Watch Your Back

by Maia's Pen

COMPLETE! Trainers are mysteriously vanishing. Someone, or something, is on a violent kidnapping spree. When Gary Oak becomes the newest victim, Ash and his friends are determined to find out what is going on.

45. Chapter 44

Chapter 44

There was a bitter chill in the forest that evening. The air itself seemed on edge - lashing out with an icy bite as though to assert the fact that no living creatures were welcome here. The sun hung low on the horizon, it even seemed anxious to make its descent for the night. Because of the sun's low position, only scarce amounts of light were able to filter through the awning of dense tree braches overhead. This forest was an ancient labyrinth – it was filled with natural beauties, but carried with it an unspoken ominous weight. Gary had an unshakeable feeling that this forest had been here since the dawn of time; and that it had bore witness to every secret wonder and terror that the world possessed. Every mammoth tree reached out to him with its long clinging branches - as though trying to silently warn him of a mysterious doom-filled fate. These woods held a frightful secret, one that they desperately yearned to share with him, but of course, never could.

Gary shivered, squinting his eyes against the commencing darkness. The looming shadows cast by the trees criss-crossed before him, making the wooded terrain all the more difficult to navigate.

The boots on Gary's feet thudded quietly upon the earth. He was walking through a cluster of prickly bushes. Barbed thorns continually ensnared the fabric of his pants, and it was rather painful every time Gary had to pluck a thorn from them. The thumb and pointer fingers on his right hand were now covered in small scabs.

He was treading through a forest so thick and tangled by foliage that he was sure he was the first person to ever pass through here. Gary had not even come across one place where any of the shrubbery had been cut or beaten down; there was not one single path for him to follow. Thus, Gary was hiking – in no particular direction- and struggling against the resistant brush to create his own way.

He had been wandering this mystifying forest for (what seemed like) hours now. In all that time Gary had not come across another living creature; he had not even seen so much as a stray Spearow flying overhead. The forest was lifeless aside from the suffocating amounts of foliage. It was also utterly silent aside from the thumping of his own feet. It was incredibly . . . eerie.

Gary trembled as another frosty gust raced through the evening air; it nipped cruelly at his cheeks and nose. He could no longer feel his ears for they had submitted to the numbing chill long ago. Gary pulled the sleeves of his sweater down so that they were covering his fingers from the wind. His hands were beginning to feel stiff and dull; and Gary knew that he had to somehow keep them thawed . . . for when he did finally locate the beast, he was going to need a working pair of hands in order to command his Pokemon to properly attack It.

He had spent all of his time here searching for that beast. He had covered many miles of forest terrain - but still, he could find no sign of that wretched creature.

Gary paused his movements and sighed. He thought back to his last word exchange with The Seer. It had been right after that uncomfortably strange party which had been held in his honor. After he had said his goodbyes to everyone . . . to her, Gary had left the ballroom; that was when The Seer had approached him. The Seer had briefed him on his mission. Gary had been told that he was going to be dropped off deep into the forest outside of the base, and that he must then scour every centimeter of forest until he found the beast. Next, Gary was instructed to attack and capture the beast. After It had been successfully obtained, The Seer assured him that his Revivalists would promptly pick him up and bring him back to the base for the Revival ceremony.

Naturally, Gary had quite a few questions in regards to The Seer's orders.

He shut his eyes, cringing against yet another frigid bluster as he recalled the details of their conversation . . .

"Seer," Gary clenched his jaw, knowing full well that his face radiated skepticism. "How are you going to drop me off INTO the forest?"

"Young Oak, have you so little faith in my Revivalists? Child, worry not, we are going to transport you via helicopter to an uncharted section of the mountain woods. There we will drop you off and you may begin your quest for the Miracle Pokemon," The Seer spoke very calmly and seemed quite pleased with himself.

Gary's eyes grew wide. "YOU guys have a helicopter?"

The Seer only nodded, chuckling beneath his dark shroud. "Our benefactor is very generous. We are not a clan of poppers you know."

Gary wasn't sure . . . but it sounded like The Seer was attempting to lighten the mood. Gary didn't laugh.

"Yeah, I guess not," he replied softly, "Okay, so, once I find this beast how the hell am I supposed to catch It?"

"Here," The Seer handed him a Pokeball. Gary accepted it, examining it carefully.

"With this?" Gary scoffed bitterly. "This is just an Ultra Ball; you've got to be kidding. I can't catch something that appears legendary with THIS."
"Oh, ye of little faith, that is not the only tool that I am giving you," The Seer placed his hand on Gary's shoulder, leading him down a corridor towards a large room which was literally filled with Pokeballs. "You may bring with you three Pokemon of your choosing. Three and that is all. Simply name any three you wish and you shall have them to battle at your side."

Gary's chest tightened, this was possibly the single most important decision of his life. "I, ah," he hesitated. "Okay, I want an Alakazam, a Dragonite, and . . . a Tyranitar."

"Done," The Seer walked around the room, quickly collecting the Pokeballs from various shelves. "Here. They are all at extremely high levels and they know all of their capable moves. Powerful selections, my boy."

Gary nodded. "Still," he turned solemnly to The Seer. "Even with these three strong Pokemon . . . what if I can't catch It? It defeated every trainer here and all of their strongest Pokemon. It nearly massacred all of MY best Pokemon. I REMEMBER how it fought . . . it was so unbelievably strong. What if I can't catch It?"

"You will, Child. Remember, the Miracle Pokemon WANTS to be caught. It craves the control of a master. It will find you. It is waiting for you now as we speak. It will reveal Itself in the forest when It feels that the time is right. You ARE the Chosen One, remind yourself of that fact and let that bring you courage. Your unmatched confidence and bravery made you who you are. The Pokemon respects you, Child – and YOU ALONE. And with respect comes sole power OVER the Pokemon."

Snapping back to reality, Gary's insides shuddered; The Seer's words had not comforted him in the least. It was all well and dandy that The Seer had so much faith in him . . . but what if that beastly creature didn't share in The Seer's beliefs?

All that Gary had gotten from their conversation was that – at any given moment – the awful monster was just going to pop out of nowhere are attack him! Gary was drowning within vulnerability and powerlessness. He desperately needed to feel that he had control over this situation . . . over his right to life, over his heart, or at least over something! But he did not have control over anything anymore, and he probably never would again. He was at the sole mercy of the creature now . . . just as he had been during his first encounter with It.

Gary remembered back to that fateful night in the Pallet Woods - the night when he had fled helplessly through the forest with the beast viciously perusing him all the way. He had shattered his ankle, smashed his head against rocks, risked his own and all of his Pokemon's lives in effort to simply escape; and yet, It had captured him anyway. It had ruthlessly hunted him down despite his most daring attempts.

It was distressingly ironic, for here Gary was again - alone and moving through a dark forest. Only this time, Gary was the one aiming to capture the beast. And this time he had an idea of what he was up against; he was armed with three super powerful Pokemon. AND, this time, he was prepared to fight for his life. He was not going to let that sinister beast catch him off-guard again.

Despite Gary's seeming advantages, he could not silence the nagging voice in the back his mind. This voice reminded him that: no matter what he accomplished here, he was going to end up dead . . . that irksome voice sounded a lot like Tracey Sketchit . . .

. . . The harsh fact was: that even if Gary managed to catch this beast he was going to end up being killed in an incredibly brutal and messy way . . . it was NOT something he wanted to dwell on, but it was also an inevitable fact he had to face.

Gary coughed into the sleeve of his sweater; his throat was dry and he was growing increasingly thirsty. After that helicopter had dumped him here (wherever here was) the Revivalist pilot had only tossed him one small bottle of water. The water had been fully consumed a long time ago, and Gary's throat was feeling more parched by the second. Aside from the dryness of his throat he was starting to feel dizzy – clear signs of dehydration.

By the rate at which the temperature was currently dropping, Gary half expected it to start snowing soon. He decided that if it did snow, then at least then he could catch some snowflakes on his tongue for moisture. Gary at once mocked himself for thinking on such low terms – that his survival should come down to eating snowflakes! He intended to find the beast, and, get his unavoidable battle over with before he either froze to death or dehydrated fully . . . then again . . . perhaps dying in one of those ways beat the alternative of having his wrists slashed open. Gary's stomach twisted with nausea, he did not want to die and especially not like that.

Gary Oak was brilliant thinker; he was famous for his ability to outwit opposition. In the past, he had always been able to calculate his way out of negative predicaments with ease . . . why was he trapped now?

If only he was more selfish. If only he didn't give a damn about the fates of the other trainers.

However, he did care about them. He cared about all of them . . . above all, he cared about Misty.

Misty and the others were still being held captive. And the Revivalists would not free them until the ceremony of his death was completed. Was there a way that Gary could save himself now?

Even if there was a way, it was not worth the risk of leaving the trainers at the mercy of the Revivalists.

Then again . . . his and Ash's Pokemon were all outside the base and they had clear instructions; and Team Rocket had promised to aid the Pokemon in freeing the trainers should the Revivalists renege on their word. Maybe there was a tiny chance that he could save himself and - as long as the other Pokemon came through - save the trainers as well.

He had an idea. It floated in his mind now, slowly and unpleasantly -like a dead fish to the surface of a pond. It was extremely risky and unbelievably dangerous. It was not a plan of action which Gary had ever considered taking before; mainly because it seemed doomed to fail. But, Gary was at the point now where he had to act on any and all ideas that presented themselves; otherwise he was certain to end up dead.

First thing was first: Gary knew that he could not possibly succeed with this plan alone.

He cast a weary eye upon the three Pokeballs fastened to his belt. He was going to have to inform these three Pokemon of his change of plans . . . he only hoped that their allegiance to the Revivalists was frail enough to be broken. Pokemon were good natured and intelligent creatures; they did not generally enjoy making others suffer . . . maybe there was a chance he could make them understand his situation and earn their trust? Gary knew that the chance of these Pokemon helping him was slim; but he owed it to the Pokemon to at least be honest with them since he was placing their lives in grave jeopardy.

Still shivering, Gary plucked the Pokeballs from his belt and released them in unison. A trio of fearsome and unnaturally large Pokemon stood before him, all glaring down skeptically. The Alakazam crossed his arms, eyeing Gary with an air of suspicion as though surprised that such a young trainer had claimed the title of the Chosen One. The Dragonite cocked its huge head to the side; it seemed to be wondering why on earth Gary had bothered to release it when, clearly, there was no Miracle Pokemon around to challenge. The Tyranitar scratched its head; wholly puzzled as to what was going on and where it was.

Gary narrowed his eyes, disheartened with how uncomfortable these Pokemon were at being released for any other reason than to battle. It was really very sad . . . they had probably never been allowed outside of their balls just for the sake of stretching their legs or to visit with their trainer. Their only purpose in life was to fuel the Revivalists greed through battle – they had no relationships – human or Pokemon.

Gary inhaled confidently, his bold eyes moving from Pokemon to Pokemon. "I am the Chosen One," Gary spoke with assurance. "I won the tournament and I am destined to confront this so-called 'Miracle Pokemon' tonight in theses woods."

His assertive words succeeded in drawing the full attention of all three Pokemon. They stood in curious silence, waiting for him to continue.

"Listen, supposedly this beast Pokemon is out here somewhere, waiting for me to find It . . . The Seer tells me that It wants to be found and that It wants to be caught. But, if I catch this thing then I am going to be murdered." The three Pokemon glanced uncomfortably from side to side, avoiding eye contact with Gary – they were clearly conflicted with the idea of him being killed. "My death is not going to be pretty. I've been told that I am going to be bled to death – that my wrists will be sliced open. And I was also told that the dead soul of the former Revivalist Master is going to possess my body." He spoke slowly, allowing the full magnitude of his words to sink in.

The Pokemon all blinked their eyes as though startled – apparently the grizzly details of the Revival ceremony had not been shared with them.

Gary continued, his tone softening slightly. "I am going to be honest with you all, okay? You don't have to appreciate what I have to say, but please, at least try to understand me." The Pokemon nodded, encouraging Gary to continue. "I have a plan. My plan will make it so that I don't have to die. My plan will make it so that the captive trainers don't have to die. The plan is not only harmless to us, but none of your Revivalists will be physically harmed either. But, the thing is, I can't do this alone. I need all three of you to help me. And what I am going to ask you to do is probably going against everything that you have been taught and been trained for. This is what I want to do: when the beast appears . . . I," Gary paused, gathering the courage to form him next words. "I'm not going to catch It . . . I'm going to kill It."

The three Pokemon were absolutely stunned by what Gary had just said to them! Alakazam stumbled backward anxiously; Dragonite's jaw dropped with alarm, and the Tyranitar shook its head vigorously from side to side - as though frantically trying to convince itself that it had misunderstood Gary.

The three Pokemon glanced at one another nervously, they chattered quietly amongst themselves with shrill, panicked voiced. Gary stiffened, not wanting to interrupt them in this critical time. Dragonite turned to face Gary – but its eyes never landed upon the humans face; for, just as that Dragonite looked to him, its attention was instantly seized by something behind the human. Alakazam and Tyranitar's focus was now also fixated behind Gary. All three of the Pokemon suddenly fell deathly still– all of their eyes gapping fearfully past him.

Gary swallowed cautiously, his heartbeat skyrocketing. He struggled to clear his head and think rationally about what was commencing before him . . . these three mighty Pokemon were staring at something behind him . . . and whatever it was it had completely frozen them with terror.

"What?" Gary breathed hesitantly; his stomach felt like it was rapidly dissolving into a heap of bile inside him. The forest had fallen as dark and silent as the inside of a coffin.

Gary did not have to have eyes in the back of his head to know what they were all looking at . . .

. . . he could now feel Its skin sizzling breath panting on the back of his neck.

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"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu ordered loudly. He was exasperated! Gary Oak had hundreds of Pokemon and each and every one of them seemed to be just as stubborn as their master.

The little electric mouse sighed; he had finally been able to organize the Pokemon into somewhat sensible teams for the invasion. He had also just sent a flock of Pidgey's back toward Pallet Town to alert (and if possible to fetch) Professor Oak, the authorities, and, hopefully, some paramedics – just incase Gary Oak really did end up having all those scary things done to him that Squirtle had talked about. Of course, it could take hours and hours for humans to get to this place; they were not capable of traveling as swiftly and easily as Pokemon were. Pikachu was just grateful that Professor Oak was skilled in understanding Pokemon speech; otherwise, it could take hours and hours for the Pidgey's to simply communicate the message.

Gary's Sandshrew's had nearly completed their tunnel into the Revivalists base. So, now all they had to do was wait for Team Rocket's mysterious signal to invade . . . whatever that was going to be. Knowing Team Rocket the signal could be anything; Pikachu just knew that he had to keep his eyes pealed for something out of the ordinary. After all, that was what Team Rocket was best at – random, usually flashy, and unordinary things. At least until that signal arrived Pikachu knew that Ash and the other trainers were temporarily safe. The signal was the alert that Ash's safety was going to be seriously threatened.

Pikachu gazed over the massive gathering of Pokemon before him. Gary's main Pokemon: Blastoise, Sizor, Arcanine, and Nidoking were in charge of their own smaller teams of Pokemon. And Pikachu, Charizard, Pidgeot, Bulbasaur and Squirtle were each in charge of their own teams. Squirtle had volunteered to lead the first group of Pokemon into the base via the tunnel. Squirtle's group, along with Team Rocket, were going to open a hatch or a door from inside the base which would allow the rest of them to enter all at once. Pikachu believed that there truly was strength in numbers.

"Pika?" Pikachu noticed that the mysterious Pidgey was pacing nervously by his side. Pikachu knew that the Pidgey was not in total agreement with their chosen course of action; but, right now Pikachu did not particularly care. They were GOING to save Ash tonight, one way or another.

"Pigdeot?" Pidgeot walked over to the Pidgey and cocked her head with concern.

For no apparent reason, the Pidgey's head snapped upward with alarm. The smaller bird squawked with dismay - a determined glimmer surfacing in its eyes.

"Pika?" before Pikachu had a chance to finish asking what the trouble was; a blinding golden light rippled over the Pidgey – suddenly swallowing the bird into thin air! The Pidgey had vanished right before their eyes!

Pikachu and Pidgeot squealed with surprise.

"Pidgeot!" What in the world just happened?
"PIKA PI!" Where did that Pidgey go!

Charizard was at their side in an instant; he was tense, scratching his head with a claw in sheer confusion. "Char! Charrrr?" he had also witnessed the Pidgey's bizarre disappearance.

"Pika?" Piakchu peered nervously at Pidgeot. "Pika, Pikachu," That looked an awful lot like a Teleport to him.

Charizard nodded in agreement. That certainly looked like a Teleport to him as well. Pikachu and Charizard both looked to Pidgeot and asked if Pidgey's could in fact even learn to use Teleport?

Pigdeot's beak parted apprehensively, and she shook her head. "Pidgeotttt. . .ott."

The answer was clear: Pidgey's could not learn Teleport . . . yet, that Pidgey had certainly done just that.

Charizard snorted steam from his nostrils . . . they were dealing with more than one unknown creature here.

0o0o0o0o0o0 0o0o0o0o0o0 0o0o0o0o0o0o0

OH MY GOD. . . IT IS BEHIND ME!

The creature breathed and growled like a demon. As it snarled splashes of saliva splattered against the back of Gary's neck; scalding him like boiling acid. It was panting rhythmatically; releasing stifling blasts of putrid steam. Gary was wearing a thick sweater, but it provided zero protection from the scorching heat. The steam blasted through the fabric like it was air. Gary cringed as minor burns blistered beneath his hairline. He could smell the wool of his sweater begin to smoke as the fabric threatened to combust beneath the intense temperature.

Gary's heartbeat was pummeling out of control! He felt as though a war hammer was being ruthlessly pounded against his chest by a Machamp. Gary battled fiercely against his dissolving wits – ordering himself to focus on breathing. He had to try and stay calm . . . to breathe - HE NEEDED TO BREATHE! Every time he attempted to inhale, the wind was literally knocked out of him by either the smothering heat of the creature's breath or by the ferocious thudding of his own heart against his lungs. Burning sweat drizzled down the front Gary's face; he could feel the hot liquid as it trickled down his arms and hands; clinging like tar to his fingertips. The sweat on his back was evaporated before it could dribble anywhere.

Gary squeezed his eyes shut, recoiling. The stench of the creature was like sizzling flesh . . . or perhaps what Gary smelled was in fact his own skin cooking . . .

Suppressing a wave of nausea, Gary opened his eyes and stared at the three Pokemon before him – all of them were still gapping fearfully at the beast . . . they were actually looking at It; they could see Its face.

Gary had never before managed to get a good look at the beast – even when it had captured him. On the night he was abducted it had been pitch black outside; and Gary had been too woozy from lack of blood to see anything clearly. All he could remember was how ruthless It had been - how hateful and menacing. The mere memory of that horrific night made him want to scream. Gary had been terrified of It and he had never wanted to see It again! But then, the most unexpected thing happened and all of that changed – he changed . . . when he fell in love with Misty. Gary realized that saving her was worth coming face to face with this demon again.

Thinking of her now - even with the evil entity breathing down his neck – it brought him comfort and granted him strength.

This was his destiny. Gary was going to have to turn around and face the creature.

Wincing beneath the unbearable vapor, Gary carefully collected the crushed remains of his courage and prepared to face It. The beast's panting continued to pulsate against him as though taunting him – daring him to look at It.

It is a well known fact that Gary Oak was never one to back down from a challenge.

Exhaling steadily, he turned . . . and forced his eyes to grasp the hideous sight before him. The creature was mere centimeters from his own face.

At first Gary was almost slammed senseless; for the creature snarled right in his face – discharging a smothering rancid spray.

Gary was able to quickly regain his composure; and he locked his eyes upon the Pokemon which had haunted his dreams for so many dreadful nights.

Initially, all Gary could make out was a massive tangle of thick, oily, bristly hair. The creatures face looked like a gigantic mask of black barbed thorns – it was almost like a snarl of steel-wool, but the size of a Gyarados's head! There was no apparent nose or snout that Gary could see; but, a pair of blazing scarlet eyes stared from the center of Its head. There was also a set of curved, dagger-like fangs jutting forth. Each fang looked as though it were easily sharp enough to sever human limbs. Two crescent demon horns protruded from the top of Its head; and both horns were well over two feet in length. The tips looked spiked enough to impale a human torso. The tip of each horn also sporadically burst into flame; in unison with the creatures breathing. Its head was enormous, and Its distinctively canine body was round and muscular. The same spiked coat of fur covered It all over. It had a short tail projecting from Its backside. The tail was stubby and squared off as though it had been purposely docked down to size. Despite Its canine-like frame, the creature's fangs and eyes were disturbingly feline; and the talons on Its huge furred paws were almost bird-like – for they were long and looked as though they could easily contract around a smaller object . . . such as a human throat. The creature was constructed like a perfect killing-machine.

It was crouched on all fours - nearly eyelevel with Gary . . . the two crimson eyes shown through the thick bristles of hair and glared at him. They were blood-thirsty, intense and intelligent eyes. They peered at Gary as though trying to strip every ounce of dignity from his soul. Gary trembled involuntarily, but forced himself to glower back at the creature with the boldest front he could muster. Gary knew that if he allowed his fear to overwhelm him, then he surely had no hope in convincing the Alakazam, Dragonite, and Tyranitar that he was worth the effort to obey.

"GaRy OaK, hEaR mE."

Gary froze. He had . . . heard something . . . a rumbling muffled sound.

"GaRy OaK, hEaR mE."

There it was again! Gary's stomach reeled with horror. That sound . . . it was evil . . . drenched with malevolence! Gary somehow sensed that listening to this malicious noise was a deadly sin – one that would certainly doom his mortal soul.

"GaRy OaK, hEaR mE."

Gary suppressed a heave of vomit.What was that sound? Why was it making him physically ill? The sound was clearer this time . . . intensified, louder. It was not just a sound; it was a voice! A booming, wicked voice . . . the tone was sporadic, shrill and crazed one second, then deep and controlling the next.

Gary gazed at the Pokemon – studying It. It glared back at him; but It didn't appear to have spoken. Gary peered back at his three counterparts, but they only blinked blankly at him. None of them seemed to have heard anything.

"GaRy OaK, hEaR mE."

The spiteful voice bellowed again; only, this time Gary realized that he wasn't hearing the voice through his ears at all! With shock, he grasped that the voice was projecting inside of his head!

Gary stared in disarray at the creature. The creature only nodded at him - confirming his fears. It was telepathic; and, clearly It was far more intelligent than Gary had even begun to realize. This creature . . . It was capable of human contact through the mind.

"What? How!" Gary demanded loudly, as a vicious migraine slammed him. "What are you doing?" His temples throbbed painfully - this new agony was the aftershock of having his mind telepathically invaded.

The creature huffed, sending a blistering breath across his face. All of Gary's previously numb flesh from the wind was now wholly thawed. And to think he had even concerned himself with the possibility of freezing to death only minutes earlier.

"CAlM dOwN, ChOsEN OnE," his thoughts were infested again – this time the voice was more coherent; but it was much bolder, more invasive! It assaulted his memories; temporarily vanquishing his capability to focus on anything but It. The sound echoed like a car crash inside his skull; chilling his spine and freezing every nerve in his body.

The creature's voice was more powerful still; because it was also something that Gary could feel. The evil lurked about the corners of his consciousness -moving around inside him like a parasite. Gary had never felt more violated in his entire life.

"GaRy OaK," intimidationstung him. "I KnOw tHaT yOu CHeAtEd."

Gary gagged, bile swelling in his stomach again. THE CREATURE KNEW THAT HE CHEATED! How was that possible?

"I kNoW tHaT yOu cHeATEd AGaINSt ASh KEtchem. BUT," a subtle feeling of approval entered Gary's mind. "I AdmiRe yOu. ThE fAct tHat YoU wErE so unbElievabLy dETermineD TO wIn IS aDmirAbLE to ME. I ObsErVeD yOu wiTh GReAt InTereSt ThRouhout thE GaMe, gArY OaK. And I obsErvEd yOu oUtside of tHe GAme AS wEll, YOU arR a HaRd pErSon. YOU cAn bE deSTruCtiVE anD CrueL tOwards oTHeRs of yOur kINd – AND towaRds yOUrself. BuT I waS INtriGued by aNothEr qualitY I found wIthin yOu . . . I fOuNd thIS tHe very Day tHaT WE Met wHen yOu aLmost KiLleD your OwN phYsical BoDy In eFFort TO gEt YOur oWn POKCET MoNsTers aWay From ME. YoU wanTed to 'SaVe' tHeM. NOTHING wOuLd sTop you ThEn, AnD nOthIng woULd Stop yOu duRinG tHe gAMeS. YoU wEre DEterMined to ReAch THE hOnoRaBLe poInt In wHicH yOu hAve In fAct now claimeD. I dEcided tHat YOU weRe the oNe tHAt I WouLd chose wHen you PuLleD yOur TriCkery rIght iN fRont of THE ReVivalistS Eyes, And yEt, THEY Did NOT haVe thE wIts TO see hOw yOu HaD manIpulated THE mAtch in YOur own FavOr. You, GArY Oak, aRe A pERsoN And a BoDy tHat wiLl MAke A woRThy hoSt for my Old MAster. MY MastEr WoulD haVe casT a faVorable eYe Upon yOU, GArY OaK. YoU wOuld hAVe remInded him OF hIs OWN yoUtHful SoUl."

Gary staggered backwards, shielding his ears in a vain attempt to silence the screeching voice. "No! Stop it! I'm not going to be anyone's damn host body!"

"CoMply! CATCH ME!" The words were followed by a powerful explosion of white-hot pain. The creature roared ardently – flames jutting forth from Its eyes. Its long fangs gleamed beneath the final dribbles of light from the sun set.

"CATCH ME!"

Gary moaned weakly, he felt as though his skull was physically starting to crack under the intense internal pressure.

Gary's bangs began to singe from his close proximity to the creature's flaming eyes. He flinched away from the creature; staggering backward as vertigo devoured his sense of balance. As he toppled downward, Gary was certain that he was going to smash his head against one of the many trees or rocks which littered the ground – only, as luck would have it, a set of gentle paws grabbed a hold of him.

Gary glanced up dizzily; the kind face of the Dragonite was blinking down upon him. The Dragonite exchanged a brief nod with both Alakazam and Tyranitar, and then the three Pokemon looked conclusively at Gary.

Gary didn't have to ask, he knew that – for whatever reason -they had agreed to help him.

Perhaps the Pokemon could also sense the evil intentions of the monster? Or perhaps it angered them to see Gary suffering so at the creature's mercy? Or maybe they were going to help him for reasons that a human mind could never truly understand? All that mattered was that Dragonite, Alakazam, and Tyranitar HAD agreed to fight for him – and Gary felt more gratitude for these Pokemon now then he ever had felt for any other living beings before.

Gary took and steady breath and – with Dragonite's help - managed to stand back up. The vertigo was passing; he was starting to feel stable on his feet again.

He smiled thankfully at the three Pokemon who stood so bravely on guard around him.

"I KnOw whAt it Is yOu tHiNk yOu cAn DO, GaRy OAk. FIghT mE, yes, CaTCh mE, Yes. BuT IF yOu tRuly ThInk You CAN End MY eXistence ThEn yoU ARe bEing naïve. AnD yEt, YoUr nativiTy iS eNthralliNg to ME, fOr I Was oNce a yoUnG bEing tOo, I wAs onCE gReen aNd curiouS – as WAS my mASter. GaRy OaK, wE ArE SO aLikE, aNd YoU aRe sO LIke mY MAsteR. BUt sOOn yoU wiLl cOme to rEaLize, As hE dId, that I Am eTernal. Go aHead, try yOur bEsT. I dO Admire yOur BoLd sPiriT, and I sO yeaRn To bE cauGht agaIN. I YeARN FOR tHe ControL that can Make Me CaRe AGAiN. CATCH ME!"

"We'll see about that," Gary hissed; briskly raking a hand through his spikes. "Your kidnapping days are over!"

The creature made a sinister sort of chuckling sound; clearly Gary's overly confident front was something that It found amusing.

Gary jogged a few feet behind the three Pokemon; he felt that he could better command them if he was out of their way. "Alakazam, Confusion! Tyranitar, run to the right and use Leer! And, Dragonite, use Fly!"

The beast sunk lower on Its huge haunches, as though merely biding Its time until It launched an assault of Its own.

Alakazam moved with stunning grace and speed. Gary watched in awe as it blasted a perfect Confusion against the creatures face.

The creature did not so much as flinch from the attack – in fact, It appeared not to have even noticed that Alakazam had struck It.

Tyranitar's Leer attack also failed to generate any response from the beast. Gary was realizing that this creature either had such an audacious amount of defense that nothing could harm It, or that It was simply immune to any status altering attacks.

Dragonite had bolted high into the evening sky. The Dragonite had flown so far upward that Gary could not even see it above the tree tops. Gary was stricken with anxiety, silently hoping that the Fly attack would produce at least some damage to the creature.

Gary glared at the beast as It remained crouched within the long blades of forest grass. He scrutinized It - struggling to determine what possible weakness It could possess. He was certain that this creature was - at least in part - a fire type Pokemon. It also had obvious psychic properties; and, possibly, even some dark type characteristics.

Unfortunately, he had not chosen any water types to bring along – but he did have Tyranitar who was a dark type, and he also knew that Dragonite was capable of learning Surf. In addition, psychic Pokemon were generally weak against one another; and he did have a fully capable Alakazam under his control.

Gary was prepared to test his theories regarding the creature's physiology.

"Tyranitar, Crunch! Alakazam, Psychic attack!"

The creature remained still.

The Tyranitar was certainly a credit to its species; it moved with mind-numbing speed for a Pokemon of such tremendous size! Tyranitar's fearsome jaws were instantly chomping down upon the creatures shoulder. The Crunch caused the creature to release an uncomfortable hissing sound. The sound did not seem to be the reaction of grave pain, rather it sounded like a sigh someone might make to express annoyance over an insect bite. Despite this, Gary was pleased. At least the attack had been acknowledged by the creature and not ignored.

It was frightfully intimidating to see the huge Tyranitar standing next to the creature . . . the Tyranitar stood a good seven feet in height, and yet its jaws had only managed to reach the spiked shoulder blades of the crouching creature.

Alakazam seemed encouraged by Tyranitar's little success; it unleashed a blinding Psychic attack upon the creatures mind!

Alas, the creature simply squinted Its eyes in response.

Out of the blue Dragonite came crashing down upon the beast – it hurled its entire gigantic dragon frame upon the creature.

At last a noticeable reaction was generated from the creature: for the weight of Dragonite's body caused the beast's head to crack downward against the dirt with a sickening SMASH.

The three Pokemon circled the creature like scavenger birds; their own confidence leaping, as they watched the creature dizzily shake Its head.

"Good job. Now everyone stand back," Gary warned, instinct advising him that the creature was not going to sit idly and allow itself to be pummeled for much longer. Dragonite was quick to leap backward to Gary's side, but Alakazam and Tyranitar were abruptly swatted with the creature's huge paw! Neither of them saw the powerful assault coming; there had been zero time to brace themselves! The two large Pokemon hurled through the air like uprooted weeds – smashing devastatingly hard into the forest! Their two bodies cleared a monstrous path of nearly thirty trees as they flung backward. Gary gasped in horror, Tyranitar and Alakazam had been heaved so far into the forest he could no longer even see them. Gary and Dragonite traded frantic looks.

The creature climbed to Its four feet now, gingerly stretching to Its full colossal height of nearly thirteen feet. It yawned, stalking towards Dragonite with unnervingly slow speed. Its gruesome head ticked rhythmatically from side to side like the pendulum of a grandfather clock.

Gary and Dragonite paced cautiously backward. As far as Gary could tell, this creature could not fly; therefore, he quickly instructed Dragonite to get into the air. Gary was urgently trying to bide his time until Alakazam and Tyranitar returned – that is if they returned.

"Dragonite, prepare a Surf attack!" Gary called to Dragonite, but his words only served to egg the creature onward - the pace of its eerie stalking increased. "Now!" Gary screamed.

Just as Dragonite began to summon enough moisture in the air to release the Surf, did the beast swiftly lurch into the air and snatch Dragonite's legs within Its jaws. The creature snagged Dragonite with incredible ease, as though It were merely snatching a flimsy toy kite from the sky.

Dragonite yelped in misery as the creature clenched down. Gary heard a distinct crunching sound - something like gravel being crushed. With revulsion, Gary recognized that the noise was Dragonite's leg bones shattering.

"Oh God!" Gary's heads quaked fearfully . . . Dragonite was done for, and Alakazam and Tyranitar were not coming back.

Dragonite's pitiful wails were deafening. "Dragonite! Use your tail to get out of there! HIT IT WITH YOUR TAIL! Don't let It do this to you! Defend yourself!"

Dragonite could barley hear Gary over its own rasping cries; but it weakly struggled to carry out his command. The Dragonite was visibly petrified; it did not want to die! Screaming, the Dragonite raised Its tail and swatted the beast in the face repeatedly, only the creature had locked Its jaw tightly around its limbs. Even if Dragonite's struggles were hurting It, the creature did not show any signs of discomfort. "Stop it!" Gary yelled, seriously fearing for the Pokemon's life. "STOP IT NOW!"

The creature lanced Gary with a sideways stare, snuffing loudly as it dropped Draongite's limp frame upon the ground. Gary held his breath; carefully studying the poor Dragonite . . . it wasn't moving, but it was alive . . . it had passed out due to the unbearable pain. Gary felt his face flush with rage, his hands curled in and out of fists at his sides. This beast was barbaric! How could it so ruthlessly torture a fellow Pokemon like that? It was BEYOND evil!

"What is the matter with you! You might have killed them all!" Gary's voice was dripping with grief, it took all of his willpower not to break down and sob.
"NoT MY cOncErn. CAtcH ME! I WaNT YoU To CaTCH mE! YoU! YoU Care, I sEe That! I WaNt YOU, GaRY OaK. YoU caN CaRE AbOuT Me InStEad Of THEM! CaTCh Me!"

"What! Catch you? How the hell am I supposed to do that now? I have no more Pokemon! You . . . you brutalized them! They didn't deserve that! They were only trying to help me. They wanted to save me . . . they were willing to reject everything they had – had ever known for me!" A suffocating shadow of despair loomed over Gary. It was a shadow that had haunted him his entire life, but now it had finally won . . .

. . . as tears stung the corners of his eyes, Gary could only gape sorrowfully up at the creature who would no doubt soon claim what remained of his broken existence.

"NOt My cOncErn. YoU, GaRy OaK aRe MY ChoSen One, tHerEfore yOu muST aNd You WiLl sOmehow FInD A wAy to bEat mE. It is yOuR deStiNy."

The creature began stalking him now! Gary gasped, teetering backwards on his heels, unsure of which way to go. He knew that he could not outrun It. He had no weapons, no means whatsoever to defend himself . . . how was he supposed to attack and injure this thing that none of the other extremely powerful Pokemon were able to even scratch?

In that moment Gary heard a peculiar sound . . . it was that of a bird flapping its wings overhead. Normally this would not be a surprising noise to hear in a forest, but this was the first bird Gary had noticed in all the hours he'd spent in the woods. Apparently the presence of this bird also caught the curious eye of the beast, for It seemed to suddenly forget Gary, and fixed all of Its attention upon the bird.

It wasn't just any bird, it was a Pidgey; a small, but, sturdy little thing. The Pidgey was evidently distraught about something, for it was recklessly flying towards them.

Gary analyzed the Pidgey as it perched itself on a tree branch, directly over the creatures head.

What is this little Pidgy thinking! It's going to get itself killed!

For a brief instant The Pidgy and the creature locked eyes. They seemed to regard one another with some sense of familiarity – but it was not at all in a friendly or welcoming manor. Rather, the creature seemed moderately irritated by this bird's ignorant presence.

Then, as quickly as the creature had been distracted by the bird, the bird was forgotten; and the creature's exclusive attention was engrossed back upon Gary.

"Wait!" Gary shouted, as the creature began tracking him again. "How am I supposed to catch you!" Hastily, Gary reached down and plucked the empty Ultra Ball from his belt – hoping to derive some sort of reassurance from holding it.

Holding the ball wasn't helping.

Gary knew that unless the creature was in a weakened state – that the Ultra Ball would do him no good.

Just as the creature seemed prepared to pounce on him, the most unexpected thing happened: the small Pidgey actually Teleported from its position in the tree to a place behind the creature! Next, the Pidgey proceeded to slam the creature with a devastating Psychic attack!

The beast howled in utter misery as Its mind became trampled by the incredible energy. Its fiery eyes snapped open wide – raw agony crippling Its fiendish features.

Gary's jaw dropped wide open. "W-what the hell!" He knew that Pidgey's could not learn Teleport, and that they could certainly NOT learn to execute a Physic attack - let alone one strong enough to produce a scream from the creature! Gary gawked nervously at the Pidgey. "Alakazam couldn't do what you just did!" he proclaimed, awestruck. "What ARE you?"

A sinking feeling of dread crept up Gary's spine . . . he suddenly sensed that he had accidentally stumbled into the terrain of more than one legendary Pokemon . . .

. . . but a legendary Pidgey . . .! That was absurd! What was that bird really?

The creature improved rapidly from the Psychic attack's effects. It snarled loudly, taking several fruitless swings at the Pidgey with Its claws. Fortunately, the bird had mastered the art of Teleportation, and every time the beast's claws came near it, it would simply vanish and reappear elsewhere. The bird danced about in this airily manner, teasing the creature, for a string of tense seconds.

Gary decided to take advantage of the luck that fate was offering him. "Pidgey!" Gary shouted, his voice overrun with confidence. "I need your help – NOW! Fight for me!"

The Pidgey hovered in the air, hesitating to give Gary a reply. The creature did not seem threatened by Gary's words; rather It was intrigued, Its short tail standing on end with anticipation.

"C'mon!" Gary hollered again. "Let me battle with you!"

The Pidgey nodded and darted towards Gary, perching on his shoulder. "Okay, great," Gary exhaled; hoping that his death and despair would have to be offered a rain-check. "Pidgey, I'm assuming that you know a lot of attacks here, so. . ." the beast began to rapidly charge at him now. "BARRIER-!"

No sooner had the command left his lips was a brilliant force field already secured around both Gary and the Pidgey. Gary braced himself for the beast's headlong collision; however, for some reason the creature veered away at the last second, running past them.

"After it, Pidgey!" Gary ordered brashly. "Give It another of those strong Psychic attacks!" The Pidgey complied at once, and the creature's agonizing yelp resounded throughout the woods.

Again, the beast healed instantly from the Psychic attack, Gary assumed It was using a cunning form of Recover.

Although It had not suffered any obvious permanent damages, the creature was VERY upset. Its tail lit up like a blazing torch, Its eyes spewed flames like gaseous venom. The creature ruthlessly cast a scorching Flamethrower attack on the Pidgey. The unprepared bird squawked with pain; its feathers scorching beneath the heat. "Pidgey, be careful! Use Double Team!" Gary's voice was incredibly hoarse from screaming – it hurt to speak, it hurt to breathe; and he was certain that his vocals were going to suffer irreversible harm if he had to blast them one more time.

Ah, hell, better to be mute than dead. "PIDGEY, DOUBLE TEAM, NOW! NOW! NOW!"

The Pidgey began to multiply itself ten . . . twenty . . . thirty times! It was uncanny; Gary had never seen a Double Team honed to such perfection before. The Pidgey's evasion was increasing by the second.

The evil creature was not easily fooled by this trick. It growled rowdily; effortlessly picking out which Pidgey was indeed the real one. It flaunted Its skills by firing a ruinous Hyper Beam at the bird. The Pidgey saw the Hyper Beam coming, but did not have the chance to Teleport while Its Double Team was still being performed.

With a excruciating screech, the Pidgey was sent hurtling backwards into the forest – it disappeared in the same direction where Alakazam and Tyranitar had.

"CatCH Me, GaRY Oak. YoU MusT OnLY CArE About ME NoW. CarE AbouT ME!"

Gary trembled violently, almost too overwhelmed by shock to react in any coherent manner. "Damn you!" Gary spat, his voice breaking under the intensity. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU? I don't know what you are talking about! Just get out of my head! I don't understand what you want from me! I can't attack you anymore! I DON'T KNOW HOW TO CATCH YOU!" frustrated tears glistened in his sapphire eyes; he was facing a bizarre and terrible death here in the forest now – one possibly worse than the death awaiting him back at the Revivalist base. He was going to be mauled to gory ribbons of flesh.

He was never going to see Misty again . . .

. . . he hoped that the creature would start by ripping out his heart – at least that way the pain would finally be gone.

The beast's impending shadow was over him now; the pants of steam from Its mouth pummeled against his face like flaming boxing gloves. Gary raised his head high; he was going to think about Misty in his last moments . . . his heart swelled with so much regret. God, he loved her. It wasn't fair that he would never have the chance to tell her. Damn, why didn't he tell her when he had the chance? Now it was too late. It was too late - and that fact alone pained him more than the beasts flesh-slicing fangs ever could. Gary's mournful eyes shone upon the creature as a hollow whisper escaped him: "You can't possibly hurt me more than I hurt myself today."

The creature grunted, globs of acidic drool drizzling down Its chin. "MiSty WateRflOweR. It CausEd yOu ANGUISH to lEave hEr. YoUr soUl WAS inJured WHen yOu left wIthouT eXpressing youR emOtions. SIllY hUmans anD theIr EMotioNs. You fEel lOve For tHat giRl, YET iT oNly HuRts YoU, maKinG yOu wEak. AltHough, I suPposE iT is iRonic that: HAD yOu NOT fAllen In lOve wiTh tHe GiRl You wouLd nOt hAve foUght sO fiErcely to Save Her, anD YoU May NOT hAve beCome mY ChoSen OnE."

"True," Gary breathed, only longing to hold her once more. "It is also ironic because the best days of my life were those I spent with her, locked in that damn cell. I suppose that I have you to thank for bringing her into my life. I never would have bothered to get to know her in the outside world . . . I never would have realized what it feels like to love without YOU bringing us to the Revivalists base," Gary almost could not believe the words which he had just emitted, what was more astonishing was how much he truly meant them.

The creature gazed down at Gary, a shimmer of respect in Its crimson orbs. Then, the creature hunkered gently down upon Its knees before Gary . . . it took Gary a moment to realize that this fearsome Pokemon was actually bowing down before him!

"What are you-"

The beast severed Gary's question smoothly; Its voice treading like tender footsteps within his mind – It was not roaring or evasive, just a quiet, thoughtful voice: "You are undoubtedly worthy, Gary Oak. You see things the way they are, and can appreciate even the most terrible situations as always making us stronger . . . there is a quality inside you which I have never before known in a human. A goodness, a realness, a human who will not ever settle for less than he must, that is, until he is saving the lives of others – even the life of his lifelong competitor, someone who is a threat. Yes, there is a goodness inside you that all monsters can see. You draw the monsters to you, you draw their trust easily. That is how you beat Lance. You made every monster – yours and his - WANT to help you. Ash Ketchem also has this talent, and it is indeed a very rare talent for me to see in a human. Gary Oak, the masked Pidgey was also drawn to you. Do you know what that meant? I was waiting for a sign to assure myself that you were truly my Chosen One, and that masked Pidgey's appearance was all the proof that I required. You, innocently, had no idea what kind of monster you were truly wielding in that Pidgey form - and yet, you controlled It like a true master. You took control over a legendary, commanded It with striking ease . . . and It obeyed. It obeyed you then just as I will obey you now. I need someone to care about me again . . . I want that person to be you."

Gary narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "What . . . exactly do you want from me?"

"Gary Oak, I am asking you to do something which I have not asked another living creature to do in over one hundred years . . . and that is: to name me."

"I-I don't understand," Gary admitted nervously.

"Give me a name. I want to be like the other monsters. I want an identity. I do not want to be hoarded as a secret only for the Revivalists to know. I have never before had a name. I implore you, Gary Oak, you are braver than the rest who have tried to control me, I know you can do this. No one before - not even my former master - was ever brave enough to name me. I so long for a name."

Gary frowned hesitantly. "There must be a reason why you don't have a name. I'm not so sure it's a good idea . . . what happens if you have a name?"

"Name me, Gary Oak, and you shall have my allegiance."

"Wait, you didn't answer my question," Gary began to protest, but then, the creature lowered Its massive head so that Its two crimson eyes melded with Gary's . . . the eyes . . . they were swirling with scarlet smoke in beautiful patterns – like two kaleidoscopes of flames. Gary could not help but melt into those the lovely twirling wheels of fire . . . they made him drowsy; they clouded his thoughts with their steam. The creature was inside his head still . . . It was speaking . . . It was doing something . . . only; Gary could not seem to rationally comprehend what the creature was saying to him. Gary swayed woozily, collapsing to his knees in the tall grass. Even with his legs in the dirt, his eyes remained lost in the hypnotic depth of the creatures burning stare.

"NaMe me, GaRy OaK." It was getting insistent . . . impatient.

"PIDGEY!" Suddenly, the Pidgey reappeared right next to Gary's face. It was flapping its wings frantically, Gary could feel them beating against his chest. He could hear its insistent squawking in his ear.

But those blazing eyes of the creature's were undeniably mesmerizing; he could NOT muster the will to tear his eyes away. It simply was not even an option for him.

"PIDGEY! PIDGEY!" Gary did not have to be a Pokemon to understand what the Pidgey was screaming about: it was frenziedly warning him against succumbing to the creatures request for recognition. "PIDGEY!"

The Pidgey's alarming voice was now ALSO inside of his head: "Catch It, Gary, but DO NOT NAME IT!"

"NaMe ME aNd yoU wiLl hAve tHe poWeR to Make yOur hEarts deSires rEal." Abruptly, a brilliant image of Misty flashed inside Gary's mind – it was a vivid image of her smiling at him. She looked beautiful and happy; her cerulean eyes beckoning him to rush to her . . . to embrace her. The impression of her was astoundingly real – it was almost eerie, like it had been forcibly stamped into his minds-eye. Inerasable . . . only, he loved it. He did not ever want this flawless vision to fade. He wanted to keep this perfect thought of her always, to treasure it . . . she was priceless to him; Gary would do anything not to lose her!

The world was dead to Gary except for that image of Misty. Gary could no longer even hear the Pidgey's incessant cries.

"JuSt thInk OF MY nAme In yOur mInd – You NeEd nOt evEn say It oUt lOUd, GAry Oak. I KnOw yOu hAve a name ReAdy For ME . . . I KNow That yOu hAve thOugHt Of AN ideNtity fOr ME aNd I hAve waitEd aNd sufferEd nameLess for SO lOng. JUst aS you hAve suffEred lOneliness fOr SO lOng – lEt US assIst oNe anothEr's woeS. NaMe ME, if You rEally LOVE hEr, yOu wiLl . . ."

Gary tried to resist . . . but in the back of his mind a name crept forward; it was yearning and pleading to become a whole thought. It was an accident . . . it was a quiet tiny thought that Gary himself could not even hear. But, the creatures invading mind spotted it immediately . . . and, in less than a nano-second, Gary Oak had named the ever-nameless beast.

Their locked eyes shared a private moment of relived terror.

"CAtcH ME," like a lifeless robot following commands, Gary hurled his Ultra Ball forward – instantly capturing his willing target.

Gary gasped loudly; he trembled as though suddenly jolted awake after years of restless slumber. His limbs felt frail, as though they were composed of tissue paper, and Gary tumbled backward. His head thudded hard against the forest floor.

His eyes were unfocused and glossy; he groggily glanced upward to see the Pidgey hovering over his body. The bird cast him a woeful eye before vanishing completely.

His mind was like a shattered mirror, and Gary was far too exhausted to even try to pick up the pieces. He was also far too frightened to want to see what would be reflecting back at him.

Gary lay in the swaying grass, his heart fluttering faintly in his chest. His fingers curled timidly around the Pokeball in his hand.

I should destroy It . . . I should destroy this ball . . .

Even if he had had the strength to do it, Gary still would not have harmed the creature. He felt connected to It, and any attempts to injure It would have somehow seemed self-destructive.

In this moment Gary was physically too weak to even raise his head, but, in a mysterious way he felt more empowered now that he ever had before. Holding a Pokemon so legendary in the palm of his hand . . . the mere idea inundated him with amazing sensations.

Gary wasn't sure how long he had being lying there, before the sputtering roar of a helicopter approached from the distant mountains. Gary listened intently as the sound of the propellers grew louder and louder. Soon the trees above him began to tremble beneath the wind generated by its mechanical blades.

Gary could now feel the mighty gusts beating upon his skin, but his sight was too blurred to make out the helicopters precise location. Nor could he identify the pilots of this air craft. Although, he seriously doubted it was Officer Jenny coming to rescue him.

Gary's fears were confirmed when a piercing pain speared inside his left shoulder blade. The pain was quickly followed by a numbing sensation, which overpowered his entire body like a killer wave.

He sleepily gazed at his shoulder. There was something in it . . . something small and pointed was sticking out of his arm. The sleep that smothered him now was devastating; and Gary realized - just before losing consciousness - that it was a dart. The Revivalists not only had impeccable timing, but they had also shot him with heavy dose of sedatives as a welcoming gift.

The anesthetizing darkness quickly seduced him. His final thoughts were spent wondering if he were ever going to wake up again?

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CHAPTER 43 THANK YOUS:

Alex Warlorn- Hiya! Wow, it took a while to get this chapter up. I guess I'm getting a bit emotional about the story. It's kinda sad to see it end, but at the same time it is a relief because I have been sweating over it for SO long (and you know that more than ANYONE). I don't know if I will break 1,000 reviews or not. I may cut it close. That would pretty cool, but even if I don't I'm beyond thrilled and flattered by the support I have had. By the way, you really made me giggle in your review: "In the middle of hell, Brock finds heaven!" hee hee . . . yeah, I like Brock, I wanted to do something nice for him after all the torture I have inflicted upon him. True, true, May would get the runner up I guess. It is ironic how, um, similar Ash's meetings were to both girls. He just can't help but ruin bikes I guess, poor Ash! Yeah, I guess in Tracey's messed up head he 'thought' he was giving Gary a kind head-up. . heheh. .. well, he meant well , I guess. Oh yeah, thanks also for pointing out the type-o's – I fixed them. & I sure hope none punishes me for giving replies . . . but seeing as I'm so close to being done I kind of hate to risk it too. Thanks!

Midnight Mist- You 'seemingly cold' Nah, I'd never believe that. You write too many emotionally gripping stories to be cold. Speaking of which: OMG! The flame and the ember is SO great so far! I hope you update again very soon. Heh. . . as far as my last chapter goes, yeah, I guess I made a lot of people hate ash in it. . . I didn't mean it.. . much . . . hehehe. . . I just can't thank you enough for that wonderful encouraging review. I think I read your review about seven times! Atleast twice I was working on this chapter, started to lose focus, and then re-read your review and was re-infused with the vigor to continue typing away. Yes, that sounds dramatic and cheesy, but it is true!

Moomoomoo- Hiya! Yup, the story will be ending soon! 2 chapters left! I REALY hope you'll stick around. TY!

Angel of Hope and Miracles- Hiya! Wow, you were the very first one to review the last chapter. Thanks so much! That first review always gets me SUIPER excited! Your review was totally sweet. I'm so grateful that you like my story enough to say such kind words.

DarkAngelTorchic- Honey! You are SO awesome and wonderful to me! Saying that my story made you cry was so amazing for me to read. It means so much to me to know that my words can have an emotional effect on someone. I can't even express my thanks properly. And yes, my evil school work does keep me from updating, but there are only 2 chapters left so don't worry: all will be resolved soon!

Alexis Ludd- Hiya! Wow, I made YOU be at a loss for words, now that IS something. I'm stunned! But in a good way, hee hee. I'm so flattered that I am out of words, oh no. . . we make quite a pair now, lol!

Pikajenn- I'm sorry for the two weeksish, lol! I did update! And I will do so again in another . . . um. . . two weeksish. . . heheh. . . sorry! I have an evil test on the 21st and I MUST cram my butt of for it! Forgive me! BTW: thanks SO much for that GREAT review!

Master Of The Poke World- Wow, that is quite a penname you have there! It's kind of intimidating, lol! You did a nice job with your story and thanks so much for reading mine. Well . . I don't have a name for the Miracle Pokemon, but Gary does!

RoseWaters- Hey! Well, once again the puppy dog eyes paid off, lol! And I was so shocked to see that you are rooting for some GAML here, lol. Ash will just have to understand that you need to ditch him here, but I can't primes that Gary will get the girl either, you'll have to wait and see. Only 2 chappies left!

Ninetalesuk- Aw, you thought the last chapter was 'excellent'! I am VERY flattered - thank you. Well, the beast Pokemon does know that Gary cheated, but It took it rather well. Thanks again.

Smilyaili- Thanks for all your flattering remarks about my last chapter. I'm glad you enjoyed all the drama – lord knows this fic is LOADED with drama! You must be the worlds biggest sweetheart and I'm so lucky to have you as a reviewer.

renyun- You made me giggle with that cute review! Hee hee. . . the angst indeed. It seems I have a knack for angst. . . I can't escape it! Alas! I'm addicted to angsty fics, so I guess it's only natural that I write them.

Subieko- Hiya, sweetheart! Thank you SO much for the GREAT review! I read it a few times actually because it was oh-so-inspiring! I guess this chapter answered your questions on how Gary is supposed to 'catch' the Miracle Pokemon (I hope). Thank you for enjoying all the drama in the last chapter – this one has a bit less drama. But I hope it was still enjoyed!

The Golden Dove- I liked your review when you said: - "all the revivalists die and they all live happily ever after and Ash and Misty get married"- LOL, that made me giggle. Well, that would be a happy ending now wouldn't it? But, that would be too easy, not enough drama, lol. And, knowing me I'll just have to go and make things more dramatic . . . heh, yeah, the next chapter is REALLY dramatic (just to warn you). I actually don't hate Tracey. I liked him, but I wubbed Brock more, I was attached! Tracey just got traumatized beyond belief by the Revivalist so he's a but um. . . 'zany', ehehehe.

Mika- Hiya! I think I have found a way to sneak May Oak into the fic. . . I'm not 100 sure, But I'm gonna do my best.

WolfSapphire200­- Hi! Thanks foir the review. LOL yeah,m Ash eating paper is fun to imagine. Hehe. I dunno where that came from, in fact the whole letter from Gary was not in my original plan and I added it at the last moment – but it felt right, and I felt like it was important to add. Well, 2 chapters left, I hope you'll read on!

megs626- I finally figured out how to become a staff on the egoshippy C2. I was too stupid to realize that I just had to log-in to my own account to do it. . . I felt so slow like I was Ash or something. . . the terrible shame. Anyways, yeah, I'll keep a sharp eye out for egopshippies! But at the rate Midnight Misty is cranking them out I think the C2 will have plenty of new material for a LONG time, hee hee. Thanks so much for your sweet review.

Ori- Hiya! Yeah, that last one was uber dramatic, lol! But this chapter wasn't too dramatic . . . the next one will be though just to warn you. But there are only 2 chapters left. I hope you are having some more luck with your fic. I'd still love to read on.

star's dreams- Hiya! I hope your frog animation is going well! That sounds so cool. You must be quite an artist. I wish that I had some artists skills. Thanks a lot of all your complements on the last chapter. I did try very hard to jam-pack it with emotions, so, I'm very happy that you think I succeeded!

MagRowan- Hiya! WOW, your Prince of All Cosmos & Giant Katamari costume picture were GREAT! HOW DID YOU MAKE THAT Katamari! OMG! It was huge! And the prince costume was perfect. Ga, that game is so addictive. I spend DAYS rolling balls and collecting things. . . flowers, children, trucks. . . blue whales. . . clouds. . . islands. . . um, yeah, but then nothing was left, lol! Anyways, I fixed all the type-o's from the last chapter. Thanks. I totally had WAY to many to put off fixing them. I just get so LITTLE time to write these days that when I do I rush, rush, rush, BAD ME! & Yeah, it is hard to imagine Ash saying 'bastard' but I wanted to show how truly angry he was and somehow him saying 'Gary, that stupid jerk' just didn't cut it for me, lol! But, yeah, I admit it, I get carried away at times- I can't help it! Thanks SO much!

Windstar- A squeal, eh? Well, I dunno about that! Fics this long take so much work! But, I will certainly write more stories . . . just prolly short ones, like, twenty chapters or less. Thanks as always!

Raevn- CHEERS! Yeay, your review didn't get cut off! Your review was so wonderfully sweet I had to read it a few times! Thank you for it! You don't know how much your words encourage me. I'm so glad that you liked Gary's ". . . for how I've treated you, Ash . . . this is just the way that I am." Line. I liked that too! That one line was actually inspired by the chorus of that song 'Cold' by Crossfade. Well, I hope your next review makes it though (wow, that rhymed!).

EagleFox- Aw! Thanks for your ultra kind review. You flatter me! Thanks. Gary's fate will be determined in the next chapter. There are only 2 chapters left!

xox.Annie Potter.xox- Hey! I really like your new fic so far! Who doesn't adore a good wub triangle, hee hee! Whow, that last chapter was the most dramatic thing you've EVER read? Now that is quite a complement, I'm not that I deserve it though! & Yup, you made me smile again! Thanks! You are awesome too.

Dave Behave- Hey, Dave! How's life? Lol! Sorry that last chapter was so sad. . . you'll have to get use to a lot of that. .. heh, I'm evil. & wow, I made you find Ash tolerable – now that is saying a lot! TY!

animeli0us- Thanks so much! You are so sweet. I hope school is going well for you too.

SurrealSerpent1- Hiya! Your review was so kind. Thank you very much. It really made me grin because of all your careful observations with my character development. I can't even tell you how much I appreciated your comments. & heh, yeah poor Misty, she was in an awkward situation there.

DarkDragonQueen- Hello! Aw, thank you so much for everything you said. I'm so happy that the emotions came across strongly in the last chapter – I worked really hard so that they would. Yeah, I know what you mean about favorite fics not getting updated enough . . . so many don't. I do try to update every few weeks. At least I only have 2 chapters left of this story & this its done.

Lyra loves to read- Hey, sweetheart! How is school going? How's that guy you like? Hee hee . . . Sorry for making you cry! I know that you would when I wrote this. Anything mushy with Gary gets to you, lol. Aw, but I wub you! Heh, you were awfully nasty to Ash and Tracey in your review . . . don't you feel bad, lol. I know you want Gary and Misty together, but, as I've said you'll have to stay turned to fine out.

MagCat- Hey! You totally made me giggle when you called Ash a 'dumbass' haha! That was funny. . . Haha, this also made me crack up: I wouldn't do that; I wouldn't trust Ash w/ any of my possessions or relationships or dreams b/c the guy's so selfish that he'd probably forget about all of them.- HAHA! I SO adore your reviews! Thanks, I needed that. I read your review so many times & loved it every time.

KawaiiCherryBlossom-aka-BWF- Okay, I updated, now your turn, hee hee: ) Thank you SO much for that review. Wow, you are always very kind and inspiring; but that last review – it really egged me on to get writing! I can't thank you enough for your comments. Yeah, I seemed to have a lot of both AAMLers and GAMLers reading, I just hope everyone will like the ending. There are only 2 chapters left (I almost can't believe it). So, the ending will be revealed very soon! Oh & thanks for the well-wishes, I am feeling much better!

yuki-ryou- O, thank you SO much for that review! I'm thrilled that the emotions came across strongly to you. I really can't thank you enough for your review because it really got me giggling when you said : - I feel like I want to pinch Misty and tell her OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU. STOP THINKING ABOUT OTHERS AND THINK ABOUT YOURSELF! YOUR MAN HAS JUST LEFT TO GO ROT AND DIE BY SACRIFICING HIMSELF WHILE YOU THINK OF HOW ASH FEELS?- Hee hee! That was great! There is nothing I love more than reading great comments like that- that was so encouraging!

CrystalRose727- Wowie, thanks for that nice long review! That made me all giddy and happy. Aw, you are just SO sweet and good to me. I'm so lucky to have you reading. . You were one of this fics very first readers. I am flattered more than you know that a great writer like you has stuck around with this fic for so long. It is almost done though . . . just 2 more chapters to go!

LeikaLai- Aw, thank you SO much for that review! I mean: THANK YOU. Your complements on how I handled Gary REALLY made me grin. I can't even tell you how wonderful it is to get positive feedback on Gary's character from you. & thanks also for all your kind words on Gary and Misty's 'interaction'. I hope school is not weighing you down too terribly much because I wanna read more of your fic!

Reanne1102- Oh thanks for that nice long review! You said so many nice things about my story, thank you SO, SO much! I had read your review twice because it made me so happy and inspired. As far as your questions goes: I actually started writing Watch Your Back about 5 or 6 years ago . . . the idea honestly really did just pop into my head one day while I sat in school. And I couldn't shake the idea away. After school that day I went home and drafted the first several chapters and then abandoned and forgot about it. It wasn't until years later that I stumbled upon the fic again in my computer, and decided to post my first few drafts here, and, well, when I started getting reviews I decided to finish the story. & that's that!

Michelicious- Hiya! Wow, you are one busy person. Writing like three fics plus managing a great C2! GOOD FOR YOU! And I love the triangles C2 – that was overdue! And thank you SO much for that sweet review. You are SO kind! Thank you for all the comments and complements – I adore them! Update your fic soon.

Cosmic Mewtwo- Hiya! Hey- no problem if you can't review every chapter. I TOTALLY understand. I am drowning in school work too. I hardly have time for writing theses days, but, seeing as the story is only 2 chapters away from completion I am forcing myself to make time for it. I really want to finish this. Anyways, thank you for everything you said. I loved your comments on all the last few chapters. That was fun to read, it reminded me of things as I read along. I hope you'll be able to check back with the fic soon, but: homework is number one! Thanks again!

EVERYONE: Phew. . . that was long. Okay, there are only TWO chapters left – one chapter & then the long-over-due epilogue! It is hard for me to believe because I've been writing this story for SO long it is like a part of my life now, writing it has truly become a part of my regular life. . . I look forward to my weekly writing sessions. Alas! It will be. . . strange. . . when its over. But, blah, I don't want to dwell on that now. I can get emotional later, ehehe. What I wanted to so was warn you guys & gals that the final two chapters are going to (probably) be REALLY long. I still have a chunk of plot to resolve (obviously) so there will be lots to read! I hope you all will enjoy the long chapters. I wun you ALL SO MUCH! Maia