Frantic Week

DISCLAIMER: I do not own pokemon. They belong to their respective owners.

CHAPTER 4: Unexpected Sunday Meeting: Part 1

Sapphire was surprised she was back in her human form. She quickly tried to figure out where she was. Everything was covered in a deep gray blanket of fog. Only dark shadows that looked somewhat like tree trunks were visible. The coldness looming in the still air made the atmosphere eerie.

"Having fun?" an airy voice echoed out of nowhere.

The girl jolted and bared her fangs. She knew very well who and what it was. "Show yerself!"

A pair of mysterious scarlet eyes gradually glowed in the hazy darkness. She lunged towards it but she hit nothing but air. The momentum caused her to skid across rough ground and when she stood up, she was a Glaceon again. She clenched her teeth and shook off the dirt. "Turn me back!"

"But things are just starting to get interesting…"

Sapphire was not amused. She lunged at it again but everything faded in an instant.

The Glaceon's eyes shot open. The first thing that came to view was Ruby's slumbering face. She could see the boy's silky black hair and tranquil expression. And due to the nightmare, her paw was on the boy's nose. Her face became red. On reflex, she jerked back but she couldn't move as much because the boy's arm was wrapped around her. Sapphire's heart was racing. She didn't understand why she was there on Ruby's bed or why he didn't just give her a pokebed or even a cushion; even the floor would have been better.

Sapphire's mind tried to playback the events that occurred. Last night, Ruby held her close to him without his shirt and now she woke up in his bed next to him, at least this time, he had a shirt on. Sapphire could not imagine if she wasn't a pokemon.

Ruby's eyes started twitching. He opened them and saw the Glaceon, awake but still a little red. He placed a hand on the pokemon's forehead. "Did your fever go away yet?"

His touch was unbearable; like heat from a flame. Sapphire panicked and hurriedly got up to escape but Ruby managed to hold on to her in time. The Glaceon squirmed in his arms, desperately trying to break free. Ruby was confused with its sudden distressed behavior but he tried to calm it down as best as he could. "Hey, what's the matter? It's only me."

"It's because it's ya that I want ta get away!" Sapphire exclaimed but all Ruby kept hearing was repetitive pokemon chatter.

"You're really a noisy and energetic Glaceon, aren't you?" Ruby pointed out as he carefully positioned the fresh snow pokemon on his lap. He gently wrapped his arms around it to prevent it from escaping. Sapphire tried to resist the alluring warmth but it was no use. She could feel the sensation almost melting her body. Ruby lowered his head as the Glaceon leaned against him.

Ruby exhaled deeply after seeing that it finally settled down. The Glaceon was more of a handful than he expected. Ruby glanced at his team to see if the noise made them wake up, but none of them stirred. They were sleeping soundly in their beds.

Then Ruby suddenly remembered something. "I'm not used to calling pokemon by their species so even though you're not my pokemon, I can give you name right? …if that's okay with you."

Sapphire looked up at him. She thought if she could make him name her Sapphire it might give him some clues. It was worth a try. "Sure!"

"Let's just keep it down, alright?" Ruby placed the Glaceon on the bed and stared at it. "First of all, you are a female Glaceon, right?"

"What's that supposed ta mean?! Of course I'm a girl!" Sapphire protested with some growl in her words. "Why else would ya tie a girly blue ribbon around me, last time?"

Seeing such a defensive reaction, Ruby immediately apologized for asking that question. It seemed that keeping quiet was not its strong points. He might as well just get on with naming her. "Well, most of my pokemons' names come from their species. So Glaceon, huh? …How about-?"

"Sa-pph-i-re! My name is Sapphire!" Was what she tried to say but Ruby only heard, "Gla-ce-on! Glace… Glaceon!"

"Lala?" Ruby suggested but the irritated Glaceon's face made him take it back. He tried to think of another. "…Glacey?"

Sapphire thought this was going absolutely nowhere. Ruby kept suggesting names but the Glaceon just kept growling in protest and glaring with an ice cold stare.

"You're really picky…" Ruby said. It made Sapphire even more agitated. She lunged at him and started pawing at his side. "That's cause it's NOT my name!"

Ruby could never put a finger on what was going on inside the Glaceon's head. First it would be all friendly and calm but the next moment it would snap or panic all over the place. It surely was a strange Glaceon. Sapphire gave an exasperated sigh and gave up. It was useless after all. She slumped onto Ruby's lap in surrender. Ruby noticed its forlorn expression and picked it up. He raised it close to his face and smiled positively. "Hey, it's okay. I'll find a good one."

The Glaceon stared at him with her ocean colored almond-shaped eyes. Ruby remembered the picture of a Glaceon on his pokedex. The eye color was the same color as the shade of the paws and tail tip but the eyes of the fresh snow pokemon in front of him were lighter and more vibrant. It reminded him of a certain blue-eyed girl. Ruby's face softened at the memory.

"You have such beautiful eyes…" He complimented.

Sapphire's face flushed. The sincerity of the boy's tone as he said that made her heart skip. Her tail swayed left and right as she smiled. Ruby was glad the pokemon cheered up. Something caught his eye; he noticed her adorable little fangs. "You remind me a lot about Sapphire…"

The Glaceon jolted and started to squirm around. "That's it, Ruby! That's my name!"

Ruby realized the pokemon was trying to tell him something. "What? Sapphire? You want that name?"

"Yes!" The Glaceon stopped moving wildly. A wave of relief came over. It nodded eagerly and grinned. Finally! I thought he'd never get it.

Ruby sighed apologetically as he placed the Glaceon down. "Sorry but I can't give you that name."

"What?! Why not?!" Sapphire was irritated. She glared at him and grumbled. "Ruby, ya idiot!"

The boy exhaled deeply. He placed a hand on the pokemon's head. "Please understand. That name belongs to my girlfriend so I really can't give it to you."

Sapphire froze. She could feel the blood and nerves rushing all over body. G-girlfriend?! I can't even imagine the B-word and he says girlfriend with a straight face?!

"I can't use Zaffiro either. Even though it means Sapphire, it's a boy's name and I already named one of my pokemon with it." Ruby said out loud. He laid his back on the bed and gave another exasperated sigh as he tried to think of another name.

He named a pokemon after me when he was in Sinnoh?! …So he was always thinkin' about me? Sapphire was really touched. She recalled how the boy took care of her so caringly and sweetly and even though she would complain or get angry, he was always so patient. Sapphire loved that side of him. Her mind was jumbled with so many thoughts about him but one thing was clear she had an urge to kiss Ruby then and there.

She slowly walked over to his head. Ruby was deep in thought that he didn't notice the Glaceon coming closer. Sapphire crouched down beside his face. Her expression softened as she eyed Ruby's features; his deep lustrous red eyes beneath those black eyelashes, and the smooth curves around his cheeks and lips. The nerves didn't matter because her body was moving on its own. She closed her eyes and kissed him on the cheek.

Ruby snapped back into reality at the tender contact on his face. He glanced at his side and saw the Glaceon smiling sheepishly with some fangs poking out while her tail was sliding gracefully from side to side on the bed. Her bright azure eyes sparkled as a pinkish hue formed across her face. "Ruby, I love ya…"

Though her words couldn't be understood by Ruby, she hoped, in some way, that it would reach him. And if he didn't feel it, she'll just have to say it again when she turns back into a human. Ruby was unfazed by the kiss; he thought it was just a sign of simple affection like what Nene does though his gaze couldn't leave the Glaceon's jewel-like eyes. Then it struck him.

"Jewel."

"Huh?" Sapphire jolted. Her tail stopped and her ears twitched at the sound of Ruby's voice.

"That's your name!" Ruby said with pride. "A Sapphire is a kind of jewel so I figured that would be a great name. I, for one, think it's perfect."

Even though it wasn't her real name, seeing Ruby give so much effort in finding a name for her, made her happy. Sapphire nodded contentedly and showed a toothy grin. Ruby blushed as Sapphire's smiling face flashed before his eyes. But he managed to hide it.

"Well, it's about time that I go visit Wally." Ruby got up and stretched his arms. Sapphire was in high spirits. She jumped off the bed and waited for him to get ready. Ruby was about to get some fresh clothes but instead he took out his pokegear and started calling someone. Sapphire wondered who he was calling. She guessed it was Wally but something about Ruby's slightly agitated face told her otherwise.

No one was answering. Ruby grumbled and tried dialing again. His brows furrowed as he kept hearing the ring back tone. He was starting to get really frustrated. "Argh… She hasn't been answering since last night. Don't tell me that cave girl left her pokegear behind. Even if she doesn't like technology it doesn't mean she shouldn't bring her pokegear with her."

Sapphire's ears stood up. She realized Ruby was trying to call her but her pokegear was left inside her bag at Lily Valley. There was no use trying to contact it. That irritated expression actually meant that he was worried about her. It hurt Sapphire to see him that way. She went over and nudged his leg. "Ruby, that's enough…"

Ruby glanced at Jewel. Her ears flopped as she looked saddened. Ruby sighed and stopped calling. He threw the pokegear on the bed and picked up the Glaceon. He forced a smile to cheer her up. "It's alright, Jewel. I guess I'll just have to bear with it till Monday."

Sapphire tried to smile back. "Don't worry Ruby. I'll find a way to return to normal."

"Well, I better get changed." Ruby said plainly as he placed Jewel on the floor and took off his shirt.

"RUBY, ya moron! Stop it!" Sapphire flushed at the sight of his bare back. Now she knew how Ruby felt when she strips in front of him. She ducked her head and covered her eyes.

Ruby turned around and noticed Jewel's peculiar behavior. He went over and held her, only to make her flinch and panic frantically. "Hey, what's wrong now? You were fine a while ago."

"Not again! Don't ya touch me when yer half-naked!" Sapphire was getting dizzy from the pressure in her head. She could feel Ruby's firm muscles. He wasn't all that muscular but he was no girly boy underneath his clothes either. The air around her felt thin. It was hard to breathe.

On the other hand, Ruby felt Jewel's soft light blue fur brush against his skin. It was cooling and somewhat refreshing; she was an ice pokemon, after all. Ruby couldn't resist. He rubbed the back of her ears. She immediately went limp. To Sapphire, his touch felt like a rush of heat. If that wasn't enough, Ruby nuzzled against the delicate tuff of hair on her forehead, but then he sensed something was wrong. The Glaceon passed out again.

Sapphire could feel someone carrying her and that they were moving. A chorus of bird calls and leaves rustling could be heard all around but the sound that she paid more attention to was the faint sound of a heart beating. She opened her eyes and she was greeted by the bright rays of the sun and the smell of the fresh forest breeze. She blinked a few times to adjust before taking a good look at her surroundings. They were treading on a path, Sapphire recognized to be leading to Oldale Town.

"You're finally awake." Ruby said.

Sapphire shifted her gaze towards the boy's face. She noticed he was wearing a short sleeved shirt now which made her thankful. But that was not all; she felt something around her neck. She sulked at the realization that she was wearing the frilly navy blue ribbon that Ruby made for her.

The scene of a quaint little town came into view. They were almost there but Sapphire suddenly jumped out of Ruby's arms. She had enough of being carried around and smothered in the process. Ruby complained that she might get dirty but she still refused to be held by him.

Ruby sighed and gave up trying to catch the fox-like pokemon. "You really are a weird Glaceon."

Sapphire ignored the insult and continued to walk farther away from him. Finally they were in Oldale Town. Sapphire couldn't believe her eyes. She didn't notice it when she was carried by Ruby. The place seemed a lot different when she was human. Everything was a lot bigger and the people towered over her. She felt so small as people and trainers passed by.

"What a cute pokemon!" a small girl came over. Behind her, other children began to come closer. Sapphire was getting a little uncomfortable as a small crowd of kids began to form around her.

"What kind of pokemon is it?" a boy asked.

"I don't know. It has a ribbon so it has an owner, right?

The children continued to fuss over the Glaceon. They gently stroked her head and back. Sapphire didn't want to disappoint their happy faces but it felt weird to her. She had no problem with Ruby but that many strangers felt suffocating.

"Hey, don't crowd her like that!" A pair of hands hoisted her up to safety, out of reach from the kids. Sapphire turned around and was relieved to see Ruby.

"The owner's a boy?" One of the kids piped up. With the girly ribbon on the Glaceon, they expected it to be a girl and began murmuring amongst themselves.

"Yes, I am, so what of it?" Ruby shot back, a little annoyed. The murmuring continued.

"Uhm, mister?" a girl with dark brown hair came over shyly and stared at the Glaceon. "Can I pet her?"

Ruby glanced at Jewel. He could tell she was stressed out. "Sorry but she's not good with kids."

The girl lowered her head in disappointment but then Ruby tossed two other pokeballs in the air. In a flash of light, Nana and Coco came out and struck dramatic poses. "But these two are!"

The children's eyes lit enthusiastically came over to play with Nana and Coco. Ruby's pokemon were happy to oblige. Sapphire smiled at how Ruby handled the situation.

After a few minutes, the parents called their children. They let out disappointed cries and hurried to them but one girl stayed behind.

"Mister—I mean big brother… Thank you for today." The dark-haired brunette giggled and bid Ruby goodbye. The crimson eyed boy grinned at his sense of accomplishment and returned Nana and Coco to their pokeballs after thanking them on a job well done.

Ruby turned his attention to Jewel. The Glaceon was definitely a handful. "This is what happens if you wander off. I may not be officially your trainer but that doesn't mean you should leave my side."

Sapphire saw how worried he looked. Even if he doesn't know who she actually was, he still showed his caring attitude. Her ears flopped to her sides as she apologized. "...Sorry"

Ruby couldn't stay mad at her pitiful expression. He caringly stroked her back and the Glaceon let out a soft purr. Sapphire couldn't help but compare Ruby's touch to the kids earlier. His was more soothing and relaxing. It could be just because he was Ruby or he really had a talent for stroking a pokemon's fur.

"We better go. Wally must be waiting."

At Wally's house, the green haired boy was waiting anxiously for his friend. There was a Petilil on his shoulder and a Roserade at his side. The two pokemon emitted a sweet aroma to help calm his anxiety. Wally thanked them for their thoughtfulness. Moments later, he spotted a familiar face walking towards him. His face lit up as he called Ruby's name and waved.

"Hey Wally, sorry I'm late." Ruby greeted the boy as well as the two pokemon beside him. He recognized the Roserade and assumed the little green one was the Petilil that went missing yesterday.

"No problem." Wally smiled at Ruby and then noticed the fox-like pokemon in his arms. "So is this the Glaceon that you told me about?"

"Yeah. I named her Jewel. Isn't she beautiful?" Ruby introduced the Glaceon with pride. Sapphire's heart skipped at the compliment.

Wally eyed the fresh snow pokemon with curiosity. He thought Ruby really had a thing for beautiful looking pokemon. Sapphire stared back at the boy with green eyes and hair. He seemed really nice. So this is Ruby's friend, Wally. She said to herself.

Wally turned his attention back to Ruby. "So is she your pokemon now?"

"No actually. I offered to be her trainer but she refused. I don't know if she has an owner or she just doesn't like pokeballs." Ruby explained. Sapphire looked up at him. She felt bad about letting him down but her choice was necessary.

"But you two look great together." Wally complimented.

Sapphire couldn't help but turn red. Even though she was a pokemon, the fact that somebody said they make a good pair really made an impression on her. The two boys were confused by the Glaceon's sudden change in color. They looked at each other in bewilderment.

"Does Jewel always do that?" Wally asked.

"I'm not sure. I first thought maybe she was part Flareon or Kecleon." Ruby replied jokingly.

Sapphire's happy feelings went away and were replaced with a slight irritation. A vein popped on her head. "How the hell am I related to a Kecleon?!"

The Glaceon continued ranting. The two boys sighed but then laughed it off.

"She's quite the pokemon, isn't she?" Wally said as with a slight chuckle.

"Yeah. She's real handful." Ruby added. "She's calm at first but next thing you know, she gets all moody. She snaps at you, then she suddenly panics and before you know it she passes out."

"…Really?" Wally was taken back at Ruby's description of Jewel. He never knew the Glaceon was that much of a handful. Sapphire's face darkened. She didn't think she looked that way to him. Her ears dropped to the sides and her tail hung down lifelessly.

But all of a sudden, Ruby held her in a hug and smiled warmly. "That's fine with me because I know every pokemon is beautiful in their own way."

Wally completely agreed. Sapphire felt a lot better after hearing that. A gentle feeling nestled inside her as her tail swayed from side to side.

"Let's continue our conversation inside." Wally suggested. Ruby nodded eagerly and followed him to his house.

They sat down at the living room and Wally brought a plate full of berries for the pokemon and two glasses of lemonade for Ruby and himself. The Petilil and Roserade daintily ate the food their trainer gave them while Sapphire decided to eat later. She laid down beside Ruby on the sofa to listen as the two boys continued their talk.

Wally was still curious about the Glaceon. He could tell the it was very comfortable with Ruby. If she was a wild pokemon, she wouldn't act so calm and docile around him. And if she did have an owner, she'd definitely try to leave and reunite with him or her unless her trainer was cruel. He hoped that wasn't the case.

"So what do you plan to do with Jewel?" Wally inquired.

Ruby flinched. He never really thought about it. He felt it was fine just taking care of her till she herself decided want she wanted to do but it was hard trying to understand Jewel with her unusual and unpredictable behavior.

"I-I don't know." Ruby replied hesitantly.

"It's rare for an ice pokemon to come all the way here so maybe she does have an owner." Wally was worried that Ruby could get too attached to Jewel and it would be hard for him to let go.

"Maybe you're right."

Sapphire didn't like where the conversation was going. She feared if it continued she might get separated from Ruby and wind up at some pokemon center for the lost and found or worse, she would end up with some stranger. She had to do something.

Ruby suddenly felt something nudging him. He glanced at his side and saw Jewel trying to catch his attention by either pawing or pushing against him with her head. When she noticed Ruby looking at her, she stared back at him with unwavering eyes. "I don't wanna go anywhere. I wanna stay with ya!"

Sapphire tried to hold back the emotions than came with other meaning of those words. She swallowed hard and continued to stare at him, in hopes that he could understand.

"If you don't want to leave his side, why don't you just become part of his team?" a light squeaky voice came from the Petilil.

Sapphire shifted her gaze to the little talking bulb pokemon. The Petilil backed away shyly when she saw the Glaceon turn to her.

"She's right. I don't see any reason for you not to become that boy's pokemon. He seems really kind." The Roserade added in a calm tone.

"It's because!" Sapphire shot back and the two timid pokemon flinched at her small outburst. The boys observed the pokemon talking amongst themselves. They wished they knew what they were saying.

"Oh, yeah… Where are Ruru and Zaffiro?" Ruby remembered and asked the green haired boy.

Sapphire's ears stood up at the sound of the two pokemon's names. It was good that Ruby brought it up. Finally! If I could go to Ruru, I could get her to help me communicate with Ruby.

"They're not here right now…" Wally replied. Both Sapphire and Ruby didn't expect that answer, Sapphire especially. She felt she the world was against her turning back to normal.

"My cousin, Wallene came over yesterday and offered to take them to Verdanturf. There's a daycare near there and she suggested that the two should go there. I hope you, don't mind. Ruru and Zaffiro wanted to go." Wally explained.

"Mind? I'm thrilled!" Ruby's eyes lit up. He was holding back all the excitement inside of him. He knew very well what would result in daycare centers, having told before by his seniors, Yellow, Red and Gold; Gold particularly because he kept bragging about his breeding skills.

"Why don't we head over there later?" Wally suggested. Ruby was about to agree when he saw a cream fox-like pokemon coming out of a room. It had leaf-like ears and tail and calm brown eyes. It shot a glance at Ruby and the Glaceon before going to Wally's side.

"Is that yours, Wally?" Ruby asked. His eyes continued to gaze at the new arrival. Sapphire also couldn't help but look at it. Judging from its features, she guessed it was another Eevee evolution.

"Yes. This here's Leon, my Leafeon." Wally gestured to the pokemon beside him. "He doesn't like fighting but he's been a huge help when I was traveling through the big cities in Unova. With Leon by my side, I feel like I'm walking through a forest since the air around him is always fresh."

Wally stroked Leon's head and the Leafeon nuzzled against him. "And he's very gentle." The green-haired boy added.

When Ruby heard that the Leafeon was a male, he had an idea. "How about when we head over to the daycare center, we could take Leon with us? Maybe he and Jewel will get along."

Sapphire's eyes grew big and her ears and tail stood up abruptly. She couldn't believe what Ruby was thinking. "Ruby! Do you have any idea what you're tryin' to do?!"

Wally grinned at the suggestion. "That sounds great!"

This isn't happenin'! Sapphire's mouth gaped. "Ruby! Ya can't!"

Across her, Leon was staring at her, unfazed by the two boys' plan. His head tilted as he observed the Glaceon's behavior. She seems interesting...

End of Chapter 4

In Chuang Yi's translation, Wally's cousin is Wallene. I used that insead of Wanda since it's a lot cuter.

In Sapphire's POV, I'll use her name but when its Ruby or other people, its Jewel.

Lol. Wally has a Leafeon! Ruby is trying to match his girlfriend with another guy. wew. How's that gonna turn out?

I needed to give it a name. It would be hard to keep referring to it as Leafeon.

I had a bit of a hard time putting the events together to lead to that. All I have are ideas of what should happen but not the minor stuff that leads to that.

Anyway, Please review! I hope to hear from new people. Thanks again to my loyal reviewers!