Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Everyone was finally getting back to Naranja Academy after the break. Arven had stayed on campus throughout the break while Nemona went to Unova, and Penny visited home in Galar. Soon the trio was back together, talking about what they did. But there was someone missing from their group, “Hey guys?” Nemona spoke up, “Where’s Juniper? I thought she stayed on campus with you?” she said, looking towards Arven.

“She ended up leaving back to her house yesterday, and said her mom wanted to tell her something.” None of the group truly liked Juniper’s mom, she’d always had a weird vibe to her. They’d tried to bring it up to Juniper but she never acted like it was a big deal, so they never pushed.

They wished they did.

Penny adjusted the straps on her backpack, “Why don’t we just walk to her house? It isn’t like it’s far.”

“Right!”

“Let’s go then.”

•••

By the time they get to Juniper’s house the sun was high in the sky. Arven knocked on the door.

Once, Twice, Three times no reply. Nemona peaked through the window, nothing, no one was in there. Nothing was in there, no furniture, dishes, or appliances. Not a single hint that someone lived there.

With worry passing through each of them they decided to check the dorm Juniper had been staying at. Maybe, just maybe, they’d find something there.

•••

Penny fiddled with the lock, with a click the door cracked open. She pushed open the door, Nemona and Arven peered in from the door frame. They all exchanged glances as the stillness of the room flooded out. 

The curtains were drawn, bed sheets neatly folded, there was still homework from before the break littering the desk. However, on the bed lay six pokeballs, and several letters with one already laid flat for them to read. They walked into the room, Arven picked up the letters, passing one to Penny and Nemona – both of them having their name written on it – before reading the letter that was laid for all of them.

•••

To my very best friends,

I’m sorry I couldn’t say bye, and that this is all I could leave. Mama didn’t want me making a huge fuss about us leaving. I’m leaving you my Pokemon, see to it that they get sorted (please watch over them if you can). Again, my mama didn’t want me taking them, it’s a hassle to make sure I’m at least allowed to keep Yen by my side. Other than that there's notes that I left for each of you, you can read them to yourself or share them with each other. Uhhhh what else am I forgetting? I think that's it? OH! You guys have my number, don't be afraid to call, I’ll reach out when I can (hopefully when we land). 

Sincerely, your friend,

Juniper E.S.

•••

Nemona was next in reading hers.

•••

To my dear Rival and Friend,

I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to be my first friend while here in Paldea. Please continue battling no matter what!! And hey, next time we see each other I want a full 6v6 battle with any and all battle gimmicks we have! Okay?

I wish I could’ve finished this school year with you and the others. Please watch over my battle team, especially Screamtails, keep em sharp for me! Okay?

You’re gonna make it far someday in battling, I can tell!! Till then, I’ll cheer you on just like you did for me!!

With much luv,

Juni Sycamore

•••

Penny glared at hers, before looking towards Arven, “You first.” He sighed, opening his letter and reading it.

•••

To the Best Chef I know,

I know this is a lot to ask, taking care of Koraidon for me after everything that went down. I’m glad you trusted me enough to help you with Mambostiff, I wish you two the absolute best. 

I’m sorry for everything that happened with Professor Sada and Area Zero, I’m glad you finally got your closure with your mom. I hope one day I might be able to do the same.

Please stick by Nemona and Penny, you’re not alone!

On a lighter note, keep up your cooking!! I’m really gonna miss the sandwiches. I’ll be just a call away if you need anything.

Best wishes,

June Sycamore

•••

He folded his letter back up, pocketing it for later. Nemona and Arven shared a glance with each other, then with Penny. “I’ll read mine later.” she said softly, putting her letter in her sweater.

“What do we do now?” Arven questioned, already grabbing Koraidon’s pokeball from Juniper’s bed.

Nemona grabbed Screamtails’ pokeball, staring at it before looking back to the other two. “We do what Juniper told us to do. Send the other letters to Team Star and Kieran. Then maybe we can figure out which of her Pokemon each of us could take care of.”

The other two nodded. They needed to talk to Director Clavell about this. Maybe Juniper’s mom had said something about pulling Juniper out?

Maybe, just maybe, they could get some answers.

•••

Juniper leaned on her mothers shoulder with Yen on her lap as they both slept on the flight. Minerva gave her daughter a light kiss on her forehead, sweeping a few loose strands out of her face. 

Grabbing her daughter’s Rotom phone from her pocket she opened it up to her contacts. She got the SIM card out of it, then placed it back into Juno’s pocket.

She kept Juno’s SIM card in her purse, grabbing her own Rotom phone and removing the SIM card in hers as well. She sighed, only a few more months.

She glanced at Juno asleep on her shoulder, both her and Yen snoring softly. A small smile grew on her face, she raised her hand to grab gently on her necklace. Lightly tugging at the Golden Wheel of Arceus symbol.

“May Arceus guide you well, my dear Juno…” her voice was quiet as she laid her head on top of her daughters.

Maybe in another life, she could’ve been a better mother. If she hadn’t found that prophecy, a child of the future sent to the past to do Arceus’ will. Maybe if she hadn’t gotten involved, if she hadn’t dug too deeply into the myth, hadn’t let this all consume her.

But thinking about the ‘what if’s for a life that doesn’t exist, does not change the fact that her daughter will hate her. Doesn’t change the fact that no matter how much she cares, she can’t be the mother Juno needs. 

Just a few more months.

Just a few more.

•••

They didn’t get any answers. Not from Director Clevell, and not even when they tried calling Juniper. Arceus, even her mother couldn’t be reached. 

As the day turned to night, and with no other clues, the trio stopped by a post office to drop off Kieran’s letter before they split for the night. Arven returned to his dorm, Nemona following behind him. Penny broke off, saying she’d pass out the rest of the letters to Team Star before returning to her dorm.

She sent her eeveelutions to give the letters to each former member of Team Star, Flareon delivering Mela’s, Umbreon finding its way to give Giacomo his letter, Ortega got his from Penny’s Sylveon, Jolteon delivering Eri’s, and Espeon delivering Atticus’ letter to him.

After all the deliveries she finally made it back to her dorm. She closed the door behind her, heading to her bed as each of her Pokemon released themselves from their Pokeball to join their trainer. Penny sat on her bed with her eeveelutions, grabbing the letter from her pocket, unfolding it and finally reading what Juniper left for her.

•••

To One of my Dearest Friends

Hi

Sorry that’s an awful start, you’d think with how many of these I’ve written, I’d know what I wanted to say to each of you.

I’m glad I met you, I’m glad I was able to help you with Team Star. Yall are amazing. Despite everything that happened the year prior I’m glad you guys were able to return to school.

I wanted to stick around, even if it was just long enough to say goodbye in person. I don’t know when I’ll see you guys next, but I want you to know you’re not alone, not anymore. 

Penny, your love for eeveelutions is amazing!! And never let someone tell you otherwise ever again. Please stick by Nemona and Arven, all of you keep each other company, okay?

I wish I knew what else to say, or write. Till we meet again, yeah?

Ciao,

Jupiter :D

Chapter Text

Leon held her hand up high as he made the announcement. “People of Galar!! Here you have it! A new legend born right before your eyes!! Your new Champion,  Juniper!!”

Fireworks flew and people cheered. Juniper couldn’t help but smile at everyone in the stadium, Spice standing by her side taking in their win.

“Bet you can’t wait to see what kind of future a kid with this kind of strength might bring about!?” He let go of her hand, giving her a proud nod. “I sure can’t!” She hugged Spice, the Cinderace returning the hug to its trainer. Leon continued with his speech, “Let’s watch and see what she can do!”

The stadium grew in volume with everyone’s cheers, excitement flowing through the environment.

Juniper did it, she really did it!! She won the Galar League and became Champion!! Juniper waved to everyone, not being able to stop the fact she’d been smiling from ear to ear. The day had been such an eventful one, with the first rounds of matches, then Eternatus attacking, and finishing out with her match against Leon! Yen and Spice by her side through it all, both in and out of battle.

She made it. She wished her dad could’ve been here to see it…

•••

Juniper had changed out of her gym challenger clothes, now wearing her usual red sweater and black skirt. She walked out of her room in the Pokemon Center and out into the lobby where Hop and Marnie were out there waiting for her, Bede begrudgingly nearby. 

Hop waved to her, “Juni!! Over here!” 

Marnie looked over, “Well well well, if it ain’t our new Champion.” Morpeko jumped from her arms, joining Juniper’s Poochyena nearby.

“Aw, hey guys! What’re you doing here?” Walking to their table she pulled out a seat, Hop nudging her in the arm as she sat down. “What? Can we not come and congratulate our friend on winning the title of Champion?!” She laughed, “Yeah yeah okay.”

Bede still stood off to the side, nearby, but not at the table, “Oh for Arceus sake Bede,” she turned to them, “get over here!!” They begrudgingly sat with the others, trying to hide a smile as the rest of the group included them into their evening conversation.

Their table filled the Pokemon Center chatter till late into the night, multiple patrons coming by to give Juniper their congratulations. Eventually everyone had to leave, Leon congratulating Juniper a final time as he came to pick up Hop, Peirce and a few Team Yell fans coming by to take Marnie home, and Opal stopping by to bring Bede back for training.

As they all left, Juniper got up, Yen following behind her as they made their way to Nurse Joy to pick up her newly healed team. She thanked the Nurse Joy and turned in for the night, adrenaline and excitement finally running low.

•••

After the Darkest Day, Leon had taken (former) Chairman Rose’s position. Since then, Juniper has been stuck at the Battle Tower filling out paperwork on her being the new Champion, not to mention all the interviews she had to do. She couldn’t believe Leon put up with this for 10 years!

She was just making her way through the Pokemon Center when Nurse Joy called her over. Picking Yen up and off the floor she walked towards the front counter, giving the Nurse Joy a confused look (Yen mirroring its trainer).

“Your mum stopped by, she’s in your room currently.” She explained.

Juniper froze. She could never quite tell what to expect from her mother. Sometimes everything was fine, but other times she’d get weird… like she’d look at Juniper as if she’d seen a ghost. If anything it felt like she’d gotten more distant during these past weeks. She let out a sigh, giving the Nurse Joy a nod, “Thank you. I’ll head there right now!”

The walk to her room was daunting, even Yen was weary. The door was closed but she could hear some light shuffling coming from inside. She cracked the door open slightly, seeing her mother grab some of Juniper’s clothes and place them in her luggage.

Juniper stared at her mother, both her and Yen looking at her mom with a confuzzled expression. “Mama? Whatcha doin?” She inquired.

Her mother turned around, giving Juniper her usual warm smile. “Oh! Juno!! Did you get my message?”

“What message?”

She huffed, putting another one of Juniper’s shirts into the luggage, “We’re taking a vacation! To celebrate your win!”

Juniper’s eyes lit up as she filled with excitement, “Actually!?! How long?!”

The room filled with her mama’s laughter, “Oh just a few days sweetie, don’t worry.”

She jumped onto the bed next to her mama,this was a good day, “Where too? Oh!! Maybe Alola or…hm…we could go see Dad in Kalos!!!”

Minerva paused for only a moment before returning to placing Juno’s clothes in her luggage. She gave a strained laugh, “Not Alola sweetie, or Kalos dear. We’re visiting Sinnoh!!”

“Huh, Sinnoh? Okay?”

She huffed out a laugh at her daughters confusion, “We’ll only be there for a few days. So you can leave your Pokemon here.”

Juniper nodded, but still held onto Yen. “Alright!! I’ll leave a note for Hop! Ah!! Finally a vacation!!” She exclaimed, “Ima head to the PC and leave my team and a message! Be back soon!!”

Minerva nodded as she watched her daughter leave, frowning as the room grew cold. Their house back in Postwick was already all packed. She packed a backpack for Juno as well. It was mostly empty, except for a singular picture, and the string of pearls she’d given Juno a few years ago.

•••

Juniper bounced in her seat excitedly, Yen still sitting on her lap. She turned to her mama, “This is gonna be the best trip ever!!!” She exclaimed. Her mama just smiled, laughing slightly as she ruffled her hair before doing the same to Yen.

•••

Hop’s Rotom phone pinged with a notification, “Rotom, please read it!” He called out from where he was currently working at, in Professor Magnolia’s lab. The message began to play;

“Hey Hop!! It’s Juniper, I’m going to be out of town for a few days. I guess it’s a last minute vacation my mama wants to take me on. Pls take care of my Pokemon while I’m gone pleasssssse!!! Juniper out!”

He looked up after he was finished putting the files Sonia gave him away. “Rotom, reply, Hey mate! Glad to hear your mum’s taking you on a vacation, have fun! See ya in a week.”

Rotom phone beeped, sending the message. Hop got up from where he sat, filing is not his favorite thing, but he does prefer this a bit more than the battling scene (even if he does miss the thrill). Yamper rushed into the room, huffing and barking at Hop for attention, Sonia following soon behind.

“Hey there Hop! How’s the filing going?”

He dusted his hands, placing them both in his coat, “Just fini-” Hop got cut off as his Rotom Phone beeped again, letting out a message.

“Message to Juniper, was unable to be sent. The device you are trying to reach is currently out of service.”

Both Hop and Sonia stopped what they were doing and turned to the Rotom Phone.

“That’s weird…Rotom Phones shouldn’t be able to just go out of service? Where did you say she was going?”

Hop grabbed his Rotom Phone, “She didn’t say, just said her mom was taking her on a vacation.”

Sonia sighed, fiddling with her hair, “Then it might just be the flight.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Alrighty then!” She said, huffing out a breath, “Come on Hop, we got some stuff to look into over at the Crown Tundra.”

•••

Time came and went. They tried reaching out the following day, to no avail. Hop asked his mum to try and contact Juniper’s mum, still to no avail. Both her and her mum's numbers were out of service. Leon couldn’t reach her regarding Champion stuff and soon he’d have to make a public announcement on the situation if this didn’t get resolved quickly.

It wasn’t till a week later that they got some semblance of an answer, from Marnie. She’d been training with her brother when she got a notification that a Pokemon had been transferred to her box, which was odd, she hadn’t caught any Pokemon recently. Piers went with her to check it out, upon signing into the Box she found a Poochyena in her care. They weren’t native to the region, this one was definitely not wild, it wore an everstone collar. The Poochyena looked at Marnie with sad eyes, confused on why it was here.

“Oh my Arceus…” she muttered, her brother looking over at the Poochyena, “Yen? What’re you doin here?” He asked. Yen just duct its head. Marnie stepped aside, picking up Yen and readjusting her hold on, now, her Morpeko and Poochyena. Her brother checking who transferred the Bite Pokemon to her box.

Take care of Juno’s friend please - M. A.

Piers ran a hand through his hair, glancing over to his sister and the Poochyena in her arms. Marnie sighed, she held Yen tightly, the poor Pokemon was probably just as lost as the rest of them. “I’ll talk with the others…”

The Dark type Gym Leader gave his sister a nod, wrapping an arm around her as they walked out, Marnie now having Morpeko and Yen in her arms. They’d figure this out somehow…hopefully.

 •••

After Marnie received Yen, their group had a small get together at Hop and Leon’s place. Sonia and Professor Magnolia agreed to house a few of Juniper’s Pokemon, Leon and Hop offered to take care of Spice and the two Legendaries sitting in her box, Marnie agreed to keep Yen for the time being, Bede didn’t take any of Juniper’s Pokemon but agreed to help watch them occasionally.

Juniper had been missing for nearly a week now, and Leon had to release a statement that their new Champion had gone missing. They reached out to Professor Sycamore in Kalos to help with the investigation but having been split from Juniper’s mom for nearly a decade, there wasn’t much he could help with.

Things were pretty messy afterwards, they had no leads on where Juniper went for vacation, no leads on where her mother was, absolutely nothing. Some of her old friends from Paldea reached out after hearing the news of her going missing and mentioned something similar happened to them when she moved to Galar, but even with that there wasn’t much more they could find and the case went cold later that year.

All they could hope for was that wherever she was (whenever she was), she’d be okay, and return soon.

Chapter Text

It had been nearly six years since Juniper went missing. Nearly six years since Juno fell into Hisui. She’d landed in Hisui with nothing but vague memories, memories that she had slowly been making sense of. 

The last several years had been filled with developments, mourning, and healing. Zorua nudged her, pulling her out of her thoughts, sauntering over to the door and waiting for her. She sighed, grabbing her cane and pushing herself off of her futon. 

She looked in the mirror, really looked in the mirror. Her injuries healed well over these weeks. According to Presselle she’d been doing well in her progress, her balance may never be the same and having to relearn how to write was rough, but, at least she was alive. In Hisui, that’s all she could ask for.

“Alright.” She said with a huff, “Enough pity. Let’s go see what we can do.” Zorua barked, scampering around Juno towards the door.

•••

Upon walking outside Rei ran up to her, “Hey Birthday Girl!” Laughing as he nudged at Juno. She simply rolled her eyes as they both made their way through Jubelife Village.

“Not my birthday!!” She countered, “Now what’cha want Rei?” They paused, Zorua jumping up into the Hisuian boy's arms. “Any news?” He asked, motioning to her Arc phone.

And suddenly the ground was really interesting. “Well…yeah, there was.” 

“Home?”

She nodded, “Yeah, Arceus is finally letting me go home.” Meeting Rei’s gaze, he smiled, Zorua yipping with excitement for its trainer. “Guess you got rounds to make Birthday Girl?”

“Guess I do.” She said, smiling.

•••

The first few stops were to other members of the Survey Corp including both Diamond and Pearl clans. Making a quick stop to Presselle’s to check over any details in Juno’s physical therapy. As well as handing off all her research to Professor Laventom.

Then finally. Zorua rushed ahead to a tree near the base of Mt. Coronet, a small grave with a Zoroark resting next to it. It nudged the older Pokemon, Rei and Juno sitting beside it.

They spent the rest of the day at Seraphir's burial, sharing berries with Zoroark as the two teens laughed and joked. Enjoying the last day Juno would spend in Hisui.

•••

Juno went straight to work writing letters for everyone she cared for. For Rei, Adaman, Irida, Captain Cyllene, Commander Kamado, Professor Laventon, and Presselle. Her hand shook and tears threatened to spill, just like all those years ago in Paldea. She’d never been good with words, still wasn’t, but she had to leave them with something. She wouldn’t make the same mistake as Galar. 

With each note, she signed off as Juno. These letters being the last time Juno would be mentioned. She’d make sure of that.

Juno  Juniper stared at her Arc Phone that rested face down nearby. A gift from Arceus, a “blessing”, a way for the Original One to reach her, yet, every time she tried reaching out, asking when she could return home (or her desperate pleas as the Luxray attacked), she’d been left on read. Oh the feeling to be left on read by God. 

Her memories had been slow to return fully, but when they did, she didn’t know how to feel about anything. The people she left behind, the ones that left her. To be left by both your parents, to lose your friends, to be ignored by God, only to be called the “Chosen One” and “Blessed” by others.

Six years. Six years of Juniper’s life, she spent in Hisui. Left by her mother to be taken by Arceus and thrown over a century in the past to a region she never knew and with a language she couldn’t even understand, if it weren’t for Professor Laventon, she’s sure she would’ve been dead. She’d only been eleven when she fell from the sky, she’d be seventeen tomorrow. So many of her teen years were spent away from her friends, her home. She missed Arven’s cooking, Penny and Marnie’s wit, Nemona and Hop’s enthusiasm, Bede’s dedication, she missed her father, and somewhere deep inside she missed her mom (At least, who she thought her mother was).

But now, after all this time, all these years of waiting. She’d be allowed to be sent home. For the first time in a long while, she fell asleep that night knowing things would be better.

•••

Rei visited Juno’s residence early the next day. Slipping in, he was greeted by her Driftloon and Zorua. The place was quiet without her, but he knew she’d be safe. No matter where, or when, she was. She was home.

He set the pastry down on her Futon, Zorua climbing onto his lap as he sat down, Driftloon floating down nearby. 

“Happy birthday, Juno.” He hummed, grabbing his letter to read. He’d make sure to make his rounds and deliver the others.

•••

Dear Rei,

I’m finally going home, as you know. I hope that you’ll make sure each of my Pokemon finds a loving home, whether that’s with you or anyone else. Thank you, for always looking out for me and being there when things got rough. I know we will never see each other again, or ever cross paths, but I hope you continue to live your life to the fullest.

I do have a specific request, please keep Zorua and Decidueye by your side. Just six years ago I landed in Hisui with nothing more than a name and some vague memories of what to do. You helped show me the ropes in the Survey Corp, staying by my side after the Luxray incident, and helped me look for new trainers for my electric types. 

I wish I knew more of what I needed to say…

Thanks for being my brother in every other sense besides blood. Please continue to visit Seraphir’s burial, and bring more berries for Zoroark, Arceus knows it’ll never leave its trainer’s side.

From, the one and only,

Juno

Chapter Text

This wasn't what Juniper was supposed to return to. She didn’t know what to expect when returning to her time, but it couldn’t have been this.

She got too comfortable, grew too close, with everyone in Team MZ. And just like every other time, just when she thought things were slowly becoming normal, Arceus had other plans.

She was never good at goodbyes. Not when the people she was saying bye to were her family. All those letters never showed the tears that spilt when writing them, having to leave the people she knew and cared for.

Never, in a million years, did Juniper ever think she would be on the receiving end of a goodbye letter, though she should’ve expected this from AZ. 

Urbain had just finished reading the one he left for all of them. She retreated to her room soon after, finding two new items left there on her desk. Hesitantly,  she approached the desk, slowly grabbing the paper that was laid under a Pokeball, carefully unfolding and reading it.

•••

To Juniper

I leave you my Lucario as a symbol of my gratitude and respect. This Lucario was given to me by a certain Trainer who hoped it might keep me safe. If you should ever meet her, please tell her that I kept it with me until the end. I must tell you that I have found you to be a Pokemon Trainer of the highest caliber. In all my three thousand years wandering this world, never did I imagine I might encounter a human who would achieve Mega Evolution with Zygarde.

I find so many memories flit through my mind now, here at the end of things…

•••

She paused, heading to her bed to sit down as she continued to read, leaning her cane on the bed, and wiping away the tears that had begun to spill.

Taking a deep breath, she continued on.

•••

I remember my mother giving me my Floette, grasping her rare black flower.

I remember the flames of war taking everything from me.

I remember the amazement, the joy of witnessing Mega Evolution for the first time.

I remember my encounters with the Legendary Pokemon of Kalos.

I remember when that dark day fell over Galar…

All that falls into the past disappears. These memories will fade. As will I.

Your story is only just beginning, dear Juniper. I pray that you may finally live a life free from anymore regret. That you may make amends with those you have left behind, and may finally rest. I am truly glad to have known you. I appreciate all those tales of Hisui you had trusted me with.

Thank you.

•••

Juniper let out a wet and pained laugh, leaving the letter on her lap as she continuously wiped her tears.

Was this what her friends went through every time she left? With only a piece of paper to remember her by? She stared at the Pokeball that sat on her desk, Lucario’s Pokeball. She let out another laugh, a small hiccup escaping as she gave a small smile to the simple Pokeball.

Juniper hadn’t cried this much since she found herself in Hisui, lost and confused and scared to death of what could happen to her. But she was home now, and for once, she finally let herself crumble.

Grief wasn’t something new to Juniper, not when she comforted Arven after finding out what happened to his mom, not when she had to bury Seraphir after the Hisuian man had been made a sacrifice by Volo, not when she remembered everything that she was forced to leave behind, not when she struggled to remember her fathers voice, her mothers false kindness, a normal life. 

She stayed in bed the rest of the day. Her Absol, Lady, coming out of its Pokeball to comfort their trainer as she cried.

•••

Life moved on. Urbain and Juniper got their wishes granted, and Quasartico had begun their search for Professor Sycamore. She continued to spend her night in the Battle Zones, and her days completing each Wild Zone. However, with the new lack of urgency to reach Rank A, Juniper didn’t have to be in Battle Zones all night. Which gave her more free time to spend her nights doing research.

After quickly being humbled, academically, by Naveen, she decided to enroll in online night classes (seeing as she hasn’t been in a learning environment since Naranja Academy). 

On top of that she decided to look into what her friends had been up to while she was gone, even finding news on her disappearance. She decided to just focus on her friends instead…

•••

Things weren’t perfect, but everyone was making it work. The hotel slowly started gaining a bit of traction, though the public was still hesitant on staying at a hotel run by teenagers and a weird looking Floette.

They all found themselves at Nouveau Cafe by the new Wild Zone 20, finally starting to find normalcy in the aftermath of what happened.

“Didn’t there used to be a Gym Leader here?” Juniper asked, taking a sip of her Flamethrower Roast. Lisa and Urbain turned to Naveen, the younger boy having been the only one in Lumiose City prior to the incident five years ago.

“Hm? Oh, Clemont and Bonnie? Yeah, they were cool, I guess.”

“Were?” Urbain questioned, Lida asking as well, “What do you mean ‘were’?”

Naveen nodded, putting down his Ember Roast, “Yeah, they got ‘em though…” he sighed.

Juniper gave Urbain and Lida a confused look before urging Naveen, “What does that mean?!”

He didn’t pay her any mind, just continued, “Yeah, I heard Bonnie’s been out looking for him. Sucks, everyone likes them too.”

“What the fuck.”

•••

Juniper groaned as she returned to the hotel, plopping herself onto one of the seats in the lobby. Urbain leaned on the front desk, calling out to Juniper, “What’s wrong with you today?”

“Wild Zone 19! I can’t catch a single Eevee!!! I’ve got everything else in that zone except an Eevee!!”

“Did you battle it?”

“Yes.”

“Did you try sneaking up on it?”

“Also yes!!”

Urbain got up from how he was leaning, “Huh, tough luck I guess?”

“I hate you so much.” She chucked a pillow at Urbain, landing just short of the counter. Urbain walked over picking it up and walking over to the seats.

“Emma called, by the way.” He said. Taking a seat nearby, “Apparently something was up with Mimi, wanted you to stop by.”

Interest peaked, Juniper sat up, “How come she didn’t just call me?”

“She did, you didn’t answer.” 

With that Juniper opened her notifications to several missed calls and several rewards from Mable’s Research. “Huh, would ya look at that.” She grabbed her cane and pushed herself off the chair, “Guess I better start heading over, don’t wanna get caught in a battle zone again.”

“Alright! Have fun!” Urbain called out as Juniper left, returning back behind the counter beside Floette.

•••

After everything, and at the end of the day, Juniper was home. She had a new family by her side, and while she had yet to reach out to everyone else, or reunite with her dad, she knew they were nothing more than a phone call away now. Her task in Hisui had ended over a month ago, and her journey in Lumiose City had just come to a close. She could finally live her life, and, just maybe, reconcile with those she left behind.

She didn’t have to fight anymore. Not if she didn’t want to. Despite all the pain and heartache she endured over the years, she was grateful for the people she met along the way, the people that helped her through that pain and heartache. The people that became her family. 

She was finally home. She was finally free to live her life without any restraints or restrictions, no prophecies. She can finally stay. Maybe this had marked the end of her Pokemon journey, but where one path ends, Juniper knows she’ll find a new one.