Chapter 313: True Feelings [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Fortress City]
High above Fortree City, where homes nestled amongst ancient trees like giant, emerald nests, the sleek, iridescent chassis of Wallace's luxury car descended with the grace of a floating feather. Its landing sent a gentle rustle through the surrounding leaves, a stark contrast to the thud that landed in the hearts of two young trainers below.
Ruby, immaculate in his contest attire, was meticulously grooming his Pokémon, his focus absolute. Sapphire, clad in practical, rugged gear, was mid-stretch, mud clinging to her boots, and looked up.
Their eyes met across the clearing, and a jolt of mutual disbelief, then undeniable irritation, swept over them. They both exclaimed simultaneously, pointing accusatory fingers at each other, "You!!"
Wallace, stepping out of his vehicle with an air of theatrical elegance, his cerulean hair perfectly coiffed, raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow. He was a vision in opulence, his movements as fluid as the water Pokémon he championed.
Beside him, Winona, the Fortree Gym Leader, a woman whose calm demeanor belied her mastery of the skies, smiled gently. Wallace purred, his voice like the gentle lapping of waves, "My, my, do you two know each other?"
Sapphire crossed her arms, a grin deepening on her face as she declared, "Know him? He's my rival!!"
Ruby bristled, his own jaw tightening. Both Winona and Wallace uttered in confusion, "Rivals?"
But then Sapphire demanded, her gaze sharp, turning to him, confused, "Anyway… why are you here, in a place where all the Hoenn Gym Leaders have gathered?"
The question hit Ruby like a critical attack. His face paled, and his eyes darted around frantically yelped, "Gym Leaders? All of them?!"
He immediately collapsed behind a large tree, scrambling to hide, his elegant contest outfit now rumpled. He quickly hid on the side of Wallace's car, muttering, "Oh, no! My father! Is he here?! Is he going to drag me back to Petalburg again?!"
Wallace and Winona exchanged amused glances. Winona, ever the calm one, leaned forward slightly as she said lightly, "Your father, Norman, is indeed invited, Ruby, but he hasn't arrived yet. You're quite safe for the moment."
Ruby cautiously peeked out from behind the tree. Seeing no sign of his formidable father, he slowly regained his composure, brushing imaginary dust from his clothes as he muttered in relief, "Good. Excellent. Wouldn't want a ruination of fabric over an unnecessary panic."
Winona stepped forward, her voice warm and neutral as she said, "Welcome, Wallace. Tate and Liza are running a little late, but once they arrive, we'll discuss the regional strategies. For now, everyone is dismissed to prepare."
Ruby's eyes widened. He exclaimed, utterly flabbergasted, "Wallace is a Gym Leader?! But… I thought he was just… a Coordinator! The Grand Festival winner!"
Wallace offered a charming smile as he revealed his identity in a proud tone, "I am indeed both, young Ruby. It's a joy to embrace all aspects of Pokémon artistry. And yes, I know you are also the son of a Gym Leader, though your heart, I'm told, lies in the Contests."
Ruby preened slightly as he passionately declared, following Wallace's lead, "Precisely! My life is about Contests. The beauty, the elegance, the perfect bond between trainer and Pokémon orchestrated for a dazzling performance!"
Wallace's smile widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Without a word, he tossed a Poké Ball into the air.
*Pop*
With a flash of light, his magnificent Seaking materialized, its golden horn gleaming. Wallace gave a subtle nod, and the Seaking, with exquisite precision, shot a powerful stream of water high into the air.
*Splash*
The stream arced gracefully, catching the sunlight, before erupting into a shimmering spray of droplets that cascaded gently around them, leaving a faint, refreshing mist in the air. Ruby stared, utterly captivated as he said in awe, "Wow! That's… that's incredible! The control, the aesthetic… are we starting our training now, Wallace? I've got so many ideas for water-based appeals!"
Wallace chuckled. A deep, resonant sound replied, "Patience, young Ruby."
He bent down, plucking a broad leaf from a nearby bush, and meticulously inspected the tiny beads of dew clinging to its surface. His expression turned serious, his elegant features growing thoughtful as he murmured, "The dew… so little of it. The humidity is unusually low for this time of year in Fortree. This dryness… It's a subtle shift, but one that concerns me greatly..."
He looked up, his gaze sweeping across the verdant canopy as Wallace said calmly, "I'm beginning to suspect these are the awakening signs of the Super Ancient Pokémon. Not a good sign indeed."
Ruby's excitement deflated like a punctured balloon as he asked, baffled, "Super Ancient Pokémon? What does that mean for Contests?"
Wallace stated with a stern expression, his voice grave as he said, "It means that I am going to investigate something. This phenomenon, if it is what I fear, could be quite dangerous. Ruby, I need you to stay here. It wouldn't be wise for you to accompany me."
With another brief, elegant bow, Wallace recalled his Seaking and, with an almost imperceptible hum, his car lifted off, gliding away into the sky, leaving Ruby standing alone, immensely disappointed.
Meanwhile, Sapphire, initially fuming about Ruby's presence, had found herself drawn into training with Winona. The Gym Leader, with her majestic Skarmory and Swellow, demonstrated aerial maneuvers and wind-based attacks that left Sapphire awe-struck by her skill.
Sapphire, in turn, put her own Pokémon through rigorous drills, her focus momentarily eclipsing her distaste for her rival. They worked in comfortable silence, the only sounds being the rustle of leaves, the whoosh of wingbeats, and the occasional roar of a powerful attack.
*Beep*
Then, Winona's Rotom Phone buzzed. She listened for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly as she replied, "Understood. I'll be there shortly."
She turned to Sapphire, a faint apology in her eyes as she explained herself, "It seems a pressing matter requires my attention elsewhere. I promise to return in a short while. Please, feel free to continue your training."
With a polite nod, Winona, too, took to the skies on her Altaria, disappearing into the clouds. Left alone by their respective mentors, Ruby and Sapphire stood in awkward silence.
The absence of an immediate supervisor usually meant an immediate resumption of their bickering, but a strange quiet had settled over Fortree. Ruby finally ventured, unable to hold back a jab, "So… you're still trying to punch Gym Leaders?"
Sapphire sighed, rubbing her temple as she repeated herself a few times, "It's called challenging them, Ruby, and it's a respectable goal. Unlike your… glitter-based performances."
*Pop*
Just then, a small, spherical Pokémon with a cloud-like head zipped playfully out of Ruby's Poké Ball, its cheerful face beaming. It was Fofo, Ruby's Castform. Fofo immediately floated towards Sapphire, chirping happily and nuzzling her leg.
Sapphire blinked, surprised, then a soft smile touched her lips. She knelt, gently stroking the Castform's head as she said happily, "Castform! You remember me, don't you? It's good to see you, little one."
Ruby watched, utterly dumbfounded. This was completely out of character. Sapphire wasn't launching into a rant, wasn't trying to provoke him, wasn't even insulting his choice of Pokémon. She was… being genuinely warm. Ruby said, baffled, his voice laced with confusion, "Huh? You know Fofo?"
Sapphire, hugging Fofo, replied as she got closer to Ruby with it, "We met at Route 104. Long time no see!! Yer so cute!"
Ruby smiled as he joined, praising his cute Fofo fondly, "That's right! Who's the cute Pokémon? Who's a widdle cutie?!"
But that was when they realized they were a bit too close to one another, so they backed off. Ruby bounced back, asking, "What the –?! Are you going to pick a fight with me again today?! Huh!!"
Sapphire argued back, facing away from Ruby, not revealing her blushing expression, "Huh? Are you sayin' I'm the one who starts our fights?"
Ruby boldly agreed as he turned away from her he declaring, "That's right! I only fight back in self-defense!"
Sapphire looked up, her expression unusually thoughtful. She admitted, her voice softer than Ruby had ever heard it, "You're right."
She stood up, brushing some dirt from her knees as she genuinely apologized to him, "I… I apologize, Ruby. For how I've acted whenever we've met. I suppose I let my own frustrations get the better of me."
Ruby stared, open-mouthed, and then replied with a hopeful voice, "You… you're apologizing? Wow. You almost sound… like a girl for once."
Sapphire shot him a glare, a spark of her usual fire returning, but it quickly faded as she muttered, "Don't push it, pretty boy."
*SHAKE*
*SHAKE*
Before they could resume their usual hostilities, a low rumble started. It wasn't a distant thunder; it was a deep, guttural growl from the very earth beneath their feet.
The trees around them began to shake violently, leaves raining down. Ruby cried, staggering, "Wh-what's happening?!"
*RMBL*
*RMBL*
The rumble intensified, growing into a violent tremor. The ground bucked and rolled beneath them as they thought, 'An earthquake!'
Wild Pokémon, normally serene in this peaceful city, erupted into a cacophony of panicked cries. A herd of Spoink, their pearls bouncing erratically, squealed in terror, followed by their larger, more menacing evolutions, Grumpig, their pearls glowing ominously as they lost control.
*Shiii*
The air filled with psychic energy as their attempts to control their pearls went haywire, causing them to rampage blindly. One massive Grumpig, eyes wide with fear and confusion, charged directly at Sapphire.
*THUMP*
She cried out, stumbling over a tree root, and was sent flying, landing hard against the base of another tree, "ARGH!!"
*DUNK*
Ruby didn't hesitate. Instinct, honed by countless battles, took over. He roared, sending out his loyal Mightyena, "Nana! Use Crunch!"
*Pop*
*Zooom*
Nana, a blur of dark fur, lunged forward with incredible speed. Ruby's eyes, usually focused on aesthetics, were now laser-sharp, assessing the Grumpig's erratic movements as he ordered, "Target the pearls! Don't let it focus!"
*Zoooom*
Nana, responding to the subtle command, didn't attack the Grumpig's body directly. Instead, with a series of incredibly precise, lightning-fast lunges, she managed to snap at the Grumpig's two large, black pearls, one after the other.
*SNAP*
The Grumpig roared in pain and confusion, its psychic energy sputtering. Its rampaging momentum faltered, and it stumbled, crashing into a tree, temporarily stunned. The rest of the wild Pokémon, momentarily disoriented by the display, began to flee in other directions, seeking refuge.
Ruby slumped to the ground, panting, Nana returning to his side, equally exhausted but victorious. He gasped, "Are… are you okay, Sapphire?"
Sapphire, still propped against the tree, stared at him, her eyes wide with unadulterated shock. She hadn't just seen Ruby defeat a rampaging Pokémon; she had seen him command a level of strategic precision she hadn't thought him capable of.
He had specifically targeted the Grumpig's pearls, the source of its psychic powers and the cause of its rampage, as she thought, stunned, 'That wasn't a normal Trainer's move. That was the move of someone who understood Pokémon weaknesses intimately, someone who could act under pressure with incredible tactical acumen.'
Sapphire breathed, pushing herself up with difficulty. Her usual combativeness was replaced by a bewildered awe, "You… you attacked its pearls... Why? How did you know…?"
Ruby averted his gaze, picking at a loose thread on his jacket. His voice was dismissive, almost secretive, "It's just… something I know. Doesn't matter."
Sapphire watched him, her mind reeling as she thought bitterly, 'His strong. Much stronger than I had ever given him credit for.'
She stated, a grudging understanding in her tone, "You won't tell me, will you?"
Ruby remained silent, refusing to meet her eyes. Sapphire sighed, running a hand through her disheveled hair, knowing his nature uttered, "Fine. Don't tell me. But… Ruby, your strength… It's a good thing."
Ruby finally looked at her, confusion clouding his perfect features as he said, confused, "A good thing? What are you talking about? It's just… battle stuff. Nothing to do with Contests."
Sapphire took a step closer, her voice dropping, suddenly serious as she stated, "Ruby, didn't you hear Wallace? The Hoenn Region is on the verge of a catastrophe. The Super Ancient Pokémon… if they awaken, it could destroy everything. Every Gym Leader is gathering, preparing to fight for our home. With your strength, your precision… You could help us. You could help the Gym Leaders save Hoenn."
Ruby recoiled, shaking his head vehemently as he bluntly refused, "No! Absolutely not! My interests lie in Contests, Sapphire, not in fighting some ancient crisis! That's for Gym Leaders and… and people like you who enjoy getting dirty!"
Sapphire's patience, already stretched thin, snapped. Her eyes flashed with incandescent fury as she yelled, "Because of all the bad things that have happened lately, Ruby, I'm not interested in just challenging Gyms anymore! This isn't about individual glory! This is about our home! We should be fighting for Hoenn! For everyone!"
Ruby scoffed, a bitter edge to his voice as he replied harshly, "'Our home'?' I just moved here. I barely know the place. And frankly, after I win a few more ribbons here, I'm planning on moving back to Johto. Hoenn isn't my home, and I'm certainly not interested in fighting for it."
The words hung in the air, cold and dismissive, shattering something fragile within Sapphire. Her face contorted with a mixture of disbelief and searing anger. Her hands clenched into fists, then, to Ruby's utter shock, she started ripping at the buckles and snaps of her battle clothes.
Ruby exclaimed, horrified, "What are you doing?!"
Without a word, her eyes locked on his, burning with a fire he'd never seen before as Sapphire tore off her shirt, then her pants, revealing only her undergarments. She moved with a desperate, almost primal fury, plucking large, robust leaves from the surrounding trees.
With surprising speed and dexterity, she fashioned them into a crude, yet undeniably deliberate, leaf bikini, strikingly like the one she had worn when they first met, starkly contrasting with her usual rugged attire.
She snarled, her voice trembling with emotion as she said angrily, "You think I don't know you, Ruby? Despite all our quarrels… despite your irritating obsession with beauty and your disdain for battle… I never truly thought you were a bad person."
She reached into a small pouch at her waist, pulling out a crumpled, stained piece of paper. It was a letter, penned in Ruby's neat, elegant handwriting as she said bitterly, "Look at this! This is the letter you wrote for me, isn't it?! You told me… You said you thought I would look nice in the clothes you made for me!"
Her voice broke, a raw vulnerability seeping through her anger, "No one… no one had ever told me something like that before, Ruby. You made me feel… happy. Beautiful, even. That's why I decided to wear them back then! Because of you!"
She gestured wildly at the leaf bikini as she continued yelling, "And now… You stand here, so strong, so capable, with the power to truly help, and you refuse to use it! You won't even consider it, because it doesn't fit your 'Contest' image!"
Ruby tried to speak, to offer an explanation, a defense, but the words caught in his throat. The raw pain and betrayal in her eyes silenced him.
Sapphire cried, cutting him off, her voice thick with unshed tears, "No! I don't want to hear it! Not a single word from you! Not another pretty lie or another dismissive excuse!"
She flung the crumpled letter, then the meticulously crafted clothes Ruby had made for her, onto the ground at his feet. They landed in a heap, an almost symbolic end to their tumultuous relationship as she yelled, "Just… just get away from me, Ruby. Don't ever show your face around me again!!"
The finality of her words, the absolute despair in her voice, struck Ruby harder than any Pokémon attack. He stared at the discarded clothes, then at Sapphire, her chest heaving, her eyes now brimming with tears she fiercely refused to let fall.
He saw the hurt, the anger, the profound disappointment in him. He saw it all.
And he realized, with a sickening lurch in his stomach, that he had broken something precious. Without another word, his perfect posture slumped, Ruby turned his back, the vibrant Hoenn landscape blurring before his eyes.
He walked away, leaving Sapphire alone amidst the fallen leaves, the echoes of the earthquake, and the shattered pieces of a fragile, complicated alliance. Ruby stood frozen for a moment, then, his shoulders slumped, he turned and began to walk away, the silence between them heavier than any battle cry.
As Sapphire watched his retreating, her own shoulders shaking, a new voice broke through the air, calm and resonating as he said calmly, "You know, Ruby, she always did like getting a reaction from you."
Ruby gasped, spinning around. Standing silently just outside the clearing, where he had clearly been observing the entire exchange, was Azure. Pikachu sat on his shoulder, Eevee on his head, both looking at Ruby with knowing expressions.
Ruby exclaimed, his initial shock giving way to recognition, "Azure?!"
Azure was no stranger to him. He was the enigmatic Kanto trainer he'd encountered multiple times, even earning his respect and traveling with him, along with Sapphire. He helped both Ruby and Sapphire at times.
Ruby averted his gaze from Azure, embarrassed. He muttered, his voice hollow, "That trust is broken now, Azure. The words I said… they ruined everything."
Azure simply raised an eyebrow, a slight, almost imperceptible tilt of his head. However, with a sly grin, he explained to the heartbroken Ruby, "Perhaps. But as you were just detailing your journey with Sapphire before separating at Lavaridge Town, she confided something rather interesting."
Ruby looked up, a glimmer of desperate hope or perhaps just morbid curiosity in his eyes. Azure continued, his gaze distant, "She told me that years ago, she met a boy she truly liked. A boy who, when she was terrified and helpless, defended her from a wild Salamence attack with incredible bravery."
Ruby froze. He instinctively reached a hand up, touching the hidden scar under his beanie, a jagged line on his forehead – a memento from that very attack as he thought, 'Sapphire… that girl was Sapphire?'
Azure noticed the subtle movement, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips as he continued, "She described him as the person who inspired her to become stronger, to beat the Pokémon League before she turned eleven, just like I had when I was young."
Ruby's mind raced, piecing together the fragmented memories. The civilized, pretty child, the fierce Salamence, the small, brave boy who had stood between her and danger.
It all clicked into place in his head. Azure went on, his voice a steady narration, "But, as Sapphire continued to help her father in his field work, traversing Hoenn's wild lands, time passed quickly. Soon, she realized her eleventh birthday was fast approaching, and she hadn't come any closer to fulfilling that promise, that inspiration."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle as he continued eyeing Ruby's face, "When she met you again, Ruby, it was only 80 days before her birthday. That was why she created the bet with you. To get to know you. To compete with you. And through that, perhaps… to like you."
The revelation hit Ruby like a physical blow. His stomach churned, a sickening realization of the depth of his misjudgment, his cruelty.
He had dismissed her, mocked her, and now… he had shattered her trust. He looked at Azure, his eyes wide with despair as he muttered, "What… what's left to do? I broke her trust. I broke the connection."
Azure's gaze sharpened, a faint challenge in his calm demeanor. He said knowingly, Pikachu and Eevee mirroring his thoughtful expression, "Well… she did like the boy. Perhaps a battle would jog her memory. Or, you could simply man up and say sorry. Either way, it has no business with me."
Ruby stared at him, a flicker of something broken and hollow in his eyes, before it slowly, inexorably, transformed into a burning resolve. His hands clenched into fists, his knuckles white. The depression that had threatened to consume him was now hardening into a fierce determination.
Ruby muttered, his voice barely a whisper, yet filled with a newfound steel, "If it takes Sapphire beating me to say sorry, then I'll take it. I'll battle her. I'll battle her to show her my resolve, to apologize, to make her understand… everything."
He looked up at Azure, his eyes pleading as he bowed his head and pleaded, "Please, Azure. Help me. She won't listen to me now."
Azure regarded him for a long moment, a sly grin slowly spreading across his face. Pikachu let out a delighted cry, "Pi! pika-pi! (Welp! Time to help him out!)"
Eevee chuckled, a soft, purring sound, "Bui! (Yup! Here we go again.)"
He stepped fully into the clearing, motioning back towards the direction Sapphire had gone. Azure finally said excitedly, his voice laced with knowing amusement in his tone, "Alright, Ruby. It seems my temporary student is in quite a bind. And I certainly wouldn't want her to be sad, especially when there's an interesting development unfolding. Let's see where this relationship heads, shall we?"
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 250 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!