Chapter 25: Confessions
June was so worn out from today's excursions that she'd fallen asleep in her parent's arms before they'd even gotten back to their holiday home. Once Officer Jenny had arrived and taken Giovanni and his four remaining grunts to jail, everybody just wanted to go home and rest after their close call with Mewtwo. Ash and Misty had offered to take Mewtwo back to Cerulean Cave and explain the situation to it. They'd met the cloned Pokémon before and it knew them so it was likelier to listen to them than anyone else. Before they went, Ruby and Hop thanked Ash for joining them on their mission and they gave Misty a huge amount of thanks for being the one who ultimately saved them in the end. Misty just assured them it was nothing and that she shouldn't take all the credit as June seemed to have things under control and would've won anyway.
"You best get the poor girl home already." the ginger woman joked, "I think she'd be much comfier in a bed than out here!"
And so Ruby and Hop had flown back to their holiday home on Doomsday, leaving Ash and Misty with Mewtwo. Trace and Tricia flew back on Gyarados. They were going home to their mother for the time being. Once they'd rested up, Trace decided he'd go out and get his remaining Gym Badges as he'd yet to rematch Sabrina and his battle with Blaine was interrupted when Team Rocket barged in and kidnapped him and Tricia. As for Blaine, he'd managed to untie himself with some help from his Pokémon after being left behind by Team Rocket. He was relieved to hear everyone was alright after all that and he promised Trace he'd be ready for an uninterrupted battle once he came back.
As soon as Ruby and Hop arrived home, they put June straight to bed. Ray snuggled up beside her, looking like a house cat sleeping with its owner. Ruby smiled tenderly at the adorable scene. It was so nice to see June looking so peaceful after everything that had happened. She kissed her softly on the cheek.
"Sweet dreams my amazing daughter." she whispered.
The Champion left the room and sauntered into her own bedroom with Hop. Both Ruby and her husband were ready for a rest too.
"I don't think I've felt this worn out in a long time!" Ruby joked as she slipped her coat off, "What an adventure this has been!"
"Quite so." Hop agreed, "Though I hope you're not too tired for…a little private time together." he purred.
He slipped off his shirt, giving Ruby a generous view of his muscular chest and toned abs. Ruby licked her lips lustfully and stripped off her own shirt, exposing her bra and stomach to her husband.
"I'm never too tired for that you cheeky devil." Ruby crooned, her voice sending shivers of delight through Hop's body.
Hop giggled mischievously as he pulled his wife on top of him and kissed her passionately while running his hands over her shoulders and back. Ruby returned the gesture, groping his chest and moaning with pleasure as she kissed him.
As the Silverlock family settled down to enjoy some well-earned peace together, Ash and Misty returned to Cerulean Cave with Mewtwo. They'd used Misty's Gyarados to fly to the cave. They took Mewtwo back to the same room Misty and June had found it in and lay it down on the floor. Using a Revival Herb, they managed to wake it up. Not only was it conscious again but its health was back to full. Mewtwo was surprised to find itself waking up again and not only back in its home, but completely unharmed. It saw Ash and Misty and narrowed its eyes with interest. Now it wasn't so blinded by anger, it was able to properly look at the two and realize something.
"You two…it has been so long since we've last met." Mewtwo mused curiously, "And yet I remember as if it were yesterday. You two have brought me back home, haven't you?"
"Of course we did!" Ash said as if it was ridiculous that Mewtwo felt the need to ask him that, "We couldn't just leave you there without helping you get better, could we? Team Rocket forced June to abduct you like that so we had to get you back to where you belong."
"Pika!" Pikachu chimed in.
"June…I remember. She said she came to me to protect me from Team Rocket, but she delivered me to them instead." Mewtwo murmured, "But you say Team Rocket forced her into it. Explain."
Misty filled in everything that had happened. She told Mewtwo how June genuinely was here to keep it safe from Team Rocket and it was only when Giovanni had called her and shown that he was holding her parents and friends hostage that she had to get it for him. Mewtwo couldn't sense any deceit coming from the two humans and it even read Misty's mind to confirm that yes, her story was true. It looked down at its hands in shame.
"So I nearly killed an innocent human who was forced against her will into abducting me for Team Rocket. She only acted out of selflessness, a desire to save her loved ones. I was wrong to jump to conclusions and I apologize if I've caused her great harm." Mewtwo said gravely.
"You don't have to worry Mewtwo. She's alright, just tired after everything that's happened." Ash reassured it, "I'm sure she understands why you got the wrong idea."
"You're safe now Mewtwo and Team Rocket will never control you again." Misty promised, "You can stay here and live the rest of your life peacefully, as you've always wanted."
Mewtwo nodded.
"Still, it may be best me and June have some closure. It is only right that I apologize to her in person." it decided.
"I'm sure her parents won't mind." Ash said kindly, "But give her until tomorrow. June should be rested up by then."
Mewtwo nodded agreeably. It saw no reason it couldn't wait until the next day.
June slept for the rest of the day and through the night. She woke up at around half seven the next morning and despite feeling achy, she felt reenergised and ready to face the day again. She assumed her aching body was in response to Mewtwo nearly crushing her to death in its rage yesterday. At least that was the worst she was feeling! She walked into the kitchen for breakfast and was met with the delicious smells of bread toasting in the toaster, eggs frying in the pan and sausages and bacon cooking in the oven. Ruby and Hop had decided that a Full Galarian breakfast was in order. They saw June come into the room and beamed.
"Good morning June!" Ruby said cheerfully, "How are you my angel?"
"I hurt. A lot. But I'm not tired anymore at least." June said brightly, "I feel I can relax and enjoy myself now I know Team Rocket won't be stalking me anymore. How are you two?"
"We're fine too." Hop said happily, "Like you, we're well rested and ready to enjoy the rest of our holiday. At least now we should be able to just relax and enjoy ourselves."
"We assume you'll want to train up for the Indigo League so we're preparing a big breakfast to get you going." Ruby announced, pouring a tin of beans into a saucepan.
"I'm starving!" June cried out, rubbing her stomach, "I'm so ready for this!"
She hadn't realized how hungry she actually was until she'd smelt the cooking breakfast. Once it was ready, the family sat down to eat. All their Pokémon were given some breakfast too and nobody spoke as they munched away on their food. After everybody had eaten, June gathered together her Pokémon.
"OK, I've got lots of training to do ready for the Indigo League. I need to be at my best if I'm gonna beat the Elite Four and become Champion!" June cried eagerly, "I'll see you two later."
"Hang on June, you can't go just yet." Ruby said quickly, "Ash and Misty called us earlier. They say there's someone who wants to see you for a minute."
"Oh? Who is it?" June asked.
She got her answer seconds later as all of a sudden, Mewtwo levitated down in front of the house. It was an incredible sight to see the Legendary Pokémon just here at the door as if it was dropping by for a visit. June gasped in shock and hid behind the table. Ruby and Hop smiled reassuringly to her.
"It's OK June. Ash and Misty explained everything. Mewtwo understands now. It's not here to hurt you." Hop said gently.
"It wanted to apologize for trying to kill you and felt it best it do so itself." Ruby put in.
June wasn't sure about going up to it but she thought it would be rude of her not to give Mewtwo a chance. It would be nice to at least be on better terms with it. She emerged from the table and headed outside to meet Mewtwo. Ray clung onto her shoulder. If he had to protect her, he would. June swallowed heavily.
"H-h-hello M-Mewtwo." she stammered.
"You don't have to be frightened. I will not harm you, not like I did yesterday." Mewtwo promised, "I deeply regret my actions and I hope you can forgive me for being blinded by my own rage and ignorance."
June felt more relaxed after hearing that.
"Oh you don't have to be sorry Mewtwo." she said kindly, "It was my fault. I should've explained the situation to you, but I couldn't. Not when Giovanni was watching me. I worried if I told the truth, he would drown mum and dad and the others. Believe me, I would NEVER have caught you for Team Rocket in any other situation."
"I believe you, and it was wrong of me to come to the conclusion I did." Mewtwo said grimly, "I understand now that you had no other choice and were acting to save your loved ones. I only wish I could've helped had I known what was really happening."
"There's no use dwelling on that anymore. It's over with and you didn't kill anyone." June said reassuringly, "Team Rocket's gone for good and you can continue to live in peace. And I promise you I won't come hunting for you again from now on." she added jokingly.
"I will hold you to that promise." Mewtwo said dryly, "For now, I only wish you success in whatever the future may hold for you. Use your skills as a Pokémon Trainer well. Show me what the best of humanity has to offer like a select few I've met."
"Well, I'll try at least." June said meekly, "And I hope you'll enjoy living the rest of your life as peacefully as you can with no more horrible humans coming for you."
"Anyone who dares will only regret it later." Mewtwo scoffed, "I must go now. Until we meet again June…"
It rose up off the ground and levitated up into the sky. In a matter of seconds, it disappeared into the cloud. The cloned Pokémon was returning home to Cerulean Cave to resume its life in solitude. June watched it go and waved goodbye. She felt a little sad to see it go. It would've been nice to know more about Mewtwo and maybe even have it as part of the team. But it was happier living free in isolation and she wouldn't want to take that away from it. Still, maybe she and Mewtwo would meet again someday as it suggested.
"Gotta say, I didn't think that's how we'd start the day!" Ray exclaimed.
"Me neither!" June joked, "I'm glad Mewtwo sees we're not the bad guys anymore and it can be happy living peacefully like it did before."
"It's better than being a slave for Giovanni." Ruby agreed, "I wonder if we'll ever see it again…"
"Possibly." Hop murmured.
"I'll let fate decide on that." June said brightly, "Now then, let's get down to some training!" she said eagerly.
"You bet! Me and the team are ready for all the prep time we can get for the big league!" Ray said excitedly.
Luckily for June, there was no deadline to be ready by. With the Indigo League, trainers could take as long as they wanted to prepare for it and any trainer with eight badges could go at any time they liked just as long as the Elite Four didn't need to rest their Pokémon for the day. June thought at least a week's worth of preparations would be long enough. She didn't want to rush in but at the same time didn't want to take too long getting there. She had ten Pokémon to train and decided she'd train them in batches of five so they all had equal prep time. One team of five would train for the first half of the week and the other five would train for the second half. She was starting with Ray, Cinder, Leonardo, Spyro and Behemoth. All five Pokémon were lined up and ready to go. June bumped her hands on her hips and gave her team a confident smile that she certainly wouldn't have worn before her journey began. It was clear even to her Pokémon how much braver and surer of herself she'd become over the course of her journey.
"Who's ready to face the Elite Four?" June cried optimistically.
"WE ARE!" her team chanted in response.
"Then let's train like we've NEVER trained before!" June screeched excitedly.
Ruby and Hop watched her from inside the holiday home. They couldn't have felt prouder of their daughter seeing just how much she'd grown since becoming a trainer and how strong and brave she'd become.
"That's our baby girl. She's all grown up now…" Ruby lamented, sounding both happy and sad at the same time.
"You train your heart out my girl." Hop encouraged, "You'll ace the Elite Four and become Kanto's new Champion in no time."
The first half went very smoothly for June. Her Pokémon trained together with no slip-ups or incidents and everyone put in their best effort. It was obvious to June that they were as keen to win as she was and wanted to show both her and themselves that they could do it. Ray kept on practicing his Zippy Zap attack, Behemoth exercised his Earthquakes, Leonardo trained with his cannons to show how accurate his aim was and he even managed to surprise everyone by learning Dark Pulse and Flash Cannon which would give him extra coverage if needed. Cinder surprisingly managed to catch up quickly despite being very late in the game. Her Flamethrowers were almost as powerful as Ash's Charizard's and she learned some powerful moves that would come in handy too such as Psychic, Brick Break and Thunder Punch. Spyro had the biggest achievement of them all by the end of the first half. With some coaching from Cinder, he finally managed to learn a Fire attack to cover his crippling weakness to Ice attacks. However, he learned the more powerful Fire Blast rather than Flamethrower. And as if he was being rewarded for his efforts…he evolved!
Everyone gasped and cheered for him as the graceful Dragonair evolved in a powerful but friendly Dragonite. Now June had a fully evolved team at her disposal. Dragonite were orange in colour and bore a closer resemblance to a traditional dragon than their previous forms. They had rather small wings that were more powerful than they seemed as they could still fly with them. Spyro admired himself, amazed with how much he'd changed.
"Well I'll be, I'm a Dragonite!" he exclaimed, "And look, I have arms and legs now!" he cried, flexing his new limbs, "Gosh, I had no idea I'd feel so strong just by having these! Ooooh, just wait until I go into battle like this!"
"You'll be amazing Spyro!" June cried, hugging him with delight, "Congratulations on evolving Spyro! I'm so happy for you!"
"We all are! Congrats Spyro!" Ray cheered.
"Very much so." Ruby concurred, coming out of the house to see Spyro up close.
She and Hop had been very pleased with June's progress and had been wowed at Spyro's evolution. Ruby held out a hand and Spyro shook it. It felt strange yet fun for him to actually have a hand to shake unlike before.
"Me and my sisters always thought about catching a Dragonite, but we decided not to in the end. We've got enough Pokémon to raise as is." Ruby chuckled, "At least with you, I now kinda have one."
"Technically yes." Hop agreed, "Though I don't think June wants to share sweetie."
The family giggled at the joke.
"You should definitely be proud of yourself June. Raising this fine Dragonair into a Dragonite is a true testament of how much a trainer loves their Pokémon." Ruby said kindly, "Some trainers don't have the patience or care when it comes to Dragon-types as they're often hard to raise but you did it and look what it's rewarded you with."
"I am proud of myself!" June said excitedly, "Growing up with your Noivern and Archaludon, I knew I had to have my own Dragon-type when I became a trainer and I knew Dragonite was the one for me! And I couldn't be happier with my amazing Dragonite!"
She hugged Spyro again, making the large orange dragon smile with awe.
"You're raising one fine team June, and I don't just mean Spyro." Hop commented, "You'll ace the Indigo League, no doubt about it. Now I guess you'll be switching to your other Pokémon so they get a turn too?"
"Oh yes, it's time for a switchover now." June concurred, "Can't go in with only half a team fully prepared!"
For the second half, she trained up Ace, Paige, Divebomb, Ironhide and Victoria. Ray stayed with her but he didn't train with them. It was agreed that it wouldn't be fair if he got more training than anyone else. Instead he sort of acted as a second coach along with June. They began training but they only managed a single day's worth before June got a surprising yet very welcome visitor. She'd just been reviewing Ace's Sky Attack until someone came up to her and called her name. June turned around and her face lit up with pleasure.
"Oh hi Tricia! Glad you came over." she said sweetly.
"Pleasure's all mine hon." Tricia said kindly, "I see you're busy preparing for the League."
"Oh yes. I haven't stopped training at all this week!" the Galarian girl exclaimed, "I just finished training one half of my team, now I'm on the other half. Spyro's a Dragonite now!" she added excitedly.
"No way, that's incredible!" Tricia yelled in amazement, "Aww, I wish me and Trace could've seen him!"
"You'll see him in action come the Indigo League." June noted, "Where is Trace by the way? He's not with you." she added.
"He's training too." Tricia answered, "He managed to win his Gym Battles with Blaine and Sabrina while you were training at home and now he wants to prepare for the Indigo League. He would like to come and see you later when he's done. I decided I'd see you in the meantime and maybe offer my support too." she added, smiling cheerfully.
"Well that's very nice of you. I appreciate it." June said, trying not to sound bashful.
"Do you mind if I watch you?" Tricia asked.
"Oh no, no! Of course not! By all means, watch!" June exclaimed, speaking louder than she'd meant to, "I'd be very happy to have you here watching me. I mean watching my Pokémon! I mean watching me train my Pokémon! Am I babbling? Sorry about that, I really shouldn't babble…" she muttered feebly.
"June, just stop OK? You're making a fool of yourself." Tricia giggled, "If you're more comfortable training without an audience, I can go if you…"
"No, you don't have to go! Please, stay. I…I really like having you around." June said meekly, her face turning bright pink, "I'm not making this awkward am I?"
"No June, you're not. You're just being the sweet little shy kid that I've come to adore." Tricia said softly.
June blushed even brighter.
"Heh, heh…I best get on with the training before we lose any more daylight." She said sheepishly.
"Thanks a lot Tricia, you broke her focus." Ray muttered.
"Don't be rude!" June hissed, "OK team, let's continue. Ace, show Tricia how awesome your Sky Attack is!" she commanded.
Ace obeyed and gave Tricia a grand demonstration of her Sky Attack. For the next few hours, Tricia watched with awe as June's Pokémon showed off their strength and power and tested their moves on one another. It amazed the ex-Rocket grunt to see that the girl she'd once tried to steal from had become so much stronger since their first battle together. She certainly wouldn't have been able to steal from THIS June if she was still in Team Rocket! And there was her newfound confidence too. The June she'd first met had been determined yet easily frightened. But not anymore. She seemed more like her mother in that regard. And it made her so…attractive. She'd already thought June was cute as a button in appearance but her kind nature and new bold attitude made her even more desirable. Oh how she wanted that girl! Tricia frowned to herself as the thought crept into her head.
You should just tell her already! She's way too much of a hopeless case to ever come forward! she hissed in her mind, You best make that first move Tricia!
She coughed briefly as if to clear both her throat and her mind and prepare for what she had to say. Now was the right time for it. June had finished training for the day and had returned all her Pokémon to their balls. She wiped her forehead.
"Whew, and that's another day done." June sighed happily, "Say, while you're here Tricia, maybe you could stay for dinner? You should try a Galarian curry prepared by mum and dad. Theirs is always better than mine."
"If you don't mind, I'll stay." Tricia said appreciatively, "I'll invite Trace over too. I wouldn't want to leave him out."
"Sure! Mum and dad will be happy to have him over." June said brightly.
Tricia nodded. She then coughed again.
"June, if it's alright with you…I have a confession to make." the purple haired teen said.
"Oh? What is it?" June asked, "It's nothing terrible, is it?"
"Not in the slightest." Tricia said warmly, "It may come as a shock but you'll be happy to hear it."
She reached out and took June's hands into her own. June blushed. Already she could see where this was going. Her heart began to pound furiously as the pretty teen look down into her eyes. June stared back. Tricia's eyes were like a pair of beautiful shining emeralds to her.
"I cannot thank you enough for what an impact you've had on me since coming here June." Tricia began, "I was stuck working for Team Rocket with no other option as my family needed the money. But then you came and with your determination not to give in to Team Rocket, your kindness towards me and saving my life and how your family helped me get out of my horrible life as a Rocket Grunt, you've done more for me than you'll ever realize. You've made my life worth living again! And that's easily the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me." she finished, her eyes full of awe.
"Oh p-please Tricia, y-y-you're t-too much." June stammered, "I'm so g-glad I could d-do that for you. B-but you don't have to th-thank me. R-really, I…"
"June, you really need to stop being so modest and take a compliment for once." Tricia teased, "Anyway, I wanted to say all that, because this leads into my confession."
She pulled June closer. The Galarian girl squeaked as she suddenly found herself pressing against Tricia. Did it feel this hot for Ruby and Hop whenever they got up close like this?! Tricia reached up and stroked June's cheek.
"June…I love you." she whispered.
June could only stare back in astonishment. She felt like she was going to faint. For the moment, she didn't know what to say. She put her hands on Tricia's shoulders.
"Oh my…I…I'm at a loss for words!" she murmured, "R-really Tricia, I dunno what to say!"
"Oh just kiss already you two!" Ray retorted, rolling his eyes.
"Ray!" June hissed.
"You're not shocked are you?" Tricia asked worriedly.
"Well I am, but not in a bad way, don't worry." June said quickly, "I never thought anyone would ever love me in that way. But I'm glad it could be you Tricia." she said softly, "I…I love you too!"
And finally, the girls locked lips and shared their first kiss together. It was a wonderful sensation for both teens. June had to wonder if that's how it felt for Ruby and Hop when they confessed. Who knew love could feel so magical? She enjoyed the way Tricia's arms felt around her, making her feel loved and protected and the way her lips felt locked with her's. She was going to enjoy being girlfriends with Tricia.
"Hey June, Tricia, there you are! How's it…"
The girls broke up the kiss and stared, their faces completely red with embarrassment as Trace stood before them, his face a mask of surprise. For a moment, nobody could speak. It was as if the situation had become too awkward for anyone to say a word.
"Um…bad timing?" Trace said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.
"YA DON'T SAY!" Ray yelled in exasperation.
The end of the week soon arrived and both June and Trace were more than ready for the Indigo League.
The night before, the two had been much too excited to sleep so they were up nice and early. Trace had set off before Tricia so if he managed to beat the Elite Four, he would be the new Champion and June would have to challenge him for the title should she beat the Elite Four. June didn't mind. Trace had had a tough Gym Challenge so he deserved to go first. She and her parents travelled together to the Indigo Plateau, the very place where the league was held. Tricia had gone with Trace so she could root for her little brother but she promised to wait for June so she could cheer for her too once she arrived.
The Indigo Plateau was a large building with a single pathway and a couple of stairs leading to it. Stone arches framed the way ahead. It had a very grand looking appearance as if to emphasize to trainers this was where their final challenge awaited them. June swallowed, trying to keep her nerves steady. Ruby put a hand on her shoulder.
"You'll be great in there June. You don't have to worry about a thing." she said softly, "Me and your father are right behind you cheering you all the way."
"I know mum, but I can still be a little nervous." June insisted, "My heart's racing like never before! This is it, the final step of my journey!"
"Whatever happens love, don't let it get you down." Hop said kindly, "If you become Champion or not, we'll always love you regardless. Just get in there and have fun, OK?"
"Winning isn't everything after all." Ruby added reassuringly, "It's how you battle that counts."
"I know." June said brightly, "I'll give it my all, but I'll be sure to have a good time as well. Even if I lose, I can hold my head up high knowing I gave it my best!"
"You sure can sweetheart." Hop said happily, "So are you ready for some awesome battles?"
"You bet!" June cried hotly, "I'll give it the best I can, for you, for mum and especially for my new girlfriend!" she said eagerly.
"Oh especially for your new girlfriend." Ruby chimed in slyly.
Naturally June had been quick to tell her parents that she and Tricia were officially a couple now. They couldn't be happier to hear the news and were thrilled June had found love so soon just as they did.
"Watch out Elite Four. Here comes June Silverlock…" June said confidently.
"She's here to kick ass and take names!" Ray chimed in.
The Silverlock family walked up to the Indigo Plateau and pushed through the doors. June's Champion run was finally beginning…
Pokémon evolved: Spyro the Dragonair, now Spyro the Dragonite
There you have it. June and Tricia are a couple now. And needless to say, I think June more than deserved to get a girlfriend after all that, don't you? ^^ Now she's all trained up and ready to go, June has to take on the Indigo League. But we'll be skipping over the battles with the Elite Four as this story's long enough as it is and instead we'll cut to the chase as we watch June and Trace battle for the Champion title...
Trivia: I originally planned to have Spyro evolve in the previous chapter but I thought having him evolve and then still lose to Mewtwo would just undermine that moment and make it feel less special as a result, so having him evolve in a situation where it can't be undermined suited Spyro better in my eyes. :)
And come next time as mentioned, I'm skipping over the Elite Four so I don't essentially have to write the same chapter four times and it'll save this story from Ending Fatigue. If you want to see June vs. the Elite Four, then I may show those fights in a Plot-Scorbunny in the future...
Also June was originally going to catch and keep Mewtwo but I felt it suited its character better to let it remain free and I didn't want June to end up too similar to Ruby by also getting her own Legendary, so Mewtwo remains uncaught as a result.