Hi every single one of you who have clicked the button to read the 10th chapter of this fic.

As expected... it's TIME WITH REVIEWS!

Itsnowedlastnight: Well, thanks. Glad you liked the chapter. You really have a soft spot for this story, don't you? XD I like that, reading your reviews improves my mood. I hope you like this one as well.

Awesomedude4444: He needed it, that's for sure.

Guest nº1: I believe that I already answered in the first one, but I don't mind repeating. Where would all the fun go if they discovered this right now? I'm sorry, but you (everyone) would have to wait longer than that.

Guest nº2: You can open that bag now... Enjoy the chapter

Natsuna2427: What can I say... I found your review hilarious XD I really imagine that conversations between them in that sort of way. As before I hope that this chapter won't leave anyone dissappointed, I did my best in it. Thanks for your review.

Well that's all for now... My story just surpassed the barrier of 30 REVIEWS along with the barrier of 1.700 visits in less than 10 chapter... an accomplishment I never though I would get...

I have to thank you all for spending some of your time reading this fanfic and I hope that you liked it so far and encourage you to keep reading it.

All this said... I will not bother you more so: READ and ENJOY!


Norman's POV

-Do you promise to keep your part of the bet?- he asked me although he seemed sure that my answer would be yes.

-Of course!- I answered smiply.

-Then I'll battle -he said sounding serious- Where will the battle take place?

-Do you remember the place where you were kidnapped?- I asked him and hee 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- hesaid 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 he closed the door behind him.

Then my wife turned to me. She had an odd look on her face and not seemed very happy. I could find some different emotions in her face but confusion was the most evident.

-Why doesn't he want me to see the battle?- she asked.

-I believe that it's hard for him to battle...- I said to her- do you remember the day of tomorrow five years ago?

We were in the hospital... Two people inside their son's room. By my side sat my wife who still had her eyes red from crying... I was worried too, but who wouldn't be?

Four months before that, I went home only to find out that my wife and Ruby, my son, were outside. After looking for a while I found my wife on the floor, but I couldn't see Ruby anywhere... He had been kidnapped, but we only knew that when my wife woke up and told me. After getting the police to find him I searched for him too, but we found nothing about him. After four months of searching, my wife and I were desperate, but we never gave up. Two days before we received a call and it was from this same hospital. They said that our son was injured and that we needed to go there as soon as possible so we both hurried as much as we could and 6 hours later we arrived at the hospital. Then we met the doctor.

-Doctor, how's my son?- asked my wife frantically.

- He came here exhausted both physically and mentally, not to say that he was badly injured- my wife started to cry when she heard this- but now he is in a stable condition. We have to wait for improvements though... he lost a lot of blood.

-You know what happened to him?- I asked.

-No, I am sorry, but nobody does- the Dr. said- he was found unconcious so the only one who knows is him.

-Ho-ow "snif" did y-you find him?-asked her while wiping her eyes.

-That was kind of a strange incident- he began- I was in the lobby when a Kirlia stepped in the hospital alone. The pokemon seemed exhausted, but using Psychic grabbed my medical equipment bag and went away as fast as the poor pokemon could. I immediately followed the Kirlia, but she just kept walking. After chasing her for a bit we entered the park where the festival had taken place only an hour ago. The place was empty of the people who should have been there still chating or having fun. When the Kirlia pointed somewhere I saw a poor boy lying on the floor and a pool of blood over his head. I ran to him and called an ambulance. When I knew that it was comming I started to help him as much as I could.

-Well, we have to thank you Doctor- I said to him- You just saved my son's life...

-Don't thank me, I was only doing my job- he said- and he still needs time to recover. You have a strong child , man. Not everyone can survive a blood-loss like that.

-Th-thank you doctor- said her crying still.

-No need too- he said- now if you want to see him, follow me.

-Sure- I said and we began to follow nim.

-He is still asleep and I believe that he will be like this for a while- the Doctor said after opening the door of Ruby's room- If he wakes up, or something happens just push that button and someone will help you.

-Okay, thanks Doctor, for everything- I said to him while he just smiled and walked away.

So yeah we were in his room waiting for him to wake up. He had been asleep for to days and a half and every minute that passed, the more worried we were. Just then we heard movement coming from Ruby and he groaned a little bit. We looked at each other before we saw him open his eyes slightly. My wife then approached him and took his hand in hers, as she had done countless times since we arrived. I could only look at my son and the huge bandage he had above his eyes, mostly his left eye. After a few movements like the last one he finally blinked and opened his eyes completely. I then went to push that button while the mother pulled his son in a gentle hug.

When the doctors came to make some tests to him, like reflects, memory and those things we were told to go and have something to eat. While eating I noticed that both mine and my wife's mood has risen completely as she was smiling most of the time, although she was still concerned for our son. When we entered the room again we were finally able to have a little talk with our son even though he never explained anything about the incident. He only asked about us and relatives and refused to answer our questions about it saying that he would explain it when we were at home.

The first day of October he was released from that hospital and we headed home. Altough he was okay and that his injury was healing quickly, Ruby seemed not happy at all. He was always silent, thinking of something. Trying to rise his spirits a little I offered him the thing I thought he would love to do the most, a pokemon battle. Since he got his first pokemon, Nana, he trained and battled with them everyday. He was so strong that I soon realised that he was going to be stronger than me and that he had the mind of a true strategist. The answer he gave me, but, surprised both my wife and me.

-I'm sorry dad... But nobody is going to see me battling again.

-How could I forget...- she said.

-So that's something that has not changed- I said- The same happens with his hate towards them.

-Then WHY are you doing this?- she asked confused.

-I'll explain later- I said- I have a battle to fight now.

And with that I went to my room. I grabbed my two pokeballs containing my Spinda and my strongest... Slaking. After a little bit I grabbed the four pokeballs that I wanted to use and I headed to the place where Ruby was waiting for me. A clearing in the woods not too far from the house, but as near as to receive any damage from the fight. When I went there I saw that Ruby was there grooming his Milotic, Mimi. When he heard my footsteps he recalled his pokemon before standing up and turning towards me.

-Took you long enough...- he said to me.

-Then let's start this right now- I said- This battle will be a 4 vs 4 battle without substitutions. Any problems with that?

-No- he said- let's start!

-Fired up, I see?- I teased him.

He only took one pokeball from his pack and threw it in the clearing aimlessly.

-Time to battle Nana- he said when the black wolf pokemon touched the ground.

-Well let's start as well... Linoone, battle time! - I said- Now Ruby, you know I won't go easy on you, do you?

-Never thought you would- he said in a serious tone with both hands in his pockets.

-So let's start! Linoone use Quick attack and while doing it use Fury Swipes!- and the pokemon did just that things while gaining speed towards the wolf who stood there calm waiting for his trainer's commands.

-Use Sand attack Nana, then dodge - he commanded when Nana pulled sand towards my pokemon's face and then dodged the attack easily. My pokemon then came to me and positioned himslef to battle again.

-Good dodge Ruby, but my pokemon is not going to loose that easy. Linoone use Pin missile- and the Racoon pokemons sent several green missiles to the black wolf.

Ruby just stood there while the missiles were approaching his first pokemon. Nana just stood there waiting for orders while Ruby seemed an statue in the battlefield. Just when the missiles were unavoidable Ruby commanded his pokemon:

-Hyperbeam- he said and the wolf pokemon charged the attack in what seemed a second and launched the orange beam towards Linoone. In the process the beam destroyed the missiles and collided with my pokemon who even after receiving the full attack was able to resist.

-Good attack, but not enough to beat my pokemon- I said, that was a mistake he was going to regret- Linoone, use Slash on him now that he is unable to move.

And my pokemon launched forward at great speed with both hands glowing, the pokemon was using a Double-Slash. Ruby just stayed put and looked at his pokemon. Then rised his head and said:

-Nana, Sucker punch!- and with even greater speed the wolf appeared in front of the racoon pokemon and landed a powerful kick in its stomach. After collinding with the floor my pokemon fainted.

Then I recalled my pokemon and thanked him for his effort. I didn't know what had happened, but now Ruby was on the lead. He never made a mistake, that was his strategy from the very beginning. When I was about to sent my next pokemon he just took two intems from his pack and after giving his pokemon a Pokeblock recalled Nana. Then he just threw Coco to the battlefield:

-What are you doing Ruby?- I asked confused- You can't substitute your pokemon, it's in the rules.

-I know- he just said.

-You know that you are not allowed to use Nana anymore?- I asked more confused- it's like you lost one pokemon!

-Yes, so?-he just said still without moving an inch from his position- Weren't we battling? Let's continue.

-Okay then, as you wish- I said grabbing my next pokemon- Go Vigoroth!

-Coco use Tail Whip!- he said.

- Vigoroth run around her in circles using Uproar!- I commanded while my pokemon started to shout very, very loud and the cat pokemon was surrounded by a a sphere of sound waves.

With the noise created by my Vigoroth Coco stood there receiving quite a lot of damage. Ruby then shouted.

-Jump as high as possible Coco and then use Iron Tail when falling!- and the cat tried to do just that.

-Stop you tracks!- and my son's pokemon failed to touch Vigoroth at the last second- Before she gets away use Flamethrower!

-Use Double-Slap in his legs to make him fall- and with that my pokemon fell and missed his target who just stood in front of his trainer.

-Vigoroth use Flamethrower again!

-Coco use Safeguard and charge forward- and after protecting herself with a veil Coco just started to run towards the fire- Now use Assist!

That was a dangerous move and it turned even worse. He expected the attack to turn to a water-type but insted the attack turn to be Nana's Growl that only rised the cat's attack.

-Now Vigoroth take proffit of this and increase the power!- and with that the cat pokemon was sent to the ground- Now use Fury Swipes.

Ruby then rised his head a bit and I could see a faint smile in his face, but it quickly turned into a frown.

-Growl!- and making quite a beautiful sound my son's pokemon received the attack from my ape pokemon. Coco then was very tired and seemed to be in a bad condition. She was standing up, but could not receive much more pain.

-Now Vigoroth, let's end this, charge your Focus Punch and then charge forward!

- "Strong" Double-edge!- and with that the cat pokemon started running and jumped forward while spinning in the air. What was Ruby doing?

-Focus Punch!- I said and both attacks collided in the air...

Or not. For some reason Vigoroth just charged forwards without attacking and received the full Double-edge and he was sent flying towards the ground. The Delcatty just landed gracefully and prepared for attacking again.

-Iron tail!- and with that the Delcatty approached the ape pokemon in a blur and striked its tail in his head effectively knocking him out.

-Come back Vigoroth, you fought well- I said recalling my pokemon- I wonder how he could fail the attack...

-Cute charm- my son just said- he couldn't attack Coco.

-Delcatty's ability, I see... How did you know that this Vigoroth was a male? I have 3 or 4 in the gym.

-It was obvious. Good job Coco- he said recalling his pokemon and sending another one to the "battlefield"- Your turn Popo!

-Again? You are down to two pokemon the same as me... Why are you doing that?- I asked confused.

- Just continue with the fight - he said serious.

Since we started the fight he has been in the same spot just standing and giving orders. In monossilables most of the time. He's had his hands inside his pockets since we started, except when he had to recall or sent his pokemons. It sure seemed that he was not having a good time, like he was battling only because he had to.

-Since you aren't speaking that much...- he glared at me in one of those glares that can break rocks, the one he inherited from me- let's continue. Go Flygon! Begin with Dragonbreath!

-Dodge Popo- and the attack missed him by inches- Sunny Day!

-This will be an aerial fight I see, then let's show him how to fly...- I said to my dragon-gorund type- Aerial Ace!

-Powder Snow, to cover you!- and a the attack was sent to everywhere, but it just became droplets of water when the sun rays made effect. That made my attack successful and Ruby's pokemon was just sent to the ground where it collided.

-Before it can float again use Dragonbreath!

-Shadow ball- he said and those attacks collided giving the metorologic pokemon time to position itself in front of his trainer- Shadow ball again!

-Agility to dodge them!- and with high speed the dragon-type made a turn in the air to dodge the attack- Now Dragonbreath!

-Dodge and use Hail!- and ice droplets began to fall from the sky. I could see them melt when they touched the warm ground below us- Now Powder snow!

-Dive to dodge and use Aerial Ace!- and using her incredible speed the green flying lizard attacked the tiny grey pokemon.

-Wait for it- Ruby told his pokemon while Flygon was getting more and more close- Now Weather ball!

And that did it, just before receiving the Aerial Ace the Castform formed a large ball of ice which he threw towards my lizard pokemon. Even though it was badly injured by the attack Flygon was able to keep herself in the battle.

-Rain Dance- he commanded his very tired Castform and the droplets of ice ceased when it began to rain, a lot, in the battlelfield. I had to finish with the round so I commanded.

-Dragonbreath Flygon- and he launched his beam to the foe.

-Double Shadow ball, make them spin!

And with that one Shadow ball collided with the Dragonbreath, but was overpowered and my attack hit the Castform knocking him out. The other Shadow ball took another spinning route around the orange beam and hit my pokemon leaving it almost KO. He then recalled his pokemon.

-I'm proud of you Popo- he said- Go Zuzu, you have to battle.

Then I saw something strange... The Swampert looked to him with a confused look on his face. Ruby just nodded and then the giant Mud-fish pokemon stood there prepared for the battle.

-This is your last pokemon- I said- It was pretty stupid from you to recall Nana and Coco earlier.

-Just ends this- he said with a serious, even confident voice.

-As you wish! Flygon use Dragonbreath!- I commanded.

-Hidropump!- he just said.

His attack soon overpowered my Fygon's and sent her flying. When she collided with a tree behind me, my pokemon fainted. I recalled her and thanked for her great effort. Then I spoke.

-So that's the reason of Rain Dance... To increase th power of your water attacks- I said to him.

-Maybe...- he said- Shouldn't we end this battle?

-You are very eager to end the fight aren't you?- I said chuckling- aren't you having fun?

-If I said yes... that would be a lie- he said, the same serious tone in his voice.

-Okay, so let's begin the final match- I said grabbing my strongest pokemon- Go Slaking, we have a battle to win!

-Mud sport Zuzu!- he said while covering himself in mud. I couldn't understand his strategy, but there should be one.

-Begin with Slash!- and the giant ape charged towards the Swampert.

-Dodge and use Muddy Water!- and with a great speed Zuzu dodged the attack and covered Slaking with a torrent of water full of mud.

-Slaking brace yourself and use Faint attack!- and my pokemon the speed gained from the attack to go through the torrent and landed a hit on the Swampert. Then he positioned himself in front of me.

-Zuzu come close to him and use Mud sport!- he said again.

-Now that he is here use Facade!

-Protect and then Muddy Water!- and the later attack hit the Slaking right in the abdomen- Now come here and barce yourself.

-Stand up Slaking and use Focus Punch- and after charging with great speed my giant ape pokemon charged forward to attack the Swampert.

-Protect- he said simply, and again I could see a smirk in his face.

-Stop your tracks and use Hyperbeam!- but surprisingly my pokemon, even when he tried to, never stopped charging forward and collided with the strong green barrier-How?

-Use Mud Slap!- and with the strongest Mud Slap attack I've ever seen my pokemon was sent backwards to the gorund in front of me.

-Get up Slaking, we have to win this- I said still confused with the inicednt only a minute before- What's the matter?

My pokemon had a hard time standing up. Sure he was badly injured, but it seemed like the ground above him was too soft and slippery. Then I looked at the whole battlefield, and I was astonished about what I saw. The whole battlefield seemed a wetland. Mud was scampered everywhere and it was so soft and slippery for my pokemon to move comfortably in it. I looked up and I saw that it was still raining. Then something clicked in my mind and I realized the whole strategy that my son had made in the last two battles. The Swampert felt like home in the wetland while Slaking, being heavy and not so quick had a hard time getting up. I only had one option and it was very risky.

-Hyperbeam Slaking, aim directly at the Swampert!

-Zuzu, end this with Earthquake- Ruby simply said and after stamping on the ground with full force the earth around us began to shake.

Slaking, who was throwing his beam to the giant mud-fish, began to shake missing its target. He received a good amount of damage before finally fainting. I looked to my pokemon and thanked him for the battle he had done before recalling him. I looked towards my son, the victorious man of the match. He was petting his pokemon and giving him a Pokeblock. He seemed happy while petting him, but after recalling the mud-fish into the pokeball his face became serious again. He looked to the battlefield, scanning the area. I slowly approached him.

-Can I ask you something?- I said.

-Yeah- he said in a not very pleased voice.

-Why did you recall Nana and Coco?- I asked.

-Because I didn't want them to suffer any more damage- he said simply.

-Okay then. How could just a Mud Slap make so much damage?- I asked.

-You know, in contests there's a thing called combos. When you combine two water attacks or two attacks that increases their power, you are given more points- he explained, not looking at me- In battles you can combine two attacks to make them more powerful, so I combined the mud Zuzu was going to slap with from its own attack, with the one he received from the Mud sport he used on himself.

-So that was it...- I said before starting to walk towards home- Can I ask you another last question?

-You'll do it anyway...-he just shrugged.

-Did you have fun while battling?- I asked.

-It was a good figth, I can't deny that...- he started- but it wasn't what I would call a good time.

-Yes it was a good battle. The best I have ever seen you fight- I started- You beat my four pokemon, only loosing one. Even with that loss you came up with a strategy that I have never seen anyone make or even try. You fought well, concentrated and without making mistakes. You beat me, a Gym leader, with the best performance I have never seen in a challenger.

-And?- he said furious for some reason.

-And? You fought awesome! If you are this strong... Why do you keep telling me that you are weak?- I said to him who just started shaking in rage.

-As I sa-id earlier... You'll never understand...- he said his voice breaking.

-What I understand is that you are strong. And those abilities you have shouldn't be wasted- I said- A lot of people would trade a lot of things to have a quarter of the talent you have at battling.

-Then maybe I should try to give them that so-called "talent"- he just snapped- I'm going to the pokemon center, do you want me to bring there your pokemon too?

-Uhm, yeah...- and I handed then my four pokeballs.

-You should go and give something to your Spinda... I'm sure that he is using Slaking's ability too much- he said while turning and going to the town's Pokemon center.

I just stood there and looked him walk away for a minute. Images from our previous battle flashed to my mind. I lost that battle, but that only showed me my son's capacity. He was much better than me, there was no way to deny that. After seeing him disappear I went home where I found my wife sitting in a chair in front of the door, waiting for us. As soon as I entered she stood up.

-Where's Ruby?- she asekd nervous.

-He went to heal our pokemon in the Pokemon center- I explained simply.

-That's good- she said while sitting down an motioning me to join her- Now explain everything.

-Okay- I said- What I explain you first?

-Who won the battle?- she asked.

-He won- I said simply- He was awesome and I simply couldn't win. As I said to you days before, I expected him to be better than me.

-How he behave when battling?- she asked as if this questions was the most important one... Probably it was.

-He was clam all the battle, he stayed in the same position all the time and talked with monosyllables. He was not happy at all to fight, even though he did a brilliant job- I explained- I believe that he battled only because it was his only option.

-If you had won the match...-she began.

-I really don't know- I said.

-Then why did you make him battle?

-I wanted him to battle again, to experience the feelings of a real battle again. But I aslo knew that he would won the battle- I explained.

-How could you be so sure?- she asked me.

-I was sure that he was going to win because he was no more than ten years old when he deffended you and him from those grunts- I said- Being 10 he was one of the best battlers I had ever fought and even though he never defeated me, I could see that his sense of strategy was something from another world. I won him every time, but he just came up with more strategies... Where his pokemon couldn't get by brute power he made them do that with strategy. And when his strategy didn't work out, he had an amazing battle reflexes that made him gain more and more experience each time.

-And today?- asked her.

-Today was just a summary of all those things- I said- I used all my tricks, but he could protect his team and come back with something in a matter of seconds. At first he was serious, and angry. Then he started to relax more and, even though he was serious all the time, I could see he smiling at some point as if he was just starting to enjoy himself.

-That's good?-asked she.

-I believe that just this gesture, along with the impressive fight he put up, makes this whole thing useful- I said with a little smile.

-You only wanted that? To see him smiling in your presence?- asked she dumbfounded- There are lots of ways to achieve that without making him battle.

-It was not to see him smiling around me- I said- The only thing I wanted is him to fight again, to remember why he liked to battle before the incident and to sent him a message.

-What message?- she asked.

-That it doesn't matter how many times he tries or tells himself that he is weak. He is and always will be powerful- I said proud- Just as he demonstrated at that clearing a while ago.

-But sure was necessary to make him fight? Or to threaten him like that? Sure there were ways of making him battle again without putting him under such pressure.

-Maybe they were, but this was the quickest that I could think. The fact that I met my long time friend in that island only helped me this time.

-You know that he is not going to be happy with you, don't you?

-I know, but I don't care. For five whole years I have seen my son alone, being pointed as weird and weak- I said- He says that he is okay with that... but I can't trust him. He is strong and he can prove anyone and anytime if he wants to. And he has just met his friends... the only true friends he has ever had. And now he is hiding from them behind a mask of weakness. I can't understand it.

-He has changed Norman, our son is not the same one that once got kidnapped- she said- And because of that he doesn't either fight or tell the Pokedex Holders who he really is. Because he fears that they will accept him at first, but they will kick him out when they find out that he has changed from the boy they met 5 years ago.

-He is just hiding from his fears, if he faced them...- I started.

-He will eventually-she said- From the way I heard him talk about Red, Green, Blue... and Sapphire, I can say that he wants to be with them more than anything in the world. The day will come when he will tell them and then nobody knows what is going to happen. I just hope that they will accept him.

-If he showed the his power, he would become the 10th Dexholder and they would be a group. Nobody could ever separate them and he would be with his friends- I said- but if he just keeps hating the battles, this will never happen. That's why I made him battle me today. I only want the best for him.

-And I understand it- she said- but he doesn't and think that the only thing he does is disappoint you. He is 15, but he is your son. Everyone want to hear that someone is proud of him.

-I am proud of him- I said- sometimes... I can't understand a lot of things though and I won't accept my son being a boy who wastes his talent in the way he is doing.

-But you are going to let him handle this situtation on his own, aren't you?- she asked me in a threatening tone.

-I have to... it was part of the agreement so I will stick to my words- I said.

-Good, now you should take a bath, I'm going to make dinner- she said- both of you will be hungry after such a battle.

With that i went to take a bath. It had been a long day and it was nearly over. While I was in the bath I heard Ruby entering the house. I heard him talk for a while with his mother before he went out again. Looking out I could see him sitting on a rock and grooming his pokemon. He seemed deep in thought while cleaning and treating his pokemon's fur. Even when he decided to stop battling, Ruby continued to love his pokemon. Before being kidnapped he owned Nana, now Myghtiena, Coco, his Delcatty and Ruru, his Kirlia, the only pokemon he hasn't fully evolved yet. He found Zuzu as an ill Mudkip 3 weeks after the incident, he fished a Feebas who evolved to the Milotic he has now and finally he found Popo while coming home one day. After the battle I could see that those were well trained, even for battles and that gave me hope.

After a while I went out and got changed, just then my wife told us that the dinner was ready.

During the dinner we talked about random things, but nobody said anything about the battle. Ruby talked too, but it was very clear that he was not in the best mood to talk to us, to me. After such a calm meal, not like the last one. He just sat up and put his plates in the kitchen and said that he was tired:

-Well, I'm going to bed- he said- I'm tired. Goodnight.

-Wait for a moment Ruby- I said to him.

-Why?- he said turning.

-I want to give you something- I said standing up and going to find my jacket and grabbing the tiny object I had for him.

-What is it dear?- said my wife curious.

-This...- and I openned my hand revealing the object.

Ruby's POV

-What is it dear?- said mom curious.

-This...- and he openned his hand revealing the object.

It was a tiny object. It was a metallic object with two circles at the extremes and a sigle thin bar joining those two pieces. In the middle of the two circles the metal was in a brighter color. I was surprised at the object, as I knew what it was... It was the balance badge, the badge he gives to the challengers who beat him in a battle to recognize their effort and talent.

-Why are you giving me this?- I asked.

-Because you deserve it- he said simply.

-I'm not a challenger, it was you who forced me to battle- I said angry.

-Maybe, but you won the fight with the rules I rule the official Gym battles-he said- So after the good fight we had I think that you deserve it.

He then gave the badge to me. I looked at the object with a frown. I then looked at my father before placing it in the table of the room. I headed upstairs to sleep when my mother spoke.

-What are you going to do with the badge Ruby?- asked she.

-I will decide by tomorrow if I keep it or I throw it to the rubbish- I said to her- Goodnight, see you tomorrow.

-The taxi leaves at five so be sure to be ready- said my dad.

-Okay- I said and I entered my bedroom.

After getting ready to sleep I entered the bed and positioned to sleep, but instead of doing that I began to think... A wave of mixed feelings could be found inside my mind... Anger, sadness, happiness? Why happiness? Why in hell I would be happy about anything that had happen today? I couldn't tell what, but then a picture of the badge appeared in my mind... When my dad gave it to me I wanted to throw it away as far as possible and to never see it again, but then I just couldn't do it. I tried to get all those things out of my mind, but for some reason they kept repeating again and again...

It was 4.30 a.m. when the clock woke me up. I walked to the bathroom with my white hat in my head and abgs unders my eyes. I had been asleep for less than two hours and I had to go to the Academy where the classes started at 8 a.m. After what I would pressume to bea loooong morning I would be able to sleep in the afternoon. After putting on the rest of my clothes I went down to have some breakfast. My mom was yet at the kitchen and my dad was sitting on the table while drinking his cup of coffee. When I entered the room he greeted me, and I only nodded. I was still very angry with him, but I wouldn't want to show it in front o my mom, she didn't deserve that. After what was a silent breakfast we heard the taxi stopping outside the house so I got up and grabbed my things and went to the door. After hugging my mom and assuring her that I would phone them occasionally I turned to my dad. I openned my hand revealing the badge.

-What are you going to do with that?- he asked.

-I'm going to keep it- I answered.

-Can you tell me why?- he asked in what seemed a curious tone.

-Of course, dad- I said- I'll keep this object because it's the only show of your pride towards me I have received in more than 5 years. Even if it was for doing something I hate, THIS, is the only praise I've receeived from you in those years.

-Ruby...- he started.

-NO Rubys!- I said angrily in the verge of tears- Not a single "I'm proud of you" or "That's my son" in five whole years, dad. Not for how my studies went, nor for winning every contest I took part in with Ruru, nor for anyithing. Only when I battled you yesterday I heard praises comming from ypur mouth. Only while doing the thing I hate the most in this world!

-But Ruby it's not like that...- I heard him say before I interruted him again.

-Goodbye dad I will call on Thursday to let you know how I am.

And leaving a surprised dad I went inside the taxi and the taxi started to drive me to the Academy, three hours away. I spent the whole trip in my thoughts, but my mood never improved a bit. Was it okay to say that? No, but that was something that I needed to say sooner or later.

Sapphire's POV

As the nine of us, the Dexholders approached the Academy I knew that something was different. Of course the battlefields were still destroyed, but I mean different in another way. Even though it was nearly the time for the classes to start, not a single student was to be found in the path towards the main building.

-Where is everybody?- I asked to my friends.

-No idea- said an skating Gold- maybe today the school is closed and we don't have classes.

-It's not like that- said Crystal- I checked yesterday and everybody said that the even the incidents the classes would take place normally.

-Why?- said Gold raising both arms- I don't want to go...

-So immature...- said Silver.

-I want to- said Yellow- I like learning and we have Pokemon battles today.

-Yes, that's right- said Blue with her mischevious smile- You will be able to see Red in action there. I know that you like that a lot- she finished while laughing and making Yellow to turn red in embarrassement.

-It's not like that... I-I...

-Stop embarrassing Yellow, Blue- said Red not noticing the fact that he was the reason of the teasing- You do that a lot, let her have a break.

-Okay...- she sighed in a faked defeat.

-It's really strange that we still haven't seen a single person?-asked Emerald- They are usually bothering us, by the time.

-I think this will answer your question Emerald...- said Green pointing to the Academy's entrance.

When I saw what he ment I panicked. Every sinlge student, or nearly, was standing in front of the door leaving an empty corridor in the middle. Above them was a banner where you could read "THE ACADEMY'S HEROES" and under that you could see a picture from everyone of us...

-What are we going to do?- asked Gold- You all know that the corridor they made is going to close when we get there and they will never stop asking questions.

-I believe that flying to roof using our pokemon isn't a good option either- I said- You know what happened last time.

-Yes, I don't want to repeat that- said Blue.

-Hey isn't that Rub?-said Emerald pointing to them.

-Where there's so much people to distinguish him in the crowd- said Gold.

-Not in the crowd... he is walking towards the door- said Emerald.

And there walking to the people-path formed in the entrance I could see a boy, wearing the school's uniform and his omnipresent white hat. He just stopped and looked up to the banner and then to the sides. After that he just walked through the path entering the school ignoring the glares he received from everyone for not joining them.

-Man... if glares could hurt... He would be dead and buried by now- said Emerald.

-He seems to ignore that, though- added Silver.

-Well guys I think that we need to make a move now...- said Red- They are not going to go inside before us so why not we just walk there and start running to the stairs.

-You know that it won't be useful don't you?- said Green.

-Yeah, but it's something we simply can't avoid- Red replied.

-Okay, at the count of 3- said Blue-1... 2...3!- and we all started to walk towards the crowd.

After making our way through a sea of people cheering, asking us questions about the events of Friday's night, making sign some posters, cards or other things (someone even pulled from my white bandana and made a cut on it)... We were finally able to reach our respective classes. When I entered the class I could see that it had already started so Emerald and I went to our place in the middle of the class. Looking up I could see Rub in the last place of the class while taking some notes about the subject our teacher was talking about.

He didn't look good, in fact I could see huge bags under his eyes. His dark-red orbs showed a hint of sadness too, but I couldn't be sure. After staring at him for a while waved his hand in front of my head, bringing me back to life.

-What?- I whispered to him.

-Mr. Mike is going to warn you if you just keep looking behind you, we are already late and I feel that he is not very happy today- he said and I nodded.

-It's just that Rub seems to be very tired today- I explained.

-We can ask him later...- and with that he directed our attention to the lesson.

He was speaking about some attacks and strategies that can be useful in battle. He said that attacks that cause damage and also reduce the foe's capabilites were very recommendable in some circumstances.

-Any of your pokemon knows an attack that can do that?- asked mr. Mike randomly, seing that no on spoke he directed the quetion to Rub- Rub?

-My Swampert knows Mud-slap- he said simply.

I remembered him using it at the contest combined with Mud-shot and creating what was called a combo.

-Mud- Slap?- was heard from behind me between chuckles- not very strong, but maybe it's okay for contests...

-Do one of yours know any attack like that?- asked Rub to him in not a pleasant tone. I was surprised, I had never seen he react at all when someone made fun of him.

-No need to- the boy glared at him- Who would use Mud-slap when your pokemon knows Earthquake?

-Someone who want's to lower the accuracy of the foe's attacks- retorted Rub.

-Wanna prove it?- the boy glared at him.

-ENOUGH!- said mr. Mike- If you really want to battle each other then settle this at the "Battle Royale". Both of you, another incident like that and you will be sent to detention!

-Okay- said Rub taking notes again, when the other boy only glared at him and sweared to demonstrate him who he was.

-He really seems different today- whispered Emerald- He has never reacted before when someone laughed at him.

-I know- I said- I will ask him later.

While Rub responded to his class mate I could see his face more clearly than before... He had bags under both eyes, and those dark-red orbs showed a big wave of emotions... From sadness, to anger towards his classmate. In the past two years I only saw him like this twice. One lasted for less than half a second when all the class laughed at him last Monday. The second one lasted for more, but it was slightly different. It happened when Rub grabbed Green's hand in the grunt's incident. The difference between those looks was that the one he gave Green showed concern towards the former while the one right now only showed sorrow.

And with that the hours passed before the final ring was heard and we all headed out of the class. Before going out I noticed that Rub was still collecting his things so I went to him.

-Hi Rub- I greeted him.

-Huh? Oh hello Sapphire- he said raising his head.

-How was your day at home?


Well, well, well... so that's the end of the 10th chapter.

You now know more things about Ruby's past and most of all... You have just read the first battle he has fought in 5 years...

I try to make battles interesting and quite long, because I like them to be that way. If you like them shorter or longer, you can just say it, I might take it into account.

The next chapter will rpobably more like the previous... One with more dialogues and not as action as this one.

Soooo... that's all for now. I only need to ask you: REVIEW and STAY TUNNED!