Reggie & Paul: Hey, everyone!

Reggie: So, you've been waiting for chapter 3, haven't you?

Paul: Well, wait no more, because after the author's note, we've got chapter 3 for you to see!

Author's note: I don't own Pokémon. You'll see the names of CODs. Characters Of the Day. You'll see some time lapses. Also, there is evidence that Brock's surname is Harrison! Cameo mentions of my 5 OCs. My advanced apologies for making this a long chapter.

Ages:

Giovanni-37

Prof. Ivy-22

Alexander Matthews: 37

Isabel Samantha Matthews: 35

Trent Matthews: 12

Derek Matthews: 10

Jacob Matthews: 6

Liana, Evan, & Eileen Matthews: 2

Reggie: 12

Paul: 3

Victor Schwartz: 16

Maron Schwartz: 16

A.J. Schwartz: 10

Brock: 15

Forrest: 8

Salvadore: 7

Yolanda: 6

Tommy: 5

Cindy: 4

Suzie: 3

Timmy: 2

Billy & Tilly: 1

Chapter 3: Brotherly Love

(Valencia Island; noon; Giovanni's P.O.V.)

I was in our room with Felina, Meowth on standby. Paul was playing with Meowth on the outside. Reggie said, "Hey, Mom, Dad, I'm home from Johto!" Felina (through the pillow) said, "We can resume this massage later. Giovanni dear, I don't know how you do it!" I put my shirt on & said, "Neither do I. Reggie, do you have your badge case?" My oldest son usually would answer a question of that level in a heartbeat. Felina & I casually strode out of our room; what we saw surprised us. Well, what we didn't see. Felina said, "Uh, honey, I thought you were letting Paul play with Meowth. Ah, here's Reggie's badge case. I better make lunch," & walked into the kitchen. I popped it open, my memory of the Johto Gym Leaders a blank. I stared at his previous frames, although there were only 2. I said, "The Trovita Gym would've been quite the Ground-type gym," holding up his Orange Crew badges. I put that frame down & picked up his first one, shedding a tear as I saw how much he idolized his 8th badge; it was shinier than the rest. I thought, "There need to be more Ground-type Gym Leaders, or something. I remember that before we left Veilstone City & Sinnoh altogether, the Oreburgh Gym Leader was recognized for her talents & promoted to the Elite 4. Back home in Driftveil City, I don't know much. I'll have to email Cedric; Clay, perhaps? I hope that Bertha got my letter," & began to walk outside. I was worried because I couldn't see Reggie, but Paul's action caught my attention. He said, "Okay, Meowth, Iwon Tail, now!" I thought, "Iron Tail, already? Perhaps he's been paying attention," & looked up to see a giant steel bird of some sort, but I was also surprised to see the rider. I said, "Reggie, would you mind landing?" Reggie did so & said, "Hey, Dad. This is my Skarmory. It took a while, but it was totally worth it!" I said, "That's quite the catch, son. I've met your Quilava, Pupitar, & Skarmory. Did you catch any others?" Reggie beamed & threw 3 Poké Balls. I said, "Now I remember, Professor Elm called & said he'd send the others. So, what are these?" Reggie said, "The purple one is a Gligar, the big one is called Steelix, the blue one is Quagsire, and this little one is Phanpy," holding up a light blue Pokémon that was smaller than Meowth. I said, "Reggie, I'm impressed; aren't Phanpy rare, even to their own region?" He said, "I won that race in Eggseter, the one that's held on an annual basis," trying to jog my memory. I said, "So, that was the reason you asked to borrow my Rhyhorn." He nodded & said, "Rhyhorn & I began running together." I said, "So, tell me about the Gym Leaders," & went to pick Paul up. He scratched his head & said, "Does the name Lance ring," I said, "Wait. He's a Gym Leader?" Reggie said, "Well, he was substituting for the current leader; his father." Felina said, "Hope you're hungry," as she began to serve lunch. Paul (his hunger amazes me) began to drool. I said, "Paul, did you have your snack that your mother made?" Paul said, "No!" Reggie was drinking some water & I shot a look of concern to Felina. She said, "Yes, he ate the snack. So, Reggie, give us the scoop!"

(Reggie's P.O.V)

I said, "Sure. These are my 8 Johto badges," popping open my badge case. Paul said, "Shiny," & was pointing to my badges. I said, "I got the Zephyr Badge at the Violet Gym, the Hive Badge from the Azalea Gym. Honestly, if Cyndaquil didn't activate Blaze for a pretty powerful Flame Wheel, I would've lost!" I said, "Then there was the Goldenrod Gym. Hey, Dad, you know the phrase 'looks can be deceiving'?" Dad said, "Yes. What was wrong with the Goldenrod Gym?" I said, "Nothing, really. It's just that, the floor is so well-done, it looked like a Ground-type Gym, but it wasn't. I got the Plain Badge from there." Dad frowned & said, "If it's well-done, it could be a Ground, Normal or Fighting type gym." I sighed & said, "Then, the Ecruteak Gym was next. I lost, but, like you always say," Dad rustled my hair & said, "Rematches were invented for a reason." I said, "I got the Fog Badge. Then I went through Cianwood City, Olivine City, Mahogany Town & Blackthorn City, earning their respective Storm, Mineral, Glacier & Rising Badges." Mom said, "Did you have any fun against the Elite Four?" I said, "Yeah, it was okay. I think people from Kanto & Johto would probably remember me the most." Paul said, "Why?" I thought, "Not that word. I mean, sure he's a kid, but, oh, brother. Things should go better, as long as he hasn't learned that 4-letter word." I said, "Lance is the Kanto Champion, where I lost. Then, I found him in Blackthorn City & lost a Gym Battle there. I won the rematch, but then," Paul said, "No, Meowth! It's mine!" Dad said, "Meowth, quit with the attitude," in a firm tone. Meowth had Paul's favorite ball. Meowth simply ignored Dad & before Paul could retaliate, he pulled a Poké Ball out of his pocket, enlarged it, & said, "Meowth, return." Mom grabbed the ball & I thought, "So much for things going better. The Scratch Cat Pokémon was trying to mess with Paul; for a toddler, Paul can throw quite the tantrum!" Dad said, "Your response, Reggie?" I said, "Oh, yeah. So then I pretty much breezed through the entire league, made it to the Elite 4 & lost to Lance; again. 3 losses to Lance is pretty," I'm cut off by the phone ringing. Dad picked it up & said, "Hello? Yes, yes, we'll be there." Mom said, "Who are we going to get as a babysitter?" I said, "Mom, Dad, I can look after Paul." My parents then looked at Paul who was staring at the ground & then at me. They agreed. As Dad was leaving, Mom said, "Paul, be good for your big brother, okay?" He said, "Go," pointed his finger & grabbed onto Mom's leg. Mom said, "Paul, we can't take you or Reggie with us. We've gotta go." Paul pouted as I gently pulled him off Mom's leg. Mom whispered, "We won't be long, boys," & kissed us on our foreheads before leaving. Paul yawned, which quickly caught my attention.

(Time lapse: Paul is 8 & is on the island with Reggie)

(Schwartz household: route 9, Maron's P.O.V.)

I was walking home from my job & just couldn't wait to get inside & take a break. I turned the knob & to my surprise, it was locked! I said, "Strange. Mom & Dad went to take A.J. to the doctor in Celadon City. Usually, Victor beats me home," & began to fish for my key. I unlocked the door & got on the couch. I laid down until a voice said, "Took you long enough!" I opened my eyes to find my brother staring at me. I said, "Victor, any reason you locked me out?" My brother trilled, "Crime rates have been high. So, how was work," plopping into the chair across from me. I said, "Same as usual, except for," my brother said, "Oh?" I said, "There are only 2 girls who aren't going crazy over me: Mrs. Waterflower & Misty. So, how's Vermilion?" Victor sighed & said, "Same as usual. Lt. Surge's Raichu has got to be the most powerful Pokémon in all of Kanto. So," both of our cell phones rang at the same time. However, Victor's was to indicate a text & mine was actually a phone call. I said, "Can I call you later? I've gotta ask my parents." Victor sent a text.

(Victor's P.O.V.)

I just got a text from some guy named Scott, asking if I wanted to be a referee for a Frontier Brain; whatever that is. I said, "So, Maron, who called you?" He said, "Some dude named Scott, asking me if I wanted to be a referee for a Frontier Brain. I overheard Mr. Waterflower talking about the Battle Frontier possibly opening a facility in Cerulean City." He said, "So, what's this Battle Frontier?" I said, "I don't know much about it. I asked Mr. Waterflower & he said that a lot of trainers have worked really hard to be Frontier Brains. And when he went into how hard they've trained, he made it sound like they were Gym Leaders, but more powerful. Apparently, a facility is going up near Lavender Town." Maron said, "The sooner they get home, the better."

(Time lapse; one week before the first anime episode)

(The Harrison household; noon. Brock's P.O.V.)

I said, "Hey, everyone, lunch is ready!" My family is pretty huge. I'm the oldest of 10 kids; in between, I've got 5 younger brothers & 4 younger sisters. My brothers come to the table first, then my sisters. Forrest said, "Brock, how come you haven't served lunch yet?" I said, "We're missing 2. I want to be fair. Please, don't try to serve yourselves; the pot's extremely hot, & I don't want any of you getting hurt. Understood?" My siblings all nodded as I went upstairs to check on the twins. I thought, "Tilly & Billy usually are the first to make noise," slowly approaching their room. I opened the door & wasn't really surprised at what I saw them doing. I said, "You 2 ready for some yummy food?" Billy had already climbed out of the playpen & was trying to help Tilly out. I picked them up & said, "You 2 are in so much trouble." They both reached out & I said, "For being too cute!" To this, they just stared at me & simultaneously babbled something that I've translated as, "Brock, we're hungry." They're just too cute! I continued carrying them downstairs & said, "I figured you'd be hungry." I sat them in their high chairs, as we dug in. In a break, Forrest said, "Hey, Brock, what about Dad's lunch?" I said, "I made it for him this morning before he left to run the," I got cut off from a roar outside & a Poké Ball on my belt opening. "Dude, dude. Geodude!" I said, "Why don't you eat outside with Onix for a change? You haven't done that in a while!" My Rock Pokémon stared at me, but accepted. I got up & grabbed the food canisters for them. I went outside & said, "Sorry about that, Onix. Guess I'm forgetting things here & there because of how long Mom's been gone." I began to serve their food, unaware that I was being watched. I went back in, noticed an empty dish, at an empty seat. I thought, "Uh-oh."

(Back on Valencia Island, Reggie's P.O.V.)

I finished looking at a map on the computer, deciding where I'd go next. I was surprised that Paul went down so easily for his nap. I said, "That's it. That's the next region I'll travel!" The next thing I heard were footsteps coming my way. I thought, "Okay, Reggie, think. Quilava. Phanpy, Gligar & Steelix are out of the question. The same goes for Skarmory. I guess he didn't notice Skarmory, but after that day, I can't blame him for his fear," & began to remember the event that happened a few months ago…

(Flashback start)

I said, "Feels nice outside today, doesn't it?" We were visiting them in Viridian City, for a change. Trent said, "You can say that again!" I turned slightly & noticed Trent behind me, along with Liana, Evan, & Eileen. My parents, aunt & uncle walked in, but Paul was focused on the triplets. Trent said, "Yo, Jacob, Derek, look who showed up!" Derek shouted, "I can see from up here, I'm not blind!" He was in his room & Jacob came out to greet us. Jacob yawned & said, "Hey, Reg, Paul." Energetic as usual, the triplets went to the forest; well, 2 did, & Jacob & Paul went along. Jacob said, "Please stay in sight, Liana, Leni, Paul!" I was discussing travel plans with Trent at their pool, when we heard 2 ear-piercing screams. We raced to the forest & sent out our Kanto partners. Trent said, "Wartortle, use Scald on Beedrill!" I said, "Charmeleon, use Flamethrower on Fearow!" Then it hit us about the kids, until we heard 2 familiar voices say, "Kadabra, use Protect/Psychic on the kids!" By the way, both of his parents own a Kadabra. Once the Beedrill & Fearow left, Trent & I were stunned. Jacob said, "Mom, Dad, what just happened?" Trent & I exchanged nervous glances. We wanted to go outside, but before either of us could recall our partners, they began to glow white. I said, "They're evolving!" Trent was still holding his Pokédex, & I pulled out mine. Trent's said, "Charizard, the Flame Pokémon. Charizard's powerful flame can melt absolutely anything." Mine said, "Blastoise, the Shellfish Pokémon. Blastoise is the final evolved form of Squirtle. It can launch powerful blasts of water from its water spouts." When we went in, we told them what we heard & Jacob did the rest. We then announced that we would be going west: to Johto. Our parents approved, but there was a catch. Aunt Sam said, "Trent, you & Reggie can go to Johto together; 3 days from now." Mom said, "You're both grounded. No ifs, ands, or buts!" Trent & I sighed, but said, "Yes, mom."

(Flashback end)

I said, "Paul, I'm gonna be the best big brother I can be," & ran my hand through his hair. He said, "Play?" I grinned & said, "Outside, little buddy." He raced to the door & I thought, "That'd be a day: Paul capturing a Fearow & Leni capturing a Beedrill. From the looks on their faces, they'll only remember those Pokémon as enemies," walking closer to my brother.

(Schwartz household, Maron's P.O.V.)

I was dribbling the ball & I kicked it as hard as I could. Victor caught it & said, "H. I win!" I said, "That was fun. Although, I'm the better player when it comes to K.I.N.G.D.R.A." Victor stared at me & said, "You mean S.E.A.D.R.A., don't you?" I smirked, finally knowing something that Victor didn't. He said, "What?" I said, "Working at a Water-type Gym has it perks, little bro," & prepared for the smack I was gonna get.

(Victor's P.O.V.)

I said, "Maron, ordinarily, I'd smack you for this, but, I'm," "Vic, Maron, where are you guys?" Maron said, "Backyard, A.J. So, anyway, you know that Horsea evolves into Seadra starting at level 32, right?' I nodded. He said, "Mr. Waterflower is strict on his research. He found out that Seadra evolves into Kingdra when it's traded & holding a Dragon Scale." I said, "Cool. Hey, A.J., show us your starter!" A.J. said, "Well, I'm gonna have to play heartbreaker. Maron, I didn't pick Charmander. Victor, I didn't pick Squirtle," & pulled a Poké Ball off of his belt. I said, "So, why'd you choose Bulbasaur, sport?" At this, A.J. sighed & said, "Mom's got a gift of gab it seems. We finished at the doctor, but she had to ask a bunch of questions. We got to Professor Oak's lab, & one Pokémon made itself stand out. It's sorta shy," & enlarged the ball. We exchanged glances & A.J. said, "Hey, little buddy, come on out," tossing the ball. We were both surprised at it. Maron said, "A Sandshrew?" A.J. nodded & said, "Bulbasaur was the last one left, but while Mom & Dad were walking up the stairs, I saw this little fellow, by itself." I said, "It's smaller than most Sandshrew. You're gonna have to work really hard, kiddo." A.J. said, "So, you're not mad?" Maron & I looked at each other, & busted out laughing. A.J. said, "What's so funny?" Maron calmed down & said, "You. We're not mad, although, we do have a question," A.J. said, "I think they're inside, arguing. C-can I stay outside with you guys?" I looked to Maron & he gave me a look. I said, "Yeah, give 'em a while to cool down. Why don't we tell you about our new job possibilities?" Maron said, "That's a good topic." A.J. said, "I haven't the foggiest idea on what you 2 are talking about, but I do know this," picking up Sandshrew. Maron said, "Oh?" A.J. said, "I've got the best brothers. Ever!" We grinned at each other & embraced our younger brother.

(The Harrison residence; half an hour later. Brock's P.O.V.)

I said, "Okay, Onix, Geodude, you seriously don't mind?" Geodude had the twins in its arms & Onix was letting my other siblings look at it, up close; and when I say up close, I mean touching, staring, things like that. Forrest said, "Brock, just go inside. I think I can watch 7 other kids," a tone of pride & confidence in his voice. I looked around & said, "Alright." I walked inside, went to the lower floor, not too far from my room & followed the cries. I thought, "Okay, this won't be easy. Here goes," & knocked on Yolanda's door. Yolanda said, "Cindy, Suzie, go away!" I took a deep breath & said, "It's Brock. Can I come in?" After what seemed like forever but in actuality was only a couple of minutes. I opened the door & saw Yolanda lying on her side, her back to me. She said, "Brocky, I miss Mommy. Where is she?" I chuckled a little, & said, "I thought you outgrew calling me that," referring to my nickname that she, Suzie & Cindy call me. As I chuckled, she whacked me on the back with her pillow. She let me sit down, & grabbed me. I said, "Yolanda, I don't know where Mom is." She said, "Is Mommy coming back?" I thought, "Is Mom alive? I don't even know if Mom's alive, because she's gone. I can't let Yolanda or the others know that I'm even thinking of that!" I said, "She'll come back, one day," hugging my younger sister. She said, "Brock?" I said, "Yes, Yolanda?" She said, "Thanks for being a good big brother," standing up. I stood up & said, "You're welcome. Come on, let's have some fun in the backyard with the others." She walked outside, & I followed. We met up with the others, & Forrest was panicking. I said, "Forrest, what's wrong?" He said, "Brock what time is it?" I turned to the clock in the kitchen & said, "Maybe Dad's just running late. I'll go to the Gym, maybe he lost track of time." I left Forrest in charge again, & sprinted to the Gym. I opened the door & said, "Dad?" I looked around, not in sight. However, a note on the door caught my attention. I took it, & read, "Brock, I lost another battle today. I don't know how to put this, but by the time you read this note, I'll be gone on my own journey. Take care, Flint." I read it again & it said, "P.S. You're the Pewter City Gym Leader, thanks for the lunch." I felt the tears come down & I punched the floor of the gym. I thought, "Now I've got to look after 9 kids. By myself," & crumpled up the note.

Bios:

Alexander Matthews- Giovanni's youngest brother. Leads the Viridian Gym with his wife.

Isabel Samantha Matthews- One of Professor Ivy's sisters. Yeah, that's right. Felina met & married Giovanni; while at the same time Alexander met & married Isabel. Isabel prefers her middle name over her first. Leads the Viridian Gym with her husband.

Trent Matthews- The eldest. Leads the Viridian Gym, later usurps Lance of his title as Indigo League Champion.

Derek Matthews- Doesn't want to be the Gym Leader; he studies to be a professional Pokémon photographer after a harsh defeat as the Gym Leader.

Jacob Matthews- Early on, Jacob is unsure of himself. He later serves as the referee of the Viridian Gym before he changes his goal to become a researcher.

Liana Matthews-Eldest triplet. Liana is adventurous, energetic & flirtatious. Liana sees a Contest on TV & decides to be a Coordinator from the start. However, she takes interest in being the Viridian Gym Leader as Trent loses interest.

Evan Matthews- Middle triplet. Evan is wild, flirtatious, & relatively dense for the most part. He also shows interest in becoming the Gym Leader.

Eileen Matthews- The youngest of the trio. Adventurous as a young child, but she "tames" her wild side & takes the Indigo League by storm. However, after her defeat, opportunity knocks not once, but twice. She's always been interested in becoming the Gym Leader. She loves Paul as only she can & helps him in his quest later on.

QUEENSPELLER67: Reggie, Paul, you 2 still awake?
Reggie: Depends, how old are we?
QUEENSPELLER67: In this chapter, you're 12 years old & Paul is a toddler, like you said.

Reggie: Okay, then. Well, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Don't forget to review, vote & guess. See you next time. Hey, author.

QUEENSPELLER67: Yes, Reggie?

Reggie: What are they guessing on?

QUEENSPELLER67: The answers to the questions of Chapter 2 in "Why Should I?"

Reggie: Got it.

IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION: P.O.N.Y.T.A., R.A.P.I.D.A.S.H., H.O.R.S.E.A., S.E.A.D.R.A, & K.I.N.G.D.R.A are all variants of "H.O.R.S.E." However, with Ponyta & Rapidash, it's a soccer variation of the game. Horsea, Seadra, & Kingdra is the basketball game.