Once Ash broke out of his trance, he grinned before standing up and running up towards him. "Woah, Paul, it's you!" He exclaimed, thrilled he had decided to visit.
"Pika-Pikachu!"
"Electivire."
Paul was taken aback at his evident excitement before he nodded in acknowledgement towards Ash and looked around. Ash assumed he was curious to know where his other friends were. "If you're looking for everyone else, well…they left an hour ago. But I'm really glad you came, Paul!"
Paul was about to respond but decided against it, his hesitation getting to the best of him as he closed his eyes. Ash couldn't help but to chuckle awkwardly at his lack of words.
"Paul didn't want to come at first," a familiar voice said, approaching them from behind. Ash watched shockingly as he placed his hand comfortingly upon Paul's shoulder. "But I managed to convince him eventually. That's why it took a while for us to arrive. We're sorry about that," he said with an apologetic grin.
Ash was ecstatic that Reggie had made time to visit as well. "Hey, don't worry about it Reggie. I'm so glad you both could make it!"
Ash noticed Paul clench his fist as he looked the other way; he wondered if Paul was worried about something. He watched as Paul sighed, about to speak, when Delia called out to him. "Ash! Pikachu! It's dinner time!"
He looked towards the two with pleading eyes. "Come on, you guys should definitely join us for dinner!"
The adult male instantly nodded. "Of course. The long ride from Veilstone City sure worked up an appetite. What do you say, Paul?"
Ash noticed him unclenching his fist, and his shoulders seemed to relax. This made him grow even more curious. "Sure," he eventually responded.
The newly assembled group was now gathered around the dining table. Plates of food and glasses of orange juice were neatly arranged on the dining table. Pikachu and Electivire were seated on the floor, enjoying their meals from the food bowls. Ash and Paul occupied seats facing each other, while Reggie was seated next to his younger brother.
Ash couldn't help but to steal glances at his former rival seated across from him. It hadn't been a few minutes since he arrived, but Ash could tell that something was disturbing him; Paul was being quieter than usual. Plus, it didn't help he was extremely curious to know what he'd been up to ever since he last encountered him. "So, Paul," he said, allowing Paul to make eye contact with him. "What have you been up to lately? Last I heard you got an offer to become a Gym Leader," he said, recalling Professor Oak's words at the end of their training battle.
Paul's demeanor changed, as a faint smile graced lips. He seemed more relaxed now, in contrast to his rigid posture just moments ago. "I accepted it. I'm the new permanent Gym Leader of Viridian City." His voice carried a trace of excitement, suggesting that he was eagerly anticipating this new undertaking.
"Wow, that's amazing, Paul!" he exclaimed excitedly, briefly recalling the battle against Team Rocket and Agatha a while ago. "I had no idea you wanted to be a Gym Leader. When Professor Oak told me that you got an offer, I was so stoked! What made you decide on being a Gym Leader anyway?"
He noticed Paul gripping the utensils tightly, as he tore his gaze away and looked the other direction. He closed his eyes, a sign of his growing discomfort before he proceeded to stand up. "Uhh…" Ash started awkwardly, not intending to add to his discomfort and unsure of what to say to ease his mind.
Paul opened his eyes and abruptly left the dining table, the sound of the door closing echoing in the background. Ash looked towards Reggie with a worried expression evident. "Is there something wrong? I didn't mean to…"
Reggie shook his head in response, signalling his dismissal of Ash's concerns. "You didn't say anything wrong, don't worry. You see, along with celebrating your victory against Leon, Paul's also here for someone else."
Ash blinked; considering their history together, he had a slight inclination of who he was talking about. "Someone else, huh?" he repeated.
Ash noticed Paul standing a bit further from his house, with his palms inside his pockets. He seemed to be deep in thought. There were times where Ash sincerely wished he could discern Paul's thoughts. "Hey, Paul!" He called out, running towards him. Paul turned to face him, raising an eyebrow in the process. "Why'd you run out?"
Paul turned away again, presenting his back towards Ash, unable to face him. "I don't think it's really any of your business," he said, his tone carrying a hint of coldness. What Ash didn't notice was him gritting his teeth, as if he regretted uttering those words
Ash was about to retort, but stopped himself. He frowned, briefly studying the soothe bells currently in his palms before shifting his gaze towards Paul again. Maybe he had been too forward during dinner; he had no intention in prying in his personal business. He had assumed that ever since the World Coronation Series, they could at least acknowledge each other as friends. But it seemed Paul still considered him to be nothing more than just a former rival. "I'm sorry." He offered, as Paul slowly turned towards him curiously. "I think I was asking too much before. I mean, uhh…" he said, trailing off with his words, not sure what he was leading to.
For a fleeting moment, a flash of regret was visible in Paul's eyes. "You don't have to apologize. I'm the one that's…"
Rekindling Ash's hope, that incomplete sentence elicited a smile from him, and in return, Paul responded with a subtle smile of his own. Exhaling a small breath, Ash extended his closed palm, catching Paul's curious glance before Ash slowly opened his hand, revealing the small familiar object. "Do you remember the Hearthome Tag Battle Tournament? Well, I still have this with me, and I figured you'd want it, since, you know, you did win the tournament as well."
Paul could only stare at the object, his reluctance to accept the object evident in his expression. His shoulders stiffened, and his palms closed to form fists. "I'm not taking that."
Ash was befuddled. A disappointed frown formed on his lips "Huh?"
Paul parted his lips, hesitating for a while, and then something shifted. "It's pathetic." He spat out, his words laced with disdain.
Ash closed his palm, clenching the bell tightly in a subtle display of frustration. He had come to understand Paul enough to discern that what he had just uttered was far from the truth, and more so a form of him masking his true emotions. "Come on, Paul! You won the tournament fair and square."
Paul gritted his teeth, squeezing his eyes shut, his pain clearly evident in his contorted features. "I don't deserve that."
Out of all the possible responses, Ash hadn't anticipated that particular reasoning. Still, he continued to protest obstinately. "What are you talking about? You and your Pokemon worked together to win it."
"That's not what I'm talking about," Paul said, his voice sounding harsher than he intended to.
It was at that moment that Ash remembered Reggie's earlier words. He studied Paul more attentively, realizing that Paul was avoiding prolonged eye contact, frequently stealing glances at the ground below instead. It suddenly clicked in Ash's mind; Paul hadn't been searching for Ash's friends earlier. The puzzle pieces finally fell into place. "This is about Infernape…isn't it?"
There was no response, but Paul's sharp intake of breath served as confirmation of Ash's words. "Hey, don't sweat it, Paul. I'm pretty sure Infernape's put the past behind."
There was a moment of silence, as if Paul was lost in thought before he eventually spoke, saying, "That doesn't mean that I did." Ash waited for him to elaborate on those words. "That wasn't the only time I visited…" He admitted.
"Really?" Ash inquired, curious to know where he was going with this.
Paul's hands were trembling, and his voice sounded a bit shaky as he spoke, "I…I battled Brandon again after the Sinnoh League, like I said I would."
Ash nodded, recalling him declaring his rematch against the Battle Pyramid King at the end of their Sinnoh League battle. "Right, I remember!"
"Regirock is unable to battle - which means, the victory goes to Paul from Veilstone City!" The referee declared, waving the flag towards the newly victorious trainer.
Paul's heart swelled with pride as he gazed at his trusty Electivire. The Pokémon, though visibly exhausted, met his gaze with a nod of appreciation. It had been a grueling battle, one that pushed both trainer and Pokémon to their limits. "Good battle, Electivire. Thank you," Paul said, his voice filled with gratitude and admiration. He crouched down, extending a hand to gently pat Electivire's sleek, electric-blue hide. With a sense of accomplishment and a bond that had grown stronger through countless battles, Paul returned Electivire to its Pokéball. As he did so, he couldn't help but reflect on the months of hard work and training that had led to this victory.
Paul's gaze shifted from his now-resting Electivire to Brandon, who stood at the opposite end of the battlefield. The satisfaction radiating from Brandon's smile didn't go unnoticed by Paul. It was a stark contrast to their previous battles when victory had eluded him.
Brandon approached him and spoke with admiration in his voice. "Young man, your battle today displayed nothing more than a deep connection between you and your Pokemon. You showed why you walk on the Pokemon path, and that you can control your emotions. I'm proud to finally present…the Brave Symbol," he said, holding out the silver item towards him.
Paul reflected on those words. Something shifted in his eyes as he accepted the symbol. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.
He had done it. He had done what Reggie couldn't.
"Young man, now that you hold all the symbols in the Battle Pyramid, I think you'd fit great as a Frontier Brain."
Paul's thoughts raced as he considered Brandon's unexpected Brave Symbol, now nestled in the palm of his hand, held deep significance for him. It represented not only his own hard work and dedication but also his relentless pursuit to differentiate himself from Reggie. The symbol was a representation of the countless hours of training and battles and would finally complete Reggie's collection of symbols. He reflected on his several journeys throughout Kanto to Sinnoh and his constant dedication to prove he was everything Reggie wasn't.
Though, something felt off. Despite the weight of the Brave Symbol in his hand and the acknowledgement from Brandon, Paul couldn't shake the feeling of discontent that gnawed at him. He had strived so hard to set himself apart from his older brother Reggie, and this symbol was a culmination of those efforts. Yet, something still felt incomplete.
With a sigh, Paul turned to Brandon. "I appreciate it," he began, "but I think I'll hold on to your offer for now."
~.~.~.
"Wow," Ash said in astonishment. "So you turned down Brandon's offer too," he said, recalling the day when he was offered a position as a Frontier Brain as well.
Paul nodded, confirming his words. "I didn't understand it that time - I had worked so hard to obtain that Brave Symbol, but when I finally won…it didn't feel right. And then…"
~.~.~.
"I heard the news! Congratulations, Paul," Reggie's voice rang out from the video screen as Paul sat in Snowpoint's quaint little Pokémon Center.
Paul's response was subdued, and he couldn't bring himself to maintain eye contact with Reggie. "Thanks," he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper, laden with complex emotions.
Reggie's keen intuition picked up on the hesitation and subdued tone in Paul's voice. He had hoped that Paul would be overjoyed by this achievement, especially considering the effort he had put into it since that fateful loss to Brandon. But it was clear that something was amiss. Concerned, Reggie leaned closer to the screen, his expression filled with genuine worry. "Paul, what's wrong?" he asked softly, his voice laced with brotherly concern. "You don't seem as thrilled as I expected. Is something bothering you?"
With a heavy sigh, Paul admitted, "I don't know. Brandon offered me a position as a Frontier Brain. But I declined for now."
Reggie's eyebrows shot up in surprise as he processed Paul's revelation. Reggie leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "I see," he said after a moment, understanding the weight of Paul's decision. "Any reason why?"
Paul fell into a contemplative silence, his thoughts swirling as he grappled with his own uncertainty. Winning the Brave Symbol had left him with a sense of unease, but he couldn't quite put his finger on why it didn't feel right. "I'm not sure," he finally responded.
Reggie could sense the internal turmoil that Paul was going through. He respected his brother's decision to decline the Frontier Brain position and understood that something about winning the Brave Symbol hadn't sat well with him. "Sometimes, it's okay not to have all the answers right away," Reggie said, his tone gentle and reassuring. "Why don't you come back to Veilstone and take a break? It'd give you some time to think about it. Plus, you have been training really hard for a long time. I think you and your Pokemon deserve a well rested break."
Paul couldn't remember the last time he had allowed himself a proper break from his relentless training regimen. Ever since he had witnessed Reggie's defeat at the hands of Brandon, he had been consumed by an unyielding determination to become the strongest trainer he could be.
Nevertheless, the idea of taking a break started to hold more appeal for him. Perhaps stepping back from the constant training and battles would provide him with the clarity and answers he sought. "Okay."
~.~.~.
"Wow..." Ash began, taking a moment to absorb the information. "Do you know why you declined Brandon's offer?"
Paul nodded. "I do. But it took a while to realize it."
~.~.~.
"Electivire, Thunder! Ursaring, Focus Blast!"
Paul watched intensely as electricity intensified, the two Pokémon's attacks colliding. Sparks danced and crackled as the electric current met the concentrated energy of Focus Blast. The clash created a blinding explosion of light and power.
Paul's lips extended into a subtle and proud smile in admiration of their strength. "Good work."
As the intense battle raged on, and before Paul could issue another command to his battling Pokémon, he was interrupted by the familiar voice of his older brother. "Paul!" came the call, causing him to swiftly pivot to his left. From the doorway of his home emerged Reggie, wearing a quizzical expression as he approached. His brother's incredulous tone couldn't be missed.
"Wow," Reggie remarked, his voice tinged with amusement and disbelief. "It hasn't even been long since you returned, and you're already back to training. You just can't give yourself or your Pokémon a day off, can you?" Reggie's words carried a mixture of brotherly teasing and genuine curiosity as he observed Paul's unwavering dedication to his craft.
Paul missed the playful undertone of his brother's words. "We did have lunch."
Reggie's disapproval turned into an affectionate smirk as he shook his head, a trace of amusement still dancing in his eyes. "Yeah, that's not exactly what I meant," he replied, the teasing edge in his voice now more pronounced. "I know how much you value strength, but you don't have to be training all the time. Remember, you and your Pokemon have been training really hard since the Sinnoh League ended for your rematch against Brandon."
Reggie's words hung in the air for a moment, causing Paul to pause and reflect. He looked back at his fierce Pokémon, who had just given their all in the intense training battle. Electivire and Ursaring, too, seemed to acknowledge Reggie's wisdom, though their spirits remained unyielding. After a moment of contemplation, Paul finally nodded in agreement, his typically stoic expression softening. With a flick of his wrist, he withdrew Electivire and Ursaring into their respective Poké Balls, returning them to their pocket-sized sanctuaries.
Turning away from the battleground, Paul followed his brother back into the house they shared. He stopped once he spotted Reggie's impressive collection of badges and symbols adorning the wall; Paul's gaze lingered on the gap in Reggie's collection, where the final symbol was supposed to be. His gaze shifted towards Reggie who watched him with a small smile, noticing the once-bitter emotions that he had associated with the gap seemed to have strangely faded somehow.
With a contemplative sigh, Paul withdrew the familiar silver symbol from his pocket, cradling it in the palm of his hand. He had longed to fill the missing gap in Reggie's collection ever since he became a trainer, but after the rematch with Brandon…nothing felt the same anymore.
With a heavy yet resolute heart, Paul lowered the silver object and slipped it back into his pocket.
Paul felt a comforting palm on his shoulder, and he turned to find Reggie standing beside him, his gaze understanding and sympathetic. Reggie's words cut straight to the heart of the matter. "I know you and your Pokémon worked really hard to obtain that symbol," Reggie began, his voice filled with empathy, "And I know you've wanted this for a long time, Paul. But you don't really feel happy, do you?"
Paul remained stunned, too stiff to say anything to deny or confirm his words. Paul's heart raced as he avoided his brother's gaze, the weight of the unspoken words hanging heavily between them.
Luckily, he didn't have to speak, as Reggie offered him a reassuring smile. "Paul, remember, it's perfectly fine not to have all the answers right now." Those words allowed Paul to glance towards his brother again, this time with a small smile of appreciation. "I know," Reggie continued, catching Paul's curious gaze. "Why don't you come with me to Hearthome City? I have some Pokémon to drop off at the Pokémon Center soon. We could visit Amity Square; I figured our Pokémon could spend some quality time there as well."
Paul didn't have to contemplate for very long. "Sure," he replied with a nod and a hint of gratitude in his eyes.
Hearthome City basked in the warm glow of the setting sun, a serene oasis amidst the bustling city. Paul had sought a quiet corner in the Pokémon Center, engrossed in a book, while Reggie engaged in conversation with Nurse Joy. In the midst of his reading, Paul suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure in the corner of his eye, prompting him to set his book down in surprise.
The Sinnoh Champion, Cynthia, scanned her surroundings with a practiced eye, and her gaze eventually landed on Paul. He closed his book and rose to his feet as she made her way over to him.
"Paul, it's a pleasant surprise to see you here. I thought to stop by here before heading to my villa in Undella Town," Cynthia greeted warmly. "I haven't seen you since the Sinnoh League."
Paul nodded in response, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "It's good to see you again."
Cynthia's smile was both congratulatory and inquisitive. "I heard you battled against Brandon at the Battle Pyramid. Congratulations! That's quite an achievement. But I also heard you didn't accept the position as Frontier Brain. Why is that?"
Paul remained at a loss for words, his brow furrowing slightly as he wrestled with the question for another time since his rematch with Brandon. His gaze wandered for a moment, as if he were searching for the answer within the depths of his own thoughts. But alas, yet again, he didn't have a concrete answer ready.
As another voice broke Paul's thoughts, he turned to see Reggie approaching. Surprise flickered across Reggie's face before his expression lit up with enthusiasm. "Cynthia?!" Cynthia merely greeted the older male with a warm smile.
Paul introduced Reggie with a nod. "This is my older brother, Reggie."
Cynthia extended her hand, and Reggie accepted it with a grateful smile. "Well, it's very nice to meet you," she replied warmly. "What do you do, Reggie?"
"I'm a Pokémon Breeder," Reggie continued, his tone filled with pride. "I was just dropping off some Pokémon at the Pokémon Center here. Paul and I are going to visit Amity Square soon. You see, he just won a hard-fought battle against Brandon at the Battle Pyramid, so I thought he and his Pokémon deserve a well-earned break from all the months of intense training."
Cynthia nodded, her gaze distant as if lost in her own thoughts. Paul raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued by her introspective demeanor. "Reggie, do you mind if I talk to Paul somewhere else?"
The brother duo exchanged curious glances before redirecting their attention towards Cynthia. She regarded Paul with a small, knowing smile. A subtle look of realization gradually dawned across Paul's features as he began to grasp where she might be suggesting.
As Paul stood by the familiar stone tablet featuring the majestic figures of Dialga and Palkia, a profound sense of nostalgia washed over him. Cynthia's words from their Sinnoh journey echoed relentlessly in Paul's mind, still managing to leave a lasting impact.
Cynthia, standing beside him, voiced his unspoken thoughts with a soft and insightful statement. "When every life meets another life, something will be born," she said, her words carrying the same weight of wisdom that he had recalled. "Surely, you remember this quote from the Sinnoh Time-Space Legend."
Paul nodded in agreement, confirming the profound truth in Cynthia's words. It was during the period after his loss against Brandon that he had begun to truly grasp the depth of that quote. Witnessing Infernape's unwavering determination and its burning desire to prove him wrong at the Sinnoh League had made him respect Ash as a trainer. He found himself smiling; he'd never forget that battle in a lifetime.
The smile didn't go unnoticed by Cynthia. "Because of Infernape, you and Ash developed a bond together. You found mutual respect for one another."
His mind drifted back to the journey that forever challenged his perspective on Pokémon training. The unexpected meeting with Ash, whose approach to Pokémon was diametrically opposite to his, challenged Paul's rigid beliefs. Ash's unwavering commitment to nurturing the bond between trainer and Infernape, no matter their background or abilities, was a revelation to him. Ash had proved that there was more to Pokémon training than cold statistics and calculations. He couldn't help but grow to admire the relentless dedication that Ash displayed in his quest to prove him wrong.
"Can you recall anything else I mentioned?" Cynthia pressed on, successfully interrupting his train of thought. When he remained silent, she carried on. "When I was a Trainer myself, I knew I wanted to get stronger and stronger by winning battles, by meeting Pokémon with different personalities, by meeting new people. There was always something so fascinating about that. I knew what I wanted to do for myself and for my Pokémon."
The last sentence had unexpectedly struck a chord with Paul. It brought back memories of witnessing Reggie's devastating defeat at the hands of Brandon, a day that had spurred him to make a solemn commitment to avoid being a disappointment like his brother. He wondered how different a Trainer he would have been, and if his dedication to strength and power would have remained unchanged, had Reggie not experienced that loss.
"Tell me Paul, why did you decide to become a Trainer?"
Paul's hand unconsciously clenched into a fist, and he released a deep sigh. "I traveled alongside Reggie on his journey," he reflected, "I witnessed the countless hours he invested, earning badge after badge, symbol after symbol, only to throw it all away after a single defeat. I was determined to become everything he wasn't."
Cynthia nodded thoughtfully, her gaze steady on Paul. "Sometimes, pivotal moments in our past can profoundly influence our aspirations and choices," she observed. "It seems Reggie's journey has played a significant role in shaping the Trainer you've chosen to become." Paul remained quiet, tacitly acknowledging the truth in her words.
"While traveling as a Trainer and connecting with new people, one of the most valuable lessons I've learned is that everyone's journey is unique," Cynthia continued. "Occasionally, the path to becoming a great Trainer can take unexpected twists and turns. Reggie's decision may have been a challenging one, but it likely taught him that he needed to grow in different ways."
Paul had never considered it from that perspective before. Now that he contemplated it, he couldn't recall ever questioning why Reggie had opted to become a Pokémon Breeder instead.
"When was the last time you spent time playing with your Pokémon, Paul?" Cynthia inquired, prompting Paul to look at her with a bewildered expression. Paul remained stunned, giving Cynthia the opportunity to continue with a gentle smile. "Being strong as a Trainer is crucial, but equally important is forming a strong bond with your Pokémon. I'm certain Ash has taught that to you on your Sinnoh journey," she remarked.
Of course, Paul was well aware of this truth. It had been clearly demonstrated to him during his battle with Ash at the Sinnoh League.
"We shouldn't let our past consume us entirely," Cynthia advised, her voice filled with wisdom. "Our past experiences shape us, but they should not define our future entirely. Remember that growth and change are also important parts of the journey. You're an excellent Trainer, Paul," Cynthia said gently, "but I believe you haven't yet explored who you truly are beyond your past. Embrace the present and the future, and you might discover new strengths and connections that can enrich your journey in ways you never imagined."
Paul absorbed her words of wisdom, and they echoed in his mind, reminding him of the advice Brandon had imparted after his initial defeat. He wasn't really sure who he was without his past. The path ahead seemed shrouded in mystery, and he wasn't entirely sure what he truly desired anymore.
With a nod of gratitude, Paul watched as Cynthia made her exit, leaving him alone to ponder the profound insights she had shared.
Amity Square enveloped Paul in its tranquil embrace, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of his relentless pursuit of strength. Here, among the playful Pokémon and serene surroundings, he found a rare moment of stillness that allowed his thoughts to wander freely.
Cynthia's words continued to resonate within him, like a gentle but persistent melody that refused to fade into the background. He watched as Electivire was basking in the simple pleasures of frolicking with Reggie's Bibarel.
It suddenly struck him that he had never truly allowed himself to experience such moments of joy and connection with his Pokémon. In fact, as he continued to observe Electivire's playful interactions with the other Pokémon, he couldn't recall a single moment during his extensive travels where he had genuinely allowed himself to enjoy the journey.
As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Paul's mind journeyed back to a darker chapter of his past. He couldn't help but dwell on the times he had been harsh, even cruel, to Chimchar, all because he was so wrapped up in the past.
As Paul's gaze remained fixed on Electivire, a vivid memory began to resurface—a memory he had long buried deep within the recesses of his mind. It was a recollection from the Hearthome City Tag Battle, a moment that had been etched into his conscience, bringing with it a flood of mixed emotions.
Paul recalled the determination he had shown, the unrelenting drive to secure another victory in his quest for strength. He thought about how he had pushed Chimchar, harder than ever before, demanding perfection with every move. The fire on Chimchar's back had blazed with intensity, mirroring the fire in Paul's own eyes.
His hunger for strength had allowed him to ignore Chimchar's evident suffering.
Now, as he watched Electivire frolic joyfully with the other Pokémon, Paul couldn't help but regret his actions - every single one. He remembered the moments where Chimchar had nearly collapsed from exhaustion due to his brutal training methods, but still remained persistent to continue battling in the Hearthome Tag Battle. He recalled releasing Chimchar, ignoring the look of disappointment and hurt in its eyes.
Unconsciously clenching his teeth, Paul winced as a tidal wave of regret welled up inside him. He wished he could turn back time and treat Chimchar differently. But he knew he couldn't change the past.
Reggie's voice broke through Paul's contemplation, drawing his attention away from the swirling thoughts of regret. "They sure had a lot of fun, it seemed," Reggie remarked with a warm smile, his gaze fixed on the playful antics of Electivire and Bibarel. Paul hadn't realized how late it was getting, lost as he was in reflection. "I think it's time we head home."
Paul nodded. He had no idea why but he couldn't help but feel as if this small visit provided a small step to growing outside of his past. "You're right."
The night was unusually quiet, and the moon cast a soft, silver glow through Paul's bedroom window. But despite the peaceful ambiance, sleep eluded him. His mind was still swirling with thoughts of Cynthia's wise words, echoing in his ears like a haunting melody.
He couldn't shake her advice, particularly the part about not allowing his past to entirely define his future. It was as if a seed had been planted in his mind, a seed of doubt and curiosity about the path he had been relentlessly treading. He tossed and turned, trying to find a comfortable position, but the restlessness wouldn't subside.
Eventually, he gave in to his inner turmoil and decided to seek out Reggie. He knew Reggie had faced his own trials as a Trainer, and that his journey had taken an unexpected turn after his loss against Brandon. Perhaps Reggie held the answers he needed, the insights that could help him find his own way.
Carefully, Paul slipped out of his bed. He made his way down the quiet hallway to Reggie's room, gently knocking on the door.
A muffled voice responded, "Come in."
Paul entered to find Reggie sitting on his bed, reading under the soft glow of a desk lamp. Reggie looked up, surprised to see his younger brother at this late hour.
"Can't sleep, Paul?" Reggie asked, setting his book aside.
Paul nodded, feeling a lump in his throat. "I wanted to ask you something…if you don't mind."
He smiled, patting the space next to him on the bed, inviting Paul to sit down. "Of course, Paul."
As they settled in, Paul hesitated for a moment before finally asking the question that had been on his mind for quite some time now. "After your loss to Brandon, why did you decide to become a Pokémon Breeder? I watched you work so hard alongside your Pokémon. What made you suddenly change your path?"
Reggie's gaze softened, and he took a deep breath, as if recalling memories from the past. But a smile formed; he was glad that his younger brother was making attempts to understand his decision. "It wasn't an easy decision, Paul," he began. "Losing to Brandon was a wake-up call for me. I realized that I didn't really enjoy winning battles as much as I thought I did. I wanted to nurture and understand the bond between Trainer and Pokémon in a different way. I wanted to find a deeper connection with my Pokémon and explore a different kind of strength, one that went beyond battles."
Paul absorbed Reggie's words, a new perspective taking root in his mind. He hadn't fully grasped the depth of his brother's decision to become a Pokémon Breeder until now.
"Are you still upset with my decision?" Reggie asked.
Paul looked at Reggie, his brother's question cutting through the silence of the night. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for Paul's response. Slowly, Paul shook his head, a newfound understanding dawning within him. "No," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I used to be…but I think I grew to accept it. Maybe that's why I declined Brandon's offer as Frontier Brain."
Paul's admission hung in the air, carrying with it the weight of years of tension and unspoken emotions. Reggie regarded his younger brother with a mixture of gratitude and understanding, relieved to hear Paul's newfound acceptance. A small, understanding smile tugged at the corners of Reggie's lips. "Thank you for saying that, Paul," he replied softly. "I know it wasn't easy for you."
Paul's voice held a firm determination as he opened up to Reggie. "I've been thinking a lot and I want to reconsider my own path," Paul admitted, his voice filled with resolve. "I realized that I let the past cloud my judgment…and I made some regrettable choices," he said, hinting to Infernape. "I don't want to just focus on strength and victory."
Reggie listened attentively to Paul's sincere words, recognizing the significance of this moment. He had seen his brother's unwavering dedication to strength and victory, and hearing Paul acknowledge the flaws in his previous approach was a pivotal step forward.
With a supportive nod, Reggie replied, "It takes a strong Trainer to acknowledge their mistakes and strive for change." Paul's heart swelled with appreciation for his brother's understanding and encouragement. He felt as if a weight was lifting off his shoulders. Reggie smiled, recalling his earlier words. "You mentioned that you made some regrettable choices," he gently prodded, "What do you mean by that?"
Paul took a deep breath, knowing it was time to share the weight that had been burdening him. He then went on to recount the painful memories of his Sinnoh journey, where he had treated Chimchar with unwarranted harshness during their battles. "Infernape deserved better," he admitted, his voice heavy with remorse. "I know I pushed it too hard, too relentlessly, simply because I was too focused on power and strength."
Reggie listened attentively, recalling the moments he had seen with Chimchar and his younger brother. "Paul," he said gently, "maybe it's time to apologize to Infernape. Pokémon understand more than we think, and it could be a significant step towards the healing you two need,"
Paul nodded, a mix of emotions surging within him. "You're right," he admitted with a heavy heart. "I owe it to Infernape, especially after everything it's endured because of my choices."
Reggie smiled, his eyes filled with pride at Paul's heartfelt decision. "I'm proud of you, Paul," he said warmly. "I think it's time for you to get some rest."
Paul nodded, turning to leave Reggie's room, his footsteps carrying him toward the door. However, just as he was about to step out, he paused and looked back at his older brother. It was a moment of vulnerability, a rare instance when Paul allowed his true feelings to surface. With a sincere and heartfelt tone, he said, "Thank you."
Reggie's smile widened, touched by his brother's words. "You're welcome, Paul."
With a final nod of appreciation, Paul left Reggie's room, carrying with him the support and understanding of his brother, as well as a renewed sense of purpose and reconciliation.
