Midsummer Nights

By Trish

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon. I do own Callie, Poppy, Flory and the storyline. Lucius is the joint property of Mia and myself. The beginning is a parody of a fairly well-known Australian poem "The Man From Snowy River" by A. B "Banjo" Paterson. Chapter Title - a line from Dancing In the Streets.

Dedication: This is a belated pressie for Mia's 1 year anniversary at FF.Net. Many more years to come!

Chapter One: Calling Out Around The World

There was movement at the airports - for the word had passed around. That a major celebration in the Orange Islands was about to get underway….

And so they came from all over the world.

In Sydney, four young women made their way through the busy international terminal at Kingsford Smith Airport. The youngest, a brunette was busy daydreaming, letting the babble of antipodean accents wash over her. Not looking where she was going, she stumbled and tripped over her own two feet, falling to the floor with a squeak of dismay.

The three older girls Trish, Jenn and Dana stopped and turned, varying degrees of amusement on their faces. "That's our Mia for you. Seventeen and still as klutzy as ever," Dana giggled, earning a scowl from Mia.

"She's not as bad as she used to be," Trish smiled as she helped the younger girl to her feet. The Australian girl glanced at her watch. "Come on, it's time for us to board…"

In London's Heathrow Airport, the clerk at the British Airways counter glanced up at the approach of four people. A petite, fluffy-haired young woman arm in arm with her dark-haired fiancé, followed closely by a bespectacled young woman who was dragging another man behind her.

In Glasgow, Scotland, Chris browsed through the magazines in the airport newsagency as he waited for the boarding call. The black-haired young man looked forward to seeing his friends again and to ogling all the pretty girls he was sure to find on the tropical sands of Pummelo…

"Passengers for Flight BAT1673 departing for Pummelo Island, from Gate 27 please head for the Customs Area now" came the metallic voice over the PA system.

Chris grinned and swung his backpack onto his shoulders and headed for the departure area.

From across the United States they came - in St. Louis Missouri, a raven-haired young woman sat on her bulging suitcase in attempt to shut it. "JOOOOOOANNNE!" A voice hollered from the front door. "You've got five minutes or you'll miss your flight!"

"Coming!" Joanne called out as the suitcase finally clicked shut. She dragged her bag out the door. This vacation promised to be good. She might even get to meet the Pokémon Grand Master…

From California, Pennsylvania and Florida….people were boarding flights…

Hundreds of people gathered on one tropical island. The stage was set for fun, for romance and for mischief-making…

a

Mia leaned back in the plane seat, as she waited for the Boeing 747 to start taxiing down the runway. Beside her, Trish, Dana and Jenn were comparing in low voices, the physical merits of the male stewards in their Business Class section.

Mia rolled her eyes and chuckled at her friends' antics. Trust them to never pass up an opportunity to check out any cute guys - despite all three being in steady relationships. And they say that teenagers are hormonal…, she thought to herself.

Dana flashed a dazzling smile at the nearest steward then settled back with a sigh. "I can't wait to see Richie…" she said dreamily. "Richie, Richie, Richie" she chanted in a soft voice. "And he's all MINE."

"We know," chorused her three companions.

"He's the most fantastic guy I ever met," Trish continued.

"He's absolutely gorgeous," Jenn added.

"And I just can't wait to glomp him," finished Mia.

Dana stared at her friends' trotting out her standard phrases. "Dana doesn't like you teasing her," she pouted.

Trish gave her a quick hug. "We're only joking. Oh and Drake said that Richie told him that he would have something for you when we arrive." The twenty-eight-year-old cringed and covered her ears as Dana let loose a high pitched squeal. "No wonder Lyptus thinks you're her mummy," she commented with a grin. "You squeal at the same pitch as she does."

Dana squealed. "Lyptus…my little Aussie drop bear…"

"See what I mean?"

Mia settled back as the plane began to move, not really a part of the conversation. She'd never admit it, but all this talk about boyfriends and stuff left a pang of loneliness inside her. All her friends would be meeting up with their respective boyfriends and she would be the odd one out.

She fiddled with an exquisite silver ring with a fleur-de-lis design, remembering the one who gave it to her two years before. Why did you leave me?

a

There had been a small ceremony at the Orange League Headquarters welcoming the Pokémon Grand Master and his entourage to the celebrations of the 350th anniversary of the founding of the Orange League.

The official duties over, the guests were mingling and making small talk.

Ash Ketchum stepped out onto the balcony of the boardroom and breathed in the fresh sea air.

"Nothing like breath of fresh air, is there?" A voice said behind him. He turned to see Drake, Danny and Cissie standing there - the Gym Leaders of Pummelo, Navel and Mikan Islands respectively.

"No there isn't," Ash agreed.

"Where's Misty?" Cissie enquired.

"She's resting at the hotel. Pikachu's keeping her company."

A tiny, pudgy Pikachu leapt up onto the Grand Master's shoulders. "Pikapi" she chirped happily before nuzzling his cheek.

"Then who's this?" Cissie asked, confused.

"This is Poppy, Pikachu's daughter," Ash introduced, scratching the mouse under the chin.

It was then they noticed the small pink bow on one ear. The Pokémon chirped in greeting, then scrambled down his front and tried to get into his blazer pocket. There was a squeak of dismay as she became stuck, her bottom and tail sticking straight in the air.

Ash sighed and extracted the wriggling bundle of fur from her undignified position. "Unfortunately she still thinks she can fit into my pockets…"

He placed the Pokémon back on his shoulder and petted her ruffled fur until she was quite happy again. "Poppy's a chip off the old block. Almost as great a battler as her mother is. She's taking over while Pikachu is expecting."

"She's not the only one…," Gary said with a smirk as he joined the group.

"Oh?"

"Misty's expecting our first child early next year," Ash said with a smile.

Cissie squealed and the guys shook his hand and gave him congratulatory back slaps.

"I think this calls for a few drinks," Gary suggested with a wink.

"I agree," Drake piped up.

"Count me in," Danny added.

"Daddy Ketchum," Gary smirked.

"Oh, shut up," Ash elbowed his former rival.

"But it's the truth!"

a

The next day…

The door of the villa swung open with a bang, and the two young women standing there attempted to enter at the same time - with suitcases.

"Oooph."

Trish and Jenn looked at each other sheepishly then backed off before entering one at a time. Dana and Mia soon struggled in after with their luggage.

"Home Sweet Home for the next few months," Trish declared in satisfaction, gazing around the living room of the villa which was co-owned by Jenn and herself.

"Be it ever soooo humble, there's noooo place like hoooooooome," Jenn sang slightly off-key and blushed when her friends stared at her. "There's nothing wrong with singing…"

Trish and Jenn dragged their bags into their respective rooms and started unpacking, leaving Mia and Dana in the living room.

"Sooooo….," Dana broke the silence. "Who gets which room?"

Mia shrugged. "I bags the one next to Trish."

Dana's eyes narrowed behind her spectacles. "Hey I want that room…."

"It's mine!"

"No it's mine!"

"MINE!"

"MINE!"

The squabbling resulted in both Trish and Jenn poking their heads out of their rooms to see what the ruckus was all about.

"MINE!!"

"MINE!!!!"

The two older girls exchanged a glance, then both walked into the living room. Each grabbed a suitcase and it's corresponding owner, dragged them into a bedroom each and then shut the doors on them.

"They're acting like two year olds," Jenn sighed.

"I resent that!" Dana called out from behind the door that Trish was standing against.

"Oops," Jenn muttered. "Now I'm in for it…."

"I'll have you know that I act more like a five year old!"

a

The Illyrium Hotel was listed in the Orange Islands guidebooks as one of the best hotels in Pummelo, centrally located with easy access to the beach. And that morning it was experiencing one of it's busiest check-in periods ever.

Erina gazed up at the huge chandeliers as she waited in the lobby with Karlie as their partners checked in. "This is a beautiful hotel," she murmured.

"It is," Karlie agreed. "This is where the reception will be, right?"

Erina beamed. "Exactly. The wedding will be held in the hotel gardens in the late afternoon, followed by the reception in the ballroom."

Flory and Tracey came over to them with the keys. "We were just talking about the wedding," Erina hugged her fiancé tightly around his waist. "There's going to be a large white marquee, decorated with white roses, with the setting sun and it's going to be soooo romantic…" she gushed.

Twenty minutes later Karlie had already unpacked and gone off with Tracey, while Erina was still unpacking. There was a knock at the door and she ran to let Flory in.

He swung her around happily before capturing her lips in a tender kiss.

They broke apart and her grey-green eyes sparkled. "Just one more month…"

"Then we'll be married."

Erina sighed in contentment as she leaned against his chest. "I love you…"

Flory dropped a kiss on her forehead. "I love you too."

As he held her close, he couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen….

a

The Verona Café was filled with patrons that afternoon. Situated right on the beachfront, the gentle seabreeze ruffled the napkins on each table. Gary leaned back against the railing of the wide verandah as he waited with Ash and Misty, Drake and Richie for the rest to arrive.

The popular café had been designated as the meeting place for their large group of friends, the majority of whom had been at the first International Pokémon League Convention two years before.

Erina and Flory were the first to arrive, along with Karlie, Tracey, Rachel and Chris.

Another group was making its way towards the café, when there was a sudden squeal and a redhead launched herself at lightning speed towards them. Richie had no time to react before Dana flung herself on him, sending both crashing to the floor.

Gary snickered. "I think she's pleased to see you," he remarked dryly.

Richie just blushed and struggled to an upright position, his girlfriend clinging onto him for all she was worth.

Trish grinned. "That's all she talked about on the way here. Richie, Richie Richie…" She gave a small squeak as an arm came around her waist and spun her against a tall figure.

"Aren't you going to say 'hello' to me?" Drake murmured with a smile.

"I was going to…" she protested before being cut off with a deep kiss. Erina cooed at the sight before planting a kiss on Flory's lips.

Ash and Misty shared a smile before doing the same.

Jenn jumped Gary. "Since everyone else seems to be kissing...might as well go with the flow…" she laughed.

"We're not!" Rachel, Chris and Mia protested.

"Why can't I have some Officer Jenny jump me like that? She could use her handcuffs to chain us together…then my hands would creep up…" his eyes glazed over as he drifted off into one of his harem fantasies.

Mia rolled her eyes at the couples. It really hurt to see them and to know she could have been a part of it. Since everyone seemed to be preoccupied she decided to go for a little stroll to compose herself...

"I'm just going for a short walk," she called out, only to have a few languid waves in response. She walked onto the beach and took off her shoes, feeling the warm sand between her toes...

Unbeknownst to the seventeen-year-old, she was being watched closely...

Lu narrowed his gaze. So this was the mortal that his enemy had fallen in love with. She was his weakness. She would be the key to his destruction.

He ran his eyes up and down the girl. He could see why....she was beautiful with brunette tresses and emerald green eyes...she had a nice figure too...

A glint came into his eyes. He knew how to hurt Puck...all he had to do was get her to fall in love with another. He straightened up and began to transform. And who better than himself?

The russet-haired Fae watched as Mia walked along the beach, the breeze blowing her shirt and shorts. Yes...there'd be no way she could resist him...

She would be Venus to his Adonis... he finished the transformation and began to make his way towards her....when "Venus" turned and fell flat on her face.

Lu slapped a hand to his forehead. "Oy..." he muttered. "No wonder Puck fell for her..."

Scratch that for a plan, he thought. Perfection such as himself demanded an equally perfect partner. Maybe I can find another mortal to do the job.....

He probed her heart and mind and found the answer he was looking for. He had also found the way to control her...

a

Elysium…

Calliope brushed back her thick chestnut curls into a ponytail and peered out the window. There sitting in a park across the road was a forlorn dark-haired figure on a bench. She sighed and called out to her parents that she was just going across the road.

She strolled up behind him. "Hey Bro…"

Puck jumped slightly and Callie could see he was clutching a small photo frame. "Hey Cal."

The two Faes sat down side by side. Callie conjured up a pair of sunglasses and slipped them on. "Thinking about Mia again?"

"Yeah…" Puck hesitated before he spoke up again. "Do you think she still remembers me?"

"I'm sure she does."

"You don't think," he cringed. "That she might have found someone else?"

"I honestly don't know…" Callie murmured. "Wish I could say that I know what you're going through, but I don't…"

"Haven't you met the special someone yet?"

"No." His sister shifted. "Not that I haven't tried. But I haven't met one guy who fits my ideal. Maybe my standards are too high."

"Or you just haven't met him."

"Maybe," Callie smiled. "Maybe I'll meet him soon…"

a

An hour later, Gary sighed as he and the other guys waited for the girls to come back from the bathroom. He never understood why girls had to go to the bathroom in groups. Or why they took so long in there. It must be one of those "girl things" as Ash said.

Suddenly Chris whistled and leaned on the railing. "Just look at those beach beauties…."

The guys looked up to see a gaggle of girls pass in tiny bikinis along the beach. "They are gorgeous," Gary agreed and wolf-whistled loudly.

"They're okay," Ash said, only mildly interested.

The other guys turned to stare at him. "What do you mean, they're only okay?" Chris demanded.

"They're nothing special…"

Gary smirked at his best friend. "Ash, you are sooooo whipped, man." He turned to Chris. "You forget he's been married for a year…"

"And he's going to be a father," Drake added.

"That's why," Gary continued. "Never get married my friends. Marriage and fatherhood has made Ashy boy here a very dull playmate…"

Ash only smiled as Gary ruffled his hair. "Just you wait…just you wait. It's going to be one of you next," he retorted.

Brock glanced at the beach again. "Heyyyyyy….look at that babeeeee!"

A buxom blonde went striding past in a itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikini.

"Nice melons," Gary admired.

"Yeah…." Drake, Brock, Chris and Richie all echoed dreamily.

"Ahem…"

They turned around to see the girls standing there, three of them especially, with hands on hips.

Ash grinned and started to whistle the "Funeral March" softly.

Drake, Gary and Richie gulped.

Trish and Dana exchanged a glance. Then Trish flung herself on Danny, and before Drake could say anything, Dana was on top of him.

Richie's eyes bugged out as his girlfriend glomped the Gym Leader. It was then that Jenn's gaze so casually swept towards him, passing over Gary. She smirked, and strode towards the blonde.

Richie looked up and stepped back at the approach of impending doom.

"Uhh," he groaned, and Jenn threw her arms around him, holding on tight. Gary's eyebrow twitched in annoyance, and Jenn's arms slithered around Richie's form. "Uhh..." he repeated.

"You know something," Jenn whispered, leaning close to his ear and practically purring.

"Wh-what...?" he answered weakly. Dana is going to kill me... no, Gary is going to kill me first and then Dana is going to kill me too.

"I... want... you... too..." She said quietly trailing a finger down his cheek, and Richie flushed a deep crimson.

He muttered something incoherent, and Jenn unlatched herself from him, stepping back and breaking into helpless giggles. Dana was next to follow, and then Trish.

"That's what you get for ogling," Jenn gasped.

Richie and Drake scowled for a bit then burst into laughter.

Mia just sighed and shook her head, serious for a moment. "And you're supposed to be adults."

Gary was still scowling. "How come none of you jumped me?" he complained, before he yelped and doubled over in pain as Mia kicked him in the shins.

"Because YOU made the melons crack, you moron!"

a

Dana rose from the couch. The whole group were gathered in the villa that the eldest girls owned on Pummelo. "Okay...who's up for a game of 'Twister'?

"Twister?" Erina raised an eyebrow at this.

But Trish and Jenn bounced up. "Sure...it'd be fun!" As they got ready nobody seemed to notice that one person was missing from the merry gathering...

Flory happened to glance out the sliding doors at the back and spotted a lonely figure sitting on the garden bench....

Flory excused himself, not that anyone took notice, for the game had started and Dana and Richie found themselves assuming a rather interesting position which had Trish and Jenn in fits of laughter.

He softly slid the doors back and quietly approached the brooding figure. Mia was looking up at the twinkling night sky and listening to some song on her portable CD Player. "Hey Mia," Flory said rather hesitantly uncertain of how she would react to his presence.

The girl turned around and gave a sad smile when she saw the chestnut haired young man standing there. Why does he have to look so much like him she thought with a pang in her heart.

"Hey Flory" she replied then turned her gaze back at the stars.

He sat down next to her and they sat in silence for a moment. "Thinking about him again?"

She nodded and then blurted out. "Do you think Puck still thinks about me?"

Flory was a bit startled but answered. "I'm sure he does, Mia just as much as you think about him. Maybe even more. He really loves you, you know."

"Yeah but does he really?" she muttered. "If he did shouldn't he have stayed with me? You stayed for Rina...."

Flory didn't quite know what to say that. He never realised how hard it must have been for Mia to see him and Erina together, knowing that Puck could have made the same decision...

All he could do was to give her a reassuring pat on the arm. "He does love you, and if he said he'd come back, he will...." He rose from the bench and gave her a sympathetic smile. "You going to be all right?"

Mia nodded and he went back inside. She was finally alone again and a single tear ran down her cheek as she listened to the song on the CD - There You'll Be by Faith Hill.

As the words washed over her in the darkness, she failed to notice the ring change from silver to gold…

a

To be continued….

Author's Note: Spot the author….the newbies! (grins).

A drop bear…is an North American Urban Myth about Australia. That bears will drop onto your head from gumtrees. Aka the koala.

In my 27 years here - I have yet to have a drop bear fall on me…

Sorry for the delay but Christmas and New Year were hectic out here - with the bad bushfires that were in Sydney. There looked like a chance that I would have to evacuate. Luckily it didn't eventuate…

Please read Pikajenn's and dana-chan's stories…or else I sic my drop bear Euca on you. :P

Read and review. Flamers fed to Tassie Devils