Chapter 33

Charizard was extremely impatient – even for a Charizard. To simply state that he was growing weary from waiting would be an extraordinary understatement.

Squirtle had been gone for three hours now. Charizard had been practically counting the seconds as they crept by. He and the rest of the band of rescue Pokemon had not seen or heard anything from Squirtle since.

Charizard thought that perhaps it had been a mistake to send such a small water Pokemon to do such an important job.

Basically, Charizard was thinking that it should have been him . . . that he should have been the Pokemon chosen to search for Ash.

What was taking so long? Squirtle was supposed to locate Ash, and then locate a door. That was it. It didn't seem like complicated instructions to Charizard. He was certain that he would have completed the task hours ago.

A few moments earlier Pikachu had proposed sending in a second Pokemon to look for Squirtle. Once again, Pikachu had even volunteered to get inside a Pokeball so that the Pidgy could drop him in the smoke pipe the same way Squirtle had entered the building.

Pikachu was concerned that something had gone terribly wrong . . . what if Squirtle had been discovered by that beast? What if he was injured . . . or worse?

Charizard shuddered slightly; he couldn't even begin to think about that right now. Poor little Squirtle would have zero chance of defending himself against a creature so seemingly large and powerful.

Charizard was secretly hoping that eventually he could have a swipe at this insane beast. . . It better NOT have harmed Ash! If It had even plucked so much as one straggly hair from Ash's head Charizard was going to get It – some way, somehow, he was going to make it pay!

Charizard was shaken from his fuming notions when he overheard Pikachu bickering with the bossy Pidgy.

"Pika pi! PIKA!" Pikachu's nerves were thinning more and more every second that Squirtle was missing. Pikachu didn't understand why this Pidgy seemed to believe that it was in command of this operation. Ash was his trainer. Gary was Blastoise's . . . if anything it should be one of them calling the shots.

"Pidgy!" The Pidgy sympathized with Pikachu, but told him that they all must trust in it.

Charizard snuffed with irritation. He was grateful for all the knowledge that the Pidgy had shared with them thus far. But he was also mighty suspicious. What if this was a trap after all?

Charizard wasn't going to do anything rash. True, he was impulsive like his trainer – but in this instance he understood that Pikachu deserved to be in charge. No one alive knew Ash better than Pikachu did. Charizard silently vowed that he would back the electric mouse up in way that he could.

Pikachu and the Pidgy exchanged another brief set of clashing words. Finally, the Pidgy somehow managed to convince Pikachu to give Squirtle just a little more time. The Pidgy was adamant that sending in another Pokemon would only lead to disaster. Rescuing the trainers was the first priority; they couldn't make a rash decision that might endanger the humans further.

At last a compromise was reached: if Squirtle didn't open up a door for them by tomorrow morning, then they were going to have to take another course of action.

Charizard hoped that meant they were going to attack . . . after all, that's what he came here to do.

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Gary Oak's cell was as silent as a tomb – aside from the clamoring of his chattering teeth that is.

He wasn't the type that generally spoke out loud to him self, and without Misty to talk with there seemed no real reason for him to utter a sound.

Despite this fact a weary sigh slipped passed his chilled lips. He missed her comforting presence already.

Gary leaned back against the freezing stone wall – it might as well have been built from ice blocks for his flesh was actually numbing from the contact.

He pulled his knees tightly against his chest; wrapping his arms around them in a futile attempt to secure body heat. The temperature seemed to be dropping steadily every few minutes.

He was shivering uncontrollably now; doing all that he could to ignore that god-awful teeth clattering sound. He tried very hard to will his lips and teeth to hold still; but it was useless, he was too frail and frozen to even manage the basic motor controls on his own face.

It had only been a half hour or so since Misty had lost her battle against Giovanni, and Derrick had hurled Gary into this cell.

Gary knew that Derrick would be returning to this cell at some point tonight . . . he just didn't know when.

There was no doubt in Gary's mind that Derrick was planning to do something terrible to him, but he didn't know what . . . and, quite honestly, he was trying not to think about it. Gary was making a sincere effort not to think about the pain that he would inevitably be suffering soon.

Above all, Gary was striving with every ounce of brain power not to think about . . . her. . .

. . . about Misty.

It wasn't her fault that he was going to be harmed later - Gary fully understood that. Whether Misty had agreed on betting against Giovanni or not – Derrick still would have come to hurt him. And even if Misty had somehow managed to beat Giovanni, Derrick would have just beaten him up the next night all the worse. It was a lose-lose situation.

Gary was still overwhelmingly shocked that Misty had been so selfless and brave at his expense. She actually tired to beat Giovanni – and this time she wasn't fighting for her Pokemon . . . she had fought for him.

His emotions were darting out of control; every which way like rubber bullets inside his skull. They weren't hard enough to kill him – just hurt like a jackhammer every time they bounced . . .

. . . flattered . . . desperate . . . perplexed . . . relieved . . . terrified . . . alone . . .

. . . oh, so horribly alone . . .

Not thinking about Misty was like trying not to breathe.

She was devastated that she had lost to Giovanni. She had really and truly wanted to save Gary.

Damn, it wasn't her fault.

The two Pokemon which Misty had received from the sack had been totally massacred by Giovanni's Pokemon. She didn't lose because she didn't try. Giovanni was a superior trainer - it was that simple. The Viridian Gym leader had decades more experience; and he had received better Pokemon from the sack. That was that.

I never liked Giovanni . . . he keeps . . . strange Pokemon . . . when I went against him for an Earth Badge . . . he had that weird . . . 'thing' . . . it was so strong . . .I was out matched then, just as Misty was today.

The image of Misty's grief-stricken face would forever be seared into Gary's memory. The absolute terror that plagued her as she realized that she had lost the battle . . . it was ruinous baggage to carry around. The image was demolishing the fragmented remains of Gary's composure . . . he had to see her, he had to speak with her – to tell her that it was not her fault. He wasn't angry; rather, he was thankful that she cared.

Gary squeezed his eyes shut as tightly as he could; desperately attempting to hide from the terrible recollection. It was to no avail . . .

. . . that beautiful flush in Misty's cheeks had completely drained away from horror . . . drained away from shame. Misty had sincerely wanted to save him . . . she had truly been willing to give up her time with Ash so that she could be with him tonight . . . to support him through his upcoming suffering.

No body had ever been willing to make a sacrifice for Gary Oak before. Nobody -let alone a girl he barely knew.

No, that's not true, Gary corrected his thoughts. I do know Misty. In fact, I think that I understand her better than anyone else in the world . . . and . . . I think she understands me too, maybe even so well that it's scary. She sees right through me when I'm trying to act tough. She scans me like a Pokedex and sometimes I swear she's reading my thoughts. These past few days have been the most horrible and the most amazing in my life. I've been beaten, starved, and beaten some more . . . but Misty made it all bearable . . . and more than that, Misty makes me feel like I'm . . . I'm worth more than my last name. God, I've grown to depend on her presence so much. . . I've been so preoccupied trying to put up a brave front for her, worrying about her - and all this time she's been selflessly doing the same thing for me.

Gary's eyes suddenly snapped open as that same stinging realization nipped him. She's gone now. She's with Ash. They will support one another now. . . I don't have her here to make me be brave. Gary sighed inwardly. Maybe it's just this extreme situation amplifying every sensation that I feel? Or maybe I've been drugged so many times that I can't control my own feelings anymore? Or maybe I just really have fallen head-over-heels for her. . .? Gary smiled slightly; he liked the last possibility the best.

Regardless of the 'why' she's on my mind all the time . . . and it's time that I admitted that I wouldn't want it any other way. Ash is a lucky fool. I hope he realizes what he has. I know Misty wants to be with Ash, she always has. For a while there I almost thought that maybe, just maybe, she was starting to feel something for me too. But then the moment Ash's name is mentioned he becomes the only guy that exists to her. Damn me. Seriously. Like I had a chance of stealing anything away from Ash Ketchem - the luckiest idiot in the world. Whatever, oh well . . . I'm alone . . . again . . . and I'll deal with it just like I always have . . .

Gary was abruptly jolted from his thoughts as a searing pain detonated inside his head. He felt as though someone had literally shot a laser through the back of his skull. For a brief second the vision in his left eye shifted into sheer darkness.

What the hell? What's wrong with me . . . the vision in my left eye- it's all messed up, it's blurry.

Gary quickly realized that he was experiencing a migraine from hell.

"Damn," Gary muttered out loud through his chattering lips. "If it's n-not m-my ankle i-it's-"

"Hello, there, Gary Oak!" The excitement in Derrick's voice was greatly exaggerated. The excessive greeting boomed menacingly throughout the room.

Gray winced; Derrick's blood-lusting voice was not helping his headache.

Gary glanced upwards hesitantly; Derrick was standing in the door way. The tall Revivalist was holding a small black devise in his hands . . . it looked really familiar to Gary - but he couldn't quite decide what it was through his blurred vision.

"I didn't even hear you come in," Gary groaned, adding as much annoyance to his tone as humanly possibly.

Derrick shrugged casually, "Yeah, well, I just thought I'd bust the door open really fast, you know, give you a nice startle," Derrick trailed of cackling like a lunatic.

"Great. Thank you. Who doesn't enjoy a nice s-startle now and again?" Gary pronounced each and every word with a prick of spite.

Derrick spun around and slammed the cell door. "I'm going to keep it shut. We don't want your screams to keep the other trainers up, now do we?"

Derrick took a threatening step forward; Gary still couldn't quite recall where he had seen that device before . . .

"So," Gary cleared his throat as he struggled laboriously to stand on his good leg. He was trying very hard not to allow Derrick to see how much distress he was in. "What plans d-do you have f-for me tonight?"

Derrick grunted with self amusement. "Are you stuttering? Or is it this chilling room temperature?" Derrick didn't wait for Gary's response. "Anyway, I have lots of things in store. You heard The Seer, Oak, he will not be screening my behavior tonight."

"I'm no good damaged," Gary warned. "Don't forget about that."

"First of all," Derrick spat rashly, "I can revive you time and again with the Miracle Pokemons blood. Secondly, it's your cute little ex-cell mates fault that you are going to even be hurt."

"Derrick, that's trash and you know it! Leave Misty out of this," Gary's voice was unyielding as a blast of adrenaline rocketed through his system; unthawing his muscles. "It wasn't her fault! C'mon, she was up against Giovanni! There was no way she'd win and you knew that!"

Derrick chuckled again. "Hm, seems like I struck a nerve, eh?"

"Shut the hell up," Gary boldly limped closer to Derrick; his cerulean eyes were narrowed into slits of rage. "You didn't need my blood for Ash's transfusion, did you?"

Derrick titled his head, caught off guard by Gary's question. "What?"

Gary huffed loudly as he fought to retain composure. "This has been bothering me for a while now, Derrick. Now answer me! That Miracle Pokemons blood would have been one hundred times better and faster at repairing Ash when he first came here and was wounded. Yet, you dragged me out of this cell, scared Misty half to death, and almost killed me so that I could be Ash's blood donor! Damn you, Derrick. You did it on purpose, just to cause me all that much more agony . . . and to terrify Misty!"

Derrick remained motionless - as if frozen; for a long string of moments.

At last he did something dreadfully unexpected. . .

Derrick raised a hand to his own face and lifted his shroud. He didn't lift it high enough for Gary to see his entire face – but what he revealed was all the more disturbing. He showed Gary his lips . . . cruel, thin lips - which had been peeled back into the most utterly wicked smile Gary had ever seen.

Gary trembled frightfully; immediately feeling nauseous as if the devil himself was leering down at him.

Before Gary could react, Derrick lurched forward. He dropped his black device and seized Gary violently by the collar of his robe in one swift motion. Derrick shook him ferociously, sadistically – as if he had every intention of killing him right there and then. He pulled Gary in so closely that he had no way of escaping that monstrous grin.

"No," Derrick hissed proudly. "No, I didn't need your blood to heal Ash. I just decided to take it," Derrick's grip was tightening fiercely, his fingers slowly creeping towards Gary's throat. "And right now. . . I feel like taking some more."

Gary's eyes snapped open in horror - all of his survival instincts kicked into high gear. For an instant he forgot about his splitting headache . . . he forgot about his useless ankle . . . he just knew that he had to get away from Derrick before he possibly killed him.

Without giving a second thought to the consequences - Gary actually spit in Derrick's face; right on the flesh of his mouth.

Derrick had been so proud to reveal his sinister smile; Gary felt it was only appropriate to show Derrick exactly what he thought of it.

Derrick's grip loosened slightly from the disgust of Gary's saliva on his lips. In that moment Gary raised his right arm and struck Derrick square in the jaw as hard as he possibly could.

Gary's attack worked to the effect that Derrick recoiled; dropping Gary to the ground as if he were a grotesque rotting carcass.

Derrick was sputtering in surprise, a small trail of blood cascading down his chin from where Gary's fist had broken skin. Derrick seemed more startled than angry.

However, Gary knew that it was only a matter of seconds before Derrick was immersed by rage. Thus, he quickly scrambled back to his feet and lanced Derrick with the most threatening warning look he could muster.

"Do your worst, asshole! I dare you," Gary didn't even bother to restrain the mock in his tone, nor did he even attempt to smother his arrogant smirk. "I dare you because when I win this tournament, and that damn dead guys spirit enters my body – I will be in control of that beast! And then, Derrick, then you will be bowing down to ME!"

Derrick shook his head, pulling his shroud back down to cover his face. "Not you. I won't be bowing down to you. It will be the Master," he huffed scornfully.

"Yeah, well, it will still be me. My body. And my hatred for you is rooted so deeply within me that I promise you – this Master of yours is going to sense it! He will sense my hate and he's going to remember everything single thing that you did to his new body. And then, Derrick, then . . . I am going to kill you." Gary's face was as tight and as stiff as a corpse. Detestation leaked from each word like toxic bile oozing from a wound.

In that moment . . . Derrick actually flinched.

He flinched . . . just ever-so-slightly - in fact a person any less intuitive than Gary Oak would never have even noticed. But, Gary had noticed. His observation skills were far superior to those of most journalists . . . and that is what made him such an excellent researcher. Gary had the ability to subconsciously study and memorized everyone and everything he encountered.

"You won't win," wrath was boiling in Derrick's gruff voice. "Everyone here knows that it will be Lance or Giovanni. They are the best trainers here. It's pathetic that you would think yourself their equal - let alone their superior." Derrick paused for a moment, as if wanting his mockery to steam another nerve. "Look on the bright side, Oak: at least your Lady Love is safe," Derrick could not contain his evil snicker. "She sure screwed you over good. First she chooses Ash over you. Then she loses her battle so that I could come here and kick your ass! Ha, I'm actually starting to like her . . . what do you think, Oak . . . does Miss Waterflower like older men?"

Gary's weakening concentration was now about to completely snap. "Shut up! If you go anywhere near her I'll-"

"You'll what! If you win you'll sick the Miracle beast on me? Talk about an empty threat."

"Damn you," Gary shouted lividly- he was exasperated . . . exhausted! Derrick was going to drive him completely mad. "What's your problem? God, why do you hate me so much? What did I do? What the hell did I do to you?"

Derricked stiffened. "I'll tell you why," he hissed through clenched teeth. "I'll tell you why right before I kill you."

"Well then, it's a shame you can't kill me now."

Derrick bent over and retrieved the black device from the floor. He flicked a switch and the small machine came alive with electricity.

Oh yeah, Gary sighed silently. It's a Zapper . . . it packs more bolts than a Raichu.

"Yes, it is a shame I can't kill you now. But, no worries," Derrick's voice was far from reassuring. "I'm going to enjoy this more with you alive."

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"Ash, I-I just can't b-believe this happened," Misty was sniffling miserably. She was pacing back and forth across the cramped cell for the hundredth time.

Ash was slumped glumly against the cold stone wall. He was exhausted from the long day – and watching Misty frantically dart back and forth across the cell was depleting his sanity reserves all the more.

"Mist, please," Ash's tone was bordering on begging. "Just come over and sit down. You're tired, you're frustrated – I know. But exhausting yourself won't help Gary!" there was a trivial bite of bitterness evident in Ash's tone – but Misty was too absorbed in her personal worries to pick up on it.

Misty glanced at Ash carefully; mournful tears began welling within the emerald depths of her eyes. "God, Ash, I can't stop thinking about what Gary's going through right now . . . and it's all because of me."

"Oh, Misty," Ash stood up and took a gentle step towards her. "It wasn't your fault. It was Derrick. Not you. Please, please, don't do this to yourself. Don't allow your imagination to dwell on Gary and Derrick."

Misty speared Ash with a disturbed glare; he cringed lightly -unprepared for her resentment . . . after all, he was only trying to comfort her.

The dam in her eyes burst; and desolate tears began pouring from Misty. She was wailing hysterically, throwing herself at the cell door and furiously pounding her fists on the metal.

"Please," she was begging - screaming at the top of her lungs, "Someone listen to me! Help Gary, please! Please!" her vocal chords were at their full blown intensity. Her voice began to strain hoarsely. Misty hadn't had a drink of water in a very long time and all this screaming was torture on her lungs and throat.

Despite the agony, she continued to scream. The words she emitted were totally incomprehendable now. Just muffled, wailing, pleading sounds of helpless despair.

After a few long moments she collapsed onto her knees sobbing.

Ash stood watching her helplessly . . . it was breaking his heart to watch Misty self destruct like this. Ash could feel tears of his own slip silently down his checks.

"Misty! S-Stop it!" he yelled fearfully. "Right now – stop it! NOW!"

She either couldn't hear him through her own wails or she didn't care what he wanted – regardless, Ash refused to allow her to break down; not while he was here to support her.

Ash rushed to Misty's side. He physically pulled her into his arms and held her as closely as he could with out without squeezing the life from her.

At first Misty struggled slightly against his embrace. She was frustrated and angry -but not at Ash - and Ash fully understood this.

After a moment Misty surrendered, and sunk wholly into Ash's devoted arms. There, curling up against him, she did the only thing she could: Misty continued to cry.

Her body wracked strongly as waves of emotion overtook her. She was soaking Ash's robe with her tears, but he didn't notice nor did he mind.

A few moments passed, and Misty's weeping lessened. She was clinging tightly to Ash's body as though she would physically fall to her doom if she let go.

After what seemed like an eternity she finally stopped crying. The two stood together in silence, just holding one another in the most natural efforts of comfort: a hug. Ash's knees began to buckle slightly from exhaustion, he took Misty by the hand and they sat next to one another on the cold dirt floor.

Misty looked up at Ash with a somber- almost sheepish expression. A delicate flush was smeared across her cheeks. "I-I'm sorry that I lost it like that, Ash. I-"

Ash grinned gently, cutting her off, "You know what?"

Misty blinked curiously. "What?"

"I'm selfishly really, really happy to have you here with me, Misty. And when we do get out of here – which we will – I want things to change between us," the words blurted from Ash's lips before he could have any control over of them. Perhaps this wasn't the time to talk about their feelings . . . but in this place of uncertainly Ash didn't know where or if he'd ever get another chance to say the words that he so very longed to say.

Misty tilted her head curiously, "What do you mean?" her voice was sweeter than any sound Ash had ever heard before.

"I don't want us to just be friends who pal around and travel. I-I want more than that. I-I've wanted more than that for such a long time. But we-we spend so much time bickering and fussing, and, I mean I love picking fights with you – don't get me wrong," he added with light nerves. "But, more than that I just love being around you. There's no one else in the world that I would rather be with."

Misty's eyes grew wide with an emotion Ash could not quite pinpoint. "Ash, what are you trying to say?"

"I- ah-" he suddenly seemed extremely nervous. "W-when we get home, um, Misty, w-would you go out on a, um, on a date with me?" Ash couldn't drown the sheer hope that shimmered in his chestnut eyes. He felt that if she said 'no' he might keel over and die right then and there.

Misty's initial reaction was to be angry at Ash. He was asking her out now!

However, she calmed down rather quickly when she realized just how much he sincerely meant what he was asking her.

It was like a dream come true in a nightmare setting. Misty honestly didn't know how to respond.

But then, all at once, she found herself enfolding Ash in a tight hug. She even planted a small kiss upon his cheek. "Yes, Ash," Misty whispered tenderly. "I would love to go on a date with you."

Ash exhaled with tremendous relief as an enormous grin surpassed his face. "Okay! Great! And how about another date after that one?"

Misty laughed softly. For the first time in a long time a genuine tear of joy cascaded down her face. Unlike the painfully fierce tears that beleaguered her earlier, this one was gentle . . . relieving.

"Yes, Ash," the blush on her face deepened. "I've been waiting for you to ask me that for years."

Ash swallowed apprehensively. "You- you have?" He glanced awkwardly to the side. "I'm so stupid," he grumbled.

Misty giggled lightly. "I've had a crush on you from the moment you first stole my bike," her words were like a grand symphony to his ears. "Ash, I've never known anyone more devoted to their Pokemon than you. I knew, right then -when you risked it all to save Pikachu- that you were a boy that I just had to get to know. And now that I know you," Misty smiled sincerely. "Now - I know that you are the guy for me."

Ash laughed a whole-hearted laugh of relief and excitement. "Yeah, well, I kind of figured something was up when you still used the bike as your excuse for following me all these years later."

Misty shoved him playfully. "Hey, smart guy, I'm also your coach and your lucky that I am!"

"I know. I'm grateful to have you. And to have Brock, although . . . you're certainly more beautiful than Brock is," Ash quipped earnestly.

"Y-you think I'm beautiful?" Misty's jaw trembled. Her sisters were the beautiful ones; she had always been the tomboy. At most she'd only considered herself as cute. Being called beautiful by the guy she adored it . . . felt amazing.

"Yes," Ash meant it. "In fact, you're so beautiful that my heart beats really fast when you smile at me, and- and sometimes I start sweating all over-"

"Oh? Is that what I smell?" Misty teased gently.

"Hey," Ash giggled defensively, pulling her into his arms for another hug. "I guess I should just hold you tighter so that you have to smell me then!"

Misty retuned his embrace warmly, savoring the feeling of his arms around her. "I don't mind, Ash," she whispered gleefully - finally understanding just how priceless Ash really was to her. "I love being in your arms."

What Misty didn't understand was why - in that moment – Gary's face surfaced in her mind.

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CHAPTER 32 THANKS:

Alex Warlorn & Midnight Mist- I know you'll both read when you get a chance. Thanks.

Dave Behave- Glad I gave you a shock. You were the first to review the last chappie! Good for you. Your perseverance paid off, hee hee. Now, remember: Patience is virtue. LOL.

Alexis Ludd- Hello! Thanks a ton for the wonderful, encouraging review. I am really starting to look forward to your reviews a lot. I love how you word things: "More precisely, it's transformed from a thick stew to solid concrete." That's a great image! Hee hee. I can't answer your questions yet, but all will be revealed soon. Thanks.

Crazy4TR112- Thanks again for returning to my fic. I am so incredibly happy. I'm also thrilled that you liked my portrayal of Gio. He is a rather interesting villain. Ty!

Angel-star727- Yayness I got another kind review from you! Thanks so much!

Lyra- Girl, you are such an awesome reviewer. I loved that last review. Even with all your ramblings, lol. You made some excellent points and observations. Your support is incredible.

Yoru Ryu- You are yet another amazing supporter of this fic. Your review actually super charged me up to type the night away! Thanks for all the flattery. I don't even know how to respond to all your sweet words. Thanks so very, very much.

Smileyaili- Hello, honey! How are you? Glad you enjoyed the twists. More to come of course, I like to keep twisting things till the bitter end. Hee hee. Thanks for the support!

Raevn- Wowie! I surprised you! Good, then I achieved my goal. Hee hee. Your waiting is over, I have updated! You like? I can't wait to read your review!

shadowphantomness- Oh yes, Gio & Lance will in fact do battle before the end. Stay turned! Thanks for reading!

megs626- I'm happy that you liked the little Squirtle and Meowth bits in the last chappie. I struggle constantly to convey the Pokemon accurately and it's so hard to know if I am succeeding unless I get feedback from great reviewers like you! Thanks. I hope you liked this chapter. I look forward to seeing your thoughts.

MagCat- Hello there! How are you? I really liked your fic, well, obviously since I reviewed it 2x, hee hee! Anyway, thanks for your review. I enjoyed all you great thoughts and comments. Did you like this chapter?

MagRowan- Wow, I broadsided you! Okay, that is cool. Not much gets past you! ;) And I am sincerely ever grateful for that! More budding writers like me could use a reviewer like you who doesn't miss a beat. I'm sure that with the right story idea you would be a fantastic writer, there is not a doubt in my mind. I will be the first to R&R if you ever do post something! Thanks again for the super feedback. You rock!

Star's dreams- You had me giggling when I read your review. Hee hee! Yup, that Gio is just bad-to-the-bone it seems. I liked Lime's input too. You have the most entertaining reviews. I adore them & you! Ty!

Subieko- If only I could answer all your terrific questions, but, alas, I can not! Sorry! Hee hee. I know you're an AAML fan, trust me you are not alone there. Only time will tell what I have in store for all the young lovers. Please read on, I adore your reviews!

xAFChickax- Who will the beast pick? That was a good question. Who will Misty pick? Another good question. And. . . . only I know the answer. Hee hee! Thanks a TON for the awesome review. I so enjoyed it. You are so wonderful and generous with your praise of my fic. I can't thank you enough!

WolfSapphire200- Thanks for the sweet complements! They got me grinning like crazy. I hope you read on!

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Cosmic Mewtwo- Okay, now it's your turn to update. Hee hee. I'm a wishful thinker! Is my wishful thinking working? I figured you of all people would suspect Gio. He is a man of opportunity for sure. Thanks for reading!

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EVERYONE: Reactions? Please don't be shy about sharing your thoughts and opinions. I depend on them to carry on. Next chappie is pretty much typed up. I'll post it once everyone has R&Red!

ALSO: I wrote a little One Shot called "Shadow" about Gary Oak. It is not directly correlated to this story . . . but I set it in (what I imagine) Gary's frame of mind was months or weeks prior to his abduction by the beast Pokemon. If anyone is interested you can find it in my profile. Thanks. Maia