Paul's Dad- By: Katya
The setting sun cast an ominous glow over the clearing in a forest on the outskirts of Veilstone City. A shady figure of a boy with dark purple hair leaned in the shadows against the trunk of a tree on the northeast end of the clearing. The chirping of Starlys slowly faded as the sun sank lower on the horizon. A slight chilly breeze rustled the leaves of the trees. Ghost types would be out soon, but what did the boy care?“About time you showed up,” Paul stated in an icy tone. The man didn’t even flinch. Battling hundreds of trainers must have gotten him used to hostile comments.
“I had a little detour to make,” replied the man with a calm and relaxed façade. The two stood facing each other for a few moments. Both had a feel that this would be an interesting battle.
“Lets get this over with already,” Paul scowled and strode to the edge of the clearing. Brandon did likewise and called out Ninjask to light up the clearing with Flash. Paul internally flinched but kept his face emotionless at the sight of Brandon in the light. That expression. He had seen it before. In the mirror only hours earlier. No, he must have imagined it.
“This match will the a 3-on-3 knock-out battle.” Brandon declared. Paul nodded, agreeing with the terms. A portentous breeze swept through the clearing. This was going to be interesting.
“Electabuzz, stand by for battle!” Paul called and released it onto the battlefield from its pokéball.
“Registeel! I need your assistance!” Paul’s Electabuzz had a major disadvantage. Electric attacks did about nothing to steel types, but that was the way Paul liked it.
“Electabuzz! Hammer Registeel with Thunderpunch!”
“Stop!” The form of Paul’s older brother appeared from the dense foliage. “I can’t stand to see you two battling like this,” Reggie gasped between pants. Paul scowled. Another battle interrupted.
“What are you doing Reggie? Can’t you see that I am in a battle? And why do you not want me to battle him?” Paul snapped in agitation.
“Paul, I didn’t want you to find out this way, but… Brandon is our dad,” Reggie answered gently. Something clicked into place in Paul’s mind. It all added up; Brandon had his hair and face. His features were just an older version of Paul’s own. Reggie doesn’t have Brandon’s symbol- he was too pathetic to get it. And Brandon had named his first son after his own pokémon. Pathetic. Paul glared at the great frontier brain. Brandon just hung his head.
“My son, I too am sorry you had to find out this way. I-“
“I don’t want to hear what you have to say, you pathetic excuse of a father!” Paul snarled. His anger had reached its brim.
“Paul, listen to me!” Brandon cried in pain. “I was going to tell you, but hen you challenged me to a battle; I couldn’t refuse, you’re my son!” Paul rolled his eyes. What a pathetic excuse.
“Paul, he is telling the truth,” Reggie joined in. “He came to the house just after you left. He truly doesn’t want to battle you. And Paul, I am sorry for not telling you all these years…” He looked pleadingly at his younger brother. Paul stared at him, deep in thought.
Brandon. Paul’s father. He understood and accepted the fact, but how could he forgive both his brother and his father? They had both kept the truth from him for so long. Paul had waited so many years for his father and now, here he is.
“Whatever. Electabuzz, return. You two can explain yourselves when you get home.” With those final words, Paul treaded off for home. Brandon and Reggie glanced at each other, both with hope gleaming in their eyes, and followed after Paul side by side. Father and son.
