"New Beginnings"

By MisterAnimeFan

Part of the DP Love Series

Did you guys miss me? I know you did.

Anyway, I am back with another installment of "DP Love". Anyway, as I have mentioned before, I decided to continue this story but make another fanfiction titled "DP Love 2." The reason for this is that I thought that the first fanfiction was getting too long, so I decided to start a new fanfiction from here.

In addition, I felt like the next few stories wouldn't really fit with the other chapters. If the first twenty-one were about how Dawn and Paul became a couple, then the following is what they went through while they were a couple. It's not always going to be a happy trip. The two were have their arguments and their doubts, but hopefully it will all turn out well in the end.

Disclaimer: Did you know that you can't catch Kyogre in Pokémon SoulSilver? Damn it, I got the wrong game! Oh yeah and Pokémon belongs to Nintendo and Game Freak. The fan fiction exists out of fun and enjoyment.

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Paul wheezed and panted heavily as he slowly peddled uphill on the Cycling Road. Dawn was sitting behind him, still clutched onto his rubs. "Ummm...if you need me to get off, I will," offered Dawn.

"No! You're fine," panted Paul. "I can do this."

"Seriously, you don't look so good..."

"No, really...I'm okay."

With a few more strong pushes, the two finally made it to the top of the Cycling Road. "We made it!" Dawn shouted. "Good job, Paul!"

Paul didn't response. He instead just coughed, wheezed, and took several deep breaths. He got off the bike and got on all four of his limbs, out of breath. "Paul, you're starting to worry me," Dawn said, worriedly.

"Just...give...me...a...few minutes," wheezed Paul.

He sat up right and placed his right hand on his chest. "That was a lot of work," breathed Paul.

Dawn got off the bike with Paul and sat down right beside him. The two looked out and saw a bit of the Sinnoh region from were they were. They could see Oreburgh City and Jubilife City. The lights turned on as the sun was about to set.

"Isn't this a great view?" asked Dawn.

"Actually...it is," replied Paul.

Dawn grabbed Paul's left arm and placed her head on his shoulder. She breathed a sigh of relief as she enjoyed the view. Paul sighed too and grabbed Dawn's hand.

Just a few hours ago, after Torterra have broken up their two fighting Pokémon, Paul and Dawn had finally confessed their feelings for each other. The two just kissed each other after looking into each other's eyes and letting out their feelings about each other. Ever since that moment, both Paul and Dawn smiled nonstop, happy to be with each other.

"So...this is why couples always do this," remarked Paul.

"Yep," replied Dawn.

The two continued looking out at the Sinnoh region, enjoying each other's company. "We have to do this more often," Paul said.

"Yeah...we should," Dawn said.

"Come on. Let's go and surprise my mom."

The two hopped back onto the bike and rolled into Eterna City, a sprawling city that showed signs of historic past events, including statues of the legendary Pokémon Dialga and Palkia.

After Paul and Reggie left on their journeys, Regina stayed at home in Veilstone City. Eventually, she wanted to do something with Pokémon instead of sitting around at her house all day bored. So she left her home and went out traveling the Sinnoh region to see what she can specialize in (A/N: Reggie is occupying the old house in Veilstone City). Currently, she was taking a break from traveling and she is living in Eterna City.

Paul and Dawn rode down the streets and parked the bike in front of the Eterna City Condominiums. Paul locked it to make sure no one stole it. They walked up two flights of stairs before they arrived at Regina's front door. "Is this it?" asked Dawn.

Paul reached into his pockets and took out the postcard his mother sent him before. "The number on the door matches the number on the postcard," Paul said. Paul raised his hand and was about to knock on the door, but he stopped and kept his hand up. "Is something wrong?" Dawn asked. "Are you nervous?"

"About what? My mother?" Paul asked. "I'm just worried about what she'll think of us."

"What do you mean? Your mother likes me."

"I know that...but...I guess I'm a little...I'm not going to like how she's going to go crazy when I tell her you and I are a couple."

"She'll be happy."

"Yeah...then she'll hug us to death, call up everybody she knows, and she'll be a total spaz about it."

Paul took a deep breath as Dawn grabbed his hand. "If she'll really be like that, then it's probably better to deal with it now then later, right?" Dawn asked, playing along with Paul.

"Yeah..." sighed Paul, "I guess you're right. Let's get this over with."

Paul raised his hand and knocked on the door. "Hold on!" called a voice on the inside. "I'm coming!"

The two could hear footsteps stomping from inside. The door suddenly shuttered as they heard someone falling inside. Paul and Dawn grew worried as they heard groaning from inside. "It's okay!" shouted a female voice. "I'm okay! Don't leave! Give me a minute!"

After a few moments, the door opened up. Regina stood in front of Paul and Dawn, rubbing the back of her head. "Sorry about that," she smiled with her eyes closed. "I slipped on a wet rag I left on the floor. Silly, silly me!"

She opened her eyes and finally realized that her youngest son and Dawn were standing in front of her. "Paul? Dawn?" she asked.

"Hey mom," Paul said.

"Long time no see...Regina," smiled Dawn.

"Oh my goddess, my boy has come home!" Regina shouted, happily.

Regina reached out and hugged Paul tightly. To Paul's surprise, she seemed to be holding back, as her hug wasn't killing him like it usually did. "It's...uh...so great to see you mom," Paul said.

"Oh, I'm always so happy to see you Paul!" Regina said.

"Yeah...well...I figured that since Eterna City was on the way to Snowpoint City, I thought I stop by and say hello."

"Well, I'm glad you're here!"

Regina then let go of Paul. She turned to Dawn. "And Dawn, I'm happy to see you too!" greeted Regina. She then hugged Dawn tightly. "Oh...it's been so long," Dawn replied. "I haven't seen you since Hearthome City. I missed you!"

"I missed you too!" said Regina. "There's so much catching up we have to do! Come on inside!"

Regina stepped aside and waved Dawn and Paul into her home. The inside of Regina's home looked similar to a modern apartment, with a small living room, kitchen, and a single bedroom. Only a few family pictures adorned her walls as decorations.

Regina then escorted everybody into the living room. Growlithe then ran up to the two. "Oh, hello Growlithe!" Dawn said, happily. She reached down and picked up the Growlithe. "You're so cute!" Dawn then hugged the little Pokémon. "So where's Poochyena?" Dawn asked Regina.

"Oh, I don't have a Poochyena," answered Regina.

"Really?" Paul asked. "What happened to Poochyena? Did he run away...again?"

"No, he just...evolved," explained Regina.

"Huh?" asked Paul and Dawn.

Dawn and Paul looked over the couch and were surprised to see a big Mightyena sleeping on the couch. "Whoa!" Paul shouted. "That's a huge Mightyena!"

"Yep!" boasted Regina. "We were out shopping. A trainer decided to battle us. Poochyena won and then he evolved. I was so happy!"

"Wow, he looks like he's really powerful," commented Dawn.

Dawn and Paul continued to look at Mightyena, who slept without a care in the world. "Come on, sit down!" offered Regina.

"Will he bite?" asked Dawn.

"Relax! Even though he is bigger, he's still a gentle Pokémon."

Dawn and Paul cautiously sat down beside Mightyena. Dawn lifted her hand and slowly patted Mightyena on his furry stomach. Dawn jumped as Mightyena quickly lifted his head and looked at Dawn. "Ah! Please don't bite me!" Dawn shouted, worriedly.

"Hey Mightyena! Be nice!" scolded Paul.

Mightyena continued to look at Dawn. He then went back to sleep. Dawn decided to focus on something else but Mightyena. "T-This place feels nice and cozy," complimented Dawn.

"Thank you Dawn," Regina said.

"Yeah, it's really nice," Paul said. "How did you find out about this place?"

"I was just traveling the country and I needed a place to stay. So I came to the condominiums and bought a condo. It's a nice place. I feel at home here."

"How come you don't just stay with Reggie back in Veilstone?" Paul asked.

"If you ask me, I never did like Veilstone City. It just seemed like a corrupt city."

"I didn't think it was that bad," Paul said.

"Well, I like it here in Eterna City. It's as big as a city, but it has the quaint feeling of a village."

Paul then sniffed loudly. "What's that smell?" asked Paul.

"Oh, I'm making dinner! You two made it just in time!" Regina answered, happily. "Dinner is almost ready! I hope you guys are hungry!"

"What are you making?" Paul asked.

"I'm making miso soup!"

"Why do I smell smoke then?" asked Paul.

"Smoke?" asked Regina.

"Regina! The kitchen's on fire!" shouted Dawn.

Everyone turned to the kitchen and panicked as the pot erupted in flames. "No!" Regina shouted.

"Quick, somebody put out the fire!" panicked Dawn.

"Ow!" Paul shouted, as he burned his hand.

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Paul, Dawn, and Regina sat at the kitchen table. They sat around a pot of burned miso soup. "I'm sorry you two," Regina said, sadly. "I guess I got so excited when I met you that I completely forgot about the food."

"Still burning food, I see," Paul complained. "You even did this when me and Reggie were kids."

"Well, back then, you two were very crazy. You were all over the place, always distracting me!" argued Regina.

"It's okay, you guys!" Dawn said, trying to calm them down. "We'll just have something else to eat."

"Besides, miso soup doesn't take long to make does it?" Paul asked.

"Well...no," answered Regina, "but I ran out the ingredients to make the soup."

"It's still pretty early. Maybe we can go to the store and get everything we need," suggested Dawn.

"I don't know," worried Paul. "My bike can't carry three people."

"We don't need the bike," argued Regina. "I'm staying here to cook up the side dishes. Besides, you two can just walk there."

"The grocery store is pretty far from here," replied Paul.

"No it's not," rebutted Regina. "The grocery store is only a short walk away."

"Yeah Paul, don't be so lazy!" scolded Dawn. "Let's you and me go together."

"Do I have too?" Paul asked, annoyed.

"Come on Paul," said Dawn. "Let's go."

"You have to go with her. I have to stay here and start on the side dishes," reminded Regina.

"Then can I help you then?" asked Paul. "You know I like to help you out with dinner...and stuff."

"Look, just go with Dawn!" argued Regina. "I'm not going to make fun of you for going with her."

"It's not that," pouted Paul. "Look, I haven't seen you in a while, mom. I just thought that maybe I would want to spend some time with you. There's a few things I want to talk to you about too."

"Oh!" gasped Regina, surprised at her son's confession. "You want to spend time with me?"

"Yeah...why not?" asked Paul. "You don't want me to stay?"

"Oh no! It's not that, but...you never ever want to spend with time."

"Well...I do now."

Regina and Dawn smiled as Paul blushed slightly. "Well, okay then," agreed Dawn. "I'll go and get the groceries. I'll have Prinplup help me."

"Okay then," Paul said.

"I'll be back!" Dawn shouted, happily, as she walked out the front door.

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A few minutes after Dawn left, Paul and Regina began to work on the side dishes, yakitori (chicken on skewers) and curry. Both Paul and Regina were working on one dish each (Paul the former, Regina the latter). Paul carefully cooked the chicken over the grill. "Am I doing this right?" he asked.

"Oh, you're doing fine! Don't worry about it," encouraged Regina. "For someone who has never cooked before, you're doing pretty well."

"Yeah," replied Paul. "I am surprised at how well I'm doing this."

"Maybe you should start cooking for the family instead of me," joked Regina.

"I don't know about that."

Regina then reached over and grabbed the saltshaker. "Just add a little salt for some flavor." Regina said, sprinkling the meat with salt. "Now turn it over and let it sit." Regina took her son's hands and helped him turn the meat over. "So, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about it?" asked Regina.

"What do you mean?" Paul asked.

"You said earlier that you had something you want to talk about with me?" Regina asked.

"Oh...oh right! About that..." stuttered Paul.

"Were you just lying to me?" asked Regina.

"No! No! I really...have something I want to ask you..."

"Then, what are you waiting for?"

"I'm not sure if I...if I should really ask it. It's kind of a...personal thing."

"Paul, I am your mother. You can ask me about anything or tell me anything that's bothering you. Now what is it you want to ask me?"

Paul took a deep breath. "Mom...you know I worry about you, right?" asked Paul. "I mean you are my mother."

"Paul, if this is because I am quote-unquote 'clumsy,' you have nothing to be worried about," rebutted Regina. "I'll have you know, I have taken less falls lately. I only fell today because the floor was slippery."

"It's not that! Well...I mean...yes. I'm concerned about that as well, but..."

Paul let out a frustrated sigh. "Mom...are you lonely?" Paul asked, finally.

Regina's eyes opened wide and leaned back a bit. She opened her mouth, but she said nothing. She cleared her throat. "Wow..." muttered Regina. "Um..."

"If it's too personal to ask, I understand."

"No, I mean...I'm surprised a question that like was floating in your head. Since when were you concerned about me?"

"I just figured that ever since me and Reggie left the old house, I just imagine what you do by yourself."

"But you told Reggie that you thought I was going to be okay by myself. So why is this a concern now?" Regina asked.

"Well...I...I just..."

"Did you not care about me then?"

"Look...what do you do all day in his place?" Paul asked. "I mean, if I was by myself, I would be so bored. It would drive me crazy."

"Oh, I'm never bored. I travel the region, trying to see what I can do."

"But what about living here?" Paul asked. "You've been living here for a long time. I wonder what you do in this place all by yourself."

"I actually do..."

"And of course, me and Reggie aren't around and dad's in prison."

"I could care less about your father!" snapped Regina. "He is behind bars where he belongs!"

"Okay, okay! I agree!" replied Paul. "But, answer my question, do you feel lonely whenever me and Reggie are not around?"

For a moment, everything was quiet. Regina took several deep breaths to calm herself down. She breathed through her nose as she began to answer Paul's question. "Well...I will admit, whenever you and your brother are away, I do feel a bit sad. You two always lit up the room...especially after your father left. When your father left, I was afraid of being alone for the rest of my life. But then you two are always there to cheer me up. Some of the greatest memories I had was with you two, whether it was you two battling against each other or a Christmas morning."

Paul smirked a bit as he remembered one of the earlier Christmas mornings from his childhood. "And now that you two have grown up and are out-and-about, I felt a bit lonely here by myself," continued Regina. Paul's mood sank as his mom continued her monologue. "And while Growlithe and Mightyena provide some company, I always wished that...I always wished that you and Reggie wouldn't grow up. I wanted the years to last. I wanted us to be together for a long time."

Regina turned to Paul. "I guess every mother has those thoughts about their kids, right?" Regina asked.

"I wouldn't know," replied Paul. "You're the only mother I ever had. But, you know we can't stop growing up. It's part of life."

"Yes, I know," continued Regina. "While I always want to spend more time with you and Reggie, I am happy that you two are out there in the world, fulfilling your goals and dreams. Hearing about what you two have done makes me feel proud to be your mother. And when you two visit me, I cherish the moments. And since these visits are rare, it becomes all the more memorable."

Paul was surprised when he heard his mother sniff quietly to herself. "Mom, are you okay?" Paul asked.

"Yeah...I'm fine..." she whispered, quietly. "I just...thought of...some things that happened when you were kids." Regina sniffed again. "Anyway...like I said...you shouldn't worry so much about me. You should focus more on your training and winning gym battles. Don't give up your dream on my account."

"Well...you know, I could stay here and keep your company," offered Paul. "It's not that big of a deal if I become Pokémon League Champion."

"What?" Regina asked, surprised. "Are you sure you're my son? From the beginning, my son has thought of nothing more but becoming the Pokémon League Champion. So who are you imposter?"

"Mom, relax! It's really me!"

"Look, I already told you! You don't have to give up everything you worked for just for me. Go and achieve your dream!"

"Yeah but..."

"But no buts!" snapped Regina. "Either you become champion or...or...or I'll disown you!"

Paul stared at his mother. He was not expecting his mother to say what she just said now. "Are you being serious?" Paul asked, worried.

Regina just smiled. She reached over and hugged her son. "Of course not, Paul...I love you," she said.

"I know you do," replied Paul. "And...I love you too mom."

"I just don't want to see you miserable. I want you to be happy with yourself and your life."

"I...I am happy. But...I was just worried about you, that's all."

"And I appreciate that, but please...don't worry too much about me! You just go and become the best Pokémon League Champion anyone has ever seen!"

"I will. Thanks mom."

The two continued hugging each other for a good while before Paul looked over at the oven and saw that both food dishes were starting to smoke. "Oh no! The food!" gasped Paul.

Regina yelped as she and her son ran over to the oven and turned the heat down. Paul quickly checked the meat on the skewers. The edges were black, but the rest of the meat was safe. "That was close," sighed Paul.

"And you scold me for burning the food?" Regina asked.

"It's not totally burned," Paul said, defending himself. "And besides, you are still worse than me. You burned more food than I ever had."

"Boy, if you want into a debate over this..." threatened Regina.

"Well, the food is safe! That's all that matters. Now we just have to wait for Dawn to come back with the rest of the stuff we need."

"She is taking a while, isn't she?" Regina asked. "You should have gone with her."

"She'll be fine by herself."

Regina set the temperature to low to keep the food hot but not too much that it will burn it. The two sat down at the dinner table, silent for a moment. "You know, I wasn't really expecting Dawn to be with you. But it always seems that every time you're around, Dawn is there with you, like back during Christmastime," explained Regina.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you, me and Dawn have decided to travel together," mentioned Paul.

"Oh really?" Regina asked, happily. "That's good. Oh! Maybe you two will get a little close to each other."

"Umm...mom..."

"I'm not making fun of you. I'm just saying...maybe you two will become best friends," joked Regina.

"Actually mom...a few hours before we got here...me and Dawn...we kissed each other."

"...what was that?" Regina asked, speechless.

"Yeah, we confessed our love for each other. So...we are now boyfriend-girlfriend," admitted Paul.

Paul closed his eyes and winced his body, waiting for the inevitable bone-crushing bear hug from his mother. He slowly turned towards his mother. Regina's face gradually went from stunned to a big smile. She was overcome with emotion and bliss. She then instantly grabbed her son once again and began to suffocate her son. "Oh my god, Paul! I am so happy for you and Dawn! You have finally realized what I have been telling you the whole time!" Regina shouted, frantically. "You have broken out of your cold shell and have accepted the love of another girl!"

"Mom...you're killing me!" mumbled Paul.

Just then, Dawn walked through the door, with Prinplup following behind. "I'm back!" Dawn shouted, happily. She then realized the situation in front of her. Regina still had her son in a "death hug." Dawn looked at Paul. "You told her, didn't you?" she asked.

Dawn didn't get any answer. Regina jumped off her son and began to hug Dawn. "Oh Dawn, I'm so happy for the two of you! You have changed my son for the better!" Regina shouted, frantically. "You two go hand-in-hand! It was bound to happen!"

"Regina...I can't breathe!" mumbled Dawn.

"Hey, no welcome for me?" asked a voice.

Regina turned up and saw...Reggie, standing the doorway with a grocery bag. Regina beamed once again. "Reggie?" Regina asked. She let go of Dawn and ran over to Reggie. She reached over and hugged him, but this time with little force. "Oh my, this day just keeps getting better and better!" Regina shouted, happily.

"How come you're not killing Reggie?" Paul asked.

"It's great to see you too mom," Reggie said. "It's been a while."

"Yeah, we haven't seen each other since Christmas," said Regina. "I'm just so happy that everybody's together again!"

Reggie then turned to his brother, Paul. "Hey Paul, haven't seen you in a while either," said Reggie. "So what have you been up to?"

"Nothing really," answered Paul. "I was just on my way to Snowpoint City and I figured I'd stop by and say hi to mom."

Reggie turned to Dawn. "Hey Dawn, what are you doing here?" asked Reggie. "And where's Ash and Brock?"

"Ummm..." stammered Dawn. "Well...you see..."

"She decided to travel with me now," explained Paul.

"Oh really?" Reggie asked. "And Ash was okay with that?"

"Yeah, she told me herself," replied Paul. "Right, Dawn?"

"Uh...yeah! That's-That's what he said!" Dawn stuttered.

Reggie raised an eyebrow at her, but he soon put his suspicions to rest once Dawn handed Regina the groceries. "Now that we are all together, let's have some dinner!" Regina shouted, happily.

The night ended with everybody gathered around the dinner table, eating and talking, along with making fun of Paul and Dawn (much to their chagrin).

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THE NEXT MORNING...

As the sun was rising over Mount Coronet, Regina, Mightyena, and Growlithe were coming back from an earning morning walk around the city, as they usually did every other morning. Regina yawned as she still was a bit tired. Nonetheless, she breathed through her nose as she looked down the street, which glowed orange from the sunrise. "It's just so beautiful, right boys?" Regina asked her Pokémon.

Growlithe and Mightyena didn't answer and they ran towards the condominium once it was in sight. "Hey, slow down!" shouted Regina. She ran to catch up with the two Pokémon.

The three began to walk up the flight of stairs up to Regina's home. But as she was going up the second flight of stairs, she bumped into another person. "Oh, sorry!" apologized Regina.

"No, no! It was my fault!" replied the man. "I should I have more careful!"

As the man passed by Regina, she quickly turned around. She grew suspicious of this person. "Hey, wait a minute!" she shouted.

"Yes?"

The man turned around, allowing Regina to get a good look at his face. He was a tall, had shoulder-length black hair, and wore a pair of glasses. Regina gasped in shock as she looked into his eyes. "Is something wrong?" the man asked.

"Paul...senior..." she muttered.

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TO BE CONTINUED...

A/N: What a better way to begin a new story than with a cliffhanger?

Anyway, I hoped you guys enjoyed this first chapter of "DP Love 2!" I hope this story becomes as popular as the first installment. And as I said in the last chapter, Paul and Dawn are definitely going to have a few snags in their relationship. If they will overcome them will be left up to me, the all-mighty author! MWAHAHAHAHA!

Umm...anyway, please favorite and leave good reviews! More chapters are on the way!