Meanwhile, Group Two (consisting of Sapphire, Green, Emerald, Platinum and Yellow) searched the lower floor. The foyer was pretty empty, and Green couldn't go into the dining room where Silver was laid out without Green bursting into hysterics, so they decided to check the library.

Emerald leaped down from one of the bookshelves. "Nothing's down here," he shouted. Murmurs of agreement rose up from between the other bookshelves.

"We can't give up! Black's down 'ere," Sapphire said. She popped her head out into the main aisle and looked back and forth. The determined look on her face dropped slightly. "Somewhere..."

A hand reached out from behind the bookcase next to her and grasped her shoulder. "AAAAAAAAAGH!" Sapphire screamed and flung her arms out to whack whatever it was attacking her. The back of her hand hit straw, knocking Yellow's hat to the ground.

The little blond girl looked up at her sadly. Her eyes were wide and sad. "Saph, we have to head back." Water appeared at the edge of Yellow's eyes. The poor girl couldn't stand to see a pokemon get hurt in a battle, let alone deal with any of this mayhem.

Seeing Yellow on the verge of tears made Saphire's heart drop. She glanced around once more. Nothing but books and cobwebs. She couldn't detect anything, even with her amazing hearing skills. Her breath rushed out in a disappointed sigh. "Fine.

One by one, the others emerged from among the bookshelves and gathered in the center aisle. Green took count. Everyone was there. It was time to leave. As soon as they reached the library's exit, the floor started to glow.

Yellows eyes widened. "Guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuys! We have to get out of here!"

"What? Why," Platinum asked. She took a step away from the glowing floorboards, more curious than fearful.

The smaller girl grabbed Platinum's hand and shook it. She yanked it in an attempt to get them out the door. "They're coming!"

A growling sounded as figures arose from the cracks in the floor and walls. Their large misshapen bodies spread out into more and more figures, easily surrounding the kids.

Little Emerald backed up until his back was pressed against a trembling Green's legs. His tall hair drooped. "Guys..."

The creatures growled, then… they leaped.

Emerald screamed. He was covered almost immediately. Flailing his limbs like crazy, he was barely able to knock off the creatures, and was soon buried.

Kicking her own attackers away, Sapphire struggled through the mass and pried the things off him. This gave him a moment of relief before others took their place.

"How do we fight them?" Green cried, face contorted in agony as some of the creatures moved from Emerald to her.

"Just don't let them touch you," Saphire shouted. Kicking a few more off her and taking a deep breath, she plunged into the mass of writhing shapes. She emerged a moment later with Emerald in her arms. He was bleeding, unconscious, and his breath was shallow. They had to get out. Now. She waved her free hand toward the doorway. "Guys! This way!"

The group headed towards her. Sapphire handed Emerald to Green and let the others run in front of her. Just ahead, a figure stood at the door, the light concealing its figure. Had the others come to help?

While she had been distracted by the shape slipping through the doorway, Sapphire fell. tripping over a monster. A shadow fell over her. She tried pushing herself up off the floor. That was before she was knocked backward, the hilt of a steak knife left sticking out of her chest. Numb, her eyes lifted to see the person move away and disappear. Or maybe they didn't leave? Maybe it was her eyes blurring?

Sapphire would have expected immense pain. But she didn't feel anything but shock. At least, not at first. Then came a slight tingling, and then she just felt warm. Warm giving way to cold. Blood pooled beneath her twitching legs. Breaths came in short gasps as she realized she could no longer breathe.

By now, the monsters drew near. They knew she couldn't fight anymore. She could barely move her head. The creatures started to crawl on top of her. Their burning teeth and claws speeding up the job. Black spots floated along her vision, blocking her sight. This was it. She coughed, feeling warm, bitter blood dribble down her chin.

She slowly turned her head toward the door, seeing colorful blobs disappear out the door. She smiled slightly. At least they were safe.

Her eyes closed. The last of her strength ebbed away.

I loved you Ruby, I just hope ya knew that. Goodbye….

The library door slammed shut as Green, Yellow, Emerald, and Platinum ran out into the entrance. Well… maybe not Emerald. He was stirring awake in greens arms. His eyes shot wide open and he gasped. "Sapphire!"

But it was Green holding him, not Sapphire. He looked up at Green in confusion. "Where's Sapphire?"

The others gazes flicked from face to face, but she wasn't there. Green's eyes grew wide as she looked back at the library door. "She must still be in there."

Emerald leaped from her arms. "We have to find her!" He pounded at the door, only to have the creatures growl back from behind the door. Green place her hand on his shoulder. She gently pulled him away from the door. "We can't, Emerald."

He looked back at the door. The wood warped as the creatures pressed against it. Their furious growls came through. He clenched his fist. "What'll Ruby say? He loved her."

Yellow slipped in beside them. Her eyes watered. "We'll see when we get back. We can grieve after..." So that was it. She could feel it. Sapphire was already gone.

He dropped his head and nodded.

Green took the lead as they headed back to the dining room.

They didn't notice the shadow following them.