Chapter 36

Ash had always wanted to be the center of attention. In the past, he had to strive incredibly hard in order to do so. It was once his greatest dream to command the attention of a crowd.

Throughout Ash's boyhood Gary Oak had constantly been the celebrated one, the one with real promise. When they began their Pokemon journeys Gary was the one everyone rooted for . . . Ash was the one everyone sympathized with. The result was Professor Oak's constant comparing and contrasting of the boys' failures and accomplishments; in which Gary always seemed to have more victories. As the two grew older the rivalry only worsened. Gary's notorious skills and charm continued to surpass Ash during their early Pokemon careers. It seemed that whenever Ash managed to draw some attention, Gary would smoothly slip into the spotlight and steal it away.

But then again, that was just Gary for you.

Gary had all the qualities a person needed to succeed. He was confident, well-spoken, charismatic, handsome, and he was an Oak! The young man was born for fame; and the media had been magnetized to him from the day he received his first Pokemon.

Ash, on the other hand, didn't possess the same notable character traits. He was not a smooth talker, he was not from a famous and wealthy family, he could be clumsy at times, brash, even brainless. Sometimes, he even got nervous in front of the crowds which he so desperately wanted to impress. But, where Ash lacked in composure he made up for with a genuinely warm heart. Ash may not have been able to attract hoards of adoring followers like Gary could. But, instead, Ash managed to easily draw the affections of Pokemon. Usually they were castaways or injured Pokemon -- ones who would offer Ash a lifetime of allegiance in return for his kindness. There was the battered and neglected Charmander- who Ash raised into a fierce and competent Charizard. There was the rebel, Squirtle- who Ash taught the wonders of trust and love. Even Pikachu had started out as painfully impossible to handle . . . yet; Ash reached out to him and adored him. And Ash's devotion helped Pikachu become one of the most powerful electric Pokemon around. Ash was selfless through and through. Nothing in the world was more important to him than his friends, human and Pokemon alike. Gary had a lot of casual admirers; but not friends. When Ash met someone he would go out of his way to help them and, in the end, form a lifelong bond.

That's how it was in the beginning: Gary glided easily into fame, winning ten gym badges his first year out, catching hundreds of Pokemon. . . and all the while Ash was trailing along behind, struggling to be noticed and to simply be regarded in the same league as Gary was in.

Things were much different now. In the past year Ash had proven to be the better Pokemon trainer by defeating Gary in the most recent league games. Ash was also getting more comfortable with the media buzzing around him. Gary, on the other hand, had become a solo act . . . researching the worlds Pokemon quietly and privately.

Despite the dramatic transformations in both of their lives, Ash began to realize that some things would never change. For one: they would always be rivals. And secondly: that Gary still was better at keeping cool under pressure.

In this very moment, as the Revivalists ordered Ash to pick two balls from the sack, he started wishing that he didn't have to be the center of attention any longer . . . he wished it were Gary that everyone was gapping at – not him.

Between the Revivalists and the other captive trainers, there were probably over one hundred sets of eyes glued to Ash Ketchem. However, the only ones that mattered were the jade orbs belonging to her.

Misty. . .

Ash couldn't see her from were he stood on the stage. Between the frightfully intense lights and the fact that Misty was seated far away; Ash wasn't even sure which direction she was in. Yet, he knew that she was out there, someplace, seated with all the rest. And that simple knowing renewed his courage.

I'm going to be brave for you, Misty . . . I've got to get through this battle. Maybe I've just gottah try and be a bit more like Gary in order to do that. Calm, collected, and determined to win.

Across the arena Karen, the beautiful blond Elite Four trainer, was looking blatantly upset. Her delicate features were twisted into an unbecoming grimace of grief. Sweat dribbled down her brow; her face was pale as if the very pigment in her skin had been somehow watered down. Dark shadows had formed beneath her eyes – it looked as though she'd not slept in weeks. Karen's usually buoyant honey-ringlets were matted and dirty. Ash wasn't sure that any amount of brushing could ever undo the giant snarls.

Ash had been allowed the luxury of a shower earlier that morning. However, it was apparent that Karen had not been granted the same favor.

Despite how worn she appeared, Ash was amazed at how attractive Karen still was. She was a natural beauty; and no amounts of battering or illness could rob her of that. In her early youth Karen had been offered several modeling contracts by various fashion and cosmetic agencies. But, she had turned them all down – her love of dark-type Pokemon outweighed her vanity or interest in publicity. Fame was not something Karen had sought out – but, ironically it had found her none-the-less. The day she picked up her first Pokeball she started winning battles, and she continued winning until Lance offered her a place at the top. Now Karen was one of the best Pokemon trainers in the entire world.

The media could not get enough of her. She was one of the most photographed women in the world. She was gorgeous and one hell of a battler. Men lusted after her and girls wanted to be her. But most importantly, her Pokemon adored her. Through it all Karen remained modest.

I wonder if now Karen regrets turning away a career as a model? Ash thought to himself. I'm sure that if she'd had any idea training Pokemon would land her in the Revivalists clutches she would have reconsidered.

Karen wasn't a psychic like Sabrina; however, she glanced upward at Ash in that moment and shook her head. Maybe it was a coincidence, or maybe she could tell by the curious look on his face . . .? In any case, Karen's words answered Ash's question.

"My Pokemon have made my life worth living, Ash. As I'm sure yours have for you . . . let us have a fine battle today in their honor. I'm not giving up on my Pokemon. If it means that I have to die here, I don't care; I'm going to fight until I know they are all free."

Ash swallowed hard, squeezing his eyes shut. Karen's words had lanced painfully through him; slicing his sorrow until it became raw misery.

His Pokemon were safe . . . but the mere idea of Pikachu being held by these maniacs was unbearable. He understood how Karen must have felt. She was a noble woman. He wanted to save her . . . and beating her was the best he could offer.

If I beat Karen I just might be saving her life. But I also could be endangering her further . . . like Misty . . . God, Misty, you're in more danger now that ever. You've lost your place in this tournament – the only thing making you worth keeping alive is the hold you have over me and Gary. Gary and I, we have to stay in this competition. We have to make sure that you stay valuable as blackmail to these Revivalists.

Ash glanced downward into his two trembling hands. He was holding two Pokeballs . . . he'd been so lost in thought that he hadn't even remembered selecting them.

Okay, I've got the two Pokeballs. Here I go . . . I just need to stay calm.

"Proceed," The Seer urged impatiently over the arena speakers.

Ash peeked tentatively across the ring at Karen. "For the Pokemon," he whispered softly.

Karen only smiled faintly as she pitched her first ball forward.

"Jynx, Jynx!" sang the sizably plump Pokemon.

Karen raised an approving eyebrow at her Pokemon. Her reaction made Ash all the more nervous.

She's happy with the Jynx. Oh no! Does that mean she has experience training one?

"Pokeball, go!" Ash yelled, releasing his own ball.

"Hit-hit-Hitmooooonlee!" Ash had received an ecstatically energetic Hitmonlee. The Pokemon was quite muscular; his legs looked as though they were composed of steel springs. The Pokemon was wrathfully bouncing every which way across the stage like a rabid ping-pong ball.

Okay, Ash. Here goes. You need to win this for Misty. Now, just think. You don't have a Pokedex, but you do have a memory. Hitmonlee it a Fighting type. His strength lies with his ability to kick. If I remember correctly, I actually have the advantage here . . . I think Jynx is an Ice type . . . and Hitmonlee is strong against Ice. But, on the same token Jynx has psychic properties AND has an edge on us. Argh, so confusing. I've just got to stay focused!

Ash didn't feel like wasting any more time calculating a strategy. That was another area where he and Gary differed. Gary always took the time to formulate and anticipate every conceivable outcome. Whereas Ash preferred to wing it - and he was damn good at it too. "Hitmonlee, Double Kick!"

Before Ash could take another breath his Hitmonlee was in the air; legs flailing towards Jynx.

Jynx seemed too preoccupied with swaying and dancing about the stage to prepare her self for the mighty blow.

"Look out, Jynx!" Karen hollered fearfully. But Jynx never heard her over the loud impact.

Hitmonlee was unbelievably fast. His legs slammed full force against Jynx's large body. Jynx fell backward, rolling helplessly across the stage for a long strand of moments.

"Jynx, get up. Don't take that from a Hitmonlee! Sing!"

Oh no! If she puts Hitmonlee to sleep we're done for!

Jynx cleared her throat and began to croon a disturbing melody. Ash instinctively covered his ears; remembering all-too-well the effects of Jigglypuff's sleep song. Ash noticed that Lance, Richie and the others were struggling to keep their eyes open; with their hands bound, they were helpless to protect their ears. The Revivalists, however, seemed to be immune to the song, not one of them so much as yawned.

"Hitmonlee, cover your ears!" Ash took a good hard look at Hitmonlee . . . the Pokemon had a smooth round head like an egg; he didn't see any noticeable ears or ear holes. "Um, that is, if you have ears . . . "

Hitmonlee narrowed his eyes into slits. He glared at Ash as though his advice were an insult. Instead, Hitmonlee shut his eyes and proceeded to kneel on the stage. A soft yellow glow washed over the fighting Pokemon as he entered a meditative state.

"Hey," Karen shot. "Your Pokemon is acting out on its own! You never told it to Meditate!"

Ash gulped nervously. He felt somewhat embarrassed that this Hitmonlee was ignoring him in front of everyone . . . it reminded him a bit of Charizard . . .

As shameful as it was, Ash couldn't deny that Hitmonlee was clever. While it was briefly in its meditative state, it not only rose its own attack power, but it managed to ignore the Jynx's sleep song.

At last, Jynx ran out of lung power and fell silent.

"Hitmonlee, Mega Kick!"

"Jynx, Ice Punch!"

Jynx and Hitmonlee clashed in an explosion of ice crystals and limbs. Both Pokemon cried out in agony, striking the other without mercy.

"Jynx, Ice Punch! Once more! You can do it!" Karen applauded loudly. Her voice was extraordinarily encouraging; she sugar-coated every word with the utmost cheer.

Ash bit his lower lip; he couldn't tell which of the two Pokemon was gaining the upper hand.

Suddenly, the unthinkable happened . . . Hitmonlee was frozen solid.

Ash gasped in horror as his eyes took in the view before him: Hitmonlee was incased in a thick block of ice.

I should have made Hitmonlee defend himself better. No Pokemon could sustain that many Ice Punches without getting frozen eventually.

With a heavy sigh he recalled his frozen Hitmonlee. There was little point in leaving it out on the stage now. "Last ball, go!" Ash screamed.

The longest, most fearsome Onix Ash had ever seen emerged from the Pokeball.

Wow! This Onix must be at least 40 feet long. The rock spike on its head is as big as I am!

"Geeeeorrrrrrrrr!" Onix roared mightily, glaring at the Jynx as if she were a mere Weedle.

Ash felt a genuine grin form on his lips. I've watched Brock battle dozens of times with his Onix. I know all about Onix Pokemon. This round is mine, Karen! Ash narrowed his eyes defiantly. This ones for you, Brock!

"Onix," Ash began. "Let's show this Jynx what you're all about. Bind attack!"

"Jynx, look out!" Karen screeched.

Onix was gleeful as it scooped up the chubby Jynx in its rock coils. In a matter of seconds Onix began tightly winding its hard frame around her body.

"Squeeze! Squeeze harder!" Ash cried excitedly.

Onix was more than happy to oblige; and with a mighty roar it constricted Jynx so tightly that her eyes actually budged from their sockets.

Karen proceeded to order Jynx to defend herself; however, Onix's Bind was solid. Onix showed no signs of letting up.

"Onix, you're doing it!" Ash cheered. "She's done for!"

Jynx stuggled valiantly, but alas, her head went limp. Onix had won.

Karen wasted no time in recalling Jynx and sending out her final competitor.

She received a Venonat. It was a lovely shade of rich lavender, and had a wooly dense coat of protective fluff. Regardless of its impressive appearance, Ash was not particularly intimidated by the bug. And neither was Onix.

"Oh, excellent," Karen muttered dryly. Ash honestly couldn't tell if Karen was pleased or displeased with her Pokemon.

Let's see, it's a bug and a poison type . . . which means, Ash smiled cautiously. I think I have the advantaged here. None of those poison moves are going to do her any good.

"Venonat," Karen began tensely. "Tackle!"

Venonat peered upward at the massive rock Pokemon. Strangely enough, the small bug didn't seem the least bit demoralized by Onix's sheer bulk. The Venonat trembled excitedly and threw its body forward, crashing hard into Onix. In spite of this, Onix barely reacted to the assault. In fact, the Onix actually seemed to snicker at the bugs pathetic attack.

I almost feel bad for Karen, Ash thought. She got a really lousy Pokemon compared to my Onix. But I have to win for Misty, even if it means crushing an Elite Four. Ash felt a smirk playing on his lips. Wow, I really am starting to sound like Gary.

"Onix, let's just finished this, Slam! Slam that Venonat out cold!"

"MOVE!" Karen screamed her command. "Move, quickly!"

Onix lunged forward- attempting to crush the Venonat beneath its body. Surprisingly enough, Venonat was quicker than it looked and easily evaded the attack.

"Venonat, Disable!"

Onix flinched. The Disable had been a success.

Great, no more using Slam. I guess I'll have to do this another way. . .

"Onix, tackle it!"

"Venonat, get out of the way!" Karen wailed.

"Keep tackling until you hit it! Onix thrashed madly; its body rolling up and down on the stage like a wave of liquid cement. Venonat was scrambling like mad to avoid being clobbered. "C'mon, Onix!" Ash pleaded. "I know you're getting tired, but just focus, keep your eye on Venonat. It's also tiring. Just focus. I know you can hit it."

Onix looked to Ash with slight puzzlement, but grunted in acknowledgment of his command. "Geeorrrrr!" Onix yelled. Onix's pace was slowing; however its accuracy seemed to be increasing. Venonat was now just barely dodging the assault.

The attack seemed to last forever, until finally Onix managed to come crashing down upon the insect. Venonat was knocked senseless. Ash released an exhausted breath.

"It is over," The Seer announced. "Ash Ketchem wins. Congratulations, Ash."

Misty was safe . . . for now.

"Good job, Onix. You deserve a rest." Ash smiled, recalling the Pokemon.

The Revivalist's wasted no time in approaching Ash with a fresh set of ropes. The fact that he was the victor meant nothing to them; he was roughly bound just as firmly as ever.

"Move, Ketchem," The Revivalist holding his rope leash seemed quite agitated. It wasn't Derrick, but the man certainly had a tempter like him. Ash was shoved and jerked cruelly towards the edge of the stage.

The rope began to chafe coarsely against his throat flesh. Ash began to fear that he would have permanent scarring on his neck before this nightmare was over.

"Take Karen to the rear of the stadium to sit with the losers," The Seer ordered. "She has lost the privilege of the front row."

Karen remained silent as she was brutally roped and dragged off the stage. It had been an extreme honor to battle her, and Ash would never forget the day.

Oh my god. . . I hadn't even realized it fully until now . . . but, I was really battling Karen . . . The Karen. Next to Lance she's number one . . . and I. . . I won . . . am I really this good? Did she make a mistake? How could I have beaten her? Ash thought of the Pokemon he had handled. Thank you Hitmonlee, thank you Onix . . . you both fought amazingly well. The credit really belongs to you. If The Seer keeps his word, then Karen should be free to go once the tournament ends.

Ash was still being lead down the stage steps when The Seers began his next announcement.

"Attention, we are not going to waste anymore time. The next battle will begin right away! And I have already selected the competitors. . ."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o 0o0o0o0o0o0o0 0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

AUTHORS MAJOR & MANY THANKS :

Alex Warlorn—Heh. . . yikes, I guess most people don't like blood in their mouth, unless they are a vampire! Hehehe. . . well, I sure don't like it! & I dunno why you didn't get an author alert for this story. That's odd. I hope you get one this time! Thanks a ton for the excellent comments.

Midnight Mist- Hiya! Hehe, no, don't worry you're not bipolar. Argh, I know, this love-triangle IS so perplexing. Misty just doesn't know what to do or who she wants. But, alas, she can't have her cake and eat it too (or however that old saying goes). As far as Lance goes: yes, he is one clever guy. If anyone can figure Gio out it is Lance. I loved how you described the Seer "just blissfully oblivious/insane-ish." Haha! That got me laughing. Thanks!

Alexis Ludd- Sorry this update was late (compared to my usual updating time) I've been so bust with summer lectures, job, dog training- argh! But I have updated at last, yeay! And my next update won't be so spaced out, promise! Thanks for your marvelous comments. You are too kind. & oh-so-encouraging! But you already know that.

Crazy4TR112- Hey there! Heehee, I really enjoyed your review. I love how funny you can be. You have the best sense of humor! Thanks especially for saying that my fic is an "excellent read" that meant a whole lot coming from someone like you. You rock!

Cosmic Mewtwo- Hiya! Lots of Gio in the next chapter. He will certainly take over the spotlight (he's quite good at that, lol). Thanks for all your comments! I'm glad you liked the little Ash/Misty goodbye part. I was trying to make it kinda mushy but not over-the-top. Yeah, Derrick is a jerk. I don't even like him & he's my OC! lol! Thanks again.

Raevn- I know, this chapter was later than usual- I'm so sorry. I've been wicked busy (bad me!). I will update much sooner. Hee hee. . . now only 5 battles left!

Dave Behave- Hola! What's up? Goodness, you are flattering me too much, lol! I'm not sure my story is –that- good. But I appreciate the praise! Yeah, Gio is a crafty fellow. & Derrick, well. . . noone likes him! Ty,

Pikajenn- Haha! That was a funny review. Gio is one crafty guy. Who knows what he's up to! Thanks for the review!

Windstar- Hiya! I'm glad you liked the last chapter. I worked quite hard on that last one, actually. I just love your reviews so much and I can't tell you how helpful you have been to me. Thanks, thank, thanks!

megs626- Heehee, your review was So cute! I love how you are faithful to your pokeshipping but may change your mind, lol. I know I am successfully doing my job when I can change my readers minds over & over. You're so sweet! Thanks for sharring your great thoughts.

Yoru Ryu- Hello! lol, yeah, Agatha does act a lot differently in your fic. But, I guess that fun of fanfiction, hee hee. . . altering things. Lance is a clever boy. I wub Lance, he's such a dependable guy! I wouldn't wanna trade places with him in this tournament tho . . . everyone is expecting him to win. The stress! & of course, he doesn't wanna win and die. Anyways, thanks so much.

Reviewer 131- Hiya. Yeah, I won't argue with you that some of my chapters are weaker than others. But, I will certainly try harder to take my time and bring more quality to the words. Thanks for your honesty. I didn't even know that you had read my Alexander fic, but thank you very much for liking it. I worked very, very hard on that one. Read ya later!

Ninetalesuk- hee hee, Slifer, Obelisk and Ra seem pretty fierce! Should the beast Pokemon be worried? Hee hee! Thanks for the great encouragement (as always!). You are so sweet.

Mizuki hikari- Hello there! Thanks so much for reviewing. You like Gary & Misty, eh? Well then I hope you stay tuned! ;) Please continue to share your comments.

MagCat- Hiya, honey! Hahaha, I knew that after I wrote the last chapter I would be in trouble with you for the AAML, lol! I love your reviews & how wonderfully blunt you are! (I also Wub your fic!) Now, you know I am a GAMLer at heart, so you'll have to bear with me. I can't tell you who Misty chooses coz that would ruin the surprise. Ty!

star's dreams- Hello, Star & Lime! Heh- yeah, I really am mean to Gary. I feel so bad! I wub Gary . . . yet I am mean to him! Argh, what can I say! Thanks for the great review!

EagleFox- Yes, in fact I love your reviews! Thank you for them so much. You have been incredibly encouraging to me. I'm so flattered that you are reading my story even though you are not big on Ash & clan. Thank you!

Smileyaili- Hiya, Sweetheart! Oh, you asked so many great questions. I wish I could just spill & answer them all now. It's actually been quite hard for me to keep my mouth shut this long. I'm writing as fast as I can- but it's so tough. Well, there are only 5 battles to go now . . . then (of course) a but more dramatic plot twist and such before the end. Thanks for stickin' with me!

Lyra- My, my, what a review you've left me with. So many questions, demands, thought, lol! Thanks, hon! I knew I'd catch hell from you for the AAML part, BUT take it easy, lol. Misty feels very strongly for Gary too. & yeah, Derrick is evil! TY!

Kagome1015- Hey, hon! Thanks for yet another super inspiring review! I know, Derrick is so mean to Gary! Gr!

kitsune07- Thank you SO much for taking the time to read and review my story. Your review was so incredibly kind and inspiring. I am truly flattered by your complements. Don't worry there is till more romance drama between Gary & Misty before the end.

Sumi Lys / L'Fleur Noir – Hello! haha, your review was great! You are a great dedicated fan to AAML! Misty is just so confused. She doesn't even know what/who she wants anymore. Poor girl. Your English is excellent and I understand you perfectly. Thanks so much for the sweet reviews!

CrystalRose727- I know, my love triangle is so mean to the characters. It sucks for Ash & Gary because one of them will end up with a broken heart (if they survive that is) and it sucks for Misty because she really cares about them both- but she can't have them both (for obvious reasons). BTW: I am loving your Sonic fic! It's great. Thanks again.

Gatochu­- Hey there! Welcome back to my fic. I missed you! Congrats on the shiny new computer, hee hee. Yeah, I know what you mean by being busy. I've been crazy busy lately too. Thanks for all your great complements. Too bad you're thinking about removing 'Hybrid Theory' I enjoyed that fic. Well, I hope you read on!

WolfSapphire200­- Haha, interesting, eh? Well, thanks! I hope you enjoy this latest part. Thanks a bunch.

Charm65­- OMG! CHARM! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH! How are you? Are you gonna write any more side-splitting adventures? What have you been up to? Have I mentioned that I missed you a ton? Thanks for coming back to read. Heh. . . yeah, not much has changed, er, I'm still torturing Gary. Hehehehehe! You're the best! Thanks for coming back.

MagRowan- haha, oh lord! Frankenstein-monster Gary, now that IS an image! But, don't worry it won't happen! lol. I'm actually not sure how many more chapters. . . I do have the entire story written out on paper but I never separated the words into chapters, I just wrote it & am separating it now. But, if I had to guess I'd say about 7ish, 8ish if you count the epilogue. But that is (of course) subject to change depending on how I break the parts up. But that is a fairly accurate guess- give or take a chapter or two. & yes, Misty WILL pick one guy & only one guy before the end. I promise! Thanks so much for the unwavering support.

Home And Charmed- Hi there. If Gio is confusing you then he is doing what he does best, lol. But allow me to clear it up for you: Gio is a baddy working with the Revivalists. But he is really milking the other trainer's sympathy so that it appears he is a victim like the rest. Crafty guy, that Gio is! hee hee! Thanks for the review!

Subieko- Hiya, honey. Lets see, you had so many great questions! As far as Gio goes: yup, you hit the nail on the head. And as far as Tracey goes: yeah. . . he's pretty screwed up. Only time will tell if he comes through without too many mental scars. I think you are right about Misty: she needs to sort out her feelings & why she likes them both. If only she had a pen & paper. . . maybe she could make a list (lol). Poor Misty! & I feel so bad for Gary! Seriously, I adore Gary & yet I torment him so! Alas! Thanks for the stellar review!

LeikaLai­- Hello! Welcome to my fic! Thank you for reading it & thank you for the flattering words. Thank you for saying my fic has "emotional integrity". That is something I really am striving for & it's nice to hear that you feel that way. & it was also very kind of you to say that my story renewed your interest in Pokemon. I really am very flattered. Thank you & I hope you continue to read on & please share your thoughts.

Shadow74656—Hello! Wow, thanks a bunch for your thoughtful review! You are too kind. Thanks so much. The rescues is a great part in the fic . . . I can't wait until I get to the point where I can post it. It's coming along, slowly but surly. As far as Misty goes: Don't worry, she will chose between Ash & Gary before the end! Thanks.

EVERYONE-- Next chapter: Giovanni Vs. Lance! Richie Vs. Gary! 'nuff said. (lol, I sound like a cheesy comic book! I've always wanted to say that!).

FYI: I haven't forgotten about Squirtle. I have a scene planned for him after Gary's next battle. Basically he's still with TR right now. I will try & update faster next time. I'm taking summer lectures at the university, plus I have a job, and I'm dog agility training 5 hours a week. So, basically, I've been insanely busy. But, I'm typing as fast as my little fingers can go . . . please continue to review! Every review I get seriously gets me typing faster. You are all so much more inspiring than you even know. Maia