Chapter 25
"You have GOT to be kidding me, Derrick," Gary seethed resentfully. "We haven't gotten one wink of sleep yet! You were just in here two minutes ago!"
Derrick shrugged thoughtlessly. "You sure seemed restful enough when you were passed out on that sick bed."
Gary released an exasperated huff; his fingers frisking anxiously through his mocha spikes. "You can't expect us to have any attention for this meeting if we're half asleep!"
All he's wanted since this day began was to get a few moments of rest. Gary is completely exhausted . . . we both are . . . and now we have to keep going, keep focusing? Our minds are going to crack. Misty shut her heavy eye lids, praying that when she opened them again Derrick would be gone. She had no such luck. How can they expect this of us? I'm running on empty.
"Oak, Oak," Derrick snickered, leaning casually against the door frame. "I'll be happy to pop you both over the heads right now, then you can sleep all the way to the meeting. I'll carry Miss Waterflower. But you, I'll drag your limp carcass all the way there."
Misty's knees trembled as she listened to Derrick and Gary exchange these abominable remarks. So far Derrick seemed more amused than angry. But Gary better start shutting up! Derrick's mood can change without any warning at all. Gary knows that. He's usually such a controlled person . . . it seems like Derrick knows exactly how to push Gary's buttons and cause his temper to erupt.
"Whatever," Gary spat the word with disgust. "I guess I should be taking this up with that Seer. After all, you're just a pathetic little minion doing your lowlife duty."
Derrick grunted quietly, and then nodded. "A tiny part of me does want to see you win this tournament, Oak."
Misty was instantly unnerved by the complete lack of emotion in Derrick's tone.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Gary demanded, climbing heedlessly into a standing position.
"Nothing," Derrick shouted. "You don't have what it takes anyway. You're doomed to always be nothing more than a shadow."
Gary immediately flinched next to her, tension seemed to radiate off of his stiff form. Misty glanced reluctantly up at him, fearing the extent of which Derrick's rash and rather strange comment had affected him.
Shadow . . . ? What is Derrick trying to imply? And why did it strike such a nerve?
Her aqua sight commenced to soak up Gary's stern image. A curious sunken emotion inside her began to ascend; drowning away every sensible thought floating within her head. Her concentration conflicted with her priorities, which in turn clashed with all of her bewildered feelings. Misty was startled by the rage she saw manifesting within Gary . . . startled by it . . . but more so, Misty realized that she was drawn to it. . .
. . . fascinated by something that his bold spirit was now exposing. . . something beautifully vulnerable . . .
. . . a vulnerability which only surfaced in the extremely rare occurrence when Gary Oak was actually caught off guard.
She felt an overpowering urge to reach out to him, to somehow physically lock onto this untainted fervor. But Misty knew that her desire was impossible . . . that this allure was intangible; and attempting to contain it, to preserve it, would be like trying to hold water within the palms of quivering hands.
Gary's crystal eyes were sweltering, melting his own defenses away. The pure shock electrifying his blue depths was bewitching. His teeth were clenched tightly, furiously . . . and yet, Misty at once became entranced by the manner in which this caused his lips to tremble. They trembled just ever-so-slightly, as though being grazed gently by an invisible finger.
Gary's slender frame was now also shivering as he battled to retain self control. The muscles within his fair face constricted. The very breath seemed to freeze in his throat. Gary's hands curled tightly into pressure spilling fists . . . his hands now looked so tense, so deadly -- but Misty knew how gentle and warm they really were. She knew how perfectly a soft caress could soothe her.
Finally, Gary's eyes wrathfully narrowed -- this giving him a carnal . . . almost feral demeanor. It was in this moment that a fleeting yearn raced through Misty. . . I want to catch him off guard. . .I want to be the one who makes him look like. . .like THIS. . . she reprimanded herself for the selfish craving before the thought was even complete. Where did that thought come from? she blushed brightly to herself, shame and guilt consuming her immediately. This was an absolutely inappropriate time for such an uncalled for . . . and uncalled for what? An . . . attraction . . .?
I'm not like this! It doesn't mean anything. I'm never like this! I'm nothing like Brock. . . I-I don't get distracted over stuff like this. . . even if I do think he looks good. . . it doesn't mean anything. I mean, yes, he's a good looking guy. That has never been a secret to anyone. I've always noticed how he looks. And that's natural, and that's fine, and it doesn't mean anything. I've met tons of attractive guys in my life so far. No big deal, no distractions! It doesn't mean anything! Why should Gary be any different all of a sudden!. . . It's just that before this whole nightmare started. . . I thought . . . he was a pigheaded cocky jerk. I don't like jerks . . . but he's really not a jerk at all. Gary is brave, sweet, so . . . sweet . . .argh! What is wrong with me? Why would I even dwell this strongly on anything at a time like this? Gary is upset! He seems devastated, enraged by what Derrick said to him! I'm such an awful person! If Gary ever knew what was going through my mind right now he would think me selfish and horrible! I need to keep my eye on Derrick right now . . . and concentrate on making sure that Gary doesn't end up in any more-
Gary's mouth abruptly dropped open wide. It was coming, Misty knew it. She could almost hear the vengeful words as they rushed up Gary's throat . . . he was ready to open his brazen mouth and bomb Derrick with one hell of a comeback.
Misty was suddenly overwhelmed by a dominant need to silence Gary before it was too late. Misty spun rapidly towards him, her fingers fiercely gripping the collar of his robe. She jerked his face towards her, forcing her eyes to seize his. Gary was jolted so quickly that he automatically closed his mouth in order to give Misty his full regard.
"Let's go, Gary," Misty spoke firmly, her eyes pleading against his. "Let's just be quiet and go."
It doesn't mean ANYTHING!
Gary stared hard at her; a polar obstinacy was etched within his features. After only a brief hesitation, he nodded . . . his guard was back up.
Misty sighed; relief and disappointment were the only feelings knocking against each other now. These feeling were much easier to tolerate and to try and understand.
"She's got way more brains than you, Oak," Derrick commented scornfully.
I almost lost my brain. . .I'm so confused. . .I need to see Ash. . .if I don't see him soon. . .oh, what does it matter. . . this DOESN'T mean anything!
"You'll come back here after the meeting," Derrick went on, "then someone will come and bring you a meal and get you cleaned up. No more resting today, more battles are scheduled."
More battles . . .? I wish I had rested when I had the chance. But when Gary was gone giving blood I just couldn't shut my eyes. . . I was too afraid that I would wake up and hear that he was. . . Misty shuddered inwardly. .. . dead. . .
A second shrouded man appeared from the hallway now. He approached Misty and bound her with ropes. Derrick, of course, took the liberty of handling Gary.
Brock will be at this meeting. . . Misty's heart began to hammer anxiously. And so will. . . Ash. . .
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"Blastoise, Blast, Blast!"
"Sizor, Siz," came a rattled statement.
Pikachu nodded quickly and turned back to Ash's other Pokemon.
"Pika, pi." the news was promising: Sizor had made it as far as Noctowl had before becoming injured in a similar way.
Rocks. Sizor had reported that rocks had been shot at him from an unknown assaulter. He had wanted to release Gary's other Pokemon from their balls, but then he recalled the promise he had made to Ash . . . he had vowed to alert the others back home on the whereabouts of the missing trainers. Sizor turned back . . . barely making it to Pallet Town alive. Fortunately, Pikachu had known where the professor kept his emergency supply of super potions. Sizor was practically as good as new now.
Noctowl was also again in flying condition. The professor was still unconscious thanks to Bulbasaur sprinkling a tad of Sleeping Powder on him every time he stirred. Pikachu felt guilty for keeping the professor sedated, but it wouldn't be for much longer. In a few moments they would be gone -- all of the Pokemon would be gone. Then nothing the professor could say or do would matter.
Sizor was not the only Pokemon who brought with him something good: Pidgeot had just returned to the laboratory in the company of a dear old companion.
"Freeeeeeee, freeeeeeeeee!" Butterfree sang encouraging words to the dozens of nervous Pokemon around him. Once Pidgeot had located him, she learned that he already knew about the beast. Pidgeot did not have to waste a single breath trying to convince Butterfree to join them; he had immediately agreed to return with her to Pallet.
"Freeee!" Butterfree was quite confident that this mysterious beast would go down; but he insisted that careful planning must be completed beforehand. Brash impulses would not further them in any positive way.
Pikachu smiled at his very oldest friend. Butterfree had changed. His insect frame was much larger and more muscled than it had been before, even his wing span seemed broader. However, the most dramatic change was not a physical one. Mentally Butterfree seemed to have matured as well. He had developed a sense of patience that both Pikachu and Charizard gravely lacked.
"Pika," Pikachu agreed that the beast would fall. Their numbers were great now . . . and their determination was greater.
"Blast," Blastoise approached Pikachu carefully, a sincere sorrow dimming his eyes.
Pikachu exhaled thoughtfully. "Pika," he patted Blastoise's foot. Pikachu had known from the beginning that Ash would act recklessly. It was not Blastoise's fault that Ash had been abducted. "Pi," he added with a small grin. That beast was going to regret Its actions.
"Charrr," came an impatient hiss.
Pikachu glanced around the overly crowded laboratory room. Charizard was standing near the back door; his orange wings rippling with tension.
Pikachu nodded to his dragon partner, then raised a finger and began counting all of his assembled comrades.
Charizard. Squirtle. Snorlax. Muk. Phanpy. Heracross. Kingler. Totodile. Bayleef. Bulbasaur. Butterfree. Noctowl. Pidgeot. Exactly twelve Pidgeotto's and thirty-three Pidgey had decided to aid them. There were also twenty-five Tauroses standing outside; peering eagerly through the various windows of the lab.
Gary's Pokemon were just as loyal . . . and far higher in number. Arcanine. Nodoking. Umbreon. Magmar. Sizor. Blastoise. There was also a Chansey, a Jolteon, and a Nidoqueen in attendance. Each of these Pokemon clutched dozens more pokeballs within their mouths and claws.
Blastoise grunted loudly, announcing that Gary had legions of other Pokemon stored throughout the facilities. He boasted that they were all not only faithful, but extremely well trained.
Pikachu clicked his teeth nervously and glanced to Noctowl. The owl was carefully stretching out his sore wing.
"Whoo, whoo."
"Char," Charizard agreed.
There was no more time to waste.
"Togepi?" Misty's little egg Pokemon waddled over to Pikachu now. Her eyes were damp and trembling. She finally understood what was wrong . . . and she was determined to find her mother.
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Derrick had led Gary and Misty back to the same gigantic door which their first meeting had taken place in.
However, this time the Revivalist faltered before rapping on the door; he twisted quickly, suddenly eager to face his miserable captives. His looming posture emitted a prideful aura.
"Before you go in there, I just have one extra bit of information," Derrick snagged Misty's rope from his companions hand and jerked her fiercely towards him. "YOU will like this news, Miss."
"W-what?" Misty stammered, her temper began fuming within her. How dare he force her around like this! How much more could she tolerate! My Pokemon, she reminded herself. For them I will tolerate as much as I have to.
Misty faced Derrick skeptically. "What is it?"
I don't think I can handle any more surprises . . . especially since everything that's ever happened here has been horrible.
"Well," Derrick cleared his throat, purposely stalling in order to drill Gary and Misty's nerves raw. "The Seer has decided that you and your old pal Ash will spend a bit of quality solo time together. After the battling ends today that is."
Misty blinked cautiously. Did . . . did he just say that. . . I am going to see Ash . . . finally be with Ash!
"What!" Gary gasped loudly next to her. "What do-?"
Misty turned quickly towards her cellmate. Unfortunately she was just in time to witness Derrick snapping Gary's rope; instantly replacing his words with intense choking.
"I wasn't talking to you, Oak!"
Misty's head began to spin irrationally. Her chest tightened as all her other senses started to numb. She tried to speak out. Tired to move. Only every ounce of her attention had been vacuumed by Derrick.
Her hope began rapidly ascending, her fear elevating . . . but her confusion towering over both.
"Yup," Derrick continued brusquely, "consider it a little reward for your cooperation thus far. The Seer knows what we all REALLY want. Besides, I'm sure you could use a break from the company of this little shadow," Derrick glared down at Gary again, giving his already smothering-tight rope another savage wrench. "You and I, Miss Waterflower. We will both have a relaxing evening tonight. The Seer has granted you permission to become reacquainted with a dear friend. And, me? Well, providing Oak here loses his next match, I get to spend some quality one-on-one time with him. Of course, I'll pay him a visit no matter if he wins or loses. But, when he DOES lose, he'll have proven what I already know to everyone else: that he is useless. And then, well. . ." Derrick trailed blissfully off.
Misty's eyes poured fearfully upon Gary. He had buckled faintly against the wall, still stifling desperately just to breathe. Misty was not certain if Gary had even been able to comprehend Derrick last few remarks.
"Oh . . . God. . ." Misty trembled feverishly. She was finally going to see Ash. Alone. Talk with him. Be with him . . . something she had been dreaming of, praying for since she had arrived here at this dreadful place. She missed Ash with every fiber of her being. She longed to fall into his arms and feel with her own two hands that he was in one piece. . .
. . . Only now her stomach was wheeling sickeningly. This was not fair. As Misty was at last granted a chance to see Ash. . . Gary would be suffering. Alone. Suffering at Derrick's unmerciful hands.
If Gary loses his battle. . .
She needed to be with them both. But what she needed was impossible.
"Of course, you kids must attend this meeting before any of the good stuff can begin," Derrick proclaimed, finally knocking on the metal door.
Misty's eyes were suddenly fixated upon the door . . . anticipating what, or rather who, might be behind it. She could no longer concentrate on anything else. "I'm coming, Ash. . ." Misty whispered assuredly. "I'm coming."
Her words were meant for her own ears alone. Indeed they did fail to reach the ears of both Derrick and associate. But, unbeknownst to Misty, her words did not go altogether unheard . . .
A sad smile surfaced upon Gary Oak's lips. Then he shut his eyes, shaking his head regrettably -- as if to scold himself for an unforgivable sin.
Derrick chuckled; he was watching Gary's inner misery with extreme satisfaction.
As the door yawned opened, Derrick leaned over Gary and hissed in his ear: "Isn't it a shame, Oak? Now . . . it took until NOW for you to finally realize that you are nothing but a fool. You suffer and sacrifice and in the end . . . well. . ." Derrick grunted arrogantly. "You really are nothing more than a shadow. And who wants the shadow when they can have the real thing?" Derrick sighed his final words gleefully, "self loathing, it's a grand thing isn't it, Oak? Now let's get you kiddies to your seats, shall we?"
"Shadow or no shadow," Gary's expression was suddenly unreadable; as if his memories of the past few days had been painlessly extinguished. His tone was also level, emotionless, as though the words he were about to speak were mere common knowledge. "There is no way in hell that I'm losing my next battle."