Hey everyone and feel welcomed to the 29th chapter of this fic!

We're bringing you this new chapter, but fiiiirst... it's TIME WITH REVIEWS!

12courtney12: It wasn't, but don't worry she will appear again... Yes, it's a cliffhanger, but you have the continuation here now! Enjoy and thanks for the review!

mysteryreader6626: I know I made it way too obvius, but I never even tried to hide it. In fact I couldn't if I wanted to add all the things I had to add before the ball. I hope you understand and like this story even more after this one.

valerie. :I almost did it, but at the end I made a longer chapter. I'm very happy you feel that way and don't worry, you won't have to wait anymore to know what's going to happen in the ball. Just don't kill me, please. Thank for reviewing.

Guest 1:Thanks for the review, but are you sure you like me being a master of cliffhangers?

Guest 2: Thanks for your words, here you have it!

Guest 3: If you like that in the fanficts and stories... I have good news for you, this chapter is here. Plus you're a hardcore Oldrivalshipper so that's another point.I'm glad you like this story so much, and I like to think that you'll love this chapter.

comisure: Well... yeah in some way it's the one you've been waiting for, and not in the other. You'll see what I'm talking about. Enjoy the chapter and thanks for your review, I appreciate them very much.

paradoxsteel: I'm glad you're reading and enjoying my story, it sure feels nice. Now for the things you guessed I can only say that Rayquaza won't appear in this one, as I said in a previous review. Even that I hope you like this chapter a lot. Thank you very much.

RionaCremisi: Don't worry about that... devices are evil and someday they'll control us XD. I pity Matt if you ever can make a portal to this dimension encounter him, bue he would deserve it (I have so much fun writing about him). I don't know a lot about dressed as you said, that's why I used Green to explain it, I thought he wouldn't know much either. I'm also happy because for the things you said you liked all the chapter so it means I did a goodjob.
To answer your question... yeah I did, a lot of times actually. Until I arrived at high school I never studied more than an hour before an exam and even in high school I studied less than that, I was getting prety good grades with this method. When I arrived at the university, though, everything changed and now I have to study a lot, and I mean A LOT, just to get the grade I want. That's university for everyone and more in engineering. As always I hope you love this chapter and that you keep reviewing. Thanks for the review!

So that's it for today in TIME WITH REVIEWS. For this chapter I received 9 reviews which is my record, so thanks for that.

This said I'll leave you with our editor LC5!

*HEY, HOW'S IT GOING, LC5, THE EDITOR, HERE TO SPEAK WITH YOU. This chapter is AMAZING, and officially gets my official seal of official officialness in the official department of official awesomeness. This chapter has so much character development, action, and emotions running through the character's minds, that I had a great time reading this before all of you did and having to edit it so you can't see the train wreck that I have to sit through... (lol JK, it's actually not that bad... I hope Rubyspe doesn't read these.)

Rubyspe: In fact… I did "soundly cracking his knuckles"...

LC5: OH CRAP, HE'S ONTO ME!

DISCLAIMER: This fanfiction contains gratuitous amounts of awkwardness, action, affection, and other things that start with the letter "A". THE MYSTICAL SPACE CHIHUAHUA HAS SPOKEN! We do not own this... AS SAID BY THE MYSTICAL SPACE CHIHUAHUA!

Read and Enjoy!


Chapter 29: The best dream turned nightmare

Sapphire's POV (10:20 pm.)

-Look, it's them!- I heard someone say.

-No kidding!- said a boy near the previous voice- so elegant…

-The girls look so cute!

-And Sapphire just looks adorable in that dress- said a girl then making me very embarrassed.

-And the boys look so handsome… wait who is that guy?

-He's the contest boy, that loser in my sister's class- I heard someone say, with no shame at all- yes the one with that weak Delcatty.

-A guy? With a Delcatty and competing in contests?- said another- that screams Gay in my dictionary.

-But what's he doing with them?- a girl asked then- Doesn't he see that they're out of his league?

-He obviously isn't aware of that- said her date- I believe that they're too good for him. I'm sure he annoyed them to no end until Sapphire agreed to go with him out of pity.

-Seems likely, Sapphire's not the girl who would've gone to the ball. People says that she doesn't like them- said another chuckling- Poor Sapphire.

At this rate, my embarrassment had evaporated completely, only to be changed to pure anger. Those people were already judging Rub for coming with us without any shame. They accused him of doing the very same thing he has tried to avoid at all costs while they did every single moment we lowered our defenses… annoy us. And, for Arceus sake… WHAT ABOUT US BEING TOO GOOD FOR HIM? WHAT DID THEY KNOW ABOUT HIM?

I was fuming and I didn't care if it showed or not. I was that mad that I was just going to give a piece of my mind to those people, when I felt Rub's hand hold mine more firmly. Then I felt his fingers intertwine with mine and I felt my face change its color again.

-I did that to keep you from doing what you were going to do- he said with a smile.

-Why? They're picking on you! They blame you!- I told him- They can't just do that without any care and think what they want.

-They can and they will- he said- let them have their fun.

-But…

-No buts Sapph- he called again by that nickname, sounding so natural in him again. Ruby was the first one and it was quickly incorporated by the others- I don't mind. What I do mind is that the six of them- he signaled at our friends who were walking around us- you and I, have a good time tonight. If we achieve that, I don't mind what they say to me.

-But it matters to me- I told him- You're my friend and no one picks on my friends if I have something to say in it.

-Then you've got nothing to say in it- he answered- I'm happy you care about me, but don't worry… soon they'll forget about "Contest's boy" and they'll focus on their dates and themselves, leaving us alone.

-Okay… for now- I said- If this doesn't stop soon though, someone's gonna receive a piece of my mind - I said not trying to hide my frown.

-Then just get inside then- he said laughing and squeezing my hand again before he started to walk a little faster towards the entrance.

I looked at our six friends and I saw them looking menacingly towards the people that were talking before. I then looked at Rub only to see him with a relaxed smile, free of any kind of mask. I wondered how he could be so cool with it. I admired him for that, but it saddened me that he was able to act so naturally. That probably meant that he had suffered more than this and I couldn't help but to feel sorry for him.

-As I said my goal is to make sure that they, but mostly YOU have a good time tonight- he said then- So if you don't start smiling for real I'll feel forced to make you.

-I'm happy- I assured him- I was just thinking of something.

-Look, if I'm cool about them insulting me you don't have to be unhappy about it- he said- let's just forget about them and enjoy the night. I still have to teach you how to dance remember?

-Are you prepared for the toughest mission in your life?- I asked him then jokingly.

-Well, I've done some quite impressive things like making clothes you liked, including a dress- he said laughing.

-I'm not that bad with clothes… I just look for different things than other girls- I defended stubbornly.

-I could manage with that - he said- I just hope that it'll be enough.

At that he laughed and I couldn't help, but notice that he had been doing this a lot more around us lately. It seemed that, finally, he felt at complete ease with us. And that was something that I liked very much. With that we arrived at the line that was formed before the entrance.

We only had to wait for a little while until it was our turn to enter. I could see that the teachers had been asking the other students if they had their pokemon with them, but that didn't happen with us. Not that it would've mattered because for all I knew the only one of us who had a pokemon in there was Blue with his omnipresent Ditty. We quickly went inside only to find a very changed gym. The floor was covered so it seemed a dance floor while the walls and ceiling were also covered with white clothes. The different colors the light panels made created a very good atmosphere.

It wasn't completely full inside, but I had expected to see less people. At the far end I could see the DJ already working with his music while some people were dancing around the place. It was 10:25 pm and the official start of the ball was due to be done in 5 minutes, so we just found a place to be quite comfortable while waiting for it. Just talking between each other and listening to the music, the time seemed to fly because this happened sooner than I thought it would.

-HELLO EVERYONE AND BE WELCOMED TO THE 22th BALL THAT THIS ACADEMY ORGANIZED- said the Academy's director Mr. Fuji after grabbing his microphone. I could notice that a lot more people had entered the building in this amount of time- WE HAVEN'T HAD A BALL FOR A WHILE, BUT I'VE GOT TO SAY THAT TODAY… THIS SEEMS TO BE A HUGE MISTAKE. IN THIS BUILDING THERE'S CAPACITY FOR 650 PEOPLE AND THIS YEAR THE BALL HAS MORE THAN 450 YOUNG PEOPLE THAT WANTS TO HAVE FUN TONIGHT. I ONLY HAVE TO ASK THAT YOU ALL BEHAVE LIKE THE YOUNG ADULTS YOU ARE AND THAT YOU MAKE THIS NIGHT ONE OF THE MOST ENJOYABLES OF THE YEAR!

A round of applauses could be heard after his little speech. After he finished the first official dance would be held, and after that… who knows.

-I'VE GOT TO THANK ALL THE STAFF THAT MADE THIS BALL POSSIBLE WITH THEIR EFFORT- he said- AND FINALLY… IN THIS ACADEMY WE HAVE THE GREAT HONOR OF BEING ABLE TO EDUCATE THE 9 PEOPLE THAT ARE ONE OF THE MAIN CAUSE THAT THIS WORLD IS A BETTER AND SAFER PLACE. Sadly neither Emerald and Silver were able to come today, but 7 of them are here. Let me see when are they… there they are!- he said signaling to our direction making us cringe in our seats- I just want to ask for a well deserved applause for these 7 people, some of us wouldn't be here without. RED, GREEN, BLUE, YELLOW, GOLD, CRYSTAL and SAPPHIRE!

As he was saying our names we were illuminated by a light panel. I could say that all of us had the same face of stupor and disbelief when we waved to the people, quite awkwardly in my case, as they were applauding soundly. Even Rub had taken an step aside and was applauding with a smile.

-WITH THIS SAID I WOULD ASK OUR GOOD DJ TO START THE PARTY ALREADY WITH THE FIRST SONG OF THE NIGHT…- he said- LET'S GET THIS BALL STARTED!

And with those words the firsts compasses of the first song started to sound. It was quite a famous song so almost everyone knew it. Still blushing for all the attention we had to endure in those last minutes, I saw Rub come to us again as we sat on some chairs that we found not so far from us.

-That was so embarrassing- said Crystal and I couldn't agree more.

-Very out of place- said Red with a sigh.

-It comes with fame I guess…- said Rub then- I know that you don't like it, but you have to admit that you've done a lot of great things. Not a week ago you saved a lot of people in this same town. They can be nosy, and I know it bothers you, but they only want to thank you.

-But we don't like to be treated different- I told him- It embarrasses us.

-That's what makes you so different from other celebrities- he said with a laugh- although it's a good thing.

-Hey Rub there you are!- said a feminine voice form behind him and I could easily recognize her to be Sam- and hello to the others as well.

-Hi Sam- he said awkwardly.

-I assume he is one of you, girls', date tonight?- she said then.

-Yes, in fact he is Sapphire's date tonight- said Blue winking at my direction.

-So it wasn't just an excuse to get rid of me huh?- she asked Rub- I should've known better. Anyway I just saw you and I came to thank you again for what happened on Sunday… Talking about that, are you completely okay?

-Yes, everything's right- he said smiling but with the same awkwardness as before- and don't mention it.

At this she just approached him and surprising everyone she gave him a kiss on the cheek. Rub's face gained a lot of color, but I don't think it got close to mine's… I was fuming with something quite similar to jealousy, but it wasn't entirely it. Well, yes, it was jealousy, and I couldn't even start to hide it.

Then Sam just looked at me and giggled at my reaction. Then she nonchalantly stood up and came over me, grabbed my hand and forced me to get up and follow her for a little bit. While doing this she just looked back and spoke again:

-That was your prize for saving my life. I don't think it's anywhere close to what you did, but I can't get you anything else- she said with a smirk before leading me a few more meters away before stopping- So Sapphire… C'mon you really have to stop looking at me like you want to murder me.

-I'm not looking at you like that- I said stubborn.

-Yes you are… but you don't have to- she said then- He's your date, and I doubt he'd ever be mine. You like him, and you have him, so you don't have to fear anything. I've long admitted that trying anything with your group won't get me anywhere- I was still looking at her the same way showing my fangs, not quite convinced with her speech- He's a lucky guy, you know? You both are.

-What do you mean with that?- I asked her.

-You know what I'm saying… he's a great guy, but people don't care- she said- Though, I advise you to hurry up a little. The other girls are blind now, but they won't be blind forever.

-That's just…- I tried to say then.

-Wrong?- she said-Whatever, that was my advice. You can do whatever you want with it.

-I was saying that this is what I was planning to do tonight- I told her looking away in order to hide my blush.

-Then good luck with that- she said winking and turned around and started to walk towards his brother.

It was weird, but for the first time, I could assure that the girl who had harassed Gold, Red, and Green was not the same that had tried to make Rub to like her. And while I was happy that Rub didn't want to be with her, I was kinda sad for her too. Just as those thoughts came, I pushed them back with the determination to do what I had come here for.

The sight that I found when I came back was something that surprised me. I could see Gold laughing at Rub while I could see the other s listening to Blue explaining the little story of how he saved the girl who had just kissed his cheek. With that and as soon as I arrived Blue took my hand in her right one, and Rub's one with the other, while Green followed her to the dance floor "willingly" (I believe her glare had something to do with it), while the other two pairs stood awkwardly and followed us too.

We started to dance then… It wasn't slow music, it was pop music so we just did whatever we felt like doing. Blue had to force Green to do something else than just stay quiet and smirking at our attempts of dancing, that was followed by our laughs to see his attempts at doing so. Red and Yellow were dancing quite awkwardly next to each other, to the point that Red had to grabb Yellow's hand when she tripped with his foot. I've hardly ever seen Yellow's face to be so red than then, but when Red tripped and actually fell a few minutes later she became back to normal.

For Rub's part he was one of the most quiet then. She was standing a few feet from us dancing before Blue dragged him too. I was trying to do something that followed the music's tempo, and it didn't seem I was doing such a bad job. Crystal was just dancing with Gold who was doing a surprisingly good job.

It was no more than 11:15 when Blue gathered everyone. She was the only girl that had ever gone to dance classes, so along with Rub, she said that they would give us a little demonstration on how it is done. They had to wait for another more song to find it danceable enough. When they were to start Gold almost laughed at the sight of Rub teaching us the basic moves, but just after they started to move with the music, he stopped completely. They were dancing very well. I couldn't really describe all the moves their feet were doing, but it seemed very difficult. Then Rub made Blue spin once, then again… They were so in sync, that it made me feel embarrassed that this would be the best dance he would experience tonight.

When the music stopped they congratulated each other while I looked around and I saw that they were able to gather a good crowd looking them dance. Some of the people were glaring daggers at Rub, but the most of them were amazed at what they had seen. After that I saw Rub come to me.

-How was it?- he asked then.

-You said you knew how to dance, but I never expected the both of you to be so good- I said.

-Then you should see my parents dancing- he said- When he takes his mind out of the battles, dad is an exceptional dancer. My mom was a natural since the beginning, and I'm nowhere close to them in this field.

-I would really like to- I said- but now I'm concerned in how to learn to dance.

-You don't have to worry- he encouraged me- I'll teach you on the spot. Plus I don't think that these people will make us dance something too difficult… A lot of people are on the same boat as you.

-Well that makes me feel a lot better- I said mock offended- Really now, is it as hard as it seems?

-Not at all- he said then with another true smile- just stop worrying that much and have fun.

-Okay then… if you say so.

After that came what would be the most fun part of the night. The music the DJ was playing was very lively and I knew quite a lot of those songs. We all danced, jumped and laughed our hearts out. People around us danced and had fun all the same and for the first time in the whole night we found ourselves inside a crowd who treated us like they would treat any other human being.

I don't really know how, but I suddenly found me dancing the Conga line all around the dancing area. It wasn't just me, because all the group was dancing in the line, the same that the most part of the people in the dance floor. That lasted for a good 5 minutes until some people tried to impress everyone with their Limbo. Gold did very well, until Green completely surprised all of us and the entire crowd clearly surpassing him. Feeling challenged Red tried too, but lost clearly leaving Green smirking at his direction. Rub also tried after some coercing from everyone in our group, but he stepped on some liquid and fell while he was trying. That left a lot of people laughing, even him. I have to say that the situation was kinda funny and I couldn't help, but laugh too.

-HEY EVERYONE, THE DJ SPEAKING!- was the announcement that cut the current song and made everyone to turn to look at him- I'VE BEEN IN A LOT OF PARTIES LATELY, BUT I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS ONE IS THE BEST I'VE EVER BEEN SO FAR!- with this comment only he created a good amount of cheers- THAT SAID, I THINK THAT IT'S TIME FOR US TO LOWER THE TEMPO OF OUR MUSIC A LITTLE… BOYS, NOW'S THE TIME TO MAKE YOUR MOVE BECAUSE THE NEXT SERIES OF SONGS WILL BE SLOWER THAN THE LAST.

And just as he said the next song started slowly. All around I saw boys asking girls to dance with them and when they accepted they started dancing. I noticed that the song wasn't as slow as I thought it could be… it was almost the same type that Rub and Blue had danced earlier.

-Do you think it's a good time to start the dancing classes?- I heard Rub ask from behind me, a surprising way to ask a girl to dance, if he was really asking that. I was hoping he did.

-Sure- I said and with our arms linked, we walked towards the center of the dance floor, the other 3 pairs behind us.

Green's POV

We were dancing at the rhythm of the music. Well Blue was doing it, I was more like, following her lead. So far it had turned out to be a better night that I had anticipated in any sense. We had danced, laughed and had a lot of fun and just now I had the most important girl in my life in my arms with a very wide grin while looking at me.

I would've never thought that I would be where I currently am right now just some weeks ago, but I won't complain. Just as I was thinking these things became even better for me, It was time for the DJ to switch to the next song when the firsts compasses clearly told that the slower songs were going to be on. It was a slow music, it was a love song. All around us, I could see couples dancing together closer than ever.

I then looked at my date and girlfriend only to see her looking at our friends. I looked over to Crystal and Gold who were already dancing while hugging each other, Red who was trying to approach Yellow hiding his embarrassment before Yellow got closer to him and finally the younger who were talking before they awkwardly started to dance too.

-They look so cute!- quietly squealed the girl just in front of me.

-Who do you mean?- I asked her.

-All of them- she answered with sparkles in her eyes- Gold and Crystal… Red and Yellow and, oh Arceus… Sapphire and Rub too. I think I've finally done it!

-Do what?

- Bring my friends together of course- she said- I knew that Gold and Crys we made for each other and that Yellow and Red would get together eventually.

-What about the other two?- I asked her while dancing.

-I thought about trying something with them… but I don't think it'll be necessary.

-They do like each other?- I asked her.

-Sapphire confessed to me that she does, but I don't know for sure in Rub's case- she said- although I don't think we have to worry about that possibility, I see it quite clear that he likes her back. Just look at them, they look adorable.

-They look good together- I said- and what about us?

-What about us?

-Had you anything planned for me?

-Maybe I did…- she said smirking deviously.

-What was your plan?- I asked quite concerned for my health.

-Not saying- she winked at me.

-Always such a pesky girl, huh?- I teased.

-Always, but I'm YOUR "pesky" girl- she said.

-Yes you are- I said when I had an impulse of bravery and I kissed her in front of everyone.

The kiss lasted a good half a minute, most of it, because she made it impossible for me to pull out of it. When we stopped I took a quick glance around and I saw a few people staring at us, but I wasn't complaining… not at all.

Just like that, we kept dancing. We looked at the other pairs and I could see them looking at us too, but while dancing quite close to the others in the groups we stood on our own. It seemed that it had lasted for a very short time, when the song stopped. I felt kinda disappointed, but then another started of the same type. We all danced for a while when I saw Rub grab Sapphire's hand and lead her out of the Gym. When Blue saw that she almost got out of our embrace just to follow them.

-Where do you think you're going?- I asked her clearly knowing where she was headed to.

-Sapphire's going to ask him out, I think… and I want to be there when she does it- she said.

-C'mon we're having a great night… why don't you leave them alone and you spend the night with your boyfriend- I said then- leave them be.

-Oookaaaay… - she said pouting- but you have to give me a longer kiss than the previous one for this.

-If it's what it takes…- I said bringing her in for another one.

As she said this lasted longer, I was sure that it lasted a good minute until we broke apart. I never thought I would enjoy being with her so much, but then again… What did I know of love and relationships? The only friends I've ever had were those 9 people I met in that prison. I tried my hardest to be tough and not trust Rub until I could feel he deserved to be called my friend, and I realized that I was being an idiot and that he had been deserving it for quite a long time. I've always been one to keep my emotions and feeling deep inside me, being fear, affection or even love. I know it's not the best way to be, but that's the way I am I suppose.

I smiled when it came to my mind that even though that I was able to find the most awesome friends and girlfriend in the world. That's why I grabbed her hand again and after making her do a twirl I brought her in for a quick kiss again. That's when I noticed that something was missing in her bare arm too.

-Where did Ditty go?- I asked her already suspecting her answer.

-She was curious about Sapph too- she said with a smirk- soooo I "let" her follow them.

At that I sighed… "My girlfriend is such a Pesky girl-I thought- but again… Thanks for being like that".

Sapphire's POV

-Now the right one, left, and twirl- Rub said before making me spin- I think you're getting the hang of it.

-You think?- I said looking at my feet to avoid tripping before Rub lifted my face.

-Don't look at your feet, just relax and have fun- he said- this way you'll dance bett… Auch!

-You really think so?- I said looking down again to see that I had stomped in his left foot.

-Yes, totally- he said then almost chuckling at the irony- this was just something that can happen.

I was about to reply when the music changed. I could notice that the tempo had slowed down a lot and I soon saw all the people danced closer than ever. With that I saw Rub shift a little.

-What's the matter?- I asked him.

-This song is different than the rest- he explained and I could think I saw a red tinge start to creep up his face- this is a love song, and it's made for lovers to dance together.

-OH- I said then, but the fact was that I wanted to dance with him like all those people were doing, even if I could already feel my face heat up at the thought.

-So what do you want to do?- he asked then looking away- To stop or to learn how to dance it?

-I would like to learn it- I said looking away trying to hide my grin.

-Then just put your hands like this- he said guiding my hand before he posed his hand around my waist- Is it okay?

-Don't worry about it- I said and I kept my pose while moving my feet at the music's rhythm.

I was stealing some glances at our other friends only to see them just in the same position as we were. I have to say that it felt quite nice to dance with him like this when you overcome the initial embarrassment. I had always thought that this would never happen to me, that I was too tough to go to a fancy dance with someone I would like, but here I am.

-You're doing great- he said still in the same position.

-Thanks- I said.

And we just continued to dance like this. I really lost myself in his arms, it was so nice moving this way, so close to each other. I don't really know how long it was until another song started and luckily it was the same kind of song, so we just stayed like that, dancing at the new, but still slow, rhythm of the song.

-Sapph- he said.

-Yeah?- I asked.

-Would you take a walk with me?- he said.

-Uh… sure- I said- where are we going?

-Outside- he said- through the park.

-Ok, let's go then- I said. This was the perfect chance to ask him the question, the question whose answer I feared and looked for at the same time.

With that he grabbed my hand and leaded me through all the couples that were still dancing in the Gym. We didn't have to put much effort until we reached the door that lead outside the building. I had expected that it would be cold outside, but it wasn't. It was a warm temperature even if we were in the beginnings of November, but then again, this year has been a lot warmer than the previous ones.

We walked for a good five minutes through the park. It was like a dream, us walking under the stars and the full moon, through the empty, yet beautiful park… This was the time, I had to do it. It was now or never. It was like a dream and I intended to make it the best of them all… but it became another nightmare instead.

-R-Rub… I have to te- I started to say, but he interrupted me.

-If you don't mind… I'm going first- he said and I could see something I've hardly ever seen in his face. Uncertainty.

-O-okay.

-Thanks- he said clearing his throat- You know, from that 10th of September when I came to this Academy for the first time, you've been nothing but kind to me, and I couldn't be more happy about it. That's why I have to thank you and also apologize.

-A-apologize? Why?- did he know what I was going to ask him and he was just rejecting me?

-Last time we talked about this I told you that I wasn't ready to tell you the story yet- he said and I felt a heavy weight fall from my shoulders. Then it struck me, was he really going to talk about it?- Two months have passed since the say I arrived. In this time you've always helped me, encouraged me, and been with me when I needed someone the most. So you deserve to know this story, I'm sorry you had to wait that much for me to explain myself.

-Are you sure? This was only a week ago…- I said- Are ready for it?

-Nope- he said surprising me- but after what you've done for me, I feel like you deserve it, you all do, but you deserve to be the first too- He left my hand then and cleared his throat- The story I'm going to tell you is not a happy one… It's the story of how I changed to the boy you know today. It's the story of why I hate battles so much.

Ruby's POV

-As I said, back then there was a time when I loved to battle with my pokemon. I looked up to my father a lot because he was admired by people for his strength, loved by his family, and friends… he was my role model- I had started my story and I couldn't stop. For me, for her.

-He was that great?- she asked and I nodded.

-When I was young, I never got many friends because I was the son of the town's Gym leader and they were embarrassed to talk to me or him- I said, in fact, they were all intimidated by me and my way to battle in some way- After the incident, I lost all the respect anyone had for me and you know what follows- I didn't know what to tell first, but one thing was clear… I wouldn't lie to her now- You and the other Dexholders were and have always been the best friends I've ever got.

-I'm happy you feel that way.

-The fact is that this was the last time I battled in a very long time. I was against a pokemon and it wasn't a simple battle, what I was gambling in this battle was nothing like fame or just the joy of surpassing a great opponent- I decided to tell her the incident before telling her who I really am. This way she could try to understand me better before she came to the conclusions.

-Then what was it?- she asked.

-In that battle what was at stake… was my life- I said and I heard her gasp- I was battling against a single pokemon, but I wasn't in the best conditions to do so. All around me were people that just happened to be there when the real battle started and I was heavily injured and exhausted.

-Why were there people around you?- she asked.

-I was trying to escape from the pokemon- I said- he had been chasing me for a very long time and it had injured me in the process when we entered a fair full of people. I couldn't run away any longer so I did the only thing I could do, battle for my life. I still remember the battle clearly. I fought with three of my pokemon, the only ones I got back then, versus this beast.

-And what happened?- she asked clearly curious about it.

-The battle was explosive. We were all giving our best, but I was growing tired, the same as my pokemon, and luckily him. The ground around us was burnt from his fire attacks and the was a massive hole due to a hyper beam I used. The people around were scared to death and some ran away- I said- When I was finally able to chase the pokemon away, only a few of them remained there.

-And what happened after that?- she asked and I sunk into those horrible memories.

-I had won, but I was injured and I was bleeding a lot- I said- when my legs gave in, I tried to get the people who remained there to help me, but…

-But?

-But no one moved a finger for me- I said- They were horrified about what they had seen, but not of the pokemon. I was their monster. A ten year old boy beating that beast? They were more scared of me than the pokemon itself, so they just called me monster and left me to die in that park. If it wasn't for Ruru… I wouldn't be here talking to you today. I tried to think what I had done wrong, but I only found one thing: I battled. I know it wasn't my fault, and they're the ones to blame, but I was just 10! I never wanted to experience that again, so from that day on, I completely hated my battling self and battles all the same. That's why I always refuse to battle.

I looked at her, and I saw that she was sitting in the border of the fountain. In her eyes I could only see sadness. Sadness for me. She didn't know what to say, that much was clear, but who could blame her. And I still had to tell her the most interesting part.

-I'm sorry, I don't know what to say- she said and I smiled at her- It's quite a lot of things to absorb. I don't think I even begin to know what you feltback then.

-It wasn't pleasant- I said then turning my back on her- And that's not even the half of it…

-What do you mean?- she asked then, the moment had arrived.

-What if…-" I told you that the monster was a Salamence, that he had been following me since I fell from a Tropius while escaping from a prison with a friend and the injury was caused by its Dragon claw?"

That was what I was going to say then, but I saw a shining object coming straight at me before I heard two more sounds…

BOOM!

-RUB!

Matt's POV

-Wait Matt, you'll attract the othe…

-EGG BOMB!

BOOM!

At this I saw a sight that made me smile sadistically. The egg was sent to the boy and it exploded just a meter before it collided with him. Said boy was sent flying colliding soundly with the fountain just behind Sapphire. The girl had been listening to the boy talking until I silenced him, maybe forever. An Egg bomb is quite a strong attack and my Exeggutor is the strongest. Too bad it didn't collide with him directly, then it would be no doubt that the guy would be dead.

-RUB!- was the following shout coming from the girl that had been thrown aside from the explosion. She was standing up in his direction when she was enveloped by a thick cloud of orange powder- W-what's, ha-happening? RUB ARE YOU OKAY?

-I doubt he can hear you girl- I told her coming out of my hiding place, and I saw the look in her eyes, she recognized me.

-You're lucky that I paralyzed her…- said my brother from behind entering the clearing.

-The hu-ge grunt… and M-mr. Mike? You're one of them?- said Sapphire looking at us before she tried to direct her eyes to the place his friend had fallen.

-Yes he is…- I said- He was just here to spy on you.

-R-Rub is injured and it's your fault- she said trying to stand up. Her rage was slowing the effects of the paralysis, but it wouldn't last long.

-Rub is dead Sapphire- said Mike from my side- And even if he was alive he wouldn't be able to do a thing for you. Now you'll come with us.

-M-make me!- she taunted.

-Gladly- he said and opened a pokeball revealing a Salamence- this Salamence has story with you and since he failed to retrieve you the last time… he'll have his redemption now. Master's orders.

At that I saw her look as scared as someone could possibly be. It was clear that the incident she had with him it had affected her more than nobody suspects.

-Grab her Salamence- said Mike he was getting all the attention, but not even I dared to come across Marchie's orders- and we need her in top shape, don't forget that.

With that the pokemon nodded and began to walk towards the terrified girl. She just tried to get away, but the paralysis was effecting her almost completely, she only could move her neck and face now, nothing else. I saw my brother smirk when the pokemon was arriving at the helpless girl, but suddenly a snowy tornado appeared between us and the girl. It took a while to disperse, but when it did I was amazed at what was in store for us. The Salamence was frozen in place, literally.

-Go-good Blizzard Mimi- said a male voice from the back of the scene.


LC5: So that's the end of this one… Oh well. *quietly reading a newspaper next to a fireplace with a corncob pipe* Hello, LexClone5 here, and I was just reading a hilarious comic on Garfield. *Quickly rips off robes, tears newspaper, and tears of background to reveal a plain, white one* okay, that was fun, but let's get down to Brass Tacks. You thought that it was the end? Well then I'm happy to tell you that it isn't! The next part IS EPIC, as long as you have been waiting for action, which some of you have. I am proud to say, THAT THE WAIT IS OVER! This second half of the chapter has some great action, as well as some more character developement brought from the first part. But, it's still great, and I had fun editing this.

DISCLAIMER: THIS PART CONTAINS MASSIVE AMOUNRS OF BLOOD (except that it doesn't), SEX (again, no), AND USE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL (did you even read the whole chapter?) We do not own Pokemon.


Emerald's POV

-And Sceptile is out at the same time as Ursaring- said Silver- So this ends in a technical draw.

-Crap- I said, I was expecting to win.

-You expected to win huh?- said Silver- You did very well, it was a 6 vs 6 battle and we tied. Your Sudowoodo, Dusclops, and Sceptile are forces of the nature. Not that your Mantine, Snorlax and Mr. Mime are weak, mind you.

-I know that they're my bests- I said- but the other, have progressed a lot since I first got them. Snorlax is my newest addition. But your pokemon are all plain monsters. And you got fast ones, slow ones…

-That's why I could beat Norman the other day. The name of his badge says it all. The trick is in the balance- he explained-You've got to have different types of pokemon to beat any Gym leader, but in his case this is not enough. You need offensive pokemon and defensive pokemon too to win him. Not only in types, you team has also to be balanced in characteristics.

-I wanted to battle him last Wednesday…- I said- I think I had could've won him too. I tied with you and you were able to beat him.

-I don't know… maybe- he said- You can battle his son on Tuesday.

-Damn right I will!-I said- if I win him, believe me that I will, I'll also prove to be stronger than Norman.

-Competitive much?- he asked smirking.

-Of course! I'm the strongest fifteen year old in the world- I said proudly- Tied with Sapphire, of course.

-If not behind- he chuckled- she was able to beat me you know?

-Yeah, but we haven't fought in a while- I said- I believe I could beat her now.

-I don't know…- he said- I would like to see it…

BOOM!

Suddenly a, not very loud, explosive sound was heard from the outdoors battlefields where we currently were.

-What was that?- I asked him.

-An explosion, but it seemed to come from there -he said pointing behind me.

-Are you sure? The gym is that way, at the very far end of the park- I said.

-I didn't see the explosion or anything, but the sound came from there- he said.

-Maybe it was something else- I started- Maybe a firework to start the ball officially?

That way we just let out our pokemon out again and started to treat their wounds. Some were hurt more badly than others, , but they weren't very injured. We were almost finishing when the ground below us started to shake. It was so intense that I couldn't help, but to fall while Silver was able to keep standing.

-That was too quick to be a normal Earthquake…- he said- That means…

-That it was a pokemon attack- I said- There's a battle near the place the ball is held.

-We've got to go…- said Silver- I've got a very bad feeling about this. LOOK!

And as soon as he said that I could see a small sun high in the sky where the battle seemed to be taking place.

-C'mon then- I said starting to run to that place- Let's go!

Sapphire's POV

Fear… that was the only thing I felt. The nightmare was replaying again. Rub hurt… the same Salamence that killed Ruby in front of me… I wanted to grab my friend and run, run away from them, but I couldn't. I was paralyzed. I could only move my eyes, but even my face was like a rock. I felt so scared, so useless… leaning to the border of the fountain I was sitting before Rub was sent to collide with it.

I could only look in front of me to see the blue dragon approach me. The hate I had for that pokemon was only rivaled by the panic I had towards it, because as he was approaching me the scene in which he first wounded Ruby and then threw him out of Pilo was playing in my mind again and again. It was only a few meters form me when something I didn't expect happened… In front of me a freezing tornado appeared for a good half a minute. The tornado started to close until it disappeared leaving a frozen dragon. The next things I heard surprised me…

-Go-good Blizzard Mimi- said a voice that came from behind me. I couldn't turn around, but suddenly a blazing small sun stood proud upon our heads and a shadow positioned in front of me.

-So the boy wasn't dead?- I heard Matt say…- You better step aside boy or you'll die for real this time.

I looked at his shadowed back pleading him to do what he said. He couldn't win against that beast. Ruby couldn't and he was only going to end the same way as him, and I wouldn't be able to endure that. Not again. But then I saw him turn his head to meet mine while both Mimi and Popo appeared by his sides taking a battle stance.

His look made my words die before they tried to come out of my immobile mouth. His eyes showed determination, power… but in a level totally different from what I've ever seen. Not even in contests, not with Green… Never such power had emanated from them. He then turned his gaze to the enemy and with his right arm took four pokeballs releasing his other pokemon. He still had to move his left arm.

-Never- he told the grunts-Yo-you'll have to kill me t-to touch her.

- We don't have to kill anyone … you're not worthy of being our opponent… Only they are- said Mike- Stun…

-Safeguard Coco- Rub just said and a veil covered us before Mike even called out the attack-You better not… underestimate me- said Rub with a rough voice.

-Now don't get full of yourself Contest's boy- said Mike when the Salamence broke the ice soundly and flied until he was at his side…- Go Banette and Altaria.

-You'll never be able to beat us kid- said the huge grunt- Metang, Gengar it's time to have some fun.

-Then let's start- said Rub with a broken, but determined voice.

And the battle was about to start. 6 Pokemon in our line and 7 from their side… and the only thing I could do was watch… and hope that Rub would be okay.

Ruby's POV

Two lines of pokemon… Ruru, Zuzu, Popo, Mimi, Coco, and Nana in my side, and the Salamence, a Cradily, Exeggutor, Metang, Altaria behind with the two ghost type in front of them and the sun shining upon me. I just hoped I had that much time left to beat them.

-Banette, Shadow ball! Dragonbreath my dragons!- shouted Mr. Mike- Growth Cradily.

-Psychic Metang, Shadow ball Gengar! Egg bomb again Exeggutor bring the boy down!- said Matt, his brutality had not decreased one bit, that could be very useful.

-Ruru, block that Psychic! Double Shadow ball Popo, block them all!- I started commanding- Protect us Zuzu! NanaMimi, Hydropump those Dragonbreaths! , Take down on Gengar! Coco, Double-edge on Bannete!

The first round ended this way… Popo made the Shadow balls explode in the air while Ruru blocked the Psychic completely. Zuzu had to protect us from another Egg bomb attack, that it would be fatal this time and then Mimi couldn't protect herself from both attacks, she lessenes up the damage a lot. Then my two pokemon charged forward.

-Take the attacks- said Mr. Mike grinning- Seems like "Contest's boy" doesn't even know the types advantages.

With that said my pokemon unleashed their physic attacks, but being normal type attacks they went through the two ghosts. That made both of us smirk a little, but his smile fell quickly when they continued until they collided with two surprised Exeggutor and Altaria, that were thrown to the ground.

-What?

-Crunch and Iron Tail on their blind points!- I commanded.

-Don't let them! Shadow ball them Gengar and Bannete- said Mike, but they weren't quick enough.

Doing a very graceful backflip in the air the avoided the Shadow balls and unleashed their attacks .The Iron tail struck on the pokemon on its head making it collide to the hard floor while the Crunch inflicted a major damage on the Gengar.

-Exeggutor Barrage those pokemon!- said Matt- Metang Meteor Mash!

-Dragon Claw! Both of you!

-Earthquake!- I said then- And Ruru use Psybeam on Gengar! Coco, Nana get out!

With that Zuzu unleashed a powerful Erarthquake. With that he was able to destabilize the Exeggutor with his Barrage, making him fail and be hurt and make the Dragons take flight to avoid the Ground attack. Banette was also hurt by it and while Gengar's ability protected himself of the attack he was struck by Ruru's Psybeam. That left the shadow pokemon very hurt, but not out yet. The hard part was that Metang wasn't affected by it and unleashed his Meteor Mash in my two pokemon leaving them panting for the brutality of the attack.

-That was good, but not enough to beat us kid…- Mike said.

-Why is he always the one to talk, Matt?- I asked him- aren't you a Gold rank?

-I'm a rank above him- said Mike and Matt frowned a lot hearing this, perfect.

- Even with your pokemon? Gengar obeyed him… isn't he your pokemon?- I asked, if they worked together this would be a lot more difficult.

-Just shut up kid…- said Mike again and Matt kept his frown- Don't listen to him. Salamence, Fire Blast! Altaria, Dragon Dance, Cradily, Solar beam! Banette Night Shade!

-Solar beam Exeggutor, silence the boy forever! Metang use Meteor Mash again! Gengar Shadow Punch on the Kirlia.

-Protect us Zuzu! Popo, Weatherball! Use Tail whip on Metang Coco!- I said this was going to be hard, I had to separate them once and for all- Nana Hyperbeam the Salamence! Mimi Hydropump his Dragonbreath.

Zuzu was able to protect us of the attack, but we were on the defensive. Coco received the Meteor mash for the second time, but wasn't as effective as the beginning. Nana's Hyperbeam not only cancelled the attack, but hurt the Salamence too even if it was a minor damage. Mimi cancelled the Dragonbreath too, and Popo was able to cancel his own Solar beam too. What we couldn't defend from was the Night shade that affected Nana and the Shadow punch Ruru received.

After that I tried to intimidate them only to see how they would react, but they sure made one hell of a team. They defended perfectly allowing little damage to their pokemon, and attacked trying to catch me off guard. I couldn't react to all those attacks, but even that I could defend well enough . I had to disperse them using Nana's Hyperbeam attack and then I could see the state my pokemon were in.

Zuzu was okay, but Nana, Coco, and Ruru had received great damage, luckily they could still battle. Popo and Mimi had received some too, but were fine to battle. Things weren't going smoothly for me, but I still had some things up on my sleeve.

-Altaria, use Aerial Ace on the Mightyena- shouted Mike while his pokemon were recovering from the energy spent in the last attacks.

-Metang use Brick break now on the Delcatty, leave her out of the battle- he said, but then something happened. The Metang approached to attack my cat pokemon, but changed midway and went directly to meet Nana.

-Sucker punch Nana!- I said smirking- twice!

-What?- was the general shout I heard then.

And just like that my wolf disappeared only to send the flying pokemon to the ground with a powerful kick before doing the same with the metal pokemon. It did a great damage, and they were so surprised that they couldn't even react fast enough. I was at the defensive, but with Nana in the middle of his seven enemies this wouldn't last long. Not with my actual strategy.

-Why did Metang attack the Mightyena?- asked Matt gritting his teeth.

-Because he was infatuated with the Delcatty- Mike said- the question is how could he attack after a Hyper beam like that.

-Nana Odor Sleuth!- I said then- Mimi cover the arena in Mist! Ruru keep it in place…

And just like that a thick Mist was covering their side of the battlefield, not dispersing a little bit. I then motioned the pokemon to take some specific positions outside the misty sphere while I only saw the two dragons fly high above it. Both Matt and Mike where inside meaning they wouldn't be able to see anything.

-Salamece, Altaria, Whirlwind to disperse the Mist- said Mike.

-Don't let them Ruru, keep using Psychic!- I said and she just focused more on her job, then I whispered to my pokemon- Zuzu, dig and wait there. Nana, Odor Sleuth again!

-Banette, Shadow ball on the Kirlia! Altaria, Salamence, don't stop- Mike said, but Ruru was still standing her ground. The Shadow ball just got out of the sphere and missed the attack completely- Matt, do something!

-Shadow Punch Gengar!

-Crunch!- I commanded and from inside the sphere I could hear a cry of pain, and the attack never arrived.

-I said Shadow Punch Gengar- but when it never came I knew she was out- Exeggutor use Egg bomb inside!

-Sucker Punch to Popo!- I commanded and after an explosion inside the mist I could see the Exeggutor fly out of the zone and directly towards where Popo was- Weatherball!

At that the great fireball was launched towards the grass-type finally knocking him out… I had two of them down, but that wasn't really on my mind then. My mind was focused on my pokemon, Sapphire, and myself. MY adrenaline was now lowering and the effects were beginning to be clear now. I wasn't in the best condition to continue with the battle, but there's no way on earth that I would allow them to take her.

-Good Nana, now to Mimi!- I said and then a Hyperbeam was shot towards my Milotic, the Cradily at the front- Blizzard!

-Shot at the point the beam came from!- called Matt- Increase the Whirlwind!

-Sucker punch to Coco!- I asked and the Metang immediately flew towards my cat pokemon. It was prepared to strike, but the infatuation prevented him to hit it- Iron tail!

That made a breaking point for the battle. Three of his pokemon were out cold, these being his Gengar, Cradily and Exeggutor. His Metang was badly injured, the same as his Banette while the Dragon types were flying trying to disperse the Mist. Ruru had been keeping the Mist in place for a good amount of time, but she was fighting against two pokemon so she was getting tired, so in order to keep her power she began to shake and shine. I knew what was happening, but I wouldn't allow her to do it, I wouldn't let her experience a world of pain so I just took my pokeball and called her back ignoring her pleas to let me keep her in the battle.

When I looked up, though, another thing surprised me, because in front of me stood a proud and newly evolved Metagross. And my time kept running low.

Matt's POV

I couldn't see anything due to the fucking Mist the boy had commanded. I had heard him call some random attacks and even some cries of pain of pokemon. Then suddenly the Mist dissipated only to allow my brother and me to see an astounding sight. Three of our pokemon were on the ground KOed being my Exeggutor, Gengar and Mike's Cradily while Banette looked really hurt. Then the dragon types descended quickly from the sky surrounding the wolf pokemon that was looking daggers at out pokemon even panting. But was surprised me was that blue pokemon, my pokemon. My new Metagross.

-Metagross use Psychic on all the pokemon on the field- I asked then and I saw almost all of them to clutch its head in pain I smirked seeing the power my new pokemon had.

- Banette, Shadow punch on the Mightyena!- commanded Mike taking profit of the momentarily distraction the boy had.

-Sucker Punch Nana!- the boy said.

I t was the only move he could try and it landed the super effective attack, knocking out Mike's pokemon. Even that though when the Shadow punch made contact his wolf pokemon tumbled to the ground. It wanted to rise again, but at the end the pokemon couldn't and fell back unconscious. Who would've thought that a single pokemon could be so preoblematic to us.

-Your pokemon was good, but no more kid- I said- I've gotten enough of you getting in our way… You'll fall now.

-Don't underestimate him Matt- scowled Mike, much to my annoyance- He's beaten 4 of our pokemon and we could only beat two of his… He's no pushover!

-Get in the fight Magneton- I said then.

-Good choice, now follow my lead- he said smirking.

-Why are you following his lead, are you too weak for me?- I heard the boy ask.

-WHAT?- I asked him before I took in what he had said and all that he'd been saying until now- Don't take me for a fool boy.

-I'm not… I just thought gold ranks were very tough. I heard some of them battled the Dexholders once and they had a hard time- And I'm not a Dexholder, I shouldn't be that hard to beat.

-Shut up- I said growling, he was making me mad… and no one messes with me when I'm angry!

- Your brother just keeps telling you what to do, even commanding your pokemon at times. And he's clearly the younger one.

-Don't say anything more boy or you'll regret it- I said when I noticed the color of his eyes. They were that color I hate so much. They were red, like Red's, like Ruby's.

-Shut up Matt, you can't listen to him- Mike told me.

-Magneton use Zap cannon on him!- I said and my pokemon was preparing the attack when Mike made the Salamence fire a Fire blast to disperse the attack.

-Don't do that. You'll kill him, but you can also kill Sapphire- he said scolding me… Oh how I hated that- and we need her alive.

-Don't tell me what I can and can't do!

-I'll do it because I outrank you!- he said sending his own Crawdaunt to the field.

-What are ranks? They're just something that… cough, cough… put people above each other- he said then clearly in pain, he would receive more though. He had that smile I hated so much, THAT determined smile- Isn't power enough, though? Aren't you powerful enough to come by yourself rather than hiding behind your younger brother?

-Enough is ENOUGH!- I snapped then- Finish him with Zap Cannon!

-Weatherball!-he said an the attacks collided- Hydropump Mimi!

-Thunderbolt on that attack!

-Dragonbreath Altaria! Fire Blast Salamence! Crabhammer Crawdaunt!- commanded Mike- Stop it we have to work together Matt.

-Screw working together!- I said- I'll be the one to take her!

-Stop Mimi, now avoid that attack! Popo use Blizzard on the Dragons! Coco use your Double-edge.

The battled was now an all out. Our pokemon were exchanging attacks one after the other. Sometimes my attacks hit Mike's pokemon, but it was his fault for not letting me fight alone. This way I was going to show everyone who is the strongest. The kid still had that pained, but determined grin and I swore that it would vanish… Along with him if I could. My triumph card was waiting and now was the time to show it. The victory was Mine.

-Onix get out behind him!- I commanded viciously- and stick your Iron Tail in this pathetic body!

I smirked just thinking about it, he would die in front of me. NO ONE MESSES WITH MATT AND LIVES TO TELL THE STORY. I waited for my command to be done when I felt that something was extremely odd. He just lifted his head and with the same pained, but determined pose he said something surprising.

-Zuzu get him out with Muddy Water!- he said and just then I saw something that astonished me and Mike.

The gound below us began to shake and in the right side of the battlefield, just from when my Onix had gone down a huge torrent of dirty water suddenly emerged. Then it just stopped when just after a second appeared a Swampert grabbing from his tail a Onix with swirls in his eyes. With that he just let it fall soundly and went to his trainer's side who petted his head with his right arm before throwing us a smirk.

-Now you've got three pokemon down, and you brother has two- he said- What are you going to do Matt?

-Don't get too cocky only to have discovered this strategy- I growled, he really knew how to get on my nerves- I'm not out yet. Go Swallot!

-Matt we have to work together- Mike said- He won't be able to beat us that way.

-Then follow my lead- I said- if not, just fuck off!

-I'm not going to allow you to talk like this to your superior- he said and I approached him from the front then…

-I talk to you the way I want to- I said when I grabbed him from the collar but just as I did that I felt my consciousness getting away from me- What did you do to me?

-If you're not going to cooperate, you'll just get in the way- he said- Good Hypnosis Grumpig.

And then I blacked out.

Ruby's POV

I had achieved my goal that it was to separate them, but I never expected them to almost fight just in front of me. That left Matt on the floor while Mike was now controlling the situation. Everyone could have said that I should've taken advantage of their fight, but my condition was getting worse every fucking second. I was coughing more and more, and every time I did that, a sharp pain travelled all over my body. I almost didn't notice him commanding his Altaria to Sky-attack my line of pokemon.

-Assist Coco!- I said and it transformed into a very useful Aurora beam. I noticed the sun almost disappearing- Popo use Sunny day again! Then Shadow ball the Metagross!

-Metagross, get out of the way and then Hyperbeam!

-Protect Zuzu!

-Salamence take the Castform out with Dragon Claw! Crawdaunt use Crabhammer on him too- he said and I knew he had me in there- Spark Magneton! Swallot use Toxic.

-Mimi Safeguard again! Zuzu disperse the Spark with Mud shot!- I commanded.

Even if Zuzu was able to protect my pokemon from the Hyperbeam and the Spark, and Mimi made the Toxic useless. Popo was knocked out. I still had 3 pokemon, but I was fighting against 7 of them. Things didn't seem good for me and I had lost the possibility to use fire attacks. Then I saw something that made it a little better, but not enough. Altaria was flying slowly before dropping on the floor with swirls in its eyes.

-Don't put me in the same box as my brother boy… I'm way better than him- he said- battling together it would be easier, but if he won't cooperate… I'm going to be enough.

-The battle is not *Cough* over- I said.

-It'll be over now… Salamence use Hyperbeam! Metagross use Calm mind while recharging! - he said.

-Hydropump it Zuzu!

-Magneton use Lock-On… then Zap Cannon on the Milotic!

-Mimi use Blizzard Barrier- I said and she suddenly created a huge blizzard the left an Icy wall in front of her.

-Crawdaunt use Bubblebeam to the Delcatty, Sludge on her Swallot- I said and I knew I had lost another one of my pokemon.

Coco had battled fiercely since the beginning, but with the combination of those attacks, she fell. I couldn't be more proud of how the battlers had given its best in this battle, but the fact was that I was losing. I still had two pokemon outside, but would they be enough? I knew they could, but could my body?

Just then I felt a tug un my left leg and I looked down to see a pink gummy pokemon. The pokemon was Ditty, just the pokemon that would endure my victory if I played the cards right.

I tried to move my left hand to touch it, but it hurt so, so much. Broken, that much was clear.

-C-can you fight for me?-I asked and the pokemon nodded- Then turn into a Quilava… and kick some ass for me.

Sapphire's POV

I couldn't even start to belief my eyes. Rub had been battling vs two opponents and he was still ready for more. He had beaten 7 pokemon and hurt 2 more quite a lot while his enemies had beaten 4 of his. The strategies he used were awesome and the power that emanated from his words was something impressive. He had put them in a serious problem and, with his words, turned them against each other before Mike silenced the huge grunt and took the matters into his own hands.

Even his powerful words I could see that his voice was getting weaker every time and that he coughed more and more. His voice seemed broken some times, but due to the shadow in his back prevented me to see if something was wrong with him.

I knew he was losing, but he still seemed quite confident in his options. That increased when Ditty entered the scene and he commanded it to transform into a Quilava. Why not another, more powerful, fire type?

-So you got another pokemon huh?- said Mike- that won't change a thing.

-I know it won't… I could beat you even without it…- Rub said much to my surprise- but this will make things easier for me! Quilava use Smoke screen!

-Whirlwind to clear the field- answered Mike and his Salamence took flight and started to flap his wings- That strategy won't work twice you know?

-I know! Hydropump it Zuzu- Rub said and then I heard him whisper something to Mimi.

-Dodge Salamence- Mike said and gave Rub an smirk.

-Perfect!- said Rub when the Salamence fell directly to the ground his wings covered in ice- Now Quilava use Quick attack on Magneton!- he said.

-What?- said Mike- Spark it Magneton… Salamence get up and use Dragonbreath!

-Jump and hit him with Flamewheel!- Rub said

The fire attack was something to be seen. With the speed gained with his previous attack he passed through the electric attack and hit the steel type hurting him a lot. Being so small the Quilava was more agile than a Typhlosion and could maneuver more effectively.

The problem was that the spark continued going towards Mimi's direction. That was when Zuzu just positioned in front of it and made it unnefective.

-Zuzu use Mud sport!- and just like that the pokemon started to splash mud all over the field, also covering himself in mud- Mimi use Twister in the Salamence!

-Salamence get out of there- Mike said, but it was impossible for him to get out willingly of where he was. He got out, but propelled by Mimi's attack- Swalot, Body Slam her! Spark on her too! Chabhammer Quilava Crawdaunt.

-Zuzu use Mud slap on Swalot!- he said and with a power rivaling the one he showed in that contest Zuzu sent the pokemon flying until it collided with a tree behind Mike, breaking it- Quilava use Defense curl! Then Rollout!

Quilava was still full of energy and you could see it simply by the speed in which he protected a little from the attack and attacked back the Crawdaunt launching him towards Zuzu. Mimi received major damage too, but she could still stand. It couldn't be said the same for Swalot though. He was out cold.

-Zuzu use Rock smash on the pokemon- said Rub and with that he threw the pokempb back to where he was, but doing a great deal of damage.

-5 vs. 3 but it will soon be 2 of your part!- said Mike- Salamence Hyperbeam! Zap cannon Mangeton! Psywave Metagross!

-Recover Mimi! Zuzu use Protect for as long as you can!- Rub commanded- Quilava round in circles using Quick attack!

-Grumpig use Psychic to stop Quilava, Crawdaunt use Bubblebeam on him- Mike said.

-Use Rollout until I tell you to stop!

With that Quilava curled himself into a ball and using the momentum he had kept spinning around the field receiving both attacks. The rotation was protecting him a little, but it was clear that he was still suffering. Just then Rub told him to stop and the Psychic did a complete effect and immobilized him. The Crawdaunt had long stopped his attack due to his tiredness.

-Now Quilava use Eruption!- and while the pokemon couldn't move, the fire in his back and head grew in a split second enveloping all that was upon him.

Ruby's POV

What was on him was nothing else than the Metagross that stopped his attack immediately when the fire covered him. When the fire stopped Quilava just came to my side while the Metagross just fell with swirls in his eyes. Mimi had just recovered a lot of her health,, but I couldn't say the same about Zuzu and Ditty. The Protect had fallen due to having to endure three attacks and he had received major damage. Quilava had endured a lot of them too, but it was in a slightly better shape.

His pokemon were tired too now. The only one who was perfectly fine was his Grumpig while the other were quite injured. Magneton was almost out, while the Crawdaunt wouldn't last long. The problem was the Salamence… it had received a lot of damage, but he was still able to fight quite well. I noticed that the sun was beginning to fade too, but I couldn't amend that. Then out of nowere, a sharp pain invaded my body and I began coughing violently, just sending more pain to my brain. I knew that the adrenaline was running very, very low now, but I couldn't just faint and let him take Sapphire. I wouldn't allow that.

-Are you ready for more?- I taunted- because you've lost almost all your pokemon… cough!

-I still have four!

-Zuzu Mud shot the Magneton!- I commanded then pleading that he wouldn't be able to escape, he wasn't- three now.

-Fuck, what the hell did you do Mike?- was the sound that came from the grunt that was getting up just now.

-We can still battle…- said Mike ignoring his brother.

-Yes, cough, but c-can you win? And will you be able to escape when the other Dexholders come here with their six pokemon each?- I taunted,I knew that besides from Blue who had Ditty I was the only one with my pokemon at the Ball, but I had to give my last effort. This was a psychological battle.

-Just shut up kid- said Matt then still looking at me from the ground- I will personally kill you if my pokemon couldn't.

-Just try it- I gambled- you'll be captured, maybe not by me, but by my friends. You've only got a psychic type and it doesn't know how to use Amnesia- I gambled- It's a pokemon to Teleport you to your base, and if it wastes more energy he won't be able to carry three people. That's why you barely used it to attack.

-Don't let it talk like that Mike- said Matt, clearly frustrated for his uselessness at the moment.

-The pokedex Holders aren't coming…- he said- they would be already here.

-They wouldn't, but they'll be here shortly- I said- Emerald and Silver where battling somewhere and I'm sure they saw everything and alerted the others.

-You've got nothing to prove it- he said and my smile faded. I didn't, but I couldn't start to sound scared now.

-If Ditty is here, it means that Blue has noticed something- I said, it was a big gamble, the same as the next one- Zuzu is sensing 8 people coming and it's not a coincidence.

Zuzu just moved his fins like detecting something, but I didn't know if it was just a way to prove myself right or a sign that they were, indeed, coming.

-Don't listen to him Mike, even I know that he's just trying to fool us- Matt said.

-Your time is running out…- "and mine way faster than yours"- Zuzu, Mimi, Quilava… take positions, we're going to end this by our own hands.

-Just try it!

-We're going Matt- Mike said retreating all his pokemon except for his Grumpig.

-What? You're surrendering?- Matt asked clearly annoyed to Mike who was approaching him alongside his Grumpig.

-You've been a great rival boy… but this won't be the last time we see each other, if you finally survive that is- he said then and when Mat got closer to him he touched him and disappeared.

Just as he said that my three pokemon fell on the ground exhausted: Recover only recovers the health, but not the energy left and Zuzu had been fighting and protecting us from the very beginning. Ditty in Quilava's form had received a lot of damage and spent a lot of energy too in a short amount of time.

It was just then when I took a look around me and I felt scared at what I saw. Two massive holes, craters all over the place, broken trees… All in that part of the park was destroyed, even the fountain. I didn't even knew what I was doing until I was well inside the battle. I had done it again, but at least Sapphire hadn't been captured. I returned my pokemon and turned around.

-Are you okay Sa…- but I never finished my sentence.

The sight I saw then broke everything in me. It was playing all again in my head. My battle, my injury and finally, those faces and her face. Those eyes , and hers. Those eyes that showed so willpower normally were clouded by fear, pure terror. My mind couldn't register anything else I was doing at the moment.

-T-those eyes…- I murmured, she was terrified. Of me.

CLICK!

Sapphire's POV

I didn't know what was happening. He had just won that spectacular battle when he turned to look at me, when Rub's face broke. Tears fell of his dark red and pained eyes. He just murmured something about eyes before clutching his head with his right hand. Just then I heard a click and he just ran away faster than I've ever seen anyone run.

I was astounded. What had happened? I wanted to move, to follow him , to thank him a million times for protecting me, to ask if he was okay and make sure he was. To ask him what had I done to him, to apologize. But I just couldn't move, I was still paralyzed.

Just then I heard rustle from behind and soon I was surrounded by 6 of the people I know more in the world.

-Sapphire! What happened here?- asked Blue hugging me from the front- Are you okay?

But I couldn't answer them, not even nod. I wanted to tell them that I was okay, that they had to follow Rub, but I couldn't.

-She's Paralyzed!-understood Red- she can't even move.

-Ditty where are you?- asked Blue and the little pokemon came to her side still being a Quilava. Then the pokemon transformed back to the pink gumlike pokemon- Transform into a Chansey and use Refresh on her.

The pokemon complied and as the attack made it's effects, I felt my face, and upper body start to function again. It felt so good to be able to move your mouth and arms again. But I had no time to feel that. There was something that needed to be done.

-What happened here Sapph?- asked Yellow concern in her voice.

-I was paralyzed by the grunts- I said- Rub was with me then…

-We have to find him- said Green seriously- right now!

-Wait Green, he's not an enemy… he protected me- I said.

-I know Sapph, but- he started- look at this.

I was able to look at what he had in his hands. It was a part of Rub's tux. Then I looked at the place he was standing all the fight, not moving an inch and I saw the same.

Just on the place had been standing until a minute ago on the floor was a not so small pool of dark red and fresh blood. Rub's fresh blood.


And that's the official end of the 29th chapter...And as you probably expected, a cliffhanger is the bet way to do it.

This chapter was a lot longer than the others, but if you look at the top you'll see that between my last and this chapter, this story became a one year old one! One year ago I was just standing thinking about how awesome it would be to write something that some people would find entertaining while writing in english. Since then I've received more than 140 reviews! That's fu***ng amazing and just one year later I'm posting the 29th chapter with Ruby's finally showing his true power to the world while I've had people asking me for this (specially someone called Novaking2832 XD) for a very long time. It was a coincidence, but I've got to say that it makes it even better.

I hope that you liked the chapter as much as I did writing it and LC5 editing it (he better do it, crack his knuckles again XD).

PD: I only want to ask something to 12Courtney12... How could you know back in August that Mr. Mike would be the bad guy?

PD2: Since only two people answered the question about what's your favourite chapter... I'll base the results in the views every chapter has got now.

Most Viewed chapters (besides the first with 5003 views):

3. 18- Past rejection (895 views)

2. 24- An story to comfort (939 views)

1. 19- Confrontations (957 views)

An special mention to chapter 10- The reasons that was the one that RUb fights with his dad and recieves the Blance badge in return. The people who reviewed said that this one was their favorite, so an special mention to it. Aside from this I actually expected these results because they're some of my favourite too. I particularly like chapter 23-Between fire and smoke too, but it's just the writer's opinion.

After all this... well I can only thank you guys for this year of writing. It's beeen amazing thanks to all of you. Thanks to all that reviewed, favorited, followed me or the story. And ouur editor too, the quality would be much lower without him.

REVIEW and STAY TUNNED!