Hi everyone and feel welcomed in the 14th chapter of this fic.

First of all... thanks for understanding those two weeks without updates. For those who asked, my exams went quite well, I just hope and pray I get the marks I want.

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

novaking2832: Last battle was only 4 chapters before... just wait a little more...

Itsnowedlastnight: Thanks for the encouragement (both of them). I really hope that you have fun reading this chapter.

Guest 1: Thanks for the encouragement. And yeah I'll try to update in the early days of the week. If I cahnge this I will say something.

Guest 2: Thanks for understanding, exams are a major force in my student life.

Natsuna2427: I'm happy that I made myself clear. This is one very important part of the fic so I wnated to leave that clear. Yes definitely, 6 of school is insane! And fot the unknown person you'll find out soon. Thanks for the encouragement and I hope you like this one to.

And that's all with TIME WITH REVIEWS! With this chapter I supass the number of 100.000 words! In those chapter I aslo surpassed the 53 reviews! And that's not all... This story also received more thatn 4.000 visits. This is a surprise for me! I would've never thought that I would get those numbers. I only have to thank you both readers, floowers, REVIEWERS and people who favourited this story. THANK YOU!

Now, I've got nothing more to add, but someone els does. With his help we will try to improve the quality of this fic.

How's it going everyone, AlejandroSalsa here, Or as I call myself on my YouTube Show ButtonJam (SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION!), LexClone5. I am the new editor of this series, and hopefully will be in other series if RubySpe will allow me to be. If you want to know what I look like, literally imagine Ruby with slightly darker skin and brown eyes, that is it. I actually sent an edited version of the previous chapter to RubySpe, and literally just a couple of hours later, the unedited version went up (Horrible timing!). At the time of writing this, my computer is broken, but that will not stop me, for I have a cell phone (HOORAY FOR TECHNOLOGY!). So, let's get started, shall we RubySpe?

LC5's Disclaimer - We should all have hope and look toward the day where man realizes the sounds exiting his mouth are mostly complaints and a change occurs (Chevelle - Still Running)

Well, you know now who is my editor! Now that you know him... READ and ENJOY!


Ruby's POV

-Good for him- I told her when she said that her dad had met his old friend again, who turned out to be my dad.

-I want to meet him too- she said- maybe when we finish the exams, I will be able to.

-I'm sure he will want to meet you- I said truly believing my words, both my mom and dad would love to meet her- Meeting a Dexholder it's something that no one would refuse.

-I hope so- she told me when she noticed something - Hey there's my dad. You want to meet him?

I froze at that simple question. Want? Of course! He was a well-known professor and her father. But I couldn't, not when he probably saw me in pictures or photos at home. If he recognized me... I would have to do some explaining I was not prepared to do. The only thing I could do was to find a way to avoid it. I was lucky when I saw my taxi across the street.

-I can't!- I said too quickly and surprising her with my answer. I tried to explain the situation better- I'm sorry, but that's my ride...- I said pointing to a taxi at the other side of the street- I have three hours by car so I should get going.

-Oh, okay- she said a bit disappointed.

-I hope I'll have another chance to meet him -I told her- I really want to meet him, I can assure you.

-I'm sure you will- she said to me after that with a smile - then have a good time there Rub!

-I wish you the same Sapphire- I told her and I entered the car and we left.

As the trip went by I just remembered the things that happened in those last weeks. Those two had been way more calm and quiet than the first two weeks I spent there, but I was able to spend more time with my friends. Either doing school work or hanging out I spent a lot more time with them, the difference was that in those first weeks everything was either new or more... let's say eventful. Without realizing I found myself comparing those nine kids I met five years ago in that prison and the nine teenagers I met not even a month ago.

Red: when I met him, he was as depressed as everyone else was, but for some reason he kept smiling. He always had a smile in his face. When he fought, when he talked... I could tell that it was kinda forced at first, but when we got to know each other better those smiles were becoming more and more real ones. Now this fact still remains the same. Whenever I see him I can see that smile he gives to us, and the brighter one he gives to Yellow too. He was and still is kind of dense about some things. His attitude is always positive and he is determined. He is also very aware of his surroundings, but he prefers to play dumb sometimes. His dream in life describes him entirely: "I want to fight and win against everyone in a battle".

Blue: She was silent at first when we met her, as the rest, but she was the first to open up to the group. She helped me to make the others do the same. She is very cheerful and active just as she was then, only now it has increased. For her past she is a keen observer person, but that does not prevent her to take any opportunity to have fun. As before she used to made fun and embarrass someone easily. She was teasing me even before I told her my name in that clearing.

Green: He was the serious and calm type. He was the last to open up in that jail, but not for fear. He was just seeing and listening to the others and analysing everything. He wanted to be the last I assume. We talked a lot with each other there. While planning the escape the four people who were always there were Green, Red, Blue and me. The change I saw in him is the quite visible. He is more cautious now and has the respect of the whole group, in fact some advice from each Dexholder is taken into account when something important happens. I know that he is more cautious because he is the only one that still keeps a safe distance from me. Another change that I saw in him, and I was glad for this, was that he laughed more now and I should probably thank Blue for that. That action when he battled that new threat though, surprised me.

Yellow: she hasn't changed much. She was scared there, but when we all started to open up she began to feel more at ease. After a while we could see that she was getting comfortable, but her shyness was still there. It's still there. She is shy in every normal day, but she changed to a determined girl in a second when she is or was needed. I've got nothing to add about her powers.

Gold: he was, is, and always will be, reckless. The way he battled vs. Sapphire was proof enough. There he was the first after Blue to open up because of his one track mind. Even if he continued to be reckless, he had matured a little. Not in the way Crystal or Silver wanted him to, but in a way. He is still quite the flirt, but Crystal keeps him in his place.

Crystal: she was depressed there, a lot. She explained her life quite quickly, but she was far from happy there. A whole month passed before we could make her understand that we would escape some day. She was too aware of the problems and difficulties, but we couldn't blame her. After all, she grew in an orphanage and she spent lots of hours helping the orphanage's owners take care of the children there. She was very attached to her "little-brother" figure, Emerald.

Silver: again, the serious type. He resembled, and still does, Green a lot. The difference is that he is not that cautious sometimes. He talks to me more than Green did and even when he doesn't like my answers, he tries to understand the reason behind them. He is very observant, just as his "sister". He looks up to Blue a lot.

Emerald: Like Yellow, he hasn't changed much either. He was childish after the mood lightened up in there. He still is, and he has a one-track mind. There, he was always near Crystal for comfort and when not with her he was either talking to me and Sapphire. He felt comfortable with the others too, but for the age he was naturally attracted to us. I didn't knew he was so attracted to technology, but that's not a bad thing I suppose.

Sapphire: You and everyone would call me an idiot if I said that she hasn't changed much. She entered there scared to death. She was silent, crying, and very shy around us, but when I talked to her that day she started to change. I could see a determined girl from then on out. She was weak at first, but after all the effort she put she changed. Now I just can see that those changes were for good. She is strong-willed, determined, and she has the strength to move on. Yet she keeps things the way she was before. She is still a caring person and when I saw her break down when she had that argument with Green or that time in front of my "gravestone" I could remember from those times that she broke down in front of me in that lab.

To sum up... Yeah, everyone was different, yet, still remained the same group of people I met before. This only gave me the hope that when I finally decided to confess who I really am, they would accept me, even after changing so much. Thinking about that I suddendly fell asleep in the taxi for the two hours that separated me from my home.

-We are here, young man- said the the driver in a stern voice.

And sure I was in front of my house.. I could see my mom getting out and coming to get me just after I stepped outside of the car and the taxi left. She gave me one of those bear hugs that can take out all the air from your lungs, which that did happen. She then guided me inside the house and after pouring me some tea she sat down with a smile on her face. We started to talk about the things that happened in those two weeks at home and in the academy, but she just refused to talk about Prof. Birch's visit on Thursday saying that my dad would be the one to explain everything to me. After the tea she looked at the clock and she stood up and went to grab a basket from the kitchen.

-What are you doing mom?- I asked her.

-We are going to have a picnic in the park with your dad today. He said that we should meet him in about an hour because he got a challenger, but for once I want to see him battling- she said happily.

The idea of a picnic wasn't too bad for me, but I wasn't very keen of going to see my dad in a Gym battle. Even that fact, my mom was so eager to go that I just couldn't deprive her from that. The fact that I didn't let her see my last battle sure helped me decide.

-Ok, I will spend that time doing something else- I told her and we dashed out of the house.

In about 15 minutes we arrived at the Gym. I was about to leave my mom to enter alone when I heard her say something that caught my attention.

-Looks like Norman's battling one of Ruby's ex-companions- she said as went inside.

I couldn't help myself so I went inside to see that battle. The challenger was Tom, one of the classmates that made fun of me. He was quite strong at battling, but so overconfident. He used to mock me in front of everyone and try to impress the girls in the class with his "amazing" ability to battle. When my dad noticed me enter just nodded, but my mom was quite surprised.

-Didn't you say that you were going to do something else?- she said with a grin.

-Yeah, but I really want to see if Tom has improved a little since the last time he made fun of me- I told her.

-You think that he has a chance to beat your dad?- she asked me.

-If he is the same person I remeber... not a chance.

And the battle started. My dad was able to beat his Loudred, Vulpix and tie with his Graveler with only Linoone. Tom was only able to defeat him after using Explosion which knocked out both pokemon. The battle, being 4 vs. 4, was clearly in my dad's favour. Even the fact Tom was still so overconfident. He threw out his last and best pokemon, his Breloom. I couldn't resist so I spoke to him.

-I'm sorry Tom, but you in trouble- I told him.

-Looks like Mr. Weakling knows more than me about battles- he said making fun of me- I know that in contests the pokemon types doesn't matter, but in a battle they do.

-I know Tom, you better be prepared- I told him.

-Your daddy is finished with this one- he then turned his focus to the battle when Norman sent out one of his male Vigoroth.

-Why did you say something to him? Why you warned him?- my mom asked me.

-Because I know it's already over, but he can't see it - I told her- I tried to warn him, but he feels that he is better than anyone else so he won't take my advice into account. Maybe this will open his eyes a little.

-So you want to embarras him?- she asked.

-He made fun of me for 5 years in a row. It's time for his confidence to low a little, it won't hurt.

And with that the battle started... and ended in less than two minutes. The time my dad spent dodging Breloom's attacks and attacked the grass type with Flamethrower. Tom was suprised by that and Breloom fainted. He recalled his pokemon and went outside. I talked to him when he approached the exit passing next to me.

-I'm the son of the Gym leader you were battling to so I knew some of his suprise attacks, like his Vigoroth's Flamethrower, that he uses sometimes- I told him- Even though I'm a weakling, my advice could've helped you.

-You have nothing to teach me Contest boy- and with that he just walked to the pokemon center.

After my dad finished to clean the Gym we all went to the park. We placed ourselves in one spot my mom found one day when walking through it. It was a place that allowed us to be alone and far from the other people who gathered there to spend time, but allowed us to be comfortable. We sat down and started to talk with each other. We had lunch and we talked with each other in a calm way, not that this was very normal in my family. After a while I laid on the grass and I finally asked my dad how went the visit Sapphire's dad paid to them.

-It went okay- he plainly said- I introduced him to your mother and they seemed to get along pretty well.

-Of course we did- said my mom- He is nice and very intelligent. We talked about a lot of things that day. From jobs to interests, and of course, our family.

At the sound of that single word my mom said, I fliched and my dad noticed it.

-Don't worry Ruby, it was inevitable- he said- When he saw the photo of your mom and you with your pokemon he just asked if that was our son.

-And your answer was?

Norman's POV

-It was good to meet you again Norman- said the professor- I missed hanging out with you.

-Those were good times- I said to him sitting on the couch with him and my wife.

-They sure were... I hope that we will see each other more often from now on- he said- Not that would be very difficult...

-Of course! We are working with each other now, but even when we have to get back to our routines, I assure you that we will see each other frequently.

-I agree with him- the only lady in the house said- I would love to get to know you better.

-So how is it to have a Gym leader as a husband?- asked Birch to my wife.

With that the afternoon went by and soon it was dinner time. We convinced him to have dinner with us and sleep in the house so that we would go to that coast to investigate together. While waiting for the dinner to be prepared we were in the living room talking when he noticed the photo of a white capped boy, my wife and the boy's pokemon.

-Is he your son?- he asked.

-Yes he is- I said to him standing up.

-How old is he?- he asked- he seems to be 13 or 14 on that photo.

-He was 14 in that one, but now he is 15- I told him.

-Wow, he is just like my daughter Sapphire... she just turned 15 two weeks ago- he said- Wait, I didn't tell you that I have a daughter right?

-I already knew- I told him "I know far more than you think".

-You did?

-Of course! Everyone knows who is Sapphire Birch- I told him- The younger female member of the famous Dexholders.

-That's right, sometimes I forget that she is famous- he said scratching the back of his head in embarrassement- She seems so normal that nobody would say that.

-That's great. In fact I knew that she was the daughter of Prof. Birch. What I didn't know is that YOU were professor Birch- I told him cuckling- you must be very proud of her.

-I am- he said dreamily- she is so strong and still is the same around me as she always was, that I can't help but feel like I am one of the luckiest fathers of the world.

-You should- I told him- she is no more than 15 and she already is one of the best battlers around. Not to say that she helped to stop Team Rocket and other organizations.

-She's done so much and she is still very young. Sometimes I'm afraid that something will happen to her, while battling some organization- he said frowning- but she and her friends always pull through and win.

-Who would've thought that you, of all people, would have one of the best battlers in the world as your daughter- I told him in a playful manner.

-Hey! I wasn't that bad at battling. It's just that I wanted to learn other things then- he defended- Besides I'm sure that your son is just as eager as you to battle everyone.

-Well... You know kids this days... he does what he wants- I told him.

-Speaking of that, where is he? I would like to meet your son- he asked.

-He is studying abroad- I told him- I sent him to some school by his own to learn how the real life is.

-Just like my daughter then. She, with the other Dexholders, are studying in the Pokemon Academy- he explained- they are always followed by fans who annoy them to no end.

-That's the price of fame I guess- I told him.

-Yeah, but she doesn't like that treatment one bit- and laughed at that.

After that we went to have dinner and finally to sleep. Before we parted the next day he promised that the next visit he would pay us or vice-versa our sons would be there to finally meet. Little did he know that those teenagers didn't need any introductions.

-And that's was it- I told my son. Besides me the woman of the family seemed to be asleep in the grass with one arm wrapped around my waist.

-Thank you dad- he said still laying on the grass and looking at the sky.

-For what?

-For not saying anything to him- he said.

-It was a promise- I said- I'm not going to break it, but I'm not helping you do that either. That was our deal.

-I know- and he just put his hands to the back of his head like a pillow- but thanks anyway.

-Can you tell me more things about your friends?- I asked him.

-What do you want to know?- he asked.

-Well I would like to battle them someday so what about some information about their strong points?- I asked him.

-If you say so...- he didn't sound convinced by my purpose, but I didn't need that after all- Who do you want to know about?

-Let's begin with Yellow...

-In a RPG she would undoubtably be the Healer. She can heal pokemon and see their minds so she can understand them too. You won't be battling Yellow for fun because she doesn't like to hurt pokemon unnecessarily - he explained- If you are a threat to her friends or someone important to her, though, be prepared. She is very good at battling, and if she battles with Red... she is even better.

-Okay, then as you metioned him...- I said- What's the strongest point of Red?

-Battling in general. He can make very good mid-battle strategies at battling and he has incredible battle reflexes. His pokemon are very strong and he knows when to use them- he said- He probably is the strongest of them all. He is the battling leader.

-Interesting. What can you tell me about Green?

-He is different from Red. He is a great battler too and his pokemon are probably stronger than Red's in some aspects. He has more knowledge about pokemon and he has very good reflexes too. He is better at planning something outside the battlefield than most of them.

- Tell me about the elder girl, Blue.

-You are going to make me talk about everyone don't you?- I nodded- Tought so. Well Blue is different from them. She is the girl who all the other girls look up to. She is like the mood leader. Her specializes in the type of situations where stealth is priority. Apart from those situations she is capable to adapt to almost every situation very quickly. Her pokemon are very strong too and if you have to battle her you'll have a hard time.

-Tell me about Silver, who you told me that is like her brother, am I correct?

-Yes although I feel that you are interrogating me more than anything else- he said and it was true- Silver is like his "sister", Blue, when it comes to stealth. He's just as good at it as she is. When battling individually or in a group things change. Silver is tough and his pokemon are tough. He has huge pokemon that can endure a lot of hits and knock you out in one. Then he switches and uses his Weavile or Honchkrow to beat you with speed.

-That makes him quite the opponent too. What about Gold?

-He is just reckless- he chuckled- he normally attacks without thinking first. But then he comes with some unnexpected back up. When he's not being reckless, he uses his battle reflexes, which are extremely well. He is brave and has no fear to lose and will always give his best.

-That's interesting- it was my turn to chuckle- What about Crystal?

-Knowledge- he said- she is the most intelligent of them and know almost everything about a lot of pokemon, so she tries to attacks to the pokemon weaknesses. And not only about pokemon. Because of this she uses some good mid-match strategies. Her pokemon are not the strongest of them all and her battling is not the best, but she suplies those facts with ease with other treats. She also is one of the people that puts common sense in that group.

-The serious girl, then. What about Emerald?

-He is the hard to describe. She has similarities with both Gold and Crystal. He has a lot of battle reflexes and very good back up strategies and he uses to search for the pokemon weaknesses. He also is quite reckless, but not at Gold's level. His style is sort of a mix between them if you asked me; what's makes him to be different is his team. He has the more variated team of them all. He also loves technology and he already developed some gadgets.

-So he is like that... now the last one...- I said smirking- What describes Sapphire?

-Willpower- he said simply- She has faith in her pokemon and the willpower to never surrender. She has some senses more developed than normal people and this helps her. Even without that she is able to predict very well the foe's next moves and react quickly. She has great battle reflexes too and she is able to come up with some unnexpected strategy. But if you asked me a word to describe her... that would be willpower.

-Well, that's some team huh?- I asked.

-The best out there- he answered- they had shown this lots of times.

-You know them very well for just a month...

-I know that for that month and you know, from experience- he said avoiding my gaze. He knew where I was going, but I would continue.

-So we have Red, the best at battling who would be the leader in a battle; Green who has more knowledge and commanding sense outside the battlefield; Yellow, the healer; the stealth professionals Blue and Silver, the first with more adaptability and the last the defense power; Gold, the reckless boy with good back up plans- I pointed out- Crystal, the one with more knowledge and for that probably the one that uses to think with strategies; Emerald, a mixture of Gold and Crystal; and Sapphire, the definition of willpower in human form. That's it?

-Yes, you summarized it perfectly- he said.

-A very good group indeed. But you know... I feel that something is missing in it- I said and just as I said this he stood up.

-I know where are you going with that... let's just stop it there okay?- he said as he walked to the fountain in the center of the park.

I looked him walking slowly to the center of the park. As I expected he seemed deep in thought. Just then I felt someone stir behind me.

-What was what you were missing in that group?- asked my wife from behind me.

-You heard all the conversation, huh?

-Of course. When I hear him talking about his friends in the way he does, I can avoid paying attention. It's the first time in years that I've seen him that happy and speak like that about someone- she said with a smile.

-You are right.

- So what was missing in their group?

-A true strategist. Someone able to make an unpredictable strategy or to come up with one in mere seconds. Someone who knows each group member's strong and weak points and make plans with them in mind. And someone that, apart from being able to do that, has the reflexes and knowledge to go to the front line and fight like everyone- I explained her.

-In other words... What is missing in that group... Is Ruby- she said to me. I nodded and laid next to her while both had a nap.

After a while we just stood up and packed everything. Then we found out that Ruby fell in the fountain because the boy that challenged me threw him there when he was sleeping next to it. Nana, who was drinking the fountain's water when everything took place, needed to be stopped by my son before she attacked the boy, who left the place inmediately. We went home and it was a rather cold evening. Being wet, Ruby began to shiver. When we arrived home he took a shower right away.

When he got up the next day he didn't seem to be feeling very well, but he just said that he was half asleep. So we left it there. After a quick breakfast he entered the taxi who brought him back to the Academy, ending a peacefully meeting. Because he had exams coming soon we agreed that he would come back next month again.

Friday 11th of October(7 p.m.)

Yellow's POV

I was walking to Blue's apartment. There I would meet all the Dexholders with the exception of Gold and Crystal. Why? Blue planned everything making them believe that today we all would either be at home or with someone else. Gold had been incredibly happy since the morning and Crystal seemed nervous for some reason, two facts that allowed to increase our hopes for today. Well let's say that Rub was correct when he said that if we provided the perfect day for their date, they wouldn't get suspicious. When I arrived there I saw Red, who waved to me with that smile I love, outside the door waiting for Blue to open the door. When I arrived she opened it and let us in.

-So I assume that they will finally go to have dinner Blue?- I asked her.

-Of course they are!- she said- that Crystal and Gold's behaviour today is proof enough.

-Okay then- I said and entered the kitchen where Silve, Green and Emerald were already helping her make the food.

A little while after that we heard knocks and I went to the door to open it. When I opened the door I saw Rub and Sapphire waiting to enter and I let them in. Rub seemed to be okay now, not like the last time we saw him. Rub had been ill for all the week since the day he arrived from home. He caught the flu. He went to the Academy the first morning, but he went home just after finishing the school. When I saw him he was pale and shivered a lot. He had his fever very high and he didn't look good at all.

-Hey Yellow- said Sapphire in his usual cheerful mood.

-Hi Sapph, hi Rub- I greeted them- Are you finally okay?

- Yeah, I'm much better- he said- I still stayed at home today though.

With that, they entered and went to the kitchen to prepare everything to have a quick dinner before following the matchmaking plan Blue had prepared for us to follow, Arceus help us.

- Hey guys! You know it's not the best time to be ill the previous week before exams, don't you Rub?- said Blue from the other side of the kitchen when we entered.

-Yes, but I guess that I'm not that lucky- he said then.

-So you lost all the week? You don't know anything that they taught in there?- asked Silver- This will be a problem for the exams.

-Well, that's not entirely true- Rub said- I wasn't feeling very well so I couldn't attend classes, but Sapphire came to my apartment to tell me what they had done and to tell me the homework the teachers gave them. If it wasn't for her, I would be in kinds of trouble.

I looked towards Sapphire who was looking somewhere else to avoid the gaze Blue sent her while I approached her.

-That was the reason because you were late to our training, wasn't it?- I asked her.

-Uhm, yeah...- she said.

-You should've told us- I told her- It wasn't a bad thing. You really helped him.

-Yeah, if it was a different time of the year that wouldn't have been necessary, because he would be able catch up with the subjects, he's very intelligent. But this week... He asked us so I only did what a friend would've done- Sapph said- I only wanted to avoid Blue's teasing, I'm sure you understand.

-Believe me that I do- I said. She then leaned closer to whisper something to me.

-Have you arleady asked Red to go to the ball?

-No- I said blushing- And I don't know if he will agree.

-I'm sure that if you ask him, he won't deny you that favour- she asked grinning.

-Are you going to go too?- I asked her.

-Of course not. I'm not going to go a ball and neither I'm wearing a dress- she told me- but you can go and have fun with Red if he agrees.

-We'll see.

With that the quick meal was prepared and we started to eat while Blue explained her plan to us. The plan itself was very simple, but we would have to work a lot.

-So that's it we will split in four groups. Red and Yellow; Silver and Rub; Green and me; and finally Emerald and Sapphire- she said- I and Green will be coordinating everything from somewhere near all the groups.

-So what are the different groups going to do?- asked Red.

-Don't be impatient. First Rub and Silver will follow them from their apartment to the place they are going today. Silver you know how to do it... and Rub I assume that you know something in the art of stealth- Blue said while the two boys nodded- Red and Yellow you will watch them while they are having dinner and look for possible dangers.

-Dangers?- I asked.

-Let's say possible female dangers- clarified Blue.

-Okay and what do you expect us to do with said danger?- asked Red.

-That's the reason I keep Emerald and Sapphire in the same group- said Blue smirking- You, Emerald will use that drone you talk about to scare them away. If that fails Sapphire will attract them to somewhere else.

-What do you mean by attract them?- asked Sapphire, a scared look in her face.

-You will appear in front of them and they will follow you. I'm sure that if they spot you they will want to talk, ask questions, or even get an autograph so all you have to do is run and loose them- explained Blue- they won't catch you, you are way better in sports than them.

-O-okay- said Sapphire sweatdropping.

-What if a danger is already inside the building... let's say that the waitress is a good-looking one- asked Rub.

-Then we will have to hope that Gold to be conscious of where he is or Crystal to scare her away. I personally prefer the former.

-Good enough- said Silver- What are Rub and I going to do in the while they are inside the restaurant?

-You'll come where I am and if needed, you will help Emerald and Sapphire- said Blue- Everything's clear?

-Yes- we all said in unison.

-Okay then. Rub, Silver your move.

Crystal's POV

I was in my room getting dressed quite nervous. The reason of the nervousness is that in a few minutes I would be having dinner with one of my friends, only the two of us. Yes, someone could say that I was going on date with Gold. Some would just ask... are you nuts? Are you going on a date with Gold? My answer would be yes to all those questions. After the bet we made and which he won, with some help, we agreed to go out to have dinner the two of us, his choice. I know I am only going there because of the bet, but in fact I can't help but feel anxious. This is something I've wanted to do with the person I like for quite a long time. The only problem is that the person I kinda like is a pervert and a flirt, and him being famous doesn't really help me feel sure if this is a good idea or not. The fact is that, as any normal girl, want my first date to go perfect and more if it's with the boy I like.

After I finished changing into my clothes, not so different form my usual ones, but more fit for the occasion, I sat down in my couch to wait for him. I was feeling nervous, but I realized that it was still early for him to arrive so I turned the TV on. I was switching the channels again and again because there were nothing I found interesting. I even found some movies on, but I had already seen them. After switching some more I saw the news in one channel and I decided that it would be better to know what's happening around the globe. When they were talking about some strange event involving "sudden" Tsunamis somewhere I heard three knocks in the door. I sat up nervously and I opened the door. Standing outside the door was Gold dressed almost like always. He had a jacket instead of his sweater and a his cap and googles weren't on his head. He wore some casual black pants and a golden T-shirt. He looked quite good I must admit.

-Hey Super Serious Gal!- he said in his usual mood- Are you ready to go?

-Dont' shout like that, Gold- I told him- Silver might hear us, he doesnt' live that far away.

-We are the only ones here today Crys, I'm sure that they won't stalk us- he said.

-Yeah, but the fans are also everywhere, if they notice us...- I told him.

-Don't be such a Super Serious Gal... just have fun today- he said.

-Like I'm going to have fun being stuck with you for all the night- I said.

-Well if you dislike it that much, we can just cancel it- said Gold in a disappointed voice.

-Nope, a bet it's a bet- I told him- The sooner we go, the sooner we will come back.

-Okay, now follow me Crys- said the golden-eyed boy replacing his disappointed face for a victory grin.

We went walking from there to town, mostly silent all the way. When we arrived at the town I asked him:

-Where are we going Gold?- I asked him.

-What about the restaurant across the Pool club?

-I've never eaten in that one... why do you want to go there?- I asked him.

-Well I have been there twice with the guys. The food is good, not that fancy, but I liked what I ate there- I said- Plus we could go to play some pool matches after the meal if you like.

-You know that's not the most common thing to do in a dinner date?- I asked him.

-Did I hear the word date somewhere in the sentence?- he asked grining.

-Shut up Gold!- and without warning I kicked him on the leg making him fall- Let's go there already.

With that I followed him in silence since we reached the restaurant. In all the way there we never crossed a single girl, only men or children, quite interesting. I have to admit that he described it quite well. It didn't look so fancy, but welcoming and needless to say that the dishes seemed very good. With that we sat down and talked for a bit. I could notice that Gold, even with his usual attitude, he wasn't speaking that much. He focused on the menu even when the waitress came to us he only asked for his order and the waitress was quite pretty.

Green's POV

-Looks like Red and Yellow detected a possible threat comming from the north- said miss "Pesky" girl listening from her headphones- Emerald is busy, Sapphire is still on her way here after escaping form those girls in her class. Rub we need your help.

-Okay- he said- So, I just have to scare them away?

-Yes please- she said.

And Rub then left to do his job. I was alone in an alley with Blue and Silver who had just returned from attracting some female fans... This was just a very tiring day and, for me, it was about to become worse. I still had done nothing, but knowing Blue that would only be the worst signal ever. My fears soon became a reality when she began to walk towards me with one of the most mischievous grins I have ever seen.

-Green I have a job for you...- she said.

-Oh Arceus... What is it about?- I asked her.

-Hey don't need to be so pessimistic . It's an easy one, I promise- she said.

-Spill it out already "Pesky" girl- I told her.

-Okay, they are on their way to the restaurant now, so we will have some time to rest while they're having dinner- I told him- We will only do something if something big happens, and I hope that's not the case.

-Okay, now please get to the main point.

-Well... knowing Gold, he will try to do something to impress Crystal- she said- I want you to help him accomplish his goal.

-So you want me to help Gold impress Crystal- I said- How do I do that?

-I still don't know. I suggest that we see where are they going to go after the meal so we can decide.

-So how I'll be able to help them? They will recognize me and they will supect something- I spoke very calm.

-They won't recognize you because you'll be using Ditty in your head to change you appearance.

-I have to admit, that's a pretty good plan- I admitted- How far do I have to go to help him.

-Don't worry Green you'll only say and do what I told you- she said- if you do that everything will come out fine.

-Is there any way I can avoid doing that?- I asked her.

-Well, I suppose I could ask Silver to do it... but then you would have to be my partner at the ball the Academy is holding- Blue said nonchalantly.

-Seems like I'll be changing my image then- I said when I noticed my Pokegear ringing- I'll be here in a minute.

And then I walked away from her to look who has calling me. Much to my surpise It was my grandfather Prof. Oak who was calling me so I just picked up the phone.

-Hey gramps... what's up?- I asked him.

-Hi Green how are things in the Academy, is everything okay?- he asked.

-Yeah, everything is fine...- I told him.

-Have you had any more problems with that organization?

-Not since the day of Sapphire's birthday. That's a good sign, but we will be cautious about that for a while- I explained.

-That's what I wanted to hear- he said- Are you prepared for the exam's period?

-Yes I am, I believe I'm quite prepared for it- I answered- Why do you ask?

-Well, do you know the investigation Professor Birch is in charge for the Pokemon Association?- he asked me.

-Sapphire said something about it, why?- I asked him curious.

-He has asked for mine and Prof. Elm's help and we will help him because it really is a very interesting and rare thing the one he is studying.

-That's good, I'm sure he will be grateful about it- I told him.

-Well I was asking if you were going well with your studies because I'm afraid that we will need you to come one of the days we will be there- he said- You are a very intelligent and a good researcher and also one of the best battlers around. The Pokemon Association often provides the researchers some Gym leaders or recognized battlers to protect us there, but that same day most of them will be sent somewhere else to fight in a friendly tournament to... Well, i'll say it flatly, to show off the Association's power and earn more money. The fact is that there will only be a few trainers to help us and none of them will cooperate with the investigation. The only one who will help us or try to is a friend of Birch who has been there almost since the investigation started.

-When would you need me?- I asked him.

-The next week's Sunday, just in the middle of your exam's period- he said.

-Okay then, I'll come with you- I said to my granfather- I'm curious too.

-What about the exams?- he asked.

-Not a problem. I just have to study some more and they will go perfectly- I assured him.

-Thanks Green, your help will be very useful- he said- well I have to end the call, we will talk again before then. Bye.

-Bye gramps!

After that I went back to see more people in the alley where Blue set her operations base, the only one that weren't there were Rub and Emerald, while Red, Silver, Yellow, and Sapphire were sitting, completely tired. Blue was talking with either Emerald or Rub who I assumed were somewhere near the restaurant observing them. When I arrived, Blue ended the conversation and said that we could rest for now. We started to talk with each other for a while about random subjects. Silver and Red replaced Emerald and Rub after an hour and the younger teenagers came to rest while telling us everything that had happened while they were in charge. Blue was either chatting with us or speaking with the ones who were watching the two lovebirds.

It was about 11p.m. when Silver said to Blue that the both of them were heading to the Pool club across the street. Blue smirked to me devilishly and just said.

-Green, you know how to play pool don't you?

Crystal's POV

After what I would describe a very good meal, we were only waiting for the desserts. Gold really surprised me in that time since the date started. He didn't flirt with any girl, what wasn't so difficult because I still had seen no more than five of them, but that was still surprising. He didn't try to show off either. We talked and laughed, because Gold can have a lot of weak points, but being around him means fun. The only problem with that is that he usually tends to overdo it and we end up being in a mess. This time though, things seemed different from those.

After the desserts, he paid for the meal and we stepped out the restaurant.

-What do you want to do now Super Serious Gal?- he asked using the nickname he always uses for me.

-First of all, I would like you to stop calling me that- I told him.

-Why? It fits you so perfectly...- he said.

-Maybe it does... but I prefer being called Crys for example- I said.

-Nah, I will not always call you that- he said.

-Why not?- I asked.

-Because you call me Mr. Immature or Mr. Reckless a lot. It's just fair that I call you Super Serious Gal.

-Well they actually fit your personality, too- I said in a mocking tone.

-It's true, anyway there can be a lot of Crys out there...- he said- but there's only one Super Serious Gal.

-Wh-what do you mean?- I sat looking away from him blushing.

-Oh come on! You are a Pokedex Holder, you are the most serious girl in our group- he said looking away also- You are the one and only Super Serious Gal, and it's not necessarily a bad thing.

-You're not going to stop calling me that then, are you?- I asked him.

-Nope...- he said with that victory grin he always has- what do you want to do now?

-I think I want to beat you in your own game- I said in a challenging tone- Why don't we go to that Pool club?

-Are you sure? You weren't very keen on going there before...- he asked.

-I changed my mind- I said.

-Perfect then let's go- and he grabbed my hand and leaded me to the other side of the street.

When we entered, I gasped a little. I saw a large building very well decorated and billard tables all around. There were either grown men or teenagers playing all around making bets and having fun.

-Gold... I have to say that I've never been good at it before- I said when I saw good players making incredible shots.

-Both good players and begginers come here to play- he said- besides... with the great Gold as a teacher you will be good in no time.

-Let's see it, then "Great Gold"- I said grabbing a billard cue and preparing to make my first shot- You vs. me, but you'll teach me okay?

-Okay, now just shoot, I want to see how you play- he said to me.

I positioned myself to hit the white ball with my cue, but when I did the cue slipped and the ball went straight to the hole. I go it back to restart and this time I was able to do it better. The white ball just touched the ones in the triangle position. The balls bounced a little, but didn't move much, it had been a weak shot.

-Well that was better- said Gold- but the thing is that your position is not the right one.

-Why not?- I asked.

-Well you have to hold the cue from the back with your good hand and the other as near as possible to the ball- he said- then you have to lean over the table and kick the ball with more power.

-Like this?- I said positioning in the way I understood it was the best.

-Watch me when I make my move- he said and positioned himself and made his shot. His shot was very accurate, but he missed my half an inch- did you see how?

-Yes, like this- and I tried to mimic him. I made my move and then the ball hit the target, but in the wrong way. I wanted the ball to go right, but it went left.

-That was nearly it- he said- see it again.

He shot and entered his first ball, then he shot again and failed. I tried to mimic him, but I never got the perfect shot. He finally sighed and came to me when it was my turn.

-Now let me help you- he said and he held my hands and positioned me the in the right way... The position we were in was very embarrassig for me when I had a horrible thought.

-Gold- I growled.

-What?- he said stepping back.

-Are you sure you didn't bring me here so that you could touch me like that?- I snapped quietly.

-What? No, no that wasn't it- he said his face in terror- I swear to Moltres, Lugia and even Celebi.

-Then why?- I asked him.

-Because it's fun! I come here almost twice a week to practice- he said- I really have fun here while playing and I just thought that you would have fun too.

-That was really all? To have fun?- I aked him.

-Well I also wanted to show you that I'm not always just immature and reckless and that not everyone of my hobbies is like that- he said still with a frightened face- It seemed like a good place with the atmosphere in here and the people that usually play pool. I was just trying to help you there, because it's easier that way.

-Okay... I believe you- I said to him. I must admit that even though he is usually a pervert I kinda overreacted here- How was the pose again?

And with that he helped me again and finally I entered my first ball of the night, even if it was a very easy one. After that I began to gain confidence and I got better. I found that I was able to predict quite well the place where the ball had to hit the other one. When we were on our last ball I got a lucky shot and I finally won the match. I hugged Gold in happiness. When I backed away I saw that grin on his face.

-I see you're having a good time- he said.

-Yeah, I have to admit that pool is not that bad- I said to him- I believe I like it as the same level as chess, but in a different way.

-Well, I don't really like chess...- he said- I was just lucky to win at Sapphire's party or let's say I was "Ruby" if you want.

-What?- I asked surprised.

-I thought you were the smart one... I just mixed the name of the person who helped me, Rub, and the word "lucky" which ended in... Rub-y - he explained- Oh shit! I-I understand now. It was the worst joke of my life- he said his a sad voice.

-Yes it was...- I said- I'm just glad that Sapphire was not around to hear it.

-Yes, I'm very sorry- he said.

-Let's forget this tongue slip okay?- I said to him reassuringly- It wasn't on purpose and I still want to have more fun.

-Yes let's play some more.

And with that we started another one which ended in Gold's victory even though we were all on our last ball. I have to say that I really had fun with him there. When we were preparing our third one a taller and older guy came to me. He had black hair and had a thin line of beard around his mouth. He just stepped between me and Gold when we were going to decide who was going to make the first move.

-Why are you here alone babe?- he asked.

-She's not alone dude- said Gold grinning from behind.

-Well I'm sure you would rather like to play with me than with some amateur like him- he said.

-I'm sorry, but I'm already playing with him- I said.

-Nonsense- he then turned to Gold- I callenge you. A billard game right now and the winner gets the girl until the end of the night.

-You don't know her at all if you think a game will decide with who she will be staying- said Gold, much to my surprise.

-That's right- I said.

-Oh, so you are going to chicken out?- said the man- I bet that even if she doesn't stay with me, she won't like to see her boyfriend reject the challenge, even if you lose in the end.

-If that's all- said Gold- You're on!

After he said that he went to the bar and asked something to the attendant. After a while the man came back to Gold and placed a black case in his hands. Then my friend came back and placed his own billard cue on the table.

-Now, we can start- said Gold- You want to go first?

-Yeah, why not. A good billard cue isn't going to help you if you don't know how to use it- said the black haired man.

-I'll show you what I am able to do with it- said Gold.

The game started and the man did a two good hits, entering one ball and locating another one in front of a hole. Gold had a easy shot with one of his balls, but he made the white ball jump above his rival's one and enter the one he had in the other corner of the table. He then entered two more balls in row, even though they were easier this time. It had only been a few rounds and Gold only had to enter the black one to win. His rival had entered four of them and it was his turn. He entered another, but failed to hit it into the pocket so Gold had the black ball near the right hole. Gold didn't hesitate to shoot it and win the match. He then faced his rival.

-You weren't half bad- he said with his victory grin- To enter 5 balls in 6 truns it's not a thing everyone can do.

-You are very good at it- the dark haired man said- I underestimated you.

-You shouldn't- Gold said- It was a good match, though.

-Yes it was- he said before starting to go- Sorry to bother you lovebirds- he said while I blushed at the word.

After that we played again and Gold won that one too. It was very close, but I entered the black one when I still had one more to enter. I was a little angry at Gold when we started heading outside the building. As soon as we went outside I kicked his butt, but not with a lot of power.

-What was that for?- he asked.

-For going easy on me- I said- you played way better against him than with me.

-Yeah right. You come in worried because you don't know how to play and I have to go all out on you- he said.

-What do you mean?- I asked.

-I have played pool for years and you were a beginner who didn't even know if you even liked the game- he said- I only wanted you to learn and have a good time the same as me.

-Well, next time though explain that to me first- I told him when we reached the end of the town- I have to say that you are very good at playing it.

-I know and you are a quick learner- he said in his usual tone before smiling nervously-Sooooo... how was it? The dinner, the time we spent in the pool club, the...

-Date?- I asked and he nodded- I have to say that it was better that what I had imagined beforehand. It had its better and worse times, but I enjoyed the time- "in fact I wouldn't mind to repeat this some times" I thought to myself.

-That's good to hear- he said with that grinn.

-I was surprised that you didn't flirt with any girl today- I told him.

-Well, it's not like I had the chance, there wasn't a girl in sight today- he said and I inmidiately kicked the back of his head

-Pervert...

- C'mon Super Serious Gal, it was a joke! I don't know where the gils where, but even if they appeared I would've ignored them to focuse on you.

-That's better- I told him an smile in my face.

-So to go back to our conversation... - he said- You really had a good time today?

-Yes why?

-Because I wanted to ask you if you would mind to accompany me to the ball in the Academy- he said.

-The ball? The fancy one that Blue talked about?- I asked him- Why would you want to go there?

-I know you said that you dind't want to go there, but I believe it will be fun- he just said- I believe Yellow will convince Red to go too, so we will not be the only ones.

-I believe Blue will go there too- I said while we reached my apartment.

-So what do you say Super Serious Gal or Crystal... You want to go there with me?- he said with his usual confident face.

-Only if you promise to behave like today- I told him in a threatening voice.

-It's a deal then!- and with that he jumped and stormed out of there with both fists in the air leaving me in front of my door sweatdropping. Why can't I like someone more normal?

Monday 14th of October(10 a.m.)

Sapphire's POV

Well, that was it... the end of the peaceful days and the start of the exams. Two weeks full of them that would end with the best day of the term... the "Battle Royale". I was sitting down in a desk next to Rub by my left and another classmate in my right. The first exam would be Geography and that wasn't one of my strongest points. I looked to my left and I saw Rub very calm, with his glasses on due to his near-sightedness. Then he looked up and noticed my gaze and smiled.

-Don't be so tense... It's just an exam- he said.

-Geography is not my best subject- I told him- You know that, you , Emerald, and I studied together yesterday for it.

-I know, but you managed well yesterday- he said- Why do you belive today would be different?

-Because it's an exam- I said.

-You've been in worse and more difficult places than in an exam's room Sapphire- he whispered- just relax and take it easy. I'm sure the exam will go perfectly. It went well yesterday remember.

-I'll try- and as soon as I said that the teacher entered the classroom. She quickly gave each one a blank paper sheet and the exam itself.

-Okay students! The exam is going to start!

I just looked to my front and I noticed Emerald already writing three seats in front of me. Then I looked to my left and I saw Rub writing as well. He stopped for a moment and he sended me a quick smile and a thumbs-up. After that we continued to read and started writing again. After that I just felt more relaxed and I smiled to myself before looking to my exam.

"Exams... Here I go!" I though before putting my name and starting to read.


So that's all with the 14th chapter. This was very long and tricky to write. To include Gold and dates in the same time it's difficult, but I'm happy with the result.

I have to say some important things:

1- Thanks to my editor AlejadroSalsa or LexClone5 (LC5) for his help.

2- THis was a the longest chapter of this fic, but it wasn't the extra long one I talked about, it only became longer thatn I expected (Holy Arceus more than 9500 words). I will make two of them and I'll try to update as soon as I can.

3- I'll try to update the same times as I used to before I started my exam's period. While on holiday I'll try to mantain the pace of a chapter for week.

Well, I have nothing more to add except from the usual: REVIEW and STAY TUNNED!