Show And Tell
   Chapter 3


We now find the trio of "friends" walking toward Prof. Oak's Pokemon reserve. I put the word friends in quotation marks because I wouldn't exactly call Misty and Ash friends right now. Not to mention that Ash is feeling kind of neutral on his friendship with Brock also. He finally realized that Brock was in on the joke too, and....well, that didn't sit well with Ash. As you might imagine, Ash's relationship with his mom isn't doing to well either. After the "panty incident" in his room, Ash couldn't even look at his mother when she attempted to apologize right before Ash, Misty and Brock set off for the lecture.

So they are all walking along now. Brock in between Ash and Misty. The mood is beyond awkward. Misty is fidgeting with her shirt. She is wringing the end of it so hard, it looks like it will end up being forever wrinkled. Brock had tried to start up a simple conversation several times, but after many bouts of silence, and some snide remarks from Ash, he had decided to give up trying.

Luckily Prof. Oak's place was in sight.

Ash was hoping that the large group of people would help him take his mind off the recent events. However, there is a particular group of people that Ash is not at all interested in seeing there. Any guesses who they are?

Now that Ash knows that Brock had a hand in the joke, it was pretty damn obvious that everyone else took part in it too. Why he  didn't figure this out before when they were all laughing and snapping pictures of him, is beyond me. Bless the little dense boy.

Ash was dead set about giving them all the silent treatment. Hey, it seemed to work with  Misty. He wanted them all to know just how upset he really was about all this, and he wanted them to feel guilty, really guilty. Is he acting a little immature? Definitely, and I say: "What did you expect to happen after putting on a girls bikini? To get a modeling contract? You are a 14 year old kid, standing in front of a group of teenagers in a bikini. No matter what, chances are you are going to be teased." But of course, as we all know, Ash is never one to think these things through. Oh well, I guess dressing up in girls clothes was just cuter when your ten......or if you're James.

Well, enough of my rambling explanations, back to the story.

"Looks like we're here," Brock said as they eyed the large crowd in the back of Prof. Oak's lab.
"You think?" Ash added in an annoyed tone, while rolling his eyes.
Isn't he the pleasant little boy?

At that point Ash quickly broke away from Brock and Misty, and emerged himself into the crowds.

Misty let out a heavy sigh as she saw Ash disappear among the other trainers. Brock quickly took note of Misty's distress.

"He'll get over it......eventually," Brock said as comfortingly as possible.

"Yeah right." Misty stared down at the floor. Brock was afraid that she might even start crying.

"Really, Misty! These things just take time!" Brock added way too excitedly.

"I hate time! Everything was getting better, Brock. I got him to talk to me, and things were going okay....But then that thing with his mom happened, and now everything is just ten times worse than before,." Misty practically yelled, while Brock put his hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her down.

"Look, Misty, I know things are heated right now between you and Ash, but you can't expect this all to go away so soon. I mean, it just happened. You have to let him cool off. Anyway, if you want my honest opinion, I think he is being to hard on you-on all of us."

"Yeah?" Misty asked, intrigued.

"Well yeah. He's taking this way too personally. It was just a joke, and he knew what he was getting into when he accepted that dare. But it's Ash, and you know how he is. Just let him blow off a little steam. He'll be back to his old self soon enough," Brock reassured Misty as a smile finally came to her face.

"Yeah, I guess you're right Brock. Although I bet this would have been a lot easier on him if Pikachu and his other Pokemon were here. At least then he would have some one to talk to. Some one to soften him up a little. Actually, I wish I had my Pokemon too. I miss Togepi. I could have used it last night."

"Prof. Oak said that we can pick up our Pokemon tonight at his lab. Besides, we had promised he could study them months ago. It wouldn't have been right if we went back on our word."

"I know, I know." Misty shook her head, as she realized that the trainers started to take their seats. "I guess the lecture must be starting soon," Misty assumed.

"Hey guys! Hey, over here!" Misty and Brock recognized the waving figure that was calling out to them, to be Duplica. They both rushed over to greet her.

"Hey Duplica!" Misty and Brock said in unison.

"Hey, I got us some great seats. What do you think?" Duplica gestured to the front row seats that she managed to obtain.

"Great, but we're not exactly going to be watching a movie here." Misty giggled at her friends over-excitement.

"Actually, Misty, Prof. Oak did mention something about an introduction video. Hence the large screen over there." Brock drew the girls attention to the big screen on the stage.

"See? Plus I want to see this new Pokedex up close."

"All right, all right," Misty said, giving in.

"Hey, by the way, I ran into Ashy-boy a couple of minutes ago, and he was acting like....really.....bitchy. Is he still mad about that little thing last night?"

"Yup," Brock responded.

"Wow." Duplica stated, a little surprised.

"Don't worry about it. He's mostly taking it out on me anyway, so..." Misty remarked indifferently.

Duplica turned her worried gaze onto Misty "Well, he'll get over it. These things just take-"

"Time! Yes, yes I know!" Misty filled in, aggravated.

"We've talked about it already." Brock added.

"Right, well, still I'm sorry."

Brock and Misty both had confused expressions on their faces as Duplica continued to elaborate.

"I mean, it must really suck to have the guy you're crushing on hate you."

Brock's eyes widened at Duplica's sentence. He could only imagine what Misty's face looked like right. 'She probably is bright red with embarrassment.'

Well...he was half right. She was bright red with embarrassment and anger, her lip twitching up in aggravation.

Duplica just stood there watching Misty, an innocent, and slightly confused look playing on her face. Tracey was also quietly approaching the tense scene.

Misty finally got the ability to speak back, as she managed to let out a very hostile "What?!"

"Hey guys, what's up?" Tracey asked happily, as Brock suddenly wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

"Hey look! It's Tracey! Hey Tracey! What?! You want to go sit over there?! All right! Let's go!" Brock said very loudly, and very excitedly as he steered a confused Tracey, and himself away from the "danger area".

"But I..."

"Trust me." Brock said knowingly as he led bewildered Tracey towards the other side of the room.

Now, back to the fun. ^^

"What?" Duplica asked the steaming redhead innocently.

"YOU'RE CRAZY, THAT'S WHAT! I AM NOT CRushing on Ash!" Misty protested in a yell, and quickly toning it down to an angry whisper.

"Yeah, okay." Duplica said mockingly.

Misty was really pissed off now. "Why would I like Ash?!"

"Oh I don't know? Why would anyone like a cute, sweet, funny, big-hearted, lovable, heroic guy? You must be weird, or something!" Duplica pointed out sarcastically, as Misty anger began to fade, and only a shy blush was left on her cheeks.

Duplica sighed, and gave Misty a friendly, understanding smile.
"Look, he's a nice guy...well, maybe not today, but it's totally understandable that you like him. It's really nothing you should feel embarrassed about."

"Yeah, but...he's totally oblivious to romance," Misty admitted, letting her guard down.

"Ash is totally oblivious to most things.," Duplica pointed out, as Misty couldn't help but giggle.

"He doesn't like me though......Not at all now," Misty said, barely above a whisper.

"He will," Duplica encouraged, as she put her hand on Misty's shoulder.

"Yeah...." Misty said rather sadly.

"No, really! And who knows? Maybe he likes girls who let him try on their clothes!"

Misty had an amused expression on her face as she turned to look at Duplica, who was grinning happily.

"It's a perk!" At this, both Duplica and Misty burst out in laughter.

"Where is Ash-boy anyway?" Duplica managed to get out in between giggles.

"I don't know...." Misty and Duplica started scanning the room until Misty finally spotted him.

"There he is! He's sitting in front of the guys." Misty said, pointing at the row of seats across from them.

Duplica also noted the refreshment table near Ash, and thought she should rush things along. You know, I'm really thirsty. Do you think you could get me something to drink while I hold your seat, Misty?"

"Okay, but....where is there stuff to drink?" Duplica pointed in Ash's direction as Misty eyed Duplica suspiciously. "Duplica...."

"Oh come on, just go over there and talk to him."

"I've already tried talking to him, several times."

"So then it wouldn't hurt you trying again. Besides, he doesn't look mad anymore. Just give it a shot," Duplica encouraged, giving Misty a small nudge in Ash's direction.

Misty carefully made her way towards Ash while looking back at Duplica ever now and then for support. She stopped just in front of Ash, casting a shadow over him.

".....H-h-hey Ash." Misty said awkwardly.

Ash sat there silently, looking down at his shoes. However, suddenly he was violently nudged from behind, causing him to emit a startled gasp, and begin talking.

"H-hey."

Duplica smiled, as she watched the scene from afar. 'I guess they had a talk too,' Duplica thought, referring to the familiar group of boys sitting behind Ash.

Misty smiled, almost joyously as she tried to extend the conversation further.

"Um...I was just coming over to get some drinks for me and Duplica."

"Oh, okay." Ash said shyly, as he continued to stare at his shoes.

"Are-are you having a good time?"

"Yeah, actually uh...Prof. Oak said that he is going to use me to demonstrate the new Pokedex, so I'm excited about that," Ash said somewhat happily as a small smile crept on to his face, and he finally looked at Misty.

"That's cool," Misty said, smiling back.

"Yeah."

"Yeah."

[Insert awkward, but sweet silence here]

"I think I'll go get the drinks now. I'll see you later?" Misty asked, the hope apparent in her voice.

"Yeah, I'll see you." Ash said, giving Misty a genuine smile as she turned and walked towards the refreshment table.

It's a good thing Misty turned when she did because she had a big idiotic grin on her face, that showed her obvious happiness. Not that that was a bad thing.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Backstage, Prof. Oak was getting ready for the lecture.

"Did you guys put the screen out there?" Prof. Oak questioned the two Machamps.

"Machamp!" They said in unison.

"Good. What about the video, is the video set up?"

"Not yet gramps." Gary replied coming into the Prof.'s view.

"Where did I put that tape?" Prof. said as he scanned the area.

"Ah! There it is!" The Prof. grabbed the video tape that was marked "Instructional Video", and handed it to Gary.

"Put that in the machine."

"What ever you say, gramps.....So, this will be playing when your demonstrating the new Pokedex. Right?" Gary asked, somewhat suspiciously.

"Yes, that's right, now when Ash gets on stage I want you to press play on the machine, all right?" The Prof. made sure the Machamp understood their task.

"Machamp!" They nodded.

"Just one of you, not both!" The Prof. said frustratedly.

"Machamp!" They both responded again as the Prof. sighed.

Meanwhile, Gary had wandered off over to the VCR. He fumbled for a minute, reached for a backpack that was lying on the floor, and then stuck a tape inside the machine, while putting another tape into his back pack.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Misty was in the process of pouring punch into a cup for Duplica, when she heard some noise coming from behind a curtain. From her position she was able to see backstage where Prof. Oak was yelling directions at some Machamp. She also saw Gary fumbling with a video tape. After he stuck it into the machine, she saw his eyes dart around nervously, until he spotted her. He was a little surprised at first, but then he gave her an almost sinister smile as she quickly looked away.

Misty picked up the drinks and walked back over to her seat. All the while feeling irked by Gary's smile. 'What was that about?' She wondered to herself.

Duplica noticed her change of mood almost immediately, and was going to inquire about it, but the lights turned off at that moment, and she never got a chance.

The trainers' attention was drawn towards the stage as a spotlight shone on Prof. Oak.
He then went into an in-depth introduction of the Advance League, the new region, and Pokemon they would be exploring. In other words, a snoozefest.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A half hour later.....

"And now I'd like to call up Ash Ketchum to help me demonstrate how this new Pokedex is going to work. I would advise you all to also pay attention to the video behind us, that we will be following along with. It's a very informative video, and it explains just how different this Pokedex is from your old ones." Ash joined the Prof. on stage, as the Machamp pressed play on the VCR.

The large screen flickered white, and then black, and then it projected a very familiar living room scene. There was confusion from several trainers, there were gasps from knowing parties, and there giggles from a grandson of a well-known Pokemon Researcher. But none of that was anything compared to what was about to take place.

Ash stood on stage in confusion as he had yet looked at the screen behind him. He stared at the crowd, and suddenly....

"Oh come on Ash! It's just a game."

"I hate truth or dare!"

"If I have to do it, you have to do it!"

"Hurry up! We're all wa-waiting."

"Get your cameras ready everybody. This is going to be good."

Duplica,  Richie, Casey, Brock, Tracey, and Misty all had there eyes wide in horror.

"Oh my God..." Duplica was in shock.

"No...." Misty stared at the horrified Ash who was too terrified to turn around, knowing full well what he would see if he did.

"Ha! That will teach you for putting a Caterpie in my sleeping bag! What do you think, should I get it framed, or make them wallet size and hand them out to friends and relatives?"

And then suddenly, there was laughter. Laughter that was all too familiar to Ash.

"Wow! Whooohoo! So that's what you do on your off days, huh, Ash?"

"Oooooh, you look dead sexy! Hahahahahah!"

"Are you wearing it right now?!"

"Take it off so we can see!"

"Well that was more than I've ever wanted to see of you, Ash!"

"Anyone know where I could get a good shrink?"

"Thanks a lot, Ash. Now I'm scarred for life!"

"Nice legs! Now shake that ass!"

There were so many comments. So many jokes. So many taunts, and all Ash could do was sit there in shock, and take it. He had nothing to say in his defense. This was beyond humiliation for him. This was hell.

Misty was appalled. 'There were cameras but......Gary!'
Misty quickly got up from her seat and ran towards the laughing trainer.

Prof. Oak was struggling to turn off the VCR, as the part with Ash's mom and him entering the house was now playing, and the laughs and taunts were getting louder.
Many were surprised Ash hadn't broken down in tears yet from the expression on his face.

He couldn't take it anymore, he was angry, and getting angrier by the moment, and then he saw Misty....with Gary. He got off stage.

Misty stormed over to Gary and began to yell. "You! You did this! How could you?!"

Gary stopped laughing long enough to reply to Misty.

"Oh come on, red. You know you enjoyed that. Besides, you started it. You should have been aware of the consequences."

"Consequences?! You-"

Gary cut Misty off as he noticed Ash coming their way.
"Well, well, we pulled quite a joke on you, didn't we Ashy-boy?"

Gary put his arm around Misty's shoulders, turning her around to face a very angry Ash.

"Me and red make a great team, don't you think?" Gary grinned as Misty felt like she was about to die. Ash's eyes burned into her, and all she could do was stand there.

"Yeah....a great team. So great a team that maybe you two should stick together from now on."

Disgust filled Ash's voice as he turned away from them and began to exit the preserve.

Misty finally managed to throw Gary's hand off her. She ran to catch up to Ash.

When she got to him she grabbed a hold of his arm, which he violently pulled away.

"Ash! Please, you have to believe me, I didn't have anything to do with what just happened. Please, I would never lie to you. Please! You have to believe me!" Misty pleaded desperately as Ash simply turned his head a little, and said....

"....Stay away from me."

And with that, Ash began to run away from her.

Tears ran done Misty's face as the hatred filled words sunk into her.

Time was up.....


To be continued....


Ack! I'm done with another chapter! Yay me! First I'd like to again thank all of the people who reviewed, and are interested in this story. Your reviews are what keep me writing, so I really appreciate them. ^_^ Now as you can tell this is switching from a comedic story, to an angsty, drama story, but don't worry, it won't stay there for long. Remember, the fluff is coming up. There will probably be two more chapters of this story, but I'm not sure, so don't hold me on that. Also, the next chapter will mostly be dramatic, for obvious reasons. And don't worry, no more bad things happen to Ash. I promise. That was it. ^^
Well, I believe I've rambled enough, so now I'm going to ask you to please review if you like the story. Suggestions, comments, feedback of all kinds are welcome....except for flames. Thanks again for reading. ^_^