AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter is dedicated wholeheartedly to Alex Warlorn and Midnight Mist -- who didn't give up on me even when I deserved it.

And a special thanks to a certain artist . . . Ori, I got your email. You drew him perfectly. Your lovely fan art of Gary snapped me out of a very busy whirlwind. You made me smile and remember why I love this story so much. I owe you.

Thank you to everyone who has been pulling for me and reading my story.

Chapter 26

It wasn't like Misty meant to give Gary the cold shoulder. It wasn't like she was ignoring him on purpose. It wasn't like that at all.

As they walked through the doors into the chamber Gary just suddenly became invisible to Misty.

Her behavior was sudden, and it may have seemed harsh . . . in fact, Gary would have been lying had he said that she didn't hurt him. But her detached emotions were unintentional, and Gary understood this.

Misty's mind was besieged, utterly incapable of focusing on anything other than Derrick's promise to finally allow her time with Ash. However inadvertently her actions were, Gary realized that he had now somehow become a mere ghost limping along beside her.

Allowing his eyes a quick scan of the room, Gary at once noticed that his surroundings were somewhat different than they had been at the previous meeting. There were only fourteen chairs present, not dozens as there had been prior. Twelve of the current fourteen seats were occupied by trainers. All seats were set up around The Seers podium; and all four walls were aligned with shrouded Revivalists. They stood upright and looming like starved Tyranitar's, framing the fourteen chairs and watching the captive trainers with immense interest.

Well, it looks like the last two chairs are for Misty and myself. Let's see, Brock, Morty, Giovanni, Bugsy, Lance, Koga, John Dixon, Liza, Agatha, Richie, Karen. . . and Ash, Gary quickly did a head count. It looks like we have the best of the best in here now.

Ash's expression instantly shifted from terrible gloom to moderate relief when Gary and Misty entered the room. Gary and Ash exchanged quick nods of acknowledgement. Gary was glad to see that his old friend remained in one piece. Nevertheless, Gary found his attention flinching as Misty and Ash became immediately focused on one another. In this brief moment, not only had Gary become invisible to Misty . . . but he had become invisible to Ash as well. The discomfort Gary felt was unnerving. Being nonexistent was totally foreign to him. What he would have given to have Misty yell at him now!

As Derrick and his associate brusquely ushered Misty and Gary to their seats, the thirty or more Revivalists within the room all began clapping in unison. It wasn't exactly an applause meant to commend them . . . but it wasn't exactly like a menacing taunt either. It was slow, rhythmatic, hypnotic almost . . . a clap that was stern, beating every second. Gary was clueless as to the intention of this clapping, but he admitted inwardly that it was seriously freaking him out.

Gary sat obediently in his chair, not expressing a sound as Derrick bound him. He was exceedingly curious as to what revelations The Seer would have for them this time around. Maybe we will finally get some real answers?

Next to him, Misty was incredibly tense. Gary could actually sense her apprehensive trembling. For some unknown reason Gary was nervous to look at her. None-the-less, he gathered together some comforting words in his head. Just before he was about to offer them to her, Misty suddenly seemed to relax. Gary didn't even bother to glance upwards. . . he knew who Misty was still looking at; and why she was immediately at ease.

"Ash." Gary sighed quietly, a thoughtful bitter-sweet smile tempting his lips.

And who wants the shadow when they can have the real thing? Derrick's words echoed laboriously through his mind. Damn him . . . I can't let Derrick get to me. I just can't. Not him. Not now.

In spite of his inner pep-talk, Gary was starting to feel the full effects of an emotion he hadn't experienced in a very long time: self doubt.

Damn.

Just as abruptly as it had begun, the eerie applause ceased. Gary now browsed upward, perceiving The Seer as he stepped up to the podium.

The small number of present trainers was not the only unusual factor regarding this meeting. There was something . . . else . . . a dramatic anticipation lingered within the room. It was as though the very room were alive; and every wall, every chair, every tile on the floor were holding its breath . . . awaiting a dreaded disclosure to explode.

Gary prided himself on having excellent judgment when it came to both people and situations. What he did next went totally against his better judgment, but he couldn't help it . . .

Gary's eyes risked a glance at Misty. He was hoping against hope that she would be looking back at him. . . that they would find comfort in each others eyes as they had so many times before.

Alas, but it was a naïve little hope. Misty Waterflower's jade eyes were bonded fervently with Ash's. She had found new comfort . . . perhaps a greater comfort from Ash.

Gary thought it convenient that Ash was seated directly across from her aisle.

"I must congratulate you all," The Seer began, genuine awe evident in his tone. "The tournament has separated the worthy from the unworthy; and narrowed the victors down to you: fourteen elite trainers. Now, you may take note that not all of the round one winner's are present here. You see, I have taken it upon myself to only advance those that I truly SEE the potential victory for. The fact that you were invited to attend this meeting means you are something special, and you may take pride in this. When we began this event there were dozens and dozens of you, and now," The Seer's voice jumped an entire octave as excitement coursed through his voice. "Now I am CONFIDENT that one of YOU is the ONE HE seeks!"

The Seer hesitated for a moment as though an important fact had just slipped his mind. "Ah, yes," he continued with an air of pride, "do not concern yourselves about the other losing trainers. You now have my word that they will be humanely treated and released back to their homes once the revival has taken place successfully. Let me remind all of you that the fate of the winner is a glorious one!"

For the first time since Derrick had mentioned Ash's name, Misty seemed to suddenly recall that Gary was present next to her.

"Gary," Misty whispered his name meekly.

Gary stiffened; her voice was so tiny that he was unsure if she'd actually called to him. And if she had called to him, Gary wasn't certain that responding to her was a good idea. Talking will just draw negative attention to her.

"Gary," Misty's voice was firmer this time.

Gary did not hesitate twice. "What it is, Misty?" Gary raised his head, but despite his best efforts he was unable to comfortably make eye contact with her. A pitiless shame stung him every time he tried.

"NO TALKING!" that was Derrick, and he was furious. "The sheer disrespect!" Derrick bolted forward and raised a hand, preparing to smack Gary.

"Hey," Lance roared from his chair across the aisle. "Oak is just a kid! Stop!" Lance was raging, his skin actually turning the fiery shade of his hair.

"Yes, stop, Derrick," The Seer's command surprised everyone. "I know what it is young Mister Oak wonders. It is indeed an imperative wonder. You need not punish him for this."

Derrick tensed, obviously extremely hesitant about recalling his force.

Gary smirked wholeheartedly, startling even himself at how pleased he was to see Derrick shot down. "You heard him, Derrick," Gary's tone was controlled, but traces of smugness managed to ooze through. "My wonder is imperative."

Derrick hissed with strange amusement beneath his shroud, but remained obedient and backed away from Gary.

"Gary, you idiot," Misty seethed fearfully. "You stupid, stupid, idiot."

Gary scowled, turning his face abruptly away from Misty's. He did not bother to acknowledge her insults; this was not the time for a spat.

The haughty sneer had not yet faded entirely from Gary's lips . . .he had received a refreshing rush of adrenaline talking back to Derrick - and for once- not being reprimanded for it. Gary wasn't blind to the situation however; he knew that Derrick was going to have his revenge for the embarrassment in front of all the other Revivalists. But what really excited Gary at this moment was . . . that he didn't care.

Misty was going to be with Ash tonight. Though Gary seriously questioned Ash's ability to protect anyone (including himself), at least Misty wasn't going to be forced to watch Derrick assault him. And in turn the farther away from Gary she was, the farther away she would probably be from Derrick.

They want Misty and Ash to have a peaceful meeting with one another. They are counting on the two of them bonding deeper. They want Ash to remember exactly why he's fighting, and why he needs to win, Gary's thoughts were determined. They won't hurt Misty, not tonight anyway. . . I'm in this to protect her. As long as Misty and Ash are okay in the end . . . well, then I've kept my promise to her. . .

Gary's thoughts were soon were consumed by The Seer's words.

"The fourteen of YOU are now, at last, going to know the history of our cult . . . and the importance of this tournament. I will also tell you of him, the fierce creature, and the revival."

Silence devoured every breath in the room as all eyes and ears focused upon The Seer.

"Many centuries ago we Revivalists were lead by one great man. And this one great man controlled the worlds most frightfully amazing Pokemon. A Pokemon whose name only our leader could speak. For any other who dared to utter the beasts name would certainly die a most horrible death. This Pokemon had a most miraculous ability . . . the power to resurrect a spirit from the dead."

A wave of terrified gasps encompassed the group of trainers.

"How is that possible?" Lance blared from his seat. "No Pokemon has that kind of power! Dammit! It's nothing but a legend, you're entire lives have been wasted on a legend! Let us go!"

"Hush, Dragon Master," The Seer's posture was stern. "Our lives have been committed to an ancient religion of worshiping this Pokemon. The story is true, for the Pokemon lives still to this day. You have met him. . . All of you have."

Gary cringed, suddenly nervous to move. The Beast!

"He brought you here," The Seer paused, allowing the full gravity of his words to sink in. "No one can control the creature. Not even me. Only his master could control him. Every act the righteous Pokemon does is by his own will. It is tragic really . . . the Pokemon is lost, he is out of control . . . in a rage searching for his master," The Seers voice transformed into a mournful sound. "Before the master died he proclaimed that his sprit would return to lead us once again. And that this present year is the one in which a worthy candidate would live . . . a body and soul would reside within Kanto or Jhoto of such unmatched training skills and determination, that he or she would be worthy of his spirit. WORTHY of catching the miracle Pokemon. It is up to this generation of Revivalists to insure that our leader's Pokemon finds the trainer he seeks. Whoever is capable of catching and taming the beast is undoubtedly the one we seek . . . the Pokemon's master."

It was Brock's turn to ask questions. "How can that be? That horrible beast kidnapped us all . . . tormented us all! None of us stood a chance against it then . . . we are not going to stand any better chance against it in the future! No human can tame that thing!"

"Not so, Brock," The Seer continued. "The Pokemon was hunting you then, but now he WANTS to be hunted. He longs for the control of a master. The Pokemon selected each one of you and brought you to us because he sensed greatness within you. He sensed something inside each of you that reminded him of his master. It is our task to challenge you all and to find the true champion, the one worthy of catching the miracle Pokemon."

Although he had held out longer than Lance and Brock, Ash could no longer bite his tongue either. "Okay, explain this one: if this Pokemon can resurrect the dead, AND if he's been so incredibly lost since his master died. . . then why doesn't he just bring his master back to life?"

"That is a valid question," The Seer replied. "You see, the beast IS going to bring his master back to life. But it is a . . . difficult process. The Revival is not just any ceremony. You must understand that the master's body has LONG been gone and once a body is dead there is no sure way to revive it. Ah, but, the spirit of a great man . . . that is what the Pokemon truly can recall! Our task is to find a worthy host body –one whose own spirit nearly matches the quality of the masters. This host body must be offered for the master's spirit to inhabit. Now, tell me that is not glorious?"

"Oh . . . my. . . God. . ." Lance was the only person in the room who could even muster up a sound. Everyone else was numbed by the The Seer's confusing words. Things had potentially just gone from worse to a living hell. A hell where someone was never going to walk out of again.

What exactly happens to the winner of this thing! What does he mean? Is that dead master going to take over someone's body! God, this is not even possible. What is going on here!

As had happened before, The Seer seemed to be eavesdropping on Gary's private thoughts. "If you win," The Seer went on, directly facing Gary. "Yes, your mind and spirit will be gone. But do not despair! Your physical body will go on forever. Our master will be living THROUGH you. Seeing through your eyes! Speaking through your voice! Can you even imagine the glory! It is an honor we Revivalists can only dream of. But, alas, we were not chosen. One of you, my friends, will bring order to our lives again."

As though anticipating the captive trainers reactions, Derrick cleared his throat announcing: "and remember, if you lose on purpose we will know. We will kill your Pokemon, and then we WILL kill you. And, trust me: the way you die will be horrifically painful."

"One last thing before we get battling," continued The Seer. "It may comfort you to know that many of you should have died countless times before this day. But in fact we and the Pokemon have been saving your lives. For example: Brock, when your throat was nearly slit. . . Gary, when the Pokemon accidentally mangled you in attempts to bring you here . . . you were all saved by the Pokemon offering you his own immortal blood. The Pokemon's own blood can not revive a dead man; but under most circumstances its cells can rapidly repair those of a gravely injured human or other Pokemon. The only time his blood ever failed to save a life . . . it was his own masters." The Seer sighed dolefully. "Go, now! All of you, to the arena. Let this day find us our champion!"