Midsummer Nights

by Trish

The third instalment to the Midsummer Series. Chapter Thirty Nine now up.

32. Chapter ThirtyOne: Falling Through

Midsummer Nights

By Trish

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon or Puck. I do own any other non anime character that roams within and the storyline. The lyrics for the chapter title come from the song, "Over My Head (Cable Car)" by The Fray.

Chapter Thirty-One: Falling Through

When Ash returned to the villa, the first thing he did was to arrange with Drake for a press conference to be held in the afternoon the next day.

Before he knew it, the time had come, and the Grand Master was standing in the wings, mentally preparing himself for what he knew would be one of the most difficult media encounters he had ever had to face.

The media room in the Orange Islands headquarters was packed to the brim, print and news journalists in the front, while television cameramen vied for the best filming position in the back. It was as if they sensed that something big and sensational was about to break.

He felt like a wounded zebra being eyed by a pack of ravenous hyenas.

Drake peered out at the crowds, "You sure you want to do this, Ash? I can call it off if you don't feel you're ready. They're looking really feral out there."

"More so than usual?" Trish joked as she peered through the curtains with Jenn. "Come on, these are the reptiles of the press, the fourth estate, the lowest of the low. Of course they're feral, they've got nothing but ink and money coursing through their veins. They're not human."

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with not being human," Jenn said defensively. "There are a lot of good partially human and not even human creatures in the world."

"But not the press."

"No," the blonde said darkly as she eyed the assembled reporters. "Not the press."

Ash took a deep breath. "I guess it's now or never. Let's get this over and done with." Putting on his best game face, he strode out onto the stage to face the waiting media.

The buzz in the room quietened down instantly at his appearance, save for the clicking of a few cameras. The whole room leaned forward eagerly as one. Again, the Grand Master was struck with the whole hunter/prey analogy. Some of the reporters had sharp, eager eyes, almost like birds of prey. And he was their victim.

But you know that it all goes with the territory of being a celebrity, he reminded himself. That thought didn't stop him from silently cursing Misty and Gary for leaving him to deal with the media. Gripping the sides of the podium with both hands, he took a deep breath to calm himself before he began.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for coming here today on such short notice. I have one brief announcement to make today, so it won't take too much of your time." He paused slightly. "It is with great sadness that I have to announce the end of my two year marriage to Misty."

Audible gasps were heard throughout the room, before the reporters erupted in a bedlam of questions and flashes from cameras.

The Grand Master held up a palm and refused to continue until they quietened down. When all was quiet, he went on.

"A few days ago, I discovered my wife has been having an affair for some time with the former Viridian City Gym Leader, Gary Oak. After a verbal confrontation, Misty had made the decision to start a new life with Gary. Divorce papers are being finalised by my lawyers as we speak."

"There will be no questions at the end of this conference, however I have a prepared statement of questions and answers that the Orange League staff will hand out to you as you leave. Finally, I would ask that everyone respects the privacy of Misty, myself, and our family members during this very difficult time. Thank you." He walked off the stage before they could say anything else.

Drake, Trish, Jenn, and Pikachu were waiting backstage for him. Ash smiled when he saw that the little electric mouse was cradled in Jenn's arms.

Pikachu leapt into Ash's waiting arms and he cuddled his faithful friend as she purred softly.

"Well done, Ash," Drake patted the man on the arm. "That took guts to go out there."

"Yeah," Trish agreed. "I really admire you for this, Ash. To go out there and admit to something so private and painful so publicly…" she shook her head. "And the press can be so vicious too."

"It had to be done," Ash sighed. "Anyway, news would have got out one way or another. I thought it would be better for me to get in first with the truth, rather than perhaps read some embellished tale of woe from Misty later on in some tabloid."

The Australian frowned slightly. "You don't think that Misty would really do something like that? Make up a sensational tale with no foundation whatsoever?"

Jenn wrinkled her nose. "Come on, Trish," she snorted. "She's a gym leader that married the Grand Master. This is like that mess when Jenn and Brad broke up. While I wouldn't mind being in Angelina's place, I didn't make a move on Ash. Misty would do anything to make me look like the Angelina in this Brangelina analogy. It would get all the bad press off of her back and on his back," She pointed at Ash, who shrugged. "Or on me, and I'm no celebrity so I'd end up looking like some gold-digger."

"I have to agree with Jenn," Ash said. "Some of the things she said to me when Brock and I confronted her…" He trailed off and shook his head.

"Like what?" Drake prompted gently.

"She thought that I was still having an affair with Jenn, and that I had sent Jenn to spy on her," the Grand Master winced at the memory. "It was as if she really believed that was the truth, and that nothing would persuade her otherwise."

"Which is such a load of Tauros dung," Jenn growled out. "I never spied on Misty once. Or twice. Or at all."

"Please, shut your mouth!" Trish reprimanded gently. "You never know if some media lug nut will hear you."

"Did you want to go straight to my hideaway villa in West Pummelo?" the Orange Crew Leader asked the Grand Master. "Because all hell is gonna break loose tomorrow."

Ash shook his head. "I'll see how it goes first. It all depends on how quickly it dies down."

"Wishful thinking there, Ash." the Australian shook her head. "This is the biggest scandal to rock the Pokémon League and it's involving some of the biggest names there are. The press will take it and run a mile. You'll be lucky if it dies down after a month."

"Hope you're wrong," the Grand Master sighed.

Jenn snorted at Drake. "Hideaway villa. You're so silly!"

ooo

Viridian

Misty woke up the next day and stretched luxuriously. Smiling at the sight of Gary sleeping next to her, she heaved herself out of bed and waddled over to pull on her robe.

She made her way down to the kitchen and grabbed her cell phone which she had left on the sideboard. The tiny screen was flashing with the message 'You have 58 new messages.'

The redhead grumbled. Couldn't Ash just leave her alone? She was so over him so why couldn't he accept and reciprocate the sentiment?

She walked over to the granite topped counter above the sub-zero drawer freezer to pick up the Viridian Daily that one of the maids had brought in from the morning delivery. She would have choked on anything she'd been drinking or eating. Luckily she wasn't doing either.

Headlines practically screamed at her:

CHEATING WIFE WALKS OUT ON GRAND MASTER AND LEAVES WITH LOVER.

"Oh god," she whispered. She felt light-headed for a moment, right before red anger coursed through her. How dare Ash go to the media first! And how dare he not tell her that he was going to do so!

"GARY!" Misty bellowed loudly and angrily. What hired staff she had seen quickly vanished. One of the head maids, Marissa, dared to come forward.

"Ma'am, if I may…"

"You may not!" Misty snapped. "How is it that no one told me about this! Why have I found out about this the same as any other idiot who reads the papers!"

Marissa bit back a retort that the woman was not her employer and had no right to make demands "It's not just in the papers, ma'am," she said smoothly. Although she knew that it was Ash who would be responsible for firing her, she still didn't dare test Misty's or Gary's temper. She rather liked being alive. "It's been all over TV since he had his press conference last night."

"Press conference…" the redhead seethed. "Where was it held, do you know?"

"The Orange League Headquarters, ma'am."

Misty angrily jabbed the numbers to Ash's cell phone on her phone keypad.

Marissa took this as a fine opportunity to take herself to another part of the house.

Misty tapped her foot impatiently as she held the phone to her ear and waited for Ash to pick up.

Finally there was a beep and she was just about ready to verbally blast her husband when she heard the following words:

"Your call could not be connected. The person's cell phone may be switched off or disconnected. Please check the number and try again."

With a shriek of anger, Misty hung up, then dialled Drake's office number.

Drake's secretary picked up on the third ring. "Good morning, Orange League Headquarters, Orange Crew Leader's office, Penny speaking."

"Penny, it's Misty Ketchum here," Misty said urgently. "Is my husband there? I need to speak to him right this instant."

Penny's voice was neutral. "Do you mind hanging on? I'll just check with the boss to see if the Grand Master is with him."

Misty tapped her foot as she was put on hold. She ground her teeth when she realized that the music that was being piped through the earpiece happened to be NSync's Bye, Bye, Bye.

I loved you endlessly,

when you weren't there for me,

so now it's time to leave and make it alone…

Misty saw red at the lyrics, but mentally counted to ten to try to calm down. There was a click as the phone was picked up and her husband's smooth voice came through. "Misty, I'm surprised to hear from you…"

"How DARE you!" Misty screamed into the phone. "How DARE you call a press conference without telling me first!"

"Now Misty, before you blow another fuse, I'd better tell you that you're on speaker phone in Drake's office," Ash said calmly. "Drake and Cissy just heard every single word. Cissy is worried that your anger could bring on the baby."

In the background she could hear the two Gym leaders call out a 'hello.'

"Then take me off speaker phone, dammit," she hissed even as she turned bright red from embarrassment. "What the hell are they doing there anyway!"

"This is Drake's office," Ash said dryly. "He has every right to be here and so does Cissy. I can't hold up the phones too long so you'd better make this call short."

"How dare you call a press conference without consulting me first," Misty reiterated angrily. "How do you think it feels like to wake up and to have headlines blaring out all over the daily newspapers that you're a cheater? You didn't even consider how it would affect me and my feelings. You're a heartless cad, Ash Ketchum. And you wonder why I left you."

There was a short, sharp bark of laughter over the phone line.

"Hah! Heartless! That's extremely rich coming from you, Misty," Ash shot back. "I seriously doubt that you thought about me before you began to have an affair behind my back. Did you even consider how it would affect me when you decided to walk out on our marriage?" His tone was silky. "Misty, Misty, I do believe you've got it all wrong. I'm not the thoughtless and heartless one. You are."

"You didn't have to announce it to the world, though," Misty snorted.

"Yeah, that's right, because we're not the world's most talked about couple."

"Be mature about this, Ash!"

"Do you even hear the words coming from your mouth? I'm the only one in this conversation that is being mature! I didn't have the affair!" Ash sounded scathing, then calmed down. A little. "They would have found out anyway. The media aren't called newshounds for nothing you know. It's headline news if I have a hangnail, much less a pending divorce."

"Well, I don't appreciate headlines saying that I'm a cheating wife," the redhead growled. "What on earth did you tell them? All lies?"

"Hello! You are the one who did the cheating. I did a very simple thing, Misty." He talked slowly, as if talking to a difficult child. "I told them the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. You cheated on me and you left me for another man."

"It wasn't like that!" Misty protested weakly. "There was the hurricane…and the…the…"

Ash said in a low voice. "What I told you is all I told them, Misty, but by now you should know how the media works. They'll make up anything to sell more newspapers, and the divorce of the Grand Master and his wife will be filet mignon and lobster all wrapped in one. It's my job to have to deal with the press, but since you two started the affair, I figured that you and Gary should also share the fun of dealing with them. They should be camped out in front of his place by now."

Misty felt trepidation course through her. Gary's place was so well insulated that she couldn't hear anything, though she didn't doubt Ash's statement. It was, sadly enough, rare that he was wrong. Which was ironically amusing, considering all the times he was wrong when they were younger.

"It's only fair though, you know? After all, you two are the ones that got us into this whole mess. If you don't like it now, then maybe you should have thought of that before you began the affair."

Misty was silent.

"At any rate, Drake and I have a meeting to attend, so I'm hanging up. Goodbye, Misty. Have a nice day."

The sounds of the dial tone greeted her ears, and the unceasing blaring sound grated on her last nerves. With a shriek of rage, she threw the phone at a nearby wall. Pieces of the phone went in every direction as the helpless device shattered.

A sharp pang went through her stomach and Misty held a hand to her belly as she sank down against the centre island to the tiled floor.

Damn you, Cissy, was all she thought as she hollered for help.

ooo

Half an hour later, Ash was in a meeting when Penny quietly entered and put a phone message in front of him.

'Please call Dr Adam Kelty at Indigo Plateau ASAP'

The Grand Master felt a little apprehensive. Dr Kelty was the resident doctor and obstetrician at the Plateau and had been looking after Misty.

He rose from his chair and quickly excused himself and left the room. Drawing out his cell phone, he dialled the doctor's number.

"Hi Ash, glad that you rang back," Dr Kelty said as soon as he picked up.

"I called as soon as I was given the message. What's wrong?"

"I got a call from Viridian City General Hospital a few minutes ago. Apparently Misty was admitted to the maternity ward a half an hour ago with labour pains."

Ash felt a wave of horror wash over him at the words. Had he unintentionally brought on the baby with the confrontational phone conversation? Even though he was fighting with Misty, the last thing he wanted was to hurt the unborn baby. He or she was the innocent party in this whole mess. "Is the baby coming?"

"No, not yet. Once they got Misty all hooked up and prepared and calmed down, the pains stopped and they haven't come back since. The obstetrician in charge thinks that it could have been purely stress related. Once the blood pressure went down, she was back to normal."

"Ah…well…we did have a loud argument over the phone earlier today," the Grand Master admitted sheepishly. "Doubtlessly, that had something to do with it. I'm not proud of that."

"Misty said that you two had an argument," Dr Kelty said. "She also confessed that she was already furious when she rang up and that she started the whole thing."

"It's my fault as well," Ash shook his head. "I shouldn't have snapped back at her. It's always been that way with us since we first met. It's part and parcel of our relationship. Or it was." He paused. "Is Misty all right?"

"She's resting at the moment. They want to keep her overnight for observations, but if the contractions don't start again, they'll send her home."

Ash breathed a sigh of relief. "So tell me, doc. When is the baby really due?"

"Tentatively two weeks away. But with babies, especially those that are first born, you can never tell. The baby will be born when it's good and ready."

Two weeks, Ash thought, quickly adding up the time he and Misty had been together. It should be right to assume the child is mine. Then again, it was Gary that Misty had been with, and I know how cunning he can be.

He asked the question he'd been dreading.

He asked for a paternity test to be done while the baby was still in the womb.

ooo

Meanwhile, the girls were having lunch together at the villa, since the media encampment outside the villa grounds made it almost impossible to go out without being caught on camera. While some of the villa's inhabitants didn't mind being filmed or photographed, it didn't sit well with the rest.

Jaime, Shannon and Jenn were chatting away happily, but Trish was sitting there quietly with a distant look in her eyes.

Jaime leaned over and tapped the older girl on the arm. "Earth to Trish. Trishy phone home."

The Australian shook herself out of her reverie. "What?"

"You've been rather absent from this conversation," Jaime grinned. "What's on your mind?"

"Oh, just thinking about how we're going to handle all this media attention," Trish replied with a grin. "Like it or not, we're involved because of Ash."

Shannon shook her head. "Always strategizing, aren't you."

"It's part of my job," Trish grinned.

"But you're not at work, you're on vacation," Jaime scolded. "You're supposed to be relaxing and not even thinking about anything work related."

The eldest girl just shrugged. "Anyway I was thinking that it would be best if Jenn keeps her distance from Ash for a while. At least until this dies down."

Jenn scowled. "So because of some little affair, I can't be friends with Ash."

Trish shook her head good-naturedly. "That's not what I meant. You can still be friends with Ash, you just can't be seen anywhere in public with him."

"Whatever." But the blonde still looked miffed.

"But why only Jenn?" Jaime asked, confused. "Why not the rest of us?"

"Because Misty hates Jenn and thinks that she's been having an affair with Ash," Trish explained. "She might try to drag Jenn into the argument to make her look good and Ash bad."

"That's horrible!" Shannon gasped out.

"Misty is horrible," Jenn muttered. "Especially when it comes to me. I know first-hand how ignorant she is."

"What did she do to you?" Jaime was still confused. "I must have missed something."

"She called me a husband stealing hussy in public," the blonde scowled. "When all that happened was that Satochu saw his mommy and Ash and wanted to say hello. I mean, hello, what a dated term. No one uses hussy in public unless they're joking around. Of course, she wasn't joking around, but still and all, totally date yourself to the Stone Age."

"Oh…"

"Misty is so ignorant and paranoid that all it takes for her to think me and Ash are hooking up is to see us together in the same room," Jenn seethed.

"She shouldn't assume," Shannon grinned. "As the saying goes, 'if you assume, then you make an ass out of u and me'."

"Misty already is an ass," Jenn muttered.

"Jenn!" Shannon rebuked gently. "Don't say that so loud! Someone from the media could be eavesdropping."

"Then I'll find them and sue them for invasion of privacy," Jenn crossed her arms. "I can't stand the thought of having to change my life, not to mention who I hang around with, just because of the media. This whole thing has nothing to do with me, but I'm going to be dragged into this like I'm the Angelina in the affair. I just like hanging around with Ash. He's smarter than he looks, but he's also funny. He makes me comfortable just by being around him."

"Maybe there's a way you still can," Trish said, hoping to calm down her friend before she lost her temper. "As long as there's one of us girls with you when you go out in public, you can still hang out with Ash."

Jenn looked a little happier. A very little. "I feel like a fourteen-year-old being chaperoned on her first date," she muttered. "And I'm not even dating him."

"It won't be for too long, hopefully," Trish soothed. "The media is so fickle that all it takes is some other big news to take the heat off. Drake's thinking about making announcement to try to divert some of the attention off Ash."

"It'd have to be something that was equally newsworthy as the divorce," Shannon mused. "I can't think of what that could be."

"How about that rock on Trish's ring finger?" Jenn quipped. "That's completely newsworthy. Drake's such a celebrity in the Archipelago that his choice of breakfast makes the news."

"It does not," a sullen sounding voice came from behind them. "I'll have you know it's just whatever place I eat it at that makes the news."

"So sorry," Jenn said dryly, not sounding very sorry at all. "But it is true."

"Yeah, well, don't rub it in," Drake said, coming over to give Trish a quick hug. "It's annoying as it is."

"What? Being reminded of being a celebrity?" Shannon asked.

"No, I meant Jenn."

The blonde glared daggers at him. "I'm not an it."

Drake grinned evilly. "Whatever you say, Absol girl."

Jenn sighed tiredly, "I knew I should've taken the chance to chew holes through that vest when I had the chance."

"Not my favourite vest!" Drake sounded aghast.

"Not THAT vest!" Trish said, sounding equally aghast. "It's my favourite!"

Jaime looked confused. "What's so special about a vest?"

"Vests are a very important part of my image," the Orange Crew Leader explained as he sat down between Trish and Jenn. "Like Lance and his billowing capes or Surge and his army uniform, it's part of my League persona along with Dragonite. People see that vest and associate it with me."

"Okay, I understand why it means so much to you, but not Trish," the Canadian scratched her head.

"It's a sinfully soft black leather vest and it fits him in all the right places," Trish explained with a grin. "Plus when he's not using it, either Jenn or I borrow it sometimes."

Drake gaped at his fiancée. "Not only does Jenn get to use my poor credit cards, but you're telling me she uses my clothes too?"

"Not all the clothes," Jenn grinned evilly. "Just your vests and leather jackets."

"So in fact, that was an empty threat by you to chew his vest?" Shannon smirked at the older girl. "Because we all know that you love leather so much that you would never destroy anything made from it."

"I never chewed his vest," Jenn defended herself. "But instincts are strong. I wouldn't have been able to guarantee anything when instincts were involved."

Drake breathed a sigh of relief and mentally made a note to see if he could get a retinal and palm scan put in place at his wardrobe.

"So you're thinking of announcing the engagement to the public to try to get the attention off Ash?" Jaime asked, bright-eyed. "How exciting!"

"Well, I'm not sure how effective it will be in getting the press off Ash," Drake admitted. "It may only be the local press or the ones from the Archipelago that are interested."

"Oh shut up!" Jenn smacked the gym leader on his arm. "You're a huge celebrity. That would be like saying that no one in Tokyo would be interested in knowing if Paris Hilton was buying True Religion or Seven for All Mankind."

The surrounding people blinked at her in confusion.

"Give me a break, people. They're blue jeans." Jenn sighed at the still blank looks and gave Drake an equally sour look. "And they call you a celebrity."

"Yeah, but Pokémon battling is more like a sport." Drake defended his role. "Deal with it."

Jenn rolled her eyes. "Anyway, you ready to deal with the limelight, Trish?"

The Australian didn't look too thrilled. "I already had a taste of it with the break-up. I'm not relishing the attention, but I suppose it's just something I'm gonna have to get used to."

"Glad it's you and not me," Jaime shuddered.

"We'll be announcing the celebration dance at the same time," Drake continued. "So perhaps it will be enough to divert them."

"Speaking of the dance, we'd better get a move on with the planning and the scheming," Jenn declared. "We've still got a crapload to do!"

"Like what?" Shannon asked nervously. She was not looking forward to being dragged along on what would end up a shopping marathon.

"Decorations, cute little presents to put in front of each place setting…" the blonde rattled off, only to be interrupted by Drake.

"Hang on," the Orange Crew Leader said with a raised eyebrow. "Cute little presents in front of each place setting? That's only for weddings."

Jenn waved off his protests. "Wedding, party, whatever. It's good practice for later. We're only going to put a few chocolates in a little bag for each guest. Keep their blood sugar levels up."

"Literally!" Trish grinned. "But it will only be Lindt or Dove chocolate. None of that cheap nasty stuff."

"There's nothing wrong with Hershey's Kisses," Jenn said with a shrug. "That's good chocolate too."

"I'm sure it is," Trish said sweetly, "But Lindt is far better."

"What about Dove?" Shannon asked.

"That too."

"We've still gotta decide on what food is going to be on the menus and what bands to hire for entertainment," Jenn continued cheerily. "Not to mention the most important thing of all."

"What's that?" Drake asked warily.

"The clothes we're going to be wearing!" the blonde made a dramatic flourish. "Namely couture dresses!"

Of the remaining girls, only Trish cheered at Jenn's statement while Jaime and Shannon visibly cringed.

The Australian noticed their reluctance and grinned evilly. "Do not even think about not going," she smirked. "Or else I will destroy your whole dragon collection and art supplies."

Both girls eeped and quickly nodded their submission.

"That's much better."

Shannon shot an imploring look at the Orange Crew Leader. "Can't you do something to save us, Drake?"

Drake shook his head, one eye on Trish who smiled benignly. "Sorry, Shan, but no can do. I prefer to remain in the land of the living, thank you very much."

"Drake is so totally whipped," Jaime muttered under her breath.

"Pleeeaasse?" Shannon was on the verge of despair. After having been forced to go on so many shopping expeditions with the two older girls, she just did not think she could take any more. "Ben won't be too happy with you if I die while dragged around by Trish and Jenn."

The dark-haired man shrugged. "Sorry, threats by Ben don't bother me. I cream him in fights every time and he knows it."

Shannon sighed in defeat. She was so doomed.

ooo

Meanwhile, Ash was having a quiet lunch with Brock and James in the restaurant located on the ground floor of the Orange League Headquarters building. The management and staff were used to having high-profile people dine there. They also knew that celebrities demanded privacy and so had seated the three men at the back behind a decorative wooden screen.

"So Drake offered you the use of his private holiday villa?" James asked as he took a sip of water. "That's fabulous! I think you should take him up on the offer while things are still hot."

"I don't know…" the Grand Master swirled his wine gently.

"I agree with James," Brock said. "It will give you complete privacy from the press and you can't be accused of doing anything on the sly by Misty."

"It would be isolated and quiet," Ash mused. "But then I'd be without any human company and right now I could do with as much support as I can get."

"We can always visit you," the Pokémon breeder reassured him. "And we can stay for as little or as long as you want."

"Yeah!" James enthused. "It will be a great chance for us guys to do some male bonding!"

His two companions looked a tad uncomfortable.

"Uh, no disrespect James, but we're not into the type of male bonding that you're into," Ash said gently, not wanting to offend his loyal personal assistant.

"That's not what I meant and you know it," James pouted. "I meant to get to know each other."

"We already know each other," Brock said.

"But not more than on the surface," James said. "I do more than collect bottle caps."

Brock looked amused. "Like what?"

"Ah, ah," James wagged his index finger. "I won't tell except at the villa."

"I give in," Ash said, "I think it's a great idea, James."

James cheered, "Fabulous!"

"But it's still isolation," Ash said. "I don't want people to think that I'm isolating myself from the public as if the affair was on my end and not Misty's."

"Oh they're not going to think that, Ash," Brock said consolingly. "The most they'll think is that you're taking a well deserved vacation. If anyone looks bad by isolating themselves in this, it's Misty; and she hasn't come out of hiding since she left you. "

"Exactly," James agreed. "Now if you were in the wrong, you'd be living it up at the villa with many beautiful and busty women."

A dreamy look came over Brock's face. "Mmmm….I'd like to be part of that!"

"You would," Ash rolled his eyes.

ooo

Viridian

Misty sat back against her pillows with a satisfied sigh. After being discharged from hospital that morning, she was ordered to take one day's complete bed rest and had been brought lunch in bed.

The redhead had been taking phone calls from her sisters and friends since the news broke, offering support and advice.

Violet suggested that Misty strike back by saying that Ash had been physically abusive towards her during their marriage, resulting in hospitalization.

"That would, like, totally get you the sympathy vote," she had enthused.

Misty had immediately dismissed that idea. For one thing, everyone knew that wasn't true and any doctor from Pallet or Indigo Plateau would immediately refute the hospitalization claim. Secondly, it would make Ash even more furious than he already was, and that was a dangerous thing to do with his new powers.

Daisy thought that her youngest sister should plead drunkenness for the whole affair.

"I mean, that would totally explain why you would ditch such a hot hubby. You'd have to be drunk!"

Misty didn't even consider that reason. Daisy was a dear, and trying to be supportive, but not the brightest spark when it came to reasoning. There were more holes in her argument than in a piece of Swiss cheese, plus it was pro Ash, not Misty. Daisy did always have a soft spot for Ash.

Both Misty and Gary were busying trying to shore up support for their side of the case. Team Oak versus Team Ketchum. Not that it was an easy task, for many of the friends that they had made over the years were mutual to both Ash and Misty.

Brock was a lost cause, firmly in Ash's camp. The Pokémon breeder had been the one to walk in and catch her in the act, and refused to return any of her calls to his cell.

Delia, of course, fully supported her son. The chestnut-haired woman had been polite enough to listen to Misty's explanation, but Misty could tell that the older woman did not accept it as a good enough reason to end an otherwise happy marriage.

That pained Misty more than Brock's snubbing of her. She had always viewed Delia as a second mother, having always felt welcome in the cheery Ketchum home when in Pallet.

It hurts that Delia won't support me, Misty thought sadly. But what am I supposed to expect? That she'd turn her back on her own son?

Speaking of family members, Misty would have thought that Professor Oak would have been solidly behind his grandson. However the elderly researcher had stated clearly in a phone call that he would be taking neither side in this battle. He was equally as close to Ash as he was to Gary and he could not be forced to choose between them.

Gary was insulted at that, and had left the room, cursing quietly.

Misty was shocked into saying, "But Gary's your own grandson, Professor! A blood relation! Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

The Professor was firm. "It does, Misty, but it also depends on what it means to you people. Gary is my grandson, but Ash has been like a grandson to me as well. Who would you have me choose – a man who is my grandson but one of whom I see very little; or a man who isn't my grandson but acts like one. I will not choose."

He had told both warring parties that he would be happy to speak to them about anything Pokémon related but if it was not, then he would simply not speak to them.

The redhead nursed a cool glass of water and thought deeply as she did. There were two options that she could clearly see. She could either fess up and admit to the affair, or she could turn it around on Ash and make it look as if he had shoved her away through his duties as the Chosen One.

Either choice would be difficult, but she knew she would have to make a decision.

But would she tell the truth or tell a lie? Either option was risky.

If she confessed to the affair, then her reputation would take a battering in the press. She would be forever known as the unfaithful wife who left her husband to be with her lover while said husband stayed behind to help in the hurricane. Gary's reputation (or what was left of it) would be non-existent; who would trust a man who stole his former friend's pregnant wife away from him?

Yet if Misty told a lie and said she was a neglected wife because of his Chosen One duties, would that be good enough to get her off the hook? Or would it backfire on her just as the first option surely would? Apart from those who had heard of (or remembered) the Shamouti Island Incident, who knew about the legend of the Chosen One or that Ash himself was the Chosen One?

The Shamouti Islanders thought it was just a one-off event which had already happened and not likely to reoccur.

Misty snorted in irritation. Who would believe me even if I did say that he was the Chosen One? I'd look like some simple-minded pregnant chick. She shook her head. Can that for an option. Too many things could and would go wrong.

She remembered what Brock used to say about making the right or wrong decisions. 'You may think you've got away with doing something wrong, but karma is going to come round and bite you hard on the arse when you least expect it.'

With another wry shake of her head, Misty smiled sadly. Her karma didn't just get her. It ran over her dogma in the process.

"Misty!" Gary yelled from the hallway. "The damn press is camped out all over my lawn! Can't you get Ash to get rid of the bastards!"

Misty sighed and wondered who had really gotten the bad end of this affair.

ooo

Pummelo Island

Drake's Villa

Her hand was almost at the gauzy window sheer before she pulled it back. Jenn knew full well that the press was camped out around Drake's villa, and no matter which window she looked out of – save for the rear of the villa – there would be some paparazzi with a high powered telephoto lens on his camera.

This really sucks! She thought, but stepped back from the window. It faced the front of the villa, a fact she knew well, overlooking the massive landscaped front lawns. Front lawns which currently had loads of tents and media command centres.

Why Drake put up with them, she couldn't figure out.

Jenn had asked Trish why, and the Australian had said that media attention came with being famous, and that it was better to have the media's support than their wrath.

Maybe so, but the blonde still didn't see why Drake had to put up with this bedlam on the front lawn when the divorce had nothing to do with him. The only link was that Ash was staying at his villa while he was on Pummelo.

If this was my home, I'd kick them off and ban them from setting foot on an inch of my property again, she thought to herself as she walked back inside to her friends. She grinned to herself. And if they did, I'd sue them. Actually, I'd probably sue them in the first place, but that's just me.

Sure it was theoretically a good thing to keep the press on their side, but their constant, unending, and annoying presence was really beginning to cramp the activities of everyone inside the villa.

Shannon, already a timid soul, was afraid to even poke her nose out of the villa at all for fear of being caught on camera.

Trish, who was a little jittery about the upcoming press conference, refused to go outside without checking her appearance in the mirror first. Jenn had at first laughed at her best friend's paranoia, before deciding that perhaps she had the right idea after all. Who wanted to see themselves on the front page or cover of a newspaper or magazine looking like they just crawled out of bed?

Drake was perhaps the most relaxed about the media presence, but even the Orange Crew Leader was careful to keep away from any front windows when he wanted some time alone with Trish. Which suited the Australian girl just fine.

"I don't want to have a nice long hug with Drake, then read in the tabloids the next day that it was a steamy sex romp!" she had protested before whacking Brock who looked very interested.

Even so, I wish they would just go away, Jenn thought with a flash of irritation as she entered the great room where all her friends were gathered. Situated at the rear of the villa, it offered the most privacy.

Trish was seated with Drake on one of the sofas, looking over menus, many of which were spread over the coffee table, with a writing pad and pen resting on the corner.

James was seated opposite trying to convince the Australian to let Jessie pick out a stylist for her. "Just think of how you could look effortlessly stunning every time you step out of the house!"

"James, stylists are only for celebrities or royalty," Trish shook her head. "I'm neither."

The former Team Rocket wagged his finger. "Uh uh uh. You will be famous once Drake makes his announcement. Drake is the Archipelago's version of royalty. Just think of all the functions you'll have to attend on Drake's arm."

"Famous by association only," Trish retorted as she shifted over to let Jenn sit down. "And I don't want to be seen as some mere 'accessory' like so many other sport star's wives or girlfriends."

"So don't," Jenn said lazily, "Let them work their magic and glam it to the hilt."

"I don't glam," Trish said sourly, "And thanks for the support."

"Anytime," Jenn shrugged.

"We were going for a casual elegant look," Jessie explained, "Maybe a Dolce and Gabanna shirt with a pair of Seven for All Mankind jeans and a pair of Manolo sling backs."

Jenn's eyes widened, "Oh forget her! Hook me up with that!"

"You understand a word of what she said?" Shannon asked with confusion. Trish seconded that with a shrug.

"You bet!" Jenn said, practically drooling over the name brands. "They're only my all-time favourites that I can never afford!"

Jessie shrugged, "I'll see what I can do, but they usually only give us stuff if they know it's for a prominent person."

Jenn frowned. "That's not fair. That's so discriminatory!"

The redhead shrugged again, though not unkindly. "Thems the breaks. As I said, I'll see what I can do."

James renewed his attack. "Oh come on Trish, it'd be fun. Just think of it as a way to flaunt it to all those women out there who've had their eye on Drake."

Trish looked thoughtful. "I never thought of it that way…."

Sensing victory, Jessie jumped in with the clincher argument. "Drake will absolutely adore you even more than he already does with your new sexy look."

The Australian looked at her fiancé, who smiled.

"Go for it," the Orange Crew Leader said. "What girl doesn't like the offer of designer clothes?"

Shannon started to raise her hand but Jessie quickly grabbed it and forced it down. The brunette pouted.

"Count me in then," Trish grinned. "I guess that solves the outfit for the press conference."

"It does!" Jessie beamed. "Then we have to find a nice couture dress for the dance, as all cameras will be on you."

Trish smiled weakly as Drake gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Yay. Lucky me."

"That's not fair," Jenn grumbled. "Why can't I get designer clothes?"

"You can come along with me and who knows, they might be feeling generous that day," her best friend suggested.

"Or if you started accompanying Ash to events, then designers will be falling over themselves to give you clothes," Jaime chimed in.

"So very tempting, but even you know that's a no go area at the moment," the blonde sighed regretfully. "I'd only get Ash into more trouble because Misty would so use it as proof that he was cheating on her." She sighed again and glanced at all the menus in front of her. "What's all this stuff for?"

"We're deciding the menu for the dance," Trish explained. "The best thing I think would be to give three to four choices for each course. That way we cater for most people's tastes."

"As long as there is a seafood or chicken dish in either the entrées or mains, and chocolate cake for dessert, I'm happy," Jenn declared as she scanned one of the menus.

"How about decadent Swiss Chocolate Gateau with chocolate ganache?" Trish suggested.

Jenn's brows furrowed in confusion. "Huh?"

Trish shook her head. "You understand Fashion 101 but not food?"

"Were you speaking English just then?" Jenn shoved a strand of hair behind her ear. "Because I don't think you were."

"I was," her best friend said dryly. "It's a fancy name for rich, chocolate cake with chocolate filling."

"Then why didn't you just say so? I so would have understood!"

"I did," the Australian rolled her eyes. "But menus always have fancy names for food. It makes it more attractive and interesting."

"I don't think it does." Jenn shook her head. "It makes it more confusing."

Trish furrowed her brow slightly as she tried to come up with an explanation that Jenn would understand. "It makes it more special. It's like shoes, okay? It's like calling a pair of Manolo Blahniks just plain sandals. You wouldn't buy them, but with the brand name you would."

"I get it now." She shrugged. "I don't like cake with filling though. Fillings tend to make for a soggy eating experience."

Jaime grinned. "Explaining things to Jenn is like having to learn a whole other language."

Jenn quipped. "Oh, like you're one to talk, eh?"

They were interrupted by the entrance of Ash and Brock.

"Hey, what's up?" Jaime greeted the Grand Master and Pokémon Breeder.

"I just decided to take up on Drake's offer to use his holiday villa in West Pummelo for a while," Ash informed her. "Not only will it give me some much needed privacy but it will take the attention off you guys as well. It's not fair that you have to suffer because of me."

Jenn tried to ignore the pang of disappointment that stabbed inside at his words. Instead she played the bored hand, a game face which usually worked for her, and shrugged. "Whatever you want, mister popular."

Ash shook his head, "Well it'll get the limelight off of you guys. I think it's fair enough."

"Won't that just confuse them?" Jenn asked. "The media will lose track of you, but they'll still be bugging us in every way possible."

"No they won't." Drake said. "We'll be telling them that Ash is going on a personal retreat."

"But what about the festival?" Jenn asked. "He won't be going to that then, will he?"

Ash raised his hand and waved, "Uh, he's still here."

"He can still go," Drake sounded annoyed. "James can whip up a disguise like no one else."

Jessie coughed discreetly.

"Except you, Jessie, of course," Drake amended. "You and James are the best at disguises."

"As long as it doesn't involve long blonde hair," Ash muttered sourly.

Jessie smirked evilly, but kept silent. She knew Ash enough to keep quiet on that particular disguise.

"Whatever. All this disguise talk is giving me a headache." Jenn stood up, "I have to go check on Tamu and some of the others. My little Absol has been looking a little lethargic lately."

Trish patted the blonde on the shoulder, "We're here for you."

The blonde looked confused for a second, then smiled, "I know."

The group watched the blonde leave, hushed, then began talking about all sorts of things. From the blonde's strangely quick departure, to the menus, to the press leaving holes and trash on the lawns.

Ash watched after her, then walked down the same hallway that she did. His exit was noticed by Trish, who elbowed Drake, who then noticed Ash's departure.

"So what?" Drake complained. "Maybe he has to pee."

"He doesn't!" Trish answered with a woman's intuition. "Besides, the bathroom is down the other hallway."

ooo

Jenn was stalking down the hallway, towards the foyer which held the stairs up to her room, when she heard a whisper in her ear.

"You can still see me."

Surprised and taken a little off-guard, Jenn responded with a quick shove of her bony elbow back, really hard and really fast.

A gasping expulsion of breath was her answer, and the blonde spun around ready to fight. Her blue-grey eyes widened when she saw that she'd elbowed the Grand Master right in the stomach.

The dark-haired man was bent over, trying to recover.

The blonde shut her gaping mouth and she winced, "I'm so sorry! I wasn't expecting someone to sneak up on me and whisper in my ear."

"Don't…don't worry about it," Ash wheezed, "Happens…all the…time…"

Jenn stifled a giggle, but laughed anyway.

"What is so…funny!" Ash demanded as he fought to catch his breath. "That really…hurt. I'm going to be bruised."

"So don't sneak up on an American. It's dangerous."

"Duly noted," Ash said sourly. "Ugh, I can feel the bruise now. All in the shape of someone's sharp, pointy elbow."

"Poor baby," Jenn teased. "But I don't dish out what I haven't already tasted."

"Someone elbowed you in the stomach?"

"Damn straight," Jenn smirked, "But I gave that present right back, with interest." The blonde watched Ash a moment longer. "Why did you say that to me?"

"Because I was surprised that someone would elbow a girl in her stomach."

"No, not that," Jenn paused and then shrugged. "The I can still see you thing."

"Oh, that," Ash took a breath and relaxed. He'd gotten his wind back. "Well I can teleport in and see you, or teleport you to see me."

"That sounds dangerously like an affair, Mr. Ketchum," Jenn said more breezily than she felt. "I can't and won't play that game. It's too dangerous."

"Too dangerous?" Ash said challengingly, "To you? Dangerous? I thought you laughed in the face of danger."

"I did," Jenn said, "Then Lu sent me onto the Titanic."

"So you stopped laughing in the face of danger?"

"No," Jenn grinned, "I just laughed at you, didn't I?"

The Grand Master mock-pouted. "So you think I'm a danger?"

"Uh huh."

"To whom."

"To me," the blonde smirked.

Ash raised a dark eyebrow. "Oh really? In what way?"

Jenn swallowed down her intended retort and quickly changed the subject. This was getting too weird, too fast. "Um, actually I meant that I'm a physical danger to you. That's right. You come near me and you will so get hurt."

"Yes, I know that very well," Ash said wryly as he gingerly touched the tender area where her elbow had impacted.

"As much as I love hanging out with you, we both know we can't hang out anywhere that's public," the blonde sighed. "The paparazzi would have a field day."

"I know," the Grand Master looked frustrated. "I can't hang out with any female friend at the moment because it would look like I was cheating too. The only safe person is my mom." He scowled. "Even though Misty is the one who cheated on me and even though she was the one to walk out on the marriage, I'm the one being punished for it. How freaking unfair is that?"

"Very," Jenn felt uncomfortable at the subject. She was far more comfortable when she had control of the topic. At least that way she could spin a funny atmosphere to it if it got awkward.

Ash sighed. "Right now, you're the only one, apart from my mom, that I really feel comfortable with to talk to about this whole mess."

Jenn blinked in surprise. "Really?"

"Yeah, really," he confirmed. "Because you sort of went through the same thing with Gary, you're the only one who would really understand."

"Well it's not like I married the guy," Jenn said ruefully. "At least then I could've gotten a better consolation prize."

Ash snorted. "I guess that means Misty is gonna be set for life."

The blonde's eyes widened, "Oh, Ash, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant…"

"Don't worry about it," Ash shrugged. "These things happen when you're in the limelight. Lugia forbid you should be caught by the paparazzi when you're picking your nose and you think no one's there."

Jenn made a face, "Too much info, Ash."

"It wasn't me!" Ash back-pedalled. "I just used that as an example."

"I believe you," Jenn said, "No, really, I do. I can go more than ten minutes without making a joke out of something."

"That's why I feel like I can trust you," Ash confided. "Despite what people might think about you, Jenn, you're more emotional than you make yourself out to be."

"Careful there, Ashy boy," Jenn said warningly. "I have a reputation to uphold and I won't have you making me seem like I'm a sap like any other girl around."

Ash grinned, "I promise."

"Good," the blonde looked satisfied. "Cause I'd really hate to have to hurt you."

"Don't worry, you already have," the dark-haired man winced, once more reminded of his elbow inflicted injury.

"I didn't hurt you on purpose, or that badly," Jenn grinned.

"Oh yeah?" Ash quirked an eyebrow. "Ask me how sore I am tomorrow and we'll see who's right on that last bit."

The blonde tossed her head. "I'll have you know that I am never wrong."

"That's not what Trish says."

"She would say that." Jenn rolled her eyes. "Some best friend she is."

The Grand Master gave a little chuckle before turning serious. "Anyway, I just want you to think about coming to visit me at the villa every so often. Just so I can talk to someone and get it off my chest."

Jenn was a little hesitant. Part of her jumped for joy that he wanted her to visit him while the other part screamed at her to say hell no and run for the hills. It was too dangerous.

"Please, Jenn?" His dark eyes were pleading, like a puppy's. "I know that I can talk to my Pokémon and they're great friends and listeners…but it's just not the same as human contact."

The blonde could not resist his look and gave in, even as her conscience screamed 'Sucker!' at her. "Okay, I'll think about it. But I won't go unless there are rules set down."

"Like what?"

"I don't want to be caught with you by the paparazzi. I don't want to be labelled as the Angelina in this mess because it wouldn't be true. It would be so not the truth."

"That's easy enough. Espeon or Gengar can make you invisible anytime." Ash grinned. "Or I could, probably."

"Right and that 'probably' from you sounded not all that confident," Jenn shook her head, though she was grinning as well. "No thanks, Ash, I don't want to be your guinea chick."

"No faith in the Chosen One."

"Yeah, anyway, you totally have to come to the festival and the little dance thing that's gonna happen. I'm putting a lot of hard work into making it a success. I want everyone I know to be there to appreciate me. I mean, to appreciate it."

"I was planning to go to the dance anyway," Ash said. "After hearing Trish's threats towards Chris, Shannon and Jaime, I'd be crazy not to go. I don't want to give Trish any reason to have destructive fantasies about any of my belongings." He shrugged. "As for the festival, that's no biggie. I can just go along in disguise. I'd probably see more and enjoy it better that way."

"Okay, I'll think about coming to visit," Jenn promised. "I'll let you know later."

"Great. I'll talk to you later. I gotta go pack." Ash gave her a quick hug before he went in the opposite direction towards his room.

Jenn continued on her way, feeling much better than before.

ooo

Drake's press conference was held two days later, and the media room was brimming with reporters.

Shannon peeked out from the wings of the stage at the assembled media. "Oh my, I've never seen so many people," she whispered. "There seems to be even more than there was last time!"

Trish gave a small groan. "Oh, great." The Australian was standing with Drake and Jenn, waiting for the press conference to begin.

"You'll be fine," Jaime soothed the older girl. "Drake will be doing most of the talking anyway. All you have to do is stand there, smile and look pretty."

Still worried about her imminent public appearance, Trish gave a nervous smile. "Do you think this looks alright? Jessie said that this suited me perfectly but what do you think?"

The Australian had allowed Jessie and James to drag her along to the designer boutiques and get outfitted for the press conference. The result was a deep purple silk shirt from Dolce and Gabanna, teamed with tailored black pants from Versace along with black Manolo sling backs.

Jessie had also persuaded Trish to wear her hair long and loose, which was something that she rarely did. After James had exulted over it 'Ooooh it's so thick and long. It's just fabulous!' Jessie had set to work on it with a curling wand and brush, creating soft waves that fell over her shoulders.

"You look fine," Jenn reassured her friend. "Lighten up, T, and enjoy yourself. You sound like you're going to an execution instead of a little press conference."

"You have no idea of what the press can do, then," her friend just muttered darkly.

"No, I'm pretty sure I have a little idea of what they can do," Jenn grinned. "I did date Gary, you know."

"No, really?"

"Trish, such sarcasm!" Jenn beamed, "I'm so proud! You've learned so much from me!"

Trish rolled her eyes while Drake faked a grimace.

"Just don't learn any more from her, okay, hon?" He wrapped an arm around her waist. "Don't want you turning into another Jenn."

The blonde gave a playful scowl towards the Orange Crew Leader. "Too late, dork. I've known her way longer and taught her all she knows."

Trish laughed and hugged Drake tightly. "Trust me, I won't turn into another Jenn. Not only are we different nationalities but personalities as well. Jenn's too unique to ever have another like her."

"You'd better believe it," Jenn beamed. "I'm also a Goddess, so don't you forget that."

"No fear of that ever happening," Jaime snorted. "Not when you keep referring to yourself as such."

Drake glanced at his watch. "I guess it's show time." He smiled warmly at Trish and took her hand. "Shall we?"

"Good luck!" Shannon whispered to them as they walked out.

"Thanks!" Trish shot back. "I'll need it!"

ooo

The press conference was a success. As hoped for, the news about the Orange Crew Leader's engagement, the festival and the dance to celebrate survival from the hurricane, was enough to get Ash's divorce off the front pages and the TV bulletins. Especially after Drake informed the media that Ash had gone on a personal retreat.

However, it was not enough to get the press off Drake's front lawn. Many paparazzi were determined to stay there so they could get a money making shot of the Orange Crew Leader and his fiancée.

"See what did I tell you?" James nodded sagely as he peered out the front windows. "Drake is royalty in the Archipelago. They simply can't get enough of him!"

"Is there any chance of abdication?" Trish muttered as she flipped through a tabloid whose front page screamed. "Heartbreak as Archipelago Hunk gets Engaged!" "Because I have had enough of them!"

"No such luck," Brock shook his head. "Drake's family has always been prominent in the Archipelago. Sort of like the Kennedy's in America."

"But without the bad luck," Mia quipped.

"Thank Lugia," Trish sighed. "Because if the Thayer's had that kind of bad luck, then you can forget about marriage. I wouldn't doom my kids to an early grave."

"Me neither," Jenn agreed. "But anyway…" She broke off as her cell phone rang. "Hello?"

Trish watched her friend carefully. The blonde's face was one of disbelief.

"And where did you get that from?" Jenn's eyes narrowed. "Uh-huh, can't say that I know what you're talking about…Sure go ahead. I promise not to send my growlithe after your messenger."

Jenn snapped her phone shut, closed her eyes and took a breath, then opened her eyes. She stood up, dusted herself off, and walked towards the foyer.

"Don't go there!" Jaime cried out. "You could be caught by the paparazzi!"

Trish darted after her. "What's going on?"

The blonde didn't say anything. She waited by the large double doors, tapped her foot on the white tiled floor, and glared at the door. When someone knocked on the doors, Jenn looked over her reflection in the large mirror on one wall of the foyer, fluffed her hair, smoothed her shirt, and then opened the door a crack.

A manila envelope was passed through the door and Jenn kept her features neutral even as a multitude of flashes from the paparazzi went off. The door clicked shut and drowned out the media circus on the front lawn.

Still silent, the blonde opened the envelope and pulled up a white sheet of paper. At least, from Trish's viewpoint, it looked like a sheet of paper. Jenn's face paled, then anger danced over her features.

"Bastards!" She snarled and flung the two to the floor. The blonde stalked out of the foyer and up the stairs to her room.

Trish ducked down and picked up the envelope and its solitary content. She pulled the paper out and saw, to her shock and horror, that it was a picture. It wasn't just any picture. It was of Jenn and Ash in a tight hug at some restaurant, with Jaime half cut off by the camera.

Clutching the photo, the Australian ran up the stairs and down the hall to her friend's room just in time to see the door slam shut.

Trish stopped to catch her breath a bit before rapping sharply on the closed door. "Jenn, it's me. Can I come in?"

A long anguished groan was her only answer.

"I'll take that as a yes," Trish shrugged and opened the door. She stepped inside and took care to make sure it was closed behind her.

The blonde was laid face down on her bed and was repeatedly pummelling one of her many decorative pillows with a clenched fist.

Trish sat on the end of the bed where she wouldn't get hit, and patted her friend on the back. "I saw the photo," she said gently. "Now tell me what that phone call was all about."

"I am so doomed!" was the agonised wail from the prone form. "I was so afraid this was gonna happen! And now it has!"

"You are not doomed," Trish said firmly. "Now tell me what happened or do I have to shake it out of you?"

Jenn sighed and awkwardly managed to raise herself to a sitting position. "That phone call was from a reporter from the Viridian Voyeur."

Trish wrinkled her nose in disgust. "That's that trashy tabloid, right?"

"Right," Jenn grimaced. "Anyway this guy says that he's about to publish a story that Ash and I have been having an affair for some years now and he had the photographic evidence to prove it." She gestured to the paper in her friend's hand. "And that is the photographic evidence."

"But this can't be real," Trish said, looking at the photo again. "This looks to be fairly recent and I can't remember you ever having a photo taken with Ash these last few months."

"But it doesn't mean that it didn't happen," the blonde raked a hand through her hair. "How or why they have a copy, I don't know but what I do know is that the crap is really gonna hit the fan. There is no way I can prove that it isn't real. It's a picture of me and Ash! How can I fight that?"

She fell back against her pillows. "I am so doomed. I'm gonna be the Angelina in this whole affair and I'm not even half as good looking as she is. Misty's got her hands in this. I know it. She's the one that started this damned affair."

Trish studied the photo carefully then gave her friend a grin. "Maybe the camera never lies, but computers can."

"Huh?"

"This photo was doctored, I'm sure," the Australian insisted. "I'm sure I've seen this photo before and you definitely weren't hugging Ash. I mean the head is Ash's, but the body and clothing isn't." She stared at it some more. "In fact it looks like the shirt and jacket that I gave Drake for his birthday once."

Jenn grabbed the picture. "Hot damn! That's why it looks so familiar!"

It was Trish's turn to say, "Huh?"

Jenn turned to face Trish. Excitement poured from the girl. "Remember? It was for some something or other. A convention, I think."

"What!"

"Yeah! Look, there's his pendant," Jenn squinted at the picture and pointed at the guy's chest. "See? It's right there! Ash doesn't have a Poké Ball necklace. Only Drake does!"

"And how could I think that chest was Ash's?" Trish mused evilly.

"How could you not have seen that it was Drake's?" Jenn said, just as evilly.

"But what I don't understand is how they got this particular picture," Trish said. "I know it's one that I took, because you were actually being civil towards him." She made a face, "I mean, you did end up looking really bad in this picture, but you were civil right before I took it."

"Whaddya mean I looked really bad?"

Trish laughed, "Not looking bad, bad. I mean that it's a really dodgy hug there. You're practically wrapped around him."

"I thought I saw a spider," Jenn muttered. "That's all."

Trish shook her head, unable to hide her amusement, "Yeah, sure. This picture really says you're afraid."

"Regardless," Jenn shrugged, "This one not only says I'm tightly hugging Ash, it says it's a copy."

"But how did they get it?"

"Did you take these to a one hour centre or something?" Jenn asked. "Because if I worked at a one hour photo place, I'd be making copies of a celebrity's pictures if they took them to my photo place."

"I'm not a celebrity!"

"But you hang with them," Jenn said wisely, and spoke before the Australian could nay say her. "You constantly hang with Drake, and he hangs with all the Orange Crew, plus Ash, plus tons of others. You're a celebrity by proxy, or at least you used to be. Now you're marrying the Orange Dork and you get to be Mizzuz Dork."

The blonde finished up with a saucy grin, but Trish let the jest slide. She knew her friend was hurting by the picture and was trying to hide it. She also knew that if they didn't do something to take down the shaky credibility the picture held, that the blonde would be dragged through the mud.

"Let's go see Drake about this," Trish said, standing up and taking the picture with her. "He has some very good lawyers that would be able to help you out."

"For free, right?" Jenn followed her best friend. "Because I be short on money, yo."

"Yeah, of course," Trish rolled her eyes. "Drake wouldn't let them charge you, anyway."

"I guess he's not such a dork after all."

ooo

The two girls went back downstairs to where their friends were, but Trish paused at the doorway. "Game faces on," she whispered to her friend. "I don't want them freaking about this latest development."

Jenn nodded. "I'll be doing enough freaking out for everyone," she quipped.

Trish walked in first and beckoned Drake over to her.

"Jenn and I need to talk to you in your study," she said quietly. "It's a matter of great urgency."

The Orange Crew Leader nodded. "Sure, lead the way."

The two walked out of the room, with Jenn trailing close behind, and made their way to Drake's private study. After entering the room, Trish closed all the curtains, while Jenn made sure the door was closed firmly behind them.

Drake sat in his executive chair and watched them with a raised eyebrow. "What's all the secrecy for?"

Trish walked over and placed the photo on the leather inlay of the large mahogany desk. "This."

The Orange Crew Leader's eyes widened. "Oh this is not good. Where did you get this?"

"Some ratbag reporter from the Viridian Voyeur called me on my cell phone a few minutes ago. He said that he was about to publish a story that proves that Ash and I had been having an affair for a few years now, and that he had the evidence to prove it." Jenn explained. "You're looking at the evidence."

"But it's false evidence," Trish said with a grin. "Notice anything about that photo?"

Drake studied the photo closely and his eyes widened. "Hey that's Dragonite's Poké Ball around the neck. They've stuck Ash's head over mine!"

"That's right, that's a doctored image of a photo that I took of you and Jenn some time ago," the Australian confirmed. "I have the original on a disc somewhere with the date stamp on it."

"I remember that night," Drake mused. "Ash wasn't there that time. He couldn't make it because it was his mother's birthday dinner or something."

"So we totally have to bring this photo down or else I'm going to be in deep shit," Jenn declared. "Trish said you would be able to help me with some good lawyers. And I wince at the thought of lawyers being involved with anything." She turned pleading blue-grey eyes on him. "Plleeaaease? I solemnly swear that I won't call you a dork again. For at least a week or two."

"Of course I'll help you," Drake reassured the blonde. "Anyway, you know perfectly well that Trish wouldn't allow me to not help you. My life would be not worth living!"

"Ain't that the truth." Jenn grinned. "So what do we do now?"

"What we need to do is get the original photo and hand it to the League's lawyers who will approach the tabloid with the suggestion that they either not print the story or retract with a full page confession or else you'll sue them for defamation," the Orange Crew Leader decided.

"Oh good," the blonde sighed. "Cuz if I can sue them for deflamation then I can get that Louis Vuitton I've been drooling after. Anything else or can I call this a day?"

"No, and for one thing I said defamation," Drake shook his head. "And for another, it might be a good idea for you to hold a press conference, armed with all the evidence as well. By doing that, you're showing that you have nothing to hide or be ashamed of."

"A press conference?" Jenn blanched. "I can't hold a press conference! There's never been a reason for little old me to have a freaking press conference! Are you out of your mind? I'll look like an idiot!"

"Oh, the things I could say about that," Drake said dreamily.

"But you won't," Trish elbowed Drake gently. "We'll be out there with you. We won't let you look like an idiot, promise."

"I know you wouldn't," Jenn said. "But I wouldn't bet money that Drake wouldn't!"

Drake looked wounded. "Hey I said I would help you and I meant it. Would I do something that mean to you?"

"YES!"

Trish sighed and shook her head. "When are you two ever gonna learn to get along and be friends? You're stuck with each other, because I'm not going to give up either of you."

Both looked shocked.

"But we are friends!" Jenn insisted. "I only tease people I'm friends with."

"Oh, gee, thanks," Drake said wryly. "And I guess the level of teasing indicates how well loved we, as your friends, are."

"Duh," Jenn rolled her eyes. "Of course."

"You always hurt the ones you love," Trish said sagely.

"Yeah, but they usually hurt me right back," Jenn shrugged. "Maybe I'd be luckier in love if I wasn't such a comedic relief type of person."

"As much as I'd love to delve into that subject," Trish broke in, "We have to decide on when to have a press conference."

"As soon as possible," Drake said. "These people won't sit on a photo op like this for very long. They'll want to get it onto the presses as quick as they can."

Jenn sighed her defeat. "Fine, let's do it tonight."

"Tonight?" Drake blinked wide eyes. "That's a shock coming from you."

"Yes, I know. The Queen of Procrastination is doing something spontaneous." Jenn rubbed at the side of her head. "Let's just get this done with so I can get on with my headache."

The couple turned to leave, with Jenn following. Trish leaned in to Drake's side, getting support from his strength. It was very romantic.

"Besides," The blonde said, "The sooner I get this done with, the sooner I can get back to my room and puke my nervous guts up."

At least, it had been romantic.

The Orange Crew Leader looked back with an amused look. "You really know how to destroy the moment."

"Hey, what can I say?" Jenn shrugged again and looked evil. "It wasn't my moment."

"So says the Goddess of No Luck with Love," Trish teased gently. "Let's go fill in everyone else."

"Yeah," Jenn's thoughts flashed to Ash. "Everyone."

ooo

Drake's Villa in West Pummelo

The Grand Master had just settled down on the couch with a good book and a mug of coffee when he heard a familiar voice telepathically chime in his head.

:Ashton, we have one helluva problem.:

Ash just managed to stop himself from dropping his mug, but the book was not so lucky, dropping onto the floor.

:Jenn! You could have given me the slightest bit of a warning before doing that:

The blonde's telepathic voice was indignant. :Hey, bub, it's not my fault. I haven't had much practice in telepathic conversation at all, unlike you, Mr Psychic.:

:Cut out the funny stuff. What do you mean by one helluva problem? How serious is this:

Jenn's 'voice' grew sober. :Serious enough for you to interrupt your self-imposed exile and come back to the villa for a brainstorming session right away:

:Big words from you, Jenn: But Ash frowned slightly. :You can't tell me what the problem is here and now:

:Nah: came the answer. :Just in case some media dork is using a Psychic Pokémon to tune in. Trish's Espeon has thrown up a temporary psychic shield so I could contact you.:

:Okay, okay. I'll be there in a minute.:

:Good. Make sure that no one sees you or else you and I are in deep shi….:

"Watch that potty mouth of yours, blondie."

"…Iyit." Jenn blinked and turned around to see him standing behind her. He looked a wee bit annoyed. "Nice to see you. What took you so long?"

Ash sighed patiently. "What's the problem?"

"This," she said bluntly and thrust the picture at him.

Ash took it and studied it. He tried his best to not grin, but couldn't help it.

"What's so funny?" Jenn demanded. "This isn't funny! This could totally ruin whatever kind of reputation I have!"

"I thought your reputation was being a bad ass."

"Exactly!" Jenn looked annoyed. "If the wrong people see this, they could think I'm some sort of romantic or something."

"Because you're hanging all over Drake?"

"No, because it looks like I'm hanging all over you!"

"And that would be bad because…"

"Ash, you'd better reword that."

"I know, I'm sorry. It's bad timing." He sighed. "It's just that you bring out the worst in people."

Jenn looked thoughtful, then nodded. "You're right about that."

"Yeah," Ash said. "I will never be able to figure you out."

"Good, Ashy boy," she slapped him on the arm. "That means I keep you on your toes. Now let's go see the others about this little pothole in my road of life."

"Pothole?" Ash followed her. "Don't you mean crater?"

ooo

The rest of the group were waiting in the great room at the rear of the villa, where they were certain to be safe from the prying paparazzi.

"Ash, glad you're here!" Trish greeted the Grand Master as he walked in. "Now we can start planning the counterattack!"

"Counterattack?" Ash raised an eyebrow at Jenn.

"She's been in 'counterattack' mode ever since she found out about the photo and using all this military terminology." The blonde shrugged. "She's been watching way too many war movies and stuff with her brothers."

"As long as she doesn't have any delusions of being a military genius," Ash chuckled.

"Trish? Nah. She just flat out suffers from delusions," Jenn grinned evilly.

"Hey, I heard that!" The girl in question glared at her best friend, who dared and failed to look innocent.

Ash sat down on a spare seat next to Chris, while Jenn plonked down on the other side of Drake, forcing the gym leader to move over a bit.

"Okay, so the 411 is that I got a call on my celly this afternoon from some reporter schmuck from the Viridian Voyeur. He said that he was about to publish a story that Ash and I had been having an affair for years and that he had the photographic evidence to prove it," Jenn began. She tossed the photo on the coffee table for all to see. "And that is the evidence."

Jaime leaned forward to get a better look at it. "Wow, that does make you two look bad."

"But it's doctored," Trish grinned. "Here is the original." She placed the real photo of Jenn hugging Drake next to the doctored one.

Chris grinned. "That looks just as bad!"

Jenn scowled at the Scot. "It was just a friendly hug."

"A very friendly hug," Chris waggled his eyebrows before being hit in the face with a pillow from the blonde. "And ow."

"I'd rather it was a friendly hug, than Jenn trying to strangle him," Trish smirked. "Those two being very friendly is such a rare occurrence that I just had to catch it on camera."

"Frame it!" Shannon giggled.

"Oh I will!"

"Personally speaking, I think that Misty is behind this. She hates my guts enough to do anything to make me look bad," Jenn continued in a low growl. "The reporter didn't say who got him the picture, but I don't doubt that Misty had her mitts in it somehow."

"Don't forget Gary," Drake reminded the girl. "He's always been jealous when you've been around Ash. He would have no hesitation in making you look bad."

"Gee, thanks Drake. I'd almost forgotten about that failed relationship." The blonde sighed. "For crying out loud, why does everyone think that Ashy and I getting it on if we're in the same room together?"

"Because there's an undeniable sexual chemistry between you two," Trish smiled and the two in question went red. "Like you and Louis Vuitton, Jenn, there's a huge attraction between you and Ash."

"The zing factor," Chris nodded. "The x factor. You two have it in spades."

"So it's probably best that you two don't appear together at this press conference tonight," Drake said.

Ash blinked. "What press conference?"

"The one that Jenn wanted to get it over with as soon as possible."

Ash looked over at the blonde. He didn't need his Chosen One powers to see how scared she was by the mere thought of a press conference. "I guess I should prepare a media statement…" the Grand Master began, only to be interrupted by James handing over a sheet of paper.

"Already done," the former Team Rocket member beamed. "The night that photo was taken you were at your mother's birthday dinner in Pallet."

Ash took the doctored photo in his hands. "Drake, we've got the League lawyers onto it?"

"Yes, they'll be paying a visit to the Viridian Voyeur's offices first thing in the morning."

The Grand Master shook his head. "I can't believe that Misty would stoop to something this low. Dragging an innocent person into this fight which has nothing to do with anyone but her, Gary and myself…that's unforgivable."

"Ash…" Jenn said in a warning tone. "Don't do anything you'll regret. Those poor lightbulbs didn't do you any harm."

"Oh, enough about the lightbulbs!" Ash said with annoyance. "I said I was sorry."

"No, you hadn't until now," Jenn said and the teasing took away some of her nervousness. "But honestly, just don't do anything…stupid."

"Come on, Jenn," Chris smirked. "He's not you."

"Takes one to know one," Jenn shot back.

"Okay, children," Trish butted in. "Now the tables are turned."

"Huh?" Jenn looked both confused and a bit intimidated.

"I called Jessie once you admitted to the press conference."

Jenn's eyes widened. "You don't mean…"

"That's right," Trish smiled, "League sponsored clothes."

"Freakin' sweet!" Jenn looked dreamy. "Louis, Manolo, Seven for all Mankind. I gotta catch 'em all."

"Are those Pokémon?" Jaime asked.

"Even better than that." Jenn replied.

"Legendary Pokémon?" Shannon asked.

"Far better," Jenn nodded. "They're designer clothes and shoes."

"How is that better than Pokémon?" Ash asked.

"It's a girl thing," Jenn said, "You wouldn't understand."

Shannon disagreed, "Fashion isn't every girl's thing."

Jaime nodded, "Though it is neat to get free stuff."

"So Jessie said that she'd arrange for a car to pick us up at the back in half an hour to go get outfitted," Trish informed the blonde.

"Awwright."

"So what do you want me to do?" Ash asked. "Drake's got things under control here, and since James has already prepared a press statement there's really no need for a second media conference. Unless you guys want me here for moral support and to cheer on 'Yay, team.'"

"Actually there is something that you'll want to do," James said casually. "Mr. Pemberton rang this afternoon and said that he was ready to serve Misty with the divorce papers tomorrow. I'd say you should be there."

"James is right," Brock agreed. "You can make sure that she signs the papers and then file it with the courts. The quicker the papers are signed and filed, then the quicker that you can both move on."

Ash looked very thoughtful.

ooo

Jenn looked at herself critically in the full-length mirror, posing this way and that.

Jenn, Trish and Jessie had been going from boutique to boutique in the Grande Point shopping centre to find the right outfit for the press conference. Jessie had arranged for the designer boutiques to be closed so they could shop in private, though Jenn left each place wearing a cap and dark sunglasses to disguise her looks.

Jenn stepped out of her dressing room and posed for her friend, who was looking at her own reflection in the mirror outside of the dressing rooms.

"Whaddya think?" she asked Trish who was trying on a print dress.

The Australian looked her friend over and shook her head vehemently. "No, Jenn, I really don't think you should wear that."

The blonde feigned surprise. "What's wrong with this?" She was wearing a leopard print lycra top with a low plunging neckline and a large diamond brooch at the base, and silk black pants with long slits up the side.

"Nothing's wrong with the outfit itself," Trish reassured her friend. "In fact you look fantastic in it, but it's so not the look we want you to convey at the conference."

"I know," she studied her reflection. "It does kinda have that 'I'm going to be on Jerry Springer's show' feel to it."

"That's what I was thinking." Trish said. "Besides, you don't want to go for a sexy temptress look. Think more along the lines of a conservative look."

"That's right," Jessie pursed her lips as she looked the blonde over. "We're going for the girl-next-door look. The one that says she wouldn't possibly go after a married man."

"That's so boring," Jenn sighed. "I like this top."

"You can go with that look another time," Trish told her friend as she went to change into another outfit that Jessie had thrown together. "But we don't want give the public the wrong impression. Misty is the fallen woman in this. Let's keep it that way."

Jenn came out a few minutes later, dressed in a silk indigo Gucci shirt that had long fluttery sleeves, black Seven for All Mankind flared jeans, and black Prada calf high boots, which were mostly hidden under the jeans.

"Now that's more like it," Jessie said in approval.

The blonde looked herself over then looked at her best friend. "I like this outfit, but I don't think it's fair that Trish doesn't have to dress so girl-next-door."

The Australian had a low cut green lace top and a short black skirt on with black sling backs.

"That's because her reputation isn't on the line tonight," Jessie grinned. "Plus now that she's in the public eye as the fiancée of one of the League's sexiest men, she's gotta flaunt it a little."

Jenn scowled a little and Trish patted her friend's arm to soothe her.

"It's not as if I haven't had to dress like you are," she told her. "Remember that big mess a while back when Lu bewitched Drake to think that I was having an affair with Danny and pregnant with his child? I was dressing so conservatively that I looked like a secretary! And anyway be happy that they're designer clothes. I didn't have that luxury!"

The blonde still grumbled.

ooo

Much to Jenn's acute dismay, the hour for the press conference came around all too soon.

She stood backstage with Trish and the others, and waited for the media to be all settled in their seats.

The blonde was nervous beyond belief. She bit her bottom lip and leaned over to Shannon. "Do I look okay?" she whispered.

"You look fine," the younger girl whispered back. "You look like a well-dressed respectable female."

"Good," Jenn muttered. "Wouldn't want to look like a cheap ho." She patted her hair and would have chewed on her fingers if Trish hadn't caught her hand in midair and pushed it back down.

"Don't do that!" she chided gently. "I know you're nervous and that's what you tend to do when nervous, but you just had an expensive manicure!"

"It's just the side of my fingertips. Not the nails themselves," Jenn said in anguish. "I have to do something to take my mind off my nerves. My stomach's all achy and twisted up…what if they don't believe me?"

"Then they don't believe you."

"That's not soothing in the least," Jenn smoothed down the hem of her shirt and tugged at her jeans. "Who would've thought that Seven for all Mankind would be so comfortable?"

Trish, who was still wearing her earlier skirt and blouse combo, shrugged, "I really wouldn't know."

Jenn made a face, "Bleah. Skirts aren't comfortable enough."

"That's what you always say."

"Well it's true," Jenn looked beyond her best friend at Drake, who was getting the crowd ready for her speech. "Oh this isn't good."

"What's not?" Trish looked in the direction Jenn was looking at.

"I'm gonna puke." Jenn said confidently, "Drake's gonna motion for me and I'm gonna puke."

"No, you're not." A male voice interjected.

Jenn stifled a shriek and spun around and slapped Ash on the shoulder. "Dang it, would you learn to not do that to me!"

Ash shrugged, but couldn't keep a grin from appearing, "Sorry, but it's not like I could warn you."

"Besides," Trish said, giving Ash a pointed look, "I'm sure he's got something important to tell you."

"Now what?" Jenn wailed quietly. "I can't deal with all this pressure. I'm gonna die from a migraine."

"Again," Ash said, "No, you're not."

"And you're, what? Psychic?"

"No," Ash grinned. "But close. Very close."

"I really don't have time for this," Jenn said, patting the Grand Master on the arm. "I'm going to turn around, run for the bathroom, puke, and then come back here before Drake calls for me."

"Nice, real nice visuals there," Trish looked ill herself.

"I thought so," Jenn said, "So I'll see you around."

"No, you're not." Ash caught her by the arm.

"Hey, I'm going to go puke, okay?"

Ash said nothing, only held a hand over her head.

"What are you doing?" Jenn sounded scared. She felt heat radiating from his hand. "You'd better not be messing up my hair, because I'll be real pissed if you do."

The dark-haired man rolled his eyes, lowered his hand, and let the blonde go. "Have some trust in people, Jenn. I just did you a favour."

"What? By bruising me?" Jenn rubbed her now free arm. "I bruise easily, you know. I'm a delicate little flower."

"Yeah, a delicate little flower that has thorns," Chris muttered, having walked up behind them during Ash's little trick. "And stinging bees flying all around you."

"What do you want, prince charming?" Jenn looked annoyed. "If you haven't noticed, I was…" She frowned. "…not feeling pukey."

"You're welcome," Ash said.

"Why are you feeling pukey?" Chris looked confused. "You don't mean about this little press conference that Drake's been trying to get your attention about, do you?"

Jenn's eyes widened at the sight of Drake, who was at the podium, looking annoyed under a façade of "I'm Mister Cool Orange Crew Leader who is so NOT annoyed."

Ash shoved her shoulders, "Go and get 'em."

The blonde nodded tensely, but walked towards the stage. Trish followed close behind so the girl wouldn't be able to run the other way.

ooo

The bright lights of the TV cameras and the flashes from the photographers blinded her momentarily as she walked toward Drake and the podium. Jenn hoped feverently that she wouldn't embarrass herself by tripping over her own two feet in front of the world's media. That would be totally embarrassing and she didn't think she'd be able to ever live it down.

The Orange Crew Leader clasped both her hands in greeting and she felt a soft something pressed covertly into her palm. Drake smiled at her and whispered into her ear. "Trish thought this might help with the nerves."

Wondering what Drake was up to, Jenn walked up to the podium. As she composed her thoughts, she unclenched her hand which held the object and glanced down.

It was a small, squishy, foam stress ball.

The blonde grinned to herself as she understood what Drake meant. Jenn could squish the ball as much as she wanted without the media noticing. It would help calm her nerves and she needed all the help she could get in that department!

Taking a deep breath, she looked up and was instantly dazzled by the bright lights again. So this is what a deer caught in headlights must feel like.

Drake noticed her discomfort and whispered to one of his aides to tell the TV crews to dim their lights a bit.

Thanking Lugia for the podium to hide her shaking limbs, Jenn risked a quick glance to where Drake and Trish were standing in one of the wings of the stage. The Australian gave her a reassuring smile and mouthed, 'You can do it, Jenn.'

The sooner I get this party started, the sooner it'll be over, Jenn told herself. She put the foam ball in her pocket and gripped the sides of the podium. She thought back to what Trish and Drake had told her earlier, in an attempt to be able to speak past a stammer of nervousness.

"Just imagine everyone in their underwear," Drake had said. "That's what I did when I first gave conferences of any type."

Trish had nodded. "That should relax you enough! Just don't try picking up any hot guys!"

"I dunno," Jenn had said uneasily.

"Or just imagine that they're all Chris," Ash had suggested evilly. "And that he's waiting for a chance to annoy or irritate you."

"Now that," Jenn had snickered, "that may work very well!"

"Oh har har," Chris had said with mock annoyance. "I don't approve of this. Just so you know."

Now, as Jenn looked over the sea of waiting faces, Jenn froze mentally. The teleprompter was ahead of her, invisible to those looking at her, and it was patiently waiting with James' prepared speech.

"Just stick with the speech I wrote for you and you can't fail!"

That was what the lilac haired man had told her. Now…Jenn wasn't so sure. She read the first words and wondered if she'd trip over them. "Ladies and gentleman of the press, yesterday I was informed by a reporter from the Viridian Voyeur…"

But she couldn't even get those words out of her mouth. She froze, unable to speak. Then she saw movement from the back of the audience, past the crowd of waiting faces and microphones aimed at her. It was Chris.

The dark-haired Scot waved at her and smirked arrogantly.

Annoyance washed over her and, for a second, Jenn forgot all about the pack of ravenous media hounds. Then Chris grinned and gave her a thumbs up. She took another deep breath and began again.

"Sorry, um, this is my first time," Jenn said shyly. "Hi, everyone, thanks for being here today." Her voice, which had started off shaky, soon gained strength from seeing one true friend in front of her. "Yesterday, a dirtbag jerk from the Viridian Voyeur called me on my cell phone to let me know that he was about to publish a front page story all about me. It wasn't a good story. This particular story would've dealt with me and Ash, the Grand Master, Ketchum, having an affair. He said he had the evidence to prove it."

Her anger fuelled her and further steadied her voice. "I called you all here together to let you know the truth. For tonight and the future, I want it known that I have not had anything to do with the divorce that's going on between Mr. and Mrs. Ketchum. The only, and to be quite honest, pathetic excuse for evidence that this sleazebag has on this imagined affair between me and Ash is a picture. They say that a picture tells a thousand words. Let's see what this one has to say."

An image appeared on the large screen behind her. It was the doctored image of Jenn hugging Ash, and at the sight of the picture, many gasps were heard throughout the room.

"See what I mean? It's really so fake that it screams Photoshop." Jenn looked up and studied the picture. "Or at the very least, it might have been Paint Shop Pro." She turned back to look at the crowd and saw the teleprompter going buggy.

The teleprompter scrolled frantically. "What are you doing! Stick with the I#)script!"

A grin threatened to move over her face, so Jenn grabbed the laser pointer Drake had showed her to use. She gestured at the picture with the laser. "This was sent to me from Neil Bloom at the Viridian Voyeur as proof of the alleged affair. However I can prove to everyone here tonight that this evidence is as fake as Misty's tacky press on nails. Oh, and how it proves that it's an obvious attempt to make Ash look bad."

From the wings of the stage, Trish whispered to Drake, "She's really straying from James' speech."

"Yeah," Drake eyed the lilac haired man, who was seated at the other wing of the stage. James looked torn between anger and begrudging admiration. "She's doing good."

A second image flashed up next to the first. This was the original photo of Jenn and Drake that had a red date stamp clearly visible on the right hand corner.

"This is the original image that was taken by my best friend, Trish. You may know her. She's marrying some guy who goes by the name of Drake Thayer." She paused as people nodded, clapped, and a catcall from Drake. "So anyway, the original copy of this picture is stored on a photo cd in her home." She paused and waited as people scribbled notes or typed on laptops.

"The proof is in the details, guys." Jenn said and switched on the pointer again. "While the jerk, I mean, thief, airbrushed out the date stamp, he forgot about one very important detail." She focused the laser's tip on the Poké Ball pendant that was visibly laying on the chest of the man in the picture. "Since when has the Grand Master been known to wear a Poké Ball pendant? There's only one person I know of who wears something like that. Drake Thayer has been wearing Dragonite's Poké Ball on a chain since dinosaurs ruled the earth. So, like, since forever."

There were chuckles at that, and from the corner of her eye, Jenn could see Drake glowering at her. She smiled and felt more confident. She had them wrapped around her pinky finger.

"On the night this photo was taken, Ash wasn't here in the Islands. He was back in Pallet, at a birthday dinner for his mom. Also, he isn't here now either, but he left a press statement for y'all and it explains his side of things. Pretty much all it's gonna say is that he was at a birthday dinner for his mom. Kinda really repeating what I said, only with flashier words since James wrote it out with him."

She paused again, collecting her thoughts. "Yeah, I almost forgot, there's one more thing. Neil Bloom wouldn't say who his source was, but I have an idea on who it might have been." Jenn coughed something that sounded suspiciously like 'Misty'. "Let me be straight with you guys, and this is completely in my own words here. Check your sources before you write something. Make sure it's true and provable. It sucks to be an innocent person in the middle of a nasty rumour. You get dragged through the mud and your reputation is shot with more holes than Swiss cheese." She looked thoughtful. "Or Neil Bloom's story." She took a breath. "Any questions?"

The blonde froze as the whole room erupted in a frenzy of camera flashes and questions. "Yeah, I kinda figured that would happen."

Drake quickly stepped in and took control. "Ladies and gentleman, please! One question at a time!" he ordered in a stern voice.

They quickly settled down and hands were raised.

The Orange Crew Leader picked one reporter out. "You first."

The man stood up. "The Grand Master's reputation could have been trashed by any girl out there who ever had a photo taken with him. Why do you think that the person responsible singled you out? Is it because you are the former girlfriend of Gary Oak, the man who seduced the Grand Master's wife?"

While she desperately wanted to say, "No, I think it's because Misty's a jealous cow," but Jenn fought to be reasonable. She decided to act as if she wasn't sure how to answer the question and frowned slightly. "Uh…I really don't know why. I do think there are people out there who want your attentions – and by you, I mean you the media – off of them."

"So you believe that Misty or Gary could be involved?"

"Duh!" Jenn snapped. "How thick are you? C'mon, people! Wake up and smell the coffee!" She spoke patiently, as if to a child. "I dated Gary. Misty married Ash. Gary dumped me. Misty shagged Gary. Misty got caught. Ash balled her out. Why wouldn't she or Gary try to fake a story to get all of you guys off of their backs and onto ours!"

This time the media fell into a shocked silence, then re-erupted into a media frenzy.

Jenn sighed wearily, then glared at the teleprompter.

"See? You should've stuck with my speech. Mwah. James."

ooo

With the press conference finally over, the group returned to Drake's villa for dinner.

Jenn collapsed onto one of the leather sofas in the great room with a grateful sigh. "Thank Lugia that's over! That was the worst thing I ever had to do! I've never been that nervous in my entire life. I am never doing a press conference ever again."

James looked most unsympathetic as he sat down opposite. "Now if you had just stuck to my brilliant speech like I told you to, it would have been over quicker," he sniffed.

"Poor James," Ash chuckled and patted his personal assistant on the back. "You spent so much time on it too."

"All that hard work," the lilac-haired man complained. "And this is the thanks I get?"

"Stop being such a drama queen," Jenn scowled. "I was nervous, okay? And when I'm nervous, I can't concentrate."

"Pot calling kettle black, Jenn," Shannon laughed. "You're one of the biggest drama queens there is."

"So? I have an excuse," the blonde sniffed. "James doesn't."

The former Team Rocket member pouted.

"At least you managed to tear down the credibility of the photo," Trish told her best friend. "That's the main thing."

"Yeah," Jenn sighed. "At least I hope they choose to believe me over Misty or Gary."

"I don't see why they wouldn't," Chris shrugged. "The evidence spoke for itself. That picture was modified and you have the original to prove it. Not to mention the fact that you had your friends to keep your back covered."

"Plus you have Ash's statement that he was elsewhere that night," Jaime chimed in. "They'd be stupid not to believe you."

But Jenn wouldn't be soothed that easily. "But what if Misty or Gary paid lots of money to the press to get them on their side? I can't do that! I'm not rich like they are!"

"Neither of them are loaded," Ash shook his head. "Misty certainly isn't. Sure she's a Gym Leader but she gave up being an active one when we were married."

"And maybe Gary was," Brock said. "But that was before he was stripped of the Viridian Gym Leadership. I don't know what his status is now. I doubt his Grandfather will let him have his inheritance after that match battle."

"I think we should just wait and see what happens tomorrow," Trish butted in, and dragged Jenn to her feet. "Until then, there's nothing more we can do, so let's go eat!"

ooo

The next morning dawned bright and sunny, though for two inhabitants in Viridian, the morning was quite black.

Misty scowled at the front page of the Viridian Daily which trumpeted the headline GRAND MASTER FRAMED BY FAKE PHOTO OF 'AFFAIR' THAT NEVER WAS.

"Well, Gary, that brilliant idea of yours didn't work," she grumbled at the man across the table. "How come you forgot to check that you got rid everything?"

The spiky-haired man glared back. "Hey, babe, I just got the photo. I wasn't the one who insisted on using Photoshop. That was your brilliant idea."

Just then Misty's cell phone beeped merrily, indicating that a message had arrived. She glanced at the screen and bit back a groan. It was from James.

'Ash + lawyer will be here to sign papers. Gary is going to sleepy bye byes in a minute. Ash says not 2 worry.'

The redhead blinked and wondered how that was going to be accomplished, short of her whacking Gary over the head with a mallet.

Suddenly, a Gengar materialised before the former Viridian Gym Leader and its eyes glowed red. 'Geeengar…'

Before Misty's amazed eyes, Gary's lids slowly began to flicker until he slumped forward in his chair, snoring loudly.

The Ghost Pokémon turned and grinned at Misty and a telepathic voice chimed in her mind. :I'm just going to put Lil Gary to bed upstairs.:

Misty nodded numbly and the Pokémon vanished with its unconscious charge.

The doorbell rang, and she got slowly to her feet and waddled to the front door. She opened it to reveal Ash, Brock and a man in charcoal gray suit with an attaché case under his arm, whom she did not recognise.

"Misty," Ash greeted with a thin smile. "I trust that you got James' text message."

The redhead swallowed nervously, "I did. Please come in."

She ushered the three men in and closed the door behind them.

"What's Brock doing here?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

Ash started to answer but the Pokémon Breeder beat him to it.

"That's easy," he said. "I'm here to make tea and goodies for you to eat while going over the papers, and to make sure that Gary doesn't disturb you if he wakes up."

He made his way to the kitchen without further ado, leaving Misty with the two other men.

Ash did the introductions. "Misty, this is Mr Sean Pemberton from the law firm, Pemberton, Stokes and Fraser. They do a lot of legal work for the League. Sean, I'd like you to meet my….I'd like you to meet Misty."

Misty shook the man's proffered hand and smiled politely.

"Please, come this way," she said as she led them into the dining room where they sat down.

Mr. Pemberton opened his attaché case and withdrew a sheaf of papers which he placed in two neat piles on the glass dining table and a pen.

"This is the prenuptial agreement which you signed before your marriage," he pointed to the first pile. "And this is the divorce settlement." He fixed both of them with a firm stare. "Now you both have to be absolutely sure about this. Once you sign these papers and I file it with the courts, it will be final. There can be no going back."

Misty picked up the prenuptial agreement and read through it quickly, her eyes widening as she read. She placed the document down and shook her head. "I can't sign this, this is so unfair! I can't claim anything of Ash's earnings before we were married."

"This is what you both agreed on," the lawyer raised an eyebrow. "This final draft would not have gone ahead if you both had not agreed to it, and without both of your signatures."

"But…but I never thought it would ever be used!" Misty protested.

"Neither did I, Misty," Ash glared at her momentarily. "But we're here because of your actions. And because of that, our signatures on these papers are now obligatory."

"And what if I don't sign them?" Misty glared back. "Then what?"

"Then you'll stay married which," Ash sighed dryly, "Is obviously what you don't want. You showed me that much when you walked out on me. As an added bonus, I'll let it slip that you were the one who doctored that photo that was given to the Viridian Voyeur. So just sign the damn things." Ash sighed again, this time patiently and wearily, "You'll be making things easier on everyone. For once."

Misty scowled, first at him, then at the papers. The lawyer gulped back a sigh of relief. He did not want that hate filled stare directed at him.

I can't believe that he's making me sign something that is so unfair, Misty thought angrily. It sucks that both he and the lawyer are right, in that it's because of me and my decision to walk out, that's brought us here to sign papers that I'd never thought would be used. Plus he's got me on the photo thing…How the hell did he know about that?

But the more she thought about it, the more signing those papers made sense. Gary wanted to her to refuse and to fight Ash for every last dollar in the courts. But that would mean she would still be married to Ash and she didn't want that anymore. If she had, she never would have walked out. Fighting it out in the courts would only make things messier for her, Misty would be depicted not only as unfaithful but as a money-hungry greedy pig.

Was all this anger and bitter fighting worth it? There was no guarantee that the courts would rule in her favour anyway. She was nine months pregnant, about to give birth and she just did not need the extra stress and public scrutiny.

Further fighting might also turn Ash even more against her, and she would not risk that wrath being extended to their unborn child. Misty might deserve his enmity for what she did and rightly so, but their child did not. Misty did not wish for her child, what so many children of broken marriages endured. The painful sight of their parents always fighting and one trying to turn the children against the other.

Not only was that wrong, but it would just not be true. The marriage had been happy for the most part, just that it was no longer what Misty wanted anymore.

The fight and fire had all gone out from the redhead. She would sign and do what was right by her and Ash and their child. She would let Ash go in the hope that he might find someone who would love him the way he loved them.

There was more relief, when finally, Misty lowered the pen to the papers and began to sign. Not until the final signature was complete did Ash himself mentally sigh in relief.

It was done with.

Ash Ketchum was no longer married to Misty Waterflower.

After checking that both signatures were on each piece and dated, Mr Pemberton gathered up the papers and put them back into the attaché case.

"I'll get these filed with the courts immediately," he said as he shut the case with a snap. "I checked their schedules and their workload is very light at the moment so it should be granted almost at once."

Both nodded.

He rose from his seat and tucked the case under his arm. "I'll go tell Brock that we're done."

Ash waited until after the man had left the room before saying anything. "Misty, if you'd like, you can stay at the Plateau until the courts grant the divorce. It'll give you some sanctuary from the paparazzi for a few days."

Misty glanced at him. "What about you? Where will you go?"

"Drake's offered me the use of his holiday villa in a remote part of Pummelo for as long as I need," Ash told her. "Or I can always slip home to Mom's."

"I'm guessing that the invitation to stay at the Plateau doesn't extend to Gary, huh?"

The Grand Master snorted. "Gary can handle himself without any problem. It would take a lot more than this to make him hide from his adoring public."

"That's true," Misty managed to grin in spite of herself. She felt like a weight had lifted off her chest with the signing of the papers. "Thank you, I might take you up on the offer."

Ash stood up and offered her his hand to help her up from the chair.

"After we've gone, go get some of your stuff and tell Gary that you're going to spend time alone," he suggested as they walked to the foyer. "You just take care of yourself and the baby…our…baby."

"I will," Misty said softly, as she rubbed her swollen belly. "This little one is almost ready to be born. He or she is really moving about a lot. Kind of makes it hard to sleep."

"I can imagine," he murmured as they were joined by Brock and Mr Pemberton.

Misty saw the three out the door, with Ash being the last to leave.

He paused, and turned around to face his ex-wife. Swallowing hard, for it was the hardest thing he'd ever have to say, he held out his hand. "All the best for your new life, Misty," he said softly.

Misty hesitated before taking his hand and shaking it firmly. "All the best for yours, too, Ash."

"You'll let me know when the baby is born?"

"I will, I promise," she smiled. "Even if we are fighting, the baby has a right to know his or her daddy."

"I guess this is really it, huh? This is really good-bye."

"Yeah…"

Ash turned to leave before things got really maudlin and mushy. "Take care, Misty."

"You too, Ash."

ooo

Brock was waiting for him at the end of the driveway.

"Hey, where's Sean?" Ash blinked.

"Oh he decided he should get back to the Plateau as soon as possible so he flew back on his Pidgeot," the Pokémon Breeder told him.

"And where's all the press?" There were no reporters or photographers to be seen, and the front lawn had been more crowded than a sold out pop queen's concert.

"Oh Gengar wanted to have some fun with them and I told him he could," Brock smirked. "I think he said something about dumping them in the tower at Lavender Town."

Ash shook his head good-naturedly. That impish Pokémon could never resist the chance at a prank.

"How are you gonna make sure that Misty doesn't blab to make a few bucks?" Brock wanted to know. "She could say anything and people would believe her."

"I know, Mr Pemberton warned me about that," Ash said. "So it was written in the divorce settlement that she agrees not to tell at all. If she keeps quiet, then she gets a nice sum of money. If she spills, she forfeits it. It's in her best interests not to tell tales. Plus she's staying at the Plateau until the divorce goes through."

"So how does it feel to be a free man?"

"I dunno…right now I'm feeling kinda numb," Ash confessed. "Yet, at the same time I feel relieved that it's all over."

"Yeah, so what do you say we go on a boys night out on the town back in Pummelo? Think of all those beach babes!"

"Brock!" Ash laughed. "The divorce hasn't been granted yet. You know I can't do that!"

"You're right," his friend drooped, before perking up. "Hey, maybe we can convince Jenn and the other girls to wear skimpy little dresses!"

"No, Brock," Ash shook his head. "Of course, no. Not only is it too soon for anything resembling chasing girls, there are other things that could come from girl watching."

"You mean sex?"

"No!" Ash's eyes widened. "Sex is the farthest thing from my mind at this point! It's what got me divorced."

Brock turned a dark look on his friend. "Ash, you're a disgrace to your gender."

"I'd rather be a disgrace to my gender," Ash said dryly, "Than to be the latest victim on E! Weekly."

"Ah, there is that," Brock put a hand to his chin. "I guess you have a point."

"That's why I'm the boss."

"Yeah, well," The Pewter gym leader seemed to be at a loss. "I guess we could always…watch TV."

"Hopeless," Ash sighed. "You're the best friend I have, but you're hopeless."

Brock shrugged, "Everyone has their off days."

ooo

Pummelo

"I wonder how things are going with Ash and Misty," Jenn mused as she sat on the floor of the great room, flipping through Drake's extensive cd collection, writing songs down on a lined pad of paper as she went. The blonde was drawing up the playlist for the dj they were hiring for the dance.

"I don't think you need to worry about Ash," Trish said as she lazily flipped through some bridal magazines while sprawled out on one of the leather sofas. Since the engagement announcement, the Australian had been flooded with offers from well known designers to design the bridal gown as well as the bridesmaids dresses. "I'm sure things are very civil and polite between them. It has to be. They can't try to kill each other in front of Brock and the lawyer, can they?"

"You're right," Jenn sighed as she pulled out one disc and wrinkled her nose at the list of songs on there. "Yuck. How did this 80's cd get in here?"

"That's mine," Shannon said, "Don't you dare toss that in the trash."

"I won't," Jenn said, "But it sure isn't going on the playlist."

Chris looked up from where he was playing Tomb Raider on the Playstation and waggled his eyebrows. "Oooh, someone seems to be very worried about a certain Grand Master everyone in this room knows she likes. It must be luurrrrrve."

"No!" Jenn glared at the grinning Scot. "It's not luurrrrrve at all, baka. I wouldn't be dumb enough to hook up with a man on his way to divorceland. It would give Misty a boat load of ammunition and the paparazzi would be more vicious than a swarm of angry Beedrills! I don't wanna have a repeat of that last torture session ever, ever again!"

"Say what you like, but I still say it's love," Chris grinned evilly. "I should know. I'm a professional."

Jenn scowled, grabbed a nearby pillow, and hurled it at the Scot, hitting him square in the face.

"Ow."

"There, now you've been hit by a real tomb raider," Jenn glared at him.

"Your bazookas aren't big enough." He said, risking life and limb.

"Oh no, you didn't!" Jenn's eyes widened. "You did not just go there!"

"What can I say?" Chris shrugged. "I live on the edge."

"Yeah, well lil Lara just went off the side of that cliff," Jenn said smugly.

Chris flung his attention back to the game. Alas, he was too late for lil' Lara. He groaned and hit the reset button.

"Speaking of Misty," Shannon spoke up as she rested on one of the recliner chairs. "Do you think she would have signed the divorce settlement willingly or would she put up a fight and refuse?"

"Who knows," Drake shrugged. "If there's a prenuptial agreement that was signed before they were married, then that dictates the terms of the divorce. The terms of the prenup would have had to been agreed on by both parties."

"It would be in Misty's best interest to sign," Trish said. "She obviously wants out of the marriage, so why fight to keep something that you don't want? It wouldn't make any sense."

"So Drake, are you and Trish going to have a prenuptial agreement?" Jaime asked.

Drake and Trish looked at each other blankly and the Orange Crew Leader shrugged.

"I haven't really thought about it," he admitted. "However, I think if we can survive Lu's magicked up affair involving Danny, then I don't think we'll need one."

They were interrupted by the appearance of Callie and Puck, who teleported into their midst.

"What's up?" Drake greeted the two Faes.

"We've received word from the High Court of Illyrium that they wish to bring Lucius to trial in a few days," Callie informed them in her soft, lilting voice.

"The prosecutors would like Trish, Jenn, Mia, and Ash to testify against him," Puck then added. "As you were the ones who suffered directly at his hands."

The three girls in question looked at each other, the fear evident in their eyes.

"You do not have to testify in person," Callie said gently. "If you wish, you are allowed to present written testimony to the Court."

There was a rather uncomfortable silence before Trish slowly shook her head.

"No," she said finally. "No…I'll testify in person. That monster has to be made to pay for what he has done, and I can't let my fear of him prevent that from happening."

"And I'd be more than happy to go," Jenn said. "I just want to see that sick bastard squirm."

"When are we going?" Trish asked, not hiding a little shiver of trepidation.

Drake hugged her close, and she leaned into him, enjoying the security his warmth brought her.

"You'll be leaving two days from now," Puck said. "We'll have a block of rooms ready for you in the palace and let you adjust to the area."

"A palace?" Jenn brightened. "Oh sweet."

"Will Drake be allowed to come along?" Trish asked. "I'd like him to be there for support when I testify."

Jenn frowned. "Hello, what am I to you? Chopped liver? I mean, I hate liver cuz it's totally disgusting, but best friend here, remember? I do the support thing, too."

Trish grinned. "I know you'll be there for me, Jenn, and I appreciate it, but it's just not the same, sorry."

The blonde didn't bother hiding a mostly feigned look of disgust when Drake smirked.

"I wouldn't mind coming along too," Shannon spoke up shyly. "I've always wondered what it would be like to visit another realm."

"Of course Drake and you can come along," Callie smiled. "As well as anyone else who wants to. There's plenty of room."

"We have to wait for Ash to come back though," Drake reminded them all. "Depending on how he's feeling at the moment, he may not come back until the day we leave."

ooo

Ash wandered out to the backyard of his mom's house for some much needed time alone. He and Brock had gone to his mother's after they had left Misty, and there was much hugging and crying between Ash and his mom at the beginning.

Delia had cooked them a beautiful lunch, and was currently chatting with Brock and Steven in the lounge room to give Ash some time to himself.

The Grand Master looked up at the cloudless sky and reflected on the momentous change that had just happened.

He was no longer a married man.

Would he adjust easily to being on his own? Throughout his entire life, Ash had never really been alone. Ever. He had always had friends along the way for his Pokémon journeys. Misty, Brock, Tracey, May, Max and of course, faithful Pikachu.

Misty had the baby and Gary in her brand new life.

As for Ash…well he was not quite alone either. He still had his mother and stepfather and the extended family, his friends and his Pokémon to support him along the way.

Would he be able to love again? Who knew.

Would he be able to smile again? Of course. Things would be tough at times but he knew he was not alone in this.

I can do this. I will survive this, I know I can, he thought to himself.

This is a new beginning.

ooo

Author's Note: Another chapter and it's a biggie. And this is the story that has no end.

Just kidding, it will end…when I get there. Eventually.

As for how they are coping with the divorce - no two divorces are the same. People react and cope differently and I have seen both ends of the spectrum.