Chapter 37

The ropes around Brock's throat reminded him of a Tentacruel's Constrict Attack – thick, strong, and suffocating. But worst still: they were infuriatingly itchy! It felt like brittle steel wool had been the main source of fabric used in their creation. Every time Brock tried to turn his head the cursed prickly rope would scratch across the back of his neck. It was like the threads were brutally prosecuting him for a crime he didn't commit. They wouldn't prick him enough to actually cause serious harm – just enough to irritate the hell out of him. Brock's nerves had already been drilled raw during his time as Tracey's cell-mate. And now this incessant itching was going obliterate what remained of his composure.

Aside from his limited movement, Brock was seated so far from the stage that he had to strain his eyes just to make out the basic details during Ash's battle against Karen. Brock had to admit: he was incredibly proud of Ash. Ash had obviously been paying attention as Brock trained his Onix over the years. The kid had handled the Revivalists Onix like a professional rock Pokemon trainer. Brock was actually in awe of how knowledgably and calmly Ash gave his commands. Brock decided that when they were freed he was going to help Ash catch an Onix of his own.

"B-Brock, w-hat's next? Wha-t is going on now?" That was Tracey; the artist was seated on Brock's left.

Brock could feel his own eyebrow twitching. Why can't Tracey just sit quietly for one minute!

Brock decided it was best to simply take a deep breath verses snapping at Tracey and risk upsetting the artist more. Misty, who was seated on Brock's right, offered him a sympathetic smile. Brock accepted her warm gesture happily. After spending the past twenty four hours with Tracey – he needed to see a calm friendly face.

Brock, Misty, Tracey and the rest of the captive losing trainers had been sitting together for nearly a half hour now. Everyone had been previously engrossed in discussion and questions on the status of one another; that was until Ash and Karen had begun battling. However, ever since Ash's victory the group had been deathly silent (except for Tracey that is).

"W-what is goin-g o-on now?" Tracey mumbled miserably again.

Brock sighed. "Tracey, The Seer just announced that Lance and Giovanni would be next. Weren't you listening?" There was a slight sting in Brock's tone. He hadn't meant to bark at Tracey.

But why did the Revivalists have to strap him next to ME on these bleachers? I'm sick of him asking obvious questions and doing nothing but predict all of our 'unavoidable' dooms.

"Brock, be nice to him. He's just frightened," Misty murmured quietly. She shifted that wonderful sympathetic smile from Brock onto Tracey. Brock moaned with annoyance.

She wouldn't be so kind if she'd been the one jammed in that cell with him all night!

"It's okay, Tracey," Misty continued sweetly. "If this is too much for you just close your eyes. Lord knows watching Ash battle Karen took its toll on all of our nerves."

Tracey shrugged sluggishly and cast his eyes downward. "Misty, I'm really sorry that I got you into this mess."

Brock blinked with surprise; that had been the most coherent thing Tracey had said in the last twenty four hours.

"Oh, Tracey, no. Please, don't blame yourself," Misty looked about as dismal as Brock felt. "They blackmailed you. You had to lure me to that mansion. You had to do what you did to save your Pokemon. I don't blame you. With or without your help, the Revivalists would have kidnapped me regardless."

Tracey held his breath for several nail-biting moments. At last he seemed to settle on a response: "Misty, still, I'm sorry. I- I. . . Oh, if only you knew what they do to the winner . . . you wouldn't be so forgiving if you knew. But, we can't let it happen to Ash . . . it's terrible . . . worse than death . . ." He trailed off in a blur of tears and moans.

Brock glanced nervously to the side; he was hoping that Tracey's words of disaster would go unnoticed by Misty and the others . . . unfortunately, Tracey had said: 'it's terrible . . . worse than death' very loudly.

Misty tensed. "Brock, what is he talking about?" Her emerald eyes were intent on learning the truth.

"Yeah," that was Clair of Blackthorn City, who was seated behind them - and apparently eavesdropping. "What IS he going on about, Brock? We all know the winner dies. How can anything be worse than that?"
Brock gulped, attempting to swallow down some tension. His throat was unyielding, and that itchy rope wasn't helping. "Um, when I was locked up with Tracey last night he told me that they, um. . ." Brock hesitated; there really was no way of sugar-coating this . . . and he hated to upset everyone with words that might not even be true . . . words that could easily be Tracey's empty blubbering.

"C'mon, out wit it!" That was Surge. Brock couldn't see him thanks to the ropes restraints, but he could tell Surge's voice was coming from Tracey's other side. Evidently about a dozen of the trainers seated closest to them were listening in now.

"Tracey has some crazy idea," Brock blurted. "I mean it's probably not true of course-"

"IT IS TRUE!" Tracey screeched. "THEY DO IT! THEY DO! I SAW THEM PRACTICEING!"

"Shh," Misty hissed sternly. "Tracey, don't yell! You don't want to draw the Revivalists attention, now do you?"

Tracey may have been upset and fairly crazy, but he wasn't completely dumb; thus, Misty's warning successfully shut him up.

"Well?" Misty's older sister, Lilly, decided to press the issue. Lilly was seated on Misty's other side. The two sisters had been understandably ecstatic to see one another again. They had been crying and struggling to catch up on the condition of the others health. Misty's other two sisters were also present, but they were too far away for Misty to communicate with. "C'mon, Sketchit! What's the deal?" Lilly demanded again.

To Brock's dismay, Tracey decided to answer Lilly's question: "They bleed the winner to death! They cut their wrists and let it drip, drip, drip away! I SAW IT!"
"Oh my God!" Lilly gasped in sheer horror; her reaction spread like wildfire throughout the bleachers of captive trainers. Soon everyone was engulfed in their own terrified private conversation with the trainers nearest to them.

"Brock, is he serious?" Misty asked cautiously; struggling to keep her voice low.

"I-I don't know," Brock confessed. "He keeps going on about all sorts of strange things."

"If he witnessed them killing someone, we need to know who it is," Koga stated from someplace on the right. "Who is unaccounted for?"

"It's impossible to know for sure, Koga," Clair pointed out. "After all, we don't even know exactly how many of us are here."

"There must be some way of finding out," Koga shot, he was also straining to retain a whisper.

Soon Koga and Clair were immersed in their own personal debate.

The noise from the captive trainers' discussions was beginning to get out-of-hand. Brock was afraid that the Revivalists were going to come over and punish them. Just as Brock was about to try encouraging everyone to whisper, he happened to glance over at Misty . . .

. . . Brock was suddenly deaf to the obnoxious chatter, suddenly unaware of the scratchy ropes. The only thing that existed to him was his best friend, Misty . . . and how unbearably devastated she now looked. All other concerns were temporarily forgotten. He needed to know what was wrong with her. And all Brock knew for sure was that the root of her current state went much deeper than Tracey's words.

"Misty? What is it?" his voice was as gentle as the humming of a Butterfree's wings.

Misty was trembling timidly. "It's Gary . . . he's not down there yet . . . what if he's the one Tracey saw? The one w-who's wrists were-were-"
"No," Lilly insisted softly; she was the only other person who was even paying attention to Misty right now. "That feisty Oak kid is too important to them. The Revivalists wouldn't risk hurting him. Plus, The Seer already promised us that he was going to be here. He's scheduled to battle today. But he's just going to be late, remember?"

Misty nodded, somewhat more comforted by her older sisters reassurance. "Nothing can happen to Gary," Misty's asserted anxiously. "Gary needs to be okay," in that moment her face completely crumbled was if every muscle in her face had failed.Lilly and Brock both stared curiously at Misty before trading the same perceptive expression.

Oh no . . . Misty . . . you didn't . . . not Gary Oak!

"M-Mist?" Lilly whispered inquisitively. "Oh my God."

Brock could almost see the light bulb flicker on over Lilly's head.

"What?" Misty cried quietly, avoiding her sisters prying eyes. "Do you know something about Gary?"

"Not exactly," Lilly smiled. She smiled very softly and very suspiciously. "It's your face, little sister. I know that look!"

Brock turned to face Misty - despite the itchy ropes. "I know that look too!"

"What?" Misty repeated hoarsely, more confused than ever.

"Well," Lilly continued. "I never thought I'd see that look on you."

Misty's temper began to bubble: "What are you talking about? God, spit it out!"

"You have feelings for Gary Oak, Misty," Lilly stated flatly, as though she were reciting a well-known fact.

To Brock's extreme shock, Misty didn't deny it; she simply avoided her sister's eyes and sighed.

"Misty," Lilly laughed gently. "Don't look so embarrassed. If we weren't in such a horrible situation I'd certainly encourage you to go for it. I mean, hell, Gary Oak is totally rich and a total hottie."

Misty's face was actually turning as red as her hair.

"Ah, Lilly," Brock stammered- slightly irritated at the blond, "this is hardly the time-"

"Shut up, both of you!" Misty snapped. "What if someone hears you?" she glanced awkwardly to the side, obviously wanting to be certain that none of the other trainers overheard their very personal conversation.

"Like who? Ash Ketchem?" Lilly asked bluntly.

Oh geeze, Brock's mind was beginning to go numb. If Misty really has developed feelings for Gary, then what is that going to do to Ash once we get out of here? How did this even happen? Gary Oak isn't Misty's type at all. At least, I never would have though so. I guess I never thought Misty could even have eyes for anyone other than Ash . . .

"Enough!" Misty was nearly in tears. "Lilly, you don't understand!"

Okay, time to change the subject back to pressing matters . . . oh boy . . . lord knows this is not the place or time to debate Misty's budding love life.

"Tracey," Brock directed his focus back on the last person he really wanted it on. "Who were they practicing on?"

Tracey jumped slightly; apparently Brock had pulled him from some deep inner thoughts. Tracey glared at Brock, and suddenly all of the trainers drew silent – their eyes once again upon Tracey.

"Come on, Tracey," Misty urged; relieved to have the focus off of herself. "Is someone we know dead?"

Tracey only shut his eyes and began humming a lullaby.

"Neva mind 'im," Surge huffed with annoyance. "He ain't gonna talk. We jus best ta keep our eyes open, ya know? Da first sign a someone missin' we gotta watch out."

"Agreed," Clair stated flatly. "We do need to really watch one another's backs in here more than ever. True, we are defenseless, but just the same we can't allow them to use us for some brutal practice ceremony. The Seer promised us he'd set us free after this. And I intend to cling to his word for now."

Brock had something to add: "Also, we don't even know if Tracey's telling the truth. Plus, even if he did see something, who's to say they weren't practicing on their own crazy Revivalists? For now everyone needs to stay quiet and calm-"

"Look!" Lilly gasped; severing Brock's words. Her attention was concentrated on the stage. "It's Lance! They're leading him onto the stage. And, look on the other end – it's Giovanni. Oh no, the battle is about to start."

May the best man lose, Brock thought sadly. Neither of them deserves to die for this. Giovanni and Lance are exceptional. No doubt one of them is destined to win this fateful tournament.

"And down there," Lilly added loudly. "They just lead Gary Oak into the room!"

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"Giovanni."

"Lance."

The two powerful men exchanged only names once on the stage. Lance was eyeing Giovanni with an air of scrutiny. Giovanni was eyeing Lance with a twinge of threat. Of course, none besides Lance and Giovanni themselves could detect these unspoken emotions.

"Attention, everyone!" The Seer's voice rang with excitement. "Please be silent and devote your full attention to the battle before you. Lance - the Dragon Master and leader of THE Elite Four - stands before ready to do battle with none other than Giovanni, the mastermind gym leader of Viridian City!"

Shit, Lance cursed, raking his fingers through his flaming-red spikes. The Seer is announcing our battle like it was the final round of the Indigo League games. Why is he so overly excited?

Lance raised a skeptical eye brow at Giovanni, allowing his fierce-green eyes to probe the older mans expression. Giovanni lived everyday wearing a poker-face, and there wasn't a man alive who could decipher it – not even Lance.

You'd think this place would crack him . . . but, no, Giovanni is as cool as ever.

The Viridian Gym leader selected two random balls from the sack. Something . . . isn't right with him. Giovanni has obviously been very seriously abused physically. His face was burned, his eye was punched. Still, something is really bothering me about him. But what the hell is it?

"Choose your Pokeballs!"

Lance suddenly found the sack of Pokeballs being thrust towards him. The Revivalist holding the sack seemed to be in an enormous rush.

Lance peered distrustfully at the bag. Something didn't feel right; and Lance just could not put a finger on it. Lance had the intuition of an Alakazam - and not being able to solve this mystery was madding.

A forceful shove sent Lance stumbling a few feet forward on the stage. Lance was unprepared for the push and accidentally bit his own tongue – hard. Trace amounts of blood dribbled down his chin.

"Haha, Pretty Boy, take a break from la-la-land and pick your balls," The Revivalist mocked, widening the sack opining so that Lance could clearly see the dozens of balls he had to choose from.

Lance narrowed his eyes challengingly at the shrouded man, but said nothing. He conceded to reach his hand inside the sack and picked out two balls.

"Are we ready?" came Giovanni from across the floor. "There's really no sense in debating over balls, you know," he added with a curious smirk.

Lance nodded, once again opting to remain silent.

"BEGIN!" roared The Seer.

Here we go. . . Lance thought bitterly. I respect Giovanni. I find him a shrewd business man with more than one skeleton lurking in his closet, but even so, he's a brilliant trainer and I don't want to see him die because I failed to defeat him.

"Pokeball, go!" Lance hurled his first ball into the ring. A massive Snorlax materialized before him. In fact, it was unbelievably enormous - at least three times the size of a normal Snorlax. Even more remarkable, the Pokemon was the shade of cobalt – not a dark grey like most. But the color and size variation was not all that was unusual; for this particular Snorlax was also quite spry! It was actually bounding up and down upon the stage like a huge bouncie-ball. Its eyes were not resting in sleepy slits; rather they were blood-shot and fierce.

Snorlax. Normal and Sleeping- type. Performs Headbutt, Amnesia, Rest, should know Body Slam, Harden, Double Edge . . . and hopefully Hyper Beam. As long as Giovanni does not get a Rock-type I seriously doubt I will lose with this Pokemon.

Giovanni cocked an amused eyebrow at Lance's Snorlax. "My, my, Lance. Now that is a very impressive Pokemon."

"Let's see what you've got," Lance boomed, anxious to get the battle over with.

Giovanni remained unreadable as he pitched his ball forth. Lance found himself wondering if the man was even born with nerves.

What emerged from the ball not only caused Giovanni and Lance to gasp – but every captive trainer as well.

"A . . . Metapod," Giovanni stated flatly.

Lance exchanged a blank stare with Giovanni.

Lance decided that Giovanni was capable of being surprised after all. Although, it still was impossible to tell what the man was thinking.

Giovanni almost seemed to sigh as he ordered his first command. It was obviously no surprise to Lance when Giovanni told the Metapod to 'Harden'.

Metapod shimmered a fantastic array of blues and greens as its defense rocketed.

This is ridiculous; Snorlax will crush Metapod in seconds. This is fortunate for Giovanni, as great a trainer as he is – one can only do so much with a Metapod.

"Snorlax," Lance's voice chimed clear and confidently. "Finish this quickly, Body Slam!"

In that moment, Snorlax turned and peered at Lance. The Pokemon's raging eyes suddenly softened as though it were in awe of its new handler . . . as if it actually were aware of Lance's reputation and genuinely respected him. This was the first time any of the Revivalists Pokemon had ever regarded any of the captive trainers with admiration.

Lance offered Snorlax an encouraging nod. He was quite use to receiving this sort of star-struck reaction from people, but never before from a strange Pokemon.

Snorlax quickly regained its battle focus. The Pokemon grinned merrily as it leapt a good fifteen feet into the air.

"Metapod, move out of the way," Giovanni instructed forcefully.

Metapod only rocked back and forth- quivering in terror as it watched Snorlax's massive bulk come crashing down on top of itself.

There sat Snorlax. His entire body on top of the Metapod. It was covering the bug from all possible sight. Snorlax glanced over to Lance, waving proudly.

"Good job," Lance praised his Pokemon. "Now, get up, we don't want to kill it."

Snorlax nodded smugly and rolled its body off of Metapod. The cocoon was completely knocked senseless.

That was quick. Not that I'm surprised.

Giovanni scowled with irritation as he recalled his Metapod. "Utterly pathetic. I hope the next one can defend itself." Giovanni tossed his final ball forward. A spirited Chikorita emerged; the adorable Grass Pokemon was frolicking every which way about the stage. It seemed very eager to rumble with Snorlax.

Giovanni was once again expressionless. Lance wasn't sure what to expect.

Okay, a Chikorita. Type: Grass. Species: Leaf. Chikorita evolves into Bayleef at level 16 . . . so, it's a low level Pokemon, unless these Revivalists have an Everstone on it – in that case I could have my hands full. Advantages: Water, Ground, Rock.Disadvantages: Fire, Grass, Poison, Flying, Bug, Dragon, Steel. Snorlax is, of course, a Normal-type.

Giovanni decided to make the first move. "Chikorita, Reflect!" A golden aura formed around Chikorita like a shield of light.

That was clever, Giovanni. Now Snorlax's physical blows will be half as potent. Therefore . . .

"Snorlax, Amnesia!"

Snrolax's enormous head glittered momentarily as his special attack power was temporarily increased.

"Chikorita, keep your eyes on that Snorlax!" Giovanni commanded tediously. "Just circle it." It occurred to Lance that Giovanni may have been hesitant to allow his Chikorita anywhere near Snorlax's powerful body; but at the same time Giovanni knew that Chikorita's long range attacks would be nearly useless. The Viridian gym leader was clearly biding his time - waiting to see if Lance would slip-up under the immense pressure.

"Snorlax, you've done an excellent job so far. Now, let's finish this once and for all," Lance's face shone with sheer confidence in his Pokemon. Snorlax seemed determined not to disappoint its famous handler. "Hyper Beam!"

Snorlax's expression grew frightfully grave as a blinding white-hot light began blazing within its mouth.

"Light Screen, Chikorita!" Giovanni demanded fiercely.

Chikorita began to create a second type of force field; only - before the Grass Pokemon could finish - Snorlax unleashed its devastating Hyperbeam. Chikorita was blasted so hard that its body flailed a good fifty feet into the air.

"Chikorita-" Giovanni began, but fell silent as his Pokemons limp body crashed down upon the arena floor.

It was already over.

Lance swallowed hard; his mouth was suddenly void of moisture as he realized that he had saved Giovanni's life, and in the process took another step closer to his own demise. "We won, Snorlax. Thank you."

Snorlax bowed respectfully to Lance as he was recalled.

Giovanni raised an amused eyebrow at Lance. "Your reputation precedes you even here, Dragon Master. I am indebted to you."

Lance squinted questioningly at Giovanni, but no further words were exchanged between the two. They were both men of few words.

"Congratulations, Lance," roared The Seer. "My Revivalists, please escort Giovanni to the losers section."

In that moment Giovanni flinched with blatant irritation; apparently no one had ever dared to label him as a loser before.

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"Attention trainers," The Seer was really getting into his job as an announcer. "Please be patient for a few moments. The next battle will start in approximately ten minuets. We have to repair a minor blemish in the stage floor where Chikorita landed and cracked the tile."

Several Revivalists scurried onto the stage. They were carrying various tools and pieces of replacement tiles for the floor. Chikorita's body had done more than merely 'cracked' the floor, it was literally shattered.

Ash glanced warily to his side; Gary had been placed there just moments earlier. Richie had been temporarily removed from the room to be treated for nausea. The poor kid had begun vomiting from the stress of watching Ash's battle. When Derrick brought Gary into the room, he sat him in Richie's former seat. Thus, the old rivals were side-by-side.

Gary's face was loose and lifeless like a zombie. His lengthy spikes of hair were lingering aimlessly over his forehead - nearly hiding his eyes from view. Yet, Ash noticed that Gary's eyes were glossy; and he seemed to be distantly staring forward into nothingness.

Ash nibbled his lower lip. Gary hadn't so much as looked at him, let alone spoken to him since being brought into the room. "Some fight huh, Gary? Lance is the best, huh?" Ash stammered, attempting to draw some life back into his friend.

Gary reacted slightly, granting Ash a frail nod.

Ash was more than a bit concerned. Gary looks okay, well, sort-of. But he clearly is not okay at all.

"Gary, are you all right? You look pretty good. I mean, no casts or black eyes. I guess Derrick didn't hurt you too badly then after all?"

Gary stiffened.

Why won't he look at me?

Unexpectedly, Gary's head snapped upward. His sight shifted from a far-away gaze to an ominous glare focused on the stage before him. His young face was knotted, his jaw clenching with agitation. Gary's breathing was quickly becoming erratic. Ash at once noticed that Gary's flesh was covered with goose bumps, and that the hairs on his arms were standing upright– yet the temperature wasn't at all cold in this room.

"Gary," Ash pleaded his name. "What's wrong? Talk to me! What did Derrick do to you? I know for a fact that you aren't a mute. So, c'mon!"

Gary's posture relaxed slightly, but he remained quiet.

Ash huffed anxiously. "Well, fine then! Don't talk to me. But let me tell you: Misty is sure going to be glad when I tell her that you're in one piece. She was a total wreck last night, Gary. She blames herself. She thought Derrick was gonna murder you and she hated herself for it."

Ash had finally gotten Gary's attention. Although now, Ash wished that he hadn't. Gary's crude sapphire eyes slashed Ash like searing daggers though tender flesh.

Ash physically flinched; he was totally unprepared for Gary's eyes to hack away at him so ruthlessly. Gary had the kind of eyes that could shine upon you with the warmest rays of heaven when he was happy . . . but when he was pissed off – his eyes flared with the indigo flames of hell.

"Misty?" Gary's voice seemed brittle. "Is . . . she okay?"

"Yeah, she is," Ash blared, annoyed that Gary was only reacting to her name. "Misty and I were finally allowed to see each other. She's more okay now than she has been since getting kidnapped. Misty and I talked about a lot of stuff. Actually, I finally got up the guts to tell her how I feel about her," Ash couldn't hide the prideful excitement in his tone.

Gary's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable. "What?"

"You heard me," Ash continued. He knew he was grinning like a village-idiot but, he didn't care. Even now, facing death, talking about Misty filled Ash with joy "I know that you'll be really happy for us, Gary. It turns out that Misty has been in love with me all this time! We are going on a date when we get out of here. Can you believe it? I'm so lucky." Ash couldn't control his lips; he'd been dying to tell someone his good news.

"I see," Gary swallowed noticeably hard; his voice was thin as though his lungs were physically expiring.

Ash cocked a curious eyebrow at Gary, but decided against asking him if he was 'okay' for a third time. "Misty and I talked all night. We have real feelings for each other. She loves me."

That terrifying inferno was once again ignited in Gary's eyes. "She actually said that word? Misty really loves you?" this time Ash detected a blatant sting of bitterness in Gary's tone.

What the heck is Gary's problem? I had feeling that he was getting too attached to Misty, I knew he was fond of her . . . but Gary never really gets that attached to anyone. This doesn't make sense. He's . . . emotional . . . that's not like him.

"Yes. She did, Gary. Aren't you happy for me?"

Gary clenched his jaw harder, evading Ash's accusing eyes. The two sat in an awkward silence for several seconds . . .

. . . at last, Gary exhaled; releasing a self-mocking snicker. He turned to Ash and nodded; his eyes now listless as if the flames had been utterly frozen over. "If Misty said she loves you than she really loves you-"

"Of course she does. I know that-"

Gary hurled Ash with a glare so frigid; it actually numbed Ash's lips shut. "Don't you ever interrupt me, Ash Ketchem, I wasn't finished." Gary leaned forward towards Ash, the ropes around his throat actually began cutting into his flesh. Gary was so intense that he didn't even react as blood dribbled from his neck."Ash, you better make Misty happy. She loves you. I want the two of you too get the hell out of here. I want you to promise me that you will make her happy every single day. Do you understand?"

Ash shook his head vigorously, he was genuinely unnerved. "Gary, yes, obviously."

"Listen to me, Ash. Try and wrap your miniscule brain around this: there are only four battles left. Only Richie, Lance, Agatha, you and me are still in this competition. Five competitors, equaling just four matches. The chances of us being matched up at some point are very good. If that happens, I want you to promise me that you'll lose."

Ash's eyes widened in surprise. "What? No way, Gary! Did Derrick beat the sense outta you? The Seer will know immediately if I blow a fight on purpose. He has powers like Sabrina. But besides The Seer: give me one good reason why I should do that?"

"Ash," Gary began calmly. "Close your eyes and picture her face."

"What-"

"Just do it!"

Ash grumbled, but complied; closing his eyes he envisioned Misty's lovely face. A shy smile surfaced on Ash's lips as he imagined Misty standing before him.

"Now, Ash," Gary was insistent. "Tell me what you see."

"I- I don't see anything but Misty," Ash answered quietly, clearly confused. "You told me to think of her. Why are you-"

"Shut up and listen to me!" Gary's was also unyielding. "For reasons I can't even begin to comprehend, Misty is crazy about you."

"Thanks, Gary . . . hey, wait, did you just insult me?" Ash opened his eyes and glared with annoyance. "What are you trying to say anyways?" Ash had no clue where Gary was going with this. "I know that Misty wants to be with me. But what does Misty have to do with me forfeiting a battle? Especially a battle to you?"

"If you have to ask me that then you obviously don't care half as much about her as I do! You idiot. I'm telling you to do this because I care. Because I care about her. Because - believe it or not - I care about you. Ash, if you lose, then you and Misty will both be set free when this thing is over. You can be together. You can be with her! Damn. Isn't that what you want?"

Ash stared wide eyed, nodding; far too startled to utter a verbal response.

"I know there is no guarantee here, but The Seer can't hurt your Pokemon. He can't hurt Misty as long as I stay in the tournament. And I seriously doubt he will even be able to tell if you fake a loss. I'm not buying his 'powers' as much as I did before. "

Ash finally shook himself from his thoughts. "Gary, I . . . appreciate . . . what you are trying to do . . . but, no. No way. I will not lose a battle on purpose. Not here, not anywhere."

"Ash-"

"No, the answer is no," Ash was dead serious.

Gary glared at Ash for a moment, his eyes blasting him like two heat-seeking missiles - trying weaken him, trying to break him . . . but, there was no sign of Ash submitting, not this time.

"Attention all!" came The Seer's haunting voice. "The stage has been repaired. And the next battle will now begin. Gary Oak will battle Richie! This will be a grand battle indeed!"
Ash and Gary remained expressionless as the announcement was made. Their eyes were fused together, staring one another down like two Fearow's before a Furry Attack.

Derrick was next to Gary in a flash; insulting him, roping him, and yanking him towards the stage. On cue another Revivalist entered the room with a refreshed looking Richie dragging behind him.

Gary continued to challenge Ash's gaze as he was climbing the arena steps As he reached the stage floor, Gary released a silent string of cuss words towards Ash's name. Although Ash could not actually hear Gary's insulting voice, he easily understood the raw meaning . . .

. . . Gary Oak was envious of him.

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CHAPTER 36 THANK YOUS:

Alex Warlorn – Hey! Any luck with the author alerts yet? Phew, that was a long chapter. I hope you had time to read it. . . I know you've also been quite busy of late. I was seriously flattered by your last review (especially) you really made my day. You have been with this fic since day one, so you know everything, you've seen it all, & you've been an amazing supporter. Honest, genuine, skilled, and I feel very lucky to have 'met' you. :-)

Midnight Mist- Hi there! Thanks for liking the start of the last chapter. I was really working pretty hard on that. & yup, when I wrote "seers" it was a type-o, there is only one Seer in this fic! Thanks for waving the Gary/Misty flag! Hee hee! That is the flag nearest & dearest to my heart!

Kagome1015- Hey! Thanks for being the first to review the last chapter! I wish I could give you a cookie for it. BTW: HaPpY BiRtHdAy!

Crazy4TR112- Hi! Thanks for liking the last chapter. Gosh, you're so great! Thanks, thanks, thanks! You really liked the battle? That's good. I actually don't enjoy writing the battles that much, but I do try to make them as good as possible. Hee hee.

WW- Hiya! Thanks for reading my fic. I hope you stay tuned & continue to R & R!

Kanu Wolf- Greetings! Thanks a ton for reading my story. So, you're a fellow Gary fan, eh? It's great to have you reading along.

Windstar- Hi! The Gary battle will be in the next chappie instead. I had to move it back, otherwise this chapter would have been like 15 pages long! lol! That would have been too much. Thanks again.

Ninetalesuk – Okay, I will keep my eye out for those three Pokemon! Hee hee! Thanks again for the compliments. Did you like this chapter? I hope so!

Cosmic Mewtwo- I put a 'lil Gio in there just for you, hee hee. Gio is a sneaky one indeed. He's such a fun character to write. Thanks for saying the last chappie had good flow. I always strive for that but for some reason it is not easily attained.

Dave Behave – Hiya! Yeah, I know, I am totally floored with shock on how many reviews I've got. It's so flattering. I never expected to have so much interest in my fic. Thanks for always being a steady reviewer.

kitsune07 – Hello there! Welcome to my story & thank you SO much reading & reviewing. I love to hear my readers thoughts/comments/ideas! More Gary to come! I promise! I hope you'll continue to read.

Pikajenn- Hey! Haha! You're so funny! I loved how you didn't capitalize the "r" in Revivalists! I can tell you hate them for sure! Heck, I don't even like them! Darn, revivalist. . . ;)

Smileyaili- Hey, thanks for the sweet words. You're the best! Hee hee!

L' Fleur Noir- Hello! Thanks fro saying you are addicted to my fic. I am certainly addicted to your great reviews. Thanks so much! Hee hee, yeah Gary is a heart-throb!

MagRowan- Hiya! Wow, that was a long one. Lord knows how many type-o's I missed, lol! Yeah, Ash is one lucky fool. He just manages to get by in everything. Thanks so much (as always) for the encouragement.

Alexis Ludd- Aw! You are too sweet and kind! Thanks you! I'm glad you found the last chapter to have quality. I was working hard with the intro. Where would I be without your support? Gosh, I don't even know. You're reviews really get me motivated.

shadowphantomness- There you go: Lance! Hee hee! I know how you adore Lance. & There will be more Lance to come. Stay tuned!

Ori- I know! Our poor Gary! The things he goes through. Gawd, why do I torment him so? I can't help it! Thanks (again!) for your sweet review.

star's dreams- Hey, star & Lime! Thanks for liking the start of the last chapter. I actually worked on that pretty hard. & this chapter tome forever to type up. So long! Thanks again!

MagCat – Thanks for the super review! In fact, you are a super reviewer! I love your reviews! You had some great speculations. Thanks for sharing them. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this last chappie!

evryluvsmisty­ – Gosh, once again you have blown me away with your excellent review! You really know how to get my mind spinning! Ah, the outcome of this love triangle could still go either way . . . its' hard to say for sure! I think I may join you for a little cry! This fic is very dramatic. Thanks, honey!

CrystalRose727- Yup, I wub your fic! So good! & Thanks for liking mine as long as you have. You're so faithful.

megs626­- Hey, thanks a ton for the great review. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts and comments. You're so insightful!

Raevn- Hey there! I hope your vacation went well. I could use another vacation right about now! Phew, that was a long update – I'm beat! Hee hee. I hope you enjoyed it & I look forward to reading your comments.

Lyra- Hiya! Hiya! Wow, you are so kind and hyper, lol! Now, I know where you stand on GAML, but I can't tell you what happens, silly, you know that! Thanks!

WolfSapphire200- I know, I know, that was a cliffee in the last chapter! Thanks so much for kind words!

KawaiiCherryBlossom-aka-BWF- Welcome to my story! I am flattered and thrilled that you enjoyed it thus far. I hope you didn't lose too much sleep! But, again I am so very flattered. I just loved reading your thoughts. I hope you will R & R again soon. Your review got me motivated to write!

TKAONTay- Hello there! Welcome to my story. I am so glad that you like it far. Thanks! I can't tell you who Misty will end up with. . . you'll have to read on and find out! Hee hee. Thanks again.

fire wolf86- Hi! THANKS for reading my story! I really appreciate it and enjoyed your review. I hope you will read on.

Yoru Ryu- hee hee, glad you got a 'kick' outta the last chappie! Karen is pretty cool. I've always liked her. I can't wait to read your next review. You rock! Thanks!

EVERYONE: Goodness! That was a long chapter! As always, I am very much looking forward to your reviews. Also, I know that Gray Vs. Richie was originally supposed to be IN this chapter but I had to push it back. If I didn't then this chapter would have been EVEN LONGER! That would have been over-kill & I don't wanna burn you guys out – I need you guys! Please R & R! Maia