Friend's Quarrel

Paul was also able to notice that all pokemons that were picked mostly have total base stats of 300 to 400. He noticed Nidorino, Nidorina, Pikachu, Vulpix, Sandshrew, Butterfree, Beedrill, and such.

After Mr. Figg's instruction, the quartet gathered together in a corner, to communicate with their pokemon. Though, Paul noticed the questioning looks from Amber, and Steven's heavy gaze.

"What is it?" Paul asked, confused.

"Well, aren't you going to explain how and why you were able to pick pokemons to our liking?" Amber asked quietly, her eyebrows furrowed.

'I probed with my psychic power and found pokemons that are of similar resonance of you guys.' Paul lied immediately, as he telepathically spoke to his friends at once.

It's not that he doesn't trust them, but it's because he doesn't want anyone to know the existence of the Pokemon World System. Even his parents, he would never tell them regarding it, not out of distrust, but out of self-protection. He knew how important the system for him is, as major advantage from others just by the scan, not to mention other features and the store.

He wouldn't want the knowledge of it to be put in other people's hands, despite wanting to share to someone his deepest secrets. Maybe someday when he has the strength to protect himself and his secret from anybody, he would reconsider. But as of now, it's a big no, thus he needs to be careful. Though, he won't hide his abilities out of paranoia, and he could use his Psychic Ability as a cover.

"Is that so? That's good then Paul! being able to develop your psychic ability. Thank you for your assistance though. I like Clefairy very much!" Amber whispered while embracing her friend. Clefairy and Happiny does have similar fighting styles, Amber reflected, thankful to his thoughtful friend.

"You're welcome, Ames. I'm glad to be of help." Paul replied while hugging Amber back, as he used his created nickname for the pink head. He also looked at Jake and Steven while smiling.

"Yeah, thank you man. It wasn't such a drag to know Farfetch'd's moves. It would a little bit more tiresome if it was other pokemons. I also plan to capture one in the future, but I heard of a variant present in Galar Region. I'm not sure about that though." Jake also said gratefully, patting Paul on the shoulder, while explaining his fondness to Farfetch'd.

Paul nodded, understanding Jake's preference in his future pokemons. He looked at Steven who still has this solemn gaze and has not yet replied.

"Hey, Steve." Paul carefully said his nickname for the bluehead, while wondering if he did anything wrong to the blue head.

"I appreciate the help, Paul." Steven started, thanking Paul though his tone was serious. "I can see the benefit of helping us, as I like steel type pokemons thus Magnemite was a good pick, especially for me. But I am quite hurt that you seem to think that we need help; that we might need a little advantage in this exam. Do you not trust our capabilities?" Steven asked gravely, sounding offended, as he looked at the red head.

Paul finally understood why Steven was so serious. His mind raced as he tried to find the right words to explain his thoughts.

"Oh no. That's a big no." Paul carefully replied, "I just wanted to give you guys a bit more convenience in the exam." He raised his hand at Steven as he tried to interrupt him, "I know what you're going to say, that the act shows my doubt regarding your capabilities." He raised his brows as he asked the blue head, "Isn't that, right? Steve?"

Steven nodded, quite speechless at being read by his friend. "This is just my way to help, not because of doubt, but because of friendship." He laughed, which made the three stare at him, looking confused.

"What?" He asked as he began, "I am your friend. Of course, I would try to help you guys. If I could use my ability for your convenience, I would immediately choose to do it. It's a no brainer question. Isn't that what friends do? Helping each other?" Paul asked continuously, as he explained his reasons.

"Or would you rather that I did not help?" Paul questioned hesitantly at his three friends.

"Don't mix me up with that stuck up man, I know you just wanted us to be more at ease for the Battle Exams, hence the help." Jake immediately denied, glaring at the blue head as he waved his arms for clarification.

"Yeah, I am thankful Paul. But I also understand Steven's point of view. Though, I know that you trust us, just like how we trust you." Amber smiled at him as she shared her thoughts, warming Paul's heart.

"I appreciate it too. I'm sorry if it sounded like I was doubting your trust. I was just quite frustrated, I guess. Thank you though, Paul. I'm sorry, again." Steven repeatedly apologized, looking quite guilty as he now knew Paul's reason for helping.

"It's fine. I'm sorry too if it seemed that way. It wasn't my intention to make you guys feel like I was doubting your abilities." Paul accepted the blue head's apology, knowing how remorseful Steven is feeling now, while also looking apologetically at Amber and Jake.

Amber mouthed 'It's okay' while Jake still vehemently waved his arms, both showing that they weren't offended at all. The latter made Paul laugh. Afterwards, Paul told the two to start familiarizing with their respective pokemons.

Jake and Amber went a bit further away with their pokemon for the day; as he approached Steven, who was currently looking down. Jake and Amber let them be, knowing that they still need to talk privately despite how Paul already accepted Steven's apology.

"Hey, Steve. I'm fine, really. I wasn't upset at all." Paul started, as he comfortingly patted the blue head's shoulder. Steven glared at him, recognizing the red head's obvious lie.

"Okay, maybe a little bit." Paul clarified, though he laughed when he saw the blue head's expression.

"Here am I, feeling guilty, while you go ahead and laugh at me." Steven finally spoke, albeit bitterly.

"Hey, you were funny!" Paul defended. However, the response he received was another glare from Steven.

"This isn't funny." Steven stated seriously.

"Fine, fine, it wasn't "that" funny. But man, what's the problem? You seem more sensitive than usual." Paul continued talking in that direction despite the Devon Corps heir glaring at him, again.

"Honestly, if you aren't reading regarding stones, fossils, or other landforms, you are always fighting with Amber. If it isn't that, you brood at the side, thinking about who knows what. Why so serious?" He confronted his friend.

"Remember the talk that we had the first month into school?" Steven started. When he saw the red head nod, he continued, "Well, since then I decided to do more better in class. I think you also noticed that. Though, yesterday, dad asked me, again, if I wouldn't consider being the one who will inherit his position. It felt like my perseverance recently was all denied when he was still convinced regarding my notion of being a trainer and travelling the world. So, I was a bit more sensitive today, feeling like you were also denying my ability to be a good trainer in today's battle exam." The blue head honestly confessed.

"I see…" Paul felt conflicted hearing Steven's quandary. It was a harsh practice for a child at a young age to determine what they wanted to be, especially to big and prestigious families, here in the Pokemon World.

If in the past life, people mostly have 'til 18 before they decide what they wanted to do in their life, in the Pokemon World, one must know before the age of 10. Being the age of 10 represents the moment of one stepping out into the society, of the time being a minor, and of the time where one relies on their parents.

Paul also understood the point of view of Mr. Stone as a parent. He just wanted his son to direct his efforts on their company, instead of a risky occupation and an aimless goal. Like how his parents doesn't want him to be a trainer, as it is a perilous job.

However, they know that Paul has his own beliefs, and as brilliant as he is, they could only support his dreams. Only hoping to shelter him from harm or lessen the dangerous encounters he might receive in the future.

Mr. Stone, on the other hand, is different. Through his repeated questions, he was denying Steven's efforts. This only represents his lack of knowledge regarding his son, as he usually is busy from what Paul could infer. Steven might be usually polite and gentle, a bit rude and blunt towards friends, but he is as stubborn as a rock when he decides on something. Thus, they would inevitably clash when they talk about Steven's future path.

"You know, just keep on doing what you have been doing. Show him that you won't stray from your dreams, until he gives up on insisting his dreams for you on you. He does love you, and he'll realize one day that it is what you truly want, if he really loves you. For now, let's just keep on learning and do well on this week's exams. Okay?" Paul asked as he advised his friend.

"Yeah, I think so too. Thank you for clearing my mind, Paul. You're a great friend, really." Steven nodded, patting him on the shoulder, while finally showing a little smile.

"No problem, Steve. If you need someone to talk to, I'm always here, ok? No use on brooding in the corner." Paul cheekily added as he reminded the blue head.

"I don't brood!" Steven immediately rebutted, punching Paul lightly on the shoulder.

"Hey! No physical fights!" The red head responded as he punched Steven back on the shoulder, a little strongly.

"You hypocrite!" The blue head fumed as Paul laughed at his own hypocritical statement.

After a bit of roughhousing, the two stopped so they could avoid attracting attention. While heavily breathing, Steven seriously looked at Paul.

"Paul." The red head, who was also breathless, looked at him, tilting his head as if to ask a question. "Thank you, really. And I'm really sorry for earlier." Steven solemnly stated.

"Tsk. That's nothing. Just back-me up when I need help, then we're quits. Though, if you apologize one more time, I'll be mad at you, really." Paul nonchalantly said, while glaring at the blue head when saying the last statement.

"Okay. Fine. Anyways, shouldn't we talk to our pokemons for the day already? I guess we only have twelve minutes left." Steven asked, realizing the time.

"Well, I already have plans with Growlithe. Though, I need to bond a bit with him, and talk to him to verify few of my conjectures." The red head casually said.

"Hey! I haven't actually thought about my plans yet." Steven complained, while starting to talk to Magnemite as he muttered to himself, "Though I already know what moves a Magnemite could possibly use. I just need to know what this particular Magnemite's move set is."

The two also finally started to talk to their respective pokemon, preparing for the upcoming Battle Exams.

'Ah… It's nice to be young.' Paul thought, as he remembers his struggle on deciding his career before. Though, he had no parents before, which is a nice change from his current life. While reminiscing, Paul still continued to talk to Growlithe, knowing its moves, personality, and capabilities.