Chapter 7: Hikaru VS Byron! The Sixth!
"The battle between Hikaru, the challenger, and Byron, the Gym Leader will now begin! Both sides will use three Pokémon each! And the battle's over when all three Pokémon on one side is unable to continue!" Roark announced, as he explained the rules.
It was a bright day as Hikaru was facing off against Byron, the Canalave Gym Leader, to earn his sixth Sinnoh Gym Badge. He had decided to battle first, leaving Ash to battle second. Byron had accepted the Twinleaf boy's challenge and they are now currently facing each other for battle.
"In addition, only the challenger will be allowed to substitute Pokémon!" Roark declared. Byron smirked at the Twinleaf boy, making his two declarations. "Heh heh heh... I LOVE fossils! And I LOVE defense!" Byron roared, making tough poses for his opponent.
He smirked at Hikaru as the Twinleaf boy narrowed his eyes. "Go, Hikaru! You can win this!" Dawn cheered. "Piplup! Pip Piplup!" Piplup agreed, as he seemed to be cheering for the Twinleaf boy as well. Hikaru glanced at his girlfriend and gave a thumbs up and a soft smile.
He then turned to Byron, before making his request. "Byron, if you don't mind, instead of a three on three battle, I'd like to settle this with a four on four battle!" Hikaru requested, causing Byron and Roark to be surprised, along with Ash, Dawn, Brock, and the Gym's referee.
"A four on four? Why the sudden change?" Byron asked in amusement. "A three on three may sound amusing, but a bigger challenge would be much better for me and my Pokémon! We like to get stronger, so we plan to take bigger challenges!" Hikaru explained.
"Mon! Monferno!" Monferno screeched in agreement. Roark and Byron grew surprised, as Ash was amazed. "Whoa... He's doing this kind of battle like he did with Fantina! Only this time, he's planning to use it against Byron!" Ash pointed out.
After for a few seconds of silence, Byron laughed, getting confused looks from Hikaru and Monferno. "HA HA HA! How impressive... Very well then, Hikaru... I accept your four on four battle challenge!" Byron declared, causing Roark to nod and change the rules a bit.
"Alright... In that case, this will be a four on four battle, and the same rules will apply!" Roark declared. Both battlers nodded as the Oreburgh Gym Leader turned to both sides, before declaring the start of the Canalave Gym battle. "Alright then! Let the battle begin!" Roark called.
[Opening]: (Pokémon DP: High Touch! (English Subbed))
Hey Hey Hey!
(The screen spreads, like a puddle spreading)
Hey Hey Hey!
(Brock, Dawn, Ash, and Hikaru's smiling faces show)
We fight, make up, and then we fight again
There are a lot of things I want to say to you
(The Japanese opening title shows)
But foremost...
"Thanks for being here for me!"
(Hikaru, Ash, Dawn, Brock, Monferno, Pikachu, and Piplup runs together)
(The group rides on the sailboat across the sea with all their Pokémon)
Companions in this journey, compassion in the world
I pretend to understand those things, but
(The screen turns to Brock as he is making supper for the group)
The truth is...
"I'm happy you're here for me!"
(All of the group's Pokémon show)
Nice Partner!
Nice Rival!
(Zoey, Kenny, Paul, Hareta, and Lucas faces Dawn, Ash, and Hikaru)
(Glameow, Prinplup, Honchkrow, Hareta's Piplup, and Grotle faces Dawn's Piplup, Ambipom, Pikachu, and Monferno)
I'll push you forward
(Dawn gives Hikaru and Ash a small push)
I'll pull you along
(Hikaru smiles at Dawn, while Ash grins and gives a thumbs up)
The sun seems so dazzling when I look up at it
Hey Hey Hey!
(The group watches the sunlight along with Pikachu, Monferno, and Piplup)
If it all goes well, let's high five!
(The group runs across a map with their three Pokémon)
Hey Hey Hey!
(Ash, Hikaru, and Dawn high fives each other)
What's this feeling I've got tonight!
(Delia, Prof. Oak, Max, Tracey, May, and Gary smiles together)
As long as we are together
(All of Ash, Hikaru, Dawn, and Brock's Pokémon show)
I will not give up so easily! GO GO GO!
(Team Rocket are sent blasting off into the sky)
(Team Galactic shows, with Yamato and Cyrus' faces appearing behind them)
Hey Hey Hey!
(Hunter J appears with her Salamence, smirking)
It all went well, so let's high five!
Hey Hey Hey!
Shake hands with our opponent in battle
(The Buizel brothers uses Aqua Jets at different directions; Staravia and Dragonair uses Aerial Ace and Dragon Tail)
(Gliscor and Luxray charges with X-Scissor and Wild Charge; Grotle uses Tackle as Leafeon uses Leaf Blade)
(Chimchar and Togetic uses Flame Wheel and Air Slash; Pikachu and Monferno uses Volt Tackle and Flame Wheel)
As long as we're together
(The four trainers runs together with their three Pokémon on the map)
We can go even further than before! GO GO GO!
(Regigigas shoots Hyper Beam at Darkrai)
GO GO GO! GO GO GO!
(Hikaru glares at Yamato, his eyes glowing as Yamato evilly sneers back)
(Ash, Dawn, and Brock watches as Hikaru and Yamato's dark battle begins)
[Opening ends]
"Bronzor, let's go!" Byron roared. He summoned the Steel-Psychic Type Pokémon to the battlefield, as Hikaru took out his first Pokémon. "Bronzor... Togetic, it's time for a battle!" Hikaru called, as he summoned his Happiness Pokémon to battle.
That caused Ash, Dawn, and Brock to be shocked at his choice. "Wait, what!? Why Togetic!? A Normal and Flying Type is no match against a Steel Type like Bronzor!" Dawn exclaimed in shock. "Piplup!?" Piplup exclaimed in shock as well.
"He must be planning something to do with Togetic, though I'm not sure what..." Brock admitted. Ash stayed silent as he continued to watch the start of the Gym battle. "Alright then, Hikaru! Give me everything that you've got! Show me your power!" Byron demanded.
Byron: Bronzor + 3 VS Hikaru: Togetic + 3
"Alright then... You asked for this, Byron! Togetic, let's start this off with AncientPower!" Hikaru yelled. Togetic let out a battle cry, summoning boulders and throwing it to Bronzor. "AH HA! Bronzor, brace yourself with Iron Defense!" Byron roared.
At the order, Bronzor glowed, increasing his defense strength. Because of that, he deflected all the boulders, turning them to pieces of rocks. "Use Air Slash, let's go!" Hikaru yelled. This time, the Happiness Pokémon shot an X shaped Air Slash towards Bronzor.
"Use Iron Defense again!" Byron yelled. Once again, the attack was deflected with another increase of defense! "What's wrong? Did you really think you could defeat Bronzor that easily with those embarrassing excuses for attacks!?" Byron inquired angrily.
"That's not the point here! Togetic, use Metronome, let's go!" Hikaru yelled. For the third move, Togetic began to glow, and summoned a new move! That move was Shadow Ball, which exploded on Bronzor. The Steel-Psychic Type rung in pain as the Canalave Gym Leader was surprised.
"What the!? Where did that come from!?" Byron snapped. "Awesome! That Shadow Ball must've made a direct hit!" Dawn exclaimed in amazement. "Pip Piplup!" Piplup agreed with a cheer. "I guess so... Since Bronzor is also a Psychic Type, that Shadow Ball must've done some damage." The referee agreed.
Then, he grew stern. "But, it's going to take more than that in order to defeat Byron's Bronzor. He put it in an intense and hard training when they weren't in battles." The referee explained. Back at the battle, Byron smirked, seeing how amusing this battle has become.
"Heh... That was a surprise... No matter! Bronzor, use Gyro Ball!" Byron called. Bronzor spun, spinning towards Togetic. "Dodge, then use Air Slash!" Hikaru called. Narrowly dodging Gyro Ball, Togetic flew into the air and knocked Bronzor to the ground with Air Slash.
"Now, use AncientPower!" Hikaru cried. "Bronzor, use Iron Defense!" Byron yelled. As boulders came crashing down, Bronzor once again defended with Iron Defense. "Now, Bronzor! Once again, use Gyro Ball!" Byron bellowed. Bronzor obeyed and spun towards the Happiness Pokémon.
This time, it made a hit, causing Togetic to squeal and dive down. "Regain your balance, Togetic! And use Metronome!" Hikaru called. Like before, Togetic glowed, wagging her paws, creating a new move. This time, it was a sphere of water, splashing the Steel-Psychic Type away!
"This time, it's Water Pulse!" Ash pointed out. "Bronzor, use Extrasensory, now!" Byron called. Bronzor aimed for Togetic, and controlled her body with the glow, trapping her in a sound wave which seemed to be the Extrasensory attack. "What!?" Hikaru gasped.
"Now, Bronzor! Throw Togetic to the ground, and then use Gyro Ball!" Byron called. Bronzor did so, slamming the Happiness Pokémon to the ground, before she got hit by another Gyro Ball. "Hikaru, substitute Togetic, quick!" Dawn cried. "Not yet! Togetic, use Air Slash!" Hikaru yelled.
Another Air Slash attack was thrown, as it made little damage to Bronzor. "Argh! How annoying! Bronzor, use Extrasensory, again!" Byron yelled. Once again, the Psychic Type attack was shot, and was aimed for Togetic. "Dodge, then use Metronome!" Hikaru called.
Togetic managed to fly away and use another Metronome attack, this time blasting a star shaped fire at Bronzor. Bronzor rung in pain as it took a direct hit from the fire power. "Whoa, cool! Metronome turned into Fire Blast!" Ash pointed out in amazement.
"Pika Pika!" "Piplup!" Pikachu and Piplup cheered. "Now, use AncientPower, let's go!" Hikaru yelled. Boulders were thrown at Bronzor, as it smashed onto it, until Byron angrily called out another attack. "Impressive, but not good enough! Bronzor, use Gyro Ball!" Byron yelled.
Out of the dust, Bronzor spun towards Togetic, and slammed her away. "No, Togetic!" Hikaru gasped. "Now, use Extrasensory again, and finish it off with Gyro Ball!" Byron roared. Like before, Bronzor trapped the Happiness Pokémon in another ray of light, and controlling her body.
"No... This isn't good! Togetic, no!" Hikaru grunted. He watched as Bronzor slammed Togetic away with another Gyro Ball attack, causing her to flutter down in defeat. "Stay strong, Togetic! Use Metronome one more time!" Hikaru yelled desperately.
Togetic grunted and looked up at Bronzor, as she wagged her paws weakly just before she fainted. A lightning bolt zapped into Bronzor, slamming the Steel-Psychic Type to the ground, much to Byron's shock. "What!? It can't be!" Byron yelled in shock.
Bronzor fell to the ground, at the same time as Togetic fell to the ground. Everyone gasped to see the results as Roark looked at both sides, before declaring the first match. "Togetic and Bronzor are both unable to battle! This match is a draw!" Roark declared.
Hikaru: 3 Pokémon
Byron: 3 Pokémon
"Poor Togetic... It battled so hard..." Dawn replied sadly. "Piplup..." Piplup sighed, sad for Togetic. "Well, one good thing is, Hikaru managed to take down one of Byron's Pokémon, right?" Ash asked, with Brock agreeing to that. "Maybe... But Byron still hasn't shown his true power yet..." Brock reminded.
"And that's not all... The rest of Byron's Pokémon are much stronger than Bronzor there..." The referee added, causing Ash, Dawn, and Brock to be worried. They looked back to see both trainers returning their fainted Pokémon. "Thanks a lot, Togetic..." Hikaru thanked.
He smiled, before putting the ball away. "We may have made it a draw, but there's still a chance for us to turn this around!" Byron assured. He thanked Bronzor for the battle as he faced Hikaru once again. "Looks like he got you there, Dad!" Roark teased, as Byron smirked.
"Ha... That may be true... But the real battle starts here, Hikaru! I just LOVE defense!" Byron warned loudly. It seemed as though something exploded behind him, as Hikaru smiled. "That's what I thought, too! Let's keep it going! Monferno, want to give it a try?" Hikaru asked.
"Mon!" Monferno replied. He ran to the battlefield, preparing to face Byron's second Pokémon. "Ha! Alright then... I LOVE Magneton!" Byron roared as he summoned the triple magnet combined like Pokemon. It levitated in the battlefield, buzzing in preparation for battle.
"That's a Magneton..." Dawn replied, as she took out her Pokédex and scanned it. "Magneton, the Magnet Pokémon, and the evolved form of Magnemite. Many Magneton mysteriously appear when more sunspots dot the sun. They stop TV sets from displaying properly." Dawn's Pokédex buzzed.
Suddenly, one of Ash's Pokéballs opened up, much to Ash's surprise. The figure appeared to be Chimchar! "Chim! Chimchar!" Chimchar cried out. "Wha!? Chimchar, what are you doing out of your Pokéball?" Ash asked, as he was startled to see his Fire Type coming out.
"I'm guessing Chimchar must be wanting to see Monferno battle, since they're close!" Brock chuckled as the Kanto trainer blinked. "Chimchar, is that true?" Ash asked, as the Fire Type sheepishly grinned with a nod. "Chim... Chimchar..." Chimchar responded in agreement.
Hikaru and Monferno both turned to see Chimchar appearing as Ash smirked. "Okay then! You can cheer for Monferno and Hikaru's other Pokémon, okay?" Ash suggested. "Chim!" Chimchar smirked with a nod. He then cheered for Monferno, along with Pikachu and Piplup.
Monferno blinked, before he gave a thumbs up to his three Pokémon friends while Hikaru let out a small chuckle. "Looks like you have some great friends cheering you on, Monferno. So, let's make their cheering work!" Hikaru replied. "Mon!" Monferno screeched in agreement.
"Alright, Monferno... Let's end this quick! Use Flamethrower!" Hikaru yelled. Monferno shot a Flamethrower at Magneton, which seemed to have made a direct hit. "Argh... Magneton, use Thunderbolt to counter!" Byron yelled. Electricity was shot towards Monferno, as Hikaru noticed.
"Dodge it, quick! Then, use Mach Punch!" Hikaru yelled. The Playful Pokémon barely managed to dodge Thunderbolt as the Canalave Gym Leader smirked. "Nice dodge, but it's all for naught! Now, Magneton! Use Tri Attack!" Byron roared. Magneton buzzed, before shooting triple types of attacks.
Fire, ice, and electricity were all headed straight for Monferno, until the Twinleaf boy countered it once again. "Dodge them! Then, use Flame Wheel!" Hikaru yelled. Once again, the Playful Pokémon narrowly dodged Tri Attack, as he slammed Magneton away with Flame Wheel.
The Magnet Pokémon was startled as it was pushed back, but it immediately recovered, as it faced Monferno once again. "Ugh... Now that's hot. No matter! Now, Magneton! Use Flash Cannon!" Byron roared. Once again, Magneton aimed for Monferno, while using Flash Cannon this time.
"Use Flamethrower to counter it!" Hikaru yelled. The Flamethrower and Flash Cannon collided together, creating an explosion. "AH HA! Now, Magneton! Use Iron Defense!" Byron roared. The Electric-Steel Type glowed, causing its defense powers to increase.
"Monferno, stop Magneton with Close Combat!" Hikaru yelled. Monferno leapt towards Magneton and prepared to lash at Magneton with his powerful Fighting Type attack. "I've got you now! Magneton, use Flash Cannon!" Byron roared, pointing at Monferno.
Magneton floated right in front of Monferno, much to its and Hikaru's shock. "No way!" "Mon!?" Hikaru and Monferno gasped together. "Look out!" Ash yelled. But, it was too late as Flash Cannon blasted Monferno away, causing him to skid on the ground, as he resisted the attack.
After he took the blow, the Fire Type angrily glared at Magneton, as he got ready to strike even more. "Oh? It's still standing? That's what I like! Now, Magneton! Use Flash Cannon again!" Byron called. "We'll counter that with another Flamethrower!" Hikaru yelled.
Once again, both Flash Cannon and Flamethrower exploded on each other, as Byron used this chance to boost some more defense. "Use Iron Defense again!" Byron called. Like before, Magneton's defense power increased, thanks to the Iron Defense as Hikaru called out another attack.
"In that case, Monferno! Use Flamethrower, once more!" Hikaru yelled. "Quick, Magneton! Use Thunderbolt!" Byron roared. Everyone watched as the Fire Type attack was countered by Magneton's Thunderbolt attack, creating another explosion. "Now, Magneton! Iron Defense!" Byron roared.
Another boost of defense was done as Magneton grew stronger with the defense power it had received. "If Byron keeps using Iron Defense, then who knows when it's going to be defeated?" Dawn asked, feeling worried for her boyfriend and Monferno. "Piplup..." Piplup replied sadly.
"This should take Magneton down! Monferno, Flame Wheel, once more!" Hikaru shouted. Monferno wrapped himself with flames and charged towards the Magnet Pokémon. "Now, Magneton! Use Tri Attack!" Byron yelled. The Electric-Steel Type launched multiple attacks.
However, despite of each attacks, Monferno dodged them all and smashed the Magnet Pokémon away with a Flame Wheel attack! "WHAT!? Magneton, no!" Byron gasped in shock. Magneton grunted in pain as it was slammed to the ground by the direct hit from Flame Wheel.
However, despite of the blow, it still managed to get up, causing Hikaru to grit his teeth. "That didn't finish it off!? Use Mach Punch!" Hikaru yelled. "No you don't! Now, Magneton! Use Flash Cannon!" Byron roared. As Magneton tried to charge up with Flash Cannon, it was too late.
Monferno screeched in battle cry as he slammed Magneton to the ground with a Mach Punch attack. "Oh no!" Byron gasped as the dust cleared. Magneton buzzed weakly, unconscious from the powerful attacks it had took. Roark then gestured to Hikaru's side.
"Magneton is unable to battle! So, the winner is Monferno!" Roark declared, pointing to the Twinleaf boy's side. "Now that's what I call an intense battle!" Hikaru complimented as Monferno grinned, giving a thumbs up. "He did it! Hikaru defeated Magneton!" Dawn exclaimed.
Byron: 2 Pokémon
"Piplup! Pip Piplup!" Piplup called in joy. "Even after Magneton increased its defense, Monferno still had the upper hand with all the moves that he could use!" Brock pointed out. "Keep it going, Hikaru!" Ash encouraged. "Pika Pika!" Pikachu cheered, encouraging Monferno.
Back at the battlefield, Byron returned Magneton back to its Pokéball. "Not bad... Despite of us increasing our defense, you still used your power to win! Very impressive, indeed!" Byron complimented as Hikaru narrowed his eyes. "Right..." Hikaru said, suspicious.
Just then, Byron took out another Pokéball, preparing to summon his third Pokémon. "But can you defeat this one!? I LOVE Steelix!" Byron called, summoning the Iron Snake Pokémon. Steelix roared, facing off against Hikaru and Monferno. The Twinleaf boy's eyes glowed yellow and green once again.
This time, he's going to act serious in order to win battles. "Monferno, take a break for now!" Hikaru called. Monferno blinked, before he nodded, running back to his human brother's side. "Buizel, it's time for a battle!" Hikaru called, as he summoned his Sea Weasel Pokémon to battle.
Dawn noticed Hikaru's eyes glowing once again. "Guys... Hikaru's eyes are once again..." Dawn pointed out. Without the referee noticing, Ash and Brock, along with Pikachu, Chimchar, and Piplup all turned to see Hikaru in his serious state, with his eyes being different colors again.
"Looks like Hikaru's going to get serious in this one..." Ash pointed out. "Right..." Brock agreed. Pikachu, Piplup, and Chimchar watched as well, feeling concerned for the Twinleaf boy."We'll start this off! Buizel, use Water Gun towards Steelix!" Hikaru yelled.
The young Sea Weasel Pokémon straightened his headband before he shot the Water Gun at Steelix. More power came to it, thanks to the water headband, until Byron countered it. "Now, Steelix! Use Screech!" Byron yelled. Steelix negated the Water Gun with Screech as it roared.
It created a sharp sound, causing Buizel to shriek and cover his ears. "Argh! No good!" Hikaru grunted. His eyes glowed even brighter as Buizel began to suffer a headache from Screech. "Buizel, stay strong! Use Ice Beam!" Hikaru yelled, trying to get Buizel to recover.
Before Steelix could screech even louder, Buizel shot an Ice Beam on Steelix's face, causing it to roar in pain, and stopping Screech. "What!? Steelix, stay calm!" Byron yelled. The young Water Type shook his head, relieved that the screeching was over. He glared at Steelix, who seemed to be roaring in pain by the ice.
"Steelix is blinded! Use this chance to use Aqua Jet, multiple times!" Hikaru shouted, punching his fist into the air. Buizel let out a determined battle cry, before surrounding himself with water. He bashed Steelix multiple times, hitting it with Aqua Jet.
"AH HA! Steelix, use Bind!" Byron yelled. Being hit with one more Aqua Jet, Steelix used his tail and grabbed Buizel, negating the incoming Aqua Jet. "What!?" "Mon!?" Hikaru and Monferno yelped in shock. "Ha ha ha... How does it feel, being stopped by Bind!?" Byron laughed.
Steelix began to squeeze the Sea Weasel Pokémon hard, causing Buizel to turn purple a little, as he couldn't breathe. "Buizel, stay strong! Use Water Gun!" Hikaru yelled. Buizel managed to shoot a weak Water Gun at Steelix, causing it to roar in startle.
That caused Bind to stop as Buizel landed on the ground, breathing hard. "Now, Steelix! Use Iron Tail!" Byron roared. Steelix roared as well, as it aimed the heavy Steel Type attack towards Buizel. "Hold it right there! Buizel, spin with Aqua Jet!" Hikaru yelled.
His eyes glowed brighter as it said that, which somehow caused Buizel to be even more determined. The young Sea Weasel Pokémon spun, stopping the Iron Tail with his Aqua Jet Counter-Shield. "There it is! Hikaru's using the Aqua Jet Counter-Shield now!" Ash exclaimed.
"Pika Pika!" "Chim! Chimchar!" Pikachu and Chimchar cheered, encouraging Buizel to fight. "Whoa... I didn't expect that... But I bet you weren't expecting this! Now, Steelix! Use Flash Cannon!" Byron roared. Hikaru blinked as Steelix shot the Flash Cannon attack.
It blasted the Aqua Jet Counter-Shield while knocking the Sea Weasel Pokémon into the air. "Buizel, no!" Hikaru called. "Now, Steelix! Use Iron Tail!" The Canalave Gym Leader roared. "Don't count on it! Use Aqua Jet to counter!" Hikaru yelled, his eyes glowing even more.
The young Water Type managed to regain his balance in the air as he bashed Steelix's Iron Tail with his Aqua Jet attack. The collision created an explosion, sending both Pokémon back to their trainers. At the process, the Twinleaf boy called an attack.
"Quick! Use Ice Beam once more! Then, follow it up with Aqua Jet!" Hikaru yelled. Dawn widened her eyes, recalling what move combination it was. "Is... Hikaru doing... what I think he's doing!?" Dawn exclaimed. "I think Hikaru is doing it!" Ash exclaimed.
The two were right as Ice Beam was first shot, before Buizel surrounded himself with ice while using Aqua Jet, creating an Ice Aqua Jet. "What the... What is this combination!?" Byron gasped in surprise. "Meet Ice Aqua Jet, Byron! It's going to take Steelix down!" Hikaru called.
The ice smashed onto Steelix, causing it to fall to the ground, before it managed to get up. "You were saying, Hikaru? Now, Steelix! Use Bind once more!" Byron yelled, until Hikaru glared. "Dodge, then use Water Gun, Buizel!" Hikaru yelled.
Escaping from Bind, the young Sea Weasel Pokémon blasted the Iron Snake Pokémon away with the Water Gun attack. "What!? No, Steelix!" Byron called. He could only watch as his Steelix was defeated by a young Water Type Pokémon as Roark announced the results.
"Steelix is unable to battle! Buizel wins!" Roark declared.
Byron: 1 Pokémon
As Byron returned Steelix back into its Pokéball, Buizel sighed, falling on his bottom. He was exhausted, due to being nearly suffocated by Bind, while also being blasted away by Flash Cannon. "Buizel, you okay?" Hikaru asked as his eyes stopped glowing.
"Bui bui..." Buizel replied with a smile. "That's three down! Only one to go!" Dawn cheered. "Piplup!" "Chimchar!" Piplup and Chimchar cheered along. "Yeah... But don't forget about how much power Byron's Bastiodon has... It can be pretty deadly." The referee reminded.
That caused the three trainers to be silent as the battle continued. "Alright then... I LOVE Bastiodon!" Byron roared as he summoned his Shield Pokémon, causing it to face against Hikaru's exhausted Buizel now. "There it is... There's Bastiodon!" Ash pointed out.
"And Bastiodon is Byron's strongest Pokémon!" Brock pointed out. The Twinleaf boy narrowed his eyes, before glancing at his weakened Buizel. "Buizel, are you okay? Can you still battle?" Hikaru asked. "Bui bui!" Buizel agreed, feeling ready to win.
Hikaru grew hesitant before he nodded. "Alright... Let's keep this going! Buizel, use Ice Beam!" Hikaru yelled. "AH HA! Bastiodon, counter with Metal Burst!" Byron roared. As the Sea Weasel Pokémon shot Ice Beam, Metal Burst negated it.
It then exploded onto Buizel, causing him to shriek and be sent into the air. "Buizel, hold on! Use Water Gun to pay him back!" Hikaru yelled. It was too late for Bastiodon as Buizel quickly shot a Water Gun, which hit directly onto Bastiodon's face, causing to glare at Buizel angrily.
"Now, Bastiodon! Use Flash Cannon!" Byron called. Immediately after Buizel recovered from Metal Burst, Flash Cannon was already onto blasting Buizel away into the air as Hikaru gasped in shock. "No, Buizel!" Hikaru yelled, seeing his young Water Type slamming into the ground by the full impact.
Ash, Dawn, Brock, Chimchar, Pikachu, Monferno, and Piplup all gasped to see Buizel easily being taken down. Roark noticed Buizel's unconsciousness before he declared the victor of the battle. "Buizel is unable to battle! Bastiodon wins!" Roark declared.
Hikaru: 2 Pokémon
The Twinleaf boy's face darkened as he returned his fallen Sea Weasel Pokémon back to its Pokéball. "Buizel, thanks for trying so hard... All of your hard work won't be wasted..." Hikaru assured. His eyes glowed again, filled with determination.
Byron smirked, feeling amused to see Hikaru's determination. "Alright, Hikaru... Tell me! Who do you think will have a chance of defeating my glorious Bastiodon?" Byron demanded, as the Twinleaf boy took out his fourth Pokéball. "This one right here! Dragonair, it's time for battle!" Hikaru yelled.
The Dragon Type let out a cry, as he glared at Bastiodon, who only glared back. "A Dragon Type, eh? Not a bad choice!" Byron admitted. "But why use Dragonair?" Dawn asked. Ash was clueless as Brock made a guess. "Maybe it's because of Dragonair's high speed and power..." Brock guessed.
"Power and speed? That can be a way to defeat Byron's Bastiodon." The referee admitted. "So, Hikaru! Give me everything that you've got!" Byron roared. "Right! Dragonair, start this off with Thunder Wave!" Hikaru shouted. Electricity was shot, zapping Bastiodon a little.
"What's this?" Byron asked in surprise. "Great! Now Bastiodon shouldn't be able to move so much!" Dawn pointed out. Pikachu, Chimchar, and Piplup once again tried to cheer for Dragonair to make his victory as Hikaru made another attack order.
"Use Dragon Tail!" Hikaru cried. The Dragon Type launched his tail towards Bastiodon, only for Byron to defend. "Block it with Iron Defense!" Byron bellowed. Like always, the Dragon Tail barely did any damage, due to the increased defense power of Bastiodon.
"Try it again! Use Dragon Tail under Bastiodon!" Hikaru called. Byron narrowed his eyes, knowing where the Twinleaf boy was going. Since Bastiodon's underside was vulnerable, it would cause more damage to his Shield Pokémon... Of course, he wouldn't let that happen.
"Not on our watch... Bastiodon, use Iron Defense!" Byron called. Once again, despite of hitting Bastiodon's vulnerable side, the Iron Defense prevented Dragonair's attack from doing any damage. The Dragon Type grew annoyed as he twitched his eyes, while letting out an annoyed coo.
"You're annoyed, right? So am I... With the increased defense going, our attacks will barely work... But this one, we have to win, no matter how much enhancements they have!" Hikaru reminded. "Monferno!" Monferno screeched in agreement, as Dragonair nodded back.
"Now, Dragonair! Use Aqua Tail!" Hikaru yelled. The Dragon Type slammed Bastiodon away with an Aqua Tail attack, making it a critical hit. "Now, Bastiodon! Use Iron Head, let's go!" Byron called. Ignoring the paralysis, Bastiodon charged, preparing to use Iron Head.
"Block it with Dragon Tail, Dragonair!" Hikaru yelled. At the increased power, Dragonair managed to stop Bastiodon with his Dragon Tail attack. "Bastiodon, brace yourself with Iron Defense!" Byron bellowed. Like the last time, Bastiodon glowed, reducing the damage from Dragon Tail.
"Quick, Dragonair! Use Aqua Tail, again!" Hikaru yelled. Once again, Dragonair shot into the air before attempting to land an Aqua Tail attack. "Not so fast! Bastiodon, use Flash Cannon!" Byron roared. Bastiodon once again ignored the paralysis and launched a Flash Cannon attack.
It exploded onto Dragonair, preventing him from using Aqua Tail. "Argh!" Hikaru grunted, seeing that his plan had backfired. "Now, Bastiodon! Use Iron Defense Iron Defense Iron Defense!" Byron roared, causing the Shield Pokémon to increase his defense power even more.
"We can't lose! Dragonair, use Aqua Tail once more!" Hikaru yelled. Recovering from Flash Cannon, Dragonair slammed Bastiodon away with another Aqua Tail attack, this time making it a success. "Ha! You fell for it! Bastiodon, use Metal Burst!" Byron roared.
"Not a chance! Dragonair, counter it with Dragon Tail!" Hikaru cried. As Bastiodon shot a Metal Burst attack, Dragonair made an attempt to deflect it with Dragon Tail, only for the Metal Burst's forces to be stronger, causing an explosion involving Dragonair.
"No, Dragonair!" Hikaru called. "Alright, Bastiodon! It's time to use Iron Head!" Byron roared. The Shield Pokémon obeyed and attempted to slam Dragonair back to the ground. "We're not falling for that twice! Dragonair, use Safeguard, quick!" Hikaru shouted.
A barrier formed around Dragonair, preventing him from flinching from the incoming attack. "Hm!? What's this!?" Byron exclaimed in surprise. "Now, Dragonair! Dragon Tail, once more!" Hikaru shouted, punching his fist into the air once more. "Monferno!" Monferno replied, mimicking his human brother's movement.
With the paralysis on, Bastiodon wasn't able to move, or dodge it, causing it to be wide open for the attack. Dragon Tail slammed onto the Shield Pokémon's head, causing it to skid away, but it only took little damage, due to the Iron Defense taking effect.
"Ha! Do you know why I love defense, Hikaru? It's because it can help you remain in battle, surviving long enough to win, that's what!" Byron exclaimed as the Twinleaf boy frowned. "That's where I'm going to prove you wrong, Byron! Defense isn't the only thing that's supporting during battle!" Hikaru assured.
His eyes glowed brightly at that, with Monferno gritting his teeth in determination. Dragonair did the same as he glared at his Steel-Rock Type opponent. "Well then, why don't you prove it to me!? Now, Bastiodon! Use Flash Cannon!" Byron roared.
Flash Cannon was shot, hitting Dragonair directly. "Dragonair, stay strong! And use Aqua Tail, let's go!" Hikaru cried. The Dragon Type once again recovered from the explosion from Flash Cannon as he slammed Bastiodon away with another Aqua Tail attack.
Both Bastiodon and Dragonair seemed weakened as they were both panting. However, the Dragon Type seemed more fatigued than Bastiodon was. "Okay... Since Bastiodon's endurance is decreasing, I'm thinking that this is our chance to make our attack work!" Hikaru thought.
"Bastiodon, wrap this up with Metal Burst!" Byron roared. "Dodge, then use Aqua Tail, once more!" Hikaru yelled. After dodging Metal Burst, Dragonair flew to the air, preparing to land a direct attack. "Stop right there! Bastiodon, use Metal Burst again!" Byron roared, gripping his shovel tightly.
With Dragonair invulnerable in the air, the Shield Pokémon shot another Metal Burst, which stopped Aqua Tail and exploded onto Dragonair, causing him to squeal while being sent flying into the air. "Now, use Flash Cannon!" Byron roared. "Quick, Dragonair! Dodge it!" Hikaru yelled.
But, it was too late as the second Steel Type attack exploded, blasting the weakened Dragon Type towards the ground. "Dragonair, no!" Hikaru yelled, as Dragonair groaned. It became unconscious, due to the heavy blows it took from the double Steel Type attacks.
"Dragonair is unable to battle! Bastiodon wins!" Roark declared, gesturing to Bastiodon and Byron's side.
Hikaru: 1 Pokémon
Hikaru's eyes remained glowing while he returned his fallen Dragon Type back to its Pokéball. "Thanks for your help, Dragonair... Your powerful attacks won't go to waste..." Hikaru assured as he clenched his fists. Now he felt even more determined to win... To show his true potential.
"Monferno, it's all up to you now!" Hikaru called. "Mon!" Monferno cried out. He got in front of his human brother, preparing to win the final battle. "This is it... They're both down to one Pokémon now..." Ash pointed out. "If Monferno loses this, then Hikaru loses the whole thing!" Dawn exclaimed.
Pikachu, Chimchar, and Piplup all kept on cheering, encouraging the Playful Pokémon to win. "Let's make this quick! Monferno, use Flame Wheel!" Hikaru yelled. "Use Iron Defense, Bastiodon!" Byron roared. Like with Dragonair, even Flame Wheel was blocked by Iron Defense!
Monferno flipped back to Hikaru, seeing that his attack didn't work. "In that case, use Flamethrower!" Hikaru yelled. "AH HA! Bastiodon, dodge and use Iron Head!" Byron called. As the Shield Pokémon evaded Flamethrower, it bashed Monferno away.
The Fire Type shrieked as he was sent skidding onto the ground. "Now, Bastiodon! Use Flash Cannon!" Byron called. Another Flash Cannon was sent, exploding right in front of the Fire Type, as it sent Monferno right into the air! "What!? No!" Hikaru gasped in shock.
Ash, Dawn, and Brock gasped, while the referee grew surprised. "Come on, Monferno! You can do it!" Ash yelled. "Pika Pika!" "Chim! Chimchar!" "Piplup!" The three starters cheered along. Brock and Dawn could only watch as the battle went on, heading for Byron's advantage.
The Fire Type managed to land on his feet, while glaring at Bastiodon. "We're not through yet! Use Mach Punch to pay him back!" Hikaru yelled. "Bastiodon, counter with Metal Burst!" Byron yelled. As Bastiodon prepared to shoot Metal Burst, he got punched on the cheek!
Mach Punch's side effect for speed helped make a direct hit, as Bastiodon grunted in pain, being sent back to Byron. "Argh! Now, Bastiodon! Flash Cannon!" Byron roared. "And counter that with Flamethrower!" Hikaru yelled back. Both evolved Pokémon shot their powerful attacks.
The two moves cancelled each other out, until Byron made another attack. "Now, Bastiodon! Use Iron Head once more!" Byron called. Just as the Shield Pokémon was about to move, the paralysis took effect, preventing the Rock-Steel Type from moving.
The Canalave Gym Leader gritted his teeth, giving the Twinleaf boy the chance to counterattack. "We'll strike back! Use Close Combat!" Hikaru yelled. Monferno let out a battle cry before he punched and kicked Bastiodon multiple times, knocking him away. "No, Bastiodon!" Byron shouted.
"Awesome! Now that did some serious damage!" Dawn pointed out. "Yeah, but there's one problem. When a Pokémon uses Close Combat, they lose some of their defense power, including their special defense." Brock warned, causing the happy cheering to stop.
"So, despite of making a direct hit, Hikaru is still in a disadvantage?" Ash asked. "Not quite... Bastiodon has taken some damage from the battle with Buizel and Dragonair, so I pretty much say that this battle is pretty even." The referee explained, as he turned back to the battle.
"Bastiodon! Hang in there and use Iron Head!" Byron roared. Before the Playful Pokémon could react, the Shield Pokémon slammed Monferno on the stomach with another Iron Head attack, causing a huge shock for the Fire-Fighting Type. "No! Monferno, stay strong!" Hikaru yelled.
The others gasped as the Canalave Gym Leader attempted to wrap things up. "And now! Finish if up with Metal Burst!" Byron bellowed, pointing his shovel at the falling Fire Type. Another Metal Burst was shot, blasting Monferno to the ground. "Argh... No!" Hikaru yelled.
His eyes remained glowing, but in a little anger and determination. The dust cleared, showing that Monferno was still standing, but on the verge of collapsing. "What... It's still standing even with the direct attacks it took!? Heh heh heh... I've got to admit... Your Monferno's got guts, Hikaru!" Byron complimented.
Hikaru gritted his teeth as he looked at Monferno's condition. His Fire Type partner was covered in scratches and bruises, looking like he took severe damage from the attacks he took from Bastiodon. Plus, Monferno still hasn't recovered from the battle with Magneton.
"Can you still fight... Monferno?" Hikaru asked. The Fire Type turned his head as he fell on his knees, while grinning weakly at his human brother. He suddenly began to glow, putting everyone in surprise. "What... What's that light!? Brock, you don't think..." Ash started, only for Brock to finish.
"Yeah! Monferno is starting to evolve!" Brock exclaimed. Dawn and Ash were amazed, while Pikachu, Chimchar, and Piplup were in awe to see the evolution of Monferno. The new form grew bigger, and the flame on its tail vanished, while a new flame appeared on the figure's head.
The glowing stopped, revealing Hikaru's new partner. "In! Infernape!" The ape like Pokémon cried, blazing up with determination. Hikaru widened his eyes in surprise, with his eyes kept glowing. "Infernape?" Hikaru called, still surprised with the sudden evolution.
He took out his blue Sinnoh Pokédex, scanning his newly evolved Fire Type. "Infernape, the Flame Pokémon and the evolved form of Monferno. Infernape's fiery crown reflects its fiery nature, and its speed is unmatched." Hikaru's Pokédex buzzed.
Saying his name caused the Flame Pokemon to turn and grin at his human brother, making a thumbs up. Hikaru was still shocked, before he grinned back and gave the thumbs up. "Alright... Let's finish this, Infernape! Let's show them your new powers!" Hikaru exclaimed.
Infernape nodded with a determined look in his face. "Yeah! Go for it, Infernape!" Ash called. "Pika Pika!" "Piplup!" Pikachu and Piplup cheered along. Chimchar was in awe with his eyes sparkling as he saw his best friend evolve into an Infernape.
"Chim..." Chimchar whispered. Now this made him more determined to evolve and win, so that he could surpass Infernape now. Back at the battle, Byron was surprised, but this made him more interested. "So it evolved? Heh... That makes this battle more interesting!" Byron called.
Even Bastiodon seemed impressed with the evolution as Hikaru made the first attack. Before he could, his yellow and green eyes glowed as he clenched his fist. "We're going to win... We don't plan on losing a battle this easily... Especially when my Pokémon made it this far in battle!" Hikaru exclaimed.
Infernape mimicked Hikaru's movements as his eyes began to glow green and yellow as well, the same as Hikaru's. The both of them yelled as Infernape was surrounded by fire, turning into his new form, much to the other's surprise. "What... is that?" Ash asked.
"I've never seen Infernape like this before! Is this Blaze!?" Dawn shrieked in surprise. "No... This is different from Blaze... It must be some kind of a new power!" Brock exclaimed. "Huh..." The referee didn't know what to say, along with Roark and Byron.
Infernape had the same black spiky marking, this time as part of his red muzzle, sticking out on top. His eyes had golden linings, reaching down to his chin, like a tear-marked scar. His fists were blazing with fire, which was very similar to when he fought Lucas' Magmar before.
His golden markings were shining, like golden armor. His body was surrounded by fire, like it was acting as a powerful shield for the Flame Pokémon. Even Byron was amazed with the new change in Infernape as he let out an amused smirk.
"What power... Bastiodon! Use Iron Head!" Byron called. Bastiodon, stunned by the new fire power of Infernape still attacked, charging towards the fire surrounding Flame Pokémon. Hikaru's eyes remained glowing, the same as Infernape. For some reason, he was able to see what Infernape was looking at.
"Here he comes, Infernape... Brace yourself." Hikaru replied. "In!" Infernape grunted with a nod. As Bastiodon gotten closer with Iron Head, the Twinleaf boy made the call. "Now... Use Flame Wheel!" Hikaru yelled. His voice reached to Infernape's thoughts as the Fire Type nodded.
He charged towards Bastiodon, creating a giant Flame Wheel, which was twice as big than a normal Flame Wheel. Everyone gasped at the power as the Twinleaf boy punched his fist in the air. "Do it! Show them what you're made of, Infernape!" Hikaru yelled.
Infernape let out a loud battle cry, as he smashed Bastiodon away, causing a huge explosion. Everyone had to cover their eyes to prevent themselves from being blinded as both battling trainers watched to see what has happened to their Pokémon.
Finally as the smoke passed, only one was standing, while the other was down. Roark noticed the winner and declared the results. "Bastiodon is unable to battle! Infernape wins! Which means the victor goes to Hikaru from Twinleaf Town!" Roark declared.
Winner: Hikaru
Infernape's form vanished as the Flame Pokémon was back to normal. He turned to his human brother and grinned, giving a thumbs up as Hikaru smiled back. He then ran to Infernape as the Fire Type caught him. The two hugged each other for their sixth achievement and victory.
"We did it, Infernape... It's all thanks to you and the others that battled!" Hikaru thanked, rubbing Infernape's back. "Fernape..." Infernape smirked, as he used his left hand to ruffle Hikaru's spiky hair again playfully, causing the Twinleaf boy to laugh a little.
"Wow! Now that's what I call a great battle!" Ash exclaimed. "That was so amazing! To see Infernape evolving in the end and to see new power!" Dawn cried out in amazement. "Not only that, they were able to overpower Byron's defense tactics, wow!" Brock commented.
The referee let out a chuckle as Byron returned Bastiodon back to his Pokéball. "He really got you there, didn't he, Dad?" Roark teased as the Canalave Gym Leader let out a chuckle. "He certainly did... And with that new bond and power he has as well..." Byron added.
He and his son watched as Infernape and Hikaru smile at each other as Ash, Dawn, Brock, and the other Pokémon complimented the Twinleaf boy for his victory, and congratulating Infernape for his new evolution and for his victory as well.
Later...
Soon, everyone was out at the entrance of the Gym, where Byron was going to present the Gym Badge of his Gym to Hikaru. Roark chuckled, seeing how hard the Twinleaf boy battled against his father in the Gym battle.
"You really worked hard! It's not easy to beat Dad. And your Pokémon were all so well trained, too!" Roark complimented. "Making bonds with my Pokémon is the reason we make our victories..." Hikaru explained, while smiling.
He turned to his four Pokémon: Infernape, Buizel, Dragonair, and Togetic. "If it hadn't been for them, I wouldn't standing here..." Hikaru assured, causing all four of his Pokémon to smile as they cried out their happy agreements.
"Well, nevertheless, for breaking my defenses, and defeating my prized Pokémon, I hereby present you the Canalave Gym Badge... The Mine Badge!" Byron explained as he presented the Gym Badge to the Twinleaf boy. Hikaru took it with thanks as he raised it where the afternoon sunlight was.
"Here it is... Our sixth Sinnoh Gym Badge! The Mine Badge is ours!" Hikaru declared as he presented it to his four Pokémon. Infernape, Buizel, Dragonair, and Togetic all cheered for their sixth achievement as the others smiled and chuckled for the Twinleaf boy's victory.
They watched as Infernape grabbed his human brother and ruffle his spiky black hair once again, causing Hikaru to chuckle with Infernape's affection. Byron then cleared his throat, before turning to the Kanto trainer. "So, Ash! I believe that you're next!" Byron warned.
Ash turned back to the Canalave Gym Leader with a smile. "Yeah! And I plan to win it for my sixth Badge!" Ash exclaimed. "Pika Pika!" Pikachu agreed, as he felt determined to support his partner. Byron nodded with a smirk, as he had to prepare for another tough battle for later.
So, with Hikaru earning his sixth Gym Badge, now it's Ash's turn to face off against Byron's Steel Type team! How will Ash counter this type of situation? Will it end up in defeat? Or will it end up in his victory?
To be continued...
Hikaru's Team:
Infernape: (M): (Flamethrower, Mach Punch, Flame Wheel, Close Combat)
Luxray: (F): (Wild Charge, Discharge, Iron Tail, Hidden Power)
Dragonair: (M): (Dragon Tail, Aqua Tail, Thunder Wave, Safeguard)
Buizel: (M): (Ice Beam, Aqua Jet, Razor Wind, Water Gun)
Togepi: (F): (AncientPower, Attract, Metronome, Protect)
Leafeon: (F): (Magical Leaf, Shadow Ball, Synthesis, Leaf Blade)
With Prof. Rowan:
Gardevoir: (F): (Psychic, Magical Leaf, Thunderbolt, Teleport)
Next chapters:
Chapter 8: The Steel Types Makes Defense!
Chapter 9: The Lost Wailmer! Help the Rogues!
Chapter 10: Wailing into Safety! VS Swampert!
Chapter 11: Iron Island Chaos! Enter Riley!
Chapter 12: Team Galactic's Secret Plan
Next chapter preview:
Ash: Okay... Since Hikaru was able to defeat Byron, I should be able to, too! Okay, guys! Let's give Byron a battle!
Byron: If you really think you can win my badge that easily, Ash, you're mistaken! Even your friend had trouble dealing with my defense!
Ash: There's nothing bad about putting a good defense into a good offense! Chimchar, Buizel, Gliscor, let's go!
Hikaru: Byron is giving it all much more than when he did for me... He's becoming more serious in this battle...
Dawn: There's got to be a way for Ash to win this one, right? I mean, sure, Byron may be tough, but not unbeatable!
Byron: Alright, Ash... Give me everything that you've got! Show me how strong your determination can overpower my wall of defense!
