Going forward and beyond {Path of the Aura Ranger: Book I}

VIII Pikachu's P.O.V

It was then that Brandon began to taunt Paul, reminding him that he wanted to defeat the man who defeated his brother and put an end to his Pokémon journey. It was then that I realized what Brandon was doing. "Come on Paul, don't fall for it," Reggie murmured next to me.

After recalling Nidoking, Paul spoke up: "Once upon a time, I would have risen to the bait. Telling you that it is because you had defeated my brother that I am battling you now. Unlike my brother I am already aware of his true inner strength; my will. But that was months ago, I met another Master Trainer who truly taught me what's the meaning of inner strength. It's my bond with my pokemon." His words brought us all to a stop. We've all mentioned how much Paul had gotten better, but none of us truly knew how much he had. "I am not Ash, and I will never be like my brother who has kind words for everyone. My pokemon and I are lone Absols, all united under the objective to become stronger. However, that does not mean we do not care about each other. We do it our own way... I do not need to pass your ultimate challenge. I do not need your approval to know if I am right or wrong about if I had found my true inner strength... however, I am still Reggie's little brother and somewhat my brain is still stuck on the fact that after your battle my hero stopped battling. So, stop your tests and fight me!"

"Paul..." Reggie murmured touched, at the edge of tears, while Ash smiled viciously.

"I can't wait for him to grow up into the trainer he will be... Sinnoh is in good hands," Ash's words were spoken so softly that I believe I was the only one that had heard them.

"Paul the next champion?" I inquired shocked by my trainer's prediction... but not that surprised. "I kind of like that," I smiled just as viciously as my trainer.

"Lairon you are next!" Paul called out, ignoring Brandon's knowing smile.

Dawn proceeds to look up Lairon on her Pokédex: 'Lairon, the Iron Armor Pokemon, is a dual-type Steel/Rock Pokemon and the evolved form of Aron. For food, it digs up iron ore. It smashes its steely body against others to fight over territory.'

Brandon recalls Registeel and brings Regice out. Paul has Lairon use Iron Defense. "I guess Paul just wants to hang in there and wait for a chance to counterstrike," Reggie commented with a smile. "It's good to know he is less hotheaded from the time he had begun his journey."

However, his efforts are futile as Regice freezes Lairon with an Ice Beam, before launching a Zap Cannon that knocks Lairon out before it could even attack once. I am stunned that Lairon didn't even get to launch one offensive attack against Regice. "Brandon is not going easy at all, he is going for the kill here," Ash commented.

"Was he this vicious when you battled him?" Zoey asked us, clearly shocked by her tone of voice.

Ash and I thought it for a little bit before answering together with a deadpanned expression: "He was worse/He was worse."

I could see that Paul was growing increasingly frustrated. Not that I blamed him, I would too in his place. He then sent out Ursaring after recalling Lairon. "Hammer Arm!" Paul commanded.

But Brandon was quick for the counter: "Regice, use Focus Punch!"

Which created a massive backlash that knocked both Pokémon backward. I could see Ursaring preparing to use a Focus Blast, I smiled at the silent command there. Paul's pokemon no longer need him to hold their hands. But I knew it won't work, Regice proved me right when he used Zap Cannon before Ursaring can launch the attack, paralyzing him. Paul then recalled him. Brandon then substitutes Regice for Regirock, while Paul sent out his last pokemon, Magmar. I sighed, with the type disadvantage and massive difference in strength, I knew that Paul won't win. But I smiled with Ash watching the fight continue, we both loved trainers that do not give up and kept on fighting. What was much better, is the fact that both Magmar and Paul seem to be enjoying the fight. Battling people who are stronger than you is what being a trainer is all about. Paul was starting to learn that.

Predictably, Regirock easily endures Magmar's Flamethrower attack before knocking it out with Shock Wave. Brandon had a perfect 6-0 victory over Paul, a crushing defeat. However, Paul was in great shock, while Dawb and Zoey were dumbstruck at how completely Paul was defeated. Paul silently recalls Magmar, but afterwards he did something that shocked us all... he smiled, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

"Was this your true way of battling?" Brandon asked Paul.

"No... but I... we did have fun. Thank you... for your lesson," Paul asnwered, smile never leaving his lips.

Look at that, all grown up. I thought proudly.

I jumped off Ash's lap into the battlefield and started clapping. The boy deserved it. Soon everyone followed, even Brandon. Paul looked at us shocked, I noticed his eyes watering with unshed tears, but he did not let them fall. He stood tall, with his back straightened, as he should.

He should be proud of himself.

He did a good job.