Chapter 31
I'm really worried about her. . . I miss her. . . geeze, I'm afraid that I might need Misty more than she needs me. . . get a grip, Ash. . . please, please get a grip. . .
Misty had been ushered from the stadium nearly an hour ago by two robust Revivalists.
Ash didn't know where they had taken her. He didn't know what they were going to do with her now that she had lost her battle against Giovanni.
Ash didn't know anything at all . . . except that when she was being dragged from the room she was crying hysterically. Misty was crying as if the guilt from her loss was devouring her very soul.
Before disappearing into the hallway her last words were spent gasping and pleading to Gary for forgiveness.
From his own seat across the arena Gary had been speechless. He had only stared, face void of expression, as Misty was torn from both of their sight.
He wasn't mad at her, he wasn't. . . Ash had assured himself then. I think Gary is just shocked. He's coming to terms with what her loss means. Gary's gottah focus on protecting his own neck now.
Of course Ash had tried to protest when Misty was being jarred from the stadium. But the complaints of a teenage boy who was strapped securely to a chair were of little concern to Derrick. The only reaction at all that Ash had managed to squeeze from Derrick was a sharp tongue lashing consisting of: quit your whining and I'm going to snap your neck if you don't shut up, then: you'll see Miss Waterflower in your cell later IF you keep your mouth shut.
Ash didn't want Derrick to snap his neck and he did want to see Misty. Therefore, he concluded that being quiet was one hundred percent in his favor.
All of the other losers of day (Bugsy, Liza, and Brock) had already been removed to god-knows-where. Then a few moments ago Morty had also been taken away - for he lost in a battle to Agatha right after Misty's loss.
Ash despised the fact that he only had Derrick's meager word to cling to; but the promise of seeing Misty again was truly all that he had.
Thus, Ash allowed Derrick's words to echo in his head and - on some level - they actually served to comfort him as more battles continued.
Nevertheless, every few moments Ash would glance longingly to the empty seat at his side and wish with all his heart that Misty was in it.
She must be alone and scared. And, god, I know she's blaming herself for losing. Misty really did mean well on betting she'd beat that guy Giovanni. And she really tried to win. She seemed incredibly distracted and tense up there, but who could blame her? I'm worried that if Derrick really hurts Gary badly tonight then Misty will never forgive herself. But Gary can take one heck of a beating and still cop an attitude, he's tough. And when I do see Misty later I'm going to pull her into my arms and remind her of that. Ash smiled softly to himself; the sheer idea of holding her close was reassuring.
There was a battle taking place this very second. Ash's eyes focused and unfocused from the arena. He was struggling to concentrate.
Lance was currently battling John Dixson. This was the kind of battle that Ash had always dreamed of witnessing. Ash should have been on the edge of his seat with excitement . . . he should have been cheering and encouraging the two trainers on . . . he should have been studying and absorbing the techniques of the others . . . but instead he was justifiably miserable. Ash could hardly even remember what Pokemon they were using.
Lance presently had a Ninetales, and so far, he had defeated John's first Pokemon: a Zubat, with ease.
Now John was battling Ninetales with a Diglett. John had the advantage - but Ash seriously doubted that he was going to win.
Ash frowned sourly, attempting once again to focus on the battle before him. Lance the Dragon Master would never lose to a Diglett.
Indeed Ash was right. No sooner had John released his Diglett and ordered the first 'Dig', had Lance had somehow commanded his Ninetales to actually burrow after It. Ninetales managed to stick Its own head into the hole and snag a hold of Diglett. The mole Pokemon was rapidly mauled nearly to Its death.
The battle was already over. John Dixson was now also being hauled from the room.
The Seer's spine-chilling voice infested the ears of the captive audience: "That will conclude the battles for today. Kindly, be patient while my Revivalists escort you back to your cells."
We're done for today? That's a big surprise. I didn't even get to battle! Agatha and Morty battled twice and I don't even battle once? Not that I'm complaining . . . I guess my name just didn't get picked. Well, that's lucky for me.
Ash took a fleeting look around the room. Who's left now? Lance, Giovanni, Richie, Karen, Agatha, myself . . . of course Gary . . . that's it. That means the winner . . . the Beasts Chosen One is . . . is one of us!
Across the room Ash silently observed Gary. Derrick had begun tightening his throat ropes. Of course, Derrick was wrenching unnecessarily hard on the rope ends. Gary's neck was already completely raw as it was; angry crimson lacerations were visible even from this distance.
For an impulsive second Ash almost yelled out to Derrick in a verbal defense for Gary . . . but, then he remembered Derrick telling him to keep his mouth shut. I'm sorry, Gary. But I need to see Misty later. Me yelling at Derrick won't do you any good anyway.
Despite Ash's fixation on him,Gary wasn't paying any attention to Ash. Gary's sight was fixated only on the flooring, and he wasn't even arguing as Derrick shoved him around.
Oh no, so far whenever Gary's behaved it's been like a clam before the storm type of act. I dunno. . . I hope he can stay strong tonight. I still can't believe how great of a guy he is, allowing himself to go through this torment all for Misty. I mean, obviously I'm doing this because I. . . well. . . I really, really care about her. Misty and I, we have feelings for one another. Deep feelings. Feelings that I can't wait to explore and develop once we get the heck outta this place!
A Revivalist approached Ash now and stood him up. The man was brusquely re-securing his own wrist and throat ropes.
Just before Derrick took Gary from the room, he and Ash made brief eye contact.
Gary actually offered Ash a weak smile.
Ash was usually clueless when it came to reading facial expressions, however, in this concisely intense moment he knew without a shadow of a doubt what his old rival was trying to say.
I'll take care of her. Ash nodded confidently as Gary disappeared around the door frame. Don't worry, Gary. I would never let anything happen to Misty. . . It's clear to me that you never would either. . . she means just as much to you as. . . as she does . . . to me . . . . . . . . . oh my god . . . no way . . . is it possible that Gary could have feelings for Misty too?
This was not the appropriate time. This was certainly not the appropriate place. However, the raw emotion did sting . . . and the bitter thought did whisk regretfully through Ash's mind . . .
Perhaps there were greater things to rival over than Pokemon.
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CHAPTER 30 THANKS:
Alex Warlorn—Hey there! You really had me grinning comparing Gio to Ghaleon. I love the Lunar games. I've beaten them both hee hee then you compared him to Senitor Palpatine! That was great. Next chapter is going to answer another plot question. I'm working on transferring it from my note book to computer but I'm in the middle of final papers. . . ug. . . stupid university! Thanks so much, that was a very encouraging review for me.
Midnight Mist- Hiya, hon! How are you? I love how excited you seem over my updates. It makes me excited to keep writing! heh, yeah Ash was indeed MIA from the last one. . . but he got to star in this one. . . ehehehe. . . you're very observant and don't fear that you speculate too much. I generally do include subtle between-the-lines hints . . . sometimes, not always . . . Anyway, thank you!
Cosmic Mewtwo- You have flattered me once again! You always make me blush with your kind reviews. I thank you so much for that. I was nervous that you would disapprove of Gio, so, phew! LOL, yeah you are rooting for the 'twerps' that's funny! Thanks for pointing out the 2 spelling errors. I actually went in and fixed them immediately after getting your review!
Angel-star727- Hiya! Hee hee. . . glad you like the mushiness. . more to come! Thanks!
Dave Behave- Oh wow, I caught you off guard. I'm surprised, you've been reading this from the start, I figured you were immune to my plot twists. Hee hee! Haha, be nice to Tracey, he's just insane.
Alexis Ludd- Hello! Thanks for saying my fic is wonderful! That made my day! You are incredibly sweet! I'm glad you liked the plot twist. Another plot twist is on the way in the next chapter! I can't wait to hear your thoughts.
Raevn- Haha, no I'm not going on another vacation for a while! But, yes, it was a magical train. . . It is SUCH a relief to have the fic DONE on paper. It's just a process now transferring it to the computer. . . typing one word at a time. But I will do it! Thank you for all the inspiring comments! I hope you keep reading because you totally push me to write!
pika318- Long time no see! How have you been? Thanks for reading. I don't know much about the Pokemon Adventure characters but I'm sure it would change the fic quite a bit . Thanks for the support!
Togepi4eva- I'm glad you liked my Brock/ Tracey part. Don't worry a lot more is going to be revealed in the next chapter, I promise! Thanks again! I love your reviews.
RainyDay Dragonair- I'm happy that you like my long chapters. I know some people prefer shorter ones. Sorry that this was a shorter chappie, But if I waited to type the next part I wouldn't have been able to update for another week & I wanted to give you all something! Thank you a TON for all your kind words and encouragement!
Star's dreams- Hee hee. . . bubble gum clouds, eh? That sounds nice! Thanks for liking all the emotions and confrontations in the last chapter. You and Lime rule!
Subieko- Hiya! Yup, Tracey did get annoying after a while. Poor Brock. I'm glad you caught the irony of Gio preaching against power hee hee. . . I loved your review. I read it like 5 times! And each time I felt more inspired! THANKS!
megs626- I love the triangle too! Hee hee! But I love it more knowing that YOU love it! More triangle goodness to come. Actually lots of it! Thanks for the support. You really get me typing.
MagCat- Hi there! Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my entire story. I am pleased beyond words that you have enjoyed it so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm always happy to meet a fellow Gary/ Misty fan! I hope you continue to R&R!
Lyra- Haha. You are so crazy, I love you! Thanks for pulling that quote. I worked hard on it! I know that you want more Gary/Misty scenes like ASAP, but you'll just have to be patient, lol! Thanks, honey!
xAFChickax- Hiya, hiya! Thanks so much—again for the review. You are so sweet and wonderful. More updates soon.
MagRowan- Hee hee. . . so I only had one type-o last time, that's better! lol Don't be sad that I wrote the whole fic. . . it's still going to take me a pretty long time to type it all and upload it. But I am setting a goal to try & get it all posted by the end of the summer or early fall. Hopefully I can do just that! As usual, your comments were encouraging and appreciated more than you even know!
Smileyaili- Thanks a bunch for all the kind emails and the review! you are a great cyber friend! I will keep it up!
NOTE TO ALL: Yes, yes, I know this chapter was shorter than you wanted. I hope nobody is terribly disappointed. I just really wanted to focus a little on Ash. Plus, I really wanted to give you all an update & I won't get another chance to type until next week. So, I figured a short chappie is better than nothing. Forgive me! I'll make up for it with the next one. Also, the next one reveals some secrets. Thank you all. Maia