Author's Note: Welcome to the final chapter everyone! Although I'm sad to see this go, look forward to what I have planned for the future!
With that greeting out of the way, let's get this show on the road! Grab snacks, a drink, and maybe a blanket!
See you at the end!
The room of the hospital was still and silent, just as Raifort liked it. She sighed heavily for the umpteenth time since coming in here. She knew that her career was probably done, it was only a matter of time before she got the word that she was being let go. The pain she felt in her leg wasn't as bad as the pain she felt in her heart.
"What am I doing with myself…" She whispered.
All she wanted was to be seen. But now she was taking a hard look at that. She's certainly going to be seen now, but not in the way she wanted. It made her think; what is it that she actually wants?
It was admiration she wanted. But deep down, why? What was so wrong about herself that she needed to go to such lengths? Was it really worth all this? She was so entranced in her thoughts that she did not hear the approaching footsteps. What she did hear was a voice right outside her door.
"Sir, I can't let you go in there."
"Just let me speak with her. She works at the academy and I just want to have a word with her." That was Director Clavell.
Raifort muttered, "Oh boy, here we go."
After a few seconds she heard this from the nurse, "Fine, just don't linger for too long. We aren't supposed to allow this."
"Thank you very much."
Immediately there was a knock on the door, and the nurse poked her head in, "Miss Raifort, there's someone here for you."
Director Clavell was allowed in and he was using a cane. Clearly, he was still in a bit of pain himself. Raifort sighed, "So, you're here to tell me I'm fired now?"
To her surprise, Clavell responded, "No. That's not what I'm here to tell you."
"What…? But I… I did something pretty terrible. Twice now. I would think you'd want to drive me to the grave now."
Clavell shook his head, "No Raifort, I was discussing this situation with the Pokémon League and we've decided not to terminate you."
Raifort was stunned, she couldn't find the words to say.
"Raifort, you know I'm not the one to judge others unless I've walked a mile in their shoes. So instead I want to ask you, what was it that made you do what you did?"
Raifort felt put on the spot, she never liked discussing her past with others. It was something she preferred to push to the side and not acknowledge. She informed Clavell, "I certainly don't long for my past, I'll tell you that."
"Please tell me, I won't judge and it's confidential between us." Clavell comforted.
Despite being assured she would keep her job, she felt like she had nothing to lose. With that in mind, she told her tale. The tale of never fitting in despite her best efforts, how she felt she always got the short end of the stick no matter how hard she tried. Her desires to be popular and liked that never seemed to come to fruition. And how that made her feel envious at the success of others which ultimately drove her to insanity. Clavell listened with an open mind, his expression pure with understanding.
"I see…" He spoke softly, "I'm sorry. It sounded like a difficult time for you."
For the first time in a long time, Raifort allowed herself to feel sorrow, "I felt so bitter being doomed to be an underdog. Especially after seeing the success of Professor Sada. She's so good at everything I wanted to be."
Clavell gently added, "What about Juliana? I suppose these feelings had something to do with her?"
Raifort hesitated, "My younger self would've done anything to be like her."
That statement hung in the air for a moment before Clavell responded, "Raifort, the actions you've committed are inexcusable. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't hesitate to terminate you. But I can't turn a blind eye to the troubles you've felt. It's something I can somewhat relate to. When I was first given the job as Director of the Naranja Academy, I was as nervous as a Mimikyu with a damaged cloth. I didn't even think they would even consider me for the position. The reason why is because I have battled insecurities throughout my life as well."
This surprised Raifort, "Is that so? When I first met you… you seemed like you had it all together. Like you knew what you were doing."
"When I was younger, I struggled to connect with others as well. It didn't help that I was never one to follow trends and it made me a… a square I guess." Clavell explained, "It made my school life quite difficult. When I was a young adult, I had to actively work on my social skills. Now I did improve, but even now I consider myself to be more of an introvert you see."
Raifort was baffled, "I… didn't know about that."
The sharp minded Clavell replied, "I'm quite good at putting on a front when needed. But we all have our struggles, you see?"
The history teacher gazed downward, "I suppose we do."
"Raifort, I would like to extend your leave. I'll mark it down as a personal leave and I'd like you to have a few sessions with a friend of mine. He's an incredible therapist, he's the one that taught Nurse Miriam how to help with mental health. I think you would greatly benefit from that."
Raifort thought about it, "Therapy huh? Never crossed my mind before… But I'll do it. I'm not sure how much I can be helped, but I'll try. At least it's better than losing my job. I truly do love my job sir, I'll do anything to keep it."
Clavell smiled, "I know that Raifort."
"It's the one thing that kept me going whenever I was feeling down."
A knock came from the door, followed by the voice of the nurse, "I don't mean to interrupt Director Clavell, but I must have you return to your own room now."
Clavell turned back to Raifort, "It can't be helped. Raifort, I'll give you the details later. Remember Raifort, you don't have to deal with struggles alone. If you look around, you're bound to find a support system. Never feel isolated, and never feel afraid to reach out. Take care of yourself, and remember what I've told you here."
Leaving her with those words, he took his cane and left the room to the assistance of the nurse. Raifort continued to rest, but strangely, she felt better. Her leg was still hurting, but in her soul, she felt like a boulder had been lifted from her.
She whispered, "Why do I feel great?" That's when she couldn't help but smile, "I've been troubled for so long and yet…"
She plopped back on the bed she was on, "I feel amazing!"
Her Seviper popped out of his Pokeball and gave a curious look at his grinning trainer, when he slithered up to her she turned to look at him.
"Oh my dear, I'm sorry I brought you in this too…" She patted his head, "Please forgive me…"
Seviper remained quiet but understood.
"I'll have to write an apology letter to the others too, once things have settled. Don't let me forget that okay dear?"
Seviper nodded in agreement. Truly this was something she would have to do. But for now, she had to recover. And not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. After so many years, she was finally ready.
Ready to move on.
Juliana and Arven finally entered the doors of Barato's where Nemona and Penny were waiting for them. Nemona greeted the couple with the brightest smile. She enthused, "Oy! It's about time you two showed up! I was worried you guys had gotten lost!"
Penny had a devilish smile, "They were busy making out somewhere."
Juliana's heart leapt and her face turned bright red, "PENNY!" She yelped.
Arven was just as red, "You…! Do you have no filter at all!? Little pipsqueak!"
Penny laughed, "Ahaha! Joking, joking! Calm down would you?"
"Oy! Let's all get along now!" Nemona interrupted, "Come on, let's order food already!"
"Yeah, I'm super hungry!" Juliana agreed, "Let's eat!"
When they got their table, everyone ordered the same thing; Salisbury Steak with Fried Fixings. It was the most popular dish in the restaurant, and it was just the thing they needed after the events of today. For Juliana, the taste itself was just like victory.
"You know, I'm kind of glad this all happened!" Nemona stated, "It means we've got to share another experience together as pals!"
Penny shrugged, "I would much rather have an experience anywhere but there."
"No kidding." Arven replied, "Nothing good ever happens in Area Zero. Let's just leave it at that."
Juliana had an idea, "To make up for it, I say we take a trip to the ocean! How about the Secluded Beach?"
Nemona went along, "Oy! That sounds like a great idea! There's so many Pokémon to battle there!" Juliana laughed at that, Arven and Penny shook their heads. When they finished their meals, Nemona was the first to skip out of the restaurant. Juliana, Arven, and Penny followed closely behind. Once outside, they called a flying taxi to take them to the Secluded Beach.
"We're going to the beach! We're going to the beach!" Nemona repeated, not saying it but singing it while clapping her hands along to her own beat. Arven and Penny collectively rolled their eyes. Juliana on the other hand smiled and sang along, also clapping her hands.
"Cutie, really!?" Arven slumped forward, feeling defeated. Penny fished her airpods out of her pocket, put them in, and played a loud anime song the rest of the way to the beach. The taxi driver couldn't help but think what an odd bunch he had in his car.
Finally, the taxi ride was over, they couldn't get out onto the sand fast enough. Nemona and Juliana immediately rushed to the water, throwing their shoes, socks and backpacks to the side. The ocean waves were calm and inviting, leaving salty bubbles behind as they spread onto the sand.
Arven watched Juliana's hair swing as she frolicked about in the ocean with Nemona. In the distance, wild Wingulls were drifting past in a carefree way. Penny had found a shady spot under a palm tree and was content to watch the clear, sunny sky. Seeing Juliana and Nemona splashing each other reminded him of when he and Juliana had done that when they came here together the first time. The memory made him smile softly.
Then he realized the girls had disappeared. He glanced the shoreline left and right but saw nothing but waves. He turned to Penny, "Hey, did you see where they went?"
Penny paused her airpods, "What'd you say?"
Arven sighed and repeated, "Where'd Juliana and Nemona go?"
Penny looked around, "Uh, they were just in the water a second ago…"
Arven freaked out, "Oh no! We better find them quick!"
Thankfully he didn't have to worry for long. At that moment, Juliana had surfaced. She was leaning forward with the water cascading off her hair like a waterfall as the sun shone upon her. She quickly flipped back into an upright position, causing her hair to swing and send ocean droplets into the air. The rays of light created little twinkles in the sky.
"Whoa…" Arven whispered, feeling dazzled at the sight.
"Woo hoo!" Nemona cheered with her arms up as she broke the surface, "I held my breath longer!"
In between deep breaths, Juliana chuckled, "Heheh, there's something you can beat me at!"
"I still wanna best you in battles, bestie!" Nemona replied eagerly. Everyone noticed she had taken her hair tie out and had it on her wrist. Allowing her long hair to freely catch the waves as they hit her.
Penny put her air pods away, "Sheesh, how does she manage all that?"
Arven shrugged, then decided he had been on the side long enough. Once he removed his boots and socks, he put his backpack down and sprinted across the hot sand into the water.
"Hey Arven! Nice of you to join us!" Nemona enthused.
Juliana turned around and grinned before breaking into a run toward him. When she got close enough, she leapt as high as she could into his arms. He caught her, but lost his footing in the tide and fell back into the waves, taking Juliana with him. They hurriedly resurfaced, sputtering out water while Nemona was laughing so hard she could barely stand.
"You did that on purpose!" Juliana teased.
"I swear I did not!" Arven laughed, pushing his hair behind him.
"Remember Juliana, he's a big clumsy lunk." Penny's voice surprised them. She had decided to put her air pods away and join them in the water. She had also left her hoodie and eevee bag at shore revealing that she was wearing a black t-shirt with an Eevee on it.
"Whoa, where did you come from!?" Nemona expressed.
"Eh, you all were having so much fun I decided why not." Penny explained while jumping the waves, "I'm not much of an outdoor person as you all know. But what the heck right?"
"That's a cute shirt Penny! It suits you!" Juliana complimented.
"Thanks." Penny replied, "We're gonna be salty and sticky by the time we get outta here. Not to mention we'll smell like the ocean."
Juliana smiled, "I don't see anything wrong with the smelling like the ocean part!"
"We need to find proper swimming attire!" Nemona stated.
"Definitely!" Juliana agreed, "Oh my gosh look at that wave!" She pointed at the horizon.
The wave was massive, it was like the earth had decided to shake things up a bit. The gang could see a few Luvdiscs hopping out of the white waters.
"Look I can see Luvdiscs!" Nemona pointed out loudly, "AAH! You know what that means!?"
"You're screaming so loud…" Penny responded.
"That means Juliana and Arven are ACTUALLY GONNA GET MARRIED IN THE FUTURE!"
"NEMONA!" Juliana freaked.
"Will you please knock it off already!?" An embarrassed Arven protested.
Right as he finished the sentence, the large wave had reached them and knocked them all off their feet. Juliana managed to keep her head up as the current carried her closer to the shore.
"Guys!?" She called out, jumping up and looking around for her group. Nemona, Penny, and Arven all got to their feet and re-joined her.
"Oh, that was crazy!" Juliana noted, "The waters were so calm before!"
"Look what I found!" Nemona beamed, holding up a long train of seaweed.
"Oh wow, let me see!" Juliana exclaimed and took it from her. She draped it across her shoulders like a scarf.
"Oh my gosh…" Arven chuckled, his hand covering a part of his face.
Juliana announced energetically, "It's the new fashion trend! I heart the ocean!"
Everyone laughed at that. Penny then looked up at the sky, "I think we should leave before we get washed away, or sunburned."
"Oh right, I didn't think about that." Juliana agreed, tossing the seaweed back to its home, "Come on, let's get back to our dorms and wash our uniforms!"
The group returned to shore and went to gather their belongings and put on their footwear. Before exiting the beach, Juliana exclaimed, "Let's take a picture!"
"All right!" Nemona agreed, and they all went along with it. It was an incredible picture of all of them with damp clothes and wavy, ocean hair. Juliana and Nemona had the biggest smiles waving a hand to the camera. Arven was behind them with both hands in the air, while Penny was in front of them giving the peace symbol. In the grassy fields of the East Province, the gang started to feel the drying effects of the sea water.
"Ew… I feel gross…" Penny muttered.
Arven suggested, "I think we're dried off enough to call a taxi. Let's just do that so we can get back faster."
The gang agreed and they called a flying taxi. Once one arrived, they got on and waited patiently while they were flown back to the academy. Juliana wrapped her arms around Arven, "Salty hug!" She exclaimed.
Arven laughed and hugged her back, "Oh you're so adorable."
Penny shielded her eyes, "Hey don't forget, Nemona and I are here too!" she teased. Nemona laughed at this. Juliana smiled and blushed, Arven put a hand on the back of his neck. They continued to hold hands on the way back. Once they got dropped off at the academy entrance, they went inside. Instantly feeling shivers from the A/C.
"Brrr! That's cold!" Nemona shuddered, "Feels good though!"
"Yeah, seriously." Penny replied, "Come on, let's get back to our rooms. People are looking at us…"
They weren't wrong, other students were starting to notice they were damp. With that in mind, they hurried to the dorm halls.
"At least none of the teachers saw us!" Juliana pointed out.
"Yeah, that's a good thing!" Nemona agreed, "We would've been raked over the coals! Now where are our rooms?"
As if the timing couldn't have been more perfect. The gang looked ahead to see every leader of Team Star headed their way. When the separate groups locked eyes with one another, everyone had wide eyes from shock.
Ortega was the first to speak, "Dang, what the heck happened to you guys!?"
Penny greeted him, "Hey Ortie, good to see you."
Giacomo expressed, "What? Was there a water fight somewhere!? And you guys didn't tell me!?"
"Count me out! I hate water." Mela stated.
Penny chuckled, "It's not like that. Me and the others here just got back from the beach. We had lots of fun though."
"Hey, we should all go together next time!" Giacomo suggested, "I'll be the DJ! It's party time!"
Nemona blurted out, "We can make it a beach battle party! Woo!"
Eri smiled, "I can tell you guys had a lot of fun. I wouldn't mind a beach trip, especially if there are battles involved."
"I don't know about the beach." Ortega pondered, "I burn really easily!"
Atticus approached Penny, "Oh dear beloved! Thou mustn't stay like this, you will fall ill if you do! You must make haste back to your room!"
Penny laughed, "We were doing that just now, then we saw you guys."
Eri turned to Juliana and Arven, "As always, it's lovely to see you two doing so well."
Juliana waved, "Hi Eri, good to see you!" Arven also waved, but kept quiet.
Nemona jumped beside Juliana, "Hey Eri! We saw some Luvdisc while we were there! That means that Juliana and Arven-!"
Arven cut her off, "DON'T SAY IT!"
Eri laughed, "Ahahahaha! I know about Luvdisc! It is said that any couple meeting this Pokémon is promised a loving relationship that never ends. Heh! I'm gonna go ahead and say my congratulations to both of you!"
The blushing couple chuckled bashfully, glancing downward while holding hands. Juliana answered, "Thank you Eri!" She wasn't sure what else to say, but she had the image of a wedding dress in her head.
Eri then leaned in and whispered, "Does that mean you guys will have the 'the starleys and the combees' talk?" She had the biggest, most mischievous grin on her face. Nemona bust out laughing, slapping her hands over her mouth when she realized how loud she was.
Juliana felt steam coming out of her ears, "Eri, don't!"
Arven slapped his free hand over his face, "Not that again…!"
"Ahahaha! Just kidding, just kidding!" Eri joked, "I couldn't resist, I'm sorry. But I'm happy for you both!"
"Hey, we should probably get back before a teacher sees us." Penny reminded.
"All right, we'll let you guys go now. Take care of yourselves!" Eri waved.
Everyone waved and said goodbye to each other before parting ways. Penny had a good chuckle seeing her old pals again, "They're always so fun."
"They're amazing!" Nemona enthused, "We should totally all hang out together!"
"As long as they don't say anything crazy." Arven stated.
Juliana smiled, "Well, this turned out to be an exciting day huh? The battle, the Pokémon League, and the beach. Whew! Sure didn't expect to see all that rolled into one!"
"You said it cutie." Arven smiled back, "I'm all worn out!"
"It feels like the day just started though!" Nemona noted.
"It's almost already done though, it's three o'clock." Penny observed.
"Yeah, I'm done for the day." Arven concluded.
Juliana then realized they had reached her dorm room, "Here's my stop! Time for me to disembark!"
"See you later Juliana!" Nemona waved happily.
"Bye Juliana." Said Penny afterward.
Arven gave Juliana a hug, "I'll text you later cutie. See ya!"
"Bye everyone!" Juliana replied, "I'll see you all later!"
She took her key card from her bag and used it to open the door, after giving one last wave to the others she went inside and closed the door. The first thing she did was go into the bathroom. When she saw herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but giggle.
"Okay, I really like how my hair looks right now!" She stated aloud, admiring the mermaid waves. But when she touched her hair, she made a face, "Ew… yeah, time for a shower."
Wasting no more time, she completely undressed and tossed EVERYTHING into the washing machine. Then she turned on the shower. Stepping in once it was warm enough, the clean water felt good against her skin.
As soon as she was done showering, she turned off the taps and stepped on the bath mat. Once she wrapped herself in a towel, she placed her clothes in the dryer and activated it. She then went to the bed area and got dressed in clean undergarments and her loungewear.
With one towel still on her head, she looked at her rotom phone at the picture they took. Smiling at it, she thought to herself, "I'll have to put this in a frame and put it on my desk." She climbed atop her bed and sat atop the sheets.
Recalling the events of the past few weeks, it was incredible to think that so much had happened in such a short period of time. With today almost gone, she looked forward to tomorrow. And the many days ahead of that. The life that she has with her family and friends would surely continue on, and with that would come more shared memories. Together hand in hand, they would live this life as much as they possibly could.
This is the life of a first year champion.
Author's Note: We DID IIIIIITTTT! Victory is ours! Another Juliana and Arven story is DONE! Hip hip hooray! XD
I want to give a special thank you to MegaSalamance64 and CitrusChickadee! I always enjoyed reading your reviews and exchanging messages! You both are awesome!
So now that this is done, I want to take a break from writing. But once I'm back from break, I would like to focus on a different Pokémon couple and take a break from Juliana X Arven stuff. But don't despair! I will keep them in mind! I hope you guys are excited for that! Who's gonna be the couple in my next story you ask? Well, here's a hint! They're from the Galar region! (Apologies to MegaSalamance64 ;P I know you hate SwSh, but I think you'll like my story! I would be happy if you read it! :D But if not, that's okay too!)
Thank you guys for following this story to the end! I hope you all enjoyed and see you when I get back!
