Frantic Week


DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokémon.


Chapter 8:Tuesday Phantasms: Part 2


Sapphire could feel the same scorching sensation when she was engulfed by the Ninetails' flames before. The white flames didn't hurt but the blue ones did. The heat was intense and the coldness that followed made her body go numb. She slowly opened her eyes and found herself in the middle of a forest. The leaves above her rustled in the wind and sunbeams permeate the treetops, showering the deep verdant surroundings some light. Sapphire tried to recall what happened before she lost consciousness. Her head felt hazy but it gradually cleared up. The first image that came to her mind was a girl with snow-white hair and scarlet eyes. Her eyes shot open. The Ninetails.


Lily's innocent face turned dark and cunning. "…I want the boy."

Sapphire bared her fangs. "NO WAY!"

She was about to lunge towards her but a wave of pale blue flames knocked her back. The pain felt even greater now she was an ice pokemon. She staggered back to her feet and tried to shrug off the searing pain.

"Just give it up. You can't win." Lily came closer to the Glaceon and sighed. "I tried to present you an option but it seems you won't agree to those terms."

Sapphire clenched her teeth as she tried to remain standing. "I-I will …never a-agree ta that."

Lily's eyes turned somewhat fierce. "Very well. It seems I'll just have to return to our previous arrangement. Return to the Valley and we'll settle things there. I will be waiting… Or should I say 'we' will be waiting."

"D-don't ya dare—"

Sapphire was swallowed up by a silvery white flame and after the fire dispersed, she was gone.


Sapphire was afraid of what the Ninetails would do to Ruby. She attempted to stand up but she was too weak. No matter how much she forced herself, she couldn't move. "…R-Ruby."

"…anyone there?" a soft familiar voice echoed through the trees.

Sapphire tried to shift her eyesight to where the voice was coming from. Not far from her, she could see a silhouette running towards her. It was not human but a fox-like pokemon.

"Jewel!" The voice was getting louder and closer.

Sapphire finally realized who it was. "…Leon?"

The Leafeon rushed over to her and was shocked to see the fresh snow pokemon covered in burns. He didn't have any abilities to heal her unlike his grass-type teammates. Instead he hurriedly searched for Rawst and other healing berries like Oran.

Within minutes, Leon returned and laid the berries beside the Glaceon. Sapphire weakly ate the berries one by one as the Leafeon stood guard next to her. She felt her strength slowly returning and the burns didn't hurt as much as before.

"Leon!" A boy's voice called out from somewhere in the forest. "Where are you?!"

Then a swift shadow darted across the treetops and landed beside the two eeveelutions. It was Wally's Roserade. Leon explained the situation to him and asked for his bouquet pokemon went nearer to the injured Glaceon and used Aromatherapy. Sapphire smelled the sweet scent that filled the air around them. Her body felt at ease and she unknowingly drifted to sleep.

Wally finally found Leon along with his Roserade. He was surprised when his eye caught a Glaceon lying on the grass. He immediately recognized it from the navy blue ribbon the fresh snow pokemon was wearing. His pokemon moved aside as the green-haired boy scooped her up in his arms.

Wally's next concern was Ruby. He looked all around for any signs of his friend but the forest was quiet except for the little chatter of various bug, flying and grass pokemon. Leon and Roserade helped scan the surroundings but they didn't find anything.

The green haired boy glanced at the pokemon in his arms. She was recovering due to Leon and Roserade's help but she still needed further treatment. With no clues of Ruby's whereabouts, he had no choice but to leave and take the Glaceon back to Petalburg City.


Sapphire returned to a human. When she opened her eyes, a dense forest shrouded in deep in the mist surrounded her. She immediately knew it was another one of those dreams. After a deep breath, she stood up. Determination to find the Ninetails flared in her. She began to run across the mist, scanning the shadows around her with great discretion.

Her ocean-colored eyes caught a glimpse of a dark silhouette that seemed different from the rest. It was not as tall as a tree and it vaguely resembled a human. Sapphire clenched her fists and charged at it, rashly tackling the figure to the ground.

The haze around the girl began to clear up. Then she realized who she just attacked.

"Saph?!"The boy looked at her with complete shock.

Sapphire's eyes widen. She didn't expect to see Ruby there. A huge wave of relief came over her as she tried to let the meeting sink in. "R-Ruby…i-is it really ya?"

Ruby sat up and cupped her cheek. His face softened as he gazed into her blue eyes. "…It's me."

Sapphire couldn't contain her emotions anymore. She flung her arms around his neck and pushed him back to the cold hard ground. Ruby didn't care how dirty it was nor did he wonder where they were or how they got there. What mattered to him most was the girl he had been missing. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. Even if it what was a dream, the cold air around them as well as each other's warmth felt completely real.

Sapphire didn't want to let go. She was afraid of being parted with him. Unconsciously, her grip gradually tightened. Ruby didn't mind at first but it was getting harder to breath. "S-Saph…"

"…Hmmm?"

"Y-you're..ch-choking..me." Ruby could barely say the words. Sapphire immediately released him and the crimson eyed boy took deep breaths to try and recover. The brunette glanced to see if he was alright. Ruby caught her gaze and stared back at her. There was a quick pause before both of them smiled and laughed.

Ruby was the one who stopped first. He stared at Sapphire's Zubat-like grin and couldn't resist the urge. Without warning, he grabbed the girl's arm and leaned towards her before pressing his lips against her. Sapphire felt her heart skip and her eyes closed naturally.

But there was something wrong. Sapphire opened her eyes and realized Ruby was gone. Her heart began to race frantically as she shifted her attention all around her. She hurriedly stood up and called out to him. "RUBY!"

There was no response, only dead silence. Mere seconds felt like minutes and minutes felt like hours.

"Was I interrupting?" An airy voice echoed through the fog.

It made Sapphire boil with rage. Her brows furrowed and her fangs bared as she tried to find the origin of the voice. Then she felt a sudden presence behind her. The azure eyed girl turned around and immediately lunged at the person at her back, forcefully tackling mysterious individual to the ground.

"AHH!"*loud thud*

A familiar cry jolted Sapphire and he stared at the person she assaulted. The boy frowned at her. "You really like me rolling in dirt, don't you?

Sapphire realized it was Ruby again but then she wanted to be sure. The Ninetails had various tricks and she didn't want to be fooled. She decided to test him. "When is my birthday?!" She shot out.

"Huh?" Ruby looked at her with bewilderment. "First, you disappear, then slam me to the ground, cover me in filth and then you suddenly ask when is your birthday?! …Has the fog gotten to your head!?"

"Just ANSWER the freakin' question!" Sapphire demanded with fire burning in her eyes.

Ruby shuddered. He knew how badly situations would get for him if Sapphire continued to be enraged. He swallowed hard and answered, "..20th of S-September."

Sapphire still continued to eye him intently. Ruby stiffened at the girl's piercing stare. He didn't know what else she wanted. But then, Sapphire clutched his shirt and buried her head on his chest. She was relieved but she didn't know how long it would last. Ruby could feel her body tremble. He exhaled deeply and gently rubbed the girl's back. Sapphire loosened her grip and just laid on Rub's chest. The boy's heart continued to beat in rhythm. It was the only sound she could hear from miles around.

Ruby was glad that she finally calmed down. Now he could try and find some answers. He looked around the hazy area and wondered, "Say Saph, do you have any idea where we are?"

Sapphire turned towards his face and replied, "We're in a dream."

Ruby felt a bit disappointed but that disappointment suddenly turned into confusion. If it was a dream, how come it felt somewhat real? And there was another thing amiss. "That's odd. I don't remember falling asleep."

Sapphire looked at him in surprise. Last she recalled herself was that meeting with the human form Ninetails and waking up and passing out again in the forest. She had no idea what happened between the Ruby and the girl named Lily. It was worrisome. "What do ya remember then?"

Ruby thought hard. Blurry images circled in his head. Voices resonated but were too muffled to make out. He did his best to recall clearly.

*Bzzzzt*

A sharp sudden pain struck him. He clutched his head and cringed. Sapphire panicked and immediately fussed over him. "Ruby! What's wrong?"

The pain gradually subsided but the memories prior to the dream were cut off. Ruby's eyes shifted to Sapphire's worried face. He closed his eyes and took even breaths. "I'm fine but I don't remember anything that happened that time."

Sapphire didn't want to pursue the subject any further after seeing what happened. Even if it was a dream, she hated seeing Ruby hurt.

"…Enough with the pointless chatter." The Ninetails' voice complained with a tone of arrogance and boredom.

Sapphire stood up and glared all around her. "Where are ya?!"

Ruby was surprised by the girl's abrupt behavior. He quickly got to his feet as well. "Saph, Who are you talking to?"

The young brunette looked at him with confusion. "Ya can't hear it?"

"Hear what?" The crimson-eyed boy didn't know what she was talking about. "I don't hear anything."

"It is futile. Only you can hear me." The Ninetails explained.

"What do ya want?!" Sapphire shouted.

Ruby was completely clueless about the situation. "Saph, what's going on?"

The brown-haired girl didn't know how to explain it to him. Everything was far too complicated and judging the position they were in, it was not a good time. The Ninetails could see and hear everything that was happening in the dream and she had control over it.

"I gave you this opportunity so I suggest you use it wisely and say what you need to say." The Ninetails said.

Sapphire didn't understand what the fox pokemon meant. But before she could think about it, a pair of arms wrapped around her and a lightweight leaned on her shoulder. It was warm and comforting.

"Saph…" Ruby held her tighter in fear of what would happen next. He didn't want to let her disappear from his sight again. "Dammit. What the hell is going on?" He muttered under his breath.

The Ninetails' words still lingered in Sapphire's mind. She didn't know what to make of it.

"Well? What are you waiting for?" The voice resounded in the mist.

Sapphire flinched. Tension and dread began to well up within her. Ruby could feel her uneasiness. He turned her around and cupped her face. Then he looked deep into her eyes with worry and fear.

Before Sapphire could utter a word, a voice whispered to her. "…Say your goodbyes."

Sapphire froze and Ruby began to fade again. The boy didn't know why or what was happening. All he knew was he was getting separated from the girl he loved."Saph!"

"Ruby…" Sapphire held him tightly. "I'll come for ya. Wait for me."

Ruby returned her embrace before finally vanishing. Sapphire stared at her empty arms and told herself that she'd do everything to get things back to the way they once were like those peaceful afternoons that they spent at the secret base, just enjoying each other's company.

"That wasn't the farewell I expected but perhaps it would prove more interesting." The voice said to her with tinge of interest for what was to come. Sapphire looked back at the shadowy fog with unwavering courage. "Ya better prepare yerself. I'll be gettin' my pokemon back as well as Ruby!"

The Ninetails let out an amused laugh. "Is that a threat?"

Suddenly, the shadows began to move all around. Sapphire stood cautiously as she eyed her surroundings. She felt a dark cold feeling creeping at her feet. Little by little, she was being swallowed up by the shadows. She tried to break free but it was no use.

Then someone reached out and held her hand. It was gentle and very warm. Sapphire felt she was being pulled out of the dark. The shadows retreated and the girl tried to find out who her rescuer was. But before she could, the fog dispersed and the surroundings were engulfed by a white light.


Sapphire woke up in her Glaceon form. She was lying on a blue cushion on top of a small table. She was in a room but it was not Ruby's. The walls were white and there were plants on the corner and one on top of a desk. Sapphire sniffed the air. It was vaguely familiar. She turned to see what else would help her determine where she was. It was that moment that she saw a Gardevoir in front of her, watching over.

"Thank goodness. You're finally awake…" Ruru said with a kind smile. Her voice was serene and tender.

"Ruru! Is it really ya?!" Sapphire could hardly believe it. An overwhelming sense joy and relief welled up in her.

"Yes, Sapphire. It is me." Ruru replied. "I have already knowledge of how you became a Glaceon. I'm sorry if I read your mind without permission."

The Gardevoir immediately recognized her by the presence of her emotions when she first saw Wally bring the Glaceon in. In concern to what lead Sapphire to become a pokemon, Ruru read her thoughts and found out what had also learned the events that occurred in Rustboro City and in Sapphire's dreams.

The Glaceon realized that it was Ruru that rescued her from the Nightmare. "It's okay. In fact, I should be thanking you."

Moments later, Wally came inside along with Leon and Zaffiro.

"So how is she?" The boy with green hair and eyes inquired.

"She's feeling a lot better." Ruru replied telepathically to the three males.

"That's good." Zaffiro came over to his beloved before facing the Glaceon lying on the table. "Ruru already informed us of what happened."

"That's right." Leon jumped on the table and approached the fresh snow pokemon. "So you're actually a human and your name isn't Jewel?"

"Yeah, it's Sapphire. I'm sorry that I didn't say anythin' before and I'm sorry as well for the way I acted." Sapphire felt bad for lying to him. The Leafeon was always kind and patient towards her and she realized how mean she had treated him.

Leon now understood why the Glaceon said those strange things before and why she was so close to the boy with the red eyes. It was because she was actually human too. "I'm sorry as well. I misjudged you because you said you loved that human boy."

"That's okay. I understand." Sapphire smiled. "I gotta admit, if I were in yer shoes, I'd also think I was weird or crazy. But I'm glad ya didn't say that ta my face."

"I had a feeling you could have beaten me up if I did." Leon said. Both of them laughed.

Wally grinned with a slight disappointment. He thought his Leafeon and Ruby's Glaceon would have made a good couple but she was mean for someone else. And that someone was his dear friend. The green haired boy walked to the side of the table. Sapphire turned to him and gave a toothy grin.

Wally chuckled a bit when he saw her little fangs. He now understood what Ruby meant. He extended his hand to officially meet her. "It's nice to meet you, Sapphire. I'm Wally."

"Yeah, nice ta meet ya too!" Sapphire shook his hand with her paw. The green-haired boy didn't understand but the expression on the fresh snow pokemon's face said it all.

"Now that you all have properly been acquainted, I suggest that we return to the matter at hand." Ruru relayed her message to everyone through telepathy.

"That's right. We still have to find out what happened to Ruby." Wally said.

"Our best bet is ta go ta Lily Valley where I met the Ninetails." Sapphire pointed out with some help with Ruru in order to communicate with Wally.

The green-haired boy went over to his window and peered at the scenery outside. The sun had already set and the surroundings were covered in darkness. "It's really late and traveling at night is dangerous given that Sapphire is the only one who knows where the valley is."

"We have no choice but to wait till morning." Zaffiro said. Both of Ruby's pokemon were deeply concerned for their trainer but there was nothing they could do in that moment. Sapphire agreed. As much as she wanted to find Ruby as soon as possible, it was hard to locate the valley in the dark. For now, they would have to rest and prepare for tomorrow.

Wally returned Leon to his pokeball and was about to do the same for Ruru and Zaffiro but the Glaceon wanted to ask something.

"So Ruru, how did your time at the Day Care center went?" Sapphire inquired.

"With everyone's help, we managed to repair the area." The Gardevoir replied.

"..That wasn't what I meant." Sapphire suddenly felt nervous to further detail the question.

Ruru felt her uneasiness and understood what she actually meant. She smiled and looked at Zaffiro. "We decided to postpone things for now. We felt it was not the right time. I had a feeling that certain events were about to occur but I didn't know what. It is only now that I fully understand what it meant."

Sapphire was a bit disappointed but Ruru cheered her up. The Gardevoir let out a bright and optimistic smile as Zaffiro held her close. "The right time will come…"

Sapphire smiled back. "And if that time does come, I'm sure Ruby will absolutely be overjoyed."

"Yes, I'm sure he will."


At Lily Valley…

The crescent moon shone dimly and a sea of stars dazzled the night sky. A sweet aroma lingered in the cold air. Tall trees covered in shadows rustled in the wind. A white figure walked through the woods. It was the Ninetails in pokemon form. She travelled deeper into the forest until she came across an old run down house. It looked like it had been abandoned for many years. The half of the roof already collapsed and the walls were covered in cracks and moss.

The Ninetails took a moment to pause before jumping in a window. The moonlight seeped through the opening above, illuminating the desolate place with a pale light. It was completely silent other than the creaky floors and the sound of torn curtains fluttering in the wind.

The Fox pokemon ventured through the debris, moving above and under piles of wood and stone. Then she came to the middle of the house. The opening above was at its widest, letting more light in. The surroundings became a lot brighter and more visible. A strong scent of flowers contrasted with the dust and wood. Snow white lilies grew beautifully on the dirt covered floor.

A closer inspection, revealed an antique framed photograph hidden amongst the leaves. The Ninetails cleared away the dust and leaves with her paw and gazed at the photo. It was a sepia colored image of a boy holding a Vulpix in his arms.

"…Hazel."


I heard trainers were adopting us soon. It was exciting but I didn't know what to expect. I wondered if my trainer-to-be would be a girl or a boy or whether or not he/she would be nice to me. I was very anxious but I waited patiently with my pokemon friends who were two Eevees, three Growlithes, a pair of Skittys and some Zigzagoons. I didn't have any Vulpix companions given that I was an odd child from the start. It's not because of my golden color but my father wasn't per say the same species as my mom. I somehow inherited my father's ability but I never used it in front of others because if they saw me, they'd think I was even stranger. The reason being cross-bred pokemon don't inherit other species' abilities.

I already knew how different I was but I hoped my trainer wouldn't think badly of me nor would judge me too quickly. Soon, people began arriving. They crowded the fences to get a good look at us. My friends began looking for their potential human partner with great enthusiasm. I stayed a bit behind. Something inside me felt nervous.

"Hey, look that one's a shiny." A boy pointed out which made the people around him turn their attention away from the pokemon near them. Their faces lit of with interest for me. I didn't like it. It was very uncomfortable. My friends looked at me with sad faces. I didn't mean to steal the attention from them. People began to point at me, saying to our female caretaker that they want me. I didn't want it like this so I ran away and hid.

I didn't dare come out. It was scary. Their eyes were scary. They were filled with greed. I heard it before from my father but I never really understood it till now. Chatter of humans and pokemon continued. Some of my friends were probably leaving with their new trainers. I wanted to say goodbye but I didn't want to move out of my hiding spot. Without knowing it, I dozed off.

Hours passed, I woke up and the noises disappeared. I peered through a small opening and saw no one. I hastily scurried out, heartbroken that I was left behind. My friends were gone and I didn't have a trainer. I was alone now.

"I'm sorry but I don't have any pokemon left." My caretaker's voice came from the other side.

I realized she was talking to someone. There was hope. Perhaps I wouldn't be left alone. I rushed to see if there was a trainer for me. Then I saw my caretaker taking to a young boy with black hair and gentle brown eyes. He looked as if he wanted a pokemon so badly. I came over to them cautiously.

The boy's eye caught me approaching and his face lit up as he pointed at my direction. "There's a Vulpix over there!"

I suddenly felt scared. It reminded of the humans earlier. I fled again and hid amongst the flowerbed. It was not a good hiding spot but I just panicked. I closed my eyes in hopes that the nightmare would be over.

Before I could dare take a peek, someone lifted me up. It was that boy. He smiled at me with a childish grin. "I found you!"

I tried squirming out of his hands but he held me in a hug and said, "You're really warm and fluffy."

I stopped trying to escape and looked back at him. His face was filled with innocence. He seemed different from the people before. My caretaker came over and saw the two of us. "I thought this little one already had an owner. Many people wanted her but I guess none of them took her."

"Then I will!" The boy chimed with eagerness.

The lady looked at the boy with doubt. "I don't know. Boys don't usually adopt Vulpixes plus this one's kinda strange and I don't just mean the color."

"So this Vulpix is not normal?" The boy looked at the older woman with confusion and curiosity. Their words hurt. They didn't know me that well but they're quick to judge just like every other human.

Then something happened that I didn't expect. They boy held me tighter and exclaimed, "I don't mind! I just want my first pokemon."

First? He never had one before? So it will be just me and him? I felt anxious but in a good way. My tail began to sway back in forth. The caretaker lady smiled at me and turned to the boy's face. "Alright…"

The boy felt ecstatic. He jumped again and again with me in his arms. I didn't mind. I felt just as happy. Finally, I have a trainer. He turned to me and grinned childishly. "My name's Hazel!"

I smiled back. "Nice to meet you."

Hazel didn't understand but he looked happy seeing me happy as well. "I still have to give you a name."

A name? I never thought of it since I was a lone Vulpix in the group. I stared at him with eagerness to know what he would call me. But then he started smelling me head. I realized that he was a strange boy. Why would he sniff me?

"You smell like lilies." Hazel complimented.

I turned around and saw what kind of flower that I hid in. It was a bunch of white flora called lilies.

"Lily!" Hazel excitedly shouted. "That'll be your name!"

My name is Lily.


The Ninetails brought the photograph with her as she returned to the small flower-filled island. The water in the lake was calm and it reflected the image of the elegant moon above. She swam up to the island and sat beside a boy sleeping peacefully amongst the lilies. His white beanie blended with the hue of the flower flowers that seem to glow in the moonlight. The sweet aroma was stronger there compared to the old house.

"…Don't worry Hazel." The fox pokemon gently placed the picture beside her before gazing at the boy. "I won't be alone much longer."


End of Chapter 8

First of all, I wanted to include Ruru and Zaffiro's egg but I needed it for a different story.

Lily's story is surfacing. wew. The name Hazel is just made up from the eye color I chose.

I still need more opinions for the skit and I'll try to begin the story that I planned before this.

Review please! I also need help with Poll votes. Please vote as well.