"Seaside Galaxy"

By narutofreak14

Disclaimer: Although I own Pokémon Pearl for my Nintendo DS, I do not own any of the Pokémon characters, games, names, or any of the other cool stuff. They all belong to Nintendo and Game Freak. Also, this fanfiction was made for fun and not for cash (unfortunately).

0o0o0o0o LAST TIME o0o0o0o0

After tying with Fantina in a Pokémon Contest, Fantina has decided to lift the ban off Paul so that he may battle for his Relic Badge. However, Paul continues to have reoccurring nightmares that causes him to leave the city.

In the morning, Regina and Reggie were surprised to find Paul absent at the Hearthome Gym. Then, Dawn comes by and announces that he left all of his Pokémon with Dawn. Now becoming worried, Regina decides to send a search party for Paul. They better hurry! If Paul doesn't come back to the gym within one week, he's banned again!

And where is Paul? He boarded a ship in Canalave City heading towards a tourist spot called Sunmoon Islands. However, he fell overboard into the ocean. Sadly, no one witnessed him falling off.

0o0o0 Part 2 0o0o0

A pack of Floatzel was swimming in the ocean. One of them, the smallest of the group, noticed a young, purple-headed boy, unconscious in the water. It was Paul, who jumped overboard to save a picture of his family. Breaking away from the pack, Floatzel got underneath the young boy, grabbed his shirt collar, and then pulled the body as hard as it can to the surface.

-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-

Regina, Reggie, and Dawn left the gym in a hurry. The three spread out throughout the different parts of the city, looking for Paul. Reggie, Regina, and Dawn then met up again in by the city fountain. "I checked everywhere. I can't find him anyway," said Dawn.

"Oh no, maybe he left the city," said Reggie.

"But where?" Dawn asked.

"Oh, where could my little boy be?!?" Regina asked, rather frantically.

Dawn looked at Regina's Pokémon. "Wait…maybe we can use Poochyena to track down his scent!" Dawn said.

"Oh, you're right! We could do that! Good thinking," said Regina. She took out Poochyena's Poké Ball and released it. "Okay Poochyena, we need you to track down Paul for us!" Regina said, in a demanding voice.

"We need something that has his scent," said Regina.

"Maybe this package that Paul used to send his Pokémon to me in will help us," said Dawn.

Dawn got down on her knees and held the box up to the Poochyena's nose. He took a few sniffs before Dawn pulled away. Poochyena then began smelling the ground. He perked his head up and began running across the street. "He's got something!" Regina said, happily. "Come on! Follow him!"

The three began running after the small Pokémon. He stopped in front of a Poffin shop. "You found something?" asked Dawn. Poochyena then looked up and saw the warm, baked Poffins on display in the window. He jumped up and wagged his tail happily, as it drooled over the Poffins. Regina, Reggie, and Dawn were disappointed. "We're looking for my son, not a dog treat!" Regina scolded.

-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-

MEANWHILE…

Floatzel reached shallow waters and began dragging Paul's body onto the sandy shores. Paul was laid face up on the shore, still unconscious. Fortunately, he was starting to breathe. Floatzel got onto its stomach and began jumping up and down, hoping to wake him up. There was no reaction. Floatzel then violently punched him in the stomach. Paul shot up and began clutching his stomach in pain. Paul opened his eyes and saw Floatzel in front of him. "Get out of here!" he shouted, shooing it away.

Floatzel then left in a huff, angry for not being appreciated for saving his life. Paul got up onto his feet, grabbing his head. "Ohhh…what happened?" Paul asked. He then felt something wet and crumbly in his hands. It was the family picture that he tried to save. Sadly, the water completely ruined the picture. "Oh man," Paul said. "Hmmm…well, I guess I can get another one from home…once I go back."

He then looks at his surroundings. All around him were palm trees and…more palm trees. In the center was a small rocky mountain with a tropical forest surrounding it. "Where am I?" Paul asked himself. "Is this Sunmoon Island? I wonder how big this place is." He had an idea. He took off his wet T-shirt and placed it on the sandy ground. He then began running along the beach.

In less than fifteen minutes, he came back to where he placed his shirt. "Oh man, this place is small!" he said. Now, there was another problem. Where were the inhabitants? "Hello? Somebody?!?" he called out. "ANYBODY?!?"

-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-

Back at Hearthome City, Dawn, Regina, and Reggie broke away for another sweep of the city. Dawn was talking to several of the citizens, hoping to find some answers. As of now, she was talking to a mother with her child. Dawn handed her a picture of Paul. "No, sorry. I don't remember him at all," she said.

"Oh…well, thanks again," said Dawn.

The two then continued on their way. Dawn walked towards the Department Store, where Reggie was searching. At the request of his mother, he made flyers with Paul's picture on it to pass out. "Hey Reggie!" shouted Dawn.

Reggie turned around as Dawn ran up to him. "Any luck?" asked Dawn.

"No," said Reggie. "It's not looking so good for mom either. She's beginning to have panic attacks. I think she took out a guard too."

"Oh no," said Dawn.

"Yeah…so we better hurry before she ends up killing someone," said Reggie.

-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-

The sun was starting to set on the Sinnoh region. Paul, after wandering around the island for so long, was exhausted. "Great…nobody's here…" he said to himself. "…which means I'm stuck on this god forsaken island. This is just great."

On the shore, he looked out and saw that there were at least five similar islands on the horizon. "Huh? I didn't see that before. There are more islands here." Paul had an idea. "This island is deserted, but the other islands probably have some civilization on them. Maybe I can swim across…"

At that moment, Paul saw a Sharpedo jump out of the water and it began attacking a nearby Wailmer (A/N: attack, not kill!). Paul was a bit shocked at the sight. "Okay, to hell with that plan," he said.

Then, his stomach began to growl. "God, I'm starving!" he said, grabbing his stomach. He remembered the forest. "There's probably some fruit or something in the forest," he said to himself. He got up and began walking around. He saw groups of green berries with yellow stripes growing nearby in a bush. "Whoa…that's a lot of berries," said Paul. He then walked closer. He picked out a single berry and eyed it closely. "Hmmm…I wonder if these taste any good," said Paul. He gave it a squeeze. Some green juice spilled out. "Good enough for me," said Paul. He then began eating berries by the numbers. "Hey, these actually taste pretty good."

Suddenly, he felt sick to his stomach. "Oh man…" he groaned as he fell to the ground, clutching his stomach.

-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-

THREE HOURS LATER…

The sun was starting to set in Hearthome City. Regina, Reggie, and Dawn met up in front of the hotel, exhausted and out of energy. "Well, it's official. Paul has left Hearthome City," said Dawn.

"Oh, why would Paul just leave? He knows that he has a gym battle," said Regina.

"Something must be bothering him," said Reggie.

"Oh…who knows where he is. And since he doesn't have any Pokémon…"

"I'm sure he's fine," Dawn said. "Even without Pokémon, he seems like he can take care of himself."

"I know that, but…I'm just worried about what could happen to him," said Regina.

"Hey you!" shouted a voice.

The three turned and saw a big, muscular sailor walking up to him. "You the three looking for that purple-haired boy?" he asked.

"My Paul?!? Oh yes! Do you know where he is?!?" Regina asked, frantically.

"Whoa! Take it easy, woman!" the sailor said. "I saw a purple-headed boy walking out of the city. He mumbled something about going to Canalave City."

"Thank you! We finally have a lead!" Reggie said.

"Oh, thank you sir!" Regina said, almost crying.

The three then left the sailor by himself and began running as fast as they can to Canalave City.

-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-

The young man dragged Paul back to his home, which was located in the middle of the island, secluded from everything else. He gave Paul a special medicine that made the bitter taste and feeling in his stomach disappear. He also gave him fresh clothes (since his old clothes are wet).

The man was young, about 30 years old. He had shoulder-length black hair and looked to be pretty strong.

"Now son, what are you doing here on my island?!?" he asked.

"What do you mean your island?" Paul asked.

"Well, no one really visits this island, so I made a home here and began a berry farmer," said the man. "And you just ate some Aguav berries, which are known to be very bitter."

"Great, now you tell me," Paul said.

"So, what brings you here?" he asked.

"I jumped off a boat and then some Pokémon dragged me here," said Paul.

"Why would you ever jump off a boat?" asked the man.

Paul then took out a slightly damp picture of his family. "Because, this was about to fly away," he said. The man took the picture in his hands. "For some reason, his eyes grew wide. "You-You still have this?" he asked.

"What?" Paul asked, confused.

"Oh…um…nothing," the man stammered. "So anyway, why is that man's face tore off?"

"I have issues with him," Paul said. He then began remembering a time when his dad left his family.

-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-

FLASHBACK…

Paul was about five years old when he remembered his dad leaving the family. It was late at night and his parents were at the front door. Regina and Paul's dad were having a very heated argument at the front door. Paul remembers his dad wearing a black jump suit and he had duffel bags in his hands. Regina was feeling a mix of anger and sadness. "How dare you leave this family behind!" Regina shouted, angrily. "Was the love I had for you worth nothing?!?"

"Regina, I have big dreams in my mind that can't be accomplished by caring for a family," the father said, sternly. "I have to do this."

"You are taking part in something that's criminal! You're going to throw away me, your sons, just so that you can live out your dream of ruling over Pokémon?!?" Regina sobbed. "I want you out of my house, now!"

"Mom? Dad?" Paul squeaked.

Both the dad and Regina looked towards his way and noticed him. "Paul, just go back to bed! This is between me and your father!" Regina said.

"Where's dad going?"

"Dad's going to get a better job. Taking care of you is a big burden on my part," the dad confessed.

"Stop that! Don't say such things!" Regina cried. Paul really did feel hurt by that comment.

"Well, I tell it like it is," said the dad. "This family is holding me back on bigger things in life."

"Just get out!" Regina shouted.

The dad took another glance at Paul. "I know you as a failing trainer and a failing son!" Paul's dad said, rather harshly.

"GET OUT!" Regina shouted. She then threw a flower vase at Paul's dad's head, making him run out the door. Paul felt like he was stabbed in the heart. He felt like crying.

Regina slammed the door shut. She got down on her knees. She did her best to suppress her tears, but it was no good. "Why? Where did I go wrong?" Regina asked, crying.

"I'm…I'm a bad…son?" Paul asked himself. Regina got up and gave her son a big hug. "Don't listen to him. He's an idiot. He's just some total stranger now!" she continued sobbing.

-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-

"Hey kid, something on your mind?" asked the man.

"Huh? What?" Paul asked. "Oh…it's nothing. Don't worry, Mister…"

"Just call me…Robb," the man said.

"Robb…okay then," Paul said. "Hey…you look familiar?"

"Hmmm? Are you sure?" Robb asked. "I never met you in my life."

"Oh…it's just that you look like someone I know," said Paul.

-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-

It was late at night, Regina, Reggie, and Dawn finally arrived at Canalave City. Regina was running the fastest out of all of them. "Come on! Hurry up!" she shouted.

"Wait up mom!" Reggie shouted.

"I can't. Paul only has a week to get back to the gym or else he loses!" Regina shouted. She continued scurrying as fast as she can towards the city harbor. "Regina, I think we should call it a day," said Dawn.

"We can't! Remember? Paul only has a week…"

"I know, but I'm exhausted," Dawn said. "Besides, I'm sure he couldn't have gone far."

"Well, give me a few more hours. I'm sure someone has seen him somewhere," said Regina.

"Yeah but…" Reggie said.

"Fine! You can go and rest! I'm not stopping until Paul's back in my grasp!" snapped Regina.

Suddenly, Dawn's Pokétch began rumbling her wrist. "What's that?" Reggie asked.

"It's my Pokétch. I got a new App for it. Now it can send written messages to another person," Dawn said.

She tapped the LCD screen and there was a message addressed to Dawn. "Let's see…to Dawn from…Paul?!?" Dawn read. Regina perked her head up. "Dear Dawn…"

Dawn was interrupted when Regina suddenly pulled her wrist closer to her. "Paul wrote you a message?!?" she asked, frantically.

"Ow! You're twisting my wrist!" Dawn shouted.

Regina paid no attention. She continued reading Paul's message.

To: Dawn

From: Paul

I bet you guys are still looking for me. Mom must be worried sick. Even though, I fell off a boat, I am fine.

Regina then looked at Dawn. "How do you send a message back?" she asked.

"Ow! There's a little stylus built into the Pokétch," Dawn groaned, still in pain. "Just grab it and write him a message back."

Regina wasted little time. She grabbed the little stylus and feverishly began writing a message to Paul. "How do you send it?" she asked.

"Just…just tap the corner of the screen," said Dawn as she continued groaning in pain.

To: Paul

From: Regina

Paul, where in the hell were you?!? We were worried sick about you! Fantina was very close to banning you again.

From: Paul

Don't worry mom, I'm fine! I'm here on one of the Sunmoon Islands! I'm not coming back to the gym until I clear my mind. I need some time to myself.

From: Regina

I know you're under a lot of stress, but why are you doing all this? Why did you leave your Pokémon with Dawn?

From: Paul

Mom…it's kind of a personal problem. Just leave me be.

Good night!

After that message was received, Paul refused to answer any more of his mom's messages. "Paul, reply to me this instance!" grumbled Regina. She was still getting no replies from Paul. "Alright people! Get your things! We're boarding the next boat to the Sunmoon Islands!"

"Mom, don't be ridiculous. It's late," Reggie said.

"Then, I'll go myself!" Regina said.

"No Regina, I think you need to calm down and get rest," Dawn said. Dawn then grabbed onto her wrist. "But if I don't…"

"Just relax."

"I need to."

"Relax!"

"Dawn, I have to…"

"I said…RELAX!" Dawn shouted. She surprised both Regina and Reggie. "Now look, I understand that you're worried about Paul, but you're taking things too far. Paul obviously has a few problems that he has to work out. Maybe he's trying to rethink the way he treats his Pokémon. Why else would he leave them with me? The best thing you can do for Paul is to relax and let him solve his problems. The last thing he wants on his mind is his mother suffering a panic attack."

Regina thought about what Dawn said for a moment. "Yeah…" she said, solemnly. "Maybe I should relax a bit. Nevertheless, I'm just…" Dawn placed her hand on Regina's shoulder. "It's okay," Dawn said. "We'll keep checking up on him. I'm sure that whatever Paul's problems are, he'll resolve them by himself."

"Well…okay," Regina said.

"Come on mom," Reggie said. 'Let's go find a place to sleep."

"Yeah…we should," said Regina.

Regina then began heading towards the nearest Pokémon Center. "Um…Dawn I think you broke my mom," Reggie said.

"Don't worry. She'll be fine," Dawn said. "Like I said, Paul will feel better by himself."

-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-

EARLY NEXT MORNING…

Right when the sun was beginning to set, Dawn split out of the Pokémon Center and began heading over towards the harbor. "If I hurry, I can probably get onto the first boat to the Sunmoon Islands," she thought to herself.

-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-

The sun was rising over Sunmoon Islands. At Robb's house, he was making breakfast while Paul was still sleeping. For some reason, he had an evil smirk on his face. "Well, well, well," he said. For some reason, his voice changed from nice & caring to deep & menacing. "Who would have thought that I get to meet my own son again?"

TO BE CONTINUED…

A/N: Oh no…another cliffhanger!

Dawn lies straight in Regina's face and now Robb is claiming that Paul is his son! What does this all mean? And didn't Paul's dad have purple hair, not black hair?

Well, don't let this ruin your Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, everybody (or Happy Singles Day if you don't have anyone)!