Return to you

DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokémon.

Chapter 21: A Sudden Premonition

Sapphire's POV

I had completely forgotten about what Morty and I agreed a few days ago. He said that there was something I wanted to ask of him. At that time, I had one thing in mind. I wanted to ask him about Ruby's whereabouts while Lapis was around, in order for me to find out whether or not they are the same person.

But now, I'm not so sure whether I should still bring that up. A lot has happened. Though it was only for a short period, I got to see Ruby and even talk to him. He couldn't stay long and once again, he had to disappear. Many questions were left unanswered and I think they just added up. Lapis' identity was the least of my concerns. All that I knew was that Ruby said I should trust him.

I turned down Morty's assistance. He was surprised at first, but he smiled and acknowledged my decision. I didn't explain the details as to why. For now, I figured I should trust Ruby and Lapis and do my best to reach Cianwood City where I could finally get a hold of some answers. But the place is two towns away. I have to try to be patient.

I recalled my pokemon back to their pokeballs and returned Nyro to Lapis after I thanked him for lending me the dark-type. Momo transferred from the boy's arms and unto my shoulder. After that, Morty escorted us out. We still had to go through the maze-like path but with his assistance, it felt quicker. Along the way, Morty commended my pokemon and me for our triumphant gym battle. I grinned with gratitude and tapped the pokeballs on my belt. "I couldn't have done it without my team."

Lapis also got a compliment from the Ecruteak gym leader but it was accompanied by a mild warning for interfering in a battle that wasn't his. He apologized and Morty patted him on the shoulder as a sign of forgiveness.

Finally, we made it out. Having been in the dark gym too long, the sudden brightness made me wince and blink a couple of times, as did Lapis who retreated back to the shade. Morty seemed accustomed to it and merely chuckled at us. He wished me luck for my future gym battles and was about to bid us goodbye when he suddenly spoke up that he wanted to talk with Lapis.

I was puzzled. Why couldn't he have said so before he came out of the gym? Was there something they needed to speak to each other about, by themselves? They told me that I should go on ahead and that Lapis was just going to meet up with me afterwards. Why should I be left out? I had this uneasy and suspicious feeling. I wanted to stay and know for myself but I couldn't argue with a gym leader, so I left.

As I continued walking, I couldn't help but glance back occasionally. They started their conversation but I couldn't hear a word. It couldn't be about the gym battle. What was it then? I was dying to know what they were talking about and why wasn't I involved. I cursed under my breath, guessing that Lapis probably won't say anything about it to me. What's with all these damn secrets?!

I stormed inside the pokemon center to have my team healed. The trainers around me were startled but I paid no attention to them. I handed my pokeballs to Nurse Joy at the counter and proceeded to the waiting area where I took a seat by the table. All the while, I kept on tapping my fingers on the surface and sighing ever so often. The subject about Morty and Lapis kept nagging at me. I grew agitated with every passing second. The only person who was calm around me was Nurse Joy and if you count pokemon, then Momo was also unafraid of my dark mood.

The gray furball sat on the table and kept looking at me, worriedly. "…Mincci?"

I slumped my head unto the table and gave a long exasperated sigh. I had to take it easy. My head was messed up. I haven't calmed myself from the rush of the long battle, and now, I can't get over Lapis and Morty. I took long deep breaths but it was useless. It all ended in more heavy sighs.

In an attempt to actually relax, I closed my eyes but I accidentally ended up dozing off.

Visions of gym battling and images of Lapis and Ruby swirled in my head like a badly pieced up movie. I couldn't understand anything. Some were blurry while others were too fast. My mind was more chaotic than I guessed.

I tried to wake myself up or maybe focus on my dream …as if I could do any of both. The flashes of memories continued to play erratically. I even saw fragments of the time I started my 20-day quest in New Bark Town as well as the day I met Lapis.

"…Sapph."

The voices from the memories were jumbled but one familiar sound was distinct from the rest. Ruby? That was what I wanted to believe but it was hard to tell apart from Lapis'. Though, just hearing it made me feel calmer.

In a moment, the images began to slow down and fade, but not into white. Everything was getting eaten up by a blue light like it was sinking into the ocean. It was getting cold. I felt like I was underwater.

In the midst of it all, I saw something.

A large shadow coming towards me…

"Sapph."

My strange dream ended. I slowly opened my tired eyes and found a yellow cylinder in front of my face. A little focus revealed it to be a Lemonade drink and surprisingly, my preferred sour kind. I shifted my eyes and saw Lapis sitting next to me with a box full of pokeballs which I easily figured were mine.

"Did you have a bad dream?" Lapis asked as he slid the container of capsules towards me.

I raised my head and glanced at my team who were calmly settled in their pokeballs. My head was still breezy but I was gradually getting more awake. "How long was I out?"

"An hour at least."

I expected longer but I was glad that I didn't sleep too long. One by one, I secured the pokeballs back unto my belt and looked back at the table where Momo was still sitting down in front of the lemonade can.

Considering the eventful night followed by the long gym battle, I couldn't refuse the refreshment. I popped it open and chugged it down. The cool and sour tang really hit the spot. It really woke me up. After I drank the whole can, I flashed a wide grin and thanked Lapis.

He chuckled softly and took a sip of his own drink, oolong tea. I recognized the label. It was also the type of brand that Ruby preferred. Wait. Why am I comparing him and Ruby? Should I still be suspicious that they are the same person? I mean, he knew my fave drink and he also likes oolong tea, but that night when Ruby disappeared, he appeared behind me. He can't have changed clothes that quickly and the eye color…

I became frustrated again and crushed the empty lemonade can with my bare hand. Momo and Lapis flinched at my sudden shift in mood. I really seemed to have startled them but that wasn't any of my concern. My head was filled with other things that made me totally restless.

I huffed in exasperation. "I wanna talk ta Ruby, now," I declared on impulse.

Lapis choked himself and got caught in a coughing fit. Momo hurriedly hopped onto his shoulder and patted his back several times. I knew I just blurted out those words on whim but I didn't want to go back so I decided to go with it.

Lapis gasped and regained his breath. "W-why?!"

"Don't ask why! I just wanna." I growled and bared my fangs. I was not thinking straight and all that came out of my mouth was all frustration. To hell with this! Whatever petty reason I could come up with, I just let it out.

"What do I look like? -A telephone operator?!" Lapis remarked with a hint of annoyance and a whole lot of sarcasm.

"Then how'd ya contact him in the first place?" I inquired as I stared him down. Surprisingly, I was making some sense.

Lapis didn't answer.

He paused for several tense moments. Then he stood up, turned his back and began to walk out the door. -Again with the silent treatment? Was he just going to leave? I grunted and I was about to call him back when he glanced at me. I froze and stared at his blue eyes that flickered with seriousness. "Wait for the call in five minutes…"

A call? Ruby was going to call me? Is that it? If that's the case, where is he calling from? Why can't anyone find him? Why won't he show himself?

I settled back on my seat as he exited the double doors. I was starting to wonder about the call Lapis said. The realization just sunk in at that moment. I didn't expect much at first but now… Am I going to talk Ruby again? I became anxious. On the other hand, I must have sounded like some spoiled brat. My reason was really petty but he still granted my desire. I should apologize later when he comes back.

The clock continued to tick. I waited impatiently as the atmosphere grew heavy.

*ring* *ring*

My pokegear went off. I frantically took it out of my bag and saw the screen display an unknown number. My heart thumped as I bit my lip and pressed the answer button. "H-Hello?"

"You sound nervous today, Sapph."

My heart almost flew out of my chest at the sound of his voice, but was it really him? I mean Lapis could call from somewhere using his own voice since it was similar to Ruby's. I needed a way of knowing if it was real. "Ruby, is it really ya?"

I heard soft laughter. "What are you talking about? Still can't tell me apart from Lapis?"

I grumbled under my breath. "Prove it then."

There was a short silence, heightening my expectations. "…Should I say your vital statistics?"

"RUBY!" I flushed bright red with embarrassment as I stood up. My doubts were totally erased in a matter of seconds. It was because Ruby always makes clothes for me so he completely memorizes my measurements. I sighed heavily and cursed myself for having suspicions.

"Now that I'm clear, will you tell me what the problem is?" He asked calmly.

"I just… miss you," I worded out as best as I could while holding back any tears that could fall.

"I miss you too, Sapph." Ruby's voice was melancholic and sincere. He was also feeling the pain of our distance from each other. I want him by my side. I want to see him. I'm sure he also thinks the same.

"Sapph, congratulations on your fourth badge, by the way."

I jolted out of my semi-daze and thanked him. "So ya know…"

"Lapis told me," Ruby replied.

I figured as much. "So where're ya now?"

Ruby was silent. It was a mistake for me to ask. I should have known that he wouldn't answer in the first place. It kept bothering me. He and Lapis were still hiding so much from me and I didn't know why. Why should I always be kept in the dark?

"Sapph, are you alright?"

I shook my head as if he could even tell because no words would come out. I was afraid that if I did, tears would fall.

"Sapph, stay strong. Don't be sad because of me… because …it might complicate things."

It surprised me. What did he mean by that? What might complicate things? I didn't understand. "…Ruby?"

"For now, I want you to have fun on your journey. Don't mind me. I'm alright… I'll see you again in Cianwood City." His voice was getting distant.

For a moment, I felt that he was getting farther away from me. I didn't want that. I clenched the pokegear. "But I…"

"Sapph…"

I couldn't hold it in anymore. "I'm always thinkin' about ya. I wanna know where ya are and how're ya doing. I'm worried if yer safe …or in pain. I can't wait for Cianwood… I w-wanna see ya."

*drip* *drop*

The tears finally fell and the air around me grew empty. It was like sinking into some dark void. Momo leaned against my side and hugged me. Though she was small, it was warm. I tried to regain my composure but it was hard.

"If that's the case, then you should forget about me."

I jolted at his cold and serious tone. What was he talking about? I couldn't understand. My heart was filled with fear and deep anxiety. My body, especially my hand trembled with disbelief. "W-What're ya sayin?"

"I'm causing you too much sorrow so… you should forget about me completely."

"Why?!" I didn't want to believe that icy tone of his. He wasn't like the Ruby I know. "Please tell me what happened. Why must ya do all this?"

"This is for the best, Sapph. Don't contact me anymore till you are in Cianwood …Goodbye."

"Wait—"

The line went dead. I couldn't believe it. It was surreal. The pokegear slid off my hand and dropped to the floor. Was it a mistake to talk to him? I felt regretful because now, the pain became more unbearable.

I heard people murmuring around me but their voices just drowned in my tears. I couldn't stop crying even though I repeated to myself that I should stop. Just then, I sensed coming towards me. I focused my blurry vision to see who it was.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have given in to your request." Lapis averted his gaze and stared blankly at the two empty drinking cans on the table.

I wiped away my tears and shook my head. I knew I was the one who had asked for this. The fault bears on me and my selfish desire. But was it really selfish of me? I just want Ruby to come back.

Screw this. I picked up the pokegear and thrust it into my bag. Then without saying a word, I brushed pass Lapis and ran out the door. I needed to go back to the gym. If Ruby managed to call, there was a chance that I could find out where he is with Morty's help. Behind me, I could hear Lapis and Momo coming after me while calling out.

Outside, I saw Morty with his Gengar and Mismagius. As I rushed closer, he turned his head and saw me. I stopped in front of him and shrugged off any doubts in my heart and mind. "I wanna know where Ruby is."

Morty shifted his eyes. I assumed Lapis and Momo were now right behind me. I turned my head and saw them catching their breath.

"Don't…. run off… like that… all of a sudden." Lapis worded out between huffs. He raised his head and met Morty's gaze.

"Nice to see you both again." Morty greeted, unfazed by our unexpected return. Maybe, he already expected it in some way. He returned his attention back to me and gestured his two ghost pokemon. "Shall we go back to your question?"

"What question is that?" Lapis inquired.

I glared at him and before facing Morty. "None of your business. I have mine and you have yours."

Morty ignored the hostile connection between me and Lapis and continued speaking. "A few other people asked me the same thing and got no results. You sure you want me to try again?"

Before, Gold and Norman inquired about Ruby's whereabouts but it was futile. I understood my chances were slim but I had to be sure. There was no time to waste. I looked at him with a firm resolve. "Yes."

Morty motioned his two pokemon away. They retreated back into the gym and never came back. It surprised me. Wasn't he going to use them to help locate Ruby like he did before? He must have some purpose. My expectations turned high.

Morty glanced at Lapis and then gazed back at me. "Cianwood City."

I jolted. CIANWOOD CITY!? I shouted in my head while keeping a calm front. To hell with that place! What's so damn special in Cianwood?! An what in Arceus' name is he doing there?! I cursed over and over again. "…A-Are ya sure?"

Morty just looked at me. He didn't nod or shake his head. Was he doubtful? Or was he also keeping something from me? Lapis' name immediately popped in my head. The thought made me pop a vein. I growled softly but I tried to conceal my fangs a much as possible.

I was angry and also uneasy because there was something else bothering me. "Why couldn't ya tell where Ruby is before? And why didn't ya need ta use your pokemon?" I questioned further.

"I didn't need my Mismagius and Gengar because I used them a while ago for your friend." Morty responded.

Friend? Does he mean Lapis? Did Lapis ask for his help? Is that what their conversation was about? But why would Lapis need to ask Morty to help him find Ruby? No matter how hard I thought about it. I was drawing a blank.

"I can't give you much of the details." Morty chuckled as he gestured to Lapis. "Perhaps, you should ask your friend."

I turned to the person in question and glared. He flinched and stared back at me with fear. I'm glad he understood how deeply in trouble he was. Once we reach Cianwood, I'll beat out all the answers from him as well as give Ruby a piece of my mind as well as a fist. They're both dead meat when I set foot on that damn place.

"Thanks for yer help," I said to Morty and left again. Momo quickly got on my shoulder, fearing that she'd have to chase me again.

"Where are you going now?" Lapis asked while following suit.

"The next town. The sooner I get ta Cianwood, the better. So hurry up or I'll leave ya behind."

Lapis ran up to my side. "Shouldn't you say goodbye to the others?"

They completely slipped my mind. I stopped abruptly and turned the other way, heading to the inn. Inside, my seniors and juniors were either taking an afternoon nap, having a drink at the coffee stall, or passing time with their pokemon. Senior Blue was the first to greet me and inquire about my gym battle. When I told her I won, she immediately jumped up and down like a kid and congratulated me with a smothering hug. The others heard the news and came over to extend their congratulations as well. They were disappointed that I didn't tell them so they could watch but Lapis simmered their mood down by showing the pictures that he took. I was about to tell them that I was leaving but Blue dragged me off for, in her opinion, short celebratory drink.

By the time I finally got away from her and bid everyone goodbye, it was late in the afternoon. Lapis tried to reason with me to stay for the night and leave early the next morning, but I refused.

"I'll walk as far as I can and camp out when it gets too dark," I said to him while keeping a steady pace. Sleeping indoors was not my thing, anyway. I'm more at ease sleeping outside.

I heard a pokeball open from behind me and seconds later, Lapis ran up in front while riding his Sawsbuck. "It'll be faster if we ride… You want to reach Cianwood as soon as possible, right?"

I couldn't argue with that, though I wanted to. I took his hand and he hoisted me up on Xylo's back. He cued his Sawsbuck and immediately, Xylo started running. I held on to Lapis' shoulders and stared back as we exited Ecruteak City.

The western outskirts consisted of a wide open view of the countryside with hills and forestry. The strong winds were cold but it felt good. I could barely see the sun from behind the distant black silhouettes of the woods. Above, the deep orange sky was gradually drowning in dark night colors.

Xylo dashed along the dusty road with light thunderous beats. The thick leaves on his antlers rustled and fluttered in the wind. I caught a whiff of flowers. It was the lingering scent of Aromatherapy. Whether it was from Lapis or his pokemon, I couldn't tell.

We were still miles away from the next city which was Olivine and it getting dark. If I recall correctly, after Olivine, there was still a massive ocean to trek in order to reach Cianwood City. Tomorrow will be the tenth day, the halfway point of my quest. Will I make it?

"You alright, back there?" Lapis inquired, snapping my attention to him.

"Yeah," I replied as I shifted my eyes towards his back. Once again, images of Ruby flashed through my head but I shrugged them off. Just a little longer, I told myself.

When it was too dark to continue any further, we made camp at the foot of the hills. I could hear a creak nearby which added to the serene atmosphere that I missed so much. It was a nice to be back in the great outdoors. Goldenrod and Ecruteak were bustling.

Lapis had a fire going with Toro's help. And instead of cooking, he handed me a sandwich and some apples. There was enough for our pokemon too. It was great timing. I was too tired to think about much food. All I want now was to get some shut eye. I still haven't fully recovered from the rush of events.

Our camping area was really spacious. I laid the mat which was supposed to be my hammock, on the grassy floor because there were no trees around to hang it around. The cities were distant that I could only see lights glimmering along the shadowy horizon. Oh well, I didn't mind sleeping under the view of the open starry sky. What a beautiful sky it was. The moon was a silver crescent and the stars cascaded in myriads across the heavens.

My pokemon laid around the mat and drifted to sleep. I flopped unto the spread out cloth and yawned loudly. The nature air was refreshing and tranquil that it almost made me fall asleep, but I was worried about something or someone. I shifted my head to see what Lapis was up to. He was sitting at the opposite side with the campfire between us. His pokemon were at his side, readying to sleep, unlike him. He continued to stare at the fire like he was deep in thought.

"Not sleepy?" I asked curiously.

Lapis looked at me but quickly returned his gaze back unto the sizzling flames. "You go on ahead. I just have a lot to think about."

"Like what? Don't tell that it's another secret." I sulked in expectation.

"No, I'm just upset on how indecisive I can be." He replied in an almost melancholic tone.

"Hmmm? Whaddya mean?" I sat up and stared at him.

"…Nothing."

I snapped. On instinct, I grabbed a stone and threw it at him. Instantly, he jolted and evaded it. Then he scrambled back and glared at me with a startled look. "What did you do that for?!"

"Ya said it wasn't a secret! Liar." I reached for another stone to throw at him.

"Okay-okay!" Lapis raised his arms in surrender. I calmed down and laid on my belly as I listened to what he was going to say.

With eyes fixated on the fire and after a heavy sigh, he began. "Before, I was given two choices. One of which was very risky."

"Ya chose the safe one?" I assumed based on the simple reasoning. He didn't give much for me to really think about.

Lapis shook his head and flashed a small grin. "I went with the other."

"Why? And what's this gotta do with ya being indecisive." I sulked in confusion. Lapis was being his vague self again. He always butts in on my business but when it comes to him, he pushes me away.

"I chose the second for selfish reasons, but by doing that, I might have made things worse not just for me but…" Lapis trailed off.

"But…?" I waited with anticipation for the last part, but it never came. He stayed totally dazed and silent that I wanted to hit him again with a rock. Should I? Tempting, but I really shouldn't. I decided to play around by tossing it up and down with my hand, hoping that he'd get the message. Lucky for him, it worked.

He shrunk back and chuckled. "Anyway, the thing is… I was wondering if what would have happened if I went with the safe one."

"Having regrets?"

"In some parts, none… but…" Once again he cut himself off.

My patience was about to snap. "But what? Cut it out with the dramatic pause, I wanna go ta sleep!"

Lapis didn't answer. He stared at me like he was going to answer but he kept hesitating. In his eyes, I saw flicker of …Fear? …Regret? …Sadness? Why was he looking at me like that? What was he hiding?

Before I could speak, he turned his head away. "Get some sleep. It's pretty late."

"Yer the one that won't sleep." I remarked and turned over to lie on my back.

"Good night, Sapph."

I shifted my eyes, sideward, and saw him sitting up with his head buried in his arms. What's with that sleeping position? Didn't he bring some sort of sleeping bag? Arceus. I've had enough with all this stress and overthinking. It makes my head hurt. He can stick his head in the ground for all I care. I rolled on my side, pulled blanket closer and slept in a fetal position next to Toro.

September 10

I woke up to the smell of fresh dew and something tasty. It almost made me drool. I immediately sat up and followed the scent. There were roasted apples skewered by sticks next to the remains of last night's campfire. I could easily guess that they were made by Lapis. Speaking of which, he wasn't around and neither were his pokemon. Where did he wander off to this time? He didn't even leave a note or anything.

He'll be back, I said to myself. Momo and the rest of my team, including Rara were already munching breakfast. I decided to join them until Lapis came back.

The weather was great and the atmosphere was invigorating. I inhaled deeply and threw my arms in the air. "Outdoors are really the best!"

After the meal, I tucked away my sleeping equipment and scanned the area. Lapis was still nowhere in sight. I had this unsettling feeling in my chest as I recalled once again the talk we had last night. Did he leave? He couldn't have but if he did, why now? And why didn't he say anything? Idiot. If he ditched me, he's dead.

I called back my team into their pokeballs, excluding Momo who decided to perch on my shoulder rather than be cooped up in the sphere-shaped capsule. Surely, he couldn't have gone far. Then again he's got Xylo. I followed the dirt road along the hillside until I spotted a farm with a flock of Mareep grazing in a wide enclosure.

I remembered something about the person who gave me Moro. "Didn't Liz say she lived near Olivine?"

End of Chapter 21

Sorry about the huge delay. I was busy the first few weeks, then fanfic kept giving me a hard time to check my stories.
By the time things were fixed, I lost my story-writing rhythm... I got distracted... hehe...

Anyway, I'm getting back on track. (gradually)
Since my writing gap is huge, I might have typos and scattered stuff.
I hope everything still connects. My head just pops up random ideas every now and then.
I'm still making things vague. Good luck finding out what this and that means... ;)

Review! :D

Poll is still open for those who haven't voted. It would likely stay up till I think of another poll.