Hi everyone and welcome to the 17th chapter of this fic.

It's TIME WITH REVIEWS first:

12courtney12: your guess is quite accurate! You almost got it. I'm glad you liked it and I hope you like this one as well. Thanks for reviewing!

Guest 1: That's the purpose of the Cliffhangers (and I like them so much)!

novaking2832: Yes he can and will, but maybe in a different way, you'll see... I hope you like it and thanks for reviewing!

comisure: You're good at guessing. You'll know what happened to him before meeting the Dexholders in this one. And I'm very happy to know that you wait for my updates, it encourages me to write more and better! to answer your question, I have the plot planned from the beginning with all the major points in the story. I only decide the details and the exact way the events will take place and so on.

smile all of your days: Thanks for your encouraging words. I'm glad you're so excited to read this chapter, but I only hope that it doesn't diappoint you. Thanks for your review!

Guest 2: For you I'll anwer this ne at the end of the fic.

So that's the end of TIME WITH REVIEWS today. I know that you were anxious to read the chapter and I hope that it won't disappoint you. This said I want to tahnk everyone again for all the Reviews, Favourites, Followers and Views that this fic has thanks to you.

This said... READ and Enjoy!


Thursday 24th of October

Norman's POV

I looked at the clock and it was 10 o'clock. Both I and my wife were tidying the table after our meal. I was quite tired from the day's work at the "Landbirth Pyramid", the name of the pyramid where all three professors are investigating as well as other scientist. After more than two weeks we still haven't discovered anything, but they still needed the protection so I was still working with them. In the weekends I also have to take care of the gym so I'm quite busy.

After finishing our work I went to the living room and I turned on the TV. They were talking about the Tournament the Pokemon Association held last Sunday when my Pokegear rang. I looked at the tiny screen and I saw my son's name. I immediately answered:

-Hi Ruby, how are things in the Academy?- I asked calmly.

-YOU JUST COULDN'T KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT ANYMORE, COULD YOU?- he snapped much to my surprise. Even his mother came out of the kitchen when she heard the outburst.

-Calm down Ruby- I said- What do you mean?

-You know well what I mean…- he said- Let me guess… on Sunday you worked along with your friend and both Prof. Elm and Prof. Oak, didn't you?

-Yes- I was quite surprised by him knowing this- How do you know that?

-You also met Green Oak, didn't you?- he said almost shouting.

-Yes I did- it had already clicked me why he was so mad at me- You mean the talk I had with…

-WHAT ELSE?- he actually shouted- You said that you wouldn't interfere. You said that if I fought you and win the battle I would be able to handle this things on my own.

-And you'll be able to- he said- I never said anything major to him.

-No, that's true- he said, sarcasm filling his tone- You never told him who I was.

-Ruby, I never betrayed your trust- I told him.

-Then what's the name of what you did?- he asked- Why did you tell him all that?

-That was the truth- I said.

-It wasn't! You said that I wanted to battle them! You even said that I was as good as them if not better!

-I don't see any lie in those things- I said calm.

-You don't? Let me point out them, then- he said- I DON'T want to battle them or anyone! I'm NOT as good as them!

-That's not what Slaking or Linoone think…- I said truthfully- You battled better than him. Nana never gave us a chance to win when she battled Linoone. His Machamp did an impressive job and he was very strong, but he also had the advantage in type. And with Slaking he used his best attack, not an strategy like yours.

-You also forgot to say that I knew some of your tactics beforehand- he said- He had never met you.

-That's true, but since our last battle I had improved a lot, and I had changed some tactics too- I said- I never got a chance to win the fight against you.

-That's not the point!- he said- I'm not stronger than them! I'm totally weaker than them!

-You're not!- I said.

-I am!- he said his voice started to lower until it was at a normal, but sad tone- And then… Why did you say that I wanted to battle them? If they know that I'm your son, they'll want to battle me even more than now…

-I don't see a problem with that- I said.

-Well I do… I hate battling- he said.

-Then I'm sorry to tell you that you've got a battling competition tomorrow- I said.

-I know, but I'll quit as soon as it starts- he said.

-You will not. You will have to do some battling there- I said.

- I'm not battling! I would prefer to lose one arm before battling! - he said and that surprised me.

-So why did you battle me back then?- I said- I never asked you that much.

-Yes you did…- he said looking down- There are a lot of things that would be far worse than losing an arm…

-I only said that I would tell them who you were- I said, even more surprised.

-Dad, I have to be the one to tell them! If you did that… I would've lost them forever- he said- Even in the case where they accept me it wouldn't be a true confession. Losing them again would be far worse than losing an arm. I lost them once and I became alone. I feel that if I lost them for not being the one to explain everything… I couldn't bear it.

-Then battle them and show them who you are!

-I won't battle anyone!

-Then just tell them!- I said- Why don't you do it already?

-Because I'm not sure if they'll accept me… I'm not the Ruby they once knew…

-C'mon just stop being a coward!- I said- Life is not easy ,you know? You have to take some risks!

After this sentence I saw him shut his mouth. He began shivering a little, but his face showed no emotion. Then he spoke again.

-E-easy, you say? Take some risks?- he then continued to talk raising his voice until he was yelling at me- I am 15! 15 dad! And only being 15 I've been kidnapped in front of my mom; imprisoned for four months, along with 9 more people who were my best and firsts friends; friends that I lost in the day we escaped from that prison and who now think I'm dead, not that I can blame then, because I was really left to die there; and after that I was alone and now that I could meet them again I've changed so much that I'm afraid that they won't accept me. You still believe that I can even start to think that life is easy?

-Then just take some more then and tell them!- I said- I'm sure they'll understand!

After that is face changed completely. He seemed both hurt and angry with that sentence.

-You know- he said with a sad smile- It's quite ironic that you say that when my own father has never accepted me after that incident. Good bye dad tell mom I love her.

And he hung up. The sorrow that showed his last speech made me feel like someone had punched me. Hard.

-I don't know if you ever accepted him- said my wife from my side- But you could try to understand what he is going through. Nor you or I had never to endure the things he did.

-I understand him - I said- and I'm proud of him.

-Then why don't you show him?- she asked.

-I only want the best for him- I said when I realized something- Oh dear… This will only make him hate me ever more- I said as I start to write a message for him in my Pokegear.

-He won't hate you, Norman- she said- He could never do that, even if he wanted to.

Ruby's POV

"I'm sorry Rub, but you'll have to battle tomorrow… If you get a 0% from any of your exams your grant will be taken from you! And if you don't get a good average-grade the grant will be taken from you as well. If that happens you'll be forced to leave the Academy. I know that you'll decide on your own, but if you don't want to lose them again, you'll have to compete. My guess is that if you place in the Top 25 you'll have the grade you need to pass it without problems.

Norman"

-DAMN IT!- I yelled in frustration after reading the message.

I was both furious and disappointed then. Not only I had a huge argument with my dad. Now I HAD to compete in that "event" to avoid being forced to leave the academy… Again, for the 2nd time in less than two months I would be forced to battle. And to be in the Top 25… if there are 500 students in the Academy more or less, it won't be easy. The competition would start at 10 in the morning so I went to bed right after that.

I set up the alarm clock to ring at 7:30 a.m. to be able to prepare and to finally decide what I was going to do. I spent until 1 o'clock turning around in my bed, not being able to sleep, but then two weeks of studying and staying up until late in the library took effect and I finally closed my eyes.

I got up the hard way the next morning. It was 7:13 a.m. at the clock when I got up shaking and breathing heavily. Again and after three days my nightmare appeared again. I don't really know why, but this nightmare felt worse than the others, maybe because I was less used to it. After seeing that it was useless to go back to sleep I went to my laptop to learn the rules and my starting location: place number 9 of the 1st sector.

Then I went to have breakfast I already knew what I would do for the competition. I still had time before the "Battle Royale" started so I revised the state of my pokemon. Everyone was in a perfect shape, even Zuzu and Ruru. The latter had the same problems as always and Zuzu had done an intense training to master some new moves. One of them I thought of it when we met Relo and I looked to see what Yellow was doing. The second is a whole different thing.

Being nearly 9:30 I went out and I headed towards the outdoor battlefields where I had to sign in and get the box with the items. I also had to see where was my starting place was so those were the firsts things I did as soon as I arrived 5 minutes later. I quickly saw that I was one of the first one to arrive as I wanted, so after I got the items I went straight to my starting point. That place was at the other side of the Academy, quite far away from the fountain, but it didn't matter really.

I just waited there when I arrived. I hadn't seen any of the Pokedex Holder anywhere so I guessed that any of them had arrived or were located somewhere else. Seeing it was still 9:47 a.m and I had still some time until the whole thing started so I began to groom Popo. I was deep in thought while brushing the weather pokemon, I didn't want to fight, but I HAD to be in the best 25 if I wanted to avoid any risks with the my Grant. I looked at the Pokegear and I saw that it was almost time so I recalled Popo and placed my one handled back pack in place. I tied both shoes stronger than always and kneeled like runners in a running competition. Then I hear the announcement from the speakers:

-GOOD MORNING STUDENTS OF THE POKEMON ACADEMY! TODAY IS THE DAY OF THE TERM WHEN THE BATTLE ROYALE TAKES PLACE. WE ONLY HAVE TO ASK YOU TO PLAY FAIR!- the voice of the Academy's principal said- THE COMPETITION TODAY HAS 463 COMPETITORS, SO GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU! NOW LET THE BATTLE ROYALE START IN 3...2...1... NOW!

And I turned on my running shoes and I stormed right to the fountain in the middle of the park. I had been practicing how to run properly with them and after getting used to it I could easily run twice as fast as any normal person could. What's more is the fact that running with those tires you the same as running normally, so that was another great point. Just after starting to run I heard the high pitch from a flare. I thought that maybe I wasn't the only student who didn't want to battle today, but I was too concentrated on the task in hand to pay much attention.

I arrived at the fountain only after 5 minutes of running. When I arrived there I could see that I was the first because all the little flags were in the same position. I grabbed one and I went out of the neutral zone. I went directly to the forest part of the Academy. Hiding myself behind a tree I saw a female figure running towards the fountain coming from a direction from mine. I recognized her blue attire and the blue bandana she wore on her head. I was amused when I saw that all the fanclubs had included the item in their banners and posters. They sure had it hard for them. After seeing her grab one I smiled and after sending out Nana I entered the forest part without hesitation.

(3 hours later, 1.15 pm.)

I was still in the forest hiding from Blue who I saw wandering around here so I just went to a different direction from her to avoid her. I had Zuzu out of the pokeball so he could sense any movements nearby using his radar-like fins so I could avoid any possible student to battle me. Your position in the "Battle Royale" is determined by the time until you lose a fight or you surrender, so even without fighting you can place quite high. I still had to fight a single battle because I had spent all my time hiding from any battler in my path, detecting him or her using Nana's smell sense and Zuzu's fins. That had been my plan from the beginning. I had to place high, but I didn't want to battle so that was the most logical way. When I reached the Top 25 I would shot the flare and surrender.

This was a quite difficult task to fulfill so I had to be very cautious. I had to use all the stealth techniques that I knew to pass in between large numbers of battles without being caught in one.

The last announcement said that there were 122 contestants left, but that was quite a long time ago and with the number of flares I assumed that 40 people were still remaining, more or less.

-THERE ARE 27 COMPETITORS REMAINING!- I heard from the speakers.

Well... seems like I was wrong. Only two more flares and I could give up. I was quite pleased with the way things had turned up to be. In fact I was too pleased, something that never came out to be a good sign. And this was no exception of that fact.

-You finally show up, Contests's boy...- said a voice I knew quite well.

I searched for him until I saw him in the top of the tree that was just in front of me. He was quiet and sitting pacefully so that's the reason that Zuzu's fins never detected anything. He was the boy that mocked me in class. To specify, he was Luis, the one I answered when I was angry at my dad in mr. Mike's class and the one that has a sister that competes in contests the same as me. When he approached me he took out his notebook. I remained silent as I did the same.

He laughed when he saw that it was the first battle I was going to have. I saw that he only had two before this one.

-How about a 4 vs. 4 Contest boy?- he mocked- The one who wins now is almost going to be in the Top 10, so I want to save my best in a good shape.

-How come that a person that loves battles as much as you only battled twice?- I asked ignoring his statement.

-Mr. Mike said that we had to sttle our differences in the "Battle Royale" so I waited for you to appear- he said- I thought that you lost long ago so I just waited here to get a higher grade before anyone found me. I was lucky to be the one to wipe the floor with you. You don't know how much I want you to se how useless are contests when dealing with true battlers.

-If you're so sure- I said serious- let's do a 4 vs. 4, without substitutions.

-Then let's start already...- he said- I've waited long for this.

-Why did you want to battle me so bad?- I asked- I never did anything to you.

-I don't really know, but after seing your Delcatty performing such a bad Double-Edge I saw that you would be easy to win. When you said that you competed in Contests I lost all the little respect I had for you- he explained- Then after you tried to embarrass me in front of everyone in mr. Mike's class I swore that I'd wipe the floor with you one day.

-Not very good reasons in my opinion, but I believe they work for you- I said grabbing Coco's pokeball- Since you mentioned her she will be my first pokemon. I know it's rare, but you have to fight for me, Coco!

-Your weak Delcatty huh?- he said grabbing one of his- My weakest will be enough. Go Nincada! He is the newest in my team so this would be a fair battle- he mocked- Let's start with Scratch!

-Dodge!- I said simply.

-Leech Life!

-Dodge!

-Fury Swipes!

-Dodge!

The attacks were very slow. It was clear that this was his worst pokemon so Coco could dodge them very easily. He bagan to tap his foot in annoyance and finally talked:

-Will you do anything else that to run away?- he asked.

-Oh right, well... Coco use Assist.

The attack turned to be Mimi's Hydropump and only with that attack the Nincada fainted instantly.

-You were lucky this time- he said still smirking- but as I said Nincada was my newest. You'll not get through this one! Go Nosepass! Start with Rock Throw!

-Dodge jumping back- I commanded.

-Rock slide!- he commanded.

-Dodge- and with her graceful movements not a single rock touched her beautiful fur.

-If the only thing you do is dodge...- he said with a smirk, he had something planned- Nosepass use Rock tomb!

With that 4 large rocks encircled my pokemon leaving her no place to escape. She couldn't jump quickly enough either before he commanded his next attack, probably a Rock Slide again... I had to finally make her attack.

-I'll have to do something then...- I sighed.

-Nosepass Rock slide!- he said- your little cat is finished.

-Let's see it then- I said- Coco let's return that rock to Nosepass.

-What?

And before Nosepass could summon his attack, Coco's Iron Tail sent the rock in front of her to the rock-type. The collision did some damage, but hecould stand up again. Using the sound the collision made I commanded Coco to locate herself behind the Rock-type. When Luis was able to see what had happened it was almost too late...

-Coco, Iron Tail to finish!- and with her attack slamming at the Nosepass' head Coco was the winner of the second round. I tried to play dumb for a while- Coco is your tail okay?

Coco immediatley turned to inspect her tail and started to lick it while comming to position herself in front of me. Luis was amused by that fact and just started laughing uncontrollably, pokeball in hand.

-I-I can't believe that your pokemon was damaged when using Iron Tail- he said when he tried to calm down- It's so weak! C'mon Electabuzz let's fight this weakling!

-Coco try to fight as long as you can- I said with the most concerned voice I could put and she stood there showing some sign of pain.

-Electabuzz Thunder Punch!

-Dodge to the left!

-Use strength to lift that rock and throw it to that cat!- and he grabbed a large rock that landed because of his previous Rock Tomb and threw it at my pokemon menacingly.

-Coco use Growl and then Safeguard to deflect it!- and the rock slided through the veil that covered my pokemon.

-Follow with Thunder!

-Use Iron Tail and stick it to the gorund- and the strong electric attact went directly to the only metallic surface in the area, only to be redirected to the ground-Now Coco use Assist!- and my pokemon unleashed a torrent of dirty water to the pokemon. She used Muddy water.

Being a Water attack did only some damage to the Electabuzz, but after that his moves were not as precise and failed quite often. He finally unleashed his strongest combination:

-Electabuzz use Thunder Punch in the right arm and Brick Break with the other!- he said and this time Coco didn't have time to dodge them all.

-Coco dodge the Thunder punch and use "your" Double-edge!- and making a turn she dodged the lightning attack and jumped making some spin movements to meet the other straightforwardly.

With that both attacks clashed and Coco won easily. She came back seeming dazed and nearly falling twice. She panted a little and had both ears fallen. She seemed to be in quite a bad shape so I showed my concern:

-Are you okay Coco? I believe that I should let you rest for a while- I said to her and she just shooked her head.

-Well seems like your weak cat still wants to battle. If anything I should praise her stubborness- he said throwing another pokeball to the battlefield- C'mon Jinx! Use Ice beam!

-Dodge jumping!

-Now that she is the air use Body Slam!

-Assist Coco!

But then something I never expected happened. Coco charged for a moment before unleashing what seemed to be a Hydropump, but it had a darker color. The power of that attack was much higher than any Hydropump, so that only left one attack. I didn't believe it to be possible because Zuzu still was trying to master it. Coco was sent back to the ground landing in her head. She started to stand up nonchalantly when I saw that she looked at me and then started to cry. That sound snapped Luis of his initial confusion and all he did was recall his pokemon and look over mine who was scratching her head. He bagan to laugh just as before so I went to Coco.

-Don't you really feel bad for her- he said- she was hurt before and she is even crying when I didn't even touch her! You should retire now that you have time.

I smiled knowing that my whole strategy was succcessful and that he didn't even had a clue of what was happening right in front of his eyes. He was that caught in the moment that he took out a pokeball and tried to summon another pokemon.

-What are you doing?- I asked looking right at him still with Coco in arms.

-I'm sending out the pokemon who's gonna finish you- he said.

-No you're not- I said my serious tone back.

-Of course I am- he said.

-No, you, are, not- I said- You've lost four pokemon already. Nincada, Jinx, Electabuzz and Nosepass. It was a 4 vs. 4, so you lost.

He was in silence before the words finally sank in him. He then started to freak out.

-Why? How? When?- he said angry- You cheated right?

-I didn't, call it luck if you want, but I won fair and square- I said serious- You only can't believe that Coco could beat four of your pokemon. Even if we were lucky to do it.

-Of course you were! It was all luck- he said angily- You could've never beaten me without that luck.

-Maybe, but you lost so shoot the flare already- I said, he seemed so nervous and angry that I had a final thoought that would guarantee his silence about the battle- You know... I propose you a deal... You never talk about the fight and I'll never bring the subject to anyone. You can mock at me, laugh at me... act like you did for all those weeks like anything happened. But NEVER talk about this battle- I said "glaring" at him.

-But yo-you won... why can't I talk about it?

-I don't think that people would see you in the same way if they knew that "Contest's boy" won you using only his "weak" Delcatty- I said putting some emphasis in those words.

-O-okay then... you won- and with that he shot his flare while shouting angrily- F*cking beginners luck!

And he dashed out of there running. I looked towards Coco. I knew that it wasn't necessary, but I wanted to reassure her anyway.

-I'm sorry I had to lie to him telling that I was lucky... I know that you could've taken all of his 6 pokemon perfectly using your power, but I don't want anyone to know that I can be quite a battler, like I said... Nobody is going to see me battling again- I told her searching for the Pokeblock's tube in my bag- And don't worry, it'll take a while before he realizes how strong you are, but he eventually will. He was that focused on mocking at me and that confident that I would never be able to beat him that he never gave a real thought of what was really happening before his eyes.

I then let her on her feet and not surpisingly she could stand up completely fine. She made some jumps, run away and returned in a matter of seconds. She then snuggled in my side like telling me that it didn't matter. I suddenly held a Pokeblock in my hand and threw it in the air. Making a backflip she caught it with her mouth.

-And before I forget... Nice acting Coco. I believe you would have a bright future in the Cinema business- I told her winking- Now return and earn your deserved rest.

"What a fool... I wiped the floor with him and he didn't even realized..." I thought before noticing that I had accomplished my goal so I just took out the flare and I prepared to shoot it. I was about to do it when I heard 4 consecutive shots and then 2 more. I finally decided to shoot it, but an announcement held me back.

-THERE ARE ONLY 10 COMPETITORS REMAINING IN THE BATTLE ROYALE- said the announce, who I assumed was the principal of the Academy- THE MEETING PLACE IS THE LARGER TREE IN THE FOREST PART OF THE PARK. GOOD LUCK TO THE 10 REMAINING CONTESTANTS!

"Might as well see if the others are all the Pokedex Holders. I will retire anyway..." I thought before keeping the flare for later when I started to walk towards that giant tree.

Silver's POV

-I'm not going to the ball Blue... I'd prefer to spend that time doing something more useful- I said to her.

-C'mon Silver, you'll have fun there... -she said.

-I don't think that fun would be the word to descr- I tried to say before a voice that came from the entrance of the clearing stopped my speech.

-It's good to see that the 9 of the Dexholders are still the best -he said in a normal voice.

- Rub?- asked Emerald dumbfounded.

-What are you doing here?- asked Sapphire surprised as well.

-Seems like I'm the only competitor left apart from you- he said nonchalantly.

From the corner of my eye I saw something rare… Green who seemed to be a little frustrated before that had relaxed and had a calmer expression.

-But didn't you say that you would retire?- asked Gold.

-Yeah I did- Rub said- But…

-Well we better start battling- Green interrupted in a challenging tone- I'll battle with Rub.

-I'm sorry, but you'll not battle me- said Rub in a surprising serious tone.

-What? Why not?- asked Green surprised.

-Because I hate battling- he just answered- I thought you all knew that.

-But you are here… you have to battle us- said Green.

-Not necessarily… I can give up when I want…- he just answered.

-Shut up and battle me!- commanded Green his frustration returning while the other were just like frozen in place looking at the both of them interacting.

-I won't!- said Rub calmer than ever.

-Why not? You are in the Top 10…- asked Green- Why did you come here if it wasn't to battle us?

-I only came to see if you were the last ones too- he answered- Even if you weren't I would give up just as I arrived here.

-Then why did you compete in here if it wasn't to win?- he asked.

-I was forced to- he said.

-Forced? Who forced you?- asked Sapphire, the first one to talk apart from them.

-Let's say the Academy forced me…

-The Academy?- she asked confused.

-I believe I told you that I came here granted the first day I came- explained Rub his tranquil smile all along- If I want to continue to attend the Academy I had to place something in the Top 25. When I saw that I had accomplished my goal I was about to shot the flare when I heard that there were only 10 students remaining, so I came to see if the other 9 where you.

-So you only competed for a grade?- asked Green again.

-Why should I compete. It's a Battling competition and I hate battling so that was the only reason- he answered like it was obvious.

-Nonsense!- yelled Green clearly frustrated- battle me right now!

-I won't battle you or anyone- he answered again.

-Then how could you arrive here if not battling?- asked Red.

-Avoiding battles- he said- I was lucky enough to be able to avoid all of them for more than 3 hours.

-What? You compete in a battling competition and all you do is run away?- asked Green.

-Yes, I wanted to avoid doing the thing I hate most in the world, so that was the only thing I could do- he answered not so calmly, Rub seemed quite frustrated too- I didn't want to compete, but I had to.

Green just stood there letting the whole conversation sink in. I don't have a clue of why he is that mad at him. Sure is quite surprising that he hate battles that much, but it's the way he is.

-Shut up and battle with me- Green said grabbing a pokeball- A full 6 on 6 battle, c'mon release your first.

-I. Won't. Battle- said Rub- and nothing you say is going to change that!

-Why not?- yelled Green.

-Because I HATE battling, how many times I have to tell you before you understand?- said Rub with a determined face I've never seen in him.

-Why do you hate them that much?- yelled Green approaching him.

-I have my reasons- shrugged Rub.

That answer was not the one Green was expecting because he began to walk towards Rub before he grabbed him by the collar of his jacket with one hand, surprising everyone. Rub stood there with his hand in his pockets looking at him in the eyes.

-What are those reasons?- he asked.

-They are my reasons- answered Rub.

-Green what are you doing?- asked Blue concerned.

-Tell me why do you hate them so much- said Green in a threatening tone.

-I hate them because I'm weak- said Rub in a serious tone.

-What?- asked Green leaving his jacket- You hate them because you are weak at them? Then train more! Battle me and show me how you battle, then I'll help you improve.

-Nope, and now I'm going to retire- Rub said turning back to leave when Green grabbed him again.

-That's not a reason. Train more and you'll improve!- Green said- It's only a matter of time.

-And what if I want to be weak?- asked Rub using a sad tone that surprised me.

-You want to be weak?- Green asked grabbing him by the collar again- That's bullshit! Nobody wants to be weak!

-Green leave him be- said Red- You're not being like always.

-Shut up Red… He's just lying. He doesn't want to be weak!

-I do- said Rub.

-Nobody does!

-And what would you know?- asked Rub before whispering something.

Green heard that whisper and he didn't seem to like what he heard because his grip on Rub's jacket only tightened. Hi face showed clear signs of frustration. Red and Gold began to walk towards him while the others seemed to be frozen in place. I had never seen Green like that.

-Can you repeat that?- asked Green almost lifting him from the ground.

-I said that it's so easy for you to be strong so what would you kn…

SMACK!

We all gasped at that. Red and Gold grabbed both Green's arms while Rub was on the floor just as surprised as we were. It was impossible to imagine that Green could've punched Rub in the face, but he did. Rub just got up and touched his right cheek were a bruise was already appearing. He had some blood falling from his lips due to the punch. Green was being hold by both Red and Gold when he yelled at him again:

-Do you know what we had to endure to be as strong as we are now?- he said- It wasn't easy to become like that. Have some respect for the things you don't really know!

-Just in the same way you respected me, right?- said Rub in a clearly annoyed tone- I understand, in some way or another, what you went through. But do you? No. You. Don't.

-Then explain!

-Shut up!- said Rub who seemed to be shaking- I respected you! I assumed that you would be fed up with all the fans and their fanaticism, so when I went with you I tried to treat you like normal people. I did my best not to bother you. You say that you don't like fans because they annoy you, but in the end when someone doesn't treat you like them, you don't trust him. You called him an enemy in his face when he stopped you from doing something you'd regret. I'm not a puppet who would anything to please you like the fans. If I don't want to battle you, I won't do it. Now if you allow me… - he said whipping the last trace of blood in the corner of his mouth- I have to retire.

And he grabbed the green flare from his bag and started to walk towards the forest.

-If you shoot that flare- said Green- You won't ever be one of us.

-I once thought that I had finally found someone to call my friends- said Rub turning his head towards us- But I guess that I was only lying to myself. Thanks for everything guys… It was good while it lasted.

And with that he just smiled and continued to walk until we couldn't see him anymore. After about 20 seconds we all heard the sound of an explosion and looking up we all saw the green light coming from there. Sapphire started to run towards the entrance of the clearing and looked frantically to every direction. When she returned her face was an open book to the thoughts she had in her mind. She glared towards Green.

-He's not here! Why the hell did you have to say those things to him?- she asked yelling.

-So you're taking his side?- said Green angrily. He was sitting in the ground after Gold and Red stopped holding his arms.

-Of course she is! We all should be- I said to him angrily.

-What?- said Green standing up.

-Since when do you punch someone for a reason like that? Since when are you the one who decides who is able to go with us and who doesn't?- I asked again.

-But he refused to battle me and he said…- Green said before Gold cut him.

-Yeah he did, but so did you!- he said- What's the matter Green? You were never like this.

-And what about wanting to battle him so bad?- I asked- Why did you throw him out?

-We are battlers- said Green- and he doesn't battle so…

-So what? Are you saying that all we are is battlers in the same group? That a person who doesn't like them can't be with us?- asked Sapphire angrily before shooting her flare- I'm not in the mood to battle right now. See ya later- she almost growled and started running out of the place.

-Green just see what you did- Red told him in calm way- You just threw someone out because he doesn't like to battle. We don't know anything about him so we shouldn't judge him. I know it's somewhat frustrating that he won't tell us much about his life, but we, of all people, should understand that. We all have a dark past and maybe he has one to.

-Just look at us Green- I told him seriously- We are probably one of the weirdest groups in the earth. We have some serious people like you, me and Crystal; a dense monster at battling; a shy girl with incredible powers who also doesn't like to battle unnecessarily; a reckless idiot- a "hey" could be heard from behind- a girl with incredibly developed senses that once was like a lady; a boy who is quite reckless too as well as a maniac of technology; a mischievous matchmaker; and finally me, the son of our worst enemy up until now. If you can trust me, then why can't you trust him?

-He never tells anything about him, he acts so different…- Green seemed to calm down a little as his voice started to low its volume.

-But why did you got so worked up?- asked Crystal.

-There's a reason…- he said- Yesterday afternoon the Pokemon Association sent me a message that I had to meet them.

-You said that you were with your grandfather…- said Emerald.

-I lied… I didn't want to spoil the great day you were having- said Green clenching his fists- They insisted in that subject. They gave me an ultimatum. They said that I had to evaluate the battling skills of every person that could place in the Top 10. Not the Dexholders, of course. They said that I had to do that and make a report for them.

-And?- asked Blue knowingly- There's more, isn't it?

-Yeah, they said that this was the last opportunity to choose the member- he explained- If we refused to make the report or we refused to include the person… They would hold a tournament and the winner would be the 10th Pokedex Holder and we wouldn't have a word in it.

-So that's why you were so angry with him- said Yellow.

-Yeah… If he had battled me I could, at least send something to them- said Green- but he refused.

-It still isn't his fault Green- I told him- He didn't know anything about that.

-Whatever- said Green standing up going out of the clearing- I'm going home… see you later.

-Wait Green!- said Blue who ran behind him.

The remaining people in the clearing finally came back to our senses. Looking around I saw a confused Emerald, Gold was looking to the place Green was before left, Yellow was hiding behind Red who was as dumbfounded as the others, and Crystal who still had her hand on her mouth.

-So how we end this thing?- I asked them- We battle? We surrender?

Blue's POV

I had followed Green from some distance since he kept a quick pace all the time. I followed him from the huge tree to the outdoors battlefields, where I had to stop and do the proper explanations because Green went directly to his apartment. After that I walked towards there and I knocked the door. I almost expected to receive the silence as an answer, but surprisingly Green opened the door and let me in. When I sat down in the couch in front of him, who sat on the chair, I started speaking.

-I thought you wouldn't open for me- I said to him.

-Are you saying that you would give up and not come in anyway?- he said.

-Of course not…- I said- I would have entered anyway.

-I'm almost afraid to ask, but why are you here?- he said then- To scold me more?

-I only want to ask you why did you really did that?- I said to him.

-I already told you- he said- I was frustrated. I had no choice to make that report, but he, the only person apart from us who was left, refused to battle. I felt relieved that he was the student at first and then he just refused to battle me. I was frustrated.

-Why did you feel relieved at first?- I asked him.

-I believe that if he was strong enough he could be the best choice in the Academy- he answered sadly- You already know that. He is the only one who has been able to enter our group. I don't mind that he comes with us… In fact he is quite fun to be with…

-So?- I asked- Why those words at the end?

-He frustrates me with all his secrets… He never tells anything about himself if he can avoid it- he answered- I know that I should respect him, but… I guess I exploded.

-That's a problem Green- I said- You hit him, and he is our friend. And all he said before he went is true. You called him a traitor, you almost forced to battle and you actually hit him.

Do you see the real problem though?

-I don't know…

-The real problem is that you try to do everything yourself- I said- I already told you that after Sapphire's party. It's like you don't trust any of us.

-That's not true and you know it…

-I do, but that's not what it seems! If you shared the responsibility a little more, maybe you wouldn't get too frustrated- I told him- We are friends! We are companions! We are a group! Just don't keep the worst things for you alone. It isn't healthy. Do you realize that you threw a friend away when he didn't have anything to do with that?

-I do…- he said- But maybe if he battled…

-If he knew that, I'm SO sure that he would've lost on purpose before bothering any of us- I tried to explain him-And more when he knows how that issue means to us.

-I know... It's just that- he said- I don't know what to do anymore.

-Green that's something that needs to change now- I said- You're not like always and the others are noticing that. Just share your responsibilities and return to be the Green they know! Return to be the Green I fell for!

Someone's POV

I was just waiting for my master to answer the call. I know that the communications between my place and the submarine are less constant and more when the base is traveling. I waited for like a minute before his face appeared in the screen. The red hair under the handkerchief was something I would recognize everywhere anytime, the same as his two-colored cloak.

-Is everything prepared?- he asked straightforwardly, as always.

-Yes master Marchie!- I said bowing my head- All the grunts arrived safely and they're waiting for the right time to come.

-Perfect!- he said- Remember our goal! We must focus on the remaining Controller. All our efforts must concentrate in capturing it.

-Of course master!

-The machine is almost finished. The Professor says that it will be two days until everything is completed- he continued- So the preparations are almost over.

-When will you arrive, master?- I asked.

-Our voyage will last for a week more- he said- Then my dream will come true and I will get my revenge. One more thing…

-Yes?

-I know that this won't be our last chance, but I'd prefer that it was the successful one- he said- I don't want complications.

-You won't have to wait more- I said vowing again- The mission will come out successful.

-I'd like that- he said- call me when this is over. I'll give you the details later.

And just like that he hung up.

Sapphire's POV

I went running towards the battlefields, only to learn that Rub had already left. I don't know how can he be so fast. I was sure that he wasn't feeling well. When he left I saw his smile, but I could also see those sad eyes too. Those dark-red orbs showed more sorrow than any single time before. I was angry, very angry at Green, but I was more concerned about Rub.

I called him twice, but he never answered. I was now standing in front of his apartment, but after knocking some times I got no answer. I rounded the house to see if he was in his room or in the kitchen, but I found the apartment to be empty. I began to think where he could be, but no good ideas came to my mind at first. I thought about the town or shopping, but I don't think he wanted to go anywhere after that "events". I started to wander around thinking when finally an image from the day I ran away from Green's place came to my mind:

-What were you doing here in the night?-I asked Rub.

-Well I was at home and I went for a walk, to clear my mind-he answered lowering his face- When I arrived here I released Zuzu and I started to teach him a new move.

-Why did you need a walk?- I said seeing his mood change.

-I had an argument with my dad- he said sad.

-Why?- I said, but he only looked to the floor. Seeing that he didn't want to talk about that I tried to change the subject- You know, I still can't understand why you didn't have friends in your school...

"The clearing over the lake!" I thought and I dashed in the clearing's direction. As I arrived I stopped running and began to walk quietly over there. As I approached I heard some sounds of rustling and splashes. When I entered I looked around to see a a Swampert playing with mud and then, sitting in the same rock he sat when we talked in the same place, was Rub. He was sitting while looking at his shoes. By his side I saw his Kirlia who was giving him a concerned look. When I approached the pair the pokemon looked up to me while Rub only said:

-You shouldn't be here Sapphire.


And that's it... the end of the 17th cahpter.

I bet that nobody expected those events to happen. Maybe some of you will despise this chapter and maybe some of you'll like it. I had planned this chapter to be this way from the very beginning so, it's for the plot. In this chapter I left some details, that a lot of you will find instantly, that will be very important.

I hope that you all liked the chapter, even though it wasn't what you thought at first.

I would like to finish thanking LC5, who edited this whole chapter, in less than an hour! IMPRESSIVE!

-I have a review to answer:
Guest 2:
That didn't happen in this one, but it will eventually and not very far away. I'm sorry, but the plot has its course. Thanks for the encouraging words!

-I have some news for the next chapter. I know that some are anxious to know what made Ruby change because it's something that I still haven't explained. You'll find the answer in the next chapter.

This said... REVIEW and STAY TUNNED!