Ages:

Giovanni-41

Professor Ivy-26

Alexander-41

Samantha-39

Reggie-14

Trent-14

Connor-14

Derek-12

Jacob-8

Paul-5

Liana, Evan, & Eileen-4

Dr. Lane-51

Amos-26

Soma-25

Will-13

Jacob: Sorry to keep you waiting, but, be assured.

Derek: Your patience is rewarded & your votes are needed!

QUEENSPELLER67: Okay, guys, thanks for opening the chapter. Before this chapter is uploaded to the site, I'll post a link on my page. Click it if you want. I don't own Pokémon. I own my OC's, which will be mentioned & some will have cameo appearances. My advanced apologies for the length of this chapter.

Chapter 4: Condition

(Valencia Island Memorial Hospital. Noon. Giovanni's P.O.V.)

I've been pacing the floor for the past 5 minutes & Alex said, "Giovanni, try to chill out!" I stopped & looked at my youngest brother, who was keeping an eye on Jacob. Alex said, "Look, I'm just as nervous as you are. To think, there are common grounds on our families. Man, if Ken were here, he'd know what to do." I pulled a few dollars out of my wallet & said, "Jacob, be a sport & go to the vending machine. Press the orange button. Can you do that for your Uncle Giovanni?" Jake said, "Daddy, I want a soda!" I turned & looked at my younger brother, who had a "Say 'yes' & you'll be answering to my fist look," in his eyes. I pulled out a few coins & said, "Sorry, kiddo. Lemonade's a bit cheaper. You might like it." Jake said, "Okay," & raced down the hall. Alex said, "Go ahead, & yell at me." I said, "As much as I want to Alex, & of course that's what I'd send the kids out for, but, it won't solve anything. Ken can't help us, even though he's in Sinnoh. Something is piquing my interest, though." Alex said, "Sam doesn't seem too fazed by it, but still, we shouldn't be." I said, "You read my mind again, little bro. I wish 1 of the boys would call us, so we can hear how they're doing." Alex said, "That's my concern. They didn't do so well with toddlers. How many Flying-types has Reggie caught?" I said, "10. Charizard, Pidgeot, Fearow, Ledian, Golbat, Skarmory, Gligar, Noctowl, Scyther & Beautifly. How many Bug-types has Trent caught?" He said, "10. Butterfree, Beedrill, Scyther, Beautifly, Pinsir, Heracross, Dustox, Ledyba, Pineco & Venonat." I said, "It was an accident & Paul may have brain damage. I," Alex put his hand on my shoulder & said, "I know. The same thing happened with Evan." I looked at my brother, confused. After all, he's got six kids, whereas I've only got two. I said, "Alex, do you think that right now, Mom & Dad are looking down on us?" He said, "I don't know. Like I said, common grounds. Except, their parents are still alive." I thought about it.


. (A/N: they've got a large family. Explanation time!) Neil & Ruth Matthews were born in Lumiose City, Kalos. Neil had blond hair & orange eyes, whereas Ruth had brown hair & green eyes. Together, they had 5 sons: Kenneth, Darach, Palmer, Giovanni, & Alexander. Combined, they got 12 grandkids. Kenneth has 2 sons, Darach has a daughter, Palmer has a son, Giovanni has 2 sons, & Alexander has his 4 sons & 2 daughters. Neil was a psychic, G-Man & was shot in the heart shortly after the triplets were born. Ruth was also a psychic, but she was the Lumiose Gym Leader. A Voltorb's Explosion made the gym implode. The Voltorb was wild, but when the triplets turned 2, they lost their paternal grandmother. The gym has since been rebuilt & Kenneth led it for a while, before passing it on to Meyer. As of this moment, Meyer is still the Gym Leader. He passes it down to Clemont to run his shop. Now, the other side: Ezekiel & Judith Ivy. They were born in Nimbasa City, Unova. Ezekiel has brown hair & blue eyes, whereas Judith has bluish-purple hair & brown eyes. Together, they had 2 sons & 4 daughters: Argenta, Ezekiel Jr., Levi, Rachel, Isabel, & Felina. Combined, they've got 14 grandkids. Argenta has 2 sons, Zeke (Ezekiel Jr. or EJ, depending on the relative) has a son & a daughter for 2, Levi has 2 sons, Rachel has twins, Felina has her 2 sons, & Isabel has her 6 kids. This is where things get fun: as you know, Felina has married Giovanni, Isabel (prefers her middle name; her parents of course call her by her first name) has married Alexander, & Argenta has married Kenneth! Kenneth & Argenta's sons are Kenneth Jr. (KJ) & Lucian. Darach married a woman named Esther Williams (OC) & their daughter is Caitlin. All 3 are Frontier Brains, but not for a while. Palmer married a woman named Patricia Walker (OC) & their son is Barry. Ezekiel Jr. married a woman named Maureen Walsh (OC). Their son is Connor Tyler (OC: Reggie & Trent's age. Goes by Connor, Tyler, or CT; depending on the relative) & their daughter is Myra (OC: Jacob's age). Levi met Ann Shaw (OC) on Navel Island & married her. Their sons are Danny & Harley. You know Felina & Samantha's kids. Rachel traveled to Mossdeep City & met Jin Wilson. If you've paid attention to the anime, their kids are none other than the Mossdeep Gym Leaders: Tate & Liza. So, Paul's extended family in 1 word: huge!


(Same place, 12:15. Alex's P.O.V.)

I said, "It happens, I guess because of nerves. I'm willing to wager that Palmer dropped Barry on his head. Too bad Ken was so nervous, he passed out & dropped KJ." Giovanni smiled & said, "Not all parents are perfect. I dropped Reggie on his head shortly after he was born." Giovanni thought, "I threw him on the ground a few times as a toddler. I didn't mean to drop Paul, it just, I don't know." I said, "Giovanni, why did you drop Reggie as a toddler? Please, tell me you were just playing & you got a little rough," a tone of concern in my voice. Giovanni (being the professional liar that he is) said, "Yeah, I did. Then, I remember teaching them both how to ride bikes, but, both fell on their heads. However, Reggie saw a skateboard & fell in love with it. I don't know why though." I said, "Well, remember when he turned 9 & wanted to learn how to surf?" Giovanni said, "How can I forget? He had wipeouts in the beginning, but he got better. I guess he was right when he said, 'Dad, surfing & skateboarding are pretty identical. A skateboard has wheels, but a surfboard doesn't.' Their designs, I guess, is what he was getting at. I sent Jacob to the vending machines 3 minutes ago, where is he?" As if on cue, my brown-haired son came back into the waiting area. He handed us our iced coffees, & studied his bottle of lemonade. Giovanni opened the can & began to drink. Jacob said, "How do I do that?" I said, "What?" & proceeded to open my can. Jacob's eyes widened & he said, "That! I wanna drink my lemonade!" Giovanni took a break & said, "You can't learn to do what we just did, unless you had a can. Your lemonade is in a bottle." At this, Jake frowned, but tried to open the bottle; Giovanni had been studying it & it obviously has been shaken. Jake said, "Do I just twist this cover?" We nodded, but were hoping to hear from our older sons, along with Connor, our nephew. The door opened & Amos said, "Mr. Matthews, I'd like to know," I said, "Me or Giovanni?" Amos raised a brow, but got an elbow to the chest, courtesy of his sister, Soma. Soma said, "Honestly, I wonder how accurate those DNA tests are. Your wives have mentioned that the kids have older siblings & cousins." Giovanni said, "Lots of cousins; we've got a large family." I said, "The only older sibling that's not out is this little rascal," taking the bottle & opening it for him. Soma said, "Which of you does he belong to?" Giovanni pointed his right thumb at me & said, "Our older sons are on their journeys." Amos said, "I see. Well, Dr. Lane said that he needs some sibling interaction, so please get a hold of your sons." Felina came out, holding a squirming Evan. I said, "Felina, any ideas on the whereabouts of the boys?" taking my son from my sister-in-law. She said, "Reggie, Connor & Trent said that they'd be taking a break from their Hoenn journey & left for the Sevii Islands 2 days ago. However, Derek is in Johto. Giovanni, they need Pokégears!" Giovanni said, "Okay, okay. I guess we can try our luck. My gut's telling me that they're somewhere in Hoenn." I said, "Derek's in Johto. We'll make the calls."


(Lavaridge Pokémon Center, Trent's P.O.V.)

Reggie said, "Nurse Joy, can you heal my Taillow & Grovyle?" She nodded & said, "Trent, Connor, your Pokémon?" I said, "My Typhlosion & Torchic. Connor didn't battle at the Gym, he's a Coordinator," looking at my cousins. The phone on Nurse Joy's desk began to ring & she answered, "Lavaridge Town Pokémon Center? Yes, I can transfer the call Mr. Matthews." At this, Reggie & I got concerned. Nurse Joy said, "Boys, the video phone is about to ring," leaving to treat our Pokémon. The video phone rang & since I was closest I answered it. I said, "Jacob, why are you calling?" Jacob said, "Uncle Gio just handed me the phone," handing the phone to my uncle. Jacob, like most of our family members, couldn't pronounce "Giovanni". So, depending on the relative, he's either "Uncle Gio" or "Uncle Vanni". Sure enough, my uncle got the phone & said, "Hey, Trent." I said, "Did you need to talk to Reggie?" He said, "Reggie's with you, correct?" Reggie got up & said, "Hey, Dad. How are the tests going?" He said, "Long. Dr. Lane needs older siblings. Can you & Trent stop battling & come to the hospital?" I said, "Yeah, we can," & ended the call. Reggie said, "Luckily, I've got my Skarmory & you've got your Pidgeot." I said, "Connor?" For the first time since we got back into Hoenn, our cousin spoke up. He placed a finger in his book on Contests & said, "Just get done what you need to get done," not looking at either of us. I said, "Connor, be serious," annoyed. He stared at us & said, "Look, Nurse Joy is doing what she can. Just go, & I'll tell her where you guys went." Reggie said, "Thanks, Connor." I said, "We'll be back as soon as we can," walking out with Reggie. We sent out our Flying partners & took to the skies for Valencia Island. Reggie said, "We've gotta beat Mr. Moore for Hoenn badge number 4. Hey, that rhymed!" I said, "Well, I'm not gonna use Typhlosion against his again. I'm willing to wager that Jacob's gonna ask about Hoenn & beg us to take him with us." Reggie said, "He seemed oddly hyper, don't you think?" I said, "He's 8, but yeah, he seemed more energetic than normal. I can see Aunt Felina's lab." Reggie said, "Yeah, here we are." We landed in front of the lab, thanked our partners & recalled them before sprinting to the hospital.


(Goldenrod City Pokémon Center, Derek's P.O.V.)

I was cycling to the Center from the Gym, having looked at the map Trent gave me. I memorized the route, but I just got my butt kicked. I saw the bike rack in front of the center & locked it. I still had my helmet on & I walked in. I was somewhat winded & sweating. "Chan? Chansey!" I grabbed the Poké Balls off my belt & enlarged them as Nurse Joy came out. Nurse Joy said, "Is your name Derek Matthews?" My face is so red from the bike ride, but I'm blushing for sure! I said, "Y-yes. Yes, I'm Derek. Can you please heal my Pokémon?" I reached for the water bottle in my pack & began to drink. She said, "Of course. It's just," she's cut off by the phone ringing. She said, "Goldenrod, ah, Mr. Matthews. Yes, he just came in. Do you mind if I transfer the call to the video phone?" I waved my hands, not wanting my father to see me looking like I was in a fight. She said, "Sure thing," & hung up. She walked over to the phone & pressed a button. She said, "The phone's off of video. Did you come from the Goldenrod Gym?" I nodded, as the phone rang. I said, "Hello?" Dad said, "Hey, son. I guess you just wanna see your old man in person. Anyway, for the tests, the doctor wants to see some sibling interaction. You," he's briefly cut off by an ear-piercing scream: "DADDY, I'M BOWED!" He said, "I know you are, honey. Derek, you've hopefully caught a Flying or Water type?" I paused; I only had 3 Pokémon on me, 2 of which were recovering. I suddenly remembered & said, "Yeah, I have. Sure, bye," ending the call. I may have gotten defeated, but I still knew which of my sisters just made that scream: Liana. I sent out my Ditto & said, "Ditto, Transform into a Skarmory; no, a Kadabra!" "Dit? To?" I said, "Kadabra. In the background, I heard Paul saying 'bird'." Ditto complied & I thought, "If I could forget that day." I said, "Ditto, I mean, Kadabra, would you use Teleport to Valencia Island?" My transformed Psychic Pokémon did so.


(The hospital, 12:45, Reggie's P.O.V.)

We were out of breath when Derek appeared outside. He said, "Thanks, Kadabra," return. Kadabra glowed white, confusing Trent & I because Kadabra evolves via trade. Kadabra got smaller & was returned to Derek. We walked in & said, "Matthews family?" The receptionist said, "Fifth floor." We thanked her & got into the elevator. I pressed the button & said, "So, Derek, you get in a fight?" He said, "No. I went to the Goldenrod Gym. The Gym Leader stated it was a 2-on-2 battle & that only the challenger was allowed to substitute, no time limit. Totodile & Ledyba couldn't score a hit on the dude's Natu!" I said, "Natu? Guess the gym changed its type; again." Derek said, "I got on my bike & went straight to the center. The gym leader himself seemed older than I am, but younger than you 2. I think his name was," Dad cut him off saying, "Will. Okay, they're here." Derek was rubbing his head & we followed him. I said, "Maybe we can talk strategy later." We were introduced to Dr. Lane, Soma, & Amos. Mom said, "Hi, boys. Derek, were you in a fight?" Derek said, "No, Aunt Felina. I rode my bike to the Goldenrod Pokémon Center." Jacob came up to us & said, "How's Hoenn? How's Johto?" I said, "Hoenn is different." Derek said, "Johto is also different, man I'm wiped," slinking in a seat. At that point, I was scanning the room, looking for them. Uncle Alex came out of a side door, with Eileen & Paul gripping his hands, upset about something. Liana said, "Leni, Ev, look!" Eileen & Paul turned towards us & slowly smiled. They let go, walking our way. Derek said, "Some voice you've got, Squirt. Hey, Pauly." Eileen, was silent, the same with Paul. Their expressions remained blank, but they knew we were here. Liana (somewhat hoarse) said, "Hi, Reggie." Derek raised a brow & said, "Liana, were you the 1 who said you were bored when I was talking to Dad?" She nodded. Eileen & Paul let go & Eileen said, "Play with Pauly?" Paul said, "Bored." We played with our younger siblings for 15 minutes, then went our respective ways.


(Professor Ivy's P.O.V.)

We let the kids play with Jacob in a separate room, under the watchful eyes of Amos & Soma. Dr. Lane said, "Professor Matthews," I said, "It's Ivy. I kept my maiden name." Dr. Lane continued, "Professor Matthews, your triplets are quite the handful." I felt embarrassed, having forgotten that my brother-in-law was not only the Viridian Gym Leader along with Izzy, but a teacher at Celadon University. Dr. Lane said, "Liana & Evan are hitting the marks. Eileen & Paul, though, they seem behind. Might I ask what their first words were & when?" Alex scratched his head & said, "Liana's was 'mama' at 6 months & then Evan's was 'dada' at 7 months. Eileen would usually mutter, never really placing words together. At 10 months, she said her first word, surprising us: Kanto." Dr. Lane was jotting this down & said, "As for Paul?" Reggie's was 'dada' & I said, "Like my niece, Paul said his first word at 10 months as well: Sinnoh." The doctor was telling us that Paul & Eileen were intelligent, however, his next words sent chills up our spines. Dr. Lane said, "Paul & Eileen suffer from an ASD, there's no doubt about that." Giovanni said, "ASD?" Dr. Lane said, "Autism Spectrum Disorder. There's 1 more test I can do to pinpoint the one they've got," & went out of the room. I couldn't believe it, what I was hearing. Dr. Lane has known my father for a long time & knows the psychic genes present. He brought in the triplets & Paul, Jake's finally showing signs of exhaustion. Dr. Lane said, "What's the biggest word or phrase you can think of?" Jake said, "Boredom." Dr. Lane said, "That's typical for a boy your age, Jake. Paul?" My youngest son said, "Veilstone City Gym," referring to his & Reggie's birth town. Liana thought & said, "Delphox," referring to my brother-in-law's Fire starter. Evan thought & said, "University." Lastly, was Eileen, who finally said, "Celadon University Samurott," referring to her father's position & her mother's Water starter; come to think of it, Samurott is her main Pokémon. My smile soon faded as I saw Amos & Soma fitting Eileen & Paul with wristbands. Dr. Lane said, "I'll have a definite answer tomorrow morning. They'll be staying overnight," & covered his ears. He soon uncovered them, as the only one making a sound was Jake. We decided to let our husbands head home & let the boys know what would be happening.


(The next morning, 9:00. Lavaridge Pokémon Center, Reggie's P.O.V.)

I yawned & sat up. "Ow! Next time we stay in a Pokémon Center, I get top bunk!" Trent was standing in front of me, having used the ladder & said, "Don't complain. Top bunk's no better. I hit my head, too. Should we wake Connor up?" a sly grin forming. I loved soaking people to wake them up; except for my parents. I turned & said, "I guess he's already awake." Trent turned & noticed the empty bed. We spent the night, worried about our siblings. Mr. Moore was nice enough to offer us breakfast at some restaurant. Connor (fully dressed) showed up & said, "Aunt Sam's on the phone." At this, Trent & I bolted. I said, "Hi, Aunt Sam. Wait, shouldn't you be at the gym today?" My aunt countered, "Shouldn't you & Trent be dressed?" Trent deadpanned, "What's up with them?" My aunt sighed. Trent was wearing a black T-shirt & I was wearing a red one with a white stripe; both of us still had our boxers on. My aunt said, "Reggie, Trent, Eileen & Paul," she told us. We got dressed & headed to the restaurant.


(Goldenrod City Pokémon Center, Derek's P.O.V.)

I said, "Thanks for the call, Aunt Felina. Bye," ending the call with my aunt. A familiar voice trilled, "Ah, Derek, there you are. Ready for a rematch?" I turned & saw Will, the Goldenrod Gym Leader in a pair of jeans & a maroon T-shirt. I sat down & said, "Will, can it wait a few days?" Will said, "A few days?" Nurse Joy said, "Derek, most challengers usually take the rematch the next day. Has there been a death in your family?" I said, "No. It's my sister & my cousin, Paul. They had to stay overnight at the hospital," trying to keep my cool. I didn't want to cry in front of a Gym Leader; unless it was a family member. Will said, "You don't have to talk," I cut him off saying, "My sister & cousin have Asperger's Syndrome!" Will said, "That'll be quite fine. Come to the Gym when you're ready," & left. Then, I lost my cool. Nurse Joy said, "Will's amazingly mature for his age. Derek, how old are you?" In between tears, I said, "12. Why?" Nurse Joy said, "Oh, my. You're not too far in age from Will at all. He's 13!" I said, "What?!" I didn't know which was more shocking: the fact that my sister & cousin have autism, Eileen being psychic, Will's age, or a combination of the 3. All I knew, is that this wasn't a dream. It was a nightmare.

Author's note: Sorry that chapter 4 was so long. Chapter 5 (I hope; no promises) should be shorter.