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Chapter 26: In a Blink of a Storm

Sapphire's POV

I felt like I was in that dream again but everything was real this time; the ice cold water and the darkness that was dragging me deeper and deeper. The sliver of light from beyond the surface was getting farther away and my sight could no longer stay with it no matter how hard I reached for it. I wanted to keep my eyes open but the stinging saltiness forced me to shut them tightly. With each passing second, my body grew numb from the frigid waters. All around me was rushing and surging but I could hear nothing but my own heart beating. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't move. I couldn't see anything.

What was going to happen to me?

I thought I was about to run out of air but then I felt someone holding on to me. The chilly waters receded. Then I felt the rush of the open surface, familiar warmth, and a gentle touch against my face. I tried to open my eyes but the lingering pain from the salty waters prevented me from doing so. There wasn't much I could do but shiver from the cold.

As air filled my lungs, I slowly mustered some strength to move my hands. The ground below me was solid rock. It was hard and rugged. I knew I was finally out of the water but I could still feel the rain and sea water beat against my face.

Where was I? I needed to know.

I winced constantly as I forced my eyes open. Everything was blurry and gray but I could tell that there was someone in front of my face. A warm hand cupped my cheek. On whim, I slowly placed mine over that person's. My vision slowly got clearer but my head was still feeling light. The person before me drew closer. My heart thumped at the familiar silhouette before me. I'm sure it was him.

Ruby. I tried to word out his name but no sound came. My throat was completely dry. Before my sight could be restored, he placed a hand over my eyes and I felt his lips touch my forehead. It was soothing to the point that my fears melted away.

"Rest for now…"

My exhaustion took over. I closed my weary eyes as the calmness lulled me back to unconsciousness. The last thing I felt was being scooped up and carried off somewhere. In the darkness, I heard him speaking to me but I couldn't make out any of it. I was drifting closer into an empty dream. Soon everything was silent.

When I came to, it was dark but not like if I was asleep. Was it nightfall? The cold and damp atmosphere made me feel like it was. But it wasn't night. I was just in a sea cavern.

It was rounded up like a dome with smooth stalactites lining up the ceiling. It was sort of quiet in an uneasy way. Droplets were dripping from above. The little splashes that they make as they hit the rocks echoed deeply and continuously. I listened to it and knew my senses were returning. I started to even hear the waves outside and I could smell the salty sea breeze coming from the opening of the cave.

"Thank Arceus, you're finally awake," a voice echoed.

"Ruby?" I snapped out of my semi-daze state and sat up.

I turned my head and saw two figures coming towards me. It was hard to make out at first but I could tell that one was shorter than the other. When I realized who they were, I was relieved but disappointed at the same time.

"Still can't tell my voice apart from his, huh?"

It was Lapis and beside him was Azura. Both of them were dripping wet. I realized, I was as well, but not so much like them. Then it hit me. What did happen? How did I get in this sea cavern? I rubbed my head and tried to piece together the events that occurred. So far, I recalled a boat, a sudden storm, a giant wave and water…

"Just take it easy for now. We'll regroup with the others and find a way out of here," Lapis said as he bent down next to me.

"Regroup? Ya mean Eddie?" I didn't know what happened to him but I hoped that he was alright. He knew the risks but he still agreed to ferry us to Cianwood City.

"I think we should worry more about our missing pokemon before we worry about someone who knows the sea and has a water pokemon,"

"Wait. Missing pokemon?" I jolted and tapped my side. My bag was missing and so were my pokeballs. The force of the waves must have carried them away. "Where are they? What about Momo?"

I was starting to panic but Lapis encouraged me to stay calm. Then he handed me a pokeball. "I don't know what happened to Momo but Azura and I managed to find one of your pokemon."

I hurriedly opened the capsule to know which pokemon it was. A burst of red light flew out of the sphere and materialized into a tall blue jackal-like pokemon. It was Rilo. I felt sort of relieved to have one of my pokemon but I was still missing four more and I assumed when Lapis said our pokemon, he meant that he only had Azura. He was missing the rest of his team.

"Azura said that she could sense the others so I think they're alright." Lapis smiled optimistically as much as he could, but in his tone, was a sense of worry. Then he glanced at his poketch and sighed. "Its high noon but everything is dark outside."

I caught a glimpse of the downpour from the mouth of the cave. The sights as well as the violent sounds like the rumbling thunder, crashing waves and myriad of droplets hitting the ground made me realize how bad the storm was. I bit my lip and hoped that everyone was alright.

Suddenly, I felt something wrapped around me. It was a thick and dry. I grabbed it and realized it was a black cloak, the same one that Lapis used on stage.

"You're lucky that I didn't lose my bag and most of my clothes are protected in plastic." Lapis took out an extra green and white shirt and handed it to me.

I had little reason to deny his offer. It was freezing in my wet clothes. So I stood up and took off my pink coat as I covered myself underneath the black cloak.

Over the years, I learned that I should be wary of myself especially around boys. Ruby kept reminding me of that. He was worried that I would never be self-conscious of suddenly taking off my clothes especially when I was out in the field with my only jungle attire.

I flung my coat on the rocks, leaving my white slip and biker shorts on. Then I put on the shirt that Lapis gave me. I didn't completely button it. It was enough just to cover myself up to my arms. It was warm and the sleeves were longer than I thought. The ends extended up to my palms. I guess boys are a little bigger. I secured the cloak around me and relished in the needed protection from the cold. I also let my hair down to dry.

"Better?"

I turned my attention to Lapis who was looking at me with anticipation.

I let out thankful grin. "Yeah. Thanks."

Relieved, he sat down on the rocks and took out a towel to dry his Kirlia with. "You too, Azura. I can't have you getting sick or let the seawater ruin your locks." He draped it over her head and proceeded to drain the water out of her cerulean hair.

Azura smiled at her trainer's caring gesture, but she insisted doing rest the herself. She took the towel with her and sat down beside Rilo who was quietly observing us.

I settled back down unto the cavern floor as well and looked over at Lapis. I noticed that he was still dripping wet. "Ain't ya gonna change clothes too?"

He returned my gaze with an unfazed smile. "I'm fine. I rather like it cold."

That was what he said, but he still took out another towel to wipe his face with. I was guessing that he was doing it just so I wouldn't worry that much.

I sighed and contemplated, So he hates heavy sunlight and likes being cold and wet. I slumped back on the boulder behind me and crossed my arms. "Don't blame me if ya get sick…"

"I won't…"

"How's your arm?" I asked when I suddenly recalled.

"The bandages got soggy so I had to undo them." Lapis raised his left hand in front of him and twirled his wrist. "It doesn't matter anyway. My arm isn't hurting anymore…"

"Uh-huh…" I sat back with my knees bent upwards and my arms resting on top.

We waited for the storm to pass or at least lighten up, but judging from the strength of the downpour, it wasn't going to happen. The atmosphere grew colder with each passing hour. Azura and Rilo didn't know any fire-type attacks that would last very long. All they knew was Fire Punch, and Blaze Kick, in Rilo's case. There was nothing to burn anyway, any wood would around here would surely be wet. All we could do was huddle together. Rilo and Azura stayed closely beside me as we sat behind tall stalagmites that acted as a shield from the chilly howling winds that came from the cave's opening. Lapis, on the other hand, remained seated opposite to us. He was also protected by a stalagmite but he seemed really oblivious. It really puzzled me as to how he wasn't feeling the cold atmosphere.

When the cave grew darker, the screeching noises of Zubats and Golbats filled the cave. Azura lit up the horns on her head to shed some light. It was warm but not the type that feels good against the cold. The sounds lessened but not completely. Much of that was mixing with the rain.

I took another glimpse outside and was greeted with a cold and damp wind. I hastily retreated back to my position and shivered. But, looking at the current situation, it wasn't good. No fire and no ride out. We were sitting Duckletts. We needed a plan to find our pokemon and get out of here…

Where is here …exactly? I asked myself as I eyed the cave.

"If you're wondering, we're in the Whirl Islands" Lapis explained. "It's a small archipelago just between Olivine and Cianwood. It consists of four caverns that are joined together in a series of underground passageways."

"How'd ya know all that?" I questioned.

"I've been here once," Lapis replied.

"Okay. So do ya know your way around?" I asked, hoping.

Lapis frowned. "…Like I said, I've only been here once and it was only a short pit stop."

"I see." I started thinking of a plan to find our pokemon and a way to get through this storm and get finally get to Cianwood City where I'll see Ru—

Then I remembered.

"Is Ruby here?" I looked at Lapis who was startled by my question.

"What are you talking about?"

I grit my teeth. "Ya know what I mean…"

Lapis paused for a moment and replied, "I don't know."

If I wasn't cold and tired, I would have beaten him senseless with a broken stalactite. Then again, maybe it was Lapis who saved me and not Ruby. I mean, Ruby can't be out here. How would he even know that I was in trouble? If I put it that way, Lapis was the one and not Ruby. But I felt so sure that it was him. Should I ask to be sure?

"What's the matter?" Lapis asked while cocking his head to meet my gaze.

"Uhm… Did ya… back… when I was…"

Suddenly a bright beam of light shone from behind and vanished after a few seconds. I jolted and dashed towards the mouth of the cave to see where it came from. I was immediately confronted by strong gusts that accompanied clouds of cold vapor. I did my best to endure it until I managed to reach the edge of the entrance where the storm couldn't reach me.

"Sapph! What was it?" Lapis followed me along with Rilo and Azura who were shielding themselves with the Kirlia's Light Screen. But even then, it was difficult to push through the strength of the winds.

"Dunno..." I was not sure exactly but I got the feeling that it was very familiar.

I held on tightly to the cave walls and attempted to catch a glimpse of the outside, but every time I did, the violent gusts forced me back and left me with no choice but to retreat to the side of the opening.

Once again, the bright beam passed. It was sort of like a weaker version of the light coming from the Lighthouse in Olivine City. Then it hit me. The pokemon that was powering the lighthouse was an Ampharos, an evolution of a Flaaffy. Then the light could be coming from Moro. Was she in trouble?

I mustered my courage and I attempted to have another look, but again, the stormy winds made it hard for me to stay at that position or even keep my eyes open. Suddenly, the winds mellowed down and I felt someone supporting me from behind. I opened my eyes fully and saw Azura's Light Screen covering a portion of the opening. Behind me were Lapis and our two pokemon.

He nodded at me for reassurance and I turned my attention back outside. The heavy rain was beating against the translucent barrier and the dark shroud of the storm made it difficult for me to see anything clearly. The beam shone once again. It pierced through the haziness and reflected a spectrum of colors as it struck the Light Screen. Then it just stayed in place for some reason. It didn't pass or fade away.

It was a beautiful sight. It was like the barrier was glowing.

"Maybe I could use that next time in a pokemon contest," Lapis joked.

I returned to my senses and remembered what I was supposed to do. I stared out and tried to pinpoint the origin of the beam. It was bright but I adjusted my vision enough to make things out. In the distance, the light looked almost like a star with various vivid colors. And that star shone on a large shadow that was floating above the raging waves. My vision concentrated on the silhouette and the waters surrounding it. The sight made me recall my dreams.

The coldness

The empty silence

…And the shadow that was coming for me

I jerked back in cold sweat and bumped into Lapis who held my shoulders. I looked at him and saw his face filled with worry.

"What happened?" He asked.

I couldn't answer. I felt like I was out of breath. These strange visions, what could they mean?

I felt his hands gently squeeze my shoulders. Even in this cold atmosphere, he was warm and his presence was comforting. My heart was settling down. When I regained my breath, I decided to have another look, but Lapis said that he'd do it in my place. I figured that was best and moved back.

With the light was gradually fading away, Lapis stared out. His hand was against the barrier and the other holding my forearm. I didn't hate it but I was uneasy. Seconds of motionless passed.

"Looks like it's coming from one of the other Whirl Islands," Lapis concluded as he faced me.

That means maybe Moro found dry land. I hoped that she really did and that it was really her making that light beam. For the rest of my pokemon, I made a silent wish that they were safe too.

Lapis gestured to Azura and asked if she could check with her psychic abilities. She tried but it was too far for her and she was tired because she had already used some of her energy with Flash and Light Screen. Lapis patted her head and told her that it was alright. He also apologized if he was pushing her too hard.

In the end, we decided to travel through the underground maze in order to reach the other islands. As we headed deeper underground, the roaring sounds of the storm faded, but I could still hear droplets falling from above as they echoed in the cave. The high-pitch screeches of the bat pokemons also mixed in. I didn't mind it as long as those pokemon stay away. It would be bad if we were swarmed in the dark. Thankfully, Azura still managed to maintain the light from her horns enough to keep the Zubats and Golbats at bay as well as light our way. Still, even if there were any bat pokemon that came close, Rilo would quickly drive them off.

Even with only two pokemon with us, we were alright. But I was worried about Azura. I didn't know how long she could hold out or how long we all needed to go.

Lapis brought out some berries for us to snack on. He had Portable Berry Pots so he had a convenient supply on hand. It gave us some strength but it wasn't enough to completely fill our growing hunger.

We continued deeper into the underground routes. There were a lot of turns and dead ends as well as underground lakes that prevented us from going any further. We had no exact idea which direction to take. The only thing we agreed on was that we should head in the direction of the island where the beam was coming from.

Lapis and Azura were walking ahead while Rilo and I trailed from behind. But every now and then, he would glance back at me and asked if I was alright. I replied that I was fine. I wasn't that cold because I was still wearing his extra shirt and his black cloak while my pink coat was tucked in Lapis' bag for the time-being.

Once again, we were confronted by another lake. We stopped for a while and rested.

"Why don't we catch a water-pokemon?" I suggested as I sat down near the water's edge. "It'll come in handy when we get out of this place anyway…"

"Even if we do catch one, normal water-types won't be able to handle the whirlpools surrounding the Whirl Islands," Lapis pointed out as he looked around for any signs of pokemon.

"So whaddya suggest we do? Fly?" I remarked with sarcasm.

"If you plan to train a Golbat into a Crobat, then yes, flying is an option…" Lapis shot back and stared at the flying, looming figures above the cave.

"Yer sayin' its hopeless and we're stuck here?"

"Oh, contraire… I do have a plan," Lapis smiled, feeling a bit smug about it.

I raised a brow in question of his so-called plan.

He chuckled and scratched his head. "But it may be a long shot…"

"Like we have another choice, genius… What is it?"

Lapis inspected his bag and searched for his pokeballs. I saw that he still had some of the custom ones that I gave him, a couple of Friend Balls, a Heavy Ball. Then he looked at Rilo and Azura. "We'll make it work... Just follow my lead."

We ventured through another route. It was not the direction we had agreed on, but Lapis seemed to know where to go. He kept on walking with his Kirlia beside him. Azura was losing her light but she still gave off enough so we won't be walking on complete darkness.

"Stay close…" Lapis whispered as gestured me stay within Azura's light range.

"How'd ya know where we're going?" I inquired, having given in to my urge to ask.

"Azura and Rilo picked up the presence that I asked for." Lapis answered as he patted his Kirlia and gestured to my Lucario.

"Presence of what?" I was growing more curious by the minute.

"You'll see…"

We went through several sets of tunnels until we arrived at a dead end. It wasn't a dead end exactly. It's just that the ground slopes down into the dark. It was strangely silent. I couldn't even hear the Zubats and Goldbats screeching. While Lapis stood there quietly, I turned my head from left to right, looking for a road or pathway that we could use. But all I saw was a whole lot of rocks, jagged ones. Seeing the series stalagmites around, I figured that there were more somewhere below. There was no choice but to turn back.

"You sure about this, Azura?" Lapis spoke up in a low tone like he was whispering.

The shiny Kirlia nodded and turned her attention to the seemingly empty darkness before us.

I had enough of being left out. "Would ya tell me what's goin' on?"

Lapis quickly cupped my mouth and told me to shush. His face looked serious. I decided to go along and see what he had in mind. He inched closer to the edge and dropped a small stone. I could hear the pebble roll down the rocky slopes and drop into a pool of water. I peered down, wanting to know if there really was another lake but I couldn't see anything but black.

"What now?" I murmured.

There was no reply.

I turned my head and only found Rilo and Azura. Where the heck is he?!

Suddenly, I heard noises blow. I assumed the worse and looked down once again. That was when I saw a figure moving between the stalagmites. What is he doing? I mentally shouted. He's going down there? What about his arm?

With Azura extending the area of her light, Lapis became more visible as well as the ground around him. He positioned himself behind some rocks and crouched down just before the water's edge. Then he looked up at me and our pokemon.

"Stay right there. I'm going to try something…" He said in a soft yet audible voice.

"Try what?" I asked in an irritated and held back shout.

Lapis pointed beyond as Azura's light became dimmer. I inched closer to where the pokemon were and looked towards the direction where Lapis pointed at.

If you excluding the droplets of water coming down, all was silent and still until Lapis whistled in a high pitch. I suddenly had an uneasy feeling but it was gone when nothing happened. I glanced down and then I heard a loud cry that almost shook the cavern grounds. It was like a mix between a bird and a dragon pokemon.

I directed my attention to where it was coming from. I could vaguely make it out under the sliver of light that came from the openings above but I saw something sprung out of the water. Something big. It had massive wings that resemble hands, a long slender neck and furious-looking eyes that gleamed in the dark.

I wanted to take out my pokedex to know if it was some sort of pokemon but I remembered that I lost my bag. Azura tapped my side and handed me Ruby's pokedex that she took from Lapis' bag. I hurriedly opened it and examined the pokemon.

Lugia
The Diving Pokemon
It is said to be the guardian of the seas. It is rumored to have been seen on the night of a storm. It slumbers at the bottom of a deep trench. If it flaps its wings, it is said to cause a 40-day storm.

Is he crazy? This is a legendary pokemon! I stared at the huge pokemon as my eyes finally fully adjusted to the dark. It really was big. Not as big as Groudon and Kyogre but nonetheless… How does he expect to catch it let alone battle it?

Suddenly, Azura held my arm as well as Rilo's. Then she spread the black cloak around us and summoned a set of white rings. I easily knew it was Teleport and prepared myself. As the scene vanished into light, I heard the Lugia cry out once again in an angry shriek.

When I opened my eyes, we were still in a cavern but the surroundings were slightly different and Lapis was with us. I could hear loud splashes and the Lugia close by. Then I understood that we had teleported down, just behind some giant stalagmites where we were out of view of the wild legendary pokemon, and vice versa.

"It'll just be Rilo from here on out. Azura needs rest." Lapis whispered as he recalled Azura back to her pokeball. "Let's keep moving. I know we're not far."

I agreed on his first statement but I was clueless about what exactly we were far from. On the other hand, I felt relieved that he had no intention of trying to catch that Lugia. Even for me, I know how difficult it would have been.

Rilo conjured a mini Aura Sphere and lit the way. Unlike Flash, it wasn't something that could be prolonged. We entered a long narrow tunnel. Silence filled the atmosphere once again. Feeling it was safe to talk, I asked him, "Could ya tell me now?"

"How about I show you now, instead?" Lapis smiled.

We reached the end of the tunnel and entered a huge chamber where there were several rocky platforms, a large lake and to my surprise, Lugias, but they were only almost half the size of the one we just saw. There was only a handful around five to seven and they were all asleep. They didn't look like babies and even if they were, I doubt they were helpless at all.

We continued walking through cautiously. All the while, I feeling restless. I didn't know which was worse, one big Lugia or several medium size ones, but I guess I was going to find out sooner or later. Lapis carefully walked closer to them and eyed the slumbering pokemon, one by one. I followed suit along with Rilo who dimmed his aura sphere so it wouldn't accidentally wake them.

We reached the center of the chamber where we were surrounded by sleeping Lugias. I didn't like the idea of being in that spot. It had danger written all over it. But Lapis seemed sure of what he was doing. If I had Toro and the rest of my pokemon, I would have felt safer but there was only Lapis, Rilo and I against seven Lugias.

"Looks like this is harder than I thought," Lapis whispered.

If the Lugias don't kill him and I certainly would. "Well, genius?"

Lapis instructed Rilo to remain on guard. My Lucario stayed close as he observed for any signs of movement. His paws were already armed with an Aura Sphere in case. I stood behind him while anticipating what was going to happen.

Lapis raised his hand up to his face and pressed a couple of fingers against his lips. It was the worst possible thing he could do. I wanted to stop him but it was too late. The whistle echoed throughout and the Lugias began to awaken.

I stood my ground beside Rilo while Lapis darted his eyes from one Lugia to another. Does he still have something up his sleeve? I hope so…

The next moment, four of the legendary pokemons began to surround us. Up close, they were about the size of a Latios or even bigger than that. Their wings were raised up high and their ridged jaws were open as they growled in a threateningly. They were going to attack.

All of a sudden, a fireball came out of nowhere and struck the ground just between me and one of the Lugias. Amidst the startled shrieks, I glanced over my shoulder and saw Toro leaping down from the rocky ledges. My heart was going to burst in relief. I was so happy to see her, but now was not the time to celebrate.

"Look out!" Lapis cried out.

I pivoted about and saw a Lugia lunge for me but Rilo managed to divert its head away with a Thunder Punch.

Meanwhile, Lapis was doing his best to dodge but he was having much difficulty. He was against two of them. I dashed over to Lapis and flung the black cloak over the head of the Lugia that was behind him, temporarily confusing it.

"Thanks."

The both of us stood back to back as the rest of the wild pokemons flew in and circled us. Rilo and Toro were doing well holding them back but that was all they could do and I knew they can't keep it up for very long.

A Lugia from above began to conjure a strong wind. Its kin seemed accustomed to it and had no difficulty holding their ground, unlike us.

I was beginning to feel my feet almost leave the cavern floor when a bolt of lightning struck the attacking Lugia and forced it to halt the onslaught. I only had one idea of who it was.

"Moro!" I called out and saw a faded-pink Ampharos with brilliant blue orbs.

The Lugias became even angrier by the arrival of a new enemy and roared loudly, rumbling the cave. Then a more fearsome roar echoed from beyond the chamber. And I feared that it was coming from the big one.

"That's our cue to get out!" Lapis declared.

Moro arrived to my side and Lapis ordered everyone to close their eyes before he told Moro to use Flash. I did as he said and shut my eyes. I heard the Lugias cry out in surprise.

I gave it another moment and opened my eyes. By the time I did, Lapis grabbed my arm and dragged me with him. I called for my pokemon to follow before I turned to look at where he was taking me.

We maneuvered through the shaken up pokemon until he stopped beside one of them and grabbed on to one of the bluish plates that lined its back. He was insane!

"Hurry and get on!" Lapis ordered as he reached out his hand.

I had no time to think it through and did as he told me. I grabbed his hand and saw him flinch in pain.

He's still hurt, I realized.

The Lugia thrashed its head and spread its wings apart. Lapis spared no time and pulled me up, forcing through the pain. Toro and the others managed to leap on its back before the diving pokemon took off.

All of us held on as the Lugia soared through the cave and circled about. We were losing time. They were returning to their senses. I could tell because their cries were angry instead of confused. And I knew that the Lugia we were on was also going to recover really soon.

I thought things weren't going to get any worse but I was wrong, the giant Lugia flew in, more furious than before. It called out in a high-pitch roar to gather the smaller Lugias. The smaller ones didn't hesitate and approached the lead Lugia. Soon, I knew that the diving pokemon we were on would join in as well and we would be in a dire situation, not that we aren't already in one.

I looked back on my team and signaled them to ready themselves. But just when I feared the battle ahead, the Lugia we were on flew out of the chamber and through large holes on the walls. We were getting farther away from the other wild Lugias, but why?

We arrived at a different chamber and the Lugia descended down unto a clearing. But before it touched the ground, it swung its tail forcefully and flung Toro and my other pokemon off. Lapis and I managed to stay on with the the help of the plates on its back but we weren't safe yet.

The Lugia turned its head, grabbed Lapis and dropped him on the ground before it. It roared as it raised its wings. I wrapped my arms around its neck in an attempt to prevent it from attacking but I, too, was tossed aside like Toro and the others.

Now, it was just Lapis and the wild Lugia.

End of Chapter 26

Thanks for 81 reviews! You guys are the best! :D

I wanted to finish this chapter as soon as I can since I planned this part.
You know, I just go along (randomly) with extra stuff and concentrate with the ones I really do plan.
There might be typos but nothing to severe, I hope.

Anyways, my review classes are getting busier.
But I have Sundays free and a break hours every now and then.

I know some of you can guess what happens next. :D
Till next month or the month after that.

Poll:

Ruby&Sapphire's Son - 7

Different Person - 4

Ruby - 3

Keep reviewing! Thanks guys!