Obsidian and Plum 2: Haunting Disturbances
Chapter Five – The pokémon path

"Hey Tauros!" Ash enthusiastically caught the bovine pokémon's attention, waving wildly in the air with the hand that wasn't leaning on his cane. Tauros lifted its head, recognition obvious as it drummed at the ground beneath its feet – excited to see its trainer again.

It suddenly bounded over towards them with astonishing speed.

Paul, assuming it was about to charge straight into Ash, felt his stomach plunge in fear for Ash's safety. He acted fast, about to call one of his own Pokémon to assist, shouting – "Ash, look out!" However, Tauros was already there before Paul could release his Aggron. It circled them once before skidding to a halt Infront of its trainer.

As the kicked-up dust settled, Paul replaced his pokéball to his belt and heard Ash's jovial voice – "How's it going buddy!"

Ash didn't seem to realise that he'd caused Paul's heart rate to spike, he was smiling at the damn wild pokémon and oblivious to anything else, scratching behind its dangerous, thick horns and chuckling.

Paul sighed in resignation: Ash was going to be the death of him.

As he watched Tauros enjoying the attention, he spared a moment to appreciate the trust that Ash had in his pokémon – the trust he'd just shown in knowing that Tauros wouldn't plough into him. He was somewhat impressed with the bovine's ability to manoeuvre itself – its agility, especially as the thing had to weight at least 180pounds.

Another pokémon that was just straight up weird – Paul frowned: Tauros were meant to be violent, rowdy Pokémon – brawn, speed and strength … not nauseatingly cuddly things with agility.

"Pi, Pikachu!" The yellow rodent then greeted the bovine Pokémon, jumping onto Tauros' back like long-time friends reuniting. Paul's frown deepened – Tauros weren't meant to be friendly with rodent brats either. He half expected the bovine to buck the rodent off… but of course, Ash's pokémon were unconventional, and Tauros tuned its head to greet the rat in turn.

"Nothing like old friends meeting each other again after some time apart." Professor Oak chuckled, "Tauros has obviously missed you Ash. I think he's been rather lonely without his herd, of course he has the other trainer's Tauros to run with sometimes, but it's just not the same thing."

"Hasn't Mr Jiles sent my other three back yet?" Ash asked, referring to the three Tauros he'd sent to Mr Jiles' farm for breeding with some of his Miltank.

"No, not yet. Mr Jiles did send me correspondence however, saying that one of his Miltank took a shine to one of your Tauros. The other two didn't have much luck unfortunately, but he said not to worry, that his Miltank were rather picky." Professor Oak chuckled again. "Miltank laid a healthy egg a few weeks ago, I forgot to mention it before."

"That's awesome! My Tauros were sure to be a big h–"

Whatever Ash was about to say, was abruptly cut off by a shrill – "Meegaanium!" As a massive blur of green and pink appeared out of nowhere.

"What the–?" Paul startled, just as Ash was knocked to the ground – cane flying from his hand – and being attacked– No! Licked to death by a huge pokémon that stood over his now laughing boyfriend, standing at least 6ft tall.

As Ash greeting what Paul assumed to be another one of his unruly pokémon, he had to stop himself throwing his hands up in resignation: didn't Ash posses any pokémon that conformed to what was generally coincided normal behaviour?

Ash's laughter was suddenly cut off by a sharp intake of breath – pain, Paul realised. Meganium froze and pulled back just as Paul was about to intervene, but the overgrown grass type looked concerned and… guilty?

"Ganium?" Big yellow eyes looked down in shame, moving backwards so that it no longer stood over its trainer. It looked rather pathetic – Paul though.

"Hey! It's not your fault Meganium." Ash pacified the crazy thing, lifting himself up onto his elbows and wiping his saliva covered face on his sleeve. "I injured my leg a while back, you just took me by surprise girl."

Paul shook his head at the bizarre situation before him, helping Ash return to his feet. He picked up the cane and handed it over to his boyfriend. He held back the biting remarks that halted on the very tip of his tongue, words that would surely only frustrate his boyfriend to no end, so he stayed quiet – a silent observer.

"Thanks Paul." Ash said, smiling brightly and making Paul glad that he had held his tongue. Ash then turned back to his Meganium. "Come here girl!"

Paul continued to observe as Ash hugged his grass type – dinosaur like – pokémon around its neck. Pikachu jumped from Tauros to Meganium's back, and as Ash spoke to his Pokémon, Professor Oak turned to him.

"You know, I'll never get tired of seeing the way Ash's pokémon light up when he returns home from one of his journey's."

"So, this is normal?" Paul asked, frowning as he continued to observed Pikachu babbling along with Meganium and Tauros, and Ash seemingly understanding them. "They sure do get worked up."

"They are just excited to see their trainer again. Its what makes Ash good at what he does. Having such a strong connection with his pokémon is the reason they strive to do their best. They want to make him proud of them, and Ash does seem to catch pokémon with a fierce desire to prove their worth – just like Ash in fact."

"Just like Ash." Paul mumbled, watching as Meganium lifted Ash up and onto Tauros' back with her strong vines. Pikachu stayed on Meganium's back, happy, chipper, and all four of them looked far too exuberant.

It was that thing again – connection, trust, friendship, and it evaded his understanding. He couldn't deny that somehow though, it worked for Ash. He had to admit that it would throw of any opponent that Ash battled with, especially when his pokémon didn't conform to expectations, but 'playing around' and making friends with them would surely only prevent the pokémon from reaching their full potential. They would become spoilt, expectant, wanting and lazy, and without pressure, strict training, and obedience, what good was a pokémon in a battle?

"Come on Paul," Ash shouted, interrupting his thoughts, "let's go find my other pokémon! You can ride behind me, and Professor Oak can ride with Meganium and Pikachu."

Professor Oak responded before Paul could.

"Ash, I really don't think–" Oak didn't get to finish, Meganium had lifted a yelping Professor Oak onto her own back with her vines, and Pikachu scurried forwards Infront of him cheerfully. "Well then, this will certainly be a new experience." Professor Oak blinked in resignation, settling into the idea already with a smile on his face.

Paul, not wanting to be lifted into the air by a certain Meganium that was now staring at him with a look he'd dare to deify, quickly mounted behind Ash before it got any clever ideas.

Sat behind Ash on the bovine pokémon, he realised that he should probably get used to riding on the Tauros – it was going to be Ash's assistance pokémon after all. He didn't plan on riding it much though, he had perfectly usable legs, but there were sure to be many times in the future that he would have to… or be coerced to.

"Let's go Tauros! You and Meganium lead the way!" Ash jovially yelled out.

Paul wondered if they would even know where Ash's other pokémon were hanging out in the Oak Corral, the natural environment that surrounded Professor Oak's laboratory. If they were all as friendly as Pikachu, Tauros and Meganium were together, then it wouldn't surprise him.

He was beginning to accept that what would have surprised him before, certainly didn't when it came to Ash and his unconventional pokémon.

Paul jumped down from Tauros in the clearing they'd just stopped in, helping Ash down afterwards. They'd been travelling through some woods when Ash had spotted his Unfezant. His boyfriend had whistled for it to come over, and had asked it gather his pokémon that were around this area – to meet him in the clearing.

They were now waiting, and Paul asked Ash – "I thought Unfezant had red around its eyes, like vines or ribbons or something?"

"That is the Males." Professor Oak answered before Ash. "The males have what is called a wattle around its eyes that extends over its head and down past its shoulders. By swinging its head, the males threaten their opponents. The male also has a mint green underside, whereas the female's is brown."

So, Ash's Unfezant was a female huh? He thought to himself.

He'd heard about them, seen them on TV and in books and such, and he was sure that they came from the Unova region and evolved from Tranquill after Pidove, but he'd never been to Unova himself…

His thoughts were interrupted again when they heard a rustling sound coming from the bushes to their left, a sound that wasn't caused by the wind…

A Bulbasaur suddenly popped out – "Bulb, Bulbasaur?"

Paul relaxed, watching as its red eyes landed on Ash. It suddenly exclaimed loudly in happy sort of surprise as it rushed over to its trainer, and before he could wonder why Ash had an unevolved Kanto starter pokémon, Bulbasaur was followed a cautious Leavanny, a proud Servine, and a rather calm Sceptile with a twig held in the side of its mouth.

Paul raised his eyebrow, but before he could ask or even ponder on the ever-growing peculiarity, they heard a range of bird sounds coming from above them. Circling, and then landing in the clearing, were Unfezant, a strange coloured Noctowl, a Swellow, a Staraptor, a Noivern, and Rowlett.

And, pretty much as soon as they'd landed and Ash had greeted them enthusiastically, they were also joined by Torterra, a Heracross, a Gliscor, and a Talonflame.

Ash was smiling like an idiot, limping around to address each of his pokémon as if they were his best friends and hadn't seen them in years. Paul rolled his eyes as he leaned against a tree to observe, his hands in his pockets, and then he noticed that Professor Oak was also smiling like an old fool. He scoffed – really? They were just pokémon!

He counted fourteen, seventeen if you counted Pikachu, Tauros and Meganium, and he noted how each pokémon had a unique personality. Some were sickeningly hyper, other reserved, some patient but obviously eager.

"Come on out guys!" Ash then yelled, throwing three pokéballs into the air… twenty now then, Paul thought as he watched the commotion in silence.

Hawlucha came out posing like a fool, that unusual form Lycanroc howled in greeting, and lastly… Greninja came out and folded its arms over its chest, leaning against a tree to his nine o'clock. Paul couldn't help but take a moment to observe it again hungrily, wondering what it was capable of. Its deep brown-red eyes suddenly met with his own, and he looked away towards Ash again.

"Hey Paul, come and meet my friends!" Ash called, having eventually realised that he wasn't engaged in all the commotion.

Friends? Paul thought. Could one really be 'friends' with a pokémon? Paul shook his head at such a pathetic thought, and he walked over to indulge his ludicrous boyfriend. He noticed how all the pokémon, all save for Greninja, Pikachu, Meganium, and Tauros, were standing in a line, and Ash started his introductions.

"Okay everyone, this is my boyfriend, Paul."

The way Ash said that one sentence, without a care in the world, so sure and confident, proud and buoyant … it made him shiver. Each time he heard the words he half expected to be the subject of violence or vitriol, that he dared to be gay, and yet, each time he heard it, it made something dormant in him stir. It was something that warmed the coldness of his fear, that coerced him just a little more, into seizing his sexuality with pride.

Ash held no qualms about broadcasting his own sexuality, about claiming him, Paul, loudly for all to hear and bear witness to the fact that he was taken. It made him feel proud… wanted. Even if it put him on guard, his eyes glancing around for the punch that never came, he wanted to hear it.

Pikachu was muttered something to the other pokémon, and suddenly the others all started babbling excitedly.

Was the bloody rodent translating?

He frowned – he'd get wrinkles from the amount of frowning Ash was causing him, and he was sure he would get a headache from all this absurd commotion, but he'd endure it if meant that Ash would remain his. Yes, he'd put up with the absurdity that came with his raven-haired boyfriend, so long as Ash kept declaring that they were together.

"Paul, this is Heracross, a bug fighting type. We first met in a forest in Jhoto, it's a long story, but he wanted to come with me in the end. He chose me!" Ash babbled, wearing a massive grin that threatened to spilt his face in half.

The bloody Heracross nodded its blue head, its 'hands' together in front of its chest.

Did Ash's pokémon really understand what he was saying?

"This is Bulbasaur, a grass poison type. Went met in Kanto, in the hidden village. He used to protect the injured and sick pokémon there with a woman called Melanie." Ash explained.

"Yes," Professor Oak nodded, "he keeps the Pokémon here from quarrelling with each other. Bulbasaur has proven himself to be a natural leader."

Bulbasaur puffed up with pride – pathetic!

"This is Servine. It's another along story, but I was on my way to Nacrene City in the Unova region when we met. She was a Snivy at the time, and man did she play hard to get."

Servine then had the bloody audacity to wink at him. He blinked, wondering if he'd seen things.

"This is Rowlet–" Ash started, but then he chuckled nervously when he realised that Rowlet was asleep, "He likes to take a'lotta naps. We met in Aloha when he literally fell out of the sky."

Paul had questions, many in fact, but his boyfriend barely took a breath as he moved on.

"And this is Leavanny, a bug grass type. We met when he was a Sewaddle, in Pinwheel forest in the Unova region. He didn't like me at first, but we soon became great friends."

Leavanny bowed slightly.

"Meet Staraptor…"

Ash continued introducing all of his pokémon, like one would introduce his family or friends, and Paul listened trying to take it all in. He'd met a few of them already of course, when Ash was in Sinnoh, or when he'd been in the cave during the storm. Some of the pokémon he'd only heard about, never having seen their species before with his own two eyes, and he was curious despite the absurdity of being introduced to pokémon.

Ash finally turned to Greninja; he was the last in the long line of introductions. "And this is my buddy Greninja!"

Greninja bowed his head, pushing away from the tree to do so.

"Greninja and me met in Kalos when he was just a Froakie. He'd had so many trainers, but Froakie just didn't trust them, and he always got sent back to Sycamore's lab. The next day, when we were leaving, Froakie literally threw a chunk of its frubbles in my face to get my attention. He wanted to come with me. We've been great friends ever since."

Paul wanted to ask more about Greninja, especially when he remembered how Ash has somehow communicated with it back in the cave, and now would have been a good opportunity, but Professor Oak looked at his watch and said – "We best move on Ash, its already gone one o'clock. Didn't you say you had to be ready to leave by three?"

"Oh man!" Ash complained. "Guess I'll have to see you all again when I get back from Saffron City." He said to his now deflated pokémon.

Well, Paul thought, as he finally pulled Ash away from saying farewell to all his pokémon, and helped him back up and onto Tauros again, he would have to save his curiosity regarding Greninja for later. He was also curious about some of Ash's other pokémon, but there was something different about the dark-water type.

Comfortably sat in front of Paul, Ash suddenly remembered why they were there in the first place – "Noctowl, Greninja! I need you two to come with me to Saffron city. There are some ghost types causing trouble there… or at least, we think it's ghost type pokémon. Are you two up for that?"

The two pokémon in question nodded, apparently up for the challenge. A spark of glee had Paul's eyes looking back Greninja… maybe he would be able to get some answers sooner than he thought. Of course, he remembered, they would likely be facing ghost type pokémon, Greninja would be a good pokémon to have due to its dark type.

"Lycanroc, Hawlucha," Ash called, "why don't you guys stay here for now. I'll leave your pokéball with Professor Oak."

They happily agreed, and with final farewells they continued on their way to find Ash's other pokémon.

Paul couldn't help but inwardly scoff at the sight they made together: Pikachu and Professor Oak riding Meganium, Himself and Ash on Tauros, Greninja moving from tree to tree with such skilled agility, and Noctowl flying elegantly just ahead of them.

As bizarre a sight they made, it hit him again how strange his life with Ash would be if he managed to win Ash's heart, if what they had right now grew to something bigger. His life certainly wouldn't be boring, but there was much that he'd have to accept about Ash unless he wanted to argue over opinions and points of view.

It was the same thing all over again when they reached the rocky-sandy terrain on the outskirts of the forest, but here Paul briefly, and quickly, met:

Quilava, Donphan, Torkoal, Gabite, Pignite, Scrafty, Gigalith, Krookodile, Incineroar, Alolan Diglett, and Alolan Geodude. Charizard was there – sleeping on a massive bolder, and he met with Infernape once again.

This time Ash requested that Scrafty, Krookodile and Incineroar came with them.

He was rather curious about Incineroar, he'd never even heard of it before, and it looked like it could pack a punch in a battle. It was a fire-dark type, and unlike many of Ash's pokémon, it looked proud yet calm – serious. The Alolan pokémon were interesting, and he remembered Gary saying something about his research regarding pokémon from different regions at that fucking party – he wondered if that was why they looked different… because they were from a different region - Aloha.

He hadn't had any time to satisfy his curiosity however, as they had rushed back to the Pokémon lab – Ash deciding to conveniently postpone going down to the lake to see his water pokémon, muttering something about 'bloody Corphish'.

They had just registered Tauros into the Pokémon dex, as an assistance pokémon, and were about to leave when Ash asked – "Hey, where's Gary?"

Paul frowned – he certainly wasn't jealous of the arrogant, auburn-haired twat.

"Ah, Gary is in a very important conference meeting today. The Alolan Pokémon you caught were a great asset to Gary's research. We already know how important it is that pokémon spend time outside their pokéballs, but Gary discovered a link between a pokémon's type and original climate to their abilities, powers, and well-being. He is currently applying for funds to have an environmental and climate changing conservatory built, in hopes that we can house more pokémon from different regions more suitably, and therefore be in a better position to further his research. He is presenting his case. I expect he will be held up for most of the day."

"That's awesome!" Ash exclaimed.

"Yes," Professor Oak chuckled, "I'm sure the pokémon will agree if he manages to convince them to grant him the funds. It won't be cheap, and it will take months to build, but I have confidence in my grandson."

They eventually left – not before Ash had asked Professor Oak to wish Gary good luck of course – and they made their way back to Ash's house on Tauros.

"What water pokémon do you have?" Paul decided to ask. He was curious, but he was also trying to make an effort to get to know his boyfriend. It was even more obvious now that pokémon were a huge part of Ash's life, and not just in the ordinary sense that they were to most trainers.

"Let's see, erm… there's Kingler, Corphish and Croconaw. I have a Floatzel, a Dewott, and… erm, oh yeah! A Seismitoad."

Paul had given up trying to keep count, but about forty pokémon was right – just as Ash had said before. Ash had some really interesting Pokémon, he couldn't dispute that, even if they were strange in personality.

"I see. Didn't you mention a Muk before?" Paul asked, he swore that Ash had mentioned how he had a Muk that was eager to journey with him, but he hadn't seen it.

"Yeah," Ash chuckled, "don't you remember how I caught that Muk in Gringey City, from that bloody magazine? Muk was one of my first pokémon that I caught here in Kanto, between Celadon City and Fuchsia. Its now called Eco City though. Anyway, Muk is in his pokéball right now. He loves to follow Professor Oak around when he's out of his ball, and he can be a right handful, I tell ya." Ash laughed.

"In what way?" Paul asked, wondering if he really wanted to know.

"Well, yer see, Muk is really friendly, and he likes to socialise. He often gives these smothering hugs too." Ash chuckled again. "It's not his fault, but he doesn't have the best aroma, and his hugs have made Professor Oak quite ill a few times. Muk consumes the waste or refuse generated by Professor Oak's home and laboratory. Sometimes Professor Oak will take all the pokémon that like, and consume waste, even toxic waste and gases, to waste centres. Muk's general make up means that he can easily destroy all the plant life around him, or pollute the rivers and lakes nearby, and because he can make others really ill it's important that we're careful when he is outside his pokéball."

"Why would you keep something like that? Surely it would be better to leave it to its natural habitat, especially if it is so difficult and dangerous to keep." Paul found himself frowning once again, baffled by Ash's choice in pokémon and his logic.

"He's my friend, Paul! You don't get rid of friends! Anyway, it's safer for him here. With Cities and Towns cleaning up their act, with recycling and stuff nowadays, Pokémon like Grimmer and Muk are going extinct. There aren't many polluted swamps or lakes left, industrial sites are starting to go greener and limit the pollution they cause, and no one fly tips anymore."

"That does make sense actually." Paul agreed, deciding to drop the subject, but Ash had more to say on the matter.

"Pokémon like Muk use to be useful to people: when there was waste to be rid of, Muk, Grimmer, and even pokémon like Trubbish and Garbodor would decrease landfill and limit pollution. I'm not saying that we should go back to the way things were before we recycled and that, but it's shame to see these pokémon going extinct because we don't think past our own needs. People hate them because they smell, or because they cause illnesses, so they want rid of them, and that's totally unfair, Paul. We should be able to find a compromise so that we can live in harmony with all pokémon! Pokémon were here before us!"

Paul didn't know how to react to Ash's passionate rant, but he could see his boyfriend's point. He wasn't so ignorant as to believe that all pokémon were fatuous; aside from battling, many pokémon were used to aid human's tasks or daily lives. What he'd never considered however, was the selfish side of humanity. He'd never given Pokémon enough thought nor credit to worry about their general wellbeing outside of his own pokémon as a trainer… and even then, he only cared as much as what they could do for him in a battle. Was he therefore, part of the problem that Ash was ranting against?

He didn't want to vex his new boyfriend with his lack of interest in matters that didn't directly concern him, but he couldn't change his opinion or outlook overnight. If he even was able to change such a thing, it would certainly take time and evidence that he, himself, could believe in – it certainly wouldn't change just because Ash disagreed with him and what not. This particular point however, the one where pokémon and humans should compromise to live in harmony, sounded far too sentimental. Right now, he could perhaps, meet his boyfriend half way; some pokémon were worth the effort – maybe… and others he didn't really care if they went extinct or not – such was life! The world changed! Species that couldn't keep up went extinct, and new pokémon came into existence.

What was clear to him however, was that Ash was passionate about the lives of all pokémon, and he saved that information in his mind – in that ever-growing box that was filled with all things Ash Ketchum. Afterall, it wouldn't be beneficial to him if he kept managing to piss his boyfriend of by sticking his foot in his mouth.

"You will be careful won't you honey?" Delia asked loudly over the noise of the helicopter. Ash sighed – he thought his mother was being far too worried, and she'd asked him that same question for what seemed like the hundredth time.

"Of course, mum!" Ash shouted back. "I'm sure Paul will keep me out of trouble anyway." Ash said, glancing at his boyfriend with a shit-eating grin, but Paul had walked away to get into the helicopter.

Paul had been rather quite today, just watching and listening, and Ash hoped that he would… cheer up? or something. When he'd introduced his pokémon to Paul, the man had just nodded and seemed distant. He wanted him and his pokémon to get along, but Paul had to make an effort too.

'Maybe he was just overwhelmed at meeting all of my friends' – Ash thought, hoping that was it. It was difficult guessing what Paul might have been thinking, and they hadn't had much time, but he didn't like the fact that Paul was being so... over there? Ya know, like out of the way and weird like.

"…and make sure you call me in the morning too, so that I know nothing happens to you tonight." Oh, Ash realised his mother was still talking. He'd been watching Paul speak to the pilot.

"Will do mum."

"Ash!" Paul shouted, "Mr Ledger says we need to get a move on!"

"Right!" Ash yelled back, "Coming! I have to go mum; I'll call you in the morning!"

Delia embraced her son; she was overly worried due to the happenings in Kanto. She often forgot that her little boy was nineteen now, a young man, but she had every right to worry about him regardless, and she always would. Ever since he started his pokémon journeys as a trainer, she only saw him about once a year – she would never wish her son harm, but the injury he got from his accident in the storm had given her more time with him then she'd had in nine years. Letting him go again was always hard, but she was proud of him.

"Go on then!" Delia smiled. "Go save Kanto from those ghost pokémon. You might even make it into a magazine."

"Mum!" Ash groaned. "Come on Pikachu!"

Ash hoisted his bag onto his shoulder, leaning on his cane, and Pikachu walked beside him as they made their way over to the helicopter. He turned, waved to his mum, and took the offered hand that Paul gave him to help him up into the aircraft.

"Take care, both of you!" Delia waved as they started to become airborne.

Strapped into their seats, wearing headsets, Ash leaned his head to see the view; he always loved the wide views you got from aircrafts. Paul seemed uninterested, as usual, but Ash decided to just enjoy the ride and not let it get to him. If Paul wanted to be anti-social, then he'd talk to Pikachu instead.

"You ready to meet Agatha and Sabrina again Pikachu?" Ash asked.

"Pi, Pikachu!" His little friend nodded.

"It's gonna be great!" Ash smiled.

While Ash and Pikachu talked, Paul just sat there listening… thinking.

Paul was about to see what Ash could do, what he could bring to the table to help Saffron city. He would get to see how strong his boyfriend's pokémon were. Now normally, he would assume that they would be weak pokémon due to the fact that Ash treated them like friends, but he'd seen Ash reach the top four in the Sinnoh League, and he knew that Ash had won the league in the Belitose region. Ash's pokémon defied his beliefs and ethics as a trainer, and his boyfriend was about to prove, even further, that he was wrong… or Ash would fuck up and prove him right. Either way, he was starting to reanalyse himself as a trainer.

Maybe he was wrong, and maybe that was why he'd failed as a trainer.

Paul gave it all up because even after he'd beaten Brandon, the man had still asked him why he walked the pokémon path. His drive had been to beat Brandon, to avenge his brother and to prove that he could do it. Once it was done however, he no longer had a reason to walk the pokémon path anymore. He had proven to his brother that he was better than him, and he'd forgotten why he even became a trainer in the first place. Seeing Reggie lose had been the shock that started his mission to prove he was better, and in that mission, he had lost his interest in pokémon for what they were.

Paul had once, when he was nought but a small naive child, played with Reggie's pokémon and looked up to his brother as a great trainer – but Reggie, another trainer that thought like Ash, that made friendly with his pokémon, had failed to beat Brandon and go further with his pokémon training… he gave it all up. The reason became clear to Paul then… being friends with pokémon weaken them.

He'd show his brother! But then Ash came along.

Ash treated his pokémon like equals, like friends, and yet he beat Brandon. It angered him at first – that he'd dared to threaten his beliefs and what he'd thought had been the issue to Reggie's failure. It angered him even more that Ash was attractive, and that he'd developed a crush on the teenager back then. He'd therefore been cold towards Ash, a jerk, angry at the world, and unready to accept that he might have been wrong.

He was so lost in his thoughts that it shocked him when the pilot announced- "We will be landing in twenty minutes."

"Hear that Pikachu? We're nearly there!" Ash shouted with a big grin.

Maybe… just maybe – Paul thought, he could spend more time with his own pokémon – with Torterra, Aggron, Drapion, Froslass, Honchkrow and Weavile. Those were the pokémon he had brought with him. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to be less sharp towards them, and to let them be pokémon instead of just battling tools.

His own way had lost its drive, and he'd ended up without reason to continue being a pokémon trainer – so, perhaps it was time try something different, something new. Perhaps it was time to try again with a different outlook this time.

It wouldn't hurt to try.