"Suspicious Stranger"
By MisterAnimeFan
Part of the DP Love Series
Ummm...yeah...sorry about taking such a long time for this chapter. I just wanted to take a break and focus more time on other hobbies, such as video games and YouTube videos.
I understand that it was quite a long wait (especially since the last chapter ended on a cliffhanger), but this is a pretty long chapter, so I hope this makes it up to you guys.
I got quite a lot of reviews for the last chapter! Thank you all for reading and reviewing! I hope you will enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: Did you know that in Pokémon SoulSilver, you could get something called GB Sounds, which will allow you to listen to the 8-bit version of the songs? Ahh...nostalgia! Oh yeah and Pokémon belongs to Nintendo and Game Freak. The fan fiction exists out of fun and enjoyment.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"Paul...senior..." Regina muttered, as she looked at the man in front of her. The man looked at her with skepticism. "Um...who is Paul Senior?" asked the man. "My name is Justin. I am a wandering musician."
"Don't lie to me!" shouted Regina.
"I am not. I am quite the guitar player."
"Why are you here?" asked Regina.
"Umm...I live here," answered Justin.
"How did you get out of prison?"
"Look ma'am, I have no idea what is wrong with you. Either way, I am not who you think I am. My name is Justin and I am a musician from Lilycove City."
"You are Paul Sr.! You're a criminal who tried to take over the world and destroy my family!"
"With all due respect, you are an idiot."
Regina's mouth opened wide. "I am sorry you are offended, but you provoked me to say such a thing. Now, I bid you farewell, ma'am. And please...get help."
Justin turned around and began to walk to his home. Regina continued to look at him with suspicion and confusion. She then got an idea. "Wait a minute," she said.
"I already told you, I am not this Paul person you are thinking about," Justin replied.
"I know, and you're right."
"I am?"
"I was just...feeling a bit stressed...and I saw a bit of my ex-husband in you."
"I see. I suppose that justifies your opinion."
"Well...anyway, I wanted to ask if you would like to join my family during breakfast...as a symbol of my apologies."
Justin thought about the offer for a minute. "I have yet to eat breakfast," he muttered. "You know, I think I will have breakfast with you and your family."
"Wonderful!" Regina says, happily. "Then let's go to my condo then."
"Very well then."
Regina then led Justin to her condominium. Secretly, she had a plan.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Regina led Justin into her condominium and pulled up a chair for him. She then begins to make breakfast while he sits and watches. "Are you comfortable?" Regina asked Justin.
"Quite comfy, actually," replied Justin. He then took a sip from his coffee. Regina turned back to the food. "Acting very calm and collected, I see," she thought to herself.
Just then, a groggy Paul walked in. He rubbed his eye. "Morning mom," he yawned. He opened his eyes and saw Justin at the kitchen counter. His eyes opened wide as Justin looks back at him. "Morning, young man," waved Justin.
"Ummm..." stammered Paul.
"Oh yes," Regina said to her son. "I thought it would be nice to invite the neighbor over for breakfast. His name is Justin. Justin, this is my youngest son, Paul."
"It's nice to meet you Paul."
Justin extended his hand to Paul. Paul continued looking at him with some skepticism. Reluctantly, Paul shook his hand. "Ummm...hi," he said, slowly. Paul turned his attention to his mother. "So mom, making breakfast, huh?" he asked.
"Yes," answered Reggie. "Would you like to help?"
"Sure."
Paul walked up to the stove and stood beside Regina. They had their backs turned towards Justin, so that he could not hear or see them talk. "Mom, I have to ask something," whispered Paul. "What the hell is dad doing here?"
"You think it's him too?" asked Regina.
"I know it's him. He is using the same disguise he used on me back at the Sunmoon Islands. He has the black hair, soft voice, everything! The only thing new is the glasses."
"But he keeps denying that he's Paul Sr."
"Of course. He won't come out and say he's dad."
"I'm trying to figure out how to expose him."
Soon, Reggie woke up and walked into the kitchen. "Good morning everyone," yawned Reggie.
"Morning son," greeted Regina.
"Ah! I see you have two sons," remarked Justin.
Reggie opened his eyes and saw Justin sitting at the counter. Justin reached his hand out towards Reggie. "Nice to meet you," he said. "I am Justin. Your mother had invited me over for breakfast. I hope you don't mind me."
Reggie just violently slapped Justin's hand away. "Get away from me, dad!" he snapped.
"What? Dad?" asks Justin. Justin grew upset. "Oh my god! This is a set-up, isn't it?" he asked angrily.
"What are you doing here?" interrogated Reggie. "How did you get out of prison?"
"You guys are all crazy!" replied Justin. He then got up from his seat. "Forget the breakfast!" he shouts. "I'm out of here!"
"Oh no, you don't!" Reggie shouted.
Reggie charged at him from behind and tackled him to the ground. Regina and Paul were shocked at the event. The two quickly ran up to Reggie and broke apart Reggie from Justin. "Your son is a madman!" Justin shouted.
"Just reveal yourself, you heartless monster!" Reggie shouted.
Paul then took Reggie outside while Regina tended to Justin's wounds.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"How can you guys not see it?" Reggie asked angrily. "That's dad and he's up to no good!"
"Look, just calm down!" demanded Paul. "Me and mom agree. We think "Justin" is really dad in a disguise."
"Then why aren't you two doing anything about it?"
"Because mom thinks we'll get farther if we act naturally. It's better than trying to pester him, 'cause then he'll keep denying it."
Reggie took a few deep breaths. "Seriously," continued Paul. "Just relax and play along with this act until he slips up."
"But..."
"No seriously. Chill out and play along."
Reggie turned away from his younger brother. He had an angry scowl on his face.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Reggie was inside with Justin. She was treating his wounds, which were a few scratches, bruises, and a mild headache. "I am so sorry for the way my son attacked you," apologized Regina.
"With the way that boy acted, it seemed as if he was doing something you taught him to do!" accused Justin.
"Honestly, I did nothing to influence my son. I guess he sees my ex-husband in you as well."
"Do I really bear a resemblance to your husband?"
"Well...my husband had long hair and he had a body build similar to your own."
"I'm sure a lot of guys have the same body type as I."
"Yes, keep telling yourself that," thought Regina. "Well, I was hoping that you would forget about what just occurred and stay for breakfast."
"Will I be attacked by your son?" Justin asked.
"I promise to make sure that boy behaves himself."
Justin continued looking at her. "Well...alright," he said. "I shall stay for breakfast."
"Good," replied Regina. "And I hope you worked up an appetite!"
After Regina finished healing Justin's wounds, she went back into the kitchen to finish breakfast. Just then, Dawn walked into the room. "Morning everyone," she yawned.
"Good morning Dawn!" replied Regina. "Did you sleep well?"
"Oh yes," answered Dawn.
Dawn looked and saw Justin in front of her. "Say hello to our guest, Justin," said Regina.
"Oh hello!" she cheered.
"Hello to you too," replied Justin. "My name is Justin."
"I'm Dawn."
"Dawn? You mean the Dawn that tied with Fantina back in Hearthome City?" Justin asked. "Why I didn't know she lived with you, Regina."
"Oh, she's my little Paul's angel!"
"I'm his girlfriend," clarified Dawn.
"Well, I'm sure little Paul is lucky to have a girl like you as his girlfriend," said Justin.
Dawn just blushed as Paul and Reggie walked back into the kitchen. "Oh hey, you two are back!" Regina said, happily.
"Yeah, me and Reggie had a little talk between each other," explained Paul. "And Justin, Reggie wants to tell you something."
"No I don't," replied Reggie.
Paul then violently shoved Reggie. "Alright, fine!" shouted Reggie. "Justin, I'm sorry for attacking you. I thought you were my father, but I can see that you aren't."
"Wait, what did you do?" asked Dawn.
"If I had to say, you were probably hurt the most by your father?" asked Justin.
"Sort of," answered Reggie. "But I don't want to talk about it."
"Fair enough," continued Justin. "And I accept your apology."
"Well then, now that everything has been settled, let's have some breakfast!" Regina said, happily.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
The five of them sat down around the table and began to eat. Throughout the course, Regina and her sons took turns glaring at Justin. Dawn still remained unaware of what was going on. Justin continued to eat his food.
"He has to be up to something," thought Reggie. "If only we had some evidence that can prove it."
Dawn noticed everyone being quiet. She put her bowl down of rice down and spoke up. "This is really good, Regina!" commented Dawn.
"Yes, it is quite tasty," agreed Justin.
"Thank you!" Regina said. Regina then turned to Justin. "So Justin, you said you were a musician?" she asked.
"That's correct," Justin replied. "I am a wandering guitar player. I travel through different towns and cities, playing melodies and making whatever money I can make."
"Wow..." Dawn said, interested. "That seems interesting."
"Indeed," continued Justin. "It's nice to have a small group of people listen to my songs and make some new friends."
"Can you play us a song?" Paul asked.
"I would love too, but my guitar is in my condo. Perhaps later."
"Hey mom, could dad play a guitar?" Reggie asked.
Justin looked at him sternly. "Reggie, I thought Paul talked to you about this," Regina said.
"I'm not saying that Justin is dad in disguise. I just want to know," explained Reggie.
Justin continued to glare at Reggie. "Well, to my knowledge, I don't think your father plays any instruments," replied Reggie.
"I guess that answers that question," Justin added.
Reggie glared at Justin, but he took no notice. Dawn looked at the two, still confused as to why they were so tense. "So...Justin, do you train any Pokémon?" asked Dawn.
"Well no," answered Justin. "I never really had the motivation to actually care for a Pokémon. That's why I don't carry one around."
"Or maybe it's because the police confiscated them," thought Paul.
"But Pokémon are fun to take care!" continued Dawn. "They can be your friends, battle for you, and protect you from danger."
Justin just smiled. "Well...perhaps if I find one of interest, I might want to take...I mean...be friends with it."
Paul, Reggie, and Regina's faces perked up when they heard Justin's double take. "Take?" thought Reggie. "You mean like a criminal?"
Soon, Justin finished eating. "Well, that was a delicious meal, Regina," complimented Justin. "Thank you for cooking and inviting me."
"Oh, the pleasure is all mine," Regina replied.
"Well then, I should probably head back to my home here."
Justin then got up from his seat, as did Regina. "Here, I'll lead you out the door," offered Regina.
"It was nice to meet you all," Justin said to everyone.
"Bye Justin!" waved Dawn.
Regina then showed him out the door. "Don't hesitate to come back and visit," she offered. "Bye now!"
As Justin walked out, Regina shut the door behind her. "Well, he seems nice," Dawn said.
"I'll admit, he's doing a good job acting," Regina said.
"What do you mean?" Dawn asked, confused.
Suddenly, the others turned and glared at her. "Are you serious?" Reggie asked.
"What? What's wrong?" asked Dawn, worried.
"You don't know who that guy really is?" Paul asked.
"What do you mean?" Dawn asked.
"That's our dad!" explained Reggie.
"Justin is your father?" Dawn asked. "Wait, you guys have two dads?"
"No! I mean that's our dad dressed up as someone else," clarified Paul.
Dawn scratched her head. "What? Wait a minute, that doesn't make any sense," pondered Dawn.
"What about it doesn't make sense?" asked Regina. "My husband broke out of prison and is trying to ruin our happy lives!"
Dawn looked at everyone with skepticism. "You don't believe us," assumed Paul.
"Well...Justin doesn't look anything your dad," explained Dawn.
"Like I said, it's a disguise," repeated Paul.
"But, if it really was him, then why doesn't he just come right out and attack us or something?" Dawn asked. "To me, that doesn't make sense."
"He has some sort of plan," said Regina.
"Are you sure?" Dawn asked. "He doesn't strike me as someone who plans this out."
"How would you know?" snapped Reggie. "You only knew our father for a few days. We had to deal with him for our childhoods."
"Look...I really don't think Justin is Paul Senior," said Dawn. "It just can't be him."
"It is him," argued Paul. "He's using the same disguise that he used back when I first met him on the Sunmoon Islands. Black hair, gentle voice, everything. The glasses are new though."
"Look guys, I think you are all just a little paranoid," Dawn said. "I mean, he doesn't look like Paul Sr."
While they were talking, Justin secretly stood outside of the door, listening in on their conversation. "Well, until we can find some proof, you and I staying here," Paul said.
"What? Are you serious?" Dawn asked, angrily.
"It'll only be until we find out if he is dad or not," explained Paul.
"And how do you expect to find proof? Are we going to break into his room?" asked Dawn.
"We'll just monitor him and see if he does anything suspicious," answered Regina. "But we have to keep pretending like we don't suspect him."
Justin then began to walk away from the door. He shook his head as he walked back to his condominium.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Later in the day, Dawn walked out to a field nearby the Eterna Condominiums. She began to practice for her next contest. "Alright you guys!" she shouted. "Give it all you got! Gloom get on Mamoswine's back!"
Dawn's newly acquired Gloom jumped on top of Mamoswine's back. "Mamoswine, use Ice Shard!"
Mamoswine swallowed its own Ice Shard, creating ice spikes on its back. "Now Gloom, use Petal Dance!"
Dawn's Gloom released a spiral of flowers into the air. "All together now, Mamoswine use Take Down!" commanded Dawn.
Mamoswine then charged towards a large rock nearby. Mamoswine smashed the rocks to pieces. Pieces of stone, ice, and petals were sent flying into the air. "Alright, that was such a great move!" Dawn cheered. "I think that was one of the best ones we've ever created!"
"Hurray!" Gloom cheered.
"You know Gloom, you're getting good at this!" praised Dawn. Gloom just smiled as Dawn turned to Prinplup. "Now Prinplup, let's try out another move combination!"
As they continued to practice for the next contest, Justin watched from his balcony. He smiled and laughed quietly. "My, my," he muttered to himself. "Dawn is quite a character. I wonder how a guy like Paul could attract someone like her."
Justin then turned his attention to another part of the field. There, he saw Paul and his Pokémon training for the next gym battle. Paul's Magmortar was taking on Paul's Luxray. "Magmortar, use Flamethrower!" Paul demanded.
Magmortar lifted his arms up and shot out two powerful streams of fire from its hand. Luxray quickly ducked and ran towards Magmortar. Luxray bit into Magmortar's arm. "Quick, use Fire Punch!" Paul shouted. Before Luxray can execute a Thunder Fang attack, Magmortar used his other arm and punched Luxray with a fist engulfed in fire! "Now Magmortar, attack with Rock Tomb!" shouted Paul.
Magmortar raised his arms up again and a purple ball of energy formed. The purple ball of energy flew towards Luxray, and it turned into stone. Luxray quickly dodged the attack. Luxray then began to charge up all of the energy in his body. "Magmortar, use Overheat!" Paul shouted.
Magmortar pointed his hands towards Luxray. He stored up a lot of energy in its arms. Both Luxray and Magmortar launched their attacks. Unfortunately for Luxray, the Charge Beam attack was cancelled out by Magmortar's Overheat attack. The fire engulfed Luxray, nearly burning his body to a crisp. When the fire died down, Luxray fell over unconscious, his body badly burned. "Alright Magmortar!" cheered Paul. "I see we've been improving quite a bit."
"Yes master!" replied Magmortar.
Paul then walked over to his unconscious Luxray, he took out a vial of Burn Heal and sprayed it over Luxray's body. "You didn't so bad either Luxray," he whispered.
Justin continued to smile. "My, my...Paul's Pokémon aren't bad either," he muttered quietly. "It's a shame that I don't carry any Pokémon. It would fun to battle him."
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"Alright, I think we are done for the day," Dawn said, as she stretched out her limbs. "You all did great today!"
Her Pokémon cheered loudly before Dawn put them back into their Poké Balls (with the exception of Prinplup). "Alright, let's get back to the condo," suggested Dawn. "Regina probably has dinner ready."
When she arrived back into Eterna City, she and Prinplup ran into Paul. "Hey Paul!" she called out.
Paul turned around as she ran up to him. "Hey," he said.
"Are you heading back to the condo?" Dawn asked.
"Yeah...I spent the whole day trying to think of some ways to improve my Pokémon."
"And?"
"Well, they're doing very well. They are all so powerful. It's..almost as if they don't need me."
"Oh come on! Don't say that. What about Drapion?" asked Dawn. "He hasn't been on your team that long how's he doing?"
"Not bad. But I guess because he's so tall he has many weak points. We still have yet to figure out a way to defend those weak points."
"See? You're still needed."
"I saw a bit of the contest moves you were working on. They were all really nice."
"You think so?"
"Yeah...it was beautiful to look at. But seeing as how you're beautiful, that's no surprise."
"Aww...thank you," giggled Dawn. She got closer and held on to Paul's hand. Paul blushed a bit as they continued on their way.
When the reached the second floor of the condo building, the two saw Justin by his door. "Oh, hello you two!" he greeted.
"Hello Justin!" Dawn replied, happily.
"Hi..." Paul said, less enthusiastically.
"I saw you two training in the fields," mentioned Justin. "You two have some very impressive Pokémon."
"Thank you!"
"Uh...yeah..."
"Say, would you guys like to come into my place and have some tea or something?" asked Justin.
"Ummm...thanks, but mom probably has dinner ready, so we shouldn't make her wait any longer," explained Paul.
"Oh, I won't take up much of your time," added Justin.
"Maybe we should go with Justin," Dawn said.
"We can't," repeated Paul. "Maybe some other time."
Paul then gently pushed Dawn towards his mother's condo. Justin was left by himself. "What was that all about?" Dawn asked.
"What do you mean?" Paul asked. "Mom is waiting for us."
"But you were acting pretty rude. Look, Justin seems like a nice guy. I don't think he can't be your father."
"It's all a big cover. He's trying to trick us!"
"Well then, how about we go into Justin's place and see if there is anything suspicious?"
"You really want to go in there?"
"Why not? What's the worse that could happen?"
"He'll knock us out, tie us to a chair, and start doing unspeakable things."
Dawn looked at him with disgust. "Did you really just say that?" asked Dawn.
"Look, let's just keep our distance away from Justin. I don't trust him at all."
Paul then continued on his way. Dawn reluctantly followed him...at least that's what it looked like. Dawn suddenly turned around and ran back to Justin's door. "Dawn, get back here!" Paul shouted. Dawn refused as she went and knocked on Justin's door. Paul caught up and grabbed her by the arm. "Dawn, what are you doing?" Paul asked, angrily.
Suddenly, the door opened and Justin stood in the doorway. "Oh, you two are back!" he said, cheerfully. "Have you reconsidered my offer?"
"Yes," Dawn replied, quickly. "But we don't have much time. We have to hurry before Regina gets worried."
"Of course," replied Justin. "Come on in."
Justin stepped aside and allowed Dawn and Paul entry into his home. Dawn and (reluctantly) Paul walked inside.
The two walked inside and looked all around Justin's apartment. The room looked to be average. The walls remained white and the room hardly decorated. Only basic furniture and a television screen existed in the room. "My apologies for the place being sparse," Justin said. "I've only been living here for a short time now. I haven't had a chance to dress it up."
"Oh that's alright," Dawn said.
"Now there is no need to be polite," continued Justin. "Sit yourselves down and make yourself at home. I'll go and get the tea ready."
Justin then left the room and headed to the kitchen, out of the sight of Paul and Dawn. Paul violently pulled Dawn closer to him. "Dawn, just what the hell are we doing here?" Paul asked, angrily.
"I thought it would be best if you and I got to know Justin a little better," explained Dawn.
"He is my dad in disguise. There is nothing else to know about him."
"He's not your father! And I'm going to show you!"
"How?"
"Well, for starters, there's nothing sinister looking in this room."
"Maybe he's hiding them somewhere."
"I'm back!" Justin suddenly called out.
Dawn and Paul hastily sat down on the couch. Justin walked into the room with two cups of tea in his hands. He handed them to both Dawn and Paul. "Thank you," Dawn said, taking the cup of tea in her hands. Paul took his cup without a word. "I hope you like it," Justin said. Justin then sat down into his seat.
Dawn and Paul looked at their cups. Paul quickly took a small sniff of his cup. "It smells okay," he thought. Dawn quietly takes a sip of her tea. "It's good," she complimented.
"Really?" asked Paul. "How does it taste?"
"Just like any other cup of tea," Dawn said.
Paul stared into his cup. "My word Paul, you're acting like I put poison in that," joked Justin. Paul then took a big gulp of his tea. "How does it taste?" Justin asked.
"It's not bad," replied Paul.
"I'm glad you like it," said Justin.
Paul then got up from his seat. "Where are you going?" asked Dawn.
"Relax, I just need to use the restroom," replied Paul.
"It's down that hallway second door on the right," told Justin.
"Thanks," Paul said.
Paul then walked towards the front door and then down the small hallway. He found the bathroom door, but he didn't go inside. He opened the door and then slammed it, tricking Justin into thinking that he was in the bathroom. He listened closely and heard him and Dawn talking. "Now's my chance," thought Paul. Paul then began looking through the rest of Justin's home.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
TO BE CONTINUED...
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I apologize that it took forever for me to finish it. As I mentioned on "Pokémon: Contest Chronicles," I have been feeling a bit burned out on fanfictions. In addition, I always seem to get distracted by other things.
Plus, I also have other hobbies to tend to, such as watching anime, playing video games, and making videos on YouTube.
So if the next chapter takes forever, now you know why. I hope you guys understand and I will NOT end the fanfictions. It will be finished. I'm just taking a small break. And if I manage to get another chapter done, then I'll upload it.
While Justin and Dawn continue on with their conversation, Paul begins to search throughout Justin's place, leaving no stone unturned. Will he find anything that proves Justin is really his father in disguise? Or will he realize his paranoia and accept the truth about Justin?
Find out in the next chapter of "DP Love 2!"