Chapter 20

Charizard was not the most considerate flyer that Professor Oak had ridden on.

"AHHH! PLEASE SLOW DOWN! AHHHHHHHHH!"

On the contrary Charizard was in all likelihood the most reckless and height-happy Pokemon he had ever encountered.

Worst still, it seemed that each of Professor Oak's desperate wails of terror encouraged Charizard to flap his wings all the harder, sending them rocketing that much further into the black sky.

Pidgeot was gliding easily at Charizard's side. Pikachu was riding on her back, clutching the feathers of her neck. It was a rough ride! But unlike the professor, Pikachu was rather enjoying the thrilling sensations of his stomach lurching and the wind whipping at his face.

"AH! OUCH! MY EYES!" tears were streaming freely from the professor's eyes. The force of the wind against his face was so powerful that his tear ducts were in overdrive trying to keep his sight lubricated.

Ahead of them, leading the way towards the Viridian Forest, was that small Pidgey -- the one who claimed to know Noctowl's whereabouts.

Professor Oak dug his fingertips into Charizard's neck; he was holding on for dear life

Oh, this Charizard has a mean streak a mile long! I should have taken out one of Gary's flying types to ride on instead!

The professor's gut reeled as Charizard took a terrible drop downward. They were entering the forest now . . . hundreds of black branches were swallowing them up. I wish I knew where Blastoise was. I hope he realizes the danger he has put himself and the other five Pokemon in. He is far too impulsive. . . Blastoise is too much like Gary. At least Gary's Chansey was up for babysitting Togepi. No way would the baby be able to tolerate this- the professor swallowed the urge to become physically ill. - this ride.

Charizard was now twisting and turning fiercely as if his body were created from elastic. He was desperately trying to avoid slamming into one of the hundreds of trees and crooked branches in their path. Professor Oak pressed his face deeply into Charizard's thick orange hide. He would rather risk a slight burn from Charizard then a tree branch gouging out his eyes.

Charizard suddenly came to a screeching halt. The Pidgey had abruptly stopped and perched in the branches of an Apricorn Tree. The Professor could not identify the type of Apricorn tree through the inky darkness. Not wanting to lose sight of the small bird, Charizard and Pidgeot were forced to lock their wings still . . . they almost crashed to the forest floor.

Professor Oak was encased by the darkness of the Viridian woods. The scarce amounts of star light which had aided them before had perished. No amounts of light could succeed in dripping through the immensely thick trees.

Charizard shook his body roughly, the force causing Professor Oak to tumble to the ground. "Ouch, Charizard. Hey, wait. Where are you?" The professor strained his eyes painfully; the only tangible detail he could make out was the flame on Charizard's tail. However, he could hear all of the Pokemon. The four Pokemon were chatting nervously less than fifteen feet away.

"Char?"

"Pidgey. Pidgey."

"Pika, Pi!"

"Pidgeot? Pidgeoooooot!"

"Pidgey."

"Excuse me?" the professor interjected. "I'd like to be involved in whatever the dilemma seems to be. Er, hello?"

The professor focused solely on Charizard's flame. He managed to make his way towards the four Pokemon. The forest floor was littered with rocks and odd projecting roots, the professor stumbled a good four times.

Professor Oak was now standing next to Charizard. The dauntless dragon was concentrating intently on something on the ground. In fact so was Pikachu, Pidgeot, and the Pidgey. The professor followed their gaze.

"Noctowl?" The professor breathed. This was an usually colored Noctowl; golden colored feathers covering most of his body. No other Noctowl looked like this one. It was undeniable. "Yes, it's you. Ash's Noctowl."

Noctowl was crumpled painfully between the roots of two different trees. He was laying very still, the feathers along his left wing appeared frayed and torn. Noctowl was gaping up at his friends helplessly, panting.

Professor Oak bent down to further examine Noctowl. I shouldn't pick him up until I know what might be broken, he decided.

"Charizard, turn your tail over here so I can get a better look," the professor requested.

Charizard at once lowered his tail so that the light from his flame would spill completely upon Noctowl.

"It's not good," the professor realized out loud. "Noctowl is severely dehydrated; his left wing looks like it may be broken. If we don't get him back to my lab soon and set the bone it may never heal correctly. I'm afraid I have nothing with me in my first aid kit here that can help." The professor gently lifted Noctowl, he was very careful not to harm the possibly broken wing any further. "Noctowl I know how weak you are. But you must answer us this one thing: do you know where that beast took Brock?"

Noctowl shut his eyes, shivering; he did not seem to comprehend what was happening around him.

Pikachu approached his injured friend carefully. "Pika, pikachu?"

Noctowl's ebony eyes snapped open, darting wildly from side to side. At last he exhaled and peered directly at the professor.

"Whoo. . . whoo."

Professor Oak understood the meaning of that tentative sound. The professor stared hard at Pikachu, who mirrored his gaze.

"Noctowl knows. If we can get him flying again then he can show us where Gary and Ash are."

0o0o0o0o0o0 0o0o0o0o0o0o0 0o0o0o0o0o0

Ash did not want to battle Clair. All he wanted right now was to be with Brock.

Brock could die. And . . . it would be MY fault. When he saw ME he sat up . . . when he saw me the ropes hurt him. . . There was so much blood. . .

Ash glared across the battle arena. Clair raised a sympathetic eye brow. It was all the comfort she could offer.

A shrouded man loomed threateningly over Ash. He turned, expecting to see the same man who had just dragged him into the arena. To Ash's horror, he instead saw the fearful Seer himself peering down at him. Ash shuddered; this mans actual presence chilled him to the bone.

"Child," the Seer spoke quietly, his words were meant only for Ash. "I do look forward to this battle. You were the last that He chose. Great things dwell ahead for you. May it be a victory perhaps?"

"I- I want to see my f-friends," Ash gasped painfully between words, opening his lips suddenly became a grievous struggle.

"Child," The Seer now muttered through his teeth. It seemed Ash's demand had angered him. "You will not speak. You best focus your thoughts on the battle. Do not forget: we dangled the very life of your dear Misty Waterflower in our hands. I see you care for the girl. As I have told you once already: she will suffer for any lack of cooperation that we receive from you."

Ash shivered, gulping down the lump of dread which had been swelling in his throat. Acid recollections scorched his brain; Ash remember waking up only hours ago in a strange hospital bed. He remembered this Seer standing over his wounded body. The Seer had bombarded his mind with these appalling threats against his friends. Ash was not willing to gamble with Misty's life. Not now. Not ever.

They will hurt Misty. I need to focus only on Clair right now.

Nerves began gnawing his insides. Clair was undoubtedly one of the best trainers in the world. Granted, he had beaten her before, however, his last victory had been under much different circumstances. He had his own Pokemon then, and Clair had hers. Now neither of them had a clue as to what Pokemon they would be handling. She knows more about Pokemon than I do, Ash admitted inwardly. But I'm good too. I've seen plenty of different kinds since I started my journey. I am going to try and beat Clair even harder than I have ever tired to beat anyone before. Maybe I'll get an evolved Pokemon like Gary did. . . Ash's face flushed with admiration as he recalled Gary's recent battle against Lilly. Gary was really, really good.

Familiar faces surrounded Ash in every direction. He was both comforted by them and sickened . . . everyone was alive -- but everyone was in misery. He tried scanning the crowd for Misty, Tracey, and Gary but he could not decipher who was who from a distance. The only one he noticed for sure was Richie; for he had witnessed Richie's battle against Chuck earlier that morning. Richie had looked fatigued and malnourished; but his mind was apparently still razor sharp, for Chuck had lost quickly.

The Seer left Ash's side and was replaced by another shrouded man. This man carried the huge mysterious pokeball sack toward Ash.

Ash rolled up the sleeve of his long white robe. He felt ridiculous clothed in the flowing garment. The sleeves were far too long, constantly irritating his fingertips. "Stupid girlie robe," he muttered to himself, wrestling to keep the fabric on his elbow. Next, Ash clumsily adjusted the bandaged which was wrapped around his forehead. It was fastened loosely, and kept sliding over his eyes. He had received a minor laceration on his skull, courtesy of that beasts jaw. Ash's chest and lower stomach looked like a two-year-old child had used him as a finger painting canvas -- various bruised splotches of red, blue, and black were scattered across his flesh.

Overall Ash had been fortunate. He could very well have been injured much worse. Ash realized this as he glanced around the room again . . . just about every captive trainer seemed to have acquired at least one broken bone.

"Take two," ordered the shrouded man.

Ash obeyed mutely, reaching his right hand inside the sack. His fingers felt the smooth textures of dozens and dozens of pokeballs. There must be at least two hundred Pokeballs in here! Ash fumbled with one ball, then decided against it. Then he fingered another one, but that one didn't feel right either.

"Hurry up," the man roughly shoved Ash forward, causing him to stumble. Ash contained the words that were tempting his lips. He knew that he had better keep his anger under control . . . for Misty.

Ash sighed in defeat; finally picking up the next two pokeballs he touched. He stared at the identical balls blankly. I wish I could get a Pikachu.

The Seers voice was at once roaring throughout everyone's ears: "BEGIN!"

Clair made the first move, easily casting her first pokeball forward. An energetic Paras appeared; the spotted mushrooms on Its back twitching with anticipation. Clair raised a skeptical eyebrow at her Pokemon. She seemed slightly dissatisfied with It.

A Paras, huh? I know about Paras. It's not an evolved Pokemon. It's a bug and a grass type . . . I remember Paras having some potent stun spores and poison attacks. I'll need to be on my guard. Ash inhaled, his confidence growing as knowledge of his opponents Pokemon flooded his mind.

Ash decided on the Pokeball in his right hand and chucked it forward.

"AHHH!" Ash's head spun dizzily. His stomach quaked as his mind began straining to accept the image before him. Arctic sweat dribbled down his face, his knees buckled and he blinked his eyes frenziedly. Around him every captive trainer was wincing with pity.

"A WEEDLE!" Ash blubbered at last. "I GOT A WEEDLE! WHY!"

There was no denying it . . . a round golden Weedle had just emerged from his pokeball. The Weedle glanced back at Ash spitefully. The stinger on Its head was above average in size, and Weedle's bug eyes were thirsting for battle. But nothing else about the Pokemon's appearance comforted Ash's self-confidence.

Ash expired a burdensome breath, knowing that he must accept his bad luck. Okay, I know about Weedles. They have . . . very . . . few moves. They are poisonous. . . I can do this.

"Weedle," Ash stammered. "Let's go! Use, ah, String Shot!"

Clair nodded optimistically, concentrating her eyes on Paras. "Now, Paras, dodge that String Shot and use Stun Spore!"

Weedle trembled with excitement as It projected hundreds of gluey strings from Its mouth. Paras shuffled at top speed, managing to dodge the attack. Paras's mushrooms quivered, producing an outburst of paralyzing spores.

"Weedle," Ash cried desperately. "You can't dodge the spores! String Shot yourself! Wrap yourself like a suit of armor!"

The Weedle instantly responded and began cocooning Itself with Its own protective string. The stun spores poured down upon Weedle, but none could penetrate Its shield of sticky string.

A smirk found Clair's lips. "Not bad, Ash. But now Weedle certainly can't move very fast." She eyed Paras intently. "Scratch Attack!"

Ash gulped. His Weedle had not been paralyzed by the Stun Spore, but now It was encased by Its own String Shot! Weedle looked like an ancient mummy, bound tightly in Its own string.

"Weedle, hang on!" Ash wailed. But it was no use. The Paras began ruthlessly scratching Weedle's body. The String Shot was scraped quickly away, leaving Weedle's vulnerable body as a target.

"Keep Scratching, Paras!" Clair yelled her order, knowing her victory against Weedle was set.

Weedle shrieked, wiggling frantically in effort to free Itself from Paras's stabbing claws. After taking several directed hits, Weedle keeled over. It was unconscious.

Ash ground his teeth together, recalling the damaged Weedle. "Well, good try, Weedle," instinctively he found himself trying to comfort the strangers Pokemon. "You did your best." Ash looked his last Pokeball over suspiciously. "Here goes. . ." he pitched it forward.

One profoundly robust Tyranitar appeared in the center of the arena. It was roaring wildly, thrashing Its clawed limbs, massive feet stomping impatiently. The Tyranitar glared downward at the Paras and snorted threateningly. It was clearly eager to pulverize Paras.

Clair's eyes widened anxiously.

"YES!" Ash bellowed loudly, not attempting to mask his joy.

A Tyranitar! Great! I know all about Tyranitar. I read all about them when I was traveling with Larvitar. Plus, this one reminds me of my Charizard! Look how angry and ready It is!

Clair retained her self-assuring front. She aimed an impending finger at Tyranitar. "Paras, quickly, Poison Powder!"

Ash grinned hopefully. He had always wanted a Tyranitar . . . "Tyranitar, Fire Punch!"

Paras discharge Its toxic spores, letting them jet forward like acid rain. However, not one single spore reached its target. Each spore was dissolved rapidly by the sheer heat radiating from Tyranitar's giant fist.

Tyranitar's fist was engulfed by scorching flames. Tyranitar brutally slammed Its flaming fist against the small Paras. Paras burst into a crimson blaze and was instantly knocked senseless. Clair swiftly withdrew Paras and hurled her final pokeball forth.

A crazed Granbull materialized. Foam was bubbling at Its mouth, Its beady eyes hysterically darting back and forth between Tyranitar and Clair.

"Let's Go, Granbull! Scary Face!" At once Granbull contorted the flesh on Its face grotesquely. It peeled Its lips back revealing jagged white fangs. Its eyeballs jutted forward from their sockets and burned with insanity. Granbull looked monstrous . . . like a demon. Ash recoiled as visions of the 'Closet Monster' he had feared as a child haunted his imagination.

Tyranitar flinched, it was genuinely unnerved.

"Tyranitar, Granbull's trying to slow you down! Hurry and use Crunch!"

Tyranitar shook Its massive head, trying to rid Its thoughts of Granbull's Scary Face. Tyranitar then stormed forward, Its jaws driving downward towards Granbull.

"Granbull, Use Rage!" Clair screamed. Granbull's canine frame blazed with scarlet light as Its anger began to skyrocket.

Tyranitar seized Granbull within Its powerful jaws and crunched down mercilessly. Granbull whimpered in agony. Ash called to Tyranitar, commanding It to continue crunching down.

Granbull's rage exploded! It began to thrash wildly, Its body bucking left and right while within Tyranitar's mouth. Tyranitar could not keep Its grip on the madly writhing Grandbull . . . It spat Granbull out. Blood dripped steadily from Tyranitar's lips; Granbull had torn a fang loose.

Granbull was laying on the ground, trembling with unmanageable anger. "Get up, Granbull! Let's Charm that Tyranitar!"

Granbull craned Its face freakishly towards Tyranitar. It swayed gently, suddenly taking on an almost pleasant expression. Granbull even started batting Its long eyelashes.

"Look away, Tyranitar!" Ash gasped. "Screeeeeeeeech Attack!" Ash's hands flew over his own ears protectively; he remembered all too vividly the effects of Larvitar's Screech Attack.

Tyranitar squeezed Its eyelids shut, releasing a horrific ear-drum-shredding sound. Every captive trainer sobbed painfully, unable to shield their ears with their bound hands. Even the Revivalists quailed at the horrendous high pitched noise.

Granbull also lost complete concentration from the appalling sound and could now only focus on submerging Its own head within Its paws.

"This it is!" Ash roared, attempting to blare over the Screech. "Rock Slide!"

There were no rocks on the battle field, and Tyranitar hesitated -- peering backward at Ash. "Use the tiles! Pick 'em up and throw them!" Ash was frantically pointing downward at the tiled flooring.

Tyranitar nodded and bent down; as he rose he held a massive chunk of the tile flooring within his claws.

"Run, Granbull," what more could Clair say?

Tyranitar hurled the tile flooring towards the scrambling Granbull. Tyranitar had an impeccable aim; It struck Its target directly in the back. Granbull collapsed beneath the huge chunk of cement, It was certainly unconscious.

Ash and Clair stared blankly at one another for a moment; both seeming truly startled by the battles outcome.

"Good job, Ash," Clair only mouthed the words.

Before Ash could gesture a reply he felt ropes once again burning the skin of his throat. His body was being forced backward, out of the arena. He was pulled towards a small row of trainers.

Ash shut his eyes and breathed in deeply, trying to collect his thoughts. I won! Ash mussed to himself. What an awesome Tyranitar.

"Stand here and don't move," the shrouded man holding Ash's rope commanded. Ash looked around; the man had dropped his rope abruptly and darted across the room to converse with The Seer. Ash was not about to disobey . . . he had seen what they did to John Dixson.

"Not bad, Ashy-boy. Good thing you got that Tyranitar."

Ash's eyes twitched open upon hearing Gary's voice. Ash whirled around, taking in the woeful faces of Jasmine, Whitney, Surge, and some other guy he didn't know.

"Gary?" Ash frowned, not seeing his old rivals face amongst the row.

"Behind you," came Gary's voice again.

Ash turned slowly, hoping that none of the Revivalists had noticed his movement. Sure enough Gary was tied firmly in place to another row of chairs in a corner.

Ash smiled vaguely, unable to keep himself from gaping at Gary's casted ankle. Ash was not comfortable seeing Gary with an injury. On one hand he was overwhelmed with relief that he was able to even communicate with Gary. On the other hand Ash was not certain how to act, or what to say. Gary did not smile back, rather he frowned seriously.

"Ash . . . they got you. I'm so sorry," Gary's shoulders shrank back as he spoke, his voice was genuinely remorseful. "I hope they haven't roughed you up too much."

Ash licked his lips nervously, forcing his voice to stay low. "My head. My head was hurt. Otherwise just some rope burns on my throat."

Gary cocked an eyebrow as a sudden thought plagued his mind. "Hey, Ash, since you battled does that mean they have your Pokemon? Are they blackmailing you with Pikachu?"

Ash shook his head negatively. "No, Gary. My Pokemon are safe. But that really creepy guy over there-"

"The Seer?"

"Yeah, him. The Seer told me he'd. . ." Ash swallowed, his throat feeling considerably tight as a terrible emotion stung him. "He said he would hurt Misty if I didn't battle at my best."

Gary's expression flinched.

"Hey," Ash started again. "Why are youbattling then, Gary? They don't have your Pokemon. . . er. . ." Ash trailed off, his face bleached slightly. Unless that beast took Sizor down after I sent him to follow me! OH! That would be MY fault! Ash faced Gary sheepishly. ". . .Eh, or-er, do they?"

"No," Gary stated curtly.

"Then why are you battling? They gonna kill you, or-"

"I'm battling for the same reason you are, Ash," Gary's voice was steady, but Ash could hear an edge of urgency building between the words.

Ash gasped. "They are threatening someone you care about too? Who is it? Your grandad isn't here is he? Or your sister?"

Gary eyed Ash sharply. "The same person as you," he took his time voicing each word, making certain that Ash understood.

"W-what?" Ash stepped backwards slightly, his jaw dropping open from surprise. "Misty? But you don't even know Misty. Why would you battle for-"

Gary cut him off. "Misty and I have become friends. I care about her, Ash. She's a sweet person. We've been stuck in the same cell together; and I sure as hell wouldn't allow any innocent person to suffer because of me. Misty is that person now."

"You share a cell with Misty!" Ash cried a little louder than he had intended. "Is she okay?" his heart began pounding furiously with nerves, at last he would know where she was. . . how she was.

Gary tensed his jaw. "She's fine," he snapped. "Don't freak out. I'll take care of her." There was an unwavering rise of affection evident in his tone.

Ash hesitated, utterly caught off guard by Gary's short words. Ash felted an uneasy wedge pinch between his heart and his mind. He glanced uncomfortably to Gary . . . a raw emotion griping hold of him. It is not right that Gary shares a cell with Misty. It should be ME in there with her. Me comforting her. She is my friend. She is . . . so much MORE than that. So much more. And I should be with her. Ash exhaled carefully. No, I'm being unfair; he scolded himself for the abrupt flood of emotions. Everyone is suffering here. I'm being selfish to even think about this. I can't be bitter. It's not Gary's fault he's stuck with Misty. He's just being a good guy; he doesn't want anyone to die because of him.

"Let's get you back to your seat," came a shrouded mans voice, followed by a jarring snap on Ash's throat. Ash glanced back toward Gary as he was lead around the room.

"Ash," Gary called after him. Gary's eyes had widened, focusing apprehensively on the arena. "Look."

Ash turned around despite the ropes affliction . . .

. . . Misty was standing in the spotlight. Her attention zeroed in on the challenge before her.