Hey everyone and be welcomed to the 30th chapter of thsi story!
As I had expected and I'm relieved to see it happen... last chapter was the most reviewed one. It had 11 reviews saying how they had liked the chapter. That's something that make me feel so proud of myself that you'd never know. Last chapter is one of the most important in the story so it's a relief that you all found it enjoyable. This said I'm going to start now with TIME WITH REVIEWS!
novaking2832: Nothing does, that's one of the things that always give us more stisfaction. When they underestimate us... nothing beats the feeling to see their dissapointed face. XD Thanks for reviewing.
paradoxsteel: Is that or the death I believe... I'll let you see it for yourself. now you don't have to way any longer. I hope you like this one.
RionaCremisi: I'm glad yo liked it that much. They really had a good time before everything happened. You sure don't see Norman dancing. I know for experience that this kind of people are the ones who are really good at everything when they put their mind on it. And if her wife dragged him to it, he should be good. The way you're laughing at him is just because you're imagining him in the weirdest way possible. Imagine him with just a tux and her wife in a nice dress dancing something else than a tangl¡o, and it will be more convincing hahaha.
Yep it's beeen more than a year since I started, but don't worry in two months you'll have followed the story for more thatn a year too. Thanks for your review and I hope you like this one.
12courtney12: I'm glad you like it. You and your psychic mind... will never cease to amaze me. But well thanks for your review and I hope you love this one.
Valerie: It wasn't the climx, but rather one of the most important chapters in this one. If you don't like cliffhangers, you've come to the wrong story. I hope you're not dead already and you can read this one. I know I should have done that, but I had tests for that day so it was imposssible. Thanks for your review and I hope you like this one too.
comisure: Yes he was so close... I'm not sure this is the evilest, but you can think what you want XD. I'm glad you loved it so much. Thanks for reviewing.
blueshadowyshipper: Yeah that was epic, or at least I tried. Yeah he was just "teaching" her how to dance, nothing else XD. They'll try for sure and yes he gets injred a lot, but from now on maybe he won't be the only one. Thanks for your kind review.
Magnolia Dragon: I'm happy you like the story so far. Well the awkwardness in that one was something that I liked and this one... it's my favourite too. Thank you
GUEST: Okay, I won't reject it anymore... but you really like that I am a master at cliffhangers? You'll have to suffer more this way... THanks a lot!
Lazzanator: I'm happy you love it... the next chapter is right now!
GUEST 2: I'm very happy you like it ¡. And you seem that you're lucky because it's Saturday today... so you can read it! Thanks for the review!
So that's all for today in TIME WITH REVIEWS. that was very long. Way longer than any chapter before this one, but that's makes me very happy. That aside and before I leave you all with the aftermath of this battle... I'll let LC5 to get some fresh air and do the disclaimer...
YOOOOOOO! LC5 is here... Rubyspe finally let me out of the basement to edit this, I'VE BEEN IN THERE FOR WEEKS, he ain't letting me out of this building, which is somewhere in Colorado.
DISCLAIMER: If one reads this, someone send a SWAT team to Colorado and - OW, PLEASE, QUIT HITTING ME WITH THAT- OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW, just put away the minigun and we can talk about this and- OWWWWWW X(. We do not own Pokemon.
READ and ENJOY!
Chapter 30: Those endless waiting times
Sapphire's POV
-What happened here Sapph?- asked Yellow with concern in her voice.
-I was paralyzed by the grunts- I said- Rub was with me then…
-We have to find him- said Green seriously- right now!
-Wait Green, he's not an enemy… he protected me- I said.
-I know Sapph, but- he started- look at this.
I was able to look at what he had in his hands. It was a part of Rub's tux. Then I looked at the place he was standing all the fight, not moving an inch and I saw the same.
Just on the place had been standing until a minute ago on the floor was a not so small pool of dark red and fresh blood. Rub's fresh blood.
-In which direction did he run to, Sapph?- asked Red then clearly concerned.
-H-he went in…- I couldn't think straight then, my mind replaying back and forth the scene in which the explosion sent him flying backwards until he hit the fountain- in that… direction- I said finally answering the question.
-Hey, Emerald's calling- said Crystal from behind.
-Put him on speaker mode- said Green then.
-Sure- answered Crystal- Emerald?
-Guys I just saw Rub running like crazy across the battlefields- he said- What the hell happened there?
-There's no time for that now… did you see where he was directed too?- asked then Green.
-We are trying to follow him as fast as we can, but come to the living area- said Emerald, fatigue visible in his voice.
-We will have to search him, I don't see him anymore- said Silver- and he didn't seem to be okay.
-We're on our way, look for him, and tell us when you find him- said Red, then the others now running towards the apartment's sector.
As I heard this, my fear returned. He had been injured, and this time it had been only because he was with me. Those grunts wanted me, but had to get rid of him first. What they had never expected, and neither did I, was that Rub would be strong enough to beat them in his state.
Mixed images of him being enveloped in the fire and flying away, of the Contest's hall falling to the ground and the ones with Ruby falling out of Pilo invaded my mind. After those came his scared face, his hurt eyes and crying eyes looking down at me before he ran away from the place leaving me completely alone and paralyzed.
-Sapph… Sapphire! SAPPHIRE!-yelled Blue getting me out of my horrible thoughts- We have to get going!
-Huh?- I looked up with teary eyes- Yeah! We have to… what?
In that instant a white light appeared in front of me and a pokemon appeared in front of me. Said pokemon was a Kirlia, Ruru in fact, with both horns glowing strongly while she was panting a lot. She looked straight at me and levitated slowly towards me. She then looked at me pleadingly and took out her hand for me to grab. I've never seen more worry in a pokemon's eyes, so that could only mean one thing. She wanted me to go with her trainer, to help her trainer.
I didn't even think when I grabbed the hand that most probably would take me to the boy who had protected me and got hurt just to do that. To the boy that had fled scared of something I had done to him. To the boy that was losing a great amount of blood and the boy I wanted to help with all my soul.
-Go to find him, Ruru will take me there before you guys- I told them, my voice shaking a little- Hurry up, I'll warn you and try to help him while you arrive.
-Here, take Ditty with you- offered Blue and I grabbed her pokemon quickly before she started running too, while I was enveloped in a white light.
As soon as the light disappeared I noticed that I was in the apartment's section of the Academy. I looked around only to recognize the place very clearly. I was very near to Rub's apartment. I then noticed that the hand that I was holding went almost limp and I saw Ruru faint at that very same moment. I took her in my arms when I looked around searching for the boy that we were all searching for. I only could see in the darkness due to my developed sight sense, but still it was difficult.
Then suddenly I saw him and I ran to him as fast as my dress allowed me. It was just a figure lying on the ground in front of someone's apartment door, an open pokeball a feet from him. As I got closer I saw that it was Rub's apartment.
-Ditty tell them to come. I don't care how, just make them come quickly!- I said leaving Ditty and Ruru on the floor- Rub! Are you okay?
Of course he wasn't. As I got closer and closer I saw him lying on his stomach in the middle of the entrance path. He had his left arm below him and his head turned to his right side. When I finally arrived I couldn't see him move anything, I couldn't even hear his breath! With that I kneeled besides him.
-Rub! Rub c'mon, say something!- I said shaking him gently at first, tears ready to fall from my eyes. I wanted him to move, to make a noise, ANYTHING that would allow me to see that he was alive- RUB C'MON! DO SOMETHING! RUB!
But I got no reaction from him. I then took his right arm and checked his pulse. At first I found nothing and terror filled my mind, some tears already falling down my face. Then I suddenly noticed that he had a pulse, much to my joy and happiness. His pulse though was very weak. At that I grabbed the pokeball and returned the fainted pokemon, thanking her and the heavens above that Rub was still alive.
I then turned to him and I did something I would remember my whole life. I just rolled him until his front was facing me and the sight was almost terrifying. The front of his tux was nothing more than shreds, but what surprised me more was what the shadow of the sun he used at first, and then the darkness had prevented me to see.
His left side was just a bloody mess. His left arm, left shoulder and left side of the ribcage was clearly burnt by the explosion, but if that wasn't enough a lot of blood was dripping from the numerous cuts and bruises he had. The one that was bleeding the most was a gash that went from his shoulder to almost the elbow, drenching his clothes and making a noticeable pool on the floor. That arm was also bent in a way that it wasn't supposed to, the bone clearly fractured under that burnt skin. He probably had shielded his face with that arm, because aside from two bruises his head seemed completely fine. The hat had been broken in some parts, but it was still at the same place as always. Just over his, now closed, eyes.
-Ditty turn into a key for me- I said and she complied, and I went inside his apartment.
I didn't want to leave him alone, but I had to do something to stop the pool of blood to increase its size. I quickly grabbed all the towels he had in the bathroom and went outside. I lifted him as gently as I could and I positioned him on one of the largest towels. Much to my dismay as just I turned my back on it to grab an small one and turn back to see him, said towel was already beginning to be wet of his blood.
Trying to keep my tears inside my eyes, I checked his pulse once again and when I was sure that he was still alive I got a smaller towel and wrapped it around his left arm. I tried to make his arm get a good pose, in my opinion, when I wrapped yet another one around his arm, in an attempt to stop some of the bleedings he had.
-Sapphire!- I heard then Emerald's voice coming from behind me, but I never turned my eyes from the work I had between my hands.
I had a wet towel in my hands and I trying to clean his side's bruises and burns, but it was a task difficult to do when your hands are shaking due to pure fear.
-Sapphire, how is he?- said Emerald from my side, when he arrived along with Silver.
-I don't know… he's bleeding a lot- I said, my voice cracking, but I refused to cry. I had to be strong now, not a burden.
-Send Mantine out Emerald- I heard Silver then, calm but also worry in his commands- you go with my Honchkrow to the hospital. Sapphire bring Rub there, explain them everything. You're the one who knows it the best, don't you?
-Y-yeah- I said when Emerald sent his pokemon out.
-Then let's go, we don't have much time to lose- said Emerald.
Then with their help we were able to put him on Emerald's Mantine and I sat with his head on my lap making sure he wouldn't fall. I heard Emerald tell both Mantine and Honchkrow to speed up, but I couldn't hear him well enough. I was focused on the boy in my arms, trying to clear the dirt from his emotionless face. I was checking his pulse every now and then, and each time I found his pulse was getting weaker.
-We're here Sapph!- said Emerald when after what seemed like an eternity we arrived at the Hospital.
It was peaceful in there, until we both entered through the door carrying the boy between the two of us. As soon as we entered the receptionist's eyes widened at seeing us. I recognized her to be the same that had lead me to Rub's room a week before. When she saw what we were carrying though, she pushed a button and came to us quickly.
-What happened?- she asking turning her attention to Rub. He was still wrapped in the huge towel I had found earlier, but the towels around his arm had a great stain of blood.
-He was attacked by an Egg bomb!- I said as I saw a doctor come out of the doors behind the receptionist desk,- He is alive, but has lost a lot… Of blood! A-and his pulse is weak. Please help him.
-Bring an stretcher, quick! Prepare the Intensive Care room 3!- told the doctor the receptionist and a nurse that had gotten out a little later than him- Do you know what type of blood is he?
I then looked at Emerald and by the looks on his face, he didn't have a clue. The same as me, but he came up with something.
-We don't know, but he was brought here last week, on Sunday's events- he said as a nurse was coming with an stretcher- you should find it there.
-Good, could you help me put him on? – he asked and we nodded. After we were able to do that he took a quick look under the towels- Search for this boy's type of blood, he was here last week. And prepare as many bags as you can!- he told the receptionist- We're going, hurry up!
-Sure- said the receptionist, he then turned towards us- I need information about him, and I have some questions.
I then looked towards her. I knew she was right and that would speed up her work, but I didn't want to leave Rub alone. I wanted to make sure he was going to be okay. I owed him that much.
-Go with Rub, Sapphire- said Emerald with a thumbsup- I'll handle things here.
-Thanks- and I ran as fast as I could until I was running behind the doctor and the stretcher.
It was not that far, but time was passing so slowly. Then we arrived at the IC room and when I was about to enter, a nurse turned to see me.
-I'm sorry, but you can't enter, this area is for emergencies. The doctor needs to be concentrated- she said.
-You won't even notice me being there-I pleaded- I swear!
-No can do Sapphire…- she said and my tears were almost going to fall down again- This doctor is one of the best here. He will take good care of him, don't worry.
-Just… save him, please- I pleaded seeing that it was impossible that they let me enter.
-I promise… the boy will be okay- she said- and when he wakes up I'm sure that he wouldn't want to see you with those afraid eyes. We will take good care of him. Have a seat in those chairs over there, we will tell you when we've got news.
And with that and a reassuring smile, she went inside and the red light over the door went on. I just slumped down where I was. I didn't want to move an inch from where I was so I just sat down and rested my back on the wall across the door. I just hugged my legs to my chest resisting my urges to cry. Her last speech had turned a switch in my mind, like something made sense. It reminded me of three of the last times I talked with Rub before he… was attacked.
-I understand what you mean…- I said understanding his point- but what about the other looks?
-The other hurt much more- he said- they come from people who doesn't care at all about you. They look at you like they're not seeing you. You don't matter at all and they would live normally if you were never born. Receiving those looks from someone who has never talked to you is something, but receiving them from people that are in your normal everyday life in the school, town or anything like that… is something I'd rather live without
-Is there any kind of look worse than that?- I asked then, I liked this philosophical part of him. I had read somewhere that the eyes are the doors to the soul and believed it instantly, now I was just learning some more things about it and about Rub's life- seems like the worst thing to happen.
-Ye… Yes there are worse looks than those- he said sighing.
-What kind of look are those?- I asked- It can't be anything worse than the ones you talked about.
Then I saw his face change for a second. The mask was there again, and his eyes showed such a great sorrow that it seemed almost unbearable. To imagine a look worse than the ones he seemed very difficult, but his face assured me that he had seen looks worse directed at him. This was confirmed when he spoke afterwards.
-Let's just stop talking about things that could spoil this night okay?- he said with a great fake smile- let's just have fun for now.
This was just before we entered, when he received some jealous and angry looks from other people. When he said what he didn't mind them that much.
-But no one moved a finger for me- Rub said - They were horrified about what they had seen, but not of the pokemon. I was their monster. A ten year old boy beating that beast? They were more scared of me than the pokemon itself, so they just called me monster and left me to die in that park. If it wasn't for Ruru… I wouldn't be here talking to you today. I tried to think what I had done wrong, but I only found one thing: I battled. I know it wasn't my fault, and they're the ones to blame, but I was just 10! I never wanted to experience that again, so from that day on, I completely hated my battling self and battles all the same. That's why I always refuse to battle.
That was when he was telling me his story, how he battled some pokemon and was left to die by the people living in there. Just before the Egg Bomb hurt him.
-T-those eyes…
Those were the words that escaped his lips just before he ran away.
-I promise… the boy will be okay- she said- and when he wakes up I'm sure that he wouldn't want to see you with those afraid eyes. We will take good care of him. Have a seat in those chair over there, we will tell you when we've got news.
That was what the nurse had said to me before she entered. Oh Arceus… So that's why he got scared to see my face before. I was scared to death when the Salamence approached me and I was entirely paralyzed. He must've thought that I was scared of him and that I was going to leave him die like those people did!
I had to tell him, that I wasn't scared of him. That it was the Salamence, the very same one that killed Ruby on that horrible night, the one who scared me. Not him. He saved me! I had to tell him that I was eternally grateful for what he did! I had to tell him that I liked him… a lot… maybe even… loved him!
But for that to happen he had to be okay and as I thought this the image of his burnt skin, dripping with blood entered my mind again. It was horrible, so much blood!
-Sapphire- said Emerald's voice from the corridor running towards me- What are you doing here?
-They won't let me inside…- I told him with my face between my legs.
-He will be okay, you know?- said Emerald with a reassuring smile.
-And how would you know that?- I asked almost sobbing, I hugged my legs harder towards my chest.
-I don't know, but you have to believe- he said- He's on good hands, everything will be okay.
That wasn't able to cheer up. I was feeling guilty. They said it, they wanted me, and Rub got in the way, AFTER being critically injured. I didn't know why they wanted me, but I didn't actually care. All I wanted is the boy to be okay.
-He's the only one able to do it, huh?- said Emerald looking at the red light.
-Huh?
-Cheering you up, I mean. It was the same with Ruby. We all encouraged you, but two words from him and you were back into your determined self. The same happens with him-he said- I'm kinda jealous…
-What do you mean?
-You're my friend Sapphire, and I want to see you happy. But I'm very bad with words- he said- I couldn't help Crystal when she was sad back in that prison- he sighed at that- And I haven't improved through the years. He, in the other hand, almost always know what to say to encourage anyone.
-I'm not good either with words… I don't know what to say or to do- I said trying to cheer him up, ironic huh?- but you try and I try… That's what matters- I sighed- I just hope he will be okay.
-I hope so too- he said smiling weakly- Even all his, not so normal, peculiarities… - he chuckled at that- he's a great friend. It's been the best surprise of the year, undoubtedly.
-That's for su-sure- I said still fighting my tears back, he sure was more than just a friend to me.
An awkward silence came down us as Emerald sat down in front of me, just besides the door.
-Can you tell me what happened?- he asked then.
-We were outside having a walk while… talking- he hadn't ended his story- then he was just... j-just… blown away from where he was- don't cry Sapphire, you have to be strong for him. Rub deserves that much- A-an Egg bomb attack… snif… sent him flying away.
-Just like that?- he asked and I nodded.
-Then I was paralyzed by those grunts and when they sent their Sa… pokemon to take me- I said relieving the moment with a sad smile- Rub then stood in front of me and protected me. Because he had used Popo's Sunny day and all I could see was the shadow of his back, I didn't know that he was… that hurt- I said clenching my fists due to a wave of impotence as the picture of his burnt torso replayed again and again- so damn hurt…
-Was he strong?- he asked then, he was trying to take my mind of my worries and focus on something else. A good move, but it wasn't working sadly.
-He wasn't strong… he's a monster at battling. Wait… not a monster- I said, I hated this word- a master. I really wouldn't have done a better job, and I don't really think that any of us would. He was against the double of pokemon, but he used impressive strategies to fight, he then turned them against each other and finally scared the last one winning the match.
-But he said he was weak- said Emerald surprised.
-If he was weak… I wouldn't be here- I said, fighting back my tears again- And he would be dead.
-Do not say that word, he will survive!- he said then- He will come out of here and in some days he'll be as good as new.
-You can't promise me that- I said muffling my words with my knees.
-But, Sapph…
-Sapphire! Emerald!- I heard then from the other side of the corridor. I looked at them to see the other 7 people walking towards us. It was for just a moment though, because I hugged my knees and buried my face between my legs.
-Rub is inside- said Emerald- It's been 20 minutes since I arrived and almost half an hour since they brought him in. They said that they would tell his condition when they can, but they haven't said anything yet.
-Was he that bad?- asked Gold quite worried.
- That bad? No! It was worse… You didn't get to see his body, his left side…- I almost shouted in the same position, I could hardly contain my tears- that wasn't skin anymore! It was just blood! Just fucking blood slipping out of him!
My outburst made all of them silent for a minute until I heard steps in my way. I lifted my face to see who was approaching only to meet another pair of blue, worried eyes. Blue was just able to kneel besides me and put her hand on my shoulder before I launched myself to hug her. And there, in front of everyone, my fear, worry, impotence and sadness exploded in the sea of tears I'd been accumulating.
Marchie's POV
-WHAT?- I was beyond furious- WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU FAILED?
-I'm sorry master, but things didn't go according to the plan- Mike said, clearly scared.
-WHAT DO YOU MEAN THINGS DIDN'T GO ACCORDING TO PLAN?- those two executives just stood there, with their head low-WHAT FAILED?
-We managed to find Sapphire and another guy alone by surprise, but…
-SHUT UP!- I said- I don't need your version, give me my pokemon back.
He just got one pokeball from his back and threw it to me. I let my trusty Salamence out and I was impressed at how hurt he was. I took a deep breath before I placed my hand above his head then and I closed my eyes.
As soon as I did that images flowed into my brain. The images my pokemon saw from inside his pokeball at first, in which I saw Matt attacking directly that boy and Sapphire be paralyzed in place. After that I saw a white light and I knew that my pokemon had been released. I saw Sapphire's terrified face before I felt myself be enveloped in ice. After that and much to my surprise I saw the boy pose in front of her and after some seconds the battle started.
The battle had been hectic and I was more than impressed that only a boy, even in his condition, had been able to keep up, at first, and then get on the offensive. A while has happened since I saw a battle of that caliber performed by one other than a Dexholder, but his style was very different from them all. I became so mad when I saw the way he could them against each other, that I had to keep my temper to hurt Matt, very badly. HE HAD THE GOLDEN RANK! HE WASN'T A NOVICE!
My anger only increased when I saw the rest of the battle. A young boy had wiped the floor with my, supposed, right hand and his brother. Not only that, but he had made them look like fools! At the end Mike made the good choice for them, but it wasn't enough! They had failed me again….
With that I opened my eyes again, capturing my dragon again. I looked at them and I could see fear creep up in their faces again.
-You're dismissed for now…- I said keeping my urges to hurt them very badly- I'll call you later with your next orders… or punishments.
-Su-sure master- they said and got out of the room as fast as they could.
I just stood there waiting for them to leave. I looked at my right to look at that painting I like so much. A giant blue fish riding the waves, and a red dinosaur-like monster making a volcano erupt. Why every time I get close to my dream a group of boys appear to push it away?
Blue's POV
As soon as I touched her, she turned and hugged me tightly. I soon felt her muffled cries and sobs. I immediately hugged her back. I just had seen the pool of blood Rub had left next to the fountain and the one he left in front of his apartment… and there was quite a lot of it. I looked around to see Emerald talk quietly with Crystal and Gold while the others just sat down, their backs on the wall.
Green sat down beside me, while Red and Yellow sat next to him. Gold, Silver, and Crystal just sat next to Emerald then. Very few words were heard then, and even when Sapphire stopped to cry, she just hugged her knees once more and kept glancing on the door in front of her.
After a while Red, Green, and Silver offered to bring us some coffee which everyone accepted. The coffee was long gone when Green had to attend Mr. Fuji's, the Academy's principal, call. It had passed almost an hour since we arrived and Sapphire had spoken a very few words. She was almost crying again when she talked to me.
-He was explaining something about his past when this happened- she told me then, but I felt Green's arm around my neck to tense a bit at that. He too, was listening- And I know why he ran away.
-What's the reason?- I asked in a whisper.
-He was scared that he would've scared me with his way to battle- she said some tears falling again- like… snif… it had happened to him in the past. That's the reason he hates his battling self and the reason he left me there. I was scared of something when I was paralyzed, but I wasn't scared of him. He… is my savior.
-Then you'll have to make things clear to him when he wakes up- I said forcing an smile.
-But what if he…
-Don't think like that… we have to stay positive- I said- he's strong.
-I hope so… - she said.
-He still has to give some real explanations to us- said Green- and he won't get away without it.
-What…- Sapphire started, but I cut her off.
-Don't be mad with this serious guy… it's his way to say that Rub will be okay- I explained- but he's too proud to show his worry.
-You say whatever you want- said Green looking away and I saw Sapphire smile a little at that.
-You really have to show a little more your feelings Green- said then Red whose worry was really visible- It won't hurt.
-Says the densest guy on the planet- was Gold's voice this time.
With that a roar of laughs would happen… if it was just two hours ago. I could hear some faint chuckles, and see some weak smiles, but they lasted for a short period of time. No one was in the mood to laugh, not when one of our friends was in a critical condition.
Almost another 10 minutes passed until Sapphire stood up. I looked towards the door to see that the red light had gone off. Then suddenly the doctor came out of the door. He seemed surprised to see us on the corridor, but he made no comment about that. We all held our breath then.
-Your friend will be fine- he said with a smile.
-T-thank Ar…ceus- said Sapphire crying again. I also felt Green put her arm around me then.
-Your friend will be fine, but he's unconscious and I believe that he will most likely be like that until tomorrow at night or something like that.
-How so?- asked Yellow- You said that he is okay.
-Your friend lost a lot of blood before he came here, we used almost 5 blood bags, and we'll continue to check his flow regularly- he answered- He was very near death only due to the blood loss. The idea of enveloping his left arm in those towels was a great help. Some of the minor cuts had stopped bleeding by the time I opened the towels, luckily.
-You did great Sapphire- I said to her reassuringly, she just nodded with a weak, but proud smile.
-However, as you know… that's not the only injury he got. I had to sew a long gash he had on his left arm and some smaller ones. His left arm and torso was badly burnt too with almost all the burns nearing the 2nd grade of burn. In the area beneath his arm, though, his burns are more severe, reaching the third grade.
-What does that mean?- asked Emerald.
-Right now it means that this area is extremely sensible to anything. It's an easy place to get infections and it will cause him way more pain than the others. There's also a possibility that the burns would leave a mark there, but with accurate attention, it won't happen- he answered- As you probably saw, his left arm is broken too. His humerus has been completely fractured. He should be immobilized immediately, but the burnt skin, the cuts, and that long gash made it impossible, so we'll have to wait until those things heal before we apply any sort of cast on his arm to immobilize it.
-Thanks for everything doctor…- said Crystal then.
-I'm not finished- he said- those were hard to treat, but at the very end we found something as dangerous for him as the blood loss. We made the final examination when we found that he had a great bruise in his back. The first X-rays told us that he had two broken ribs and that they could be piercing his left lung- he said and I heard a general gasp- The second and more accurate ones, finally told us that those broken ribs weren't going to puncture them. He will have some trouble breathing and mostly coughing for some time, but aside from that… give him two weeks in the hospital and he'll be just a boy who fractured two ribs and his arm riding a motorbike.
-Again… thanks for everything doctor- Yellow said now.
-Can we go see him?- asked Sapphire.
-They're bringing him to his room right now- he said- ask in reception for the room number. Although I have to ask you to let him sleep as much as he needs. He's just dodged it by a not so great margin… Maybe ten minutes more and the blood in his system wouldn't have been enough to keep him alive.
-Okay doctor… thanks for everything- said Sapphire as she ran to the counter as fast as she physically could.
When we arrived at the counter she was already waiting for us at the elevator's door. We followed her inside and she clicked the button for the 3rd floor. We just waited until the door opened again and we saw a nurse getting out of a room. She just looked at us and spoke to Sapphire.
-We kept our promise- she said smiling and she opened the door letting us inside.
Then we all entered, but were reluctant to approach the unconscious boy. He wasn't wearing nothing in his upper body, but with all the bandages he had it wasn't really necessary. Only his right arm and shoulder was visible. The part of his left arm was more bandaged that the others and it was also strapped to his torso. He had a oxygen mask in his face, but on his head his hat stood like always. He had an IV tube in his right arm attached to a bag of blood. His face was a little pale in comparison from the last time we saw him, but I believe that it had been much worse than that.
We all could see the his chest rise and fall a little, meaning that he was breathing almost normally. Sapphire then approached him. She grabbed his right hand and after that she checked his pulse. We all knew that he was alive, but I believe that she needed to feel it for herself. She just looked at his face and spoke some words.
-His pulse is stronger that before- she said clearly relieved- Way stronger than when I found him.
-That's good- said Yellow.
-Thank Arceus…- was Emerald's voice now.
Everyone was relieved. Sapphire just took a seat in front of the sleeping boy while the others watched the scene quite captivated. It was quite the sight to see Sapphire so fragile. To see the normal, will powered and cheerful self turned to a fragile, worried one was something unusual. I guess that she got the bad luck to like boys that are born to be hurt physically whenever she gets involved. A bad luck indeed.
-So what do we do now?- asked Silver.
-We should go home and come back tomorrow- said Green- The doctor said that he would most likely sleep through the day.
-We'll come back tomorrow after breakfast then- said Red- I believe that they allow people to visit after 10 o'clock.
-I'm not going anywhere- said Sapphire in a determined voice.
-Sapphire, I know how you feel, but he won't wake up before we come back- I said- plus you need to sleep.
-I'll be just fine- she said.
-Sapphire, we'll come back tomorrow as soon as we can- I said.
-You don't understand!- she said raising her voice a little- Rub was hurt because he was with me and even after he got injured, he protected me from those grunts. I deserve him that much. If it wasn't for him, I would be in the organization's hands.
-That's true, but…
-And I have that misunderstanding to fix. As soon as he wakes up I have to make everything right- she said- So I'm staying.
-There's no way you'll change your mind, is it?- asked Crystal with a smile.
-Nope…- she said showing us her determined fangy grin.
-Then I and Emerald will stay with you until tomorrow. I have a feeling that he wants to make sure his newest friend is okay- she said with a sly smile.
-Somebody has to keep you company- said Emerald, why are boys so reluctant to show their emotions?- Maybe we'll sleep a little, but we'll make you company.
-We'll come after breakfast to change your turn then- said Silver- Until then, good night.
-Thanks guys…. You're the best!- said Sapphire.
-C'mon tell us something we don't know- I said earning a round of chuckles from everyone- Good night then.
And with that, the 6 remaining persons we to have our deserved hours of sleep. We had an early start to visit our injured friend.
Crystal's POV
All the others had already left twenty minutes before. We haven't said much, but the atmosphere was a lot calmer than before. Just now, Emerald had left to search for a deck of cards to spend some time playing a little. Sapphire was by my side looking intently at the boy sleeping in front of us. She had left his hand a moment ago to cover him with the covers. Right after that she grabbed it again.
-How are you feeling Sapph?- I asked her.
-I'm better- she said forcing an smile- A lot better than before, that's for sure. I was so worried when Green showed me his blood stained clothes, and when I found him… Thank Arceus the doctors could save him.
-That's probably thanks to you… you heard what he said. Maybe some minutes more…
-Don't talk about it, please…- she pleaded- I have my mind full enough of pictures of his limp and hurt body. I don't really need more.
-I'm sorry- I said- I have a doubt though… why is he wearing his hat now? It's not injured, is it?
-I don't know.
-We could take it off…- I said- and see it once and for all.
-We could, but I won't do it- she said surprising me.
-Why? You were very curious about it too- I asked her.
-I know… I still am- she said- but before we were attacked we were talking. More accurately, he was talking. He was explaining me his past and the reason he hates battles for. His explanation was something that I could've never guessed. I learnt then that this boy has suffered much more that what we though.
-What did he tell you?- I asked.
- I'll leave the details for him, because he never finished his story- she said- he was interrupted by those grunts.
-Okay, but what does that has to do with his hat?- I asked.
-It's just a guess, but he really makes it very sure that no one is able to see what's under it- she said- just like he did with his past. His past was something that it was extremely painful for him. I'm guessing that his hat it's just the same, so I'll let him be the one to decide when he takes it out.
-You know that maybe we could be exaggerating a little?- I said- I mean he could just be comfortable with it or just don't like his actual hairstyle.
-Maybe… but I don't really want to take a chance- I said.
-Okay…- I said- you said that he was very strong, huh? Stronger than any of us?
-I don't really know… maybe he's even better, maybe a little behind- she said surprising me-We would have to battle him to know for sure.
-Aren't you exaggerating a little?- she said.
-Not at all. I still can't believe some of the plans he used to fool them- she said- You said that he was so superior when he competes in contests, don't you?
-Yeah, he really is… is like he was two steps in front of everyone- I said.
-Just like when he battled. He always came with something, like he had been planning it all along- she said- and his glare… you can't even compare the power emanating from him when he battled. It was like an aura of serenity and power surrounded him. So confident in himself even if he was losing, so confident in every single one of his commands
-This guy sure is full of surprises, huh?- I said and she nodded with a sad smile- I see you admire him a lot.
-Yeah- she said, her cheeks turning a shade of crimson again- he's done so much for me. I wish he was awake already and I could explain everything to him.
-I'm sure that you'll be able to…- I said.
-So how it went for you?-she asked- the ball I mean. I saw that you were having fun with Gold.
-Just the same with you and Rub- I teased, but I soon knew that I had screwed up. Her face fell again and she squeezed his hand a little harder while looking at his masked face- I'm sorry…
-Don't be. I had a good time…- she said- And I think he did too.
-I'm sure of it, I would've never thought we would have such a good time at something like a ball- I spoke then.
-Yeah, but we did- she said- So… how was your night with Gold?
-It was- I said not looking at her, temperature rising in my face- good.
-Not enough… did you two kiss or not?- she said flashing a sly smile towards me before he turned to look at the boy.
-Erm… well…
-Did you or not?- she asked again.
-Ye-yeah… we did- I said- It was after you left with Rub.
-So how was it?- she asked.
-I had imagined it differently- I explained- I had always imagined something more romantic, like going for a walk and have it there without everyone looking. The thing is, it wasn't like that.
-What did Gold do?- she looked at me curiously without letting his hand go.
-He shouted gaining everyone's attention and when he got it…- I explained- He grabbed my hand, made me spin… and kissed me in front of everyone!
-That sounds like something like Gold would do- she chuckled.
-Yeah- I said my cheeks remaining as red as they could possibly be.
-But you're excited don't you?- she said- I'm very happy for you. You wanted it to happen tonight and it did, in Gold's way, but it did. He wouldn't be Gold if he didn't act at least a little crazy.
-Yeah, you're right about that- I said relieving the moment in my brain- It was nothing like I had expected it to be… but it was great. You don't have to worry, though, I think you have a fair shot with Rub too, it won't be long until you two do the same.
-I-I hope so- she said and I put a hand around her shoulders in a attempt to cheer her up.
-Hey I've got the cards…- said Emerald entering and closing the door- What were you all talking about?
-Nothing, nothing… what are playing?- I asked my brother figure.
Sunday 3th of November (7:40 p.m)
Blue's POV
-Okay, okay… I'll come back later- I said before closing the door, leaving Sapphire inside again…
-Everything's okay, Blue?- asked Yellow, who had come back after he was in the hospital all the morning.
-No it's not… Sapphire has been all day inside Rub's room, waiting for him to wake up- I said.
-Has she eaten anything?- she asked and I shook my head in denial.
-She doesn't want to be out, fearing that Rub will wake up while she is not there- I said- She hasn't got anything to eat since yesterday.
-But I left some things for her to eat in the morning…- she said quite concerned.
-I know, but she doesn't want to eat, she says she's fine, but she's not- I say- She hasn't got anything to sleep either and I know she must be feeling very tired, but…
-But she's too stubborn- said our blonde friend.
-Yeah… I hope Rub wakes up soon, but he could be asleep until tomorrow morning or midday, instead of today- I said- I'm worried about Sapphire.
-Me too…- she said.
With that we headed to the cafeteria, and we got one coffee each. We went to the table where Red, Gold, and Silver were sitting and having something quick to eat. Crystal, Emerald, and Green were just in line to grab something to eat themselves.
We talked about the task in hand when they arrived at the table. The agreement we reached is that Sapphire would be followed by, at least, two of us for the time being. It had been very clear that she was the Organization's aim the whole time, so that was the most reasonable course of action.
With that we all went to Rub's room and stayed there until it was 10 o'clock, the limit time to be there. With us, the hospital's staff made an exception allowing 3 people to stay the night again, but the other people would have to leave. This time, Green, myself, and obviously Sapphire, were the ones who were going to stay.
The doctors and nursed had come 5 times through the day to check his condition and once they had to change his bandages. That had been the only time Sapphire had gotten out of the room, only to wait outside without even go to have a bite, she just took off and went to the bathroom. That wasn't good. She had spent all the time before we were left alone yawning and almost falling asleep, but she refused to leave his side.
-Sapphire, why don't you just accept that you're tired- said Emerald- We slept last night, but you didn't. You've been awake almost for 40 hours and you haven't got anything to eat! Rub will be here when you've rested up a little and eat something, he isn't going anywhere.
-Shut up! If he's not going anywhere, it's because he's hurt!- she said clearly angry- And it's my fault!
That's what happened whenever we made a comment in that matter. When we were the three of us, things never improved much. Sapphire was still the same, stubborn and unwilling to leave his side. That's what happened until it was near midnight when she couldn't handle all her stress and tiredness and fell asleep. She was still grabbing his hand like her life depended on it, and maybe it did.
-Help me bring her outside- I told Green- I'm bringing her home.
-I knew you would do that- said Green with a weak smile- I'll go with you… then I'll come back.
-Are you sure you want to be here alone?- I asked him then.
-I'll read something and sleep too- he said- don't worry at all.
-Thanks Green, you're the best- I said pecking his lips- then let's go. As much as she says she's okay… she too needs to rest.
Marchie's POV (between 5 p.m and 7 p.m.)
I had asked them to come again. It a while, a veeeery long while to calm down after their failure for me to gather myself up again. I was furious, very furious. And when I'm furious, I'm way more dangerous than 3 Matt's together. He just hurts anyone who crosses his path when he's furious, but I'm different. I think, make plans, set up my revenge in a profitable way for me. Be efficient, never do things just to do them, do them for a reason. That's one of my strongest beliefs.
And I had to think long and hard before I was able to know what to do with those two guys. I had finally found it. One had served me well for so many years and the other, even his constant brutality, had also been a good grunt. That's why I took my decision.
-You wanted to see us master?- asked Mike entering with Matt again after so many hours.
-Yeah… I've been thinking about all the things you've done for the organization and I've arrived to the conclusion… I'll give you a last chance- I said- You'll go execute the 4 phase of the plan as half of our grunts. Of course you two will be just after Sird, the highest rank of all our organization. Just below me.
-So Mike wasn't your right hand?- asked Matt.
-No, and he knew it… Sird has the Obsidian rank. He's above everyone on our organization- I said. My brother is like obsidian himself, has two different faces. He can be black or grey, but he's always dark- He's done a job like yours Mike, but even more difficult. He's been an spy and right now he's doing his part of the plan.
-One thing Ma-master… if we follow our previous plan, this means that nothing has changed- said Mike- but we don't have Sapphire. What are we going to do with that?
-As I said, you go follow your part of our plan- I said- I'll take care of this matters myself. And one thing… DON'T FAIL ME AGAIN!
-Yes master- they said and left the room.
I looked around then and I went to the shelf where my pokeballs always are. I looked at that single pokemon. That monstrous dragon, my Salamence. The pokemon that had found those two boys escaping so many years ago… The pokemon that had failed to retrieve them. The pokemon that killed Ruby.
-Professor Zager- I said and he stepped out of the shadow behind the door.
-You know that they'll most probably be captured, huh?
-I know, but you have to think that they'll be under Sird's command. He's the most powerful battler in our organization- I reasoned.
-But he's also ruthless… if he has to sacrifice a few grunts to achieve his goal, he'll do it without a second thought- he reasoned back.
-I know and Mike also knows that- I said- that will be their punishment.
-Being as usual I see- he chuckled- you punish them in a way that they are useful to us. And if they don't get caught, that will be their redemption.
-Exactly- I smirked.
-So what do you want me to do?- he asked.
-I want the extracting machine prepared in the minimum time possible- I said- We'll need it when we get back.
-I'll get to it just now- he said- You can count on me master.
-You've been the only one, with my brother, that has to still fail me…- I complimented- and you better keep it that way.
Ruby's POV
White… and black. That was the first thing I saw when my eyes opened a little. I turned my face to my left and I only saw the black sky out of the white window. Some stars could be seen as well as the moon from where I was. Where was I? A quick look around and that became clear, I was in the hospital. What I was doing there?
I tried to get up but I found that I couldn't move my left arm. It hurt a lot and I had it strapped around my torso. With that I plopped down on the bed and I felt a sharp pain go from my back to all my left side. I left a grunt escape a grunt of pain and it was then that I knew that I wasn't alone in the room.
-So you finally woke up?- I looked to my right only to see Green closing his book and pushing a button that was next to the bed- You should be careful.
-What happened to me?- I said bringing my right hand towards my head and sighed when I found my hat in its place.
-Are you sure that you don't remember?- he asked and suddenly images of what happened came to my mind.
I remembered everything. The ball, us having fun, me teaching Sa… Suddenly her scared face entered my mind. I also remembered that part. An explosion, the commands, the words… and finally her terrified face. That face I caused again. After that I only remember turning on my running shoes and getting out.
-How did I come here?- I asked Green when the door opened revealing to nurses.
-Well, it's good to see that you finally woke up- said a nurse. while the other told Green to get out of the room for a while- now Green we'll have to change his bandages again and then we'll have to make some tests to him. I have to ask you to wait outside now.
-Sure , no problem- said Green turning to me-We'll have this chat later when everyone comes here. Until then I won't ask anything and I won't answer anything either. I'm not the one who has to answer you.
I wasn't even able to answer him when he got out and closed the door. Then the doctors just came to me and started to unwrap my bandages revealing some of my hurt skin to show, I shivered when I felt that the air touched the flesh.
Green's POV
It had passed almost 4 hours since Rub had woken up. My PokeGear said that it was long past 10 o'clock in the morning. I had called Blue as soon as Rub had woken up and we had agreed that the girls would be here in less than an hour, somewhere around 11 o'clock. She said that she would deal with Sapphire and make sure she slept well enough as well as eat a proper meal. Last thing I know both Crystal and Yellow had come to her house to help her with Sapphire. Knowing her and by the way she acted just the day before, they would need at least 3 pairs of hands when she would wake up and try to run towards us as fast as her legs could run.
-Hey Green- said a cheerful voice coming from the corridor. My greatest rival and friend- What are you doing outside?
-Hey Red…- I said shaking his hand, I saw Gold and Emerald appear behind him- Rub is in getting his brain scanned right now. And the nurses are putting clean sheets in his bed. They were stained by his injures last night, so I had to wait here.
-So how is he?- asked Emerald- And where is Silver?
-He's okay, a little shaken up. Well and hurt, but we already know that- I said- Silver is talking to the Mr. Fuji, explaining why we're not going to the Academy today.
-That's maybe the only good thing we'll get out of this- said Gold- and it doesn't come even close.
-For once… you've said something clever- said Emerald- so where are the girls?
-Very funny Emerald- said Gold- Crys said something about going with Blue, Yellow and Sapphire at Blue's apartment.
-Yes they went there to wait Sapphire to wake up- I said- when she does they'll make her eat and they'll come here. She said something about eleven o'clock.
-Okay then- he said.
We talked for a while until Silver joined us again. I told them how he was when he woke up and what the doctors had told me after cleaning his injuries and changing his bandages. The doctors had told me that his injuries were starting to heal, but it would be a very slow improvement the one he would have to endure. The same that it had happened when he woke up, his broken ribs would be his major problem whenever he has to change position or even move. The impact had to be very strong to break two of his ribs, that was for sure.
After another while and a little past even the nurse came out of his room claiming that it was clean now and that we could enter again. Deciding it would be more comfortable for everyone that we waited for them inside we gladly took her offer. We played some games of cards and as the time was passing an uneasy feeling was increasing inside me. I looked around and for the looks I got from Gold I knew I wasn't the only one. He wasn't playing as always and he seemed distraught. I kept stealing glances at my PokeGear clock. 11:35, 11:52, 12:03…
As the time flew by I was feeling more and more uneasy every minute. It wasn't like Blue to arrive late, much less Crystal. I found myself looking at it at even shorter periods of time, it only passed two minutes every time I looked at it at best. It was 12:17 when I decided to text her.
"Blue is everything alright. You girls are late"
That was what I was typing in my phone when I received a phone call. The ID number made me sigh in relief.
-Hey Blue- I said- Are you girls coming?
-Yes, but we got a problem- she said and she seemed to be running- put me on speakers mode.
-You're right now- I said pulsing the button.
-We are going to meet you, but we've got a very bad problem- she said- A very, very huge problem.
-What's the matter, are you okay?- I asked her and I saw all of us make a concerned, but expecting face.
-I am okay. And Crystal and Yellow are too, but…- she said and the whispered something. I didn't like the sound of that.
-But what?-asked Emerald.
-Sapphire…- said Crystal grabbing the PokeGear now- She's been…
-What?
-Kidnapped- she ended- He kidnapped Sapphire!
-WHAT?- was the general shout inside the room.
-He got Sapphire… We couldn't do a thing to stop him- said Blue almost between sobs.
-But who is he?- asked and impatient Gold.
-He's…
WHAM!
Blue was never able to finish her sentence. The sound of something colliding with a door was heard behind us. We all turned to see the source of the sound and I was scared of what I saw. A boy with a white hat over his head and wearing a white hospital gown was grabbing a crutch with his right hand. Rub's dark red eyes were nothing like those normally kind and even shy orbs. The crutch in his hand was what had made the noise, because the other end of the crutch had gone through the bathroom's door. He looked at us before sighing and returning his normal gaze upon us.
-The one who captured her…- he said before surprising every single one in the room and on the other side of the phone- is Marchie.
And closure! That's the end of the 30th chapter. I know, I'm very evil, but as you probably know... the serious shit starts now!
I'm quite happy to have finally reached this part of the story, but we're also reaching the end of it. Don't fear though, this stpry still will last for some chapters, like 7 or so (maybe more or maybe one less, just to be sure).
We've arrived with this chapter at the 30th one and I once said that thsi story would alst for 20 chapters or so... Not very accurate for my part XD but if you like this story that it's a good thing. Anyway next chapter I'm going to post all the data that thius story has by that time.
I don't have anything else to say aside from thanking all of you guys and the editor LC5 for editing this chapter.
PS: Now I've got to go and check on him.
Fuck, the guy has escaped!
And he stole my minigun!
Shit, shit!
He's behind me... PLEASE... HELP... ME!
REVIEW and STAY TUNNED!
