II. Complicated
I'm heartbroken as she walks away.
I know she wants my help. I know I could give her help. I know I should give her help.
But I can't.
She hates me for it, and I don't blame her.
I am aware that she needs all the help she can get, that the gym leaders are in dire need of strong battlers because they are not enough.
All of Hoenn is in extreme peril. And I'm here, with the gym leaders, tough enough to fight, to make a stand. I should at least try.
But I can't. I won't allow myself.
Part of my brain is infuriated, yelling, "What is wrong with you? Fight! Protect your home! Protect her!"
But I hide behind my cowardice. I hide behind the façade of contests. I hide my true reasons.
I'm doing this for the girl I met so long ago. The girl of a far-off memory, blurred until I forgot even her name.
I damaged her, I scarred her, and I will not repeat my mistake.
But now Sapphire hates me.
I disgust her; I am a disappointment, just like I am to my father. Just like I am to myself.
Whether I intended to or not, I duped her.
It wouldn't have minded when we first met,
(at least, I wouldn't admit it.)
But it packs a punch now.
She thinks she was stupid, a fool, for becoming my friend.
She was right.
She was wrong.
She told me to leave, said she never wanted to see me again. So I am. But I risk a hopeful glance back.
If she is still there, I'll turn back. I'd turn back in a heartbeat. I'll apologize and everything will be okay.
Right?
I'll fight no matter what the cause. And I'll return to her no matter what.
Holding my breath, I tilt my head, hopinghopinghopinghopinghopinghopi-
She's gone.
I continue onward, my body a battleground. On it fight my biggest emotions and worst fears.
…
"Wait, Ruby, don't go."