Chapter 30
"I'm just an artist! I can't b-b-believe this is happening to m-me. . . it's just so horrible what they do! I-It. . .It. . .It's just s-so horrible what they do . . . so horr-b-le. . ."
Brock's body stiffened as he leaned against the stone chamber wall. He was on the opposite side of the cell from Tracey.
It hadn't been more than three hours since Brock had lost his battle with Richie. But it certainly seemed like he'd been locked up for years.
We've been in here for hours. HOURS! And yet, Tracey hasn't gotten tired of repeating himself!
". . . horrible . . . horrible . . . but- but I lost. . ." Tracey continued deliriously.
Brock started banging his own head against the wall.
". . .I lost. I w-on't die. But dying is –is no-t the worst of it. . . so-so hor-i-bl-e. . ."
"Tracey," Brock seethed his cellmates name as though it were a curse. "Please, be quiet!"
". . . the horror . . . so-so horrible . . . h-orri-ble. . ."
"There are dozens, and dozens of beautiful women being held captive here . . . but me? Lucky, lucky me, I get to be stuck in a cell WITH CRAZY YOU!"
Tracey didn't react at all to Brock's words. Instead he continued expressing his feelings about how 'horrible' everything was, and informing Brock that he was an artist.
"Oh my God," Brock slumped down onto his knees, covering his face with clammy hands. "Tracey, if you weren't so out of your mind right now I'd probably hit you!"
Brock flinched. God, did I just threaten him? Me? That's not like me. I would never threaten to hurt anyone. . . I feel so ashamed. . .
"I just-just lo-ve to draw, but t-this is horri-ble. . . what they do to kill you. . .i-it's terrible. . ."
Brock clenched his jaw until he actually heard it pop. "Well, Tracey," Brock allowed a wry grimace. "At least you've expanded your vocabulary . . . using 'terrible' now instead of 'horrible' to describe our situation."
Tracey's eyes snapped open frightfully wide. It was as though he'd been abruptly jolted from a nightmare. "Do you know how they kill the winner? I know how they do it. I saw it happen. I saw them practicing."
Brock shifted nervously. "What do you mean?" He took a few cautious steps toward Tracey so as not to frighten him. "I know that the winner gets possessed, Tracey. Are you saying there's more?"
I'm not sure that I really want him to answer that.
Tracey wailed quietly for a moment before burying his face in his hands. "Y-yes," he whispered. "Before you get possessed. That's when they do it. They do it, and I saw them do this . . . they do something awful to you."
The vile anticipation was scraping away at Brock's sanity. "What! Damn it all, Tracey, what did you see!"
"At-at least," Tracey mumbled. "At least I won't be bleeding to death."
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Giovanni stood on the opposite side of the arena from Misty.
"Miss Waterflower," Giovanni acknowledged her casually; his tone held the tiniest kick of irritation. But his minute flicker of frustration was so subtle that Misty was instantly second guessing if she'd even noticed anything at all. "You look well," Giovanni added. The man addressed her as though they were about to enter a business meeting, not a battle for their lives.
Misty could only muster a frail nod in response to the Viridian Gym leaders greeting.
Misty stood uncomfortably in the spotlight awaiting the sack of Pokeballs.
Her knees began to tremble, her thoughts galloping frantically in a dozen different directions.
I think I'm gonna be sick. Oh my God. . . how could I have agreed to gamble so uncertainly with Gary's life? How could I have been so thoughtless? So careless? I was desperate and rash! What on earth was I thinking when I agreed? If I lose, Derrick is going to hurt Gary, hurt him bad . . . it will be all my fault. And now I have to battle Giovanni! Giovanni of Viridian City . . . of all people. Why him? Why did it have to be him?
Giovanni was well known world wide as one of the best trainers alive. Obtaining his Earth Badge was nearly impossible. Rumors swarmed across Kanto that Lance had once offered Giovanni a position in the Elite Four, but that Giovanni had declined it. Apparently this mysterious Gym Leader was content training his rare Pokemon at the Gym level. It was admirable that Giovanni wasn't the type of man that sought out great power and fame. But it was also ironic . . . as much as he shied away from news reporters and steered clear of top tournaments it didn't seem to matter: everyone everywhere still knew his name. And yet no one knew anything about him beyond that.
Misty had never seen Giovanni battle before. In fact, she'd only ever met him once prior to this day. Years ago, when Misty was a little girl, her sisters had taken her along to a Kanto Gym Leader conference. Giovanni had been the guest speaker. He had nobly warned his fellow trainers about the dangers of lusting for power and control. It was so long ago. . . Misty could hardly recall the details of his speech; but she could clearly remember how impressed she'd been by his no-nonsense attitude and collected confidence. But still . . . there had been something about him then that had left an unsettled feeling swelling in the pit of her stomach.
Now, in this moment that same calm and composed face stared back at Misty from the end of the arena . . . and that nervous feeling returned to her stomach.
The Viridian Gym. . . Team Rocket took over Giovanni's gym on the day that Ash had gotten his Earth Badge . . . that was the same day Gary saved Ash's life when Meowth was electrocuting the podium. Something wasn't right then . . . and we never did find out how Jessie and James (of all people) had managed to steal anything out from under Giovanni's nose, let alone his own gym! There's something that's just not quite right about Giovanni . . . damn, but I just can't put my finger on it!
Giovanni cast Misty a clever, almost smug smile. There was a small scab on his lower lip, but the manner in which the man was grinning almost made him seem proud of his little wound. He carelessly brushed his hands over his white robes as if smoothing the wrinkles from a business suit.
Misty watched his lose movements with awe. How could Giovanni be so relaxed?
When Gary was up here acting like a pompous ass he was just hiding his nerves. But this guy. . . Giovanni really doesn't seem the least bit afraid. It's like he doesn't care what happens. My God, but he should care! He heard the Seer. Gary's life is at stake here. . . Giovanni's own life is at stake. Yet the man is as cool as someone who just got back from a cruise through the Orange Islands!
"Take two," ordered Derrick.
Misty gasped with surprise upon hearing Derrick's icy voice. She had been so entranced by watching Giovanni that she hadn't even noticed Derrick approaching her with the sack.
"Okay," Misty breathed nervously; selecting two balls.
Across the arena she noticed that Giovanni already had his Pokeballs in hand.
Giovanni raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Misty. She blushed guiltily; suddenly realizing that he was wondering why she was staring at him.
"Shall we begin," Giovanni's voice was detached and commanding. His words were not intended to be a question.
It was evident to Misty that Giovanni was use to giving orders, and not receiving them.
"Hey," Derrick walked over to Giovanni and shoved him with moderate force. "I don't recall hearing The Seer tell you to begin! Don't you dare try to give orders around here!"
Giovanni lanced Derrick with a dissatisfied sort of glare; but the Viridian Gym Leader quickly shrugged the incident off. Derrick wasn't getting to him.
Misty decided that Giovanni must be the only captive trainer who wasn't intimidated by Derrick. After all, even Lance had been unnerved by the insane Revivalists abuse of Gary. But it seemed like nothing had managed to concern Giovanni . . . and if there was something, then he surly wasn't letting on.
Come to think of it, I don't recall Giovanni freaking out even when the Seer told us we would get possessed by that dead master. If that didn't disturb him, nothing will.
As though reading her face like a book, Giovanni cleared his throat: "Ahem, Miss Waterflower, I wish you the best of luck in this match. Lord knows neither of us truly wants to win. Even with your friends' safety on the line - I know that a win is not something you desire any more than I do. But, I admire your bold attempt. Now, for goodness sake, can we begin this battle!" That last line was definitely addressed towards the Seer.
An awkward silence lulled by before the Seer's raspy voice was heard: "Begin!"
"At last. Pokeball, go," Giovanni flung forth his first ball. A stunning Dragonair appeared soaring around the arena. Its length was twice that of any Dragonair Misty had ever read about. It was mystical and magical beyond her wildest dreams . . . flying and twirling above the arena like a blue ribbon dancing in the wind. For a moment Misty was too amazed to throw her own Pokeball forward.
But, of course, Derrick reminded her: "Hurry up! Throw a ball!"
Giovanni is wrong. I DO want to win this battle. For you Gary. I'll win it for you. Misty glanced quickly to the side of the arena. Gary was there. Sitting strapped to his chair like the rest of the captive trainers. He sat poised; straight and dignified in his seat despite how exhausted he must have been. A wisp of Gary's russet hair was hanging low on his face. The strands were brushing delicately across his right cheek; Misty felt a pang of foreboding . . . his hair touched his skin so gently, but if she lost . . . Derrick would be pounding Gary's face like a Machamp. The mere idea made her cringe.
Misty stared hard at Gary, but she couldn't tell what he was thinking; she couldn't tell what he was feeling . . . she didn't have the chance to decipher his face. Before she could brace herself Misty was engulfed by the oceans of blue in Gary's eyes. She was blinded by everything around her; drowning in the hope that rippled towards her . . . in this moment she realized how much he truly was counting on her.
I can't lose!
"Pokemon, I chose you," Misty tossed forward the ball in her right hand.
A Sandslash appeared. The spines on Its back were shaped more like needles than the common almond shape. Unsurprisingly, the Sandslash was huge.
"Dragonair," Giovanni began coolly. "Wrap Attack." His voice was void of any excitement. He initiated the command as though confident it would win him the battle.
"Sandslash, get out of the way and use your Sand Attaack!" Misty ordered, knowing full well that if Dragonair got a hold of Sandslash it could mean the end.
As Dragonair shot towards Sandslash , the ground rodent rolled out of the way and began digging furiously into the arena floor. The Sandslash managed to kick some paint shavings and gravel at the Dragonair – however, the arena floor was solid concrete and It could not generate enough debris to knock Its opponents accuracy down.
"Continue, Dragonair," Giovanni instructed. He was focused on obtaining a successful Wrap.
Dragonair responded at once, Its long tail reaching like a killer vine towards Sandslash's body.
"Sandslash, use your Fury Swipes!" Misty cried. But her command was too late. Dragonair moved with speed that a lightning storm would envy. It ensnared Sandslash within Its sleek muscular tail and began to squeeze.
"Sandslash, Scratch! Scratch yourself free," Misty encouraged timidly.
Oh no! This can't happen. I can't lose my first Pokemon yet, not yet! I haven't even managed to injure that Dragonair at all.
"Excellent Wrap, Dragonair," Giovanni praised his Pokemon. "Continue, I want to crush that Sandslash."
Sandslash was squirming helplessly within Dragonair's Wrap. Its golden rodent face was beginning to swell from lack of oxygen.
"Oh no," Misty cried loudly. "How long can this Wrap last?"
"It can go on for several turns, Miss Waterflower," Giovanni stated flatly.
Misty's face reddened. "I-I know that."
How can he be so curt? I feel like an idiot. . . my Pokemon is helpless. . . Sandslash isn't going to win. . . Gary. . . what can I do for Gary?
"Enough!" Misty roared. "That's enough, Sandslash. Return." She quickly recalled Sandslash, knowing that Its defeat was inevitable.
That's enough from Sandslash. Its completely outmatched. I just hope my next Pokemon is better.
Across the arena Giovanni narrowed his eyes. "Well, come on, let's finish this."
"Pokeball, go!" Misty pitched her last ball into the ring.
A lovely Ponyta appeared. It was rearing and bucking with tremendous energy. Fire flared from Its nostrils as Its tempter exploded. This Pokemon was ready to charge.
Giovanni smirked. "Looks like you're at a disadvantage, my dear," his tone was on the border of mocking.
"Yeah, I realize that!" Misty barked, her own tempter nearly equaled that of the Ponyta's.
I am getting just a little tired of this guy! Why is he such a know-it-all? He has too much to say all the time. And his constant commenting is extremely distracting! I can't let him beat me! Think, Misty, think . . . Lara Larame had that entire ranch of Ponyta's . . . I just have to focus, to try and remember how she handled them. The type is Fire Horse. But It's weak against Dragon. . . what can I do to gain the upper hand?
"Dragonair, Slam!" Giovanni directed.
"Ponyta, Agility! Get out of the way!"
Ponyta was exceedingly quicker than the Sandslash. Its entire body spewed flames as Its speed increased drastically. Just as Dragonair's massive frame came charging forward, Ponyta dashed out of harms way.
"Good job, Ponyta!" Misty cheered.
Handling Fire types has never been my strong point. But I've got to keep this momentum going for Gary's sake.
Giovanni was unfazed by his failed attack. "Dragonair, Hyperbeam – and do not miss."
How can he say that: 'do not miss'? Of course the Dragonair isn't going to try and miss. Giovanni is so intense when he's battling . . . it's like nothing in the world matters to him but a victory . . . I guess this is why that Earth Badge is so coveted.
"Ponyta, look out!"
The cobalt crystal on Dragonair's throat began blazing with energy.
Ponyta shifted anxiously from Its front to rear hooves. It was intently watching the Dragonair, but unsure of which direction to bolt.
"Now!" Giovanni snapped.
Ponyta leapt upwards as though hoping to jump over the Hyper Beam. For a moment it looked as though Ponyta had successfully cleared the beam, however, Dragonair bucked Its head upwards and the beam followed.
Ponyta shrieked in agony as Its flesh was blistered by the intense ray of power.
The Fire Horse collapsed to the floor. It was winning softly; attempting to stabilize Its self after such a fierce assault.
"Ponyta, are you okay?" Misty called out to her Pokemon.
Oh, please, please be okay! This is our chance, Dragonair will need to recharge!
The Ponyta managed to struggle to Its feet and glared furiously at Dragonair. The dragon was swirling carelessly above the ring.
"Ponyta, the only way you're going to be able to reach It is with a Fire Spin!"
Ponyta galloped closer to the Dragonair and blew a stream of flames from Its mouth. The scorching flames surrounded Dragonair.
Dragonair wailed in surprise; It did not expect Ponyta to recover from the Hyper Beam.
"Endure it, Dragonair. It will be over soon," Giovanni advised.
"Keep It trapped, Ponyta! Dragonair is getting weaker!"
Indeed Dragonair was beginning to whimper in distress as the fire singed Its scales.
This is going great! So far Ponytas Fire Spin has circled Dragonair three times! The Dragonair is completely trapped. Every time It tries to move It gets burned even worse.
Ponyta was finally out of flames. Its Fire Spin had ended. An incredibly frail Dragonair twisted weakly in a failing attempt to retain flight.
It's so weak It can't even fly anymore! It's falling to the ground. Ponyta will have a much better shot at finishing It down here.
"Ponyta's weak too, Dragonair. Slam It again and you'll win," Giovanni was dead serious.
Will one Slam really finish my Ponyta off? Misty felt nervous perspiration slide down her face. Giovanni has been battling longer than me, Ash and Gary combined . . . if he thinks Ponyta is done for then . . . oh no!
Misty's thoughts had not been in the right place.
"Ponyta, watch out!" Misty's warning was too late. The Dragonair's huge tail came thundering down upon Ponyta's head. The Fire Horse whined faintly before passing out cold on the floor.
"Haha!" Derrick laughed menacingly behind Misty. "Good going! It's over. Giovanni wins. . . Misty loses and . . . Gary loses."
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AUTHORS CHAPTER 29 THANK YOUS:
Alex Warlorn- Hi! No problem if you were a tad later than usual R&Ring. I totally understand you had pre-reading for Latias' Journey to do. I'm sure that fic is error free! Thanks for the comments. LOL, oops, yeah I forgot that all Chansey's were female. I'm just so use to calling the Pokemon 'Its'. But, yeah, that is strange that there are no males of the species . . .--; anyways, thanks! hugs
MidnightMist- huge hugs I got not one, but two reviews from you! cheers You made my day twice! LOL, yes, I suppose that was a magic train. It was one heck of a long train if nothing else! I'm just relieved to have a rough draft penciled out. It takes a load off of my mind to know that the fic exists in its entirety in some way, shape or form! I did take Gio on a 'blank' character & decided to add a few colors here & there. Hee hee. It was fun. I loved your comparison of my fic to a tower. I'm not sure I deserved it, but thank you, really: thank you. I was totally flattered. I have noticed you've grown up. . . but I think we both have since this fic started (years ago). Heh. . . well, I'm still a tad immature, but I can't help it! We gotta be immature sometimes, hee hee! I wub you! hugs
Alexis Ludd- Hello! waves Thanks for reading my entire fic! You totally made my day. I love new readers. & your review was incredibly flattering, thank you so much! As far as Misty's last name goes: I never knew that 'Williams' was officially her last name. I guess I've heard a few different last names used for her & 'Waterflower' was just may favorite. But thanks for the info! I really hope you continue to R&R!
WolfSapphire200- Hiya! Thank you a TON for reading my story! I know it a long one, but you came along at a good time. Everything is really building up to the main event. I'm glad that you like my fic even though it has a Ash/Misty/Gary triangle. I hope you will read on and continue to share your opinion.
Kagome1015- WOW! You are a SUPER reviewer! When I came back from vacation I had a wonderful time reading all your little comments. Thank you! Holy cow you read so quickly. Thanks so much for every one of those reviews. I have updated as promised & I hope you have enjoyed!
Subieko- Hi there, sweetheart! How are you? Your review had me grinning (as usual) you are so sweet, thoughtful, encouraging and all over wonderful! big hug I hoped you liked the battle. There is going to be a break in the battles for a little while after this. I have other plot points to touch on. Alas, so much to write & so little time! Thanks again!
Kritika Kritik- Well, you've read all the way to chapter 15. That's a good sign, lol. Maybe my fic is okay then! I really appreciate your well thought out reviews. I'm thrilled that I got you laughing at Prof Oak and Togepi. That is one of my all time favorite scenes from this fic. & I had a blast writing it!
Ori- Hiya! Thanks for yet another super encouraging review! Take your time with the drawing. I totally understand that art takes time to perfect. I'm still obsessed with your drawing of Gary! hugs pic I was checking out a bunch of your drawing on your website. . . wow 00 YOU are SO talented. I wish, wish, wish I could draw like that! Alas, but I cannot! Anyways, thanks!
Togepi4eva- I'm back! Thanks for the lovely review! I can't wait to join the forum. & trust me, I am SO happy that you happened to stumbled upon my fic. You are one of my most loyal reviewers and I so look forward to reading your comments after each chapter.
Angel-star727- I hope you liked the battle. But, the battles are going to go on break for a while . . . I need to get some distance done with the other story lines. But that will be fun to write. I like writing battles . . . but I love writing dramatic mushy plots. hugs Thanks!
evryluvsmisty- Greetings! Welcome to my fic. I'm so happy that you took the time to read everything & then review. Your review was great & I'm so thankful that you shared your thoughts with me Thanks also for saying you think my fic will be great no matter how it ends. . . that means a lot to me! I sincerely hope you will continue to read on. I can't wait to hear more from you! hugs
oWaste of Paintx- waves Hello there! THANKS SO MUCH for reading and reviewing my story! I know it takes a long time to read, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to do so. Thank you! All of your kind words had me blushing. Gary and Misty have always been my personal favorite pairing, BUT, I do realize many of my readers are AAML fans . . . so I supposed the fic could still go either way. We'll see! Thanks a bunch! Please read on!
Star's dreams—Your review had me giggling! Lime is such a character. Thanks for the great comments. I can always count on you to put a grin on my face. LOL, I guess Gary will always be Gary. I wub you, Star! hugs
MagRowan- Yikes, yeah I had way too many type-o's that time. Ugg, I really rushed to get that chappie done before I got on the train . . . shame on me. I took my time with this one tho (that's why it's a little late). I hope I won't have that many in this chappie. Hm, so you are wondering if there will be a final match, eh? I wish I could tell you all the details, but alas, I can't. Thank you so much for all your kind words. Your reviews always make me really hyper and happy because your praise is so generous. I can't thank you enough! hugs & more hugs
RainyDay Dragonair- I'm blushing! Your review really made me blush! You inspired me to write & you also inspired me to give Giovanni a Dragonair! Thanks for reading my whole LONG fic! Thank you! Thank you! Please continue to share your thoughts. I can't wait to hear them.
megs626- Hiya, hon! hugs I hope the suspense hasn't killed you, lol! & wow, have I really sparked your interest in egoshipping? Wowie! I'm actually impressed with myself. Hee hee! You're so sweet. Thanks for the kindness.
satoshigeru-chan- Welcome to my fic & thanks for thinking it is cool. As you requested I have done more! I hope you continue to R&R.
xAFChickax- Hi! Thanks again for the sweet praise. You are incredibly thoughtful. So even you are starting to get a soft spot for Gary & Misty. . . well, the love triangle will continue on. & I hope you continue to enjoy it. You rock!
Raevn- Hiya! How are you doing? Your review got me giggling. I love your sense of humor & all your ideas and thoughts. LOL, yup I got a bunch of shiny souvenir things. Too bad my family & friends took them all. Oh well! So, what did you think of this battle? I hope you enjoyed the chappie.
Smileyaili- cheers You said my chappie was 'awesome' I'm so excited. That is so flattering. THANKS! I won't give up. I feel like I'm on a roll here & I wanna crank these chapters out as best as I can. Enjoy! hugs
Purple Wolf Girl- Hey, sweetie! Thanks for coming back to read. You know I'll R&R whatever you write! I love ya! Thanks for the comments.
Cosmic Mewtwo- I really hope I wrote Giovanni okay. You are the expert on him so I'm counting on you to point out any errors so that I may correct them in future chappies. I had to develop him a tad in my own direction for plot reasons. He was fun to write tho. Thanks for the super kind words. You are really inspiring. Now, you need to go update too, lol. I can't wait to read your fic either. hugs
Lyra- LOL! Hey, babe! I knew that chappie would drive you into egoshipping madness. Haha, I almost felt bad leaving you with that ending. Derrick is a major jerk. I know, I think everyone hates him I've yet to have a review complementing Derrick, hee hee. Well, don't be too tough on Misty. After all, she didi try to win! hugs Read on! I adore you! Thanks.
Kinzoku—Hello there! Welcome to my story. I really appreciate you reading the entire fic. I normally don't have quite so many type-o's. I admit that I did really rush that chappie in order to get it done prior to leaving for my vacation. I shouldn't have that many in the future, but if I seem to hit a slump I will happily take you up on that proof-reader offer. To answer your question: I am not planning any Gary/Ash. I think my fic has enough drama and madness without adding that. Plus, I'm not very good at slashiness. You'd prolly be disappointed. Thank again so much for R&Ring! I hoe you continue.
Dave Behave- Thanks for the review and the sweet well-wishes. You are one loyal reviewer. I don't doubt you will be with this fic to the bitter end. I laughed when you said I was making you a romantic sucker. Phew, I never saw that coming . Thanks again, Dave Behave. You're awesome.
EVERYONE: Okay, I'm home safe & sound. I had a nice trip. I'm really tired still, but I'm going to blame this dumb Spring forward clock thing on that. Thanks to everyone for hanging in there until I got back. Now for the cool news: I took a 9 hour train ride into Canada and on the way I wrote (free hand on paper) the ENTIRE story. So, Watch Your Back is drafted completely. I just need to get the time together to type the whole thing up and then upload it onto I will be doing so one chappie at a time til it's done. I'm still in shock though: I really wrote the WHOLE thing! hugs all Maia