Chapter 32

"Squirtle? Squirt, squirt."

"Yeah, dat's what I'm sayin'. Geeze, but nobody eva listens ta me!"

"Squirt."

"So, basically dats da whole story. Everyone's bein' blackmailed on some level here. . . and everyone's too afraid ta do anything about it. But, as proud members a' Team Rocket - Jessie, James and I gotta do what we can tah help keep our boss safe, you know what I mean, Squirtle? We don't got no choice really. Dat big Pokemon is . . . really somethin' else."

Squirtle frowned thoughtfully. He was desperately trying to force his mind to absorb and comprehend all that Meowth had told him.

The two little Pokemon had spent the last hour wandering the hallways in this underground labyrinth of cell doors. It seemed to Squirtle that they were searching in vain . . . there were hundreds of doors; and not only could Ash be behind anyone of them – but neither Squirtle nor Meowth had a key! The only positive of spending time with Meowth was the fact that the Rocket Pokemon had been filling Squirtle in on all the details of this dreadful underground base.

Squirtle was still having a hard time understanding just how terrible these 'Revivalists' were. They were starving their captives, cramming them into freezing, dirty cells, separating friends and family, and even physically abusing some. On top of all this misery they were being forced to battle with random Pokemon . . . and for what? So that the winner could just be brutally murdered and have his or her body over-taken by some long dead soul!

Squirtle shook his head fiercely. How was he going to explain all this madness to the other Pokemon waiting outside? He'd seen a lot of insane things in his days . . . but this? This was beyond ludicrous . . . in fact, it was evil.

Evil . . . and Ash was caught right in the center of it all.

Squirtle's insides felt like they were being strangled in an Arbok's wrap. For a brief moment he became light headed and almost stumbled forward.

"Hey, you gonna be ok?" Squirtle felt Meowth's gentle paw on his shoulder – steadying him.

Squirtle glanced up at the other Pokemon awkwardly. "Squirtle. Squirt." He felt slightly embarrassed allowing Meowth - a Pokemon who was usually his adversary- see him falter.

"It's okay ta feel sick ova this, Squirtle. Trust me, I do too. My boss just won another battle . . . I don't wanna see him get hurt either."

"Squirtle?" Squirtle felt extremely uneasy about this 'Miracle Pokemon.' What was It? Who was It? How is it that he'd never known of Its existence before?

"I dunno what It is either. I suppose Its gottah be some kinda legendary though," Meowth offered a reasonable possibility.

"Squirtle." A legendary . . . it must be that . . . and if it was a legendary . . . then . . . "SQUIRTLE!"

"Huh?" Meowth was startled by Squirtle's sudden outburst. "What is it?"

"Squirt, squirt, squ-squirt!"

"Oh, I see. Hm, dat is a good point. Ash does have a track record of attracting da attention of legendaries, don't he? But, do you really think dat Ash is who dis Poke-beast is after?"

Squirtle nodded. There was not a doubt in his mind. Legendaries were drawn to Ash like a Venomoth to a flame. Ash was in serious danger.

"But, listen, Squirtle: Ash would haveta win dis tournament ta be in real trouble. Dat means he'd haveta beat my boss AND Lance da Dragon Master in a battle," Meowth pointed out calmly. "I mean, okay sure, da kids got talent - I admit it. But, my boss and Lance are in a league of dere own. Ash ain't got no chance of beatin' dem."

"Squirtle!"

"Nope, no chance! If dis weren't such a messed up situation I'd be willing ta lay money on it. Ash ain't got no chance. My boss will prolly win da whole thing."

"Sqiurtle!"

"Boss."

"Squirtle!"

"Boss!"

"Squirtle. . .squirt?" Who. . . was Meowth's boss anyway?

"Well, I guess dere's no sense in hiding it from you now. Especially since none of us'll prolly get outta here alive. But if we do get outta here you gottah promise never ta tell anyone. Not even your twerpie friends! I'm serious, from one Pokemon to another: swear dat ya won't spill!"

The curiosity was too much for Squirtle, he vowed to keep Meowth's secret.

Meowth grinned with relief as they rounded the corner of yet another endless hallway of locked cell doors. "Well, my boss is none other than-"

"Yes, Seer, it did go quite well indeed. I'm satisfied," a calm, yet forceful male voice echoed from someplace down the corridor. The sound of this voice resulted in instantly silencing Meowth.

"As am I," replied a second voice. But unlike the first, this voice was unnaturally frightful; slithering into Squirtle's ears and bringing deadly intentions along with it.

"Hey," Meowth whispered nervously. "Dat- dat first voice sounded like . . . my boss!"

Meowth and Squirtle crept silently down the hall. On the right one of the cell doors was cracked open.

The two Pokemon carefully peered into the slit of open door.

The room before them was small, but strangely cozy. A comfortable-looking futon, a coffee table, and a small refrigerator were just a few of the amenities that made the room seem more like a hotel than a prison.

"Squirtle?" Squirtle questioned warily.

"No," Meowth responded. "Da other cells have nothin' but a dirty floor. They are nothin' like dis one. . . no futons, dat's for sure."

The Pokemon fell silent as they spied three masculine figures lurking in the corner of the room. One man was cloaked entirely in black shrouds; he was frightfully tall and thin. Squirtle knew instantly that the sinister second voice must have belonged to him . . . for he was giving Squirtle the creeps.

The second man was also dressed in black robes; his frame was muscular and stiff. The shroud concealed his face from view.

The third man was dressed in a comfortable silver silk robe. He looked as though he had just showered; for his brown hair was slicked back neatly over his head. Squirtle thought he had a formidable expression on his face. He emitted an air of confidence, and seemed to move carelessly about the room.

"Oh my gosh," Meowth hissed. "Dat. . . dat is my boss! B-but why's he getting all friendly with da Seer? And . . . and dat other guy is Derrick. The guy I told you about who beasts on da twerps."

"Squirt!" The Seer? That eerie tall shrouded man was the dreaded Seer that Squirtle had heard so much about.

Squirtle glanced over at Meowth; the cat Pokemon was actually trembling from the surprise of his bosses' seemingly cozy arrangement with the Revivalists.

"I knew dat my boss was being cared for well compared to da others," Meowth began. "Jessie told me dat he was given a decent cell. But . . . I didn't think it would be like this. Why?"

"Squirt!" Squirtle told Meowth to hush up, it looked like The Seer was about to speak.

"Giovanni," The Seer spoke with mild enthusiasm. "I'm pleased the battle out come was to your satisfaction. You are indeed a very skilled trainer. You handle well. Miss Waterflower looked rather pathetic."

Giovanni grunted with amusement. "I almost felt sorry for the girl. She was a nervous wreck. Not that I blame her . . . being paired up with me under such pressure would not be in anyone's favor."

The Seer chuckled ominously. "She is not the one He seeks."

"No, she wasn't," Giovanni agreed, his loose smile abruptly forming into an imposing sneer. "Now, Seer, remember: I want to keep winning my battles until I am paired up with Lance. It will look bad if I lose to anyone else. Now, just make certain that the pokeballs continue to be rigged in my battles only, of course – I don't want to disrupt the outcome of the tournament. When I am finally paired up with Lance give me weak Pokemon only – something like a Caterpie will do nicely. That way it will look as though it wasn't any fault of mine when he easily defeats me. Once I'm out of the spotlight my work here will be a lot less trying. My loyal Rockets will continue to serve you out of fear for my safety. Meanwhile, I will continue to fund your little operation."

The Seer nodded his head slowly. "We Revivalists are very grateful to you, Giovanni. You've provided us with this fine underground base, our medical equipment, our rations, and the necessary technology for the Revival."

Giovanni casually folded his arms across his chest. "Yes, I have been extremely generous. Be certain that you do not forget my charity. In return you are to never allow that beast to threaten my Team Rocket organization."

"Of course, Giovanni," The Seer agreed quietly.

"And," Giovanni continued with authority. "If I ever require it, you must come to my aid. You Revivalists must promise to instruct your beast to protect me."

"Wait a second!" The Seer's ghostly voice erupted with rage. "No, that is NOT what we agreed on. We want to keep our Miracle Pokemon to ourselves to worship It. It must be kept away from humans or else they will want to study It. No, no, this will not do. Only Its master can soothe it. It will only be content as the center of our prayers."

Giovanni shrugged as though seemingly carefree. "Very well," he sighed dully. "Then I shall just have to pull your funds – effective immediately." Giovanni lanced the Seer with a lethal glare. Squirtle actually flinched; this Giovanni character was intimidating. Squirtle didn't doubt that this human could reduce a Gengar to tears.

"Da boss isn't fooling around," Meowth stated the obvious.

"Big, brave words, Giovanni. But you are forgetting one minor detail," mocked the Seer. "You are helpless here. I can have you killed. Your presence only has value as long as it brings currency with it."

Giovanni frowned irritably - as though The Seer was merely insulting him with such a threat. "Seer, we are business men, you and I. Bickering in this petty manor will do neither of us any good. Don't you agree?"

"So?" The Seer asked cautiously.

"So, I have a deal I would like to offer you – a compromise so-to-speak," Giovanni flashed a charming smile; one that oozed nothing but deception as far as Squirtle was concerned.

". . . I'm listening," The Seer seemed hesitant.

"It's very reasonable; as I'm sure you will see. I propose that we leave the decision up to the master of the beast - once he is revived, of course. Surely the creatures master deservers to have authority over Its actions."

The Seer was silent for a long string of moments. Giovanni waited patiently, acting as if he was doing The Seer a noble duty with his proposition.

"Fine," The Seer snapped at last. "That is . . . reasonable I suppose. But I warn you, there is little chance the Revivalist Master will see things your way, Giovanni."

"Time will tell," Giovanni stated flatly. "Hand me that white cloak, will you. And those rope cuffs. They are on the carpet."

The Seer bent down and scooped up the items Giovanni asked for.

"Thank you. Once again, I need to look like a common prisoner when being escorted throughout these lovely halls," Giovanni scoffed as he slipped the white robe over his own.

"Where's he goin'?" Meowth wondered quietly.

Suddenly Derrick stepped forward from the back of the room. Squirtle and Meowth both jumped in surprise. Derrick had been completely silent during this entire time; they had forgotten that he was even present in the room.

"Ah, yes, Derrick, please rope me and take me to the café. I could use a stiff drink."

Derrick glanced over in The Seers direction; awaiting permission to follow Giovanni's request.

"Go on, take him," The Seer allowed.

Derrick nodded respectfully to The Seer and began carefully securing the ropes around Giovanni's wrists and throat.

"Let's get outta here!" Meowth murmured fearfully. He and Squirtle hustled several yards down the hallway.

"Squirt!"

"Okay, let's wait for Derrick and my boss here. If we just stay a few steps behind dem we can prolly still hear what they talk about. I need to know what else da boss isn't tellin' us, Squirtle. Us Rockets have been awfully fearful for his safety. All along he's been bartering for his own safety, his own kidnapping was possibly a fake – I can't believe this. It seems like this arrangement has been planned for months. He's played on our loyalties like a fiddle!" Meowth smiled timidly, despite his clear frusteration. "Even though da boss pulled one over our eyes, I got ta admit: he's a smooth talker. I respect da man."

Squirtle curled his lip in disgust. "Squirtle!"

"Wha? Me, pathetic? How dere ya! Take dat back you slimy turtle!"

"Squirtle!"

"Okay, fine, you're right. We'll settle dis later. Keep your ear-holes open, I think I hear dem coming down da hall!"

Meowth was right. Squirtle could hear the sounds of footsteps and male voices from around the corner. The two men were walking at a brusque pace; the Pokemon were scrambling to keep in ear-shot.

Derrick was chuckling arrogantly. "Seriously, boss. How much longer do I have to pretend to be one of these lunatic Revivalists? Not that I mind working undercover - serving Team Rocket is my life . . . but, I've been in this position for two years now. I'm The Seers right-hand-man, just like you wanted, Sir. Is it almost over?"

Meowth and Squirtle exchanged astonished expressions. Derrick . . . he wasn't a Revivalist . . . he was . . . a Rocket . . .?

Giovanni laughed dryly. "Yes, you've done a fine job. It's almost over."

"I'm just getting so damn sick of playing along that The Seer is some kind of all powerful Wiseman. God, he can't see shit! He doesn't even recognize his own Revivalists motives. Here I am - a spy right under his damn nose and the old fool is clueless."

"Ironic, isn't it?" Giovanni permitted a grin. "Too bad he and his followers are the only ones who can execute The Revival Ceremony. And when that master is resurrected I do not wish to make an enemy of him – he will control the worlds most powerful Pokemon. Making an ally in this instance is very wise." Giovanni frowned before continuing. "Now, about this deal that I struck with The Seer. What way do you think the master of the beast will swing? Can we persuade him to work with us? Can the master be bought? Clearly The Seer is set in his ways. There is no negotiating with the man."

Derrick grunted. "Don't worry about the dead master, boss. The master has got to have more sense than The Seer. I've learned a lot about these Revivalists over the past few years; trust me, they are simple minded. Most of them have never even traveled to a city like Saffron. I think the master is going to realize that times have changed since his soul last walked the earth over a hundred years ago."

Giovanni nodded cautiously.

"Well, we've arrived at the cafeteria, boss," Derrick announced pleasantly, opening a large steel door for Giovanni. "I'll leave you here to partake in some refreshments. I'll be back in an hour."

"Why? Where are you going?" Giovanni honey-coated the demand.

Even though his face was covered by the dark shroud, Squirtle could almost see the twisted grin on Derrick's lips. "I'm going to visit my pal, Gary Oak. I promised him we could spend some quality time together, boss. I wouldn't want to disappoint the kid."

Giovanni shrugged nonchalantly. "Very well, Derrick. But I must say that I think you are really wasting your time with young Mr. Oak."

Derrick stiffed. "No, boss, I'm not."

"What is this, some petty grudge?" Giovanni asked casually. "Let me guess: either his playboy father messed with one of your female relatives . . . or, perhaps the kid himself annihilated you once in a battle – humiliated you ignorantly without even realizing that you were a goddamn nut case?" Giovanni snickered lightly with self amusement. "Well, am I close? Oak is a brilliant young man, Derrick. He knows his Pokemon. I actually have great respect for his Grandfather, he's a fine researcher." Derrick remained quiet and seemed uncomfortably tense.

"Oh, Derrick," Giovanni's voice held jest. "I'm only kidding, lighten up. You can keep your reasons to yourself. I don't give a damn why you don't like him or what you do to him."

"Good," Derrick grumbled. "Because, I just don't like him." Every word spewed venom.

With that, Derrick left Giovanni alone in the cafeteria. Meowth and Squirtle merely exchanged a panicked expression.

"What should we do? Follow Derrick or go tell Jessie and James what we saw?"

"Squirtle."

"No, Squirtle," Meowth's tone was firm. "We can't help Gary Oak. That twerp is on his own. He has a bad cocky attitude and whatever is coming to him we can't prevent."

"Squirt. . . squirt."

"I feel bad for him too . . ." Meowth sighed. "C'mon, lets' get outta here. We've gottah figure out what to do next. . . I- I'm afraid that if I help you any more with your plans then that means I'll be screwing up my bosses plans . . . but . . . I don't wanna see anyone die at the claws of dis beast either. . . I just don't know what to do."

Squirtle realized that Meowth's loyalties were torn . . . he only hoped that he would be able to convince the feline that his boss was in the wrong.

As much as Squirtle didn't like to admit it . . . saving Ash would be a lot easier with Team Rockets help.

"Ah, Squirtle? I take back what I said before," Meowth gulped nervously. "I guess my boss won't be beating Ash after all."

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MY CHAPTER 31 THANK YOUS:

Alex Warlorn- Hiya! You are so amazing and encouraging to me. You don't even know how much it meant to me to read "Keep writing, you have it all down on paper! All you have left to do is type it out!" I just finished school until I have a summer lecture in July. So I'm going to devote A LOT of time to typing & posting EVERYTHING. My goal is to finish by the fall. Thank you.

Midnight Mist- Hi, honey! Don't apologize. Life is hectic, just review as you can. I understand! I just love your reviews no matter when I get them. I'm glad you liked my last line. I was trying to end with some drama. The next chapter is really long. I'm working on transferring it from my notebook to computer now. It is very dramatic, hee hee. TY!

Alexis Ludd- Hello! You were the first to review my last chappie Yippie! Your review was truly insightful. I loved it. It also really touched me that you signed your review "Ever faithfully a fan" HUGS! That was so sweet! I am ever faithfully grateful to you.

Subieko- I know, poor Ash, how does he always get himself into these situations? It means a lot to me that you are feeling the twisting emotions of the characters. Your reviews are so detailed and helpful in letting me know that I am conveying the emotions the way that I am trying too. Thanks a ton! You're a darling.

xAFChickax- I'm so grateful that you are hooked on my fic. I'm hooked your wonderful reviews! It's a fair deal. I'm trying to have the fic completed by this fall. So I hope you'll continue to stick around. HUGS!

megs626- Hiya, sweetheart! Thanks for the review! I so adore your fics as well. You're so helpful in encouraging me to keep typing.

smileyaili- Hey there! How are you? I just wub you to pieces! You have been ever-so-faithful to this fic for SUCH a long time. Your loyalty and encouragement mean the world to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

star's dreams- As usual you made me smile. You are so awesome, star (& lime too, of course!). I loved your insights and comments on Ash's development. Thanks for the thoughtful words.

Crazy4TR112- HIYA! Ohmigosh! I missed you SO much! How are you? I love all your fics. Whenever I need a TR fix or a good giggle I know I can count on YOU! Thank you so incredibly much for the generous support. You have been with this fic for such a long time. I don't even deserve to have reviewers like you who are so kind and encouraging. Thank you! I really did miss you!

Raevn- Hello, hello! What a wonderful review you left for me! It made my day (again). You will REALLY like the next chapter. Trust me. It's gonna feature and answer a lot more questions. Plus, it features none other than our charming young Mr. Oak:remains a fangirl also: hee hee. I wub you & your reviews!

Dave Behave- Hola, Dave! I know you are waiting very politly and patiently for the Gary and Derrick's confrontation. Well, I'm typing it now so don't sweat it. Hee hee. Thanks also for the kind words and your comments. You are getting more insightful with each review!

Cosmic Mewtwo- Okay, now it's your turn to update! Thanks for complementing my last line. Heh, dramatic, I know. lol! Yup, trouble is brewing. And yes it is double trouble. Gary/ Derrick will collide, and Ash / Misty will talk alone. HUGS!

Gatochu – Greetings! Welcome to my fic! You have flattered me with all your generous and thoughtful praise! HUGS! I am blushing. Thank you so very much. You not only took the time to read everything but you commented and complemented the story. It means A LOT! I promise to "keep it up" if you promise to keep reviewing and sharing your thoughts. Thanks again!

Kritika Kritik- Wow, you are really being very kind to me! Thank you. Eventually you will se that I am thanking you . You have a very keen eye.

MagCat- Hi! HUGS! I was totally stoked to see that YOU began a Gary fic! That made my day seriously . . . and so did your last review! There is a reason Ash didn't battle. I'll get to that eventually. Heh, you are such a strong supporter of this fic. Thank you for encouraging me.

MagRowan- Haha! What a great review you left me. I totally burst out laughing when I realized that I wrote "like a clam before the storm" hahahaa! That IS quite an image. How the heck did that slip by me? 00; heh! Anyway, you're awesome! You are so perceptive and so very close to hitting the nail on the head on many things. I love your shrewd eye and I really respect your thoughts. I wish you would write a fic, I bet you are a killer writer. Just reading your reviews is exciting; imagine what you could do with a story! Thanks again!

Lyra- I know that the wub triangle; is driving you insane. I'm sorry! I can't do anything about it yet. And yes I know you are crazy for GAML, but I can't make you any promises. The fic is destined to end in a certain way & I can't tell you what that is yet, no matter how much you beg, hee hee. Also, your second review really thrilled me: wow, you're right. You did use to like AAML. I twisted you, lol! HUGS!

Kagome1015- Hey there! I missed you. I'm so glad you're back & I hope the vacation was nice. Thanks for liking the ending of my last chapter!

Angel-star727- Hello, sweetheart! You never cease to amazing me with your kindness. Thanks for the complements and for liking my last line. I was going for the dramatic effect, hee hee.

evryluvsmisty- Hello! How are you? You really made me grin when you said my fic was "absolutely awesome"! wow, what a wonderful complement. I appreciative your review so much. Don't give up on Ash and Misty yet, the outcome of this fic could go either way. But I can't tell you this much: Misty and Ash will be alone in his cell next chappie! It means so much to me that a hardcore AAML fan is such a devoted reviewer of my fic. Some people shun me because of the mere presence of a triangle, even tho Misty hasn't picked one guy over the other. I think that triangles are fun, I love rooting for one couple over the next without knowing what's going to happen! I'm kind of an old fashion romantic at heart. Hee hee! You should update soon. I wub your fics.

Yoru Ryu- Hahaha! You're review made me giggle. I'm flattered that you find Ash "bearable" in my story! I have some other reviewers who say that, others who adore him, and others who just want to kill him. I have the best, most diverse, wonderful group of reviewers. I have such a blast reading their thoughts. Hee hee. & ohmigosh, you're fic is REALLY good! I can't believe how nice & long the chappies are. I'm kind of intimidated now (knowing how good of a writer you are) that you're reading my fic. Thanks for so many kind words!

00- Whow, neat 'name'. hee hee. I've rendered you speechless? Cool! Thanks.

Heart-Broken-Kid- Hello there! I wish you a very warm welcome to my story! Thank you so very very much for reading all my chapters. Also thank you for the review! I am so toughed that you have enjoyed my fic so far. I have been working very hard on this story for a long time. So you are liking the wub triangle? Good! I'm so pleased. This fic may still end up as an AAML. . . or a GAML, I'm not telling hee hee. So keep rooting for your fave & enjoy. I hope that you will read on and continue to share your opinions and thoughts. I love to read them.

EVERYONE: Next chapter: Major Gary and Derrick confrontation! AND Ash and Misty are finally spending time alone in a cell together. What goes down between Gary & Derrick? What secrets will be revealed about Derrick's messed up attitude? How will Misty feel being with Ash again after all her time with Gary . . . Misty has feelings for them both, but will she be able to figure out which feeling are the real ones? Stay tuned (boy, that' sounds cheesy!). It's gonna be one LONG chapter! I love you all. I'm typing the next chapter already! Maia