Chapter Text
Juliana found herself staring into the waterfall in the secluded cave completely unaffected by the echoes of a nearby Roaring Moon. She returned the Pawniard she was training back to its Poké Ball. She needed to head back to the lab—home—soon. She had plans: a catch up call with Arven and Penny. It was set to start in less than an hour. She could technically use her Rotom phone for such a call, but service in Area Zero was spotty at best. The trainer already considered it a miracle that she could consistently access her Boxes down here at all. It was equal parts frustrating and useful.
Admittedly, it made it harder to keep in touch with her loved ones (Juliana’s mom fretted quite a bit the first six months after she decided to move to Area Zero). On the other hand, it also kept away reporters and their probing questions like: what caused a six-time Top Champion to leave the League? Will she ever return? Along with all the other headlines she had seen on the electronic billboards in Mesagoza and Levinica.
The nearly 28 year old let out a deep breath and got back up on her feet. Her companion and escort, Gnibble, gave a low growl of acknowledgment and nuzzled her as she walked by. Juliana patted her Garchomp’s head to silently signal it was time to go. The two walked together out of the cave passing by mostly Chansey on the way out. The dragon and her trainer began their trek back up to the lab.
❖
The former Top Champion ran a hand through her wine colored hair and powered on her desktop computer to start setting up for her video call. While her computer was booting, she meandered over to one of her proudest DIY achievements: a painstakingly rebuilt espresso machine. The former Champion had made many improvements or replacements (i.e. the bed) around the lab, but the repaired espresso machine reigned supreme.
On one of her first trips back up to the surface after moving to Area Zero, she convinced a cafe in Mesagoza to give their malfunctioning espresso machine to her instead of pitching it. It took her nearly six weeks to get the correct pressure out of the steam wand, but Arceus was it worth it. The trainer-turned-researcher deftly pulled a double shot from the machine using freshly ground beans before checking the clock and seeing she was cutting it kinda close. Juliana unceremoniously dumped cold milk right onto her espresso and swirled the mug with a hand to try and mix it a bit before sitting back down at her desk. No time for the steam wand today.
“Hey guys, good to see you!” She greeted Arven and Penny’s smiling faces as she slid back into her chair.
Over the years, Penny had opted to grow her hair out while Arven had done the opposite. The quiet girl had felt that the constant haircuts to keep it short were “too annoying” to manage while working at the head of the Paldean Pokémon League’s Cybersecurity unit. In contrast, Arven felt that as the Executive Chef it would be the most professional to keep his mane short.
“Nice of you to join us, Juli,” Penny shot back first with a fond eyeroll.
“Sorry, sorry, you know how I am with coffee—,” The trainer remarked sheepishly.
“—It’s good to see you too, Juli,” Arven stepped in saving her. “We were just talking about the upcoming ten year Naranja Academy reunion. You got asked to give a talk too, right? With Jacq?”
Juliana tried to not sigh on camera, but clearly did based on Penny and Arven’s faces.
“Yeah, we’re giving a talk on the behavior of Pokémon in low human-populated and uninhabited areas.”
“Like in Area Zero?” Penny pointedly questioned.
“Well, yeah, a bulk of our data are from my observations down here.”
“I’m surprised you’re being so forthcoming about where you live. You’re practically a hermit these days!” Arven cheerily noted.
“It’s not like anyone else but me has the clearance to access this area anyway. Even if some Academy kids had a rebellious streak like—“ Juliana blanched. She had almost said her name. “—it’s not like they could get past security at the front door and use the teleporter.”
“You realize you’re going to see her at the reunion, right?” Penny flatly said.
“No kidding! It’s getting harder and harder to hide from her that we still keep in touch with you regularly.” Arven added. The researcher groaned and leaned back in her chair before Arven continued. “I mean, we know you want your space, but we’re her friend too. It’s not like she hasn’t asked. I don’t like lying to her.” Juliana reflexively looked away from the screen.
Penny tried a more gentle approach, “We get that you’re still feeling wounded, but maybe you need to talk with Nemona to really get over it,” Penny paused for a moment, “to get over her.”
“I didn’t agree to do any exhibition battles for the reunion, so I doubt I’d see her anyway.” She bit her tongue to keep herself from finishing her sentence with since Pokémon battles are all she cares about, but still failed to keep the hurt tone out of her voice.
“What? You don’t think that she wouldn’t want to meet up with you? I just said—” Arven attempted to reason with the researcher while Penny was shaking her head to try and stop him.
“—She couldn’t even be bothered to meet with me when I asked!” The former Top Champion hated how she could still get emotional about this. She had raised her voice more than she would have liked. She could feel tears welling and her face grow hot. She looked down to try and conceal it.
“Juli...,” both of her friends said in unison. Juliana took a steadying breath and looked back up.
“I ... you’re probably right. Maybe it’ll help.” The trainer said softly putting an end to the topic. Hoping her friends would feel merciful and drop it. “Besides I should focus on other things, like the fact that I’m actually coming up next Friday to compete in the Montenevara Gym open exhibition. Will any of you be free after to hang out around then?”
“Yes, but why are you participating in the open exhibition? You generally avoid doing that in Paldea if you can.” Penny questioned.
“Right, I saw it wasn’t being televised and it’s in a pretty inherently remote location. I may
have recently overspent a bit on some fancy coffee beans too...” Juliana replied with a chuckle. “Totally worth it though. It’s been delicious.”
“I’m not quite sure what my schedule looks like next week, but I’ll swing by if I can.” Arven replied smiling.
“I wouldn’t be free until the evening on that Friday, but I can meet you for dinner if that works? Penny responded looking at her calendar on another monitor.
“Sure, that sounds great! Would love to see you guys. If I win, dinner will definitely be my treat.” Juliana grinned for the first time since the beginning of the call. “Oh yeah, that reminds me. Pen, are you still dealing with that awful college intern at your job?
The tech whiz gave a deep heaving sigh. “Ugh, he’s the worst. Listen, the other day...”
❖
After checking her current team over one last time, Juliana stepped into the teleporter and rose up to sea level for the first time in several weeks. She stepped a few yards outside of the building leading into the depths of Area Zero and called a taxi. Koraidon hated the cold.
While she waited for the taxi, the trainer took her hair out of its usual ponytail letting her long hair down and covering her undercut and threw on a baby blue beanie to help stay warm. She was sure she was going to experience some shock at the change in temperature going from a nearly tropical Area Zero climate to the tundra of Montenevara. The glare from the sun reflecting off of the snow would be probably pretty rough in the early afternoon sun, so she also slipped on a pair of dark sunglasses to help shield her burgundy eyes. Moments later, she heard the telltale noise of a pack of Squawkabilly approaching announcing the arrival of her taxi.
The redhead stepped in. She put her hands on the rails of the taxicab and closed her eyes as she felt it rise. She took a deep breath of morning air before opening her eyes and gazing out at the horizon towards the snowy peaks in the distance.
❖
MC Ryme absently twirled the microphone in her hands and she readied herself for the next match of the exhibition. This next one, she would admit, she was actually excited for. Participants were required to use their full government name on the sign ups to ensure they were qualified to participate and she certainly did not expect to see a certain multi-time Top Champion’s name on there.
It would be a bright spot in her upcoming packed schedule. She had just received word from the League Chairwoman a few days ago that she was dispatching reigning Top Champion, Nemona, to evaluate her gym leader performance tomorrow. A bit brutal to have to deal with the energetic battle-maniac right after hosting an exhibition, but she wasn’t a gym leader for nothing. She’d make do.
In the distance approaching the outside stadium, Ryme immediately recognized the swagger of individual who had seen countless Pokémon battles against the setting sun.
“Long time, no see, Champ!” Ryme called out to the advancing figure. The figure waved back.
The MC turned to her second-in- command with her mic up to her mouth, “Sledge, start spinning that new beat I put together last week. This battle is going to be fire.” The audience roared in response to this proclamation. New songs being dropped always meant that the battle ahead was to be electrifying.
“Hey Ryme!” Chirped the new arrival over the din of the crowd with an easy smile. “I always forget how damn cold it is up here.”
“Hah, you get used to it.” Her challenger had made it to the opposite end of the battlefield.
“How’re you doing, Juliana? You seem to be keeping it pretty quiet.”
“Yeah, it makes life easier to do so.” Juliana lightly touched one of the Poké Balls on her belt. “Now, did I read right that if I win using less than four Pokémon the amount awarded for a win doubles?”
“Yep, that’s right. We’re not doing double battles today since it’s just an exhibition to help further advertise the Gym and the Paldea Pokémon League and all. I’m not surprised at all you’re going for double money though.” Ryme turned to the rowdy audience, “Let’s hear it
for this daring challenger!” The crowd responded instantly cheering with fervor. The Gym Leader turned back to her challenger. “Did you already pick the three you want to use?” Ryme gestured towards Juliana’s belt.
Juliana had a savage grin on her face. “I only need one.” The crowd damn near exploded. So much for low-key , Juliana thought to herself. At least it wasn’t being broadcasted. Ryme never allowed any “performances” to be recorded so she was good on that front.
“If you say so,” Ryme cheekily replied.
“I think we both know so.” Champion Juliana was a very different person than her usual down to earth self Ryme mused. Juliana continued, “Kagutsuchi, come on out!”
Ryme felt the blood leave her face as a very familiar Skeledirge appeared on field and bellowed out a sonorous war cry that could still be somehow heard over the crowd.
❖
A few minutes and Shadow Ball attacks later, Juliana was whistling to herself as she headed to the nearby restaurant conveniently located in her hotel. She proudly marched onward with her prize money in hand. Her Skeledirge had elected to stay out of her Poké Ball for the walk over.
“You did such a great job, Kags,” she turned and cooed to her very first Pokémon named for a legend in the Johto region. Kagutsuchi happily cried back as if to say “thank you” to her trainer and lightly headbutted her playfully as they descended the stairs to the town square.
“Hey, watch it! Trying to arrive alive for dinner. I wanna be in one piece when I see Arven and Penny. Otherwise, I’m never going to hear the end of it if I eat shit on ice on the way over,” Juliana laughed. As she saw the restaurant come into view, the seasoned trainer took off her and sunglasses. The starstruck doorman recognized the former Champion within seconds, “Ch-Champion Juliana, it’s very good to see you.”
“Ah, uh, thanks!” Juliana responded as she stepped inside the warm Unovan cusine restaurant. Not sure what else to say.
The downside of spending the last few years living in Area Zero meant that Juliana’s people skills had taken a serious downturn. It didn’t help that she forgot up until now that she’s still pretty recognizable as long as she isn’t wearing a hat or sunglasses. She grimaced to herself a bit as Kagutsuchi returned herself to her Poké Ball. Someone who didn’t get her first Pokémon until relatively late in life (seventeen) probably shouldn’t be better at speaking with Pokémon than people. Yikes.
Some movement caught her vision and she caught Penny sitting at the bar lightly waving. Feeling a smile grow on her face, Juliana bounded over to her friend excited to catch up in person.
❖
When Nemona arrived it was already pretty late, but she couldn’t deny that she felt restless. She had heard there was an open gym exhibition going on today and maybe she could persuade someone to battle her. Maybe. She always had the Gym evaluation tomorrow, but she was itching for a battle now.
As Nemona walked over to the battlefield her hopes were immediately dashed when she noticed Ryme wasn’t even present anymore. All that was left was MC Sledge breaking down the various music-related equipment and speakers to pack up and store away.
Well, he is a Gym Trainer. Could be worth a shot.
“Hey, you wouldn’t happen to be up for a Pokémon battle right now would ya?” Nemona skipped any sort of pretense and led with her ask.
“Nah, sorry Champion Nemona. I’m all done for the day.” He looked thoughtful. “It’s a shame you didn’t get here a couple of hours earlier. There was a really strong trainer at the exhibition today.” Nemona felt her excitement grow. Could this trainer still be around? “She wiped Ryme’s whole team in like... six moves, I think? It was crazy. I haven’t seen anything like that since—“
Nemona had heard enough.
“Do you know if she’s still in town?” Unsurprisingly, the Top Champion cut right to the chase.
“Hmm, I think I heard her tell Ryme she was planning to stay the night here.”
“What does she look like?”
“Ah, didn’t get a great look at her because I was focused on working the music and the crowd.” Nemona stared at him intently silently urging him to continue, “She was wearing this light blue beanie, had some pretty dark sunglasses on, and long hair. I’d say she was about your height.”
“Sounds promising.” The Champion mused mostly to herself. She immediately committed this vague description to memory and turned to head off looking for this mysterious trainer. Well, actually, she would check into her hotel first, then search. She turned back towards the MC “Thanks, Sledge!”
❖
Juliana leaned forward slightly on the bar to tap her card to finish closing out her tab. Her friends had just left. Looking out the window it appeared to be a bit snow and blustery out. Visibility looked... not great. The former Champion made a mental note to message her friends in about an hour to make sure they made it home safely.
Getting up from the bar, she felt a bit more tipsy than she would like. She decided that a quick walk with Kags might help her sober up a bit. She had sent all of her other Pokémon back to her Boxes for safekeeping except for her starter. Going for nighttime walks with her Skeledirge was nothing new and been happening since her Academy days. Kagutsuchi readily agreed and walked extra close to her trainer to help shield her from the cold. As a precaution, the trainer slipped her beanie back on.
The first twenty or so minutes of the walk were peaceful and uneventful. Juliana could slowly feel the effects of the bourbon winding down as she turned to head back to her hotel.
“You there!”
Juliana felt her heart rate accelerate. Her body reacted to the sound of the voice before her brain could process who it belonged to. She turned and looked over her shoulder in the direction of the voice purely out of reflex.
She was met with the striking sight of Paldea’s current reigning Top Champion aka the woman who broke her heart all those years ago.
Nemona.
Running was not an option. Juliana knew that tone of voice all too well now that her mind caught up with her heart. Nemona was evidently riled up enough to chase her if need be. However, it didn’t seem that Juliana was recognized yet. Her hat and the snowy weather had apparently successfully concealed her identity well enough from this distance.
“Ye-yes?” Juliana breathed though her nose to try and suppress her racing heart. She had seen Nemona on the side of buildings, on TV, in advertisements, but it had been years since she had seen her in person. Photographs and video segments did not do the reigning Champ justice. Juliana doubted they ever would.
“Were you the one at exhibition today that won with just one Pokémon?” There it is.
“Could be.” Juliana stated evasively subtly trying to put together an exit strategy as she took in her immediate surroundings like the survivalist she now was. Juliana knew she had to talk to Nemona eventually, but she was far from ready at the moment.
Her eyes darted to the hotel. Currently, they were standing in the middle of the town square which thankfully was empty due to how late at night it was. Unfortunately, the Champion was standing between her and the entrance to the hotel. So, sprinting to the well lit hotel was
probably out. Last thing she needed was for Nemona to recog-
“Alright! You. Me. Let’s battle it out right now.” Consistent as always. Only Arceus knows how Nemona identified her as the “one at the exhibition today” in the first place. She didn’t even ask for her name. Juliana felt somewhat relieved she didn’t have to lie to Nemona’s face. Bless her singlemindedness for once.
That being said, Juliana had no desire to battle her. In fact, she wanted to exit this interaction as quickly as humanly possible. A Pokémon battle would certainly drag things out. However, Juliana had no idea in the first place how to say no to a battle with Nemona. She never had before. Unfortunately, she rarely had said “no” to Nemona period.
“I only have one Pokémon on me right now. Why don’t you try your luck at the gym?” Juliana attempted to deflect.
“No, I want you.” The Area Zero resident tried to ignore the blush creeping up her neck at the statement. “We can just do a single Pokémon battle then. Whaddya say?”
“Fuck,” Juliana grumbled to herself under her breath. “Fine!” She called back to Nemona.
“Yes! Let’s have us a fruitful battle then!” Nemona smoothly tossed a Poké Ball out.
Nemona’s Meowscarada calmly stared right back at her.
Unbelievable. Juliana felt her brain switching gears back into “battle mode.” The reigning Champion clearly saw she had a fire type at her side but purposefully sent out a grass type. Juliana still had some pride and she did not condone being toyed with.
Without any prompting, Kagutsuchi stepped in front of her trainer and bellowed. Nemona’s Pokémon started for a moment and called back more curiously. Kags answered with a more gentle cry of her own. Juliana put a hand to her face. Of course, their starters would recognize each other. Thank Arceus that Nemona had absolutely no self awareness.
“Meowscarada, vamos!” Nemona commanded, flexing her advanced abilities as a trainer as her Pokémon did not need to be directed to use a specific move. Meowscarada came in close fast likely to use Night Slash. Juliana crossed her arms and didn’t even bother with any verbal utterances.
This was not exactly the first time that she and Kags had seen this tactic from Nemona. Nemona routinely took advantage of Meowscarada's absurd agility to close the gap and get in a strong first blow. Common sense would have dictated that Juliana should instruct her fire type to not counter it the signature way she had in the past. Even Nemona could potentially recall this particular maneuver. She lived and breathed Pokémon battles after all.
However, Juliana could not let Nemona’s arrogance go unpunished.
Nemona may have been traveling and fighting against the strongest trainers in Paldea, but Juliana had been living and training amongst some of the most powerful creatures that ever roamed the planet. Of course even prior to that, Juliana wasn’t a six time Top Champion for nothing.
As Nemona’s Pokémon approached for the attack, Kagutsuchi bit down on Meowscarada’s arm with perfect timing effectively stopping the attack. The Skeledirge clamped down on the grass type's arm preventing the much faster Pokémon from retreating out of her range.
“Wh-what!” Juliana heard from the other side of the battle.The researcher smiled. Her and Kags' counter move was something they were known for when they were on the Champion circuit. After she first unveiled it in an exhibition match against Nemona it has often been attempted, but never actually replicated. Juliana had never met a Pokémon like her Skeledirge that knew the rhythm of battle so well and she trusted her Pokémon to find the perfect window to counterattack every time.
The grass type began to yowl realizing what was about to happen next.
“Flamethrower.” A wholly unnecessary command, but Juliana couldn’t help but want to remind Nemona what hubris tasted like.
Meowscarada was down for the count almost immediately and Nemona quietly returned her Pokémon. The reigning Champion stared down at her partner’s Poké Ball for several seconds processing what happened before she looked up to address the trainer she battled.
Except no one was there.
❖
Okay, so maybe sprinting off wasn’t the most honorable, mature, or sportsmanlike thing to do post-battle, but Juliana had more pressing concerns. Under any other circumstances, the former Champion would have been thrilled to earn the extra prize money from the winning the impromptu slugfest. Under any other circumstances, like, not a battle against her best friend who still has her heart in a Vicegrip even years later.
Juliana took a moment to catch her breath now that she was safely locked in her room. She had never been more thankful to have spotted the back entrance to the building when she did.
Was it cowardly? Yes.
Did she care at the moment? No.
Had she taken into account Nemona’s prey drive and how she has now basically provoked the Champion to chase her? Also, no.
Wait, why was Nemona in Montenevara anyway? No way she lives here. Last Juliana heard the Champion still lived in Cabo Poco.
A new horrifying thought dawned on Juliana as the adrenaline began to fade.
How many hotels are there in Montenevara?