Hold Me Close

Time to Shine!

Sapphire gulped as she tied her hair back. It was her first day as a Basic rank. She now had to climb up to Ruby's level.

She quickly climbed the ranks of the Sports territory. She was even able to pull off a quick game without help, which got a lot of praise from the others. Even Mr. Brawley was impressed.

In the academics, Emerald helped catch her up. It wasn't too hard since her old school wasn't that behind.

She also learned that one of the Legend Ranks, Ruby, was very behind. However, no one could connect with him to help him and he wasn't going to graduate. Then again, according to many people, Ruby was only a Legend in the Competition field. Emerald only told her since she was going through all three paths and that she should try to help him.

That was her goal. Catch up and get his attention.

Speaking of which, thanks to her old school requiring every kid to practice the arts daily, she was able to skillfully get a spot in the performance and art boards with ease. Being percussion made it even easier since the Percussion line was struggling. As for Calligraphy, she was a little behind, but she was able to connect with Wally, who was a Master Rank, to help her catch up.

As for getting Ruby's attention... that wasn't hard.

"Leave me alone, Ronold."

"How about no?"

A yelp followed, causing her to turn to the sound. Ruby was on the ground with a group circling him. His stuff was scattered on the ground around him as they chuckled.

"Come on, guys. Pretty boy needs to clean up his ugly face."

More snickers followed as the group left. Ruby didn't move for a moment before getting up and pressing his head against the nearby wall. Quietly, Sapphire went over, placing her stuff down before picking up the loose papers, notebooks and pencils while Ruby recollected himself. When he turned to gather his stuff, she held it out to him. He was puzzled before taking it from her.

"Thanks..." She nodded before grabbing her stuff from the ground where she had left it.

"Are you ok?" He nodded.

"Yeah... Just a little shaken." He then rushed off, no doubt to evade any further questions. She hummed before her heart fluttered. Oh quiet you.

~~~

Ruby tripped trying to get to his room, alerting his father of his return. He didn't even bother getting up, knowing his father would just go after him to get his answers. He didn't want his dad in his room. He felt arms wrap around him as he was picked up and carried to the living room.

"Are you ok?" He shook his head as he was placed down. His voice wasn't working after he hit a nerve, so he just mumbled nonsense as his dad hugged him close. "Shh... rest a bit... shh..." He buried his face into his dad's chest as his mumbling got soft. They held for a few minutes before Ruby finally got words back out.

"Ow-" His dad smiled as he rubbed the smaller boy's back. "That hurt..." His dad let him sit up as he gulped. He ended up laying back down, his head spinning. His dad petted his head as he drifted off.

"It's ok... it's ok..."

~~~

Ruby almost wasn't paying attention until there was a yelp of surprise.

He wasn't in the mood for dealing with Ronold, so he was hoping the bully either went for another target or just didn't show up. Sadly, he was there, but he did find a new target. When Ruby took notice of the scene. His heart dropped.

Not the new girl.

He sighed as he grabbed his stuff from his locker and started heading for class. He hoped she would be ok. He would intervene if he wasn't worried about himself. He zoned out before a yelp filled the air. He whipped around before pausing.

Sapphire's stuff may have been on the ground, but Ronold was pinned down. She snorted as Ronold's little friends backed up.

"There's a reason I transferred. Stay out of my way." She then let him get up so that she could grab her stuff. Ruby blinked.

"Woah..."