Chapter Text
There was a heavy silence lingering like a dark cloud over the group of four teenagers walking back to Mesagoza. None of them had said a word since Nemona had suggested taking the long way back to school. Their bodies were tired, legs dragging and backs slumped with fatigue from their ordeal. Their heads were bowed, staring at the dirt path beneath them and the dust accumulating on their shoes. And worst of all, their minds were broken. Their brains were trying to process everything that had happened, but it was like recalling a nightmare. Finding out about the professors’ deaths…battling their AI…shutting down the time machine…being faced with savage Pokemon from the distant past and the far-off future…it seemed so surreal. But it was somehow all true. And it had nearly cost them their lives.
Juliana felt the wind blow the braid that ran down her back to the side, waving in the gust before settling along her spine again. She risked a glance over at Arven. Out of everyone in the group, she was worried about him the most. Arven had been forced to return to a place full of bad memories for him, only to find out that his parents had been horribly killed. Not only that, but he’d had to watch as AI wearing his parents' faces had battled Juliana with their terrible creatures to save Paldea. And then he had to stand and watch as AI Sada and AI Turo were lost to time. Juliana couldn’t imagine how Arven must’ve felt.
She looked to her left, where Arven was walking beside her, and felt her heart break. Arven’s eyes that were normally vibrant with passion were dull and drooping. His fists were clenched, as if he was hanging on for dear life to something. His mouth was hanging open, and Juliana could hear his breath shaking. She was surprised there were no tears in his eyes, but perhaps he was simply too tired to cry. Arven was like a house of cards - at any second, he could completely fall apart.
To Juliana’s right was Nemona and Penny. Nemona had been reduced to a shell of herself. The confident, hyperactive, optimistic girl Juliana knew her as looked timid and small. Nemona’s tan face was pale, and her eyes were unfocused and fearful. Juliana noticed her trembling, as if she was shivering from the cold. Nemona's left hand was fidgeting with a Pokeball.
Penny had completely zoned out. Her half-lidded eyes were staring at her feet as she absently kicked a small rock. She was hugging herself, her hands squeezing her arms. Penny appeared to be biting her lip, and occasionally let small sighs escape from her mouth.
A wave of guilt washed over Juliana like she’d been standing on the beach in Levincia. Neither Penny nor Nemona deserved what had just happened. Well, none of them had. But this was supposed to be hers and Arven’s mission. Juliana was the one who suggested they tag along. And now they’d been traumatized for it.
“Nemona, Penny…” Juliana said, breaking the silence, “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have dragged you into this.”
“Juli…” Nemona soothed, placing a hand on Juliana’s shoulder, “This isn’t your fault. You didn’t know what was going to happen. You needed help, so you asked for it. I’m glad I came along to help you guys, even if what happened was…disturbing.”
“It’s my fault.” Arven piped up, “I smelled a trap, but I still led us into it. I don’t know what the hell I was thinking. I’m sorry.”
“This is no one’s fault but the professors’. None of this would’ve happened if they hadn’t built their stupid time machine and sucked Pokemon that aren’t supposed to be here into our time. Seriously, what were they thinking?” Penny argued.
Arven sighed and grumbled, “I have no idea.”
“They were your parents.” Penny noted with a frown, pushing her glasses up her nose.
“Yeah, parents that abandoned me as a kid and left me to fend for myself!” Arven snapped, turning to look at Penny, “I told you how little they spoke to me! You think one day they just emailed me like, ‘Hey son, we’ve built a fucking time machine, and we’re-!’”
“Arven,” Juliana interrupted, placing a hand on his arm, “She didn’t know all that. We didn’t really talk much about your childhood in the crater, remember? At least, not as much as you’ve told me.”
Arven’s frown disappeared, and he bowed his head again.
“Sorry,” Arven mumbled, “I just…it’s been a long day.”
“I think that applies to all of us.” Penny murmured.
Arven, Juliana, and Penny jumped at the sound of a growling noise. Fueled by instinct, Juliana grabbed Meowscarada’s Pokeball. A wild Pokemon attack was the last thing they needed right now, but Juliana was willing to do anything to protect her friends. Heart pounding, Juliana felt her veins rush with adrenaline, like a Pyroar before pouncing. She was ready to throw her Pokeball and battle anything that dared challenge her. Hopefully it was nothing too strong.
“Sorry,” Nemona said with a grimace, “That was me. I didn’t have time to eat lunch before we left for the crater.”
“Arceus, you gave me a heart attack!” Penny cried as she lowered her arm that was also holding a Pokeball.
“Sorry,” Nemona apologized again, “Could we maybe stop for a bit and eat?”
“Sure,” Arven said, placing his giant backpack down, “I’ll make sandwiches for everyone.”
“Thanks Arven,” Nemona said, her voice slightly shaking, “I-I think I’ll look after my Pokemon. They’re probably tired after…everything.”
“Yeah, me too.” Penny mumbled, she and Nemona walking a few paces away from the group.
Juliana watched as Arven began setting up his picnic table and cooking supplies. He seemed frantic, hastily pulling cookware out of his backpack and setting them on the table. Arven’s eyes were still clouded, and his hands were shaking. Juliana felt like she was being hit with Pin Missile as she watched Arven suffer. The pain was aching inside, like she’d been poisoned. There was only one antidote to it. Juliana took a breath and approached Arven.
“Are you okay?” Juliana murmured, situating herself across from Arven.
“Huh?” Arven asked, looking up at her from cutting some vegetables.
“I…I’ve been better,” Arven mumbled, returning to his chopping, “But I’ll be okay. Don’t worry about me, little buddy.”
“Arven, what we just went through was a lot for all of us. Especially for you. I can tell you’re not okay. You haven’t stopped shaking since you left the crater!” Juliana countered.
Arven was silent, continuing to chop vegetables. His face had tightened into a grimace, and his eyes were beginning to shine. Juliana bit her lip and looked away. She hadn’t meant to cause him more pain.
“I just…I’m worried about you, Arven. I hate seeing you like this. Do you want to talk about it?” Juliana asked.
“I’d really rather not.” Arven replied, his voice strained as tears began falling down his cheeks.
“Okay,” Juliana whispered as she began walking away, “Let me know if you change your mind.”
Juliana crossed her arms and stared at her feet as she walked away. How was she supposed to get through to Arven? He called her his best friend, but he wouldn’t open up to her about his feelings. Even though those feelings were clearly hurting him. It was like Arven had metal spikes that were digging into him, but he wouldn’t let Juliana help him remove them. She’d thought they were closer than that, after finding the Herba Mystica and saving Mabosstiff together.
“Everything okay?” Penny asked, startling Juliana out of her thoughts.
Juliana looked in Arven’s direction and sighed.
“I’m worried about Arven. He found out his parents were killed, watched me fight robotic clones of them, and then watched the AI disappear forever. He’s clearly agitated about it, probably more than the three of us are. But when I asked if he wanted to talk about what happened, he refused. He said he was fine. But after everything, and knowing what he’s been through…I don’t see how he could possibly be fine. I thought we were close enough that he’d feel comfortable to talk to me about anything.” Juliana explained.
“It’s probably not personal, Juli,” Penny reasoned, “You said Arven was alone for a long time, right? He’s probably not used to having other people look out for him. Arven only had himself to depend on for years, so he built defenses around himself to keep himself going. Like putting up a firewall to protect a PC. Maybe he has trouble expressing his emotions because he’s so used to pushing it all down.”
Juliana was silent for a moment, pondering. What Penny said made sense. Juliana hadn’t considered that part of Arven’s upbringing when she was worrying about his feelings. Arven and Juliana were close. Hell, they were best friends. Arven wouldn’t push her away or shut her down if he didn’t have a good reason.
“Thanks, Penny.” Juliana said, her eyes moist.
“Maybe we should stop talking about the crater,” Nemona suggested, rising from applying a potion to her Lycanroc, “Clearly all it’s doing is making us miserable. Let’s do something to take our minds off of it, like…”
Nemona frowned, thinking. Seconds later, she beamed at Juli, a fire in her eyes.
“Why don’t we battle?!” Nemona cried, fidgeting with excitement, “Two of my Pokemon versus Miraidon and Koraidon! They’re both super strong! It’ll be an amazing battle!”
Koraidon and Miraidon perked their heads up at the sound of their names from where they had been laying on the grass. Koraidon gave a low, inquisitive growl and Miraidon made a curious chirp. Juliana could see the fatigue in their eyes, and they still had some marks on them from their last battle. Juliana instantly knew what her answer would be. There was no way she’d ever let her Pokemon be hurt, especially those two.
“I’d really rather not. Not after having to battle the AI and all the paradox Pokemon. Besides, my Pokemon are tired too. They need a rest. Especially Miraidon and Koraidon.” Juliana explained.
“Besides, it’s lunch time.” Arven interrupted as he walked up to them, pointing at the table where four plates with sandwiches lay.
“Agias!” Koraidon cried, it and Miraidon running up to Arven. Their mouths were open and eyes wide in excitement. Both Pokemon bowed before Arven like dogs asking to play. Drool was falling out of their mouths.
“Yes, I made some for you too.” Arven grumbled with a huff of exasperation. But Juliana could see in Arven’s eyes that there was less annoyance in them.
“We’ll battle some other time, then. Let’s eat! I’m starving!” Nemona cheered, running to the table.
“Are battles all that run through her mind?” Arven asked once Nemona was out of earshot.
Juliana smiled and shrugged as they walked to the table and said, “I honestly wonder the same thing sometimes. I guess that’s just Nemona.”
It was late in the evening when the four of them arrived back at Mesagoza. The sun had disappeared beyond the horizon, leaving behind only some fading oranges and pinks. The darkness of night was enveloping the sky. The street lights and neon signs were illuminating the city like stars. A cool late summer breeze blew through the streets. People passed and walked around the 4 friends, talking and laughing. Yet the 4 teens were silent.
They climbed the dreadfully long stairs to Uva-Naranja Academy, known by some as simply UNA. Nemona and Juliana complained the whole time, but Penny and Arven remained silent. Eventually, they all reached the wood doors to the academy, all of them winded and panting. Juliana pulled the right door open and led the group inside. The four of them instantly froze when they found what was waiting for them inside.
Director Clavell was standing feet away from the doors. His normally gentle face was frowning, accentuating the wrinkles on his forehead and around his eyes. Clavell’s arms were crossed. The piercing stare Director Clavell was giving the group could’ve cut through concrete. Other than the rising and falling of his chest, the man was as still as a statue.
After a few seconds, Nemona cut through the silence with, “Good evening, Director Clavell! How are you tonight?”
“I wish I could say I was well.” Director Clavell replied sternly, “I need to speak with you four privately. Please follow me to my office.”
Director Clavell turned around and began walking, the others following behind him. Juliana’s heart hammered in her chest as they followed the director down hallways and up more stairs. Juliana tried taking deep breaths to calm herself, squeezing her hands and biting her lower lip. After facing the Paradox Pokemon, AI Sada and AI Turo, and the machines in Area Zero, Juliana could handle a talk with Director Clavell. Besides, Clavell was a caring, wise man. He’d understand everything once they explained what had happened, right?
Director Clavell opened the door to his office and gestured at the four chairs facing his desk.
“Please take a seat.” Director Clavell instructed as he continued to his desk.
Arven, Juliana, Nemona, and Penny did as they were told. Director Clavell then sat in his chair across from them. The director glared at each student in turn before sighing, closing his eyes, and pinching the bridge of his nose.
“As I’m sure you’re all aware, our academy works closely with the Pokemon League,” Director Clavell began, opening his eyes and resting his hands on the desk, “Part of the Pokemon League’s job is to protect our region from danger and monitor any possible threats. Area Zero is considered one of these potential hazards. As such, the Pokemon League has installed hidden cameras with silent alarms throughout the crater.”
The director frowned and continued, “Today I received a phone call from the Pokemon League’s Office of National Security that four Uva-Naranja students had broken into and entered Area Zero.”
Juliana, Arven, Penny, and Nemona shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Nemona stared at her lap, Arven and Juliana cringed, and Penny looked at the floor beside her.
“I’m very disappointed in all of you.” Director Clavell explained, his frown deepening, “Especially Miss Nemona and Miss Juliana. As Champion-ranked trainers and the student council president, you two are expected to be model students. Our academy rules clearly state that Area Zero is off-limits for all students. This rule is in place to protect you all from sustaining serious injuries, or worse, from whatever perils lurk in the crater. And you four blatantly-”
“Director Clavell,” Juliana interrupted, “We can explain! Please, hear us out!”
The director sighed as he looked at Juliana and said, “I suppose it’s only fair that I hear your side of the story. I’m listening.”
“We didn’t go to Area Zero just for the hell of it,” Juliana began, “We were called there by Professors Sada and Turo…”
Juliana recounted everything that had happened to her and her friends in the Great Crater. From the four of them meeting up on the surface, to locating the research stations, to their split up, to reaching the “professors” and everything that happened in the lab. Nemona, Arven, and Penny occasionally interrupted to add more details to the story. As Juliana shared hers and her friends’ experiences, Director Clavell’s expression slowly shifted from stern to concerned and finally horrified. When Juliana finished the tale, the director’s eyes were as wide as saucers and his mouth was agape. Juliana herself had tears rolling down her eyes and felt her hands shaking as the trauma of her experiences re-emerged. Arven was staring at his lap, his face obscured by his long hair. Nemona was clenching her fists and taking deep breaths, her eyes squeezed shut. Penny had curled up into a ball, her arms wrapped around her legs. Her eyes were glazed and unfocused. The room was silent for what felt like years.
“...We…we have been getting strange readings from the crater for years now, but I never imagined…” Director Clavell eventually mumbled, staring at his hands clasped in front of him, “And…Turo…Sada…”
Director Clavell raised his head and made eye contact with Juliana.
“What happened to those creatures…Paradox Pokemon…after you shut down the time machines?” Director Clavell asked.
“They’re all still there.” Juliana answered, “The time machines only sent the AI into the past and future. The good news is, there won’t be any new ones arriving now that the time machines have been deactivated. The bad news is, all the Pokemon that were already brought here are still stuck in the present. The barrier around Area Zero is keeping them inside for now, but two of them figured out how to break free.”
The director was silent again, frowning in thought. Juliana wiped the tears that were falling from her eyes with her arm. She then rubbed Arven’s back with her left hand, feeling him flinch slightly. With her right hand, Juliana gently squeezed Nemona’s fist.
“I will excuse your adventure into Area Zero since you were invited in,” Director Clavell finally said, “But I need you four to promise me that you will never enter Area Zero again.”
The four teens easily agreed, and Director Clavell added, “I also want you all to promise me that you will never share your experiences in the crater with anyone. The consequences of this knowledge could be catastrophic. At best, foolish trainers would seek to enter the crater themselves to attempt to catch the paradox Pokemon and other rare Pokemon. At worst, the entire country could be sent into a panic at the idea of such powerful creatures escaping from the crater, and chaos would ensue. Promise me you won’t talk about Area Zero with anyone outside this room?”
“Promise.” Arven, Juliana, Penny, and Nemona said simultaneously.
Director Clavell nodded and stood, walking over to a filing cabinet.
“Erm, what are you doing, Director?” Nemona asked as Director Clavell opened a drawer and began digging around.
The director grabbed 4 objects from the drawer, and closed it with a loud metallic thunk. He then slowly walked back to his seat and sat down.
“You four are heroes.” Director Clavell explained, “Your actions saved Paldea from ecological ruin and thus the collapse of our nation. You deserve to be rewarded.”
Director Clavell placed an object in front of the four teenagers. Arven and Penny raised their heads to look, Nemona gasped, and Juliana’s eyes widened. Their rewards were Master Balls. Real, unused Master Balls. Their smooth, shiny surfaces reflected the electric lights above their heads. Juliana suppressed something inside her that she wasn’t sure was laughter or sobs. She’d always wanted a Master Ball, but not like this. How could she accept her dream treasure, knowing the terrible cost that had come with it?
“Are you kidding me?!” Arven asked incredulously, “You’re really giving this to us?!”
“I…” Director Clavell balked, “I’m sorry you’re unhappy with this, Master Arven. Would you prefer something else?”
“I don’t want something else!” Arven snapped, “I don’t want anything! Why would I want something that reminds me of the worst thing that’s ever happened to me?! I want this day to be over! I want to forget it all!”
Director Clavell sighed, his eyes sorrowful and full of pity.
“I’m sorry, Master Arven. I understand this must be a trying experience for you. I-” Director Clavell soothed.
“No, you don’t!” Arven cried, rising out of his chair with wet eyes, “You don’t understand a thing! You don’t know how this feels! You weren’t there with us, experiencing it!”
“Master Arven,” Director Clavell said evenly, “I am only trying to help you. I see you’re very emotional right now. Please, just take a deep breath.”
“Don’t tell me to relax! My parents are DEAD!” Arven yelled, tears running down his face, “They were fucking killed! Slaughtered! They died and I had no idea! And then their fucking AI clones nearly killed us and destroyed the whole region! They told me how much my parents loved me and then they got sucked in by their time machines and now they’re trapped in the distant past and future! I’ll never see any of them ever again!”
Arven collapsed back into his chair, placing his elbows on the desk. He put his face in hands and began crying.
“I’m terribly sorry for your losses, Master Arven,” Director Clavell said, handing Arven a box of tissues, “I didn’t mean to diminish your grief.”
“Grief?!” Arven asked, raising his head out of his hands. Tears were pouring out of his eyes, “For the people who neglected me?! Who abandoned me and left me to fend for myself as a kid?!”
“Clearly some part of you still loves them. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t be so distraught over learning about their deaths and watching their AI disappear.” Director Clavell reasoned.
“And you’re not alone anymore.” Juliana soothed, taking Arven’s hand as tears fell from her face, “You have Penny, Nemona, and I. We’re here for you.”
Arven nodded, not looking at Juliana and said, “I…I need to be alone. Can I go?”
“Yes,” Director Clavell said sadly, “You all must be exhausted from your ordeal. Get some rest.”
“Thank you, Director.” Juliana said as she and her friends got up.
Arven ran out of the room, sobbing, trying to dry his tears on his sleeve. Juliana, Nemona and Penny cried out for him, but Arven seemed to not hear them. Tears escaped from Juliana’s eyes watching him leave, knowing how much he was hurting. She imagined it was like Atlas carrying the weight of the sky. If only she could carry his pain for him. What Juliana would give to see him smile…
“Gwah!” Penny cried as she opened the door, startling Juliana, “Guys?!”
Sure enough, the Team Star leaders had gathered outside of Director Clavell’s office. All of them looked crestfallen, with tears in Ortega’s and Atticus’s eyes and Eri openly sobbing.
“We uh…” Ortega explained, wiping his eyes on his arm, “We saw Director Clavell leading you to his office. We were worried, so we followed you. We…we heard everything.”
“Thou acted with valor and thine actions were noble. Thee doth deserve reward summa cum laude.” Atticus praised, smiling despite his tears.
“Huh?” Juliana asked.
“He’s basically saying you guys are heroes.” Mela explained.
“Sorry, who are you?” Nemona asked.
“They’re my friends from Team Star.” Penny explained.
“What?!” Nemona asked, sharply turning to Penny, “You’re friends with villains?!”
“They’re not villains,” Juliana interrupted.
Juliana explained what had happened after they met Penny on their first day - getting contacted by “Cassiopeia”, Operation Starfall, “Clive”, and what they’d learned after defeating each Team Star boss. Juliana also described her battle with Cassiopeia, who turned out to be Penny, and what Director Clavell had decided to do afterwards using what he’d learned as Clive. Nemona’s shocked expression melted into sorrow as Juliana told the story.
“I’m sorry,” Nemona apologized after Juliana finished, “I shouldn’t jump to conclusions.”
“It’s alright.” Mela said with a shrug, “Not your fault we got a bad rep. At least you’re open-minded.”
“And now you guys are coming back to UNA?” Penny asked, adjusting her glasses.
Juliana did a double take in surprise. The Team Star bosses had traded in their boss battle outfits for UNA uniforms. Eri and Atticus had even removed their mask and face paint. The only similarities were their hair and shoes.
“We heard the bullies and the stupid teachers that supported them all left, and Director Clavell understands our situation. So, we thought we’d give UNA a second chance! When we’re not running our Star Bases, we’ll be attending classes!” Eri beamed.
“That’s great, guys!” Juliana cheered.
“Uh, sorry to interrupt, but is your friend - I think we heard his name’s Arven - going to be okay? Dude seemed pretty upset when he left.” Giacomo asked, a concerned frown on his face.
Juliana’s smile disappeared, and her eyes watered again.
“I don’t know.” she mumbled, “I hope so…”
“And you guys?” Eri asked, her face fearful.
“I’m not sure…I feel like I’m hanging on by a thread…” Juliana murmured, a few tears escaping.
Mela stepped forward and put her hands on Juliana’s shoulders.
“I’m so sorry for what you went through in the crater. I can’t imagine…” Mela said sadly.
She took a breath and finished, “We’re here to support you guys, if you’ll let us.”
“Really? You guys aren’t upset that I beat you all?” Juliana asked, glancing at the Team Star gang.
“It was a fair fight.” Giacomo said with a shrug and a smile, “We knew what we were gambling and we lost. And hey, in the end, you saved us from getting expelled. Plus, you seem pretty cool.”
They think I’m cool? Juliana thought, smiling internally and externally.
“Juli’s not cool, she’s awesome!” Nemona argued, beaming.
“Then looks like we agree on something already!” Mela said with a small smile.
“I hate to interrupt this budding friendship,” Director Clavell interrupted, looking at Team Star, “But since you all overheard what Miss Juliana and her friends told me about Area Zero, I’m going to have to ask that you all also promise that you won’t spread this information.”
“We promise.” The Team Star leaders vowed.
“Also, as I said, Miss Juliana, Miss Nemona, and Miss Penny need to rest after the trial they endured in the crater.”
“Sorry,” Ortega apologized, “We’ll leave you guys alone. See you tomorrow?”
Everyone went their separate ways after wishing each other good night and good sleep. But despite Director Clavell’s insistence, Juliana wasn’t sure how she was going to rest. She could still feel the adrenaline pumping through her system, making her muscles shake. Her mind kept hyperfixating on everything she’d went through in the crater. How was Juliana supposed to sleep with these problems?
Arven. Juliana’s mind reminded her.
Juliana dug her phone out of her pocket and opened the messages app. No new messages. She pulled up her text conversation with Arven.
Juliana: you okay?
Juliana: i’m here if you need to talk
No answer.