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DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokémon.

From fluff to angst. Get ready readers for a taste of some revelations!

Chapter 15: A Chance Meeting and a Second Parting

Sapphire's POV

I found myself lost in a dream-like state. The voices of the crowds resonated like faint whispers in the spectrum glow of the lanterns. My seniors and friends were nowhere in sight. Even if they were, my vision could only see them as a blur, because my attention was entirely on the hand that held mine.

My heart overpowered me. The feeling that arose from that gentle but firm hold was familiar and unmistakable. But my mind thought otherwise. I turned my eyes towards Lapis' back as we passed through translucent streams of the people. His strange warmth was mixing with my painful doubts that I could no longer bear it.

Tightening my grip, I lowered my head and stopped. Lapis turned to me and wondered why. I was silent, but inside I was restless. I wanted to confirm it before we could go any further.

"ah—"

I raised my head but just as I was about to speak, Lapis' hand reached out and touched my hair. My eyes met with his glistening light-blue eyes, and his gentle smile blanked my mind and left me at a loss for words.

That smile soon frowned. "You've looked troubled ever since I arrived… It doesn't suit you." Lapis continued to gaze at me, unflinchingly.

He noticed my uneasiness, but did he understand why? If he was Ruby, then he'd know. He'd know that it was painful for him to lie to me. Why was he acting this way? Why won't he just tell me? I wanted so much to know. My heart ached. I took a deep breath and thought it over again. If he wasn't Ruby… Then, I was merely casting my own illusions.

*chomp*

I immediately snapped out of my daze when a soft pastry was shoved into my mouth. I jerked it off and glared at the perpetrator. "What was that for?!"

"I said your troubled face doesn't suit you, yet you still won't stop sulking. I figured maybe you were just hungry." Lapis said, holding up a Magikarp-shaped bread in his hand that was for himself.

His tone was straightforward, but I knew he was being sarcastic. A vein popped on my head as I quickly chowed down the custard-filled treat in five seconds flat. The pastry was soft and the sweet filling was quite gooey. Actually, it was pretty tasty. I didn't care if there was anyone staring or complaining about my manners. I was fed up of overthinking.

I gulped down that last bite and looked back at him. Lapis had a written grin of satisfaction as he chuckled softly and once again extended his hand towards my face. "You missed a spot."

I flinched as his fingers wiped off the white cream that was stuck to edge of my lip. I thought that was the end of it, but his hand remained near the side of my face. He slowly moved closer to my cheek, almost touching it. But the next moment, he retreated and turned his back towards me.

"We still have a lot of time, so what do you want to do?" Lapis shifted his head from side to side, glancing at the snacks and games that the festival booths had to offer.

I couldn't understand his behavior. It was really puzzling. He would act all close, but the moment, he would just back off. Why? Was he hiding something? Arceus. I scratched my head in anxiety.

Then I noticed something hard attached to my hair. It was smooth and kind of flat. It was firmly secured, making it hard for me to take off. I checked at the stalls in search for a mirror to see what it was. Luckily, I found one in a booth selling pokemon masks.

I tilted my head to one side and saw what it was. My heart skipped when I realized it was a hairpin in the shape of a Milotic fin. It glittered in the light with colors that match my yukata. My suspicions worsened. Was he the one who delivered those outfits to the room? Ruby could have easily designed those yukatas. So is Lapis really Ruby?

*ba-thump*

I shifted my eyes back to him. He was still engrossed in checking the booths. I slowly walked towards him with my head was filled with anxiety and thoughts nagging about his identity.

*crash*

I was not paying attention to the people walking in every direction. I continuously bumped into them until I realized that I lost sight of Lapis. Unconsciously, I began to panic. My head shifted everywhere in search of him.

Suddenly, someone pulled me to the sides and a pair of arms held me close. My heart pounded rapidly as I caught my breath.

"Sorry, if I left you alone there for a second." Lapis whispered in a calm manner.

"Idiot, ya left me longer." I murmured and buried my face against his chest.

"Really? I say it was just for a couple of minutes." Lapis pointed out, estimating in his mind.

I clutched his green yukata in frustration and muttered in hush whispers, "Just stop it already. Just stop…"

"Minccino!" Momo's squeaky voice broke the growing tension.

Before we set out, she and Azura agreed that they'd stay together and follow us from behind. I pushed Lapis away and turned my attention towards my Minccino who was perching contentedly on the shiny Kirlia's head as she skipped towards us.

"You two are having fun." Lapis shot a grin in their direction.

"Kirlia!"

"Mincci!"

The sassy duo responded cheerfully in unison. Then Momo jumped into the boy's arms, wanting to be carried. Lapis gladly obliged and held her in his arms. Momo snuggled close to him like he was her trainer, and as if I wasn't there at all. The only time that I saw her behave like that was around Ruby.

"So what should we try out first?" Lapis asked with an innocent face of a child. "I hear the candied apples are really good."

I was silent. I gripped my arm and lowered my gaze, not wanting to look at him.

"…Still sulking?" Lapis approached me and was about to place a hand on my head, but I slapped his hand away.

Doesn't he get it? I've had enough. Even if my suspicions are wrong, I want to know. I want to settle things once and for all. I can't go on like this.

"…Answer me." I held back my tears. "Are ya …really Ruby?"

There was a heavy silence in the air even though the people around us were chattering nonstop. Each passing moment felt like a lifetime. My heart continued to throb as I waited for his response.

"I told you before. My name is Lapis."

Was he lying? How would I know? How would I believe his words if it was the truth? My heart was dead set on him to be Ruby though I tried to repeat it inside my head that I should accept it that he wasn't. I looked to him and our eyes met. The cheery color of blue suddenly became cold and hard.

"…Come with me."

Lapis left Momo with Azura and grabbed my hand firmly before leading me away. My heart thumped in wonder as to where he was taking me. He didn't say another word. He just pushed through the crowds, heading away from the main square. We passed the pokemon center and the gym. The radiant lights were fading into the distance when I noticed that we were nearing the eastern outskirts of Ecruteak City.

It was dark and shadows loomed eerily in the trees. The wind was cold and it was accompanied by the somber leaves of autumn. Lapis released my hand and turned to face me. His blue eyes stared at me in the dim light. "Wait here."

Then he slowly walked off with Azura, leaving me and Momo alone. I didn't know what his intention was, but his tone sounded serious. I watched him disappear from view. Then I leaned against the thick bark of a large tree while holding Momo warmly in my arms.

Normal POV

South of Ecruteak City. Lapis stood before the woods that were now enveloped by the blackness of the night. The faint rustling created by the chilly evening breeze darkened the atmosphere. Azura stood by him, waiting for something to happen. The raven-haired boy pressed a leaf against his lips and sounded a gentle but high-pitched whistle that resonated throughout the forest.

● ~ • ~ ● ~

The rustling grew more distinct and louder, growing ever closer.

(…)

"She has the right to know." Lapis said, stepping forward to face his company.

(….)

"I know it would hurt her, but right now, she's just as hurt. It makes no difference."

(…)

"It's not like she'll know everything. At the very least…" Lapis clutched his fists. "She'll be at ease."

(…)

"I still don't regret choosing to come. It may have been a selfish choice and a risky one at that, but I don't regret it. You should understand."

(…)

"So it's decided then…"

Meanwhile at the Ho-oh festival, Gold and Silver were just preparing for an extreme game of fish scooping. They were armed each with a flat paper net, the length of Gold's billiard cue with a circular ring at the point to support the paper. Before them, there was a large tank was filled with five fish pokemon; two Goldeens and three Magikarps. The goal was to scoop the pokemon out and place them into a smaller tank, adjacent to the main one. The player who scoops more that his opponent wins the first prize, a limited edition Proteam Omega toy.

"Get ready to lose!" Gold smirked and skillfully twirled the giant poi like his billiard cue.

Silver was silent. His eyes were on the prize standing a few feet away at the sidelines where Blue and Crystal were waiting to see how things would turn out.

"Players ready?" The manager of the stall called out with a microphone. "Okay, in 3… 2… 1…. Scoop!"

Gold swiftly plunged the headpiece of the poi into water.

*plop*

One of the Goldeen tore the paper net apart with its horn. Gold's mouth gaped as the onlookers laughed hysterically. The raven-haired breeder turned angrily towards the manager. "Hey, what gives?! This is impossible!"

*splash*

On the other hand, Silver managed to land the second Goldeen neatly in his first tank, by nimbly sliding the net below it and neatly scooping it out before the net broke. Gold grew furious. Holding a new net, he changed his target to the red fish with the blank look in its eyes.

*plop*

Just when Magikarp was out of the water, it flailed around and broke the net, consequently returning it to the tank. But before it made its triumphant splash, Silver redirected its course and the Magikarp landed in the redhead's second tank.

Gold gripped the long handle of the poi, refusing to admit defeat. He let out a fierce battle aura as he stared down on the remaining three pokemon. A dark smile curved on his face as he reversed the position of his third poi, directing the end point towards the water. "I'm winning this, even if I have to turn you all into fish kabobs!"

"Gold, stop!" Crystal yelled, fearing what he may do.

But the boy ignored her and thrust the stick into the water. The Goldeen jumped out, evading the blow. A spark glint in the breeder's eyes and he twirled the poi returning position of the paper net. With it, he neatly pushed the goldfish pokemon into his first tank. The crowd began to cheer loudly at his technique. Crystal exhaled in relief the breath she was holding.

Silver's net broke for the first time because it was submerged too long in the water. Gold used the same technique and landed his second fish pokemon. The scores were tied. Now all that was left was a sole Magikarp.

Both boys became determined to scoop it out at all cost. Sink or swim. The two Johto dexholders plunged their nets into the water, clashing violently in the heat of the competition. The Magikarp panicked and splashed wildly, frantically dodging both of the trainer's poi. Silver and Gold made their scooping equipment into makeshift weapons, turning the scooping contest into a sword fight. The manager wanted to calm them down but the crowd loved it.

"Give it up, already!" Gold exclaimed.

"You wish!" Silver shouted back.

The Magikarp was still being elusive. Though it was clumsy, the boys were caught up in their squabble to fully concentrate in scooping up the fish pokemon. It all seemed endless until a white light began to radiate from the Magikarp. Everyone was frozen in shock while others began to back away.

Silver and Gold stared at their last target who was growing into a twenty-foot tall serpent. "That's…just …great." They cursed in unison.

Somewhere in the main square, the rest of the dexholders were completely absorbed in the festivity of the occasion. Platina realized her luck in the lottery games, winning several plushies that Pearl and Diamond helped carry around while sampling the various delicacies that the wide array of stalls had to offer. Red and Yellow were more interested in the booths that were featuring the various pokemon souvenirs and masks. During which, they were given a matching Pichu key chains.

It was still an hour away till their rendezvous but they ran into each other at the central part of the square where the prestigious Kimono girls were going to perform on stage. Everyone was there, excluding Lapis and Sapphire. They sat down together near the front row and shared their experiences they had so far.

Gold and Silver made it out of the Extreme Fish Scooping incident with the help of Crystal who caught the Gyarados before it started its rampage. The first prize was given to her for as gratitude, but she didn't want it. In the end, much to Gold's dismay, she gave it to Silver.

Platina handed some of the plushies she won to her two female seniors; a life-size Wigglytuff to Blue, an Azumarill for Crystal and a Teddiursa for Yellow. A Mareep stuff toy was reserved for Sapphire. The Berlitz heiress kept the Phanpy for herself and gave a Swinub and Delibird plushie to Dia and Pearl, respectively.

The lights around the stage lit up brightly and the rest dimmed, giving emphasis on the performance that was about to unfold. The sound of Chimecos echoed at the sides and petals rained down as the red velvet curtains opened. Eight girls dressed in gorgeous kimonos stood elegantly on the platform. Each had an eeveelution that reflected the designs of their traditional garbs and fans.

Most of the audience awed at the appearance of a new addition to the Kimono girls as well as the eeveelution that stood by her side. They had a light-pink motif with bows and baby blue accents.

"Miss Zuki, I can't do this…" White whispered nervously.

"You'll be fine." The Umbreon trainer whispered back with a gentle smile and encouraging tone.

"B-But…"

"DO YOUR BEST, PREZ!" an extremely loud voice burst from somewhere in the crowd.

White flinched and glanced at audience. There was a brown-haired boy waving enthusiastically near the front row, just behind Red and the other dexholders. A chorus of murmured laughter followed but it soon died down when the sound of a koto began to play in the background.

"Syl-ve…" The Sylveon nuzzled against her trainer's leg as a last-minute gesture of encouragement.

"Thank you, Sylvia." White whispered softly in gratitude.

The performance began. The Kimono girls danced elegantly, following the rhythm of the instrument playing a traditional song while their pokemon followed in the beat, tapping their paws as they raised their heads high with pride.

The crowd was mesmerized. Their gaze didn't waiver from any of the beautiful performers and their refined pokemon. White felt proud as she glanced at her Sylveon who was clearly enjoying itself. The light pokemon's long feelers flowed gracefully in the air as she maintained a tranquil expression and a perfectly synchronized movement.

Black sat in the crowd with his mouth hung agape. He eyes were completely fixated on White who looked like a whole new person with her hair following the same style as the rest of the Kimono girls, except for a few wavy strands handing down near her ears. Time to time, he would snap out of his daze and cheer again in a loud voice, flinching the Sylveon trainer who was fortunately able to remain in rhythm.

Sapphire's POV

I didn't know how much time had passed, but still I waited anxiously for Lapis' return. Momo got bored and fell asleep on one of the branches above me. The shadows in the woods were pitch-black. Everything was still other than the cool nightly breeze that shifted the trees. The moon above was a dimly lit crescent and silvery stars scattered in the heavens. I fixated my attention at the square where the festival was. From where I stood, it glowed radiantly with a spectrum of colors. I could hear the faint cheerful noises originating in the distance. It made me wonder how everyone else was doing.

Suddenly, I felt a hand cover my eyes. I flinched and turned about; trying to move away. But the unknown person grabbed my hand and pulled me closer. I continued to struggle and almost struck the stranger with my free arm, if not for a familiar sensation.

I froze in silence as the person held my hand and trailed my fingers through soft silken hair and a couple of marred skin. My body trembled and my arms were steadily losing strength. My heart felt a though it would burst out of my chest. "..R-Ruby?"

The hand slowly moved away from my eyes and my gaze met with a boy with crimson-dyed eyes. He wore a deep red yukata and around his neck was Celebi mask almost similar to Lapis' but it was reddish in color. Was I dreaming? Is this really happening? My hand transferred down and curved along his warm cheek. It felt too real to be some sort of illusion. Ruby was really there in front of me.

"Saph..." Ruby cupped my cheek in return and clasped the hand that was on his face.

It was really Ruby. Tears flowed out of my eyes as I embraced him. I never wanted to let him go again. I felt his arms wrap around me and his head nestling against my hair. His warmth, I missed it so much.

I didn't know what else to say. I listened to the way his heart thumped and the soft breaths that he let out. I prayed that this moment would not end.

But, my prayers were unanswered. Ruby calmly broke away from me and stared at my face with sorrow flashing through his eyes. I felt a sharp pain in my chest, telling me that our time together was growing short.

"Ruby? …W-what's wrong?" My voice trembled as I asked him. "What happened to ya?"

He didn't say a word. He merely brushed his fingers against my hair before he softly caressed my cheek. His lips moved as if he was going to say something but nothing came out. I felt something cold envelop in my heart instead of warmth. I leaned forward to kiss him, but Ruby stepped back to avoid me. I was hurt.

"Sapph, listen…" Ruby began with a sad tone. "I can't stay long…"

"Why?!" I gripped his clothes, fearing that he could vanish before me at any second. "What happened? Why'd ya disappear?! …Why're ya leaving?" The last question was muffled in my sadness when I started crying again.

"I'm sorry, but I can't tell you. I just came back for now to show you that I'm fine. I didn't want you or everyone else to worry about me."

"Worry?! Do ya have any idea how we all felt?! …H-How I felt?" I buried my face against his chest. "Why?! Please don't go..."

"If only I could…" Ruby trailed off and held back both of my wrists.

I desperately tried to break free, but I froze up when Ruby pressed his lips against mine. His grip loosened and I threw my arms around him, tightening my hold and kissing him back. His arms pulled me closer and I could feel how much he too didn't want to part from me.

But there was a reason he had to.

Ruby broke off from our kiss and he leaned on my shoulder. His soft breaths suddenly became short gasps and his body shuddered against me. I became worried and touched his forehead. My fears worsened when I felt he had a high fever.

"Ruby!" I needed to do something, but what? I slowly bent down and laid him against the tree. My hands cupped his face as he stared back at me. I had to get help. "Ruby, just wait here. I'll get Nurse Joy or our seniors."

I stood up again to leave, but Ruby grabbed my wrist, preventing me from doing so. "By the time you get back, I'll be gone… So just stay for a while longer."

"But I need ta do something about your fever…" I was beginning to panic.

"That's not important right now."

"Not important?!" I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"It'll wear off. Just please Sapph, hear me out…" Ruby tugged on my arm, telling me to calm down. Hesitantly, I did just that and waited for what he had to tell me. He watched me sat down beside him before he continued. "I'll be gone again, but I'll be back for certain next time."

"When is next time?" I asked with a pessimistic tone.

"Hopefully, in time for your birthday…" Ruby answered with an optimistic one.

"Why can't ya just tell me what's wrong so I can help ya?" I did my best to persuade him, but he still wouldn't say anything to me.

"I told you, I can't… But rest assured I'm not alone."

"Your pokemon are all back in Hoenn!" I argued.

"Not really… I've gained a few friends lately …and I'm sure you have too." Ruby managed a weak smile.

His words made me recall a certain raven-haired boy with deep blue eyes. "…Lapis."

"Yeah."

"Ya know him?" I asked calmly.

Ruby nodded. "You can trust him. That's all I can say."

"It's funny… I suspected him to be you…"

"I'm not surprised…" Ruby let out a short chuckle. Then he exhaled deeply and stared at the dark sky, peeking out from the gaps in the treetops. "…I need to go."

"I'm coming with ya!" I clutched his sleeved, refusing let him leave.

"I can't do that… I don't want to involve you in this." Ruby said as he placed a hand on mine.

I wanted to hit him for thinking that way, but seeing his state right now, I was convinced not to. "Whatever ya have ta do, I'll help. Just let me come with ya!"

"You are helping, even if you don't know it… That's why I need you to stay." Ruby explained as he stroked the side of my face.

Even if it was hard, somewhere inside of me was telling me to let him go. I fought back my tears. "Promise me you'll come back, that you'll come home to Littleroot, safe and sound." What was I saying? Could I really let him go that easy, especially seeing his state now? What choice did I have? What could I do for him at that point? He won't tell me anything and I couldn't convince him.

"I promise." Ruby smiled at me, tenderly. "Also, don't tell anyone that I was here. This meeting is a secret between the two of us."

What was he keeping from me that was so important that I couldn't be involved? I bit my lip and agreed. There was a lot that I didn't know and a lot that I desperately wanted to know, but he answers were always too far from my reach. I helped Ruby stand. He stumbled a few steps but he managed to get on his feet.

"How're ya feeling?" I leaned my forehead on his. It was kind of warm but compared to a few minutes ago, it was better. His gasping also simmered down to long easy breaths.

"You should meet up with the others now." Ruby looked into the distance where the festival was being held.

I held on his hands. I couldn't bear to let him go; not another time. I tightened my hold but I soon loosened it, enough for him to break away and step back into the shadows. I stood there in disbelief as he faded into the dark. "Ruby!"

I ran to him, but a white light burst out from nowhere, blinding me for a few seconds. When I opened my eyes, Ruby was gone. I slumped to the ground and cried. Momo scurried down from the tree, having woken up from the flash. It was hard to believe she slept throughout my meeting with Ruby.

I clutched my arms to try and stop my body from trembling. The next moment, I heard the grass rustle behind me. I glanced back and saw a figure standing there.

"Was the meeting worth the second goodbye?" The person whom I assumed was Lapis, questioned.

"It wasn't goodbye… He'll return." I stood up and faced him with a newfound strength. I felt as though a huge burden was lifted up from my shoulders. Ruby was alive though I was unsure about his health. That was by far, the only part that worried me. I could only pray that he'd be alright. But there was another question nagging at the back of my mind. "From the very start, ya knew what was goin' on with Ruby."

"Yeah, more or less," replied Lapis. His tone was plain, but I had a feeling that he understood where I was going with this.

"Ya also know the reason why he disappeared, and why he still won't come back."

"Pretty much…" He answered, feigning ignorance concerning the importance of the topic.

It was just as I thought. Lapis was in on this with Ruby. His identity grew even more mysterious in my perspective, but Ruby trusted him and he wanted me to trust him as well.

Just how did they meet? They couldn't be just old neighbors. It wasn't possible. Surely, there was something much more. My brows furrowed as I glared at him, "Who are you, really?"

"I arranged for that you could meet him again. In exchange, you won't pursue that topic any further." Lapis turned about, facing back to Ecruteak City. "The others must be looking for us. It's best that we go back."

I've had enough of being the clueless one.

*slam*

I rushed towards him and pinned him against the tree. "Just what the heck is goin' on?!"

Momo and Azura jolted and fussed between us. Seeing her trainer's predicament, the shiny Kirlia's eyes began to radiate a dark red glow, but Lapis gestured her to back off. She reluctantly complied and stood on guard a couple of feet away from the boy and me. Lapis returned his gaze, but he still didn't utter a word. I wasn't going to yield any sooner either. I wanted answers and I knew he had all the answers that I needed.

"Spit it out already!" I yelled.

Lapis sighed. "My intentions were good. But if you're going to be this difficult, I guess it was a mistake letting you and Ruby meet temporarily."

I grew furious. "Just what was so important that I couldn't be involved in it?!"

Lapis didn't yield from his stubbornness. He clutched my hands stared me down. "You have your own role to play in all this so give it up. I'm not telling you anything."

I gradually stepped back as I recalled what Ruby said to me. He told me that I was helping him even if I didn't know it. And hearing Lapis's words, I wondered if it had something to do with my quest to gather the eight badges of Johto or was there something else that I wasn't seeing?

"Everything will play out in the end." Lapis assured and motioned Azura to his side. "And need I remind you, this subject is only between us. No one else must know."

I watched him walk back towards Ecruteak City. I bit my lip as Momo scampered up my shoulder to check how I was doing. I patted her furry head and forced a small smile. "I don't know what ta do, Momo. Why do they have ta keep things from me?"

End of Chapter 15

Thanks Vikeila for all your help. I really2x appreciate it.

Kiwisplash- I'm going to use the fluffy one. The dare is a bit hard. The fluffy order is funny...

Read the instructions at the previous chapter.

This chapter is full of clues, if you're keen enough to notice.

Review! Please and Thank you!