AUTHORS NOTE: I am going away on my first vacation in 5 years tomorrow! I am really excited because my doctor has finally decided that my health is strong enough for a little bit of traveling. I am going to Ontario, Canada. I will be gone about 2 weeks; but I knew that I couldn't leave with out giving you guys and gals and update. I made this chapter extra long to make up for the fact that I won't be here to update next week. I hope you all enjoy. Thanks!
Chapter 29
"Misty, w-what are you talking about?" the question blurted nervously from Ash's lips. It was evident by his reaction that he was totally confused. "What do you mean Gray's gonna die tonight!"
"It's Derrick," Misty shot back. "Derrick is going to kill him!" A desperate trickle of tears fled her eyes.
Misty forced herself to inhale. Ash was gaping back at her; his expression barren with bewilderment. She instructed herself to calm down. To just calm down and explain to Ash why she was genuinely fearful for Gary's life.
"Ash, earlier Derrick told Gary that whenever he lost a battle that 'he'd be waiting'! He said that he would be waiting, Ash! Then, on our way to the meeting Derrick said that if Gary lost his battle that the Seer was going to allow them some solo time together. My God, and now - after Gary stupidly fired that comment at Derrick during the meeting a-about his wonder being imperative," Misty fumed Gary's idiot words out; her emotions were so strained that she hardly had the strength to recall her fears."Derrick is fuming. He's g-going to g-go i-in-sane!" her last sentence was blurred by tears.
Ash continued to stare at her blankly; he was still unable to comprehend the consequence of her words.
"Ash, don't you understand?"
Ash winced. The resentment in her tone stung him like venom.
Misty immediately regretted taking her frustrations out on Ash. She frowned apologetically.
I'm not mad at Ash. Lashing out at him is not fair. It just drives me nuts when he's clueless.
"Misty, okay," Ash whispered carefully. He was obviously nervous that Misty's emotional-outburst would draw negative attention from the Revivalists. "Calm down. Derrick won't kill Gary, okay? The Seer gave us his word that the losers would be humanly treated. And after the Revival ceremony we would all be set free and-."
"My God, Ash," Misty seethed quietly, cutting him off. "Don't talk to me like I don't know what's goi-"
Now it was Ash's turn to butt in. "Shh! Keep your voice down. If Derrick sees how upset you are it will probably only encourage him!"
Misty's face froze. She hadn't though about it like that.
Ash is right. I need to keep my cool. But I'm so terrified! And Ash is very naïve if he thinks that we can really trust the Seer's word. But that is just Ash for you. He wants to believe the best in everyone - even that horrible Seer. I just know that Derrick will do something awful to Gary. I finally have Ash back. . . and now. . . now I'm going to lose Gary? It isn't fair! It just isn't fair. I can't lose either of them . . . I can't lose Ash and I can't lose Gary. I can't bare Derrick hurting him anymore on my account. Oh God. . .
At once Misty remembered that Gary was presently standing in the center of the ring; preparing to do battle with Koga.
Gary, you really are incredibly brave . . . to stand there confidently after Derrick so brutally knocked you down.
Misty's eyes quickly absorbed the scene playing out before her. Gary and Koga were calmly staring at one another from opposite sides of the arena.
Neither Gary nor Koga even seems nervous. I don't understand how they can be so relaxed.
Gary was still clad in his white robes. The near stainless fabric contrasted frightfully with the many abrasions on his flesh. Clearly the Revivalists valued just about everything over their supposedly important captives wellbeing.
Misty grimaced as she studied Gary's right ankle. The entire joint was drenched in fresh blood. The bandage around the wound was greedily soaking up the precious crimson; yet a steady drizzle had bleed through and was dripping on the floor.
Every time that ankle starts to heal Derrick goes and injures it again! What is that maniac's problem?
Not surprisingly, Derrick was looming over Gary. Misty assumed that the Revivalist was whispering some sort of a threat in his ear. In any case, Gary wasn't reacting to whatever Derrick was saying to him. In fact, Gary was completely ignoring him.
From his mysterious location above the arena The Seer announced that the battle should now begin.
Koga quickly responded, tossing forward his first Pokeball. A Dragonite-sized Chansey appeared. It was scowling hatefully.
Gary glanced up at the Chansey with a seemingly unimpressed expression.
Misty saw right though him. She knew that Gary was as shocked as any of them to witness a Chansey of such bulk.
Gary pressed his lips together forming a fine line; his brow furrowed as he aimed all concentration upon the Pokeballs in his hands. It seemed as if he was trying to make a selection. However, a moment later Gary was simply brushing the Pokeballs up and down his sleeves as though he were carelessly cleaning an apple. Then he looked the balls over as though dissatisfied with their appearance.
There was an uncomfortable silence plaguing the captive audience. Gary's stalling seemed to be a direct attempt to provoke further anger upon himself. It did not make any sense.
Behind him Derrick groaned; demanding that Gary throw his Pokeball.
Derrick's frustration only seemed to interest Gary. For next he playfully tossed his Pokeballs in the air as though idly trying to judge their weight.
Gary! You stupid ass! What are you doing? Misty wriggled as much in her seat as the ropes would allow. I wish he would look over at me . . . maybe if I glared at him he would cooperate? Why isn't he looking at me? Misty frowned; gradually realizing that Gary had not even looked over at her once since he entered the ring. Why won't he look at me? Over the past few days she had grown completely accustomed to his comforting attention. He had been looking out for her; he had been there to selflessly protect her with out fail – always putting her needs above his own . . . Misty was suddenly overcome by a sensation of terrible vulnerability, of terrible nativity . . . of terrible loss. Had she somehow taken him for granted? Was that possible? She was unbelievably grateful to Gary. But did he know it? Would she ever get the chance to tell him?
Oh God, when Derrick told me I would get to see Ash. . . I . . . I didn't focus one speck of attention on Gary. . . Misty was too ashamed to complete her train of thought.
The Chansey was now incredibly angry at Gary for delaying. The Chansey actually picked up Its own egg and chucked it full force in Gary's direction. Fortunately, Gary hopped out of the way and avoided being covered by the monstrous yolk
"Oak!" Derrick screamed. "You pompous fool. Don't forget that you won't be suffering alone if you continue like this. I swear on the Miraculous One that I will skin you both if you stall again!"
That stuck a nerve.
Gary stopped toying with the Pokeballs, he spun on his left heel towards Derrick. The two exchanged some heated private words.
Was Derrick talking about ME when he said Gary would not be alone in his suffering? I think- I think that he was, Misty concluded fearfully. The Revivalists are still black mailing him with my safety. It's not right.
In the arena Gary finally seemed to have chosen a Pokeball.
Why is he so stubborn? I can't stand it! Why am I always attracted to these stubborn jack ass-" Misty halted her own thoughts, she felt her cheeks burn from the sheer embarrassment of her private confession. She glanced awkwardly at Ash. On some level she felt guilty for being attracted to Gary when Ash was sitting right next to her.
"What is it?" Ash asked, noticing that she was staring rather sheepishly.
Misty couldn't respond. There were no adequate words in existence to express the conflicting emotions which plagued her.
Misty felt as though the devil himself had physically snared a hold of her heart, of her conscience, and of her sense of judgment; and then tossed them carelessly into the fires of hell. Her very soul was roasting unmercifully; burning and smoldering until she herself could not recognize one feeling or truth from another.
"Misty," Ash's cautious voice pulled her temporality from the flames. "I can actually SEE Gary's head growing bigger by the second. What's his problem? Is this really the time to flaunt his ego? Why does he have to be such a selfish jerk?"
Misty sighed thoughtfully. Because, Ash, because that's how Gary deals with things. It's the only was he can cope. He has to put up his guard. He lives behind that guard and who are you- who am I- to ask him to lower it? I saw his guard fail once, when Derrick called him a shadow. He was so defenseless in that moment . . . so timid and. . . and it was beautiful. . .
Of course Misty could not really say all those things to Ash. Instead she settled for: "Because that just how he is, Ash. Gary's always had and edge and we should be grateful that Derrick hasn't stolen that from him."
Ash grunted respectfully. "I guess you're right, Misty." He eyed her with a glimmer of wonder. "It's taken me my entire life to even crack the surface of the mystery which is Gary Oak. But it seems to me that you've mastered him in a few short days," Ash smiled kindly. "You're an amazing girl, Misty. There's no one else in the world like you."
"Thank you, Ash," Misty couldn't help but mirror his sincere smile. She couldn't believe how mature Ash had become. Like Gary, Ash seemed to have aged ten years in these past few days. "There is no one else in the world like you either."
Or like you. . . Gary.
Misty meant both confessions.
Gary and Ash were totally different, yet completely amazing young men. Oh God, Misty's eyes shut tightly. All the emotions within the scorching flames had suddenly been steamed into one profound truth . . .
I have feelings for them both . . . and I don't know what to do. For so long I have wondered and wondered if I meant anything more to Ash than a friend. I spent countless nights wishing he would finally wake up and see me romantically. I know now that Ash does have feelings for me. All his lovely words earlier about how much he wanted to be with me, how he had been worried about me proved that. He told me so, in not-so-many words . . . but the fact IS that Ash did admit how special I am to him. How Ash explained his feeling about me- that's how I feel about Ash . . . and that's how I feel about Gary. But how can years of wanting to be with Ash so easily be equaled by a few precious moments with Gary? Now that I know Ash has feelings for me, anything I feel for Gary should fade away? Right? . . . Wrong. I know my feelings for Ash ARE real. But are my feelings for Gary real as well? Or am I confusing my gratitude with something deeper? . . . I. . . I wonder if Gary feels the same way about me?
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Gary's battle plan was simple: beat Koga.
Granted Koga was now a member if the Elite Four; and it may have been overly optimistic of Gary to plan so frankly on success. However, victory seemed quite reasonable to Gary, after all, he had beaten Koga before. When Gary had first started out on his Pokemon journey he had challenged Koga for a Soul Badge. Gary had won then. He had found Koga's poisonous Pokemon to be impressive; but they were also conquered on Gary's first attempt.
I know Koga wasn't Elite Four quality when he operated as a gym leader years ago. He's obviously improved a great deal since then for Lance to have given him a place at the top. Still. . . I wonder if he's branched outside poison types? He's going to find himself in a lot of trouble if he hasn't. I'm not going to lose this battle.
"Young Oak," The Seer's voice was stern. "Your nonchalant attitude is highly unacceptable. If you don't begin this battle in twenty seconds I will conceder you an intolerable forfeit. Trust me; you do not desire such an outcome. I know you, young Oak. And I know that is not what you want." It was a serious warning.
I probably shouldn't have tried so hard to piss-off Derrick. My stalling is going to get every Revivalist on my case. But, I just want Derrick to be so focused on me that he completely forgets about Misty. I want her to have a night of peace and rest with Ash.
Gary risked a glance at Misty. She was seated in the row of chairs on the right of the stage. She was next to Ash; and they were engrossed in a heavy conversation.
They're probably confessing their undying love for one another, Gary thought resentfully. He knew that he had no justifiable right to resent the obvious feelings that Ash and Misty had for one another.
Gary felt ashamed and confused about his cynical feelings; but he had no more control over them then he did what Pokemon would emerge from the balls.
He had always known that Ash and Misty were very attached to each other. It wasn't like this information was some sudden, stinging realization. Gary's bitterness wasn't developing out of sheer envy at Ash Ketchem for stealing Mitsy's affection's away. After all, Gary never actually had her real interest to begin with . . . right?
I was a substitute for the comfort and attention she couldn't get from Ash. That's all. I never had Misty's devotion to begin with. I shouldn't be hurt or surprised now that he's back in the picture and she wants to be with him. Gary shuddered, his own thoughts cutting him ruthlessly. I am nothing but a shadow. That's all I ever was: Ash Ketchem's damn shadow. The shadow was all my grandfather could ever see, it was all my sister could ever see, my parents, the cheerleaders, and now . . . Misty. She's the only person who's ever been able to catch me off guard. She makes me weak. I'm probably better off without her. I don't need anyone catching me off guard ever again. Good riddance. . .
Gary knew that his last thought was complete Tauros shit.
Gary exhaled, trying in vain to clear his thoughts. He knew it was time to focus solely on Pokemon, but the thoughts of Misty were not easily ignored.
Gary blasted Koga with a determined glare. Across the ring Koga and his Chansey were both staring impatiently back.
Even if I never see Misty again I'm not going to break my promise to her. I will make sure that she and Ash walk out of here alive.
Gary smirked inwardly. Well, Oak, you can't stop thinking about her. Bad sign. You know what that means . . . If there's one thing you've realized about that obnoxious little red head, it's that you're crazy about her. A genuinely warm grin swallowed Gary's face as he recalled all the times he'd held Misty in his arms, bickered with her, and all the seemingly impossible promises he'd made to protect her. Man, Oak, you must be crazy for being crazy about her! He chuckled to himself quietly; despite the confused looks he was receiving from Koga, Gary just couldn't smother the grin away.
He felt renewed somehow. Confessing these feelings was a mighty relief in itself. His heart was pounding anxiously, beating against his ribs like a Kingler's Crab Hammer attack.
Derrick's gonna pummel you good tonight, Oak. You might as well dazzle Misty one last time while you're still able to walk at all. Lets' see my twenty seconds are probably just about up. . .
"Pokeball, go!" Gary pitched his ball forward. An enormous Ampharos emerged.
An Ampharos, eh? Good. I've got a Flaaffy back home at the lab. Let's see, this is the Light Pokemon. Hm . . . the light on It's tale is so bright it can be seen from space. It's been treasured as a beacon by ancient peoples. It's got nice electric techniques. Gary scrutinized the irate Chansey. Tch, talk about poor breeding. Who ever saw a blood-thirsty Chansey who destroys the eggs in Its care?
"Chansey," Koga was clearly relieved that the battle had finally got underway. "Use Minimize!"
That's going to be annoying. Its defense will be tough to get past.
The Chansey had just gone from the size of a Dragonite to that of a Caterpie. A smaller target was going to be all that much more of a challenger to strike.
Gary pointed a threatening finger at the tiny Chansey. "Ampharos, Thunder Wave!"
Paralyzing currents crackled from Ampharos' tail bulb. However, much to Gary's frustration the Chansey easily scooted from harms way.
"Chansey, use Double Edge!" Koga commanded.
Chansey quickly lashed out at Ampharos; using both fists to wound Its electric counterpart. Ampharos wailed in pain. Chansey's attack had been extremely painful.
"Chansey, get away from that Ampharos!" Koga ordered, predicting that Gary would once again attempt to paralyze his foe. The Chansey was limping slightly as it scurried way.
Hm, the Double Edge will inflict one fourth of that damage right back at you, Chansey.
"Let's go, Ampharos, Toxic!"
Ampharos leapt in the air, Its giant lips pealed back as venom spewed forth - pouring down upon Chansey. Chansey squealed as the poison burned Its flesh.
Koga opened his mouth to further direct Chansey but Gary cut him off. "Use your tail! Blind It, Ampharos!"
Ampharos nodded conclusively at Gary. While the small Chansey was still dizzy from the Toxic, Ampharos charged forward and managed to snatch a hold of Its victim. Ampharos' tail began to glow intensely.
"Smash your tail right into Its eyes!" Gary hollered, sounding almost as dangerous as one of The Seers own Pokemon.
The Ampharos complied. It smashed Its enormous burning bulb directly into Chansey's eyes. The Chansey squealed in anguish as Its retinas were temporarily damaged. It was certainly going to be blind.
Koga gasped, he wasn't prepared for Gary to invent such a harsh technique on the spot like that.
"Finish this," Gary spat coolly.
But before Ampharos could attack again, the Chansey had already keeled over – the final effects from the Toxic kicking in.
Koga recalled the Chansey and unleashed his final Pokemon.
Koga received a well muscled Scyther. The shade of Its green leathery skin was unnaturally dark.
"Be ready, Ampharos," Gary warned.
Koga is going to be much deadlier with this Pokemon. It's fighter, just like him.
"Scyther," Koga began. "Swords Dance."
Scyther twirled with gracefully malicious movement- as though he were performing an ancient ninja kata.
His attack power has just double. This isn't good.
"Slash, Scyther!"
"Charge, Ampharos!"
The two Pokemon clashed against one another. Scyther was literally shredding chunks of flesh from Ampharos' body. In turn Ampharos was relentlessly crashing his massive frame into Scyther.
"Quick Attack!" Koga roared.
This Scyther was top notch; Gary had to admit he was impressed. He too had raised a Scyther into his now beloved Sizor. He knew the time and effort that went into training a Pokemon like this. On a contradictory level he was proud to bear witness to such a remarkable Pokemon in action.
The Quick Attack successfully took Ampharos down. Gary didn't have time to assess whether or not his Ampharos was truly unconscious. He knew that It was too worn and slow to even challenge the Scyther at this point. It was better to gamble on his final ball.
"Go, Pokeball!"
"Heh," Gary allowed an amused grunt. "I always liked Seels," he admitted to himself.
A gigantic Seel with a horn the size of a Rhydon was failing anxiously in the center of the ring. It's fangs were also of impressive length, nearly three times that of any Dewgong Gary had ever seen.
I wonder how much thermal energy this Seel's got stored up? Granted, I am at a bit of a disadvantage out of the water . . . but Seel can do something Scyther can't: Rest!
"Ice Beam!" Gary was hoping he wouldn't have to resort to using Rest.
Seel roared happily, unleashing an amazing beam of freezing crystals.
Koga ordered Scyther to swerve. Scyther flew upwards. It managed to dodge the brunt of the freezing attack; but as it spun Its left wing became incased in a heavy block of ice. Scyther wasn't going to be flying at all anymore, let alone moving quite so quickly.
"Agility!" Koga demanded, attempting to counter the effects of the weighty ice on Scyther's wing.
"Take It Down, Seel!" Gary smirked, this Seel was great. It responded instantly and performed every move with ease.
The Seel hurled Its massive weight against the Scyther. Its Take Down attack was flawless– even after the Agility Scyther's speed was not up to par.
"Scyther," Koga was beginning to sound tense. "Slash It!"
Gary's nose wrinkled curiously at Koga's attack choice.
My Seel is much faster, It'll never hit.
Indeed Scyther was literally dragging his left wing on the arena floor as he stalked closer to Seel.
"Aurora Beam! Target the face!"
Seel's horn began to swell with colors that would put Aurora Borealis to shame.
Scyther lunged desperately at Seel, the pain from the heavy ice on Its wing was making It wince in agony with every movement. It managed to take a surprisingly good Slash at Seel. Seel's right fin began to bleed from the impact.
Seel had fully energized Its horn.
"Do it!" Gary blared.
This is for you, Misty.
Seel nailed Scyther at point blank - the Aurora Beam exploding in Scyther's face. The Scyther didn't even have a chance to scream. It was knocked senseless immediately.
I won?
"I won!" Gary breathed quietly.
Koga bowed respectfully at Gary across the ring. Koga did not look disgraced over his loss. If anything, he was understandably at ease.
Derrick grumbled as he approached Gary to re-rope his throat.
"This doesn't change anything!" Derrick scoffed.
"I didn't expect that it would," Gary stated flatly. "But remember, The Seer and that beast aren't gonna want a damaged host body."
"Silence, "Derrick spat. "You may have gotten extremely lucky against Koga. But, you aren't going to win, Oak. So I'm not too worried about it. Do not irritate me with your petty confidence."
Ignoring Derrick, Gary glanced across the room in search of Koga again. But the ninja master had already been removed from the room.
Before he was escorted back to his seat Gary peered in Misty's direction.
Maybe, this time she'll be looking back?
Misty was looking back. And much to Gary's startlement, she was sobbing her eyes out.
"Misty!" Gary impulsively shouted her name, horrified that she was distressed.
What could have happened? Doesn't she realize I'm doing this for her? I want her to be happy, even if it means with Ash.
"Gary!" Misty yelled his name through shattered gasps. She twisted against her ropes ineffectively; as though desperately wanting to be nearer to Gary.
Everyone in the room, (including Derrick) halted momentarily- all eyes on Gary and Misty's desperate plea for communication with the other.
"Misty it's going to be okay! Nothing is going to happen to you," Gary's own throat tightened up with emotion. He couldn't stand to see her cry. "Don't waist your tears on me," he offered her his trade mark charming Gary Oak smile; the smile that he knew she had grown to be comforted by.
Misty hesitated for a brief moment. She exchanged a desperate expression with Ash.
Ash looked more confused and nervous than Misty did.
"You can't be left alone tonight," Misty cried loudly. "Gary, if I'm not with you Derrick will-"
"No!" Gary was not about to let her put herself in harms way for his sake. She had to be far away from him. With Ash she would be safe.
She actually wants to be with me? She'd risk harm from Derrick just to comfort me? She wants to be with. . .no, don't get your hopes up, Oak. She'd rather be with Ash tonight. She just doesn't want you to get whooped.
"Enough!" Derrick snarled, as if finally realizing how disruptive this conversation was to the tournament. "This is pathetic."
"Indeed," That was The Seer's voice.
I almost forgot about him, The Seer has been so quiet.
"How about we raise the steaks a little?" The Seer continued. "The Miracle Pokemon would appreciate a raise in steaks."
Gary did not like where this was going. "Wait a seco-"
"Shut up!" Derrick smacked him across the face. Gary stumbled backwards; he hadn't been prepared for the assault.
Damn. Damn him. Every time he hits me he just upsets her more.
"Misty Waterflower," The Seer's voice was thin and haughty. "You are the next to battle. If you win: Derrick will not lay a hand on young Mr. Oak, you have my word. BUT, if you should lose . . . I will not screen Derrick's behavior."
Misty gasped loudly.
"Don't listen to him, Misty," Gary charged. "Whatever he does to me, it doesn't matter. They won't kill me. They'll keep reviving me with that Pokemon's blood. I'm not going to be permanently hurt."
"Maybe not physically," Derrick threatened. The Revivalist didn't have to say anymore . . .Gary already had nightmares to last a life time.
"I-I, o-okay," Misty was actually stuttering from fear. "I, who, am I- I battling?"
"Well," The Seer stated matter-of-factly. "Your opponent is seated right across from you."
Every captive trainer's eyes followed a straight line to the chair parallel from Misty's.
Gary cringed.
"It's Giovanni."
AUTHORS CHAPTER 28 THANKS:
Alex Warlorn- Hello! If only I could answer all your questions at once. Alas, the fic is winding down but I am saving most of the answers for the very end. Can you blame me? Thanks (as always) for the intriguing comments and observations. They are MUCH appreciated . . . but you know that!
Aimmez- Hiya! I'm glad you thought my ending was a cliffe. That's what I was going for! I know you are probably wanting more Ash and Misty moments, but don't worry. There will be more of those. Poor Misty's in a rotten situation, huh?
Dave Behave- LOL! I miss prom. Be nice to your girl! Hee hee. Thanks so much for the wonderful review!
Subieko- hee hee, I'm happy that you enjoyed my little Squirtle scene. I just adore Squirtle. I totally laughed when I read your comment about TR being so loyal even though Gio despises them! LOL. They are kind of pathetic. Thanks so much!
Raevn- Hello! Thanks for your great review! You had me giggling! I'm glad you don't mind long chappies, since, well, this one is long too. Hugs!
Angel-star727- Thanks, hon! You're just so sweet! I love your reviews!
Lyra- Hola! LOL. You are one demanding reviewer. Hee hee, but I love that! Yikes, I can't answer all your questions. I'm sorry. You're gonna have to be patient. Hugs! I love you!
Midnight Mist- Big hugs for you! Your review made me so incredible happy. I was grinning like an idiot. You are too kind. I love your reviews, I love them! Did I mention that I love your reviews yet? I also really respect your thoughts and questions. And I just had to chuckle at your 'what on earth spawned Derrick' comment. LOL! That was great! It is a good question, heh- I don't even know the answer to that! Thank you so MUCH! More hugs!
Happy Reviewer- Well, if you're happy, then I'm happy! Thanks!
5i0n- Thanks for peeping at my fic. I hope time allows you to continue.
Cosmic Mewtwo- Gosh, I am such a huge fan of yours, so that makes your praise of my work all the better. Thanks for liking my descriptions! All your generous comments mean the world to me! Gio is coming up in next chappy just for you
shadow/phantomness-So you wanna see some Lance action? No problem, he'll be battling soon too. Thanks again for your nice review!
Megs- Hiya! Welcome to my fic! I am thrilled that you like my story so much. I'm pleased that you are feeling torn between Ash and Gary and what Misty should do. That's what I'm going for! I hope you continue to R&R!
Togepi4eva- How's it going? I checked out the forums, pretty fun stuff. Once I get back from vacation I wanna get involved! It'll be fun to have fellow anime fans to comment too. Thanks for the sweet review! Hugs!
Candy- Hi there! You're review made me so very happy. I can't thank you enough for the encouraging words. I hope you will continue to read and share your thoughts! Hugs!
Home And Charmed- I like your Pen name, that's clever. Thank for returning to my fic. I'm so happy you didn't give up on me! Your review was so nice!
star's dreams- HUGE HUGS! Star and Lime! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH! I love you, both of you. I can't tell you how much I've missed hearing from you (and reading your fics too) Thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming back to my fic. And thank you for that lovely review. Your complement touched me deeply. Thanks! More hugs!
Smileyaili- Hiya, honey! Wow, I missed you! How have you been? Thanks for saying I've got fans, that made me smile and feel all warm and squishy inside! hee hee!
Jarzard- Hey! Thanks for the nice review! Hee hee, glad you liked the Squirtle part! Hugs! I hope you also enjoy your spring break!
AijinMegami- Hugs! I am so flattered by your generous review. You made me blush! I really, really hope that you will keep reviewing and telling me your thoughts! Thanks!
Kritika Kritik- Hello. I hope that you will continue reading. If you do you'll see that I am thanking you here. Thanks for your detailed reviews of my first few chapters. I had a good time reading the thoughts of someone who was just starting the fic. You sure don't miss anything do you I appreciate blunt reviewers. Thanks!
MagRowan- No, I don't at all mind you pointing out my errors. It's just so funny because I never notice them no matter how many times I read. Where do they come from? LOL! I'm just glad that they aren't too disruptive to the flow of the piece. I enjoyed reading all your comments and thoughts on Gary. You're great! Hugs!
Reviewer 131- Your review was so kind and very flattering. Thanks you so much. I have read some of your reviews in other fics and I know you are a through reviewer and very honest. That fact alone makes your praise all the more valued to me. And, yes, your other review did help to jump start my fic again . Thank you.
maya miyazono- Welcome to my fic. I'm thrilled that you have read it this far! Dramatic isn't it? LOL your comments were really great. I love a good love triangle, and I'm happy that you do too! Hugs!
xAFChickax- You think I'm talented? I'm going to blush! Thank you.You're review was so thoughtful. I appreciated every word. Please continue to read and share your thoughts. I look forward to them
AUTHORS NOTE: Phew! Okay! That was one heck of a long chappy. Thanks for reading it and don't be shy about sharing your thoughts. I'm hoping that when I get back from vacation that I will have some encouraging reviews waiting for me. But even the non-encouraging ones are welcome! Thank you all. I adore you all! HUGS! Maia