Hi dudes! I FINALLY GOT 20 REVIEWS!

That was my secret goal. I'm pleased to achieve it! In this chapter, there is a lot of awkward tension between Dawn+Paul. Paul WILL apologise to Dawn at some point. He might not say sorry to her face but he will say sorry! Thanks for all the reviews! They're all really funny! There is swearing in this chapter.

Disclaimer: I still don't own Pokemon (darn).

Chapter 7: Gym Battle Time!

Dawn's POV

Jeez…I hate nightmares. They make me want to scream in terror, and hide underneath the covers. They are some sort of plague that can't be cured. No scientist has ever cured nightmares, I don't even think that any scientist is even researching about dreams. They are too busy with finding about Pokemon. What about humans, though? They're important, too! Without us, Pokemon would be dead...

I open the curtains, waking up Piplup and Buneary. They sense my sad aura and snuggle up to me. I smile at their consideration.

I shake them, though, off and walk to the bathroom. I then take a nice long shower to decide what to say to Paul. I mean, I can't just not talk to him ever again! I'm not THAT heartless! I think about what I should say to him, as I turn off the shower, and wrap a towel around my body.

As I dress into my clothes, I decide.

"C'mon, guys. Let's go get breakfast," I tell my Pokemon. They jump in the air, following me as I lock my room, and plod through the hallway.

When I get downstairs, I choose a table and order some food. All I have to do is wait for Paul.

Paul's POV

When I wake up, I immediately feel guilty. I should not have punched that Devlin boy and let Troublesome down.

I've always known that I had an anger problem, ever since I slapped a boy in elementary school, after he called my mom fat. Reggie was angry with me, and forced to me see that man called Dr. Phil. He was the school's guidance counselor. He dealed with many troubled children from broken homes. I guess I should've been grateful for him to agree to help me, but I didn't like how he took pity on me. I was a normal kid, I just let my anger out a little. You would if both your parents died, after moving to a stupid new region.

I threw the covers off, dressed quickly, and shoved my poke balls into my pockets. I stare at them, wondering if I really am a good trainer. I shake off the uneasy feeling, though, and walk out the door.

When I make my way downstairs, I have two things decided.

1. That Devlin (the stupid jerk) is my new rival. He can't insult my Pokemon, when I haven't even seen his. He could be really weak, I just need to battle him to asses that.

2. I will apologise to Troublesome as soon as possible. She might not accept it, but at least she will know that I'm sorry.

3. To train as much as possible so I can defeat Falkner. He shouldn't be too hard, this is only the first Gym.

As I enter the restaurant area, I see her eating with her Pokemon at an empty table. I look at her nervously. She's looking out of the window, watching two Spearows chase each other playfully.

I remember when Dawn and I played tag a lot. I used to be faster, but I would always let her win. She would get stroppy, otherwise.

When I sit opposite of her, I'm tongue tied. The whole time we sit there, no one speaks.

I look away, slightly embarrassed. Why can't I just say that I'm sorry?

Troublesome finishes her food first. She wipes her mouth with a napkin, and slowly stands up.

She's about to leave when she says, "Meet you here for dinner at 06:00 pm today."

I nod and grunt. Maybe I should show that I'm not bothered by this…? Maybe then she won't travel with me anymore, and I don't have to keep having nice feelings around her. If I don't travel with her, I don't have to apologize. If I hadn't of traveled with her, there would be nothing to apologize about!

She has a small smile when she walks off.

Dawn's POV

It becomes our regular schedule. We meet for breakfast, train all day for our goals in this city, and then meet for dinner. It seemed calm at the time, but I was longing for some conversation. We don't talk when we eat, as we're both too stubborn.

I'm still pissed off though because he STILL hasn't said sorry to me! What a jerk… I still love him, though. Darn it. Why do I end up with the bi-polar, anti-social maniacs who can't say sorry after they do something very bad? It must be a tradition, because I remember Mom telling me that my dad was quite moody when they first met. That comment is weird, because he used to skip around the house.

The Berlitz family must be destined for other things. While other families get money, we get maniacs.

On the day of Paul's gym battle, I get an awesome idea! He seems very nervous, and would keep staring at his poke balls. I think he is doubting the training he was doing over the past days. I need to get him out of that funk.

Paul's POV

I have to say, I am feeling kinda nervous. I mean, it IS my first gym battle. Reggie told me about Gyms, and how the leaders were picked by their strength. They must've been pretty strong to get such an accomplishment in life. I always thought that Reggie could've been a Gym leader, but he wanted to be a breeder. He said that he enjoyed watching and looking after Pokemon, rather than watching them battle.

When I walk through those doors (of the Gym) the receptionist smiles and says, "Falkner is ready for you. Go through that door to challenge him."

She points to the back of the room. There are glass doors. I walk through them nervously, almost jumping out of my skin when they automatically open.

There is a big battlefield. Falkner is at one end and I walk to the other.

Falkner has blue hair and is wearing entirely blue (weirdo). He has two poke balls in his hand. He's juggling them. Why would he do that? I cough to get his attention. He then awkwardly shoves the balls behind his back. I shake my head to myself.

He nods and I grunt back.

"Paul, the challenger will battle Falkner. Only the challenger can substitute their Pokemon." The referee's voice rings in my ears, making me shudder. I'm really nervous, aren't I?

I'm about to take out my first Pokemon when I hear a voice.

"Go Paul! Kick Falkner's butt!"

I turn to look. On the side of the battlefield there is a bench and on the bench sits…Troublesome.

I nod at her and she beams back.

"Oh, what a nice girlfriend you have Paul!" Falkner compliments, staring at her.

"She/He is NOT my girlfriend/boyfriend!" Troublesome and I shout at him angrily.

Falkner chuckles and says, "Can she be my girlfriend then?"

"NO!" we both shout, disgusted at the thought.

Dawn looks shocked that I said that. I blush and turn away. Uh-oh. Now she thinks I have feelings. Well, anger is a feeling, but that isn't the point. She'll think that I've turned soft.

I can't ponder over it any longer so I shake my head.

"Pidgey, fly with me!" Falkner shouts, his arm moving up in the air.

"Murkrow. C'mon out," I say, grunting as my bird Pokemon appears.

Pidgey and Murkrow both come out.

I make the first move.

"Murkrow! Use Peck!"

Murkrow flies up to Pidgey quickly and pecks him.

"Pidg! Pidg!" Pidgey exclaims with pain.

I smirk.

"Pidgey! Use sand attack!" Falkner orders.

"Murkrow! Dodge it!" I command.

Pidgey tries to blind my Pokemon but (thankfully) Murkrow nimbly dodges.

"Murkrow use Wing Attack!" I command, a frown on my face.

Murkrow lunges at Pidgey and proceeds with the move.

"Pidgey!" Falkner exclaims.

Pidgey falls down and faints.

"Pidgey has fainted. The point goes to Paul," the referee says, nodding in my direction. I want to smile, but I know that it's not over yet. I haven't won against Falkner, just leveled things. He could easily knock out Murkrow with his next Pokemon.

"YEAH!" screams Troublesome jumping up and down, beaming with delight.

I'm glad that I won, but I can't help feeling that was too easy.

Falkner smirks. "Wow you defeated my first Pokemon. Now its time for the real battle!"

"WHAT?!" Troublesome shouts, confused. She doesn't get it, does she? Falkner is a Gym leader for a reason. You think he became the person he is today if his Pokemon were the same strength as his Pidgey? He'd be the laughing stock.

I knew it. He was just testing me. I passed, I guess. Time for me to really show him my true colors.

I put on my battle face (the biggest frown I can do) and brace myself for whatever Pokemon he's going to send out next. Probably a flying type, with a secret weapon.

"Pidgeotto, fly with me!" Falkner exclaims, jumping as he throws his poke ball out.

A big bird came out of the poke ball and started flying around. I have an idea.

"Murkrow, start flying and never let Pidgeotto out of you sight," I command, watching Murkrow and Falkner's bird closely.

Murkrow obeyed me and started following Pidgeotto. Murkrow might be the weakest link on my team, but every bird Pokemon can fly. And just so happens that Murkrow can fly very well. I've got this in the bag.

Falkner frowned and shouted, "Pidgeotto, turn around and use Gust!"

"Murkrow, dodge and use Quick Attack!"

Murkrow dodged with ease and flew at Pidgeotto with lightning speed. He hit Pidgeotto and Pidgeotto fell down and hit the gravel roughly.

I could clearly see that that Pokemon couldn't take it any longer. He was gonna faint. He was coughing, and trying to stand up.

Falkner seemed calm about losing. Too calm. He has some kind of plan up his sleeve.

"Use Roost," Falkner commanded.

Pidgeotto was surrounded by golden feathers. When the feathers faded, Pidgeotto looked completely healed. Shit. Why didn't I see that coming?

"NO! YOU CHEATED! YOU SHOULD BE DISQUALIFIED!" Troublesome screeched (she has clearly lost it), glaring at Falkner with such fury, that I could be scared of her if I wasn't a guy.

I don't know why she did this, but with all her might… She punched the wall.

I could see her hand had turned red and swollen. Good thing she didn't break it. Wait. Should I care if she gets hurt? I shake my head. Dawn would've hurt herself, anyway. She would probably be dead right now, if I wasn't there to catch. She owes me. She should at least be less annoying, then.

"OWWWWW! THAT HURTS!" Troublesome screams, close to tears. Her hand isn't bleeding, but she's clutching it as if more than eight people had stepped on it. With high heels and spike shoes that they use for running on a track.

"Its okay! I'll beat this guy," I reassure her awkwardly, but still keeping my cold exterior.

She stops shouting and nods her head, clenching her eyes shut to take her mind off the pain.

"Your girlfriend's a bit crazy! What do you see in her?" Falkner teases, smiling at our discomfort.

"She/He is NOT my girlfriend/boyfriend!" we yell at him again in complete unison. This guy really can't understand that, can he? Is he thick, or something.

He looks shocked for a second but shrugs it off.

"Use Arial Ace," he commands, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

Pidgeotto was so quick. Before I knew it, Murkrow had fainted.

I growl at him and Troublesome gives him the most deadly frown.

"Turtwig, c'mon out," I say quietly.

Falkner stares at my grass type. He starts shaking. At first I think he is having a seizure but then I find out he is…LAUGHING!

"HA, HA, HA, HA! YOU'RE USING A GRASS TYPE! YOU'RE SO GONNA LOSE!" he manages to shout while laughing.

"IRON MAN! WHAT THE HELL? YOU FUCKING IDIOT! THAT'S A GRASS POKEMON!" Troublesome screeches at me. She seems to think I've made a bad decision. She's wrong.

I'm really irritated with her but I keep calm. While Falkner is still laughing I make my move.

"Turtwig, use Rock Tomb."

A whole load of rocks close themselves over Pidgeotto. When the rocks disappear, Pidgeotto has fainted.

Dawn's POV

I couldn't believe it! Iron Man had won. HE WON!

I saw Falkner come over to me, as I jumped up and down. I looked at him, confused. "What's up?" I asked. He seriously can't brag when he just lost.

"You," he said, a smile on his face.

"Huh?"

To my discomfort, he put his arm around my waist, and pulled me down to sit on his lap. I blushed heavily, and slapped his hand away. I stood up slowly. "What was that for?"

"I asked before, and I'm asking again: Do you want to be my girlfriend?" he questioned, smirking.

I laughed, "Well, I told you this and I'm telling you again: No." I saw his smile shatter, as Paul stood next to me,

"She doesn't want you," Paul sneered. Falkner started to sulk, and walked away, slightly miffed.

I couldn't take it anymore. I stood up straighter and moved to him. I gave him the biggest hug I could.

"Good work… Iron Man," I say and hug him more.

Awwww! Another fluffy ending! Paul might not need to apologise – it looks like Dawn has forgave him. Good thing Paul won or that might've never happened!

Question: Should I start another story or should I wait until I finish Dreams? You can tell me through your reviews or you can PM me!

Remember guys, review, review and review!