Hi everyone and welcome to the 25th chapter of this fic (who would've thought it XD).

IMPORTANT!: I'm soooo sorry for making you wait so much. I know I said that I update in a max of 3 weeks and today makes it and exact moths since I posted the 24th chapter. Due to the exams I wasn't able to start writing until I finshed them. You may ask... Aren't a week enough for you to write it? Yes of course it's enough. I've wirten a lot of chapters in even less than that. So... WHY? Well, a lot of reassons... The most important one is that I really suck at romance and I wanted to make this chapter to be very good. That and the fact that I still had to do some projects and reports for the University made me slow my writing rate. Agan I'm sorry and I hope you understand.

Before I start with the reviews I would like to thank all of you for the moral support you gave me for the exams I had. I have to say that they went prettty good if we take into account how dificult an Engineering degree is, sooo... THANK YOU!

Without fuuther delay... It's TIME WITH REVIEWS B*TCHES (yeah I'm really happy to finally post this chapter XD)!

12courtney12: Yes, you're the winner. I'll contact you soon to decide the prize you'll get, because there has to be a prize and you deserve one (thanks for letting me post your PM, by the way). A lot of thing were said in minor speeches as well as the most obvious one, but yeah I was not going to let the Dexholders discover who he really until the right time came. Information will be given abou this fact in this and next chapter. I'm really happy that this fic has this effect on you... I feel proud! Thanks for you review!

midnightbrowneyes: I'm glad you really think that. Keep looking forward because things are going through the last hill before the climax. Thanks for the encouragement and your kind review!

RionaCremisi: Hi there my sugar-lover-kind reviewer XD. I'm glad you understand the reasons I gave you... I really like Rayquaza and Celebi a lot, but they really had no room in this story. Yes I really feel like you will enjoy the end, but that is if I can write well what I have in mind. I just hope my writing skills are good enough. Thanks for the encouragement with my exammns, I hope yours went well. I also hope the you are okay now, from the reason you went to the hospital, I mean. Thanks for your, always long, review. I always laugh when I read them.

smile all of your days: Thanks for the support. I'm really glad that you (and almost everyone that I know of) liked the chapter. I wasn't sure if you would because everyone had a differernt opionion about waht they were going to see in that one, but I'm glad I sticked to my idea. As you can see I took, my time XD. I just hope that you liked the result... Thanks for your review!

comisure: I'm glad you liked it!But why do you assume Ruby is the other. As far as I'm concerned thre are only 3 people with powers that are mentioned in this stoy so far... Yellow with her Viridian Powers, Sapphire as the Sea Controller and another one which is not Ruby. Maybe he'll be or he won't (who knows XD).. Anyway thanks for taking your time to review.

And that's all with TIME WITH REVIEWS. The last chapter wasn't the most Reviewed of all the ones I've posted, but it was the one with most views! (except the first which is understandable). I'm glad about that and I'm now going to do a little retrospection about the stats of this fic... In the 24th chapter this fic reached the 200k words! 39 people favourited this fic and 47 follows it. The amount of views is reaching the number of 15.000 views and this fic has 121 Reviews! When I started this fic I never though of those numbers so thank you all of you! ME (Rubyspe) and LC5 are the ones that write and edits this fic, but you're the ones that make us work hard to give you the best of ourselves. You guys are as important as the two of us, so THANK YOU!

With that said I'll leave you with our editors words.

HEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLO PEOPLE OF THE INTERNET, this is your editor, LexClone5 speaking to you, a lot has happened this past month, Rupyspe has had University exams, I've had to deal with some stress as a high school senior (yes, the editor is younger than the author), I am preparing for college, and have been working on my stories(very lazily might I add). But I have some news regarding my own personal life, I have a new show coming on Youtube with some other friends of mine, where we will be agonizingly be pushing through EVERY SINGLE NINTENDO FRANCHISE, through a gaming show.

Hey, wanna listen to some guitar covers, as well as some gaming vids? Well look for Chakkugladiator on Youtube, he is one of my friends who is doing the show with me and he does great work, where I plan on making Cameos, so if you wanna see my face, check out his channel, and look for future videos featuring LexClone5.

Hey, wanna see two idiots play horrifying games? Well check out ButtonJam, it's my show which I have begun to get new equipment for, and have begun to make new episodes of. So heck us out on Youtube.

That is all I have to say, NOW ONTO THE DISCLAIMER!

DISCLAIMER: This fanfiction is Shrek approved, and we do not own a goddamned thing. Yet we wish... (god we are horrible at writing romance, let's just see how the fans like it).

READ and ENJOY (I hope)!

Chapter 25: Revelations of the heart

Sapphire's POV

I was walking towards Blue's apartment when I passed by my old one. I stopped to see that the company which was going to repair it had begun bringing the materials to fix it which were clearly organized at one corner of the house. According to them I would have to wait for 3 weeks or more to move in again. I sighed and followed my path towards Blue's apartment holding my hands together, trying to prevent the heat that I felt from that boy holding my hand some minutes ago to fade completely.

Some minutes after I arrived at my destination and I knocked the door. I waited patiently for Blue to open, but I suddenly felt the air escape my lungs due to a bear hug.

-Where were you Sapphire?- Blue asked me while I saw Green appear behind her .

-Wow Blue… you're choking me!- I answered when I heard chuckles from behind her.

-I told you she was going to be okay- said Green then.

Luckily after that, Blue left me on the ground again and ceased her bone-crushing hug. I entered the apartment with both of them. We sat on the couch while Green sat in a chair by the wall.

-Where were you Sapphire? You had us worried sick!- Blue scolded me.

-I'm really sorry…- I said ashamed- I wasn't feeling well and I had to clear my thoughts…

-You were gone for almost half a day Sapphire- said Green- Next time grab your PokeGear so we could communicate with you at least. That way we won't have to rely on Rub to bring you back.

-What? You asked Rub to come?- she asked then with anger in her voice, he still had to fully recover from the events of yesterday like it had been clear when walking back from the hill.

-No we didn't… We went to his apartment looking for you and to see how well he was doing- Blue explained- When he heard that no one had seen you he told us to go do our things and that you would come back eventually.

-Then how did you know that he was the one to bring me back?- I asked .

-One, you just told us. Two, all that started when he heard that you were missing…- explained Blue- he almost threw us out of his apartment saying that he had to tell his father everything that happened. It made sense because his father is a Gym leader and works for the Pokemon Association, but we thought that he was going to do something else.

-And the third is… he is the only one who has ever been able to calm you down- said Green.

-Now will you tell us where you were and why did you go out in the first place?- I asked to my female friend then.

I refused to look at her then, as if doing this would let me avoid it, but I knew Blue better than that. Just a look from her told me that I had no way out of it. I shifted nervously and sighed because deep inside I also wanted to talk with her. I needed her opinion in an issue that was troubling me for the last few days. Seeing that I agreed to talk to her, but I looked at Green and then at my female friend again hoping she would understand. She did.

-Shouldn't you go and see if you have to help Emerald with the pokeballs?- Blue asked him. He looked at her confused until he put two and two together.

-Whatever, "Pesky" girl- he said grabbing his jacket- I'm glad to see that you're alright Sapphire. Bye.

-Thanks Green, I'm sorry for the trouble- I told him.

-Bye!- Blue said to him and she turned to see me- Okay Sapph. We're alone now so spill it. I want to know everything!

-Okay, Blue, I'll do it, but you have to promise that not a word of what I'm going to say will get out of this apartment- I told her seriously.

-O-okay- she said clearly confused by my demand- I don't know why, but sure. Now tell me everything.

-Okay, here it goes…- I said taking a deep breath and locking our blue eyes together, I could feel my hands sweating – I… I really like Rub.

Green's POV

After being thrown out of my girlfriend's apartment, by said girlfriend, I was walking towards Emerald's apartment. Seeing that she threw me out so that she could talk to Sapphire alone, and I had nothing else to do, I went to do what she "suggested". As I arrived I saw that the light were on meaning that he was there, probably working with our pokeballs. I knocked at his door when I arrived and after about half a minute a dirty Emerald opened the door.

-Hey Green! 'Sup?- he greeted me when he did.

-I came to see if you need some help with the pokeball thing- I told him.

-Mmmm… I don't really need help right now, but I will need it in about half an hour- he said thinking for a moment- Now that I think about it… we still have to buy those pokeballs for your pokemon.

-If you don't need me, I'll go now to buy them and return by the time you need me- I said- I've got nothing else to do actually.

-Also bring Silver and Yellow, that way they can recatch their pokemon just after I finish. I don't really look forward to having 10 pokemon inside my apartment you know?

-Sure I'll go right now… I'll pass by their homes on my way back- I said to him and I went out.

I stepped on the road and started to walk, but I really grew bored of it after a short time. Looking over the forest part of the Academy I realized that I didn't have to walk all the way towards the town to buy those pokeballs. I whistled soundly and after some minutes I saw a large shadow hovering over me. I suddenly broke into a run and held my hands up. After a shove and a little flip with the help of my dragon-like pokemon I was flying at a top speed towards the town.

I silently pondered about getting superballs or ultraballs instead, but I dismissed the thought for two reasons: if the problem was that the pokeballs were burned, this wouldn't be solved by any type of pokeball existent. This would be different if the pokeballs had broken due to an impact, but it wasn't the case. The major problem was that the other types were much more expensive and the Academy would never pay for them so I settled down with pokeballs.

I entered the shop and bought them. I had to buy one for each pokemon I, Yellow and Silver had so I ended up buying 18 of them. I left quite a lot of money in the shop, no wonder why the shop assistant looked so surprised when I told her what I wanted. With my bag full of pokeballs I put on my green jacket again and jumped on my flying pokemon again and headed towards Yellow apartment. I arrived there in about 3 minutes and was about to knock when my Pokegear rang. I looked to the little screen to indentify who was the caller. I was Professor Oak.

-Green?- said his voice at the other side of the phone.

-Hey gramps, how is it going?- I asked him.

-Everything is okay, Green- he said with a chuckle- How are things in your side. I really hope that everything is calmer now than 24 hours ago.

-Yeah, I believe it is…- I said- everything is falling into its place once again… Some of us have had a rough time, but everything seems to be almost perfect.

-What happened?- he asked- Is that friend of yours okay?

-Yes, he is… - I told him- the problem was another. Sapphire has had a lot of bad luck the past days and it seems that it was a little much for her to handle.

-Is she okay? You told me that she is quite difficult to calm down whenever she is mad or upset- my grandfather asked with concern evident in her voice- even his father has a hard time doing that for what he's told us.

-We were lucky this time and now she's feeling much better- I told him- so how are things in the Pyramid? You still working there?

-Yes we are… We have discovered some things there if I have the right to say so- he said clearly proud of himself- some environmental singularities of that place as well as some interesting things concerning the pokemon that live there.

-Well that's interesting… You only were there for a week and you discovered a lot of things…- I said.

-Well Birch had discovered some of them when we arrived, but he waited to see if we got the same results as him. Elm and I also discovered some things too… It had been quite a productive week.

-Any chance that you discovered a way to open that door?- I asked them curious about it.

-Nope, that door is still a mystery. It doesn't matter what we try to do to open it, it just doesn't- he said.

-Why do you still try to open it? I mean, this Pyramid has been there for a lot of years- I commented- I suppose that a lot of people has already tried to open it… if someone could have done, it would be on the books.

-Not necessarily… I mean, I know that this place has been not so far from civilization, but the government and the Pokemon Association have been doing a good job at hiding it- he said- I don't know how they were able to do it, but there's not any type of information on the internet about this place, so nobody tries to come by. The only thing I heard from an old woman who talked about an old pyramid is that is its name… the Landbirth Pyramid.

-That's interesting- I said then- So why did you keep trying to open it?

-The amount of Earthquakes has increased- he said- at least twice a day an Earthquake takes place… they're all very weak , just a tremor of the earth, but it bothers us. The epicenter is always in the same place too, about 100 metres below the earth.

-Earthquakes?- I asked dumbfounded.

-Yeah-he said- quite intriguing if you ask me. Well Green I should hung up. I'll explain everything tomorrow at the meeting.

-The meeting?- I asked him.

-Yeah… Oh! Silly me, this was the reason I called you- he said- The Association has arranged your meeting in the same place as last Thursday. The meeting will be at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. All the professors being me, Elm and Birch will be there too. After that we could all hang out for a little while and I would explain everything that we have discovered… I'll assure you that some things will surprise you.

-I'm looking forward to that… This time all of us will be going there so you'll see all of them again after quite a long time- I told him- See you tomorrow then gramps.

-I'm also looking for that Green- he told me- see you tomorrow then, bye!

-Bye!- was the last thing I said to him before we hung up.

I turned smiling towards the door in front of me before knocking in four times. After some seconds I heard some tiny steps coming towards the door and then Yellow opened it.

-Hi Green!- she said then- What can I do for you?

-I'm going to help Emerald repairing our pokeballs- I said- We also have to catch our pokemon again remember?

-Oh that's right- she said- wait a moment… I'm going to grab Chuchu- she said going inside her apartment.

After a minute, she came back with her bag and Chuchu on her head. We headed outside before she guided me towards Red's house just next to her. She knocked the door 5 times before turning back to look at me.

-Red had told me that he had been studying all the afternoon, this will help him wind up- she said fidgeting a little when she saw my questioning look.

-Sure, sure- I chuckled then and she looked down with a red colored face.

-So how's Sapphire?- she asked changing the topic intelligently- Blue texted everyone just saying "Sapphire is back!", but she didn't tell us anything else.

-She is okay… we all were right, Rub did go to find her- I told the blonde- and he was able to cheer her up.

-I knew it…- she said smiling- those two have a really deep connection. It's good to see Sapphire like this.

-Like what?- asked another male voice by my side- Hi guys! Is Sapphire okay?

-O-oh. Hey Red-said Yellow stuttering a little and looking down- I was just saying that Sapphire is better.

-That's good to hear- said our dense friend while petting the female Pikachu that had jumped to his shoulder to say hello to him- what are you doing here?

-Do you want to come to see Emerald? He said that he was getting our pokemon out of their pokeballs and that we had to catch them again- said Yellow.

-Sure- he said giving her Chuchu back with an smile that made her look away with her face redder than his eyes.

He went inside and returned shortly before letting out his own Pikachu that went to greet Yellow after positioning himself on top of his trainer's cap. I looked them walk side by side and talk to each other. I also talked, but being the silent person I'm used to be I did my thing, which is stay back and observe. IF only one was less dense or the other wasn't so shy…

With that we went directly towards Silver's apartment. Even before we arrived there we could see a boy wearing a yellow cap, a red sweatshirt and knocking at the door. After five seconds Silver appeared on the door and he and Gold started talking. Then he spotted us and the both of them turned to see us going directly towards them.

-Yo Red, Green! Hi Yellow!- yelled our golden-eyed friend- What are you doing here?

-Hi Gold- said Red- we were going towards Emerald's place. He's fixing the problem with the pokeballs.

-To be clear he is letting the pokemon go without hurting them Red- I told him.

-Whatever- he said scratching the back of his head embarrassed- What are you doing here Gold?

-Well I was going to ask this emo and Super serious gal if they wanted to go to train or simply hang out a little- he said- You all told me that you had something to do so I just asked them. At the end Super serious gal is helping her mom in the orphanage. Seems like she will work there from now on at the same orphanage that she and Emerald grew up in to repay them for taking care of her daughter for a long time.

-Well that's nice- said Yellow- Crystal always said that her mom left her there because she didn't have money, but she visited her often enough… She also promised to repay them somehow so she is working now for them.

- We should get going…- said Silver- or Emerald will be done by the time we arrive there.

To that we all nodded and headed towards his apartment. We were 5 people walking in the streets that lead towards his apartment talking to each other and laughing at some things. It seemed that the stress of the previous hours had almost vanished, but in the end we all knew that a little part of it was still there and refused to go. Knowing or suspecting that one of us in particular was the organization's target was something that didn't let us relax completely, but that was something that every single one of us was determined to do in order to keep everyone safe. That, after all, was one of the main causes what made us the most feared team in the world.

Blue's POV

I almost couldn't believe what I was hearing. I mean, of course I had seen this coming, but the fact that she was the one to tell me and in this very same moment surprised me. I just asked Sapphire where did she go and what Rub did to cheer her up, I didn't expect her to confess that she liked said boy.

-What?- I asked her then who was looking at her feet- You like Rub?

-Ye-yeah- she said nervously- I-is there a problem with that?

-Of course not!- I almost yelled before seeing her surprised face by my outburst- It was just unexpected, I didn't think you would tell me that. In fact it's awesome.

-Awesome?- she said- Why?

-Why? Come on Sapphire of course it's awesome!- I said feeling a little bad for her- He's the first guy who has caught your eye since…

-Ruby, yeah I know- she said with a sad smile- That time it was you who discovered without me telling you. And I know that it wasn't just a silly thing what I got for him… Now I feel guilty about it.

-About liking Rub?- I asked surprised- Why?

-For the reason I told you… that boy we met years ago was one of the bests friends I ever had- she said looking sadder every second- He crashed into my life like a train. One day I was at home happily and the other I was in a cage looking at a beaten up boy who claimed to be completely fine even if he wasn't. He didn't even knew me when he protected Toro and I from that Onix and then he got beaten up by the same guy that threw him inside the cage the first day we met. That night I felt terrible. Not only I was a weakling, but I also made another person be hurt by my failures. But he came and consoled me, he gave me the faith I needed to grow stronger- she was wearing a sad smile while telling the story- I slowly grew stronger and he helped me achieving that. If I failed he would cheer me up and point out where I failed. After some time I won them for the first time and he was the first to congratulate me, getting another beating up from the huge grunt. I scolded him then, but he said that he was so happy that I was able to beat them that he didn't care. That's when I noticed that I liked him in a different way than I liked you guys.

-Yeah, by then we were already friends- I remembered- although Yellow was still very shy to talk to anyone without stuttering, Emerald was almost always around Crystal and Green was more serious than the cold walls of the prison.

-Yeah they were…- she continued- After that I acted around him just the same and he did too. Whenever I was down he would do everything in his hand to lift me up again. The first time I got to pass those extracting blood tests I was scared to death so he just told the grunts to let he go first to show me that everything was going to be okay. Some days after that the plan to escape became more serious and, finally, my birthday arrived.

-Yeah…- I said sad.

-My birthday arrived and I lost him. We lost him. The boy who had helped me all those times and more fell down my pokemon and I didn't even react- she said wiping her tears every now and then- A boy that I only knew for 3 months had protected me to the point that he ended up dying for that. I promised myself that I would be stronger and I would protect everyone the day we agreed to enter the Pokedex Holders competition. For him.

-I know…- I said understandingly- and now you feel like betraying Ruby by feeling something beyond friendship for another boy?

-I don't know- she said in a whisper- I thought I would feel like that, but I don't really know if I do. When I noticed my feelings I felt scared, but when I'm around him that thought never crosses my mind.

-Why?- I asked her, I also thought she would feel guilty so this was surprising.

-You know when I met him? He came to this Academy 10 days after the start of the course. He didn't act like anyone we had met before, he was shy and didn't bother any of us- she explained and I nodded understanding her point- When he told me that he hated battles I was surprised, but what surprised me more was the sadness his face, his eyes showed me when he told me. Then I brought him to meet you guys and I remember all of you bombarding him with questions. He answered all without breaking a sweat except the ones related to battling in general. The same as you the first thing that attracted me to him was pure curiosity.

-Yeah, I know what you mean with that- I conceded.

-I was so curious about him that I got Emerald to stalk him all day for the next 3 days to see if we could learn something else about him- she explained me- In those days I only learned that he was used to be lonely wherever he was and that he was very intelligent. Although I have to say that he caught us. Then the night when you and Green talked with us took place. I was so mad then that I went towards the lake to sink the Pokedex into it. By luck or not Rub was in the path of it and got hit by the item. I went there to see what had happened and I found him in the lake so I helped him out. After that I couldn't bear it anymore and spoke all my problems with him in the same place you found me in… He had just met us some days ago, but he calmed me down and made me realize what I had done wrong. He encouraged me to come back and let you finish before jumping to conclusions. As you know before he waved goodbye I told him that he was a friend to me, because I don't know why I really felt that he was.

-It was something that surprised me, you know?- I told her- that you trusted him when you had pushed so many people away, but after your party I could understand that better.

-The party reassured me that I had made a very good friend- she said smiling- I had seen him compete in that contest and seen him in a lot different ways. At first he was very shy and insecure around us, then I saw a comforting friend when I really needed one. I had seen him angry for a fraction of second when Mr. Mike made fun of him at school and I had seen his confident and determined expression in the contests. I wanted to see what type of Rub I would see in a battle so I tried to force him to battle as a birthday present-she said pulling out her blue bandana and looking at it- At the end I didn't get this present, but I got something else, something unexpected. In fact it was something I needed because he was absolutely right when he said that it would be more comfortable to battle when I wore the gloves and the bandana.

-And they suit you a lot too- I said winking.

-Maybe… I don't really look for that when it comes to clothes- she said shyly- but I believe they do. With that he didn't only gave me a present, he made it. And that made me feel more special than after just receiving one. As I said when I saw that and after he treated Toro and the other pokemon, I decided to try to battle him another different time. Then we went home and had dinner and after that I felt that I could trust him well enough to share our deepest secret. I took a huge gamble then because for all I knew he could've been faking, but I felt that way.

-If we weren't surprised before we were astounded then- I told her- you never told anyone what happened there so that was a huge turn of events. Then again, he didn't fail you or any of us. He's kept his secret for himself and even then he was respectful enough to let us be and do what we needed to do. Until he warned us about the attack in the academy.

-Yeah, it was pretty easy then, but again something caught my eye- she explained- when Green was so mad that tried to punch the grunt, Rub caught his arm. When I looked at him I saw his determined face again. I don't know if it's coincidental, but when he wears this face he always gets what he wants. Then we went to sleep a little after that. The next thing I know all of you want Rub to join us for lunch, dinner or whatever we are doing- said after laughing nervously.

-You, of all people, shouldn't blame us- I retorted.

-I don't. How could I?-she said between laughs- After that came the quiet days. I worked with him at school, we made a plan to stalk Crystal and Gold, we all hung out together more and he became more comfortable around us even if he wouldn't come every single time. Then we went to see him in the next contest.

-I remember that! I'll never forget those amazing moves he used then!- I almost squealed- And it was the first time I saw him like that. It seemed a totally different person there in the stage, like his behavior had turned a 180º degrees turn. I remember telling you that he was quite handsome there, but I never got your reply- I said looking at her blushing face slyly.

-Th-the answer is obvious now- she said and I exploded with laughter, after I stopped she was able to continue, but not without the embarrassed face.

-So can I know when did you realize that you liked him in that way?- I asked her then, enjoying myself a little too much.

-I believe that it was somewhere in the middle of the exams…- she said- We spent a lot of time studying together with Emerald. As he said at some point we saw each other nearly 24/7…

-And you had been helping him the week before, when he got the flu- I remarked- you even arrived late at our training sessions because of that.

-Yeah, but that just was doing something to help a friend who was ill… I think- she said then- That's not the point. The point is that after spending so much time with him I noticed that I was indeed looking for his attention in some way.

-You did?- I asked.

-Yeah. If I had a doubt I would ask him first. That could've been because he is quite the smartest of us 3, but it wasn't the case… I would do that while studying about anything and if he didn't know he would look for it until he understood and explained me what I was doing wrong. I did that so naturally that I ended up asking Rub things about battles! He only said that he was far below mine and Emerald's level in that so he was the one who needed help with it.

- Well that was quite extreme- I laughed.

-Yeah. I started to think about it seriously when he encouraged me about the Geography exam- I hear her say- with only a few words and a thumbs up I was prepared to take anything the teacher was going to bring me. This had happened before, but in important matters so it surprised me when he was able to lift my spirits even with something as trivial… That night I almost couldn't sleep because of that thinking of possible reasons to those things. It was then when I started to realize that his friendship was different from the one I have with you…- she explained- I still act naturally around him, but sometimes I've said some embarrassing things to him.

-What things?- I asked smirking.

-Not important!- she defended.

-C'mon I want to know!- I pleaded with my puppy eyes.

-I won't say them!- she yelled embarrassed.

-Okay, okay… there's no need to get so worked up- I laughed at her face earning a death glare from her- What were you saying?

-Well… it wasn't after a couple of days when I finally solved my problem- she said- I had come up with an answer, but it scared me. The next time I saw him I thought it would be awkward, but it wasn't. Neither the next or the ones that followed. I first convinced myself that it was just because I was under the pressure of exams that I was putting these thoughts at bay, but I've realized that it wasn't the case. After that we spent all the period of exams studying together as well with Emerald. After that math's exam we spent all the afternoon at the beach. I remember playing with Walo all the time for two things… I wanted to play with him and I didn't want to feel awkward around him.

-I understand what you mean… - I said before teasing her a little- but at all times you could've come to call us to get a ride you had to choose the moment he was sleeping and I was almost able to take his hat of.

-You were?- she asked looking guilty- Oops, my bad. Next time you're going to do that tell me first then. I'm also very curious about it.

-Yeah… I don't know why does he always has his hat on…- I told her- Maybe he has a rare hair style?

-You mean like having long and ruffled hair like an afro?- she said then out of the blue.

Of course when she said that I knew she was joking, but I couldn't stop myself from imagining Rub's face with the addition of that hairstyle. The result? Sapphire should have imagined the same thing because after some seconds we were all laughing our hearts out. This lasted for a minute or so before we stopped.

-Arceus, this was hilarious!- said Sapphire wiping a tear from her left eye- I don't know the last time I laughed like that.

-I'm sure it was when Gold did one of his stupidest things and Crystal kicked him- I told her- Maybe it was when he prayed that Rub was a hot girl.

-I remember that, it was the day he arrived- she said the with a smile- Aaaahh, I needed that.

-Because?- I asked her maliciously, I knew too well what she was trying to do.

-What?- she asked surprised.

-C'mon Sapphire, we've know each other for quite a long time, so I know when you're trying to avoid something- I told her, and by the face she made it was clear that I had nailed it- And you also know that I'm not going to drop it right now. Now spill the rest of the story.

-That's all I had to tell you- she said.

-Nope, it's not- I said- now continue from the point we left it. I believe that the last you said was that you tried to take some distance from him to avoid some awkwardness.

-Okay…-she sighed and I smiled in triumph- Yes I tried… It wasn't that I would try to avoid him at all. I wouldn't just look for his attention like the way I had done the previous days, but that lasted for a short time. I felt sad that night when he had to go to his home early, but I shrugged it off seeing that I would see him at lunch after the "Battle Royale". It's strange how we talk about that day when it was just on Friday… three days ago.

-A lot of things have happened since then- I said- We all entered and arrived at the final Top 10, only to find that the other one was Rub. Then Green and him had a huge argument, mostly Green being irrational. And the argument ended quite roughly, with Rub with a bruise in his face due to a punch.

-You know that I went to comfort him…- I nodded to her- The face I saw when I found him at the lake…- she said remembering with a sad face- It was heart breaking. Those dark-red eyes capable of shining with so much power were so dull and full of sorrow, that I wanted to do all the things in my reach to make him happy again. I talked to him and for once, just for once, I was able to be the one to cheer someone up. Not the other way around. I felt proud of myself and utterly happy that he had a smile on his face at the end of the talk. It was then when I asked about his hate towards battles directly and he answered something for the first time.

-What did he say?- I asked.

-He said that he wasn't ready to tell it…- she explained- but then he added that he would tell us soon, when he was prepared to do so. I'm feeling that this issue is something that had a great influence in him because he seemed so nervous to talk about it. After that you know what happened… We were attacked again and in the process my apartment was highly damaged, to the point that I have to live here for the time being.

-Yeah- I said to her- You had a lot of trouble fighting them, but I'm not surprised… You battled with more enemies than any of us.

-Yeah and that came with a price- she explained- I could only hold my own for that long. When the last two people came to battle me, the ones with more rank, I still had all my usable pokemon still able to fight, but barely. Dono fell first, then Rono and finally Toro was also knocked out. It's true that they had only 4 pokemon or so out there, but Pilo was not going to last much longer. Then it happened… Rub might not even know that, but he saved me then. Without the Sunny Day attack Pilo wouldn't have been able to dodge those attacks and strike back with that Solar beam which was able to defeat them. For the first time another person saved me again. I don't know what would've happened if they beat me, but I don't really want to think about it.

-Don't do it, it's certainly no use doing it- I said knowing quite well that probably they would've just fled off with her with who-knows-what intentions- And after that Rub and Green were able to make things alright between them again. While you were comforting Rub I gave Green a piece of my mind and he finally calmed down and promised to apologize to him.

-I know you did- she said chuckling- Green is never so mean on purpose unless you bother him so much, so the reaction he got was very uncalled for. I understand now why he did that and seeing that Rub forgave him already there's no reason I can't do the same.

-I'm glad that you think this way… In the end Green cares deeply for all of us. In fact I'm not sure if he wants me to tell you this, but I'll do it- I said- I would guess that after you Green is the most affected by Ruby's death… We all found a great friend in him those years ago and we all admired him. It's understandable that you felt his death more than us for the reasons we both know. Green's case is different. All admired his way to battle, his strength, and most of all, his way to guide us. He did it as if it was the most normal thing in the world. It would be a lie if we told anyone that one of us is the leader and the others follow his lead, because that's not the case, but still…

-Green would be the one that would be playing this role in the ways things are going right now- she said understanding my point- He's the one that deals with the Association most of the time. With you and Red of course.

-Yes, and his problem is that he tries to deal with it alone- I said- I convinced him to stop doing that and hopefully he won't be like that again. He still thinks that Rub would be the only one to fit in our group… He was really impressed when he saw Rub performing in the Contest Hall, well… like everyone, I believe.

-Yeah I was… It was the third time I saw him competing and I was even more amazed than the first- she said- He seemed invincible there. Not sudden strategies, pressure, or even dirty tricks could make him fail. It's like he was 3 steps in front of everyone.

-It's true… And I hate to say it, but the look he gave those two…- I said remembering the picture- I wouldn't be on the other end of that glare. It was almost scary.

-I wouldn't say scary…- she said- I wouldn't say that I would enjoy being the target of that glare, but if I had to describe it… I would say that I would be intimidated by it. It was so powerful that Xavier almost fell on his butt while his pokemon recalled himself. I really enjoyed that he did that to them…

-It's sure something seeing your crush making others wet their pants around him huh?- I said to her while I looked closely for her reaction.

-BLUE!- she yelled at me while covering her face- I swear I'm never gonna tell you those things again…

-Okay, okay I was just teasing... there's no need to be so mad- I said almost laughing-Now let's end the explanation you haven't answered my first question even after those explanations.

-What was that?- she asked then.

-I asked you where have you been all day, but I also want to know why you went there…- I told my friend.

-Well… that is simple…- she said- I felt useless.

-Useless?- I asked in disbelief.

-Yes. Yesterday was a nightmare for me- she explained- After the attack started you and Red stayed to help the people in the building while the others went to fight the enemy. It wasn't the best battles I fought because I couldn't stop thinking about him being inside. I only could use 5 pokemon counting Red's Aero, so I had to think carefully in what pokemon I would use. I sent Rono and Dono to the ground while flying with Pilo when Green ordered out strategy, which came out to be a total fiasco. When I noticed that they hadn't spotted them under the ground I left them there like Gold told me to… After that I left Pilo out and only battled with him leaving Toro as the final back up. Even though I just had to battle with one pokemon I wasn't doing as well as always. In my mind I was screaming and forcing myself not to fled and go towards the burning building in flames.

-But even that you did a great job! You fought well against them- I reassured her- All of them told me that.

-Maybe I did, but I don't remember much of it- she said with a sad voice and smile all along- When we battled those final guys and they unleashed those Fissure attacks… I can't describe the sensation I felt when I saw them pierce the building in half when Rub was still inside. I convinced Green to use our ultimate attacks against them and being their last pokemon they were out in seconds. When I arrived where all of you were and Red told me that Rub hadn't come out yet… my heart broke iin millions of pieces. If I still had a slight doubt that what I felt for him was something more than friendship and gratitude, it vanished then when I saw that the story was repeating itself. Again, the person I lo-liked… was just gone nad I couldn't do anything about it. I couldn't bear the thought of that. It reminded me of that time so much and it hurted so much that I was crying and I couldn't stop. That's why when I saw Zuzu getting out of that hole with him… I felt like the happiest girl alive. In just a minute my sadness had turned to joy when I saw that he was just okay.

-I believe I can understand how you felt…- I told her, but something confused me of that explanation- but why did you run away from him after finding out that he was okay then, if you felt that happy?

-I just couldn't look at him… I didn't know why, but I felt that way and it scared me so I ran away to a place where I could think about it. I cried all the tears I got then waiting for Red to come and tell us if he was really okay while feeling something I couldn't clearly describe… I felt so happy and relieved, but at the same time I felt disappointed. It wasn't until this morning when I went to see him in the hospital when I knew what was happening to me. I felt that I wasn't worthy of seeing him… I felt guilty.

-Guilty? About what?- I said surprised- it should've been me the one who felt guilty… I swore to take him out of there and I failed.

-I could never blame you for that… You fought and worked so hard while saving a lot of people…- she said smiling comfortingly.

-Then why did you beat up yourself so much?- I asked.

-The day I decided that we should become the Dexholders, I made a self promise that I would be able to protect everyone I care for just the way Ruby had been able to do that with me… And after that happened I felt that I wasn't able to keep my promise. For that I cried and beat myself up in my head, until Rub came…

-What did he do then?- I asked very curious.

-He was able to cheer me up. Again.- she said with a true smile- He asked me questions, told me a story and finally tricked me to make me realize how stupid I was being. He was able to make myself be proud of me again after I had thought that I was a failure for hours. After that my admiration for him only increased…- she said while blushing fiercely- and when he told me that he should be home when he was trying to talk some sense into me… I felt so lucky, and angry at him for doing that when it could be dangerous for him.

-So that's what you were doing all day huh?- I asked her and she nodded- So what are you going to do now?

-What do you mean?

-It's quite obvious…- I said rolling my eyes- I mean that when are you gonna tell him how you feel?

-I- I don't know… I mean, I know that I like him, but I don't think it's right- she said- I feel like I'm betraying Ruby.

-You're not betraying him…- I told her.

-I don't know… He died protecting me- she said, with the sadness that accompanies her voice whenever she recalls that incident- And now I feel bad about having feelings for someone else.

-Look, Sapphire… If he Ruby was alive right now, I'm very sure that you two would be dating and be very happy. Yes I'm quite sure he liked you back- I told her and her face grew in confusion- but sadly he isn't here anymore. He was perfect for you, but not only because he saved you all those times. He was perfect for you because he was there when you needed him the most, whatever the situation was. But as I said he died while protecting you.

-Where are you trying to go with that Blue?

-The point I'm trying to make is this… If he was here you would be with him, but that's not the case. He died for your safety and I'm so sure that he wanted the best for you in your life. He was never selfish while thinking about us so I also think that he would prefer that you moved on. He will be always in your thoughts, the same as all of us, but we have to stop grieving. This is what he would like us to do and you the most. To be happy.

-You think so?- she asked not very sure of it.

-Of course Sapphire. And let me tell you something… Rub is also perfect for you.

-You think so too?

-Yes, I mean he does the same things that Ruby did…- I explained- He has not saved you like Ruby did, but he's always been there for you when you needed him. Today, the day when Green and I returned from the Association and you were mad with us, when you needed help or support for your exams… He's always been there for you and he makes you happy.

-You're right- she said with a little smile- but that's not entirely true… He saved me from them once as I told you.

-Another reason to add to mine- I said triumphantly- There's no reason why do you have to stop liking him or even get together with him. I'm sure that Ruby would approve of him. Heck they even have the same color of eyes.

-But even if I try to get him… do you think that he likes me back?- she asked me uncertainty in her voice- I mean I'm not the most beautiful girl out there. You're prettier and some of the girl in class are too. Sam is prettier than me and she likes him too.

-Sam? You mean the one that competes against him in contests?- I asked and she nodded- How do you know it?

-I heard her talking about a boy younger than her that caught her eye in the Academy… And I heard her flirting with him at the competition yesterday- she said- When you said that they were talking when we were at the stands. Jealousy was almost consuming me, but I tried to hide it.

-You did a good job then…- I told her before getting back to the main point- Look Sapphire, you should really rise your opinion on yourself. You're not a lady like girl, you're more of a tomboy, but there's nothing wrong with that. You're cheerful, determined, caring and nice to others equally. You're a strong willed girl even if you get the losses get to you a little too much. As for the looks… You may not be the prettiest girl out there, but you're far from ugly, very, veeeery far. You're beautiful even if not as pretty as me, but hey I'm always the prettiest wherever I go so it's not a surprise- I told her and she broke into a smile- You're just great Sapphire so never think low of yourself. I'm sure that Rub thinks the same as me too. He even ignored the doctors' orders to make you feel better.

-I really hope that you're right.

A comfortable silence fell upon us then. She seemed to be thinking about what I had just told her, and I was waiting for her reaction. When she finally relaxed I tried to push her a little further.

-So what now? When are you going to tell him?- I asked- I sooo want my little Sapph to get a boyfriend so I can tease you guys for real this time.

-I don't know, I still have to think about it…- she said- I don't really know.

-You should do it early… maybe even at the ball next Saturday- I told her- You should ask him to go out with you.

-I'm not going to the ball- she said- Period!

-Why not?

-I don't want to dress up with dresses and all that girly pieces of cloth.

-C'mon, it'll be fun! Red, Green, Gold , Yellow, Crystal and I are going so it's going to be fun!

-Nope!

-Why not? C'mon!

-I don't wanna!- she said stubbornly.

-Sapphire!- I pouted then.

-I'm not going to dress up and just go there while I don't even know how to dance- she said- And that's final.

-C'mon when Rub sees you in a dress he's going to be at your feet- I told my stubborn companion- Then you'll have a fair shot at confessing.

-I'm only going to ask Rub to be my date for the ball and tell him my feelings there… WHEN you've told yours to Green- she said then surprising me.

-What?

-You thought I didn't know? It's pretty obvious that you like him, or even love him- she said- You always hang out together and you never stop bothering him, but in a good way.

-Do the other girls know this too?- I asked her.

-Yes and Gold and Silver too- she answered putting on a mischievous+fang smile- so when are you going to tell him?

-It's seems like a fair deal… You confess to Rub there after I confess to Green- I said letting my hand out for her to grab it- Do we have a deal?

She seemed a bit taken aback, by my request so she hesitated a little. Then after thinking about it for a moment, she wore that mischievous fangy smile again and took my hand in hers.

-Deal- she said then - Whenever you feel like doing it give me a call… I'll be waiting for you. Now I believe a good bath would feel amazing.

With that she left my hand and stood up from the sofa and went directly towards the bathroom. She had been pretty cocky a minute before so I had to pay her back a little… It would be better for her also.

-DONE!- I said when I saw her stop her tracks and turn around surprised.

-What did you say?- she asked with a blush and a scared face.

-I said that it's done- I told her- I've already told my feelings to Green.

-What? Why? When? What did he say?- she asked frantically.

-I won't answer them in order… So yes I told him and he said he liked me back- I told her while grinning- He's my boyfriend now.

-But when? I didn't notice anything different from you two- she said-When did that happen?

-On Friday… we decided that it would be a secret so it's no rare that you didn't suspect anything- I said- It happened when we all left the competition.

-So you mean that while I was cheering my friend up, you were making out with him happily?- she asked rather angry.

-I didn't say that… It was something that slipped when I was giving him a piece of my mind- I explained- after that he said that my feelings weren't one-sided. I really scolded him there.

-So just like that? You're now boyfriend and girlfriend?

-Yep- I answered proudly- So you know what that means don't you?

-Do I really have to?- she asked uncertain.

-We made a deal Sapph… so yes- I told her- and if you don't ask him to come with you to the ball, I'll be sure that anyone in the Academy knows that you have a crush on him.

-You wouldn't do that!-she said scared.

-Try me!- I said looking at her sternly. I would never do it to her or one of my friends, but she didn't have to really know that.

-Ok, ok… I'll do it- she exclaimed when I saw some signs of happiness appear in her face as well as her scared features- Crap, now I'll have to find a moment to do it…

-Why not tomorrow afternoon then?- I suggested- If what you want to do is avoid being stalked, like with Gold and Crystal… You may also make sure that no one is in the Academy.

-Aren't we going to give the Association all the information we have about that organization?

-We will be more than enough people even if you don't come…- she said- give me the data you want me to tell them and everything will be fine. Like that you will be alone to do what you have to do…

-No stalking for sure?- she asked skeptically.

-Yes, but I'll want a complete explanation afterwards- I told her- If you promise me that I promise in the name of Arceus that, for once, I won't stalk you.

-Then… I really have no choice- she said turning around- Now I'll go have a good bath.

With that she entered the bathroom. I felt happy for her because when she turned I could see a true fangy smile in her face. It was time she finally fell in love again.

Ruby's POV (9:30 pm)

After a three-hour nap, I was able to wake up. I went to the kitchen to look for anything to make for dinner, but I only found some rice that I had made the day before. I felt very lazy for once while doing my meal, so I just ate that with some Tomato sauce. It wasn't bad at all, but plain compared to my normal meals. Then I returned to my room and I looked at all the pokemon scattered there. Zuzu was sleeping beside the bed, the same as Ruru, who was wide awake now. My other pokemon were inside their pokeballs, all of them in perfect state. I learned that when you go to the hospital they also tend to your pokemon. I was about to let them out when my PokeGear rang. The picture of my dad appeared in it when I answered the call.

-Hey dad, how are things?- I asked him.

-They're good here, but the real question would be…- he attempted to ask, but got interrupted.

-ARE YOU OKAY? We heard that the Contest's hall was destroyed in the town!-saifd the frantic vooice of my mother- And when we got no news from you we were worried to death.

-When did you learn that?- I asked them.

-It's been on the news since 6 pm. We saw it and grew concerned- said my dad.

-There's no need for that. I was inside, but we had already left by the time that the attack took place- I lied, there was no need for them to be concerned.

-We?- asked my mom.

-Me, Sapphire, Green… the complete gang- I explained- they came to see me compete.

-But they said that the Dexholders where the ones who helped the most- said Norman- how does that fit?

-They heard about the attack and returned as fast as they could and battled them- I explained- we weren't very far from there actually so it was a short trip. And before you ask… No I didn't help them. Even if I wanted to the cops never let anyone approach the place so I was stuck in there, just watching. They had a rough time with some of them, but they were able to beat them, so they didn't really need my help.

-So you were "forced" to stand by?- my mom asked.

-Yeah…- I answered and she sighed in relief.

-I'm so glad you're okay… I was very worried- she said before trying to sound more cheerful- SO how did it go? Were you bale to make a good performance in front of your friends?

-I believe I did- I said proudly- all my pokemon worked so hard for it and we were able to win the five Hyper-rank ribbons.

-That's marvelous!- she squealed when my dad only shook his head-I'm sure that they had a good time seeing you compete, next time we're going to see you.

-You're really wasting your abilities… but I won't oppose- he added- You're old enough to do what you want, even if it feels like a waste of abilities.

-I'm glad you don't oppose anymore- I told him sternly.

-But you shouldn't play with fire for much more time- he said- There are things that need to be done as soon as possible if you don't want them to backfire.

-I know dad- I said- I'm not waiting much more until I tell her… I mean them. I'll just need to wait for the right time.

-Don't wait for it too long- he said- and don't refuse to battle for those in need anymore.

-I'm not…- I was saying, but suddenly the line went dead. Having forgot to recharge it before, my PokeGear had ran out of energy.

I connected it and I laid on my bed thinking about what my dad had said and my responses. After seeing Sapphire this afternoon and after all we had endured in just two months… They deserved it. SHE deserve it. All deserved to know who I really was, and I was not going to waste the next opportunity that I got.

28th Of October

Norman's POV (4:30 pm.)

After the talk with my son, that was interrupted by him running out of battery, I went to sleep. Both me and my wife were clearly happy that he was able to avoid any danger, but I couldn't shake the thought that my son could do better than that. It had been natural for him to try to help anyone in need, that seeing him being so impassive made me think if that boy was totally gone… Deep inside I knew that he wasn't the same, but a lot of things remained from that boy that was kidnapped 5 years ago, and being nice was one of them. He was just scared.

-You seem distracted Norman- said Birch's voice taking me out of my train of thought,

-Nah, just thinking- I told my friend while we were sitting next to the other two professors in a round table- Why did we have to come here again?

-We have to give the report of our advances at the pyramid. They are very interested in them.

Just then I heard some noises from outside which seemed like the flapping of wings. I saw the Professors stand up with grins in their faces.

-What's the matter?- I asked my friend when I saw the professors approach the door.

-Nothing it's just that the others are here- he said.

-Hello gramps- said a voice I know when I saw eight teenagers enter the room.

-Hi Green- said the oldest professor while shaking his hand with his grandson.

I was dumbfounded when I saw all of them enter and take turns to greet the other professors before Green turned to see me and motioned all the others to come. I regained my composure just in time when they arrived.

-It's good to see you again Norman…- Green said.

So that'a all for this chapter.

This was very difficult for me because it's the first time that a chapter has focused on romance or the second if we count Gold's and Crystal's date (even that a date with those two is very different to write from this one). I don't really know if I did a good job, but I would like to know. If you felt that I didn't, try to point out the things you would improve and I will try to remake it. As LC5 said we're not the best at writing romance scenes so this will help both of us.

As I promised I'm going to post 12Courteny12's Pm for you to know what made her win the competition. I still have to tell her prize, but I'll do it shortly. I'm pondering some possibilities, but what I can assure is that it will have to do with this fic or a one shot I'm preparing, the one she prefers.

This is the PM:

Dear Rubyspe,

My theory involves Groudon and Kyogre. I'm guessing by now that this new group is trying to control those two, and probably kidnapped the dexholders to see if any of them could control the two. They probably came to the conclusion that only Ruby and Sapphire could. Ruby must've figured this out, and decided to get all of them out before they could force him and Sapphire to control them. I'm guessing they didn't try to kidnap Sapphire again because everyone would be more alert on if she and the others were ok and they were trying to locate Ruby. They may or may not know Rub's true identity, but something must've tipped them off (maybe that teacher). That's my theory, at least. Please see if you can let me know what you think without spoiling what going to happen! Can't wait for the next update!

Sincerely,
12courtney12

As I said back then to all of you and herself... not everything is correct in this guess, but taking into account that this was written in August and that more than the half the things she guessed it right... Well that made her win (and the other facts that I pointed out back in chapter 24).

Next time won't take that long to be out. It will be more of a preparation chapter, but that doesn't meant that it won't be good or important. In fact a lot of things will rely on the ones I explain on next one so don't be discouraged because of that.

With that said I only have to thank LC5 for his hard work and to ask the usual... REVIEW and STAY TUNNED!