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Chapter 24: A Hesitant Heart and an Iron Will

Sapphire's POV

I couldn't move.

I didn't know if it was from the shock of the fall or something else. All I could do was stare at his face. I couldn't look away. Every feature that I see makes me think of Ruby. I couldn't help it. I couldn't deny it. I could feel his warm breath brushing my face. My heart wouldn't stop thumping. Its sound was all I could hear in the silence around us.

I had this urge to reach out with my hand and touch him, or even kiss him. But then, he opened his eyes and our gaze met. I suddenly felt my chest being clenched. Those deep ocean shades woke me up from a dream …but somehow it felt more like I was dragged into an illusion. Which was it? Which was lying? My eyes or my heart?

A moment later, he turned his gaze away. Before he did, I saw a hint of sadness in his eyes. Was it hesitation? Regret? I don't know. I raised my head and he moved his arm away. We both sat up and I looked over to see if he was alright.

That was when Xylo and Momo came over. My Minccino pounced on my lap and fussed like a frantic furball that she is. I smiled cheerfully for her concern and petted her little head. "Dontcha worry, Momo. I'm okay."

"Thanks Xylo…"

I shifted my eyes to Lapis who was standing up with the help of his Sawsbuck. He was holding on one of Xylo's antlers for support. Did he get hurt just now? I stood up as well with Momo in my arms. "Hey, are ya—"

"-I'm fine," Lapis replied immediately before I could finish asking.

He patted the side of his Sawsbuck and brushed off the dirt from his clothes. All without using the arm that he shielded me with. I walked over to him but as soon as he sees me approaching, he moves away.

"Since everyone's alright, let's keep going," Lapis declared with a smile and shifted his attention to the road ahead.

It was obvious that he was hiding something from me. I grit my fangs as I went over to him. Before he could look in my direction, I grabbed his left arm. As expected, he cringed in pain. I immediately released him and scolded him, "If it hurts, ya should have said so! Don't be such a jerk about it."

"I'm sorry…" Lapis apologized as he rubbed his forearm. "I don't think it's anything serious. I'll bandage it up and place a splint." He set his bag down and took out his first aid kit.

I figured he'd have a hard time fixing himself with only one arm so I placed Momo on the ground and offered to help. I watched Ruby countless times whenever I got injured so I'd probably do a good enough job, I figured.

"No, thanks. I can do it myself," Lapis refused my help without hesitation, making me even more irritated.

"Ya can't possibly do it by yourself!" I argued.

As a response, he sent out Azura to help him. That was the last straw. How useless does he think I am in first aid compared to a pokemon? I snatched away the first box and pulled out some bandages. "Alright, give me yer arm."

"What am I supposed to do cut it off?" Lapis retorted, backing up a little.

"Don't get sarcastic with me! Ya know what I mean…" I growled and extended my hand. "Now, hurry up."

"I said, I don't want your help," Lapis stubbornly replied.

"Stop being such a selfish stubborn wuss," I snapped at him once again. Arceus! He has the nerve to butt in when I'm in trouble yet he won't let me help when he's in a pinch? Do I really look useless to him or something?

Azura intervened and tried to calm us both down. She reminded us that Lapis was still injured and that we shouldn't waste time bickering especially when we needed to reach Olivine City for my next badge.

But, even then, I didn't want to back down. I was going to show him that he can't underestimate me. "You heard her! Now, hand over your arm so I can bandage it up."

"I said no, didn't I? Now give me back my first aid kit." Lapis reached out his with other uninjured arm as opposed to mine.

I held the first aid box protectively in my arm to prevent him from taking it. "Why won't ya let me help? Don't believe me that I can do it?"

Lapis bit his lip and averted his eyes. "…It's not that."

"Then what?" I asked. Was there really some other reason?

Lapis hesitated but then he returned his attention to me. "Look, just hand it over!" He insisted with an unrelenting expression.

"Make me!" I threatened him, refusing to give in as well.

We glared at each other for a few tense moments until Lapis backed down, turned away from me and started walking. "Forget it. We're wasting time."

Wasting time? He'd rather walk around with an injured arm than to have me treat him? I felt a vein pop. I wanted so badly to throw the first aid kit at him. Then he'll have a lump on his head to go with his arm. Lucky for him, I didn't want to break the box and whatever fragile medicine stuff he had inside.

"Are you coming or what?" Lapis stopped and glance back at me.

"Tch." I approached him and handed his first aid kit. "Here."

He smiled in relief and was just about to take it from me when I grabbed the sleeve of his injured arm to see the extent of his injury and also know if there was something he was hiding from me. I managed to reveal a few inches above his wrist before he forcibly jerked his arm away from me, preventing me from having a good look.

It happened in a matter of seconds.

But I did see something. Something red. Blood? …It can't be his sleeve was not stained. Maybe, I was just seeing things? I felt so sure so it can't be that either. "What is that?" I asked.

Lapis didn't answer. He gave the box to his Kirlia and moved away from me while clutching his arm and not meeting my gaze. Azura once again moved in between us and stood protectively in front of her trainer. Kirlias are peaceful pokemon but once they feel they need to defend their trainer, they're not to be taken lightly.

Momo scampered to my side to back me up. She tried to reason with Azura using her squeaky pokemon language. Meanwhile, I shifted my attention from the two to Lapis who was standing beside Xylo. His back was turned so I couldn't see if he looked like he was in pain, angry, or whatever.

"Azura, could you take them ahead? I'll catch up," Lapis said.

Take us ahead? What does he mean by that? I'm not leaving. We're not done yet. Before I could ask or spout an argumant, Azura held on to me and Momo. Then glowing white rings began to surround us and in a blink of an eye, the scenery shifted.

We were still in the countryside but Lapis and Xylo were nowhere in sight. I took a few steps back before nausea settled in. My vision almost went topsy-turvy. Momo felt the same and soon flopped unto the grassy roadside.

"I apologize for that. It'll wear off really soon." Azura held out her arms to both me and Momo, and emitted a warm pink light. I felt my dizziness recede. I guess that it was a weak version of Heal Pulse. "Let's continue onwards by foot. We'll meet up with him at the pokemon center."

I grumbled under my breath and looked back at the scenery over the hills. I didn't know how far Azura teleported us or how near Olivine City is. I shifted my gaze to locate the point of destination, the Lighthouse.

It almost took my breath away. I saw the famous structure towering above the ground, almost twice the height of when I last saw it in the distance. Olivine City was actually a few feet away. My keen hearing could detect the sound of the sea and my nose caught the salty scented breeze.

Azura picked up Momo and motioned me out of my daze. She walked ahead of me as we entered the city boundaries. I saw the ocean stretch far into the horizon. It was a really blue, or beautifully blue as Ruby would put it. Just as we stepped foot in Olivine, my eyes caught the sight of the gym in the direction opposite to the Lighthouse. Excitement and competitive instinct took over. I hurriedly walked up to the front to know what I was going to be up against.

Olivine City
Pokémon Gym
Leader: Jasmine
The Steel-Clad Defense Girl

The gym leader is a girl and she uses Steel-types. Based on the description, I quickly analyzed my battle plan I remember Rono, my Aggron. Like him, steel-types are heavy defenders so normal attacks won't work very well, but fire attacks do. Toro will be my ace in this battle. Water is also an option but I don't have a water-type. I could use Momo's Aqua tail, but Minccinos use normal attacks primarily so I guess she should sit this one out again. I can't use Rara either. She's very weak to steel-type attacks. Thankfully, I still have Rilo, and Moro to back me up.

Satisfied and eager to get my next badge, I made my way to the pokemon center to have my team battle-ready. While waiting, I sat in the lobby with Azura. I noticed that she kept glancing at the door and peaking at the windows. She had this worried look on her face that even made me feel uneasy, but as a trainer, I have to be the one to assure pokemon like her. "He'll come around."

Azura looked at me as if she was in doubt, "I should be saying that to you."

I flinched. I only realized at that moment that I too, was uneasy. As a Kirlia, I figured she read my emotions better than me. I put up a strong front to lighten the atmosphere as well as myself. "I know he'll come… Or else he'd miss my gym battle."

Azura giggled. Her mood lightened up at the fact, Lapis wouldn't want to miss a second of my battle in order to take photos. Before we knew it, Nurse Joy approached me and returned my pokeballs. After thanking her, Azura and I made our way to the gym.

Outside the building, I saw a boy, standing around and waiting for me. Speak of the devil. Azura rushed over to him like a lost little girl and fawned with concern. Lapis patted her head and apologized for making her worry.

"How's your arm?" I inquired while raising a brown and looking at his left side.

He raised it up and moved the sleeve down to his elbow. It was bandaged up pretty well than I would have expected. I didn't notice any traces of that red marking or whatever it was. The bandages must have covered it up.

"I think it's just a minor fracture. It'll heal eventually," Lapis calmly said. "So, let's get to your gym battle. Azura will be taking the pictures in my place so my arm could rest." He handed over the camera to his Kirlia and smiled as he opened the door to the gym. "After you."

Glaring at him, I entered the building. I made my way through the straight hallways with Lapis and Azura following behind. There weren't much turns or gym trainers, just large metal arcs supporting the hall.

"The gym leader's signature pokemon is Steelix so better be careful," warned Lapis.

"How'd ya know?" I questioned. Did he research on that? Or did he just hear about it during his travels.

"I've visited this city a lot when I was really young. Sure, I was born and raised in Goldenrod City but someone really close to me was from here," Lapis answered with a nostalgic tone.

"Who? Yer girlfriend?" I remarked sarcastically.

Lapis chuckled in embarrassment. "No… a relative."

I grumbled. "Not being specific again, ain't ya? If ya can't say something straight up, then shut up."

"Okay-okay. I get it."

Finally, I reached the end which was wide room with boulders and soil covering the area. At one side, I saw a dainty woman with long light brown hair with twin pigtails on top of her head. She wore sandals and a one-piece blue dress with little frills at the end. It was accompanied by a white long-sleeved jacket with an orange ribbon that matched the color of her hair accessory. She didn't look like a steel-type specialist, but I know that ability shouldn't be judged by appearance alone.

She noticed my presence and spun about to face and greet me. "Good day and welcome. Please allow me to introduce myself. I'm Jasmine, the gym leader. Are you here to challenge the gym?"

"Sapphire Birch from Hoenn." I took out one of my pokeballs and held it up. "Yeah, I'm here for a gym battle."

Jasmine smiled sweetly. "Very well. I accept."

We positioned ourselves on opposite sides of the rocky arena. Lapis, Azura and Momo found themselves a spot behind me. They sat by some huge boulders, eagerly anticipating my battle. Momo was upset that she had to sit out again but she decided to turn the situation around by doubling her cheering efforts. She was all dressed up her little outfit; a peach-colored headband with "For the Win!" labeled across it, pink and blue pompoms and a matching top. Azura would have joined her but she was busy managing Lapis' camera under the boy's guidance.

I took one last glance at them before I would begin the battle, but when I did, my eyes met with Lapis'. Unfazed, he smiled and wished me luck. I turned away and took a deep breath. I needed full concentration on the battle. It was decided to be a three on three battle with both sides unable to switch pokemon. The one whose pokemon is left standing will be declared the winner.

Jasmine sent out her first pokemon, a Bastiodon. It looked tough, rugged and heavily armored. It roared with a deep raspy voice as it pawed the dirt beneath its feet. I was sure that it was a steel-type but I was still analyzing whether or not it was a rock or ground pokemon.

"Rock-type," Lapis answered from behind as if he read my mind.

Well, he had a psychic pokemon with him. I wouldn't be surprised if he did. I huffed in response to shrug it off. Then without glancing back at him, I sent out my Riolu, Rilo.

A deep silence surrounded the gym. Both pokemon eyed each other fiercely as they took on a battle stance. Rilo looked really small compared to the fully evolved shield pokemon, but size didn't matter. Rilo has proven his toughness in our previous battles. And I believe that he would come out of this victorious as well.

Tension settled in. All I could hear was my deep breathing as I waited for the referee to declare the match to begin.

Finally, the signal was given.

"Rilo, charge in with Double Team and follow up with Force Palm."

As instructed, my Riolu lunged swiftly at the Bastiodon. He moved from side to side, leaving images of himself to trick his opponent. Meanwhile, the shield pokemon darted its eyes from left to right, trying to pinpoint Rilo as it waited for its trainer's orders.

"Ancient Power!"

The Bastiodon glowed white as it conjured up a silver energy sphere that it launched at my Riolu. The brilliant ball was massive. Rilo almost didn't dodge it. Luckily, he unleashed his force palm unto the ground which gave him enough force to escape to the air. Along with that move, the arena shook and clouds of dirt filled the area. It was even more so when the Bastiodon's Ancient power stuck a huge boulder, sending several rocks flying.

Rilo was in mid-air. He was struck by some of the flying debris but he managed to evade the others before he withdrew from the deep brown haze, somersaulting back into a clean landing in front of me.

I grinned. "Let's give 'em a taste of their own attack."

Rilo understood what I meant and smiled back. Using Copycat, my Rilo became enveloped in a dark brown aura as it conjured up a similar ball of silvery energy. When it was big enough, Rilo fired it at the opponent.

"Bastiodon, use Protect," Jasmine commanded.

As instructed, the shield pokemon stood its ground as its body became outlined in a bright greenish light. The Ancient Power copy struck dead-on but was blocked completely. Both the light from the Bastiodon and Ancient Power quickly began to recede.

At that moment, Rilo was already rushing in for his follow-up attack. The Bastiodon had no time to put up another barrier and was struck hard by my Riolu's Force Palm. The move was highly effective and dealt massive damage, but to my surprise, the shield pokemon was still standing and was only knocked back a couple of meters. It was a really tough pokemon.

"Now, use Heavy Slam."

Not wasting another second to breath, Jasmine's Bastiodon rushed to tackle my Riolu while a yellow light outlined its body.

"Endure it, Rilo!" I yelled out hurriedly.

My Riolu quickly braced itself as the attack moved in. I, too, grit my teeth as both pokemon clashed. Rilo did his best to stand his ground but was swiftly and easily getting pushed back. Any moment, I feared my pokemon would be sent flying given the size of the opponent. My heart rate quickened. Then I thought of something.

"Use Counter!"

With one arm desperately trying to hold back the heavy assault, Rilo gathered up his strength into his other arm which was enveloped in an orange light. And finally, he thrust his paw straight at the Bastiodon's head, knocking the heavy shield pokemon off the ground and across the arena. It landed with a loud thud that made the ground shake and crumble.

Jasmine cheered her pokemon on as it attempted to stand. I looked over at Rilo who was also in bad shape. I tried to encourage him to stand up as well. Both pokemon were on their knees, out of breath and struggling to get up. I knew whoever would deal the next attack would win that round. Seconds felt like minutes as Rilo and the Bastiodon got up. They eyed each other and growled under their breath.

"Bastiodon, use Earthquake!" Jasmine commanded.

The rugged shield pokemon raised its front legs and brought it down with such force that the earth beneath it shattered and the entire gym shook. Everyone present inside was desperately trying to stay on our feet but out of all of us, Rilo was the one who was having the most difficulty. He didn't have much energy left in him nor did he have any long-range attacks. What option do I have left to turn things around?

Rilo glanced back at me. His crimson eyes looked at me deeply as if Rilo was asking whether or not I doubted him. I snapped back, determined to give it our all to the very end. I clenched my fists and called out to my pokemon, "Let's do this, Rilo!"

My Riolu planted his feet unto the ground, refusing to falter from the strong shaking of the rocky floor. Then, a bright white light engulfed him. His form grew taller and a spike formed on the back of each of his forepaws.

Before the white light fully receded, Rilo stretched out his arm and conjured a brilliant azure ball from his palm that rapidly expanded. I felt the growing strong concentration of energy from it. That it left me at a loss for words.

After locking on to his target, Rilo, now a Lucario, launched the Aura Sphere. The blue energy orb zoomed across the arena, blowing away dirt as it headed straight for the Bastiodon. Jasmine hurriedly instructed her pokemon to use Protect but the shield pokemon didn't manage to put up the barrier in time. The assault struck the target and knocked it out. The ground stopped shaking as the Bastiodon fell unconscious unto the floor.

Jasmine came over to her pokemon and gently raised its head. The shield pokemon looked at her apologetically and nestled against the gym leader's hands. The Olivine gym leader smiled kindly and thanked her pokemon for its hard work before returning it to its pokeball.

I looked over at Rilo who was still huffing heavily. He had exhausted a lot of his energy and took a lot of damage. I wanted to switch him out but the rules of the gym battle prevented me from doing so. I realized that this fight was a test of resilience. Steel-types are heavy defenders, making them suitable for long battles. The first round was already this tough. I could only imagine what I will have to go through with Jasmine's Trump card, Steelix.

The next pokemon that the Olivine gym leader brought out was a Mawile. I was familiar with that pokemon. It was native to Hoenn, after all. It was small and not heavily armored compared to the Bastiodon. Its docile red eyes were fixated on me and Rilo. Overall, it didn't give that dangerous air but there was one thing that I knew we should watch out for and that was the massive set of jaws lined with steel-like teeth.

Seeing that its sweet appeal had no effect, the Mawile smiled and then turned to brandish its dominant and intimidating feature. It bared its teeth and emitted chilling growl. Rilo shrugged off his exhaustion and repositioned himself back into his battle stance. He and I knew that it would be hard to defeat the enemy given Rilo's current state. All we could do is weaken it and let my second pokemon take care of the rest.

"Let the second round begin!" The announcer declared.

"Rilo, attack with Aura Sphere," I began.

My Lucario extended his arms and fired several blue energy balls from his palms. Before, he only summoned one large Aura Sphere. This time, they were smaller and in numbers. The assault rained down on the enemy and the area around it.

"Mawile, use Fairy Wind," Jasmine instructed.

The deceiver pokemon summoned a strong gust of wind that was accompanied by swerving pinkish white streams. I've never heard nor saw an attack like it.

"Be careful Sapph, that's a Fairy-type attack. Fighting-types are weak against it," warned Lapis.

Hearing that, I became more concerned for Rilo. I had to think of something.

"Use Detect, Rilo!"

The eyes of my newly evolved Lucario glowed neon blue as the Mawile's mysterious invoked wind swirled around him. My heart rate began to hasten again as streams of light closed in, lashing the air like whips.

Rilo stayed calm and watched the pattern of the wind with great discretion. Then when the Fairy Wind began to unleash its onslaught, he easily evaded the continuous streams by smoothly side-stepping out of harm's way. He carried on as the gust of light began to die down, maneuvering effortlessly through the rugged arena.

I awed at Rilo's capabilities. He was much stronger than I would have imagined when I first saw him as a little Riolu that Lapis brought. Through our hard battles, he grew so much in such a short time. He was now a Lucario. And seeing one in action, made me recall the Aura Guardian, Riley and his own Lucario. It made me wonder what more could Rilo do.

"Mawile, follow up with Crunch!"

Out of the lingering bright mist, the deceiver pokemon lunged at Rilo with fangs bared. Luckily, my Lucario saw it. He poised firmly on the ground and when the Mawile was in reach, he grabbed the upper and lower jaws before they could sink those steel-hard sharp teeth into him.

"Commendable effort but given your pokemon's state, it's not that effective," Jasmine commented with smile containing the radiance of a lady and the determination was strong as iron.

The Mawile smirked. Then without warning, it raised its jaws up and swung it forcibly, lifting Rilo off the ground and throwing him against a rock that cracked on impact.

My Lucario was on the floor, bravely trying to get back up but he could barely raise his body. I was going to push him any further. "Rilo, that's enough. Let the others continue this fight."

Rilo did not protest. He understood that it was his limit. Before I could return him to his pokeball, Lapis and Azura teleported to his side, and then back to the sidelines. I shifted my attention to them as they gently laid Rilo against a rock.

Lapis looked at me and smiled encouragingly. "We'll take care of him. Win this battle."

"Minccino!" Momo backed him up with cheers as she bounded on top of the boulder.

I nodded in agreement and took out my next pokemon. "Let's win this for Rilo, Moro!"

The red light from the pokeball materialized into a pink wooly pokemon that baaed gleefully as it stepped into the arena. Moro was fired up. Sparks shot out of her tail as she faced the Mawile who was glancing from behind while showing off its long snapper.

"A Flaaffy, how cute!" Jasmine complimented. "Did you know that the Lighthouse here is powered by an Ampharos? Maybe later, I'll introduce your pokemon to Amphy."

The gym leader here was as sweet as Senior Yellow but inside, she was as tough as Senior Crystal. It made me happy to meet people like her in my journey. But this was not the time to think about those. I had a gym battle to win.

The third round commenced.

"Moro, Electro Ball!" I commanded.

On cue, my Flaaffy hurled a golden ball of lightning at the Mawile who countered with Iron Defense. Though the enemy did not look as armored as most Steel-types, she was one nonetheless. I had to keep my momentum going.

"Keep it up, Moro! Use Discharge!"

A surge of blue lightning bolts shot out of Moro's tail and struck the enemy. The deceiver pokemon endured the attack well but I saw that it was getting weaker.

"Use Iron Head, Mawile."

With its head lowered and glowing white, the deceiver pokemon slammed against Moro and sent my Flaaffy rolling across the rocky arena floor. I bit my lip as Moro got up again. The damage wasn't that severe but she was shaken up by the attack.

Jasmine didn't waste the chance. "Now, follow up with Crunch!"

Lunging swiftly, the Mawile opened its jaws wide and revealed the long line of sharp fangs along its mouth. Moro didn't dodge in time and was caught by the attack. She yelped in pain and released sparks from her body that coursed through the deceiver pokemon, freeing my Flaaffy before it jolted away.

The two consecutive attacks from the enemy really dealt a lot of damage. If I don't consider the Mawile's paralysis, I'm guessing that they are pretty much even at this point. The tide is in my favor but I know that I shouldn't let my guard down.

"Moro, Thunderbolt!"

Yellow electricity sparked from my Flaaffy's tail before her whole body became engulfed in the surging current. Then she fired a strong bolt of lightning directly at the deceiver pokemon who then fell to its knees.

Jasmine's Mawile tried to stand but it only cringed back unto the ground. I figured that she wasn't able to move her body due to the paralysis effect. Moro was huffing but raring to go. Her green orb-tipped tail shone as little sparks flew.

Should I still continue? Better yet, that question falls on Jasmine. I looked to her and she stared back at me.

Moments passed.

Then she smiled. "I'll withdraw from this round." And then she returned her Mawile to its pokeball. Afterwards, she held up another capsule, containing her third and final pokemon, Steelix.

It's going to be a tough battle.

End of Chapter 24

Another long wait for this chapter. Sorry about that.

These past weeks were busy. Especially Graduation. :D

Anyway, here it is! Review please and Thank you.

REACH 75 REVIEWS and I'll post a Ruby POV with more juicy secrets!

Also the poll results are currently:

Ruby & Sapphire's son - 4
Other person - 3
Ruby - 2
Celebi - 1
Other pokemon - 0

Some or some one got it right. I'm not helping, am I?
LOL. I wonder if opinions are changing. Should I repost the poll?

Any other questions?