Fic: Mend Your Broken Wings
Jun. 10th, 2012 08:49 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cloversworldVerse: Bound by Destiny 4/? [MASTER POST]
Chapter Title: MEND YOUR BROKEN WINGS
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
clover71
Fandom: Pokémon (Anime)
Pairing: Paul/ Ash (Comashipping)
Rating: PG-13 (a teeny-weeny swearing)
WARNING: Spoilers for Season 14 of Pokémon anime, in case you haven't watched it.
Description: Written for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
love_bingo Round 2, for the square prompt, 'compromises'
Word Count: 2,300+
Chapter Summary: All Paul wants is to have another shot at defeating the Battle Pyramid but Brandon refuses to grant his request for a full battle unless he deals with the reason why he can't seem to concentrate on their match so he heads to Unova to find Ash Ketchum.
Disclaimer: This is only fan fiction and written for non-profitable purpose. Pokémon and its characters are owned by its creator, Satoshi Tajiri, and its media franchise is owned by Nintendo.
Author's Note(s):
- This is where Paul's attitude towards Ash starts to change. He may be OOC if compared to how he is during the Diamond and Pearl Series, but picture him as someone who is bound to grow up. And yes, Paul can smile
- The title of this chapter comes from the lyrics of 'Fly With Me' by 98 degrees, a song included in the soundtrack of Pokémon the First Movie.
- I am not familiar with the anime-based geography of Unova nor am I familiar with the Unova-exclusive Pokémon yet so I won't bet with my life-savings that the traveling time and descriptions of Pokémon used in this chapter are accurate. And take note that Paul isn't that well-informed about the Pokémon living in this region as well, so he cannot name any yet. He's only familiar with the moves Pokémon use since most of them are the same moves used by Pokémon found in other regions.
My Love Bingo card
*the images used for this banner are screen captures from ep 27 of Galactic Battles (Pokémon S12) and ep 44 of Black and White (Pokémon S14)
The large monitors show nothing but thick layers of windswept sand and the view isn't any better when looking out of the narrow windows. The degree of visibility is close to nil. It will take more than a miracle to navigate through this hell of a troposphere without crashing against something.
Paul can't believe how calm Sam and Brandon are despite them flying in this catastrophe while they're as blind as a Zubat. Both men seem to have a lot of confidence in the Battle Pyramid. Panic isn't normally Paul's immediate reaction to circumstances such as this, but his life is on the line, damn it.
"I just wanna know one thing," he says, ignoring the warning glare that Brandon shoots him with. "Are we going to get out of this alive?"
"Have faith, young man. This is just a sandstorm." It's amazing how Brandon can speak on a loud, belligerent voice (which, Paul has long concluded, is Brandon's normal way of talking) without sounding the least bit frantic.
Red lights start flashing on the control board coupled with a cacophony that sounds like roaring of a hundred Garchomp with thorns stuck on their feet. Sam's hands fly across the panel, pressing buttons sporadically that makes Paul wonder if Brandon's assistant knows what he's doing.
The only option left for Paul is to leave it to fate.
Later, Paul learns it's not his time to die because the Battle Pyramid lands safely on a flat terrain. Paul doesn't even care if they seem to be in the middle of nowhere, as long as they're no longer airborne and he's still in one piece.
"Well, son," Brandon says, his hand heavy on Paul's shoulder, "we're heading straight to Relic Castle. I suppose you'd like to start looking for Ash."
"Yes, I would." In all honesty, Paul's still not sure what he has gotten himself into, why he can't seem to turn off the yearning to see Ash Ketchum. "You can reach me through my Pokégear if it's time to leave."
"Let Sam add this region's map in your Pokégear so you won't have trouble finding your route."
Once all the information Paul might need has been transferred to his portable gadget, he hoists his body bag over his head and steps out of the facility.
Paul accepts Brandon's offer to have one of his crew members drive him to his destination. Fifteen minutes later, Paul's glad he didn't let his pride win over and decline the offered ride. The multi-terrain vehicle makes traveling through the desert less challenging.
***
They reach Nimbasa Town in little over a couple of hours and Brandon's employee drops him off at what seems to be an amusement district.
Brandon had called the professor living in this region earlier and they learned Ash is in this town to participate in the Battle Tournament.
All Paul has to do is follow the crowd and he finds the arena where this Club Battle – whatever – is being held in no time.
The tournament seems to be well on the way when Paul saunters inside the venue. He heads straight to the bleachers, finding an empty spot close to the battle field. Ash is apparently in the middle of a match. A much older guy with a wild-looking hair stands on the opposite side.
The coincidence confounds Paul for a moment then he blinks and watches the blue Pokémon with an odd shape and a huge bump on its head from Ash's corner hurl Mud Shot straight to its opponent.
Paul's Pokédex can't identify the two Pokémon having a battle. Brandon wasn't kidding when he said that the Pokémon living here don't exist in other regions.
The battle isn't all that interesting. The trainer up against Ash is downright pathetic. Paul watches Ash instead, notes that there's something different about his former rival but he can't put his finger on what exactly. Ash still looks the same, technically: black hair sticking out of that ridiculous hat of his; eyes still hold the eagerness and determination; posture and gestures clearly speak confidence. He looks a bit taller though but it shouldn't be a surprise since Paul himself grew a few centimeters.
It has been over six months since Paul watched Ash drift away on a ship that took him home to Kanto Region. He's been on a futile struggle to get Ash off his mind since. Paul's rematch with Brandon was greatly affected, causing him to lose dejectedly. The one-on-one match barely lasted five minutes.
Brandon could somehow tell, even before their battle began, that Paul wasn't in his reasonable state of mind. Perhaps that was the reason why Brandon refused to grant his request for a six-on-six match. What baffles Paul is how Brandon knew Ash was the reason for Paul's lack of diligence.
The strident shrieks from the crowd shove Paul out of his reverie. Ash wins the match. Another battle starts soon after and Paul feels a gnawing hunger for action, hoping he could be part of this tournament.
When the battle is over, the host proclaims the competitors of the final round. Paul feels a tickle of pride to find out Ash makes it to the top two. The referee ambles to the center of the field and announces that the last match will resume tomorrow.
***
Paul hurries out of the arena, hoping he'll be able to catch Ash before the crowd swallows him up. He spies Ash's disappearing beyond the trainers' entrance. Spectators of all ages flow out of the venue in a steady stream, dragging Paul along with the current.
A handful of trainers are lingering near the fountain a few yards from the main entrance of the building but there's no sign of Ash. Paul just doesn't possess the required patience to do a thorough search of the area, leaving it to fate that he'll run into Ash at the Pokémon Center – presuming there is one nearby.
He's about to stop a man so he can ask for directions when he heard a rather excited "pika pi!" and he turns just in time to see the yellow electric mouse bounding over to him. Pikachu takes a leap, prompting Paul to extend his arms and catch it.
"Pika!" The Pokémon's tiny paws curl around the fabric of Paul's hoodie and it presses the side of its face against Paul's chest.
"Hey, Pikachu. It's been quite a while, hasn't it? Where's Ash?"
"Pika, pika. Pikachu."
Paul doesn't really understand Poké-speak, especially Pika-speak in this case. His brother often says it's the bond between humans and Pokémon that allows a person to understand what his or her Pokémon is saying. That's why Paul doesn't doubt Ash understands his Pokémon, Pikachu most of all.
"Why don't you just show me where he is?" he says but before Pikachu can loosen its grip on Paul's shirt, they hear Ash's familiar voice and some others calling out for the mouse Pokémon.
"Pikachu. There you are." A guy wearing glasses walks up to them. The way this guy's eyes narrow can only mean he's regarding Paul suspiciously. "I believe that Pokémon doesn't belong to you," he says. "There's only one trainer I know here in Unova that has a Pikachu."
It takes great effort for Paul not to roll his eyes. He's in no mood for a debate and he certainly doesn't find a need to justify himself. "Just show me where Ash is," he says, making sure he punctuates it with boredom.
"Oh." The guy's back straightens. "You know Ash?"
Paul can taste the sarcasm in his tongue. "No.This Pikachu told me what its trainer's name is."
"Pikachu, there you a—" The way Ash's eyes grow wide is too comical that Paul can't resist smiling. "Paul!"
"Hey, Ash. Congratulations on the win."
"You saw it?"
"Just part of it. You were already in the middle of a match when I arrived."
A girl with bushy hair and a slender guy wearing a ridiculous-looking suit and an equally ridiculous-looking green bowtie joins Ash. "Is this your friend, Ash?" the guy asks.
"Yeah." Ash makes the necessary introductions, though Paul doesn't pay much attention to their names knowing there's no need to remember them when he leaves.
But by dinner time, the names Cilan, Iris, Luke, Bianca and Steven – Stephan – whatever are imprinted in his brain somehow. There's also a girl dressed in a similar fashion as Cilan whose name escapes Paul, only that it's also a name of a color. The red-haired girl wearing a yellow touring hat isn't of importance either.
"So Paul, you're from Sinnoh?" Cilan asks, curiosity glimmering in his eyes.
"That's right."
"He's one of the best. You should see him in battle, he's awesome," Ash adds to which Paul can feel heat spreading on his face. "Did you bring any of your Pokémon with you, Paul?"
"Just the team I meant to use against Brandon." Paul keeps his responses short because he's too distracted right now. It's rare that he sees Ash without his hat on and he's been fighting the urge to reach out and brush his fingers through Ash's dark hair all evening.
"Brandon? The Pyramid King?" Ash's eyes flicker with what Paul thinks is recollection. "Oh yeah, I remember you were supposed to request for a rematch. How did it go?"
Paul deems it's unnecessary to relate in details with Ash's friends listening in on the conversation so he just says, "We're supposed to have a second rematch but he dragged me here with him instead."
Ash's eyes widen, amber orbs glistening with exuberance. "Here? You mean Brandon is here in Unova?"
"Yeah. I thought I told you I came here with Brandon?"
"No, you didn't."
"Oh. Well, you didn't ask." Paul is compelled to explain his spur-of-the-moment travel decision and he does so when he and Ash are alone later that night. "I lost to Brandon during our second match. He promised me another battle but when I went back to Kanto, he was about to leave for Unova. Something to do with his research on ancient ruins."
What Paul deliberately fails to add is that the reason why he came here with Brandon is because the man wouldn't face him on a full battle unless he deals with his Ash-related personal issues – whatever that means. Not that his personal issues are any of Brandon's business, but he wants another shot in defeating the so-called Pyramid King.
"So you all flew here in his Battle Pyramid?" Ash asked in a voice thick with amazement.
"We did." Paul took a seat on the stone bench in one corner of the Pokémon Center's garden and Ash follows suit. Pikachu settles between them, its eyes swinging between Paul and Ash.
"I'm surprised he even agreed to a rematch. I know Brandon never faces any challengers unless they've defeated the six other Frontier Brains in Kanto."
Paul shrugs, says, "He probably has his reasons," and turns his face skyward, watching the stars sparkle against the dark backdrop of the sky. Not once did Paul stop to question why Brandon so willingly accepted his challenge before and he doesn't give a shit either. He just wants to prove he can do what his brother couldn't, that he's strong enough to defeat Brandon.
The Pokémon Center is full that night so Paul has no choice but to stay in Ash's room with two of Ash's friends. He's a bit reluctant to share a bed with Ash until Ash points out they did sleep in one bed once, which seems a lifetime ago in Paul's opinion.
Paul wonders, like he has been doing for the past year or so, how Ash always manages to break down the walls that he has meticulously built around him. Never has Paul been so drawn to anyone as he is to Ash that it scares him.
"Paul? Can we have a battle tomorrow? Right after the tournament?" The soft timbre of Ash's voice floats around the room in sedating ripples.
"Sure. I'd like to see more of your Palpitoad in action."
Ash murmurs something unintelligible. Paul thinks it sounds pretty much like 'good night.'
***
Ash keeps bragging about Pikachu's new move, which piques Paul's curiosity so he watches the final round of the tournament with utmost interest.
It proves difficult to focus on the match though, with Cilan and this girl – Burgundy, he thinks is her name – keep babbling connoisseur nonsense. If Paul's patience is being tested, then he's close to his breaking point if these two idiots don't shut the fuck up soon.
Paul almost misses it – too busy stomping down the temptation to yell at Cilan and his rival – but his gaze springs back to the field just in time to witness Pikachu launch an Electro Ball to counter its opponent's Focus Blast.
So that is Pikachu's new move. What power.
Despite Pikachu's efforts though, Ash loses to Iris in the end. And Ash, being his Ash-like self, walks out of the battle field with a smile.
"So how 'bout that battle Paul?" Ash says on their way back to the Pokémon Center.
"Of course." A series of melodic beeps distracts Paul, prompting him to pull out his Pokégear from the front pocket of his hoodie. Brandon's face appears on the tiny screen.
"Young man," Brandon says and the next word barely leaves his mouth when Ash leaps next to Paul and leans over the gadget.
"Hey, Brandon!"
"Hey Ash!" Brandon's eyes slide over to Paul. "I see you've found your peace of mind."
Paul's hand goes numb, glad that he doesn't drop the Pokégear as a result. Ignoring Ash's "peace of mind? what does he mean?" Paul keeps his eyes on the gadget's screen.
"Is it time to leave?"
"Actually, the reason why I'm calling is to let you know we probably need to stay for a few days. A week at the most," Brandon explains. "Why don't you stick with Ash for a while longer? I'll call you and let you know when we're leaving."
"Okay. Thanks." Paul shoves his Pokégear back in his pocket. "Well," he starts but when he meets Ash's eyes, he nearly chokes upon seeing the light of exuberance that undulates on the surface and he has to swallow first before saying, "I guess that means I'm stuck with you."
archived at FFnet and AO3
Chapter Title: MEND YOUR BROKEN WINGS
Author:
clover71Fandom: Pokémon (Anime)
Pairing: Paul/ Ash (Comashipping)
Rating: PG-13 (a teeny-weeny swearing)
WARNING: Spoilers for Season 14 of Pokémon anime, in case you haven't watched it.
Description: Written for
love_bingo Round 2, for the square prompt, 'compromises'Word Count: 2,300+
Chapter Summary: All Paul wants is to have another shot at defeating the Battle Pyramid but Brandon refuses to grant his request for a full battle unless he deals with the reason why he can't seem to concentrate on their match so he heads to Unova to find Ash Ketchum.
Disclaimer: This is only fan fiction and written for non-profitable purpose. Pokémon and its characters are owned by its creator, Satoshi Tajiri, and its media franchise is owned by Nintendo.
Author's Note(s):
- This is where Paul's attitude towards Ash starts to change. He may be OOC if compared to how he is during the Diamond and Pearl Series, but picture him as someone who is bound to grow up. And yes, Paul can smile
- The title of this chapter comes from the lyrics of 'Fly With Me' by 98 degrees, a song included in the soundtrack of Pokémon the First Movie.
- I am not familiar with the anime-based geography of Unova nor am I familiar with the Unova-exclusive Pokémon yet so I won't bet with my life-savings that the traveling time and descriptions of Pokémon used in this chapter are accurate. And take note that Paul isn't that well-informed about the Pokémon living in this region as well, so he cannot name any yet. He's only familiar with the moves Pokémon use since most of them are the same moves used by Pokémon found in other regions.
My Love Bingo card
*the images used for this banner are screen captures from ep 27 of Galactic Battles (Pokémon S12) and ep 44 of Black and White (Pokémon S14)
The large monitors show nothing but thick layers of windswept sand and the view isn't any better when looking out of the narrow windows. The degree of visibility is close to nil. It will take more than a miracle to navigate through this hell of a troposphere without crashing against something.
Paul can't believe how calm Sam and Brandon are despite them flying in this catastrophe while they're as blind as a Zubat. Both men seem to have a lot of confidence in the Battle Pyramid. Panic isn't normally Paul's immediate reaction to circumstances such as this, but his life is on the line, damn it.
"I just wanna know one thing," he says, ignoring the warning glare that Brandon shoots him with. "Are we going to get out of this alive?"
"Have faith, young man. This is just a sandstorm." It's amazing how Brandon can speak on a loud, belligerent voice (which, Paul has long concluded, is Brandon's normal way of talking) without sounding the least bit frantic.
Red lights start flashing on the control board coupled with a cacophony that sounds like roaring of a hundred Garchomp with thorns stuck on their feet. Sam's hands fly across the panel, pressing buttons sporadically that makes Paul wonder if Brandon's assistant knows what he's doing.
The only option left for Paul is to leave it to fate.
Later, Paul learns it's not his time to die because the Battle Pyramid lands safely on a flat terrain. Paul doesn't even care if they seem to be in the middle of nowhere, as long as they're no longer airborne and he's still in one piece.
"Well, son," Brandon says, his hand heavy on Paul's shoulder, "we're heading straight to Relic Castle. I suppose you'd like to start looking for Ash."
"Yes, I would." In all honesty, Paul's still not sure what he has gotten himself into, why he can't seem to turn off the yearning to see Ash Ketchum. "You can reach me through my Pokégear if it's time to leave."
"Let Sam add this region's map in your Pokégear so you won't have trouble finding your route."
Once all the information Paul might need has been transferred to his portable gadget, he hoists his body bag over his head and steps out of the facility.
Paul accepts Brandon's offer to have one of his crew members drive him to his destination. Fifteen minutes later, Paul's glad he didn't let his pride win over and decline the offered ride. The multi-terrain vehicle makes traveling through the desert less challenging.
***
They reach Nimbasa Town in little over a couple of hours and Brandon's employee drops him off at what seems to be an amusement district.
Brandon had called the professor living in this region earlier and they learned Ash is in this town to participate in the Battle Tournament.
All Paul has to do is follow the crowd and he finds the arena where this Club Battle – whatever – is being held in no time.
The tournament seems to be well on the way when Paul saunters inside the venue. He heads straight to the bleachers, finding an empty spot close to the battle field. Ash is apparently in the middle of a match. A much older guy with a wild-looking hair stands on the opposite side.
The coincidence confounds Paul for a moment then he blinks and watches the blue Pokémon with an odd shape and a huge bump on its head from Ash's corner hurl Mud Shot straight to its opponent.
Paul's Pokédex can't identify the two Pokémon having a battle. Brandon wasn't kidding when he said that the Pokémon living here don't exist in other regions.
The battle isn't all that interesting. The trainer up against Ash is downright pathetic. Paul watches Ash instead, notes that there's something different about his former rival but he can't put his finger on what exactly. Ash still looks the same, technically: black hair sticking out of that ridiculous hat of his; eyes still hold the eagerness and determination; posture and gestures clearly speak confidence. He looks a bit taller though but it shouldn't be a surprise since Paul himself grew a few centimeters.
It has been over six months since Paul watched Ash drift away on a ship that took him home to Kanto Region. He's been on a futile struggle to get Ash off his mind since. Paul's rematch with Brandon was greatly affected, causing him to lose dejectedly. The one-on-one match barely lasted five minutes.
Brandon could somehow tell, even before their battle began, that Paul wasn't in his reasonable state of mind. Perhaps that was the reason why Brandon refused to grant his request for a six-on-six match. What baffles Paul is how Brandon knew Ash was the reason for Paul's lack of diligence.
The strident shrieks from the crowd shove Paul out of his reverie. Ash wins the match. Another battle starts soon after and Paul feels a gnawing hunger for action, hoping he could be part of this tournament.
When the battle is over, the host proclaims the competitors of the final round. Paul feels a tickle of pride to find out Ash makes it to the top two. The referee ambles to the center of the field and announces that the last match will resume tomorrow.
***
Paul hurries out of the arena, hoping he'll be able to catch Ash before the crowd swallows him up. He spies Ash's disappearing beyond the trainers' entrance. Spectators of all ages flow out of the venue in a steady stream, dragging Paul along with the current.
A handful of trainers are lingering near the fountain a few yards from the main entrance of the building but there's no sign of Ash. Paul just doesn't possess the required patience to do a thorough search of the area, leaving it to fate that he'll run into Ash at the Pokémon Center – presuming there is one nearby.
He's about to stop a man so he can ask for directions when he heard a rather excited "pika pi!" and he turns just in time to see the yellow electric mouse bounding over to him. Pikachu takes a leap, prompting Paul to extend his arms and catch it.
"Pika!" The Pokémon's tiny paws curl around the fabric of Paul's hoodie and it presses the side of its face against Paul's chest.
"Hey, Pikachu. It's been quite a while, hasn't it? Where's Ash?"
"Pika, pika. Pikachu."
Paul doesn't really understand Poké-speak, especially Pika-speak in this case. His brother often says it's the bond between humans and Pokémon that allows a person to understand what his or her Pokémon is saying. That's why Paul doesn't doubt Ash understands his Pokémon, Pikachu most of all.
"Why don't you just show me where he is?" he says but before Pikachu can loosen its grip on Paul's shirt, they hear Ash's familiar voice and some others calling out for the mouse Pokémon.
"Pikachu. There you are." A guy wearing glasses walks up to them. The way this guy's eyes narrow can only mean he's regarding Paul suspiciously. "I believe that Pokémon doesn't belong to you," he says. "There's only one trainer I know here in Unova that has a Pikachu."
It takes great effort for Paul not to roll his eyes. He's in no mood for a debate and he certainly doesn't find a need to justify himself. "Just show me where Ash is," he says, making sure he punctuates it with boredom.
"Oh." The guy's back straightens. "You know Ash?"
Paul can taste the sarcasm in his tongue. "No.This Pikachu told me what its trainer's name is."
"Pikachu, there you a—" The way Ash's eyes grow wide is too comical that Paul can't resist smiling. "Paul!"
"Hey, Ash. Congratulations on the win."
"You saw it?"
"Just part of it. You were already in the middle of a match when I arrived."
A girl with bushy hair and a slender guy wearing a ridiculous-looking suit and an equally ridiculous-looking green bowtie joins Ash. "Is this your friend, Ash?" the guy asks.
"Yeah." Ash makes the necessary introductions, though Paul doesn't pay much attention to their names knowing there's no need to remember them when he leaves.
But by dinner time, the names Cilan, Iris, Luke, Bianca and Steven – Stephan – whatever are imprinted in his brain somehow. There's also a girl dressed in a similar fashion as Cilan whose name escapes Paul, only that it's also a name of a color. The red-haired girl wearing a yellow touring hat isn't of importance either.
"So Paul, you're from Sinnoh?" Cilan asks, curiosity glimmering in his eyes.
"That's right."
"He's one of the best. You should see him in battle, he's awesome," Ash adds to which Paul can feel heat spreading on his face. "Did you bring any of your Pokémon with you, Paul?"
"Just the team I meant to use against Brandon." Paul keeps his responses short because he's too distracted right now. It's rare that he sees Ash without his hat on and he's been fighting the urge to reach out and brush his fingers through Ash's dark hair all evening.
"Brandon? The Pyramid King?" Ash's eyes flicker with what Paul thinks is recollection. "Oh yeah, I remember you were supposed to request for a rematch. How did it go?"
Paul deems it's unnecessary to relate in details with Ash's friends listening in on the conversation so he just says, "We're supposed to have a second rematch but he dragged me here with him instead."
Ash's eyes widen, amber orbs glistening with exuberance. "Here? You mean Brandon is here in Unova?"
"Yeah. I thought I told you I came here with Brandon?"
"No, you didn't."
"Oh. Well, you didn't ask." Paul is compelled to explain his spur-of-the-moment travel decision and he does so when he and Ash are alone later that night. "I lost to Brandon during our second match. He promised me another battle but when I went back to Kanto, he was about to leave for Unova. Something to do with his research on ancient ruins."
What Paul deliberately fails to add is that the reason why he came here with Brandon is because the man wouldn't face him on a full battle unless he deals with his Ash-related personal issues – whatever that means. Not that his personal issues are any of Brandon's business, but he wants another shot in defeating the so-called Pyramid King.
"So you all flew here in his Battle Pyramid?" Ash asked in a voice thick with amazement.
"We did." Paul took a seat on the stone bench in one corner of the Pokémon Center's garden and Ash follows suit. Pikachu settles between them, its eyes swinging between Paul and Ash.
"I'm surprised he even agreed to a rematch. I know Brandon never faces any challengers unless they've defeated the six other Frontier Brains in Kanto."
Paul shrugs, says, "He probably has his reasons," and turns his face skyward, watching the stars sparkle against the dark backdrop of the sky. Not once did Paul stop to question why Brandon so willingly accepted his challenge before and he doesn't give a shit either. He just wants to prove he can do what his brother couldn't, that he's strong enough to defeat Brandon.
The Pokémon Center is full that night so Paul has no choice but to stay in Ash's room with two of Ash's friends. He's a bit reluctant to share a bed with Ash until Ash points out they did sleep in one bed once, which seems a lifetime ago in Paul's opinion.
Paul wonders, like he has been doing for the past year or so, how Ash always manages to break down the walls that he has meticulously built around him. Never has Paul been so drawn to anyone as he is to Ash that it scares him.
"Paul? Can we have a battle tomorrow? Right after the tournament?" The soft timbre of Ash's voice floats around the room in sedating ripples.
"Sure. I'd like to see more of your Palpitoad in action."
Ash murmurs something unintelligible. Paul thinks it sounds pretty much like 'good night.'
***
Ash keeps bragging about Pikachu's new move, which piques Paul's curiosity so he watches the final round of the tournament with utmost interest.
It proves difficult to focus on the match though, with Cilan and this girl – Burgundy, he thinks is her name – keep babbling connoisseur nonsense. If Paul's patience is being tested, then he's close to his breaking point if these two idiots don't shut the fuck up soon.
Paul almost misses it – too busy stomping down the temptation to yell at Cilan and his rival – but his gaze springs back to the field just in time to witness Pikachu launch an Electro Ball to counter its opponent's Focus Blast.
So that is Pikachu's new move. What power.
Despite Pikachu's efforts though, Ash loses to Iris in the end. And Ash, being his Ash-like self, walks out of the battle field with a smile.
"So how 'bout that battle Paul?" Ash says on their way back to the Pokémon Center.
"Of course." A series of melodic beeps distracts Paul, prompting him to pull out his Pokégear from the front pocket of his hoodie. Brandon's face appears on the tiny screen.
"Young man," Brandon says and the next word barely leaves his mouth when Ash leaps next to Paul and leans over the gadget.
"Hey, Brandon!"
"Hey Ash!" Brandon's eyes slide over to Paul. "I see you've found your peace of mind."
Paul's hand goes numb, glad that he doesn't drop the Pokégear as a result. Ignoring Ash's "peace of mind? what does he mean?" Paul keeps his eyes on the gadget's screen.
"Is it time to leave?"
"Actually, the reason why I'm calling is to let you know we probably need to stay for a few days. A week at the most," Brandon explains. "Why don't you stick with Ash for a while longer? I'll call you and let you know when we're leaving."
"Okay. Thanks." Paul shoves his Pokégear back in his pocket. "Well," he starts but when he meets Ash's eyes, he nearly chokes upon seeing the light of exuberance that undulates on the surface and he has to swallow first before saying, "I guess that means I'm stuck with you."
archived at FFnet and AO3