Authors note: When I first finished this chapter it was 19 pages long! I know you guys and gals like the story, but 19 pages is enough to burn even the most devoted reader out! Thus, I had to break it into two chapters. The good news: it's a shorter chapter & I'll update again in a few days. The bad news: I had to add that extra chapter which I didn't want to do. Well, read on and I hope you will enjoy . . .
P.S.- Special thanks to MagRowan for pointing out all the type-o's in this chapter – they are now gone!
Chapter 42
Xatu had already assaulted Porygon with a ruinous Leer Attack. The Leer had crippled Porygon's defense before Gary had even had a chance to prepare any resistance. Gary wasn't at all surprised by how quickly Lance had gained the upper hand; after all, he wasn't the leader of The Elite Four for nothing.
Lance was beyond formidable. He had nerves of steel, confidence of iron, and golden good looks and charm to match. He was the kind of Pokemon trainer that could shatter the nerves of his opponent by merely flashing an assertive grin. He could also profoundly intimidate his opponen's Pokemon by simply pointing a condemning finger in their direction.
That was what Lance was doing now. He took an audacious step towards Gary and the Porygon; then extended his fist as though intending to physically strike them down. His pointer finger was aimed like a sniper rifle at Porygon's head; threatening to somehow blast it with an invisible death ray should it dare to even think itself his Xatu's equal.
Gary had to admit, Lance looked frightfully menacing. The glint of anxiety Gary had detected moments before had completely been scorched away by vicious glory-seeking flames. Lance certainly appeared to want this victory. But deep down . . . Gary knew that he was desperate to lose.
That's my edge, Gary reminded himself cautiously. I have to remember that I SAW Lance's weakness, he is afraid of winning. He WANTS to live. He doesn't want some crazy demon Revivalist in his body. Me . . . of course I don't WANT it, but . . . at this point . . . I'm not sure that it matters . . . Bottom line: I can't be the one responsible for the death of the Dragon Master. If there's even a tiny chance that I can save Lance, I have to try!
"Xatu, Night Shade!" Lance intended to maintain his advantage. He was counting on the fact that Xatu was at a high level for his attack to be potent.
"Porygon, let's go!" Gary screamed; jolting himself from his unbearable gloom. It was time to do what he did best: fight. "Porygon, use Sharpen! Let's boost that attack power!"
Xatu's narrow eyes became infested with a sinister fog; it was preparing to unleash its Night Shade attack. Xatu was much faster than Porygon, and blasted it with the devastating dark ray before the Sharpen had been completed.
Gary flinched along with Porygon as the Night Shade caused considerable damage. Porygon had been practically knocked senseless from that one attack alone!
"Don't sweat it, Porygon," Gary didn't sound quite as self-assured as usual, but his Pokemon didn't know any better. "Use Recover!"
"Don't allow it to Recover," Lance warned sternly. "Xatu, Psychic attack!"
Gary chewed his lower lip until it bled. Porygon was glowing brightly – it was in the process of recovering from the Night Shade which had shattered its physical state.
"C'mon, Porygon! Hurry up and Recover!" Gary screamed; his voice hoarse from the vocal strain. "Xatu is going to nail you with the Psychic Attack at any moment!
Porygon was rushing; it managed to successfully repair all of the damage to its beak, and most of the damage to its left foot. But before it could conclude the repairs, Xatu viciously sliced its mind with the destructive psychic energy.
Porygon was a computer program, thus it could not feel pain. Nevertheless, its body began flashing hysterically; its physical image fading in and out of sight at an alarming rate. This Xatu was possibly more deadly than Lance.
"Porygon, hold on! Tri Attack!" Gary yelped his order, desperately hoping his Pokemon could endure long enough to even execute the attack.
". . . Peck," Lance ordered flatly, the tiniest tinge of hesitation in his tone. Gary was startled by Lance's attack choice – so far he was easily beating Gary with long range attacks. He had no need to even risk Xatu's health by allowing it close enough for Porygon to snare a hold of it.
Lance is . . . faltering . . . he's realizing that he's doomed. That I'm no match for him. Gary clenched his fists with frustration. Dammit! No! I can't let him destroy me like this. I won't let him die for me, I'm not worth it. I'm NOT worth it!
Xatu charged forward brashly; its jagged beak raised and ready to stab Porygon's program from existence.
Sweltering beads of sweat clung to the back of Gary's neck. His stomach whirled with anticipation as Porygon discharged its Tri Attack. The Xatu used its nimble body to leap over the bolt of ice and to dodge the ring of fire. Luckily Xatu could not evade the shock of electricity - and Porygon managed to fizzle more than a few feathers on the birds head. But, unluckily, Xatu had not been paralyzed. It was only momentarily deterred before continuing its aggressive charge at Porygon.
Porygon is doomed. It's terribly weak and there is little more I can do now. I've got to find a way to play on Lance's weakness, to amplify his fear of death . . . but how? How do I make him see how much he's got to live for? Maybe I can prove to him that I'm not worth dying for . . .? But how? I just can't think of any possible way to crack him!
"Porygon, tackle!" Gary cried out in a wretched attempt to damage Xatu as much as possible before Porygon ultimately was destroyed.
Porygon obeyed weakly, hurling its battered frame onto Xatu as the bird drilled its beak incessantly against it.
"Keep Pecking!" Lance was adamant; his tone so unyielding it was as though he had an invisible harness on the Xatu and could control every motion of its head.
Xatu squeaked in moderate discomfort as Porygon's weight smashed against it, but did not relent with its Peck.
"No!" Gary wailed desperately - wishing his verbal plea could somehow sway the battles outcome.
Ultimately, defeat was imminent. As Xatu landed a terminal Peck, Porygon's program flickered from sight.
Gary sighed mournfully, and quickly recalled the injured Porygon before it vanished altogether.
That was a record – my fastest defeat to date. Lance obviously doesn't do anything half way. At least Xatu is injured; it can't have much stamina remaining."Pokeball, go!" Gary spent no time in pitching forth his last ball. Because of my inadequate abilities Lance is going to suffer and die? This is disgusting! I have to try harder! Lance deserves to LIVE!
"Jynx, Jynx, Jynxxxxx," came the gleeful song of Gary's final Pokemon. He winced skeptically; this Jynx was rather plump and slow looking. Gary had been hoping for a muscular and brash Pokemon, something like a Machamp or a Golem.
You can do this, Oak. This is your last chance to save Lance. Now THINK! You have a Smoochum back at the lab. Remember? And Jynx is an Ice and Psychic type. You could conceivably snare the lead from Lance here.
Jynx was quite engrossed in wiggling her hips exotically towards the Xatu. She seemed to be trying to persuade it to join her in a battle dance.
The Xatu turned its face away from Jynx - it was a wise enough Pokemon to know how hypnotic her dance spells could be – it did not want to be mesmerized by her.
This Jynx may be a tad on the heavy side . . . but she's got charisma. She's clearly at a high level and knows how to use her entrancing songs and dances. Let's see if she's got strength to match her foot work . . .
"Jynx, Blizzard!"
Lance frowned, raking a stiff hand through his neon-red spikes. He was obviously hoping that Xatu's luck at evading status changes would continue. "Xatu, Fly!"
"Damn!" Gary cussed a bit louder than he had intended; he had urgently needed to strike that Xatu with the Blizzard – he couldn't risk Lance getting the first move in again.
Xatu flapped its wings, darting above the arena just in time to avoid the barrage of snow pellets which Jynx was blasting from her fingertips.
I HAVE to hit that Xatu the second it comes down! Otherwise it's going to soar downward and try to slam into Jynx . . .
As Xatu came thundering down towards Jynx, Gary . . . hesitated. The Jynx glanced backward anxiously, her eyes silently begging Gary to hurry up and give her a command! Gary had an idea . . . but he didn't want Lance to hear him yet . . .
Xatu was only a few centimeters over Jynx now . . .
"Jynx," Gary screamed brashly. "Grab on to it! Ice Punch!"
Lance didn't quite expect that . . . but, he was also far from unnerved by the unusual command. Lance knew that the regular tournament rules didn't apply here and he was prepared for Gary to launch a few unconventional techniques.
Jynx moved with mind-boggling speed for such a pudgy Pokemon! She easily snagged the Xatu by its skinny gizzard with one hand, and landed a flesh-numbing Ice Punch to its beak with the other.
Xatu had evaded all three status changes during Porygon's Tri Attack; it even flew above Jynx's Blizzard - but now, at last, the vile bird was frozen solid. Only a few mangy feathers stuck bleakly out from the ice block.
"Finally!" Gary couldn't help but cheer a little; he never expected to actually defeat Lance's first Pokemon. This was a major victory! Gary's confidence received a mega-adrenaline boost.
Lance seemed slightly taken aback by Gary's win . . . but, the Dragon Master recovered easily from the hindrance. Lance was soon mentally weighing the pros and cons of recalling Xatu. The bird was weak, and there was really no guarantee it would be able to struggle free from its icy prison. After a brief moment Lance settled upon a decision, and he withdrew Xatu.
"Go, Pokemon!" Lance hollered as his last Pokemon materialized before him. He had received a Quagsire. Lance's face was unreadable; Gary couldn't decipher his opponent's opinion of the slimy Pokemon. However, Gary somehow doubted that Quagsire was a type that Lance would ever go out of his way to catch for himself. Quagsire's were known for being slow, carefree, lazy and . . .
. . . Gary smirked, the more he thought about it, the more the Quagsire reminded him of Ash.
Of course, this Quagsire was indeed a cut above the rest of its species. Even though its greasy body moved about the stage at a Slowpoke's pace, its beady black eyes held a sparkle of intellect that Gary had never seen in a Quagsire before.
Okay, it's a ground and a water type. Jynx has a fair match ahead of her. She'll have an advantage over Quagsire's ground characteristics; however she'll have to struggle against its water powers. I'll just have to pray that Lance isn't very good a handling Quagsire's . . . Gary frowned doubtfully. Yeah right, like Lance isn't an expert on everything.
Gary glanced hesitantly across the arena stage at Lance. The Dragon Master was staring gravely back at him. This was really it. They were down to their final two Pokemon now. Gary had somehow imaged the final battle to be between two clashing super powerful Pokemon . . . like a Dragonite verses a Nidoking, or even a Ursaring fighting a Typhlosion would have been something grand! It was almost comical that he should be wielding an overweight Jynx and Lance a sluggishly Ash-like Quagsire.
Lance's eyes united regretfully with Gary's. Both trainers seemed suspended in a momentary lapse of raw emotions. Gary watched ruefully as the inferno of conviction in Lance's eyes perished – leaving only a bleak wasteland of sorrow reflecting back at him.
In this very moment, Lance was finallystarting to crumble. The realization of his inevitable victory had suddenly smashed into his soul like a wrecking ball against an abandoned building.
Lance was the best Pokemon trainer in the world . . . and Gary couldn't defeat him. By this time tomorrow Lance would probably be dead. His body forever invaded by the evil soul of a mad man . . . he would never see his family again, he would never see his Pokemon . . . this was his last stand. His superior dragon reign had come to an abrupt and premature end. So tragic . . .
. . . it was a sinful waste of a great man.
Lance trembled faintly, his barren eyes washing over the curious face of the Quagsire who was eager to start fighting.
Look at him! Gary's thoughts blared once more. Lance has got SO much to live for . . . I AM GOING TO SAVE HIM! They say that Lance is impossible to defeat . . . but I've found his vulnerability . . . its time to reveal his fatal flaw . . .
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The Quagsire slanted its head with genuine concern. Rumors of Lance's achievements were not unknown to any Pokemon - and Quagsire wondered why the famous man standing by him now appeared so sad?
Lance smiled softly at the water Pokemon, but the flames of confidence had been forever extinguished from his eyes. Lance realized his terrible fate and had no choice but to accept it. Gary Oak was a child . . . just . . . a child . . . and he couldn't allow the Revivalists to murder him!
Lance forced a pathetic smile for Gary. The young man was glaring at him with extreme intensity, a wry smirk playing on his lips. Lance was impressed by the kids boldness – Gary Oak didn't even look afraid anymore. The kid had a serious attitude and courage to rival it. He had mouthed off to every Revivalist here - been beaten morally, physically, and emotionally and yet, could still conjure up a smug gloating grin of defiance . . .
Gary's wry smirk transformed into a faintly arrogant one. "I beat Xatu."
Lance's nostril flared with slight amusement. "You'll make a fine Elite Four member one day, Oak," Lance breathed, emotion hindering his vocals further.
"Thanks, but, no," Gary's smile grew broader. Lance narrowed his eyes, unsure of Gary's meaning. "But," Gary continued. "One day Ash Ketchem will. And, Lance, you'll be the one there to hire him."
Lance swallowed as sentiment stung him. Did Gary actually think that they were both going to live through this? Was the young man in serious denial about the situation? Lance sighed, that must be the case . . . there was no other possible explanation for Gary Oak to be smiling and thinking to their futures.
"THE BATTLE!" roared The Seer furiously – apparently not appreciating their pause. "This is the FINAL battle!"
"Fight or else!" Derrickadded, although his threat was really quite unnecessary.
Lance and Gary exchanged apprehensive expressions and nodded. Stalling served no further purpose.
"Quagsire," Lance cleared his throat, struggling to retain his commanding front. "Get ready, Tail Whip!"
"Jynx, Pound!"
Quagsire hesitated. The Pokemon was still genuinely unnerved by his legendary handler's emotional state. It was remarkable to see a Revivalists Pokemon with compassion . . . but then again, the Pokemon here had always reacted differently towards Lance than to the rest of the captive trainers; even the Snorlax Lance had used against Giovanni respected him. When you were Lance everyone revered you.
Jynx was rapidly charging forward, her fist raised and ready to slam Quagsire to the ground.
"Quagsire!" Lance barked crossly. "TAIL WHIP!"
Quagsire's round head shuddered with alarm as it comprehended its dangerous situation. Quagsire twirled slowly, a magical aura radiating from its tail and onto Jynx. Jynx winced as her defense plummeted, but continued her rush despite the pain.
"Quagsire, move!" Lance's warning was futile. Jynx had already packed a powerful fist against the oily lizards back.
Quagsire yapped in agony! His body was catapulted - skidding forward across the arena floor! Lance paled – even he'd never seen a Jynx that strong!
It's unnatural, he decided. There is no other explanation!
"Nice work, Jynx! Do it again!" Gary was determined now; he'd finally gained the upper hand.
Lance shook his head, unable to figure out why Gary Oak looked so pleased to be gaining on him? Had the kid gone totally insane?
I've got to end this now, Lance resolved nervously. I'm going to finish it quickly."Quagsire, let's end this, Earthquake!"
Jynx had been on her way to deliver yet another mighty Pound attack when the Earthquake came. Quagsire obediently began an insane display of stomping the arena flooring. Its huge lizard feet banged and tramped mercilessly against the tiles. Before Gary could verbally steer Jynx from harm; she was already toppling left and right, her plump body rolling like a rubber ball on harsh ocean waves. Jynx was scrambling frantically in effort to avoid being fully crushed by the huge chunks of flooring around her! At last the tiles beneath her feet fully shattered; and Jynx was thrust forward ruthlessly. Her head cracked loudly against a massive hunk of jagged floor. Blood immediately drizzled down Jynx's forehead; her eyes fluttering as unconsciousness whispered sweet temptations in her ear.
"JYNX!" Gary's voice was shrill with terror. He was utterly stunned by how detrimental that one Earthquake attack had been. He knew that this Quagsire was special in comparison to the rest of its kin – but he'd never have guessed it could cause an Earthquake to rival a Steelix. Gary stared frantically at Jynx. "Don't you DARE faint on me! DON'T YOU DARE! I need you, Jynx!"
"Let's finish this," Lance announced coolly; avoiding Gary's beseeching eyes. "Quagsire, finish Jynx off with a Headbutt and-"
"NO! LANCE, NO!" Gary's naturally controlled voice splintered into a frail screech of despair. "Quagsire," Gary tuned solemnly to Lance's water Pokemon. "Don't do it! If you finish Jynx off, then you are finishing Lance off with the same blow!"
Lance's eyes expanded; but were unable to absorb the painful shock and extreme perplexity generated by Gary's words.
In response to Gary's plea, Quagsire halted. The Pokemon required a moment to consider its advance towards the defenseless Jynx. Quagsire instead gaped up at Gary, legitimately interested as to what the young man had to say.
"OBJECTION!" Derrick snarled lividly from the side of the stage. "Seer, Oak is appealing to the Pokemon for god's sake! Eliminate him!"
"Now, now, Derrick," The Seer replied with blunt irritation. "Anything goes. They are supposed to try and win by whatever means possible. CONTINUE! CONTINUE!"
"Quagisire, please, stand down!" Gary knew that he was trembling. He knew that he was distraughtly begging a Pokemon! But at this moment in time . . . dignity was worthless. Saving Lance was all that mattered any more – no matter what the cost. "Jynx," Gary kneeled gently beside her still frame. He tenderly brushed a strand of bloody hair from her eyes. "Please, Jynx, all I'm asking for is one more attack. Can you give me that? Please! We have to save Lance!"
"Save me?" Lance gasped; taking a tentative step forward. "Gary . . . no, this is foolish. You can't beat me. I . . . I can't tell you how much your selflessness means to me, but . . ." Lance trailed off . . . he was overwhelmed by the mysterious devotion and sacrifice that Gary – a person he barely knew - was desperately trying to make for him. This young man was honestly willing to die for him! Lance shut his eyes, breathing steadily as he prepared himself to speak: "Quagsire, Headbutt." There was zero mercy in Lance's tone.
Gary sighed mournfully. "I'm not worth it, Lance," his words expired before they even left his lips - they never reached Lance's ears. However, Quagsire and Jynx had the supernatural hearing that all Pokemon possessed, and they did hear Gary's desolate confession.
The two opposing Pokemon locked eyes in a rare moment of unspoken understanding. Then . . . Jynx stood up. She was frail, bloody, wobbling in anguish – but, she stood up none-the-less.
Gary exhaled brashly, a sparkle of relief igniting his expression. Lance's jaw drooped open slightly, he was bewildered . . . was that Jynx really going to fight? She could barely stand! How? After the lethal Earthquake she had endured there was no way. And why would she even bother to try? Gary wasn't her trainer; she had no reason to struggle for him! Jynx had no reason to feel indebted to please him! What the hell was going on? In all rights that Jynx should have been comatose.
Lance clenched his jaw; warily studying the Jynx. She doesn't stand a chance in hell, Lance assured himself.
"Quagsire-," Lance blared the Pokemon's name urgently . . . but then, for reasons unbeknownst to himself, Lance could not finish his sentence. He wanted to order Quagsire to destroy Jynx once and for all! He was TRYING to execute the command! Only . . . the breath in his throat perished each time he tried to continue the words . . .
. . . Lance began to gasp, nearly stifling on his attempts at speech. The Dragon Master grimaced shamefully, inwardly admitting that he wasn't yetready to complete the final fight of his life . . . he wasn't ready to seal his ruinous fate. . . he just wasn't ready for his existence to end . . .
"It's alright, Lance," Gary spoke sensitively, softy - the young trainers face suddenly held the wisdom of ages Lance could never hope to understand. "This is what I want."
The emotional grip on Lance's throat tightened. He was now struggling to swallow, battling to breathe, fighting the mortal sensations in an effort to even utter a word against Gary's doomful declaration.
"Jynx," Gary's voice was suddenly void off all sentiment; he had already mastered the expression of the corpse he was soon to become.
The tension in the arena was excruciating, suffocating; not one Revivalist, not even Derrick, had taken so much as a breath since Jynx had risen from – what should have been – her end.
"Jynx," Gary repeated; gaining vigor. "HYPER BEAM!"
Quagsire squawked in surprise at what he had heard. Lance blinked wildly- with an extreme rush of vitality he forced his vocals into action. "QUAGSIRE, GET OUT OF THE WAY!"
Quagsire ran as fast as it could towards the edge of the stage, but its top speed was equivalent to aTogepi's waddling. Jynx released a shrill scream as she discharged her Hyper Beam; the attack detonated upon Quagsire instantly! Jynx had conjured the exploding beam with her very last drop of energy. Quagsire was mercifully knocked senseless, for its limp body had been jolted clear from the arena! Its floppy frame flung towards the left of the stage and collided with about a dozen unprepared Revivalists. Quagsire wasn't the only unconscious body in the room after that.
Gary and Jynx exchanged tranquil expressions as she finally collapsed. Gary recalled her before she became any further exhausted. He didn't have to say a word to her . . . Jynx knew how grateful he was.
The Pokemon here were not used to kindness, it was amazing what an act of compassion could do. Theses Pokemon had been starved of empathy and tenderness . . . they were happy to help someone who simply thought to care beyond his own selfish desires.
Lance's knees buckled as a tremor raced down his spine. He was entirely dumbfounded. He just . . . stood there . . . gazing with wonder at the youth before him who had done what no one had ever done before: beaten him.
"It's over! AT - AT LAST" The Seer was quite obviously in tears of joy, Gary and Lance could hear him sniffling over the speakers. "WE HAVE OUR HOST BODY! WE FINALLY HAVE OUR HOST BODY! Oh, and worthy host he is! Celebrate! We must celebrate and honor young Oak!"
The Revivalists began embracing one another, rejoicing, and sobbing with relieved glee. They had waited decades for this day . . . and they were exceedingly jubilant. Who knew that they could actually express a positive emotion beneath those cold dark shrouds?
Lance's scarlet spikes shook frantically; he was only just now snaring a solid mental grasp on the true occurrence. "W-why?" a solitary tear of regret cascaded down his handsome face. Lance's eyes seared mournfully against Gary's. "Gary Oak . . . you're too young too die . . . I-I should h-a-ave tried harder, I. . . I . . ." his words were lost in sorrow.
Gary smiled with inviting confidence; and Lance was amazed . . . the ever-raging storm of bitterness and anger in Gary's eyes had swiftly vanished . . . only sunny pools of cerulean glimmered back at him now. Gary Oak honestly looked as though he held no remorse or regrets for his own soul. "Lance, the evil spirit would have had so much more power in your body. Don't you see? I'm not you. And I could never hope to be. But if this thing is unleashed upon the globe, then at least no one will hesitate to fight back against my body . . . but no one would ever want to risk yours. If It wore your face, people would always hesitate to pull the trigger."
Lance couldn't respond.He certainly wanted to convince Gary that he was equally valuable to the world. That Gary's youth made him all the more precious . . . but then, the truthful sting of Gary's words pierced his heart . . .
. . . Gary is right . . . I hold influence over the world . . . in my body the results could have been . . . disastrous . . . Gary's sacrifice may have saved millions . . . if that dead master ever posed me -as the leader of the Elite Four - everyone would have trusted him – politicians, authorities, all trainers . . . Gary . . . was right . . . in Gary's body, the master has much more limited power and influence. But, god, I wish it wasn't true.
"Hey, Lance," Gary sounded hopeful, like a terminally ill child who was too naive to recognize the aguish in his parents eyes. "Will you tell Misty Waterflower something for me? Will . . . will you tell her that I . . . that I . . .I-"
The Seer interrupted. "Gary Oak, Lance doesn't have to be your message delivery boy. I've arranged it so that you can tell her yourself."
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Misty really wasn't sure how much more of this brutal treatment she could endure. Being roughed up should have seemed routine by now. But it wasn't. And she didn't think it were possible to ever get used to being treated like horrible criminal. Last night Misty had finally found meager sanctuary in her dreams. Her unconscious thoughts had carried her to the comforts of home in Cerulean City. Though the details were vague, she could remember being in her gym. There she had been laughing, smiling, and genuinely enjoying the company of . . . someone . . . a young man. He had been there with her; he had held her hand as they walked along the stone edge of the gymnasiums pool. She could recall how sincerely his hand had squeezed hers; she recalled how fluidly he moved– as though he were gliding upon a current of air. But more so, she remembered how he made her feel . . . secure, adored, passionate . . . lovedHe was a mysterious young man whose identity had wholly escaped her in her conscious state. Although she could not evoke the memory of his face, Misty somehow sensed that it had been Gary. And - like the regretful sadness of waking from that wonderful dream - a pang of foreboding throbbed within her mind . . . was her dream foreshadowing the inevitable? Was everything that she and Gary had shared together destined to also vanish?
Last night Brock had said that he thought Gary had feelings for Misty. But Gary had never said anything to her. Could Brock have been wrong? And if he wasn't wrong, then what did that mean for Misty?
She quickly banished any romantic thoughts from her mind. She knew that she could not be with Gary. Therefore, Misty was going to have to convince herself that Brock was in fact mistaken. Any fantasies of a relationship with Gary Oak were out-of-the-question. It was that simple. Or at least . . . Misty wished that it were simple . . .
. . . When it came down to it: Misty knew that she could never hurt Ash. Breaking his heart was something she just could not do . . . even if it meant sacrificing her own.
Despite her attempts at dismissing them, her thoughts had lingered on her dream and on her feelings for both Gary and Ash. Needless to say, Misty was profoundly disappointed when the Revivalists barged into the cell and ripped her from her soul-searching.
Reality exploded like a series of firecrackers as Misty was yanked to her feet; her limbs silently screaming for mercy. She winced, watching helplessly as Brock was also jerked upright and stifled with a rope leash.
Within moments they were in the corridor and on the move.
Misty and Brock had been given scant details regarding where they were currently being lead to. All they knew was: the Revivalists were certainly in a major rush to arrive at their destination.
Misty was accustomed too being taken from the cells and to the arena or to the showers. But, currently she and Brock were being hauled down a corridor which she had never seen before. Most of the passageways in this underground base were dreary; they had dull white walls with bland stone floors - but not this one. The walls here were painted a rich hue of moss-green, and the floors were actually carpeted. The carpeting seemed to be of fair quality and was a lovely shade of oyster-gray. This hallway was strikingly diverse from the surroundings that she had become familiar with.
Misty wondered if she were being lead towards a more central part of the base? Perhaps towards the living quarters of the Revivalists themselves? She could think of no other reason as to why this area might have such material comforts.
The Revivalist escorting Misty slowed his pace; craning his neck towards her and Brock. "Listen," he stated gruffly. "You are both being taken to the celebration of the victor. The final battle was waged this morning and The Seer has decided to honor our Chosen One with some festivities."
Misty and Brock exchanged somewhat baffled expressions. A celebration . . .? That was strangely out of character for this hell hole. A celebration. . . Misty's thoughts persistently repeated the word as though desperately trying to extract its full meaning. A celebration . . . to honor the Chosen One, the victor? Oh my God! Misty's insides churned with nausea. It's over. It's finally over! But, who won? It must have been Lance. Of course it was Lance. Or . . . Ash, no, it couldn't have been Ash. Nothing can happen to Ash. It was Lance, sadly, but it must be true. Because Ash is fine . . . and so is Gary. Nothing can happen to either of them. And nothing will.
"Who won?" Misty accidentally blurted her question. She absolutely could not even begin to comprehend the possibility that Ash or Gary could be in that fatal situation.
Neither Revivalist seemed terribly upset with her question, but they didn't answer her either. Misty was simply informed that she would find out 'soon enough', and then she was told to be silent. As much as Misty's gnawing curiosity pained her, she managed to keep her lips sealed. She was too close to freedom to act brashly now.
After a few more moments of brusque marching, the Revivalists halted in front of a large door. Like everything else in this area, the door was unique to the rest of the base. The door was not constructed from drab iron or steel – rather it was composed of shimmering, swirling marble. Even the door frame was an elaborate patchwork of small bricks.
Misty tensed, preparing her body for the roughhousing which the Revivalists always thought necessary in order to simply lead her though a door. To her startled relief, the ropes were simply lifted off of her head. Her throat instantly relished its newfound freedom. Misty glanced warily at the Revivalist who was limply holding her rope. She noticed that Brock had also been released from his bonds; and that he was suspiciously enjoying his own de-roped neck.
The Revivalist who had unconstrained Misty opened the door, and gestured for both she and Brock to enter. They were standing to the side of the door, and from their position, could not tell what was inside. "Go on," he ordered anxiously. "Enjoy the celebration."
Strange. He almost sounded liked he meant it.
Brock and Misty swapped deeply nervous looks. Brock's dark eyes were laced with distrust . . . this was nerve-wracking . . . was it a trick? Were they being lead to their deaths? What was really inside that decorated door?
"Go on!" The Revivalist was much more insistent this time. With a menacing finger he indicated towards the entranceway. It went without saying that disobedience would not be tolerated.
Brock sucked in a courageous breath, preparing to step inside.
"Wait," a beckon of bravery flickered within Misty. She reached out to Brock, placing a firm grip on his shoulder which rendered him still. "Let me go first."
Brock's reaction was grave, but Misty noticed a fading glimmer of admiration in his eyes. "Are you sure, Misty?"
"Yes." Misty wasn't certain where her sudden valor had come from; but if there was something lethal waiting for them behind that door, she was determined to find out first.
Without any further thought on the matter, Misty took a gallant step inside the room.
What she saw blew any and all comprehensible thoughts from her mind. It felt as though Lugia itself had heaved a mighty gust of air across her mind- deliberately wiping her brain clear of all considerations. Misty simply stared blankly at her surroundings, her lips parted as bewildered tremors raced throughout her nervous system.
Brock was at Misty's side in flash; he grabbed her left hand and applied a gentle squeeze – he was trying to assure both of them that their surroundings were indeed real.
0o0o0o0o0o0 0o0o0o0o0o0 0o0o0o0o0o0
LAST CHAPTER THANKS YOUS:
Alex Warlorn—Hey. Well I guess your comment: "Lance was in a
league of his own.
And he's not perfect. One mistake is all it'll
take for Gary to score a win." Proved to be right. Of course you
have always had a knack for predicting things. And I also found this
to be an interesting point: "and caviar – it was theirs. never
say anything: ie, pokemon!" I'm not sure if I'll go there, but
I found that fun to contemplate! I love how focused and yet
entertaining your comments are. Argh, I've been so busy with
school, and then I finally write a chapter and it's 19 pages long!
I almost died when I counted them. Do you think I made the right
decision cutting the chapter in half? I hope so. I hate to have to
add another chapter, but at the same time I don't want to cut back
on the story at this point because its' winding down and everything
else is essential.
Midnight Mist – Okay, I updated so now I will allow myself to read my favorite stories again, like your new one! I can't wait to see it! Thanks for the great review – as always it was certainly appreciated and very much enjoyed! I know what you mean about school being totally busy, I don't even have time to sleep anymore. Ga! So terrible. I wish I were finished with school . . . gr, oh well. I will be eventually- hehehe.
CrystalRose727- Hiya! Hee hee, thanks for liking my little line about Ash's teeth being like lead. That was actually not in any of my story drafts and I added it spur of the moment right before posting. Odd how random ideas come to mind, hee hee. Thanks so much! As always, you rock!
Ninetalesuk- Hi! Thanks for your kindness and encouragement. I needed it for this chapter! You made an interesting point . . . you'll just have to wait and see if the beast has anything to say/do about Gary's cheating.
DarkAngelTorchic- Hiya! Oh wow, that review you left me was so inspiring it is a part of the reason I wrote a 19 page chapter and had to slice it in half, lol! I couldn't help but laugh at this line in your review: "And if he loses, he has to live with Ash and Misty all lovey-dovey and crap." Lol! Yeah, that would suck! POOR GARY! I'm so evil to him! Oh (random)& aw, you have a Pekingese, they are SO CUTE!
animeli0us- Oh! I had SUCH A BLAST reading your totally awesome little dramatic scene of a possible 'Misty confesses to Ash' moment! Hee hee! That was brilliant! What you wrote was seriously one of the most flattering and kind things any one had done for me. No one has ever thought so much of my work to write a fun little part of it. It really entertained me! Thank you for it. : ) Oh yeah, and this other line from your review: "Let Gary have his ray of hope!" that made me laugh out loud! I loved it! Thank you so much fir all your kindness and inspiration!
shadowphantomness- More Lance! Hee hee! I hope you like!
renyun- Ga! I'm sorry this update is so late! I will update again in just a few days tho! Thank you very much for saying my story is 'addicting' – that is mega-flattering! I don't even know what to say! You're so sweet!
WhiteEmbers- Hiya! Wow, thanks for that great review! Yes I really liked your fic, you should update soon, hee hee. And also thank you for saying that you didn't get bored after 21 chapters, ga, I know this fic is so long, lol! But it means a lot to me right now to hear that you've enjoyed it all. Until next time. . . : )
Alexis Ludd- Hiya! Okay, so I finally updated and now I have given myself permission to read your fic and Midnight Mist's new fic and some others. I was banning myself from any fun reading until I got my own rear in gear and wrote. But, hey, it worked! Your fic is SPECTAULAR BTW, hee hee. As usual your compliments have my mind spinning and my face blushing because it doesn't seem like you could possibly be saying all these kind things about my fic! But you are and I SO appreciate it. I'll update again very soon.
Subieko- Thanks for all the reviews. They made me so happy, hee hee! & thanks also for saying this is action packed – I'm trying! It's kinda hard for me to write Pokemon battles. . . I really tend to spend a lot of time knit-picking and the like, lol. You said so many wonderful things to me. . . I don't even know how to say thank you!
Raevn- Hey! So you used to be an avid Pokemon game player? I did too, well I obsessed over Pkmn Red and then I was pretty into Gold for a while but that was as far as I got. I trained a crap load to lvl 100 then I felt like a loser for spending that much time on it, wa! Lol! Anyways, hee hee, thanks for the review! I'm glad you liked the "Cash, convertible cars, and caviar" line!
Jenn- Hi! Thank you very much for the review! I know what you mean about enjoying Gary-suffering. . . I'm also guilty a charged, lol! Heh. . . well, since you like to see him suffer you'll definitely wanna keep reading. . yeah, it gets worse. . . I'm so sick. Lol!
evryluvsmisty- Haha! You're review had me laughing like crazy! Ohmigosh! You are SO funny! Or is it that inner kasumi? Lol! Thanks for expressing all of your opinions, you know I LOVE to read them! THANKS!
TaintedxPurity-Hi! Welcome to my story. I am very flattered that you have read everything so far and have enjoyed it! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a review. I'm thrilled that you like the pairings, the characters, my one shot, and I agree with you that May is kinda like a twisted Misty twin, lol! I will be updating again in just a few days, so I hope you will continue to R&R. I would love to read your thoughts on upcoming chapters.
Aimmez- Hey! Thanks again for gibing my self-confidence a boost! You're SO kind to me! I will update again VERY soon, in a few days!
MagRowan-Thanks again for that totally thoughtful e card. I loved it! So pretty! And your review (once again) flattered me way more than I deserve. I'm happy that I've turned your opinion of Gary from 'world's biggest dipswitch with an ego to match' (LOL!) to sympathy! Hee hee! That really got me giggling! I love your word selections! Until next time!
Sumi Lys- Hello! Thank you so much for the review! You are very kind! You always say such nice things. : - )
star's dreams- WOW! Thank you for that extra awesome review! I totally enjoyed reading it! I really liked this part: "Derrick, Gary and Ash agreeing with each other about Jessie." Haha, you are SO right and I never even thought about that! And I am very flattered that I have gotten you to have a bit of a soft spot for Gary, hee hee. Thank again.
Windstar- You are totally awesome! Thank you for that wonderfully encouraging review! I'm glad you found Jessie's innocent act entertaining; I was hoping that people would find it light hearted. You are so supportive of this fic. I feel so grateful to have you reading. I will update again in a few days, scouts honor!
Yoru Ryu- Haha, you'll have Lance stuffed and placed in your living room, eh? haha! Well, that's okay, I'm obsessed with Gary too . . I dunno if I'd stuff him tho, lol! Well, it appears that lance is outta danger for now. Thanks again.
xox.Annie Potter.xox- Hiya! Thank you for that inspiring review! I'm really touched that you would want to read more Poke fics from mew even after this one is done. That is so flattering. If I write more I'll make the next one lighter, lol! Well, I hope you enjoyed this update.
EagleFox- Hi! Oh wow, I made you speechless before! Holy, that's very nice of you to say. I'm so happy that you liked my last chapter & I really hope you also liked this one!
kitsune07- hee hee! I really liked your review! Lol, the debating over Gary winning or losing. It's a toughie, we want him to win, but, um, we don't want him to die – so conflicting! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, I love to read them.
DarkDragonQueen- Hi there! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review my story. I'm SO happy you are enjoying it. You're question about the master (and what body was right or wrong etc), will be answered VERY soon! Now, don't die, I'm updating & I'm updating again in a few days. I hope you will come back and read and share your thoughts and opinions again. I'm looking forward to reading them.
Lyra- Haha, calm down. Lol! Yeah I'm mean to Gary I know I know. And Derrick does need to die, lol. Thx for the email & I'll write you alter, ok?
Mika- Cool! If you do ever write some fan fics I will happily read them!
megs626 - Thanks, as always, for your kindness. You are so great! I'm so lucky to have a supportive reviewer like you. Yeah, this fic is almost over. It's exciting for me, and kind of a relief, bit I'm also a bit sad. Oh well, there are still a handful of chappies left. Ty again!
Dave Behave- Dude, you are so great! God, I owe you big time for sticking with this since the start. You are so encouraging and I ADORE your reviews. I'm really going to miss getting your little reviews when this is all over . . . I guess I'll just have to write more fics, lol!
ohhhJinxie- Thanks for taking the time to read my story. I'm sorry that you have not enjoyed too much of it. Unfortunately, most of your suggestions are coming at me too late, the fic is drafted and 42 chapters thru . . . if I had received the suggestions a bit sooner I would have perhaps been able to do something. I'm sorry that these 'Thank you's" annoy you. But I will never stop thanking my reviewers, without them I would have abandoned this fic a long time ago. I really enjoy responding to reviewers and so far all of them (not including you) really enjoy my responses. The story has about 4 chapters left so I hope you can tolerate them until the end. I'm also sorry that you don't think I update fast enough. I update 2-3 times a month, I thought I was doing pretty good at that speed. I try to include more than just one plot in my chapters so that people get to read about their fave plots etc. As far as the charters being OOC, they are a few years older than the characters on the show, plus they are in a very hostile environment so I had to make them mature a bit. I'm not exactly sure who is OOC here? But I guess I'm too late to fix that, heh. I'm also sorry that you find the plots involving Prof. Oak, the Pokemon, and Team Rocket to be boring. They are not my favorite scenes to write – I admit - but I receive so many requests for them I had to keep adding a little bit here and there. Plus, it is kind of refreshing for me to have a more 'light-hearted' plot to write sometimes, hee hee. There really are not many more extra scenes like that left. Most of what is left revolves around Gary. There is not much remaining . . . and I will explain why Derrick is so mean etc. I had to make him nasty so that everyone would hate him, heh. It worked, so my mission was accomplished. Well you had a lot of negatives to point out. . heh. . . so, I'm not sure what it is you do like, but I'm happy that you have enjoyed the story at some point, lol! I hope I addressed all of your issues/concerns. I tired! I do hope you will continue to R&R, just keep in mind that I can't make any of the changes you have requested because the fic is at a point of no return, ya know? Thank for your comments. I do appreciate them. Wow, that was long, lol.
Silver Tiger Claws- Wow! All I can say is THANKS A BUNCH! I'm so happy you like everything that much. I'm very flattered by your kindness once again.
MagCat- I wish I could give you a big hug for your sweet review! Gosh, you are just SO inspiring! Lol, Derrick is devil spawn, eh? lol, I agree! Well, at least now that I have posted I have a chance to read your fic! I will do so tomorrow! I can't wait!
Smileyaili- Hiya, honey! Thank you so the sweet words! I SO appreciate them, but you know that! Good lucky with school.
KawaiiCherryBlossom-aka-BWF- Hiya! Oh you work in a public library, I'm sure there are some nutty old guys. . . I go to our public library once in a while & I always see interesting characters. Well, thank you again for your more than generous kindness! That review really made my day when I received it.
Moomoomoo- Aw! Don't be scared, he's okay. . . for now! Lol! Be happy he lost. Hee hee.
LeikaLai- Oh, thank you so much for the review! I'm still BEYOND flattered that someone at your skill reads my fic. . . ga, so awe-inspiring! Hee hee! I'm glad you liked how I wrote Jessie, she's fun to write. And sometimes I need a break from all the fics other dramatic characters. Thanks again for your well wishes, I am doing better. It comes & goes.
Angel of Hope and Miracles- Hiya! Thank you very much for reading my story! And thanks for that ultra-encouraging review! Wowzers, you read it all in one sitting,that is IMPRESSIVE! I hope you continue to R &R.
doom18769 – hee hee, yeah, Derrick is an ass. I DO divulge the secrets of his charters before the end tho, don't worry! Thank you SO much for R&Ring my fic! I'm looking forward to reading your opinions on this chapter.
Kagome1015- Hiya! Well, you'll have to read and find out what Ash's role will be from now on. Thanks.
The Golden Dove- Hello! Congrats on getting mostly al A's in school! Good for you. & to answer your question: Tracey's secret will be revealed soon. I'm glad you like Porygon coz there is a lot of Porygon here! Thanks for your kindness!
Reanne1102- Hello! I'm glad you like egopshipping. I can't tell you yet what way the love triangle will go coz that would ruin the ending, lol! Thank you So much for the praise! You are so kind, I really appreciate it. I hope you will R&R again.
EVETYONE: Okay, it's 3 a.m. now. . . I'm a so weary I feel like I am living in the Revivalist base. Alas, between school and my health I have been drained of late that is why this is update is a few days later than usual. But, as I mentioned up top, the next chapter will be up in a few days; probably this weekend. Thank you all. . . now I am going to bed. . . please R&R. . . I could use a few reviews! I wub you all. Thank you. Maia