Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It had been a long… long trip. 

She closed her eyes, leaned back but something heavy stopped her and the flash of green made her smile, peeking out from behind a sparkling mask. 

"Can't sleep anymore?" Juliana murmured. The head went down and the Pokemon shook her head mournfully. "Nervous?" Again, silence but slowly the mask came down and a pair of twinkling starry eyes came into view instead, filled with worry. 

Juliana 's heart went to the small Pokemon, and slowly she reached her hand out. Those starry eyes widened but she let Juliana squeeze her own "hand" regardless. 

"You're safe, Ogerpon." She murmured. "You're safe Pom Pom." The little chirp that sounded more like a giggle sounded, and she beamed. "So you like the name huh? Hee, good, here's hoping the Crew will like it too." 

Again the Pokemon just cocked her head to the side, asking it seemed for more clarification. Juliana sat up a bit, it was still hard to say how much or how little this creature understood of not only human speech, but human behaviors as well. 

She pulled out her phone again and showed her the group shot, "See. These people are so excited to meet you, they know all about you." Ogerpon… oh excuse her 'Pom Pom' made a motion to hide again, slipping on her mask for good measure. "They're friendly, I promise." 

Another look, a shaky hand(?), paw(?) Reached out and pointed to the group shot again but then tapped one individual in particular - oh. 

Juliana giggled, "He's harmless, he's just…a grump."

Arven unfortunately did look… kind of mean in their Area Zero victory photo unfortunately.

She wasn't sure exactly what had  happened, one minute he was standing next to her beaming  the next Nemona had run in, and then Koraidon had obviously jumped in the photo and…. Well at least Penny was laughing, it was just unfortunate that only Arven's indignant shout of protest from…Koraidon shoving him or had it been Nemona(?) Had been captured on camera but… 

Juliana was a softie and she did adore this photo so it was here to stay. Pom Pom still looked uneasy so Juliana quickly opened her album again and began sorting through the many pictures. 

She'd learned it was best to let this Pokemon decide what to do on her own so she just kept skimming her phone. There was a shuffling, and a low whisper of  leafy cloak before Juliana now had a seat mate with those big star eyes looking up at her in such wonder. It really was… endearing but…strangely sad too. 

She really did seem like a such lonely little soul. 

"You want to hear about them again? Okay, well, see this girl- with the glasses?" Pom Pom chirped and tapped her mask's eyes and Juliana giggled. "Yeah! I guess glasses are a bit like a mask, you're right!, so anyway this is Penny, one of my best friends, she's very kind but she's also shy- just like you!" 

The trainer shifted the screen, "Now this, this here is  is my best friend rival, her name is Nemona- she is very strong." Pom Pom looked up and then pounded her chest, Juliana just smiled. "Oh I bet she'd gladly battle you, now then- last but not least-" 

At least Arven was smiling in this picture. Hugging Mabosstiff (... and Juliana) close. Heh? ANYWAYS- "This is Arven " she said nonchalantly, not a hint of- never mind, her business thank you very much -

"See, he's not scary now is he, just you wait, when he finds out your favorite food, I can guarantee he'll make it ten times better than anything I could ever do!" 

Ogerpon peered intently at the screen as Juliana flipped through her three treasured friends respectively. Those big starry eyes occasionally reached up to hers, as Juliana showed every picture she could still present on her phone like they had all discussed. 

It was nearing the end of the trip back. Already she could see the familiar green hills and the large windmills of Artizen around them, they probably had about twenty or so minutes before they got back to Mesagoza proper… 

As if on cue Juliana's phone buzzed. 

From: Penny 🌟

Radar has you in Paldea. Welcome back. 

From: Penny 🌟

For the love of Arceus please text Nemona before we are forced to put sleeping powder in her drink. 

From: Penny 🌟

And also text Arven so he doesn't put a HOLE in the floor from his pacing. I swear the two of you drive me mad. 

From: Penny🌟

  Have you heard from the Blueberry kid at all or is he still sulking?  

She flinched. Oh… right. Uh…that. 

…I didn't mean to….

It was a pathetic excuse and she knew it. Yes the kind old man had asked her and yes Carmine had a very… forceful personality but still… Kieran hadn't deserved… 

I want Ogerpon to come with me! 

… But he hadn't even tried to befriend her! He'd acted… odd if anything else, and then he'd gone about stealing her mask in the first place?? Oh it didn't make any sense and that teacher of his- Briar? 

Oh she was…. She put a bad feeling in Juliana's gut- hell the entire teal mask incident as she was going to call it from now on just… left a bad taste in Juliana's mouth. 

Start to finish. At least she'd been able to make some amends by helping fund the restoration of Loyalty Plaza.  Not that she'd seen her efforts, but to be fair after the Blueberry Academy students had left… Juliana was kind of done. 

She'd left her info with that photographer Perrin who was going to contact her later sure but… she'd just wanted to go home. 

And so: One heavy conscience, a very light wallet and with another nine hour trip behind her later,  the end was finally in sight. 

 Her eyes felt like heavy Munchlaxes doing a gym routine on her eyelids …heh… apparently a Kitakami saying … ha. Haa… 

Oh what have I done? 

Let's be clear, the kid was not entitled to a living sentient creature who could make her own decisions! If Pom Pom wanted to explore the world then with all due respect Paldea was a bit more open than that underwater dome with the artificial-! 

… again Juliana shivered. That… that place sounded….unnerving. Just the thought of being underwater and sure it had a dome or whatever of artificial biomes but… but-! 

Carmine had bragged about how much cooler her school was but uh…. No thanks. You know she was actually quite content never stepping foot in such a cold lifeless sounding place ever in her life thanks! 

I'll stick with boring old tradition and plumbing from ancient pipes any day. 

She buzzed her lips and looked out the window again. 

Wonder if Arven would be nice enough to carry me up the hell stairs though… it's not like it'd be hard for him…him and his big arms.  

Her cheeks warmed as the naughty thought crossed her mind - the ABSOLUTELY PLATONIC- gesture… would be um yes most appreciated from her…best friend.  

Best friend. Ha. Oh being friend zoned sucked but it was okay. She was completely over it! That academy tourney had been… most exhilarating - haha …haaaaa. 

"You….You really are my… my best friend you know!" 

Friendzoned before she'd even come to terms with the realization she'd had down in the hell that was Area Zero. Wasn't that just… typical? 

Well believe it or not however, Juliana was completely fine. She'd had a few private tears and moped for a few minutes ( hours) but he'd disappeared after their match anyway, not even staying to see her achieve victory over Geeta ( again ) so … sooo … 

A small little chirp caught her attention, Pom Pom cocked her head quizzically before with a guilty look she also…extended Juliana's bag. Ah. She was…quite the little scavenger. Probably had smelled the mochi within….oh. 

"Sweetie, can I have that, I know it's pretty but… can you not touch that please?" The red crystalline dust in the little pouch sparkled a bit in the faint bus light as Juliana quickly stuffed it back in what she had jokingly named her treasure pocket …. Which was now glaringly empty save this one measly bag of stardust that she couldn't sell because… 

Stupid reasons but… reasons.

"For a million Pokedollars that new monument better be immaculate and covered with gold." She mumbled, again but Pom Pom only gave her another bright look before settling down against Juliana on their seat row.  

"Hey, hey - Miss Juliana?" She raised an eyebrow. The bespectacled fellow academy student peered at her from his spot just across the row. " Sorry did I wake you? I'm just wondering, are you really going to let the Ogre wander the Academy?" 

She narrowed her eyes, " Her name is Pom Pom, and why wouldn't I Wren? She's one of my Pokemon." 

He winced, "Oh, I know, but uh… didn't it uh-?" 

"Didn't she what!" She barked. 

"The Ogre beat the living daylights out of the Loyal Three according to the signs." Another of her fellow students, Runa peeked over the seats. 

"Because they-!" Juliana stopped, the shaking next to her was concerning. Again how much human speech could this little Pokemon understand? Therefore in a much calmer sounding voice, she continued. "The Loyal three so called, were nothing of the sort, they were a bunch of bullies who-!" 

"Like Team Star or whatever they were called?" The last of the Academy three, Cole quipped, with a distinct sound of skepticism as Juliana only winced."The Pokemon bullied the Ogre right? That's what that kid was telling everybody, we'd all been lied to or whatever?" 

Juliana flinched again. That…had likely been directed at her. 

"The village jumped to conclusions." She decided on the most diplomatic option. 

"Well yeah, I mean what would you think if you saw some scary masked creature beating the crap out a bunch of-." 

"Because they raided her HOME! Hello use your brain- what do you think happened to upset her that much! Huh!"

The three kids went silent. Good. 

 The Legend - both versions had never….explicitly stated what the fate of the "Wanderer" had been but…

The malice in those eyes glinting in the reflection of that evil chain around all three of those necks… and the fear in Ogerpon's eyes at just the sight of them…

It didn't take much to guess. 

Who more than Juliana knew the extent what grief could do to someone, anyone's adrenaline…. 

And self control. 

"Still though... Is it really safe for it to you know... Wander around with that hammer of hers-?" 

"With that logic Cole, what the hell right does your brother have with his Tinkaton? If anything that thing is a menace!" Wren said shortly while adjusting his glasses. 

"You're just mad your sister's Corviknight got beat up by it." Cole spat back. 

"Polly did nothing wrong! She was just sitting there minding her own business!" 

"Hey for all we know she tormented poor Glitter when she was a Tinkatuff." 

"How is that my fault!' 

"Oh Arceus not again, I'm going back to sleep." Runa, who Juliana had guessed was the eldest ( ...and most mature) of the kids proceeded to do just that as the two boys began to bellow out the merits of Corviknights vs Tinkaton and the ethics of routing for either one. 

Juliana sighed. 

These kids clearly all knew each other, same homeroom maybe? At least Wren was trying now: though Juliana figured grimly it might be because the little spy had caught wind of her Champion Rank and decided against pissing her off. Anyways the argument began between the three of them and she was finally left alone. Good. Stupid kids. 

… wow Juliana. Tch. Who's the real bully here again? 

Then again, Juliana had been stuck more or less babysitting a bunch of ungrateful brats the last few hours. Jacq was asleep almost instantly as soon as any vehicle started moving and Miss Briar or whatever her name was had unceremoniously cut the trip short by declaring 'new developments' or whatever had emerged and dragged Carmine and Kieran back with her. 

Have you heard of the Scarlet Book? 

Hm? Oh no - Never heard of it. 

Yeah Juliana's alarm bells had begun to ring almost on sight. Uh huh, suuuuuure, yeah here's the actual truth lady, that crater? Bad news. Baaaaad news. 

She'd gotten the same ominous feeling looking in the fervency of that gaze as she had looking in the dull artificial…. Indifference that bordered on….never mind. 

She'd have to report back to the Crew probably sooner rather than later, the warm body at her side half asleep herself was just one aspect….there was another-. 

She skimmed her phone, the many texts, mostly from Nemona demanding battle stats of the new Pokemon she'd found but there were a few quips of encouragement from Penny but… well unfortunately the fourth in their crew wasn't… the most talkative on phones. 

Honestly Juliana couldn't blame Arven's aversion to technology. 

Still though… 

Home Ec….is going to be….so awkward. 

At least during battle studies they could be too "engrossed" in their own thing to… well… okay so home Ec arguably was the same but he'd also asked Saguro to change the seating chart for the new semester because….well just because (!) And the jerk had actually agreed because Arven was his favorite student and Juliana-! 

… Juliana was a biohazard in a kitchen apparently even though her sandwiches were always EDIBLE! 

…. Her mind was racing again. Shit. Why was she so nervous? She was relieved to be home! Pom Pom tapped her arm and gave her a wide eyed look. Right… right! Juliana had to be calm and nonchalant, Ogerpon was nervous enough after all! 

Everything was going to be fine! Absolutely a hundred percent-! 

-o-o-

This was going to be a disaster. 

Was it too late to run and hide up Glasedeo Mountain? He had a flute recording ( …this time) so no worries! 

"So you ready for round two amigo!" Nemona clapped her hands together in a benignly insidious fashion that made Arven's blood chill. 

"Round….two?" He jumped back from the pointed finger that was abruptly in his face. 

"Oh yes- round two! You already…." She paused and took a deep breath. "You… already bungled one round-."

"He choked Nemo. Don't sugar coat it." Penny drawled before sauntering past them both, her hands clasped behind her back. "You went and muddled it up baaaaad boyo." The Galarian accent just seemed…to make it all the worse. 

Could Arven sink into the ground yet? 

"I panicked!" He defended himself. "What, have you never panicked before, Cassiopeia!??" He snapped. Penny didn't take the bait however. 

Oh no she only crossed her arms after puffing up her shoulders artificially. 

"You know Juliana-." Her voice had taken on a deeper edge. "You really are my-." 

"Oh no, Penny, don't make us relieve it again." Nemona groaned. 

"My best friend ." Penny's deep ( mocking) tone finished. Nemona groaned and threw her hands up. Arven… Arven just slumped against the chair. 

"I panicked !" He whined.

"We know ." The two girls talked in the creepy sync that had begun to emerge over the last week without Juliana around. 

"Unbelievable." 

"Do you have any idea how hard it is to fix a match up and not make it look suspicious!" 

"Yes."

"... I heard nothing." 

There were times Arven really wondered about his life choices. Don't get him wrong- he wouldn't trade his friends for the world- Penny the pipsqueak, President Nemona and …. His precious little buddy….Juliana . 

Just… okay here's the thing: 

The four of them had all become thick as thieves after that Crater Incident, inseparable, and swearing to always be there for each other, and as Juliana had declared. 

We will never ever feel alone again! 

And so it had begun, just days even after they'd been given the all clear from Miriam to travel outside the academy walls, Juliana had been off on a mission from Geeta (... suspicious but whatever) - Penny had begun to help re-acclimate  Team Star ( who actually weren't that bad ) to school life again and Nemona had thrown herself into planning the tournament. 

And Arven…. Well… 

Arven had had….a lot of thinking time. 

Too much. See, when Arven had too much free time …. That was when this sixteen year old hiking fanatic, future chef extraordinary…. Got himself into trouble. 

He had begun by trying to trace back well… his mother's story. Why? Err as Penny had finally (albeit  gently) called him out on-  Arven had a bit of a self loathing streak -which hey she understood, she'd do it too, but yeah don't do tha t- and then Juliana had caught him in the library and called him out so fast over how fake his smile looked well….yeah. 

Admittedly not his finest moment. 

Then , he had come to the conclusion his destiny lay in the kitchen! And his life was so much happier now, and who had helped him come to that conclusion but Juliana once again! 

And….the longer she'd been away doing her mystery errands for Geeta ( doing La Primera's busy work ) the more Arven… 

Well… here's the thing- she uh… his little buddy, his most precious friend….who was also a girl….who had a stunningly beautiful smile he'd realized abruptly with a start one day upon skimming through his photos and settling on a picture of himself and the lovely trainer who…he had realized with a start he….

He couldn't stop thinking of her. She popped in his head at any given moment, from even the smallest thing. 

Arven knew he was in trouble when he'd caught himself staring at the little glob of jelly that ended up on her face from a rather large cream and jelly sandwich she'd gone and made herself ( mostly to piss him off because she was a mischievous shinx his Juliana) and suddenly Arven had had the incredibly strange urge to wipe it off(!) 

....with his mouth. 

Thankfully common sense had prevailed and he just had  pointed it out like a normal person versus leaning in and randomly kissing his little buddy's adorable nose out of nowhere and-. 

And then it had hit him. In a single devastating yet incredible moment. 

It had just…hit him.

Arven… was in love??? In lust? No…no it was love.

He knew the difference! Yes she was beautiful! No denying that but it was something more just…. Just it was everything! Her smile, her wit, her determination, her hair, her eyes, her grit her …just everything. 

No, there had been no doubt ( and still wasn't, Arven was just an idiot but….more on that in a second) 

Mabosstiff, ever wise and sagely with wisdom had…just kind of grunted, rolled his eyes it seemed before going back to sleep when Arven had with a jolt told him. 

… looking back maybe Mabosstiff wasn't the best choice, he was kind of a no nonsense, eternal bachelor at heart. Which once upon a time Arven had thought he was too and then…yeah suddenly it all clicked into place and impulsive thy name is Arven(!) 

Because what had he done but hunt down his so called best friends the next morning, found them both in Penny's cave ( her dorm that he was seriously going to take the biggest vacuum cleaner to, despite her protests ), and upon loudly slamming the door open had declared 

I think I'm in love with Juliana! 

And…. Nothing.

Even Nemona, ever excitable Nemona, hadn't even reacted , and normally she would react to just a sighting of like…a Lechonk outside the city gates or something. 

Had they even heard him? Did she have ear buds in? Both of them? 

He'd tried again- poor naive Arven. Now he had quietly and with a bit more dignity declared it again. No reaction, Penny was just skimming her phone and well if that hadn't been rude- 

"Hello? Did you hear me?? I said, I think I'm in love with Juliana?!" 

Both girls had turned their gazes to him. Clear and now known to be nothing but sheer omens of doom. 

"We know."  

Nemona had finally spoken and then more horrifyingly had  then clasped her hands together and giggled - could there be a more horrifying sound in all of Naranja Academy?! 

… well yes but not the point. 

Oh no, the point was that one moment Arven had been in awe of this incredible moment of realization the next he had begun to be lectured by the both of them with some highlights including: 

So glad you've finally decided to join the rest of the class amigo, 

No one compares to my little buddy and I's origin story, oh no shit Detective Looker. 

I know I'm "battle crazy" Arven, but I'm not dumb! 

Seriously, the shoujo tropes the two of you act out daily is almost exhausting. 

Oh tell me about it. Between the both of them. I swear. 

You're telling me. Wait you know what shoujo is? 

And so on and so forth until Nemona had in typical class president fashion, taken charge of the situation. Because of course she did. Because Arven was Ghiratina's favorite pin cushion, and even Cressalia's blessing could not save him from the whirlwind that was Nemona on a mission. 

And what was her mission alongside her new trusty "sidekick"? 

Well if you asked Arven it was to be his worst nightmare and at long last get revenge for harmless preschool pranks but apparently it was more: she wanted both of her friends to be happy(!) 

(If that wasn't a load of Tauros shit- this was because of the macaroni art fiasco from kindergarten admit it!) 

And somehow….somehow in that very smart (vindictive)  brain of hers she'd decided the best course of action had been-! 

"A pokemon battle of course!" 

….of …course it was 

Her logic ( if one could call it it that) has been as followed: By showing himself a worthy opponent but also one who lost graciously, Juliana would be so impressed he had made it that far- [ there hadn't even been a mention of Arven not losing but details ] - that once he lost [ ….once again…details ] she would be so impressed that it wouldn't be at all strange for him to ask to speak to her privately and voila! Problem solved!

Though Penny ( the traitor) had actually gone along with it - claiming that: 

"Juliana is a fighter Arv'. And she likes you too….oh don't act so shocked. You… do know right? 

"... uh…." 

"Arven? You're not going to sit here looking like a Deerling who just walked into a Houndour den. You do know Juliana likes you right?" 

".... Uhhhh….?" 

"Do you?" 

Arven had then been told simply to go train! And Nemona would take care of the rest(!)

Before being summarily dismissed and… ...He…may or may not on the return to his dorm done a happy little dance like an idiot but only Mabosstiff had been witness to that and he could trust his best Bud to keep his secrets! 

He had trained and trained, his battle studies grade certainly went up… until the day had finally come. Nemona had done her job well when she'd handed him his ticket: 

FIRST ROUND: Arven Sada vs Juliana Scarlet 

( Fight with all you got, you have this amigo!) 

The "random" match ups for the first round had been made, Arven had fought his precious little buddy with everything he had just to prove himself a worthy equal (!) ….and at the moment of truth when he had lost on schedule and they were shaking hands and she'd smiled and looked so…. So pretty and wonderful and everything Arven so adored…. 

He'd choked. 

He'd gone down the "little buddy hole to the depths of the distortion zone" and for good measure had buried himself with the Earth from Groudon's den by letting out the two most stupid words ever to escape a smitten boy's mouth in the history of Paldea. 

Best. Friend. 

Oh he hadn't even needed to hear Penny or Nemona's gasps of horror drowned out as they were by the cheers from Juliana's adoring fans, oh no even Arven upon realizing the words that had condemned him had indeed slipped from his own mouth, could only slap his own palm against his forehead, had felt his eyes widen with horror under his hand as he'd seen Juliana's eyes also widen abruptly then… dim just as quickly before she'd thrown him a big determined (fake)…smile and fuck of course Arven had left. 

He'd run and hid like a moron. He didn't even bother to watch the match against Juliana and Jacq. Nope. NOPE. Not even when Penny had found him and let him have it just nope… NOPE. Arceus' preserve him he could have almost sworn the damn Brute was even giving him the side eye just- damn it all! 

Two horrifyingly awkward weeks later, Juliana had won the chance to go on the school trip and now… now they wanted him to try again? 

"I really think I'd rather go live with the Cetitans." Arven mumbled. He even had a flute recording saved to his phone. He was fully prepared ( this time). 

"Oh you wish you had that option!" Nemona declared. 

"I do actually." He drawled. "It'd be less mortifying ." 

The look was less than friendly. "Well, too bad, I'm not going to let you just give up!" 

"Of course you're not." Another mumble. Another snort from next to him. 

"Arven, in all seriousness, we just want you both to be happy." The hacker shook her head before adjusting her glasses. "Juliana has been… irritable herself lately…" 

"I thought it was because of that Blueberry crap." Arven mumbled. He still hasn't decided what he thought about that kid yet, something about his eyes was….unnerving though. 

Or maybe Arven was just jealous. That was a possibility. He was human not a sentient toaster after all.  Though from her texts he had nothing to worry about, if anything she was….just as unnerved about the kid and his creepy eyes. 

Whatever, she was on her way home now with a new friend for Nemona to gush over and she would be safe and sound. 

Just all in all, everything would go right back to-. 

His phone reared up abruptly. 

Crater Crew Group chat: 

From: Little Buddy: I'm homeeeeeee - finally. Ugh can someone pleeeeeease carry me up the hell stairs? 🙏🏼

His cheeks warmed. Was that towards him? Who else could "someone" possibly be? Penny and Nemona sure as heck couldn't be...  

Badum. Badum. 

W-Well…. Err… um… 

"Well that settles it." Penny said with finality before standing up. "One of us should go pick her up obviously."  

 "She's probably exhausted yeah, those kids sound like a nightmare."  Arven crossed his arms. 

"Exactly." Penny shifted her glasses again. "Thanks for volunteering." 

Say what?  

"What- hey!" Arven was abruptly pulled up, out of the chair and Nemona just beamed. 

"Round two remember!" She pumped the air. "You're going to do great!" 

"What have I done to make you both hate me so much!?" He groaned. 

"Hm? Nothing." Nemona had the gall to look confused. "You should just obviously be the one to go greet Juliana." She shrugged. "Maybe take her for some lunch, that new noodle place just opened in the plaza." 

Noodles. Macaroni. 

Oh this evil little-! 

 BOOF! 

"WHAT THE-!?" He jumped back. "Aw c'mon Bud where'd you learn this bad habit!" 

A faint echo of a certain Brute's trill emanated through his brain and….right….never mind. 

Penny peered at him with that creepily intense stare, "You know Arven, there's a saying in Galar, when a zigzagoon wants to go to a berry tree across a lake, he first must go for a swim-." 

"...and why would a Zigzagoon…want to get its fur wet?" He drawled but he was ignored. 

"And now you Arven, must embrace your inner Zigzagoon so- Swim boyo!" Penny declared.

"Again why would a Zigzagoon- WHOA! HEY!?" The crazy chick was already pushing him towards the door. "Wait, is this some kind of metaphor?! Hey now! I thought we all agreed I was a lost cause-!" 

"No Arven." Nemona said with a huff. "You are not allowed to give up yet, this is your round two." 

"How many rounds are there?!" 

That big smile was absolutely….terrifying. "As many as needed. Off you go!" 

"....and what if I refuse?" 

Woof! Mabosstiff cocked his head before Arven was suddenly pushed and he was being….hey! What gives! Mabosstiff?! 

"Aw no, Bud not you too!!! Can't I just go hide in the mountains!!" He whined but the traitorous Pokemon just kept pushing him along. "Mabosstiff! Damn it- return-! What the don't dodge the beam! I am your trainer! You listen to me!" 

He was ignored. Penny, spritely as she was,also  had surprising strength and Arven was soon firmly shoved out the door. 

….right. 

Guess….it was time to go swimming? What the heck? 

His phone vibrated again. 

From: Pipsqueak 

Get swimming Puppy Dog. 

He blinked. 

"That is a terrible metaphor!" He yelled at the closed door. "And I thought a Zigzagoon was a weasel anyway!"  He threw his hands in the air but… 

…. fuck it. 

He sighed before taking out a leash from his school bag. "Alright, alright " he turned to his dog. "I'm going, I'm going, but are you at least going to let me walk like a normal guy with some dignity?" He held up the leash in question. 

Bow WOW! 

One wag of a tail and excited panting was his only response and Arven rolled his eyes before clipping the leash in place on Mabosstiff's collar - again not the most dignified solution for his Bud here but the collar stopped the bitching cold usually from library staff so whatever. 

"I swear Bud, I think you like Juliana more than me sometimes." 

BOOF! 

"What the- you're not supposed to agree with me!"

Mabosstiff gave no reply just went off in a dash down the hallway, and aw hell his leash! It was still tied to Arven's-! 

"Aw no… no! No Mabosstiff! Heel! Sit- SIT- MABOSSTIFF! MABOSSTIFF STOPPPPPP!!!!"

-o-o-o

The plaza was busy as usual and Arceus forbid they have been dropped off at the Academy, oh no, they had to become reacquainted with the Hell stairs first! 

Tch, screw that. Koraidon was ready to go at any time….except… 

Pon????? 

Ogerpon was clearly not ready to go back to her ball, oh no she was frantically pointing up and down, chirping in her adorable way and jumping about from one sight to the other like any overexcited toddler. 

Well, Mesagoza was a big city, especially compared to Mossui and most definitely a single lonely cave. 

So Juliana didn't assert her trainer authority and put the curious little one back into her PokeBall…even as…. Well 

"What the-!? Hey!" 

"Watch where you're going kid!"  

"What kind of mask is that!" 

"Watch where you're swinging that thing!' 

Pom Pom was very…. Eager what could Juliana say? 

"Sorry, sorry- Pom Pom, you can't just take." Juliana flashed her phone and the League points appeased the irate cart keeper who Pom Pom had filched a balloon from. 

"Your name suits you, you're as hyper as a yellow Oricario." She chuckled and the Pokemon just made another cry and pulled her towards her newest find.  A fountain next to an ice cream cart. Oh of course. 

BOOF! 

"MABOSSTIFF- SLOW DOWN!!!!" 

Arven like clockwork was being dragged by the huge dog like a ragdoll, PokeBall now obviously useless and the leash wrapped around Arven's wrist was but a formality. He was clearly on the scent of something-? 

Badum .

Oh it was just a coincidence, he wouldn't have actually come…right? She'd only written that as a …joke? 

Juliana put a hand up listlessly and those bright gold eyes flashed before with another bark the Pokemon suddenly turned clean around and dragged his poor trainer the opposite direction. 

"W- Wait Mabosstiff! STOP! STOPPPPPP!" 

She cocked her head and Ogerpon mirrored her when at last the huge pokemon slammed on the brakes right in front of her, tail wagging and grinning away…but physics…physics were a thing. Oh yes, the laws of inertia were cruel indeed.

The Big dog had stopped…but alas the trainer didn't. 

A flock of lounging birds flew off in a fright when the sixteen year old went crashing into their bath with a huge splash and equally loud snarl in Paldean, his rophone hovering listlessly just above the carnage to save itself from getting wet as well as….yes yes that ghost was definitely recording something…. 

"A-Arven! Arven are you okay?!" She yelped before the handso- err uh- cute-... AESTHETICALLY PLEASING- blond head of her crush err….best…. friend (!!)  slowly rose up from the water.

Mabosstiff gave a little bark before leaning up against the side of the fountain. Tail wagging with another loud Woof! Arven turned to meet his delighted dog's gaze

"Return." He said lowly holding up a PokeBall before he turned his attention to Juliana. "Hi….little buddy… welcome back."  

She should have said something, anything really but… her voice wasn't cooperating. Um… ummm…. 

PONNNNNN!!! 

Ogerpon cried out excitedly before taking a flying leap into the fountain and splashing around. 

"P-Pom Pom!" She yelped. "No, no, we don't splash around in city fountains it's-!" She trailed but Arven finally sent her a wry smile before pulling himself out of the fountain and that shirt was clinging to him like a second skin and oh Jirachi have mercy Juliana was in trouble… 

"Well hiya there. You must be Pom Pom, I've heard a lot about you." He was bending to be face level with the startled Pokemon who had ceased her splashing. "Yeah I know playing around in fountains is a blast but-." And like nothing Ogerpon was now the one plucked out and set down on the ground where she just looked up at Arven's big toothy smile with such a look of awe. 

I know the feeling sweetie...

"I think we gave your trainer enough of a scare, sorry little buddy." Sliiiiice. "Didn't mean to make such an….entrance." 

Badum 

"Oh uh…no problem Arv' as long as you're okay…?" 

"Me? Nah, hey I needed a shower anyway." He paused briefly, his eyes got big and his mouth seemed to twitch for a moment….odd. 

"Anyways! I hear someone might be feeling a bit lazy and doesn't want to take the hell stairs." He snickered. Damn him. 

"Mercy…" she muttered. For so many things. Not just stairs from the mind of a sadistic twisted architect. 

"Yeah I figured, c'mon." He bent over, "Paldea's most exclusive taxi service at your service." 

Don't. Don't Juliana just don't-! 

She giggled. Damn it(!!!). Oh she was such a lost cause. 

"But you're all wet." Another giggle. Damn it. 

"Well that wasn't the plan no, Mabosstiff….just missed you a lot I guess." He averted his gaze. 

"Just Mabosstiff?" She murmured and his gaze shifted even further. 

"Well … I mean …" 

PONNNNNNN

A little flash of green and Ogerpon had just gone and leaped onto his back and he stumbled a bit. 

"Whoa now! It's not very polite to jump on people without permission!" He scolded but Ogerpon just held on tighter. "Now now, your trainer is the one that wants a ride you can go in your PokeBall, c'mon now." 

No dice. She just settled more. Saved by the Pokemon. 

"Well that's that." Juliana giggled. "Maybe I'll just catch the next one." 

"But you're tired?" He protested. 

"Oh pft, like you said I'm just being lazy-."

"I didn't mean it like that-!" He yelped and she giggled before waving it away and made a good show of not staring at the white button down that still clung to him like… okay but now that she was thinking about it now she was-! Oh darn it! 

… but it was going to be fine… just… 

"Oof! You've got a grip on ya don't ya sweetie? Try not pulling the mane though, it's purposefully disheveled you know." He tossed the fringe back case in point.  "Oh by the way, I like the new hair. It's… real cute, it suits ya little buddy ." And then he….winked at her because…of course he did and….

…. oh….why me. 

-o-o-o

From: Pipsqueak 

Okay I did NOT mean literally go swimming  Arven…effective I'm sure but not my intention. 

From: Prez 

It's okay I'm sure round three will work better! 💥

From: Arven 

Can I go up my mountain yet?

Chapter Text

Part II

Of Mice and Pom Pom 

O-o-O 

"She's a spritely little thing isn't she?" 

"You have no idea." 

Arven chuckled and shifted the Pokemon still perched on his shoulders as they walked, Mabosstiff had again popped out of his ball without permission and walked by Juliana's side adoringly, the leash in her hand was slack without a pull to be had. 

Traitor. 

Arven blamed the Brute's influence honestly, but at least he wouldn't have to worry about his little buddy being dragged off to the wild blue yonder either. 

Pon! Pon Pon!! 

Ogerpon, as Juliana had called the Pokemon just knocked on Arven's head and pointed wildly at every new sight to be had, so far they'd had to go look up at a large statue, stared into a few shop windows which Juliana had vetoed going into immediately. Her face had been somewhat flushed and she had patted her pocket… odd. 

Though it became clear as to why when Pom Pom here had pointed happily to the Sunburst Cafe's large flashy sign at the top. 

"Later honey, I have to go to the bank and get some league points converted." 

Arven raised a brow, "You low on cash Little Buddy?" She stiffened. 

"Well… yes technically but nothing a semester of battling and a treasure hunt won't fix!" She laughed….uneasily. He frowned and folded his arms. 

"Seriously?" 

"It was the right thing to do." She mumbled and cleared her throat. "But it's fiiiine, just let's get back to the dorm and I'll buy something from the student shop- eh Arven what are you doing?" 

Being an idiot. That is what he was doing but whatever, that school shop was filled with instant crap that would no doubt wreak havoc on both of their immune systems - again how Penny was still alive was a mystery- but… nope. 

He took her wrist anyway and pulled her away from the cafe. 

"C'mon, there's a grocery down the street." 

"Grocery? Do they take League points?" 

He gave her a withering look. "You don't actually think I'm going to let your first meal back home and this little one's first Paldean meal not be an Arven original do you?" 

He was going to ignore the sudden pink flush to her cheeks because … because he just was and that was that! 

O-o-O

To: Juli- Champ

From: Best friend Rival ❤️

Ohhh Juliana!!!! When can I meet your new friiiiiiend??? I wanna see how strong they areeeeeee 

From: Juli-Champ 

Ohhh Nemonaaaa- you can come to meet her nowwwww - lol - seriously we're in Arven's dorm he insisted on cooking us lunch! Cause you know we're best friends…? Haha?   🙃 

From: Best friend Rival ❤️

OH? 

From: Best friend Rival ❤️

Uh… hold that thought 

From: Juli-Champ 

??? okay ? 

O-o-O

To: Eevee

From: Pawmott 

UM 

From Eevee

I know. I heard. He is flipping a crap because and I quote  " WHAT DID I JUST DO?!?!??!"

From: Pawmott 

… so I guess we should wait to meet the new Pokemon? 

From: Eevee

Yes 

From: Pawmott 

AWWWW :(( I want to battle it!!! 

From: Eevee: 

Best friend Nemona. 

From: Pawmott 

Never mind good point 

-0-o-0- 

 Arven's dorm was decidedly… yellow. There was really no other way to describe it. She'd never known someone who liked the color so much but his bedding, his cabinets hell then again his raincoat even had yellow accents. 

The guy just liked the color yellow. 

Juliana had again just never met someone who liked a color so much haha - haaa…. Why no of course Juliana wasn't distracting herself by paying way too much attention to a damn color versus the fact this was the first time she and Arven Sada had been alone since he had broken her heart- err declared their friendship um… never mind. 

Nemona wasn't answering, Penny wasn’t answering - she was abandoned. Betrayed! 

….okay seriously why was Arven so obsessed with this color? His damn dishes were yellow! 

Who the hell has yellow plates!? 

You know, this was a good thing actually, seeing just how weird the guy was-! Haha! Could Juliana have endured the mere possibility of having to endure yellow plates for the rest of her life? Oh goodness no. 

So …soooo…. 

He'd probably have painted our kitchen yellow too… 

Honestly the only worse color he could have picked could have been - purple. Gag. 

She had a thing with Muk… they were uh purple and poisonous and…slimy so err yeah don't put purple in front of Juliana. 

She shivered. 

“Cold? Do ya want me to put the heat on?” 

“Please tell me you're joking.” She said dryly, Paldea wasn't as…. sticky as Kitakami sure but it was still hot as hell out and oh uh hello? 

Arven raised an eyebrow, “Just makin’ sure.” One of these garishly adorable yellow plates was set neatly in front of her….over her shoulder. 

“New recipe, tell me what you think.” He gave her a wan smile and oh… oh damn it. 

I am okay. I am fine. It's just….

Curry. 

Of course it was a living blessing - of course once again Arven's cooking was a gift from Arceus to make up for the fact it had mussed so much of Juliana’s life. The faint hints of spice melded with a perfect combo of heat and savory and ohhh even the rice was perfect texture. 

She almost moaned into the spoon and he jerked back so fast he bumped the chair. Oops. Right, they should probably establish… err rules? 

Except wait? Why? It wasn't like there had been anything between them anyway so… soo… 

“Sorry.” He mumbled as he resteadied the chair. 

“Don't apologize your uh…food really is… amazing.” Case in point she took a big heaping pile of this most amazing curry into her mouth- mmm mmm MMM! he smiled at least  so hopefully Juliana had saved the day-. 

“I'm glad you like it.” Arven finally murmured. 

“Of course I do!” Though with how stuffed her mouth was full of distraction - err uh delightful food(!!)- it sounded more like… wof cworse Wi dwoo! - ugh were her manners or lack of them the reason Juliana was trapped in the abyss of the damn friend zone- no no. No. 

Bad Juliana, that was not fair to him. Nope. 

She swallowed and took another spoonful. 

“You know there's plenty.” He leaned against the counter, “And if there wasn't I'd just make more.” He cleared his throat. “I uh… I like…cooking for you I mean.” 

Badum. 

“Oh really?” She let herself look up gradually but he had turned back to the stove. 

“Yeah. Any aspiring chef needs a willing test subject-.” POP . 

AGIAS. 

“... I said test subject not garbage disposal.” Koraidon bristled and ,his feathers flared up indignantly but in mid ‘protest’ Arven just shoved an already made sandwich in its gaping maw. The Pokemon blinked in surprise. “I always come prepared now go sit.” Arven said simply. 

Okay, now Juliana couldn't hold it in anymore, she giggled aloud like a damn ninny and he finally flashed her that big toothy grin just like old times. 

Only… now there was still that dulled kind of ache that lingered. So much for a two week retreat to get her mind off things but if anything with distance and time apart but now that smile was like the most brutal of stings, smacking her clean in the chest and….ugh. 

Get a grip Juliana. 

Heartbreak sucked. 

“Hm? You okay over there sweetie?” Arven interrupted her silly self pitying thoughts with a jolt, and … oh! 

Ogerpon was cautiously peeking behind one of the many boxes of fresh produce, watching Arven it seemed with interest but Juliana recognized the tell tale shake of those hands. Right, Trainer time, go oh woe is me the cute boy doesn't like me like that(!!)  later- 

Right now, priorities. 

“She's shy, I think she's hungry but doesn't know how to ask.” Juliana murmured. Arven frowned more before wiping his hands and walking over, Pom Pom seemed to shrink back at his approach. 

“Looks like she has food anxiety.” He squatted over. “Hey, it's okay, you're safe I promise.” 

“I think she survived off finding scraps and stealing… the village wasn't …very nice to her.” Juliana wrung her hands. 

Arven continued to peer intently at the trembling Pokemon, “I see.” A murmur. “Well, you should know Pom Pom that Chef Arven’s kitchen is always open, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week- you won't have to worry about your next meal ever again, how's that?” 

Pon? 

He beamed, “One problem though, I dunno what ya like to eat, sooo-.” He stood back up straight and cracked his back, before grabbing his second spare apron - because of course Arven was ultra prepared like that….and now apparently so was Juliana? 

Badum. Badum. 

“Your trainer is just gonna have to walk me through it.” He beamed and… was this a peace offering? Yes. That's exactly what this was. Her throat swelled, she hadn't lost her… best friend after all. 

Aw see, that nip didn't hurt as bad as the last one, Juliana mused. 

Maybe the dreaded friend zone wasn't so bad after all… yes… 

Juliana… Juliana could do this. 

It was fine. Everything was just… 

Pom pon PONNNN!!!! 

She blinked out of her selfish reverie and saw Pom Pom had indeed jumped in the middle of them both with the mask off (!!!) And was -! OH ARCEUS NO! 

“Whoa there! Watch my kitchen!? Where'd she even find a hammer!?” 

Immediately Juliana returned to trainer mode , and grabbed back the large ivy club from the Pokemon and she looked up at Juliana with big starry eyes that… trembled. 

“Pom Pom I get you're trying to help but this is a weapon - you can't just swing it around like a-.” She paused, “What were you even trying to do?" 

Arven folded his arms, “I bet ya she's trying to help with the dough-.” He cradled his chin. “You want to help Chef Arven cook don't ya sweetie?” 

Immediately Pom Pom chirped and Arven began digging in his kitchen drawer quickly before he held out…a rolling pin. (?) 

“Why don't you put the big bat away and try this one- it's a bit smaller.” He laughed nervously and Pom Pom chirped excitedly once again. “Oh I get it, you're just like your trainer ain't ya?” 

“That had better be a compliment.” Juliana drawled. 

“Little Buddy, you're, brave smart and strong…but you're also a teensy bit impulsive, you can't deny that.” 

She flushed. “...well yeah I guess-.” 

“Exactly, so- here watch me Pom Pom, see- you don't smack it - you roll it. Like this-.” He demonstrated. “Now you try.” 

Ogerpon gave Juliana another wary look and she nodded, “It's okay honey, do as he says.” 

Another small little whine but slowly the Pokemon began to roll and Arven nodded, 

“That's right- up, down, nice and easy - it's not going anywhere you got all the time in the world. And we can always start again if we need to. You're doing great.” 

Juliana could practically feel the glow in her chest as she watched just how gentle Arven was with the shy little Pokemon, his smile never wavered and his eyes glittered, he was in his element clearly and oh… oh the way the Beautiflies in her stomach danced. 

“See! That's it!” He threw a thumbs up. “Exactly like that! Good job! Perfecto! ” He clapped and snapped out of her trance, immediately Juliana began clapping too.  

“Good job sweetie! Now, listen to the Chef, what do we do next?” She threw him a grin and he returned a dazzling one back that…ugh no bad Juliana. 

Baaaad . 

Well Pom Pom was looking up at him like she had just discovered Heaven incarnate and - ha can't blame her for that and well…that was…one friend down - so two more to-. 

WHAM

“¡¡¡ HOLAAAAAAAA AMIIIIIIIIIGOS !!!!!” Nemona cheered from the door and all three of them jumped, Ogerpon especially cried out and …jumped in front of them- shakily oh so shakily holding the rolling pin like a hammer while Arven bundled Juliana close to him. 

“Could have sworn I locked that,!” Arven snapped. “Are you trying to give us all heart attacks!?” 

“But I did knock!” Nemo put an indignant hand on her hip. “Neither of you answ-.” And Juliana didn't like that look on her face just then. “Oh, am I interrupting?” Nor did she like that giggle. 

“What?” 

“Huh?” 

All at once however it dawned it seemed on the both of them as they realized that Arven’s protective instinct involved…his  arms around her  and- ohhhh Arceus. 

Juliana immediately untangled herself as Arven quickly folded his arms. Ugh this must have been getting annoying for him. She really did have to get a grip on herself… 

Stupid crushes. 

The poor victim of Juliana’s inability to just “ get over it” loudly cleared his throat. 

“Again. Door. Locked . Explain.” He said through grit teeth. Ugh it was worse than she thought. 

“You didn't answer?” Nemona scratched the back of her neck sheepishly. 

“We were cooking lunch.” 

“Didn't know cooking lunch entailed hugging.” Penny drawled from behind her, typing away on her phone. “Have a nice swim Ziggy?” 

Arven bristled, “Shut it.” He muttered as Penny's smirk only grew. 

“Ziggy?” Juliana was confused but Arven again stiffened when Penny started to answer. 

“Nevermind!” And cut her off immediately. “Just uh, stupid joke. well looks like I got two more mouths to feed sooo - be right back!” 

“Wha- wait Arven where are you - This is your -!!!??” 

Pon Pon??? 

Annnnd he was gone. Juliana slumped, 

“Dorm.” She finished sadly. 

“Oops.” Nemona muttered. Juliana just gave her a withering look. 

“You know it's hard enough being friend zoned on my end but I don't want it to get even more awkward Nemo!” The Champion Rank looked taken aback. 

“Juli-.” 

“Oh… my… Arceus !” Penny’s voice had gone up at least two octaves however and she was…on the floor face level with Pom Pom? 

“This….is the first Pokemon I've ever seen that has rivaled even the VeeVees in just how cute they are.” she sounded in awe. “What is the name of this glorious creature and may I pet it?”

“Penny , you've seen pictures already-?” 

“Irrelevant, pictures do not do this little darling justice!” 

Fair. Very fair. Ogrepon seemed genuinely taken aback though by Penny’s…somewhat out of character (?) gushing but then again this girl had approached a damn Scream Tail because she'd thought it was a Jigglypuff so honestly it checked out. 

Abruptly however Ogrepon was behind Juliana again, Penny cocked her head to the side, “...you weren't kidding, she is pretty shy… oops.” 

“I think it's more than that Amiga.” Nemona crouched down. “My name’s Nemo, you're Pom Pom right?” She extended a hand. “I've heard you are a very, very strong Pokemon and I can't wait to see what you can do, but that's for later.” 

Pon…

Pom Pom only huddled further behind Juliana’s legs. 

“You'd mentioned… you thought she was…” Penny murmured. “I hate to say it but it checks out Jules.” 

“Which is what we were afraid of.” Arven said from the door frame with a grocery bag in hand. 

“That was fast.” Nemona raised an eyebrow. 

“It's just the corner store.” Juli felt Pom Pom shuffle behind her to switch to hiding behind Arven’s legs, 

“Well someone clearly has a new friend.” Penny drawled and gave Juliana a wry look. “Arven you just have a way with the ladies don't you- ouch. Rude.” she rubbed her arm where Juli had ‘ accidentally’ elbowed her rather hard. 

With one more warning look though, she joined Arven and Pom Pom back at the counter. 

“Maybe she should rest in her PokeBall for a bit?” Nemona quipped. 

Juliana sighed, “She freaks out when I'm not in her sight though.”  

“Sounds like she's traumatized alright.” Arven murmured. “Poor thing.” 

He lowered a hand just above Ogerpon’s head but drew back from the flinch. 

“What exactly happened? I mean I know you told us bits and pieces but then that guy went berserk…?” Nemona frowned. 

“You kind of left us hanging that night Jules. You went off on a hunt and the next thing we knew you'd apparently made an enemy? And something about statues coming to life-?” Penny quipped but Ogrepon squeaked and hid her face further. 

“The so called Loyal three - but all they were was a bunch of damn bullies.” Penny bristled at that. “The story is vague but…” The Pokemon was still shivering too, best keep this brief. “...It's easy to read between the lines, you know?” Juli stroked the trembling Pokemon on the head. 

Nemona frowned, “I see…were they strong?”

“...very.” Juliana took a deep breath.. “Unnaturally I'd argue.” 

That churning gold hatred that had flashed in Kieran’s eyes crept up in her mind and she averted her gaze further from her friends’ entreating looks. 

“And seeing that I made some poor kid probably lose his mind cause I stole his ogre .” 

“A pokemon chose their trainer, it wasn't him, he can get over it, Pom Pom here is a sentient being, not a toy .” Arven said sternly. “C’mon Juliana you know that.” 

That damned shudder that went through her when he ever said her full name …that was a problem. Stop that. 

Badum. Badum. 

Stop. That.

The pressure on her hand made her freeze and though she didn't dare look, Arven’s grip only tightened. 

“You've been through the ringer, both of you. But you're home now and that's all that matters.” Another squeeze. 

Badum. 

“Exactly! And now Ogerpon can show us all how powerful she really is in a battle!” Nemona declared. “What do you think Juli!” 

“Can't she eat first? You know, have a break?” Arven drawled. “She's been in Paldea proper for what? Two hours now? She deserves a proper meal and to relax .” 

Juliana’s cheeks warmed slightly. Which ‘she’ was he referring to…Ogerpon. Of course. The Pokemon was the priority here and poor Pom Pom did look wiped. Case in point she did yawn aloud, oh the poor baby. 

Arven was….good at sensing stuff like that. 

She stifled another yawn of her own and Arven squeezed her hand again like the goodest bestest best friend in the entire world that he was(!) - ha….haaa…. 

Oh I am the worst. Two weeks wasn't enough. I'll just hide under my bed for another month. That'll do it. 

“See?” He drawled. 

“I do see but-.” Penny quipped but her eyes widened though she didn't say anything, odd. “But…you know Nemo… I think I remember something I left in my dorm, we should go get it… now. Right now.” 

Nemona frowned, “What?” 

“Yeahhh see I’'m afraid I'm on the next volume of … Zigzanyouki- and uh… I can't wait. You know those Ziggy demon antics.” 

Juliana raised an eyebrow but Arven tensed next to her. 

“Ziggy…oh… OH! UM….yes… that …one uh oh how silly of me I forgot I need to… give my dog a bath - right. Now. So um… yeah-.” 

“Nemo I thought Lycanrocs don't like water? You know…rock type?” 

“I know. It's uh ….for my new dog.” 

“Your…new dog?” 

“Yeah.” She was backing away. 

“What kind of dog?” 

“Uh… I don't know yet. I have to… go catch it….Right now. Yeah uh- see you later Pom Pom - we should battle sometime just not…now…. Right?” 

“Oh my Arceus how are you even-! Never mind- let's go.” Penny grabbed her arm. 

“What? It's true? She looks strong - ow! Penny that's my good arm watch it!! 

Slam  

“Okay am I just that jet lagged? Cause that was weird. Right” 

“Yep.” 

“What the hell was that?” 

“Our friends being themselves. What else is new.” He threw Juliana a wry smile and despite herself she smiled back and gave his hand another squeeze…wait… 

Her eyes trailed down and Arven’s followed and- oh hell! Ghiratina’s den of horrors - FUCK ! 

She yanked her hand free so fast it was like any cringe romcom only this was real life and thus it was mortifying. 

Arven hurried back to the counter and quickly resumed prepping whatever he had been making… and a quick gesture sent Juliana to go sit over at the desk. Clearly dismissed from kitchen duties and….oh…why her. 

Darkrai I could use one of your eternal sleep spells right now. 

“Hm…wait Pom Pom! No no- not like that - rolling pins aren't-!” 

SLAM 

“....mallets.” Arven finished glumly. 

0-o-0

Oh that was a disaster. 

Nemona frowned before pacing a bit around her dorm. The devastated look in Juliana’s eyes had pierced her like the worst kind of fury swipe and worse… it was deserved oh it was so deserved. 

Penny seemed lost in thought too, she was staring at her phone but not doing anything with it, wait … PHONE! 

That's it! 

Nemona summoned her Rophone from its nap and gave it a big smile even as it gave her a withering look. 

“Oh now stop it, it's not that big a deal, it was one little rainstorm.” 

The phone’s eyes narrowed. 

“I'll buy you a brand new case.” She cooed. “Newest model. Lots of sleeping room.” 

There was one more buzz of static but nonetheless the Rophone shifted to its side anyway. 

“Thank you.” Nemona said primly before scrolling through her contacts. Okay, how to go about this? Hmm. 

Dear Juliana, 

You should know Arven was not supposed to say “best friend” at the tourney. He choked. He's got a big crush on you but he's shy as anything. Go talk to him. 

Your best rival 

Nemona 

Hmm, yes that would do it and oh right so Arven didn't immediately go into a panic mode and go hide somewhere he better be alerted too. 

Dear Arven, 

You are aware Juliana has a crush on you too right? Now fix this. Go talk to her.  

Thank you. 

Regards, 

Nemona 

PS: I am still waiting for our promised battle.

Yes that would do it. The quicker this could be resolved the faster the important things in life - like battling- could be brought back to normal. 

“You look strangely smug.” Penny raised an eyebrow. Nemona just beamed at her friend and gestured to her Rophone. 

“Of course, I've figured out the solution to our little problem.” She clasped her hands together. 

“Oh really? Do tell.” Penny still sounded skeptical. 

“If I just text Juli about what Arven was supposed to say before he got scared, and text him that Juliana has been crushing on him then they can talk it out.” 

Penny’s eyes were wide and Nemona patted herself slightly on the back thank you very much because-.

“Nemo are you mad ?!” Penny exclaimed, wait huh(?) - oof! The girl seized Nemona by the arms and gave her a little shake. “That never works! Think for a second, look what already happened once! He choked and she ran away!” 

“They're shy?” Nemona argued. “But they're smart so they could-!” 

Penny continued looking at her like she had two heads. “No they're not - hello, fountain swim?” 

“That was mostly Mabosstiff though!” Nemona had to give poor Arven that, there was absolutely no controlling that dog in a full on sprint! 

Penny hesitated, “...okay fine - yes but what about what just happened in that dorm??” She continued. “Also Nemo my dear, dear friend: You have to catch a new dog to give it a bath? Really?” 

Nemona’s cheeks warmed before she coughed slightly, “I panicked.” 

“Clearly. But trust me, this…this is a delicate situation that needs to be handled with a certain…finesse.” She adjusted her glasses. 

“Finesse? Penny, they're our friends?” 

“I know that! And of course they are but they're also…” Again Penny adjusted her glasses, “Shy.” 

“That's what I said and that's why I also said we tell them the truth!” 

“And you really think Arven Sada is in any kind of emotional headspace to accept your word? That Juliana is?? No, Nemo it has to come from them to the other . One of them has to do it. Trust me I've seen this exact scenario many times-.” 

“But they'll never do it on their own!” Nemona’s shoulders sagged. 

“Oh now look who's seeing the light of reason, exactly my friend exactly- that is why we have to help them out.” 

Nemona again held up her phone but Penny shook her head. 

“Let me be blunt, if you send Arven Sada that text he will be so mortified that he fucked up so badly and Juliana will be horrified she made him feel that way in the first place, they will never speak to each other again. they have to come to realize it on their own.” 

“But that could take-!” 

“Tell me Nemo. Tell me.” the shorter girl folded her arms. “But all we can do is just…try to help them come to terms with it and hopefully, hopefully Arven will open his damn mouth before graduation!” 

Nemona flinched. “Graduation?!” 

“That or a dramatic objection at the altar. Either of them are capable of it honestly.” Penny said in a low tone. “Or worse, it is never said and they pine like two lost Tandemaus forever more.” 

“T-Tandemaus?!” Nemona gasped. “Oh Penny don't say things like that!” 

The horrifying image of two lonely mice, one with a messy haircut wearing an oversized backpack and the other girl mouse with a tiny fur braid at her side flashed through Nemona's mind.  

Especially when those two tiny paws reached out but just couldn't reach the other before The little Juli- Mouse turned to Nemona with big luminous tear filled eyes and - NO! NO NO! 

“No way!” Nemona balled her fists. “Not my best rival! No she is not going to be a lonely mouse! And not my floppy haired pal either! No no! We are fixing this Penny! What’s the plan!” 

Her companion looked deep in thought. “We just have to give them both an opportunity, you're right Arven and Juliana are smart they're just… two blunderers in love.” She cradled her chin. “Hmm… what to do, what to do?” 

She began to pace and Nemona followed her, “Penny a Tandemaus can't survive without its partner! It just gives up and dies(!!)” 

“Well it won't come to that Nemo, they'll just be….sulky.” Penny frowned. “And Arceus knows that would absolutely be hell to live around. Imagine that- a sulky Arven and Juliana.” 

All Nemona could see were  two Tandemaus lying limp on the ground with a hungry Houndour prowling over to them.  

She shook her head ( and that horrifying image away) - “That's why we are going to help them! You're always the one with a plan Cassiope ia - come on, what's Operation Tandemaus going to be like!” 

Penny raised a brow, “Operation….Tandemaus?” 

“Well what else do you want to call it?!” 

“Okay, okay point- just a bit on the nose…and it doesn't…flow very well is all.” With a small gesture of her hand, her Rophone came floating out gently with a yawn and immediately shifted to the side. No bribery necessary. 

Showoff . 

Penny was typing quickly, “Looks like Juliana put a meeting with Jacq on her calendar for tomorrow so-.” 

Nemona cleared her throat, “I didn't hear that.” Did no one remember Nemona was class president, student council- hello? 

“Probably talking about the Kitakami trip. Must be her report.” The hacking that Nemona was not witnessing continued. “Looks like Arven’s Cooking class ends at the same time…so..” 

“Do you have both their schedules on your phone?!” 

“Of course, how else do we know where we all are?” She said it so simply. 

“Wait we? Do you have mine in there?!” 

“... Well knowing Arven he’ll want to show off his new skills … and cheer Juliana up with them because someone is a soaking wet Zigzagoon.” 

That…did not answer my question.

“Mm, perfect, we’ll just meet with Juli after her meeting and head to dinner after.” Penny was still typing. “Easy.” 

Nemona frowned, “Is it really?” She mumbled. 

“Yes.” There was a chill in the air abruptly and she shivered, odd. “Very much so, I've seen this play out enough times, they’re just shy and being dumb.” 

Again that poor lonely Tandemaus just kept looking up towards Nemona with those big,big, big teary eyes and gestured at her empty paw. 

Oh… oh this couldn't be happening, how could Arven have been so…so… So dumb!? 

It had been foolproof! 

Clearly not Arven proof, that had been mistake number one(!)- Nemona grit her teeth once again, she'd left nothing to chance, had rigged that dark match up and everything, watched a surprisingly intense battle so all of that nonsense about Arven not being a good fighter (!!) was absolutely a lie by the way and as soon as this little problem was resolved than they'd be moving on to Arven’s egregious lack of will to improve his Trainer standing! 

If there was one thing Nemona could not stand it was wasted potential. Her Father had drilled the need for healthy ambition and the joy of constant improvement into her, she could therefore hardly stand idly by and watch a boy who was clearly a gifted trainer not do anything about it! 

Plus Arven was her friend! The floppy haired Tandemaus was also pining away sad and lonely in Nemona’s mind! 

This was very much a problem that needed to be solved! 

Penny finally looked up from her phone, “You don't have to look so glum you know, Arven might be a wet Ziggy right now and Juli isn’t much better yeah but they're crazy about each other.” She put a finger up, “And I don't care how stubborn you are,that kind of tension is something even two Slowpokes like them will have to notice It's simply impossible not to!” she paused. “Eventually.” 

“You hesitated.” 

“Damn it I did didn't I?” Nemona’s bespectacled friend groaned, “Okay, so yes, yes I agree we are going to have to help speed this along for both their sakes.” 

“Tandemaus…” Nemona mumbled and Penny finally looked a bit alarmed herself before she abruptly cleared her throat. 

“W-Well… well it won't come to that, because we won't let it! Operation Tandemaus begins now!” 

So now the name was acceptable. Mmhm. She raised a brow at the hand extended towards her. 

“Is this our own operation then?” 

“Indeed I think it is.” 

Their hands clasped firmly. 

“Hopefully this time it goes a bit smoother than the last.” 

Again that slight shiver went through her as the grip abruptly tightened and that glimmer that could only described as calculated chaos darted through the small girl’s eyes. 

“Oh it will my friend, you can trust me on that .” 

Again the…slight chill went through her but Nemona was in shorts so that was probably it. 

Penny wasn't evil - she was just…clever in an increasingly frightening way the more stories Nemona heard about her new friend from Galar, but hey, everyone had their quirks! 

Not forgoing the fact that again this was another case of endless potential not being realized! The Eevvlutions this girl had on her Pokemon team were extraordinary! When they'd chased the paradoxes down in Area Zero to give Arven and Juliana the time they'd needed to get in the lab. 

They…didn't talk about the moment they'd found Arven bloodied up and alone outside surrounded by increasingly vicious Paradoxes with no Juliana in sight. It had been a silent mutual agreement between the three of them.

The three of them had worked as one, driven the territorial Pokemon back so they'd gotten down the elevator just in time, watched Juliana save the world and then had even gotten back in time for afternoon bell! 

Just…a grand old treasure hunt ha…haaa. 

“Did you hear him last night?” 

“...yeah.”

“Is there anything we can do?” 

“I don't think so…” 

There was a touch on her shoulder, and she met Penny’s gaze evenly, in a silent showing of mutual support. I know what you're thinking about. 

“He’s just dumb.” Penny murmured. “She's just dumb, they're both dumb.” 

“That's where we come in right? “Operation Tandemaus.” 

Penny snorted slightly but threw her a wry smile. 

“Cringe but acceptable.”

Another firm clasping of hands. 

There would be no lonely mice on this champion rank’s watch! 

Nope none at all! 

0-o-0

The classroom was empty at least, and Juliana just folded her hands in her lap as she sat awkwardly at her desk. 

“Fascinating.” Jacq continued to peer at Ogerpon who was happily chowing down on an apple and didn't seem perturbed about being well, studied.  “Imagine that Miss Juliana, a brand new previously undiscovered Pokemon right here in our Academy! It's just unbelievable!” He gushed. 

Juliana just bit back the bemused smile that threatened to escape. As she caressed Koraidon’s ball that hung safely from her neck. 

Guess Paradoxes don't count. 

Or perhaps La Primera had been successful in her promise to keep everything ( and everyone) involved with Area Zero…indeed secret. 

Indeed, shortly after the four master balls had been given to them, a showpiece of good faith, it was like the entire incident had just vanished from record. 

The Professor's funeral had been a quick and grimly efficient affair. Arven’s well being for once had been put first and the decision had been made to honor the boy's wishes for a short, quick and private goodbye. 

Professor Sada had been so isolated at the end of her life that the official statement saying it had been her wish to be quietly cremated had been believed and…that was that. Like it had again never even been. 

On paper. 

Arven's psyche… that was something else entirely and Juliana admittedly was growing more  concerned by the day the longer he was so determined to be in high spirits. 

What had even happened to the real Professor Sada? They'd scoured the lab, for even the smallest trace of her but there has been nothing.  

Absolutely Nothing . 

Juliana hadn’t been ready to give up but the mere mention of any of them going back down there for any reason had been met with the harshest most baleful stare the aspiring chef was capable of and that had been that. 

Even if…. Oh never mind. 

“Miss Juliana?” She blinked and Jacq gave her a perplexed look, “Did you not hear me?” 

“Hm? Oh sorry sir, I have a lot on my mind…” 

“Ah yes yes, I can imagine so! Being the guardian of a previously undiscovered species-!” 

Again, did Paradoxes not count…? 

“It was an adventure sir, yes but um- about my report?” 

Jacq blinked before he snapped his fingers, “Oh! Oh yes of course!” He finally began looking through the report Juliana had spent hours on, just some extra credit to make that whole debacle worthwhile for everyone involved… 

“I wanna fight! I want the Ogre to come with me!” 

She shivered slightly and folded her arms, not to be outdone Pom Pom mirrored her, like a little copy cat. 

Even… toddler like. 

Was she fully evolved? What even was this species? 

What is your story Ogerpon… ? Where….where did you really come from? 

Juliana kept those thoughts to herself but rested a hand atop the Pokemon’s head anyway. She felt the small shiver, and Ogerpon shifted again closer and slightly behind her. 

“Well Miss Juliana, just by skimming through this I can easily say you've passed the assignment with flying colors. Congratulations.” 

The trainer nodded. “Thank you Sir-.” 

“But I am wondering, what do you intend to do with your new friend over there?” 

“What do you mean?” She frowned. “Pom Pom is a member of my team-.” 

“Yes yes I know, I figured as much.” Jacq was almost heaving he was breathing so hard. “But Miss Juliana, you're a brilliant student surely you have realized the implications of this discovery!” 

“...discovery sir?” 

Jacq had grabbed a notebook and was quickly skimming it, Juliana’s report apparently forgotten. 

“Miss Juliana, you're interested in learning more about Pokemon are you not? Your passion isn't necessarily in battles?” 

“You could…argue that?” 

“Aha, yes I knew it!” He plopped the notebook down and Juliana saw … a photo of her amidst scrawled down notes? 

“I keep record of all my students, admittedly it's easier to remember your names if I have a face and a few unique facts to attribute to them and I remember your introduction quite well Miss Scarlet “ He picked it up. “ When asked why she was here by her peers Miss Juliana showed a unique fascination with the research side of Pokemon.” 

He closer the book in seeming triumph, “It's not very often that we have a student so genuinely interested in the behind the scenes aspect of the League. At least a student of your age.” He cradled his chin, “I had a good feeling about you from the very beginning but after having had you in my class as well as not to be too crass but being beaten by my own student, it's very clear to me you're a trainer of most unusual skill and I very much look forward to your Treasure Hunt summary in a few weeks-!” 

“I’m sorry Sir.” Juliana interrupted quietly, “I was excused from that assignment.” She mumbled, rather embarrassed. 

“Oh? Why….oh wait.” Jacq cleared his throat. “Ah… yes, yes of course.I was told to find you a different assignment due to…events of your treasure hunt being deemed err classified.” 

Jacq scratched the back of his neck,

 “I won't lie I figured your Kitakami report would do the trick and that's why I argued all four of you ought to go but I was overruled.” He sighed. “Something about fairness, but thats alright.” He beamed. “I think I have a better idea.” 

“....uh?” 

“I believe the first written record and biological study of a previously unrecorded species is far far more worthwhile venture than just a run of the mill book report don't you think?” 

She blinked. 

Jacq put his hands up, “Now before you answer, your Pokedex work has already worked wonders for my research and I can't thank you enough, that alone could count for the final honestly.” 

“Then maybe it should-?” She began but he interrupted her again. 

Jacq slammed his palms on the desk and Juliana jumped back,  “Miss Juliana! Imagine, the first biological record of a previously unknown species! A true Poke Cryptid!” He beamed. “You’ve shown a knack for Pokedex research already after all, look at your work so far!” 

Cataloguing previously known species is a different than an entire new one… 

She kept that logic to herself because she could tell it was going to go through one ear and out the other especially as her homeroom teacher grew more and more excited.

“It would be a big job but you've already proven yourself to be capable of great things Miss Juliana, from what I see in your treasure hunt summary.” He picked up another folder. “And you're one of my best students so who better!” 

She flinched. “Sir…I'm flattered but-.” 

“But?” 

Jacq still looked genuinely confused at Juliana’s hesitation. 

“Miss Juliana, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you. I know it's a lot but I have all faith you could-” 

…oh this is starting to sound ominously familiar.

Juliana put her hands up, “Sir, can't I just do a book report, something, or my summary of Kitakami, I just… perhaps you can do it, yeah Pom Pom seems to like you-!” 

Ogerpon peeked cautiously from behind Juliana's legs wait when had she ended up?? 

Her teacher gave her a small smile, “I think she'd be more comfortable with you Miss Juliana and it would be a great service to the Academy and Pokemon Biological community at large.” 

Yes but…  

Jacq gave her an odd look, While Ogerpon hugged her leg and chirped. Her homeroom teacher gave them both a wan smile. 

“You want me to conduct a study on Pom Pom.” She murmured. “Ogerpon…I mean.” 

“A bit more than that, but yes, that is the jist, ultimately it would be of benefit to you Miss Juliana, the more we understand about this cryptid.” He paused. “Forgive me Ogerpon, err what have you been calling it?” 

“ Her name is Pom Pom.” Juliana countered with a dry edge. “She picked it herself, by the way, she is very aware of what we are saying. She's extremely intelligent.” 

Jacq blinked before once again moving to peer closer at Ogerpon and Juliana kept a wary eye peeled for the hammer of doom as Penny had already dubbed it, having already been witness to the destruction of a bush ( and street lamp wreath) already. 

Unfortunately it seemed Juliana was not the only one who wasn't a fan of purple it looked like. Pom Pom's arguably violent reaction to the color was concerning…to say the least. 

But why though…? 

Jacq cleared his throat, “Yes, my apologies, Pom Pom, but I will argue that's exactly my point, the more we come to understand about her the better it will be for her in the future, dietary patterns, behaviors-.” Another throat clear. “impulsive reactions to…colors for example.” 

Juliana’s cheeks warmed but Jacq continued, 

“Obviously with a project this large and as your homeroom teacher I can and am willing to speak to your other teachers if necessary, perhaps this could be…a co-op between different fields of study even!” 

Juliana frowned but Jacq continued, completely engrossed in his wild idea that was growing more and more terrifying by the minute. 

Pom Pom cast a wide eyed look in her direction before huddling behind her once again. 

“Sir I don't think-!” 

She was ignored. Of course she was. 

“Can't I just do a book report….?” She mumbled but Jacq turned to her once again with far too bright eyes for comfort. Ha, funny, here Juliana had thought Raifort was the one to watch out for in terms of… questionably legal extra credit. 

Though… admittedly and as much as she didn't want to admit it .. a field study could be helpful to her, Pom Pom was a new species, and Juliana genuinely was learning as she went… 

Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea. 

Pon. 

The little chirp cooed from behind her again and Pom Pom smiled up at her

“... This would…become my make up project correct?” Juliana finally turned back to her homeroom teacher. “and it would roll over to next term then as…extra credit?” 

“Absolutely!” He gushed. “I can have a talk with Director Clavell by next week! We can figure something out don't you worry! Surely a man of science like Jeremiah Clavell will be able to see the merits of such a venture-!”

Cue the gushing. Jacq was one of those teachers that it was just impossible to say no to, it'd be like kicking a Maschiff puppy. 

“A champion rank trainer with an interest in biology, I never thought I'd see the day again.” He even wiped his eye. 

“Again…sir?” 

Jacq gave her a wistful sort of smile, “Professor Sada was a champion herself you know?”

Badumbadum

“Arven’s mother?” 

Makes sense.  

Jacq nodded, “The very same, what a shame… “ 

“Yes it's a tragedy.” Juliana said quickly. Automatically. 

Activating paradise protection protocol. 

“You're not getting in my way!” 

Jacq was too lost in whatever train of thought he was in to notice his student had gone still and he instead had begun pacing somewhat. 

“Imagine if the professor were to have been able to see a cryptid unknown species bonding with a trainer in such a way.” He shook his head. “It's just not fair.” 

“Yes.” Juliana shifted her feet. “I’m sure.” 

“You must run.” 

Jacq continued to give her a wistful look and even reached out to pat her hand. “You know… she would have adored you.” 

Ba. Dum. 

“O…oh?” 

Badum. Badum. 

“ Oh Arceus yes, she would have seen your potential immediately.” He beamed. “you…remind me of her honestly.” 

JOLT. CRASH. 

BADUMBADUMBADUM 

“ Adieu .”

“ Wait…wait don't go! MOM!” ” 

….Mom? 

. 

“Miss Juliana?” 

She blinked but then took a deep breath and took hold of Ogerpon’s hand. 

“Is that all Sir?” Juliana said quickly, and gathered up her bag. “I mean, do you need anything else from me?” 

Badumbadumbadum. 

“Oh, well no that is technically everything Miss Juliana, thank you for your time, I'll have a full rubric for your assignment-.” 

She whirled around and began striding to the door, Pom Pom chirped in alarm before running after her. 

“Thank you sir, I'll see you in class then.”

“I…of course Miss Juliana, Pom Pom, it was very nice to meet-.” 

The door closed and Juliana just kept her pace, A low chirp and a squeeze of her hand interrupted her, she frowned. 

“You've had a hard day, did you want to rest honey?” 

A yawn was the only response and Juliana pulled out the Heal ball immediately. It had done in a pinch when she'd been out of ultra balls. 

You remind me of her… 

Oh she was going to be sick. Oh Arceus, oh…oh God. 

She reminded people of… HER?! 

One of the most selfish, evil women Juliana had ever met?! Err…okay not met so to speak but… but… 

“Liar! You're a LIAR!” 

“Adieu…” 

Activating Paradise 

Protection Protocol

“You remind me of her…” 

“Little buddy?” 

She froze but made herself turn around anyway, Arven looked at her confused, “Everything okay? What did Jacq want?” 

“... Oh, uh yeah, I mean, just a dumb assignment.” 

“Oh yeah, the Trip report right?” He folded his arms, “It's such crap they went and classified our damn hunt, all four of us! What the heck!” The scowl grew, “I mean I guess my assignments or whatever have been excused which awesome, I guess… but it's hardly fair to you three.” 

“I think in the circumstances Arven it's understandable.” Juliana mumbled. 

“Why, because my Mom is dead?”  He muttered, “Well seeing as everyone has gone and told me how wonderful she was-.” 

Bullshit. 

“Tch, whatever, I’m gonna be the world's greatest Pokemon and people chef alike so who cares.” He shrugged. “But seriously, how'd the meeting go?” 

“It…was a meeting.” 

He whistled under his breath, “That good huh?” He shook his head again, “Sounds like you might need a pick me up, wanna go to Sunburst?” He pointed behind his shoulder with his thumb. 

Juliana was taken aback but Arven seemed…oddly determined about something. 

“I'm just saying, good food always makes me feel better so it should help you too.” He beamed and she just…blinked. 

“I…guess that's true, but-." 

“Exactly! Come on, my treat little buddy” 

Badum. Badum. 

His…treat? Wait… Sunburst? Alone? Could that be a-? 

“Arven! Juliana!” 

…. never mind. 

Nemona and Penny came striding over then. Wait- huh?! What the-? How Had they? 

“Glad we found you, how'd the meeting go? Oh hiiiii Arven, fancy seeing you here!” Nemona beamed. 

Penny snorted and continued typing away. 

“mm, yes Jules, do tell.” 

“Can we let the lady get lunch before you start interrogating her.” Arven mumbled. “Ya know.” 

“I think lunch is an excellent idea, I'm going to guess it's courtesy of you right Arven?” 

The aspiring chef just scowled at her. 

“Actually-.” 

“Of course it is Nemona, it's Arven. He never gives up a chance to show off his cooking.” 

He folded his arms, “Well seeing as between the both of you, your diets leave much to be desired you can't really blame me now can you?” He muttered before his shoulders slumped. “Alright, come on, I'll make us some grub.” 

Hm? Juliana gave him an odd look. 

“I thought we were going to-?” 

Arven just turned from her and headed back towards the Dorms and Nemona looped her arm through Juliana’s with a big smile. 

Guess… not? 

-O-o-O- 

Next time: 

Part III: 

Mission Luvdisc