Midsummer Nights
By Trish.
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon or Puck. Ashura the Mew has been borrowed with permission from Dragoness. I own the storyline and any other non-anime characters like Flory, Callie, Lu, Poptart, Poppy. The lyrics from the chapter title come from I Still by the Backstreet Boys.
ooo
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Are You Still the Same Or Did You Change Somehow?
The official order for a general evacuation of Pummelo and the surrounding islands was made the next day. Drake, Ash and the authorities decided that they could not wait any longer and called a press conference for first thing in the morning.
The media room was packed to the brim with television and newspaper reporters jostling for the best seat. Drake was onstage with the Head Officer Jenny and the other authorities for the archipelago. Behind the Orange Crew Leader was a huge screen that allowed the media room to double as a movie screening room.
Ash, Trish, Jenn, Shannon and Mia were observing from the wings.
"So why aren't you out there?" Mia whispered to the man. "As Grand Master aren't you like almost the ruler of the entire world?"
The dark-haired man chuckled. "I'm not that powerful, Mia. The reason I'm not out there is because Pummelo Island and the Archipelago is Drake's domain. I don't want to look like I'm overriding his authority."
"In this case, I don't think that he would mind," Trish shook her head as she watched her fiancé with a slightly worried expression. "I've never seen him so stressed before, the pressure he is under must be unbelievable."
"Aw, surely he's faced this before," Mia said. "I mean he does live in a tropical island chain and everybody knows they get hurricanes and cyclones on a yearly basis. He must be used to this."
"But never one on this scale, Mi," the Australian said gently. "Category Five is the highest and most violent hurricane or cyclone you can get. The last time Pummelo was hit by a Category Five was over sixty years ago."
"I think they're gonna start," Shannon informed them and the two quietened.
Drake took a deep breath to compose himself before stepping up to the podium. Hundreds of camera flashes went off and he waited until they died down before starting.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the press," he greeted the mass, "As you know, there is an massive hurricane brewing a few thousand miles to the north of Pummelo Island and headed directly for us. Meteorologists and experts from the national storm warning centre have tagged this storm system as a Category Five Hurricane. It is the highest rating a storm can get on the hurricane scale. It has the potential to be a killer."
The members of the press looked eager to bombard Drake with questions, but the severe tone of his voice held them back. Instead they thrust forward microphones, mini-recorders, and digital cameras. From the back of the room, red lights from cameras of various television crews stared at Drake like the eyes of robots.
Drake himself seemed to speak on autopilot, "In consultation with the authorities, I have decided to declare a national state of emergency for Pummelo and the surrounding islands in the Archipelago. All able-bodied people are to evacuate the islands as soon as possible."
"As evacuation by sea is too dangerous, we have arranged for evacuation by Psychic and large Flying Pokémon. Will and Karen from the Elite Four, Sabrina from the Saffron City Gym and the Grand Master Ash Ketchum have kindly lent us their Pokémon for this purpose."
The huge screen behind Drake came to life and a map of Pummelo was brilliantly lit. Prominently labelled were the airport, stadium, and training oval behind the stadium. He turned to it and used a laser pointer to indicate specific areas.
"Evacuations will take place every half hour from the airport and the Stadium and the oval outside the Stadium. Please do not try to take unnecessary or heavy belongings with you as this may weigh down the Pokémon and slow the process."
He turned from the screen to the media, "Police will have the discretion and authority to use force to evacuate people if necessary. Our duty is to prevent all loss of life if possible. However if people insist on staying despite our warnings, the state absolves itself of all responsibility."
Trish looked over at Jenn, who looked bored. The blonde looked over and rolled her eyes. The Australian suppressed a laugh. Her friend still wanted to stay and fight. Given different circumstances, it would be a most admirable trait. At least she was holding back any comments during Drake's speech.
"I repeat," Drake said sternly, "The warnings from the experts hold that this storm has the potential to become a Category Five hurricane. In layman's terms, it would be a super hurricane beyond comprehension. The last time the Archipelago faced a Category Five hurricane, the islands were ill-prepared and around four hundred lives were lost. That was sixty years ago. Due to the growth in our populace and the integration of homes in previously uninhabitable islands, the losses could even be greater. I beg you to keep that in mind when you make your decisions to stay or go." He looked almost reluctant to ask what he had to in order to close his speech, "Any questions?"
Hands flew up at the same time as questions broke out into a melee of activity. Drake sighed to himself. Some days, it didn't pay to get out of bed in the mornings.
ooo
Drake finally called an end to the conference half an hour later. Relieved, he walked off the stage and into a big hug from Trish. He hugged back tightly, grateful for her support after the toughest press conference he had ever made.
"That went well," Ash noted.
Drake straightened up but did not loosen his hold on Trish. "Yeah, I only hope that the actual evacuation runs as smoothly in real life as it looks on paper."
"I'm sure it will," Shannon reassured him. "You've thought of almost everything possible."
"It's what I possibly didn't think of, that worries me," the Orange Crew Leader admitted. "What if it costs people their lives? What if…"
Trish cut him off with a finger to his lips. "Drake…stop. Shannon's right – you've planned for almost everything you can think of in this situation. You've got public shelters set up and stocked with plentiful supplies and medical staff. Emergency wards and staff are on standby in the major hospitals. You've got commercial airlines, private planes lined up at the airports, you've got an army of Psychic and Flying Pokémon to move people out. You've done everything you were supposed to do and more. Now it's up to the people themselves to get to safety."
Drake sighed. "I guess…"
"Everything will be alright," Ash said firmly. "We're going to get as many people out possible. We can't let Lu claim a single victim."
ooo
Drake and Ash were kept informed throughout the afternoon on how the evacuation proceedings were going. The Head Officer Jenny reported that overall things were going pretty smoothly; people were patiently and calmly lining up at all departure points to await their turn. Stockpiles of water and Pokémon food were lined up at the Stadium to ensure that all transporting Pokémon were watered and well fed, maintaining their strength. The creatures were regularly rotated, allowing some to feed and rest while fresher ones took their place.
The Orange Crew Leader saw his parents and siblings off on their private jet that evening. They were headed to stay with some relatives who had moved to Kanto a few years ago. Mr and Mrs Thayer hugged their eldest son tightly, and his mother held on for a few minutes longer and prayed that he keep safe.
Shannon and Ben were a little tearful at separating, hugging each other tightly. Jenn caught the glint of silver on her friend's right hand, and guessed that Ben must have given Shannon a little keepsake last night.
The blonde couldn't help but feel a mix of jealousy and annoyance rise up in her. She knew that it was petty of her, but she couldn't stop the twinge of envy that shot through her when she realized that she had no one on Pummelo, or in the Archipelago, to say a tearful goodbye to when she left. Ash and Drake would probably be relieved to see her gone. It didn't take a genius to realize that she'd caused more than enough trouble this vacation.
Shannon had Ben, Mia had Puck, and Trish and Drake were practically inseparable ever since the decision to go had been made. Jenn sighed and hefted her bag over her shoulder. 'Let's get this done with already.'
Shannon sniffled a little as the plane door closed behind her boyfriend, and she allowed Trish to draw her into a comforting hug.
"Ben will be alright," the Australian soothed. "You'll see him again very soon."
"I know," the brunette hiccupped. "It's just that I'll really miss him. And what if…"
There was a hiccup filled pause until Jenn said, "What?"
"What if he meets and falls for another girl while he's in Kanto?" Shannon fretted. "I'd be shattered!"
Though she knew it was wrong, Trish couldn't help but laugh at that statement. "Shannon, of all the things to be worried about! There is no way that he would even think about cheating on you. This is the guy who fell completely head over heels in love with you the moment he saw you after all. He's never so much as looked at another girl." She squeezed her younger friend's shoulders. "What would make you think he'd do such a thing?"
Shannon reddened and fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. "It's just that he's rich and good-looking. He could have had anyone but he chose me."
"You're too hard on yourself," Trish grinned. "And you have to just trust that he won't do the wrong thing."
"I know..."
"I hate to interrupt, but shouldn't we get going as well?" Jenn spoke up, adjusting the bag strap on her shoulder. All this mushiness was making her uncomfortable and being uncomfortable irritated her.
"I guess so…" Trish sighed. She didn't really want to leave, especially after seeing the enormous strain Drake was under at the press conference.
Drake's private jet was waiting to take the girls to Kanto before refuelling and then flying onto Sydney. The three friends had decided that they would rather stay together (and someplace warm as Jenn always insisted) and so had informed the families back in the States that they were going to be at Trish's place.
For Shannon it was for reassurance and support at such a stressful time, as it was for Trish. However it was also for the Australian's peace of mind as she could keep a close eye on her erratic best friend – though she wasn't about to tell Jenn that!
The girls had originally planned to leave just like everyone else; by commercial airline or Pokémon. But Drake wouldn't hear of it, insisting that they use his private jet instead.
"This is it," Shannon mustered a smile.
Trish nodded and gave Ash a farewell hug. "Take care Ash, and stay safe do you hear? You've got a wife and unborn baby to go home to."
"I will," the Grand Master hugged back. "I also promise to keep an eye on Drake for you. I'll make sure he doesn't do anything stupid," he winked.
"Hey, I'll have you know that I rarely do anything stupid," Drake protested.
Trish grinned and threw her arms around him in a tight hug. "I know. But I need to know that you're safe and taking good care of yourself."
The Orange Crew Leader hugged her back. "I promise."
"You'd better be there when I come back," she whispered fiercely. "Otherwise I'll kick your dead butt."
Drake's answer was to smile and give her a passionate and lingering kiss.
Jenn rolled her eyes and decided to make her goodbyes and get on the plane before things got too mushy for her tastes. She walked up to the Grand Master and stuck out her hand.
"I guess this is Ciaoness time," she said with a lopsided smile. "And I'm really sorry for all the trouble I caused you…"
Ash waved it off. "No need to apologise Jenn. I've already forgiven you, you should know that."
"Yeah, but I kinda forgot in all this rush," the blonde shrugged sheepishly. "Still friends?"
"Still friends," Ash stated firmly and surprised the girl by ignoring the handshake and taking her in a warm embrace.
Jenn hugged him back, enjoying the closeness and the smell of the black leather jacket he wore. She was gonna relish this, since it could be the very last time she ever saw him. "Take care of yourself Ashy Boy. The world needs you…" she whispered.
"I will, as long as you take care as well."
"Don't worry about me, Argentina, I'll be fine." She stepped back and let go. There was one more goodbye she had to make. Trish and Drake had finally let go of each other and the Australian was walking with Shannon to the plane staircase.
Jenn walked up to the Orange Crew Leader and stuck out her hand. "Ciaoness Old Bean, sorry for all the trouble I've caused the past few months."
Drake rolled his eyes. "No you're not, but I've forgiven you anyway."
Once again Jenn was struck with the realisation that this may be the last time she would see Drake alive. If Lu got his way, then it would be. Hopefully not. She owed it to Drake and herself to not ruin the moment with sarcasm or insults. Or tears. Now that would be embarrassing.
Drake hugged her tightly. "Take care of yourself, Jenn and look after Trish for me would you?"
"You know I will," she assured him as she returned the hug.
"I know," he smiled. "You're a great best friend to her."
Jenn revelled in the praise. "Thanks, Drake – and you take care of yourself. Get back to Trish in one piece. Unlike Trish, I'd do more than just kicking your dead butt. I'll find a way to reanimate you to kick your living butt."
"You would enjoy that."
ooo
The plane had been airborne for a while and the girls had settled themselves comfortably for the long flight. As the rain made it impossible to see anything out the windows, Shannon was reading and Jenn was attempting to cajole Trish into playing a game on the Playstation console.
The blonde was about to try to tickle her friend into submission when Trish suddenly raised a hand for her to stop and looked around.
"What up?" Jenn asked.
"Don't you feel that?" the Australian asked her friends.
"Feel what?" Shannon was puzzled. "I don't feel anything."
"The plane's banking to the right," Trish said slowly. "We're turning around."
"What?" Shannon frowned, "You must be imagining things."
"No, she's really not," Jenn said from her spot on the floor and looked queasy. "Oh I hate it when planes turn like this."
"I know I'm right," the Australian insisted. She hit the intercom button which connected them to the pilots in the cockpit. "What's happening in there?"
The pilot's voice was very shaky and confused. "I…I don't know. The plane is turning around but it's not due to our doing. We can't control it at all. The plane is heading back to Pummelo by itself."
Jenn paled, "By. . .itself?"
"It's almost as if it's in autopilot but we haven't set it in that mode," the co-pilot explained. "We move the controls around but nothing happens."
"What?" Trish rose from her seat and opened the door to the cockpit and looked in. Jenn and Shannon peered over her shoulder. The two pilots looked at their passengers and shrugged.
The pilot jiggled the gears. "See? Nothing happens…and the compass is doing a steady swing to the right." He pointed to the indicator board. "This is the strangest thing that's ever happened to me in all my twenty years of flying!"
"I thought things like this only happened in the Bermuda Triangle," the co-pilot was pale. "But we're nowhere near it!"
"Can you land the plane without the gears?" Jenn wanted to know, her knuckles white.
"Normally we would have to hand crank the landing gear down, but I don't even know if we'll be able to do that!"
The three girls looked at each other.
"Well I guess we'll leave you two to work out if you can regain control of the plane," Trish said and closed the cockpit door.
Trish sat in her seat, "I can't believe it. This wasn't supposed to happen!"
"It'll be okay," Jenn said, not really believing it.
"No it's not!" Trish said it sharply, then took a breath. She had to keep calm. She spoke again a little calmer, "I don't like this. What if Lu's responsible for the plane returning."
"Somehow, I really doubt that it isn't him," Jenn said glumly, "I can't believe he did this."
Shannon sat in her seat, unable to enjoy the soft leather surface she'd enjoyed when she first got onto the jet. "I'm trying to not freak out." She played with the silver band on her hand, "I wanted to leave so they wouldn't have to worry."
"What if this is happening to the others?" Trish sounded worried, "What if Lu's blocking the other planes and the pokémon from evacuations?"
Jenn growled out a sigh of annoyance, "He'd better not be. Drake worked really hard to get that together!"
Trish leaned over and pulled her purse onto her lap. She dug through the purse and pulled out her cell phone. She dialled Drake's number and held the phone to her ear. It wasn't long before she hung up and looked at the two girls in annoyance. "The lines are jammed."
"Storm interference?" Shannon asked.
"More like millions of people trying to call their relatives," Jenn shook her head, "You think cell phone companies would learn to deal with natural disasters and cell phones."
For a second, Trish felt very alone and very trapped. They were on a possessed jet and flying very high above the surface of a tempestuous ocean. Then she remembered something else.
"Puck!" She called out, startling her friends. "Puck, we need you!"
"Puck?" Shannon looked confused, then she brightened. "Of course!"
"Puck, of course," Jenn rolled her eyes and flopped onto the floor, "Call up the magic man. Why didn't we just ask him for a teleportation ride to Sydney in the first place?"
"Because he needed to not waste his powers on us."
Jenn sat up and arched an eyebrow, "You mean like he's going to have to now?"
"Oh hush and let me contact him!" Trish called out again, "Puck, please!"
The three girls held their breath as a faint shimmer of purple could be seen just beside Trish. Instead of Puck, Callie shimmered into sight. She was dressed the exact opposite of how she had been seen. The elegant Fae wore a lilac shift, but wore a deeper purple hued robe over it.
"What is the matter?" She asked in her lilting tone.
"You mean besides the fact that Lu has prevented the plane from leaving the Archipelago?" Jenn said snidely, "Not much, we were just hoping Puck could get some soda for us."
"Lu!" Callie's eyes widened, "Oh, that's what I sensed!"
Jenn's eye twitched, "You sensed something but couldn't find it?"
"Jenn," Trish said warningly.
"Hello, so not apologizing," Jenn said grumpily, "Drake's gonna have a cow when he sees us back on Pummelo."
"What makes you so sure you're going to Pummelo?" Lu's disembodied voice asked maliciously.
At that, Jenn frantically got into her seat and fastened her seat belt. "I really suggest you guys do the same because I've got a really bad feeling about this."
"Absol-utely?" Shannon cracked a joke as she and Trish fastened their belts.
Jenn rolled her eyes, "I'm never going to live that down."
"You should be so lucky," Lu said mockingly in the instant before the jet dropped towards the ocean.
Loose items began to fly around the cabin, though Callie remained in the spot she was in. Apparently unaffected by gravity, or the lack thereof, Callie narrowed her eyes.
"That's not nice, Lucius," she said and her eyes began to glow, "Now I'll have to do something you won't like."
"Which would be what?"
"I'm taking away your toy," she laughed, and with that a brilliant glow encompassed the cabin. In a split second's time, the jet went from plummeting to the ocean to sitting calmly on the tarmac of the airport they had left from.
"What the…" Jenn looked more than dazed and confused, she looked about ready to be sick.
"We're back at the airport," Trish said, looking out of her window. It was raining harder since they'd been gone and large puddles were forming on the tarmac. "This is the airport we left."
Shannon sighed with relief, "I guess we can try to get a hold of Drake now?"
"I already did," Callie said, "Right before your jet's great drop, I contacted him telepathically. He'll be here soon with a limo."
"I'd really love to crack an 'ooh lala' joke at that, but I'm too tired to," Jenn looked ready to bolt from the jet. "How much more crap is Lu going to throw at us!"
"I'm guessing until he kills us," her best friend said shakily as she stared fixedly out the window, as if willing Drake to arrive faster and whisking them all to relative safety.
"That's just so nice of him," the blonde said sarcastically.
"Yeah isn't it," Shannon said weakly. "Are the two pilots okay?"
Callie smiled as she straightened the cabin with a cleaning spell. "They're both unhurt and back home safe. I teleported them back to their respective homes."
Trish looked out the window again and a smile spread across her face. "The limo's here."
The girls looked out separate windows at the vehicle. It was a sleek black stretch Escalade limousine with tinted windows and orange lights along the running boards. The wheels splashed through large puddles that spread over the tarmac and sprays of water lashed the limo's sides. Windshield wipers worked as fast as they could, but the rain was falling faster than the blades could wipe the rainwater away.
The girls jumped up and Callie lowered the plane gangway telekinetically. No sooner had it touched down than Jenn clattered down the stairs and straight across the short distance of tarmac and into the open doors of the Escalade. Drake and Ash stood next to the limo and almost as one were the girls relieved to see the two males.
Trish and Shannon were not far behind Jenn and as soon as all three rather wet and bedraggled looking girls were inside the vehicle, Drake and Ash got into the large SUV. The Orange Crew Leader shut the door and the vehicle began moving. From beside the jet, the female Fae watched the limo go, made sure the plane was closed up properly, and vanished.
A concerned Ash wrapped a warm blanket around a shivering Jenn and she clutched it gratefully.
"What happened?" Drake demanded, a slight frown on his features as he gathered Trish to him. "All Callie told me was that there was a problem with your plane and that you were coming back to Pummelo."
"It was Lu," Trish managed to force out through chattering teeth. Now that the fright over their recent misfortune was gone, the shock had now set in. "Lu took control of the plane and turned it around…he obviously didn't want us to leave."
"Then just after Callie contacted you, we all heard Lu's voice saying that we weren't going to go back to Pummelo and then we just dropped like a stone from the sky," Jenn choked the words out and Shannon whimpered in agreement. Ash, who was sitting between the two girls, wrapped an arm around both and drew them close.
"Luckily Callie managed to take control of the plane and made it reappear at the airport we left," Trish finished off.
Drake and Ash exchanged looks; both mirror images of anger and determination. Drake held his anger in check, "Let's get you girls home and dry and then we can work things out."
ooo
The girls were ushered inside the villa where they were surprised to see three more blanketed and bedraggled figures; Mia, Chris and Jaime.
The brunette cried out in relief and rushed to hug as many as possible. Jenn hugged the girl back before drawling out, "Let me guess, Lulu didn't let you three go either."
Chris shook his head. "It was as if our Pokémon came up against some invisible barrier. Try as we might, we couldn't get through. The weird thing was that everyone else seemed to be able to leave just fine."
The blonde raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yeah," Drake answered as he came back with more towels and blankets. "The Pokémon are all leaving and coming back without their passengers just fine. My dad called to let me know that they all arrived safely in Kanto."
That news cheered Shannon a little, despite being rather unhinged by their near accident.
"So it's just us huh?" Trish grinned weakly. "Obviously he loves us too much to ever let us go."
Ash frowned. "Sit down and I'll get some hot tea or something."
Jenn and Shannon needed no further prompting and sat down together. Trish shook her head. "Thanks Ash, but I prefer to get something myself."
To everyone's surprise, the Australian did not head to the kitchen for coffee, but instead went over to a mahogany cabinet where Drake stocked some wine and other alcohol. She took out a crystal wine glass and then pulled open the door to look over the bottles.
"Uh…Trish…" Jenn said slowly. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
"What?"
"That's all alcohol and you don't drink!"
"I do so drink!" Trish protested as she twisted off the cap of one bottle of some amber liquid and poured some into her glass. "I have been known to have a glass or two once in a while."
"Wouldn't you rather have coffee?" Chris asked.
"After nearly falling from the sky in an enclosed steel coffin known as a plane into a raging sea, I think I need something stronger than that," Trish said dryly. She quickly gulped it down before coughing and spluttering madly for a few seconds.
Drake rushed over and patted her on the back. "Whoa…are you okay?"
She looked at him with glassy eyes. "Does it sound like I'm okay?" She coughed again before leaning against him. "But that sure hit the spot."
The Orange Crew Leader looked at the bottle. "Jack Daniels Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey," he read and grinned at his fiancée. "Honey, you are full of surprises. That's some real hard stuff."
Jenn wrinkled her nose, "I know everyone has a disgusting thing they do, but that stuff stinks."
"Hey, don't knock it until you've been dropped a few thousand feet," Trish said indignantly.
"I already have," Jenn said with a glare, "But if there's nothing else, I'm going to bed."
"But you almost died!" Shannon said wide eyed, "All three of us almost did! After that you're just going to bed!"
"I'm so tired my eyes are burning," Jenn said with a slight yawn, "Almost dying does that to me."
"That's not funny," Drake said.
Jenn shrugged, "It wasn't meant to be but, well, there you go."
Ash looked at her incredulously, "There you go?"
"Yes, Ashy boy, there you go," She yawned again, "And here I go. If anyone needs me, I'll be in my room."
She went to leave, but Drake stopped her, "What!" She whined.
"I know you're tired and that's understandable. We all deal with stress and shock differently."
"I'm not in shock," Jenn defended herself.
"I'm sure you're not," Drake said in a tone that said he didn't believe her at all, "Regardless, I think we need to set up a sleeping room. No, I don't mean your bedroom."
Jenn gaped at him for a second, then uttered an annoyed sigh, "Fine, Master, where would you want me to sleep at?"
He turned to the others, who were gathered in the kitchen, "The media room will do. We can set up cots from the storage room."
"So where am I supposed to sleep?" Jenn asked sweetly.
"The cots will do for tonight."
"Drake, a cot does not a bed make!" Jenn said.
"I don't know about that," Ash said with a grin, "I seem to remember a certain Absol who didn't mind sleeping on a bench during a televised match."
"You so need to shut up about that," Jenn snapped, "I'll be in your little living room until you set stuff up."
The group watched the blonde storm off and Drake chuckled.
"What's so funny?" Trish asked.
"I'm actually relieved that you guys are all here," Drake smiled, "And what better than having Jenn around to make things difficult."
Trish smacked his arm lightly, "You're impossible."
"You're impossible too, hon," Drake said and kissed her before leaving the kitchen with Ash and Chris. The four remaining girls all looked at each other.
"So what do we do?" Mia questioned.
"We go see Jenn," Trish decided as she fetched a bottle of Penta water from the fridge and grabbed a small bottle of pills from the cupboard.
"But won't she bite our heads off?" Shannon squeaked, clutching her blanket around her like a safety net.
"Nah," the Australian said as she walked out of the kitchen. "Not after I give her a little 'tude adjustment. That girl is in serious need of one."
Mia, Jaime and Shannon exchanged glances before following their friend.
"What's she got in mind?" Mia whispered.
"I don't know," Shannon whispered back. "I guess we'll find out."
ooo
Trish walked into the living room to find Jenn sulking on the sofa with a pillow clutched to her stomach. The Australian walked in and sat down beside her and the three younger girls sat down on the sofa opposite Jenn's.
"Why can't I go to sleep in my own room, Trish? I mean, hello, I've just survived nearly being fish food again and all I wanna do is go to sleep in my own bed. And by bed I don't mean cot because they are not comfortable," the blonde complained. "It's totally unfair of Drake."
"Have you ever seen his cots?" Trish asked. "Who knows, he might have the very best in cots."
"Yeah," Jaime agreed. "I mean, he's got the very best in everything else."
"I could say a really rude thing about seeing Drake's cots, but it wouldn't change the fact that they'd still be cots," Jenn said flatly. "Cots are nothing more than bed wanna-be's to me."
"Jenn, Drake's got a perfectly good reason for making us all sleep in the one place," Shannon tried to reason with her. "For one thing, it will be reassuring to not be alone at night, and secondly, it would be easier for him to move us all down to the basement if things get worse."
"I don't have to listen to reason," Jenn folded her arms over her chest. "I know that I want to sleep in my own bed and that's all I need to know. I've been through storms like this before and survived. It's nothing."
"Why do you have to be so difficult?" Mia sighed. "Drake and the rest are only trying to help, and all you do is bitch and moan! They're already under so much pressure that they don't need you to add to it!"
"I'm not being difficult," Jenn snapped. "I just don't like being told what to do and where to go. They're the ones being unreasonable."
"I could tell you where to go," Mia sang out sweetly.
"And I could tell you where to shove it," Jenn sang out just as sweetly.
"Jenn, you're being difficult," Shannon grumbled.
"That's not true! I'm not difficult, you guys just can't deal with me being assertive."
"Jenn, shut up," Trish said flatly. "I have had just about enough of your 'Tude recently. You're being really unfair, unreasonable and just bloody difficult."
The blonde blinked at Trish's bluntness, but figured that was just the alcohol speaking. Trish wouldn't speak to her like that, all rude and such. Would she?
"By acting the way you have been, you are just fuelling Lu's power. If Puck and Callie are on the side of good and get their power from good things; then Lu is the exact opposite. So he thrives on hate, anger and fear. Stuff like that. And we don't need him to get any more powerful than he is at the moment."
"But I don't hate, anger, or fear! I just don't want to be told what to do!"
"Well, being pushy is in that category."
Jenn was silent. She had never thought of it like that.
"Either you try to leave here and die, or we turn you into an Absol and lock you in a Poké Ball until this is all over. Or you try to be a nicer person and act as part of a team. We need to act as a team if we are to beat him."
Trish handed her the bottle of water and two small pills. "Take these, drink this."
"What are they?" the blonde looked at them suspiciously. "I don't really feel like taking drugs from you when you're pissed at me."
"Just take it. Now!" If looks could kill then Jenn would have been one very dead girl.
"Fine," Jenn glared at the pills but took them from Trish's hand. "This is like a psych ward nightmare."
"It'll get worse," Trish said, staring Jenn down, "because we're not leaving your side for the next twenty minutes so you can't put the pills to the side of your mouth and spit them out when we leave."
Jenn rolled her eyes but took the pills. She washed them down with the water, finishing the glass. She opened her mouth, showing that she'd swallowed them, "There, happy Nurse Killjoy?"
"Oh yes," Trish smiled, though to Jenn it looked decidedly evil and smug. "I'll be even more happier later…"
"What's that mean?" Jenn was suspicious. "If you are thinking of getting it on with Drake while the rest of us are in the same room, that's sick. Or if you're hinting that you gave me sleeping pills, you know that they don't work on me!"
The Australian just laughed and shook her head. "Jenn! I would never do that with Drake in front of other people – I do have morals you know. As for your second question, they're not sleeping pills. But I'm not gonna tell you what they are."
Jenn glared at her best friend. "Just realize that paybacks are a bitch."
Trish just chuckled and hauled the blonde to her feet. "Now how about you go and have a shower and get ready for bed? The guys should have the cots ready by then."
Jenn started to go off, but paused. "You sure they're not sleeping pills? I'm not gonna black out in the bathroom and split open my forehead am I?"
"They're not sleeping pills."
"I'd question your truthfulness, but I really can't be bothered. I'm too tired and I don't think it would be any use after what you've already done," the blonde grumbled as she left.
"What did you give her?" Shannon whispered to the eldest girl.
"Oh just a little something," Trish grinned. "You'll see."
ooo
"There…" Drake pushed the last cot against the wall and sat down on the soft mattress. "We're all set?"
"We are," Ash informed the Orange Crew Leader. "We've got sheets, pillows, blankets, hurricane lamps, torches, candles. All set for the night."
"Kind of reminds me of school camps," Chris chuckled as he plumped one of the pillows.
Jenn ambled in, clad in a summer pj set of tank top and shorts, her blonde hair brushed and loose.
"Hi Jenn," Drake said carefully. "Still wanting to rip my head off for making you sleep here?"
She blinked in surprise. "Why would I want to rip your head off for? After all you're only doing this with my best interests at heart."
The three guys all blinked and looked at each other. This was not the snappy, snarly girl from before.
Jenn smiled and sauntered over to where Drake was sitting and sat down beside him. She patted the mattress and sighed happily. "Wow…these cots feel really comfy. It feels as comfy as my bed upstairs! Trish was right, you really do have nice cots."
Now Drake was staring at girl beside him with confusion. But before he could say anything, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug and laid her head against his broad shoulder.
"Thank you so much for letting us stay here, Drake," Jenn beamed. "You really are the nicest guy on the face of this earth. I'll never make fun of you again."
"You're scaring me," the dark-haired man stared at her. "Are you feeling okay, Jenn? Because this isn't like you."
"I've never felt better, Drakey," she gave him a lazy smile as she hugged him again.
The three men stared at each other then at Jenn who grinned then detached herself to go and lie on one of the cots.
Chris spoke first. "Trish was the one who sculled all that whiskey, wasn't she?"
Drake nodded, "But she's not acting strangely, at least not so far…"
"I know this sounds stupid, but you know how those two like to say that they have this strange connection between them," Ash began.
"Yeah."
"Then could Jenn be drunk by proxy?" The Grand Master grinned.
"Normally I would have asked what drugs are you smoking," Drake smirked. "But in this case, I would seriously consider it as a possible explanation. With those two girls, anything and everything is possible. Especially when it comes to Jenn."
"I agree," Chris chuckled. "My life was never the same again after meeting those two."
"But you still loves us, Chrissy wissy ain't no sissy," Jenn had overhead the Scot, and now wandered over to him. She pulled the surprised guy into a big hug. "Cuz we loves you! Who's the good lil Scotty poo? Aww, you's are!"
Chris's eyes widened and he tried to extract himself from the hug but to no avail.
They were interrupted by the arrival of the four other girls, all showered and ready for bed. Trish smirked at the sight of Jenn hanging onto a distressed Chris, while Mia and Shannon went into a fit of giggles. Jaime took a photo with her digital camera for blackmail purposes.
"Trriiiiiiish," Chris whined. "Did Jenn hit her head in the plane or something? Because she's acting strange and won't stop hugging me!"
"No she didn't hit her head," the Australian chuckled.
"Did you slip her some alcohol?" Drake asked with a raised eyebrow. "Because she really isn't herself tonight."
"It could just be a symptom of shock," Ash mused. "After all, she nearly died again tonight."
Jenn nodded as she released a relieved Chris from her grasp. "You are sooooo right! After what happened to me I just need to make sure that everyone's okay and that they stay safe." She sauntered over to the Grand Master and latched onto him. "That includes you, Ashy Boy. You may be the Chosen One, but I've chosen to not let you out of my sight!"
"Try not to breathe out when she hugs you," Chris said warningly. "Girl's like a boa constrictor. A hungry one."
"Aww I would never want to eat any of you and I'd never hurt you," Jenn's eyes widened. "You're my friends and I loves you all!"
"You gave her alcohol didn't you," Drake murmured to Trish who had sat down beside him. "Or else you two did that weird sharing thing you do."
"That's only with migraines," she corrected. "And I didn't give her any alcohol either. I'll tell you later what it is."
"Okay," the Orange Crew Leader rose and stretched slightly. "If you girls are okay, then I think it's our turn to have showers and get ready for bed."
Ash looked down at Jenn and patted her arm. "You have to let go of me, Jenn. As much as I know you'd love to be able to come with me, it wouldn't be right. I promise to come back as soon as I've finished."
"Okay," the blonde let go immediately. "I'll be waiting here until you come back." Pikachu chirped and leapt up beside the girl, wanting a pat. The guys left with promises that they would be back soon.
Shannon looked around the spacious media room. A variety of cots were set up, some single, some double at varying intervals with plenty of room in between. Piles of assorted pillows of varying height and softness, as well as sheets and blankets were placed on a few chairs. "I guess we pick any cot," she said as she felt one mattress.
"Yep," Trish said as she grabbed two pillows, two sheets and a blanket, before proceeding to make up a double cot. Mia gave her a funny look. "What?"
"You're not gonna get frisky with Drake after the lights go out are you?" the brunette questioned.
Trish gave an exasperated sigh and sat down, glaring at the younger girl. "No! What do you girls take me for? A sex maniac? Honestly, just because Drake and I are engaged does not mean that we have sex on the brain." The Australian glared again. "Unlike some people."
"I don't have sex on the brain," Mia protested.
"Suure you don't," Jenn grinned as she stroked the fur on a purring Pikachu. "I heard you and Puck last night getting it oooon, and boy was that yell at the end loud."
Mia turned bright red as the other girls stared at her in amazement. Though Shannon turned red as well in sympathy.
"What were you doing listening in?" Mia spluttered in embarrassment.
The blonde merely shrugged. "I didn't listen in on purpose. I had to get up to get a glass of water and was passing by your room when I heard it."
Mia turned beet red.
"Sounds like someone else needs to be warned off the hanky panky tonight," Trish smirked.
ooo
When Drake, Ash and Chris returned, the girls had made up all the beds. All but Jenn were already snuggled down between the sheets. The blonde was sitting cross-legged on a cot, eyes fixed on the entrance to the room.
She brightened when she saw the men enter and leapt up, crossing the room swiftly to envelope each in a big hug. "I'm so glad that you're all back!" she cheered. "I was beginning to get worried about you all!" Chris scuttled away as quickly as he could.
"We told you we'd come back," Ash said before she embraced him yet again in a tight hug.
"I know," Jenn nodded. "But I just needed to see it to believe it."
"Well I'm really here."
"I know," she sighed happily as she leant her head against his toned abdomen.
Drake quirked his eyebrow as he got in beside Trish. "So what exactly did you do to Jenn? Because Chris is traumatized and she's beginning to scare me!"
"I made her take two Prozac pills," Trish whispered to him. "But they weren't just any Prozac pills but Fae strength."
The Orange Crew Leader grinned. "You evil girl, you. You sure there are no side effects?"
"Positive," the Australian reassured him. "Mia's taken them before and there's nothing wrong with her."
"With her choice of boyfriend in Puck, you have to wonder sometimes," Drake chuckled softly. "Aren't you afraid of Jenn's reaction when she comes out of it?"
"It lasts for about two days, so I'm not worried; no," Trish said cheekily. "Besides, she won't be mad when she finds out she's been hugging Ash a lot."
"That's true," he mused. "Or else she'll be totally mortified and want to be sucked into a Poké Ball, encased in cement and dropped into the ocean."
"That would only be if Ash turned out to be Lu or Rudey," the Australian corrected. "But seeing as she's hugging the real deal, I don't think so."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because Pikachu would know the difference between a fake Ash and the real Ash. Just like Dragonite would know if someone was pretending to be you. And I don't see Pik shocking the living daylights out of Ash, do you?"
"You're right," Drake sighed and wrapped his arms around his fiancée.
"You know I'm right," Trish laughed. "Now just relax and enjoy watching Ash try to get away from Jenn."
ooo
The Grand Master had managed to make his way over to a double cot, with Jenn clinging onto him for all she was worth. Pikachu was rolling around on the adjacent cot, laughing over Pikapi's and Pikapichu's antics.
"Jenn, I'm not quite sure what's gotten into you, but you have to stop hugging me now. We need to get to bed, and I can't do that while you're hugging me," Ash said gently but firmly.
"Yes, you can," The blonde insisted, not releasing her hold at all. "I need to hug you to know that you're safe. I promise not to hug too tight."
Ash looked to the others for help, but they were either asleep (or pretending to be) or else too busy sniggering.
"Jenn, I'm gonna sit down on this cot and you're going to let go of me so we can all get some sleep." He sat down, as did Jenn, but did she release her hold on him? Of course not.
"I'm not tired, honestly!" Jenn chirped, eyes bright and looking as if she'd been drinking a lot of energy drinks. "And I'll never let you go. Ever." She cocked her head slightly. "Of course I'll have to if you need to go to the bathroom and ditto for me. But other than that, never ever."
Ash rolled his eyes. "You've been watching Titanic again, haven't you?"
"I don't need to. I memorized it all."
The Grand Master sighed and lay down on the cot, Jenn still attached to him. "Let's make a deal. You can hug me for a bit more, but then you've gotta get into your own bed. Okay?"
"Okay," Jenn said amiably as she rested her head on his chest. "I'll have you know that I'm not tired at all."
"That's good," Ash sighed. "Because Misty would have an absolute….oh Lugia."
Jenn was fast asleep.
"Gosh, Ash," Drake snickered, "I thought for sure Misty was having a baby, not Lugia."
From his hooked up place on his cot, Ash glared at Drake. "Shut up."
Drake just laughed more.
ooo
Mia woke up in the middle of the night, her throat parched. Careful not to disturb Puck who was slumbering beside her, she carefully swung her legs over the side of the cot and got up. She fumbled for the torch and flipped the switch, shining a beam of light onto the floor.
The girl walked over to a small table that had been set up on the side with a jug of water and glasses. Pouring herself a glass, she gulped it down greedily, then poured herself another. As her eyes adjusted to the gloom, she could make out the forms of her slumbering companions. Chris was sprawled out on his back, snoring peacefully.
Mia stifled a giggle when she saw that Jenn was still snuggled up tight against Ash, arms still locked around him. The Grand Master's arms were wrapped around the blonde – it was probably more comfortable that way. In any case, Mia was willing to bet that Jenn's dreams this night were probably very sweet. If only in real life things had been different for Jenn, she thought. It would be so unfair if things turned out right for everyone else except Jenn when she had been one of the ones who suffered most.
She shifted her gaze to the other member of the group who, apart from Jenn, probably had had the crappiest vacation of them all. Trish slept cradled in Drake's arms, both looking peaceful and content. Mia smiled. She was so happy that things were finally working out for her eldest friend. Even though that meant Trish would be moving to Pummelo permanently, it would provide the perfect excuse for Mia to visit, and often.
But if this doesn't work out and we can't beat Lu, then no one is going to have a future.
ooo
The red-haired Fae was also sleeping. Lu's dreams were sweet and full of grand visions of the world domination that would finally be his.
He had never felt stronger. He had been empowered by the intense fear and near hysteria from the mortal population as people went to flee the island and the archipelago.
Puck and Callie would never be able to defeat him now.
ooo
Ash was the first to wake up, mostly because he hadn't had a whole lot of sleep. It seemed as if every time he had started to nod off that Jenn would move and hold him a little tighter. Eventually he must have fallen asleep, but his eyes were still burning enough to let him know that they were still tired.
He managed to disentangle himself from Jenn and slipped his pillow where he'd been. He sighed internally in annoyance because the pillow managed to fool the sleeping Jenn. The girl hugged the pillow just as tightly as she had hugged him and didn't wake at all. That in itself was a miracle since the blonde somehow seemed to know the moment that he was leaving her side.
He wasn't sure if the pills Trish had given Jenn were responsible for the whipped puppy complex the blonde was going through or if the blonde's actions were what she felt for him but had never dared to act on but did since the pills lowered her reserve.
The Grand Master quietly padded around the rest of the cots, full of sleeping bodies – when had Puck slipped in to sleep next to Mia? – and into the hallway. He had to check on the weather and the best place to do that was in the great room. It had an amazing view of the ocean thanks to one wall of floor to ceiling windows. The view was unimpeded by supports as the glass was specially crafted for Drake's villa.
Pikachu trotted up behind him and Ash paused for his oldest friend. The spry electric mouse leaped up into his open arms and nuzzled the man's face. 'Pi, Pikapi,' she said softly.
"Good morning to you, too," Ash whispered back. "I think it's safe enough to talk louder, but with Jenn still affected by those pills, I'm not sure."
Pikachu nodded and looked over Ash's shoulder, "Cha."
"Yeah, it looks nasty out there," Ash noted the grey clouds, heavy with rain. The rain had slowed, but it was still extremely windy, and rain lashed at the shield Puck and Callie had put into place. The rain revealed the shield as a dome of purple energy. "It's going to be a rough day today."
The mouse nodded again and burrowed her head in the crook of his neck. She sighed softly and sent a purring buzz of electricity through him.
Ash chuckled softly, "Thanks, Pik, I did need that."
The electricity stopped as gently as it had begun and Pikachu patted him on the shoulder twice before jumping from his arms. She darted out of the room, towards the media room, and out of sight. Ash figured she was going to check on the others and winced when he saw a flicker of motion from the shadows in the hallway.
He relaxed when he saw Drake walking towards him, "Morning," Ash said with a nod.
The Orange Crew Leader looked as tired as Ash had felt before his morning jolt. Drake blinked slowly and yawned widely, "It is? I hadn't noticed."
He walked over to where Ash was standing. The floor to ceiling windows were untouched by rain or flying debris and the shield provided a clear view of the advancing tide waters.
"The shield's doing a good job," Ash said.
Drake grunted a reply.
"You sound like you weren't sure it would hold," Ash looked out towards the ocean.
"I wasn't," Drake said and crossed his arms over his chest, "Especially not when they're sleeping, or however Faes sleep."
"It's really not based on whether or not we're asleep," Puck said from behind them, "Once a spell is cast, a specific amount of energy has been set for that spell. No more or less is necessary and we're not required to be conscious for it to be effective."
The two turned around to see Puck standing at the entrance of the great room. The Fae looked refreshed and bright in the storm darkened dawn.
"Looks like you got enough sleep," Ash said wryly.
"Looks like you didn't," Puck said with a small smile, "Sorry about that."
"It's not your fault," Drake said, "Jenn is just a hundred times weirder than normal."
"It's the pills Trish gave her," Puck explained, "They kind of spaced her out. She could walk into a wall and not feel it."
"I thought for sure she wouldn't fall asleep," Ash shook his head, "She was more wired than I'd ever seen her."
"For a moment, I was a little worried," Puck admitted, "If the pills had reacted badly with her, she could've burned herself out."
Drake frowned, "You mean if she hadn't fallen asleep or was it the seemingly infinite energy?"
"Kind of," Puck said, "It's like that human saying, burning the candle at both ends."
"What about when the pills wear off?" Ash asked, "Think she'll be angry at Trish?"
"Personally, I'd have to say yes," Drake gave a little laugh, "Exceedingly angry."
"Even with all the hugging she's done with Ash?" Puck said teasingly, "And sleeping with him, too."
"Hey, I'm right here!" Ash looked indignant.
"Yeah, yeah, we know that Grand Master," Drake said, "You should also know that your hair is standing on end."
Puck laughed as Ash raked his fingers through his hair in an attempt to tame it.
"Thanks, Drake, for letting me go all this time without telling me," Ash muttered and gave up on the hair, "Pik gave me a little jolt of electricity."
"So that's your morning coffee?" Drake asked it jokingly.
"It's cheaper than coffee," Ash said and walked towards the hallway. "C'mon, we'd better go wake everyone."
"Even Jenn?" Puck asked cheerfully.
"Uh, no," Ash shook his head, "I think we should let her sleep."
"Aren't you going to miss your number one fan?"
"Drake, I'd like at least some time without her hanging around so we can be able to come up with a solid plan of action."
"Aww, he needs to concentrate," Drake teased.
"Damn straight," Ash said quietly as he walked into the media room.
ooo
Much to Ash's relief, they managed to wake everyone without rousing Jenn or Jaime, and gathered them for breakfast in the kitchen. The girls set about preparing a breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausages, pancakes and toast, while the guys set the small kitchen table with cutlery and plates before feeding the Pokémon in the next room.
A pot of coffee was brewing in the espresso machine, the aroma filling the air. A kettle of water was on the boil for those who preferred tea to the hard stuff.
Shannon filled a jug of freshly squeezed orange juice for those who didn't like tea or coffee.
The bacon and sausages were sizzling nicely when Drake walked up to Trish, Shannon and Mia.
"Did you three manage to sleep well?" he asked as he slung an arm around Trish's shoulders.
"So-so," Trish yawned in reply. "I didn't have a really good sleep because you were quite restless."
"I didn't move around that much," Drake protested. "Did I?"
"No, but I could sense you were having trouble sleeping, so I didn't have a good sleep."
"Maybe you should have slept in different cots," Shannon grinned. "I had a great sleep."
"Me too," Mia agreed. "I feel really refreshed and alert."
"Good for you," the Australian yawned. "But for me, I need coffee to do the trick."
"Me too," Drake agreed. "But Ash apparently prefers a Pikaccino or an Electric Espresso for his morning jolt."
The girls groaned and Trish hit him on the arm. "Don't give up your day job, hon," she said dryly. "That was feeble."
"Don't you mean Feebas?" Drake grinned.
"You are insufferable."
"I try."
Mia turned the rashers and the sausages over. "Do you think we've got enough for breakfast? After all we've got three big eaters in Ash, Jenn and Shannon here."
Trish glanced over at the growing plates of food ready to be served. "I think so. What I'm wondering is if we'll have enough food to see this thing through however long it takes."
"We've got more than enough," Drake reassured them. "I had the chefs go and do a huge grocery shop before they left. There's enough food to feed a small army here."
"And we all know what your definition of 'small' is," Mia joked.
ooo
Finally everything was ready and the group sat down to eat, though Trish had put aside a plate of food for a still slumbering Jenn. Pikachu and her small brood had a bowl of Pika Pellets and a bowl of fresh water placed on the floor.
Strategy for the next few days was being discussed over breakfast.
"The Head Officer Jenny has informed me that most people have been evacuated off the island with the final batch due to be evacuated later this morning," Drake told the group. "That gives us about three more days before this hurricane is due to hit."
"I don't think it's any use for us to try and leave again," Trish mused. "Lu would only block us again and we don't want to put any other people in danger because of us. We have to see this through here."
"I guess so," Shannon said, looking a little nervous.
"You'll be fine," Drake smiled at her reassuringly. "If we all work together we have a good chance of beating Lu. I'm sure that you would be able to command a Dragonite if taught how."
The girl's eyes sparkled. "Oooh, do you really think so?"
"You'd do a great job," the Orange Crew Leader grinned. "And the Gym-bred Dragonite are more obedient and loyal than their wild cousins."
"Speaking of the Gym Pokémon," Trish said. "How on earth are we going to get access to them in this weather? It would be crazy to venture out."
"Plus it would be ever so unsafe!" A new voice chimed in.
Ash stifled a groan. Jenn was awake.
The blonde sauntered in at such a normal pace that Ash thought for sure that she was back to normal. Unfortunately for the wary Grand Master, that theory was soon out the door. Jenn gave everyone at the table, regardless of whether or not they were eating, a quick hug. Then she sidled next to Ash, shoving Chris to the side.
"A simple excuse me would have sufficed," the annoyed Scot glared at the blonde.
Jenn oozed sympathy, "I'm so sorry! What can I do to make it up to you!"
An evil look crossed Chris's face so fast that Trish glared at him enough to kill him on the spot.
"Chris. . ." was all she said in a warning tone.
"What! I was just going to say that I could use a laundry slave. . . er. . .someone to do some laundry for me."
Jenn clapped her hands together and gave Chris a quick hug, "Oh thank you!" she said and sat back, "I just love to do laundry. Who doesn't?"
Chris went to raise his hand, but lowered it when Trish glared once again.
Ash just shook his head, while Drake raised an eyebrow. Jenn enjoying laundry? That was certainly news. The blonde seemed to enjoy nothing more than letting one of the maids do all her laundry.
"And cleaning, I simply must clean your room in the villa," Jenn was on a roll and looked excited, "There's nothing more soothing in the world than cleaning."
Shannon, who had been about to eat some pancakes, froze with her fork in mid-lift. "Cleaning?"
"As in cleaning a room?" Mia echoed Shannon, "Cleaning? You cleaning."
"Oh yes, cleaning! I just love to vacuum! The best part is leaving all those straight lines across the carpet."
:Just remember, Mia, this is her talking under the influence,: Puck said to Mia telepathically.
:Yeah, well it's weird and unnatural: Mia sent back.
:Since when is Jenn not weird and unnatural?: Puck retorted.
:True: his girlfriend conceded. :But this is weirder than usual! You shouldn't have left a bottle of that stuff lying around.:
:Well I did think that some of us could use it.:
:But on Jenn:
:Hey I didn't know Trish was going to give it to her: the Fae defended himself. :However, you must admit this is a great improvement on what she has been like. I quite like Jenn like this. She isn't so much trouble. I could get used to this.:
:Yeah well I don't think I can,: Mia grumbled.
Mia was not the only one who was freaked out by Jenn's perky mood. Drake stared at the blonde a little longer before leaning over and whispering in Trish's ear, "You really think it was a good idea to give Jenn those pills? She's scary."
"Hey, I did it for the common good," the Australian whispered back. "You were all complaining about how Jenn was so difficult and bitchy before, and now that she's all nice, happy and co-operative, you're complaining?"
"A grumpy Jenn I can deal with," Drake grinned. "A touchy feely Jenn is a little too much."
"Well then stop complaining when she's being difficult," Trish retorted. "Do you really think that turning her into an Absol and locking her in a Poké Ball would have got you into her good books?"
"With that girl, you never can tell. Besides, it's almost a little less disturbing than her current behaviour."
"So how do we get the Gym's Pokémon?" Shannon spoke up, trying to get everyone back on track.
Drake grinned. "Simple. There's a state of the art transportation system installed in this villa which is linked to each of the Pokémon sheds behind the stadium. You key in which number Pokémon you want and the Poké Ball is converted into energy and reappears here. No need to put a foot outside at all."
"Oh sort of like what's in the Pokémon Centres," Chris understood.
"Exactly," Drake nodded. "Just a little more advanced."
"So can anyone use it?"
The Orange Crew Leader shook his head. "No, it's protected by a palm and retinal scan. This one only has mine on record."
"Well then it's a good thing you're safe and sound here," Jenn chirped up, "It would be horrible if you were sick or injured or dead!"
The others stared at Jenn, who was beaming as if she'd just gotten a pair of Louis Vuitton purses at a buy one get one free sale.
"The way you just said that is extremely disturbing," Chris was the first to recover.
Still not losing the smile, Jenn tilted her head to the side, "And I mean that for all of us!"
Chris leaned to Ash, "Is it just me, or is she acting like some freaky brainwashed cult member?"
"It's not just you," Ash muttered.
"Come on, folks!" Jenn beamed again, "Let's turn those frowns upside down!"
Realising that she would not stop until they did so, everyone plastered a smile on their face. The blonde grinned. "That's much better!"
"How many Dragonite do you think we need?" Puck asked.
Drake thought for a moment. "I think that ten of the strongest Dragonite, including mine, would be enough." He turned to the Grand Master, "What do you think?"
Ash tapped the side of his plate with the fork. "Ideally, I'd like to be able to throw everything we've got against Lu, but that's just not possible in these conditions. What about if we increased the number to twenty of the strongest Dragonite? They've been trained to obey commands as a group. You could command more than one, so could I."
"Are you going to use any of your Pokémon?" Drake asked.
"Pikachu, Charizard, Pidgeot, Espeon, and Gengar," Ash ticked off on his fingers. "I think that they are the best types to cope with anything Lu might try."
"Of course they're the best types," Jenn agreed. "They've got the best man in the world as their trainer."
Ash blushed as Chris snickered.
Jenn threw her arms around the Grand Master and glared at the Scot. "Don't laugh at my Ashykins! He is the best!"
Drake raised an eyebrow. "Ashykins?"
"Yes, Ashykins," the blonde beamed. "And you are Drakey and that's Chrissy wissy! You's are all my boys! Yes you are!"
The girls all laughed as the men turned red. "Why do I feel like she's treating me like one of her kittens?" Chris muttered.
"Because they're her kids," Shannon explained. "Be thankful that she didn't call you her cheeky poops."
"Awww but he could be my Chrissy Poops!" Jenn had overhead the end of Shannon's sentence and turned her attention to the Scot, hugging him.
Chris's eyes almost bulged out of their sockets as she squeezed him hard. "Jenn…need…air…you're killing me!" he managed to croak out.
The blonde let go, immediately apologetic. "Oh I'm sooo sorry! Can you ever forgive me!"
Slumping in his seat, Chris gasped for breath. "…I need a drink…"
"Oooh! Oooh!" Jenn jumped to her feet. "Let me get it for you!" Before Chris could answer she had rushed over to the kitchen and grabbed a glass and pulled something from the fridge. She returned with a full glass of cold milk and set it down before him, beaming.
"Milk is the best!" she chirped, "It does a body good!"
Chris's face fell as he looked at the beverage in front of him. This was not what he had in mind when he said he needed a drink. He was about to refuse the offering when he caught Trish's gaze. The dark-haired Australian glared daggers at him and he gulped.
"Ahhh…thanks Jenn! That's just what I wanted," he said hastily and began to drink. With Trish's malevolent stare on him, he made sure to finish to the last drop before putting the glass back down.
Trish smiled benignly and Chris sighed in relief. He would live to see another day. Though with Jenn the way she was, he wasn't sure if he would be killed by Jenn's affections or if Lu would beat her to it. Or else he would be mauled to death by Trish if he dared to do anything to the blonde. He sighed. He just couldn't win.
Ash chuckled at Chris's milk predicament, but in doing so, caused his forkful of sausage to drop on the table. "Ooops…"
Jenn quickly came to his assistance. "Are you having trouble eating Ash? Let me help you!" Before he could protest, she had taken his plate and proceeded to cut up his breakfast into little bite sized pieces. She then speared a piece of sausage with his fork. "I can help feed you! Open wiiide!"
The Grand Master had no choice but to open his mouth and let her put the forkful in. The rest of the group were trying to stifle grins at Jenn's antics.
"She may be freaky," Mia whispered to Puck. "But at least she is giving us plenty of amusement!"
The chestnut-haired Fae nodded. "I quite agree!"
Jenn was having a ball feeding Ash his breakfast. "Now you'd better be chewing each piece thoroughly before you swallow," she instructed brightly. "No one wants you suffering from heartburn or indigestion."
"I am," Ash smiled weakly at her. "It's just a little disturbing how much you're sounding like my Mom."
"I love your Mom!" Jenn grinned. "She's such a gracious hostess and cooks the most superb meals!"
Ash smiled genuinely at that statement. Delia was famous in Pallet and Viridian for her hospitality and cooking.
"And next time I see her," Jenn continued with a bright smile, "I'm gonna compliment her on what a wonderful son she has! She did a fantastic job raising you all by her onesie. You're a real credit to your mom!"
Ash blushed at this fulsome praise while Chris sniggered. "What is this, an Ash love fest?" the Scot wisecracked.
"Of course it is, Chrissy Poo!" Jenn placed the fork down and hugged the Grand Master. "I don't just like Ashy, I love Ashy!"
Ash glared warningly at his laughing companions. "Not one word of this leaves the room. You got that? Not one word."
Jenn let the poor man go and took a sip of her pulp free orange juice. "Of course I mean that for everyone else too! I just WUVS everyone!"
Chris stared down at his plate and muttered, "She's beginning to freak me out again…" before Jenn hugged him again.
"I especially wuvs my Chrissy Wissy!" she chirped. "He's my widdle Scotty Pookie Poos!"
Now it was Chris's turn to glare at everyone. "Don't say a word. Just don't."
"As fun as this is, Jenn," Puck said calmly, though he looked more like he wanted to laugh, "We do need to finish breakfast so we can get on with other things."
"Like what?" Jenn chirped brightly.
"Like, uh," Puck trailed off and looked at Mia. His unasked question was obvious to everyone.
Except to Jenn.
With Jenn in her current state, dare he say what they were doing and risk ten billion questions or dare he simply lie.
"We're going to go shopping later on," Mia said for Puck, who looked at a loss. "We need to find something special for a special friend."
Jenn perked up even more, which Ash thought would've been impossible, and the blonde clapped her hands, "Oh can I go with you? Huh? Can I?"
This time Mia was at a loss and Puck supplied the answer. With a smooth tone, the impish Fae nodded, "You sure can, Jenn, and take as much time as you need."
Mia shot Puck a glare but before she could say anything, Jenn was suddenly up and around the table and helping the startled brunette to her feet.
"C'mon, Miakins! We've got to go get dressed and get ready to go out!" With that, the blonde dragged the poor defenceless girl towards the bedrooms.
"Anyone have the heart to tell her none of the shops are open?" Chris asked dryly. "Or is Puck just going to knock Jenn out so we have some peace and quiet?"
"I'm not sure which is worse," Ash slumped in his seat, putting his elbows on the table and resting his head in his hands, "The hurricane or Jenn."
"I know," Trish said, "I almost feel like I've been run over."
Ash, Chris, and Drake just gave the Australian a group look of exasperation.
"What?" Trish said innocently, "I had no idea how the pills would affect her."
"Anyone still prefer my idea?" Chris asked, "Because at least you could lock her up when she gets too annoying. My neck and ribs say that those pills increased her strength as well as her ability to infuriate people."
Drake and Ash began to raise their hands, but Trish glared at them.
"Guys, that's just not fair!"
"Trish, the way she is now, you could drop her off at Lu's secret lair and he'd self destruct after ten minutes!" Chris said, "That or she'd strangle him or annoy him to turning himself in to be arrested."
"Well this time tomorrow afternoon, she'll be back to normal," Trish said and shoved some of her breakfast around on her plate.
"Oh goodie," Chris rolled his eyes, "Then she'll be back to being angry and we'll be stuck her with her. Let's hear it for the proverbial rock and a hard place. Deal with her or deal with Lu."
"Actually, if we can deal with Lu today, we won't have to worry about being stuck here," Ash said with a shrug. "As long as you don't try blackmailing her with anything, you'll be fine."
Trish winced a little, "I'm going to have a bit of explaining to do."
"Yeah," Chris said slightly sympathetically, "I'd say that's a given."
"Thanks, Mister Obvious," Trish said sourly, then sighed, "I just hope she isn't too irritated with what I did."
"Don't worry about it," Drake said reassuringly, "You're best friends. She'll understand."
"Or maybe give her a gift," Puck said, "You females always think that getting a present makes things all better."
"You're both weird and un-knowledgeable in the ways of females," Trish raised an eyebrow. "Though Jenn has said she always wanted a Rapidash."
"I can get in touch with Mica in Saffron City," Ash said, "Her ranch raises some of the best Rapidash around. I might be able to arrange something."
"That would be nice if you could," Trish admitted. "Jenn has always said that she can be 'bought' with bling or Pokémon. I don't know how true that is though."
"To a point," Drake said. "She was not mad at me after I bought her that ruby and diamond bracelet she had always wanted from Tiffany's after that messy fight and break-up we had. But I think she was mad at me for you."
"Oh yes, I remember that," the Australian nodded. "That was quite an expensive bracelet; at least $3000."
"Boy if you got that for Jenn, just what are you planning to buy from Tiffany's for Trish?" Shannon asked slyly.
"I've already given Trish lots of jewellery from Tiffany's," Drake grinned. "And the diamond engagement ring is the best money can buy."
Trish's eyes widened as she looked down at the ring in question. "I don't know if I really want to know how much it cost," she admitted. "I'd be too petrified of losing it to wear it!"
"Jenn would have no such hesitation," Ash grinned.
"What about asking Lara Laramie from the Big P Ranch outside of Fuchsia?" Drake brought them back to the main subject. "Doesn't she owe you still for winning that race on her behalf?"
"Doesn't almost everyone I know still owe me?" Ash said jokingly, even though it was true. He had yet to call in all of the favours he had done for so many people over the years. If he did, he'd be set for life. Not that he wasn't already.
"I don't think I do," the Orange Crew Leader smirked.
"She would have some Rapidash and pedigreed one at that," Trish mused as she sipped her coffee. "I just hope that Jenn isn't too mad at me…"
"Aww, fret not," Shannon patted her friend's arm. "You two are the bestest of best friends. In all the years I've known you two, I have never ever seen Jenn get really mad at you. Nor you really get mad at Jenn. It's an impossibility!"
"I guess so…."
"We know so," Drake reassured her. "Besides, should Jenn get mad at you, all you have to do is remind her of all the things she'd done to you over the years. I'm pretty sure that list would be much longer than things you've done to her."
"And the most important thing is that it was done out of concern and love," Shannon added.
"It was more for us than for her," Trish said wryly.
Puck chuckled and leant back in his chair, "I don't know why you humans are all complaining for. I quite like Jenn like this."
"Speak for yourself," Chris glared. "I'm gonna be in need of years of therapy after this!"
"Physical and mental." Shannon smirked.
"Hey…"
Ash finished his cup of coffee and pushed back his chair. "I'm gonna try and ring Lara now, see if I can get the Rapidash transported here."
"Thanks Ash," Trish flashed him a grateful smile. "I owe you one."
"Nah," the Grand Master waved it off. "Just try to keep Jenn out of trouble."
"That's a mission impossible," Drake grinned. "We all know that Jenn is trouble."
"She's not trouble," Trish sought to defend her best friend. "She's just…"
"Trouble?" Chris offered.
"No!" The Australian said sharply. "She's just…I don't know…a magnet for trouble."
Pikachu hopped up on the table beside the girl, 'Piii Pikapi Pikaka chuuuuu…'
Drake grinned. "Sounds a bit like Ash was? I can believe that."
"Hey, I've turned out alright," Ash protested. "I haven't done so bad, so there is hope for Jenn."
"That is true," Trish nodded. "You proved them all wrong."
"And so can Jenn," Shannon beamed.
"Speaking of Jenn," Puck spoke up. "Are we going to let her go out in this weather or should we stop her?"
"Of course we're gonna stop her!" Trish looked indignant. "She could catch her death of cold out there!" Her dark gaze fell on the chestnut-haired Fae who began to feel a little uncomfortable. "Actually…you are going to stop her. You were the one who suggested it and your lady love is about to be dragged out with her."
"I'd be getting up there quick smart if I were you," Drake warned. "A soaking wet Mia is a very unhappy Mia."
"And a very unhappy Mia is a mad, scary Mia," Trish added helpfully.
"Very," Shannon agreed. "She's like Mount Vesuvius when it destroyed Pompeii."
Puck gulped and quickly rose from the table. "I…uh…better go and see what Jenn and Mia are up to."
Trish chuckled as the Fae vanished from the room. "I would not like to be him."
"Why not?" Chris sipped his tea.
"Have you ever tried stopping Jenn from shopping?"
"Good point."
ooo
Puck reappeared in Jenn's bedroom to find the blonde had changed into a pair of jeans, a nice beaded top with long flowing sleeves and black sandals.
The girl was currently hunting through her jewellery box for a nice pair of dangling silver earrings to match with her necklace.
"Jenn…" he began only to have a hand wave at him.
"Can't talk now Pucky Wucky," she chirped. "I've just got to get ready to go shopping with Mia! She said she'd meet me downstairs."
"Uh…that's kind of what I came to talk to you about," he fidgeted with his shirt unsure of what her reaction to his news would be. Sure she was in a drug-induced good mood now but what if she snapped out of it at a certain word? What if the trigger words were 'no shopping'?
Jenn turned to him as she picked up her eye shadow compact. "Just to let you know that I'm still listening to you, but really you'll have to make like a Totodile and make it snappy."
"Well, the thing is that you and Mia can't go shopping…"
She stopped in mid-application and stared at him. "Why not?"
Puck gulped. He had been afraid of this. "Because there are no shops open because of the hurricane," he said quickly. "And because it would be far too dangerous for any drivers on the road."
Instead of the snarl of anger he expected, Jenn just blinked and looked confused. "But then why did Mia say that we had to go shopping?"
The chestnut-haired Fae thought quickly. "Because she kinda forgot about the hurricane. She didn't have much of a sleep last night you see."
"Oh?" Jenn cocked her head slightly then smiled slyly. "You and Mia really should lay off the nocturnal activities, Puck. You won't be getting the rest you need to build up the energy to fight Lulu!"
Puck reddened but said nothing. He realised that it was no use telling Jenn in her present state that what he said had been misunderstood by what he had meant by lack of sleep.
"I mean look at me. I get plenty of sleep and I am full of energy. I'm like a fricking Energizer Bunny!" Jenn beamed, flexing her arms.
"Well Energizer Jenny," Puck smirked. "How about we put that boundless energy to good use?"
The blonde looked at him with bright eyes. "Okay, what should we do?"
"Well I overheard Ash say that he just loved your cooking," the Fae told her. "So I'm sure that he would really appreciate it if you cooked him something. The Chosen One needs to keep up his energy for the final fight against Lu."
Jenn clapped her hands. "Oh I just love cooking! What do you think he'd like?"
"There are probably a few cookbooks in the kitchen here. They might give you a few ideas."
"Okay!" With that, she was off.
Puck sighed and shook his head before making his way to where Mia's room was located. He rapped on the door sharply.
"Who is it?" her voice floated out.
"It's me, Puck."
The door cracked open and she stuck her head out and looked both ways down the corridor. "Is it safe to come out yet?" she asked anxiously.
"Oh yes," Puck reassured his girlfriend. "I managed to convince Jenn not to go shopping and I have her cooking instead."
Mia came out, closed the door and slumped against it in relief. "That's good to know. I thought she was going to drag me out in that hurricane for sure!" She slapped him on the arm. "That was your fault you know! Encouraging Jenn to do something that you know very well can't happen!"
The chestnut-haired Fae rubbed his arm. "I'm sorry, Mi…but I just couldn't resist it! Can't a guy have a little fun?"
"You can have fun after we defeat Lu," the brunette told him. "I know you are a natural prankster and I love you for it; but now is not the time."
Puck pouted.
"Should we go and see what Jenn's up to?" Mia started to pull him along the corridor. "She's not hugging Ash to death again is she?"
"No, I told her that Ash might appreciate if she cooked him a dish or two. The way to a human's heart is through their stomach."
Mia thought about it. "If Ash wasn't already married, I'd say that would have worked."
Puck looked thoughtful and Mia slapped him again.
"Ow!" Puck rubbed his arm again, "What was that for?"
"For thinking of. . .stuff."
"Stuff?"
"Mischievous Puck stuff," Mia pointed at him warningly, "Don't get any funny ideas in your head, mister."
Puck shook his head, "You are far too late for that."
"You know what I mean," Mia sighed softly, "Your version of funny is a lot different than ours."
"I can't help being who I am."
"I know, but could you possibly tone down a bit on the deathly funny comedy?"
"Just for you," Puck gave Mia a kiss on the cheek, "Only for you."
"Thanks, baby," Mia wrapped an arm around his waist as they walked towards the kitchen area. "I hope things won't get too messy."
ooo
Back in Pallet, Misty sat down gratefully on the sofa after returning from a lunch and shopping outing with Gary. The redhead rubbed her swollen belly and sighed. It was getting harder and harder to carry the baby as the last month of the pregnancy drew near.
Misty snorted at the memory of one of her girlfriends excitedly saying that it must be the greatest thing in the world to be pregnant. There was nothing great or glamorous about being pregnant. She was fat, constantly feeling bloated and having to go to the bathroom every few minutes or so it seemed. She just wanted to get the baby out.
Thankfully Gary was always around to distract her from her pregnancy woes. The chestnut-haired Trainer was over at her house several times a day, every day, offering to get her lunch or go shopping. He'd even given her a foot massage once after she complained how all the weight was making her feet ache.
She found herself really enjoying his company. Perhaps his banishment from the Pokémon League had been good after all. It seemed to Misty that Gary had really changed and for the better. He was attentive, kind, considerate and very generous.
Misty had heard from Ash twice. First time via email as the phone lines were jammed out of the Archipelago and the second time via cell phone. She had assured her husband that she was fine as was the baby and that he needn't worry about her. He would have questioned her further but the fact that she had hung up to take an incoming call.
The redhead sighed and slowly got to her feet, groaning all the while. She'd have a little rest in bed before getting ready for dinner. Gary had offered to take her out to a dinner and show and she had accepted. One dinner couldn't hurt could it?
ooo
Jenn had set about her task of cooking for Ash with gusto. Various ingredients and bowls were set out on the marble counter and no less than ten recipe books were open on the countertops.
Drake was nowhere to be seen, but Chris was going back and forth out of the room with a large basket. Each time he entered they were full of Poké Balls which he emptied into a basket beside Ash who was seated at the kitchen table with an open laptop. The Grand Master quickly examined each sphere and then entered something into the computer.
Trish and Shannon were seated on the kitchen stools on the opposite side of the counter to Jenn. The Australian was sipping an inevitable cup of coffee while watching her best friend with a raised eyebrow. Shannon was just staring.
"Is it possible the, uh, Prozac may have brought out some latent OCD in her?" Shannon whispered to Trish, "Because those books are spaced out evenly."
"Anything's possible," Trish murmured over the rim of her coffee mug, which read 'Mangos quiver before Me'. "Especially now. Of course, if she does have OCD, she's been hiding it well."
After bringing in yet another basket of Poké Balls, Chris dropped them off to Ash and then collapsed in one of the empty chairs at the counter. "Don't worry about it," he panted out, "I had it completely covered," Then he winced and looked cautiously at Jenn, who was unaware to his comment.
"Nice save," Trish lowered her mug and grinned over at the wary Scot, "You almost got caught by the Consideration Committee."
"Try not to remind me, okay?" Chris shook his head, "What the hell is she doing?"
"If you weren't so busy being a Poké Ball bus boy, you'd have known that Puck got Jenn to make a huge feast," Trish looked at her watch, "Or lunch, actually."
"Blah, blah," Chris sighed, "When is that stuff gonna wear off? I'm getting tired just watching her."
Jenn was currently zipping between the stove and the counter, as she was simultaneously cooking pancakes, elaborate omelettes, crepes, and sausage.
Shannon bit at her lower lip before saying, "She's going to be really tired after this."
Chris smirked, "Oh good, then maybe she'll just drop and fall asleep for a week or two."
Trish slapped at his arm, "That's not nice!"
"It wasn't meant to be," Chris rubbed at his arm, "And really, don't you think she will?"
"I think she will," Shannon said, "I mean, I do agree with Chris, but I hope she doesn't just drop in the middle of things here."
"You mean like in the ultimate showdown between good and evil?" Chris said mockingly, "That would really suck."
"Yeah, it really would," Ash said from the table behind them. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
"I didn't think they'd affect her like this." Trish turned around in her chair, "You know how she likes to brag that it takes a lot to bring her down."
Ash looked up and flashed a reassuring look, "Don't stress yourself over it," He looked back down at the laptop. The glow from the screen reflected off of his mahogany eyes, "She'll shake it off before the battle starts."
"I hope so," Trish said worriedly. She looked back at the blonde, who was busy flipping pancakes with one hand and stirring a batch of crepe mixture with the other. For once, she seemed oblivious to their conversations, so much that they had stopped whispering and were talking normally.
Puck and Mia walked in soon after. Mia had an arm wrapped around Puck's waist and Puck had an arm around her shoulders. They looked like a perfect couple.
"What army is she feeding?" Mia looked at the array of plates and platters of cooked food on the counter closest to the table, "Seriously, because that is a lot of food."
"She is cooking for four guys," Ash said without looking up from the laptop, "I think we can be considered an army. Seriously."
"If you weren't the Grand Master, slash Chosen One, slash part of the team responsible for saving the Archipelago and therefore the world," Mia sounded annoyed, "I'd really have to kick your butt."
In reply, Ash silently took another Poké Ball, studied it, and logged something into the laptop.
"Men," Mia rolled her eyes and sat in an empty chair by Shannon. She watched Jenn for a few moments and looked annoyed, "She makes me tired just watching her and I just woke up!"
"Noted," Trish said dryly, "I hereby vow to never get her to take anything more potent than aspirin."
"Hoo ha!" Ash said from behind them.
Mia glared at him, then motioned for Puck to sit by her. He walked over, but hugged her instead.
"I have some things to talk to Ash about," He explained, then walked over to Ash and sat in a chair at the table.
For a second, Mia looked torn between being angry and exasperated. Finally she just sighed and poured herself a glass of water, which was conveniently in a pitcher on the counter in front of them. "So," she said after a pause, "Is the food here any good?"
"Haven't had any yet," Shannon said, "She won't let us even sample anything. All she said was that no one eats until she's done cooking."
The four watched for about ten minutes before Chris stood up. "That's it, I'm hungry now."
He went to grab a sausage, but even before he could hover his hand over the rack of sizzling meat, Jenn was there to stop him.
"So sorry! I'm not done yet," was all she had to say, though the warning look in her eyes said loads. "Won't you take a seat? I'm almost done!"
Jaime walked in then, fully dressed but rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Wow, I can't believe I slept in like that! It was good though. I should ask Drake if I can take one of those cots!"
"They are the most comfortable cots I've ever used," Mia agreed. "It must be nice to be able to afford to get the very best in everything." She looked around. "Speaking of Mr Crew Leader, where is he?"
"He's just shutting down the Pokémon transporter in the other room," Chris told them. "He's just transferred all the Pokémon we need from the Gym Sheds. Professor Oak and James also sent through Ash's main teams."
"Guess what also came through," Drake said as he walked into the kitchen. "One pedigreed Rapidash, courtesy of Lara Laramie and the Big P Ranch. Trish, I put it with the rest of your Poké Balls."
Trish snuck a quick look at Jenn but to her surprise, her best friend was still completely oblivious to everything but the feast she was cooking up. She sighed in relief and flashed a smile at the Grand Master. "Thanks for that, Ash."
"No problem," the dark-haired man smiled back. "I'm glad I could help." He went back to talking in low tones with Puck.
Drake sat down on the empty stool next to Trish and took her hand in his before glancing over at Jenn. "Wow, looks like someone's been busy. How long has she been cooking for?"
"At least half an hour or so," Shannon looked at her watch. "She's been multitasking the whole time. We've offered to help but she refuses."
"Miss Independent," Trish quipped. "So can you tell us what Ash is up to or is it so deeply classified that you can't say upon pain of death?"
The Orange Crew Leader laughed. "No, nothing as dire as that. We're going to run a computer simulation program that we have for planning battles. Ash has entered all the Pokémon that we're going to use and based on their data, work on the best strategies and formations against Lu."
"Ugh," Jaime helped herself to some water. "Sounds way too complicated for me. I'll leave that up to you guys."
"Yeah," Mia echoed. "You two are the best in the business, so if you can't come up with a sure-fire way of beating Lu then what chance do the rest of us have?"
"Hey what about me?" Puck pouted, having overheard his girlfriend's statement. "Don't I count in the final battle? Or Callie?"
Mia's answer was to go over to him and give him a kiss. "Of course you do, sweet. However when it comes to handling Pokémon, you should leave it to those two."
"I agree with you," the Fae sighed. "I have never trained anything in my life."
"Much less trained," a disembodied voice smirked, as Callie shimmered into existence. Chris's face immediately went into goof mode at the sight of the ethereal beauty.
Her brother pouted again. "Hey, I'll have you know that I was much better at my studies than Lu ever was."
Callie patted his arm. "I know you were, brother dear. Lucius really was quite the dunce."
"What I would like to know is," Trish said quietly, "if Lu was as bad as you say he was, then how is it that he is so powerful?"
"Fear," Callie said in a serious tone, "He comes from a. . well from a family line, if you will, that can siphon power from emotions. His ruling emotion, ironically enough, is fear. The more fear people emit, the more power he can use for himself."
"But there aren't anymore people in the archipelago," Jaime said, "So how can he still have enough power to keep up this hurricane?"
"Because not all the people are gone," Callie said wisely. "There are still some people that have refused to leave. We're all still here. And of course there are still media people around to broadcast the weather to the people on the mainland. In turn, the people on the mainland worry. Worry is a by product of fear, so Lu can draw off of worry as easily as he can fear."
Jaime blinked and shook her head, "Oh, Lugia, why did I even ask?"
"Yeah, Callie," Mia agreed with the Canadian, "That was a lot of information."
"Necessary information," Trish said with a shrug, "It's better that we know and understand, rather than to be ignorant and be in danger."
"But what can we do to kill off Lu's supply of fear?" Chris asked, "We can't go save people that didn't leave, and we can't stop the media from broadcasting."
"Or you could overload him on fear, which would set his power levels to the breaking point, which could kill him," Jenn said brightly, right as she was setting out plates near the stacks and platters of food. "Lunch is ready!"
As the food was attacked, Lu didn't even get a second thought in the minds of some people.
ooo
Not that it bothered Lu at all; in fact he was not even aware of it. The red-haired Fae was sitting in his cave, taking a fiendish delight in the events he was viewing through his globe. The immense distress and terror that he saw on the mortals and Pokémon that remained pleased him immensely. It also empowered him.
He had never felt so invincible in his long life. Feeding on the fear from the mortal population strengthened and intensified his powers.
Lu smirked as he raised the intensity of the hurricane; causing the winds to blow even more ferociously and the sea level to rise. Massive waves and storm surges crashed along the beaches and coastline and crept inland.
He laughed as the fear level immediately rose up a notch. It was really just too easy.
And it would be just too easy to defeat his enemies. Lu didn't know why he hadn't thought of the hurricane in the first place. His power supply from the fear and the worry was unlimited, thus making him equal to Callie and Puck.
And there was no greater emotion than fear.
ooo
Pallet.
Misty sat at the kitchen table with her head in her hands. How on earth had she allowed such a thing to happen?
She had woken this morning to find herself naked in bed with Gary snoring beside her, also bare. With a squeak of dismay, she had managed to get out of bed and pulled on her robe to make herself a cup of tea.
The evening had been very pleasant, Misty enjoying the dinner and the show very much as well as her companion. Gary was looking very sharp and smart, and she had felt a little thrill when he smiled at her.
After inviting him in for a coffee or tea, the two had sat on the sofa and talked for a while. During the course of their talk, she hadn't realised he had moved so close until he began to kiss her. Why she didn't react by pulling away instead of kissing him back she didn't know, except to say that her senses went haywire. Next thing she remembered was being lowered to the bed and being undressed.
Misty had broken her marriage vows, her pledge to forsake all others as long they both should live. The redhead had always been of the belief that marriage vows were sacred….so why didn't she feel that guilty?
Gary walked in to the kitchen, yawning and clad in a robe. "Morning Babe," he said. "I was wondering where you'd gone."
Misty raised her head and looked at him. "Gary…about last night…"
"You're gonna say it was a mistake, aren't you?" he sat down opposite her. "Because to me it wasn't. And you know you could have told me to stop at any time."
The redhead blushed as what he said was true. She could have told him to stop, but she didn't. Nor did she have the excuse that she was drunk and didn't know what she was doing.
"But Ash…"
"Who cares about Ash," Gary dismissed with a wave of his hand. "He's probably out getting himself killed, or getting it on with that blonde floozy, Jenn."
Misty stiffened at the mention of the American girl who she saw as a rival for her husband's affections. Had she left the archipelago with the rest of the people or had the blonde stayed behind? If so, was that a reason why Ash refused to leave when she asked him to?
"Ash doesn't really care about you, Misty," Gary continued. "He would have come back with you when you asked him to."
The fact that Gary's words so echoed her own thoughts, chilled her. "He felt he needed to stay and help," she protested, albeit half-heartedly because she shared Gary's view.
The chestnut-haired former trainer snorted. "The only help he could give was with the evacuations. He could have left after that. No one can stop a hurricane. What does he think he is, some kind of god?"
ooo
The man in question certainly wasn't thinking he was some kind of god. Instead he was seated in front of a laptop with Drake and Puck, trying to work out the best strategy and deployment of Pokémon against Lu.
The rest of the girls (and Chris) were seated in the living room, trying to work out exactly how they were going to contribute to the final battle.
"I'm worried that the Pokémon won't listen to us," Jaime admitted. "The Gym's Pokémon are pretty powerful and none of us here are serious trainers. Plus Lu puts the wind up me. If he gets his power from fear, how do I stop myself from unintentionally helping him?"
"I could assist you with that," Callie said in her gentle voice, "If you wouldn't mind, I could lay a simple reduction spell on you."
"What's that?" Jaime voiced her uncertainty, "It sounds like you want to shrink me!"
"Only your potential to fear," Callie reassured the girl, "All it would do, would tap down your fear so that you could help the others in the battle."
"Count me in!" Jaime relaxed, "I like the sound of that."
"Me too," Shannon said shyly, "Could you do that for me as well?"
"Of course," Callie smiled, "And once the battle is over, it will fade away. You won't even realize it."
"Good," Shannon also relaxed, "That's a good thing."
"Yes, because one shouldn't rely on a spell to get through life," Jenn said in a blasé tone.
The others stared at her, who looked comfortable sitting on a black leather recliner.
"What?" Jenn asked, true confusion in her voice, "It wouldn't do to have magick help you with day to day duties. Or even to just face life."
"This from the girl who wanted fire power," Chris snorted.
Trish glared at him, but he defended his words, "It's true though. She wasn't going to give up on that stupid power."
"Now if this isn't a good time to clear things up!" Jenn said in a chipper voice, "I just wanted that so I could be a better help in this battle. I'm not really sure if I can handle a powerful Pokémon, since mine are just so cute and fuzzy and not really powerful yet, so I figured if I had an elemental power I'd already had control over, then I could be a good help."
Once again, they stared at her.
"This is almost as effective as that truth spell," Shannon murmured to Trish, who nodded in agreement.
"That and I get so cold sometimes," Jenn smiled, "And having your own internal fire would keep you warm regardless. I admit, it's more than a bit selfish, but that's what I felt."
"This is like a bad version of Truth or Dare, stuck on truth," Chris muttered.
"Hey, I'm not complaining," Mia grinned. "Gives me a chance to find out things I normally wouldn't about Jenn. That girl is so secretive that getting information out of her is like trying open a rusted treasure chest with a plastic stick!"
"I agree," Trish said. "I've had to really battle to get her to open up over the years."
"How have you managed to stay best friends without either giving up on her, losing your sanity or throttling her?" Chris asked with a raised eyebrow. "You must have the patience of a saint."
"Nah," the Australian shrugged. "I just wasn't about to give up on her. I can be just as stubborn as Jenn when I want."
"What was that?" Jenn quipped.
"I just said that I can be just as stubborn as you," Trish told her.
"Nah," Jenn waved a hand. "You can be stubborn, but no one is as stubborn as me."
"That's true," Chris smirked.
"I just don't like people telling me what I can and can't have," the blonde said. "If there's something that I really want, then almost nothing is going to stop me from getting it."
"That's a good philosophy to have," Shannon mused. "Depending on what it is that you want," she added hastily.
Trish leant back against the sofa. "What bugs me is the fact that Lu can source power from emotions, like fear. That means he's got an almost endless source of supply to fight us with. You can't stop everyone from being afraid; it's a natural human emotion."
"Yeah," Mia echoed. "If only we could tap into something similar…"
"Why couldn't we?" Jenn sat up and looked at Callie. "Surely Lulu isn't the only Fae able to tap into emotions. If he's all bad then you and Pucky are the total opposites, which means that you could tap into good emotions. Right?"
Everyone blinked at the blonde.
"You know…she sounded almost intelligent then," Chris gulped. "She's getting scarier by the minute."
"She's right though," Callie admitted. "I don't know why we didn't think of that before."
"That's because you've all been thinking inside the box," Jenn grinned. "You gotta start thinking outside the box."
"And if anyone's outside the box," Chris said, "And I mean way, way, outside the box, then that's you."
Jenn grinned.
"That's all very well for Puck and Callie," Mia hugged a pillow to her chest. "But is there a way that we lesser mortals can tap into the same power? That would really help to blast Lu."
"Oh there is!" Jenn stated. "Spells and incantations! I've got a book of them upstairs!"
Shannon frowned slightly. "Spells? Is that very wise Jenn?"
Jenn frowned for a moment, then shrugged, "I probably shouldn't have told you about it, but don't worry Shanny Shan. It's all good stuff like Willow in Buffy or in Charmed. Nothing on the side of evil at all."
"Um, Jenn, Willow did turn evil," Mia reminded the blonde. "She tried to end their world."
"Right, well, more like the girls on Charmed," Jenn said, "Okay?"
"If I'm not mistaken," Mia said, "Phoebe went evil a few times, and so did Piper, Paige did some spells for personal gain, and Prue got turned into a Siberian husky."
Jenn stood up, "Well I'm not evil or about to turn evil, and I'm sure not a Siberian husky."
"You were an absol," Chris said, "So isn't that kind of the same thing?"
"I don't believe that!" Jenn's eyes widened, then she shook her head. "You're just being ridiculous. People don't turn into Pokémon. I'm going to go get that book."
They watched the blonde leave the room.
"Anyone want to bet that the book she has is a prop copy of the book of shadows from Charmed?" Mia asked. "I'll be taking wagers for the next five minutes."
"Count me in," Chris said, "That's about a sure a win as anything. The girl loves her props."
ooo
Meanwhile Drake, Ash and Puck were still huddled around the laptop, working on possible battle scenarios on the simulator.
The Orange Crew Leader sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Have we got every Pokémon that we can think of?"
:Obviously you forgot about me!: A playful disembodied voice said before a blue bubble appeared and burst to reveal Ashura the Blue Mew.
The three men were startled.
"Ashura!" Ash gasped. "What are you doing here?"
:Simple: the Pokémon beamed. :I want to help in the battle against the Evil One:
"Does Joanne know you're here? I hope you haven't come here without telling her," the Grand Master raised an eyebrow.
:Of course not: the Mew's eyes were wide and innocent. :I mean, of course I didn't go off without telling Joanne! I would not want her to think I was missing.:
Ash could not help but think about how serious the situation must be for a previously carefree Pokémon, who came and went as he pleased, to suddenly start informing his owner of his whereabouts.
:I have a message for you, Chosen One, from the Legendary Birds and Lugia:
"What is it?"
:They will await your telepathic signal to join the battle before leaving the safety of their homes: Mew told him. :They do not want to risk injury before the time comes.:
"That's sensible," Drake approved.
:I have also brought along an old friend or two of yours.:
Ash blinked. "Who?"
A small giggling ball of pink fur materialised out of thin air before slowly uncurling and resting on a pink bubble. :Meeew. Long time no see Ash:
The Grand Master grinned. Oh yes he remembered this Pokémon alright. How could he forget the night that he died? "Nice to see you too, Mew."
Puck was confused. "So you're a Mew," he pointed to Ashura. "But you're a Mew too?" he pointed to the pink one.
:Did someone say my name?: A deeper voice was followed by its owner. A tall, purple cat-like Pokémon with strong muscular legs and a long thick tail materialised beside the pink Mew.
"Mewtwo," Ash stood up at the sight of the clone master. He walked over to the Pokémon. "How are the clones?"
:They're doing very well,: The tall stately Pokémon tilted his head:In fact, they have asked me to be allowed to come and help. They wait only for word from you.:
Ash frowned, "How did they know?"
Mewtwo shook his head:You're not a Pokémon. You cannot sense the malice that hangs around the Archipelago. Even from where I keep the clones safe, the level of evil is extreme.:
:He's got pokémon ties though,: the pink Mew prompted:If he wanted to tune in, he could sense the same evil that we do.:
:If he hasn't already,: this from the blue Mew, who was looking at Ash with a deep look. :Right, Chosen One:
"Ah, yeah, well I kind of try to shield myself from it," Ash admitted, "It's strong and I need to focus on the battle with Lu, so I keep my shields up."
Drake shook his head and looked at Ash, "You really are very weird. You know that?"
Ash shrugged, "It comes with the whole Chosen One thing."
"So have you ever been normal?" the Orange Crew Leader asked with a sly smile.
The Grand Master grinned. "Considering the Chosen One thing was decided before I was even born, apparently not."
:In order to be the Chosen One, he cannot be what you call normal.: the pink Mew said solemnly.
"I guess that makes sense," Drake looked thoughtful.
"Tell the clones that I would be happy and honoured to have their help," Ash told Mewtwo. "This is as much your fight as it is ours. And by 'your fight' I mean all Pokémon."
The purple Pokémon nodded and his eyes glowed brightly for a moment. :I have told the Pikachu to tell the others. They will be pleased.:
"It is good to have you on board, Mewtwo," Ash smiled. "After that second adventure against Team Rocket, I had thought that would be last I saw of you."
:So did I: the Pokémon admitted. :But I could not stand by and watch the world be destroyed by evil.:
Ash raised an eyebrow. "No offence, but I seem to remember a time when you tried to destroy the world."
:True, I do not deny it,: Mewtwo admitted. :But before you showed me the truth, I was angry and misguided. I am much gentler now.:
"Glad to hear it," Ash said, "So was it Mew's gentle ways that rubbed off on you?"
:No, anger management therapy.:
"I just hope that with the Faes, and all the Pokémon's help, that we can defeat Lu," the Grand Master ran a hand through his hair. "The world is in danger of ending, for at least the third time, and here I am stuck in the middle of it. Again."
:You cannot avoid your destiny: Pink Mew gently patted him on the shoulder with her tail. :Whenever the world and the world's Pokémon are in need of you, you will find yourself there:
"Mom would say that I have a knack of getting myself into trouble."
"Your mom would say that you are trouble," Drake laughed.
"His mom would be right," Jenn said from behind them.
They turned to look at her and the blonde squeezed her eyes shut and rubbed at her forehead. She looked back up at them, shifted the large green hardcover book she held in the crook of her left arm, and smiled, "I'm so sorry! I can't believe I said something so rude! All of that cooking must have taken a lot out of me!"
"Doing some heavy reading, Jenn?" Drake asked in an amused tone.
"Oh nothing like that!" Jenn said with a cheerful wave with her free hand, "This is my little book of shadows. I'm going to try some magick to help you guys out against Lu! Well, bye!"
The guys, and assembled Pokémon, watched her skip away.
"You think it's a good idea for her to cast spells in that condition?" Drake asked, then blinked and shook his head, "Wait…book of shadows and magick and Jenn?"
"I'm sure Callie's close by," Ash said slowly, "Right?"
"You're the Chosen One," Drake said, "Don't ask me."
They looked to Puck, who shrugged. "I don't keep tabs on Callie. She'd turn me into a hamster if I tried to."
The guys looked at each other for a second before each got to their feet and went after Jenn.
ooo
Jenn bounced back into the room with a big grin. "I got the book!" she said brightly as she plopped down next to Trish.
"Oh goodie," Chris said, rolling his eyes.
"Can I have a look at it?" Trish asked.
"Sure," the blonde handed it over.
"Where did you get this?" the Australian slowly leafed through the book.
"Duh, you know I get just about all of my Charmed stuff off of eBay!" Jenn grinned. "I got it from my favourite prop seller."
"I should have known," her best friend smirked as she handed it back.
"Yeah, you really should have."
Chris nudged Mia, "You want to pay up now, or later?"
"Later as in never," Mia muttered, who had bet that Jenn would have a small book instead of the prop that Chris wagered for.
"I accept payment in the form of cash, alcoholic beverages, and cash," Chris said smugly.
It was then that Drake, Ash and Puck came running in.
"Jenn, don't do it!" Puck gasped when he saw the blonde with the book open.
To be continued…
ooo
Author's Note:
And that dear readers is another chapter in this five year saga. Keep an open mind, no one can say that they know for sure what the characters would do in the future – and that is the beauty of fanfiction. It is not canon nor sticking strictly to the anime and I have never claimed otherwise.
