Chapter 35
"Hey, take it easy! You don't have to shove her," Ash barked, surprising even himself by his defiant outburst.
"Ash, it's okay," Misty was unconvincing. As she spoke, the Revivalist leading her down the hall gave her rope another vicious jerk. Misty gagged pitifully.
Ash's eyes widened in horror; it was unthinkable that grown men could so carelessly hurt an innocent kid.
"What is your probl-" Ash started, but was silenced as his own rope was cruelly tightened. Ash gasped loudly as oxygen suddenly became impossible to attain.
"Child, be silent!" ordered the Revivalist managing Ash.
Ash obeyed at once. His bravery vanished along with his ability to breathe.
A total of three Revivalists were in their company now. Ash and Misty both had one shrouded man dragging them down a corridor; while the third Revivalist held a Zapper and seemed to be leading the way.
The Revivalists were all ominously giant men with equally giant strides – it was unfeasible for Ash and Misty to keep pace with them without having to run.
Misty's lungs were burning as she hurried to match pace with her captor. She clenched her teeth painfully hard; her temper bubbling ruthlessly to the surface more rapidly every second. She desperately wanted to scream, curse, and kick these horrible people.
But that would be a VERY bad idea, Misty reminded herself. Now that I have lost the tournament there is really nothing keeping these lunatics from murdering my Pokemon. I just have to hope that being on extra good behavior will sway these Revivalists to go easy on my Pokemon . . . and on me.
Misty's insides churned painfully; it was possible that her Pokemon were already long dead. However, that thought was unacceptable to her - she had to believe that they were still alive and counting on her . . . it was one of the few things she had left to cling too.
I hate it here. Everything here is horrible and sick and disgusting! I mean, at least these Revivalist finally let Ash and I get a shower this morning and to eat some breakfast. I thought that they were going to starve us to death.
About an hour ago Ash and Misty had been rudely awakened in their cell. These same three Revivalists were standing before them. The Revivalists gave them each a brown paper bag which contained some dry fruit, water, and a protein bar. Ash and Misty had greedily wolfed their meager meals down – desperate to fill the empty voids of their bellies with anything substantial. After they had eaten, they were taken to the shower closet and allowed an extremely brief moment to scrub down and change into a clean white robe.
Although she was still awfully miserable, Misty had to admit that she felt better with a semi-full stomach and some clean, dry clothes.
"Walk faster!"
All of a sudden Misty felt a jarring snap on her throat. She choked loudly, nearly toppling over.
"Stop it!" Ash cried fearfully. "Please, please, don't hurt her!"
Misty glanced tentatively at Ash; tears were welling in his eyes.
Poor Ash. He's never seen me roughed up before. I guess I'm so use to it, and so use to seeing Derrick beat on Gary that this doesn't faze me as much anymore. But, Ash - he's been on his own for the most part. It must be killing him to watch me get hurt. I think . . . that he really . . . loves me. I've never had anyone care so much about me in my life. I wish to god that I deserved his feelings and his loyalty.
"Take it easy," the lead Revivalist was speaking to Ash. "Miss Waterflower is fine. She's just a terribly slow walker," he ended with a grunt.
The Revivalists chuckled together as if the leader had shared some fantastically witty joke.
Ash and Misty exchanged anxious expressions. Neither of them knew where they were going.
"Excuse me," Ash blurted nervously. "Um, where are we going?"
The Revivalists were either bored or in a fairly good mood. In either case, they actually decided to indulge Ash's curiosity.
"Well," the lead Revivalist began. "You, Mr. Ketchem are going to the front of the battle arena to prepare for your upcoming match. And you, Miss Waterflower, are going elsewhere."
"What do you mean 'elsewhere'?" Ash questioned frightfully.
What DOES he mean? Misty wondered. Oh god, are they going to kill me? Am I totally useless now? No, they can't just kill me! Gary and Ash are both still winning participants in this tournament. The Revivalists still need me alive in order to assure the boys obedience. Misty shuddered; whatever was planned for her couldn't possibly be good.
"Calm down," the Revivalist continued mockingly. "Miss Waterflower is going to be watching your battle. Since she's no longer a competitor, The Grand Seer has decided to make her a spectator."
"He has? I'm allowed to watch the battles?" Misty gasped with surprise.
"Yes, Child, you are. In fact, The Seer has decided that all of the losing trainers will be allowed to observe the final six exciting rounds of the tournament. The losing trainers will have to sit in the far back of the stadium so as to not distract the potential victor."
Ash and Misty both released sighs of relief.
Okay, so at least I won't be killed or shut away alone in some dark cell. Although, watching these battles is incredibly nerve wracking! Misty's hopes suddenly rose slightly. If I am seated with the losing trainers then maybe I can finally see my sisters again . . . and I will be able to at least see Gary, even if it means from afar. I'm so desperate to just see that he is okay, that Derrick hasn't killed him. Oh, please, Gary you just have to be okay.
The Revivalists pace slowed abruptly. Misty was jolted from her thoughts when she realized they were all standing in front of the giant entrance to the arena.
"Well, Children, say your goodbyes. You won't be seeing each other again for a while – if ever," the Revivalist ended with a gruff snicker.
"What?" Ash was bordering on sheer panic. Beads of sweat rolled freely down his face. "That was it! You're taking Misty away?"
"The Seer promised you one night with her and that's what you got. Be grateful for that," he spat.
Ash glanced tenderly up at Misty. His russet-brown eyes melted easily into hers; infusing her with all the love that he had and renewing her courage.
"Don't worry about me, Ash," Misty whispered gently. "Soon this will all be over. Just promise me you'll stay safe."
Ash nodded quickly. "I know that I have you waiting for me, Misty. And I promise you now, nothing is going to keep me from our date," he grinned lightly, trying desperately to blink back tears.
A lump of emotional dread began to swell painfully in Misty's throat. Oh god, oh god, oh god, what . . . what if this is the last time that I ever get to speak with Ash? What if this is my last chance to tell him how I feel? I can't let this moment be wasted . . .
"Ash," Misty's voice was a mere trembling breath. "Ash, no matter what happens, just know that you are my best friend in this entire world and. . . I . . . I really do love you," she almost couldn't believe that she had said that word. But she had. The word 'love' had just flew hastily from her lips; it had taken control of her. She couldn't stop herself.
What did I just say? Do I really love Ash? Of course I do. He's my best friend in the world. I have strong feelings for him, romantic feelings, it – it must be love! But is it? I don't know? I don't know! What is he going to say? Oh no, Ash isn't saying anything! What if he doesn't feel the same? What if I just freaked him out? What if. . . what if. . .
There were far too many 'what-ifs' for Misty's brain to rationalize.
Ash's eyes snapped open, his head tilted upward in momentary shock.
The three Revivalists actually lulled quietly for a moment - as if finding the instant too awkward for them to interject.
After a long moment, energy returned to Ash's shock-ridden frame. "M-Misty, don't worry a-about me, I-I- nothing- I," Ash's face flushed deep crimson. He was struggling piteously to communicate.
This was a rare moment in human history: Ash Ketchem was truly at a loss for words.
Ash sucked in a shallow breath; as he exhaled, five tender words escaped him: "Misty, I love you too."
Ash does love me. But then again, I've always known that. But,
if this is what love feels like . . . then . . . god help me, but, I
love Gary Oak too. And I can't have them both. And . . . Ash doesn't
deserve to be hurt. . . but I need Gary, the thought of being without
him is worse than anything else . . . but, Gary, does he love me too?
Could a guy like Gary ever love me? Does it even matter? Ash
doesn't deserve to be hurt . . . he doesn't . . . and I do love him . .
. I really, really, really do love Ash Ketchem. But . . . if I
really do, then why do I love Gary?
"Um," the lead Revivalist mumbled uncomfortably. "This is . . . interesting and all . . . but, why can't you two just keep this to a simple 'goodbye'? We're late."
"Yeah. . . er, let's move, Ketchem," the Revivalist holding Ash's ropes opened the stadium door and lead him in. "You're sitting down here," he motioned to the closest row of seats to the stage.
Misty's Revivalist began pulling her towards a set of bleachers which were at least one hundred feet from the arena. There was already a large group of losing trainers assembled and roped in that area.
"Be careful, Ash!" Misty called to him, tears finally overwhelming her.
"Don't worry about me, just start thinking about what you wanna do on our date," Ash quipped back; forcing another small smile.
"I already know what we're going to do and where we'll be going, Ash," Misty matched his faint grin. "I've had it planned for years."
"Oh." Ash was surprised . . . flattered and curious, but very pleasantly surprised.
Neither Misty nor Ash could exchange another word. They were much too far apart to communicate without brazen shouting.
"C'mon, move it," the Revivalist was not at all moved by Ash and Misty's sentiment. He was only moved to further yank Ash along until they reached the row of seats at the bottom of the arena stage.
The Revivalist forced Ash to sit down, and then strapped him to a chair in-between Lance and Richie. Agatha and Karen were seated next to Lance.
"Hi, Ash," Richie greeted him warmly despite the miserable situation.
"Richie! Boy, am I glad to see you!" Ash would have hugged his friend had his arms not been bound by ropes.
"Ash, are you well?" Lance asked, genuine concern etched across his handsome face.
"Yeah, you? How are all of you?" Ash asked twisting his neck as far as possible to see Agatha and Karen.
The two women only shrugged uncomfortably.
"Ash," Lance began quietly. "Have you seen Giovanni or Gary at all? They are the only two trainers missing."
Ash's face paled. "N-no. Gary's not here? Not anyplace?"
Lance's face grew grave. "No."
Richie nodded nervously. "Yeah, Ash, these two empty seats next to me are reserved for them, but they haven't arrived yet."
Agatha sighed apprehensively. "If you ask me, something bad has happened to them."
Ash and Richie swapped fearful looks.
"Like what?" Richie whimpered.
Lance hesitated. "Well . . . well we all know that Derrick had it in for Oak. God knows what he did to the boy last night. And Giovanni also seemed to have irritated Derrick in the ring last night. I'm willing to bet anything that Derrick beat them both horribly . . . or worse."
Ash trembled. "But, Lance, they have that Miracle Pokemon blood! It will save Gary. It has too."
Lance clenched his jaw; his brow crinkling as his mastermind contemplated a fearful notion. "I'm sorry to have to say this, Ash. But, even the 'Miracle Blood' has limitations. After all, The Seer did tell us once that when the beasts' original master died, it was because the blood had failed him . . ."
"No," Ash snapped loudly. "I promised Misty that Gary was going to be okay. So, don't you dare even think anything negative. Gary is going to be fine. He HAS to be fine."
Everyone was silent; deciding it was best to keep their speculations about Giovanni and Gary to themselves.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o 0o0o0o0o0o0o0o 0o0o0o0o0o0o0
The bitter metallic sting of blood. It is a taste everyone recognizes. And it is a taste that nobody ever wants in their own mouth.
It was the taste that burned painfully as it drizzled down the back of Gary Oak's throat.
Bitter. Metallic. Stingingly acidic. Liquid flesh. Fluid tissue. Blood.
Bleeding was ones life-force leaking from the body.
Gary was lying on his back. He began to stifle; gagging helplessly on his own fluid.
Panic set in.
Darkness. He couldn't see anything.
Weakness. He was too exhausted to move.
Nothingness. In his ears there was naught but the numbing ring of silence.
Gary Oak had never been more terrified in his entire life.
Where am I? What happened to me? Derrick? Where is he? He was zapping me with that thing . . . kicking me. . . I can't remember anything else . . . I thought I was going to die . . . maybe I am going to die! I can't breathe! Blood is everywhere in my mouth! In my throat. I can't spit it out. I'm going to suffocate on it! This is it . . . this is my end . . . I'm going to die here, wherever 'here' is? I'm going to die . . . and I never even told Misty how I feel . . . there's nothing worse than dying with a regret like this . . .
A rhythmatic beeping slowly faded into Gary's ears. It sounded electronic . . . like something he had heard before. . .
. . . beep . . . beep . . . beep . . .
Suddenly another sensation returned to him. Gary could feel something. It was a freezing plastic tube. The tube was in his mouth; it had been inserted down his throat . . .
It hurts, it's cold, it's chaffing . . . wait! Wait, it's doing something. . .
Gary could hear a distinct sort of sucking and slurping sound. He could feel the weight of the blood being lifted from his lungs.
It's a suction device, like a vacuum! It's sucking the blood out of my throat! I can breathe again. I- I must be in a hospital . . . but where? That beeping . . . it must be a heart monitor . . . have I been freed from The Revivalists? Am I home? It hurts. Ouch . . . but that doesn't matter. Am I home? Are we all safe? Is Misty safe? I need to see her. I need to just see that she is okay.
Gary's questions were answered as voices invaded his ears.
"Damn it, Derrick. Did you have to go and break three ribs? Wasn't that a little unnecessary?"
Oh god, I'm not free. . . I'm still here . . . Derrick's still here . . . what the hell happened to me! Why can't I open my eyes! What's going on?
The time intervals between the electronic beeping began to increase rapidly.
.. beep . beep . beep . beep. .
"Doctor, come here. He's regaining consciousness, and he's panicking. I'll need a sedative."
Who's talking? What's happening to me? Where am I? Where's Misty?
"He doesn't need a sedative!" that was unmistakably Derrick's vindictive voice. "Oak has to battle in less than an hour! Wake his ass up. Do NOT sedate him!"
"Derrick, he's bleeding internally, you nearly killed him. If we don't sedate him then he is going to completely pass out from the pain!"
"I don't care! Get him on his feet!"
I can't breathe again! What the hell are they doing to me? Someone, help me!
"Derrick, he's also liable to faint from sheer panic."
. .beepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeep . .
Derrick clearly didn't give a damn. "Just infuse him with the miracle blood. If he's not on that arena stage and ready to battle in 40 minutes then The Seer will have our heads!" Derrick was actually screaming.
"Fine! But this is really going to stress out his system. You went too far this time, Derrick! His organs may never recover! He could have-"
"I don't care! Hurry up!"
Gary's veins began to smolder as though molten lava had been injected into his system.
What's . . . happening to . . . me? I feel . . . so. . . weak. . . Misty . . . if I could just see your beautiful face once more. . . Misty, where are you? I need you here with . . . me.
. . . .beep . . . . . .beep. . . . . . . . . .be. .e. .p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b. .e. . .e. . .p. . . . . .
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To ever say the words 'patient Ash' would be nothing short of an oxymoron.
Waiting was excruciating for Ash Ketchem.
It didn't matter if he was only waiting ten seconds, or waiting ten hours – waiting was simply just excruciating.
Ash wasn't sure how long he'd been sitting, strapped to the chair by the arena. He guessed it had only been about fifteen minutes- regardless, he was beginning to feel physically nauseous as he waited for Gary to walk in the door.
A dense silence had settled over Ash, Lance, Richie, Agatha, and Karen. They were not even capable of meager small-talk. All were too consumed by fears for themselves and for Gary and Giovanni.
Just when Ash was certain he would scream - the stadium door burst open. Ash glanced hopefully upward, desperately wanting to see Gary's smug, confident face in the doorway.
It wasn't Gary who was being lead towards him via ropes; rather it was a battered and weary-looking Giovanni.
"Giovanni," Lance's voice held alarm. "Are you okay?"
Giovanni grunted painfully as the Revivalists controlling him, roughly shoved him into the chair next to Richie.
"As good as can be expected, I think," Giovanni responded once the Revivalist had finished binding him to his seat. "Thanks for the concern, Lance."
"What the hell happened to you?" Agatha asked gruffly. "You look terrible. I've never seen a lip that swollen."
Indeed Giovanni's face had seen better days. His left eye was black and blue; his lower lip was encrusted with dry blood and swollen to twice its normal size. He also had what looked like burn marks speckled across his right cheek.
Ash didn't say anything. Granted, he was relieved that Giovanni was okay. But, he also didn't want his disappointment to be obvious. The fact was that Ash truly wished that it had been Gary who was seated with them instead.
"Let's just say that Mr. Derrick has a nasty little temper," Giovanni muttered. "When we get out of here I am going to have him tracked down and arrested."
"Amen to that," Richie muttered nervously.
"Giovanni, do you know where Gary Oak is?" Lance questioned quietly.
Giovanni shrugged. "No, sorry. Is he the only one missing?"
"Yes," Lance answered angrily. "Something must have happened to him."
"It's possible. I am a strong grown man and Derrick nearly killed me," Giovanni pointed out. "I can't imagine that boy enduring what I did and living to tell about."
Ash could only hang his head, hoping that no one would notice his tears.
"Derrick has a vicious tempter. He's a damn lunatic- the man needs professional help. I would advise you all to be on your best behavior while in his presence," Giovanni continued. "I sincerely cringe at the thought of any of you in his clutches."
Lance shook his head of vibrant red hair. "Trust me, Giovanni. I don't need you to tell me that."
"Thankfully that beasts blood managed to repair me alright – well, aside from these bruises."
Agatha huffed softly. "If this is you 'repaired' I'd hate to see what you looked like before."
Giovanni raised a crude eyebrow, but did not comment.
"You know," Lance began, eyeing Giovanni tensely. "Something is not quite right here-"
"Attention everyone!" The Seer's voice abruptly raided their ears, cutting off Lance's words.
Ash and Richie looked to one another with dread.
"Attention! I welcome you all to witness the final rounds of this exciting tournament. Welcome! Welcome! We have come a long way, but it is nearly over. Praise be to our Beast, praise be to our Master whose day to rejoin us is near."
The Revivalists scattered about the room began a thunderous applause.
"Now, I know that young Mr. Oak has not yet joined us. He will be a tad late and will battle later this afternoon. However, there is no need to wait for him. Let us begin! Our first finalist battle will be between Karen of the Elite Four, and Ash Ketchem of Pallet Town."
Ash and Karen glanced warily at once another; neither uttering a word as they were torn from their seats and hustled to center of the stage.
AUTHOURS CHAPTER 34 THANKS:
Alex Warlorn—Hey, I'm glad that last short chapter was good for you. How was your trip? You made a great point: "how many people in this world DO choose wants over needs?" So true! People have so much confusion and drama all over. Misty is majorly confused! I know. When she's with Ash she thinks about Gary and when with Gary she thinks about Ash. But, being the writer – a young woman who was once in a love triangle of sorts myself- I can say that this is how the mind likes to spin and torment. Ugg, as annoying as that can be. Thanks for the awesome comments.
Midnight Mist- Hey, honey! Wow you reviewed mega fast this time! Cheers! But, don't be late for class on my account! lol! I'm happy you liked that GAMLness (tho I knew that you would!). Thank you, thank you!
Lyra- Thanks for all the nice smilie faces. I'm glad that you forgive me for the AAML in chapter 33. . . however, I have a feeling you are not going to like the AAMLness of this one. But, you did get GAML in the last one so I haven't failed you completely. Hee hee. Thanks for all your super complements and cheers. I wub ya!
MagRowan- Haha! I loved your crazy Derrick comments! Super! That got me giggling. I also appreciated your comments about the 'what-ifs' of the characters in the 'real world' after they get out of this mess. Ty! Ty! You rock!
Crazy4TR112- Hiya, Crazy! Hee hee! I wub the name! Thanks for finding my fic exciting! That's such a great thing to hear. You are always so inspiring! I can't thank you enough.
Smileyaili- Aw! You're review was so so so sweet! Thanks! I adore you! You are so kind!
L' Fleur Noir- Hello! Thank you so very much for reviewing my story. I think your English is very good! I can understand it just fine. The fic is actually both GAML and AAML right now. Only one of the boys will end up with her, the question is who. Hee hee! Thanks!
Kritika Kritik – Thanks for coming back to read & Good luck with the student teaching!
CrystalRose727- Wow, you have another pen name! I like it, very pretty! The image of a crystal rose of lovely. It is a prefect for a person as lovely and kind as you! Hee hee, maybe I should dye my hair red too!
MagCat- Hee hee! lol. . . I giggled when you said Ash was 'slower' than Gary. But the fact is that is true. I'm not saying Ash is dumb. On the contrary he is very smart, just not worldly or experienced with certain things like Gary is. Hehehe. Thanks for all the cheers!
megs626- Hey! I'm so happy that you enjoy the drama. I enjoy your reviews so much! Ty!
xAFChickax- Heh. . . it would seem that Misty did pick Gary over Ash in the last chapter. . . however, the confusion and drama goes on! But, I promise that at the end of the story Misty does pick ONE guy and ONE guy only! Hee hee!
Raevn- Hiya! How are you? Yup, Pidgy questions will be answered. And yup, Misty Gary questions will be answered too! I wub your reviews! I wub your thoughts! I wub your complements! Thanks! Rock on!
Alexis Ludd- Hey, sweetheart! Aw, your review was so lovely to read (as usual) so flattering and worded so eloquently. I'm blushing! Thanks for saying that the last chapter was 'powerful'. I was trying very hard for it to be that way. I'm so excited that you liked everything.
evryluvsmisty- Well, you already know how much I appreciated your review (at least I hope you got my email!). I just was so moved by all your spectacular speculations. Thank you for sharing them. You truly moved me with that stunning review. I thank you.
star's dreams- I know it: someone is destined to be heartbroken. And even if Misty picks the guy she loves, will she really be happy knowing that the other one got away? Alas, such drama! Thanks for the sweet review! I enjoyed it very much.
Windstar- Hiya! Sorry you were disappointed with the length of the last chappie. BUT, this chappie is SEVEN pages long! So, you will prolly like that better – I hope! Thanks.
Dave Behave- Hello! What's up? Glad you liked the confused drama. I like to write it! Hehehe! I know it was a short chappie but this one is quite long. Take care & thanks.
darkwing89- Hello & cheers! Welcome to my fic. Thank you very much for reading the entire thing and taking the time to give me a kind review. I really appreciate it. I am so happy that you like the love triangle. I hope that you will continue to read and review.
Ninetalesuk- Hi there! You will indeed find out what the mysterious beast is before the end! And you will also find out what happens to the Revivalists. . . but, not yet! Hee hee! Thanks for the support!
Someone—Hi! Thanks for clearing that up. I was nervous. I didn't realize that it was against the rules to respond to reviewers. I know that you can't post a chapter with just a "authors note", but not to thank your reviewers. Hopefully that is not the case. Anyway, thanks for liking my fic. I hope you will continue to R&R!
Pikajenn- I loved your review. You summed everything up really well! Poor everyone! I don't envy any of the characters. Thanks so much for sharing you thoughts. Kagome1015- Wow! Congrats on all the 1st placements. That must be awesome. & Thanks for the kind review!
EagleFox- Hello, welcome to my fic. I'm so pleased that you are enjoying the story and I thank you for spending the time to read and review up to this point. I am so flattered by your complements. Thank you so much. Don't be disappointed that it ended, because there are plenty more chapters to come.
Subieko- Hiya! Yeah, you are SO right: Misty is under major pressure. Poor gal! I'm so mean. What can I say, I love to write drama and suspense. I'm just so grateful that you like it.
Cosmic Mewtwo- Thank you for the complements. You're so thoughtful. I'm glad that you liked my comparisons of Gary's eyes to seas. It's kind of an age-old comparison, but I think that once-in-a-while it's great to try and revive it. Thanks again.
beyondlove- Hi! Welcome to my story! Thank you very much for reading it and taking to the time to review. It means so much to me. I know that this story does take around a day to read! It's so long! (BTW: I really like your pen name, it's lovely.) Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I thrive on reading my reviewers comments. I think that Ash does in fact care for Misty just as much, he just shows it differently. I really hope you will continue to read on and I look forward to reading your next review.
YoruRyu- Hey there! How's it going? This fic is actually AAML and GAML (for now). So don't feel bad if you can't tell which it is. lol! The drama of it all. Thanks so much for the sweet words.
EVERYONE: Okay, that was a much longer chapter. Did you enjoy it? Please share your thoughts- I am so looking forward to reading them. You all –each and every one of you –inspire me more than I can say. Even the tiniest little word or the smallest thought helps me.
On another note: yes, I know that Misty is one confused young lady right now. BUT: I ASSURE YOU, by the end of this story Misty will have chosen ONE and ONLY ONE guy to be with. This story is not going to end with Ash, Misty, and Gary hanging or the confusion stringing along. When the story ends you will all know without-a-shadow-of-a-doubt who Misty gives her heart too.
There are only 6 battles left including the final. We are almost at the end! I am hoping to finish 'Watch Your Back' THIS fall. So, I really hope you all stay with me. Your support will really help me achieve my goal. I wub you all. Maia