Chapter 28

If there were one word in the English language that Ash's Squirtle were able to speak it would have been: Ouch!

In fact, Squirtle probably would have repeated the expression of pain several hundred times.

Instead Squirtle merely grumbled to himself as his Pokeball spun, bounced, slid, and knocked laboriously against various hard surfaces.

Fortunately he was inside his Pokeball for protection. But, unfortunately Squirtle had no idea where he was. He knew he was traveling down a pipe, but he had no clue that the pipe was going to be so filled with twists and turns. Usually being inside his Pokeball was a very comfortable and relaxing experience. Even when Ash would excitedly bounce around while holding his ball . . . even then it was never such a rough ride.

As his Pokeball smacked brutally against yet another unknown pipe corner, Squirtle started regretting volunteering for this dangerous mission.

Maybe he should have let Pikachu go after all . . .?

No! Squirtle instantly reproached himself for the selfish reflection. If any Pokemon were going to find Ash, it was going to be him!

Still. . . Squirtle was dreadfully suspicious about this particular mission. About 20 minuets ago himself, Pikachu, Charizard, Sizor, Butterfree, Noctowl, Pidgeot, and that bossy little Pidgy had been debating about a plan of action.

Pikachu had wanted to send Charizard to create a distraction by attacking the base. Pikachu's hope was that eventually someone or something would come out to check on the disturbance. While this was going on the rest of them would sneak the hundreds of other Pokeballs closer and ambush the base.

However, that small Pidgy was adamantly against such a plan. The Pidgy insisted that instead one of them could be easily snuck inside the base without the enemy even knowing it.

The Pidgy's instruction for the volunteer was to first get inside his or her Pokeball. The Pidgy then explained that it was aware of a small smoke pipe located at the top of the base . . . and that it could nonchalantly fly over the pipe and drop the volunteers Pokeball inside. The Pidgy insisted that the smoke pipe was no longer in use; therefore the volunteer was in no danger of being shot out by smoke. The Pidgy also promised that the smoke pipe ended directly inside one of the bases main hall ways.

Squirtle ended up being that volunteer.

Charizard was irate about the Pidgy's suspicious knowledge of the hidden base. Regrettably, the Pokemon had few options that would not endanger Ash further. The Pidgy pleaded and insisted that they had to trust it. And, even against their better judgment, the Pokemon did.

Squirtle couldn't help but question why the Pidgy didn't seem to know anything about the base yesterday . . . and now he suddenly knew the whereabouts of the only opening that existed. After all, this base was completely hidden underground! Sizor and Noctowl only knew about it because they had managed to follow the Beast to this approximate location.

Squirtle's job (once inside the base) was to somehow locate the other trainers and to be sure they were even still alive. Once this information had been verified he was to find some means of opening a door to the outside. Then the rest of them could invade. It was almost an overwhelming amount of responsibility for such a little Pokemon. Squirtle literally had hundreds of lives - human and Pokemon - counting solely on him. Yet, despite the fact that all the odds were stacked largely against him; Squirtle was confident. He loved Ash more than anyone in the entire world. Ash had never once given up on him. And Squirtle was not about to give up either. Squirtle truly believed that his loyalty was stronger than even the jaws of this horrible beast.

Pikachu had not at all been comfortable with this smoke pipe idea. Being the natural leader that he was, Pikachu was originally the first to volunteer to be the one dropped down the pipe. However, Squirtle knew that Pikachu had extremely serious issues with being confined by a Pokeball. Normally the claustrophobia of the ball caused the electric mouse to suffer a major panic attack. Squirtle was aware that Pikachu was very determined to find Ash. And Pikachu could probably handle the claustrophobia for Ash's sake . . .

. . . but. . . was it worth the risk? What if – no matter how small the chance- Pikachu panicked and their cover was blown?

Squirtle knew that there were certain times in a Pokemon's life when a leader just had to step down. For the sake of the rest of them, Squirtle knew that this was one of those times. And whether Pikachu understood it or not, it was Squirtle's turn to be bold. Squirtle had turned respectfully to Pikachu and simply informed him that this mission was one only for a Squirtle. And he backed that up by pointing out the benefits of his size and abilities. Squirtle was fast, his defense was high, and his water attacks were top notch. All his time leading the Squirtle Squad had given him a vast array of experiences in many dangerous situations.

Pikachu argued at first, but eventually admitted that he believed in Squirtle. The job was his.

Charizard bickered momentarily about wanting the mission himself. But, sending Charizard was simply out of the question! The dragon would be noticed in no time.

Thus, down the smoke pipe Squirtle was sliding, and spinning away.

He was just hoping that the bizarre Pidgy wasn't setting him up for a disaster. Squirtle sincerely wanted to trust the little bird; but the Pidgy's strange information on the enemy base was upsetting.

Squirtle was joggled from his recollections as he began rapidly free falling. He started to lose his nerve . . . what would happen if he crashed and his Pokeball shattered?

The brave turtle did not have time to react; he suddenly collided with something very hard - and by some miracle his Pokeball didn't seem to sustain any serious damage. The only sore point at all was Squirtle's head. He felt mighty dizzy after all that crazy tumbling.

He lay still inside his Pokeball for several long moments; trying to decide if it was safe to come out and explore. His unbearable concern for Ash was getting the better of his patience.

Just when he was about to exit his ball, Squirtle heard a sound. It was a quiet pounding noise. It only took Squirtle a moment to recognize that what he was hearing were distant foot steps. The owner of these feet seemed to be getting closer with every step - for the pounding was growing louder.

Each foot step caused a haunting echo to resound, that meant that the flooring must have been composed of some type of metal.

"What's this?" a rugged masculine voice raided Squirtle's ears.

Squirtle stiffened apprehensively inside his ball. The man did not sound friendly. . . Squirtle was going to prepare him self to fight if he had to.

Just as he was anticipating the worst, Squirtle felt his Pokeball become lifted in the air.

"Ah, those stupid Rockets. They can't even transport one lousy sack of balls without losing one!"

Rockets? Squirtle wondered what this man meant by that. Was Team Rocket involved in this? Was that possible? If so, then why did this man call them 'stupid'?

Squirtle instantly regretted that last thought . . . it was obvious . . . 'stupid Rockets' must have meant that Jessie and James were near by.

Squirtle felt incredibly angry; but at the same time he was moderately relieved by the possibility of seeing Jessie, James and Meowth. He had had enough unfortunate encounters with them to know that they were extremely annoying, but not really evil humans. When it came down to it they truly loved their own Pokemon too. Maybe he could get through to them if given the chance? Maybe he could convince them that kidnapping trainers was wrong?

The man holding Squirtle's Pokeball was walking brusquely; obviously in a rush. After what seemed like several minuets, the man stopped and Squirtle heard him opening up a door.

"You idiotic Rockets!" The man groaned furiously. "Look what I found in the hall! Do you know how angry The Seer would be if he knew you were losing Pokemon! These are the best trained Pokemon in the world, and you are completely careless with them!"

An all-too-familiar duet of squeals rose from someplace in this new room.

"We're sorry!" that high-pinched squawk was undoubtedly James. "We'll be extra, extra careful from now on, Sir! Scouts honor!"

"Why, yes!" joined in an overly-friendly Jessie. "Everyone makes a tinsie-tiny mistake once-in-a-while, right? Heehehehehehe!"

There was an awkward pause in the room. "Fine," the man snapped. "Just don't let it happen again or I will report you two! Trust me, Derrick will be happy to lay down some punishment." The man tossed Squirtle's Pokeball in the air now. Squirtle landed directly in the arms of either Jessie or James. Squirtle was surprised that they were actually coordinated enough to catch him.

Without so much as a goodbye, the man slammed the door behind him and was on his way.

"My GOD!" Jessie shirked. "James, you moron! How could you have lost a Pokeball!"
Squirtle heard a loud smacking sound.

"Eeee!" James wailed painfully. "Jessie, I didn't lose anything! It must have been Meowth!"

"That incompetent feline fur brain! It figures. . ." Jessie growled like a rabid Arcanine. "Well, Meowth should be back any moment now. And believe me he is going to get it!"

"Yeah!" James agreed nervously. "We finally get a job that doesn't involve interacting with prisoners and Meowth messes it up!"

Squirtle tensed. Prisoners? Did that mean Ash? Did that mean Ash was definitely alive?

It was now apparent to Squirtle that Team Rocket was not a willing group of participants in whatever was going on here. They had just been threatened physically by what Squirtle had gathered. The question now was: should Squirtle reveal himself to them? Or was he just going to get them all into much deeper trouble?

"Well," James sighed dismally. "We'd better get back to work organizing all the Pokeballs."

"Yeah, open up that Pokeball and see what type it. I need to know what shelf it goes on," Jessie instructed impatiently. "I just hope it's not another Dragon type because I've redone that shelf five times already!"

"Oh, and I hope it's not a Grass type because I've had to reorganize that one seven times!" James sounded desperately upset.

"Just open it already!"

Squirtle didn't have much choice in revealing himself now. James had already released him.

Squirtle was standing in a small dome-shaped room. Its walls were constructed entirely of shelf after shelf of Pokeballs. There must have been over one thousand balls present in the room.

Jessie and James were starring down at him. James looked strangely curious, and Jessie skeptical. But both of them appeared worn out; more tired than Squirtle had ever seen them before.

Jessie's hair was worn high on her head in a messy pony-tail, her face was sparse of all make-up and her color was dangerously pale. James was equally pale, he looked like he hadn't shaved in weeks – thick stubble covered his chin and upper lip like a pathetic goatee.

"Hey, Jess," James whispered quietly, genuinely trying not to let Squirtle hear his words. "Is there something odd about this Squirtle?"

"Squirt, squirt!" Squirtle greeted them quickly, trying to look unthreatening, and hoping they remembered him.

"James he CAN hear you!" Jessie grunted. "But, now that you mention it. . . well, yeah, he sure is scrawny compared the other Squirtles here."

"Squirtle!" Squirtle did not appreciate being called scrawny.

"No, Jess, I mean it, this Squirtle actually looks . . . familiar. . ."

Jessie bent down so that she was eye level with Squirtle and studied him.

"Oh my gosh, James, I think you may be right for once!"

Squirtle had had enough of this time wasting. Without hesitation he nailed Jessie in the face with a freezing water gun. It wasn't enough to harm her, just . . . remind her . . .

"Blah!" Jessie sputtered frantically as she was knocked backwards from the force. "It's Ash's Squirtle, James! That's who this is!"

James yelped excitedly. "I'd know that water gun anywhere. You're right, Jessie!"

Squirtle clapped his hands, pleased with himself for communicating with such difficult humans.

"But, wait a sec," Jessie continued. "None of Ash's Pokemon got nabbed. That's why the Revivalists are using Misty as leverage. . . that means that this little buggar got in here on his own. . ."

Jessie and James exchanged uncomfortable glances.

"So," James mumbled. "What do we do with him?"

"Squirtle, Squirtle, Squirtle, squirt!" Squirtle began frantically pleading with Team Rocket - explaining his plan, his dilemma, and his goals all at once.

Jessie and James just stared at him blankly, utterly dumbfounded by his presence here with them. They were even more clueless as to what 'Squirtle, Squirtle, Squirtle, squirt' meant.

"Squirtle dere wants ta find dat twerp Ash, an he says dat he needs us ta help him. It's his mission." Squirtle, Jessie and James all turned around to see Meowth standing in the doorway. Meowth's face was tight with nerves. His eyes were hesitant, but his posture at ease.

"Well, what can we possibly do?" James cried loudly, his lower lip actually trembling as he spoke.

"Well, dats a tough one." Meowth sighed. "I want ta save da boss too. Just as much as dis ere Squirtle wants ta find his Ash."

"But, we don't have the man power or the resources to help even ourselves," Jessie pointed out regretfully.

"Squirt-squirt," Squirtle added.

"Hm," Meowth allowed a slight grin. "Squirtle ere says dat man power is not an issue."

o0o0o0o0o0o 0o0o0o0o0o0o0 o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Brock's startling loss to Richie was not the only battle of the morning. Over the past hour or so Liza and Agatha had engaged in a frightful battle, as well as Bugsy and Morty.

Just as Richie had dominated Brock, Agatha took Liza down with little effort.

Ash had never met Agatha before. She was one of the few trainers here that he had not personally encountered while traveling the world. However, in the past he had heard rumors of her iron will, and unmerciful style of battling with ghost-types.

She was no doubt the oldest female Pokemon master Ash had ever seen. But despite her age, and her rather harsh battling style, Ash could not help but admire this woman. The Pokemon Agatha had received from the mystery sack was a Gengar. The 13 trainers watching the battle had all gasped when the Gengar appeared. Ash over heard Bugsy saying that "the battle was already over". Bugsy said this even before Liza had released her first Pokemon.

Ash realized then that he was about to witness a master trainer in her element. He couldn't help feeling just a little excited. Although, he did feel terribly guilty about his anticipation. He obviously did not want to see anyone advancing closer to their doom.

Ash stared in awe as Liza tossed her first ball. Liza had received a Pidgeotto. The giant bird was completely destroyed by the Gengar. Liza's next Pokemon had been a Starmie. But even the skilled star fish never stood a chance.

When it was all over Liza was not shy about expressing her relief, and even started shouting 'thank you, God' to the ceiling.

Agatha showed about as much emotion as a stone.

The next battle was between Bugsy and Morty. The pair were evenly matched at first: Bugsy had received a Quillava and Morty a Charmeleon. However, the Charmeleon conquered Quillava and then went on to defeat Bugsy's Clefairy.

Both Liza and Bugsy were ushered from the room; just as Brock had been before. Ash had no idea where the losers were being taken, but at least they were not going to be killed!

This is where the tournament stood still now. Only 11 trainers were left seated in the auditorium.

Ash turned to Misty and offered her a smile. It was a weak smile, but it was genuine.

The battles had been incredibly strenuous . . . one right after the next! The captive trainers hadn't even had the chance to exchange more than a few words between them.

Misty frowned with sorrow. Her once luminous azure eyes seemed faded . . . like two flower petals that had long since died - yet that had been pressed and preserved . . . forced to remain against natures will.

"Ash," Misty whispered carefully. "How can you be smiling at a time like this?"

"Because," Ash answered instantly. "You're next to me."

Misty blinked suddenly, a flash of intense color briefly returning to her eyes. "Ash. . ." she trailed off, shyly almost. "Thank you. . . I-I . . ."

"I've been so worried about you, Misty," emotions overflowed Ash's voice. He didn't want to expose all his carefully sealed away feelings here and now. Only . . . Ash couldn't control himself. The countless agonizing fears, the painful uncertainties, the depth of the attachment which he had always had for Misty . . . all these sensations besieged him now.

"Misty," Ash swallowed hard, struggling to form every word. "I didn't know where you were. I didn't know what was happening to you. I-I've been. . . I've been a total wreck not having you with me," Ash breathed heavily, unloading those last few words was an unbelievable relief. "I know you were in a cell with Gary. But that was driving me crazy too. . . I- I mean I . . . I wanted to be the one with you." Ash bleached slightly. He suddenly realized the magnitude of what he had inadvertently confessed to her.

Ash glanced downward sheepishly. The suspense of Misty's reaction was chewing his nerves raw.

"Oh, Ash," Misty's voice gently embraced him.. "I've been feeling the exact same way."

Their eyes connected easily now - without any hesitation or shame. Ash and Misty had always shared a strong bond . . . it was a bond forged from the flames of true friendship. But in this moment there was a passionate intensity feeding those same flames . . . the bond was now impenetrable.

Even though their arms were bound, they could not have been closer had they been physically embracing.

"Listen, Misty, there is something really, really important that I have to tell you-"

"Oh no!" Misty gasped in terror, immediately silencing Ash. Her attention was fixed elsewhere.

"What is it?" Ash followed her eyes to the center of the arena.

Gary was being brutally hustled into ring by Derrick.

Derrick had a tight grip on the end of the rope which was fastened like a noose around Gary's throat. Derrick wickedly yanked the rope back and forth; forcing Gary to stumble to the side. Gary appeared to be extremely disoriented; his footing was completely off as he attempted to stabilize himself. Gary's natural balance seemed nonexistent as all his weight slammed down upon his broken ankle.

Gary feel to his knees, wincing sharply as fresh blood oozed through the previously clean bandage around his limb.

Derrick and another Revivalist exchanged sinister laughs. Ash was utterly horrified. These Revivalists were genuinely amused by Gary's torment.

Ash knew that Derrick was a cruel person; he had certainly smacked Ash around more than once. And Ash has witnessed Derrick's temper flare towards other captive trainers as well. But the sheer enjoyment Derrick was getting now by publicly abusing Gary was beyond disturbing.

Why is this Derrick guy only treating Gary this harshly? What was really going on here? It's almost like he has a score to settle or something.

Nothing here made any sense at all to Ash, and this barbaric treatment towards Gary was no less a mystery.

"You are so God damn sick, Derrick!" Koga shouted, as he too was shoved into the ring. "Why are you treating Gary Oak so maliciously?" Veins were literally popping out of Koga's forehead from rage. The Revivalist managing Koga's rope whacked him across the face for his outburst.

For a moment Ash was certain that Koga was going to snap . . . and that all his years of ninja training would be unleashed upon the Revivalists. However, Koga had more discipline than that. Instead Koga's jaw clenched tightly as he forced restrain upon his temper. The ninja master lowered his head, saying nothing more.

Derrick was quite pleased with his domination over the Elite Four trainer. As if to grind Koga's nerves further, Derrick pulled Gary back to his feet, only to shove him once more to the ground. Derrick snickered with self amusement.

Ash's heart slammed against his ribs painfully. Gary doesn't look too good. . . just the fact that he's not biting Derrick's head off is really strange. I can't stand to see him beat down like this. God, it must be killing him. Why isn't he saying anything? Ash nodded to himself, remembering his last brief conversation with Gary. He's doing it for Misty. Gary's allowing himself to be humiliated . . . for her . . . is . . . is that possible? I know he doesn't want to be responsible for Misty getting harmed, but to tolerate this . . .? I really owe Gary big time for protecting her. If we get out of this, Ash corrected himself, WHEN we get out of this, I will find a way to repay him.

Perhaps Ash had thought too soon?

Gary strained himself to climb to his feet. His eyes were narrowed fatally at Derrick. Gary's jaw began trembling tensely - as though his mind were about to completely crack and he was going to physically lash out. But, somehow, Gary remained silent. Ash was even more thankful for that.

Next to Ash, Misty was shuddering terribly. "Oh God. . . oh God. . ." Misty's petrified eyes burned into Ash's.

Ash flinched, startled by how grief-stricken Misty was.

"Misty, what it is?" she obviously knew something that he didn't. Misty knew something dreadful. Fear of this unknown critical information caused Ash's stomach to whirl sickeningly. The only thing Ash knew for sure was that her terror was intense! "Misty?"

Misty didn't answer; her eyes were now glued upon Gary as he was ordered to pick two Pokeballs from the dreaded sack.

Ash's eyes bounced back and forth between Misty and Gary.

Gary hadn't so much as glanced in Misty's direction this entire time - and yet, she was completely fixated on him. Misty's alarm was elevating with every second.

She's going to have a nervous breakdown! Or a heart attack! Or something! God, I can actually hear her heart pounding! Why is she so afraid? I know that Misty and Gary have become friends since we've been here. I mean, that makes sense. They've been sharing a cell after all. And I could tell when I talked to Gary before that he respected Misty. But he probably doesn't really care all that much about her. If he did then he'd be looking for her right now. But, he's not. He hasn't even looked over in this direction. Misty on the other hand. . . I dunno. . .she's just such a good person. She makes friends easily and really cares about people. Ash exhaled loudly. Okay, so if all that I'm thinking is true, then why do I feel . . . I dunno . . . jealous? Wow, I am a BAD person. I am wrong just to be thinking this right now - now when Gary is about to fight for his life. Ash shook his head hard, as though punishing himself. Geeze, Ash, duh, Misty is just nervous that Gary will win. Heck, I'm terrified that he'll win too. . .

"Misty," Ash cleared his throat, and Misty peered over at him. "Listen, I know why your upset, but I really don't think Gary's going to defeat Koga, ok? So, just try not to worry. Gary'll lose. He really will." Ash offered her (what he thought was) an encouraging smile.

"No!" Misty snapped furiously.

Ash recoiled slightly, surprised and confused by her response.

What? Does she WANT Gary to win! Have I read her feelings wrong and she really doesn't like him at all! What? Does she hate him or something?

"Misty how could you wish that on Gary!" Ash didn't try to hide the defense in his tone.

"You don't understand," tears began to well inside Misty's eyes. "If Gary loses this battle now. . . Derrick is going to kill him tonight!"

AUTHORS CHAPTER 27 THANKS:

Alex Warlorn— I am doing much better, thank you for asking. You made some REALLY good points (as usual). Yeah, Ash doesn't actually know Gio or what he is all about. All Ash knows his that Gio is another captive trainer. He's seen his name on the score board and the final 11 trainers are all aware of one another at this point. But I will certainly clarify this in a later chapter because I have more planned around Gio anyway. Don't apologize for a 'late' review. You weren't late at all. I just want you to review, I look forward to your review and I don't care if I get it within a hour or a month as long as I get it . Thanks!

Subieko- Hiya! LOL, yeah Richie did go a tad crazy didn't he? ; Richie's Pokemon are being held captive along with everyone else's, and like the rest he's fighting for them. I wouldn't wanna trade places with any of these characters. Ah, I'm so mean to them! Thanks again!

Midnight Mist- Thank you for your inspiring review! I love every word of your reviews no matter what you say (although you always say nice things!) I loved all your wise words on the pains of growing up! May I quote you: -" Perhaps through pain, the deadliest blade is forged."- Ah, so lovely! Your reviews deserve reviews for being so eloquently worded! hugs sends Gary hugs to you

Dave Behave- I knew you of all people would laugh at Tracey's misery! LOL!

Thanks for the review! Like this chappie?

Angel-star727- Did I tell you yet that I like your new pen name? Pika, pika, Pikachu! It's cute and is perfect for you coz you are an angel! You are so kind to me! hugs

Aimmez- Thank you for the encouraging review! You made me smile Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Jarzard—Hi there! Long time no 'see', er, well, you know what I mean. Thanks a ton for coming back to read my fic. I always appreciate your reviews.

Raevn—I'm gonna jump in and join the Gary fan parade ! Thank for your great review. You have wonderful ideas, so thought provoking! I hope to hear more from you.

shadow/phantomness- Hello! waves How have you been? So, you wanna know who Misty will battle next? Stay tuned: it's coming up soon!

Lyra hugs Congrats on becoming a member. That's great. And of course I'll R&R anything at all you write. . . although the Gary bribe doesn't hurt! LOL! Gosh, you are so supportive of me. Thank you so much!

Ori—Okay, you draw and I'll write LOL, sounds like a plan. But I'm sure that drawing takes a bit of time. I wouldn't know, I am not artistic. : ( hugs thanks!

Togepi4eva- Hiya! Yeah, you're back! I'm so excited! Seriously, when I saw I had a review from you I was grinning ear-to-ear!

MagRowan- Thank you SO much for coming back to support my fic! I really appreciate it. I love all your great comments and that you pointed out my type-o's. I do try not to have them, but, alas, those buggars sneak in there! They are just so sneaky! But at least you still got the idea! hugs

NOTE TO ALL: Thank you so much. Every time I start to doubt my fic I get a review from you guys and it TOTALLY motivates me. So, this goes out to anyone who reads this and likes it, hates it – whatever: please share your thoughts and ideas! Even a little comment goes a LONG way! I thrive on feedback. Plus, I want to know that you like where I am headed. Your opinion DOES matter.

I realize that this was a long chapter. Was it too long? I just got in the writing mode and couldn't stop. But if you would prefer shorter chapters in the future I will do so. Thanks! hugs all Maia