Chapter 38

Ash is such an idiot! Oh . . . my . . . God . . . doesn't he realize that I'm trying to help him? Doesn't he realize that I want Misty to be happy? . . . Her happiness means everything to me! SHE means everything to me.

Gary huffed brashly – savagely almost. He brusquely clawed his hands through his untamed main of spikes. His fists were curling and uncurling around the two small Pokeballs which he clutched.

Around him the massive crowd of spectators stiffened; Gary's obvious rage was mysterious to them.

"Pokeball, go!" Gary snarled; his eyes were practically jutting blades of ice.

I'm battling right now. I should focus on the battle. I need to win. Richie is good, really good. But I AM going to beat Richie. I have to beat Richie to have a shot at destroying Ash, saving Misty, saving . . . everyone. Damn that Ash Ketchem! Damn him! I should be concentrating on the battle . . . I'm just so . . . pissed off.

Across the arena Richie physically recoiled. The younger trainer seemed bewildered as to what he might have done to deserve the brunt of such anger. Gary looked as though he might pose more of a threat than the Revivalists around them!

I've always looked out for number one, but Misty has changed that about me . . . somehow. I can't stand the thought of her in Ash's arms. Blah, that sickens me. I can't even stand the idea of never holding her in my own again. I can't stand – oh! Right, the battle. I need to focus. What Pokemon did I get?

"A Tangela. Nice," Gary announced smugly; he was certain to blare his tone for all the trainers and Revivalists to hear. "You're in trouble, Richie. I've trained nineteen of these!" Gary flashed an obnoxious grin.

Richie narrowed his eyes – clearly becoming aggravated. Gary seemed to be looking through him – not at him. He was facing Richie, glaring at Richie, mocking Richie – yet, Richie felt that Gary wasn't really concentrating on him at all . . . it was . . . strange, unnerving . . .

The Tangela Gary received was – not surprisingly – enormous. It seemed to have triple the amounts of purple vines than the average Tangela.

Richie cleared his throat, avoiding Gary's wild stare. "Pokeball, go," was all that was said; Richie was not anxious to provoke Gary, and he certainly didn't feel like getting his head verbally bitten off.

Misty is the most amazing, courageous, beautiful girl I've ever known. She means the world to me . . . but, Ash means the world to her. Damn, if I thought there was even a remote chance that she shared my feelings I'd fight for her . . . and – oh, the battle. Back to the bacttle. Let's see, Richie got a Voltorb. Ha, I'm gonna beat him.

"Volt! Voltorb!" Richie's Pokemon spoke its own name proudly. Gary knew that Richie was extremely talented when it came to handling electric types; but Richie had two clear disadvantages. First there was the type weakness. But more importantly, Richie did not truly want to win.

Gary did want to win.

I wouldn't ever want to hurt Ash, but Misty is a one-of-a-kind girl. She's worth anything. Worth any fight. But, she doesn't have feelings for me. She doesn't have any feelings for me.

"Tangela!" Gary roared furiously. "TOXIC!"

It's that simple. Misty doesn't have feelings for you, Gary. Accept it!Tangela growled viciously and began spewing venom from its mouth. Voltorb was plastered with poison and screamed in agony. Every second that passed weakened Voltorb further.

"Voltorb, Swift Attack!"

The Swift struck Tangela square in the face. However, Tangela barely flinched. It was feeding off of Gary's rage; its adrenaline was coursing madly through its veins.Richie exchanged frightful looks with his Voltorb. Gary and Tangela made a fearsome duo.

"Tangela, Vine Whip that Voltorb until it faints!" Gary's tone was arrogant – losing was clearly something that he was not going to consider.

It feels like I've been shot in the heart with a hunting rifle. Mt heart physically hurts, I feel like I've lost the most important person in the world to me, and I'm helpless to do anything about it. It's so strange because I barely know her . . . yet, I understand her so well . . .

Tangela's Vine Whip succeeded. It had thrashed Voltorb from consciousness. Gary heard Richie gasp, but his competitors face was a blur. Gary couldn't focus on him. He couldn't focus on anything but his thoughts of Misty.

She may consider me a friend, she may even be grateful to me for supporting her, she may even feel sorry for me from all of Derrick's abuse, but romantically- nah, she flat out TOLD Ash that she loved him. She said she LOVED him. And Ash might not have a lot brains . . . okay, correction: Ash does not have ANY brains – but he is honest through and through. If he says Misty is in love with him, then that's the truth.

Richie sent out his last Pokemon. Gary managed to make out the details of Richie's face through his rage. Richie appeared relieved to be losing; but he also looked baffled beyond words as to how quickly his Voltorb had been defeated.

God, I never though I'd lose a girl to Ash Ketchem. Ugg, the idea of that alone is bizarre. But, then again, Misty never was mine to begin with. I'm afraid that on some level she was always only Ash's girl. After all, I never even told her how I feel. Not that it would make a difference now anyway. So, get it through your thick head, Oak: Misty's heart was NEVER yours . . .

"Pokeball, go!" Richie received an energetic Aipom. "Aipom, look out for that Tangela, it's really tough. Now, Fury Swipes!"

Aipom was raring to go! It slashed away at Tangela four straight times. Tangela toppled over – seeming slightly dazed.

Damn, the battle! I have to focus!

"Don't take that crap, Tangela! C'mon! Stun Spore!"

"Aipom!" Richie cried apprehensively. "Get out of the way!"

But if Ash loves her as much as he claims, then why won't he forfeit! Why wouldn't he just hypothetically agree to it – there is no certainty that we'll even be matched up anyways! God! I just can't believe he won't even consider a forfeit. That moron! That selfless, upstanding, noble, MORON!

Aipom was quick, but apparently not quick enough. It was paralyzed the moment the shocking spores touched it.

"Good!" Gary boasted – his voice void of any surprise. "Aipom is helpless, Slam it, Tangela!"

Tangela was more than happy to please its handler. It launched its body into the air -catapulting off of one vine - then slammed against Aipom.

I'm trying to save Ash's life. What if that lucky bastard ends up winning this tournament? It's like he doesn't know the meaning of the word 'fear' . . . but, then again: he doesn't know the meaning of most words. . . God, look at me. I'm so God damn envious of that lucky idiot that I'm insulting him in my mind now! I'm cursing him! He's always so . . . lucky, so likable!

Tangela continued to slam Aipom.

I might have been one step ahead of Ash along our Pokemon journeys, but he's always been the real winner.

And then it Slammed Aipom again.

He was the underdog that everyone loved. And everyone loved to love him. No one has ever really loved me before in my entire life. Not even my own parents. Not really. I'm pretty sure that Grandpa secretly wishes that he could trade me in for the upstanding Ash Ketchem. Even when I was ahead of Ash, he was the winning where it mattered – with people.

"Oh no! My poor Aipom!" Richie cried mournfully as his helpless Pokemon was barbarically pounded. Aipom was squealing in pain, but Gary's attention was lost elsewhere and he wasn't recalling his Tangela – he wasn't ending the battle. Richie himself was too stunned to react.

And now that Ash has officially defeated me in the Pokemon League, no one expects anything from me anymore. But, that's okay, researching is where I feel my future lies now. And if I get out of here alive, I will continue my research and life alone. I think . . . that maybe I was just destined to be alone.

Aipom finally keeled over – it seemed to be barely alive. Richie was trembling. Gary had been ruthless; bitter . . . acting like the Aipom's safety meant no more to him than garbage.

Richie glared at Gary; mouthing a few silent words: "Don't tell me you actually WANT to win?" But Gary wasn't paying Richie any attention. He wasn't paying any attention to anything.

I wonder what she sees in him anyway? I mean, sure: Ash is selfless, kind, generous, honorable . . . he's everything that I'm not. He may have the IQ of a piece of lint – but he has a heart of gold. I'm his thin lowly shadow and that's all I've ever really been . . . if I survive this place, then that's still all I ever will be: Ash's shadow. Like Derrick said. I'll never amount to half the person he is. Ash has a real quality character. He has everything to live for. One day I know he'll be a Pokemon Master. He has dozens of adoring Pokemon and friends . . . but more than all that . . . when Ash gets out of here he's going to leave with Misty . . . hand-in-hand . . . I'll leave . . . as his shadow . . . alone . . . .and unnoticed. Misty made me feel like I was actually alive, but that precious time is over now forever . . . and I'm just so tired of existing as a shadow . . .

"Attention everyone!" That was The Seer. "The battle is over! Gary Oak has clearly been victorious. And now I will announce the finalists. Tomorrow morning Lance will battle Agatha, and Ash will battle Gary. The victors from those two matches will then compete for the honor of the Revival!"

Damn that Ash Ketchem.

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"Squirt! Squirtle!" squawked the little water Pokemon. He was getting quite impatient with this group of seemingly incompetent lackeys.

"Hold on dere, Squirtle!" Meowth panted, jogging to keep up. The feline buckled over, his hands on his furry knees as he attempted to catch his breath. Meowth was quickly realizing that Squirtle was the far fitter Pokemon.

"Yeah, please! Don't run so gosh darn quick. My legs are sore," moaned James; pausing to lean against the corridor. Beads of sweat were rushing down his forehead as though they were competitors in a grand race to his chin. James winced slightly as a few droplets stung his tired eyes. Several strands of hair were matted to his forehead as though he'd glued them in place. He looked nothing like the prim and proper James that Squirtle was use to – the one who always seemed to have just stepped out of a salon.

"Oh! Stop that pathetic whimpering, James!" Jessie snapped, dragging herself to the corner where they had (apparently) decided to take a break. "And keep your whining down. Someone might hear us."

Squirtle rolled his beady eyes. He knew that these three were trying to help him; but so far all they had managed to do was lead him in circles throughout this underground labyrinth of passageways and cell doors. So far none of the cell doors they had come across were harboring Ash.

Squirtle was truly beginning to despair. "Squirt!" He decided that this little break was over; it was time to keep searching.

"I don't understand," James squeaked, nearly tripping over his own feet in attempt to take off after the turtle. "They must have rotated the trainers to a different wing of cells again. These Revivalists are so sneaky! I swear that yesterday Ash was locked up someplace down this way."
"James, are you sure he wasn't in the North East wing?" Jessie blared, her eyes narrowing dangerously.

"N-Nah," Meowth sputtered; his legs in frantic motion. "S-Squirtle and I already checked out dat wing earlier. Rememba, I told yous guys about dat. Dat da boss is up ta no good. He's cheatin' his way through dis. Out smartin' everyone. He's funding this operation. Rememba?"
Growling like a Primeape Jessie launched a firm kick into Meowth's rear; the force of which sent him bouncing down the corridor like a hairy Volleyball. "Of course we remember," Jessie grouched. "How the hell could we forget something as important as that?"

James shuddered. "I still can't believe that the boss would DO this to us. Put us through this misery!"

"Well, the boss is a tough man. Brilliant really," Jessie remarked proudly. "But, he has underestimated us. I for one am quite offended that he didn't think we could figure him out. But we – correction – I did. I was able to sneak into the Pokeball prep room earlier today and observe precisely HOW they rigged the bosses Pokeballs. It was really quite ingenious. I easily could have thought of that myself. Anyway, I just know that once the boss realizes that we are onto him he will be so impressed that he will probably promote us all after this. And-"

"SQUIRTLE! SQUIRT! SQUIRT!" Squirtle had had enough of their ridiculous bickering, daydreaming, and flat-out insanity.

The group of Rockets were stunned into momentary silence. They had been insulted and yelled at countless times in their lives . . . but never – ever had they been verbally strangled by a Squirtle before!

"What . . . is it?" Meowth asked timidly, halting in the corridor. "Why are you so mad at us? Ain't we helping you?"

Squirtle stopped jogging and nodded vigorously. "Squirt. Squirt, Squirtle," he was appreciative of their help. He really was. But the four of them needed to focus on finding Ash. Team Rocket was wasting priceless time with all this blabbing about their traitorous boss. Squirtle only had a few hours left to report back to the other Pokemon before he knew that they would grow impatient and decided to invade.

"Squirtle is right," Meowth sighed. "Da boss may not be in his right mind 'ere. We really gottah help Squirtle find Ash quickly so dat dem other Pokemon outside can rescue us. We don't want da Revivalists figuring us out and sicking dat beast on us. Even da boss can't help us then."

Jessie and James nodded in fearful unison.

Jessie tugged nervously on a loose curl of hair. "Well, there are only three cells left in this corridor to check. Let's just hurry up! But if we don't find Ash after this I'm quitting for a while. I'm exhausted," for once Jessie wasn't being melodramatic – she was genuinely fatigued. The dark circles under her eyes were starting to swell from exhaustion.

Squirtle eyed her with genuine sympathy. Even Team Rocket didn't deserve this sort of cruel treatment. Sighing, Squirtle darted ahead to the cluster of locked cells. He randomly approached the middle cell and put his ear to the door. He was carefully listening for any signs of life on the other side.

"Squirt!" he chirped excitedly. He did hear something . . . a vague sort of shuffling and coughing came from within the cell.

"Ok-kay, h-hang on," James mumbled as though he had a mouth full of dry bread. "I'll look and see who it is," the male Rocket quietly opened the small barred peep hole on the top of the door.

Squirtle paced impatiently around James' feet. In this moment he really wished that he had evolved into a Blastoise – then he would be tall enough to check the peep hole himself.

"Oh," James frowned with clear disappointment. "The cells not empty, but it's also not occupied by Ash."

"Squirtle," Squirtle slouched with disappointment. But then curiosity began to nibble at his brain. "Squirt?"
"Oh, well, it's that other twerp, Gary Oaky."

"His name is Oak, you moron!" Jessie barked. "Not Oaky. Everyone knows that. He's the grandson of the famous Professor Oak. The kids loaded with money. Duh."

James blushed. "I knew that! It was a slip of the tongue! He's the kid I had to carry to the infirmary a few days back because he was feverish and unconscious. I probably saved his life," James smirked with excitement. "Hey, Jess? Do you think he's grateful to me? You think he'd be willing to give us a reward when we're freed from here? I'll go ask him-"

"James! You lousy buffoon! We can't just go in there and ask him now!"

"Why not, Jess? You know the saying: no time like the present!"

"No, no, no! James, we'll ask him after-"
"SQUIRT!" Squirtle cried loudly. He felt as though he were playing the part of Brock - breaking up a petty fight between Ash and Misty. "Squirtle, Squirtle."

Meowth shoved James away from the peep hole. "Enough. Squirtle wants ta go in dere and talk ta Oak. So get out da keys an unlock da door. And no askin' da Oak kid for money. Da kid went through hell today, ya know? First Derrick nearly killed him, den he had ta battle da Richie twerp, an worst: Oak ended up winning."

Jessie began to sulk. "Fine. But why does Squirtle want to talk to Oak? I thought we were looking for the lead twerp. I'm too tired to waste time here."

"Just, c'mon," Meowth growled, his eye brow twitching. "Squirtle thinks dat dere is a chance Oak will know somethin' about Ash. After all, Oak was in da tournament today, same as Ash. And we weren't invited to watch, if you both recall?"

Jessie raised her leg- threatening to boot Meowth in the rear again. Meowth recoiled with a hiss.

"Squirt!" Squirtle just wanted them to hurry up and open the door. There was a good chance that Gary Oak would have some information on Ash.

James moaned, choosing not to involve himself in Jessie and Meowth's current argument. Instead he obeyed the turtle and unlocked the cell door.

The door slowly yawned open, the hinges creaking like an old violin. There stood James, Jessie, Meowth, and Squirtle – like a totem pole of awkwardly gapping heads. Sitting in the center of the cell floor was the blank glaring face of Gary Oak.

Squirtle trembled slightly as his eyes drank in the familiar face of Ash's rival. Gary looked like a wax sculpture: perfect in every detail, but utterly dead to the world. He was strikingly pale . . . like the color had been bled from his face. He was a mere phantom of the suntanned, grinning boy who was once bursting with ambition. Merely breathing seemed to be a struggle for him now. Gary was kneeling motionless on the frigid stone floor; clothed only in a ragged white robe. The dressings were certainly not sufficient to shield him from the bitter chill in the air. Gary's lower lip was swollen and bloody – the wound looked disturbingly fresh. His hair was a messy tangle of auburn; his expression stiff; but it was the complete lack of soul in Gary's eyes which caused Squirtle to blink back tears.

Sure, Gary could be a real jerk towards Ash sometimes; but that didn't warrant. . . this. He didn't deserve whatever had happened to so brutally murder his spirit. Squirtle felt his checks burn as an anger he'd never known smoldered inside him. These Revivalists were terrible humans . . . and what if . . . they had done to Ash whatever it is they had done to Gary? What if Ash's sparkle had also been extinguished? The thought was too horrible for Squirtle to comprehend.

"What the-?" Gary titled his head cautiously; like an abandoned Growlithe that had been beaten one too many times. He was prepared to defend himself if threatened. His distant eyes seemed to be cynically assessing the foursome before him. "What are you guys doing here? It's not shower time yet . . . and . . . hey-" Gary climbed to his feet, his eyes fixated on Squirtle. "Is that . . . Ash's Squirtle? With Team Rocket? I don't get it, Ash said they didn't nab any of his Pokemon," Gary's voice was as barren of emotion as his eyes were.

"They didn't get any of his Pokemon," Jessie muttered, casually entering the cell. Apparently she wasn't as stunned by Gary's appearance as Squirtle was. "This little Pokemon broke into the base. He wants to rescue Ash."

Gary blinked in slight surprise. "He . . . broke in? Alone?"

"Nope," James chimed in, grinning like a dunce. "Apparently there are about one hundred or so of your Pokemon, and Ash's Pokemon outside waiting to bust in and save everyone!"

Gary rubbed his temples as though he were trying to calm a thunderous migraine. "What? I don't understand. What are you all doing-"

"Allow, me ta fill ya in kid," Meowth stepped forward smugly. "Ya see, according ta Squirtle 'ere, your loyal Pokemon and Ash's are all hiding outside. Dey are planning to break you out as soon as Squirtle 'ere gives dem da okay ta do so-"

"No!" Gary bolted to his full height, his fists knotting. "The Miracle Beast – it will kill them all. My Pokemon need to remember what they were up against the night I was kidnapped. They don't understand what they are dealing with. They don't know how powerful it is!"

Squirtle frowned; he'd thought that Gary would be impressed by their plans to save him. "Squirtle?"

Gary attempted a thoughtful smile; however, it looked more like a disappointed scowl to Squirtle. "Squirtle, listen," Gary bent down to look the turtle in the eye. "You have to get back outside and order the other Pokemon to get away from here. I mean it! Trust me, please; this beast Pokemon can kill all of you. You're intentions were noble, but you all made a major mistake. Your presence only further endangers Ash and the rest of us."

Squirtle shifted uncomfortably, Gary was making him nervous. Had he and the other Pokemon really made a mistake coming here?

Meowth clicked his tongue pensively. "Da beast IS really strong. I mean dats why our boss lost his battle on purpose today. No way did he want dat thing ta kill him!"

Gary's head suddenly snapped in Meowth's direction. "What did you say?"

Jessie cursed loudly. "Good going, Meowth! Just go and blow the bosses cover!"

"Wait a second," Gary's eyes grew wide with understanding. "I knew that Giovanni's battle seemed strange-"

Meowth, Jessie, and James all squealed in alarm. "Ah, no, no! Whoever said anything about Giovanni? We never mentioned his name! Nobody did! Heh-ehe-heh-ehe!" their nervous laughter was painful to listen too. "Heh-ehe-heh-ehe!"

Gary's lips puckered with irritation. "Okay that's enough. Don't worry you guys; your bosses' secret is safe with me. . . I always knew there was more to Giovanni then he was letting on. I just never thought he was leading Team Rocket. Wow." Gary sighed. "Anyway, I don't even care about that. Just tell me, please, how is it that he lost his battle on purpose without The Seer finding out? How the hell did he get away with rigging the fight?"

Jessie giggled impishly. "Simple. Our brilliant boss is working with the Revivalists. He and the Seer are like two peas in a pod," she bragged. "Our boss is even funding this revival operation in exchange for his safety and a piece of the pie."

Gary raised an eyebrow, his mind traveling at light speed. "Hm. Okay, fair enough. Your boss is looking out for number one, I respect that. But, I'm intrigued, how exactly did he rig that battle?"

"Well-" James began; anxious to get a word in. Only, Squirtle cut him off.

"Squirt?"
"What is it?" Gary asked the Pokemon.

Gary could easily comprehend Squirtle's words, however Meowth decided to translate anyway: "Squirtle wants ta know if you know where Ash is bein' held? He's got ta find him ta report to da others."

Gary smirked bitterly. "Sorry, I can't help you, Squirtle. I don't know where he is. Besides, I already told you to tell my Pokemon to back off. It's for your own safety and ours. Think about it, if the Revivalists see an army of Pokemon they will no doubt unleash their monster," Gary retuned his attention to Team Rocket. "C'mon you guys you need to tell me how Giovanni got his battle rigged?"

"Why?" Meowth demanded. "What's it ta you? You thinkin' ah wimpin' out? Dats not a bad idea."

"No," Gary stated flatly. "But the details of Giovanni's deception could help me to save Ash's life. I have a plan that should work out fairly peacefully, so that no more people or Pokemon have to risk dying."

That got Squirtle's attention. "Squirtle? Squirt?"

"Okay, just hear me out," Gary started. "You have to help me rig my next battle. I'm going up against Ash tomorrow. And Ash has to lose."

"Why?" James asked, clearly interested.

"Because, I want him to get out of here alive. Think about this okay: granted Lance will probably win this whole tournament anyways, but is it really worth risking that Ash will be his usual lucky self and conquer all? If Ash wins then he's going to be killed."

Squirtle and Team Rocket squirmed uneasily. Gary had a valid point: Ash did seem to have a knack for winning . . . he also had a knack for attracting the attention of strange and unusual Pokemon . . . could it be that he was destined to win this tournament? Was Ash destined to die here in this dreadful underground tomb?

"But, Squirtle and da other Pokemon are waiting to bust in! Dey came all dis way ta save us-"

"No, they can't!" Gary was getting sick and tired of repeating himself. "Squirtle, you have to promise me that you'll tell my Pokemon to hold back. It is too dangerous. I am really proud of you all, and incredibly moved by your loyalty, but if you all attack then that thing will undoubtedly kill all of you and then it will pick off those trainers who have lost. That includes your friends Brock and . . . Misty."

Squirtle's face bleached. Gary . . . was right. An invasion would be a mistake! But was it too late to warn the others? Would Pikachu and Charizard even listen to him anyway? And would Gary's Pokemon believe him?

"Here's my plan: we rig my battle so that I beat Ash. Then I will go up against Lance – and probably lose. Just remember: I can't beat Lance – but if I don't try to get to him, and Ash does, then Ash might die. It needs to be rigged in my favor. Once the Revivalists have found their winner they will be distracted. That is when you, Squirtle, and the other Pokemon should prepare to move in. If – and ONLY IF – the Revivalists don't come through on their promise to free the losers, okay? Not before. You only move in if the trainer's lives are threaded at the end. Otherwise: stand down!"

"But, what about Lance then?" James whimpered.
Gary exhaled carefully. "Hopefully . . . we can . . . save him . . ."
"He may be a casualty of war," Jessie stated bluntly. "What's his life in comparison to all the rest of ours?"

Everyone stiffened uncomfortably as the reality of Jessie's words sunk in.

"Let's not go there for now, okay?" Gary requested. "Just tell me how Giovanni won already?"

"Fine," Jessie sneered, she didn't like being bossed around by a snooty rich brat. "It was quite simple: they filled that sack with super strong Pokemon for Lance. But, on the very top of the sack were two Pokeballs with small scratches on the release buttons. Enclosed in those balls were that pathetic Metapod and Chikorita. The boss was chosen to select his balls first, and then he easily felt around the sack and picked up the scratched ones. He just had to graze his fingers over the release buttons until he felt the nicks in the paint."

Gray smirked shrewdly. "Ah-ha. Okay then. It makes perfect sense. Then that is what you Rockets are going to do for me."

"What!" Jessie shrieked. "Are you insane? We don't have that kind of authority. We don't have legal access to the Pokemon prep room – that is where they fill the final sacks."

"Well, unless you want to risk Ash's death – you had better find a way. C'mon! You guys managed to sneak in here to talk to me."

"That's because we work for the Revivalists and they gave us cell keys," Jessie spat. "The point is we have no authority to be poking around the prep room!"

"Hey, Jessie," Meowth was annoyed. "You already admitted that you snuck in ta the prep room earlier today. Dats how you know about da scratched balls in da first place!"

Jessie flushed nervously. "Okay, so maybe I can get in there, but that still doesn't mean I can gain access to the sack."

"I know that you can, Jessie," Gary's voice held zero doubt. "Now listen carefully because – as I have said - Ash and I are battling tomorrow morning. Jessie, just scratch two balls for me: give me a Blastoise and an Alakazam. It doesn't really matter what Ash gets because I will NOT be beaten with those two Pokemon. Well," Gary hesitated, "just make sure there are NO Pikachu's or Raichu's in that sack. Can you do that, Jessie? Can you rig and slip just two balls in that sack for me?"

Jessie hesitated for what seemed like a long time . . .

. . . at last she nodded.

"Thank you," Gary breathed, genuinely relieved. "You just saved Ash's life. Now," he turned solemnly to Squirtle. "Please do as I've asked. Unless they try to kill the trainers after the tournament is over – you need to stand down."

"But, how can we communicate with da outside Pokemon ta warn dem if dat worst turn happens?" Meowth asked a valid question. "Afta all, it took a whole big strategy for Squirtle ta get in here ta begin with!"

Gary flashed an obnoxiously confident grin. James made a fake gagging sound, disliking the rate at which Gray's ego was inflating.

"I have no doubt in my mind that the notoriously crafty Team Rocket will think of something."

Team Rocket couldn't smother the smiles from their lips. If there was one thing they loved second in the world it was flattery . . . what they loved first was money . . .

"By the way," James chuckled merrily, "I did save your life the other day, Gary Oak. You owe me, so, I'll just add all these new favors to your tab. You do have a large trust fund, right?"

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CHAPTER 37 THANKS:

Alex Warlorn—Hey! As I've said before: I don't care when you review as long as you do:) It's the quality of your reviews that makes them priceless. Lilly knowing Tracey's last name may have been an error on my part; I guess I just assumed that since he'd traveled with Misty for so long that she must have told her sisters about him at some point. You are right, Gio totally had his match set up, the Metapod was pathetic. & you're question about the ball rigging – I trust- has been answered for the most part? LOL, I'm sorry that it was predictable that Gary would win. But Richie winning didn't serve to further my plot along – sorry! So, how's summer school going for you? Good I hope. I'm not doing so well. Heh, spending too much time on this site:)

Midnight Mist- Wowie! I got two wonderful reviews from you! THANKS! & Ohmigosh I am SO obsessed with your story! You flattered me beyond words with your kindness. I am so excited that you loved the last chapter. I worked very hard on the Gary and Ash 'confrontation' part. Thank you, THANK YOU for enjoying it so much. I simply ADORE your reviews and I feed on them for the energy to continue writing.

Crazy4TR112- Hey, hon! Gee, you think my last chapter was 'powerful'! That totally made my day! Thanks for being the first to review. The first review in my mail box always makes me a little nervous, so I was ecstatic to see it was from you and it was so positive. :)

YoruRyu- Hiya! How are you? LOL, I wub you too! You rock. I'm glad you liked the big Snrolax, that Pokemon was fun to write. Once again: thanks for being 'addicted' to my story, as you know I am addicted to your reviews.

KawaiiCherryBlossom-aka-BWF- Hi! Once again, your review did kick my fingers into typing action. I totally appreciate your lovely reviews and encouragement. You are also a terrific writer – which makes me value and respect your praise all the more. Thanks! I'm looking forward to reading you thoughts on this chapter.

Dave Behave- Hey! Haha, I loved how you just started your review with 'ga'. So you. You make so many observations my mind is spinning lol! Thanks a TON!

Alexis Ludd- My cheeks were really turning red after I read your generous review. You always make me feel so happy and giddy and flattered! Thank you so very much. Yeah, Ash actually ticked me off in that chapter too, lol. And it's my fic, go figure! I guess it's because I wub Gray so much. Hee hee.

Ninetalesuk- Heh, oops, I didn't know they were from Yu-Gi-Oh. Sorry! Will the beasts forgive me? – gulps- Thanks for liking my last chapter! You're so kind!

TKAONTay- Yeay, my fic is 'Awesomeness' hee hee! TY!

megs626- Hiya, honey! Thank you so much for enjoying my Ash and Gary 'confrontation' part in the last chapter. I worked on that part for a long time. I wanted it to be just right! Thanks for appreciating it.

Pikajenn- Hello! Hahaha! Your review had me laughing like crazy! Thanks, I needed a good full-out laugh. & yup, if ya like long chapters then you'll (hopefully) enjoy this one.

MagCat- Hiya! I loved your review! You have such great observations and questions! And I'm so glad that you enjoyed the part when Brock & Lilly can read Misty's inner feelings (so-to-speak). There will be more with Brock talking to Misty about this soon. You're so awesome!

moomoomoothegirl- Hi! Thanks for reading! I can't promise you anything yet as far as character death goes. . . but, please stay tuned!

Raevn- Hey! I know, poor Gray! So much torment. This thing use to cut off my reviews too. I think you gotta be careful that the curser is at the very end of the last word; otherwise it cuts off wherever the curser is. Blah. LOL. Anyways, thanks so so so so much!

Smileyaili- Hiya! Thanks again for the sweet emails. I love hearing from you. You're such a sweetheart. Thanks for the terrifically inspiring review too!

Lyra- Well, you already know I adore you. It was awesome hanging out. Sorry I couldn't tell you any fic detail, but I gotta be fair to everyone, lol. Thanks for all your usual demands, lol. I know, I know, you want GAML.

Windstar- Wa! I'm evil! LOL. Well, I'll take that as a complement. Hee hee. I actually do write original fiction too. I've completed several very long works, but I also have a blast writing Pokemon stuff. I just adore Gary so! Thanks for the generous flattery. You are very kind.

CrystalRose727- Okay I updated, now it's your turn, lol:) The losers are kept in various cell throughout the base, they are also spread out on the bleachers in the stadium. They should be all there . . . providing none of them have been unknowingly killed. Thanks for liking the Gary and Ash 'confrontation' part.

shadowphantomness- hee hee! Thanks! More Lance to come.

EagleFox- Hey! Thanks for the review of this fic and for the one on my One-shot 'Shadow' I really appreciate it a lot.

MagRowan- Ga! So many type-o's! Alas, I have no excuse for my rushing. I will try to be more watchful next time. Hee hee. . I loved this line in your review: - Tracey there could drive a rock to distraction- HAHAHA! That was FUNNY. Thanks for the stellar comments and observation. I totally relish them. You're so great! Thank you for being such a dedicated reader.

Ori- I know that I'm cruel! I can't help it! Wa! Haha, you had me giggling with your review! Hee hee. Thanks a BUNCH!

Cosmic Mewtwo- I was looking at your artwork online recently: SO awesome. I love the most recent drawing of Orion and Chaos. Lovely! Anyways, you had me giggling when you said 'I certainly wouldn't fancy being crushed by a Snorlax.' Haha! No, that is not a pleasant image. I know, poor Gio, I don't think he had barraged on the Seer calling him a loser in front of everyone. & Thanks a TON for liking my portrayal of Gary. I spent a lot of time on him in the last chappie. Thanks for noticing.

WolfSapphire200- Hey! I'm glad you won't get 'burnt out' by a long chapter, coz this ones pretty long! hee hee! Thank so much fir the review! You're so kind.

flying metal child- Hiya! How are you? Thanks for the keen comments on Ash. I really appreciate your great review.

Shadow74656- Thanks for the review! And thanks for the super questions and comments. I love to read them, in fact I thrive on them:) You want to know what the Mystery Beast is, eh? Well, stay tuned! Hee hee!

The Silver Dove- Hi there! Welcome to my story. Thank you SO much for reading and reviewing this far. I really hope you will continue to read on and share your comments. Thanks!

Kagome1015- I hope you had fun in California. I'm sure it was crazy hot there! Thanks for linking the intense Gary and Ash part.

star's dreams- Hey! You hit the nail on the head with your comment on Richie. You're good! Hee hee. Thanks for all your praise. And I'm sorry to hear about your internet problems, yikes! Until next time!

DarkAngelTorchic- Hiya! Welcome to my story! And thank you so very much for taking the time to read it this far! Thanks for the incredibly flattering and encouraging review. You really did get me typing quicker. You are just so kind, I'm not sure I deserve all those compliments but I certainly appreciate them. :) They make me blush. Hee hee, I hope your dad wasn't too mad that you were up late reading this fic, once again I'm so flattered by your comments. Thanks also for reviewing 'Shadow'. I was thrilled so see that your liked it. I hope you'll R&R this chapter too.

Mika- Hi there! Thank you so reading my story! As far as May Oak goes: she may yet make an appearance, I haven't really decided. I guess it depends on how I formulate the rest. As of now, I have not written her in my rough draft tho. Thanks again for the review.

EVERYONE: Wow, that was LONG. My fingers hurt so bad! My summer class ends on the 15th so after that I'll have a few weeks of freedom to write A LOT before I go back to school full-time in September. Thanks again & please don't be shy about reviewing. Best wishes, Maia