Chapter 12

Last chapter guys, and the end of a somewhat successful story. I think I'll miss writing this... NOT.

Enjoy. I DO NOT own Pokemon.

"Reggie-... Reggie-!" A young Paul tugged at the said boy's pant leg. "Whatcha doin'?"

"Making something." Reggie replied, not once looking away from his work.

"Can I see?" Paul tried to look over the table to see, but failed. Being just a toddler at the time, he was too short. "I wanna see-!"

"Just a sec, I'm almost done." Reggie ruffled his hair, then continued. "You're gonna love this, Paul."

"What is it-What is it?" Paul jumped anxiously. "Can I see it now?"

"One-... last thing." He made the final stitch, then tied it closed. "Done!" Reggie turned around to face him, his feet barely able touch the floor from the chair he sat in. "You ready?"

"Mhm!" Paul gave him a firm nod.

Reggie hid it behind his back. "Okay. Close your eyes and hold your hands."

Young Paul was skeptical of this. "Is it scary, Reggie?" He backed away a bit.

"Haha, no silly." Reggie promised, taking his hand and bringing him closer. "Just do it, please?"

"Okay..." Paul did what he was told, holding out his hands. Only a brief moment passed before he felt something soft and fuzzy rest in them.

"Alright, you can open them now." Reggie watched as his little brother opened one eye, then the other. Paul gasped and hugged it tight. Reggie had given him a stuffed animal. "Hah, I knew you'd love it."

Paul held it up, smiling brightly. "What is it?"

"It's a Teddiursa." Reggie said. "Mommy taught me how to make it."

"Ted-dur-kia...?" Paul asked.

"No, a Ted-di-ur-sa." He explained. "She says it's a bear pokemon."

"Hehe!" Paul giggled and spun the doll around. "I've got a Teddi doll~ I've got a Teddi doll~" He chimed.

Reggie knelt down, resting a hand on Paul's shoulder. "Promise me you'll good take care of it, okay?"

Paul rushed to hug him, nearly knocking him over. "I promise! Thank you Reggie!"

Reggie sat up. "Heh, you're welcome, Lil' Bro."

Years later...

Paul had been reading while lying in bed, Teddi doll in hand. He found that instead of paying attention to words on page he had been reminiscing on the day he had received the thing. Shortly after turning the page, a strange sound came from overhead. "What's that?" He stood, placing down his book and doll.

"Paul, it's here! The Battle Pyramid's in town!" Reggie called to him. Paul rushed downstairs and over to the kitchen window where his brother was. The two watched as it flew over. It cast an enormous shadow over their home. "Isn't it great?"

"Yeah, are you going to challenge it today?" Paul asked, eager to know.

"Yup!" Reggie told him. He ran to get his pokeballs and bag, then ran to the door. "And, I'm gonna win."

Paul tried catch him. "Wait- Can I go too?"

"Sure," Reggie replied. He walked back, realizing he forgot his shoes. "You can watch me win and bring home another reward for the collection." He made a gesture towards all the badges and pins he received from leagues he had beaten.

"Do you ever think I'll have as many as you, Reggie?" Paul looked them over. He already traveled through Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn; but catching up to Reggie was a challenge. "I mean, I know I'm just starting out here, but-"

"Paul," Reggie gave him a thumbs up. "I know you will, Lil' Bro. Don't doubt yourself, okay?" Paul nodded back in understanding. Reggie then opened the door. "Let's get going. I wanna be first in line."

"Yeah!" Paul ran outside. "Race ya!"

"You're gonna lose!" Reggie quickly locked the door, then ran after him. He and Paul laughed as they playfully fought for first place. Little did Paul know he was about witness a crushing defeat. Reggie was really the one who would lose.

The battle Paul had seen that day made him realized something. It made him see that Reggie was weak. Paul believed Reggie could do anything, was he lied to all this time? Or, was he a fool to believe it? He witnessed it first-hand and it made him sick. Sick to even think that he had been related to someone he now saw as pathetic. Paul took off running, his partner Turtwig close behind. Turtwig was called out to watch the battle that took place, also witnessing Reggie's defeat.

"Paul-wait!" Reggie ran after him, thanking the Frontier Brain for a good battle. He ran home and went upstairs to Paul's room. He found him angrily packing a bag on the floor. "What are you doing?"

Paul refused to face him. "I thought you were strong... I thought you could do anything." He stuffed in some pokeballs.

Reggie simply stood there, confused. "Huh? Paul, what are you talking about?"

Paul clenched his fists. "Reggie how could you lose to him!? You're the strongest trainer I know!" He shouted, causing Turtwig, who was seated directly across from him, to shrink back. The poor thing had never seen Paul so infuriated.

"Hey, calm down!" Reggie took a step towards him. "I can challenge it again! I-... I don't think I want to, though..."

Paul stood. "So you're just giving up!?" Turtwig had to move back to avoid being stepped on.

"No, I'm not giving up." Reggie sighed. "I think that I should just-... try something different. I was thinking of becoming a breeder."

"YOU'RE RUNNING AWAY!" Paul shoved his brother hard causing him to stumble back and catch himself on the door frame. "Come on, Turtwig. Let's go." Turtwig nodded reluctantly, not wanting to get yelled at himself.

"Paul- What the-!?" Reggie held his stomach. There was a lot of force behind that shove. "Why are you so upset!?" Paul didn't say anything and picked up his bag. "Paul-!?" Reggie waited for an answer, but received nothing. Paul grabbed Teddi and headed for the stairs, once again pushing Reggie out of the way. This time he grabbed Paul's arm.

"Let go of me." Paul spoke in a threatening tone.

"No!" Reggie spun him around. "What did I ever do to you!?"

"I said LET GO!" Paul punched him and made an attempt to run away, but was stopped again when Reggie caught his bag.

Turtwig sat back and watched, trembling in fear. He was now afraid of what would happen next. The situation seemed to escalate quickly and he couldn't do anything about it.

"Answer me!" Reggie pulled him back.

Paul dropped the bag and wriggled out of his hold. He ran downstairs, grabbing his jacket. Reggie followed close behind. "STOP FOLLOWING ME!" Paul shouted.

"TELL ME WHAT I DID WRONG!" Reggie shouted back.

There was dramatic pause before Paul threw Teddi at him saying, "You failed me!" Then ran outside. Turtwig called out to Paul and nearly fell as he rushed downstairs, underneath Reggie, and out the door.

Reggie found it hard to take in that statement, but wasted no time stuffing Teddi into the bag and running through the front door. "You forgot something!" Reggie threw it as far as he could across the yard. This was the direction he assumed Paul went in, then he grunted in pain as he went back inside muttering. "...jeez, that punch really hurt..."

Paul hadn't gone far. He hid behind some bushes in the yard. He knew Reggie threw his bag near him, but didn't reach for it. Paul listened as his brother walked back into the house; it sounded like he was in pain. Turtwig wandered around the yard until he eventually found him huddled behind the shrubbery, then climbed into his trainer's arms. Paul sniffled, "...I-I didn't mean to hurt him." Then wiped away the few tears that ran down his cheeks. Him and Reggie hardly fought, and when they did it was nowhere near what just went down.

Paul held Turtwig close, breathing deeply. The two sat in silence for quite some time, up until it began to rain. Paul finally decided it was time to leave, but he wasn't going home. He went to pick up the bag he now found covered with wet dirt and put it on his back. Paul glanced back one last time, spotting Reggie's shadow in the downstairs window. Turtwig also looked back, wondering what was going on. "I'll become stronger than you." Paul said, taking one last look then turning around. "Just you wait." He then headed for the nearest Pokemon center. He now had a mission, to surpass Reggie and defeat the Frontier Brain that shamed him. "Let's go, Turtwig."


Paul took in a deep breath and released a long, shaky sigh. Dawn watched as he placed the doll down in front of him. It stood well considering the fact that it had no feet. She thought it was rather cute, but soon noticed that Paul seemed to be quite upset looking at it; even slightly hurt. "Sorry, if I did something wrong." Dawn apologized, looking down. "I-I thought it would make you feel better..."

Paul ignored her, "It's covered in dirt..." He changed the subject, not wanting to discuss his emotions.

"Well, it wouldn't take long to dust off." Dawn was annoyed that she had been ignored, but kept it to herself and offered her help. "I can clean it off for you if you want m-"

"No, thanks." Paul folded his arms.

"What's wrong now?" Dawn said, addressing his change in tone.

Paul sighed heavily. "Nothing... Just that the last time I held Teddi was when I was really upset-" Paul looked surprised for a moment, his eyes glassy. Teddi, a name he hadn't said in a while. He then frowned. "...nevermind."

'Did he just call it Teddi?' Dawn heard the name and made a connection. Teddi was the doll's name. "Oh, well... Do you mind if I ask why?"

Paul glared at her, "I'd rather not ta-"

"Hey, Dawn, the soup wasn't burning at all." Brock walked up from behind. "You probably just smelled the campfire..." Paul and Dawn looked up at him and he looked from one to the other, then noticed Teddi on Paul's sleeping bag. "Does that belong to you?" Brock asked, eyeing Paul.

"Yeah, and...?" Paul said, returning the look; his being threatening of course. Well, it would have been if a tear hadn't ran down his face.

"H-hey, nothing." Brock held up his hands defensively in a panicked frenzy. "It's nice, really!" Paul gave him a strange look before noticing the fallen tear and quickly wiped it away. "Sorry, I-"

"Nevermind it..." Paul said quietly.

Brock sighed, realizing that the bear needed no further discussion then took a seat next to Dawn. "Well then, let's get this over with." He readied a second cotton ball. "You ready?"

Paul really wasn't, but he knew that the sooner it was done, the better. "Yeah." Paul nodded. Brock gave a final nod in return then moved in closer to begin, but stopped when Dawn suddenly threw her arms around Paul. He froze, blushing lightly. "Uh? What are you doing?"

"Shh!" She hushed. "Bite down on my scarf if the pain is too much."

Pain. "Huh-!?" Something he didn't want to hear right then, but he soon felt it when the cold liquid touched his wound. Paul suddenly found himself holding Dawn tightly, biting down hard into her pink scarf. It tasted awful and did nothing to stop the sick feeling that came over him. After muttering a few muffled cries of pain, Paul began to feel light headed and, before he knew it, he was out cold.


Dawn and Brock enjoyed soup by the fire shortly after finishing up Paul's ankle and Ash's wrists. Their wounds were now clean and neatly bandaged. They had been very tired, and wondered what had happened to the first batch of soup Brock made.

Dawn believed the pokemon ate it, explaining her theory. Brock confirmed this when he asked them.

"The pokemon must've been really hungry if they ate all of it." Brock recalled the pot being spotless when they returned. "I'm surprised they didn't make a mess."

"Me, too." Dawn smiled. "They were probably tired of waiting."

"Well, at least they enjoyed it." Brock said.

"Of course they liked it. Your cooking is the best!"

"Thanks, Dawn. I'm glad you feel that way." Brock continued to watch the soup as well as the boys with Dawn's help. Both looked much better than before they arrived.


"Mn..." Ash shifted a little to get more comfortable. He took a moment to acknowledge the cool sensation on his forehead, smiling at how nice it felt and wondered where he had been. 'Wait.' he frowned. 'We were falling...' Ash sat up quickly, placing a hand on his chest. He then sighed, relieved to feel a beating heart. A cloth he hadn't noticed before fell in his lap and onto his sleeping bag. Ash held it for a while, lightly squeezing it. "When did I get here?"

"Not too long..." Someone said behind him. Ash looked back to find Brock walking towards him. "About an hour ago maybe? Nice to see that you're awake." He gave Ash a bowl of soup and bottled water, then took a seat on the ground next to him.

"Thanks, I'm starved!" Ash took it and began to eat, flinching slightly at the pain in his wrists. "So, what happened?" He asked, taking a sip from his bottle.

"You tell me," Brock shrugged. "You're the one who's been out all night."

"No, I mean, what happened to you?" Ash pointed to the bandages on Brock's arm and face. "You look like a Dusclops."

"Same to you." He laughed, make a gesture to Ash's wrists. Brock had bandaged them not too long after he finished with Paul.

"Oh?" Ash hadn't notice those before either, but Brock had done it. He flipped them over for a better look, then continued to eat. "Heh, I guess so."

"You had a lot of smalls cuts. And, well, I slid down a hill with sharp rocks, but-"

"You slid down a hill!?" Ash sputtered, nearly choking on his soup. "H-how steep was it?"

"Well, it led to a ravine, so it was pretty steep." Brock lifted his shirt. "See? I've even got cuts on my back."

"Are you alright?"

"I think I should be asking you that question, Ash." Brock replied, now adjusting his shirt. He noticed that Ash finished his soup and took the bowl from him. "How are you feeling?"

"Better than before, believe me." Ash sighed, relieved to say those words himself.

"Good to hear." Brock smiled. "Keep drinking that water, though. You may be dehydrated."

"Alright..." Ash took another sip. "Hey, where's Dawn?"

"Oh, she went to bed. I told her that I could watch over the both you myself."

"Both...?" Ash didn't know what he meant by that. He soon recalled being with Paul before. "Where's Paul?" Brock made a gesture towards the right of him. Paul had been sleeping next to them curled in a fetal position, save for his injured foot. "Is he alright?"

"Yeah, Paul's fine. His ankle is broken, though." Brock searched for any blood leaks in Paul's bandages. "I may need to call Reggie so he can rest at home."

Ash shook his head disapprovingly. "Paul might not like that idea, Brock. He'll get upset."

"I'd rather him be upset than walk around with that kind of injury." Brock said, leaving to put the bowl away.

"True..." Ash returned his gaze to Paul. He didn't notice that he held a doll that looked similar to a Teddiursa. "Wait a minute, where's Teddiursa...?" He asked, looking around. Not wanting to wake Paul, Ash decided to ask Brock when he came back.

"Oh, Teddiursa's fine. She's actually with Ursaring now." Brock pointed to where they slept on the other side of camp. He sat down between Ash and Paul.

"What are you doing?" Ash eyed him curiously.

"I think I should wake Paul so he can have something to eat."

"He still hasn't eaten anything?" Ash was genuinely surprised. Paul seemed to be really hungry back in the cave. "Really?"

"Yeah, really." Brock laughed. "You've only just eaten, haven't you?"

Ash folded his arms, he made a good point. "Yeah..."

Brock lightly shook Paul's arm, causing him to stir. "Paul, I need you to wake up."

Paul groaned softly. "Go away Reggie..."

"Haha, I'm afraid I'm not your brother, Paul." Brock shook him again.

"Huh?" Paul sat up and looked around. "What the-? Where am I?" He thought aloud.

"You're at our camp remember?" Brock said to him.

"Yeah, we were both injured and Brock and Dawn came to find us." Ash added, earning a small nod from Paul.

"You should have something to eat, okay?" Brock said.

"Mhm..." Paul yawned, then checked his watch. "...it's strange to...eat this late..." He looked pretty dazed, staring at them with tired eyes.

"That's true, but I been told you haven't eaten in awhile." He stood and began to walk back to the fire. "I'll be back in a second, alright?"

"Yea... alright." Paul said, shifting into a more comfortable position.

Ash told him that Brock made the soup and that it tasted great. He noticed that Paul didn't seem to pay much attention, though. Paul was simply staring at the doll he held in his hands. "Hey, Paul?"

"Hm?" Paul turned to look at him. Ash found that he was unusually calm in this sleepy state.

"Where'd that toy come from?"

Paul returned his tired gaze to it. "My brother gave it to me..."

"Really? That's cool." He leaned closer to have a better look. "It's pretty cute. Did he make it himself?"

He rubbed at his eyes. "Yea, ...did a long time ago."

"I think it still looks as good as new." Ash moved back into his previous position. "You've done a great job taking care of it."

"...think so?" Paul yawned. He blushed faintly from his praise.

"Mhm, I do." Ash saw one of Dawn's scarves lying next to Paul's sleeping bag. "Oh, and I think I have something that'll make it look even better." He held it up for Paul to see.

"A scarf...?" Paul glared at him sleepily. "I don't think it'll fit..."

"Maybe it will, you never know until you try?" Ash made an attempt to take the doll, but Paul moved it away. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Don't. Touch. Teddi." Paul's glare was now threatening.

"Okay okay, t-take it easy, Paul." Ash said, sensing a bit of anger. "How about you hold it while I tie the scarf?" Reluctant at first, Paul held Teddi out in front of him so Ash could tie it on. "There we go. See, doesn't it look nice?"

Paul turned it around to face him, feeling the scarf. It looked really big on Teddi, but Ash was right. It did make the doll look better. "...I guess."

"Well, I think it looks awesome!" Ash said, proudly folding his arms. "You simply have no taste."

"Or, maybe he's just tired, Ash?" Brock came up behind them once again, causing Ash to jump at the sound of his voice. He gave Paul the bowl of soup he brought over, then took a seat. "You kinda sound like Dawn."

"I do not."

"Do to." Brock laughed.

"Nu-uh."

Paul was beginning to become annoyed with their playful bickering, he didn't really see the point in it. Honestly, he didn't care to, either; it was too late and he was just too tired. So, there he sat, calmly eating his soup. After a few minutes, Ash asked something that he failed to notice and stopped eating after hearing Brock's fingers snap. "-!?"

"Hey, didn't you hear us?" Brock asked.

"Yeah, we said your name, like, 5 times." Ash held up five fingers up to clarify, more for himself than Paul.

Paul shook his head, "...no." Then continued to eat.

"Oh, well I asked if you think I act like Dawn?"

"I said he does sometimes, but doesn't realize it." Brock shot Ash a glare.

Paul lifted the bowl to his mouth to drink the remaining broth. He then sighed. "...dunno, you all act the same to me."

"What? No we don't-" Brock and Ash said in unison, even using the same hand gesture, but stopped we they noticed what happened. "Oh..."

"I guess we do act the same." Ash laughed.

"That's how you know you're a good friends..." Paul said, placing his bowl down beside him. He had finished his soup and figured that putting it there would let Brock know he was done without him saying anything. Ash and Brock stared at Paul long enough for him to notice. "...what?"

"Are you feeling alright?" Ash gave him a skeptical look. "You must be really tired if you're saying things like that."

"Either that, or you're feverish." Brock placed a hand on Paul forehead. To his surprise, it was a little warm.

"Uh..." Paul blushed slightly from how gently Brock's hand pushed back his bangs and pressed against him. It made him somewhat uncomfortable, but he didn't protest.

"Hmm. Your fever hasn't broken yet." Brock frowned.

Paul carefully removed his hand. "I assure you, I'm just fine."

Ash shrugged. "If you say so, Paul." He then yawned, "I think should go back to sleep."

"That sounds like a good idea." Brock smiled, picking up Paul's empty soup bowl. "You should probably rest some more, too. Tomorrow morning we'll go to the Pokemon Center for additional first-aid, if necessary." Brock gave Paul a pat on the back before standing to leave and walking away. "Goodnight you two."

Ash squirmed to get comfortable in his sleeping bag. "Goodnight."

Paul further zipped his sleeping bag, then turned on his side. "...goodnight." Just as Paul was about to close his eyes, Brock scooped him up from the ground. "Wha-What!?" He had been startled by the sudden action. "What are you doing?" Paul asked as Brock began to walk.

"I figured that you'd be more comfortable in your tent." Brock stopped in front of said thing and set Paul down in it. "Dawn set it up for you and it would be a waste if you didn't use it, don't you think?" Paul was still confused, but he was too tired to care. He didn't even have the strength to say anything and eventually gave into the heavy hold sleep had on him. Brock zipped the tent closed, then proceeded to do the same for Ash, carrying him to his tent. "I should probably rest now, too." Brock yawned, thinking aloud as he picked up his cooking utensils and put them away. "There's a lot to do tomorrow..."


Two hours of sleep. That was all Brock had before the sun shone onto his eyes. "Ugh..." He was exhausted, but knew it was important to get to Hearthome City as early as possible. The earlier, the better. That way they could avoid people and get to the Pokemon Center faster, giving them enough time to be seen by Nurse Joy, contact Reggie, inform Officer Jenny of the traps, and get a room to stay in. "There's so much to do." Brock pushed himself into a sitting position. "Better get started."

Brock changed into a fresh pair of clothes then left his tent to wake everyone. Ash, Dawn, and Paul all didn't like idea of waking early, especially after the night they had. Now they were all outside by the campfire, sharing the same tired expression. "I'm sorry you guys, but I figured we should get going in order to avoid drawing attention to ourselves. I know Paul would appreciate that." Brock made a gesture, to which Paul nodded in response.

"It's alright, Brock." Ash yawned. "You plan makes sense to me."

"Yeah, it's okay." Dawn yawned as well.

Paul yawned soon after, and then Brock. Brock then shot Ash a glare. "Look what you started..."

"Hey! Sorry, but I couldn't help it!" Ash said back.

"It's too early for this..." Paul stated, clearly annoyed.

Dawn nodded. "I agree. Come on you guys, let's pack up and go."

"Mhm." The boys said in unison.

It took around ten minutes for Brock, Dawn, Paul, and Ash to fully clear the campsite. Everyone took care of their individual belongings before taking down the tents. Paul had help, of course. After everything was taken care of, Brock woke Ursaring and thanked her for all that she did for them.

"Ring~" Ursaring smiled, she was glad she could help.

Teddiursa woke soon after, wasting no time finding Paul. He was sitting by what was left of the campfire. "Sa sa!"

"Hey, Teddiursa." Paul smiled, lifting her in the air. "Nice to see that you're awake. Did you sleep well?"

"Rwa, Ur-sa!" Teddiursa giggled, she sleep very well.

"I guess that means yes then, right?" Paul set her down in front of him. "Listen Teddiursa,..." Teddiursa looked confused, noticing a change in Paul's voice. "It's time for me to go now."

"Rwa-rwa?" She didn't seem to understand.

"I, uh... have to go." Paul didn't know how to explain it any other way.

"Sa..." Teddiursa thought about it for a little while and soon caught on to what he was trying to say. She saddened a bit, before nuzzling Paul's hand.

"I'll miss you, too." Paul said as he removed Ash's hat before stroking her ears. "But, we can stay good friends, okay?" Teddiursa nodded before giving him a hug. The best hug she could ever give to anyone.

"Hey, Paul!" Ash waved from across camp, where he waited with Dawn. "We have to get going!"

"Yeah, I'm coming!" Paul said back, before looking to Teddiursa. "I hope we'll meet again soon. Stay safe for me." Teddiursa nodded one last time before scurrying off to join her mother, waving goodbye as they began to leave.

Brock walked over to Paul, who now finished waving. He held out a hand to help him up. "You ready to go?"

Paul took his hand. "Yeah, I'm ready."

Brock helped him onto his feet. "Alright, get on."

"Get on...?" Paul simply stared at him, completely confused.

Brock bent down for him to get on his back. "How else are you going to get to Hearthrome City?"

"Oh." Paul stated flatly, clearly opposed to the idea. "Torterra can take me."

"That might draw too much attention to us, especially in the city." Brock said innocently. "You don't want that, do you?" Paul forgot about that and hated that Brock made a valid point. He sighed in defeat, handing Brock Ash's hat then reluctantly climbed up. "There, comfy?" Brock asked, now making his way over to Ash and Dawn.

"Shut up." Paul said, punching him in the back.

"Ouch! Hey-I'm injured to you know!"

Dawn turned around just as they arrived. "What's wrong now?"

"Nothing." Paul folded his arms, but moved them back onto Brock's shoulders after losing his balance.

"Careful up there." Ash giggled. "You need some help?"

"NO."

"Fine, your highness!" Ash took his hat from Brock. "At least you get a piggy-back ride. I have to walk."

"YOU THINK I WANT TO BE UP HERE!?" Paul yelled, earning laughter from everyone. "WHAT'S SO FUNNY!?"

The End.

This is end of it. And, the end of 2017. Happy New Year everyone!

Thanks for staying with my over the course of almost three years. Hopefully this was worth the wait.