Hi everyone and welcome to the 9th chapter of this fic.

Before I forget TIME WITH REVIEWS:

Rukineko1: Sorry for the short battle scene, but as it was explained in the same chapter I needed to make it short to make the Dexholders feel that something was not right with the grunts. I'll assure you that this wont be the last Dexholders-in-action time in the fic.

Awesomedude4444: I have to admit that I had fun writting this part... And yes! cliffhanger XD.

Itsnowedlastnight: I would be glad to receive it, but sure there are a lot more autors just as worthy, if not even more than me. Anyway, your reveiws always improve my mood, so thanks for that.

smile all of your days: Yeah, too bad that they don't trust his feelings... And thanks for correcting me it really helps me to keep my focus while writing.

AlejandroSalsa: I'll take your advice into account, maybe I will ask someone to correct it. I'll try to be more precise with spelling and grammar by myself for a while, but if the quality of the fic is at risk... I'll ask someone (maybe you XD). Thanks for the advice!

Guest: I'm sorry to dissapoint you, but... You'll have to wait longer for that. Glad you like the chapter!

Natsuna2427: Thanks for your enthusiastic review, I just hope that I can keep up with all your expectations! I'll try to keep people excited.

Well so that's all today with the reviews... Wow! this chapter got 7 reviews, a new record for me. I only have to thank to the ones of you that have reviewed. Thanks for your dupport, corrections, questions, guesses... All this is what helps me get all fired up XD To those who still have not reviewed, thanks for reading this story and feel fre to ask anything.

THhose things being said... Please READ and ENJOY!


Someone's POV

The attack had failed, as predicted. I could tell by the way the man was looking at me. Those grunts were good at battling alone, but they lacked both team work and discipline, after only a week of training they could learn very few things. I sent them only to test my enemies and to get information about their pokemon and skills. The man then started speaking:

-Ma-master, I'm sorry to report you that the mission today was a complete failure- the man on the screen said.

-That was expected- I said to him.

-What do you mean? The grunts you, master, sent were totally whipped out- he told me- They didn't even last 10 minutes. In less than that they were all on the floor beaten and captured.

-Did they do what we taught them?- I asked- The procedure to avoid telling everything, I mean?

-Y-yes they did- the man on the screen said- No one of them can tell anything now, they don't even know their names.

-Good- I said.

-Ma-master I don't understand- the man asked confused- The plan was a disaster, but you don't seem angry at all. Why?

-Because the plan was made to fail- I said- I sent those grunts there to be captured.

-There has to be another purpose- the man said.

-Of course, the purpose was to test the abilities of the Dexholders- I said- to know what I'm against. I wouldn't be mad if they brought me one of them captured, but it was nearly impossible of that to happen. Now tell me, you saw the fight right?

- Of course, that's my mission in the academy- he said- Well they divided in two groups: one to extinguish the fire that the grunts caused to attract them, and another to fight the grunts.

-So how many were fighting the grunts?

-Only five, three boys and two girls- he said- the two older girls and the other two boys were trying to stop the fire, which they did in less than 15 minutes.

- So it was 5 vs 15 and they only lasted 10 minutes?

-Even less than that- he said- The Dexholders had a plan and I less than 5 minutes 7 or 8 grunts were already tied in the ground by a Venusaur while the boys were flying above them on their flying types.

-You'll pass me a written report later with the pokemon and attacks they used- I said- Now continue.

-Yes, they used their pokemon to attack at the same time both the front and the rear line of the grunts trapping them in the middle while the grunts tried to block or escape from the attacks. After that they attacked with powerful moves to end the battle right there.

-Well that was quicker than I even imagined- I said- The nine of them didn't defeated Giovanni and Team Rocket for nothing- after a pause- Well please pass me an entire report of the battle. I want a description of every pokemon they used and they have. I know you have a lot of information about that, being in the same building as them has its good points.

-I will Master- he said- You can count on me.

-You better not deceive me- I said before adding- I also want a report of what places they like to go and times when they will be weaker than always or to catch them by surprise. You can do that right?

-Of course master- he said.

-Well so that's all- I said- The only thing I have to ask you is to not get caught and to maintain your job in the academy.

-Don't worry about that, nobody will suspect anything from a teacher- I said.

-They better not.

And with that I ended the call. After learning that they had even improved more than we expected I would have to take some decisions. I called the professor then. When he arrived, he vowed and asked why I wanted to see him.

-You said that the machine will be concluded in about a moth isn't that true?- I asked him.

-Ye-yes master.

-That means that in the next month all the grunts have to be better trained.

-Why? Is this because of the Dexholders?- he asked.

-Yes, they have improved more than we expected them to, so from now on I want at least a group of 20 grunts training every minute of the night- I explained- They can take turns to sleep. I want them to be as strong as possible when the machine is complete.

-It will be done as you wish master- he said.

-And professor, I'll only wait a month, nothing more.

-You will not have to wait longer than that, Master- he said- if that's all I'll go. Tomorrow we will have a lot of work to do.

And with that he left. I looked around my office once again. How many times I had already done that? I couldn't count. The same pictures with those figures, that sculpture of those pokemon on the corner, the history books on my shelves which I knew by heart… All pointed to the same thing and to a destiny: me being the world's ruler.

Green's POV

-You know I won't let you sleep in here- I said- Don't you "Pesky" girl?

-I am not being a "Pesky" girl now Green- she said in a surprisingly seriousl tone.

-Why are you here then?- I asked confused.

-Green, you have some explaining to do- she said to me while sitting on the sofa.

-About what?- I asked more than confused.

-About you!

-About me?- I asked- What about me?

-Your behaviour-she said.

-What behaviour?- my tone fell completely.

-I spoke to Red and Crystal after you went to report the incident with Silver- she said serious- They told me that you were about to do something that you don't usually do.

-You mean the incident with the grunt?- I asked.

-What else?- she asked- Why did you try to punch him?

-It was so rare, they attacked us an after that they forgot about everything- I answered- It was frustrating.

-Maybe it was- she said- but it's not like you to heat up so quickly before thinking a little. And what is even less like you it's that you unleashed your rage with someone. I know he was our enemy, but he could not be of any harm then. Why did you do that?

-I don't know, really- I said- I was so frustrated that for a moment I became furious with him and tried to hit him. I only wanted answers, but I ended nearly doing something I didn't want to do.

-Then if you know you were wrong to do that- she asked- why did you shout then to Rub, who prevented you from hitting that man and even accused him of being one of them?

-I was angry, very angry- I said- One minute we were praying for our fallen friend and then, after that a new threat emerged from nowhere. I just wanted answers from them, to know something about hem, their aim, their goal, something... But...

-But?-she asked.

-They never said anything to me, they didn't even know their name. For a moment I thought they were just messing with us and then my rage flew- I stopped to gain some breath and then I continued- I don't know why, but in a second I found myself very angry and throwing my puch to his head to make him explain everything. Just before I touched his face, someone grabbed my fist, holding it in the air.

-And, what happened then?

- I turned to see who was that person. I expected to see Red, Sapphire or even you holding it, but I saw Rub instead. Then he just asked that what I was doing and that doing that would not solve anything. I was still angry and so I said to him what you know. The strange part is that he didn't react when I said that. That and the fact that he and Red explained the cause of the grunts behaviour brought me back to reality.

-Well that explains most of the story- she said to me- The thing is why you thought Rub was part of them?

-I don't know, it's like the first time we saw him...- I said- We had this same conversation then you remember?

-Yeah, but now we know more about him- she retorted- And the way I see things, all I have to say is that he don't seem a bad guy at all.

-Yeah, I know that- I said.

-Then why?

-He is just so... enigmatic- I said- he is hiding something from us, from everyone.

-Something?- she said- You heard Sapphire before...

-Yeah she said he was hiding the reason of his hate to fights, but does he really hate battles?- I asked- You saw him enjoying our fights. And he is not blind when it comes to see some strategies...

-Maybe you are right-she said- but that's not the most important thing... The main reason I wanted to talk to you was another, today's incedent just proved me right.

-What was the reason then?- I asked.

-You are not like always these days- she said- You are more... I don't know how to say it... overprotective?

-Overprotective?- I asked- What makes you say that?

-Since the Team Rocket issue, you behave differently- she reasoned- You see threats everywhere and you behave differently towards them, like today.

-What do you mean with "You see threats anywhere"?

-Like the first day with Rub, today...- she said- That's not the point, the important thing is why?

-Why what?

-Why you are acting so different than always when it comes to issues relating the Dexholders or the Pokemon Association?

-I just want to do things right- I said- I just want to be sure that the Pokedex Holders are safe, that nothing happens to us.

-And we want the same just as you, Green- she said- You just have to relax... Don't push yourself too hard. You are always the one who deals with the Pokemon Association and then you tell us the news. Why don't you relax a little, we are not always under pressure, you know?

-Maybe but now is not one of those times-I replied- We have just discovered a threat, and the Pokemon Asssociation will insist in the new memeber issue.

-Yeah that's right, but now it's your time to relax- she said- We just whiped them out. It was a victory, then why you are not happy?

-Because they will return with better trained grunts- I answered simply.

-Yeah, that's true- she said before smiling widely- But even that fact, today we succeded today, another success for the Dexholders. Why don't you just enjoy this moment a little? It won't hurt.

-You don't understand Blue- I said- sure, we won today, but... What if we loose tomorrow, or the day the plan to attack again? What do they want? Why they where going, specifically, to find us? Why Blue, why? Are we their major threat? They want to whipe us out to achieve their goal?-I began to rise my voice unconciously- I've got so many questions, that no one can answer that I'm feeling useless. As useless as the day we escape...

SLAP!

After I could take notice of what had happened, I was on the floor. I noticed that Blue had her hand down and that my cheek was hurting. She had slapped me on the face. I looked towards her and I could see concern in her face.

-I'm sorry for this Green- she said- but I couldn't stand you saying those nonsenses.

-Nonsenses?- I asked.

-Yes nonsenses!- she said - You, Green Oak, useless? Stop kidding, please. Useless when you saved the world from Team Rocket along with us? Useless when we have defeated a lot of less strong, yet powerful enemies? Useless when you are helping a professor do his job brilliantly? You can be a lot of things Green, serious and even stupid like right now, but you have never been useless.

-B-but...

-No buts!-she said startling me- You are one of the strongest battlers in the world. You take care, in your way, of all the group. Back then you felt useless. I accept it, I also felt useless then, but it was inevitable. Day after day I've seen you push yourself to improve. I won't allow you to say that you are useless, am I clear?

-But what if we fail?- he said.

-Please have some faith, Green- she said- We are strong. We have never failed a mission. Some day we will fail one, maybe, but it won't be entirely your fault. It's true that we don't know anything about this new threat and they will come back, but that's not the end of the world.

-Then, what do we do?- I asked to her.

-We will have to be a little more cautious and train a little to be prepared- she said- and yes I said cautious, but also while being cautious we can have a good time.

-A good time?-I asked.

-Yeah, Green. I will not allow you to train every single moment of the day- she said determined- you will have to relax too. Do you understand?

-I understand, but it's just that those words are still in my head- I said lowering my head.

-Those words?-she asked curious.

-"There is absolutely no way to go out unnoticed", "They will know that we have escaped and come for us"- I said remembering that same speech- those words.

-That were some words that Ruby said when we were planning our escape, aren't them?- she asked concerned as I just nodded.

-They still echo in my head sometimes. I never paid real attention to them- I explained- I thought he was just overreacting, but then he died while protecting Sapphire. I just don't want to make the same mistake again.

-You won't!- she said placing her hand on my shoulder reassuringly- You won't make that mistake again, I can assure you. But that doesn't mean that you have to push yourself so hard and even be overprotective. We just have to be prepared when the time comes and in the meantime we can have fun too- she finished with a smile.

-There's not a way I can argue with you, is it?- I said to her.

-No Green, there isn't- she said with that same smile.

-Thanks Blue- I said.

-No problem Green, you just needed someone who brought some sense to you- she said cheerfully- Just relax a bit more, when the time comes we'll be prepared. Just don't psuh yourself too hard.

-Okay, but we will have to train a little bit more okay?- I said to her in a better mood- The nine of us.

-Of course coach!- she anwered.

Then I got up... I looked at the time and I saw that it was very late, 4 a.m.

-Blue I think it's time to sleep now...-I said to her- I'm going to have some juice, you want some before going to your apartment?

-That would be great Green- she said yawning- Thanks.

- No porblem.

And I went to the kitchen. I had a tiny smile in my face... After telling that to her a huge weight was gone from my shoulders. Some things were not right, but we would take care of them. After getting the two glasses I went to the dinning room only to find a sleeping Blue on the sofa. I smiled at the sight. Sure it had been a very tiring day for everyone and she was not an exception. I send out my Machamp and I asked him to pick her up. Realizing that I couldn't bring her to her apartment I ordered Machamp to put her in my bed instead. After recalling him I stood in my room watching her sleep peacefully. After remembering the firsts words I said to her when we both entered my apartment half an hour before I smiled and got out of that room.

-Even sleeping you are such a "Pesky" girl, Blue- I said in a whisper before an smile came to my face- But thanks for being like that.

I then positioned in the sofa and settled my alarm clock. It had to wake me up at 9 so I only had like 5 hours to sleep. I thought about all the events of the day before falling asleep.

Blue's POV

I woke up the nerxt morning sleeping in a bed. The strange thing was that wasn't my bed. After doing some thinking and looking around I realized that I had been sleeping in Green's bed. A smile came to my face the moment I understood what had happened. After gettig up I saw a post-it in my shoes. The note said:

"Good morning. I already went to help gramps so I won't be here. I know you have the keys of my apartment (I'm afraid to ask why) so lock the door when you get out. You have that glass of juice in the fridge if you still want it.

PS: Thanks for yesterday "Pesky" girl."

I smiled after reading the note. Last night was interesting, and I could understand why Green was acting like that a little bit more. After looking at the clock I saw that it was about noon. After drinking the juice that Green had left for me I headed out, locking the door. When I got out of Green's aparment I went to mine next door. I entered and I had a shower before changing into some clean clothes. After that I called Sapphire.

-Hey Blue, what's up?- she said.

-Everything's okay Sapph- I answered- Are you guys going anywhere for lunch?

-Yeah we will meet in Crystal's place in half an hour and then we will head out to somewhere.

-Okay, who will be there?- I asked.

-Mmmmm... Emerald, Crystal, you, Red and me- she anwered.

-Okay see you there- I said.

-Bye- she said and hung up.

For the voice I could sense that she was in her normal and cheerful self, which made me smile in relief. The first year we had a party because of her birthday, 4 years ago, she spent the 3 following days at her apartment without even going out to eat. That was a very difficult year for her and the lost of Ruby was very recent. She missed him a lot. She still does, even if she tries to hide it. The outburst she had with Green not so long ago was the entire proof of that. In fact I believe that everyone in the group still misses him. We only met him for three months, but by the end of it, the previous weeks before the escape, it was like we all had known everyone for far more time.

After calling my parents to know when I should expect them to come I looked at the time. It was 12.25 p.m., almost time for the meeting. I grabbed my things and went to Crystal's place to meet the members of the gang who would be there. As I arrived I could see Sapphire standing in front of the house. She seemed to be waiting for us. She was wearing her blue outfit as well as those gloves and the blue bandana Rub made for her. As I noticed the day before they looked good on her.

-Hi Sapph- I greeted her- How are you?

-Hi Blue- she said with a smile- A little tired from yesterday, but I'm fine.

-That's good to hear- I said- I see that you are wearing the gloves and the bandana Rub gave to you yesterday.

-Yes, they are comfortable and I like them- she said happy- Even though I wanted to battle him as a present for my birthday, I like the presents he made me.

-You should! I'm sure he spent all night working to get you those 4 things.

-That would have been my fault, I only invited him late in the evening when all the shops were closed- she said embarrassed- To prevent him from buying me something and to force him to battle me, but after seeing the effort he made, I decided that I would force him to battle me some other day.

-Well that explains some things- I said- but let me say that they really suits you.

-Thanks.

-Speaking of Rub... Is he coming?- I asked her.

-Crystal was the one who called me so I don't know- she said before thinking- The only one who have his number are me and Emerald and I doubt that Emerald said nothing to him.

-Then why don't you call him?- I suggested- The more, the merrier.

-O-okay, I'm sure the others won't mind-she said grabbing her Pokegear.

-I'm sure not- I assured to her- We all had a good time with him yesterday.

-Okay, I'll call him right now- and with that she walked around for a little bit before calling him.

After that I was left there alone, seeing Sapphire in the other side of the street and waiting for Crystal and the others. After a few minutes Crystal's door opened and Crystal came out before locking the door.

-Oh hi Blue- she said- When are your parents coming to spend the weekend?

-They said that they would arrive at five this afternoon- I answered- And what about the work in the orphange?

-Well the kids are running all day. They remind me of myself and Emerald when we were their age- she said with a nostalgic smile on her face- They exhaust me, but when I see their smiles or they thank me for a small thing I see that it's worth it.

-That's good Crystal- I said to her, then I tried to tease her a bit- So did you and Gold already arrange a day for your dinner-date?

-Wha-at? No, of course not!- she said waving her hand frantically while blushing- There's no way I'll go on a date with him.

-But you two made a bet and you lost it- I said to her.

-We-well, but we haven't decided anything yet- she said still blushing.

-So you are going on a date with him?- I asked to tease her more.

-We are going for a dinner- she said after trying to calm down, then she tried to change the subject- What is Sapphire doing over there?

-Trying to get away from the questions I see...- then I decided to stop embarrassing her- She is calling Rub to ask him if he wants to come and have lunch with us. You don't mind, do you?

-I don't mind. In fact, I was thinking of inviting him too...-she explained- but then I realised that I don't have his Pokegear number.

-Well here she comes, maybe if he has spare time you can play a chess game and try to get revenge- I said to Crystal, even though she is calm she likes challenges too.

-I would like to... I would like to play against him, he seems to be good- she said before turning towards Sapphire who was coming towards us- Hey Sapphire.

-Hi Crystal- she said- Were are the others?

-Well they said that they would be waiting for us at the restaurant, so why don't we get going?- she said.

-Sure let's go- I then turned to Sapphire- Is Rub coming, Sapph?

-He didn't pick up the phone, so no- she said in a quite dissapointed voice- maybe he is still sleeping.

-It's possible, yesterday was a tiring day- I said.

As we arrived there I could see the figures of Emerald and Red waiting for us. Seeing that they were a little tired I guessed that Emerald they had a revenge match from yesterday. After greeting them we entered and ordered our meals. As we talked a single event was brought to the conversation.

-Hey guys, you know that the Academy has just decided the day of this term's "Battle Royale"?- said a cheerful Red.

- And when that would be?- I asked- I heard that this year some rules will change a little bit.

-The "Battle Royale" will be held the Friday after the firsts exams, in a month or so- answered Red- but I don't know anyhing about changes in the rules.

-I know- said Crystal- The changes will be not very important, there are two main changes. The first is that the battle will be like always except for the last part. When the number of battlers "alive" is of 10 people or less they will set a location in which all of them will meet the others. Then the remaining battles will take place with the rules that the same battlers will set.

-So we will know who are the remaining battlers at the end...- said Emerald- it's a great change.

-The second one is not a change in the rules, it's to make it more challenging for the competitors- Crystal explained- The "Battle Royale" will be the half of the mark you will get in the whole lecture of Pokemon Battles every term. The grade you will get will be proportional to the place you get in the "Battle Royale" event.

-That's a great change too- said Sapphire- I wonder why they not make it count in Maths instead of Pokemon Battles...- she ended in a defeated tone.

We all laughed at that. We all knew that Sapphire was a power of nature at PE, battling and doing outside work, but maths... we could say that it wasn't her strongest point. While we were still laughing we heard Sapphire's Pokegear ringing. She just took it out and answered.

-Hi Rub, yes I called you earlier- she said as she stood up and went to a table across the restaurant to be able to understand him properly, we were still trying to stop laughing.

After talking with him for a while she left the phone calling still and came to us.

-What did Rub say?- I asked her.

-He said he just got up- she said laughing- That's why he couldnt pick it up earlier. He also thanked us for inviting him.

-Does he want to come tomorrow?- Crystal said- We will be nearly the same as today.

-I came to ask you this same thing- she said before going to talk to him again.

-So do you want to come tomorrow?- she asked to him- Oh, I understand, it will be the first time you see them since you are here, isn't it? Aren't you happy to see them?- I assumed that Rub couldn't come tomorrow either- Oh I see... Well, Rub see ya on Monday, bye!- and she hung up.

-So?- asked Crystal.

-He can't come tomorrow beacause he is going to spend the day at home with his parents- she explained- He said it was the first time since he is in the academy.

-He must be really excited to visit his parents after two weeks of not seeing them- I said.

-That's what I though- Sapphire said- but by the way he said that he didn't seem very enthusiastic about going home.

-Maybe it's just that he was still half asleep- I said.

-Maybe, well we can always ask him on Monday- said Emerald cheerfully.

-Yes, I'll be sure too- said Sapphire.

-Sooo, Red have you seen Yellow today?- I said.

-Yeah, I saw her while she was waiting for her uncle- he answered- After he arrived I went to see if I could do some training and I fpund Emerald. We just had a little practice match.

We all knew that Yellow had a large crush over him and I could tell that Red reurned her feelings, he only was too dense to notice that. The subject of our conversation changed from one topic to another after that. After finishing our lunch we all went out of the restaurant. Seeing that my parents were arriving in half an hour I said my goodbyes and went to my house to meet my parents.

22th of Semptember

Ruby's POV

The taxi had alreay picked me up from my apartment nearly two hours before. As the taxi drove to my home I could see how far my home was really from the academy, the fact that it was already dark when I was sent to the Academy two weeks ago made it impossible for me to see. We passed some of large cities as well as some other tinier towns. Most of them I could only see from a far distance as the taxi used the principal roads to my place.

Looking outside the window I thought about all the events that took place since I stepped inside the Academy for the first day. It was nothing I could have expected, as I thought that I would pass unnoticed from there only seeing my friends from the distance. It was nothing like that, because 5 minutes after entering the class I was sitting next to Sapphire and the same day we were doing a report together with Emerald. I met the whole group only two days after. Not even that was impressive that just a day after meeting them I had that encounter with Sapphire in which I had to calm her down and cheer up, nothing I regret. I spent some time with them either doing reports or talking to them in the academy, and finally Sapphire invited me to her party. As I said, nothing I would have expected.

After nearly an hour we arrived at my town, and after passing it completely I could see my home. I felt a growing feeling inside, but I didn't know if it was a good or a bad feeling. The previous days I couldn't sleep well beacause, as I predicted, my nighmare appeared in them both. When the car stopped I could see the door open and my mom going out of the house running. Just after I got out from the car she gave me the strongest bear hug I have ever recieved. After getting my bag from the taxi I went inside with her. I looked towards the clock... It was 11.30 a.m.

My mother explained me that dad was in the Gym finishing his duties as fast as he could and that he would be home by lunch. When she said that, she asked me to accompany her to the Grocery Store to buy the ingredients we would need for lunch, my mom wanted to make my favourite meals for both lunch and dinner. After going out of the shops we visited we passed in front of the town's park, a big grass field with a fountain in the middle. It wasn't as big as the park with the lake we have in the academy, but it was nice. Being in the last days of September didn't prevent the park from being full of people enjoying the good weather we were having. I could distinguish some of the groups in my previous school. Some of them were battling in a field made in one corner of the park.

-Aren't these your ex-classmates?- asked my mom.

-Uhm, yeah -I said while my mood was sinking -they are.

-Shouldn't you go and say something to them?- she asked- You never had time to say your goodbyes.

-Why? They were my classmates, but they never saw me as a friend- I said before starting to walk past the park.

-Hey, isn't that Contest's boy?-said one of them who had spotted me.

-Yes it is! Hey would you like to battle with us, Contest's boy?- said another one- Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot that mr. Weakling over there hates them for some stupid reason!

-See what I meant?- I said to my mom who looked to me with a face full of sadness and concern.

And with that they all laughed at me. That made me remember those same times at my old school were they made fun of me bacuase of my hate towards battles. As what had happened not even a week ago at the Academy, they called me weakling and weird. When I entered the school I tried to make friends there, but when they found that I never battle they just threw me aside calling me weird. When they found out that I entered contests they started making fun of me, leaving me alone.

When we arrived home I helped mom making lunch. After that I prepared the table and I went to my room to spend time there while waiting for dad to come. When I entered there I could see that everything was in order and that there were not even a trace of dirt in the furniture. I thought that my mom had spent a lot of time cleaning the room while thinking about me, she really is very sensitive. I looked inside the wardrove only to see the poster, that same poster I had bought more than 4 years ago. The poster of the Pokedex Holders. Everyone was younger in it than what I have seen in the past days, but even though that I could say that some of them didn't change much. Thinking about that I sent out Zuzu and I started grooming him. After about 20 minutes I heard my mom calling me to lunch, which told me that Norman, my dad had aleredy arrived. Just the thought of facing him made me nervous, but there was no way I could avoid that.

-Hi dad- I said to him when I saw him already sitting on the table.

-Hi Ruby- he said before my mom came to the room with the meal we had prepared.

-So now that were are here the whole family again... Why don't you explain us what it's been like in the Academy- asked my mom cheerfully.

Then I started to explain everything, or almost, that had happened in the Academy in those two weeks. I could see my mom smiling when I explained the times when I met everyone again or when I won those 5 contest's ribbons, my dad only frowned when he heard the last thing.

-I don't know what you see in constests- he said- they aren't useful at all.

-The way you and me see the adjective useful is a bit different if you haven't noticed- I said to him while being as calm as possible.

-How can contest's be useful? I see them a stupid event- he said with a serious voice.

-Lots of people do, but I don't- I said just as serious- They are the reason for me to train with Zuzu, Ruru and the rest.

-They are the reason to train your pokemon?- he asked skeptically- Haven't you got more important reasons to train with them?

-Nope- I said simply.

-What about battling? Pokemon are friends and battlers- he said like he was scolding me- Don't you understand?

-I never doubted the first one- I answered.

-And the other?- he asked.

-You already know the answer of that one, dad- I said.

-Why don't we change the subject?- said my mom in a move to erase the tension that was built inside the dinning room in only a few minutes.

-Why not?- I said before adding- Mom said you were working until late these days, dad? What was that about?

-You will not get away with this- he said before receiving a glare from my mom- I've been working protecting some scientists that were going to investigate some strange events that are happening.

-Strange events?- I asked- What strange events?

-I shouldn't really talk about that- he said- but as you won't say anything about this and your mom already knows I don't thing it really matters.

-So?

-Some uninhabitated islands have been receiving multiple Tsunamis lately- he said.

-How could you found out about them if they are uninhabitated?- asked my mom- This is something I never had time to ask you...

-Because even though nobody lives in them, they are important when it comes to investigate some things...- he said- Some of the affected islands were islands in which vulcanoes, pokemon or many other things are monitored.

-Monitored?- asked my mom.

-It means that they left there some scientific equipment to analize some things like earthquakes, the weather or some scientific aspects that are important to the scientists- I answered.

-Yes, so they left the equipment there and some day the equipment failed to send information to the base- he continued- So they found this rare enough to go there and try to find out what would've happened. When they arrived there they saw that the whole islands were or underwater or that the sea level had rised a lot, so they thought about tsunamis.

-But that's not rare- I said- in places like that earthquakes usually tend to cause tsunamis, and for what you say this place was made because of earthquakes...

-That's what they thought at first- he explained- but when they got the information from the equipment they found that not even a tiny earthquake had happened for about four years.

-So the Tsunamis simply appeared there?- I said.

-This it's what it seems- he said- And that's the cause I have to go there along with some other Gym leaders to protect the scientists who have been going to investigate.

-A boring task for you isn't it?- I asked, I could guess it from the way he was talking about the scientific stuff.

-I would prefer being here and battling the some challengers- he said- I battled some of your ex-classmates the other day.

-Maybe they were the ones we found training in our walk to home- said my mom- They were battling at the park.

-Maybe- I said- so they challenged you?

-Yeah, but they lost- he said.

-Thought so- I said.

-They came and said that if my son was such a weakling, then they would be able to beat his father- said him quite proud- They were so wrong...

-And what did you expect?- I said to him- To take you seriously after making fun of me for something like 5 years? If they judged you because of how weak I am, then they are even more stupid than what I thought.

-I would like to see you battling them- he said- Then they would see how strong you can be.

-I won't battle them- I said- I've told you like 30 times already, haven't I?

-I still don't understand why- said my dad- You could beat them even if you were blind. And why do you keep saying that you are weak?

-As I said on the phone you wouldn't understand- I said.

-Why you don't try then?- challenged him.

With those words I froze, literally. Well, the first thing I did was froze, then I felt some kind of heat starting to built inside me and spreading to my whole body. I then started shaking, and as calm as I maneged to keep myself I spoke.

-Why don't I try, you say?

-Yes, why don't you?- he said.

-Where's the point in trying to make you understand something now, when I have kept trying for what would be... Call me crazy if you want... ABOUT FIVE, WHOLE, YEARS?- I said finally rising my voice- For about five years, you have asked the same question again and again, and I always told you the truth every single day... If you want to understand me, you can try, but I'm not going to force you...

With that I tried to calm down again thinking about some others things and eating my dessert. The tension in the room was stressing and neither my mom or my dad were eating anymore, my mom was frozen and my dad was just serious.

-Then why don't you show me how weak you are?- my dad asked me.

-No thanks dad, I think I'll pass for today- I said sarcastically.

-You will not!- he said.

-You are not going to force me to battle- I said- some other people have already tried, even Silver, Red, Green... all of them. And still the last battle I ever fought was five years ago.

-You will today- my dad said- or have you already forgotten what I told you about not accepting battles?

-"Not accepting a battle is worst than loosing one" if I remember correctly- I said- You also told me that doing that meaned that you lost that battle.

-Ruby I will tell you something not even your mom knows- he said making me confused- And don't worry it has a meaning.

-Explain then- I said to him.

-I have already told you that those past days I had to go and protect some scientists from all danger in those islands, haven't I?- after seeing that my mom and I nodded he continued- By chance I got to meet my high-school's best friend. He is the only Professor specialized in pokemon that went there to investigate because he likes field work much more than staying in his lab.

-Isn't that great dear?-squealed my mom- Why don't we invite him home some day, it would be nice to meet one of your old friends.

-Maybe some day- he said before resuming the story- After finishing the school we followed different paths so I was never able to see him again, sometimes we chatted or sent letters,but after moving here we lost all contact.

-So?- I had a very bad feeling to were this story would lead.

-So I never knew that he was a well-known Professor and he never found out that I was a Gym leader- he said- Being young I believe that you will recognize his name, Ruby.

-Professors are only known by their surname such as PROF. OAK- I said.

-Don't play dumb with me Ruby- he said- You know him very well or I would say that you know someone very near to him very well. He is known as the "fieldwork's Professor" or PROF. BIRCH.

That simple name went right through my mind. I knew who he was and I knew that someone near him, or more specifically his daughter too.

-Professor Birch was your friend in high-school?- said my mom in a such cheerful tone- That's awesome! And if Ruby knows a friend of him or even a relative that's even greater! Tell me Ruby who is that person who you've met?

-That person is...- started my dad before being interrupted, by me.

-Sapphire Birch, 15 years old, one of the famous Pokedex Holder and my class companion- I ended with a monotone voice.

-You got it right, I see- said my dad- Well that is my offer... We battle, if you win you will handle your friends on your own, but if I win...

-Where's the point in battling if you've already spoken to him?- I asked in a defffeated tone- IF he knows that you have a son and that his name is Ruby then he will explain that to Sapphire...

-We haven't talked about that yet- said Norman- We had little time to talk because he was sent to the other side of the island. As I was saying... If I win I will resolve this issue on my own.

-So do you want to battle and if you win you will tell Prof. Birch everything you know, but if I win I'll be able to do as I please with it?- I asked.

- I'm seeing him from tomorrow on. When we get to talk with each other I could talk about other things while avoiding that question for some time and when the time comes tell him that I have a son and that he is going somewhere else if you want. OR I could tell him that I have a son, that his name is Ruby and ask him to ask his daughter about him. As you said avoiding a battle is loosing it right now- he said smirking devilishly- Your choice now Ruby...

I thought about it for a second, but there was not a way to avoid the battle this time. I was cornered and even though the option my dad was giving to me was a fast way to end the whole story I still wanted to do it my way.

-Do you promise to keep your part of the bet?- I asked him, sure that his answer would be yes, he can't be a lot of things, but he is loyal.

-Of course!- he said.

-Then I'll battle- I said in a serious tone- Where will the battle take place?

-Do you remember the place where you were kidnapped?- asked my dad, I nodded.

After that I went upstairs to grab my pokemon and my bag. When I came down half a minute after that I saw my mom looking concerned and my dad finishing his dessert.

-I'll wait you there dad- I said while opening the door- And mom, please. Do not come to see the battle

-Why dear?- she asked confused.

-Just do it, please...- and with that I closed the door behind me.

Then I started walking to the spot where I was kidnapped five years before...


So this is the end of the chapter number 9...As I said the lenght of the chapter will vary, but I'll try to make them beabout 6.500-7.500 words each (more or less).

This chapter is more of an explanation or dialogue one, when as you can guess the next one will have far more action part. I have to say that I like writing those sentences of rage between Ruby and his dad... The purpose of the blackmail... You'll see in the next chapter for sure.

All I need to add in here is that: REVIEW and STAY TUNNED!