeta's eyes became wide with surprise, but she continued, "Avalugg, Body Press now!"

Despite the struggle with paralysis, Avalugg managed to launch itself into the air, aiming to land on Tinkaton. Juliana grinned and gave a command, "Tinkaton, Gigaton Hammer!"

Tinkaton leapt into the air. As soon as she met Avalugg mid-air, she struck it with her hammer. Avalugg lost all it's HP and came crashing back down. Geeta promptly recalled her fainted Pokemon.
Tinkaton hopped around, elated to have bested another opponent. Juliana couldn't help but giggle at her Pokémon's silly behavior.
Geeta sent out her next Pokemon, a Chesnaught. The plant-like Pokemon flexed it's arms, ready for battle.

In the audience, Nemona turned to Kieran, "This is getting so good! She's pushing through without barely breaking a sweat! The first time she battled Geeta, it was more of a struggle!"

Kieran asked, "She's the Top Champion in Paldea, isn't she? That lady…"

"Yup! That's right!" Nemona affirmed, "Anyone who wants to become a Champion ranked trainer has to defeat her! But that's only after they collect all eight Gym Badges."

"W-Wowzers… that's so cool."

Arven was seated next to Penny behind the two, he spoke, "I still need to think about doing that myself."

Penny added, "I think you could do pretty good, Arven. You're pretty strong despite being a bit…"

"A bit what?" Arven replied with defiance in his voice.

Carmine was seated on the other side of her brother, "Whoa, check that out!"

On the battlefield, Chesnaught had used Spiky Shield to protect itself against Tinkaton's Hard Press. Afterward, Chesnaught hit Tinkaton with a Drain Punch. This put her in quite a pinch, she looked like she was about to faint.

Nemona's confidence did not waver, "Juliana's got this, she never goes out without giving it her all!" She lightly elbowed Kieran, "What do you think she's gonna do next, Kieran?"

Carmine decided now was the time to voice out what she's been noticing, "Hey Nemona, don't think I haven't noticed you trying to get cozy with my brother lately!" She grinned impishly.

This made everyone's eyes go wide, especially Kieran, "S-Sis! Don't!" Penny put her hands over her mouth and began snorting.

Nemona felt her heart start to race and her face heat up, "Wh…what are you talking about?"

Carmine teased, "You think pretending not to know is gonna save you? I know what you're up to!"

Kieran's face was now completely red, "Sis stop! You're such a dummy!"

Carmine became agitated, "Wha!? What did you just call me!?"

Arven put a hand on his head, completely bewildered and not sure what to say to Carmine's little blurt out.

"Guys look! Geeta's down to her last Pokemon!" Penny shouted.

Sure enough, on the field, Geeta had sent out her last Pokemon, a Kingambit. It was facing off against Koraidon in battle form.

Arven jumped to his feet, "Bring it home cutie! Victory's right there! Koraidon you better not let her down, buddy!" Everyone around them laughed. Juliana blushed at Arven shouting his nickname for her so loudly.

Geeta wasn't discouraged, "Hah! Hahahaha! It's not checkmate just yet, my friend!"

"I… I won't lose!" Juliana fired back, "We can do this, Koraidon!"
The scarlet Pokemon nodded with a devilish grin. Orichalcum Pulse had kicked in, summoningharsh sunlight.

Geeta activated her Tera Orb, sending swirling lights all around, "Become the light that shines on all who reach the pinnacle, Kingambit!" After that deceleration, she tossed the orb above. Kingambit was encased in crystals that broke after a second. Revealing several sparkling balloons above it.

"Koraidon, let's show 'em how we do it!"
Juliana activated her own Tera Orb, repeating the process Geeta had just completed. Koraidon broke through the crystals bearing a dragon head with wings. With sparkles abound, Koraidon let out a mighty roar. Exactly how it faced it's antagonistic counterpart way back when.

Geeta was first to command, "Kingambit, use Iron Head!"

Kingambit lowered it's head, shining and tough like steel and charged at Koraidon. Koraidon caught Kingambit with his front claws and pushed back, but Kingambit's strength from the fallen made it even stronger and it was able to knock Koraidon back.

Juliana kept focused, "Koraidon, use Dragon Claw!"

Koraidon lunged forward, attacking Kingambit with huge claws.

Geeta immediately responded, "Kowtow Cleave, Kingambit now!"

Kingambit knelt down, causing Koraidon to tilt it's head curiously. With it's guard down, Kingambit struck with a slash.

Juliana decided it was time to use Koraidon's signature move, "Koraidon, use Collision Course, now!"

Koraidon grinned, it was waiting for this moment. It leapt into the air and spun into a wheel.

Geeta tried to counter, "Tera Blast Kingambit!"

Kingambit unleashed a flame of Flying-type energy. But Koraidon soared right through the attack and crashed into it's opponent, creating a prehistoric explosion. Everyone had to cover their eyes from the intensity.
Once the dust settled, the balloons above Kingambit shattered, and the steel/dark type fell to it's knees in defeat. The Top Champion had been bested once more.

Koraidon let out a victorious roar. Juliana jumped for joy, "Yay! We did it!"

Above the crowd cheering, Arven could be heard yelling, "All right, that's my girl!"

Geeta recalled her KO'd Pokemon, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, opened her eyes again, and smiled warmly. She applauded modestly, "May this light shine forever…" She whispered.

Koraidon was excitedly cuddling up to Juliana. She was doing all she could to keep standing from it's onslaught of affection.

"Oh my goodness! You did it! I'm so happy Koraidon! Thank you so much!" Juliana spoke amidst laughter, "Geez, now I know what you put Penny through all those times during Operation Starfall! Haha!" She could see her friends rushing to her, with Arven moving the fastest. Juliana wasted no time running up to him and jumping into his arms. He caught her and span her around once before stopping to just hold her, "You did it cutie! What an amazing battle!"

Nemona was overjoyed, "YOU DID IT!" She turned to Kieran, "She did it! She beat Geeta again!"

Kieran grinned, "Yeah, I know! I s-"

He was cut off by Nemona wrapping him in a tight hug and lifting him off the ground. She shook him for a few seconds while laughing before setting him down. This left Kieran stumbling and dazed.

Penny kept chill, "Congrats on the win, Juliana."

Juliana smiled, "Thanks Penny!"

Carmine approached making a heart symbol with her thumb and finger, "Cool battle Juliana! I'm sure that got ya nice and warmed up for the whooping I'm gonna give you the next time we battle!"

Juliana stuck her tongue out, "I'm not gonna lose to you! Hehe!"

This got Carmine fired up again, "Oh! We'll see about that little lady! I'm gonna make you eat those words!"

Kieran had now snapped out of his daze, "Wowzers! That was a fun battle to watch! Nice one, Juliana!"

Nemona was the first to see Geeta approaching, "Hola, Primera! You sure shook up the party here, huh?"

Geeta grinned, "Well, of course, I am La Primera, after all. It would be quite absurd if I didn't keep pushing myself to become stronger."

Nemona replied, "That checks out! I better keep up the pace too!"

Rika appeared from the disappearing crowd and stood beside Geeta, clapping her hands, "Not bad, kiddo." She addressed Juliana, "To defeat La Primera not just once, but twice! That's quite an accomplishment, especially since she had a new strategy and everything!"

Juliana smiled, trying to hide that she was still nervous about what happened yesterday, "Thank you, Rika!"

Geeta noted, "So you've noticed my new technique? Heh, well, that's okay. It only means I have even more room to grow."

Nemona enthused, "Oy! You and I need to have a battle too, La Primera!"

Geeta chuckled, "We will Nemona, we will. Now then…" She turned to Juliana.

"Y-Yes?" Juilana inquired.

Geeta smiled, "That settles it for me. I no longer have any doubts about my decision."

Juliana was confused, "What do you mean?"
She noticed Rika nodding with a knowing grin.

Geeta replied, "Let's return to the League Club room, we will discuss it further there."

"O-Okay!" She agreed.

The mystery as to what Geeta wanted to discuss made Juliana tremble lightly. Especially since Rika was now with them. Rika smiling should have been a good sign, but it only added to her nervousness. As she and her friends followed the Top Champion to the League Club room, Juilana decided to break the tension with a question, "So… Carmine, Kieran… what happened with Director Cyrano? Did you get in trouble?"

Carmine shook her head, "No, we didn't. Perrin was there too and he just gave her a light telling off. Nothing too bad."

Kieran added, "He said he believes in giving people second chances. And since we were rescuing somebody and all, he was gonna let it slide. He also wasn't going to tell our grandparents… Phew! That's what I was scared the most about."

Carmine was also happy, "Thank goodness. If they found out, they would have killed us both!"

Juliana smiled, "Oh, I'm so happy to hear that! I wonder where Perrin is now?"

"You didn't see her?" Arven inquired, "She was pacing around the battlefield snapping pictures of you and Geeta during the match."

"Oh! I guess I was so focused on the battle I didn't see her!" Juliana giggled, "Wow, she's really good at being sneaky."

Carmine remarked, "You would make a good spy Juliana. But Perrin would make a good ninja! Haha! You guys would make a great team!"

Juliana smirked to herself, because she already knew from experience that yes, they did make a great team. But before they could speak any further, they had arrived at the League Club room.

No one knew what was coming next. Except for Rika and Geeta, and they were more excited than they had been in a long time.

Author's Note: Okay! Whew! You made it! Great work!

The next chapter will be the last! So bear with me just a bit longer, for we are almost at the end!

See you next time!