Return to you

DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokémon.

Chapter 3: Fulfilling Roles

July 17th Hoenn

Sapphire's POV

Two weeks have passed and still there were no news about Ruby's whereabouts. It was heart-breaking. Each day, I would get up early and start my search. I would always go back to those woods and begin my quest for answers there... But nothing. No matter how hard I tried, I never found any clues as to what had happened to Ruby.

At times, I would run in to the other search parties, particularly coach and Ruby's master. They had gotten pretty close to each other since the Hoenn incident involving Kyogre and Groudon. I also heard a rumor that they were engaged. But that was no rumor. For now, they decided to postpone the wedding. It was supposed to be in a few weeks' time but Ruby's disappearance made them extend it further. Ruby was after all going to be Wallace's Best Man and I, as predicted and recommended by prissy boy himself, was going to be the Maid-of-honor.

It was a pleasant sight to see them together though Wallace still preferred to travel using his flying car and Winona just wouldn't part flying with her beloved Altaria for a mechanical transport. As for me, I liked riding on Pilo's back, though without Ruby, it feels sort of empty.

Norman asked for a temporary leave from his gym leader duties in order to search for his son. Finding Ruby was his first priority. The pokemon association granted him permission, knowing that Ruby was one of the heroes that saved Hoenn from the huge calamity that befell the region.

My fellow dexholders also emailed or called every two to three days. The visit to Morty at Ecruteak City didn't give us the result that we wanted. All that the he saw was the forest that Ruby disappeared in and a ball of white light. The visions were very vague and blurry. It was just like the time he tried tracking Suicune but that too was fruitless. Ruby's whereabouts couldn't be tracked. Morty said that the boy was no longer here. I didn't know what that meant nor did I want to understand. Gold had thrown a tantrum at his response. He was really confident was Morty would have been able to be of help. I could only imagine what he must have felt when he heard the Ghost-type gym leader's answer. Crystal managed to settle him down with some difficulty.

Our seniors at the Kanto region were up to their necks with researching and relaying information. They knew quite a lot of people and had many connections but with no clues whatsoever to start with, there was nothing that they really could do.

Platina, Pearl and Diamond were able to find Riley. Yesterday, I heard that they were on their way back to Hoenn. By tomorrow morning, I assumed they would have arrived. Everyone's hopes were riding on them and the Aura Guardian to provide some much needed answers.

And regarding Ruby's pokemon and the egg, we didn't want them to stay cooped up in their pokeballs. Zuzu and Mimi were residing now in the lake beside the Petalburg gym. They always wore their scarfs so that people would know that they had an owner. Popo and Nene still stayed in Ruby's room along with Nana and Coco. They wanted to keep Ruby's mom company as well as to await their trainer to come home. Ruru and Zaffiro stayed with my dad. They took turns watching over their egg which until now showed no signs of hatching.

I did my last round of searching on Pilo who was beginning to feel the same exhaustion as me. We circled the woods but as I expected, my efforts were in vain. The forest looked exactly the same as yesterday and the day before that. The rustling sound in the wind still echoed the same melody in my ears. I went home to rest and build up my strength for my friends' arrival.

Normal POV

July 18th

Sapphire was waiting patiently at the pier in Lilycove City. It was somehow similar to the time that Ruby arrived from Sinnoh. He came back and brought Platina with him. Now it was just Platina along with Pearl, Diamond and the Aura Guardian, Riley.

The salty scent of the ocean blew all around the dock as the sound of waves crashing resonated in the cool atmosphere. Wingulls and Pelippers were all over the place. They were either swerving above the waters to look for food or roosting lazily on a nearby rooftop.

Sapphire paced back and forth and occasionally kicked a few pebbles that she found lying on the pavement. The stressful weeks without any progress were wearing her down. She doubted whether this Aura Guardian would be able to help. Her heart could only take much more disappointment.

On a metal bollard, Momo sat down and watched. It was saddening seeing her trainer act that way. Her ears flopped to the side and her tail swung lazily in the breeze as she pondered on ways to cheer her up. But she too was affected by Ruby's disappearance. Sapphire was officially her trainer but Ruby was like her teacher. She picked up a lot of things from him which made the wild girl think the red-eyed chinchilla was a mini version of Ruby.

Then Momo's eye caught a glimpse of a ship approaching. Her mouth curved into a grin and her ears and tail perked up. She turned to Sapphire and waved at her excitedly to get her attention. "Mi-Minccino!"

Sapphire's mind was somewhere else. She kept pacing and kicking stones as if she didn't hear anything. Seeing she had been ignored, Momo puffed her cheeks and bounded towards her trainer. With enough momentum, she made a jump straight to the girl's face.

Sapphire jolted back in shock. Coincidentally, there was a small crate behind her. She tripped and fell backwards, flinging the chinchilla pokemon into the water.

*splash*

The brunette scrambled to the edge of the dock and called for her Minccino. "Momo!"

A small gray head popped out of the water, much to Sapphire's relief. Momo, on the other hand, was completely horrified of her predicament. She couldn't stand the grimy feeling of the seaport water. Her face cringed in disgust as she swam back to safety. Sapphire took pity on her and hoisted her back on the dry pavement where the Minccino hastily shook the water off. But much to her misery, the smell remained.

"MINCCINO!"

Half an hour later, the ship finished docking into the harbor. The sound of its horn echoed loudly as the Sinnoh trio along with their companion was disembarking the large vessel. Sapphire was waiting for them at the side with Momo behind her, brushing her fur briskly with a towel.

"Momo, if ya don't stop, yer gonna get bald," Sapphire spoke up after glancing at the furry gray pokemon who didn't seem to have any plans of stopping.

The crimson-eyed Minccino flinched and glared at the blue-eyed teen. "Mincci-Minccino!"

"It was yer fault in the first place. Don't ya go blaming me for yer sorry state."

Momo wrapped the towel around her neck like a scarf before turning her head away, grumbling. Minutes later the company from Sinnoh met up with the two. After a short greeting, Sapphire got a good look at the Aura Guardian whom Platina introduced by the name of Riley. He looked like a gentleman dressed in blue and black clothes with a modified fedora hat that covered his spiky black hair. Behind him was a jackal-like pokemon with colors that matched his trainer's clothes.

To Sapphire, the air around them seemed kind of different. She couldn't really explain it. Maybe it was because of the aura they emitted. Riley kept looking at her, the Hoenn girl's uneasiness was obvious even for an ordinary person to see. He placed a hand on Sapphire's shoulder, "Rest assured. I will do everything in my power to help find your friend."

Sapphire nodded and smiled. The man's words were comforting but in a way they were telling her that there was no actual assurance. It was better that way. Having false hope will only hurt her more in the end.

They made their way to the forest by air. Sapphire and Platina rode the brunette's Tropius while the boys traveled on Riley's Dragonite. It was the Berlitz heiress' suggestion to not use Aura Guardian's Salamence otherwise it would remind Sapphire more about Ruby. But even if it wasn't a Salamence, the blue-eyed trainer still didn't feel comfortable seeing a dragon-type pokemon. Sapphire shrugged it off. Finding Ruby was more important than her feelings towards them.

Platina wanted to help ease her friend's sadness but she didn't know what words to say to her. Momo was the same. The Minccino just sat on her trainer's lap and nestled in her arms. The salty smell was still there but the fresh forest breeze masked most of the odor. Sapphire was drifting back and forth between depression and hope. She kept trying to be positive but just enough so that whatever the results today would bring, the disappointment won't be as painful.

All of them arrived at the location. The quiet woods greeted them. Tall trees surrounded them in every direction. After dismounting their pokemon and returning them to their respective pokeballs, Riley and his Lucario began inspecting the area. Sapphire and the Sinnoh dexholders stood aside and watched the Aura Guardian and his pokemon walk around while feeling the aura of various places.

Tension was rising between the teens. Sapphire was the most anxious. Finally, Riley came back with a plain expression. The dexholders didn't know if the news were bad, good or nothing at all. Pearl spoke up first and asked, "Well? Anything?"

Riley glanced at his Lucario and then back to the four. "I cannot see anything specific without any physical traces …but all I can say is that whoever or whatever has taken your friend has no ill intentions."

"What do you mean by that?" Pearl asked with a confused look. The rest of the dexholders were just as bewildered and curious about the Aura Guardian's words.

"What I am implying is that your friend has been taken by someone or something for a reason. I cannot determine what it is but the unknown entity does not possess any malevolent motives. Quite the opposite, actually. It wants to help."

"Help with what? I still don't get it. Just who or what kidnapped prissy boy and what does it want with him?" Pearl spouted question after question. He was getting impatient hearing only vague answers.

"Pearl, calm down." Diamond held his manzai partner back.

Sapphire remained silent as she tried to let her thoughts sink in. Platina approached Riley and calmly inquired, "Sir Riley, what would you suggest that we do now?"

The Aura Guardian looked at them and then faced the Hoenn dexholder. "For now, there is nothing more that could be done other than wait. He is likely in no danger judging from the motive of the being. I have a feeling that he will return on his own when the time comes…."

More waiting? Just how long will he be gone? Sapphire asked herself. Part of her was glad that somehow Ruby was safe but the mystery of his disappearance just gotten deeper. As usual, there was nothing more they could do. All that was left was to be patient and wait.

July 19th – July 20th

The results of the Aura Guardian's investigation reached the rest of the dexholders as well as the search parties in Hoenn. Their work force simmered down but they still continued. Wallace decided that the gym leaders should do a routine scan around the areas near their cities. The woods where Ruby disappeared in was in Wattson's radius of responsibility but Wallace and Winona decided to drop by there every time they finished their own locations.

Norman was not satisfied by Riley's response. He continued on with his own search but he was to return to his gym whenever there would be a trainer that was challenging him. Caroline was worried for him as well as for her son. She just tended to the house so that she would be ready to welcome them when either of them come home.

Pearl, Diamond and Platina along with Riley returned to Sinnoh, the day after they had arrived. Sapphire was thankful because in some way, she was able to feel a little relief. Patience was all she needed now. But for how long could it last her.

July 21st Goldenrod City, Johto

It was Gold's Birthday. As always, he was helping out at the day care center. The old couple had prepared him a triple-chocolate flavored cake as appreciation for his hard work. Crystal already planned to drop by as well as some of the other dexholders.

Mid-morning, the sun was shining brightly and the sky was clear and blue. Crystal was making her way to the center while flying on her Xatu, Xatee. She was wearing the clothes her mother picked out for her before instead of the lab coat that she mostly wore. It consisted of a white bonnet with a red ribbon, a pair of blue overalls with a red long sleeve underneath with a white collar and finally red shoes with long white stockings. The taste of clothing was not to her liking but because of the occasion, she decided to let it be.

After passing over Ilex forest, Crystal descended at the front door of the day care. The old couple greeted and welcomed her in. They informed her that Gold was outside, tending to the pokemon in the yard. The twin tailed girl went out to find him and give him his present.

Outside, the yard was filled with pokemon. There was a small lake for water types and trees for plant, bug and flying ones. Gold was in his usual clothes but with a long white apron. He was surrounded by baby pokemon. A Pichu was on his head, a Cleffa and Igglybuff in his arms and a Munchlax nibbling on his leg. His pokemon were also around to help their trainer. Ataro was playing around with an Exeggcute by juggling it with his tails. Sintaro was being trailed by a Budew and a Hoppip while Explotaro was lying down with other fire types like a Growlithe, a Magby and a little Cyndaquil.

Crystal giggled at the refreshing sight. It was rare for Gold to display a sense of responsibility but this time he seemed seriously engrossed in care-taking so many pokemon. The golden-eyed breeder finally noticed her as she came closer. "Hey super serious gal! Glad you could make it!"

Gold's pokemon turned their attention to the girl and waved at her. Crystal waved back at them and proceeded to take the two pink infants from the boy as she greeted him, "Happy Birthday."

"Thanks. But could you be a little more enthusiastic?" Gold teased as he tried to pry the Munchlax off before it could chew his leg off.

"Well, if you would refer to your girlfriend's name rather than super serious gal, I would be."

Gold chuckled. "Heh. Alright then. Crys. Where's my present?"

Crystal sighed and cradled both pokemon in one arm before taking out a small plain white box from her pocket and handing it over to Gold.

The black-haired boy sulked at the size as well as the effortless display of not wrapping it with ribbons and stuff. Still he appreciated the gift and wondered what was inside. He hurriedly opened it and saw it contained a pokeball. Inside was green and yellow insectoid pokemon.

"That's a Leavanny. They're quite nurturing and parental so I thought he would be a big help for you in the center," Crystal explained.

Gold decided to see for himself and proceeded to take out the pokemon. The Leavanny smiled at his new trainer. Then he shifted his attention to the infant pokemons around the two teens. Happily, he went over to the trees and began to pluck and weave the leaves together with strands of silk.

"Hey, what's it doing?" Gold asked.

"Like I said, a Leavanny is very parental. It likes to take care of little pokemon."

The Nurturing pokemon returned and one by one placed little leafy hoods on the infant pokemon. Pichu, Igglybuff and Cleffa seemed rather pleased. The Munchlax however was sort of confused. It seemed to wonder if the hood was edible. Gold laughed at the four's weird appearance and turned towards the Leavanny.

"I guess I still need to give you a name." Gold thought for a second. "How about Nantaro? Short for your Nanny-like behavior."

The Leavanny nodded and offered to carry the two pink pokemon in Crystal's arms. The Igglybuff and Cleffa were starting to really warm up to Nantaro so the twin-tailed Capturer gladly handed them over. Gold also handed Pichu over to the Leavanny.

"Well, now that we have some time on our hands, how about we go out somewhere?" Gold suggested as he hastily took off his apron and flung it to Nantaro who caught it instinctively.

"But our seniors might be on their way here as well as Silver," Crystal protested.

"Aww… You're no fun." Gold grumbled and sent out his Togekiss.

"Hey, what are you—"

Before Crystal could finished what she was about to say, Gold grabbed her and mounted on Togetaro's back. The black-haired breeder shot a sly smug look at the girl. "I guess I have no choice but to kidnap you."

"WHAT!?"

Togetaro shot the same smirk as his trainer as he swiftly took to the skies. Crystal held on to her hat as well as Gold's arm as she braced the strong wind currents created by the Togekiss' rapid flight speed.

Once they were high enough, Togetaro slowed down and Crystal finally had a moment to catch her breath. Gold was still grinning at the fact that the girl was still not letting go of his arm. The breezy atmosphere and cloudy fields below them seemed like a fine setting.

"So where should we have our date?" Gold asked with half-teasing and half-eager tone.

Crystal eyed the boy with an unhappy expression. "I told you our seniors are coming by to greet you on your birthday. We should return to the day care."

Gold gave a heavy exasperated sigh and pulled out his pokegear from his pocket. He hurriedly dialled one of his seniors. "Hey senior Blue! Crys and I are going on a date so you guys should drop by tomorrow instead."

"Gold! Don't just decide things on your own! They might be already here in Johto. You can't just inconvenience them for your silly whims." Crystal argued as she tugged the Breeder's sleeve.

With a plain expression, the golden-eyed boy ended the call and turned to the girl. "It's my birthday. I can do what I want."

Crystal grumbled and released his arm. "You're being a selfish kid."

Gold tucked his pokegear back in his pocket and tightly held Crystal's arm. "Is it selfish for me to want to spend my birthday with only you?"

Crystal couldn't argue with that. A pink hue spread across her face. "…I-I guess not."

"By the way, Senior Blue said it was okay. They were kind of busy anyway." Gold loosened his grip and his face dampened as he looked ahead.

"It's been two weeks. Ruby hasn't returned. Even if that Aura Guardian said that we should just wait. I can understand the others' feelings of wanting to find him and bring him back." The twin-tailed Capturer paused for a few seconds as she thought of her junior in Hoenn. "Sapphire must be having a hard time keeping it together. I hope that she'll stay strong."

"Wild gal will make it through. I'm sure." Gold said with a positive tone. "Prissy boy is probably feeling the same way she is. That means, he's also doing everything that he can to come back to her."

"You and Ruby fight a lot but you really seem to understand him."

Gold shifted his head towards Crystal. "That's because he's a guy like me. And we guys don't like to be apart with the girls we love." His expression grew serious as he moved closer to Crystal's face. The twin-tailed lass smiled and closed her eyes as her lips touched with Gold's. It was a warm sensation that dissolved the cool windy air around them.

Moments later, they parted. Gold's grin returned. "Well, that's one thing down in my Birthday-wish-list."

"List?" Crystal somewhat didn't like the sound of it.

"Yeah." Gold's grin widened. "You and I are going to do everything on my list. And you can't argue since it's my birthday."

Crystal sighed. Gold was acting childishly again and she had no authority to scold him on his special day. She just wished the list wasn't too unconventional for her to handle but knowing Gold, it probably was.

August 8th Pallet Town, Kanto

With no new development in the case of their missing junior, Kanto dexholders were still feeling at a loss. Out of the four, Red was feeling down the most. He was the leader of the dexholders and he told his junior Sapphire that she could count on them to find Ruby, but it's been more than a month and nothing turned up at their end.

Taking Blue's suggestion, Yellow decided to cheer him up by coming over to Red's house. The blonde girl was feeling rather nervous in going there alone. For some reason, the other dexholders weren't going to visit and that they all relied on Yellow to celebrate Red's birthday with a bang. They had delivered their gifts to the Healer for her to bring personally to the birthday celebrant. Not that Red probably remembers it's his birthday.

With the cake, balloons and presents mounted securely on her Dodrio, Yellow and Chuchu made their way to Pallet Town. It was only a short trip from Viridian City and with Dodosuke's speed; they made it in a matter of minutes.

Yellow gazed at the small quiet town surrounded by forestry. A faint floral scent lingered in the air and the chirps of Pidgeys flying by made the atmosphere more serene. The blonde trainer went over to Red's house and dismounted at the front door. Then she nervously grabbed the doorknob and gulped. Chuchu hopped off and awaited her trainer to open the door so she could see Pika again.

Before Yellow could think of knocking or turning the doorknob, the door suddenly opened and Red came out in a hurry, consequently collided with Yellow and knocking both of them to the ground.

Feeling little shaken up, Red rubbed his head and realized he had fallen on top of Yellow. He just stared blankly at the flustered blonde as the event slowly sunk in. By the time he understood how awkward the situation was, Yellow was already frozen stiff.

"Sorry about that." Red quickly got to his feet and reached for the girl's hand. Yellow grabbed his hand but her shocked flustered expression remained. Her mind had gone absolutely blank. Red, however, didn't notice much and asked, "So what are you doing here?"

"I-I… W-well, you see…" Yellow was desperately trying to remember why she came. That was when the black-haired boy saw the colourful balloons and neatly wrapped boxes on the triple-headed bird's back.

"Did you just come from a party?" Red inquired as he inspected Yellow's stuff. He detected a sweet smelling aroma coming from one of the boxes.

The brown-eyed girl finally remembered the reason why she was at his house. "I-I came over to bring those to you."

"Huh? Really?" Red turned his attention back to Yellow with a smile. "Nice timing. I was on my way to get something to eat so it's good that you brought over some food. But what's with the balloons?"

"...It's your birthday."

"Eh?" Red didn't realize it until he remembered the date. He laughed and scratched his head in embarrassment. "I guess it is. Silly me."

One by one, the dexholders and their two Pikachus brought the boxes and balloons inside Red's house. Yellow neatly set the velvet cake on the table and tied balloons together at the side of the chairs. Then she turned to Red who was placing the last of the presents on a different table.

The blonde approached him and took off her sombrero, letting her long ponytail hung gracefully across her back. She clutched the straw hat in her hands and fidgeted a bit before she greeted Red, "Happy Birthday."

The two Pikachus also greeted the dexholder leader a happy birthday in their own Pokemon language. Red grinned at them. "Thanks guys."

Yellow explained why she came alone. The spiky haired trainer didn't mind. After all, he didn't even remember his own birthday but everyone else remembered. After Yellow sung the birthday song, Red cut the cake and the two ate. It was a nice and peaceful meal but the Healer was starting to see it like a date. They were the only two people and they were facing each other while sharing the same table.

"So how have you been, Yellow?" Red asked to strike up a conversation.

"I'm fine. But I should be the one to ask you that question."

Red became silent for a moment. Then he replied, "I'm doing alright as well."

Yellow could tell how troubled Red was still feeling. She wanted to cheer him up. That was when she remembered her present. It was small so she carried it with her separately.

"I have something to give you."

Red's face lit up in curiosity as Yellow hurriedly checked her pockets to find her gift. She seemed to have forgotten where she placed it.

"Pika-Pi?" Chuchu scurried over and handed her trainer a small box with a red ribbon. Yellow smiled in relief as she took it from the Pikachu. "Thanks Chuchu!"

Then she nervously handed it over to Red and greeted him again. "Happy birthday."

Red reached for it and unknowingly touched the girl's hand, making Yellow flush. "Thank you." He calmly began to unwrap it and saw it was a pair of red and white wristbands with a pokeball print. The black haired boy smiled and tried them on. It really went well with his clothes. "They look great."

"—Wait, I forgot something." Yellow stood up abruptly and took out a black marker. Then she held Red's wrist and wrote something on the band as well as the other one.

"Don't give up."

"Everything will be alright."

After writing, Yellow returned the cap on the marker and smiled brightly. "That way when you're feeling down, you'd feel better. It's a magic encouragement trick that I read in some book."

Red felt it working already. But when he closely examined the writing, he chuckled. It was readable but in his perspective, they were upside down. Yellow wondered why he was laughing and then she realized why.

"Ah! I'm sorry." The brown-eyed blonde felt humiliated.

"No worries." Red took the bands off, turned them around and placed them back. "See? It's fine."

Yellow was upset over nothing. She sat back down and exhaled deeply. Chuchu and Pika giggled. Red also gave a small laugh. "I really like it, Yellow."

For a moment, the Healer thought she heard the words wrong. She heard I really like Yellow. It made her completely flushed. She buried her face in her hands to hide the redness. The dexholder leader felt something was wrong. He stood up and came over to her, placing a hand on the girl's forehead. It was somewhat hot and getting hotter. "Yellow? You have a fever?"

"I-I'm fine!" Yellow jerked away from him and almost fell off her chair if Red had not grabbed her arm in time. The blonde Healer froze up. Her red face was in plain view as the boy stared at her puzzlingly.

"You sure? You don't seem so well."

Yellow regained her balance and composure. "I'm fine."

"Okay, if you're sure." Red released her arm and placed a hand on her blonde head. "I don't want anything else bad to happen to the people close to me."

Yellow felt the sadness in his tone. She reached for his hand and held in gently. "You don't have to worry about me. As long as I stay by your side, nothing's going to happen, right?"

Red gave a small smile and nodded. "I'm glad that you're always with me. It really calms me down."

Yellow smiled sheepishly and turned her attention to the presents stacked on the table. "How about we open the rest of your presents?"

"That sounds great."

August 27th Littleroot Town, Hoenn

The days of Ruby's absence continued to bear heavily in Sapphire's heart. She waited day by day and cried night after night till she could no longer shed any more tears. The azure-eyed girl gazed at the calendar. Almost two months had passed and the date she set to travel to Johto was rapidly approaching. She questioned herself whether she would still go or not.

*Riiing*

Sapphire heard her pokegear ring. She walked over and took it out of her bag. The name displayed was Ruby's mom. The brunette wondered why she was calling. News about Ruby? She decided to not expect anything. It would only be more painful to.

"Hi Auntie." Sapphire greeted with a tinge of forced happiness.

"Hello Sapphire. Sorry to call you all of a sudden." Caroline's voice came from the other line. "I just wanted to know if you still plan to go to Johto."

Sapphire hesitated in answering. Even she didn't know what to do. "Why are ya asking?"

Caroline's voice became warm. "Because if you are; come by. I have something to give you."

Sapphire grew curious as to what Ruby's mom wanted to give her. She agreed and ended the call. Should I go? She asked herself over and over.

In the end, she came to Ruby's house along with Momo who really wanted to tag along. Caroline welcomed her in and led her to her son's room. It had been so long since Sapphire set foot in Ruby's room.

Momo dashed to the bed and swept some of the dust away before sitting down. Her scarlet eyes followed the places her trainer gazed. Sapphire reminisced of old memories. The place looked the same as she remembered. There were plushies on the shelves and mat, beds for Nana and Coco, bookshelves filled with various albums and Ruby's precious portfolios and lastly was Nene's fishbowl where the Finneon was staring blankly into space.

While Caroline was picking out something in the closet, Sapphire came over to Nene and smiled at her. Their relationship had gotten a lot better, but she was still in the borderlines of an Aunt rather than a Mother figure. Ruby was still so much of a Father in Nene's eyes.

"Hiya Nene." Sapphire's voice shifted the Wing fish's attention. Nene's butterfly-shaped tail flickered pale blue, indicating her sadness. The girl stroked the side of her bowl. "He'll come back. Surely he will." Those words were also the kind of words that Sapphire wanted to hear but coming from someone else.

"Here we go." Caroline pulled out a long white box and came over to the bed where Sapphire was just sitting down beside Momo. The tall brunette handed her the package and smiled motherly. "I was cleaning up and found this. I'm sure he really wanted to give it to you personally but seeing he's not here, I thought I should give it to you in his place."

Sapphire's hands slightly trembled as she accepted it from Ruby's mom. "Thank you, Auntie."

Caroline nodded and went downstairs to give the girl sometime by herself but partly she just didn't want to break down again in front of Sapphire.

The room grew silent and the atmosphere became heavy. The blue eyed teen clutched the sides of the box and stared at it. She kept asking herself if she should open it or not. Popo flew over from the shelf and hovered near the brunette's shoulder. Nene and Momo turned their attention to Sapphire and anxiously awaited her to uncover what was inside.

Sapphire took a deep breath and removed the top cover. The eyes of everyone in the room widened. It was a new outfit for the girl. It had a mix of designs from the first two outfits that Ruby made plus it was a lot longer. But the most eye-catching feature was that it was…

"PINK!?" Sapphire shouted, making the pokemon in the room flinch. "Why THE HECK is it PINK!?"

The girl clutched the pinkish attire angrily but then her grip loosened and she held it close to her.

"Ruby… Ya idiot." She muttered with tears flowing down from her eyes.

Sometime later, Sapphire came downstairs, wearing the new outfit that Ruby made for her. It had black shorts and a white slip underneath. Her hair no longer had her usual bandanna. Instead, it was tied back with a small scarf that had the same color as her clothes. Momo was the one who personally styled her brown locks, having seen Ruby do it countless times.

Caroline smiled at the sight of Sapphire wearing the clothes. "They look good on you."

"Thanks…" Sapphire smiled back at her. She couldn't say that she didn't like the fact it was her most hated color. She just let it be. It was after all, something that Ruby made especially for her.

"Auntie…"

"Yes?" Caroline wondered why Sapphire's tone became serious all of a sudden.

"I've decided ta go ta Johto."

End of Chapter 3

*sigh* It's really long. hmmm...

I got a little depressed at the no additional reviews.

I just hope that the new chapter will add more. =)

I got two shippings in this chapter. I hope it's okay.
I'm not good with personalities. Did I get them right?

The beginning of Sapphire's journey begins at the next chapter!
Also you can see her clothes on the cover image.

Wonder what pokemon she will get first. A Chikorita? Cyndaquil? Totodile? Or something else?