Midsummer Madness
By Trish.
 
Disclaimer: I'd really like to say that I own Pokémon and Puck and the various Shakespearian 
quotes I toss in, but I don't. I do own this story.
A/N: Ash - 24, Misty -24, Brock - 27. Prepare for major OOC here - but 'tis done for a 
reason ^_^
 
Chapter 2: All the World's My Stage, And all the Men and Women merely players
Misty was struggling to get back to sleep. She had woken up from a restless slumber due to the 
hot summer night, with her sheets all entangled around her. Half an hour later, she was still wide 
awake, and sleep was unlikely to come anytime soon. She rolled over to switch the bedside 
lamp on, when there was a soft knock at the door. "Who is it?" she called softly. 
"It's me, Ash."
"Oh…you can come in if you want."
The door opened and her best friend entered, clad only in his boxers, which made Misty blush. 
She didn't know why she was blushing, after all, she had been travelling with him since they 
were ten. The sight of Ash in his boxers was nothing new to her. But that was when you were 
kids, her conscience reminded her, now you're adults, and Ash has grown and matured so 
much.
Ash smiled as he sat beside her on the bed. "Can't get to sleep? Me neither." 
Misty struggled up to a sitting position beside him, her arm brushed against his, sending shivers 
down her spine. He smiled at her again, oh, he looks so good, she thought before averting her 
gaze in embarrassment. Oh why was she acting like this around him? She was interrupted in her 
thoughts by Ash gently raising her chin so that they were face to face, and before she could 
speak, he kissed her gently on the lips.
 She froze for a moment before responding to his kiss. Her heart felt like it was going to burst 
with happiness. Please don't let this be a dream, she prayed silently. This was what she had 
been dreaming about for so many years, and now - it had finally happened. They broke apart to 
catch their breath before resuming, the passion rising with each passing minute.
They lay back on the bed, kissing intensely, limbs entwined. His hand moved to the strap of her 
chemise and…
BZZZZZZZT. BZZZZZZZT. BZZZZZZZT.
Damn. Misty opened her eyes to see the Saturday morning sunshine streaming in through the 
gap in the curtains, the beeping alarm clock informing her that it was 9 o'clock. She was quite 
alone in the room except for a still sleeping Togetic. So, she thought sadly as she switched the 
alarm off, it was just a dream after all. Again.
She rose from the bed, smoothing down the rumpled silk of her black chemise as she did so. 
She went over to her dresser and started to brush her long red tresses, her thoughts tumbling 
through her head. Why must she always be dreaming about Ash? She already knew the answer 
to that - she was in love with him, and had been ever since they had first met, fourteen years 
ago. Why hadn't she acted on it? She knew the answer to that one too - she was a chicken, 
that's why.
Misty was too chicken to find out what Ash's response would be to her revelation, too afraid 
that it might destroy their friendship. She would prefer to stay as friends rather than not have 
anything to do with him at all. Ash Ketchum was too special for her to lose from her life. She 
had never met anyone like him - he was unique. He was the biggest hearted person that she 
knew - always wanting to help those in need whether they were Pokémon or human.
Ash was one of the few people who she knew that really loved Pokémon. He had a way with 
them that was unrivalled by anyone anywhere. He seemed to have a magic touch when it came 
to the creatures - all of his Pokémon loved him dearly and were fiercely loyal toward him. He 
was able to bring out the best in all of them and could rely on the fact that they would do 
anything and everything in their power - and more - to help him.
As a result, he was one of the most successful Pokémon Grand Masters ever, he had won the 
title six years ago - and was still undefeated. The Pokémon League, under his leadership, had 
never run smoother (despite Misty's initial scepticism). Ash had the world at his feet, he 
also(much to Misty's annoyance) had thousands of young women throwing themselves at him. 
He had always been regarded as cute when he was younger, and his looks had only improved 
as he grew older - he was now a tall, very handsome young man with a nicely muscular build, 
twinkling dark brown eyes and a warm smile. He was young, rich and famous - and to top it all 
off, he still managed to remain a real Mr. Nice Guy. Just the type of guy that girls would want to 
marry. Misty would too - if only Ash would start to look at her as not just his best friend. But 
then again, why would he? What did she have to offer him that would set her apart from all the 
others?
Misty studied herself in the full-length mirror. Gone was the scrawny but pretty ten year old 
tomboy. Instead there stood a twenty-four year old beautiful young woman with luxurious long 
hair that cascaded down past her shoulders. Her figure had filled out nicely with curves in all the 
right places. While she was no Miss Universe, she was considered to be a stunning beauty.
Career wise, she was doing pretty well. She was one of the top students in her final year class 
of the degree to become a Pokémon doctor, with a job awaiting her at the Pokémon Centre in 
Pallet. But in her opinion, that was not going to make her stand out from the crowds of girls 
surrounding Ash. To him, she was probably just his best friend that was always on his case and 
the mallet wielding source of almost all his headaches. Why can't he see me as more than a 
friend? Why can't I tell him?
Meanwhile in the next room, Ash had finished getting dressed, and was now brushing Pikachu's 
fur, smiling at the little mouse's chirps of contentment. "Looking good, Pikachu. It's no wonder 
that all these male Pikachu and Raichu are interested in you.'' 
Pikachu blushed at this statement. "Ash!"
Ash placed the brush down on the dresser, and stood in front of his tiny friend. "So, how do I 
look?"
The mouse looked her trainer up and down. Ash's wardrobe had undergone a transformation in 
the last six years. There once was a time when he was content to go about in the same sort of 
outfit every day - black t-shirt, blue jeans, a blue jacket, green gloves, and his treasured official 
Pokémon League cap. But not any more. Gone were the gloves, and the hat was too battered 
to wear any more. Ash alternated between shirts and t-shirts, jeans and trousers, sports jackets 
and blazers. Today he was wearing a dark blue short sleeved shirt which showed off his 
muscular frame nicely, with black pants. His once wild black hair was now kept short and 
brushed. Pikachu smiled and gave her friend a thumbs up. "Fantastic!"
The Pokémon Master grinned, "Thanks, Pik. I promised Mom that I'd take her out for lunch at 
that new restaurant today."
"You're gonna have all the single girls in the place looking at you."
"That's nothing new," Ash sighed wearily. "I'm used to it. Now if only….."
"Misty would look at you like that", Pikachu finished for him.
Ash stared at his first and favourite Pokémon. "You know me inside out, don't you?"
"Sure do!" she said proudly. "And you won't tell her because you're afraid of ruining the 
friendship that you have."
"Exactly." Ash reached for his wallet and car keys. He closed his eyes and prayed, "God, if 
you're listening, please protect me from Misty's mallet."
"I don't know why you bother saying that every day. It never works."
"I know. But it doesn't hurt to try."
Unseen and unheard by Ash and Pikachu, Puck was sitting on the curtain rod, cushioned on one 
of the ruffles. He grinned and began chanting, "Young Master of Pallet, may this spell save you 
from your lady love's infamous mallet. Next time she's mad, just let her try. She'll be in for a big 
surprise." He watched as the sparkles landed on the young man, but the sprite wasn't finished 
yet. "Oh Chosen One, greatest of them all. The next few days I promise you'll have a ball. For 
nearly every female you have ever met. Will not be able to get enough of you for a long while 
yet." More sparkles shot forth and disappeared.
"Well, it's time we headed down for breakfast. Mom's boyfriend Steven said he'd meet us at the 
mall at 10:15 a.m to do some shopping, then go to lunch."
"You're not going to go without me, are you?"
Ash smiled. "The thought never even crossed my mind."
Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder. "That's my Pikapi. I've trained you really well…"
When they had left the room, Puck chuckled loudly and rubbed his hands with glee. "Let the fun 
and games begin" he announced.
(Downstairs in the Kitchen)
Brock sat at the kitchen table rubbing his temples. He had the strangest dream last night. 
Something about how he would finally meet his one true love today. I wonder if it is either 
Nurse Joy or Officer Jenny, he mused. If only it could be both….I can never decide 
between them.
"Good Morning, Brock", a sweet and familiar female voice greeted him. Brock glanced up and 
his jaw dropped. Mrs. Ketchum stood in the doorway, looking very smart and feminine in a 
beautiful dusty rose dress with spaghetti straps. Her long chestnut hair was swept up in a French 
twist.
Brock could feel one of his 'pretty girl induced' goofiness phases starting. She's so beautiful, his 
dazed mind thought but then he managed to snap out of it. Stop thinking that way, Brock. 
This is Mrs. Ketchum! He managed to get up from his chair to serve her breakfast, thankful for 
something to do. Say something, you idiot, his mind screamed. "Uh…you look wonderful, 
Mrs. K" he stammered. 
Delia smiled at him as she sat down. "Why thank you, Brock. Ash is taking me to lunch at the 
new restaurant in town, Figaro." As Brock set her plate down in front of her, he caught the 
sweet scent of her perfume which made his head spin. Oh wow…..
"Morning Mom, Brock-o!" Luckily Ash and Pikachu walked in just then, saving Brock from 
himself. The three humans and Pokémon ate their breakfast in silence, mainly because Brock 
kept his head down and mouth shut, afraid of making a fool of himself in front of his best friend 
and his mother. The two gave up trying to talk to him after a while, and afterwards helped clear 
the table. 
"Mom, it's time we headed off now." Ash informed his mother as he fished the car keys out of 
his pocket.
"Okay, honey." Delia grabbed her purse and gave Brock a quick kiss on the cheek. "Goodbye, 
Brock. Thank you for a lovely breakfast." She left the room, leaving a stunned Brock just sitting 
there.
Ash grinned. "Bye Brock, and thanks for the feed. Say good morning from me to sleepy head 
when she finally comes down, will you?"
"Uh..sure."
When they had left, Brock made his way back to his room, collapsing on the neatly made bed. 
His mind was in turmoil, he couldn't understand his reactions upon seeing Mrs. Ketchum earlier 
in the morning. He had never reacted that way before - after all he had known her for fourteen 
years now, and she was like a second mother to Misty, Tracey and himself. But that kiss…did 
something to him, even if it was just a friendly peck. It was as if the world had stopped right at 
that moment….
An internal argument began - between his mind and his heart. Why had he reacted like a love-
sick fool when she came in all dressed up? It wasn't as if he had never seen Mrs. Ketchum like 
that - he had, plenty of times. Maybe because you've never looked at her as a woman 
before. You've always seen her as just a mother figure, his heart told him. 
Ah, yes. But don't forget that this woman is the mother of your best friend! Besides she's 
waaay too old for you, his mind countered with.
Age shouldn't be a factor when two people love each other, the heart stated pompously.
If it is a great big age difference it does, the mind shot back.
So what! Just take a look at that photo of her on the desk, c'mon, the heart coaxed. Brock 
got up from the bed and sat down at the desk. The two framed photos had been taken last year 
at the Pokémon League Ball. One shot was of Ash and his mother, and the other was of Delia 
herself. Brock remembered last year's event, Misty had fallen ill the day before the Ball, and so 
Ash had escorted his mother instead. The breeder picked up Mrs. Ketchum's photo. His heart 
decided to pipe up again. Don't ya think that she is the most beautiful woman you've ever 
seen? 
Delia Ketchum was very very beautiful in that photo, Brock decided. But then again she had 
always been regarded as beautiful, ever since she was a little girl. She was also one of the lucky 
people who always kept their youthful looks, never looking the age they were supposed to be, 
as well being a person who could eat what they like - and still maintain a fabulous figure. Mrs. 
Ketchum wasn't that old, the breeder decided - Ash had said that she had married at nineteen, 
and he had been born the following year. He studied the photo again. Delia had worn a beautiful 
burgundy evening gown which had complemented her figure very well, her hair swept up in a 
loose bun. That night, many people had mistaken her for being Ash's older sister, rather than his 
mother. Brock put the photo down, just looking at it gave his heart palpitations.
He hadn't felt this intensely around any other girl or woman, even Nurse Joy or Officer Jenny. 
This was not just a mere crush, Brock decided. This was true love. It could and would work 
out, he just knew it. He was lonely, she was lonely - Ash's father had died when he was four. 
They both liked doing things around the house, and she obviously cared about him, she had 
kissed him on the cheek after all. This was destiny. This was what the dream last night was 
telling him, that Delia Ketchum was the only woman for him. Brock slumped on the desk and 
gazed happily at the picture - at long last his search was over. The only problem might be Ash 
who was very close and protective of his mother, but Brock dismissed it quickly. Ash would 
have no problems with it - he was his best friend, and would only want him to be happy. Life 
was wonderful….
(That afternoon…)
Misty was immersed in a magazine when the front door opened, and Ash, Mrs. Ketchum and 
Pikachu staggered in. She glanced at the clock, 2 p.m. "Hi guys, have a nice lunch?" she greeted 
them.
"Absolutely wonderful," Mrs. Ketchum sighed. "The food was delicious! You must try it 
sometime." She excused herself and went to her room to change.
Ash plopped on the lounge opposite Misty and closed his eyes. She sneaked a good look at 
him. He looks so hot. After a minute or so, he reopened them. "Oh, Professor Oak rang while 
you were out," she informed him.
"Gee, he must have forgot that I was going to lunch. Probably something about the League 
business I'll be discussing with him this afternoon. I told him I'd be over at about 2:30. Was 
Tracey there?"
Misty tried to hide her disappointment at the news that Ash was going out again. "No, he 
wasn't. The Professor said he had gone to sketch some Pokémon in the woods outside of town. 
Then he started complaining to me about getting old, and how he wouldn't mind being young 
again."
Her friend chuckled. "Oh yeah. I've heard that from him many times."
Misty put down her magazine. "You know, I've always wondered what Professor Oak looked 
like as a child," she mused, " I wish we could see what he looks like as a little kid!"
Ash raised his eyebrows. "You would." He sat up with an effort, Pikachu remained snuggled 
against his leg. "So what time did you finally come downstairs?"
"Ten o'clock. I wanted to get a full beauty sleep", Misty said in self defence. She was always the 
last one up.
"Well, it didn't work in your case," the dark haired Pokémon trainer said with a wicked smile.
Misty was furious. "WHY YOU LITTLE….," and without further ado, she pulled out a huge 
mallet , ready to knock him into the ground.
Ash cringed. Oh, great going Ketchum! I hope you've got the aspirin ready, he scolded 
himself, and prepared to meet his doom. Misty swung the mallet and…..
SQUEAK!
The mallet bounced off his head, leaving the young man unhurt. The two trainers stared at each 
other, then at the mallet. "That wasn't supposed to happen," Misty muttered, and swung again. 
Squeak! Same result. She tried again only to have a repeat performance. She realised in horror 
that her mallet was useless - even though it felt and weighed like a real wooden mallet, it reacted 
like one of those squeaky plastic mallets that you gave toddlers.
Ash jumped up ecstatic, and screamed, "YES! THERE IS A GOD! THANK YOU SO 
MUCH!" 
Misty stared at him like he'd grown two heads. "Are you okay?"
He scooped Pikachu up into his arms, grinning like a maniac. "I'm fine, just fine. I couldn't be 
happier. Now that you can't hit me!"
The red head scowled at him, and picked up the nearest book and threw it at his head. Ash 
ducking just in time, the book landing on the floor with a thud. Ash stuck his tongue out at the 
water trainer. "Hah! You missed!"
Misty stamped her foot in frustration. "Aaargh! You are just so childish! I wish you had more 
culture and refinement," she yelled.
The Pokémon Master's only response was to laugh even louder as he sped out the door. Misty 
slumped back into the armchair. He was just so frustrating, so immature and….so infuriatingly 
nice and cute. Which was why she loved him. She really needed to control her temper more, 
otherwise he'd never fall in love with her. Up in the corner of the ceiling, a little sprite smiled.
Out on the road, Ash was still chuckling. "See, Pikachu. I told you that prayer would work one 
day!"
Pikachu nodded. "I guess it did. But how on earth did it happen?"
Her master shrugged. "Who knows, and who really cares? The only thing that matters is that I'm 
safe from her mallets."
They had just passed the gate at the Oak Laboratories, when Ash heard someone call his name. 
He turned to see another of his best friends, Tracey Sketchit rushing towards him from the 
fields. "Hey, Ash!" the Pokémon Watcher hollered again, before he reached him. They slapped 
each other on the back. "Hey man, how are ya?"
Ash smiled. "I've never been better. For some reason, Misty can't use her mallets on me any 
more."
Tracey's eyes widened. "Wow, how did that happen."
"I have no idea. Let's go find the Professor."
The two men walked up to the lab and through the front door which was left open. Fifteen 
minutes later, they still had seen no sign of the world renowned researcher. They had looked in 
all the usual places where he was often to be found, but no luck. Ash walked into the living 
room to find a little brown haired boy playing with some Pokéballs. Ash looked at the boy and 
gasped. The child was wearing a red t-shirt and beige shorts, but what was the most striking 
thing about him, was that he was wearing, or trying to wear, an adult's lab coat which looked 
cute but rather ridiculous. Ash had the strangest feeling about this boy…
He knelt down in front of the child. "Hello."
The boy looked up and smiled. "Hello. I'm gonna be a 'fessor when I'm big."
I've got a bad feeling about this, Ash thought to himself. He hesitated before asking the next 
question. "What's your name, little boy?"
The child held out his hand, "My name's Sammy. Sammy Oak."
 
To be continued….
 
Author's Note: Aren't I evil? ^_^ . Told you I'd mess with the characters! Mrs. Ketchum & 
Brock - hmm - don't be offended peoples - it's all in good fun. I really do like Brock, really 
I do. But it would have been too predictable to make him fall for Misty. The romantic 
triangle between A, M & B has already been done a few times! Pairing him with either 
Joy or Jenny wouldn't be any fun. I don't think Ash's mom and Brock should be an actual 
couple - the age difference is too great (I don't think Ash would be too thrilled either). 
What would you call that anyway? Kitchenshipping? Houseshipping? Flamers will be fed 
to the Sumatran tigers at the zoo.