Chapter 25 : Regrouping ?

Worked on this for a month and I'm finally finished with the chapter, yay ! ^.^ I think I'm somewhat out of my blocking slump, and so I think this chapter was done decently enough. (It'll probably take another three months to go for Chapter 26, though. Sorry. D:) But I tried my best with still keeping the funny in and this is the finished work. I know that with the vague storyline I have stored in my head that this fanfic's limit will probably be thirty chapters. And then whether I do a sequel to this....it's in the air, probably a no 'cause I want to work on other stuff, but if I do it'll probably be a long time since I want to give myself a break. School really breaks down your spirit a lot, although getting done early in Computer Apps class helped me get this all typed quicker. (Fast typer, click-click-click. XD)

All righty, then. I'm typing this "heartfelt" A/N rant at 11:30 at night, and I kinda wanna pay some attention to The Shining even though I've already seen the best parts, so I'll wrap things up by saying to enjoy, and thanks so much for your patience - Axy appreciates it very much. =3

" Communication, please. Over. This is Team Cyborg-Robot attempting to connect lines with Team Ketchup and Team Gary. Over. Respond. Over. "

Snore. Argue-squabble-argue.

" Hello, is anybody on the line ? Can anyone hear me ? Over. "

Glass breaking. A Coke falling to its side. The timid squealing of someone offering to clean up the mess.

" Hello ? Can anyone hear me ? Over. "

Conway dove under the table with a grand flourish, pulling on the checkerboard tablecloth with dear life. Max promptly turned off his PokeNav and glared at his older triplet. Lunch hadn't gone as well as the young bluenette had expected. The macaroni and cheese that was served was stale, the atmosphere bland, and Max had a strong thought in his head that the waitress who served him had spat into his drink. Somewhere between battling his mother's goons and waking Conway up with "stun mode," communications with the other groups were also lost, putting Max in a foul mood.

" Brother of mine, you almost broke our only line of communication, " he growled, eyes drifting down at the tablecloth.

" I have every right to hide ! " Conway hissed, fiddling with his glasses nervously. " I spilled my girlfriend's Coke and now she wants to inflict great bodily harm to my torso ! "

" What joy. "

Max turned his head for a few seconds as Roxanne dragged his brother out from under the table by the legs. He watched with amusement at Roxanne flipping Conway into a neighboring table, and Ai and Sherry soaking up the floor with used napkins. Molly took a seat next to the boy and grabbed his hand. " Frustrated ? "

" Yeah. No one's answering. "

Molly squeezed the hand. She leaned against the boy's right arm, sending Butterfree floating into his stomach. " Take your time, hun. Don't get stressed. "

" Thanks for the advice, Mol, but as the team leader, I have a responsibility to fulfill. "

("Since when are you team leade-")

Conway was flipped into another table, courtesy of Roxanne. Molly rolled her eyes, turning Max around so he could look at her. " You're eight ! You don't have to act like an old man yet ! " she said sternly. " You may have a big brain, but you don't have to use it all the time, geez. Lighten up and relax like you should with your life. 'Sides- " Molly grinned evilly and snickered. " Mr. Ketchum probably broke his phone, anyway ! "

Max's serious mood disappeared slightly, and his face brightened up a little. " Hehehe, good point, but even so....Misty and her group's phone is probably still intact. "

" If Carrot-Top didn't get a bee in her undies. "

" Oh, Arceus, Molly, don't make me worry like that ! " Max groaned, pulling away from Molly's grip and wiping his forehead. Despite Molly's protests he quickly turned the PokeNav back on and pressed the Talk button, blabbing into the receiver with a newfounded sharpness to his voice. There was also panic in it, but he kept that under control. "-please respond. Over. Anybody, can you hear me ? Over. "

There was a moment's pause, but as Max started for words again, there was a voice on the receiving end, light and airy with some sort of southern accent. " Oh, dear, May, some creepy voice has crawled through my head ! " the voice moaned, slightly anguished. " I dun know whatever this voice came from, but it sure sounds ungodly ! "

A sick realization hit the bluenette of whom the other voice belonged. Sweatdrop forming and quickly growing in size, he let out a sharp sigh and clutched the phone tighter. " Is-Is this Whitney of Goldenrod City ? "

" Erm, why yes, I am. " Puzzlement replaced irrational panic. " Who might this be ? "

" This is Max Maple of Petalburg City. I'm May's brother, " Max introduced himself rather impatiently. " I believe we met during the time we split into groups. Knowing my sister's choice of friends, both of you are in a life-threatening situation involving pokemon ? "

" Of course not, silly ! me and May are just lounging in this nest built by a metal Fearow. I say we're about fifty feet from the ground, but nobody's ever died from a comfy little nest ! "

" Yeah...is there another number I could maybe reach to contact the rest of yuor group ? You seem kinda tied up. "

" Only number I can think of would be the orange-head's cellphone, but I don't have the number. "

" Ughhh, f__king technology ! " The phone was squeezed tighter to the point of not being able to breathe if it had lungs. Impatience instantly switched with total fury. " Well, where are you two ? You all should know that this is no time for slacking off ! We have a maniac to thwart at the moment, if you haven't forgotten ! "

" Tsk. Oh, yeah ! We're right above you watchin' with some nifty binoculars. You know you turn into a cherry face when you're angry ? Tee-hee, silly cherry face ! "

Max slowly looked upward to see two specks dangling their feet over a nest and tree branches. Handing the PokeNav over to Molly, the little boy started to scream out things that no eight-year-old should murmur, regardless of how funny and squeaky their voices might sound. Unbeknown to him Whitney was staring as if someone had struck her with lightning, eyes practically popping out of their sockets, while May was ignoring her companion with earphones as her aid.

Meanwhile, after recovering from some brutal injuries, Conway was staring at Max himself with mild amusement. He pushed his glasses up, placing a bony hand on his younger brother's shoulder. " Ooh, look, Tweedledee and Tweedledum has placed our team leader into a fit. Maybe instead of acting like a moron you should try to get those two down ? "

" I'M THINKING ! " Max snapped. He started to pace back and forth. On one hand the girls were his teammates, with one being a gym leader and and the other being a deceased gym leader's daughters, along with being his sister. On the other hand, they were dumb. Simple addition was a challenge for those two. Before May started out on her journey, she almost killed him with a waffle iron.

She was making an attempt of making homemade waffles and had happily decided that Max should watch on top of the stove. He had willingly obliged, still lacking common sense. The batter was lumpy and smelled odd, but nevertheless May wanted to continue her masterpiece. She carefully cooked on one of the burners with Max sitting right next to the pan, but there was one problem. In order for these things to be waffles, there had to be the crisscross lines that distinguished a waffle from other breakfast meals. Both parents were still sleeping. The waffle iron was conveniently placed in one of the cabinets that was easily accessible to both of them. Turning it on May started to brand the creation when the phone rang, and she nearly swung the waffle iron directly at Max's face as she went to answer the call. With temperatures exceeding 150 degrees Fahrenheit, he would've surely died had the waffle iron touched his skin.

Now he wondered why he never retaliated. Seeing his sister and her friend in the midst of danger actually pleased him in some way. However, he knew that Conway was right. May and Whitney would have to come down from the tree. His moral conscience would later have to be fried upon a skillet like a batch of scrambled eggs. Being a scholarly hero of a popular anime was tiring work at times, especially with a lethal laser built into the body.

Whitney and May continued to frolic upon the treetop, and Max walked over to the table where he was seated earlier. Conway closely peered over his brother's shoulder as the boy started to doodle on a piece of paper. The other stopped wandering and gathered around the table to await some sort of order, ready to listen to the eight-year-old's commands.

Within a few minutes Max was ready, pushing his glasses up his nose. " All right, as we all know, two of Group One's team members are stuck in the tree that's towering right above our heads. Now I've explored what we can do to get them down. Cutting the tree is a big no-no. It would fall on the restaurant and we'd have to pay out big time. "

" Too bad it can't fall on Conway....."

" SHUT UP YOU HORRIBLE LITTLE HEDGEHOG ! "

" Just try me, Mr. Inedible Candy Bar. "

" ! ! ! "

" Ahem ! " Max glared at Conway and Sherry, promptly silencing their bickering. " Anyway, I've also thought of using what psychic abilities that we have among us. Unfortunately, Ralts isn't that strong to teleport two teenage girls from a high altitude to here, so that just leaves us with Ai, since Sherry's powers are....uh, unstable. "

He sweatdropped and glanced at Ai, who was staring down at the ground in embarrassment. " Don't feel shy about it, Ai. I'm pretty sure you're the only one of us that can control the natural powers without blowing everyone up. It's a good thing. "

Ai nodded slowly. Sherry furrowed her tiny eyebrows and hopped back onto the girl's head, giving him a sharp look. " Now look here, Four Eyes. You're getting the wrong assumptions. My good friend can control her psychic powers pretty decently, but you gotta remember something. She was revived by a kitty freak, a cloned freak of nature, and a giant chicken-bird. The reality of the situation is that if she doesn't control her powers, she might blow us all up to the moon, just by accident. It's your basic physics lesson. Of course, you wouldn't know about that, kid. "

" . . . . . "

Molly pushed Max aside, glaring at the Shaymin. " Don't talk to my man like that ! He's eight ! "

Sherry ignored her, creating more tension in the air by upsetting the girl. Max pulled Molly back and gained composure, once again facing not the hedgehog, but the owner of the head that the hedgehog enjoyed sitting upon at times. " Well, Ai, it's up to you, " he murmured. " I don't wanna push you into something that might upset you. We can always find another way to get those two down. "

" O-Oh, no, it's no trouble at all. I could easily do it, I think, " Ai replied.

" Are you sure ? "

" Um... try it. "

Roxanne and Conway shared a concerned look as Ai gently placed Sherry on the table, decreasing the furniture's value. She stepped over next to the tree and placed her hands over its surface, closing her eyes. The bottom of the tree slowly started to glow a pale blue, and then as quick as lightning, a stronger shade of blue energy flew up the tree, vibrating with an almost electric-like spark. Soon the tree began to shake, along with Ai, Whitney, and May, and several of the pokemon inhabiting the tree quickly fled, including a Furret that fell out of its home in a daze.

And when the Furret started to squeal in protest, blue consumed May and Whitney, both in mild confusion. Molly tugged on one of Max's shirt sleeves. " Look at her, " she breathed, bouncing up and down in joy. " That's our Ai. "

May and Whitney fell to the ground with one blue explosion, dazed and swirly-eyed. Max stared at his sister for a few seconds, amused. Strands of her brown hair covered one swirly eye, and a stream of drool rushed out from the corner of her mouth. She looked dumb, idiotic, and incompetent, but she was his sister. He turned to Molly, smiling warmly. Behind them their friend slid down and slept against the tree, exhausted. " Yep. That's our Ai. "

There were two sides of the faithful, semi-elderly car. On the inside sat Winona, Shelly, Delia, Mortimer, and Giovanni, who was reluctantly holding Pikachu. Outside, Ash laid on the ground next to Domino's feet, with Rai looking amused and Mewtwo staring directly at the car with bulging eyes. Behind both groups Caroline's headquarters was already half-ash, continuing to burn with a great intensity.

And the tension was unimaginable.

" I see my nemesis, " Mewtwo murmured, eyes bulging even more. " I see him just...sitting there. "

" I see a freaky cat-rabbit thing, " Giovanni said at the same time, glaring at the psychic pokemon. " I have that feeling that he's staring at me. "

Shelly rolled her eyes at both parties. " Hey, Van Man, don't you wanna go and confront the freaky cat-rabbit thing ? Besides, I think your kid is with him. He's the stupid-looking one on the ground, right ? "

" Uh-hu- "

Mortimer pushed Giovanni out of the car, sending the man and Pikachu fall to the ground. Immediately the mouse pokemon scurried to Ash and poked his arm, relieved at having his own trainer back. Mewtwo continued to stare at Giovanni, paws shaking. He stood up straight and cleared his throat, resisting the urge to kill everyone. " We meet again, " he stated, attempting to unbulge his eyes.

Giovanni nodded slowly. " Yeah. Uh...how's life ? "

" It sucks ? "

" Fair enough. "

" . . . . . "

" Hey, you think you might be interested in becoming partners aga- "

" No. "

Sweatdrops. Giovanni chuckled nervously and put a hand behind his head, slowly turning to Ash. " Uh, I think your mother's worried about your underwear usage. "

" Probably. "

All of the women groaned. Domino clicked her tongue and shook her head. " Geez, Boss, of all the things you could've said after being separated for so long...you've just proven that you are indeed the most quirky leader of all of the evil organizations that are out there. "

" Hey, that was proven ten years ago by an Officer Jenny ! " Giovanni snapped. " I don't need anyone reminding me of that b.s. "

" What about your romantic issues ? "

" Those have already been fixed. "

(Ash) " Liar. "

" SHUDDUP ! " Giovanni grabbed a rock and threw it at his son, face flaring heavily. Ash cackled, spontaneously standing up before running around his father in circles. For once, Domino and Mewtwo decided to join in the tormenting with the simple-minded one, driving the older man closer to Insanity Bridge. Mortimer, who had stood silent for quite some time, scooted across the car seat and also jumped in the evil merrymaking, eager to use his mischievous nature for something.

Meanwhile, Rai walked over to the vehicle and stepped inside, sitting next to Delia. She offered a hand to the exhausted mother, which was willingly shaken with warmth. " My name's Rai, " the Darkrai introduced herself, sounding hoarse and firm. " The purple one with the stupid-looking wig is my boyfriend. Apparently Mr. Blockhead and him have a long and vengeful history, but you should already know that. " She tapped a finger to her chin thoughtfully. " Oh, and your kid's gotta be the most annoying pissant I know. He's lucky that we weren't with him for too long. Never stops squirming around, like a freakin' Aipom. "

" Yeah, both of them *have* been getting more and more threatening phone calls lately, " Delia said simply, glowering at the outside view. " A few days ago I received a call on my cell phone that threatened to kill my entire family if I didn't get a Kyogre. I hung up. "

(Shelly) " Oops. Yeah, I got the wrong number. Sorry 'bout that. "

Winona rolled her eyes. Delia swore under her breath, facepalming herself and once again turning her attention to Rai. Outside, Giovanni was getting angrier at the second and was staring at some decently heavy stones. She could only wonder why she ever decided to talk to him after the divorce. The court battles would've settled themselves, but no, she *had* to interfere and start up communication. Watching Mewtwo's behavior didn't console her, either, nor did it change any opinions. " Men, huh ? "

Rai nodded. " Yep. Arceus's own little play things to amuse himself when he's feeling blue. " She paused, and then addressed everyone in the car. " Hey, ladies, you wanna ditch 'em and go for one of those sodas that are so bad for pokemon ? I'm sure Doms'll take care of the entire situation eventually. "

The other women murmured in favor of the proposition that was being offered to them. Winona reached for the gear shifter and replaced the car in motion, slowly steering it back. It was a good thing to get away from idiotic male influences sometimes. A bubbly orange drink would perhaps temporarily relieve them all with stress. And as Domino, who was just beginning to realize that she was being ditched, stomped around her former boss like a madlady, the flickers of an enemy started to become clear.

" Lemonade, oooh, pink lemonade ! "

" It's lady marmalade, genius. "

" Don't talk to my sister like that ! "

" Whatever. I'm so freakin' bored. "

Oakley smacked Gary in the head with a rolled-up newspaper while Annie restarted her rendition of "Lady Marmalade." The boy swore under his breath, snatching the newspaper from the woman's hand and throwing it on the ground in an instant. " Dammit, woman, don't you smack my hand like that ! " he growled, glaring at Oakley.

" Let's see you stop me, you disrespectful little Sneasel. "

" Bring it on, bitch ! "

Both sides grabbed a long stick and started to whack each other combat-style. It had been exactly like this for days. Group Two was slowly being torn up in large pieces. Nobody had really cared for Oakley's arrogant attitude or her teamwork skills, especially Misty and Gary. About two days ago, the situation was so severe that Misty almost swung her mallet of DOOM directly into the woman's face. Luckily, Tracey and Jasmine caught her just in time, and the mallet of DOOM was confiscated until further notice. Misty eventually calmed down with the lack of her beloved tool. Gary, however, was a different story.

Being bored and raised in probably the most rural area of the Great Four's civilized regions, Gary's natural stubbornness and need to succeed in everything made him so that he would never back down from anything. School bullies were never a problem for the great Gary Oak. In fact, he taught them many tricks of the country redneck. Teachers made great victims, with the exception of his kindergarten teacher, who was more of an ultimate nemesis at the time than a victim. Rugged pokemon trainers and thieves didn't bother him, either. The only two times where he ever let his guard down was when he was thrown across the Viridian Gym by that freaky armored pokemon, and when Ash finally defeated him at a battle in the Johto League.

So when Oakley began to get on his nerves, it was like a baseball being thrown at his head. Never one to ignore a challenge, the war began to clash in every way possible and then some. Since Gary did not have a designated weapon or favored tool, it was pretty easy for him to fight with a girl.

" KYAAAH ! " The silver-haired woman raised her leg slightly and kicked Gary's stick out of his hand. She smirked, a smug expression on her face that told the world of her overflowing confidence. Gary bit his lip pensively, furrowing his eyebrows in frustration and lack of weaponry. Knowing that there wasn't a chance to grab anything without letting his guard down, he held one arm close to his face to help brace himself. It would be one battle that he actually doubted he'd win.

The other spectators watched with concern and even with a hint of amusement. Misty handed Phione over to Jasmine and walked over to Tracey, tapping his shoulder. " They're at it again, " she muttered, glowering at the sight and hating that she couldn't be a part of it. " It's been like this for the past three days, and I'm starting to get tired of it. " Code meaning, Do something.

Ever the composed peacemaker, Tracey nodded. He strode over to the scene and pulled the boy close to his chest. " Hold it there, cowboy. There's no need to fight again with the young lady. We're all friends here, you know. "

" . . . Are you finally trying to come out of the closet or are you just grieving over your loved ones, Mustard Boy ? "

" I'LL KILL YOU ! " The ever-composed peacemaker was held back by Misty and Annie to prevent Gary from turning into a pile of tofu slush. Tracey squirmed like an Ekans but found that it was useless to resist. His face blushed a light red and he felt for his hair, scratching it in embarrassment. A voice in the boy's head still told him to kill Gary, though.

A few minutes after everyone calmed down, they settled around a bunch of branches that were formerly used as part of a campfire. Phione happily squealed in Misty's arms again and gnawed on her fingers gently. A wave of odd serenity seemed to take over the previously hostile group. Tracey leaned his back against a hollow tree and sighed. " You think the others forgot about us ? " he asked finally, hesitant.

Gary rolled his eyes, frustrated that Tracey would ask such a question. He felt up Tracey's pride by looking straight at him. " Of course, stupid, " he stated bluntly. He grunted and smacked Tracey in the head before recrossing his arms. " Lemme ask you all a question of my own, though, starting with you, Mustard Boy. If you were physically restricted to this area and could not have any living contact with anyone besides us, who or what would you miss ? "

Tracey stood silent for a moment but quickly thought of something. " Professor Oak and possibly Domino. "

" Possibly ? Isn't Blondie, like, your girlfriend ? "

" Yeah. "

" . . . . . " The auburn-haired boy turned to Jasmine and pointed to her. " What about you ? I know you talk. "

Jasmine nodded, that familiar shade of pale pink slowly creeping back upon her face. " My dear Amphy who runs the Lighthouse in Olivine. He's always working himself too hard, and I always worry about him. The last time Whitney, him, and I had a picnic he was starting to come down with the sniffles. "

" And he's your friend ? "

" Oh, yes. He's a very intelligent Ampharos. "

" Good Giratina..." Gary groaned, pointing at Misty. " You ? "

" Ash, " Misty stated simply.

" Wow, the legendaries must've given up on you a long time ago. "

Misty's cheeks immediately flared, clutching Phione close to her chest. " Oh, so just because you still think Ash is a loser you want to say that I'm hopeless ? "

She stood up, glaring at Gary, who also stood up to face her. He grunted angrily, returning the glare. " Hey, don't place words in my mouth, Carrot-Top ! "

" Well, I'm just sick and tired of your insults ! " Misty snapped, absentmindedly searching for the mallet of DOOM that had been confiscated. By now Phione had quickly squirmed out of her clutches and hopped onto Jasmine's lap, leaving the two to quarrel. " You're going on fifteen in just a few weeks ! Why don't you learn to have some compassion ?! "

" I'll give you compassion, you mallet-wielding harpy ! "

Annie pulled her legs close to her and hugged them, groaning. " I would miss all of the jewelry that I have at home. Just sayin'. "

Oakley cackled. " And I'd miss being able to con cops of their hard-earned cash. Ahh, the con-artist's life...."

(Misty & Gary) " NO ONE CARES ! "

Both sides ceased their bickering and focused on glaring at Oakley, who merely shrugged at the hateful glances. It would be the right event to focus on, as right behind Oakley two figures slowly scurried across the land. Both were hooded, but one was slightly pudgier than the other and had more of a labored breathing process. " Love, I don't think Imma make it, " the person said, revealing himself to be a man.

" Dammit, Chucky, I told you we can stop walking as soon as we can get tickets to the Archipelago ! " the other person hissed, obviously a woman.

Everyone turned around to see the two fugitives. A smirk spread across Misty's face as she recognized Chuck from her previous adventures with Ash. It wasn't too hard to determine the identity of the other person, either. The blue eyes of the culprit were almost identical to someone she knew. " Well, Ms. Caroline Maple, I never thought that we'd be the ones to catch you, but you're in a deep pile of doodoo right about now. " Pause. " And your little friend, too, " she slyly added, gesturing to Chuck.

Caroline scoffed. " And what are you two slack-jawed hillbillies going to do about it ? "

Gary pulled Caroline up in standing position and held her wrists tightly. Tracey accompanied him by doing the same to Chuck. " I dunno, but this slack-jawed hillbilly has rope. Lots and lots of rope. And we're gonna bring you down, honey. "

(Ten minutes later)

" We found you. Oh, Mew, we found you. "

Max and his group happily joined with Misty's group in complete harmony. For what seemed like a long time everyone conversed with each other, until Conway pointed out a thickly rope-bound Caroline and Chuck. " Who are they ? "

Gary snorted. " The villains. "

" Oh. " He grinned evilly at the squirming Caroline. " Hi, Mom. Nice to know that you really don't have a beard. "

And everyone burst out laughing, glad that they were almost a complete group once more.

End