Hi everyone and welcome to the 27th chapter (Holy cr...p! 3 more and it'll be the 30th) of this fic. As I forgot to wish you all a merry Crhistmas... I just have to wish you all... A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I know I said that I would update before that I finished my holidays. I'm sorry, but I had never planned of having the flu in the middle of the holidays (just my luck). So sorry for that.
As I promised the first chapter (quite a long time ago XD)... it's TIME WITH REVIEWS!
12courtney12: I like to do what I promise, but I'm not always able to. So sorry for that. The ending of las chapter (the note part) was something that I thought at the lastest second, but I loved it instantly. Also that gave the name to the chapter 'cause I didn't have one planned for it, like I have with almost all the chapters. Thanks for your always, kind review.
comisure: I'm glad you're happy with them. Also what's pokemon without pokemon battles? It had been more than 3 chapter without one so I had to do something about it. And yeah... what comes ahead it's quite hard for them. I hope you're satisfied when it happens. Thanks for reviewing (you've been one of the prople who has reviewed this fic the most so thanks for that!).
GUEST 1: I love writing cliffhangers, and it won't be the last one that you'll see. I take my time to write, but you also deserve to be able to read this fic once in a while so I'll try to update more often.
GUEST 2: I'm glad you liked it! Your wish is my command (right now that I can XD).
RionaCremisi: Well I've got to tell you something. The day you've got to mark is the 2nd (because I made a mistake when counting so... tahnks for making me notice it). Nope Norman didn't know it, but he does now... maybe he'll do something about it. You'll see. Well he has decided the date that he'll tell his true identity and yeah the heavens were with him in that incidednt (and also his ability XD).
To answer your question... yeah I've played the 3 first generations of pokemon (all the gameboy and Advance versions, Colosseum and Stadium1 & 2) and then I made a great jump to play Pokemon X. I've also played quite a lot a MMO version of pokemon for computer (it's the Fire Red version and it's quite enjoyable) called PokeMMO! Aside from that... nope.
Well thanks for those reviews everyone. Reviews always improve my day, no matter how may I've got. New followers and favorites also brighten my day. Thanks for that and all the support you've given me. Before we start our Editor has something to say.
HOWWWWWWWWWW'S it going, this is your editor, LexClone5 speaking. Please excuse the lateness on this, it was partially my fault. I was extremely busy with work when I received the chapter to edit, and to top it all off, my computer broke. So I had to end up using my Cell Phone in order to edit this chapter. So enjoy your not-so-regularly scheduled fanfic.
DISCLAIMER: we do not own Pokemon, no matter how many times we wish upon the Dragon Balls.
READ and ENJOY!
Chapter 27: Awkwardness, courtesy of Blue
Ruby's POV
-Wasn't Red's apartment that way?- I asked Sapphire when we turned left at an intersection.
-Yes, but I've got to leave my bag in me and Blue's apartment- she answered- Moreover, we have time, it's been 50 minutes since they said that they were coming. It usually takes almost an hour to fly from the meeting place to the Academy.
-Oh, ok- I said as we continued to walk towards her apartment- So how is it living with Blue?
-Well… the right word would be strange- she said- I mean, not herself, it's just that I was so used to live on my own, that it feels strange living with someone else now. On the other hand is great too because I always have someone to talk with and well she's been great help this days.
-That's great to hear…- I said to her- And what about her mischievous part? I'm sure that you've seen it quite a lot huh?
-Of course I've seen it… it's Blue who are we talking about- she said before we all began laughing- I mean, she is a great friend, but she likes to tease everyone so much.
-No kidding, I just had met you when she began making fun of me- I told her.
-That's Blue for you- she said laughing too.
As we were laughing I found that something was vibrating in my pocket. It could only be my PokeGear so I immediately took it out. When I looked at the person calling I was surprised so I ended the call immediately. I then saw that we were not very far from her apartment so I turned to Sapphire.
-Uhm… Sapphire- I said gaining her attention- Someone's calling me… I'll wait you here.
-I'll be back in a little while then, don't go anywhere- she said smiling before she turned and started to walk towards her apartment. I got my PokeGear then I and called the same person that had called me 20 seconds ago.
-Dad?- I asked when I saw the face appear in the tiny screen- Sorry, but I was talking to Sapphire and I couldn't answer you.
-I know!- he said in quite a high voice- And she's been with you all the afternoon am I correct?
-Uhm… yeah- I said then surprised- but how do you know that?
-I went with all the professors to the meeting place this afternoon and guess who I found there.
-The Pokedex Holders- I said- So how did it go?
-Well, everything went well- he said with a clear hint of sarcasm in his voice- I heard what they had to explain, I even battled Silver today, and then I went to have a cup of coffee with them. The professors explained all the things they've found at the Pyramid. Everything was fine until they told me something I didn't know.
-And what would that be?- I asked with a fear that I knew what he meant.
-Oh nothing important… they just explained why Sapphire wasn't there like everyone- he said- and their answer was that she was taking care of a his friend Rub who was caught in the incident. Care to explain why said boy, Rub I think he was called, who happens to be my son, never told me that he was sent to the hospital because he almost died in that hell of fire, smoke, and falling debris, when I called him last night? CARE TO EXPLAIN IT?
-Shhhh… don't yell dad I'm outside now…- I said scared feeling rather guilty- I'm sorry. I should've told you.
-You're sorry? That's all? You're not going to explain yourself?
-Of course I will. That's what I'm going to do now- I said.
-Then start!- he said anger filling his voice and his terrifying glare, the one I inherited- I don't have all day.
- I just didn't want you to worry. When you called I was okay, just tired. I had been inside the building on fire, it's true, but at the end I was able to get out- I started to explain in front of the waiting face of my father- I woke up at the hospital the day after the incident with only minor bruises and some smoke in my lungs, nothing more. I was okay so I just wanted to save you from worrying over me when I was completely fine.
-But we needed to know, we are your parents!
-Of course you are, and I'm sorry for hiding the truth- I said.
- It's not acceptable that I had to find out because your friends told me, when they don't even know that I'm your father- he said and for once he seemed hurt- Why don't you trust us a little more?
-I trust you, but I just wanted to avoid all of you coming here- I said- Mom would be scared to death and I was afraid you wouldn't have been able to stop her from coming here to check on me. If you had come and the others had seen you then the questions would start and I don't want that. Look I'm sorry, but I had my reasons, as wrong as they might be
-STILL! You could've told us… it's not that we are unreasonable- he said sounding hurt, he clearly was- If you had explained everything to us, we would've understood everything. And moreover, we are your parents, we have to take care of you.
-I know…- I sighed- It's just that… It was a mistake I know, I'm sorry. It won't happen again.
-You really have to stop hiding things. Your feelings, who you are, your strength… everything- he said then- You're always hiding something, it's like it's becoming your habit.
-I'm not going to comment that- I said- but I'm going to explain everything to you and mom on Sunday when I come home. I'm sorry for hiding it to you.
-You better do it, otherwise you won't like the consequences- he said then very seriously- Just another thing before I hang up. I'm sure that Green and the others are going to explain it anyway, but just so you know. They want to meet my son. They want to battle him, probably next week. They said that they were going to tell Sapphire today so she can have time. I can cancel the meeting if I want or you ask me to, but they said that they're quite in a hurry. My advice is that you tell them soon so that when we meet everything's clear. I know that maybe you still think that you're not prepared, but I don't think you can postpone it much longer.
-I'm not prepared and I doubt that I'll ever completely be…- I said- that's why I've decided to tell them the next opportunity I get.
-Will be this enough to wait for the next opportunity?- he asked- What if it takes long to happen?
-The next opportunity is next Saturday so… yeah- I said- Bye dad and I'm sorry for not telling you earlier, it won't happen again.
-Bye Ruby and do what you said- he said- don't fail them now.
As I hung up I got a strange feeling. I had meant it when I said that this wasn't going to happen again, so why it felt so wrong to promise just this much. Why I felt that this promise wouldn't last long?
Sapphire's POV
I got out of the apartment roughly five minutes after leaving Rub. I had to grab some things from it so it took a while. After I got out I met Rub just at the same spot. He told me that his dad had called and that he needed to tell him something. After that we went to Red's apartment only to find that they still had to arrive. I decided to tell him the rules inside the ball then.
-So we have to dress formally AND Pokemon are not allowed in the ball?- he asked quite surprised.
-Yep.
-That's weird… I would've never expected this rule- he said then- what are you gonna do?
-Go with it… what other option I have?- I told him.
-I don't know… it's just that I assumed that you all would be against it- he said.
-We are against it, but there's nothing we can do- I explained- I don't really want to be expelled of the Academy.
-Me neither- he said- I suppose I'll do the same then. I just hope Blue don't tease us too much for going… it's going to be embarrassing if she does.
-I don't have any hope Rub, she going to do just that- I said.
-I know, but hope is something you should never lose- he said laughing, but it was rare, something in his tone made me feel like he was saying it seriously.
-Hey there lovebirds!- we heard Blue's voice call.
-Blue can't you stop teasing every single person you see?- said Crystal while Blue was laughing at mine and Rub's predicament.
-You were right, there's really no hope in Blue's case- he whispered smiling before standing up and going to meet all of our friends.
Just after this we all greeted each other, but something told me that the others were quite hungry, the same as me I might add, because everyone rushed inside to start preparing our meal. Yes, when I say everyone I mean that not even Gold complained when he was asked to prepare the table along with Rub and Yellow. With all working as one, the meal was prepared in less than twenty minutes. We all sat down and started eating. We were halfway into our second dish when we stopped talking about the day in general and we started to talk about the meeting.
-So how was the meeting?- I asked them.
-It was okay, we explained everything that happened there and they listened to us- said Red.
-We had to explain everything, from their tactics to their supposed goals- said Blue- with that they suggested the measures we have to take from now on.
-And what are them?- I asked them when something clicked in my mind- And what about their supposed goals? Do you know what they're after?
-We don't know, but we do know that we are a threat towards that- said Silver- It's safe to say that we are their major threat in their path and that they'll deal with us first.
-It makes sense- I reasoned.
-The measure we're going to take in this case is this- said Green- no one of us is allowed to go alone anywhere until this issue has finished. Not me, Red, you… no one. This way if something happens we will be able to do something about it and we'll be more protected this way.
-Okay…- I said- we'll do that then… So what about the professors? How's my dad?
-He's okay, they all are- said Blue- when we told him about your apartment he was quite surprised and worried. He seemed okay with you living with me for the time being. He was quite surprised when we told him that Rub was caught in the incident though.
-Who wouldn't be… I mean it's still a mystery how you were able to get out – said Emerald looking towards Rub- can you tell us what happened inside?
-I can't remember everything, everything happened so fast and in such an amount of time that it's difficult to remember everything- said Rub from his side two seats away from me, he sat on the corner while Emerald sat between us- I remember Red commanding everyone to help him and then doing what he said. I tried to help, but at some point I lost consciousness while I was trying to escape with some kids. The last thing I remember was telling Zuzu to use Dig while we were falling inside an enormous crack.
-But I was never there!- jumped Red startling everyone- I was outside with Blue trying to extinguish the fire. I never entered, only to take out every person we could find. I didn't save the day inside so don't give me merits that are not mine.
-So seems like someone used your name to command everyone- he said- Still, you all saved the day in there. Many people died in there, it's true, but…
-19- said Gold in annoyance- 19 people died.
-Okay so 19 people perished there- he said quite sad at the thought- but without your help this number could very well be ten times higher.
-That's true guys- I said then surprising some of them- I was down too because of that, but what Rub said it's true.
-That's the same thing that Norman said too- said Yellow then-You know? Norman, your dad's friend, the one who protects the professors at their research place.
-Talking about the investigation and seeing that this issue just brings us bad memories…- said Green- do you all want to hear something about the Pyramid where my granddad, Sapphire's father and Professor Elm are working at?
No one said anything, but by the faces everyone made, even Rub, it was clear that everybody wanted to know. I had no doubt that my dad would tell me on Sunday, but I wanted to know now.
-Seeing the interest I'll do it then- he said chuckling- Well… listen and please don't laugh at me. I know that some of the information I'll give you may seem stupid, but remember that it comes from three of the most reliable people in this planet.
-C'mon Green don't make us wait!- said Emerald- just spit it out!
-Okay, okay- he said then- first of all minor earthquakes have been happening there, gramps said the this happened almost twice a day. That's the reason because they are still trying to enter the Pyramid. Because the epicenter is always below it. The problem is that they can't enter no matter what they try.
-Why can't they?- asked Gold- isn't there a door?
-Yes, there is, but it's impossible to open or break it- he explained- I know what I'm talking about because I tried to do it. They also tried to dig around to find a way to access, but they always reach a point in which they are unable to get through the ground. This brought them to the most interesting discovery in there.
-And what is it?- asked Crystal genuinely concerned.
-In the valley live lots and lots of different and very strong pokemon, that's one of the reasons that they requested protection- I said- but all of the pokemon have one thing in common. Not a single one of them is a part or complete Psychic type, not even as its secondary type. Also some other pokemon that have Psychic abilities like Noctowls don't develop them there.
-What does that mean?- asked Red quite surprised- How can this happen?
-The answer is simple… Pyschic abilities don't work there and Psychic moves don't have any effect at the valley. They saw this when they used some Psychic pokemon to try and discover another entrance to the Pyramid. Because of that they are still unable to find one.
-What do you mean that Psychic moves don't work?- I asked then- this is so weird.
-I know, but it's true- he said- Your dad was the first to come with the hypothesis and all three of them say that something about the place neglects the effects of Psychic moves.
-Wow… this is… impressive- said Crystal- That something would do that…
-It's really something that science can't explain- said Rub then- but again not everything can be explained by that. Some things go far beyond that and more when we talk about pokemon. If pokemon were a matter that we could understand perfectly, the Professors would be useless- he said chuckling- and that's not the case at all.
-You're right Rub… if we knew everything about it- said Yellow taking out his Pokedex- we wouldn't have this. It's one of our jobs too, to learn about them.
-Yeah that and save the world- said Gold- quite the jobs we have, but I wouldn't trade them for anything.
-So any other discovery?- asked Red to our friend.
-You ask it like it was nothing. They've only been there for less than 3 weeks and they've discovered so much.
-Yeah... science takes time Red!- said Crystal- Don't be so impatient!- Gold was trying to control his laughter at this point, making all of us look at him questioningly.
-I never realized how funny it is to see you scolding someone, Super Serious Gal- said then.
-Maybe that's because you're always who gets scolded Gold!- mocked Emerald making all of us burst out with laughter, even Gold who was having his particular good time.
We laughed for a good minute before we eventually stopped laughing. For the first time in days I saw a sight that I loved to see. From my right, front, and left, all I could see was smiling faces, the faces of my, now undoubtedly 9, best friends. It had been more than a week since the last time I saw it. The last time we had dinner together, Rub was in the hospital and I was very depressed and worried. Before that, there was the incident with my apartment, and before the argument between Rub and Green.
That thought slightly changed my mood because of something I had just thought about.
-Just something that I want to ask you guys…- I asked them- Did they say anything about the 10th member thing?
I saw the mood sinking rapidly, not to a sad one, but a rather worried one.
-They didn't say anything about it- said Blue then- but we have to tell you something about this matter.
-In fact it's quite good that Rub is here now that we're going to discuss it because it's time he knows why I went on a rampage on him last Friday- he said looking directly at him.
-It's okay, Green everything was settled then, there's no need to do anything else about it- said Rub from across the table.
-Still, I'm going to do it- he said- The day before the Battle Royale I was asked to meet the Association chairman and his counselors. There, they gave me an ultimatum. They said that if we didn't choose the final member, they would choose it themselves. Their method would be hosting a tournament where the winner would be the one who would join our group. As always they would think in money before anyone's happiness, but it was clear that we wouldn't be able to do a thing to stop it. The last chance they gave me was to evaluate the people that ended in the Top 10 in the "Battle Royale". Of course I was quite sure that we all would be in this selection of people, but that also gave room for another person to be part of it. It meant that the last battler standing apart from us would be the one who we would be able to see if he or she was worthy or not to be one of us. In fact it didn't even have to be a good option, because all they said was that I had to evaluate said person and send them a report. If I didn't do that, then they would host the tournament.
-And then I came and refused to battle any of you- said Rub understanding- I didn't know this, if I did…
-You have nothing to be sorry about, it was my fault that I kept this thing to myself and because of that I treated you badly- he said- Nothing you had done until then deserved a punch in your face.
-I'm glad you told me that… but as I said, everything is okay now, so no need to apologize- Rub said- but what has this thing has to do with the thing you wanted to talk with Sapphire?
-I was wondering that- I said to him.
-Do you remember that Green met Norman when we were in the middle of our exams and that he made a proposal to him?- asked the other red eyed boy in the table.
-Yeah I remember something about it- I said truthfully then pointed to Green- You battled him then.
-Yes it's true- said Green- I battled with him that day and Silver did it today too.
-You did? Who won?- I asked curious to my red head friend, one thing I know for sure is that he never goes easy on anyone.
-I won, but it wasn't easy- said Silver- we used 2 pokemon to fight. The first battle was Ursaring vs. his Vigoroth which he won with good moves. I was able to beat it with Weavile and then I was up against his strongest, his Slaking. It was a very good match until I was able to beat him completely, even if it was a close call. Your dad's friend is probably the strongest Gym leader we've ever seen.
-So he's that good huh?- I said curiously- My dad always said that he was quite the battler.
-Damn right he is!- exclaimed Gold- This emo here had a rough time against him. We were all surprised when the Vigoroth used Endure and then Reversal to beat Ursaring.
-It was a good idea for his part, that's right- said Silver- So yeah, we battled him again to see if what Green said was true or not. We don't doubt his words, it's just that he could've been lucky when battling him the last time, we wanted to make sure of that.
-Why?
-Because that day, this man made a proposal to us- said Red- He said that maybe we should battle with his son, whom he claimed to be stronger than him, to prove ourselves. What we want to say is that we thought about accepting his offer.
-You mean battling someone we don't even know to test our strength?- I asked quite surprise- How good could that do?
-It would show us two things- said Green- The first one is our level. If we had a challenge with someone that was beaten by that guy, he must be a very good challenge too.
-And the second?-I asked not quite pleased by the turn the conversation was taking.
-One option- said Blue- I don't really know how to say this so… here I go. We are thinking of making that report for the Association about him if he is really good.
-What?- I said surprised.
-Just hear us out until the end please- pleaded Green, unconsciously I looked towards Rub who had his eyes fixated in me.
-Okay, I'll listen to you then- I said trying to calm down.
-Thanks… Look is not that we want another member, but it's something that is going to happen sooner or later because they'll impose someone if we don't do anything. It's like killing several birds with one stone. We practice and we see our actual level. On top of that I have something to write to the Association and then we meet another good battler.
-On top of that this boy is the son of your father's friend so I'm sure that it won't do any harm- said Blue- I mean, if he was a complete stranger we would expose to some of our techniques being known, but with him we won't have this problem, do we?
-I don't think so…- I had to agree with them that the only bad point I could find about it was the possibility of adding a new member.
-Will this mean that he will be your ultimate choice for a companion?- asked Rub surprisingly.
-What do you mean with that?- asked Red.
-I mean if that he will be the one who will be your choice all along or that you only report about him as an option and only an option. If it was the later this doesn't seem like that of a big deal.
-It would be the later I guess- said Green- of course that he wouldn't be seen like another random choice, because he is one of the people that we chose, but it doesn't mean that we have to automatically agree to incorporate him. It would also show that we're trying to do it. They might give us more time if we do that.
-Maybe they'll do it- I said then- Okay, I agree with you. We'll battle him, I'm curious as to know Norman and I also want to know his son. If our dads are friends, I believe we can be too.
-I'm quite surprised and pleased that you agreed- said Blue.
Last time a thing like that only seemed to happen I went on a rampage as soon as I heard the first sentence. I suppose that I've matured a little since then, when Rub fell into the lake because of me.
-Can I ask you something Rub?- asked silver and the ruby-eyed boy nodded- Why did you ask this? Do you want to be taken as an option?
-I answered this same question back in Sapphire's birthday party- he said.
-And the answer was that we didn't need anyone as weak as you and that we were only curious about you, not really taking you into account- said Green then surprisingly. When did that happen?
-So what would your answer be now?- asked Silver then.
-I am way too weak to deserve to be one of you- he seriously said shoving a mouthful of yogurt into his mouth quite calmly.
With that and for a single moment, I saw his mask back into his face. I know it was because we asked him about battles, but since he told me that he wasn't ready to tell us the reason, I decided to put it to the back of my mind. I didn't have much more time to think about it before Gold brought out his Poker-pack and we started to clear the table in order to play a little before we headed home.
After an hour we rediscovered some things. Gold has an immense good luck in Poker, Red can't lie for his life, Crystal doesn't like to play it, Green and Silver are quite good at it, Emerald's goes All-in more times than I can count (leaving him with the only option of asking for more coins to play even if he was out for the count), that my intuition is what keeps me in the game for so long and that Blue likes to cheat in it a lot.
The most incredible thing was the new player in the group seemed a natural player. He didn't have Gold's luck, but he almost won all the same. How he did that? Easy, he never repeats strategy. He is a master at bluffing and playing with our minds. Along with Gold, they won half of the rounds, but only two with a good hand. He used one mask after another. He started slow, quitting at the first flop in the first four rounds. The next one he won with nothing more than a pair of 7s. Of course he lost some of the rounds, but the number of bluffs everyone believed couldn't be counted with the fingers in both hands.
The results were quite representative of that. Emerald was the last after Red, Crystal, and Blue (for cheater). Silver and Green came next. Yellow and I were out at the same round (beneath the shy exterior there seems to be a little vixen when playing poker) claiming the third place. The final round was a rushed one in which Rub lost everything because Gold had an extremely lucky shot with a Royal Flush. Right after cleaning the little mess we had, we all headed home.
I was smiling happily on my way towards Blue's apartment, everything had happened the way I wanted it to be. As soon as we arrived and entered to the apartment Blue dragged me to the sofa.
-Okay, I've done my job in trying to wait until we reached home to ask you, so I want to know…- she asked grabbing my hand- The signs back there were good, but really… What did he say?
-He agreed to come with me to the ball- I said happily- He'll co...
-Alright!- squealed her then taking me into a tight embrace, one of her monstrous one. We stayed like that for a while until she finally let go of me and she sat back into the sofa-So now… tell me everything I want to know all the details of your afternoon with him.
-Okay, okay- I said sighing. "Seems like it will be a while until I get some sleep" I thought.
Thursday 30th of October
Blue's POV
-Don't you ever give up Blue?- I heard my youngest female friend complain again- We've gone to all the shops in this mall and we still have to find something for me to wear. Hell! We went to another mall yesterday to find one, and the only thing we found was the dress YOU are going to wear, even though you didn't need one.
-Relax Sapphire- I told her- We still have two more shops to go before this mall is out of options.
We were having a break at the café of one of the two small malls that are on town. We had been there for two hours since we got here after having lunch at our own apartment. I was still eager to continue, but the main reason we were here, Sapphire, kept complaining and we finally gave in.
-Two more?- she asked in annoyance- You told me that there only were 4 places in this one where we could go.
-The other two were my last resources- I said- Those two are more expensive than the ones we went before, that's why I left them for the last. I can't understand why you didn't like that last dress I found for you, though.
-You mean the red one?- she asked- You didn't expect me to wear that did you? I could hardly walk in that. It was way too small.
-C'mon you have to make some sacrifices!- I told her- With that dress, you would have all the boys looking at you.
-Yeah, like I was some kind of slut!- she countered quickly.
-I'm sure that with that dress you would have Rub on your feet in no time- I then said.
-I'm afraid that we missed something in this conversation- I heard Crystal say and I immediately panicked. I had forgotten that all the girls were helping Sapphire in this shopping trip and that they didn't know her secret. Talk about screwing up- What do that mean with that?
-Nothing, nothing!- said Sapphire blushing madly and waving her hands in front of her face- she's... just teasing! As always! That's what Blue always does!
-So you finally realized that you like him?- asked Yellow with a tender smile surprising all of us.
-Wh-what?- said Sapphire almost falling down- What do you mean with that?
-C'mon I think it's safe to say I was right- she said then- Or can you tell me that I'm not?
-Well, I don't really… - she said looking at me then at our two other friends. She sighed soundly before she continued- You're right.
-I knew it!- said Yellow.
-How did you know?- asked Sapphire- I thought I was hiding it well. I just realized it about two weeks ago and I thought I wasn't showing it that much. Am I really that obvious?
-I don't think so, I'm quite surprised right now- said Crystal from the other side.
Crystal may be very smart, but in the love territory, she's the densest of us. I found it so obvious that she liked Gold, but she took a lot of time to realize that. Not that she has told us yet, but seeing all the hints that are everywhere when they talk AND the stalking we did in their date, it couldn't be more obvious. Yellow, on the other hand, is not dense, Red is (and very). She has liked him since a year after we escaped from that prison, but her shyness always prevented to do anything in that direction (before inviting him to the ball).
Sapphire's problem was clear. The ghost of Ruby never stopped haunting her, for either good or bad situations. He encouraged her when he was alive, and after he died, he became her will, her determination. But he also left a void inside her that I doubted that would ever be filled. It was a crush at first (a great one), but then he gave his life to save her and she felt useless and a burden to him. With that she never saw boys as options for her, she would remember Ruby always, so she never even thought about that. That was before Rub appeared of course, and I couldn't be happier for her.
I'm probably the one who thinks about their love the most of us because, apart from all the teasing, I like to fight for their happiness. When I was little, I never had anyone to rely on until I met Silver and he relied more on me than the other way around. That lasted until we met those eight more people and I could make my first friends. At first I used cheerfulness as an act to help both me and Silver, but thanks to them I was able to use it to finally be and make someone else happy. I owe them that much.
-Are you sure that you didn't see this coming?- said Yellow.
-Now that I know I can understand it, but I never thought it would happen this quickly if it did happen.
-Yellow, please answer me… How did you know?- pleaded Sapphire- Am I that obvious?
-Don't worry Sapphire, you… you're not that obvious- she said.
-Then how did you know?
-Your behavior towards him is almost the same as you have with us- she said- You two have so much chemistry that you seem to have been friends for quite more than only a month and a half. I also never suspected that it would happen this early, but… I believe that with the last events, things may have speeded a little.
-Maybe… I've known that I like him for almost two weeks now…- said Sapphire- but yeah, if I had a slight doubt of what I felt, it totally vanished last Sunday.
-So that's why you want to go to the ball?- asked Crystal- to impress him?
-Let's say I made a bet with Blue here to try to stop her teasing and I lost- she said looking at me with a smirk - The bet was that she had to tell her feelings to Green before I did the same with Rub.
-Sapphire!- I almost yelled at an attempt to stop her from speaking that, she just smirked and mouthed "Payback" to me before I was bombarded of questions.
-So you finally told him?- asked Crystal then- And what did he say?
-We're boyfriend and girlfriend now- I almost growled while looking towards Sapphire who was almost laughing her heart out.
-That's great Blue- said Yellow with a happy smile- I knew you were looking for that.
-Yeah I was- I said.
-So how did it happen?- asked Crystal.
-Let's say that I was trying to make him see what he was doing wrong about some things- I explained- and while doing that it kinda…
-Slipped out of her- ended Sapphire then- As much as she likes to tease us in those matters, she herself can be quite insecure about them.
-Who would've guessed- said Yellow smiling.
-Cut me some slack!-I said then- I mean, Green can be a lot of things, but he's not the most expressive guy on the earth. I could find some hints here and there, but I had to look for them so much that I feared that they were just coincidence. But everything's okay now.
-I can understand- said Yellow sadly.
-But don't worry- I said then trying to turn one of our friends as the main focus again- I can't really wait until you and Red do the same. And the same goes with you Crystal and Mr. Immature.
That caused two different and expected reactions. On the one hand Yellow began to gain color before her face was the color of her crush, or more. She tried to hide it covering her face with both hands, but she couldn't. On the other hand…
-Me? With Gold?- asked almost yelling Crys- As if!
-Crys, c'mon it's so obvious…- I told her- Why don't you drop the act?
-Obvious? What's obvious?- she asked looking quite angry- That he's very immature, that's what is obvious. That he doesn't care about anything, just to have fun, that's obvious.
-You can't be still in denial Crys- I said then- you should've way passed that stage.
-I'm not in denial… I don't like him at all!- she said stubborn.
-C'mon Crys drop the act- said Sapphire in a bored tone- We all saw you at your date with him, and you seemed very happy.
-That's because… wait, WHAT?- asked a very flustered and angry looking Crystal- You did what?
-We stalked you- I said glaring daggers at Sapphire, who was just drinking another sip of her coffee, Crystal was never supposed to know that,
-What? Who? When?-asked Crystal- And most of all… Why?
-We all were in the Academy that day- said Yellow apologetically- We only wanted for your date to go perfectly.
-And you have to say that we did a good job at it- said Blue, after this comment Crystal sighed soundly.
-I don't really what you did and I don't want to know, but yeah it was a good one- said Crystal, still red and embarrassed, but less angry- Way better than the way I had imagined it.
-What did you expect?- asked Yellow.
-I expected to have a good time for a while until he saw another girl, a waitress, whatever… I was totally expecting him to go and flirt with other girls, but much to my luck all the girls seemed to be elsewhere- she explained- And I have to say that she didn't even flirt with the waitress and she was cute.
-Yeah , that was totally luck- I said then laughing nervously- But yeah, it's true that was something that could've happened. But I have a solution for that problem.
-You do?- asked all of my three friends then very, VERY, surprised.
-Yeah it's very simple, actually- I said- I know you like him and that he likes you even if he never said it, but he always flirts with every cute girl he meets and that annoys you to no end. The solution is easy… Ask him to be your boyfriend.
-What? You can't really be serious!
-I am! Look it this way… Now he's trying to get your attention, but when finally gets it he always stay close to you even if you're only beating him up- I explained- Be his girlfriend and he'll only have eyes for you. Not that he really has eyes for anyone else.
-I'm not going to do that- said Crystal then- Period.
-Okay, okay… jeez no need to get so worked up- I said looking at her- it was just a suggestion.
After that we all finished our share of drinks before standing up and starting to walk towards the next shops we were going to go to find a dress for Sapphire. Seeing how picky she is I knew it would be quite difficult.
-Are you sure that you don't want that dress Sapphire?- I asked while walking.
-How many times I have to say it- she complained- I don't like it.
-But you still have to like a dress in these two days- I said.
-That's not true Blue- said Crystal- she did like that dark blue dress we found at the third store.
-Yes I did- Sapphire said.
-Yeah, too bad that it they only one they had was two sizes bigger than what should've been.
-Yeah, that's too bad- I said- That dress was my size and not Sapphire's. If I hadn't bought one yesterday, I would've bought this one today.
-Just to rub it in my face?
-Of course not… I liked it for some reason- I said then- Come to think of it… Why did you like it? It was not that different from the others.
-Do you know that when I was a child I used to wear dresses a lot?- she asked us.
-Yeah- we all answered or nodded.
-I don't like to wear them now because they remind me from the part of my life when I was weak and just a burden to everyone- she explained- But for some reason that dress reminded me from one of those I wore back then. It reminds me of my favorite one, but in a darker shade of blue.
-Maybe we could ask them to adjust it to her measurements- said Yellow.
-It wouldn't work, they would need more time than three days to send it, repair it and bring it back here- said Crystal- and they already told us that they won't be receiving any other dress until next week so…
-Yeah I have to forget about this one- she sighed- let's go to those two stores.
Yellow's POV (an hour later)
-I can't move freely in this thing- complained Sapphire again.
-You don't have to move freely, Sapph- Blue whined- You have to look beautiful in a dress.
-But I don't like pink!- she complained again.
-C'mon Sapphire, just give in! This is the last dress you can try on!- she said- You have to buy something to wear, and they're going to close.
-I'm sorry, but I'm not buying this one or any of the others I've tried on…- she ended the discussion then.
With that the store finally shut its doors and we were standing outside. Blue was scolding Sapphire like a mad girl for not liking anyone of the dresses she picked for her. In Sapphire's defense, I have to say that half of the choices weren't the type I would wear, even if some of the ones she picked where very elegant or beautiful. On two of them she looked very cute even if it was clear as day that she didn't like either the color of that it would be beyond uncomfortable.
When Blue finally calmed down we started to go out of the mall. We were at third floor of the building so we had quite the way until we reached the exit and we went home. Just as we were walking through the first floor, the one that specialized in clothes for men. I took just a look at one of the shops we passed when I spotted a white had behind a shelve. I thought that this kind of hat reminded me of someone when he turned, stood up, turned around and went to pay for something to the cashier.
-Looks it's Rub- I said to my friends.
-Rub? Where?- asked Crystal, while Sapphire was looking around frantically.
-In that shop- I pointed to them and just then they saw him getting out of the store. He noticed us when he turned our direction, maybe he was heading out too. Walking quickly he came towards us.
-Hi girls! What're you doing here?- he asked casually.
-Looking for Sapphire's dress- said Blue- but she's too picky and she doesn't like a single one that we picked for her.
-I'm not picky… I just don't like them to be uncomfortable or too clingy- she defended.
-As I said… too picky- Blue continued- So what're you doing here, Rub?
-I was buying a new tie- he said signaling one of his bags- And some sewing materials too… I still have to finish repairing that coat you had in your apartment. I'm sorry.
-Don't worry about that- said Sapphire- you already repaired most of the ones I needed the most. I can't ask for more.
-Wait sewing materials?- asked Blue all of a sudden- You sew?
-Uhm, yeah Blue- said Sapphire- he's repairing some of my wardrobe and he was the one to make me THIS bandana and THESE gloves.
Just them something seemed to click in Blue's mind.
-Rub!- he said startling us all- You're coming with me. RIGHT NOW!
-O-okay- he said quite dumbfounded- but where do you…
He wasn't able to finish asking where they were going to that Blue grabbed his arm and was leading him across the corridor and finally to the stairs that let to the 2nd floor. The 3 of us were left there quite dumbfounded by Blue's behavior.
-What the hell was that about?- shouted Sapphire after 30 seconds.
-I really don't know...- I answered- but Blue seemed decided to do that.
-Yes and when she's like that you don't like to mess with her- added Crystal.
-That's true…- said Sapphire looking nervous for a moment- Can I ask you something? Can you keep acting like you usually do around Rub, now that do you know that I like him?
-Of course- we said in unison.
-Thanks… it's just that I don't want to make things awkward until I finally confess to him- she said.
-I understand- I said- But when do you plan of confessing?
-Part of the bet I made with Blue was that I would invite him at the ball- she answered- the other was that I had to confess there. Not that I'm against it, but it scares me.
-I don't think you have to be scared about anything- said Crystal- I think that he might like you too.
-I'm quite confident that he does- I told her- just… don't chicken out at the last moment. Like I've done so many times.
-Thank you, all of you- she said- it's really helpful. And I'll say the same Yellow, you don't have to be afraid. Heck, I would bet my gloves and bandana that Red loves you too without any fear to lose them.
-You say it like it's one of your precious possessions- Crystal pointed out.
-They kinda… are- was the shy response from her.
Soon after that we stood there waiting for Blue to come back with Rub while two of us were trying to get rid of our respective blushes. I have to ask her the method she uses because it worked much faster than mine. And you would guess that I would be a professional at getting rid of blushes because of the great amount of times I've had to deal with them in my life. The thing is, I'm not.
After five minutes of the three of us talking about what dress we would use in the ball. At the middle of the conversation we saw Blue and Rub appear at the end of the corridor, walking towards us. Rub was carrying a surprisingly large bag at his right hand while he carried his two other bags on his left. I looked at my two companions only to see them with the same face of stupor as me.
-Hi again- said Blue with a happy grin taking the bag from Rub's hand- Now let's go to my apartment. We have a lot of things to do and little time to do them!
-Wait a moment!- said Sapphire- What's the matter? Where did you two go and what's in this bag?
-I'll tell you when we get there- said Blue cryptically.
-I'll see you in a while then- said Rub.
-What do you mean?- I asked him- And where are you going?
-I have to leave and grab some things in my apartment- he said then- I'll see you in 15 minutes at the apartment.
-O-okay- said a bewildered Sapphire.
-Then I'm off, see you all later- he said quite awkwardly and he lf the place in quite the hurry.
-The let's also head to the apartment- said Blue leading us to the other side- We have to hurry so we'll take the roof and go there flying.
And we just did that. We went up until he found ourselves at the top of the building when Sapphire let of his Pilo I send out Kitty and Crystal used Tupeon. Blue hoped on Pilo with Sapphire, but kept telling him to go faster and faster. I don't know the reasons but in less than five minutes we were in front of her apartment.
-Blue can you please tell us what's the rush?- I asked while healing a Kitty a little, who had to use a lot of energy to bring me at such speed.
-Get inside, I'll explain everything there- she said opening the door and signaling inside.
Once we got inside the apartment we all sat on the sofa. She then stood up and grabbed the large bag she had brought from the mall and opened it for our eyes to see. When she took out the piece of cloth that was inside the bag we gasped. This was the same exact dress that Sapphire had liked before. I have to say that even it's cute and the color suits everything about her so perfectly.
-Why did you buy this dress Blue?- asked Sapphire in confusion- It's not my size.
-This was the only dress you liked from the two mall we've been in the last 48 hours- she said- And there's no way you're going to the ball without a proper dress that you like.
-But it doesn't fit her… it's too big- I said to her.
-That's nothing that a "virtuoso" at sewing can repair- she said casually.
-Wait a minute… You didn't!- said Sapphire with some annoyance in her voice.
-Yes I did.
-What did you do?- I asked- I don't understand.
-She asked Rub to make some adjustments to the dress- said Crystal- isn't it?
-Yes, I did- said Blue- When I realized that he could make the adjustments I brought him to the shop and showed him the dress. I asked him if he knew how to repair it and well… he agreed. He said that his mother knew how to do it and that he would ask for her help. He went to his apartment to gather his sewing supplies and that he was coming.
-You didn't have to ask Rub- said Sapphire- I'm sure he has more important things to do and plus this will be hard work.
-I know, but this he agreed to do it. Be happy about that and stop complaining. There's something I have to add though…- she said mischievously when we heard three knocks coming from the door- good now he'll be the one to explain everything.
-What do you mean Blue?- asked Sapphire while Blue opened the door for him to enter- Oh hi again Rub.
-H-hi- he said rather awkwardly then before he turned to Blue- Did she approve your idea, Blue?
-Of course she did- assure the mentioned girl- Now come with me.
With that Blue grabbed Rub's right hand and Sapphire's left one and leaded them to her bedroom. She mercilessly shoved them inside and closed the door before locking it.
-Wait Blue! What was that you wanted to tell me?- asked Sapphire's voice from the other side of the door trying to open it- Blue? BLUE! Why did you lock the door? BLUE! Answer me!
Ruby's POV
-It's locked from outside Sapphire- I told her quite nervously- You won't be able to open it.
-You know what she wanted to tell me?- she asked me- She was about to warn me about something when you came and said that you would be the one to explain. And why did she lock the door?
-So she didn't tell you…- I sighed- She locked the door because you wouldn't run out.
-Why would I do that?- she asked- You're here to help me with that dress, aren't you?
-Of course, but I'll do that at home- I said- not here.
-Then why are you here?- she asked me.
-Because I have to make something to know the size of it…- I said rather awkwardly- You know what I mean?
-Of course, you'll have to know my measurements I suppose- she said way more calmly that I had expected.
-Are you not bothered by that, even a little bit?
-No, why should I?- she asked rather oblivious.
-I mean, of course I have to take your measurements- I explained- But aren't you bothered by it?
-It's just some measurements…- she said- it's no big deal.
-It's not just measurements- I said- It's the measurements needed for a dress. I need three of them at least.
-What are those?- she asked.
I tried to explain it to her, but the words were stuck in my throat. How should I tell her that I needed the measurements of her… I looked at her as my teenage hormones finally starting to work. She had quite developed from that girl. She had gotten taller, all the features of her face had matured too. But what mattered right now, was that she had also become more… curvier. She was no longer that child I had that crush on. She was a beautiful teenager girl. I was cursing Blue under my breath for my incapability of doing that.
-So what are those Rub?- she asked again.
When she asked that I took the measuring ruler I had by pure luck and I took it out and held it in front of her.
-This is what I'm going to use- I told her- the measurements have to be quite exact. And they are… this ones.
I just signaled them with the measuring tool on my body. I wasn't looking at her while doing it so I didn't know what was she thinking. When I had done so I looked up only to see her looking directly at me with a very flustered face. When she saw me looking at her I saw that she directed her gaze at the floor.
-Now you understand?- I asked.
-Ye-yeah…- she said- It's not what I expected it to be.
-You know… you can refuse if you want to…- I told her - I can understand.
She stayed like that for a minute as in thinking about what I had just said. For my part I was searching for ways to make this less awkward. I looked at her again and she was looking at her shoes still. After a while I was about to try and leave when she tugged my jacket.
-I… I really like this dress- she said then- I would really like to go the ball with it.
-O-okay then- I said.
-So how do we do that?- she asked her voice trembling a little.
-The… normal way would be doing it with the least clothes possible…- I said then blushing madly.
-I… that's… erm- she stuttered.
-But I could try to do the marks directly as you have your dress on-I offered then- and forget this measurements thing.
-I would prefer that- she said giving me a shy fangy smile.
-I will take more time- I said- but it's the best way. I'll to try to adjust it correctly.
-Thanks- she said- and please don't…
-Don't worry I won't peek- I said then.
And with that I turned around and she began to change. I assume.
Yellow's POV (30 minutes later)
-So you're telling me that Rub is taking her measurements?- I asked then.
-Yep- our devil friend said nonchalantly.
-How could you convince him into doing that?- asked Crystal- In there, the atmosphere has to be beyond awkward.
-I know- she answered with a smile- I just told him that it was the only one who could do it.
-And that's a lie- Crys guessed.
-It's not- she said- I only omitted other methods of doing just the same thing. Rub is a smart guy, he'll be able to think about something.
Just at that moment the door of her room opened and Rub came out with a rather flustered face. The door was shut immediately after he came out. The only things he was carrying was his sewing supplies, a notebook, and the dress.
-How did it go?- asked a cheerful Blue.
-I've got what I need- he said in a low voice- I'll try to have it done for Saturday at noon. See you at the Academy.
-Bye Rub… thanks for everything- Blue said while the rest of us waved at him with an apologetic look.
-Is he gone?- asked Sapphire's voice from the other side of the door.
-Yes- answered Crystal.
The next thing that happened in a moment. As soon as the answer was given she came out of the bedroom dressed as always and rushed towards Blue's throat. Both me and Crystal had to grab her when she almost launched at her.
-Let me get her!- she told us- I've got to murder her!
-Now, now Sapph- she said in a scared voice- What did I do?
-WHAT DID YOU DO?- she growled trying to break free- I asked you to try to not make things awkward between us! And what did you do? You locked me inside a room with him and asked him if he could take MY measurements!
-It wasn't that bad, was it?- she asked then.
-It wasn't because he found out another way to do it!- she growled again showing all of her fangs.
-I knew that he would be smart enough- said Blue with a smirk.
-So you knew other ways?- asked Sapphire- Don't let me down Yellow or Crys, 'cause if you do, Blue here is going to die!
-Calm down Sapph- I tried then
-You shouldn't be so mad… it was just an innocent prank- she tried to defend.
-An innocent prank?- her voice full of incredulity.
-Yes, innocent- she tried to argue- plus it's thanks to that you'll have the dress you want to wear for him at the ball.
-I… can't argue with that- she said with a noticeable blush in her face- But it just doesn't explain why you had to do that.
-Look, I'm sorry- she said then- I won't do it again…
-You better not- said Sapphire throwing her a glare.
With that, both Yellow and I left her hands free while we were afraid that she would just jump at her again. Much to our relief, she didn't and she sat on the couch at the other side of her. I looked at Blue, who was spinning her bedroom door's key in her hand, when something clicked inside my head.
-Wait a moment… if you locked them inside- I said gaining their attention and pointing at the key in her hands- How was Rub able to come out?
Saturday 2nd of November (5:00 am)
I looked at the clock again only to see that I was only able to sleep for another hour. That was the fourth time that this had happened this night. I was so nervous that I almost couldn't sleep or when I did I slept only for a few hours before waking up again after half or at the best case an entire hour.
Why am I so nervous? That's easy. Today is Saturday. Today is the day some of us had awaited for so long…
Today… is the day of the ball!
So that's it for today. As you see now what I meant for a kind of different chapter was that this chapter would be lighter. It's also got some important things, but well it was lighter compared to the ones that preceeded it. Don't be afraid. This is what we could describe as the calm before a storm.
I had a lot of fun writing this one, mostly the second half. There are some characters that are fun to use for their personality, and Blue sure is one of them (always scheming something).
Next chapter will come back to the usual storyline and we'll maybe see a POV that we dont have much information of. I'm not going to spoil any furhter so... there.
To all f you that read, favorite, follow or Review this fic, as well as LC5 for his hard work and commitment, THANKS! Now I'll go study again... I end my exams next week so don't expect a chapter until then (sorry).
Not much more to say... REVIEW and STAY TUNNED!
