Hello there! As promised, for once, I welcome you back for the 47th chapter of this fic! I had vacation in between uploads so I am just going to wish that the ones of you who had vacation had a good time and that the ones who started school, college or whatever you are doing very good luck with it!
Now it's TIME WITH REVIEWS!
Perseus Ruby Sendou: Maybe he will die, maybe he will not! But you'll have to wait and see. I hope you like this chapter!
smile all of your days: It's always nice to read your reviews! Yeah this kind of experiences are always nice and interesting! I really hope that you love this chapter!
And that is all for today in TIME WITH REVIEWS! I am really glad that people are still reading it even though it has taken so long for the updates. This chapter is the last one before the Epilogue or the Gran Finale (I don't know how to call it yet). Before we start though, our editor has some words of wisdom for us.
LC5: Ayyy, we back already? Damn, I wasn't prepared to make another statement so soon. We went from radio silence to double chapter uploads. And what a chapter we just had, eh? Lot of stuff gone down, hitting that climax and all that. If you're ever looking for a place to chill. I will be back to streaming pretty soon late afternoons to evenings most days at /LexClone5, drop in and say hi if you want, I'll be streaming pretty much whatever I feel like. I'll leave y'all to it, this has been LC5, and until next time, LAYTA!
READ and ENJOY!
Chapter 47: Dawn of victory
Sapphire's POV
Waiting… just waiting. It had been 5 hours since I arrived with Pilo to this hospital and gave Rub to the doctors. Again, just like on Saturday night, he was unconscious, lost a lot of blood and… yeah… almost dead.
Two hours ago, my father arrived, and as soon as I saw him, I had run over to him. When he hugged me, I could not control my emotions anymore and I exploded in a river of tears. I didn't care about what the doctors and nurses must've though or the fact that we were in a waiting room with almost 30 strangers. I did not care. I couldn't care.
In the last 72 hours, my life had been turned upside down again and again. Rub had almost died protecting me, I had been captured and controlled and Rub, who turned out to be Ruby, had almost died again.
I needed a break… and my father was just what I needed. I felt safe in his arms, just like all those years ago when I saw him after those months of capture.
-There, there Sapphire… let it all out- he said almost crying too- You've been very brave.
After a while I calmed down, but sat next to him all along. I didn't feel like talking to the others… I needed time to think. I didn't want to explode at the wrong people again. Not after everything that happened. All the surge of emotions I was feeling before continued. What should I do? What should I think?
And then I saw her. The woman in those pictures where Rub was around all his pokemon. Rub's… Ruby's mom. By her side was a tall man, dressed in a red vest and blue jeans, with a serious yet worried face. I had never met him, but I recognized him nonetheless. He was Ruby's father. My father got up then and went to meet his long-time friend.
-Are you okay Norman?- my dad said, when I noticed that Norman had some simple bandages in his torso too.
-Just scratches, Birch…- he said- are the Pokedex Holders okay?
My dad looked around to see all the ones that were in the room still. Some were waiting for their relatives who had not arrived yet. Gold had to wait a lot, but they were treating his leg, just like they did with Blue's concussion a while ago. Yellow was sleeping, and Green was talking with the Association with Silver and Emerald.
Crystal, Red and the sleeping Yellow had been the only ones to stay in the waiting room and even if I saw them look at me from time to time, they had not approached me.
-They are okay- he said- any news of your son?
-Not yet, they just asked for information and wanted to explain everything that happened in the last 72 hours with him- answered Norman- I have to thank you, for keeping my wife safe… I will never be able to repay it.
-I didn't do much…- were dad's words.
After that they, continued to talk and soon sat down. The woman sat next to his husband and I sat down again next to papa. I looked around and I saw the other Dexholders looking at me, when I looked, all of them turned away in response, all except Red, he had a sad look though.
Just then I heard the door open and I saw a nurse come inside. We all looked up in anticipation.
-Is the family of Jude Becker here?- you could hear a lot of disappointed sighs and two people raising up and hurrying to her. A woman around her 40s and a girl around her 20s- Come with me.
As I saw that I saw Red raise and go to her. He followed them outside. We all waited for him, but he didn't came back until 5 minutes later.
-Any news?- asked Ruby's mom and Red shook his head.
I expected Red to go back to Yellow, but he stopped when he reached me.
-Can you come with us… we would like to explain- he said before gulping- everything.
I really didn't want to follow them. I wanted to sit and keep battling myself on what to think. I didn't want to have that conversation; I was angry at them. But when I was about to decline Rub-y's image of falling into that lake entered my mind. After that, I just nodded and rose to my feet.
When I arrived to where they were sitting, I saw that Yellow had woken up. I wanted them to start talking, but he told me if I could wait. I was going to ask why, but then Gold and Blue arrived too.
-We will wait until Green, Emerald and Silver come… if you want- he said- I would like all of us to be here.
-Okay- I said.
10 long minutes passed until another nurse came to get yet another family and take them to their relative's room. But after he left, the three missing DexHolders entered. After shaking hands with my father, Norman and Ruby's mom, they came to us. I noticed that Ruby's mom was looking at us for quite some time, though I also noticed that she seemed to be looking at me the most. I felt a little self-conscious and embarrassed at that for a second before Red spoke.
First of all, he asked if everyone was okay enough, focusing on Blue and Gold, who nodded. The tension in the air could be cut with a knife.
-Ruby is alive- he said, surprising me, I didn't expect him to start with this- And now we all know it. And I'm sorry.
There was a silence then, but no one said anything. Seeing that he continued.
-Sapphire I need you to understand this… All the others only learn about it today, six hours ago at most- he said- They're not to blame. They couldn't tell you because they didn't know. I am the one that knew it for a longer time.
-Since when?- I asked looking directly at him.
-Completely? The day you and him were attacked, 2 days ago- he said- but I'd been 90% sure since the attack on the Contest's Hall.
-How?- I asked.
-I saw his head, without the hat- he said- I accompanied him to the hospital and when the doctor let me see him they had taken the hat out. So I saw his scars… That's when I got he 1st clue and I started connecting the dots. So, if someone is to blame here, it's me.
-Why didn't you say anything then?- I asked getting up.
-What if I was wrong?- he asked- was it really necessary to raise your hopes when I only had a bit of evidence to go off of? I know what you're all going to say, you could've told us that I had this suspicion. I could've, but I didn't… because I didn't have the heart to believe it myself. Thinking it now… I had all the proof I needed. A guy that was so comfortable with us and never let us see his hair… he had the evolutions of the 3 pokemon he had back then. And his behavior, so nice, but secretive nonetheless.
-I have to agree… it was crazy to think about it- said Green- but when you told me, when the grunt was impersonating him, I never doubted it for a second. It all added up.
-Me neither, it was like a cloud had been lifted from my mind- said Gold then- I remembered Ruby's face from back then too, and taking out the hat he was the same.
-But all of you had a chance to tell me, or most of you did- I asked, fearing the answer to the question I wanted to ask- why didn't you tell me then?
There was a silence then… Most of them avoided my gaze. I waited for an answer, and I was so angry that I almost rose and left. Yellow's voice stopped me.
-Ruby had told us that you would need to get control of Kyogre and that you needed to be on your best condition to do so- she said- Blue told me what had happened inside the cell, when Kyogre controlled you. I just wanted you to be able to concentrate on controlling it. I will be honest now… I think that all of us thought that telling you would confuse you so much, that you wouldn't be able to do it or even worse, Kyogre would take control of you again.
I could not believe that… after all that time… all of them saw me like that? That weak?
-I… I changed- I said- I've worked so hard to change… I am not that weak… not anymore.
-It's not about being weak Sapphire- said Blue then- you are not weak. Don't you see? If this had happened to any of us, I don't think we would've handled any better. Ruby was our friend, and Rub too… but Ruby was so much more to you and you had always believed that you had seen him die for you in front of your eyes. And Rub… And then after that it turns out they're the same person… that's something difficult to swallow.
-We did a mistake not telling you Sapph- said Crystal- and as wrong as it was we did it for you… because we care. And I think that I am not the only one that also did it for him.
-What do you mean?
-I think that Ruby wanted to tell all of us personally- said Yellow- that is why he started with you, during the dance. Or tried to at least…
-He's had two whole months to do it- I said angrier- is that all?
They all looked at me then, surprised. After a second or two of looking at each other, they nodded.
-Thanks for being honest- I said, feeling my eyes well up- but now I need to think it over… I don't want to… I need to think.
After that I left them. And the room. I went right where I could find the vending machines and I crouched next to one. And then I let the tears flow…
-5 years and two months actually-said a feminine voice in front of me-that's the time he's spent without telling you.
When I looked up I saw a beautiful woman looking directly at me. She had bags under her eyes, signaling that she had also cried before, but she was beautiful nonetheless. It was Ruby's mom.
-What?- I said trying to dry my eyes, I just saw her sit down next to me.
-You can cry you know… It's not a form of weakness- she said- It just means that you care, that you're sensible. I would hope everyone understood that…
-What do you mean?
-People see those who cry as weak… like Norman for example- she said- he thinks that he must not show any form of weakness, so he puts on a mask. And Ruby learned to do that when he was young. Though I think you know that already.
-Yeah… I do- I said without thinking.
I really wanted to meet her after everything that Ruby had told me about her, but not now. I knew what she wanted, she wanted to make me forgive him. But I was so confused, I wanted time to clear my thoughts.
-I am not here for what you think- she said and I was surprised.
-Wh-what do you mean?
-I am not here to interfere in your thoughts or decisions. Not even to tell you about why he behaved like that- she continued- He wouldn't like me to interfere, so I will not do it. He has to be the one to say, explain and ask what he thinks necessary.
-Then… you don't want me to forgive him?- I asked.
-Of course I do- she said- More than anything. But I can not forget what he has done, and I do believe that he didn't act like he should've. Still, it was his decision and I respected it.
-Then why are you here?- I asked, but then I realized what I had said- Sorry… I didn't mean to be rude…
-I understand, don't worry- she said with a smile- I just wanted to talk to you. He has told me so much about you guys. He didn't talk too much about any of you back then, but now… much, much more… And a lot of it was about you…
-Oh… well I don't know what to say- I said embarrassed.
-The girl with endless willpower- she said- that was you. He also described the others, but yours was… different.
-Some people say that of me… but I don't have endless willpower- I said- I am still weak… and the others also think so.
-Weak? No- she said- None of you are weak. Not you or the others, why do you say that…
I didn't respond then… I didn't want to trouble her with my problems, when she had her son in the ICU and being operated right now.
-You know what is weakness?- she said- I am weak. I had my son and husband battling a war and the only thing I could do was wait and hope they would be okay. Anything I tried would do nothing to help them, nothing I did. You know how it feels?- her eyes were welling up- To have your 15 year old son battling when you can't do anything? Or when they use you as bait to take your 10 year old son? That is weakness… true weakness. So do not ever say that you are weak again, since you're probably the only reason that he might come out of this alive.
-It was my fault that he almost died… twice- I said- so yeah… I know how it feels to feel weak. Impotent… I would understand if you're angry… at me I mean.
-I am not… how can I be?- she said crying- you guys are the reason he is happy again. The reason he can see something in the pitch black hole of fear and insecurities he had fallen into. I would love for him to be okay, to be safe, not to risk his life… but at the same time, I am proud of him for doing that.
At that point, she started crying more… I wanted to say something to her, but I've never been good at comforting people. I still knew I had to say something.
-Your son… Ruby, found me when I was feeling completely useless once- I said-twice… actually. The first time, I really was useless, but he made me gain confidence in myself. The second time, I was feeling useless, but he made me realize that I was trying to push myself too hard. He made me realize how much I had improved- I said, I didn't know what I wanted to say, but I just went with it- and made me feel proud of myself again… And he… really loves you. The times he has talked about you it's easy to see that… he looks up to you. He knows that you had to make sacrifices for the family and he values all of them. He would never think of you as weak.
At that point I saw her look at me. I saw a little smile creep up to her face.
-You are right- she said- he's told me some times. You really know him well…
-I thought I did…- I said then- I thought I was finally able to understand him, that he was opening up to us. I felt happy, that he was comfortable around us. But then… this happens. Why?
-Why what?- she asked.
-Why did he hide who he was?- I asked- Why did he not tell us that he was Ruby? The boy that saved us five years ago? The boy that saved me five years ago? The boy I thought had died because of me? Does he know, how much I've hated myself for that? How much I've cried or suffered? And it was all in vain! Why?
-He has his reasons- she said, a comment that could belong to Ruby perfectly- He really does. I don't know if you will find them convincing enough and I'm not the one to judge if they are enough to justify all he has put you through. If you decide they are not enough… you shouldn't forgive him.
That comment surprised me… I was not expecting his mom to suggest this possibility. I know she said that she would not interfere, but…
-Wouldn't you be angry with us? If after all he's done for us we don't forgive him?- I said.
-Do you think he deserves it?- she asked surprising me again, seeing that I didn't respond she didn't continue- Do you think he does not?
-I… I don't know- I said then defensively- what do you think?
-My opinion on this matter is not important- she said- I am his mother and I want the best for him. He is my son and I am always on his side. But that does not mean I don't see the bad things he has done. Do not worry about me or even him… decide for yourself what you want. I came here to see if you had already made your decision and it's clear that you have not.
-It's true… I am confused right now…
-Then I will leave you to it… though if you want my advice- she started- hear him out. You deserve to at least know what happened.
She then stood up and looked at me. I followed her with my eyes and before she left I spoke to her:
-How is that not interfering in my decision?- I asked when I noticed a coy smile.
-I didn't say you had to hear him out whenever he wants to talk- she said- You have to be convinced that he deserves it IF he deserves it… Just promise me something…
-What?- I saw he smile fade for a moment before it came back.
-No risking any of your lives this time- she said and left.
Green's POV (2 hours later)
-I will let you be then- said Prof. Oak, my grandfather, and Prof. Elm nodded by his side- be safe, we will report to the Association too.
-Thank you gramps- I said then giving him a hug, he returned it with a strength that was supposed to belong to a younger age.
It had been two hours since we had talked with Sapphire. I really didn't know what we were expecting and I couldn't tell if the result had been good or bad. She normally is so expressive that in the few times that she is not it becomes really difficult to read her. Even though we all understood that the situation was far than normal. At some point we tried to get close to her anyway and all of us moved closer to her.
At first, she was not joining the conversation in any way, not even when we asked her something. After some minutes though, she started to respond and entered the conversation. Even if the sometimes answered with monosyllables or only short sentences, the fact that she was talking to us was good enough. At some point Norman entered the conversation, mainly because we asked what had happened at the headquarters.
He explained that they had to battle a massive number of grunts, a lot of them had infiltrated in the Association's ranks. He didn't tell us a lot of details, mainly because he only knew his parts of the fight, but some of the things he said had been surprising. What he had told us about Giovanni, Lt. Surge, Koga and Sabrina had been really surprising. He had mentioned that this was still classified, but since he knew that Giovanni was Silver's father, he would tell us anyway. Silver seemed surprised and we could see that he was genuinely happy to hear that.
-So that's the final news we got from the Police- said Silver- 201 captured grunts in total. Between both attacks I mean. I still can not believe it.
-Can I ask something?- said Norman then- what happened with the two monsters?
-Well..
Sapphire was about to leave with Pilo when she turned to look at the two monsters, who were looking right at her. When she did that Kyogre was the first one to talk.
"I have to admit I am surprised- the giant blue whale said- And I am not the only one."
I could hear Groudon's chuckle then, before he also spoke.
"Indeed- it said- these are the youngest controllers we've ever had. I've always hated being ordered around. But now… Strange, indeed"
"It's called respect!"- Kyogre continued.
"Yes. It's the first time that someone uses my power for other things that are not gaining more power- said Groudon- this boy, and the girl just wanted to help others. It is the first time… that I they are able to overpower us this way."
"It sure is…- said Kyogre- I've decided that I will leave now. She will not allow me to fight anymore… I have one condition, though."
-What condition?-asked Sapphire.
"I want to battle against this lizard again- it said- Promise me that and I will go… just be sure that I will come back if you don't. You have one year!"
"I will do the same- said Groudon then- it's not like I could do anything else. This boy here is unconscious and close to death, but it won't let me hurt any of you… And actually, what fishy said is a good option. Just promise me that and I will go."
-We promise- said Sapphire then.
After that both monsters took a last look at each other and turned around. The last thing we saw was Kyogre diving into the sea and Groudon digging a way underground in the beach before they disappeared.
"Just make sure he doesn't die!- said Groudon's voice as he closed the massive hole he had used to arrive to the beach.
-After that I took Ruby to the hospital while the others stayed to take care of everything- Sapphire explained.
-That is a relief- said Norman after that- are you planning on fulfilling that request?
-We have to find a way to do it safely or even think if we will do it or not- she answered then.
-That's okay- he said- you still have one year so there is plenty of time to think about it.
It was at that moment that a nurse entered the room and looked around. When she saw us she was surprised, but she cleared her throat and said the name we all were waiting to hear.
-The relatives of… Ruby Maple?- she said the twelve of us rose from our seats, that surprised her- All of you?
-We are all here for him, yes- said Norman in a strong and demanding voice- what are the news?
-His surgery ended about 20 minutes ago and he is now in the post operatory- she said- he is stable now.
At that moment I heard everyone let the air in their lungs out. He was okay.
-Oh thank god…- said Ruby's mother while Norman pulled her close.
-How is he now?- he asked then.
-It's complicated…- raising all the alarms again-he is stable and with the proper care and after staying in the ICU for multiple days he will be able to recover. We gave him blood bags and we will continue to do so through the night. The problem is his arm.
-What do you mean?- asked Caroline then, visibly scared.
-When he came on Saturday, his arm was broken and he had two broken ribs too- the nurse started- the burn skin and several wounds were also a problem. The pain was almost unbearable for him so we sedated this area of his body completely yesterday afternoon. We will have to do it again after he wakes up.
-We already know that what are you trying to tell us?- Norman was also scared, and patience is not something that he had reserves of.
-In short, it was too much to handle in just this operation- she said- so the surgery was not successful and we had to stop before going to the point of no return. The doctor is scared that he might lose his left arm.
-What?- was Sapphire's shout then- what do you mean by lose it?
-His condition is way worse, some of the wounds were aggravated and he broke his arm in other places. The doctor saw that the nerves had been affected by that- she said- he may never regain mobility in it if nothing is done…
We all stayed in silence then… We could not believe what our ears were hearing. Both parents seemed scared to death, Sapphire was covering his mount with her hand then and tears escaped her namesake eyes.
-Is there something we can do? There must be something right?- Norman's powerful voice broke through the silence.
-There might be some options, so the doctor would like to speak with the parents to discuss them- she said- now if you'll follow me…
-Lead the way!- said Norman and after he looked at us, they left.
The silence then became twice as hard as when we arrived… We didn't expect that. Not after seeing him run and battle for hours.
-That is why he could do everything he did… he was sedated- said Blue.
After that we heard a punch to one of the couches.
-I broke his arm again- was Red now, he sounded completely destroyed.
-Whe…when Kyogre controlled me I threw him to the wall- Sapphire said before she started to bang her head with her hands…- and almost strangled him… It's my fault.
-Red… stop- said Yellow grabbing his arm- It's not your fault you were defending yourself. It wasn't you!
-Don't do this to you Sapphire!- said Blue going to her side- You were not yourself, you were being controlled by Kyogre.
Blue then grabbed her and gave her a hug. As she melted into it, I saw he cry again. I knew she was feeling useless again, just like she had felt after the attack on the Contest's Hall. Wait…
-Silver- I said gaining everyone´s attention-I need you to know what are they talking about in there.
-Why?- he asked.
-It's their son, we should respect their privacy Green- said Crystal.
-Just do it please…- I said- we might be able to help if we know something.
-Okay…
Just after that he left. We waited for 15 minutes without saying nothing while I searched in my jacket until I found it, our trump card, maybe literally. When he came back he didn't look happy at all, though.
-So, for what I've heard there are two options- he said getting our attention- The first one is to follow the normal treatment. It will consist on several surgeries, but the burnt skin will make them go way slower. And time is a primordial factor in here, the more time the nerves are affected, the possibilities of recover are reduced.
-So what is the 2nd one?- asked an impatient Sapphire drying her eyes.
-There is this really new treatment which costs a fortune- she said- and it's really difficult to access. The money is not that much of a problem since his parents seem to have some savings, but it would still need a mortgage or something. They could manage though, the problem is accessibility. There are only 5 treatments a year and they have been already been done. To try and get accepted for the sixth would mean a lot of paperwork and, in the best case, time.
-Thanks Silver- I said getting up with my PokeGear at hand- I need to make a call.
Red's POV
Since Green had come back, he had not said a thing, he just seemed nervous. And I could see a small smile form at some point before he shook his head erasing it. He kept looking at the door, but was disappointed when he saw someone enter. Was he waiting for someone? Then his PokeGear rang.
-Red and Sapphire, come with me- the others stay here and make sure that when Norman and Caroline come, they don't leave this room. It will only be some minutes.
Surprised by that, both Sapphire and I went with him to the main hall when we saw a multitude of people and even some reporters. In the middle a man dressed in a suit and with white hair and moustache was talking to the reporters, while they were writing down every word. When he saw us, he dismissed everyone and then I recognized him.
-Green- he said offering his hand which he took- Sapphire, Red… thanks again for what you've done. This town and the whole worlds were saved because of your bravery again.
When he did that all the reporters took hundreds of photos.
-Now I WANT to be alone with these heroes- and immediately after that, 3 enormous bodyguards appeared and took all the reporters out- Now that this has been cleared with, we will go somewhere private to talk. Follow me.
After exchanging some weird glances between us, we followed him into a room. An empty doctor´s room it seemed.
-Sorry for the show there, but I have to keep the appearances- he said- I am Lord Berlitz and people would be weirded out if I talked with the heroes alone. Now tell me why I am here.
-You gave me this after the incident in the Contest's Hall- he said taking out a card- telling us that if we ever needed your help we only had to ask. We need your help now.
-After you saved my daughter- he said looking at me- I'll do everything I can. I owe you something that I don't think I will ever be able to repay.
-We have a friend that needs a treatment, as I explained briefly on the phone- Green said- but he needs it now. We are not asking for the money it costs, we are asking him to get accepted for it.
-The treatment he needs is only done to 5 people every year- I said then- we need him to be the 6th and soon.
- As your card says, you are the CEO of the Berlitz Technologies. You have branches in a lot of sectors from the development of new Pokeballs to treatments to cure them- said Green- I'm sure you know something or someone involved in it, someone that can help us get him the treatment.
-Oh I understand… I know the treatment you are talking about- he said- And it's true that only 5 are done every year. It's very expensive and difficult.
-But we need him to be the exception- Sapphire said- if he doesn't get it, he will lose his arm. He was battling with us and he almost died there. He is as much as a hero as we are.
-He is very important to you, I see-he asked then.
-You have no idea- murmured Sapphire.
-Look Lord Berlitz… I have to tell you the truth about something- I said then- I was never inside the Contest Hall, I was not the one that saved your daughter's and her friend´s lives. I took a lot of people out that day, but not them.
-Why are you telling me this?
-Our friend was caught in it, he was inside. He was the one that won all the contests that day, I'm sure that you daughter will remember him. And he was the one to save them. The friend that might lose his arm, was the same one that protected your daughter that day- I said- His pokemon took him out of the whole 2 minutes after your daughter, just after you left. He told everyone that he was me in order to get the people to listen to him. He was the hero that saved all those people there, not me.
-You know… I would've done something even if he had not been involved in it- he said- You don't have to lie.
-I am not lying- I said then- this guy is the best strategist I've ever met. He is able to keep his cool whatever the situation. With all that chaos inside, few people can be the ones to take control like it happened, less without any training. Believe me, I would bet my life that he was the one to take command inside that hell… even if he used my name to do it.
At that point Lord Berlitz stood up and looked at me in the eye. Then at Green and the at Sapphire, whose tears had begun to fall again. He then took out his phone and looked at the three of us.
-I believe you- he said- That treatment you need, was co-developed by my company and I will make sure that he gets it. I am not going to let this young hero be crippled if I can do something about it. And I can. Take me to the family, we don't have that much time to lose.
After saying that Sapphire all but jumped to him and hugged him.
-Thank you… Thank you- she said crying in his shoulder.
-My pleasure Sapphire- he said, hugging her in return- A little contribution compared to what all of you have done so far.
As I left with him I saw Sapphire stay behind before hugging Green too. I was clear that her day had been an emotional rollercoaster and she was just letting all the emotions fall out. Green seemed surprised when she hugged him, but he soon recovered and returned it.
-Lord Berlitz?- I said gaining his attention then- Could you keep the fact that I was not inside the Contest´s Hall a secret? From the media and the world, I mean. Ruby's parents can know about it.
-May I ask why?- he said- you don't seem proud of it.
-I am not, but it's better this way- I reasoned- as Ruby mentioned at some point, our name has power. He used it to save people, but other people might have different and more problematic ideas.
-So if we tell the world that during times of confusion it is easy to impersonate a DexHolder- his voice cut me off- we can create more problems than the ones we solve. It makes sense. Do not worry boy, I will take this to the grave.
-Thanks- I said.
-Do not even mention it boy- he said- your job is both unfair and extremely difficult. Who am I to jeopardize it even further?
His voice was completely serious when he said that. As we were approaching the waiting room we noticed that Gold was talking with Norman. The later seemed quite annoyed, but we could clearly hear Gold speak with him.
-Just wait for some minutes… they might've found a solution- he said- look there they are!
As soon as both Ruby's parents saw us arrive they turned to meet us. I could see that Norman recognized the man that was with us for the way his eyes widened.
-You must be the boy's relatives alright- Lord Berlitz said extending his hand-Ruby if I recall correctly.
-Yes we are- said Norman- and you are Lord Berlitz right?
-Let's leave the formalities out if you please… we have a lot to talk about and not a lot of time to do so- he said, always the businessman- if you and your wife may accompany me, I think we can save the boy's arm.
-Really?- asked Ruby's mother excitedly.
-Follow me, we will talk privately- he said taking both of them with him back to the room we had been sitting in.
-So that's the person you had to call?- asked Blue towards Green.
-He gave me his card the day of the Contest's Hall…- he said- so I hoped he could help out.
-And?- Yellow seemed impatient.
-He can and he will- said Sapphire- he said he will make sure Ruby gets the treatment.
-How did you convince him?- asked Gold.
-We didn't have to… he wanted to thank us for saving his daughter- I said- so he only wanted to know the situation.
-But we didn't save his daughter and friends- said Emerald then- did you lie to him?
-First of all… I would've if I needed that to help him- I said- but we didn't. I said the complete truth… That we helped everyone we could, but that the one that did all the work for us inside the Hall was Ruby himself.
-Are you sure that it was… him?- asked Gold his voice losing power every second while we all looked at him quizzingly-Yeah even I think that the question was stupid.
-He is the only person I know that would do something so brave and stupid…-Sapphire said with a smile- and then shift the merits to another to avoid getting any credit for it.
-It would've been problematic that this had been made public, we have to understand that- said Crystal.
-True…
At that moment there was a time of peace in the room. And tiredness… We looked at the clock to see that it was 11 o'clock in the morning and none of us had slept anything. I could see Gold yawning, when Crystal fell asleep on his shoulder, Emerald almost had his eyes closed… And when I looked down I saw that Yellow had fallen asleep in my lap. I ran my hand in her golden hair before my eyelids started to fall too.
Norman's POV
-Thank you very much Mr. Berlitz- I said bowing alongside my wife.
-Yes, thank you… we will never forget what you've done for us- she said.
-Do not mention it… as I told you that brave son of yours saved my daughter´s life- he said smiling- I'll keep in touch. I have to make some more calls this afternoon, so I will call you as soon as I know something.
-No problem… and again thanks a lot- I said while he left the hospital alongside his three big bodyguards.
-This man, might've just saved Ruby- said Caroline, whipping her eyes- you look… happy?
-Somewhere inside me and along with a lot of different emotions, yes… I feel happy- I said- I feel happy that when it mattered the most he could not stay aside and took it upon himself to help. I am proud.
-He's done some things differently from what he should've… but he is a son to be proud of after all, he's always been- she said- I know you are, just try to openly support him more.
-What do you mean?- I said when she started leading me to the waiting room again.
-I see it in your eyes that you are proud of him whatever he does- she said- You think so highly of him… so you want the world to see him the same way as you do. You want him to prove what he is capable of to everyone so they can appreciate how good he can be.
-Yes… that might've been my mistake- I said- When he changed, I was scared that the façade had become the real Ruby. I feared that he had become so afraid of himself that he would not be able to help someone in need. But I was scared for nothing.
-Let me ask you a question now…- she said- do you think he will change back?
-No- I said immediately, it had taken me a while to understand this- I think that this is who he is now… I tried to hold onto that 10 year old boy so much that I hadn't been able to see who he had really become… I just hope that they will forgive him and accept him anyway.
Just as I said that we entered in the waiting room and we saw the 9 DexHolders sleeping in their chairs. Birch was also there, but since Sapphire was sleeping with her back in his right arm, he really couldn't move much.
-I don't think we have to worry about that- she said- they will make him work a little for it, but I have no doubt that they have already forgiven him. Or at least, they will give him a chance to earn it.
3 hours later
-Green! Come here! You have to look at this- said Prof. Oak entering the room waking all of us up in seconds.
-Wha…- was Gold 's voice then.
-You have to come now! The news are on TV- he said.
Upon hearing that all of us rushed to follow the elder professor to the cafeteria where everyone was looking at the multiple TVs scampered in it. The news were jumping from the images of the Association's headquarters and what had happened there towards this same town and the battles that had taken place.
Footage of the battles was minimal, but some images of the blue and red monsters were shown. The images were way to blurry to see who were the people on top of those monsters, but I knew who they were. The hardest part was when they broadcasted the live image of the bay and the buildings. The complete 1st line of buildings had been completely obliterated, the same with some more building inside the town.
The places in which each battle took place could be easily visible to the naked eye from the sky. This along with the wrecked submarine on the bay, the destroyed beach… it was difficult to believe that this had happened less than 24 hours ago.
I looked at the Pokedex Holders and some of them had their eyes wide when they saw all the destruction that had been caused. When they talked about the casualties, I saw the fear in their eyes, but even if 1 dead person is already too much, the numbers were way lower than what could've been.
Between both fights there had been less than 40 dead people, while, of course, the number of injured people was massive, with all the hospitals in the area completely full of people. Even that, comparing the state the headquarters and the town had been left with, these numbers seemed, almost, acceptable. What surprised us the most though, was what came after that. The extensive covering of the battles ended with a very important and special announcement. An announcement that made some people in the room become extremely angry. The 10th Dexholder Tournament.
With a flashy array of images about the 9 DexHolders and ending with a black silhouette with a question mark, they started talking about the creation of the tournament from which the 10th DexHolder would come out, where and the approximate days it would take place… I looked around to see everyone surprised and looking back where our reaction could only be described as stupor.
After the announcement ended, we found ourselves again in the waiting room. Ruby had left the post operatory room while we were with Lord Berlitz, but they had not let anyone see him anyway. They had brought him to the ICU immediately.
-I don't understand- said Green then breaking the silence.
-What do you mean?- asked Red.
-Guys, Green wrote a report about Rub while he was on the hospital- she said- when I brought Sapphire with me. He used all that you, Sapphire, told us about the battle and he completed the report.
-We were nearing the deadline- he said- And if Rub wanted to decline it, he would be able to. I made sure they received the file and that they would take him into account.
-Then why are they doing this tournament? They were forcing us to make a move and when we did it, they do the tournament anyway.
-It is a strategy- said Prof. Oak who had just entered the room with Prof. Elm and Birch.
-What do you mean?- Emerald said confused.
-They've shown vulnerability- said Elm now-an unknown organization has almost pulled the check mate against them. People are happy that the situation is solved, but the truth is… that people are scared.
-A lot of people has seen the state the two areas has been left in- said Birch now- some of them even saw the two monsters.
-So you're saying that they are just trying to distract the people?- said Green.
-Yes, but not only that- I said then-Redirecting the focus from something horrible to something nice is a good strategy on its own. But with that, they are also showing the they've learnt from it and they are getting stronger. Everyone knows that you saved the day and its simple maths to see that if 9 is amazing, then 10 must be even better.
-Just by creating the tournament, they are able to accomplish all these things- said Red then- but we might be the only really affected by that decision.
-I never said it was fair to you, the Dexholders- said his grandad- but I think it's a good choice. I am sorry, but there are too many pros in this decision to be denied.
-You'll just have to adapt- I said then- train the new person, make it fit in the team.
-What if it does not work?- said Crystal then- not everyone can fit in this team. What if the person that comes decreases our power instead of increasing it?
-Are you going to let that happen?- I asked then.
-What do you mean Norman?
-You'll have a say in it right?- I asked then- this person has to be your comrade and help you fight alongside you, your opinion matters.
-I don't think it really does- said Emerald- they said that if the tournament took place we wouldn't have an opinion in the decision. Whoever wins, is the 10th Dexholder.
-Look, I am going to have to spell it out?- I asked then- You had an agreement and, whatever the circumstances, they didn't comply with it. That means that you could also do the same. You have two options to handle this… You have a say in this matter.
Silver's POV
After these words Norman went back to the cafeteria to get something to eat for him and Caroline. We stood there looking at each other surprised by his words. We discussed the meaning behind them, but not a single idea seemed to apply to what he had said. Surprising indeed.
After that the afternoon passed without any significant change. We all left at some point to have a well deserved shower and wear clean clothes again. Sapphire didn't want to go again, but Caroline was able to convince her to go… it was clear that Ruby would not be waking up until the next day due to the surgery so the possibilities of missing anything important were slim.
When night came Norman received the call that told him that Ruby had been accepted for the treatment which was something we celebrated. After that I left the room to make a call myself. I called one of our contacts in the Association's headquarters and I asked him if I could speak with my father. After a polite interchange of words he told me that I couldn't since he was being interrogated at the moment.
-Do you want me to leave him a message?- he asked- I am sorry you couldn't talk to him.
-Just tell me that I will visit him in three days- I said- then we will be able to talk.
-I'll be sure to give him this message- he said- anything else?
-Just thank him for me- I said- though I'll do it myself when I see him anyway.
When I came back I noticed that all of the others were standing up. Norman was in the middle talking to them. No one seemed to be too happy.
-So we will leave tomorrow morning- he said.
-What do you mean?- I asked then.
-Ruby's been accepted for the treatment and it has to begin as soon as possible- he said- but it can not be performed in this hospital. That's why Ruby will be moved to the closest possible hospital when he can get it.
-Is it far?
-Four hours by car- said Sapphire- It's actually really close the town where they live.
-That means that they'll move him without waking up- I said.
-Most likely, yes- answered Norman- I am sorry. I know you all have a lot of things to talk about.
-It's for the best though- said Yellow then- his health is more important. We can wait.
-We've already waited for 5 years anyway- murmured Sapphire by my side.
After that Red and Yellow accompanied the mother to his apartment to get clothes for him. The others were playing cards, but then I saw Norman approach Sapphire. They started to talk and it surprised me to see her almost intimidated by him at the beginning, but after a while and with the help of her father she began to feel more at ease in the conversation. They stayed there talking and even when Caroline came back with the others they still continued for a while. Norman and the Professors went to town to get all of us something to eat that wasn't the cafeteria's food for dinner and we ended up playing cards again.
With that, we all decided to spend the night at the hospital with the parents. We all slept in the couches, hoping to see him wake up before they had to leave. But morning came too soon, and he didn't make any sign of that so when the medical unit that was going to transport him arrived, we all prepared to say goodbye to them. We knew it was temporary, but it left a bittersweet taste for us all. When they took him out of the room was also the 1st time we saw him after the battle.
He was wearing an oxygen mask in front of his face and bandages covering his whole torso. We could not see his legs since they were covered by the bedsheets. The two things that stood out the most though was the pale tone of his face and his scars. Those two deep scars just over his left eye were intimidating. Even more after knowing how he had gotten it.
We couldn't see him for long though since they quickly put them into the medical unit. His parents turned to us then.
-Thanks for everything you've done so far- said Caroline- we appreciate it more that you realize.
-We will meet again- said Norman- and we'll keep in touch.
-Wait I want to say something- said Sapphire then making them all turn around- After talking with you, Caroline, I couldn't stop thinking about what you told me. I know now where Ruby took his way with words… Anyway I also understood what Norman told us about the tournament.
-Where are you going with that?- I asked then- What do you mean you understand?
-He told us we had a say in it- she said- We can manipulate in some way the competition and one of the options to do that is to have a good option in it. That's why I decided this. I will make Ruby earn his right to explain all his story, reasons… whatever he wants. Like Caroline suggested while trying not to influence me- she ended with a teasing tone and a smile.
-And what will he have to do?- asked Caroline then.
-We is strong, one of the strongest… but he does not like to stand out- she said- he makes really sure that the people who know how strong he is are kept to a minimum, even lying to achieve that. What I want him to do is to win the 10th DexHolder tournament. This way the whole world will know his true potential, no one will treat him as weak and no one will make fun of him anymore. If he wants to stay by our side… he'll have to prove himself and be the 10th DexHolder. Like it should have been from the beginning.
We then looked at the two parents who looked at each other for a moment before smiling.
-I think it makes sense- said Norman.
-We will pass him the message- said Caroline then- Just be sure that he is signed up for it.
-He will be- said Green then- We will see to it…
-Then I think that our paths will cross quite soon- said Norman- We will keep in contact about his state and yours so do not worry about that. Now, we have to leave.
As he said that both parents entered the ambulance and they departed. We stood there looking at the vehicle run into the distance, before it took a turn and disappeared into the road.
-Are you sure about that decision? It is a very hard talks- asked Red- Are you that sure he will win?
At first, she didn't answer. She just sat down on the stairs and kept looking at the road the ambulance had taken.
-I would bet my life on it. The one he saved many times.
And closure! This ends the second to last chapter of this fic! I really hope that you have enjoyed the ride as much as I did writing it myself. You've all been a great motivation for me, so be sure that you are one of the main reasons this will be finished. I just hope that everyone has enjoyed the climax and will enjoy the ending.
I will also add that the last chapter will have 3 OCs in: it two for the people that one the surveys and 1 that will be my editor's. I don't know if the winners are still reading the fic, but I will do it nontheless.
This said, I will try to write this last chapter as fast as I can manage while maintaining my standards. Again, thanks for your support and since the following chapter will have the last TIME WITH REVIEWS section, ask me any question you want and I will try to answer (my PM is also open for anyone that has any question after it too though).
For the second to last time... REVIEW and STAY TUNNED!
