Hi everyone and be welcome to the 11th chapter of this fic!
As I promised... it's TIME WITH REVIEWS!
Itsnowedlastnight: I am sure now. You have a sof spot for this story, not that i'm complaining XD I'm just so happy that you like the way it's going. Your reviews always make my spirits rise so thanks for that.
novaking2832: I have to day that it's hard to keep my story in the way I planned, I sometimes introduce myself in the story so much that I feel angry when I write about them making fun of him.
Guest: Glad you liked it. Enjoy this one as well!
Natsuna2427: Your review must be the longests and most funny to read ever witten in a fanfic... Not that I can complain XD You said some interesting things in your review, keep them in mind. And for the battle... Let's say I was inspired when writing, and I like writing battle scenes. I hope you like this one as well!
AlejandroSalsa: Well, I very pleased to see that you liked the chapter. For the editor thing... I will seriously think about it, so don't be surprised if you receive a Pm from me. Thanks for the offer and enjoy this chapter.
Soooo.. that's all for TIME WITH REVIEWS today... I never expected to have so much of them by now... I'm more than happy about it, thanks to everyone who is following this story.
With nothing more to be said... READ and ENJOY!
Sapphire's POV
-Hi Rub- I greeted him.
-Huh? Oh hello Sapphire- he said raising his head.
-How was your day at home?- I asked cheerfully.
But just after doing it I regretted it... Just after the surprised look he got, his face started to loose every single feature of happiness. His face darkened, his already tired eyes closed for an instant before showing clear signs of sadness and sorrow. I was about to ask him another thing or apologise when he rubbed his eyes and stared at me with a sad smile.
-It could have been better, I suppose- he said then.
-What happened?- I said, curiosity taking the best of me.
-Nothing special, it's just that I had higher expectations about it- he with a fake smile said hoping that I would buy it. I didn't.
-Rub... Are you sure about that?- I asked, completely skeptical.
-What do you mean?- he asked raising a brow.
-I mean that, even though I have only known you for a few weeks, I can tell that you are not like always today...- I said, a bit worried about him- You never answered back or said something when someone made fun of you.
-My fault- he said sad- I'll try no to do that again.
-It's not like that, in fact I believe that it was good for once- I said to him while he grabbed his bag and we headed out- You need to make them respect you...
-There's only one way they will respect me...- he said sadly- And it's doing what he said, battling him and demonstrating my theory.
-Then, why don't you do that?- I said- I'm sure you can beat him...
-If battling is the only thing I can do to earn their respect...- he said sad- The I will learn to live without it. I'm not battling them. I could live without my other classmates' respect so I can do the same.
-What do you mean?- I said to him.
-It was the same then, in my previous school- he said sighing- Everyone would make fun of me because I always refused to battle them, calling me weakling and so on. It even happened yesterday...
-That's why you are in a bad mood today?- I asked.
-You could say so... That and the fact that I didn't sleep well last night- he said- I'm tired.
-I can see that- I said looking at him- I'm sure you had to get up early today.
-Yeah, at 5 I was in the taxi comming here- he answered, he then looked at me and his face saddened again- You know... If you didn't like the bandanas, you could've say it. I can buy you something else.
I then realized that after passing through the crowd of people I found out that, after someone pulled me from the bandana, the fabric had broken. I had put it in my bag so I searched for it. After I found it I spoke to Rub again.
-It's not like that. I liked them a lot, I wore the blue one all the weekend- I said to him letting him analize the fabric- it's just that when I entered today someone pulled me from it and made a tear in it.
-Oh, if it's like that...- he said looking at the piece of cloth- I'll fix it if you want, it's not a problem.
-Well... I was going to ask you that- I said- since you were the one who made it.
-I'll give it back to you tomorrow- he said grabbing the white triangle and putting it inside his bag.
-Thanks... Oh hey Emerald- I said when I noticed him waiting for us in the corridor.
-Hi again Sapphire, hi Rub- he said greeting us- Are you okay Rub?
-It was THAT obvious?- he said embarrassed- I'm okay, only tired. I couldn't sleep well tonight.
-Well, it's the first time I've seen you angry at someone...- said Emerald.
But he was wrong. Even if he tried to put a fake smile or a calm face I could see that he was angry sometimes, even if it was for a second. This had happened when the class made fun of him, when the teacher made fun of him and when he stopped Green on Friday. The truth was that this time he acted differently.
-I know, as I said... I'm kinda tired- he just answered.
-Are you going to have lunch with us?- I asked him- Since you couldn't yesterday.
-I'm sorry, but I'm really, really tired- he said rubbing his eyes- I'm going to sleep right now, I'm not even having lunch.
-Are you sure?- I asked him, then a doubt appeared in my mind- How many hours did you sleep last night?
-Something less than 2...- he said- If you want I'll come tomorrow, but I really need to sleep right now.
-O-okay...- I said a little disappointed- See ya tomorrow then Rub.
-Goodbye...- he said to us before following the path to his aparment walking very slowly.
-Do you think that he said the truth?- asked me Emerald.
-Well he seemed to be very tired- I said to him.
-Not that... I'm talking about his outburst from earlier- he said- I don't believe it's only because he was tired.
-I know... he said something about meeting some of his old companions- I said.
-But that would be a good thing I pressume- Emerald said.
-He said that they acted just like the boy in class, they made fun of him-I answered.
-Well, that's not good at all- he said then.
-Nope. I asked him why didn't he try to earn their respect- I explained- He answered that he could live without it.
-I believe that he is used to be mocked- he said.
-But no one likes to be mocked!- I said to him- And can't be an exception!
-I know he doesn't- he said- Let's see if he'll be better tomorrow.
-I hope so- I said- he still has to explain about his weekend. Let's go meet the others.
And with that we went to the fountain in the middle of the park to meet with them. The same that happened earlier, we were stopped every now and then by someone who wanted to congratulate us or who followed us. When we arrived there I could see the seven of them and quite a lot of people around, bothering them
-Go Explotaro- said Gold sending his strongest pokemon out when me and Emerald arrived.
-What is he trying to do?- asked Emerald- His pokemon will only attract even more people here.
-For once he is doing the right thing- said Crystal- He is going to provide us a way to escape from here.
-Yeah, but before that we should find a place to go- said Blue then.
-Where should we go?- I asked.
-I don't think any restaurant would be convienient today- said Silver.
- We should go to someone's apartment-I said then- There no one will bother us.
-Let's go to mine- said Yellow- It's the nearest one.
-Good idea Yellow- said Red- Gold, your turn.
-Okay- he said doing a thumbs up- Explotaro time to let them see a show! Use Flamethrower to the sky!
With that the fans that had gathered around him and his loyal pokemon cheered in joy. The all approached Gold and his raccon pokemon send attacks to the sky while the other Dexholders sent out their flying types and mount them. When this was done Gold ended the show.
-Okay Explotaro... Time to end this show- he said with a grin- Use Smokescreen!
And with that the Typhlosion unleashed a great cloud made of smoke that covered all the area. Not even 10 seconds after that, 5 pokemon holding 9 people could be seen flying above the cloud to the apartment's sector of the academy. When we saw Yeallow's apartment we descended and after landing we entered the house in a hurry. A minute later we were all gathered in the living room. For the lack of enough chairs, everyone was sitting on the floor while Yellow and Blue sat on the two chairs.
-What are we going to eat?- asked Gold.
-I have pasta in here... There's more than enough for everyone- said Yellow.
-I can make the sauce- said Blue.
-Okay, I'm going to put the water to boil- said Crystal standing up.
-Guys, we should do something about the fans...- said Red- I mean they are more and more crazy every day.
-And what do you suggest?-asked Blue- We can't just prevent them for idolize us.
-I know...-he said- but, doesn't they have something more omportant to do?
-Maybe... but that's what they do-said Green- We will not be able to stop them.
-Can't they see that they are bothering us?-said Gold.
-I thought you liked the fame Gold- said Emerald.
-At first yeah... I had everything I wanted- he said- I was famous, strong, people recognized me wherever I went... Girls...
-Pervert!-said Silver.
-Just let me finish!- exclaimed Gold- but after less than a month I no longer liked that. I believe it's the same for you.
-Not quite- said Emerald- I never liked that in the first place.
-Me neither, being the daughter of PROF. Birch, people knew about me- I said-At first it wasn't that bad... I was a child back then so they would only talk about me as my father's only daughter. When I grew up things changed... They would comment every move I made in town... People approached me and asked me a lot of questions, like "Are you going to be a trainer? Or a scientist?" It became really annoying. I assume that the same happened to Green at some point...
-More or less... I always said that I would be a trainer so they commented every battle I did-he answered-They criticized me when I made a mistake and if I won they just said that it was to be exected because I'm PROF. Oak grandson. This is not very new to us, but I even feel that they are more annoying than those people back then.
-I never had your experience- said Yellow- but it was really hard to come to the academy before I could finally skip a year and enter Red's course- she said sad.
-We know, Yellow, but you don't have to worry about that...- Red said- No one will bother you like that anymore.
After Red's speech, Yellow seemed a Tamato berry. She was trying to hid her blush with both hands, but everyone of us could see that. Blue wore a large grin in her face, a bad sign for her. Red was just smiling at her, oblibvious about what was happening inside the blonde's head. Finally recovering from the shock she tried to change the subject.
-Hey Sapph... Why isn't Rub comming?- Yellow asked- He hasn't come with us since the party. Maybe he didn't have a good time with us...
-It's not like that- I assured her- He was sleeping when we were to invite him on Saturday. Yesterday he was at home with his parents and today... I believe he is already sleeping.
-Sleeping? It's 3.30 p.m.-exclaimed Gold- This guy sleeps more than I...
-Nobody sleeps more than you, lazy- said Crystal entering the room, causing a general laugh in the apartment.
-Yeah he was very tired- said Emerald- he slept less than 2 hours last night for what he said. He had to get up early because, using a car, he lives 3 hours far from the Academy.
-2 hours? I wonder how could he not fall asleep during classes- said Gold.
-Maybe because it's more mature than someone that falls asleep in his classes, even though he has slept more than 8 hours the day before- Crystal sighed.
-He was awake, but not in a good mood...- said Emerald.
-Why do you say that?-asked Green.
-He had and argument with a classmate who made fun of him- I answered simply.
-I would've never imagined him angry- said Yellow- he seems to be a quiet guy.
-He is- Emerald said- but he said he was very tired and I assume that his self-control was off for a moment.
-Strange...- Green said.
-What's the strange thing in there Green?-asked Red.
-Yeah, it's quite normal to do rare things when you are tired- said Silver in a questioning look.
-What's strange is that he lost his self-control, if what you Emerald said it's true- he said before adding in a nervous tone- when he was able to mantain it every single moment when the events of Friday's night took place. Even when I lost it...
-Are you talking about when you interrogated the grunt, aren't you?-asked Blue quite rethorically while putting her hand in his shoulder.
-Yes, even then he mantained his composture- Green said- Are you sure that he was only tired? Maybe somthing happened when he was at home...
-That's what I think too...- said Emerald- He said that it was only cause by his lack of sleep.
-Did he say something else about that Sapph?- asked Crystal to me.
-Only that he expected more of his weekend at home...- I said- He didn't say anything more than that.
I lied to them, or not... He never said nothing more than that, but I knew that something had happened to him and that his sleepiness was just an excuse. Sure he was tired, and that probably helped, but as Green said, he was able to stay calm even in the moment he couldn't. I didn't know him that much, but I could say that he had learned well to hide his emotions from everyone, putting a well-made mask of indiference. Why I covered him? Because I though that he had his reasons and I would ask him someday. Why I knew that something had happened to him? Maybe because I had encountered someone that was nearly as good as him at hiding his emotions... Ruby. He never did that to hurt us... He did that to protect us from something he thought could hurt us... He knew, I'm sure now, the reason of why we were kidnapped and why did they made us pass those medical tests. I have thought about that a lot of times... I've asked the other if they knew something about that, but none of them knew... or so they said.
The other Dexholders were looking at me with concern when I stopped thinking about that. Blue was the first to speak:
-Are you okay Sapph?- she asked.
-Yeah I just spaced out, I'm sorry- I said to her, but their faces still showed concern.
-What were you thinking about?-asked Crystal.
-Just something that still bothers me... Why we were kidnapped, what's the reason behind it all?- I said being honest.
-I sometimes still wonder the same thing...-said Silver.
-Me too- said Yellow while the others nodded- We never found out the reason for being kidnapped.
-Someone might think that they searched for famous people's relatives- said Green- and this migt be true with me, Sapphire and Red. Maybe even Silver...-he added- but it's not like that.
-Nope...- added Emerald sadly- my dad wasn't famous and neither was my mom...
-I'm sorry to bring this topic...- I said sad- It's just that it bothers me sometimes...
-We understand Sapphire- said Red- It bothers me too.
After that the room fell silent for some moments, until Blue got up and entered the kitchen. After 5 or 6 minutes she went out with the pasta ready to eat and 9 plates.
-Here it is... my super special pasta with My incredible sauce- she said.
-It's really good Blue- I said after tasting it.
-I used some tips that Rub used when he did that on Friday- she answered in his teasing tone- You should thank that boyfriend of yours...
-BLUE!- I yelled at her- What do you mean with that?
-Sorry... I couldn't help myself- she said grinning.
-"Pesky" girl as always...- said Green.
-I hope she doesn't tease her as much as me- I heard Crystal whispered next to me.
-If she gets like this... she will scare Rub away for sure- said Emerald before we all laughed aloud at that.
Blue had been always like this. Even in that prison, she always teased us for encouragement or to simply have fun... It was her way to enlighten the mood there. Since the beggining she teased Yellow and Crystal. Even me when she kinda found out that I kinda had a crush on Ruby. She stopped teasing us after we escaped and not after a long time since we won the Dexholder's tournament she did that again. Even then she never made fun of me, until now. Blue is a really loyal and a good friend, and I like her for being like that. If you have a secret, she will be one of that people to die before revealing it to anyone (if it's something serious) and she is very protective around Yellow, me and Crystal. It's just that she likes to embarrass people, and when you are her target... well... you feel embarrassed... a lot.
After that Green said that we needed to train more than before the attack to be prepared if they came again... We agreed to train for no less than two hours every afternoon before the week of exams we would have in the fourth week of October. After that we explained what we knew about the "Battle Royale" to the ones who didn't know anything about that, Yellow and Silver.
After finishing eating lunch and cleaning everything we went to our training place and we trained our tactics, movements and group battle for the next couple of hours. Then Green said that it was enough for the day and we all were free to do what we wanted. In my way to town I saw Rub's apartment, the one that Emerald had located when he stalked him the first week. It was nearly dark, but there was no light in the house. That brought two options... Maybe he was somewhere else or maybe he was still sleeping. I continued to go to the shop to buy me something easy for dinner, I was hungry and I didn't want to spend much time making my meal.
After buying some lassagna and a bottle of coke I went home. Passing through Rub's aparment I saw that there was still no light anywhere. After that I noticed some Pidgeys and Taillows flying away from a certain sector of the forest part of the park. I thought that Green or Red were still training so I simply followed my path towards my apartment to have dinner and try to sleep my well-deserved 8 hours... but my mind interfered. In my bed my wild mind began to wonder until it focused in the tenth day after the kidnapping.
We, all 10, were going to the battlefield's inside our prison. I wasn't happy, not at all. I mean, who would be?I was kidnapped in a prison. I missed my dad, the villagers of my town, I missed home... I felt like I was alone there. I wasn't, I had 9 people around my age who were kidnapped as well, but the fear prevented us to get to know each other.
Five grunts were leading the way towards the battlefields. I was really scared of those people, really. Those grunts always battled us until the battle was over or our pokemon fainted... Because that what happened every single time they battled me, my pokemon fainted. I never knew how to battle, because for me pokemon were only friends and interesting creatures worthy to know about. Every single time Toro, my Torchic, tried her best, but lost. The same happened every time I used Rono (my Aron) or Dono (my Donphan), since they never allowed us to use our flying types.
I didn't know why they made us fight, but that and those rare medical tests where the only things that we could do appart from being in that room with everyone with the door locked. For what I saw the other 9 people knew how to battle, some of them a lot. Red was very good and was capable of giving a hard time to the grunts that battlled him, he even won some battles. Green was the same as him. Gold and Silver where quite good too, they could beat some of the grunt's pokemon every now and then. Emerald was good for his age and a quick learner for what I was able to see. For the girls Blue was the best and she was better than Gold, but worse than Green and Red. Crystal and Yellow where not very keen on battling, but they knew how to do it. They lost every time, but they seemed to learn quickly. I was the worst of them all by far... I never could beat one of their pokemon, never. When I battled and a attack hit my pokemon I never reacted quickly enough or in the right way. And finally Ruby... he was on the other side of the question. He was even better than Red and Green. He only had 3 pokemon, a Poochyena, a Ralts and a Skitty, but with them he could put very good fights. He won most of the individual battles and sometimes even won some 2 vs. 1 battles. His attitude towards battles was the opposite of me, of course.
So after we arrived we were spread into the battlefields. I had to battle between Crystal and Ruby. I looked to them and I saw that they were starting their respective battles. Then the same grunt that threw Ruby inside the room after beating him up appeared in front of me.
-Seems that I will be your opponent today- he said smirking- You better provide me some fun or else I will pay my boredom with something else. Go Onix. Now realease your pokemon, they are in that box next to you.
-O-ok... Go Rono- I said and my Aron appeared in the battlefield.
-C'mon, start- he said pointing to me.
-Rono u-use Metal Cl-claw- and he charged towards the rock-snake pokemon.
-Dodge and use Sand Attack- and after dodging he blinded my Aron's eyes with sand.
-Rono, are you okay?- I said scared fro him- Try to use Tackle!
-Use Magintude Onix- and a little trembling was cause by the snake like pokemon.
-Use Metal Claw again- I commanded but after hitting the grunt's pokemon the Steel-type fainted due to the magnitude- Rono! Are you okay?
-He's not, now return it and sent out your next one- the grunt yelled.
I used Dono then, but after only being able to hit the snake-like pokemon with Roll-out and dodging one Tackle attack from him, the elephant pokemon was knocked out with Rock Throw and Bide. I then sent out my last one... Toro. I coud hear both Ruby and Crystal yelling orders at their own pokemon. Ruby seemed confident and Crystal seemed to be loosing, but not like me.
-Go Toro!- I said- use Ember.
-Ember? Vs. A Rock type?- he said annoyed- This is no fun! Receive the attack and then Rock Throw!
After my attack did, nearly no effect on the Onix, the Rock type unleashed an amount of great rocks that collided with the little chicken pokemon. Even after receiving the attack Toro was able to stand up and try to continue wvwn though she had a hard time to do that.
-Is still up I see... Well I will finish this joke-of-a-battle right now- he said- Onix use Tackle, full force.
And then my instincs brought the best of me and I went to protect my little and already wounded pokemon covering him with my arms. When the rock-snake was charging towards us I panicked. When it seemed that he wouldn't be able to stop even if he tried to I saw the Onix disappear inside his pokeball just after a shout from Ruby.
-Nana use Roar!- he shouted.
-What are you doing brat?- snapped the grunt- Get on your own bussiness.
-It was my bussiness- Ruby just said glaring at the grunt.
-What?- he asked angry.
-Your pokemon was going to attack her and he could have hurted her very bad- Ruby just said- You shouldn't do that.
-You!- the grunt's anger was boiling now- Finish your battle and come here. I have something to tell you!
-I just finished it- Ruby said.
-Then... EVERYONE! Go to your rooms and get the other nine out of here!- he said- I have something to teach to this brat!
After that all the battles stopped and we were all dragged to the room. After they left us locked in the room the other 9 wore confused faces. They looked at me questioningly. Then the brunette girl, Blue, talked.
-Uhm... Sapphire... What happened there?- she said in a low voice.
-He just interrupted my battle -I answered- and the huge grunt wasn't very happy about that.
-Why did he do that?- asked the blonde boy.
- He protected me and Toro from his Onix's attack- I answered shily.
I then saw everyone nod in understandment and looked at the door worried. We could here the sound of a battle far away, but it could be someone else battling. It was nearly dark then and it was already dark when Ruby entered in the room. He went straight to his bed an lied there without a word. After a while, everyone was asleep. Well almost, I wasn't. I was in bed trying not to wake anyone with my sobs when I heard steps from the other side of the room coming towards me.
-Sapphire, are you okay?- asked Ruby.
-No, I'm not okay- I said, before looking at him.
When I did, I started to cry even more. He had a black eye and a bandage around his left arm. In his lips I could see dried blood and he had a bruise in his cheek.
-What happened to you?- I asked.
-The grunt happened- he simply answered.
-Why?- I said before the answer hit me with the force of a train- Was it because you...?
-Shhhhh.. Yes, but I'm okay.- he said- It's not your fault.
-Yes it is...- I said sobbing- Because I'm weak and you helped me, you got injured.
-I said that that's not your fault- he sai he said putting an arm in my soulder.
-H-how can this not be my f-fault?- I asked.
-It's not your fault that he tried to hurt you - he said- And it's not your fault that I won him after that and that he did this to me.
-But I was the one to start it all- I said- If I had been stronger...
-Maybe... but that can change, you know?-he said.
-What do you mean?
-You can be stronger if you want- he sai with a calm voice.
-I can't, I'm scared of them and when I fight them- I said to him- I only do a horrible job and I get my friends hurt.
-With some time you would be able to win them- he said.
-How? I can't. I still have to beat one pokemon of them- I said.
-I am able to win them... Red, Green can do that too... Blue, Gold and Silver are not that far and Crystal, Emerald and Yellow are improving quickly- he said with a smile- What makes you think that your case will be different?
-I just can't. I'm weak and I don't know what to do there- I said.
-Then let me help you... Let us help you- he said- And help me too, help us too.
-How can I help you?- I asked confused- You are way better than me. You are not even scared from them or even scared at all.
-I'm not scared of them, you could say that- he answered- but i'm scared of some things. I'm scared to see the state in which my mom is right now, I'm afraid to not be able to see them again.
-I miss my dad- I said crying.
-Of course you do- he said with the same smile as before- I do too, and every single one of them who has parents missed them. The other ones who have some relatives miss them too. It's natural.
-Why did we got to be kidnapped?- I asked holding my face with both hands.
-I don't know, but that's not important right now- he said lying. I didn't know why, but I had the feeling that he knew- What's important now is to rise the mood in here, in this room.
-Why?- I asked- We are in a prison... kidnapped.
-Yeah, but we have to stay positive, to improve as much as we can and finally escape from here- he said the last part in a whisper- You know... I've never been happier than when I opened my eyes that day and see that there where more people than me here. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't happy because you were kidnapped. It's that I wasn't alone anymore.
-Why? You didn't knew anyone of us- I asked.
-Alone I would have been stuck in here for a long time...- he said- but with 10 people... Escaping became a real option.
-Escape? How can we escape from here?- I said sad- We are in a prison... There are a lot more grunts than 10... maybe 100 or more. How can you think about escaping?
- There are far more than 100 grunts here, more than the double- he said calm- but that doesn't mean that we have to give up. That's why I said that before. First of all we have to have confidence in ourselves, and as a whole not just yourself. Then we have to improve our battling skills, we can use the training they give us. But moreover we will be here for some time, so we better make it a little more pleasant.
-How?- I asked.
-Getting to know each other. We will have to rely on the others if we really want to escape from here, so we better be friends with them- he said.
-How can you be so calm in this situation?- I asked.
-I have hope... and confidence in all of us- he said- I also know the risks, don't get me wrong, but I have faith.
-I don't know if I can have faith in myself...- I said- I'm nothing like you or them.
-Can I ask you a question?-he asked and I nodded- Do you want to get out of here and see your dad again?- I nodded again- Then trust me that is possible. We will have to work hard, and I'll help you be stronger if you want. But first you have to believe in you.
-I'll try- I said after that... with no more tears falling from my eyes- But I will need help...
-And I will help you - he said- Feeling any better?
-You can say that- I said with a ffaint smile.
-Good... and now have some sleep- he said putting his hand in my shoulder and his smile in his face- Tomorrow we have work to do and people to get to know better.
And with that he went limping to his bed.
-Are you sure you're okay?- I asked worried about his health.
-I'm fine, don't worry- he said lying again.
And thinking about those things... I fell into sleep while some tears fell from my eyes.
26
th of September
Emerald's POV (8.00 p.m.)
I was walking with Sapphire towards Rub's apartment. Blue had sent us a message that we had to be there earlier than what she first said. So we were going there. When we arrived there we could see him waiting for us outside his apartment. In the past days I could see that he was back to his old self. On Tuesday he came with us to have lunch and talked with us all the meal. I could tell that he had a good time with us, even though we talked about battles and something like that. He explained everyone that what happened on Monday was caused by his sleepiness, even though I could see that Sapphire and Green didn't seem to buy it completely. Today we were going to have dinner at Blue's place because we all had a lot of reports to do for the early days of the next week and we needed all the weekend to do that.
-Hi Rub- greeted Sapphire when he stood up and come to us.
-Hi Sapphire, hello Emerald- he said- Do you know why are we going earlier than what Blue first said?
-No idea... We can ask her when we get there- I answered him.
His apartment was only a five minute walk away from our group of apartments so we went there walking in a slow pace. We found some classmates or students from the college. It seemed that after four days, the situation was going to calm a bit, but it was a slow improvement. They still bothered us and called us to be their heros. So when they encountered us they either asked for autographs or glared maliciously at Rub when they spotted him talking to us. With another sign that he was back to his normal mood, he just ignored them. After that we were standing in front of Blue's house waiting for her to open the door.
-Hey guys, c'mon in!- she said while running inside her apartment again.
-Hello, everyone!- waved Rub when we entered the dinning room which had enough chairs for us all.
Inside the room were Yellow, Green, Red and Silver, and us three of course. Blue then came and sat down in a chair next to Green. Then she started talking... or tried to because she was interrupted by Sapphire.
-Hey Blue... why did you change the time of our meeting?- she asked- We were told to come here in an hour.
-I have a good reason for that- she said- now that were are all here we can start.
-All? Crystal and Gold are't here yet...- said our shy friend Yellow.
-Yeah, that's true...- I said- we are only eight people here.
-That's more than enough- she said- The fact is that I never wanted them to come here in the first place. That's why I told you and not them the time change.
-Why not? They are our friends- said Red while Green and Silver only nodded in agreement.
-You got me totally wrong- she said- Of course I want to have them here, but right now they can't be here. They will come later.
-Then what's the reason behind this "secret" meeting?- I asked.
-Are you sure that it's okay for me to be here if Gold and Crystal can't?- said Rub.
-Of course! You played a main role in this story- Blue retorted.
-O-okay- said Rub confused.
-So what's the reason?-asked Green- Is this another of your matchmaking plans?
-Uhm, yes it is- she said with a cheerful voice and a smile who showed nothing but an evil thought.
-So?- said Silver- We have less than 45 minutes to discuss this because I'm sure that Crystal will want to be here a little earlier than that time, even though Gold will make her wait.
-Okay, okay I'll go directly to the main point- she said- Well you all know how Crystal and Gold met... Even you Rub, am I correct?
Rub then hesitated a bit before answering the question. Rub looked to Sapphire who after that spoke to him.
-It's alright Rub- she said with a smile showing her fangs - They know that I told you our story... You can speak with us about that subject.
-O-okay- he said before turning to Blue- Yeah, I know the story more or less.
-Well since we started to interact with everyone in that group they were somewhat close- she said- Maybe for the age or because their personalities just collided, but they were very close to each other and with you as well Silver.
-I don't know what you mean- said Silver- I'm not that close to them. Gold is so immature...
We all laughed at that reaction. Even though Silver has always been the serious and the indiferent type, we all knew that his best friend was Gold, and viceversa. Despite their differences.
-Whatever Silver- Blue said when she stopped laughing- So that's it. Some of you maybe know and some maybe not so I will explain it anyways... In Sapphire's party they, Gold and Crystal made a bet.
-A bet?-I asked confused- What about?
-Gold proposed a bet to her just after Silver and Sapphire battled each other- she explained- Gold said that if he won the battle then they were going to a dinner-date soon.
-Gold won that battle if I remember correctly- said Red.
-Yes, but she added something to the bet. She said that Gold needed to win her in two competitions instead of only a battle.
-Why?- I asked.
-She said that battles were his strogest point and that it was unfair to make a bet with only something he picket out, so she added that he needed to win her in a battle and then in another competition of her choice- explained Blue.
-And what did she choose?- asked Red.
-A game of chess- answered Green- Isn't it true "Pesky" Girl?
-Bingo! Yes she picked a game of chess because she knew that it would be easy for her to win Gold- Blue explained- because Gold can be a lot of things, but he is not recognized everywhere for his intellect.
-So that was what you meant by me playing a main role?- Rub asked to her chuckling.
-Yep. Of course, Gold was loosing the match and Crystal was very confident about her win- she said- but then Rub went out if the kitchen with the bag of crisps for everyone. When he saw them playing chess, he looked and said that someone just nedded 3 turns to win the game. After that he added that that person wasn't Crystal, who needed a minimum of 4.
-So he didn't have any idea of how to play and had his figures like that?- asked Rub with disbelief- He sure had luck then...
- Yes, I don't think he had thought about an startegy. I have no idea of how to play chess, but what I knew is that if Gold won then the date will happen, so I went to the kitchen and asked Rub what were those movements- she began- he just mentioned them to me and then I told Gold, who won the match and the bet.
-That's why he hugged and thanked me in the kitchen- said Rub hiding a laugh.
-So with some help, Gold just arranged a dinner-date with Crystal...- Green said- Is that what you are trying to say?
-Yep...
-Can I ask you a question?- I asked- Why would Gold go on a date with Crystal? I mean they are always arguing or she is kicking him...
-That's what I think too...- said our dense Red.
-C'mon it's so damn obvious that they like each other!- Blue said, while I could see Sapphire, Yellow and Green nod in understandment. Silver and Rub didn't seem very surprised too.
-Maybe Gold likes her... but he likes every girl- I said- He is flirting with nearly every single one.
-Yeah and Crystal is always kicking him... Are you sure Blue?- asked Red.
-I am and you better believe me!- Blue said in a threatening tone- They like each other a lot. And they are not the only ones.
With that I stopped talking... I could see that some people were looking at Red and that he was just confused. Yellow, on the other hand, was just hiding from everyone. This only caused some laughs to be heard.
-Blue!-Yellow said- Get to the main point, please.
-Okay Yellow- she said- So yeah, with the help of Rub here Gold was able to win that bet and they will go out to have dinner one of these days...
-And what do you want to do about that?- asked Silver.
-First what we have to do is to discover the day they are going to do that- Blue said.
-Why? What's in you mind?- Green asked.
-Because I want that to be the date of their lives- she said- and that's what we are going to do.
-And why do we have to do that?- asked Silver.
-They're our friends...- said Blue- I'm sure that you want them to be happy.
-Okay, so what do we have to do?- I asked.
-Not much now- said Blue- First we have to know waht are their plans... then I will think about something.
-I'm quite sure that they will try to hide the date from us- said Green- knowing you, Blue, they will try their best to keep it a secret.
-What do you mean with that?- asked Blue.
-Look at you... You want to know the day they are going to go out and you're planning something- said Silver while the others just nodded- I'm sure they don't want that.
-I only want the best for them- she defended herself- If we don't do anything Gold sure will do something to throw all his effort to the rubbish.
-I am quite sure of that- I said- I mean he is always flirting with every pretty girl he sees...
-That's what I mean...- said Blue- Because of this they need our help, even if they want it or not.
-I understand this- said Sapphire- but they will not tell me or anyone the day, because they know that we will tell you... And if she does and asks me to keep it a secret... I don't want to break a promise.
-Then why don't you pick up the day for them?- asked Rub.
-That would be a great idea...- said Red sarcastically- But how we do that if they don't want us to be there?
-You provide them a perfect day to go out without worrying about you- he just said.
-Continue...-asked Green looking at Rub curiously.
-I'm quite sure that they haven't decided a day yet, so we can take advantatge of that- he said- Let's say that on Saturdays you all usually meet and hang out... So they will avoid this particular day becaus it will be obvious that if they are the only ones missing... Blue will be suspicious.
-That would fit our Fridays or Sundays- Silver said curious too, why were they curious? They seemed to be against Blue's idea just a minute ago- Continue...
-Good so, one of this two days... Some of you just say that you will not be here or that you will be at home when you will all be here watching them all the date- he added before finishing- Blue will have to be somewhere else, the same as Green, Sapphire and Silver.
-What about me, Yellow and Emerald?- asked Red.
-Yellow would never stalk someone alone, you are you and Emerald has no interest in those things...- Green answered I nodded in agreement- If we all disappear one day, Crystal will be suspicious too.
-And what about you Rub?- asked Sapphire.
-If you want me to come, I will. If not, I understand- he just answered- I won't make a real difference in this subject. They won't get suspicious about me.
-THIS IS PERFECT!- Blue yelled standing up and hugging Rub like an Ursaring. Rub had a hard time to breath because his face was gaining a purple color- And of course you are comming with us.
-I don't think I will be alive that day, if you don't let me breath- said Rub, trying to escape from that bear hug.
-Yes Blue, you're killing him!- said Sapphire standing up concern in her voice.
-Ups, sorry Rub- she apologized and let him go- Look at the time, they are going to arrive in 5 minutes!
-What do we do about the date, Blue?- asked Yellow, who was happy fro some reason.
- Next week I will think the perfect day and you will just have to play along. Now we better start making our dinner. I'm starving.
And with that we all started to help her make the dinner. Being raised by herself and with Silver in charge she knew how to cook. Even tough they usually stole cheap things to eat or not a lot of money, they liked to eat well once in a while so she had to learn how to do it. I helped her because I learned how to do it too. Being raised in an orphanage makes you be a quick learner, becasue you are all alone in there. After ten minutes or so we heard a knock in the door and I went to open the door. In front of me were Gold and what I would describe as my older sister, Crystal. After letting them in we continued to prepare the meal or either set the table. When all was set we started to eat talking about some other things. When we finished the meal we went to the sofa and chairs and we started to play cards... Then Rub asked a question:
-Hey Sapphire... How many pokemon have you got?- he asked her- You only used a Blaziken, a Donphan, an Aggron and your Tropius when battling last Friday.
-She has 5- said Green interrupting her- She has a Wailord too.
-Yes, that's right- Sapphire said- but let me tell you that you are wrong, Green. I have 6 pokemon right now!
-Six?- I asked- Since when? When did you caught the last one?
-Yeah, what kind of pokemon is it?- asked Gold.
-In fact I don't really have it here right now- she said grinning sheepshly.
-Then?- asked Green.
-To answer your question Rub I have 6 now, the ones you haven't seen are my Wailord, Walo and this new one- Sapphire said cryptically- I still don't know what kind of pokemon is, because it was my dad who captured it. He is going home and he will send me it from there so I assume that I will received it on Sunday. When I know what pokemon it is I will start to train him. Why did you ask Rub?
-Because I saw that the rest of you used or had 6 pokemon, but you only used four- he shrugged- I found it curious.
-Any guess of what it could be Sapph?- asked Red- A very strong one?
-No clue, my dad only said that is a rare and powerful pokemon...-she said- I can't wait to see what pokemon it is!
-I know how you feel Sapph- said Red- I can't wait to battle it.
-We know Red, we know- said Green smirking- Your dream is to battle and beat everyone in a battle.
-Hell, yes!- said Red throwing a punch in the air with quite an embarrassing pose, earning our laughs.
Rub was laughing, but stopped quicklier than us. He looked at the time and stood up.
Ruby's POV
-Well guys... thanks for letting me come, but I have some things to do before I go to sleep- I said while grabbing my bag- Goodnight, see ya tomorrow at the academy.
-What are you going to do now?- asked Sapphire- it's quite late.
-I have to groom and prepare my pokemon- I said- I will participate in the Super Rank contests this Sunday so I have to get them prepared and well trained.
-Oh, okay- said Sapphire- Then see ya tomorrow.
And with that I left Blue's apartment and headed to mine. I had the urge of inviting them if they wanted to come, but I soon realized that I would only be forcing them, if they finally did, so I didn't say anything. When I arrived home I went to my room and began to stroke my pokemon's fur with my different combs. Then my Pokegear rang.
-Hi darling, how are you?- said my mom's voice.
-I'm good- I answered- how are you?
-We are good too- said another voice. A man's voice... My dad's voice...
Well, this is the end of this chapter. It was very long and hard to write...
I'm sorry if you found it more boring than the previous one, but I thought that that was to be expected. This was more of an explanation one, when the next will contain a ore events like some competition Ruby likes to enter.
I have nothing more to say, except the usual: REVIEW and STAY TUNNED!