Chapter 53: Rival to Boast and Insult!
In the middle of the day, Ash was having a lifetime on training. He was currently facing Hikaru with Pikachu, Turtwig, and Buizel. The Twinleaf boy was using Leafeon, Luxio, and the little Buizel.
"Alright! Pikachu, Turtwig, and Buizel! I want to use all of you for the Pastoria Gym, okay?" Ash asked. "Pika!" "Twig!" "Bui bui!" The three Pokémon responded with their calls.
"The same goes for you three, okay?" Hikaru requested. "Lux!" "Feon!" "Bui!" Luxio, Leafeon, and Buizel agreed with their determined calls. "Okay, Hikaru! Give it all you've got!" Ash called.
The Twinleaf boy smirked as he closed his eyes, before opening them again, revealing his green and yellow eyes again. "Remember this... You asked for it, Ash!" Hikaru smirked.
"Luxio! Use Shock Wave! Leafeon, Magical Leaf! And Buizel! Use Aqua Jet!" Hikaru called. The three of his Pokémon shot and launched their attacks at their three opponents as Ash got ready.
"Okay! Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt! Turtwig, use Razor Leaf! And Buizel, you use Aqua Jet as well!" Ash called. Three of Ash's Pokémon launched their attacks as well.
Thunderbolt and Shock Wave had cancelled each other out. Razor Leaf and Magical Leaf did the same. As for the Buizel brothers, they slammed into each other, before falling back to their trainers.
Dawn and Brock watched with Monferno sighing, bored. The Fire Type did wanted to have a Gym battle... But, with the type disadvantage he has against Water Types, he'd be only getting in the way.
[Opening]: (Pokémon DP: Together Opening (English Subbed)
(Ash and Pikachu are watching the sunrise, seeing a new dawn appearing)
With your Last Resort, a Steadfast heart
Let's go cross the tall Mt. Coronet
(Japanese opening title appears)
Who will we get? Where will we meet them?
(Ash, Hikaru, Dawn, Brock, Pikachu, and Monferno watch the bird Pokémon fly as they watch from a tall tree)
I'm excited, as if it's a Secret Base
(A group of Cherrims, a Budew, Pachirisu, Burmy, and a Kricketot dance with happy faces)
A new town
(A Glameow leaps in the alley as the group sees the Glameow)
We'll proceed there
(Ash, Hikaru, Dawn, Brock, Pikachu, and Monferno all cross the Bidoof's dam)
During shining times
(The group walks in a cave, meeting a Drapion in front of them!)
(Ash's Pokémon; Pikachu, Buizel, Chimchar, Staravia, Turtwig, and Gligar appears with their trainer)
(Hikaru's Pokémon; Monferno, Luxio, Leafeon, Dragonair, Buizel, and Kirlia appears with their trainer)
(Dawn's Pokémon; Piplup, Buneary, Pachirisu, and Ambipom appears with their trainer)
(Brock's Pokémon; Croagunk, Happiny, and Sudowoodo appears with their trainer)
Yay yay yay yeah!
(The Contest staff, Nurse Joy, Officer Jenny, Hinata, Johanna, Prof. Rowan, Delia, Tracey, Prof. Oak, and Mr. Mime following each other image at a time)
Battles are never Sweet
(Paul and Lucas appears in the background)
Spicy? Bitter? Dry? Sour, right?
(Ash and Hikaru order their Pokémon to attack)
(Ash's Staravia uses Aerial Ace, Turtwig uses Razor Leaf, Pikachu uses Volt Tackle, Buizel uses Aqua Jet)
(Hikaru's Luxio uses Shock Wave, Dragonair uses Dragon Tail, Buizel uses Ice Beam, Monferno uses Flame Wheel)
(Paul and Lucas face Ash and Hikaru with all of their Pokémon)
We are alive, so feel
(Dawn calls out Piplup and Buneary like in a Contest performance)
Together
(Zoey, Dawn, and Minako appears together)
Yay yay yay yeah!
(Team Rocket smiles as Seviper, Mime Jr., and Carnivine appears along)
Blast away with Aqua Jet
(The group were riding on speedboats as a Buizel, Manaphy, and Mantyke appears)
And Defog away our clouded spirits
(Palkia roars as Lucario turn behind him)
Rock Climb- look, if we can climb over
(Dialga roars along with the blizzard hitting him)
Good good smile!
(The group sits on or leans their back on a giant Pokéball)
(Brock and Dawn smiles at the viewers)
Everyone good good smile!
(Ash, Pikachu, Hikaru, and Monferno smiles at the viewers)
[Opening ends]
After some intense training, Brock called in a breaktime as Ash grinned at his three chosen ones for the Gym battle. "Wow! You three are training really well! Keep it up and that fourth Gym Badge is as good as ours!" Ash exclaimed.
Pikachu, Turtwig, and Buizel happily responded with their agreements as Hikaru's eyes glowed back to normal. He knelt to his Pokémon's level as they looked at him for his words.
"You three are training well, too! Just like Ash said, the more we pick up the pace, we'll probably have our fourth Gym Badge sooner than we think!" Hikaru explained with a smile.
Leafeon, Luxio, and Buizel all cheered along happily. Suddenly, Gligar yelped in excitement as the Kanto trainer walked towards the Twinleaf boy. "And thanks, you three, for helping us train!" Ash thanked.
"No problem. We're both training for our Gym battle, aren't we?" Hikaru teased, causing Ash to grin. "Come on! What kind of a question is that? Of course we're training!" Ash exclaimed.
Just then, Gligar yelped in excitement as he slammed into Ash, wanting to take part in the Gym battle. "Wow... Gligar is at it again!" Dawn giggled, holding onto Hikaru's arm.
"You can say that again..." Hikaru chuckled, as Brock walked over. "I think Gligar wants to take part of the action!" Brock chuckled. Ash got the Ground Type off as he sadly smiled.
"Sorry, Gligar. But, you've got to wait a little longer for your Gym battle. Immediately, Gligar went into a teary face, upset for not being chosen for the action.
"First, we gotta get you some more experience of battling other trainers!" Ash reminded. The Ground Type immediately cheered up as he jumped out of Ash, and got ready to train!
But, he soon noticed that he almost knocked his trainer out as the Twinleaf boy looked at his Kanto friend. "Whoa, Ash... Are you okay?" Hikaru asked. "Monferno?" Monferno asked along.
"I think Gligar's just showing off his battling spirit! Say, Gligar! Why don't you have a little practice battle with us?" Brock asked. Gligar warmed up to that idea as Ash got up, smiling.
"Okay, Gligar! Let's give it a try!" Ash agreed. That got the Ground Type excited as it jumped onto the Kanto trainer again, much to his surprise. Once Gligar was pried off of Ash, the two prepared for battle.
The Twinleaf couple watched with Dawn staying close to her boyfriend. "This is one serious practice battle." Dawn stated. "Piplup..." "Chimchar..." "Monferno..." The three agreed along.
Hikaru narrowed his eyes as the battle was about to begin. "Alright, Gligar! Steel Wing, let's go!" Ash called. Gligar aimed the Steel Type move, aiming to where Sudowoodo was bracing himself.
But then, all of a sudden, a strong wind blew out! Gligar wailed as he was being carried by the wind, much to everyone's surprise. "Gligar!" Ash yelled in surprise.
The Kanto trainer turned to the Flying Type while gritting his teeth. "Staravia! After Gligar!" Ash yelled. Staravia nodded with a chirp as he flew, flying after the blown away Ground Type.
Hikaru ran to where Staravia was flying towards Gligar, along with his four Pokémon. "Hikaru, wait up!" Dawn called. Ash and Brock followed along, running after their friend.
As the Twinleaf boy was running, he saw an Electric Type attack, shocking out of nowhere. "Thunder?... But, that could only mean..." Hikaru thought as he ran faster with his Pokémon.
He was running so fast, he didn't notice he was leaving the others behind, taking a slow lead. As he ran, the Thunder attack got closer. Once he got to the attack's location, he grew surprised.
It was Paul! The Thunder attack had come from his Electabuzz, who was battling against the Drapion. The Veilstone trainer took out a Pokéball, as the Twinleaf boy and his four Pokémon watched.
But then, both trainers heard wailing. They both looked up, seeing Ash's Gligar slamming face first into a rock, as Paul stepped out of the way. With the distraction shown, Drapion dug underground to escape.
Electabuzz hissed at it as his trainer assured that it was fine. "Don't worry. It's none of our problem." Paul grunted. With that said, the evolved Electric Type scoffed, still annoyed with the escape.
Hikaru sweat dropped, seeing that Paul hasn't seen him yet. "What a letdown... Gligar just had to get in the way..." Hikaru sighed, face palming. As Gligar recovered, it gasped.
It shook, seeing that Paul and Electabuzz were both glaring at him. What the Twinleaf boy and Paul didn't notice was that Ash's Staravia flew by, seeing the two boys and Gligar.
Staravia flew off, flying to give Ash and the others the message. Gligar trembled, frightened of the two's glares. "You interrupted our training. Get out." Paul scolded, glaring at the Ground Type.
"You couldn't have just spoken a little nicer, can't you, Paul?" Hikaru retorted, getting out of his hiding place. Both of Paul and Electabuzz noticed the Twinleaf boy, just as Ash and the others came by.
"Whoa... It's Paul!" Ash gasped. Both Hikaru and Paul noticed the Kanto trainer, with Dawn and Brock as the female Coordinator ran up to her boyfriend. "Hikaru... You didn't have to run off, you know!" Dawn scolded.
Embarrassed, the Twinleaf boy flushed a little, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry..." Hikaru silently apologized. Gligar sobbed, running to his trainer. "Gligar! Are you alright?" Ash asked, as he comforted the Ground Type.
"You found Gligar!" Dawn giggled, holding onto her boyfriend's arm, smiling at him, much to more of his chagrin. "I guess..." Hikaru muttered, turning back to face the Sinnoh rival.
Just then, Chimchar noticed the cold rival as he hid behind Monferno, who glared at both Electabuzz and Paul. Turtwig and Pikachu stepped up, as the Electric Type greeted Electabuzz with a smile.
Electabuzz only greeted back with a smirk, remembering the time they worked together during the Team Galactic incident in Veilstone City. The four trainers faced the rival as Ash asked Paul.
"Did you have your Pastoria Gym challenge yet?" Ash asked. The cold trainer only ignored the question as he sneered. "I can't imagine why two losing Coordinators like you two would have any concern about Gym battles." Paul taunted.
That left the four trainers confused as the Pokémon all blinked in surprise. "Paul, what do you mean?" Dawn asked. "I saw the Wallace Cup." Paul answered, narrowing his eyes.
Ash grinned as he explained his reason of entering. "I entered the Wallace Cup, because Wallace, the Contest Master asked me to! He thought it would help Buizel's battle skills!" Ash explained.
"Bui bui!" The older Buizel agreed. That reason only left the Sinnoh rival smirking. "What's so funny? Do you have any problems with that?" Hikaru asked. Paul mdae his answer, looking at the two boys.
"Remember the Tag Battle Tournament I entered in Hearthome City?" Paul asked. "What does that have to do with this?" Hikaru asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Well, both you and Ash gave me a hard time, just because I did it to get my Pokémon in better shape for a real battle!" Paul explained. The explanation caused both Ash and Hikaru glaring.
"But that's exactly what the two of you pulled at the Wallace Cup! Get it!?" Paul snapped, shocking the Twinleaf boy, but angering the Kanto trainer. "What did you say!?" Ash demanded.
"Pika Pi!" "Mon!" Pikachu and Monferno called to their trainers. Dawn frowned, growing worried for Hikaru mostly, and Ash as well. "Brock... I smell a fight coming on..." Dawn replied.
Brock only stayed silent, frowning at the upcoming explanations. "When I was in that Tag Battle, the only thing I was thinking about was trying to win it! The only thing you were thinking about was how you could power up your own Pokémon!" Ash snapped angrily.
"Well, the fact is, that I DID win it, but the both of you didn't win the Wallace Cup, even if the two of you were facing against each other, didn't you? Another perfect example on how you two aren't that strong." Paul taunted.
"Care to repeat those words!?" Hikaru snapped. All six of Ash's Pokémon grew worried as four of Hikaru's Pokémon grew concerned for both Ash and Hikaru. Ash gritted his teeth, furious of the rival's words.
The Twinleaf boy meanwhile, was still quiet, but at the same time annoyed with the taunts that Paul has given. Both Dawn and Brock stayed quiet, as the female Coordinator did wanted to say something.
But, she kept it quiet, knowing that it would make the argument even worse. Ash started it off, reminding Paul of the three's goals together, but with different ways.
"Look, both of us have the same goals of winning the Sinnoh League someday, right!? And of course, all three of us want to defeat the Sinnoh region Champion, Cynthia, too!" Ash replied.
"Your point?" Paul asked, not sounding interested. "Once you had your battle with Cynthia, you told us to train our Pokémon the way we want to, while you do the things your way!" Hikaru reminded.
He wasn't done yet, as he clenched his fists. "And here you are, criticizing us for entering the Wallace Cup, thinking that we pulled the same stunt that you did, but that's where you're wrong!" Hikaru snapped.
Paul looked as if he was stiffed, but his face remained as the annoyed expression. "I guess, I did say that..." Paul admitted, remembering back the same day when he first met Cynthia as well.
Ash then stepped up, putting a hand on the Twinleaf boy's shoulder. "Yeah? Ever since we think about that time, the two of us had been thinking about what it means to be really strong!" Ash explained.
"To the two of us, being strong is about believing in our friends and trusting our Pokémon! I doubt that you would have the same idea, seeing that your methods of training is harsh!" Hikaru concluded.
All of Ash's Pokémon and Hikaru's four cheered, smiling happily at that explanation as Paul stayed calm.
"What Hikaru said! That's why we're both working so hard to make our Pokémon as strong as they can be! The way the two of us know how! We all have the same goals, but the way we do things, it couldn't be more different!" Ash explained.
That only left the Veilstone trainer smirking with a scoff. "You two can get sure worked up with all of that." Paul chuckled. "What!?" Ash snapped. Brock stopped the two boys, looking at Paul.
"Easy, Ash, Hikaru! Calm down." Brock reminded. Dawn placed her hand on Hikaru's shoulder as the Twinleaf boy remained calm at that. "Don't go too far at that, Hikaru..." Dawn replied.
"Didn't anything of what Cynthia said mean anything to you, Paul?" Brock asked. The Sinnoh rival opened his eyes, recalling of the words that Cynthia had said in Amity Square.
Flashback
Cynthia was explaining about the words in Amity Square, where the four trainers and Paul listened to after he had lost to Cynthia by forfeiting in the full battle.
"I'm sure, because of our meeting today, something powerful has been placed in each one of us. Something important. Something that will make us stronger, in our own ways." Cynthia explained.
Flashback End
Paul scoffed, making his choice. "That's not my thing." Paul replied. That left the group surprised as the Veilstone trainer began to leave. "We're wasting our time here." Paul replied.
That was when the Twinleaf boy made his request. "Hold on! This conversation wouldn't be a waste if I show you what we mean, Paul!" Hikaru snapped. Everyone looked at the Twinleaf boy in surprise.
Paul stopped, glancing at the Twinleaf boy. "Are you suggesting that we battle?" Paul asked. He didn't sound very interested at battling for a moment, as the Twinleaf boy explained his deal.
"What else do you think? I'm just saying that we'll see whose method and will is stronger, rather than chitchat it with words! The battle will be best out of three, with no substitutions allowed!" Hikaru explained.
Everyone looked at the Twinleaf boy and the Veilstone trainer as Paul stepped up. Electabuzz looked at his trainer as Paul said his words. "Don't expect me to hold back in our battle, then." Paul reminded.
Everyone widened their eyes at Paul accepting the challenge. "Believe me. I know all there is to know you in battle. So, I won't be holding back, either!" Hikaru assured.
"Ferno!" "Lux!" "Feon!" "Bui!" The four Pokémon cried in their agreements. "Hikaru... You're really going for broke, are you?" Dawn asked, concerned about her boyfriend.
"Electabuzz, standby." Paul called. Electabuzz nodded as he stepped up, facing the Twinleaf boy, waiting for his opponent. "Luxio, you ready for a rematch?" Hikaru asked. Luxio nodded as she ran, facing Electabuzz.
Dawn took out her Pokétch, accessing to the Coin Toss app. "Okay! The Coin Toss will decide the one who goes first!" Dawn called. "Okay then. I call heads!" Hikaru called out.
"Tails." Paul replied. "Coin Toss!" Dawn called. The coin flipped on the app, landing with a face of a Magikarp shown on the top. "It's heads! So Hikaru gets the first attack!" Dawn called out.
Hikaru: Luxio + 2 VS Paul: Electabuzz + 2
"Luxio! Start this off with Hidden Power!" Hikaru called. Luxio shot into the air, launching glowing orbs at Electabuzz. "Protect, Electabuzz." Paul called. A barrier formed around the Electric Type, defending it.
"Keep going with Iron Tail!" Hikaru shouted. Luxio dove down, slamming her tail at the Electric Type, who grunted in pain, skidding back to Paul. "Electabuzz, Brick Break, now!" Paul called.
The evolved Electric Type charged with the Fighting Type move as the Twinleaf boy got ready. "Use Thunder Fang to defend!" Hikaru shouted. Thunder Fang blocked the Brick Break, much to both Paul and Electabuzz's surprise!
"What!?" Paul snapped. "Whoa! Luxio used Thunder Fang to block the Brick Break!" Ash exclaimed. "Pika..." Pikachu replied, amazed. The other Pokémon of Ash were amazed, too.
Leafeon, Buizel, and Monferno all smiled, knowing that Luxio can handle things pretty well in a battle to defend. "In that case, use ThunderPunch!" Paul shouted.
Electabuzz zapped Luxio, who gritted her teeth in pain, her teeth still on Electabuzz's fist. "Stay strong, Luxio! Use Shock Wave!" Hikaru shouted. Electricity filled the whole battle, as everyone covered their eyes.
The bright light of electricity nearly blinded everyone as there was an explosion. As the dust cleared, both Luxio and Electabuzz skidded back to their trainers, both glaring at each other.
"I guess I can say you have improved a bit. But, let's see if you can withstand Electabuzz's power!" Paul called. Hikaru got ready as Paul called out the next attack.
"Now, Electabuzz! Use Thunder!" Paul called. Thunder shot towards Luxio as the female Electric Type got ready. "Use Shock Wave to counterattack!" Hikaru shouted.
Shock Wave and Thunder collided together, both creating an explosion. But, the two attacks for some reason passed each other, shocking both of the attackers! "Luxio!?" Hikaru gasped.
Paul only gritted his teeth as the Twinleaf boy started the next attack. "Okay then! Try this on for size! Hidden Power again!" Hikaru shouted. Luxio gritted her teeth, shooting out another Hidden Power.
"Use Brick Break!" Paul shouted. The evolved Electric Type jumped in the air, blocking the Hidden Power attack. "Pathetic." Paul mumbled. "You think!? Iron Tail!" Hikaru shouted.
Much to Paul's surprise, as Protect vanished, the female Electric Type slammed her Steel Type move at Electabuzz, who skidded back, gritting its teeth in anger. "Thunder, go!" Paul called.
Electabuzz shot the powerful attack as the Twinleaf boy called his signal. "Dodge it, quick!" Hikaru yelled. Luxio easily dodged Thunder, as the Twinleaf boy called for another attack.
"Now, use Hidden Power!" Hikaru called. "Use ThunderPunch!" Paul shouted. As Hidden Power was shot, Electabuzz took the hit, but still managed to slam its move on Luxio!
Both Electric Types roared out as there was another explosion. "Wow! That's intense!" Dawn shrieked. "Did Luxio win!?" Ash called out. Everyone watched to see who had won the battle.
As the dust cleared, both Electric Types were bruised, but were still standing as they both wobbled. Suddenly, both Electric Types fell at the same time, not being able to battle anymore.
"No, Luxio!" Hikaru gasped. Paul narrowed his eyes as he returned Electabuzz. "It's... a draw!" Dawn gasped. "That means that one of them has only one chance to win the next battle." Brock reminded.
Hikaru: 0 Wins
Paul: 0 Wins
The Twinleaf boy held his female Electric Type in his arms with a comforting smile. "Hey, sis. Are you okay?" Hikaru asked. Luxio responded with a weak lick on her human brother's cheek.
Hikaru smiled, rubbing her head. "You did well, sis. Get some rest as you watch. All your hard work won't be wasted!" Hikaru assured. The Electric Type nodded as she was helped by Leafeon, Monferno, and the little Buizel.
"Magmar! Standby for battle!" Paul called, summoning his new Fire Type. The Spitfire Pokémon appeared into battle, facing the Twinleaf boy. The four trainers grew surprised to the new Pokémon.
"So, that's the Fire Type Pokémon you used to replace Chimchar..." Hikaru grunted, gritting his teeth. He looked at his Playful Pokémon, who nodded back, his face filled with determination.
"Okay then. Monferno, you're up next!" Hikaru called. Monferno screeched in battle cry as he ran to face Magmar. "Magmar, use Fire Punch!" Paul called. "Use Flame Wheel, quick!" Hikaru called.
Both Fire Types shot their physical Fire attacks, slamming against each other. The two skidded back, as the rival called out his next attack. "Now, Magmar! Use Fire Spin!" Paul shouted.
"Monferno! Intercept it with Flamethrower!" Hikaru shouted. Both Fire Type attacks shot as the two exploded, leaving everyone blinded by the bad smoke. "Monferno! Try to see where Magmar is!" Hikaru coughed.
Monferno nodded as he looked around in the smoke as Paul called out the next attack. "Now, Magmar! Use Flamethrower!" Paul called. Magmar shot another Flamethrower attack.
The Twinleaf boy got ready, then. "Monferno! Counter with your Flamethrower!" Hikaru called. The two Flamethrowers cancelled each other out, leaving a hot air. "Whoa! Those two are intense!" Dawn shrieked.
"I don't think they're through with that, Dawn!" Ash reminded. "Mach Punch, Monferno!" Hikaru called. Out of the smoke, the Playful Pokémon punched Magmar directly on his jaws.
Magmar was sent flying to the air as it slammed on the ground. "Get up, Magmar! Now!" Paul demanded. The evolved Spitfire Pokémon grunted as it got up, as the Twinleaf boy called out the next attack.
"Now, use Mach Punch once again!" Hikaru called. "Use Fire Punch!" Paul called out. Mach Punch and Fire Punch met together as the two skidded back. The two Fire Types glared at each other, ready for more.
"Now, use Flamethrower!" Paul called. Another Flamethrower was shot as the little Fire Type took the hit this time. "Fire isn't going to beat us! Monferno! Fury Swipes to counter!" Hikaru shouted.
The Fire-Fighting Type leapt in the air, much to Paul and Magmar's surprise as the Playful Pokémon lunged at the Spitfire Pokémon. "We're not gonna fall for that. Use Fire Punch!" Paul shouted.
Fire Punch blocked Fury Swipes as Monferno skidded back, growling. "Magmar, use Fire Spin, go!" Paul called. Fire Spin gave the Playful Pokémon some damage as he gritted his teeth in pain.
"Monferno looks in a lot of pain right now!" Dawn gasped. "Chim! Chimchar!" Ash's Chimchar cheered for his pre-evolved form. The encouragement gave Monferno some fighting spirit as he repelled Fire Spin!
"Yeah! Keep it up, Monferno!" Ash cheered. "Now, Magmar! Use Fire Punch!" Paul called. Magmar aimed another Fire Punch as the Twinleaf boy got ready. "Mach Punch, go!" Hikaru called.
Both Fire Types aimed the physical type attacks again, but in Paul's startle, Monferno managed to dodge the Fire Punch, while slamming Magmar's head hard on the ground with Mach Punch.
Magmar tumbled onto the ground, as the Sinnoh rival glared at his Fire Type. "Stand, and use Flamethrower!" Paul shouted. "I don't think so, Paul! Use Mach Punch, Monferno!" Hikaru shouted.
Before a Flamethrower could be shot, the Playful Pokémon slammed its glowing fist at Magmar, sending it to the ground, knocking it out. Magmar groaned as Paul gritted his teeth.
He returned Magmar, muttering about dealing with it later sometime. "Hikaru did it! He won the second battle!" Dawn squealed. "Just one more win and Hikaru wins it!" Ash exclaimed.
"Chimchar!" "Pika! Pikachu!" Chimchar and Pikachu agreed. All of Ash's Pokémon and the other three of Hikaru's Pokémon cheered for both Hikaru and Monferno.
Hikaru: 1 Win
Paul: 0 Wins
"This hasn't been decided yet. Torterra, standby for battle!" Paul called, summoning his fully evolved starter. The Continent Pokémon appeared, ready to fight. Ash, Dawn, and Brock grew worried about this.
"Torterra... That means Paul is really starting to get serious with this." Brock reminded. "I wonder who Hikaru is gonna send out next?" Ash wondered. "Maybe Leafeon?" Dawn asked.
All the Pokémon watched as the Twinleaf boy slowly took out a Pokéball, summoning his own powerful Pokémon. "Since you're going big, deal with this! Dragonair, it's time for a battle!" Hikaru shouted.
The big Dragon Type appeared, facing Torterra with a determined glare. "Dragonair against Torterra, wow!" Ash exclaimed, amazed. "So, you use your next trump card, is it?" Paul asked.
The Twinleaf boy narrowed his eyes as he called out his attack. "Dragonair! Use Twister!" Hikaru called. Dragonair unleashed a Twister as the Veilstone trainer didn't even counterattack.
"What's Paul doing?" Dawn asked. Neither Brock or Ash answered as Twister made the hit. But, as it past, it looked as if Torterra didn't take a single damage! "Use Leaf Storm!" Paul shouted.
Torterra unleashed a powerful Leaf Storm attack as Dragonair braced himself. "Use Thunder Wave to defend!" Hikaru shouted. Electricity surrounded Dragonair as it nullified Leaf Storm.
"Wow! Dragonair stopped Leaf Storm with Thunder Wave!" Dawn exclaimed, amazed. Paul looked a bit interested with the defense, but kept the battle going. "Use Giga Drain!" Paul shouted.
Torterra shot the draining energy at Dragonair as Hikaru called out another attack. "Dodge, then use Dragon Rage!" Hikaru called. Dragonair swiftly dodged the attack and shot Dragon Rage at Torterra.
The Continent Pokémon took the hit, resisting it. "Now, use Dragon Tail!" Hikaru called. As the Dragon Type landed, it slammed its tail on Torterra's shell, as the evolved Grass Type withstood it again.
"Attacking like that won't do a thing. Now, Torterra! Hyper Beam!" Paul shouted. The Grass Type shot the Hyper Beam, blasting Dragonair into the air. "Oh no!" "It was a direct hit!" "No, Dragonair!" Dawn, Ash, and Hikaru yelled.
Dragonair slammed to the ground, struggling to get up. "Hmph. Just what good will encouragement do?" Paul demanded. "Encouraging can do many things! One thing that you lack!" Hikaru snapped.
Monferno, Luxio, the little Buizel, and Leafeon all cheered for Dragonair. All of Ash's Pokémon cheered for the weakened Dragon Type as well. Finally, it took the courage to face Torterra again.
"Use Twister, with Dragon Rage!" Hikaru shouted. First, Twister was blown. Then, multiple Dragon Rages made the hit on Torterra as it took some damage. "Use Giga Drain!" Paul shouted.
Torterra shot the Giga Drain which narrowly got Dragonair! "No! With that much power, Torterra's health will be restored!" Brock called out. "Quick! Use Dragon Tail, Dragonair!" Hikaru shouted.
Dragonair weakly slammed its tail at Torterra, slamming it to the ground. The ground shook as the dust blew in. Everyone covered themselves from the blow as both Hikaru and Paul looked to see who had won.
As the dust cleared, one figure fell to the ground, fainted. It was Dragonair. "No, Dragonair!" Hikaru gasped. Suddenly, being hit in the head twice, Torterra slumped down, fainting as well.
"What!?" Paul snapped. Everyone gasped, seeing that both Pokémon were defeated in a tie again. But, with one win standing, the Twinleaf boy had won the battle. "Two ties!?" Ash gasped.
"But Hikaru has got one win, at least, right? So, doesn't that mean..." Dawn asked. "That means my three chosen Pokémon and I have won the battle!" Hikaru sighed, falling to the ground.
Hikaru: 1 Win
Paul: 0 Wins
Winner: Hikaru
All of the Pokémon cheered as the Twinleaf boy got up, running to Dragonair. "Dragonair, you okay?" Hikaru asked. Dragonair weakly opened his eyes and nodded with a weak smile.
"Thanks to you, Dragonair, we won." Hikaru thanked. Dragonair let out a weak coo, while nudging his human brother's cheek with his nose. Hikaru smiled, rubbing Dragonair's head.
Everyone watched to see that Paul had returned Torterra with a scoff. "So, what do you think of us now?" Hikaru asked, glaring at his rival. Paul opened his eyes, making his honest answer.
"I guess I underestimated you a little. You're better than I thought you would be with your Pokémon." Paul answered, turning back to continue on his road. Ash widened his eyes as he called to his Sinnoh rival.
"Not so fast, Paul! Let's battle, too! I want to show you how strong we've gotten as well!" Ash demanded. Paul just ignored Ash's call and kept walking. Everyone watched as Paul began to leave, until Chimchar glared and stepped up.
"Chim! Chimchar!" Chimchar screeched at his former trainer. Everyone looked at the Fire Type in surprise as the Sinnoh rival stopped, looking back at his former Fire Type.
As a few seconds passed, Paul smirked in amusement, reconsidering Ash's offer. "Fine by me. How does three on three sound? Same rules apply to the last battle." Paul suggested.
"You got it!" Ash agreed. He ran to his Fire Type with a smile. "Hey, thanks a lot, Chimchar!" Ash thanked. "Chim." Chimchar replied with a smile, ready for a battle with his old trainer.
"Let's do it, everyone!" Ash called. All of Ash's six Pokémon cheered as well as Hikaru's five. "Don't get careless." Brock warned. "Take it easy and good luck!" Dawn replied.
"Go for broke, Ash. But, don't underestimate him." Hikaru reminded. "Okay! Don't worry! We can't lose!" Ash assured. "Pikachu!" Pikachu agreed, firing up with more of the determination.
To be continued...
Hikaru's Team:
Monferno: (M): (Flamethrower, Mach Punch, Fury Swipes, Flame Wheel)
Luxio: (F): (Thunder Fang, Shock Wave, Iron Tail, Hidden Power)
Leafeon: (F): (Magical Leaf, Shadow Ball, Synthesis, Iron Tail)
Buizel: (M): (Ice Beam, Aqua Jet, Swift, Water Gun)
Dragonair: (M): (Dragon Tail, Dragon Rage, Twister, Thunder Wave)
Kirlia: (F): (Psychic, Magical Leaf, Shock Wave, Teleport)
Next chapters:
Chapter 54: The Scorching Blaze!
Chapter 55: The Kidnapped Riolu! Pt. 1
Chapter 56: The Kidnapped Riolu! Pt. 2
Chapter 57: The Kidnapped Riolu! Pt. 3
Chapter 58: The Kidnapped Riolu! Pt. 4
Next chapter preview:
Hikaru: If that's your reason for tormenting us, then how about we show you our method of training!?
Paul: ... Hmph... Fine by me. Does a best out of three sound good?
Ash: You bet! Chimchar! I choose you!
Dawn: Show him what you're made of, Chimchar!
Ash: What the... Chimchar!? What is going on with you!?
Paul: So... Chimchar's Blaze has finally awakened... His true power...
