A/N: Sorry for the long, long wait folks. It's been a long ride of IO, writer's block, loss of interest, and recently RunnerAwaker's recent focus on original fic Infinity Train: Seeker of Crocus and other projects in the site Archive of Our Own. But we're back with the latest episode in ToonSchool, Opposites Detract, which features mystery, familiar elements of the past, but with a new baddie behind it all. Who and why? Find out, starting now!
Opposites Detract: Part 1
It was a normal evening in Los Angeles, and in a five-star restaurant, several patrons were enjoying the delicious quality food and entertainment found here.
"Oh, dear. Aren't you guys just amazed at the sight and taste of this restaurant?" A woman commented to her husband. "I can't believe we managed to win a free full-course meal here."
"I agree. It makes me wonder why we didn't look up this place before," the husband said. "What do you think, Danika?"
But when he turned around, he and his wife saw that their daughter, who was wearing a casual cardigan, camisole, skirt, and boots, just sigh as she looked at her phone without batting an eye towards her parents.
"All I wonder is whether my friends have already gotten into that cool party that the Clique 3 just put up," she groaned. "I mean, seriously, this is nothing but pure snoozefest!"
"Come on, this is a great place! A great opportunity to spend family time together," said the husband.
"So why don't you just calm down and enjoy yourself?" added the wife.
"If you want me to enjoy it, then how about we do something greater than the Clique 3's party?!" Their daughter then stood up and walked away as she said, "Now if you excuse me, I need to powder my nose."
Danika then stomped off to the restroom without a word, leaving the couple deeply concerned.
"Honey, I know she's a teenager, but all the social media has made her kinda loco," the husband said with worry.
"Tell me about it," the wife agreed. "Back when we were her age, the landline telephone was our Tweeter, FacePage, MyTube, and InstaPop, and all that."
"Yeah, but we still managed to drive our folks nuts with the long calls and high phone bills. At least social media is free of charge."
"Amen to that. I just wish she'd cool it with the obsession over her friends and all that."
But as they continued their meal, a mysterious group suddenly appeared after a lounge band finished their set. The group's leader approached the microphone and clears his throat to gain the attention of the guests.
"I hope you're enjoying your meal so far, everyone. Now, you might be wondering the reason behind your sudden invitation to this event," he said, at which everyone nodded yes. "Well, let's just say, you'll be able to show another side of yourself."
As soon as he said this, a strange bright light flashed in front of the guests and before everyone realized it, the group suddenly disappears.
Shortly afterward, Danika returned from the woman's restroom as she muttered to herself, "Man if I have to pay for everything I have to have a great party to match the Clique 3's..."
Suddenly, she heard loud shouting. Looking over to where it came from, she noticed her parents were leading the crowd. No longer were they the normal, slightly classy parents she knew…
"Hey, everyone this place is dead as a cadaver!" her father shouted.
"Who wants us to blow it up in here!" added her mother. Suddenly everyone in the restaurant cheered as loud as they could. It was as if they all had been turned into a bunch of party animals somehow.
"Hit it, fellas!" Danika's parents signaled at the house band, who then started playing a hip dance number.
As everyone enjoyed themselves in a rave party, Danika could only watch in shock as her jaw dropped.
"AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!" Timmy screamed as he and Jimmy ran away from something in a seemingly dense jungle. They were wearing paintball armor and helmets and carrying paintball rifles. "Why did we agree to this?!"
"You said you wanted to be in a spy movie someday. Consider this your wish fulfilled, Turner!" Jimmy said in a panicked tone.
"If I wanted my wishes fulfilled, I would have asked my godparents!"
But just as Jimmy replied, Timmy was suddenly frozen in a block of ice, causing the boy genius to scream in panic.
"Calm down, Neutron. You have to think your way out of it. Come on, think, think...!"
As he tried to do so, a mysterious shadowed figure hiding in the bushes raised their sword and plunged it into the ground, causing a small quake that broke his focus.
"Brain Blast, that's it!" Jimmy said as he then pressed a button. With this, a bunch of holographic Jimmys appeared all around him. The figure then triggered another earthquake, a bigger one this time. As the quake occurred, the Holo-Jimmys fizzed and started to dissolve, as the real Jimmy then used his jetpack to fly out of reach and then land a safe distance away.
"Ha! Not even Jet Fusion can escape from those quakes!" Jimmy boastfully declared. " You'll have to do better than that if you wanna beat James Isaac Neutron!"
All of the sudden, another shadowed figure appeared behind him and raised their aura-enveloped fist towards Jimmy.
"He's behind me, isn't he?"
Before he can turn around, the figure punched the ground near him, causing another earthquake as Jimmy fell into the large, newly-made cracks.
"Timmy, Jimmy!" Ash called out from the bushes as he emerged wearing the same paintball equipment, except he also had a belt of his Poke Balls strapped to his chest. "First, Jake? Now them?! I've already used up most of my Pokemon and Pikachu is nowhere in sight. What do I do?!"
Just before he could move, he looked down and noticed a bottle with a lit wick drop onto his feet. When he sniffed the air after that, he screamed and quickly tried to run away. But it was too late as the bottle exploded, sending the Pokemon trainer right in front of the shadowed figure's feet. He looked up and saw the figure was none other than Professor Oak. Alongside him were Professors Willow, Kukui, and Sycamore surrounding the 10-years-old boy.
"U-Um... Hey, Professor!" Ash sheepishly greeted. "Can we talk about this?"
The professors then prepared to strike the final blow against Ash, who then braced himself for the attack. Until…
FIZZZ...
SIMULATION TERMINATED. SIMULATION TERMINATED. SIMULATION TERMINATED.
Just then, the background suddenly enveloped in static and the jungle environment vanished, revealing the whole thing to be a simulation. Ash then glanced around, revealing that the whole thing took place in WOOHP's simulation room. Behind a mirror window, Charity, Cosmo, and Wanda were observing the whole thing.
"What do you know? Looks like they managed to beat them in less than 30 minutes," Charity said before she turned to Wanda. "Guess I owe you a table in the House of Mouse."
"Okay, okay, okay! We take it back!" Ash said as he stood up and raised his hands. "I still can't believe it you managed to beat us so easily."
Just then, Jake and Jimmy entered the room as the former said, "We wouldn't have lost if they hadn't used real weapons in a simulation! Who has a stupid idea on bringing those in here anyway?!"
"In our defense, the "weapons" you've spoken up were nothing more than toys," Kukui said as he and the Professors show the said weapons, which true to his word, are nothing more than replicas of real weapons. "Besides, we're surprised that you kids managed to dodge our powerful attacks."
"We're just surprised that you managed to disarm and beat our Pokemon and gadgets in a few seconds," Jimmy said. "I never expected you guys to have improved so much over one summer break."
"You'd be surprised at how much they learned from Armand that day."
Everyone turned around to see Tenebrae entering the room with Cosmo, Wanda, and Charity by his side.
"Without their encounter with him, the world wouldn't survive from the clash between worlds," Tenebrae said. "Although, I do admit they might need a few improvements on their current fighting skills and your friend's benefactor might aid you in your training for the future."
"Speaking of which, I'm a bit worried about Tony and the others," Charity said. "They were going to spar with Armand at the other room and he is known to be a special Umbra with unpredictable abilities in his belt."
"Yeah, but Daryl has his Ensoul powers, Sora has his Keyblade abilities, and Tony has his gadgets and own Keyblade training, the latter courtesy of Sora," Jimmy reminded them. "I'm sure they'll be fine."
However, they quickly hear someone clear their throat behind the professors. When they turned around, they were shocked to see Tony, Daryl, and Sora covered in soot as the three glared at them.
"Please don't tell me you two got swallowed into a shadow or something?" Charity asked in concern.
"Worse. He lured us into a Hawaiian fire dance in a cringy distraction dance party," Tony bluntly replied. "To be honest, we were expecting him to use his powers against us."
Then, Armand entered the room as he wiped his hands with a hand towel and said, "Just to clarify this, I did say that I wouldn't hold back for the spar. I didn't say I wouldn't use any pragmatic methods to win. Not everything in a fight relies on brute force and supernatural abilities."
"I don't know if I can protest that or just slap myself for not clarifying the rules of the spar," Daryl muttered.
"Although, he is a good opponent. His skills remind me a lot like Riku," Sora said optimistically. "I'm willing to have a rematch with you someday, Armand."
"Same here. Regardless of the results, I think it's about time I should share with all of you the true nature of my research," Armand replied. "As long as all of you including your friends promise to keep this a secret, I'll tell you everything together at that lounge in your school."
"If you mean the Chill Room, then I'm okay with that," Tony said. "But you could just tell us right here and now."
"I would, but it would be better if everyone is there. This way, there are no chances of a misunderstanding of misinformation with all of your friends."
"Okay, Chill Room it is."
Wanda then looked around and then noticed…
"Hey, where's Timmy?" she asked.
As soon as Wanda asked this, they hear a faint groan nearby. When they turned around, they saw Timmy, still stuck inside in a block of ice as he groaned in desperation.
A few hours later at ToonSchool, students were busy going into classes and chatting with their friends. Among them were two familiar faces with backpacks being escorted by Minnie to the classroom.
"And finally this will be your homeroom class, with Mr. SpongeBob SquarePants as your English and Homeroom teacher," Minnie said as they stopped at the classroom entrance. "Unfortunately, Mr. Squarepants will be absent for a while, so try to get along with the substitute teacher until then."
"We will, Ms. Mouse," Gloria said. "But quick question, why is our homeroom teacher called..."
But before she could finish her question, the bell suddenly rang.
"Oh, that's the bell. I should introduce you to the class right now."
Minnie then escorted the two Galarian trainers inside the classroom, which they shrugged as they follow her. Inside, they see several students goofing around while some of them are chatting about yesterday's events. Alongside them are the ToonSchool gang who are resting and chatting with each other. However, they stop when they hear Minnie clapping to gain their attention.
"Hello, class!" she greeted the students. "I'm here to introduce two new transfer students from the Galar region who will be joining your class starting today. Why don't you two introduce yourselves?"
As the trainers nodded at Minnie, everyone except the gang began to wonder about the new students.
"Hullo! My name is Gloria Zweihander!" The female trainer introduced herself in her familiar British accent. "I'm from a small town in Galar called Postwick! My dream is to battle the Galar champion, Leon, and become a Pokemon champion myself! Pleased to meetcha!"
"And my name is Augustine Tepes, but I prefer you call me "Gus"," the male trainer said. "I'm also from Postwick and while I share the same dream to participate in the Champion's Cup, my interests are music, exploring, and completing our region's Pokedex. It's very nice to meet you all."
With that, many of the students greeted the two trainers warmly, some others, the Snob Squad, in particular, didn't react at all, except…
"Check it out, fresh meat!" Dash sneered as the others laughed.
"Now everyone, please be nice to the new students," Minnie instructed.
Just then, one of the students raised their hand, which Minnie noticed, and asked, "Oh, do you have a question for our new friends, Ferb?"
"Yes, why does he look like Professor Sycamore?"
Gloria quickly gasped at Ferb's blunt question, which she then looked down and sees her friend lying in an "OTL" position and groans in dismay. Upon seeing this, Gloria glared and growled at the green-haired kid, to which he silently responded by sinking behind his desk as his stepbrother, Phineas watched in confusion.
"What did he say wrong?" Phineas asked.
Before anyone could answer, Professor Kukui then appeared and headed to the front of the class.
"Good morning everyone. I'm Professor Kukui, and I'll be your teacher for today," he introduced himself.
"Professor Kukui?!" Ash spoke up. "You're our substitute homeroom teacher?!"
"Yep. Since I'm here, the Principal asked me and some of the other professors besides Oak to substitute for some of the absent teachers until they get back," Kukui explained. "It will be like the good ol' times back at Pokemon School."
"If I recall, Professor Kukui is one of your teachers there, right?" Jimmy asked.
"Yep. He's also a great trainer, too!"
"Well, Professor, I've already introduced them to Gloria and Augustine. If you'd like to take it from here…," Minnie remarked.
"Right. So I assume that you've all met Gloria and Mini-Sycamore–," the professor started to say.
Upon hearing the nickname, however, Augustine quickly fainted again, causing Gloria to gasp before she kicked Kukui's shin in anger. However, this caused Minnie and the students to stare at her in shock as Kukui hobbled in pain, at which she realized her mistake too late.
"Force of habit?"
Later at the Chill Room, Gloria was still pouting at what happened as Armand snickered when he heard the full story from the gang, who were now with the other professors and Augustine.
"Guess your nickname of "Demon Novice" still rings true in the real world," Armand said. "You always rely on force to solve everything."
"Oh, ha, ha! At least I never get overboard on attacks and skills," Gloria protested. "Can we move on to something else already?!"
"Yeah, why are you called "Demon Novice" anyway?" Bart asked, to which Gloria quickly replied with a piercing glare that causes him to shut up. "Never mind."
"If I recall, we're supposed to listen to a small performance from your new friend, correct?" Willow reminded everyone.
"That's right," Armand answered as he approached a keyboard that one of the students brought earlier. "I'm a bit rusty, but I hope you enjoy it."
As Armand went to the keyboard, Timmy raised his eyebrow and asks, "Performance? I thought we're here to ask him about..."
But Tony quickly elbowed him just as Armand started playing. As he did so, everyone was surprised to hear the melodic piano music played in the Chill Room as some of them closed their eyes and smiled as they enjoy it. But while the gang continued to listen, the professors slowly grew drowsy as their eyes grow heavy. Eventually, they fell asleep, which the gang noticed.
"Um, no offense, Armand, but I think your music put the professors to sleep," Lincoln noted to Armand, which he stops playing the keyboard and smiles.
"Patience. They'll be waking up soon."
The gang then looked over the professors and started to shake them, trying to wake them up. After a while, the professors opened their eyes, but the gang was all taken aback to see that their eyes flashed purple.
"Whoa," Tommy and Buttercup gasped, but Ash was undeterred as he approached the adults.
"Professor, are you okay?" he asked in concern.
"O-Oh, why yes," Oak assured the young trainer. "We're all good."
"Yeah, we're just fine, even better than a few weeks ago when Oak was framed for robbery," Kukui remarked.
"And we had to battle that spoiled Camille Leon to clear his name," Sycamore added.
"And learning that Tony is a field agent for that WOOHP organization," Willow finished. The gang then gasped in shock.
"Wait a minute, I thought we erased those memories," June asked, stunned.
"We did," Danny replied to her. "At least, we were supposed to have."
"Well, they certainly remember us now, yo!" Jake pointed out.
"But how?" Blossom asked in confusion. "Jerry is gonna kill us if he finds out about this!"
"What in the world is this?" Tony asked, turning to Armand as he did.
"It's special hypnosis. When I played that special music, they entered a state of trance that allows them to recall memories. More specifically, certain ones that were previously sealed away, such as our previous tango with Camille Leon and trying to clear Oak's name, and Tony being a WOOHP spy," Armand explained.
"So you're saying that they can remember WOOHP and other stuff that we can't share with the public? Cool!"
"Impressive," commented Daryl, clearly enamored by Armand's ability. "I never knew you managed to come up with that ability that useful."
"Oh, you must be mistaken, Lente."
Everyone turned to see Tenebrae Dux as they turn to see the source of the voice, who calmly entered the room.
"As Armand stated, it's a special hypnosis state. However, it's much more than that," Dux explained. "Upon entering it, the patient will experience a dream-like state."
"Dream-like state?" Timmy repeated. "You mean that they think they're dreaming?"
"Exactly. When you're dreaming, you will see the succession of images, ideas, sensations, and emotions that originated from your memories."
"I don't get it."
"Just think of it as a stage play. Depending on the recent events you've encountered in life, you might find yourself playing a role in a world created out of images and memories. The main difference is that you're not aware that you're not the person you're portraying in this world and unless you're aware of having a lucid dream, you might not able to realize it until you wake up."
"And that's where my research comes in," Armand interjected. "If I hypnotize a patient into a dream-like state, they can assume any role the therapist will have. What's different from normal hypnosis is that they must obtain that role in a role-playing environment. So just commanding them to take them will not suffice. Appropriate for a special state derived from my special ability: État de Rêve. Commonly known as the "Dream State"."
Right then and there, the gang then bombarded Armand with questions. Gloria and Augustine, however, did not join in, due to being aware of the state.
"Whoa, well, are they aware of the hypnosis?" Chloe asked.
"Does the process hurt them?" Jimmy added.
"How long does it last?" Mac inquired.
"Is there any way to break the hypnosis other than you?" Lilo asked.
"Calm down, guys! You'll make him knackered from your narking," Gloria said.
"It's alright, Gloria," Armand interrupted. "It's better for me to answer them to avoid a misunderstanding. As for your questions, the process is pretty harmless and as long as the professors are willing to help us consciously, the Dream State will remain until they wish to do so."
"So the role they took to assume the Dream State..." Daryl started.
"That's the Four Heroes of the Fairy Blade, right?" Sora finished.
"That's right. Though don't be mistaken," Gloria said. "We didn't know that this whole Four Heroes legend was such a big deal until now. Without Wizard Boy here, the professors and the whole world would be history by now."
"Besides, we actually met them, thinking they're new players of Ragnarok Online that time," Augustine explained. "Not only that, he had to use it on them as our last-ditch effort to save the world."
The gang was astonished at these revelations, and then Bubbles suddenly realized…
"So that's why those jerks stole your research!" she exclaimed.
Armand's expression turned grim as he said, "That's right. Even if you can't command them, there's still a chance you can brainwash them with it. If it falls into the wrong hands, there is a chance they will manipulate the public to their ill will. And with my research still not fully tested on others, I fear that the worse is to come soon."
As he finished explaining, the gang stared at each other in worry.
"So that's why you're desperate to stop that Umbra."
Everyone widened their eyes as they turned around to see Mickey by the door.
"Mickey? How long have been here?" Tony asked.
"Long enough to learn everything. I know you want to get your research back, but you can't do it by yourself," Mickey said.
"I-I know," Armand sighed. "But if this world falls because of my research, I can't forgive myself."
"I understand how you feel, but you can't go off on your own. Even though you have a dark past, you can't carry the burden of the world by yourself. Look around, do you think everyone would be okay risking yourself alone in this world?"
"Yes, but this is my research, and therefore, it's my burden, my responsibility. No one else should have to carry it."
"But we want to carry it," Tony pointed out. "Because we're heroes of this world."
"And protecting it from harm is our burden, our responsibility," Daryl added, with the rest of the gang voicing their agreement. The two Galar trainers then jumped it.
"They're right, and Gloria and I are in this too. We're staying on until the end," Augustine agreed.
"Whether you want us to or not," Gloria finished. The professors then stepped up.
"And we're here to help too, of course," Oak declared.
"Yeah, that's why you recruited us with your research, right?" Sycamore reminded the EnSoul.
"And we will get it back," Kukui added.
"And stop whoever's responsible for stealing it," Willow finished.
Armand was stunned at everyone's dedication to helping him and his mentor. It was actually touching for him in a way seeing so many people willing to back him up.
"Well, okay. But it's not going to be easy, and it may be dangerous going forward," he warned them.
"Yeah, yeah. It doesn't stop us from helping you though," Tony said. "Don't worry, you can count on us to help all the way!"
"Uh-huh!" Timmy spoke up. "Besides, what could possibly go wrong?"
As soon as he said this, they suddenly heard a crash outside the Chill Room. When they did, the students glared at Timmy, which he grinned sheepishly.
Outside, the Snob Squad all had weapons ready; Vicky had a chainsaw, Princess had a rocket launcher, Eustace had a blaster, Mindy had an ax, Dash had a sledgehammer, and Brad had a crowbar. Altogether, the six were angry and ready to break down the door and destroy the security system.
"Alright! Ever since the Chill Room got that stupid security system, we've been denied access even worse than before it was installed. Well, enough's enough! It's time we showed this buggy system who's boss!" Vicky declared.
"Yeah!," yelled the other Snobs in agreement.
"CHARGE!"
The six then charged at the door ready to break it down. But as they drew closer, the door suddenly opened and the ToonSchool gang exited to see what was happening, causing the Snobs to stop right in their tracks.
"What do you guys think you're doing?!" Blossom scolded them sharply.
"What does it look like we're doing twerps?!," Vicky snarled.
"It looks like you're trying to illegally breach the Chill Room, that's what!" Tony tells her.
"Well, what did you expect?" Mindy snapped. "Every time we try to get in here, we get turned away!"
"So we try using someone else's face, eyes, fingerprints, and voice," Dash added.
"And it appears to let us in after that," Eugene continued. "But then…"
"It springs some crazy trap on us and then throws us back out!" Princess noted.
"It's like this system's bugged or busted or something!" Brad finished.
The gang then feigned surprise and concern as Jimmy said sarcastically, "No way."
"Yeah, who would've thought?" Lincoln added in the same tone.
"Yeah, that's never happened to us!" Lilo threw in.
"Kibba, me neither," said Stitch.
"That's just the problem. It's like the system is biased against us! What did we ever do to deserve this?!" Eustace asked.
"I can take a few wild guesses," Tony snarked under his breath.
"Me too," Buttercup agreed as well.
"Whatever the reason, this thing is going down whether anyone likes it or not!" Vicky declared as the Squad prepares to destroy the security system, but...
"Now hang on one second," Augustine interrupted as he walked between the gang and the Snob Squad. "Let's not try to use brute force as an answer. Why don't we discuss this in a civilized manner? Or rather, file a complaint with the principal?"
The Snob Squad paused for a second before bursting out in laughter.
"The principal?! Are you mad?!" Eustace sneered.
"Yeah, he's as biased against us as this system!" Mindy added in.
"In fact, he's the one who had it built!" Vicky snapped. "How else do you think we've been kept out of there for so long?!"
"Well, what did you expect from a dork, Vicky?" Brad sneered.
"Especially one that looks just like Professor Sickelmire here?!" Dash added in.
That last comment made the gang gasp and Augustine's eye twitch, and the latter growled, "First off, his name is Sycamore! Second, he and I have no relation to each other! And third, don't even think of comparing how we look like!"
"Well, you do! A look-alike of a teacher, you have to be some kind of clone!"
"Or maybe he's Snickerwart's teacher's pet! Yeah, that must be it!"
"Hey, you shut your mouth!" Tony snapped, as he and the gang got angry at the Snobs' teasing.
"Yeah, leave him alone you jerks!" Tommy added.
"Why must you always be such pains?" Daryl inquired with an exasperated sigh.
"Why? We all know it's true!" Brad retorted.
"Yeah, in fact, that's probably how this loser even got in this school in the first place!," Dash added.
These remarks angered the gang so much, that some of the kids were about to lunge at the Snobs. But as they did, the professors silently put their arms out and stopped them much to the gang's surprise.
"Hey! What are you doing?!" Tony demanded.
Gloria then sighed and said, "Three, two, one..."
As she said this, Augustine grabbed Dash and Brad's wrist and before they knew it, he tightened his grip on them until they heard cracking sounds, causing them to scream in pain. After that, Augustine then kicked their groins before throwing them back to the rest of the members.
"Whoa!" Tony, Buttercup, Bart, Mac, Bloo, and Timmy all exclaimed as the rest of the gang gasped, all of them in total shock at what they had just seen.
"So, now are you willing to cooperate with us?" Augustine calmly asked as he smirked at the Snob Squad, who all grinned sheepishly.
"Uh… sure, how about we go straight to Principal Mickey's office, right away?" Eustace agreed.
"Right, uh… race ya there!" Princess put in, just before the Snobs all took off running back down the hall. Once they did, Augustine sighs in relief before he turns to his still-shocked friends as Gloria, Armand, and the professors smiled at him.
"So shall we get to our next class?"
The gang just continued standing there, too shocked to respond, as Augustine left the Chill Room.
"Right, see you guys there… hopefully," Gloria added as she, Armand, and the professors leave the Chill Room, leaving the still-shocked gang standing jaw-dropped and buggy-eyed.
Meanwhile, in the halls, Sheldon Lee and Baljeet Tjinder were walking and discussing science together. But as they turned a corner, they were suddenly snatched and pinned against the wall, and bright lights were shined in their eyes.
"Ah, please don't hurt us!" Baljeet cried, thinking they were about to be beaten up.
"Especially me, I'm a bruiser!" Sheldon exclaimed, thinking the same reason.
"Oh, don't worry," the mysterious shadowed figure spoke as he approached them. "You two will become a different kind of bruiser soon."
Before they knew it, a bright white light flashed behind the corner.
A/N: Oh, boy. This doesn't look good at all. From what I've seen so far, it seems a certain switching issue is making a comeback! What does this mean for Sheldon and Baljeet? And how will our gang factor into it? And where are the other teachers? Get some answers on Part 2, coming soon! Happy Halloween!