Hi everyone and be welcomed to the... Let's see 34 plus 1 equal to the square root of 900 plus 40 divided by 8 so this is the... 35th chapter of this story! (who said that maths were difficult?)

I know that it's been more than two months since I posted my last chapter. I already told you back then that I had two jobs and so on. Just two weeks ag the one that kepot me occupied from Mondy to Friday ended and my last year of normal university started so now I've got plety more time to write. I'm ver, very sorry that you all had to wait so muc more this chapter to be out and maybe you find that my writing has become a little bit rusty, so sorry for that (leave all you burning forks aside please...). This said, next xhapter won't take as long as this one to be out. I SWEAR!

With thiscleared (tries to avoid your glares and forks some of you still have in your hands) it's TIME WITH REVIEWS!

Shimo no ko: Wow, change of name? I was surprised by that XD(it doesn't bother me though). I'm glad you like Ruby's battle strategies, sometimes I believe that I abuse them, but I love them so much (I really have a soft spot for strategists). Yeah well, I like this kind of characters too (like Giovanni). Maybe it' won't be the last time you see him. Thanks for your review!

Well guys... THIS ONE (the same that has reviewed every chapter since the 16th chapter), IS THE REVIEW nº 200!

Comisure: I'm glad you liked the chapter so much, it really makes my day to know that some people likes them a lot. Thanks for you support!

Valerie: Well another one that loved the battle scene (I like that Xd). Well Ruby still hasn't told anyone, but I know that we're not that ffar from it. You won't have to wait that much from. Thanks for the review!

Guest: I'm going to keep it up don't worry. I hope you all love this new chapter too. Thanks!

Janianovi: Sapphire is different in this story that in the actual manga. Maybe it will be very barbaric, very feminine or a mixture of both. You'll have to wait some more chapters for that though. Thanks for you kind review!

And that's all for today in TIME WITH REVIEWS. I've gotten a lot mew favs, followers sonce the last update. That rose the number of followers and favourites to the story to 73 and 83 each while the number of view exceeds the 32.500 and I've got 204 reviews. As always I've got to thank you all for those unnexpected good results. I owe a lot to you guys, and oif course I have to thank LC5 for waiting patiently until I finsihed this chapter. Thanks a lot to all of you!

Now our good editor has something to say.

Hey everybody, it's ya boi LexClone5 here, here to tell ya all about my new Youtube channel that's gonna be starting in the near future. I'm not gonna tell you the name of it, or maybe I have already, and just forgot. But in about a month, when I finish purchasing all of my new computer parts, my friends and I will be starting a gaming Channel solely dedicated to playing Nintendo games. Then after that launches, I can get to work on revitalizing my old Youtube channel, rebranding it as "LC5 Gaming" where you can see any other game that I decide to play. So get hyped for that Nintendo action coming November to a local computer or equivalent Near YOU!

DISCLAIMER: WE OWN ABSOLUTELY NOTHING... THAT IS ALL! (I CAN'T STOP SCREAMING!)

READ and ENJOY!


Chapter 35: Three fronts

Emerald's POV

-Mantine dodge to the left!- I commanded just in time to avoid some rocks that were falling from the ceiling.

-We have to get out of here… if this continues, this place is going to crumble down!- said Silver.

-I know, but what do we do?- I asked him.

-Escape from where we came from!- he said- and quick!

-Okay, Mantine, I need your top speed for this- I commanded.

Everything was a mess. Since Groudon had woken up, all the place had started to shake furiously. The lava at the bottom had risen too, so that the temperature was almost unbearable. The titan had noticed us long ago, but never looked at us twice before everything started to shake even more violently. The magma also rose more, when rocks from the ceiling started to fall. So dodging all the rocks we could, some impacted with Mantine or even us, we went directly towards the place we came from. I now had a cut in my left leg and Silver had another bump in that same shoulder.

We arrived at the place we fought against all those pokemon and instantly returned my Mantine when we went running towards the same stairs we used to enter. As we hurried up, we were met with the same rocky door we struggled so hard to open.

-The path is blocked Silver, what do we do?

-I don't know- he said grabbing his shoulder with his right hand- but now that Groudon's up we have to get out of here and lead it to where Kyogre will be.

All the time the ground was still shaking violently, even more than before. We then arrived at the door and was starting to try and open it someway when…

BRRRROOM!

The door opened itself. Remembering what happened earlier I quickly passed through it, Silver hot on my heels. As we finally got out the sight awaiting us left us speechless. The sun was shining more than ever before. The plants around the Pyramid seemed to be drying every second.

-Silver, Emerald!- those were Crystal's voice that came from above us.

When we looked up we saw her on top of her Xatu while the Professors were also flying. Prof. Elm was on top of Xatu too, but Prof. oak and Prof. Birch were on top of Green's grandfather's Dragonite.

-Boys take the air too, we have to get out of here!- yelled Prof. Elm- the floor is burning and can only mean one thing.

-What one?- I asked when I saw Silver sent his flying type out and get on it.

-That this place is going to erupt!- he said and I immediately did the same.

I still doubted that this statement would be true, but it hadn't passed 30 seconds when the sound of a huge crack resonated throughout the valley around the pyramid and then a huge crack appeared just in front of it. The ground in front of the Landbirth Pyramid shattered and a vertical stream of lava was shot out of it burning everything it encountered in its path. All kind of pokemon running out of the place could be seen.

-I see that you were able to awaken it…- mentioned Prof. Oak- Are you all okay?

-For the most part- mentioned playfully Silver, but he wasn't joking, his left shoulder wasn't as okay as it had been.

-So how is it? Is it so magnificent?- asked Prof. Elm.

-And where is it?- asked Prof. Birch then.

-You can't imagine how it is to be in front of this beast- said Silver.

-And for where it is… look at the crack again.

And there it was… The huge ruby colored monster was getting out of the hole that it had created itself. The titan had sharp claws and razor teeth, but that wasn't the most frightening thing. Not the size, the shape of his body or anything like that… what was frightening us was the power the emanated from him.

Just being outside made the sunshine be twice as intense. Lava was still going out of the hole and when the pokemon roared again three new craters appeared in the valley around the Pyramid. Then he looked at us and a deep and powerful voice appeared in our minds.

-So you're the ones who woke me up after so much time?- the voice said-Pathetic.

And without another word the monster roared again creating an powerful earthquake this time. After it stopped, a minute after, the lines all over its body gleamed and I swore I almost saw a hint of a smile in his face.

-So it was as I presumed, my old enemy- the voice said again- It's time to end what was interrupted 10 thousand years ago… Kyogre!

Blue's POV

I felt movement and my body shake a little and I opened them instantly. I regretted doing that just after doing it because I felt a pinch at the back of my head and I closed them again. After two more seconds I opened them again more slowly and my vision cleared little by little.

When I was able to see I noticed that something was giving me a piggy back ride, but I couldn't recognize it. I looked at the side to see the same… pokemon giving another one to Sapphire, it was her Blaziken. At the front of our group was a boy wearing a black jacket and an orange one handled bag. Rub had his omnipresent hat on top of his head too. What I noticed then was that we were running inside the a metallic corridor, the same I had used to enter.

-You're awake?- he asked without turning his head- Are you okay?

-I believe so… What happened?

-You were KOed when Sapphire made you collide with the wall…

-That's right! How's Sapphire? Is Kyogre still controlling her?- I asked then startled, everything that had happened was coming to me quickly.

-She's back- he said and I sighed in relief.

-How did it happen?

-Let's say… that no one can control a truly confident Sapphire- he said in a voice of admiration- Are you okay, though? You seemed to have an small concussion.

-Well… my head hurts a little now, but I'm fine- I answered- Though I still think that I should be the one to ask those questions to you… How can you run like that? You have two broken ribs and a broken arm, for Arceus sake!

-It doesn't hurt-he said then serious.

-How can all this not be hurting you?- I asked- What about your burn skin? Or all the cuts?

-It just doesn't- he answered.

-You must feel some pain…- I said- I know you have to.

-We really have to focus on more important things other than if I feel pain or not- he said- I can run thanks to my running shoes. And that's all.

-You're just hiding the truth again… like when…- I said, but I then realized something- like almost all the times that we've asked you something. How do you expect us to trust you if you don't?

-Of course I trust you… And I know that my secretism has done nothing but harm- he said- It's partly my fault that we're in this mess… I knew something you didn't and it could've helped a lot.

-Then why do you do it?- I asked.

-Because I'm a coward.

-How are you a coward?-I asked then bewildered- You're risking your life to win this. You're not a coward.

-I am, if I wasn't I would've helped you earlier- he said, sorrow in his voice.

-You're being even more reckless than Gold now, that's not cowardice.

-My difference with Gold is that he doesn't think before doing these things- he answered- while I do. The first thing I think about is the possible dangers that my actions can bring… The only difference is that this time I decided to ignore it and do what has to be done.

-Are all those dangers you talk about, physical?- I asked then.

-No.

I stayed silent then and I thought back to what Sapphire had explained me when we waited for him to come out of the Intensive care room. She told me that this boy was strong and I almost believed her completely when she told me that we wouldn't have done a better job. Now that I've seen him battle seriously I believe her completely. All his strategies, like the first one when he singlehandedly disarmed all the grunts from 2 of their pokemon. Or the backup pokemon he had left outside since the beginning to strike at the given time… and then that simple, yet super effective strategy that made my Blasty's attack knock out almost every pokemon on the field, or… The barrier he created to protect us from Toro's, overpowered by the Sunny Day's effect, Blast burn that ensured our victory.

He had almost everything planned since the very beginning and what wasn't planned he pulled it off very well with quick thinking. As I expected this wasn't part of the problem, the problem seemed to be something psychological, just as he had just told me.

-Rub…- I said slowly and he turned to look at me with a curious expression- She wasn't scared of you, you know? It was the…

-Stop- he just said then before turning his gaze back.

-But…

-I'm sorry Blue, but this is a conversation between me and Sapphire-he said- I know your intentions are good, but…

-But what? I'm telling you the same that she has wanted to say since you escaped from that fountain on Saturday night.

-I still need to hear it from the source- he said.

-If she had been awake when she regained control, it would've been the first thing that she would've said.

-She was awake, but I made her fall asleep again as soon as she was- he said- We'll have this conversation with her, and all of you afterwards. We'll have it after this war.

-You're just postponing things… like always- I sighed- Will you ever stop?

-After this is over, I'm going to explain everything as many times as you want. Just put on with me for a little longer.

-You already know that we'll do it- I chuckled- I just want to know something.

-What is it?- I said when we reached the same place from where I had entered.

-I'll wait after we get out of here to ask it- I said getting off Ditty who quickly transformed into the gum-like creature he really is.

Rub stopped then for a second and helped Toro leave Sapphire on the floor gently and after thanking Sapph's fire type he recalled it back into his pokeball. He then took another one of her Pokeball from her pack.

-What pokemon is that?

-It's Relo, Sapphire's Relicanth- he answered- The same one that I used to enter.

-So you didn't teleport from your room?

-Ruru teleported me from the room just above the jail Sapphire was in- he explained- Ruru was too tired to Teleport me from anywhere further than that.

-Oh okay… So how are we going to go outside- I asked- The door was open when I entered, but now it's closed.

-We'll open it from inside- he said.

-But that will attract the other grunts- I reasoned- We have to make sure that we don't get captured now, we have to use the fact that we haven't met anyone.

-That's just it, if they wanted to ambush us or try to capture us again, they would've already done it.

-Why can you assure that?

-Because Malcolm is still free and I'm very sure that Marchie knows that we rescued Sapphire- he explained- That's why I think that in this very moment he has more important things in his hands than us.

-So you're saying that Sapphire is not important for him anymore?

-Since he obtained her power, she hasn't got anything else that can interest him- he explained- he tried to capture some of us using her as a bait, but since he couldn't now he's using his resources somewhere else.

-That means that Malcolm is doing something else than pursue us now…- I understood- but what?

-I have an idea, but right now we have to hurry- he said- we have to get out of here, Sapphire must be healed and we must…

Right then and there though, Rub was interrupted by his PokeGear ringing. He just took out his earphones and turned on the speakers mode before answering it.

-Crystal? Everything's okay?- he asked first.

Crsytal's POV

-Tupeon fly above Groudon!- I asked my flying type- Now use Psychic to try and slow it down.

-Mantine use Hydropump on him- was Emerald's command.

But it was really no use. As soon as my pokemon eyes glowed blue a thin blue line appeared around the pokemon. It seemed to be effecting him, but the monster kept advancing as nothing was happening. With Emerald's attack though, things were much worse.

Normally water based attacks are super effective against earth types of pokemon, as the Pokedex had told us, but this wasn't exactly the case. The sun was blazing so much that the heat was unbearable. So unbearable that our water type attacks almost evaporated completely before even touching the titan. Not only that, but water all around us began evaporating too. A small lake, a tiny river… All the water began to evaporate as soon as Groudon even entered the field of vision.

It was a living hell, literally. And the most horrible thing was that we were all useless in front of that thing… It didn't even glance at us, the earth titan was ignoring us completely. No attack had even fazed him, not even when Prof. Oak's Dragonite used Outrage or when Silver tried to combine the Hydropump attacks of Kindra and Feraligatr.

-Crystal we have to think of something!- was Prof. Elm's voice- At this rate…

-I know, but I don't know what to do- I said- it's just so strong!

Just then Groudon stomped on the ground way harder than it had done before. The ground below us started to shake where radial cracks appeared around his left foot. After that he continued to walk towards our final destination while a massive torrent of magma erupted from the center of the cracks. Volcanic boulders and rocks fell from everywhere you could look, forcing us to dodge them. Just after that Groudon opened his mouth only to let out a great fire ball that when collided with the surface of the lake, evaporated every single drop of water leaving us astonished, to say the least.

-Crystal, we need to do something…- was Silver's voice.

-I don't know. We've tried a lot of things, but anything worked- I said.

-Then ask Rub- said Emerald- He is the one who knew where Groudon was and he's the one who explained everything to us. He'll know what to do.

-That's a good idea Crys… If someone has to know something that we don't- said Silver- it's him.

-He's the mastermind of this strategy after all.

-Okay, sure…- I said before taking out the PokeGear- Call Rub.

I waited for some seconds while the beeping signal could be heard until someone picked the call. As I hoped it was Rub.

-Crystal? Everything's okay?- he asked just as he got the call.

-Kinda… I mean, it's great we found what we were looking for- I tried to explain- We awakened Groudon.

-Good, what's the problem then?- asked Rub clearly concerned, he had caught my distraught voice.

-I don't know how to describe it…- I said- It's nothing I've ever felt. I feel like an ant in front of a skyscraper. We're trying to do everything in our hands to make it stop destroying everything, but we can do nothing.

-What do you mean?

-The intense heat is unbearable… with every stomp an earthquake take place- I started explaining- while there's nothing else than some roads and plain fields when this arrives to town… it will disappear. The town, the Academy… everything.

-Have you tried to attack him or to lead it to somewhere?

-Yes we have, but it's useless- I said.

-Explain…

-The pokemon isn't even looking at us… It just ignores us like we were mere flies- I said- and all we try is useless, we can't even leave an scratch in his red skin.

He didn't answer immediately after that, like he was thinking. I was waiting for his response with a lot of anticipation, because we really needed to do something to stop him. It wasn't before 20 seconds later that he started talking again.

-Then stop what you're doing and leave it be- he then said much to my surprise- Send your current coordinates to my PokeGear and just forget about Groudon.

-What? Why?- I exclaimed surprised- It will destroy everything Rub. We're only forty minutes away from town, and I can see the highway full of cars in his path.

-Do what I tell you… I'll handle things there myself- he said leaving me confused- Just go towards where Red and Green are battling. They need you. You must hurry up.

-But…

-It's not a negotiation Crys- Rub said in a stern voice- You've done your part perfectly, but things here are not good either. Red, Green, and Yellow are strong, but they won't be able to win alone. They need your assistance, quick.

-Okay, then… but what do you mean by handling this yourself?- I asked- You're supposed to be in your bed! Where are you?

-I'm where I have to be- Rub said-Bye Crys.

I stood silent then… I looked around us to see the desolation a simple Pokemon had created in just mere minutes. I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it all. I looked around to look at my friends who were still trying some things, but all of them turned out to be useless again. I approached them.

-The only thing that would work are the ultimate moves…- said Emerald.

-Yeah, but I'm not sure that even those attacks will do much damage on it- said Silver- plus if we injure it a lot right now, it will have a disadvantage when battling Kyogre.

-That's true- said Prof. Oak, who had approached them with his Dragonite and the other professors.

-I know what to do… but you won't like it- I said when I arrived- it's what Rub asked me to do.

-And what's that?

-To leave and go help the others at town- I explained- they're battling a lot of grunts and they need us.

-But what will happen with Groudon? We can't simply leave it here- said Silver- it'll destroy everything in its path. Including the main road…

-Rub said that he would deal with that…- I said.

-Rub is in the hospital… how is he going to deal with anything?- asked Emerald.

-I'm sorry, but you're wrong…I don't know where Rub is, but he's not in the hospital- I said.

-What do you mean?

-When I asked this he answered… "I'm where I have to be"- I said- anything else. And I have the feeling that he didn't meant his bed.

-But he's injured! He just woke up today after a day of sleeping- yelled Emerald- after almost being killed.

-I know, but that's what he said- I explained- So what do we do?

-I say we do what he wants- said Silver. Seeing our surprised faces he continued- We can't stop Groudon so we are useless here. Furthermore… if he says he's going to take charge of it, it means that he knows something that we don't.

-Are you sure of that?- asked Prof. Oak.

-That's what he's been doing since he met us- he explained- He knew a lot more than what we dared to think from the very beginning, but he kept it for himself. I want to believe that he wanted to make sure that his suspicions were correct before alerting us.

-His plan backfired then- I noted.

-That's absolutely true - said Emerald- but without him, we wouldn't have any opportunity to win this.

-That's also true…

-So we do that? We just leave Groudon be?- asked Emerald- What about the people who lives around or even cross the main road only some minutes away from here? We should do something about it.

-You three should go to town and help the other Dexholders- said Prof. Oak- The ones who will do this task will be us.

-Are you sure of that?-I asked the three of them.

-We just can't do nothing when my daughter is captured- said Prof. Birch in a sad tone- Since I can't help at rescuing her… I'll take some work from your shoulders.

-And the same goes to us- added Prof Elm.

-Seems a fair option- said Silver- We'll be off then.

-Farewell my boys- said Prof. Oak- be strong and have faith in yourselves. You're the only ones who can fix this.

-You also take care- said then Prof. Elm.

-You too, you'll be dealing with Groudon here- said Emerald.

-We'll do it. And please- said Prof. Birch in a sad tone again- save my daughter.

-Don't worry about it…- I assured- Sapphire will be fine.

Norman's POV

-As we accorded… Janine you go right as a first wave- I said- Erika you also go right, but wait a little. Wattson left, in time with Erika. Juan you'll be the last.

-Sure/Yeah/Understood- they said in unison.

-Then let's get on your positions-I said and we all took our positions.

The battle didn't start as well as we planned too. At first the plan had worked well, the aerial group made huge damage between the enemies lines and the different groups had advanced well between them, even if slowly. That was at first though, because soon after that dozens of grunts came out of the main building surrounding the aerial group. Brock had two of his pokemon out and both Falkner and Winona had had to retreat to avoid further damage. Right now we decided to approach our main target, to free the North building.

One of the things that had allowed the grunts to recover so much lost terrain was thanks to this building. While the other grunts came out and made some of our allies retreat the grunts were restoring their pokemon's health using the high-tech machinery to do so that was installed in this same building.

Since the building held so many advantages to both sides, it was the building that came to be the most important of them all, aside from the central one. That meant an obvious thing, it would be the best defended one, the hardest one to get. Luckily my team was good. Juan is a Water type expert, teacher of non other than Wallace the strongest gym leader all over the world. Erika is a Grass type gym leader. She's young, but fiery and not a lot of people can handle or understand the great amount of combinations type that Grass types can allow in a single battle. She's probably the most adaptable one.

Janine is just a teenager that had to take over the gym when her Dad was arrested. The association has kept a close eye on her, but she never took the path her father did, so she's been gaining experience as a gym leader since a very young age. Bravery is one of her best traits, her athletic capabilities is another one. Lastly, Wattson's experience is very well-known across the world. Blaine, Wattson, and Pryce are the three oldest Gym leaders around, and therefore, the wisest ones. He is very energetic and cheerful, but when you battle against him his seriousness will also appear. With their speed and power and all the experience Wattson has, his electric types will be very hard to handle.

Right now we were almost in the starting place all over again, behind said building. Thanks to the aerial attack we were able to pass the two first defensive lines all around the perimeter quite easily, but the third one was something entirely different. The amount of reinforcements made it almost impossible to break it. I was only due to a change of their tactics that we were able to do so. And even if it was beneficial for us at first, I'm sure that it won't be something to celebrate in the not so long run.

-Slaking, start digging- I said to my strongest- You too Vigoroth. Do it like I told you.

The pokemon only nodded before they made their way into the ground just in front of me. I looked at the other pokemon I brought with me. A Linoone at my left, my Spinda slacking off in front of me, my Flygon hovering at my right and another one of my Vigoroths. A very good team, the best I have.

Seeing that all the team members were prepared to attack I nodded towards my pokemon. My Spinda quickly entered Vigoroth's hole, while Flygon took me in the air just above them. My other Vigoroth and Linoone were returned. I wanted them to know the plan I got in mind, but they would be needed later. It was then that I gave the start of our attack.

-Fire blast on the entrance!- I whispered and my Flygon did as I told.

The Fire blast wasn't aimed at any of the pokemon or grunts that were guarding the entrance. It was just aimed at the floor when it exploded creating a little cloud of smoke. That had the wanted effect on the many guards that were designed in front of the building. I smirked when I saw them sending out quite a lot of pokemon like expecting an immediate attack, which of course didn't happen… like they expected.

-Now Flygon- I murmured and just afterwards my pokemon unleashed again another Fire Blast.

When the attack touched the ground in between the mass of pokemon, the only thing that happened was that they saw me in the air. Someone might say that this was unfortunate, but it wasn't. The plan we agreed with had a lot of phases, it was very complex and, of course, it had some risky parts. One of them was this one, one of the most.

-Flygon dodge left, use Double team!- I said when a lot of copies of me and my pokemon were made in the sky.

We were able to avoid most of the attacks that the pokemon on the ground launched at us. Rock blast, Hydropump, Icicle spear attacks that attacked the wrong clones … but not all of them. They had a good defense prepared and when they noticed that my pokemon was a Flygon, they bombarded me with the best they got. Launching a lot of Ice ball attacks, Flygon was able to evade a lot, but at the end three of them collided with her. Those attacks weren't fatal if it wasn't for the Icicle spears that followed with the inevitable result. My pokemon fainted and I fell.

I just covered myself while falling down, trying to receive as less damage as I could from the attacks that they launched at me while falling. Not able to send out any other pokemon while covering I felt pain every time that of the attacks slashed my skin. Luckily the speed I was falling proved to be a huge problem for their accuracy. I thanked Arceus for that, for the mean time.

BOOM!

That was the sound that made two Hyperbeams going through the earth just under the foes pokemon. Slaking and one of my Vigoroth's attack were strong enough to cause a lot of commotion and even some major damage on the ones that got caught in the middle. Of course all the attention was directed towards the newly created hole. Funny that the only thing that they were able to see while the smoke cleared was a dancing silhouette. With that, the real attack began and I arrived to the ground.

Erika's POV

-Your turn now Tangela, Vine Whip- I said focused at the events in front of me.

All the grunts were surprised when that Hyperbeams pierced the ground and quickly redirected their attention towards it. Seeing the power of the attack everyone was expecting a huge monster getting out of it, but when the silhouette of that dancing pokemon was seen everyone was surprised. A Spinda… Only a Spinda was in front of them and it was dancing, just dancing… What could such a weak pokemon do? Win a war!

-Are you okay?- I asked when I heard steps behind me.

-I've been better- said Norman and I looked at him- but it's not as bad as it seems.

He had scratcher all over his clothes and one huge cut in his right leg and another in his left arm. They were bleeding, but the strong Gym leader had already bandaged them with parts of his torn red jacket. Due to the color it was difficult for me to see if it were bleeding or not. I hoped the latter.

-When we get a break we'll examine these wounds- I said.

-Of course, just like we agreed to- he said- now let's begin the next part.

And indeed it was almost my time to enter the fight, as I saw both Janine's Crobat and Venomth doing their attacks just upon Spinda. Since the grunts were just focused on the dancing normal type they were unable to see what was going to happen in just mere seconds when…

-What kind of joke is this!- yelled a grunt- Hitmonchan use Mach Punch on this joke of a pokemon.

-What? Why the fuck did your pokemon attack mine?- asked some annoyed grunt.

-Hitmonchan I told you to attack the Spinda!- said the same grunt- Now Sky Uppercut!

-Don't do that!- yelled another grunt, but it was too late… the pokemon used the attack effectively sending a Camerupt flying away.

As I was saying, the real fight would start as soon as… they got fed up and started attacking the seemingly useless pokemon. The pokemon that, with the help of Janine's pokemon, had confused all the pokemon around it.

-It's confused you idiot! That dance wasn't anything random!- said one of the grunts- it was Teeter dance!

-Recall all of your pokemon!

-Mean Look Crobat!- was Janine's shout from the roof of the building we were trying to enter.

-Well, seems like it's really my turn- said Norman- With me Linoone, Vigoroth!

And after releasing his pokemon, the normal type gym leader took off running. His first command came soon.

-Spinda, stop the Teeter dance and use Skill Swap with Walrein!- were his commands when he directed all the attention to himself again- Slaking, Vigoroths use Flamethrower, Thunderbolt and Hyperbeam! Spinda Psybeam!

-It's just one opponent, we can't let him take us all!- I heard one grunt say.

-He's not alone! Crobat, use Wing attack! Venomoth use Psywave!

-Camerupt use Flamethrower!/ Cloyster Bubblebeam!- and a lot of other commands were done by the grunts.

That wasn't a battle, in fact we never tried to turn it into one, but it was even better that we expected. It wasn't a battle because it was a total humiliation. All of our attacks hit their marks perfectly while their attacks missed in the worst case. In the best they hit their own allies, making us clear winners of that first round. By the time that the pokemon came to their senses, only two pokemon were left.

With that the grunts never backed down, though. Far from retiring they only sent more pokemon to the field. It was our time to intervene!

-Vileplume, Bellosom, Jumpluff use Stunt Spore!- was my shout.

-Magneton, Manectric Thunder Wave- was Wattson's cry- You too Ampharos!

-Mean Look again Crobat!- Janine commanded.

It didn't work as well this time because not all the pokemon became paralyzed, but it was a great success. Three quarters of the pokemon in the middle of the attack were paralyzed.

-So you finally show all the face of your group- said a very confident grunt, it was a clear official with silver belts in both arms and legs. I was able to spot some with brownish belts too, but this guy was clearly the leader of this group- Norman, Wattson, Janine and Erika. That was a good strategy, but it won't be enough. Plus even your pokemon were caught in the attack.

-We'll see about that- said a confident Norman, when the four of us entered the field, while they stood at the opposite site.

-Face it, we have a lot more pokemon, even if paralyzed- he said- while you have some strong ones, 4 are paralyzed too.

-Let's start then- said a challenging Wattson- if you're so sure of it. Magneton use Spark, Manectric use Thunder!

-Flamethrower Camerupt! Mightyena use Crunch!

-Gigadrain on those Crloysters!- I commanded- use Petal Dance Vileplume!

-Crobat use Poison fang, Weezing get out and use Sludge! You keep using Psywave Venomoth!

That was a different type of battle, but it was still in our favor. With their speed clearly diminished and even unable to perform their attacks sometimes, the grunts were losing terrain. Of course we received some damage, and even Wattson's Magneton, my Bellosom and Janine's Weezing were Koed in the fight. Even that, the four of us were clearly cornering them. What was surprising was that the one who was knocking out more pokemon was the only of us that had its pokemon paralyzed. He was just in front of the official grunt when he spoke directly to him.

-I let them be paralyzed for a very good reason- he said- These four pokemon are all very strong, but when paralyzed or burned they became even stronger.

-That makes no sense…

-It does, because they all know my signature attack- he said- all of you, use… Facade!

And those 5 attacks singlehandedly ended the battle. The five opponents that were in front of them were sent flying towards the wall clearly knocking them out… At seeing some grunts tried to escape towards the inside of the building, which only the ones that escaped m Tangela's Vine whips were able to do. The others tried to escape the other way, but they couldn't do it.

-I'm sorry, but this path is closed too- said Juan with all his pokemon surrounding him-Seems like those grunts weren't as brave as they seemed.

-We won't say anything- said the official, who was being kept restrained.

-I know… You'll make your Camerupts and other pokemon use Amnesia on yourselves to forget everything and you want be able to tell us anything- said Norman surprisingly.

-How do you know that?

-A person related to me has seen you use it multiple times- he answered.

-it doesn't matter if you know it or not… If we use it…

-You won't tell anything- said Norman- but I really don't care. We're not here to take information out of you, we're here to beat you. And then extract the information from your leaders directly. We don't need the information that you can tell us.

-Even though that… we prefer you to keep your memories a little longer- said Juan by my side- so Erika, if you may…

- All of my pokemon use Sleep Powder!- I commanded and all the grunts that were either cornered and restrained were enveloped by a large cloud of spores that made them all fall asleep.

If my calculations have been accurate, we battled something like 15 grunts more or less and we had 11 of them caught. That meant that at least four had escaped and that we would have to fight them again along with some other grunts inside the building. At least now the part of the plan that was made to provide us an entrance to the building had worked almost perfectly.

-Okay, phase one is completed… what happens now?- asked Janine- We have to act quick.

-We do, but this was the easiest one- said Juan- Our plan went even better than we expected, but only because we had the surprise factor in our side. Now they'll know that we'll be going…

-They will also try to get there too, someone will have to protect the entrance- said Norman.

-Ha ha ha, don't about that- said Wattson then- both me and Juan are too old to be running inside and attacking non-stop. We'll be the ones to defend the entrance.

-You'll be only two people…-said Janine.

-As my old friend says, we're old- continued Juan- but we still know to battle. And if we can't run, our pokemon sure can. Don't worry about us, worry about yourselves. You'll find way more than 15 grunts inside.

-We don't have time to think about another plan- said Norman- so we'll just enter and take out the enemies.

-It's an all out then- I said- We really got no time to lose.

-Then go and take care- said Juan- we're your shield young ones, you're our sword. Let's win our battles!

-Sure!

Prof. Birch's POV

-And you say that this super hot sun is due to a monstrous pokemon that will eradicate everything in his path?- asked a man in his thirties that had from his car window- I'm sorry man, but this makes no sense.

-I know it doesn't, but you have to believe me!- I sighed- I know it's hard to believe in it, but please do it… You and all your family has to escape!

-And why should I believe you? For all I know you would be trying to steal my car- he said getting while some sweat droplets were falling down his face.

-That's not it, you're all trapped in this road just like the other cars- I said pointing then at the line of people that were getting out of their car already grabbing some belongings and escaping- Just do what the others do…

-Why should I trust you?- seeing that line seemed to make him doubt again- We don't even know who you are.

-Because I'm telling you that you and all your family are in danger!- I said- My name is Birch, and I'm not trying to steal your car or belongings. I'm trying to save your life.

-Birch, like Prof. Birch? The professor that's an eminence at studying the pokemon's habitats?- asked the man's wife.

-Yeah, that's me- I said- now just get out of the car and follow the line- I said looking at where Groudon had been before I and I panicked when I was able to see the dark red silhouette appearing.

-Okay…

And with that yet another family left the "protection" of their cars and followed the now, quite large line of people that Elm was directing towards a safer place. As he said, a safer place would be a place without a single area of water which could annoy the monstrous creature we were trying to save those people from and one that was as far as possible of his immediate line towards the sea. With that we all knew that the word safer was a huge exaggeration when talking about a monster that none of the Pokedex Holder's pokemon had been able to even catch its attention.

-How's everything Samuel?- I asked them seeing him come to me.

-I've been convincing quite a lot of them- he said- I followed the road some miles, but after 4 of them all the cars I saw were empty already. From there I could clearly see Groudon approaching so it's fair to assume that they saw him and got scared. How about here?

-Some people believed me pretty fast, but sometimes people just don't trust me- I sighed frustrated- I wish they would recognize me, it would be way easier to convince them.

-You're very young and you still have a lot of great things to do- said Samuel- one day you'll be the most respected biologist in the world. For now though, you'll have to keep introducing yourself- he ended with half a laugh- Now onto more serious reasons. Groudon is approaching faster that what we thought, keep doing this while I continue a mile from here.

-Okay- I said, and with that he took out his Dragonite again and flew over those cars before trying to get the people out again.

I just sighed and continued to warn people and convincing them to leave to avoid the danger. It was faster in some cases than the others and even some families left the cars voluntarily while they saw all the cars being left behind by the other people. That was what happened until an earthquake made the earth tremble again beneath my feet. I wasn't able to keep standing and I fell on my butt in the hard ground. I looked back and I was very capable of distinguishing the pokemon that was approaching menacingly. Said pokemon was only five minutes away and that meant that we were already in a dangerous area.

I went then frantically telling people to leave their cars while the ground below us shook a little every time the pokemon took a step. I had been able to convince two more families, when the ground below me shook even harder than before, even some cracks appeared on the asphalt making me panic because what I immediately saw was that the people that were still inside their cars, to get out almost simultaneously. That created an stampede in the narrow spaces that had been left between the cars while the hottest sun I've ever felt shined upon everybody.

-Please keep your cool. Calm down and everything will be okay- I yelled to the multitude, but very few people were able to listen to me and kept running only caring for themselves and sometimes their children.

I looked back when I started to hear shouts of "It's a monster" coming from them and I saw that Groudon was just two miles away towering over us. Then the shout became even more audible as the ground shook harder and harder every time the pokemon stomped on the ground. I was in a kind of a daze when I heard my name being called by a woman's voice I knew from somewhere.

-Prof. Birch?- she asked and when I turned I saw a woman in her late thirties in front of me with a scared look on her face- Is that you?

-Caroline?

Michael's POV

That was almost it. We were in the 25th floor of the great main building. And we were only three of us. Me, my brother Matt and him… The man in the shadows in our organization, the one that once was called the Obsidian Terror. A really accurate nickname I must add. Even more taking into account that he has the Obsidian rank in our organization too. I once asked Marchie how did he decide the name of the ranks, just out of curiosity.

-The name of the ranks? I base them of the value of the things that represent them- he said- Of course.

-I understand the Bronze, Silver and Gold ranks are due to the value of the metal- I said then- Even the Rhodium rank I posses, since it's the most expensive metal in the world. But, why the Obsidian rank is the highest? The one you and your brother possess? Isn't Rhodium more important?

-It depends on the point of view- he said- My goal and our major goal as an organization is to awaken, control and use the two legendary beasts of the earth and the sea. Groudon and Kyogre as you know… Earth and Sea or what's the same… Water and Magma. It's the union of those two factors that create this beautiful rock.

-Magma and Water create a lot of different kind of rocks too, though- I asked- Why Obsidian?

-Because it can be as dark as my brother… or a little lighter- he said then- like me.

So yeah only three people of our side in this huge building. Since it's the most important building in the world, for who works and what is decided in it, some would say that this meant the defeat of anyone that even dared to dream this situation.

-The battle sure is tough outside- I said seeing the smoke that was created by all the fights all around the main building.

-Our defense is still holding up- said the emotionless voice of our leader.

-It was a good decision to send them out… we three are more than enough- said Matt with his omnipresent ego.

-Not all of them were sent out… Only half the grunts designed in this building went out to secure our defense- I told my idiotic brother- The others are in the second floor waiting for orders.

-Even that we didn't even need them to go all the way up here- he said- I hoped to have some fun with these good for nothing businessmen, but since they all were scared like lost puppies…

-It wasn't you the one that scared them- I said- so don't act like you are the one we should thank.

I saw his smile fade then, only to be replaced by a frown. The truth is, that I didn't do a single thing to help either. Neither me nor Matt had anything to do with the easy way up that we had. It was only his doing that allowed it, the real reason why he was called the Obsidian terror. Looked where I looked all I saw were scared people clutching their heads while crying or shouting in terror, some even fainted due to what they had felt. Such a terrible power was the one that this man had…

-All the Gym leaders are fighting outside- I said looking at the window- all of them have arrived and even if they're heavily outnumbered, they're putting up a good fight.

-The fact that we're fighting the Pokmeon Association and winning, doesn't mean that they're to be taken lightly- said his dark voice- They're far better than any average, Bronze or Silver-ranked grunt alone. And maybe some Gold rank I know too.

-What did you say?- I was very able to distinguish the rage in my brother's voice- I dare you to…

And then it happened, my brother's sentence ended halfway and the cause it was nothing else than the same man that I admired and feared at the same time. Sird was a composed man from the outside. His already white hair he kept in a ponytail that arrived just at the same height as his shoulders contrasted with his clothes that were as black as his deep and hard eyes. Grey belts adorned his arms and legs, but it wasn't like the Silver ranked belts, they were darker too.

-I'm sorry, but maybe I'm wrong- he said looking right to his eyes- Weren't you the one who always said that he was the and that no one that made fun of him lived to tell the story? The same one that was made to look like a fool by some fifteen year old boy that was in the verge of dying while fighting with you?

-But…

-But nothing! You're my pawn right now, so never talk like that to me again- Sird was inflexible- You two were very lucky that Marchie decided to give you this job after failing so miserably, but I'm not that indulgent. I'm talking to you too Mike, because even if this has been the first time you failed a mission, contrasting with your brother's efficiency, and that you've done it very well since you started… You failed in the most important mission that was ever assigned to you.

I just nodded at those accusations, because I knew that they were true… Even if the plan didn't start like I had planned it to, with the boy being blown up, our position couldn't improve much. And yet, a single and injured boy had been able to win the battle. The fact that this guy was so strong should be commented, but even that he was able to turn us against each other making us look like fools.

-I know…- I said- we'll prove now that we deserve a second chance.

-You better do- said Sird with a strange smile- It's hard for my brother to give a second chance… but it's impossible with me. Now you know what to do.

-Yes sir!- I said before turning on my heels and going towards the stairs we had arrived to this level as both of them arrived at the Association chairman's office door.

We would need more help than the one that regular or official grunts could provide us when the Gym leaders broke into the main building. The type of help that only strong and feared criminals could provide us.

Blue's POV

-I'm where I have to be- Rub said- Bye Crys.

And just like that Rub hang up. He looked at me for a second before he took Relo's pokeball out and sent him out.

-As soon as we get outside… I'll be off- he said- You wait until Yellow comes and then you get her place and help Red, Green and Gold.

-Okay, but how are going to go outside?- I asked.

-Using the same technique I used to enter- he said-Relo as soon as you feel water around you use Dive.

-But how will we create the hole to go out?- I said as Sapphire's newest pokemon nodded.

-Leave this to Zuzu- he said while said pokemon positioned himself with all four paws on the floor in a position I could easily recognize.

-But when did Zuzu learn how to…

-We don't have time for this Blue- he said grabbing Relo with one hand while I grabbed sapphire with the other to keep her from getting separated from us- Now Zuzu!

(3 minutes later)

We were out of the place and for some reason I wasn't even wet, from sea water. Not me, Rub or Sapphire had touched a single droplet of water even if we had travelled all the way from the submarine to the place I had dived from before. The fact is that Relo's technique had created a air bubble around us to be able to breathe since we can't do it underwater.

The fact was that jus after getting out as dry as we were in the submarine, we got wet for a different circumstance. It was raining. Heavily. It was a huge thunderstorm, a very huge one.

-What the fuck is this rain?- I asked when I saw Rub try to bring Sapphire to a dry area under a tree, he was struggling because he could only use his right hand. I smiled at seeing how hard he was trying even if he was in far worst condition.

-This is Kyogre's ability- he said before smiling at her and getting up- now I must go.

-You're not going anywhere before you answer some of my questions Rub- I said- First of all…

-I'll only answer the one you wanted to ask me inside the submarine base- he said looking at me- We don't have time to waste.

-O-okay then- I sighed, secretive as always- What are your intentions with Sapphire?

-My intentions with Sapphire?

-You know that she values the bond you've developed in this month and a half a lot, now I'm asking you…- I asked- do you like her?

-Nope- he said looking back at Sapphire with a smile.

-Nope? Just like that?

-Liking her isn't enough… I love her.

I was surprised at that, very surprised. I liked it, but it felt strange for some reason.

-But loving someone can't be so fast, I mean you've known her for a little less than two months.

-Two months is a very short time, but five years it's not- he said, but I didn't understand what he meant- but don't tell her anything about it. As I told you before… this is a conversation that I have to have with her.

-But what are you going to do in your condition? Not 48 hour ago you were almost dead, and now you're battling like it's nothing- I said- Stop, go to your bed and leave it to us from now on.

-I can't do that Blue. Like it or not, you need me in this war- he said turning back- In whatever condition I am. Now I'm going.

-I have just a request from you- I said then- If you're not going to go back to a safe place at least promise me this. Don't be reckless and don't get yourself killed.

-I'll try not to…

-I don't want you to try… I want you to come back alive- I said- Sadly the 9 of us know how it's like to lose someone important in our lives and we don't want it to happen again. All of us will suffer a lot.

-I know…

-No you don't, all of us would suffer, but no one would be as devastated as Sapphire!- I yelled in rage- She had a hard time getting over the first one, if she already has… I don't know if she will be able to take another round of the same, so please… Come back alive.

-I can't promise you that, but I don't want to die either- he said- I still have a lot of things to tell you guys. I'll surely try not to, you can count on that. Now I have a request on my own…

-What's that?

-I need your Ditty- he said surprisingly- I don't plan on leaving you with one pokemon less though… So I'll leave you one of mine, Coco.

-O-okay- I said giving him the pokeball while I received his.

-Ditty I need a Togekiss, please- he said while my pokemon transformed immediately- I wish you all the luck Blue… we'll all need it. Take good care of Sapph until Yellow arrives, I'll call her right now.

-You don't have to worry abou that- I told him still shocked by the conversation- Just take care of yourself.

-Thanks and I'll try-he said with a confident smile-Now Ditty Extremespeed.

And just like that the boy that was in far worst condition left the place to go to take care of something that surely wouldn't be easy. And he never really promised to come back alive, only promised to try. Just as I thought about it I heard flapping wings by over me and I saw Yellow descending to the place we were staying at on top of her Kitty.

-Blue!- she yelled getting off and hugging me closely- How's Sapphire, how are you?

-We're okay…- I said hugging her back- How about on your side, Yellow? Yellow?

It was strange when she didn't respond, only looking at the sky where I suppose Red, Green, and Gold must be flying now…

-Yeah, we're okay- she said, but something was clearly troubling her.

-What's the matter Yellow? You're scaring me- I told her.

-Tell me Blue… Have you ever thought, that Ruby could still be alive?


Dun, dun, duuuuuuuuuun! And cut! That's the end of this chapter. Yeah, I know I'm evil, but it's kinda fun being this way XD. I had fun writing it

I know that all after the last chapter you've only been bale to see what happened with three groupd or fronts: the trio at the Pyramid, the Gym leaders and Blue, Ruby and Sapphire. Thing is, that next chapter will focus more in waht happened to Red, Gold, Green and Yellow since they separated from the group. You'll also learn why Yellow said this final line (I'm quite sure that some of you are really surprised by it).

This said I only have to say that I wil NEVER abandon this story until I finish it. I have too much fun writing it, and you all deserve to see it finsih so I won't do it. This said thanks to everyone for sticking with this story, even if sometimes I take too long to update (sorry for that again).

This said, REVIEW and STAY TUNNED!