I got this idea randomly and you can say this is kinda a prequel to the 56th one-shot of this collection (Chapter 56: VS Groudon and Kyogre), so...yeah,,,,,

No beta, we die like Neku (TWEWY) [WE'RE GETTING A SEQUEL SDJFKHSFJSHJK]

But seriously, it's not really beta-ed. :'D

Summary: Courtney's offer was suspicious, but the moment she mentioned that one thing Ruby fears about, the boy had to consider it. However, the deal wasn't exactly made due to the Gym Leaders' interruption.

WARNING: CHARACTER DEATH!


61. The Training of the Mind

...

...

Tate and Liza closed their eyes. They calmed their minds. Their thoughts were slowly in sync. They listened to their surroundings—the lenient, cool breeze tussling the patches of grass on the ground, the leaves of the trees, the fabric of their clothes, and the strands of their hairs. They breathed together, as another wind howled.

Mirage Island was such a peaceful place—perfect for meditation. If two ancient Pokemon weren't clashing with one another at this time, they would like to linger at this moment for as long as they could take.

They heard footsteps—familiar ones—and it stopped in front of them. Neither opened their eyes, for they knew it was just Juan. Despite having their eyes closed, they could tell he was wearing his signature smile whilst stroking his fancy mustache.

"Ruby and Sapphire are doing well in their training," Juan spoke, his eyes wandered around. "Although, Sapphire's progress exceeded Ruby's," he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He stopped caressing his mustache. "She excels at making quick judgments and decisions than Ruby. Her intuition is quite impressive too," he chuckled. "If only we had more time; I might train Ruby more and I could ask for Sapphire's help if she's willing."

"Wait," Liza stated, opening her eyes.

Tate dropped his arms and crossed his legs. He, too, had opened his eyes. "I believe I know what you mean, Liza."

Liza nodded at her twin brother. "Yes, it's that other presence we felt earlier."

Tate stood up and clenched his fists despite his stoic expression. "They're close by."

"We must act quickly," Liza added and stood up as well.

Juan's smile dropped, his eyebrows furrowed. "Where are they?"

...

...

Ruby decided to sit down once Juan left. He wasn't tired nor in the mood to take a nap, so he just grabbed his Pokedex. Maybe he could find some interesting data he could use as an advantage in his next contest.

That is...until this whole mess was over.

His eyes narrowed the longer he looked at his Pokedex. "Hmm," he hummed, looking at the information once again. "The Pokedex seems to be malfunctioning. These are..."

He couldn't recall that he actually have complete details of Blaziken, or even other Pokemon like Donphan, Tropius, or even Aggron. He could only conclude one thing. "Sapphire's records," he uttered. How did that happen? "But this is my Pokedex!"

The boy tried to recall what caused this mix-up, and he managed to figure out a possible clue. "I guess the force of the battle between the two ancient Pokemon..." His eyes widened. "...somehow mixed together with the records of our two Pokedexes..."

It was the only reasoning he could think of, and it was probably the only one too. He was even more astonished when he continued looking at her records. "She jumped...521 times!" he exclaimed. "She went out to sea 42 times..." He knew she was athletic and more daring than he was, but this...this was impressive. "...bathed in a hot spring once..."

He felt the heat in his cheeks but shook it off to remove it. He...probably shouldn't think any further about that. He then turned to look at her. She was still taking a nap on a tree and she seemed so peaceful.

He sighed. At least, she didn't hear what he said earlier, hopefully. Still, he recently couldn't get his mind off her. Sure, she had been in his mind ever since that Grumpig incident in Fortree City, but now, he often found himself thinking about her more than he should be.

In fact, she's in his mind more than his childhood friend, and it should be the other way around.

He bit his lip. While I was having an easy time riding around in Gabby's car... he carefully thought, making sure to not say it out loud. ...Sapphire was traveling in the vast region all on her own.

He couldn't help but stare at her and smile tenderly. His eyes, too, have softened, as he felt his chest was getting lighter the more he thought about her.

He...genuinely couldn't help it; he didn't expect he would act like this about her, but...it just happened. He thought she would be someone he would forever despise, but...he was appreciating her more than he should have. He...wanted to know her better, to laugh with her, travel with her, talk to her more, and just...be with her general.

He didn't know what this feeling was, but he was certain it was the exact same thing he felt for his childhood friend...and it was multiplied by a hundred.

Sapphire really was something, and...Ruby was grateful that he met her, even if it was a coincidence.

"Hey," a voice called, a familiar one, and Ruby wasn't happy to hear that. "Got a minute?"

Ruby knew what he had to do the moment he saw that red costume. He grabbed Zuzu's Poke Ball and sent it out. "You're one of Team Magma's admins!" he gritted his teeth, trying to stop himself from trembling. "What are you doing here?!"

Courtney laughed, a mischievous one, and Ruby hated it. "I decided I would chase you to the ends of the world."

Ruby absolutely despised that statement; it was creepy and it was something an adult shouldn't do to a child. He needed to get rid of her before she hurt Sapphire.

He stopped but clenched his fist. He glanced at Sapphire, who seemed to be sleeping. Sapphire... he thought. No, he wouldn't let her hurt Sapphire. He wouldn't.

He wouldn't let anyone hurt the people who mattered to him!

He grumbled, making sure his Swampert was between them. "Tate and Liza mentioned they felt the presence of...something..."

"I'm sure they did," Courtney answered and moved closer, ignoring the threat the Swampert would pull. "But that Plusle and Minun snuck onto the island too. Tate and Liza thought that was who they sensed."

Courtney was quite thankful for those Pokemon; her plan wouldn't succeed without them.

Ruby looked around. Where were the twins and his Grand Master? He needed their help right now! He couldn't let this Team Magma goon hurt Sapphire! "What are you up to now?!"

"Don't get so worked up," Courtney pushed the Swampert's face out of the way, and Ruby didn't like how this was going. "I'm here to make a proposal."

No. Ruby shook his head. This was a bad idea. Whatever her 'proposal' would be, he wouldn't—

"You're going to leave this island to face those ancient Pokemon again..."

His jaw slacked. How did she even know these?! Was she skulking them? If so, how come neither of the Gym Leaders was aware?!

"And I know you've been planning to team up with that girl..."

Ruby clenched his fists and his teeth. Sapphire wasn't just a girl. She's...more than that to him...

Courtney smirked, eyeing him carefully. She was more than certain how she could convince him now. "How would you like to team up with me instead?"

Ruby's eyes widened in shock. Was she crazy?! How dare her! "That's crazy!" the boy replied. "You're a Team Magma Admin! You want Groudon to keep fighting, and that's what I'm trying to stop! How could I ever join forces?!"

He wouldn't. He would never join forces with someone like her. For Sapphire, he wouldn't. She would hurt Sapphire. He would never let anything happen to Sapphire!

"I understand your misgivings," Courtney snickered, and the boy was getting more uncomfortable around her. It was scary. "But the fight was our leader's plan."

No, she was lying! He was sure she knew this from the very beginning.

"I didn't really care what it was—as long as I could have some fun along the way."

He knew it. This lady was crazy like their leader!

"And I'm pretty satisfied since I got to watch this jamboree for a while."

Ruby felt his body shaking in anger. He knew she enjoyed it; she was smiling when she hurt those innocent people!

"But to be honest," the Team Magma admin cackled. She couldn't believe that her friend made her do this. It was true she hadn't seen her in a long time, and she would probably hate her for the things she'd done. However, if it meant she could redeem herself and see her again...she would do this.

For Daisy. For their friendship.

"It's gotten out of hand," she admitted. Daisy would say the same thing if she were here... "Both Team Magma and Team Aqua have taken this whole thing too far..." she turned her head, looking at the vast environment of this island. "What's the point of destroying the Hoenn Region? That's something I can't allow. That's why I'm asking you to join me."

She didn't know and didn't care if her words convinced him, but she was telling the truth; she couldn't allow it. If it meant she could see Daisy again, then so be it.

Ruby found her words suspicious. He knew there was some sort of trap in this, but where?

"I know more about Groudon than you," Courtney persuaded, as she folded her arms across her chest and closed her eyes. She was quite confident she could find a loophole and make this boy join forces with her. After all, he cared about that girl so much. She could tell this boy has feelings for that girl, and she knew what those feelings were.

It was the same thing she'd felt for Daisy, and that was the very reason why she was doing this in the first place. She'd lost her way but thinking about Daisy brought the light back. She opened her eyes and smirked devilishly. She just had an idea she knew it was enough to convince the boy. "What do you think will happen to that girl if she gets taken over by an orb?"

Ruby felt his whole world crushing. He couldn't stop his body from trembling. His eyes were wider than before. His heartbeat increased its pace. His breathing became heavy and he could feel tears welling up in his eyes.

He never thought about it; he knew Sapphire could control the orb, but even Maxie and Archie were... He closed his eyes, making sure the tears wouldn't even fall from it. He gritted his teeth.

He couldn't allow this. He wouldn't allow this. He didn't want to see Sapphire get hurt. He lost his childhood friend because of it, and...he couldn't bear to lose Sapphire as well.

She...means a lot to him...

As Ruby was about to unclench his fist to seal the deal, an attack directly hit Courtney—if she wasn't able to dodge it on time. Ruby turned around and saw Juan, Tate, and Liza approaching them.

The twins went in front of him as their Pokemon—Solrock and Lunatone—stood behind Courtney. Juan stood beside his Swampert while his Kingdra was on the other side.

Courtney couldn't help but laugh. She might've underestimated these twins. "Hey, just so you know, I'm here to help."

Tate's eyebrows creased. "If that was your intention, then—"

"—why didn't you show yourself earlier?" Liza continued.

Courtney's devilish smile didn't fade. "Because this will happen," she gestured. "you will attack me."

"Ruby," Juan called, glancing at the boy. "What did she say?"

Ruby couldn't utter a word; he was overwhelmed. He was sweating and shaking. No matter how hard he tried, words couldn't come out of his mouth.

Sapphire heard the ruckus and woke up from her nap. She tumbled and landed on her feet. She was on all fours, glaring at Courtney.

Courtney finally got a good look at Sapphire. This girl definitely looked fierce and strong. She got to hand it to Ruby—he knew how to choose the right girl.

"I'll tell you what I told the boy," she confessed, making Tate and Liza look at each other.

Juan shook his head. "I'd rather listen to Ruby."

"No," Liza interrupted, confusing Juan.

"We can sense that—" Tate replied.

"—she's telling the truth about not attacking us,"

"But we have to keep our guard, just in case."

Juan trusted the twins' instincts. He looked at the Team Magma member once again. "Very well," he conceded. "Start talking."

Courtney nodded and told everything to them. She made sure to tell them the truth or else, the twins might sense her lies. They seemed to have understood it, but there was one person who was still having a hard time believing it other than Ruby.

Sapphire was shaking, as she processed everything that Courtney stated. In one sense, she understood it and with further confirmation from Tate and Liza that this woman was telling the truth, she couldn't help but get angry at Ruby and herself; but, this infuriated sensation was mostly directed at herself.

"Ya almost agreed?" Sapphire spat at Ruby.

Ruby felt guilty. She had the right to get mad at him; he knew Courtney was persuading him but the fact that the orb could...he couldn't even imagine it. He didn't want to!

"What do ya think I was trainin' for?!" she couldn't control herself. She was shaking—quivering. She couldn't believe people would think she wasn't strong enough! She worked her whole life just to be strong enough to save everyone! "I ain't gonna let my region be destroyed! I'll do whatever it takes to control the orb and not the other way around!"

Courtney raised an eyebrow. This girl...had a good heart. She understood why Ruby likes this girl so much. "Will you do it even if it costs your life?"

Sapphire didn't hesitate and nodded. "If it means everyone will be safe, then yes, I will."

Ruby was beyond frightened. He knew Sapphire was selfless, but this was something he wouldn't allow. "No!" he screamed and everyone looked at him. "Why would you even sacrifice your own life for this region?!" he yelled, his tone sounded hurt and concerned at the same time. "I—"

"I will do whatever it takes to protect my home, Ruby!" Sapphire shouted back. "That's why I'm doin' what I can to not drag ya down while trainin'!"

Ruby was speechless. She thought she was dragging him down? But, he thought she was tremendous during this training; he admired her hard work! Before he could respond, Sapphire stormed off. His heart broke at that. He felt like he made her cry and hurt her feelings again, and that wasn't his intention in the first place!

He couldn't and wouldn't allow himself to let her walk away. He let it happen once and he wouldn't do it again. Clenching his fist, he stormed after her, leaving Juan, Tate, and Liza to deal with Courtney.

He needed to talk to her. He needed to explain why he couldn't let anything terrible happen to her. Luckily, his running shoes were useful and he was able to catch up with her. He didn't know when and which part of the island she was in, but he knew one thing—he needed to explain things to her and apologize.

"Sapphire!" he stopped, taking a deep breath. He tried to control himself from stepping closer any further. "Please, just let me explain!" he pleaded. Sapphire was silent and he was hoping she would listen.

"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I...I know this is the 2nd time I hurt you, but this time," he gulped. "I have a legitimate reason!"

Sapphire still had her back facing him, but she was listening. Despite how provoked she was, she opted to listen. He...did show how sorry he was the first time he made her genuinely furious.

"I-I can't explain it well, but..." his voice cracked. He breathed in. "I'm scared," he confessed. The tears in his eyes finally fell. "I-I might lose you or see you get hurt! I don't want the orb to possess you and do whatever it did with Archie and Maxie! The reason..." he inhaled through clenched teeth. "T-The reason why I thought Courtney's idea was acceptable is that...i-in case the orb controls her, I wouldn't have to worry!"

Sapphire was trying to understand what he meant, but why would he let the orb control Courtney? That lady was probably better than her since she seemed to have more experience. And, the fact that she was years older than them...

"I don't care what the orb does to Courtney, but I will care what the orb does to you!" Ruby continued, his voice was getting louder and more emotional as his intentions become more authentic. Sapphire could sense his emotions exploding like a nuclear bomb. She didn't know he had it in him. "I know I'm probably overprotective about you but trust me, Sapphire, I..." he closed his eyes and clenched his chest. The sensation in his heart burst like fireworks in the sky. "Sapphire, I can't afford to lose you!"

She mustered up her courage and turned around, hoping this was all made-up, but it wasn't. Ruby was crying and she didn't notice he was slowly moving closer to her. Why...why did she feel...happy that he cared?

"I already lost someone dear to me and I couldn't let it happen to you as well! I'm sorry that I made you seem like I don't trust you. I do! I do trust you; you've proven time and time again that you're strong but I'm just...scared..." he sobbed, as he lowered his head. "I'm scared to lose someone important to me... I don't want it to happen again..."

Sapphire knew what it felt like to lose someone. Her mother was the first one and then her childhood friend. She...she admired Ruby's passion and she had to admit that...she cared about him too... She understood where he was going; she honestly felt the same. She breathed, trying to control her own tears from falling.

"I want to help Hoenn..." she muttered, but Ruby heard her clearly. "I want to save it from this chaos. That's why I'm trainin' so hard, Ruby," She clenched her fists. She couldn't find any reason to stay enraged at him. She bit her lip. "I forgive ya..."

Ruby had never been so relieved. His tears continued to fall but this time, these were tears of joy. He was glad that she understood. He couldn't imagine what would happen when she was gone...

"But, promise me," She looked at him with serious eyes. "we'll do this together. I promise I won't let the orb control me while you promise that you won't accept Courtney's offer."

Ruby could see how determined she was. He was scared to lose her but at the same time, he yearned to fight with her. He breathed. "I promise."

He moved closer and offered his hand while she shook it. One movement should seal the deal, but Ruby refused to let go. His firm hold on her hand became gentle, protective, and comforting. His eyes softened and his smile lit up with compassion. "Promise me that you'll stay beside me throughout this whole battle...okay?"

Sapphire nodded. "As long as I get to battle ya," her lips curled into a fanged smile and Ruby felt his breath was taken away as his heart started beating faster than ever. "I will."

...

...

Sootopolis City

Several hours passed

Groudon and Kyogre turned around. Ruby was relieved that they caught the giants' attention, but the moment both Pokemon opened their mouths, he knew they didn't do it correctly.

"Ruby!"

Sapphire removed her hand from his and went in front of him. She pushed him out of the way as Groudon's and Kyogre's attacks hit her back. Her eyes widened with her pupils slowly dilating and fell to the ground.

Ruby couldn't believe what he just witnessed.

"SAPPHIRE!" he yelled but there was no response coming from her. "SAPPHIRE!" he shouted even louder and crawled closer to her body. He grabbed her and placed her body on his lap. His arms held her back as he tried to shake her awake.

But nothing happened.

"Sapphire! Sapphire! Please! Please, say something!" He shook her once again but she wasn't budging. He placed his ears close to her chest, hoping to find a heartbeat. His eyes widened, as he tried to swallow the enormous lump in his throat.

He couldn't hear a single beat.

No. No. No. No. No. No. No! This isn't happening! This is just a dream! This isn't real! His mind couldn't accept this at all.

He wished he could just wake up right now and see her sitting on a tree.

Meanwhile, Groudon let out a cry and fired another attack at Ruby. The Swampert and the Blaziken deflected it, making the attack hit a nearby wall. Chunks of cement fell a few inches away from Ruby and he knew that this wasn't a figment of his imagination.

This was all real and this was currently happening.

He gritted his teeth. Tears started forming in his eyes, as it plummeted like a waterfall.

He couldn't feel anything. He only felt pain and it was making him numb. He couldn't hear anything. He couldn't feel the ground shake around him. He couldn't see anything. Everything was blurry. Nothing was clear.

The battle continued raging around him but he was too hurt, too depressed to move.

"Sapphire..." he muttered, hoping she could hear his voice but she remained motionless. Her heart wasn't beating. He couldn't feel her chest rising and falling from breathing.

She was gone. She was...gone. And she protected him from doing so.


So, yeah, it kinda connects (maybe a lot) to the 56th one-shot (VS Groudon and Kyogre) of this collection since the ending is...yeah...

The dialogue exchange with Ruby and Courtney is from the VIZ translation since it's the only books I have! You can check it too, if you want!

For reference, I analyzed Courtney's age and it turns out that she's in her 20s in the RS arc! It was all thanks to that 1 panel of young Courtney with Young Daisy [Green Oak's sister/Professor Oak's granddaughter] that further supported the analysis! :D

[Yes, subtle Daisy/Courtney propaganda jshfks]

Ruby also acted similarly with his ORAS self in the last bits, but honestly, that's what RS is trying to build up based on what I've understood. It's really fun writing this, though, and I wish this should've happened (even if Sapphire died, ha ha,,,,,,) ^-^