Chapter 33: Splintered affections

Dawn

Johto

Dex-criminal's hideout

When Sapphire heard of Ruby's return, she didn't care for the fact that she was dressed in pajamas. Hurtling off her hammock-esque bed, she landed with a bodily thump on the carpeted floor of her bedroom. Scrambling up, she launched herself past her leader, who had been the messenger and tore down the hallways with bare feet. Her heart was pounding a mile a minute and since the surroundings were a blur, she smacked into Emerald. The diminutive teen was wearing boxers which were half sliding down; irritably he hitched the article of clothing back up and heaved a sigh. Both of them looked at each other and ran down the passageway with renewed vigor. Rald came to a stumbling stop before a small room whilst Saph, not reserved in the slightest, kicked the door open violently and tumbled in. Next to Blue sat Ruby, without a hat and wearing clothes so filthy it should've been a cardinal sin in his books. He must have washed his head and face because water droplets were cascading down his locks and running small rivulets down his neck. And there was a towel draped over his head. When the other Hoenn natives rushed in, Ruby had looked up and offered a weak smile. His eyes however, remained hard and lifeless. Saph shivered inwardly, she'd never seen Ruby look so...Despondent.

Stalking to the couch, she squeezed herself next to him and fidgeted with her hands. Red came in a few minutes later and after much deliberating, (the space he was sitting on was now occupied with Saph and Emerald) he reluctantly sat himself by Green's side. The moment he did so, the brown haired man spoke up:

"You look awful Ruby, tell us what happened."

"First!" Blue huffed and threw him a complacent look, "Ruby needs to get some rest, you can't expect him to spout information right off the bat. Look at him; he might be reliving the nightmare he went through!"

"All the more reason why he should get it off his chest pesky woman! I don't understand you, when I'm feeling down, you pick my brains apart!"

The bickering duo stopped their childish quarrels when Ruby squirmed. A short while later the boy spoke, his voice cracked at first but the words flowed smoothly thereafter. Spellbound, the occupants in the room listened to his story with rapt attention

A few days ago, afternoon

Hoenn

Route 119

Ruby stared at himself in a puddle of water and grimaced. The blood smears on his face had dried to a maroon color and looked like tribal war paint. Did he look like this when he fought those two Magma admins? Yuck, he briefly wondered what the passing trainers and other people who saw him might've thought. He appeared like an ancient spear hefting warrior, the only comforting thought he could manage was that Sapphire would probably approve of the way he looked. It's natural, she would've quipped. Crouching down to the stream, he began washing himself vigorously. Letting out all of his partners, he first treated them accordingly. It was lamentable about Nana's fur, he'll just have to cut the rest down and hope the glorious mane regrows...Guess he'll need extra Protein for that. With fashionable thoughts to keep him company, he scrubbed his pokemon clean and sprayed them down. A few hours later they were napping peacefully on the grass. Satisfied, tired and hungry, according to the growls his stomach emitted, he roused his companions and recalled them. Securing them to his belt, he set off again, this time he resolved to align his path with the stream running through the route, fresh water will always save a life. Mentally thanking Saph for her tips for surviving in the wild, he glimpsed part of the stream and eagerly pushed forward. Some half an hour later, he collapsed at the bank. Digging out a stale stolen sandwich, he gulped it down without tasting it and went to the stream to drink some water. As he peered over to dip his cupped hands into the clear water, he froze. Looming over him was another reflection...

His dad's.

All the energy drained from his limbs, how could his father find him so quickly? It was ridiculous! Muscles spasming, he got up slowly and turned around to face the gym leader.

"How did you f-"

"I placed a tracker in your bag Ruby" Norman cut his query off, "now be a good son and come with me. When I was driving over cycling road, I heard a shrill scream which sounded like it came from you. By the time I went down to investigate, there were signs of a pokemon battle and I got hold of a few magma grunts. For leading me to them, I thank you. So now, let's stop this foolish business and return home. Your mother is worried and I...Had to cut a meeting short after hearing the worry in her voice. I'm sure it is of no concern to you how much hot water I'll be in once I return." Hoping his son would follow, Norman turned around and began striding through the dense bushes and back to his motorbike, which he parked a long way back. Instead, a sharp pain assaulted the small of his back, quick reflexes kicking in, he swerved around and swiped a hand at Ruby, who had just tackled him. The act of his son trying to bodily harm him...Was quite farfetched. Nevertheless, he did not expect his offspring to simply bow his head and return. If the child did so, he wouldn't be Ruby.

"I'm not coming home" he hissed.

"Good, I'll simply track you and find the rest of your friends. I'm sure they'll be happy knowing that you lead me right to them."

The teenager gritted his teeth in frustration, as soon as he got his father off his back; a thorough search through his backpack is required because he had to get rid of the damn tracker. Deciding to rile his father up, he said: "I didn't know you'd stoop so low as to track me, rather unbecoming of you, dad."

"I'll do anything to uphold my duties and values the way I see fit. Your pathetic attempt of a jibe does not stir my conscious." The words had a damaging effect on Ruby, inhaling sharply, the teenager eyed his bag with distaste...maybe if it suffered a thorough electrocution, the device would short circuit...along with the other technical machines in his bag. No matter, his wages were enough for him to buy new ones and if he was desperate, he could always rely on Rald, the short boy was a walking bank. Pulling out his castform he commanded it to use thunderbolt, slightly amused, Norman watched his son fry the bag. Seconds later, his PokeNav confirmed a lost signal. Whatever, the boy was right in front of him.

In one smooth move, Ruby encapsulated his Popo and grabbed his bag. Activating his running shoes, the boy zipped out of sight so fast; he kicked up dust and small debris. Waving his hand in front of his face, Norman let out a sigh and an expression of deep misery seized his face. Letting out his avian beast, he climbed on it and took to the skies. This proved to be a futile decision because the route was dotted with a canopy of trees; the only thing he could see from this height was a forest of different colors of green. Squinting, his eyes picked out an individual running at high speed. Nudging staraptor forward, he trailed the figure and came closer to the ground. Doing an expert job of dodging branches and foliage, the predatory bird gave a frightened squawk when the sky thundered; minutes later it began to rain. The wet droplets had no effect on slowing the boy down, he chugged up mud instead. Same with the father, regretting what he was about to do, he held steadily on and once he came within range, staraptor dove down on the boy and hit him squarely on his back. Ruby toppled face first in the dirt. Norman got off and waited for his son to get up and regain his bearings.

He got up, pushing himself off the murk and cursing. Moments later, the rain washed some of the mire coating his face. Heavy droplets drummed on the earth and the duo stared at each other. Ruby's forehead was lined; his scowl was fierce and ugly.

"Had enough? You must be tired. Let's go HOME" Although his voice was level, his rage wasn't, the more he spent time trying to coax his son back, like his wife told him too, the more he was getting angrier. Why was his son so adamant on joining a bunch of thieves? He wouldn't know. As of now, every time he pondered about his son's doings, it felt like he was going to get a heart attack or a stroke. So, to keep himself from going insane, he simply pushed it to the back of his mind. At least not thinking about it provided a solace of comfort. Watching his son fumble with the capsules hanging from his belt, he continued: "Another fight? You like getting beaten don't you?"

"This time the outcome will be different, I'll...Defeat you so thoroughly, you won't come after me any further. This is it! Zuzu, come out." The creature landed with a loud thump and splashed mud everywhere, surprisingly; Ruby didn't flinch when he got soaked. Norman sent out his Spinda and another harrowing battle commenced. Or would if the teenager hadn't turned tail and ran. Zuzu, its face set into mildly confused, threw up a surf and lumbered after its trainer. The bizarre events must have been a strategy because far away, the boy and his reptilian partner actually paused in their escape to high five. The blood mounted to Norman's head and he gave chase. Branches whipped his face and the bottom of his pants was caked with mud. At times he almost slipped; the wet ground was treacherous to tread on. The rain was coming down like a waterfall now. Ruby probably took this route because of its terrain and low visibility. Standing still in a clearing of trees, he cocked his head to the side and tried to listen for rustles in the undergrowth. He had lost sight of his son and the fact was driving him mad. A sudden flash of lightning lit up his surroundings, throwing it into sharp relief. In that instant, he saw a boy and a hulking beast, without further ado, he went after them, wiping his brow free of water.

As soon as he burst out, a torrent of mud had him crashing into a nearby tree. Ducking sharply, the thick trunk splintered beneath swampert's massive fist. Sliding out of the way, he ordered his pokemon to use teeter dance. Spinda merely started wobbling before it suffered a skull crushing dynamic punch. The spot panda pokemon twirled once and fainted, blood leaked out of its ears and washed away. Without breaking stride, the normal type leader sent out his trump card. Slaking came out beating its tan chest, the sounds echoed thunderously throughout the forest.

"Swagger and hit hard, get rid of that water type." Unable to articulate due to a mixture of worry, fatigue and anger, Norman sent out inconspicuous commands, however, the beast was well trained and did not need babying. Soon, Zuzu was happily wrapping muscle laden arms around its owner and giving Ruby a rib crushing hug. When the trainer screamed, he was promptly let go. Plopping down, the human fished for a persim berry and watched with horror as his partner opened his mouth. Gurgling sounds issued from the gaping maw and a pressurized stream of water was threatening to issue forth. Desperate, Ruby grabbed the peach colored berry and thrust his hand deep inside swampert's mouth. The monster gagged and swallowed and returned to normal. Victory was short lived as slaking body slammed Zuzu into a tree. The two gargantuan beasts rolled around in the newly created swamp, since the environment was advantageous to Ruby's pokemon, Zuzu went all out. Slaking was slapped; a heavy punch threw him into the trees. As the ape tried to detangle its self from branches, swampert leapt up and bowled into it. A shrieking grunt was heard before another bone breaking crunch. Norman's irises narrowed as the water monster twisted his partner's neck with a satisfying snap.

"I defeated Slaking, now let me go, I don't have anything else to prove." His Ruby looked almost grotesque with blood and mud stained clothes. It also did not help when Zuzu towered behind its master. With the rain distorting the image, the teenager and his beast represented something dangerous.

Something treacherous.

Evil.

Securing his normal type back into a sphere. The gym leader stood squarely before his wayward son. Ruby didn't flinch, nor did he give the slightest indication that he was afraid.

Nothing.

"Fine." Norman relented and Ruby's eye's lighted up however..."You are no son of mine" the next few words killed the hope in his eyes. The red tinted irises registered an array of emotions: disbelief, grief and eventually the swirling expressions stopped dead cold in their tracks. His child simply stared glassily like a stone statue issuing neither warmth nor life. "From this day on, you won't need to come back home. You are your own person and you do what you want to do. Do not answer to me. I hope you have a good life. Just...Call your mother from time to time. I don't want to see your rotten, thieving face before me ever again. Groudon please make it as such. You are a disgrace to me." Wringing the bottom part of his striped shirt free of water, the father turned around and returned. Ruby opened his mouth and closed it, akin to a confounded magikarp. He stood rooted to his spot, blinking only when water cascaded into his eyes.

"Dad...dad please no. Don't do this to me...Please don't do this to me!" His knees, unable to support his body weight, sank down in the mud. The water touching his lips tasted salty and warm. Was he crying? For his dad? Why? He always wished to be free of the domineering man's clutches. So why was he clawing in the mud and wailing like an abandoned boy? Why did his father do this to him?

Why?

Why?

He lied in the mud till the rain stopped pouring. By that time, his head was throbbing and evening had set in. When he tried to open his parched mouth, it hurt. Scrambling to his bag, he retrieved a mirror and checked his reflection. Swollen, puffy eyes complete with an apathetic expression frozen on his face. Panicking, Ruby feigned a smile and was highly unsatisfied with the results. It was creepy and devoid of any mirth. Exhaling he got up and shouldered his bag...It was time to return to the base.

To his only remaining home.

Evening

Hoenn

Littleroot town, Ruby's house.

The moment the door to the quaint house opened, Ruby's mother flew over to Norman and barraged him with questions. Tired, soaking wet and on the verge of a mental break down...What did he just do? Disown his son? Morbid contemplations swirled around his head and his wife's high pitched rapid fire queries were adding to the insufferable atmosphere plaguing him. Without warning, he grabbed her and enveloped her petite form with his own. Burying his face in her hair, he clenched his eyes shut while she squeaked adorably in surprise. He was trying hard to suppress the tears threatening to leak out of his shut lids. When last did he cry? Oh yes, a few tears might've escaped him the first time he held his squirming bundle of a son in his arms. The boy was minute, pink and bawling at the top of his lungs whilst waving tiny fists in the air. Sniffing, he noted how his wife had gone strangely quiet. Norman wanted to tell her everything. Everything. He wanted to inform her that their son was a criminal and was not coming back because he was exiled from the house. But when she held him firmly against her, patting his head and whispering words of comfort. It all vanished. He couldn't. Her happiness revolved around her flamboyant son and he has no right to go and crush her dreams mercilessly. After all, his happiness was also their boy, their rogue treasure. A tiny part of him wished, hoped that Ruby will come back...the hope was a fickle flame, at times it burned intensely and in other times, it flickered and went off. Now all he could see was a black void stretching out endlessly before him.

"Care to tell me what's the matter honey? I suppose you didn't find Ruby." She tried to step out from the embrace; unfortunately her husband still had a vise grip on her.

"Our son, isn't coming home...He is..." he trailed off and inhaled deeply. This was painful.

"He is?" she prompted softly.

Breaking the embrace, he gave a diluted smile, "Oh that brat and I fought in a rainy area and he screamed some rude stuff and went off screeching about proving himself. I told him...that I didn't want to see his face ever again. And so we parted. Typical encounter really."

"Oh dear! Again?" the worry in her voice melted away and she shook her head, "from the way you came in, I thought something very bad hand occurred. You gave me a scare!" countenance returning to normal, she started fussing over him and removing his wet clothes.

"Can't a man hug his wife?" he saw her cheeks flush pink. Alas, the stone rooted firmly in his stomach did not lighten in weight.

Present time:

The room was eerily quiet when Ruby finished speaking, somewhere along the line, while he related the events, his voice had cracked again. Saph held his hands tightly and he was aware of how Blue was half hugging him. A few stray tears slid down his face and thankfully no one commented.

"Who...Needs him anyway?" the black haired teenager bitterly added, "I'm going to put in extra work from now on. A new world where Dad...Won't scorn me for what I want to do" Abruptly getting up, he crossed the room and left without uttering another word. The stiff silence in the room shattered when Green spoke up. He ran a hand through his hair:

"I gave Crystal a much needed vacation; she is currently in Lavender town, Kanto. We have much work to do-"

"It's surprising how you can think of work in this state" Red interjected and Blue moaned.

"Quiet! Both of you!" she snapped, her mellow tone gained a sharp edge, "Red, assemble a team and send them to Sinnoh to find those Galactic people" the former champion made a disgusted face, "if you don't want to do that, then go for the legendary titan. I found information citing the leader of the titans resides in Snowpoint temple. Send whoever you like." The male nodded and vacated the room. The woman then turned her attention to Saph who was gaping at the wall with a vacant look. "Saph, tell me, how many criminal organizations are there in Hoenn? This is important, I'd ask Ruby but..." her words died on her lips. Shifting, the girl started divulging information. The remaining two leaders, along with Emerald listened to her attentively.

Execution's room was empty, save for Black who preferred sleeping on the second floor of the chamber. Red grabbed a random chair and sat down. The situation he'd just heard about seemed surreal. Of course he'd never understand the delicate relationship between parents and children, his own died when he was a baby. He briefly tried to recall their appearances and ended up with nothing. Professor Oak's face popped up along with Green's and he inwardly snorted. Perhaps Green was feeling the same way as Ruby, his grandfather was not pleased in the slightest with what his grandson was doing. Nevertheless the adolescent persisted in his goals all because he, Red, asked him to. A hand went up and touched the bridge of his nose. The pain was long gone but the humiliation and betrayed feelings remained. He didn't know what to do; he was never in a situation where he outright wanted to run away from the organization he birthed. It was a peculiar feeling. Sometimes Red would find himself glued to the television when gym battles were being broadcasted. He watched them zealously hoping to catch a glimpse of a certain water type master. Female, with reddish-orange hair. When he did see her, a fluttery feeling would emerge from the pit of his stomach right up to his chest and he'd quash it down violently. If Green found out...

If Green ever caught wind of his deep seated ruminations, his friend would feel double-crossed. Gripping his peak cap, he tugged it off his head and threw it in a random direction. It was time to put his mind at work and aim for higher goals. No more distractions.

But she didn't feel like a distraction. Thinking of her made him happy.

"Wow senior, you're up early..." Diamond, wearing a lazy grin, walked in the room and paused by the door, he took in his superior who was busy tugging the upright bangs on his head. The man gave off a troubled aura.

"Hey Dia" the commander managed to pipe cheerfully. "I got a new mission for you...Oh man, seems like your training will have to go on a halt again. Although, now days, I hardly have anything left to teach you!" The younger male reddened at the warm praise and Red ruffled his hair fondly. "You, Platina and Pearl will have to go to Snowpoint temple to try and catch the legendary leader of the titans and while you at it, keep a look out for freakishly looking people wearing space suits. They are part of...Uh...What was it now again?" The ruby eyed male scratched the back of his head helplessly and Diamond laughed.

"Don't worry senior" his torpid voice floated, "I'll just ask Missy and Pearl. Miss Platina would know everything, she always does!" Light hearted laughter echoed down the corridors as the boy left. A few minutes later, a disgruntled Lack-2 made an entry; his stomping footsteps were muffled by the dusty carpet on the floor.

"Che" the child grumbled, "my mentor went after senior Crystal along with Silver...Now I don't have anyone to play with." Russet eyes watched his leader listlessly. Red simply smiled and offered to train him. "No thanks," the boy sniffed, "I'm gonna find Whi-2 to spend some time with." Saying this, he floundered away and once again Red was all alone in the room.

Apart for Black and his snores.

Mid-afternoon

Kanto

Lavender Town

"If you are so concerned Gold, I would advise you to go talk to her." The red head observed his friend languidly; the two were hiding themselves behind gravestones as they watched Crystal dusting the little tombstone of her cubone. Lavender tower was filled with the musky scent of burnt incense. Several saffron clothed monks chanted religiously and their bassy hums floated eerily. Ringed staffs in hand, they posted themselves before the entrance of each level. The atmosphere was somber, grounded. Silver's ears had picked up muffled moans and cries when he and Gold stepped foot in the tower. His normally cheerful friend had also quieted down. The duo discreetly trailed Crystal since she came to Lavender town a few days ago. Her Bonee had passed away after a well fought battle and she wanted to bury the lonely pokemon as soon as possible. They both offered to come but she denied them politely. Not one to simply let his friends off when they were suffering. Gold dragged Silver and went after her. For the past few days, her ritual was the same. The first day, amidst many tears she laid her pokemon to rest. An old couple had consoled her and the only thing the two of them could do was watch from the sidelines. Since then, her emotions had stabilized considerably, now she came every day to simply pray and clean the already spotless headstone. Thereafter she sat at the foot of the grave and meditated.

The circular tower was filled with ghost pokemon. Death and sadness lingered in the air. Silver wasn't particularly fond of the building and he wondered why level headed Crystal would want to spend her time in this dreary place. He ducked as a haunter tried phasing through him. The floors were decorated with candles and ornate chandeliers glowing with azure flames. A thick mist also permeated the chambers and partially obscured the rows of gravestones. Flowers, both fresh and decaying saturated the air with their smells. During his short visit, he had already seen a hysteric man being possessed. The man had recently lost a long time partner and was rendered mad with grief. He came in wailing and before anyone knew what was happening, a ghastly had taken hold of him. The possessed man struck a monk on the head, he started cursing loudly, singing morbid songs and swearing at deity monsters. Female exorcists seized him and sprinkled water, waved their exorcising whisks around and forcing him to one of the cleansing areas. From the sparkling wells of light which were dotted throughout the tower, the Johto native concluded that possession was not an uncommon experience. Even though he thought such acts were ludicrous, a shiver ran down his spine.

"You crazy?" Gold whispered and crouched lower, "if she sees us, she'll kick us back to Johto." The red head took another glance at this friend and curbed the desire to roll his eyes.

"I'm not crazy...Besides; you look absolutely pathetic in your getup." Gold had tried to disguise himself. Keyword being tried. The adolescent had dressed up in a knee length black trench coat, black jeans and combat boots. The sleeves were rolled up till mid-elbow and he had a pair of sunglasses on his face. "Who wears sunglasses indoors?" came the indifferent question "and this is a graveyard for Giratina's sake, you look like a morbid clown!"

"Well...you still look the same!" Gold shot back in a fiery whisper, "...and you are wearing all black as well. Your hair" behind the darkened glasses, gold irises moved towards Silver's head, "your hair...is brown. Eh, you kinda look good." Hearing this, the thief gagged.

Even with her eyes closed, Crystal had a difficult time concentrating. The disturbance was a few rows of graves away. Two people, their muted voices echoing in the melancholic space. Most of the people let them be, they were too drained of energy to go and investigate. Others simply cast them disgusted looks; the two males were defiling a holy area by bickering. As another visitor complained about their conduct she opened her eyes and sighed. Her mind told her that the two idiots were her best friends. She appreciated the gesture, but she wanted to spend some time alone to mourn. Getting up, she quietly made her way over to the offending duo and stopped dead in her tracks. All of a sudden, she was not sure of their identities.

"Gold?" she hesitantly asked and the male turned towards her, "you...you look utterly ridiculous! Who in their right mind wears sunglasses indoors? You look like a shady thief!"

"Told you so" Silver quipped.

"Whoa super serious gal, it's the first time you see me in ages and this is what you have to say? How about: Oh Gold, I'm so glad you came for me..." he stopped talking when the female raised her leg threateningly. "Okay sorry, my bad" he took the glasses off "I came dressed for a funeral," he indicated his clothes "and to drag you out of here!" he exclaimed. "I mean, all this purple haze must be messing with your brains Crys, the only thing you do is sit in here all day, breath some fresh air for a while."

"Look Gold" Cry's voice took a dangerous edge, "I came here for a reason and your stupid comments won't stop me from what I'm doing...You don't understand how it feels to lose a long time partner do you?" she gritted her teeth, "just leave me alone. I'll be fine and return to base without-"

"YOU THREE!" A bald monk shouted and struck his staff on the stone floor, "GET OUT! NOW!" Mortified, Crystal cast a harsh glare at her two friends and followed them meekly out of the tower, the moment they touched down on the grass, she exploded.

"I told you to leave me alone, but do you listen? You like getting embroiled in everything, always wanting to be the center of attention don't you?" she panted and screamed, "My pokemon was horribly mutilated and it died right in front of me Gold! Do you know what that means? I failed to save Bonee, I let him die!" she wiped away angry tears and continued ranting, "and you two waltzed in here like it was no big deal! I'm fine, I don't need cheering up and I certainly don't needed a meddling idiot like you to tell me what to DO!" Crystal ended her sentence with a sharp jab at Gold's chest and broke down crying. She slid to the grassy floor and wailed. For his part, Gold stood rooted at his spot, his lips curved into a frown. Not knowing what to do, Silver awkwardly huddled down to her. His hand clasped her shoulder comfortingly.

A single thought flashed in the amber eyed trainer's mind:

It's happening with us as well.

A fall-out between us.

Between the three of us.

Silver had begun to sooth their female friend, his low tones washed over her. Unfortunately she kept on crying and wailing about her dead partner and its significance to her. Feeling hollow, Gold dropped to the floor and stared straight ahead.

Time passed, the sun reached the crest and started its descent. The three of them had shifted to the side of the imposing tower instead of blocking the way. Crystal stopped crying and occasionally sniffed. Silver's arms were around her and she clutched the red head with all her might. The two of them appeared to be embracing. For some reason, this didn't sit well with Gold. Every time his eyes veered to them, which were often, he felt a pang of white hot something bursting in his chest. They were his best friends! So what was this negative emotion waiting to spill out in the form of harsh words? Forcibly directing his gaze to the horizon, he heard Silver murmur softly. Resolving to shut their hushed conversation out, he was mildly surprised when Crystal hugged him from behind.

"I'm sorry Gold" her face was squashed against his back, "I'm really sorry for saying all those things, I know you meant well, you always do. It's just that the past few days were very stressful for me and I wanted to do this alone. I didn't want the two of you to see me like this." Her grip slackened. "Please forgive me for what I said."

"Then go on a date with me" the words tumbled out involuntarily and he mentally berated himself, she was going to get angry at him again. "I mean...Yeah cool. I'm sorry for saying such insensitive stuff." He casted his gaze downwards and absent mindedly began tearing at the grass. His cheeks were burning up, was he getting a fever? "I'll forgive you if you go on a date with Silver and I"

"And why are you dragging me into this? I don't have a death wish!"

"Chill dude!" Gold calmed his friend, "not like she's ever gonna-"

"Yes." The female interjected.

"?" the two males stared at her.

"I'll go, but first..." she got up and dusted her shorts, "I need to get over Bonee's death. Please return without me." Bowing slightly, she smiled and marched back to the tower.

"Hey Silver...I just scored a jackpot..." Gold's voice was soft; the silver eyed trainer wanted to scoff at him but swallowed his words when he saw his comrade's face.

It was set in an expression he had never seen before.

A/N: People I need help, I didn't know it was possible for it to rain so much! (And take the power with it). Much thanks to Silver Saxophone (another Silver!) for following my story. At Eevee: My favorite character is Diamond, I love the depth of his character, his emotions and the way he struggles to achieve what he wants, plus he's quiet. Thanks for worrying about me! I started writing fanfic to keep myself from stressing to much and so it's no pressure to update (since I'm waaayy ahead with the writing. And congratulations! The figure was Cyrus and since we don't have any mangoes anymore, virtual coconut to you. Our coconuts are ripening on our trees and the are quite delicious. At Jack54311: Crys is tough, she'll be up and rolling in no time! Once again, please enjoy the story and leave a review to tell me what you think!