Chapter 3
Disclaimer: moi-moi819 does not own Pokémon, or any of their titles therein. This is a nonprofit fan fiction. No copyright infringement was intended.
Moi-Moi: Oh my gosh you guys! I know that it's been forever! I'm so sorry! But classes have been rough and it's been hard to find the time to write even a word. But, I'm here now. If you were hoping for a "Darkness Within" update, you'll have to wait a little longer for that. ^.^' It's halfway done if that makes you feel better. :) I've been dying to come back for a while now and I've finally gotten my classes under a bit of control so let's see how long it lasts. Anyways, let's start another chapter!
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"Infernape, use Close Combat!" Gabi commanded. Infernape leapt into the air before coming at Ursaring with her paws poised for destruction.
"Dodge it! Now!" Paul commanded. Ursaring tried to sidestep the primate, but it was futile. The countless hours of combat training Infernape had been through enabled her to quickly pivot on the ball of her foot and use her second leg to strike Ursaring in the gut, as if she had anticipated the dodge. After being momentarily stunned, Ursaring was left exposed to Infernape's rapid fire punches. As a last ditch effort, Ursaring was able to catch one of Infernape's punches before quickly tossing her over his shoulder with a cry. "Focus Blast, let's go!"
"Flamethrower!" Gabi responded with a grin. That grin never was a good sign. That grin meant that Gabi had hatched an idea… "Now, send it back!"
Paul smirked. He knew it. He watched Ursaring's Focus Blast be consumed by the Flamethrower before turning from bright blue to burning red. With a well-placed kick, Infernape shot the blast back like a game of extreme volleyball.
"Ursaring is unable to battle! The winner is Infernape! The victory goes to Gabi!" Reggie announced. "Paul, what's with that smile? I can't remember the last time I saw you smile after losing…" Reggie went on while he stroked his slight, chin stubble in mock thought. He had recently decided to stop shaving and try a new look.
"I just have Gabi's mannerisms mastered. I could tell that she was about to use Ursaring's attack against him in some show of her Contest skills," Paul explained while giving Gabi and even stare. Gabi blinked owlishly before exchanging a look with her Infernape. They both grinned. "A lot of good it does you to know what I'm going to do when you can't even counter it," Gabi teased lightly. Infernape snickered lightly behind her fist. "Don't worry. I'll have that mastered before our real battle," Paul hinted with a smug look. Gabi raised a brow at him before nodding once in acceptance.
"Look at you two- supposed rivals and rumored love birds. I can see where the rival part comes in, but I'm not seeing much love…" Reggie hinted. Paul's cheeks flamed while Gabi laughed lightly.
"Don't be silly, Reggie. Paul can't let himself be distracted now. He's got a match against Aaron to win. Besides, I'm just here to help him train," Gabi winked. Reggie sent her a sly, knowing look that Paul missed. Gabi pretended to not have noticed Reggie's look and glanced at her Xtransceiver instead. "Well, look at the time, boys. I've got to get going."
"You're leaving already?" Reggie asked since Paul had decided to clamp his mouth shut.
"I've got to get over to Solaceon Town to see my grandparents. The Pokémon egg is going to hatch soon! Infernape and I are so excited. We've got to get going!" Gabi exclaimed before jogging away with Infernape at her side. Not long ago, Gabi had sent her Infernape through a transfer machine in order to visit Ash's Infernape at Professor Oak's Pokémon lab. It was a sort of custom that Infernape spend a few days at the lab out of the month. It was a pretty big deal when Infernape returned several days later with an egg and a motherly glow about her. Infernape had allowed the elderly couple to look after the egg at Gabi's request. It wasn't long before they received a call from her Grandfather saying that the egg was moving ever so often.
"She seems pretty busy these days," Reggie mused out loud.
"She has to be. The League is being challenged. She has to get her Pokémon into top condition before I face her," Paul commented.
Reggie smiled. He would allow Paul to have this moment of smugness. To anyone who couldn't read Paul well, he seemed confident and slightly arrogant. But to Reggie's trained eye, he could see the eager anticipation his brother was really putting off. "Come on, Paul. I think lunch should be ready by now," Reggie said before leading his brother and Pokémon back into their home.
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"Hello Sinnoh! It's me, Rhonda, your beloved, top-class reporter on the scene of this year's Sinnoh League Challenge! And a special "hello" to everyone all over the world watching this broadcast at their homes or online! The air here is positively electric!" Rhonda was grinning widely into the camera with her microphone poised and ready to go. Rhonda had long since done away with her lengthy locks and was now sporting a stylish bob. After pressing a delicate finger to her ear, Rhonda's eyes lost focus before they suddenly brightened. "My sources are telling me that Aaron has just arrived! As we all know, Aaron is being challenged by the winner of this year's Sinnoh League- Paul!" Rhonda grinned. She took out a handheld device and began moving her thumb across the screen, "And according to recent, online polls, there's resounding support for Paul to win! I can only guess that it has something to do with fans everywhere wanting to see Gaul's love put to the test on the battlefield…" Rhonda winked.
"Rhonda behind you," the cameraman whispered. While Rhonda was talking, a man had moved into the scene behind Rhonda. He was about to leave the scene, but stopped at the sound of Rhonda's broadcast.
Rhonda blinked curiously before peeking over her shoulder. When she recognized who it was standing behind her, she let out an excited giggle before snatching him up by the arm and pulling him towards the camera. "Aaron! Just the guy I wanted to see! Tell my viewers how you are feeling about this match," Rhonda smiled brightly and stuck her mic up to Aaron's mouth.
"…I suppose it'll be a good match. I've seen what my opponent is capable of. I'm looking forward to facing Paul. I've heard a lot of good things about him. I'm sure he'll be able to give me a run for my money…" Aaron grinned handsomely.
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"And you heard it here folks! Aaron's got high hopes for this match! Let's see if Paul can deliver…" Rhonda grinned and winked before the transmission ended. Gabi shook her head with a small smile. She put away her brand new, handheld device and withheld a small laugh.
"I never thought I'd see the day where someone said that they'd heard good things about my brother," Reggie joked.
"Don't be so hard on Paul. He's come a long way," Gabi smiled. They were sitting in the VIP box at the Coliseum with Mr. Goodshow, Flint, and Stephan.
"You can say that again. These whippersnappers these days've got boat loads of talent and drive! They remind me of me!" Mr. Goodshow laughed.
"This match is gonna be hot. I can feel it," Flint grinned and leaned back in his seat.
Gabi frowned at Flint slightly. "Flint, no offense, but why are you here? Paul still has to beat Fantina before he could face you," Gabi commented. Last year, Bertha had retired as an Elite Four member and left the position open. Of the few elite Trainers in Sinnoh who were offered the position, Fantina was chosen. She had to face off against the other members as well as defeat Bertha in battle to be able to qualify, but she had accomplished both tasks with moderate difficulty.
Volkner had been offered the position as well- something Gabi fully supported. But the Electric type Master kindly turned down the position. The Sunnyshore Tower and Gym were far too important to him. He couldn't think of anyone to leave them to and Arceus forbid that the Pokémon League appointed a new Gym Leader that didn't keep the Gym in the top condition that Volkner kept it in.
"I know he's going to face me eventually. I figured that I should be here to observe his battling as well as cheer for your boyfriend," Flint winked. Reggie chuckled while Mr. Goodshow laughed loudly. Gabi shook her head with a smile. She had long since given up on convincing Flint that "Gaul" wasn't real.
"Gabi's not dating Paul! I think I would now if she were," Stephan interjected from his seat behind them.
"Welcome to the first match of this year's Sinnoh League Challenge! Our competitors are now making their way onto the field!" the announcer proclaimed, effectively cutting off Stephan's spiel. The announcer could have said that the building had caught fire and he wouldn't have received a louder cry from the crowd. As per usual, the crowd was lively and a couple decibels passed "loud". From where she sat, Gabi could see countless amounts of posters with Paul's face, his Electivire, or "GALO".
Gabi frowned. "What does GALO stand for?" she asked no one in particular.
"Gaul Always Lives On. I started it. I said it in an interview with Rhonda to get her to leave me alone. And now it's a thing! I'm a trendsetter," Flint smirked. Gabi rolled her eyes at him. Stephan glared at the back of Flint's head. Where were all the SALO Posters? "Stabi" sounded way better than "Gaul".
"The six-on-six match between Aaron of the Elite Four and Paul, the challenger will now begin! The battle will be over when all Pokémon on one side are unable to battle," the referee announced into the microphone attached to his ear. "In addition, both Trainers may substitute Pokémon! Trainers, choose your first Pokémon…"
"Magmortar, stand by for battle!" Paul declared.
"Drapion, let's go!" Aaron yelled. "Use Cross Poison!"
"Will-O-Wisp, let's go!" Paul commanded.
"And so it begins folks! It looks like our competitors are ready to jump right in and give us an explosive battle from the get go!" the announcer started.
"Flamethrower!" Paul ordered at the same time Aaron called for an Aerial Ace.
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"Wait a minute Dad. What does your match against Aaron have to do with you and Mom getting married?" Surgio interrupted with a dubious look.
Paul gave his son a pensive look as he thought. "It's not so much the battle, but what happened afterward," Paul explained.
"Well why don't you skip all this stuff and just get to the point?" Surgio suggested as if that was the only proper way to do things.
"I want to hear about Dad's battle! It was hard wasn't it?" Reggie asked and leaned in to hear Paul continue.
"Not at all. I handled my battle with Aaron relatively easily," Paul answered. Instantly, he could tell that his answer had not been what his son was expecting.
"Well what do you expect? They're Bug Pokémon. They're nowhere near as cool and strong as Electric or Dragon types," Surgio explained in a completely biased tone. Paul rolled his eyes at his son with a scoff.
"Story time, Daddy!" Charlotte reminded Paul with an impatient pat to his cheek with her small hand. Paul looked his daughter in the eye, not surprised by the expectant pout he saw there.
"Right. It's what happened after I won the battle that's important…" Paul continues.
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"Use Energy Ball, Beautifly!" Aaron commanded.
"Electivire, Protect!" Paul rebutted. "Now finish it with Thunder Punch."
Placing both hands out before it, Electivire erected the slightly transparent, green barrier between him and Aaron's Beautifly. The green Energy Ball collided with the barrier before exploding in a cloud of smoke. Out from the smoke, Electivire dashed at Beautifly with his fist giving off copious amounts of electricity.
"And Beautifly goes down! This means that Paul has won the match and is now one step closer to facing the Champion! You can't get this kind of entertainment just anywhere, folks…" the announcer exclaimed. The entire stadium was cheering even louder than before, their volume had been steadily rising throughout the battle.
Paul faced Aaron one last time on the field with Electivire grinning at his side. He offered a small smile when Aaron offered his hand. While shaking hands, Aaron spoke up. "I don't have to tell you that this is just the beginning. Don't hold anything back when you face Fantina, or even Flint or Lucian. You're going to need it against Gabi."
"I can assume that you're sure I'll beat them?" Paul smirked.
"Well, don't tell them but yeah. It isn't rocket science. Gabi's been helping you hasn't she?" Aaron laughed before leaving the field with a knowing smile. Thankfully, Aaron had turned his mic off before approaching Paul. Who knows what the crowd of 100,000+ Gaul fans would have done to find out that Gabi was helping Paul train.
Paul left the field with Electivire at his side. His partner was still purring and sparking from his win. Paul didn't bother recalling him. It wouldn't do anything for his endless amounts of energy if he were holed up in his Pokéball.
"Paul!" It was Gabi and Infernape. Paul was only mildly surprised to see Infernape moving with a small Chimchar clamped onto her back. Infernape had one paw on the Chimchar's back and the other in a fist as she walked on her knuckles. "I'm glad I caught you before things got crazy. Congrats!"
"Thanks. It wasn't too difficult," Paul replied.
"Don't get too cocky now. You still have Fantina, Flint, and Lucian to beat. I heard that Lucian has been working hard and Flint even went through the trouble of catching an all new Pokémon," Gabi told him.
"Don't worry. I'll be fine," Paul went on. "I see Infernape's Egg hatched."
"Yeah. My Grandpa just transferred her over to me with Chimchar. It's a male. He's adorable," Gabi grinned and scratched at the tuft of fur on the Chimchar's head. Suddenly, Gabi gave Paul an unsure look. Paul could easily tell that something was bothering Gabi. Honestly, it was slightly unnerving to see her so unsure and hesitant. "Paul, I wanted to catch you before everyone else did because I wanted to give you this."
Paul stared down at the off-white envelope Gabi was offering him. He took it from her before opening it up to view its contents. "An invitation to the Champion's Gathering?" Paul questioned.
"Yeah. It's something the Pokémon League is starting up this year. It's an annual ball where the Champion from each region gets together as a sort of meet and greet. No Pokémon battles. Just a night of meeting new people and making connections. It's not just Champions. There'll be Elite Four members, Gym Leaders, League members… I think it's just anyone important enough to get an invitation," Gabi finished with a slight chuckle. "I was invited obviously and I was hoping that you'd go with me… as my escort."
Paul stared down at the exquisite calligraphy on the invitation. Gabi wanted him to be her escort to this formal ball?
"I'd understand if you don't want to. I just wanted to ask," Gabi went on.
"It sounds fun," Paul remarked after some time. His eyes were still trained on the invitation, but then he decided to look up at Gabi. He knew instantly that this had been the right answer. Gone was the hesitant Gabi and back once again was the bright and shining Gabi he knew. She gave him a dazzling smile before quickly pulling him into a hug. Paul was momentarily stunned by her quick actions ad was only able to pat her back awkwardly. He could see Infernape smirking at him over Gabi's shoulder from where she stood with her young swinging from her arm like a tree branch. Paul's face began heating up.
Suddenly, Gabi pulled away. "In that case, I have to get going. My mom wanted to go shopping for a dress in Hearthome. I think she's hoping we don't find one so she can make it herself. Anyways, I got to go. I'll see you in a week Paul!" Gabi smiled again before leaving the way she came with Infernape following.
Paul was too stunned to move for a while, but eventually a smirk made its way onto his face. When he heard a low purr, Paul looked over at his Electivire. Electivire was making a show of winking and low growling noises. In that instant, all the blood in Paul's body rushed to his face. With a stiff glare, Paul recalled his Pokémon, disregarding his snickers. If that was Electivire's reaction, he didn't want to see Reggie's…
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Paul refrained from tugging on his tie as his dark eyes scanned the room. Everything was brightly decorated and the definition of elegant. Crystal lamps along the wall and a giant, crystal chandelier lit up the room. Waiters in tuxedoes walked around with trays of hors d'oeuvres between the crowd of women in ball gowns and their escorts in tuxedos. There were some Pokémon mixed into the crowd, some as a part of the catering comity while others were attending with their Trainers. There would be no battling tonight, but even the Pokémon needed a party some time…
"Don't you look handsome in your tux?" Paul heard. He smirked and turned. He knew from the voice alone that it was Gabi who had spoken and he was ready to respond with something witty, but whatever it was had escaped his mind at the moment. He had forgotten to close his mouth from where he stood staring. Gabi was wearing a strapless, red ball gown with black gloves extending up to her elbows. Her long hair was pulled to the side in long waves. With a glimmering tiara on her head. "Paul?"
"You're wearing make-up," Paul acknowledged. He nearly kicked himself. Why was that the first thing to come out of his mouth?
"Yeah. Dawn did it and my hair. My mom got to make the dress after all," she smiled.
"You look… really nice," Paul tried again. She looked better than nice. "Stunning" was a better word…
"Thank you, Paul. I like your tux."
"R-Reggie picked it out. He was having way too much fun with it," Paul said. Laughing lightly, Gabi slipped her arm through Paul's before leading him away. Reggie had been more than happy to help his little brother find a tux and get ready. He'd even offered to do Paul's hair for him, but Paul had respectfully declined. Reggie had been disappointed, but had left him be. Paul wasn't sure if Gabi would have laughed at him had he let Reggie do his hair with the jar of hair gel and hair dryer.
"I like this song," Gabi said in lieu of a request to dance. She slipped her gloved hand into his and placed the other on his shoulder before she began to move. Paul wasn't much of a dancer. While Gabi kept perfect rhythm, he moved stiffly in her arms. From over her bare shoulder, Paul could pick out some faces dancing in the crowd. He saw Volkner dancing with that Gym Leader from Unova (Elesa was it? Gabi had said that they were dating…). He even saw Flint dancing with a woman with pink hair and red shades. Paul wasn't exactly sure who she was. Before he could stare at her a bit in order to place her face, Flint was spinning her and dipping her low with a hand someplace it shouldn't be. Paul quickly averted his eyes.
Even though he wouldn't dare move his hand any lower down Gabi's back, Paul couldn't help but wonder if Flint had the right idea. Before he could try anything, Gabi spoke up again. "You can relax with me, Paul. You may not be good at it right now, but you're a fast learner. Count the steps out with me," she instructed. Paul didn't speak the number aloud, but he did repeat them in his mind. It got easier. "See? I told you so," she said with a smile in her voice before resting a cheek on his shoulder.
"And you just love to be right. Don't you?" he responded. She laughed a bit, but didn't respond. Before he could lose his nerve, Paul pulled away from Gabi and led her in a smooth spin before dipping her. After a few seconds, he righted her before starting their swaying again.
"Okay. I wasn't expecting that. Have you been letting me think you couldn't dance this whole time?" she asked him. Paul didn't respond. "Well it doesn't matter. I still like you despite your dancing capabilities," Gabi said with a small laugh.
By the end of the night, Paul was practically a professional dancer. His feet had started hurting about an hour ago thanks to these shoes Reggie had insisted that he wear. He had wanted to sit and rest, but before he could tell this to Gabi, she had started to sing softly on his shoulder. He'd never heard her sing before. It was soothing. His foot problems faded to the background as he had listened to her croon.
"Here you go," Paul spoke as he offered Gabi a glass of punch. She was waiting for him on a balcony outside the ball room. There were only a few others outside soaking up the cool air and the sounds of the nocturnal Pokémon.
"Thanks, Paul. I was dying of thirst. Dancing is hard work," she said and took a sip. "I would have asked you to sit down, but you looked like you were having fun." Paul didn't respond. "I'm really glad you decided to come out with me tonight."
"I'm having fun as well," Paul said honestly. He'd never imagined that he'd be able to enjoy himself at such an extravagant party. But, Gabi always made things enjoyable for him.
"Is that really the time?" Gabi asked as she stared down at Paul's wrist. Paul let his eyes glance over his watch. '12:57', it read. Paul stared at it in disbelief. He'd gotten here a few minutes after 8. "We should probably say goodnight. I know you've got a day of training ahead of you tomorrow."
"You've got your training too," Paul acknowledged.
"I doubt I'll be able to wake up before ten. I'll give everyone the day off tomorrow," Gabi waved him off.
"Excuse me, folks. Commemorative picture?" a young man asked as he approached Gabi and Paul with his camera.
"Sure," Gabi smiled. The young man got behind his large camera before gesturing for the couple to scoot in close. Gabi left her empty punch glass behind on the ledge as she wrapped Paul in a two-armed embrace. Paul was more than used to her presence after the night he had. Coolly, Paul placed an arm around her waist and waited for the cameraman with a small smile.
"Okay. 1…2…3," the cameraman said. Just before he could press the button, Gabi moved quickly. She took Paul by surprise once again when she left his embrace in order to place a hand to his right cheek and lean his left towards her. Just as the camera flashed, she pecked Paul's cheek. Paul was left with spots in front of his eyes and a dazed look. Gabi flitted away from him to view the picture on the camera.
"I like it. Can we get two copies?" she asked him.
"Of course. Follow me and I'll print them out for you," he said before leaving. Gabi smiled before taking Paul's hand in hers and leading him after the cameraman. Paul was still stunned. How long would Gabi be surprising him like this? Did it really matter? "Here you go, miss."
"Thank you," Gabi said as she took the photos from the guy. She slipped one photo into Paul's jacket pocket for him before showing him the other one. "I'm going to frame it. I think it came out really nicely."
Paul stared down at the photo. There was Gabi kissing his cheek with her eyes closed. Although he could only see the side of her face, he could tell that she looked happy and even mischievous. He, on the other hand, looked absolutely stunned with a ripe blush on his cheeks. No matter how embarrassed he looked, Paul had to agree. It was a nice picture.
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Paul closed the door behind him with a sigh as he stepped into his home. There was only a single lamp in the living room on. Reggie must have left it on for him. Suddenly, all the lights in the living room flicked on to fill the house with light. Paul squinted against the light before making out Reggie's smug form sitting on the couch with most of his Pokémon sitting with him. Paul stopped at all their knowing looks.
"You stayed out pretty late," Reggie acknowledged.
"I lost track of time. Sorry for keeping you up," Paul apologized and hung his jacket over the back of a chair.
"Don't apologize. We wanted to wait for you," Reggie said and stood. He approached his brother before turning Paul's head by moving his chin. "Is that… lipstick?"
Immediately, Paul pulled away from his brother. "I'm going to bed. I have training in the morning," Paul said and took to the stairs. Reggie shook his head with a smile when he heard Paul's bedroom door shut. Reggie took Paul's jacket into his arms and was about to head to bed when he heard Electivire speak. He turned a questioning brow to the Electric type only to see Electivire pointing at the ground. There was a photo on the ground. Reggie picked it up before turning it over in his hands. With a smile Reggie set off to find a picture frame before heading off to bed.
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Moi-Moi: My nails look like cookies and crème ice cream. This is a pretty big deal. Just in case you were wondering, Flint was dancing with Malva. For some reason, I totally ship them. Please review!
Edited: 10/3/14
