Chapter 41

"Please, noble Seer, you must believe me when I tell you that the Psyduck lost the battle. That powerful Alakazam was the true victor!" Jessie was pleading with desperate rigor – as though her very life depended on convincing The Seer of her words. She was putting up a bold front; and Ash had to admit that her acting skills had greatly improved since the last time she had tried to fool him with a fake persona. But, Ash had also known Jessie long enough to recognize that she truly was nervous behind her gallant cover.

Ash was enraged at her; but he forced himself to stay calm . . . he wasn't about to blow the horn on her yet. He wanted to hear what she had to say before he discredited her in front of the Revivalists. After all, if they knew what a scheming, manipulating liar she was then they might decide to harm her. And Ash would never wish that on Jessie, no matter how annoying she was.

Frantic questions were pounding the inside of Ash's skull: why the heck is Jessie here in the arena? Why did she risk dressing up like a Revivalist? And why is she flat-out LYING for Gary?

The other Revivalists in the room gasped in horror at Jessie's presence. Some even cussed loudly, declaring that her attendance was a sacrilege! Ash even heard one Revivalist suggesting that her trickery should be her death!

Shouting above the uproar, the Seer intended to address the questions at hand: "What is the meaning of this?" the Seer sounded furious. "Who are you, woman? And how dare you pose as one of my faithful Revivalists! What is your meaning?"

Jessie's eyes widened timidly; she was definitely second-guessing her little dramatic act. Nonetheless, she remained faithful to whatever purpose had driven her. Falling to her knees, hands raised as though in prayer, Jessie began to worship the speakers above the arena as if they were holy statues.

Ash and Gary traded tensely awkward looks. Ash noticed Gary's hands were trembling slightly and that droplet's of sweat were trickling down his brow.

Strange, Gary wasn't even THIS nervous during our battle . . .

"Your holy wondrousness, I am Jessie, one of your faithful Team Rocket slav- er, I mean, workers. Please, honorable Sir, forgive my deception! I was just so desperate to marvel at your brilliant ability to arrange these battles. Please, forgive a curious girl! And please, believe me when I tell you that the Psyduck lost. If you will grant me but a moment of your priceless time, I will tell you in detail what I witnessed. Will you hear me out, great, amazing Seer? Please! It is a matter of truth and justice for the Miracle beast," Jessie batted her eyelashes like an innocent baby Eevee.

Ash grunted with frustration. Jessie was really laying the act on thick. In fact, he almost believed her!
There was a pause in The Seers reaction. "You . . . are one of our worker Rockets? Oh . . ." another hesitation. "Jessie, you are forgiven. You have an honest face, child."
Ash's jaw dropped as though his bottom row of teeth were composed of lead. Honest face? JESSIE?

And, Ash couldn't help but notice that Derrick had a similar reaction. He physically flinched - his body actually jerking with surprise - at The Seers words. Ash found that to be quite odd . . . why would Derrick seem startled upon hearing Jessie be called 'honest'? That is, of course . . . unless Derrick somehow knew Jessie? Ash couldn't think of any other reason why he would react so strongly to the outlandish statement.

However, The Seers comment to Jessie did clue Ash in on one imperative fact . . . Ash now knew - without a shadow of a doubt - that The Seer was clearly sightless! Anyone who thought Jessie looked honest couldn't really have a speck of intuition on anything. He was no psychic.

Jessie glanced up to the speakers, her eyes were actually pooling with joy. "Oh, you marvelous, magnificent Seer! I truly know now that you are all powerful, for you can peer into the very depths of my golden soul! Incredible! Oh, so then you must also be able to tell that I am speaking the truth when I tell you that I DID witness what happened between the Alakazam and the Psyduck! And I swear to you,Great Seer the Alakazam won!If you don't advance this Gary Oak boy, then you will be sending the wrong trainer on to the final round! PLEASE BELIEVE ME!" Jessie burst into ridiculously fake tears and pounded her fists onto the flooring.

Okay, that was a terrible imitation of crying; no way will anyone believe her now.

"Jessie," The Seer's voice was gentle. "How did you see this? Are you certain? This is a VERY serious matter."

"Oh, yes! Great, wonderful . . . great . . . great . . ." she was struggling for adjectives. ". . . super Seer. You see I am the shortest person here; I am eyelevel with the stage floor. I saw, in the final moments, that Alakazam hit that Psyduck with a Psybeam attack and knocked it cold! Surely – seeing as you are a fellow psychic - you must have sensed that Psybeam attack!"

"Now that you mention it, I did feel . . . something. A strong energy, in fact. Ah, yes, she is right! Bless this young woman. She has saved us from making a terrible mistake!"
"NO!" Ash screamed, lividly stopping his foot on the stage. "I WON! I know that I won! Don't listen to her!"

"Shut up, Ash," Gary pierced Ash with a threatening glare. His warning came in the form of a growl. Ash trembled nervously - Gary looked savage; as though he were about to dart across the stage and strangle him without any regrets at all!

"Gary! C'mon! NO!" Ash implored. He was more terrified for Gary's life than he was of Gary hurting him.

"Hush up, boy! Respect my decision and accept your defeat," the Seer's tone was unyielding.

"Yeah, Ashy-boy! Shut your trap!" Apparently Gary felt like rubbing salt in the wound.

"Both of you keep silent," that was Derrick fuming again. "If either of you says one more word I'm going to take Misty Waterflower's head and bash it into a wall!"

Ash hesitated, but made a decision . . . arguing to save Gary's life wasn't worth risking Misty's.

Ash cared deeply for both Misty and for Gary. But insisting Jessie's lie could wind himself, Gary, Jessie, and Misty inside Derrick's deadly clutches.

But, why is Jessie doing this? It doesn't make any sense! Why?

As the Seer blissfully declared Gary Oak the winner, Ash could do little more than cast regretful eyes upon his old rival.

Ash had just been affirmed a loser in a battle he was certain that he had won.

Gary and Jessie exchanged very subtle, suspicious nods. Nobody noticed their silent communication . . . no body except for Ash.

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Squirtle had never before been happier to see the light of day! He had spent the past half hour floating down a thick, gooey, stream of sewage. Team Rocket had promised that they would get him out of the Revivalist's base no matter what; and Squirtle knew that they sometimes implied crude methods of getting a job done . . . but, he never thought that they would actually eject his Pokeball into a garbage disposal! It was unthinkably disgusting – even for Team Rocket!

Even though he was inside his Pokeball, Squirtle had immediately known that he was floating within rotting waste. He knew because he could smell it - even from within the ball. He hadn't determined it safe to release himself until just a moment ago when the stench had finally faded; only then did he know he had finally cleared the trash cute and was outside again.

Now that he was at last freed from the ball and the debris, Squirtle had little time to truly savor and admire the warm sunlight and fresh air. Time was of the essence! He was busy scampering as fast as his two stubby legs could carry him.

Squirtle was not one hundred percent certain where the other Pokemon were presently located. For one thing: he wasn't even sure that they were still waiting for him. It was very possible that they had given up on him and unleashed a new plan of their own. He was also slightly disoriented from all his time spent underground – he couldn't pin point many specifics as far as which way was North or South. However, he did recognize a few distinctive land marks, such as a Blue Apricorn Tree and a batch of oddly colored orange lilies. These minor land marks told him that he was in the correct vicinity of the forest. No doubt Pikachu and the others were not far . . .

All of a sudden a sticky wad of dirt was flung into Squirtle's face! He sputtered angrily, wondering who had dared to chuck mud at him; especially after he'd gone to such trouble to avoid getting filthy in the trash cute.

To Squirtle's surprise, five Sandslashes, two Sandshrews and a Dugtrio popped their heads out from a hidden hole on the grassy forest floor. The eight Pokemon seemed equally startled to see him. It was a somewhat awkward moment.

"Squirtle?" Squirtle demanded to know who they were and what they were doing!

The largest of the Sandslashes climbed out of the hole, brushed himself off, and approached Squirtle.

"Slash! Sand, Sandslash," the Sandslash explained (very matter-of-factly) that they were all Gary Oak's Pokemon and they had been instructed by Pikachu to begin tunneling a secret passageway into the underground base. The Sandslash went on to inform him that they had all agreed to send a search party after Squirtle via this tunnel. The Pokemon were nervous, after all, Squirtle HAD been gone a frightfully long time.

"Squirtle?" Why dig a hole? Why not enter the same way he had by having that Pidgy drop them through the pipe?

The Sandslash politely explained that they were not willing to risk sending another Pokemon into the unknown - that the Pidgy's advice in that matter could not be trusted twice since (as of then) Squirtle had not yet retuned or sent word.

"Squirtle! Squirtle!" they needed to stop digging right now! If they actually reached the base they would ruin Gary Oak's plan. Squirtle told the Sandslash that he had seen and spoken to Gary, and that he had a crucial message for Blastoise.

The Sandslash hesitated . . . he was desperate for Squirtle to tell him the message; he had been fretting constantly about his trainer. In spite of this, Squirtle could only assure the Pokemon that Gary was indeed alive (he left out the part about Gary rigging his battle against Ash; he decided it was not necessary to get them worked up yet). Having the long awaited reassurance that Gary was at least living - the Sandslash agreed to temporarily cease the tunnel construction until Squirtle had had a chance to talk to Blastoise.

"Squirt?" where was Pikachu, the Pidgy, and the others now? All Squirtle could see was dense forests and this rapidly growing tunnel.

The Sandslash pointed to the left; and Squirtle quickly began rushing in that direction. He had to reach Blastoise immediately and relay Gary's message before they all made a horrible mistake! The mystery Pokemon would surly detect that tunnel . . . in fact . . . Squirtle was shocked that It had not already.

It only took a few moments of aggressive running before Squirtle came upon a clearing in the forest where Pikachu, Blastoise, Charizard, Bulbasaur, the Pidgy, and many other Pokemon were gathered. Scattered in the grass around them were the countless dozens of Gary's sealed Pokeballs.

The Pidgy was the first to notice Squirtle; it squawked with sheer relief and excitement. Squirtle was instantly enveloped in the affectionate arms of Pikachu. Bulbasaur and Chikorita were the next to embrace him; even Charizard gave Squirtle a friendly pat on the back. Squirtle blushed slightly; he hadn't realized how much they had all missed him.

After the welcoming party had dyed down, Squirtle was bombarded with demands and questions.

Where had he been? Was he okay? Did he find Ash? Did he talk to Ash? Was Ash okay? Was Gary okay? Where were Misty and Brock? Why were they being held prisoners? How did Squirtle get out? How did Squirtle not get caught? What was the beast Pokemon? Where was the beast? Why did that beast kidnapped the trainers? Why was it so strong? What took Squirtle so long to get back out?

Squirtle could hardly hear himself think, let alone even begin to consider the interrogation. On top of that, there really wasn't time to even get into half of it.

"SQUIRTLE!" Squirtle screamed, instantly silencing the other Pokemon with his rage. "Squirt!" everyone needed to shut up and listen-up right now!

The others quickly obeyed, all eyeing him with increased anxiety.

First thing was first: Squirtle announced that Ash and Gary were alive. An incredible feeling of relief blanketed the group, allowing Squirtle a moment to prepare to deliver his message.

Squirtle tuned solemnly to Blastoise. The massive turtle Pokemon was glowering down at him; Squirtle thought he might bite his head off should Squirtle's news be anything but grand. Gulping, he informed Blastoise that he had had a conversation with Gary. He gravely told Blastoise (and the eager others) everything he knew about the Revivalists, the dead master, the tournament, the beast, the underground base, and then told them how he had stumbled upon – and received help – from Team Rocket. Squirtle then quickly recapped his discussion with Gary . . . carefully leading into Gary's idea to rig a battle so that Ash would lose.

Ash's Pokemon were overjoyed about the ball-rigging plan. After all, that plan meant that their trainer was going to be okay.

Gary's Pokemon were anything but pleased. Blastoise and Sizor were outraged; they began screaming and throwing rocks. Umbreon and Arcanine howled mournfully, and Nidoking rammed his head into a tree trunk – nearly getting his horn stuck in the bark! It was an obnoxious display of anger, one that Squirtle feared would draw negative attention from the thundering sounds.

Squirtle quickly tried to calm them; assuring them that they need not worry because Lance was surly destined to win the tournament. Gary would eventually be freed with the rest of the trainers. However, Blastoise wouldn't hear any of it! That enormously stubborn turtle insisted that Squirtle had condemned Gary to certain death by supporting his selfless idea. Blastoise was not at all convinced that Lance was in any way superior to his trainer – despite the obvious reality that Lance in fact was. As far as Blastoise and the other Oak Pokemon were concerned Gary was just as probable a winner as The Dragon Master was. Squirtle admired their faith and dedication to Gary . . . but, they were really being unrealistic. Lance was in a league of his own. A league that tragically doomed him.

Blastoise and Gary's other Pokemon continued fuming and ignored Squirtle's pleas. They were collectively ready to burst into the Revivalists base right then and there. If that wasn't bad enough, their fears were rubbing off on Ash's Pokemon. Now even Pikachu was not totally convinced by Squirtle's words. Pikachu began ranting that Ash may also still be in grave peril. Pikachu and Charizard were preparing to join Gary's reckless massive troop! Squirtle began to panic; this was not at all how he had imagined the Pokemon's reactions to be.

During all this chaos that Pidgy was still adamantly against any of them directly attacking or invading the base. Squirtle and that annoying Pidgy were alone against the rest of them.

Squirtle knew that he had to convince Blastoise to calm down long enough to at least hear Gary's message. Therefore, he quickly announced that the words from Gary were extremely personal. The larger water Pokemon raised a hairless eyebrow, relaxing momentarily with curiosity. Squirtle was originally hoping that this would be a private message for Blastoise only, but he knew that if he tried denying any of the other Pokemon his audience then he'd probably be attacked.

Without hesitation, Squirtle told Blastoise that Gary had given him a direct order not to dare attacking the base unless they were informed by Team Rocket that the losing trainer's lives were undoubtedly in danger. Team Rocket was planning to give them a signal (of some sort) if the worst should happen. Squirtle didn't know what that signal was exactly, but Team Rocket had promised it would be something they would instantly recognize without any doubt. Squirtle could tell that Blastoise was about to argue, so he continued before the other turtle could interject. Squirtle decided to put Gary's command into its simplest form: Gary did want the Pokemon to attack . . . but not yet. There was a special place and time when he wanted them to reveal themselves. But Gary did not – on any terms- want them invading out of impulse. Basically, whichever human won the tournament -whether it ultimately be Lance or Gary - this winner was going to be sent off to physically capture and trap the mystery beast in a Pokeball. Once this was accomplished, the beast Pokemon would be temporarily out of commission; it would be locked inside its ball and unable to fight them. Gary wanted them to wait until that exact moment, when the beast would be gone, to make their move. And, Team Rocket had also promised to alert them with some sort of mysterious message when the time was right.

The other Pokemon were silent for a long set of moments. They were all deeply contemplating Gary's idea and wondering if they even believed that it was Gary's idea. Surprisingly, Charizard was the first to admit that it was a brilliant plan. Upon hearing Charizard admit the plans intelligence – Blastoise decided that the plan was in fact Gary's because surely no one else, certainly not Squirtle, could have invented it. Squirtle ignored the low shot Blastoise took at his aptitude. Soon everyone in attendance -including the Pidgy - agreed.

Squirtle sighed with obvious relief; they had actually believed him. All of them! That was a far greater relief than even being freed from that current of garbage!

Squirtle did not have much time to soak up his success . . . before he knew it the Pokemon were spreading madly in all directions. They were busy forming their exact attack plans for when that moment came.

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The Revivalists wasted little time in preparing for their final battle. The long-awaited moment was at least near: Lance verses Gary.

The losing trainer was promised a secure fate; he would be placed back into a cell and released along with the others once the Revival Ceremony had been completed. The winner might as well have been condemned to spend an eternity roasting in the scorching flames of hell. The victor would be forced to actually try and catch that insane mysterious beast Pokemon. And, supposing he even survived capturing the creature, he then was going to be murdered; his lifeless body becoming possessed by the long dead soul of the Revivalists former master!

Losing was winning . . . and winning was certainly a foremost loss.

Gary Oak had been declared the victor in his tense battle against Ash Ketchem. When the battle had ended, Ash was quickly removed from the stadium – probably taken back to his cell.

Gary on the other hand had been verbally praised and then allowed to take a shower. He was even given an energy bar, a banana, and a glass of orange juice. He was told that Lance had been granted identical favors - if you could call them favors that is. Gary just figured The Seer didn't want them passing out on the stage.

Jessie from Team Rocket had been – remarkably- applauded by The Seer for her honest and bold spirit. However, she was also warned not to dare to witness the final battle. The honor of viewing this particular match was reserved for only the most faithful of Revivalists. Jessie had agreed. Granted, she tended to press her luck in tense situations – however, even she was not stupid enough to pull another stunt like she had in order to assure Gary's win.

Gary was extremely relieved that Team Rocket had somehow managed to rig the balls to begin with. He certainly didn't expect Jessie to go above and beyond his expectations by disguising herself as a Revivalist, sneaking into the arena; and then to risk her life assuring The Seer that she'd witnessed Ash be defeated! Gary was still stunned speechless that she'd even pulled her act off. The Seer must have been senile to have believed her . . . but then again, the other Revivalists seemed to believe her too. It was almost too surreal for Gary to comprehend . . . but it had happened. He was labeled the winner.

Gary couldn't help but smirk with amusement. Jessie was one crafty, gutsy, greedy woman. She wanted Gary to reward Team Rocket upon his release, and, by god she dammed-well was going to make certain that she got what was coming to her! Come hell or high water Jessie was not giving up her reward without the fight of her life. And, she had given that fight and given it well.

Jessie had impressed him. When this was over he was going to give Team Rocket whatever they wanted. Cash, convertible cars, and caviar – it was theirs.

Gary had lost the battle. In reality he knew that Ash's Psyduck had beaten his Alakazam. Gary had seen the blow that Alakazam had endured when Psyduck used his own spoons against him; smashing them into his skull. No Pokemon as battered as Alakazam could have survived it. Rightfully, Psyduck had won. Gary knew it. And Gary also knew that Ash knew it.

As wrong as it was on so many levels . . . a trivial inkling within Gary's mind was reveling blissfully in the fact that Ash knew that Gary had gotten the best of him . . . that Ash knew that Gary had somehow manipulated the situation, and gotten away with it! What that sinister inkling was relishing the most was: that Ash was probably going insane trying to figure out how on earth Gary had done it.

Gary grinned in spite of himself, he just couldn't help it. Besides, from where he stood - on the stage - there was nothing else left in life to grin about anyway.

Gary was not even going to concern himself fretting over the 'what-ifs'. As far as he was concerned there was no chance that Ash would figure out how he cheated. Blunt reasoning: Ash really wasn't that clever. At least, Gary certainly didn't think so.

And besides, no one would believe Ash even if he claimed that Gary had cheated. Anyone he told would just think that he was either bitter about the loss, or that he was being selfless and trying to get Gary out of harms way and trade himself into it.

Gary did not feel guilty about how he had won. After all, Ash had won Misty's heart. She loved him. Ash didn't deserve to win the Pokemon battle too. Gary didn't really feel like being a double loser.

So far everything was going according to plan. By now Squirtle must have reached the other Pokemon and informed Blastoise of his orders. Gary had now successfully made it to the final round . . . he had kept his promise to Misty. She and Ash would both survive now. That was all that really mattered.

On the stage, Gary was restlessly awaiting the arrival of Lance. The Revivalists were supposed to lead him in at any moment.

This was it. He was going to face off against THE Dragon Master, leader of the Elite Four. It was an honor thousands of young trainers daydreamed about, but only a handful would ever truly realize.

And . . . Gary was most likely going to lose. He was prepared to have Lance defeat him in mere seconds. But, they would be a few seconds he would remember forever. If Lance won, then Gary would be the last trainer alive to face him . . . the idea alone was mind-boggling. The era of the Dragon Master could really end here . . . tonight - in this dreadful place. It was inconceivably frightening. He could be responsible for the termination of Lance! That thought alone was a horrendous burden to bear.

As much as Gary did not want to win, he was going to give this battle every ounce of vigor that he had left. As far as he could rationalize things, Lance deserved to get out of here and live a hell of a lot more than he did. Lance was successful, and admired by everyone. The entire world would mourn his loss; the entire world would miss him desperately. The Indigo League would probably have to be temporarily shut down until an appropriate successor could be found - and that task alone would be daunting. For who could ever hope to fill the shoes of Lance?

Gary wondered . . . what did he have to look forward too? Sure, he enjoyed researching Pokemon. But it was a career choice that had made his parents sick with disappointment. After they saw him lose to Ash on television they emotionally disowned him. Not that they had been supportive of him prior to that, but their so-called 'relationship' had only disintegrated all the more. He was still granted the full financial benefits of being a member of the Oak family; but that was only because he was underage and his parents could not legally cut him off - yet.

Gary loved his Pokemon dearly. But his new career path was not something that they enjoyed. His Pokemon had little involvement in his day-to-day activities, and what they were able to participate in was purely scientific. Blastoise and the others wanted to battle not to be studied. They were born for fighting; and were incredibly good at it. The thought had crossed Gary's mind more than once that his Pokemon would be better off with a different handler – someone who could train them vigorously and take them to the top.

Gary really didn't have any friends . . . as pathetic as it was; Ash was the closest thing to a 'friend' that Gary had these days. Unless, of course, he counted Misty. Only, his feelings for her ventured beyond the lines of friendship. But even those feelings were condemned. She was in love with Ash. And by the time they got out of here she would be so wrapped up in her own life, by Ash's side, that she'd have little time for Gary- if any at all.

There was very little on the outside worth going back too . . . and virtually nothing out there to look forward too.

Gary sighed dolefully. Maybe it was just this terrible place finally breaking him –hurling him into this pit of depression? Or maybe this place had just helped him to finally see how empty his existence truly was?

In any case, Misty had been his comfort, his ray of hope, his small taste of what it was like to be alive. She taught him too look forward to life. She showed him how too truly want more for someone else, regardless of self needs. Too be noble . . . to be a completely different person. But their time together was temporary; a fleeting, teasing sample of a happiness he would never experience again. Her modest effect on him was merely an aching reminder of how self-absorbed he had been before. Any dreams of a future together with Misty only served to prove how pitiful he really was. Gary and Misty were never meant to be. He didn't deserve a girl like her . . . he was a pathetic fool to ever have hoped for otherwise.

Gary ground his teeth bitterly, watching with genuine interest as Lance was finally escorted to the stage. Lance looked weary; but his eyes still held that classic sparkle of defiance. The Revivalists may have cracked Gary's character, but they hadn't defeated Lance's.

The Dragon Master was limping subtly, and the fabric over his right knee was dappled with blood. Gary cringed, full knowing that Lance had been recently abused. Besides the blood on his knee, Lance's robe was spotless and pure white. All the trainers here were given identical white robes to wear. The robes hung loose and baggy on most of them, making them look as though they were dressed in pajamas. The robes Lance wore fit much differently. His fabric fit tightly; clinging to his skin as he moved. It highlighted all the muscles of his broad chest, making him appear valiant against all odds. It was amazing how Lance managed to command respect no matter where he was. Lance could effortlessly draw all eyes upon himself with a mere nod of his head or a smile. Gary couldn't help but admire him now. Lance took every step with grace and collected confidence, his very presence was somehow encouraging. Even the Revivalist who led Lance up to the stage did so with a vague sense of courtesy.

Gary decided that it must have been Derrick who caused Lance that knee injury, because every other Revivalist in attendance seemed currently awe-stuck by his dignified conviction. There was no one alive who didn't regard Lance on some level . . . well, accept for Derrick that was.

Given the circumstances of their meeting, Lance greeted Gary with surprising warmness. He smiled kindly, his eyes scanning Gary with genuine concern as he noted the younger trainer's frail state.

Gary had no reason to be smug towards Lance. There was no need to even try and intimidate him with mockery (not that Gary even thought it was worth wasting his breath trying to mock Lance). Gary simply offered Lance the same friendly acknowledgement in return. There was little more either one of them could submit for comfort.

"Gary Oak," Lance spoke gently, his voice breezing Gary's ears like a warm autumn bluster. "After watching how incredibly fierce you have fought these past days, I'm honestly not surprised that I am standing here with you today. Your grandfather is a great man, and you have clearly followed in his footsteps."

Gary blinked with surprise; had Lance just praised him? He was momentarily rendered speechless as a meekly foreign emotion swirled within him . . . for the first time in Gary Oak's life he was humbled.

"Thank you, Lance. But I'm really not worthy of ever facing you," Gary wished he could have said more, but the Revivalists were not going to allow their prized trainers any chance at further communication.

"Let's get this started," The Seer sounded slightly frantic. "Derrick, hurry up with that sack!"

Gary and Lance swapped alarmed expressions. Gary knew that Lance was selfless to the core. Gary also knew that Lance was certainly going to try and beat him in effort to save his life. However, in that moment - as their eyes allied in equal fear - Gary could sense the same reservation within Lance that he had sensed within Richie yesterday . . .

. . . Lance did not truly want to win. For the first time in his entire life he did not want to win a battle.

It was not that Gary did want to win. Only, in this brief moment, Gary wasn't sure how much he truly cared either way. And what Gary found all the more disturbing about his prior notion was that: Lance honestly looked more worried than he did right now. Lance was covering like a pro – he was wearing that courageous front which everyone admired. Only a faint flicker of sentiment in his eyes alluded to his secret anxiety. Any one less perceptive than Gary never would have noticed . . . but, then again, zeroing in on other peoples weaknesses was Gary Oak's truest talent. It was a blessing and it was a curse.

"Ready to lose?" Derrick hissed, jabbing the sack opening towards Gary.

Gary shot Derrick with a dangerous glare. "Remember what I said, Derrick: if I win, and my body has control of that thing, you're going down."

Derrick snarled, seeming more angry than threatened. But Gary didn't care; he knew that the threat had gotten to Derrick before, and that was all the satisfaction he needed to last a lifetime.

Gary didn't dilly-dally with the sack this time; he quickly selected his two Pokeballs. He was quite eager to get this battle over with.

Gary didn't even watch as Lance chose his own set of Pokeballs. Instead Gary allowed his eyes a moment to glance longingly at the empty seats around him. Just like in his previous battle against Ash, only the Revivalists were present. Once again the losing trainers had been dubbed 'unworthy' of witnessing the final battle. Gary had mixed feelings about this decision. On one hand he wished that Misty were here. He drew strength and resilience from her presence. A shy smile from Misty gave him more encouragement than anything else ever could. However, he knew that if she were here she'd be a miserable basket-case fearing for his life. Therefore he was relived that she would not have to suffer through that now.

"My sincerest congratulations, gentlemen. You have proven to be the two finest trainers of Pokemon on the planet," The Seer seemed overly anxious, but who could really blame him? He'd spent his entire life planning this day. "Remember, that your fate as the victor will be more wondrous than you can even imagine. You will go down in history as the host body for our Master! Can you even begin to think of anything more grand or honorable? An exciting adventure awaits you! You will get to catch the Miracle Pokemon! You will get to speak to It! You will be respected by It! Then you will be graced with the presence of our Master! And I promise you this, the death of your spirit will be gentle . . . and the ceremony to honor the passing of your life and that of the revival of our Master will be glorious. Do not despair, rather, rejoice! This is your fate; this is what you were born for. Everything that has happened to you thus far and everything that will transpire next are events which were meant for you and for no one else," the Seer exhaled for a tediously long time before proceeding. "Now, gentlemen, begin your battle and seal your marvelous fate! Begin!"

Gary curled his lip with disturbance, but kept his comments about The Seers sanity to himself. Gary and Lance cast forth their first balls in unison.

Gary had received an extraordinarily large Porygon. The Pokemon was a blazing shade of neon-pink; the teal shades on his beak, tail, and feet were vivid like leaves in a rain forest. He was clearly made from the finest programming codes that existed – he was probably one of the original Porygon's which started the encoding blueprints for the rest.

Gary was pleased with this Pokemon. Although Gary had never owned a Porygon before, his grandfather had assisted in experiments on the prototype of Porygon2. Gary had been fortunate enough to bear witness to and assist in some of these. His memory harvested a detailed transcript of every move and attack that the Porygon could possibly possess.

Lance had received an Xatu. Not surprisingly it was unnervingly tall and its beak was jagged and hooked at the end like a curling claw. Generally Xatu's had a placid, somewhat reserved expression of their face . . . not this one. It wore the fierce façade of an ardent Fearow! The feathers on its wings were solid shades of blood-red, not a trace of any common white feathers could be found anyplace on its body. It was an eerie looking bird-Pokemon; and the mere fact that it had the power to peer into the future unnerved Gary.

It was also strangely ironic that the very Pokemon Lance wielded already knew their fates. The Xatu knew which one of them was destined to die.

"BEGIN! I SAID BEGIN!" The Seer decided to scream his reminder.

Ah hell, Gary thought cynically, I've got nothing to lose and nothing to gain. He winced, realizing that his overpowering despair was greedily devouring his heart. Win or lose, at least I'll ultimately get out of here . . .

Across the ring Lance aimed a threatening finger at Porygon. The Dragon Master's lips moved rapidly as he fired a blazing order of attack commands. Gary's demoralizing thoughts were so deafening he couldn't even hear what Lance was saying . . . not that it mattered anyway . . .

Gary already knew what is first attack would be.

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THANK YOU, THANK YOU:

Alex Warlorn- Hey thanks for the super long review! I was all excited to get such a long and detailed one. Yeah, I think you're right that Psyduck 'truing the tables' is Snatch attack. I totally forgot about it . . . but thanks for pointing that out so I don't make the mistake a second time. You totally made me laugh when you wrote: "Here's a simple question. Who with an IQ above zero or in their right mind would TRUST anything that Jessie and James had to say about anything!" Haha! Good point. Well. . . I guess someone who doesn't know them yet, like The Seer for example. I can't tell you if your predication of my ending is true or not, sorry! That would be like spoiling things. And what I really, really want to thank you for is your flattering comment about my battle scene. I worked very hard on it and I am so glad you liked it. I agree that most Pokemon battle scenes are often boring to read, I set out with a rather ambitious plot line that would include all these battles, and then, half way through I started thinking: 'Maia, what have your gotten yourself into here?' But overall things have worked out well. Such a relief! As far as your email goes, I do have a soft-spot of egoshipping (no secret), but that doesn't mean that I don't like AAML fics too. I just got inspired to write Happy Accident and needed to get some egoshipping out of my system. Maybe I kind of feel guilty for all the torment I'm making Gary suffer in this fic, I dunno. Anyways, as always: THANK YOU!

Midnight Mist- You are TOO thoughtful and sweet! Do I even deserve a reviewer like you? And OHMIGOSH Foreign Territories is SO awesome! I am obsessed with your stories. Thanks for your complements on how I write Gary. I have had quite a bit of positive feedback on him, and shockingly even reviewers who were originally hardcore AAMLers are starting to sympathize and root for Gary. Ha! Now that is amazing. But I am sticking with my original storyline. No matter how man Pokeshippers and egoshippers there are. And I really have a lot of both! But I love them all. And I love you! You are so incredibly encouraging. Update your fic soon.

shadowphantomness- Hey! Well. .. Lance is served, lol! Did you like how I wrote him? I consider you to be the "Lance expert" around here. LOTS more Lance next chappie too.

DarkAngelTorchic- Thank you so much for your review! You got a puppy? What kind? How old? I LOVE puppies, hee hee! And you got a boy number, eh? Well, I think the puppy and boys number are better than an update of this fic, but I'm flattered that you ranked the update with other such great things. Thanks again for pointing out my type-os of Gary's name. I'm so ashamed! I fixed them tho! Thanks for saying my love triangle isn't too cliché. I was nervous at first that no one would like the idea, but I'm glad I was wrong. Thanks again.

Windstar- Haha. Thanks for the great review! Gary is rather sneaky; I almost do feel bad for Ash. I'm sure he is going nutty trying to understand why Jessie did what she did. Ty!

Alexis Ludd- You are the best! Your review for both my fics had me grinning like an idiot all day. I seriously was smiling so goofily that I prolly looked like James from Team Rocket. I am still just in awe by how wonderful and lovely your reviews always are. If you keep praising my fics like this you run the risk of me permanently having a smile on my face, lol! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Shadow74656- Hiya! I hope this latest update has answered your questions. Thanks so much for the encouragement. I really appreciate your reviews.

Crazy4TR112- Hey! Hee hee, don't even worry about not getting a chance to review the other chapter. Life is busy – I know all too well. I'm just so grateful to have a reviewer like you. Any time that you have a chance I'm thrilled to have your audience. Thanks for your sweet comments!

Ninetalesuk- Haha! Thanks for the review! As always you got me smirking. Well, your questions about Jessie and The Seer should be answered in this chappie I hope. Thanks again.

Lyra loves to read- Hey there! Glad you're back. Don't worry about the later reviews. I knew you were visiting family. I'm pleased to have feedback from you anytime. And thanks also for liking my other new fic. I knew you would. So I make you wanna hug & squeeze Gary, eh? lol. I'm sure he'd be very flattered to hear that! Ty!

renyun – Hiya. Yeah, sorry no Misty again. Don't fret, she'll be back in the next one! And not only will she be back but she will interact with BOTH Gary and Ash! Will thank help? Thanks so much for reading and reviewing.

Aimmez- Hello! You are a total sweetheart. Your kind words inspire me so much every time! Thanks so, so, so much! I hope you liked this chapter.

megs626- What can I say? YOU ROCK. You are an asset to this entire section with your C2. It was long overdue and you've assembled such a fantastic array of stories. Congrats and well-done. If you ever need help of any kind with that let me know, I'm there! Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate them dearly.

Raevn- I have probably told you 'thank you' about a hundred times now. Let's see is there any other way that I can express my gratitude? Show my appreciation? Display how grateful I am . . .? I would give you an enormous plate of cookies and brownies and cakes if I could! You give me such unwavering support and encouragement. Your words of confidence have cheered me on more than you know. Ga, look at me, getting all mushy. Gary wouldn't approve of all this sentiment. lol. I so enjoy reading your thoughts an comments. Oh and btw: I was never sure if Misty's last name was Waterflower or Williams. Heh, oh well, at least now I know. Although I think Waterflower is much prettier, hee hee.

Dave Behave- I've put you in suspense, eh? Well. . . better? Hehe, prolly not since I didn't actually resolve anything here. Sorry! At least now you know Gary's message to Blastoise right? Thanks again.

evryluvsmisty- Thanks so much for your generous reviews of both of my fics. You are so awesome! I was incredibly flattered that you even gave Happy Accident a chance since it was egoshipping. Thanks! I totally enjoyed reading your reviews. And the one for this story was wonderful and so entertaining for me to read. I loved your thoughts on 'what could happen' with the whole Gary – Misty – Ash love triangle. Misty will be in the next chapter. Thanks again!

Mika- I haven't forgotten. I'll do my best! Promise. Thanks so much again for reading. Do you have any fics? Maybe you should write one about May Oak sometime – I'd love to read it!

Jenn- Hey, honey! You got me laughing with your review: "I want to hurt Ash for not listening to Gary, who is - of course - very wise;)" haha! You're so funny! I love your reviews!

MagRowan- Haha! Glad I made you sick with my French-braiding intestine line, lol. Well, I didn't really wanna make you ill, but I'm thrilled the description packed a punch. Yeah, I think you are right about the 'get a rise' out of him line – when I read it back rouse didn't sound right at all. You're also right that Gary is incessantly insufferable to Ash. I actually felt bad for Ash in the last chappie. He couldn't think straight because Gary was ripping on his character so ceaselessly, alas. I guess I'm just the mean one really, lol. I giggled when I read this part of your review: "Gr... I want Gary to lose because I want him to end up with Misty." Hee hee, I don't think you've ever growled in a review before, lol! I do that all the time. Well, thanks SO much. I'm ever-grateful to have you reading.

The Golden Dove- Hee hee, thanks for your super review. I'm glad the "crowd" went wild, lol. You're so thoughtful to say all those kind comments about my story. I hope you enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts.

star's dreams- Hi Star & Lime! Did you go back to school yet? Hopefully your questions regarding Jessie will be mostly answered here. I really appreciated this line in your review: "Gary's smugness and Ash determination. They'll be rivals forever" Star, you have a lovely, simple way of putting things into perspective. I'm so lucky to have a reviewer like you.

MagCat- Hiya, honey! Okay, I updated now it's your turn, lol! I so love your fic! And thank you VERY much for reading both of my fics. You're awesome. Haha, your comments about Jessie couldn't have been more perfect. Hahahaha, and I LOVED how you just said "Derrick needs to go to hell"! I just started cracking up when I read that. Ga, and you haven't even seen the worst more freaky parts of Derrick's character yet.

LeikaLai- Hiya! When are you gonna update? I'm DYING of the suspense over here. Thank you so much for your intuitive and fantastic comments on my fic. It's so flattering to have a writer like you actually read and critique my work. Ga, I'm nervous now. I really enjoyed reading your review; you actually gave ME a lot to think about. You are such an expert on the characters. Thanks SO much, now, having said that: go on an update. Hee hee!

Yoru Ryu- hee hee, thanks for waving a flag about, lol. And thanks even more for the motivating review. Lots of Lance to come next time! I really like writing Lance; he's such a fascinating character. Until next time!

KawaiiCherryBlossom-aka-BWF- Hiya! Wow, thanks for saying my fic was 'nerve-wracking' I totally take that as a compliment. Hee hee! I was trying my best to make it tense. Haha, the Seer reminds you of some of your customers, eh? Haha! Oh, dear! What kind of job do you have? I have a part-time job at Pets Mart and we sure get some wacky-old customers there. I was truly flattered to be labeled as one of your favorite authors. You are so kind, and now I'm blushing.

xox.Annie Potter.xox- Hello! Thank you SO much for reading this story (and my One shot). I am so thrilled that you are enjoying the story. Yeah, I know it is a dark fic. . . I wish I could say things get better . . . heh heh heh . . . I can't make any promises yet. Also, thank you for liking how I write Gary. I just love writing about him. He mystifies me and I just hope I do him justice. Thanks for the vote of confidence, you certainly DID get me fingers typing faster. The fic will prolly be don every soon, I sincerely hope you stick around. I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts on the chapter.

animeli0us- Hiya! Welcome to my story! And thank you for two reviews! That was extra-sweet of you. You gave me twice the motivation, hee hee. You TOTALLY got me laughing in your review of my One shot when you wrote: "burn ash" haha! That was randomly hilarious! Thanks, I needed the laugh. I hope you'll R&R again.

Smileyaili- Hey, sweetheart! I'm glad that was your favorite chappie! I aim to please. I'm super happy that you enjoyed it and were in suspense. How's life going? Back to school yet? Ty!

CrystalRose727- Thanks for being the very first person to read my One shot. I'm glad you read it even tho it wasn't pokeshipping, You're so sweet! And thanks a bunch for this review of WYB. Hee hee, happy you liked (meanish) comment to Ash. Aw, poor Ash. Gary is so wicked to him at times . . . well, most of the time. I gottah read your fic now! I just got the author alter!

WhiteEmbers- Hiya! Thanks a ton for the review! I'm hurrying, I'm hurrying . . . typing as quickly as humanly possible, lol. Well, the puppy dog eyes worked: I hope you liked the chapter. Come back and R&R again! THANK YOU!

EVERYONE: Is it true that we can't address our reviewers in our stories? I recently started hearing this, any truth to it? If anyone knows please let me know via email or something. ANYWAYS: Thanks a ton for reading! I start school on the 7th, ugg, but I'll still try and update as quickly as possible. My younger sister just moved away to start her first year at a different University and I'm a little down-in-the-dumps. I miss her! So hopefully I can get past my sadness and the next chapter will be up soon. Looks like 3 chapters left, plus the epilogue and that's it. Thanks for sticking this out with me. It's been a privilege to have such outstanding reviewers. Until next time, Maia

p.s.- I wrote a new One shot titled Happy Accident. If anyone is interested please give it a R&R! I'll warn you now it is an Egoshipper, but it has ZERO connection to Watch Your Back. It in no way has anything to do with this story. It was just a spur-of-the-moment fun fic kinda thing! Thank you an extra ton to those of you who have already read it. It is INCREDIBLY flattering to have reviewers so kind that they read my stories no matter what.