Author's Note:
Here it is, the second top four battle and its between Paul and Harrison. We get to see who'll be facing Ash in the finals, will it be the jerk or mentor? We also get a look in on the Chu-Brothers. I will say, this was probably my least favourite battle in the silver conference, and I can't see many people liking the outcome but there was one clear flaw I wanted to emphasis with one of the competitors. Don't forget to vote in the poll, it'll change when we get to the Hoenn arc and with that, let's begin!
Chapter 98: Silver Conference - Paul VS Harrison
Ash placed the collection of Pokéballs onto the counter along with his Pikachu. A Blissey dressed in a nurse's hat and apron on the other side of the counter, smiled and took the tray, placing them on a kart. His electric starter gave a small wave, curling up into a ball as he they were pushed behind the set of double doors.
Smiling at them as they disappeared from sight, he sighed in relief. Pikachu woke up on the walk over and didn't seem too bad, all things considered.
With his battle over, he set off towards the rooms where those rested after receiving care. Last he heard, that was where Harrison was hanging out before his battle started. Its where he spent most of his time since his battle with Calem. Walking down the corridor, he found the teen outside a room.
"Hey Harrison," he called out, "what's up?"
"Huh," he turned towards him, "oh, hey Ash. What's up?"
"Came to chat with ya," Ash smiled, "what about you?"
"Just checking on Blaziken," he sighed, "after that battle with Calem..."
Turning towards the window looking in on the medical bay. He saw the firefighting type lying on a bed. One arm was in a sling around his neck and a leg was in traction. Bandages surrounded most of his body as he slept.
"How is he?" Ash asked.
"It's worse than it looks, no broken bones but all his limbs were heavily strained from the multiple rounds," Harrison explained, "Nurse Joy said he isn't even allowed to train for two weeks and even then... it's not guaranteed that will be enough time."
"So, does that mean?" he asked.
"I can't use him against Paul," Harrison sighed, "but don't worry. I've got a good team ready for him."
"Well just be careful," Ash replied, "Paul is tough."
"I've met trainers like Paul before, they act tough and prioritise power," he smirked, "when faced with an actual strategy, however, they fall and hard at that."
"I've battled Paul before, Harrison," he replied, "taking him lightly will only-"
"Look Ash, I know his a major rival of yours and I know you've got some pretty strong Pokémon yourself," he replied, "but I think I can handle Paul, besides, after what he did to Sneasel. I'm going to humiliate him and prove how tough tricky strategies can be."
"Remember what I told you," Ash sighed, "Paul is tough and underestimating him is a mistake."
"Well... we better get going," he sighed, "don't want to be late to teach that purple haired idiot a lesson he won't soon forget."
Sighing, he followed behind the Hoenn native towards the entrance of the Pokémon centre. He found himself lagging behind as he thought about the battle ahead. He knew just how tough Paul could be when motivated and he couldn't help but think that the teen was making a big mistake.
Pulling out his Pokegear, he began texting away towards his friends for details on where they should meet up.
Ash sat down on the seat overlooking the stadium. His lap soon became occupied by his girlfriend, who wasted no time in getting into a comfy position as he looked around to see his friends like Misty, Brock, Miette and Calem. He had a hot-growlithe in hand as everyone else seemed to be settling down. Everyone else had their own food as well, from fries, to burgers or like his girlfriend, nachos.
The noisy stadium began to settle as the lights dimmed, making the field stadium out even more. Looking down on the basic dirt field, he watched the referee dressed in the traditional green scout's uniform walk out and take his place on the middle stand.
"Good evening ladies, gentlemen, children and Pokémon of all species!" the announcer's voice echoed among the cheering crowd, "this is the first of the two battles today, seeing which of our top four finalists shall be moving on from here! First today we have Paul Shinji from Veilstone city in the Sinnoh region!"
Looking down on the field, he watched the purple haired trainer walk out of the wing and onto his trainers' box. His hands were in his pockets and he was silent as he scrawled across the field. The crowd erupted but instead of cheers, there were boos and other shows of disapproval.
"Paul has proven to be a powerful force in the tournament with a cold and calculating approach to each battle," the announcer continued, "he hasn't won any major tournaments yet but that isn't a reason to underestimate him! Although it seems the crowd has already made up their minds, not that Paul seems to care! But now it's time to see his opponent, the pride of Hoenn! Harrison Hazuki from Littleroot town!"
The brown-haired teen shot out of the trainers wing and towards his trainers box. He was clearly agitated and already gripping a Pokéball. It appeared like he was ready to go ahead and just attack Paul while waiting for the battle to start... not that Ash hasn't considered it himself. Paul has a way to get everyone's backs up.
"And it looks like the field will be our ice field for the first half of this battle between our foreign competitors!" the announcer explained, as the field raised up between them, "so let's get this battle underway and pass it over to our referee for this match to explain the rules to our competitors!"
"This will be a six on six battle between our two trainers, either side can make substitutions at any point and there is no time limit. Both sides have registered their teams beforehand but can use them in any order they like," the ref explained, he raised his hand up to gesture to the score board above. The two images of Paul and Harrison took turns with a light flashed between the two images before ultimately landing on former's face, "and Paul shall reveal his Pokémon first. Once one side loses three Pokémon, we'll take an intermission and swap the field."
"Sneasel, stand by for battle!" Paul shouted, releasing his ice dark type.
In a flash of light, the bipedal Pokémon appeared on the ice field. He had a primarily bluish-black fur with three bright red feathers for his tail and a single large one on his left ear. The other ear was short and pointed, and he had narrowed red eyes. On his forehead and chest are yellow, oval markings. He had red eyes with black eyelash-like markings on the edges. He had long limbs with two large, retractable claws on his hands and feet. A confident smirk spread on his face as he slashed his claws together in a threatening manner.
"You read my mind," Harrison informed, holding his own Pokéball out, "go Sneasel!"
Opposite the ice dark type appeared another of the same species. However, this one had a smaller feather behind her left ear. She slashed her claws together in a much more aggressive manner, hissing threateningly. Ash pulled out his Pokedex to scan the two Pokémon down on the field.
Sneasel, the Sharp Claw Pokémon. Sneasel scales trees by punching its hooked claws into the bark. This Pokémon seeks out unguarded nests and steals eggs for food while the parents are away. They are known as some of the most fierce hunters in the wild.
"In case you forgot, Harry, we've already seen these two face off, in one sense of the word," Paul smirked, "you was there when I caught my own Sneasel, after all. I never would've thought you'd just hand me this first round so easily."
"You see, Paul, anger is a great motivator!" Harrison called back, "and after what you did, Sneasel here is ready to teach you that particular lesson!"
"We'll see," Paul lightly chuckled.
"And it seems we're starting off hot as a tense rivalry is shown between these two Sneasel!" the announcer explained, "it's unknown what history these particular competitors share but its sure to be a treat to watch it unfold! So, get ready folks!"
"Sneasel verses Sneasel," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"
Paul verses Harrison: Round one
He watched the two sharp claw Pokémon charge, both extending their claws out. It almost looked like ice skaters crossing the field. As they came in close quarters, they matched their claws and past each other.
Taking wide breaths, the two ice dark types skated back in for another attack. Paul's seeming to move a lot quicker.
He took a deep breath, releasing a large icy wind. It stuck the female Pokémon, causing her to almost halt completely.
Continue onwards, he slashed her with his claws. She crippled over as he skated away.
"Time to disappear!" Harrison called out.
Smashing her claws into the ice field, she disappeared out of sight. Paul raised an eyebrow as his own dark ice type continued to move.
"So, you actually got her to learn that move?" Paul scoff, "not that it matters."
His Sneasel began to glow with a dark outline. Shadow versions of other Pokémon formed over the field. Electivire, Raichu, Ursaring, Nidoking and Fearow.
"What can I say, she was motivated to beat you," Harrison shrugged, "and in case you forgot, ice is transparent to an extent. Beat Up won't confuse her."
As the male sharp claw Pokémon continued to skate around, movements could be seen under the ice. Although difficult to make out completely.
"Who said we was trying to trick?" Paul asked, "that's your wheelhouse. I'm here to win."
Cracks appeared on the ice and the female sharp claw Pokémon burst out. Whacking her claws towards her opponent who was caught as he skated away. The shadow Raichu appeared and knocked her sideways. Landing next to the shadow Electivire, the tails picked her up and sent her flying.
Before landing, she was caught in the talons of shadow Fearow. Completely changing her momentum must've disoriented her.
Dropping her down, she was hit by shadow Ursaring's claws, knocking her away. Getting caught by shadow Nidoking's horn as she smashed on to the ice.
Struggling to push herself up, all the shadow figures had since disappeared. A blur burst through the last one as it faded, revealing Sneasel.
Landing on top of his opponent, his claws raised up. Sun shining off the metal coating. Without mercy he brought it down on her head. Letting her drop down onto the field, he began to walk back towards his trainer.
"Harrison's Sneasel was unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winners of this round Paul and his Sneasel."
He felt a lump form in his stomach as he watched Harrison ruely returned his fallen Sneasel, holding the device close to his heart as he seemed to whisper a silent thanks to her. Clipping the device back to his belt, he followed the Hoenn natives lead and turned towards Paul. He already had a Pokéball out and was silently returning his own ice dark type. Putting the device away and resting his hands in his pockets.
"And Paul takes an early lead with the battle of the Sneasel!" the announcer explained over the mostly quiet crowd, a few whispers could be heard but nothing coherent, "but now it's up to Harrison to make his choice and he has seen the team Paul shall be using!"
"That was a risky play from Paul, but it might've done the trick," Calem explained, "by revealing his entire team through beat up, he has an intimidation factor that didn't have before. His goal is to throw Harrison off the here and now and worry about the later match ups."
"And Paul said he wasn't into tricking his opponent," Ash mumbled.
"Intimidation is hardly a trick," Brock interjected, "even just the ability. It normally belongs to the fierce brute species like Arcanine or Gyarados. Tricks, at least in a general sense are more a tune to types like ghost, dark and psychic. Hiding the intentions until it's too late."
"Either way, it's clear Paul doesn't plan on giving up his lead easily," Miette added, "just look. He didn't even wait to see if Sneasel would match up well against whoever Harrison chooses next."
"And I bet Paul only went with Sneasel first as a sacrifice play," Serena added, "he didn't care if he won or not, just a loose end to throw out when he goes first. But the question is, how will Harrison handle that?"
"Alright, it's your turn!" Harrison declared, holding his second Pokéball out.
In a flash of light, a bipedal bovine Pokémon appeared on the slippery field. Most of her body was pink, with a yellow belly and black, angular markings along her back. A black hood-like marking surrounded her face with a pink, triangular mark on her forehead. There were two smaller horns on top of her head. She had large, blue eyes, a black nose, and a wide mouth, as well as long, black, floppy ears. She had a yellow udder on her stomach with four pink teats. All four of her limbs end were black, cloven hooves, and her long tail, waving back and forth behind her was tipped with a black sphere. Despite facing one back at the Goldenrod city gym, Ash pulled out his Pokedex for a refresher on the normal type:
Miltank, The Milk Cow Pokémon. Miltank produces highly nutritious milk, so it's been supporting the lives of people and other Pokémon since ancient times. The quality of the relationship between humans and this Pokémon creates higher quality milk which is used in cheese and yogurt alike.
"Why would he go with Miltank of all Pokémon?" Misty asked, "she is hardly built for an ice field."
"Maybe not but she is only weak to fighting types, at least in terms of type," Brock explained, "and Paul just revealed he doesn't have a fighting type. It seems the safest option with having to go first."
"And don't forget how tough Whitney's Miltank was," Calem added, "whoever Paul uses next, it will have one hell of a time against her."
"Nidoking, stand by for battle!" Paul's voice echoed.
His large ground poison type slammed onto the ice field, creating cracks on the ground beneath him. He stepped forward and slammed his arms against his chest. The opposing normal type also stepped forward, but her expression seemed less battle ready, in all honesty.
"And now it seems we're in for a power battle between the these two heavy hitters!" the announcer explained, "so the question is, who will come out on top?"
"Nidoking verses Miltank," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"
Paul verses Harrison: Round two
He watched the normal type enter a slow run across the icy field. Despite not being agile, she didn't appear to have trouble on the slippery terrain. Curling up into a ball, she made a straight shot towards her opponent.
Slamming into the drill Pokémon, his feet slide against the ice as she pushed him. He grabbed onto her with both hands, using his tail to stop them both.
Lifting her above the ground, she uncurled as he let out a mighty cry. A pink outline surrounded her as she threw her weight down and began to assault him.
Her feet landed on his chest and knocked him off balance. Landing with a heavy thud, more cracks forming on the ice. She punched him a few more times.
"Is that all it got?" Paul asked, his drill Pokémon glancing at him, "I'm bored already. Finish this quickly."
Sparks scattered off his horn, shocking Miltank and bringing her to a halt. Forcing his fist direct into her stomach, she was sent flying backwards.
Smashing through and ice pillar, she skidded to a stop on her stomach. Slowly pushing herself up, the normal type reached down and took one of her four udders. Stretching it, she placed it in her mouth and began to drink. A healing light covered her body.
Nidoking scrapped a foot against the ice, taking off with a powerful momentum. Lowering his head, his horn lead the charge as it glew white.
Striking her in the chest, the udder was ripped from her mouth. Forcing her back he smashed her into the stadium wall.
She cried out in pain as he launched her overhead. Soaring through the air, she smashed into an ice pillar, landing flat on her back.
He stomped back over to his trainer, leaving cracks in the ice as he did. Paul silently recalled him without a single word. The ref moved closer and investigated the normal type Pokémon.
"Miltank is unable to battle!" the ref declared, "making the winners of this round, Paul and his Nidoking!"
He sighed in defeat as he watched the Hoenn native quietly recall his fallen normal type. Ash bite his lower lip as he held Serena tight. He wanted to get down there and yell and scream at the teen. He said he wouldn't underestimate Paul but so far, evidence points to the contrary.
"Calm down, Ashy," Serena's mental voice entered his head.
Relaxing his composure, he reminded himself he wasn't the one battling. Of course, whoever wins here will be the one he faces in the final. Unfortunately, for the Hoenn native, his team has already been pre-registered, so he could've lost already, if he truly didn't take Paul as a serious threat.
"And now it's your turn!" Harrison shouted, releasing his next Pokémon.
In a flash of light, a bipedal, humanoid Pokémon that had yellow skin. He had triangular ears with brown interiors, sleepy-looking eyes, and a large nose. On his neck, he had a rough of white fur, which wasn't too long. He had five fingers on each hand, with a pendulum dangling from the left hand. The pendulum resembled a flat, silver ring. Each foot had three-toes; a pink pad could be seen underneath when he stepped forward. Ash pulled out his Pokedex:
Hypno, The Hypnosis Pokémon. The final evolved form of Drowzee. Hypno holds a pendulum in its hand. The arcing movement and glitter of the pendulum lull the foe into a deep state of hypnosis. While this Pokémon searches for prey, it polishes the pendulum.
"Why would he go with Hypno of all Pokémon?" Misty asked, "it's hardly suited for an ice field."
"Maybe not," Brock answered, "but look at the field. After the heavy-weight battlers of Nidoking and Miltank, the floor isn't as stable as it was at the start. I bet he went with Hypno because he's the less likely to have the field collapse beneath him."
"But he's still at a disadvantage," Ash muttered, "I told him not to underestimate Paul."
"Why do you think he is?" Calem asked.
"Just look at his team, its seems to be those he caught in Johto or the orange archipelago," Ash exclaimed, "since Blaziken is out of commission, I bet he didn't want to risk his first competitors so they'd be ready for the final... but that is looking like his downfall."
"Sneasel, stand by for battle," Paul shouted as he re-released his ice dark type.
The two Pokémon walked forward onto the field, with one seeming ever more confident than the other on the slippery surface. From up in the stands, several cracks and outlines could be seen, as if to emphasise how damaged the field already is.
"Sneasel verses Hypno," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"
Paul verses Harrison: Round three
He watched the ice dark type set off across the field, once against skating on the slippery surface. Circling around him, Sneasel extended his claws.
Harrison's pure psychic type clenched his right fist shut, as it glew with fighting type energy. Reaching out, he attempted to punch his opponent in the face. Not fast enough to land his attack, he stumbled forward and off balance.
Using the opening, he slashed the back of the psychic type. Making distance between them, Sneasel skidded to a stop in front of the downed Hypno.
"Trap and attack now!" Paul shouted.
Raising a claw up, it shone in metal. Slamming it down, the cracks in the ice emphasised. They spread out across the field.
The hypnosis Pokémon attempted to run but wasn't fast enough. Under his feet, the ice crumbled, and he was caught in the ice-landslide.
Setting off once more, Sneasel sent out a concentrated icy wind. An ice platform formed under his feet as he soared over head. A black outline covered him.
As he circled overhead, shadow versions of Paul's team jumped out and down to Hypno. Each landing a devastating blow as the cries from the psychic type could be heard from beneath the carnage. As the last one faded, Hypno was revealed, kneeling over.
A psychic blast extended out. Sneasel seemed unaffected as the platform beneath him shattered. Falling down, he was pelted by hundreds of ice shards.
Smashing into the jagged ice ground in front of Hypno, the psychic stood up. His fist glowing once more, slamming it into the ice dark types back.
Balls of energy flew out of the sharp claw Pokémon and into Harrison's hypnosis Pokémon. Looking better by the second, Hypno stood tall and turned around.
He began walking away as the ref moved closer, clearly inspecting Sneasel's condition. However, he weakly pushed himself back up. Turning around, his claws extended out and he cried, charging towards Hypno. Filled with rage and aggression.
Turning on a heel, Hypno held his pendulum down once more. Spinning it side to side formed several bright light, filled with fairy type energy.
The beams burst out and struck Sneasel, who raised his arms to block his eyes. As more dazzling gleams hit their target, he was sent flying. Smashing against the jagged icy floor, he came to a stop. Flat on his back, covered in cuts and bruises with swirls replacing his eyes.
"Sneasel is unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winners of this round Harrison and his Hypno."
Ash felt himself sigh in relief as he watched the cold Sinnoh trainer recall his fallen sharp claw Pokémon. The none-chalant attitude really wound him up but maybe now that Harrison is taking back some ground, they could turn this battle back around.
"Heh, you sure seem happy with that bout," Paul's voice echoed, turning towards the field it was clear he was addressing his opponent, "do you honestly think I sent in Sneasel expecting him to win?"
"Why wouldn't you?" Harrison asked.
"I always come in with a deadweight, an easy switch who I can go on without," Paul explained, "the fact he took down your own Sneasel was a fault on your part more than anything else. You see, I found your weakness."
"And what might that be?" he asked.
"You didn't take me as a serious threat, you looked up my team and saw I started around the same time as Ketchum," he replied, "but the fact that I don't have a pseudo dragon or dinosaur like him, means you rated me as a stepping stone."
"And you considered me any different?" Harrison asked.
"No, I don't consider you on that level. Its why I didn't bring my most powerful Pokémon," Paul shrugged, "what I did do, however, was look up your team. I know Blaziken is out of commission, but I planned my team around your other Hoenn Pokémon. Since you didn't bring them, your already a step behind."
"I saw your Electivire, Paul, you can't fool me with that not bring your most powerful Pokémon," Harrison replied.
"Whoever told you Electivire was my most powerful Pokémon," Paul paused, locking eyes with his opponent, "lied. Fearow, standby for battle!"
In a flash of slight, the mighty normal flying type landed on the edge of the field, overlooking the creator where Hypno was stuck. Flapping his wings, he took off into the air, circling overhead like a predator watching prey. Ash felt nervous as he remembered their encounter back in Pallet.
"You can't scare me, Paul, Electivire has clearly been your finisher in every other battle and I do have a plan for him," Harrison confirmed.
"I'm not saying he isn't powerful, if he wasn't I would've sacked him just like that second-rate Sneasel you ended up with," Paul admitted, as a series of boos echoed from the stand, "just that I have one stronger and the fact you've underestimated me this far is proof that I was right to leave him out of this battle."
"And after a nasty back and forth between the trainers, it's clear Paul has lost what little support he had from the crowd!" the announcer explained.
"Fearow verses Hypno," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"
Paul verses Harrison: Round four
Watching closely, he saw a large barrage of ice shards fly upwards while covered by psychic type energy. A couple hit but Paul's Pokémon got the rhyme quick.
Fearow spun out of the way, entering a steep dive as his wings became covered in metal. The ice shards smashed against them.
Entering the creator, he slammed into the pure psychic type and knocked him to the ground. His body glew with a black outline surrounded his body as he straddled overhead. Attacking him with a furry of attacks, Fearow snatched the pendulum with his beak. Kicking off, he shot into the sky again.
"This is bad for Hypno," Brock muttered, causing the raven-haired boy to turn towards him, "they summon their energy through the pendulum."
"Like Alakazam and his spoons?" Ash questioned.
"And without it, most of his attacks are harmless," Calem summarised, "I bet Paul used Sneasel to see which attacks Hypno could use without his pendulum by getting up close. Seeing drain punch meant using Ursaring would only put him at a disadvantage."
"He really is two-steps ahead," Miette muttered.
Turning back to the field, he saw Hypno attempting to send more ice shards up with psychic energy. Only for a couple to fly upwards, a far cry from before.
Fearow effortlessly avoided them, quickly entering another steep dive. Opening his wings, they brought him to a stop over the hypnosis Pokémon.
He stumbled backwards as talons dug into his shoulders. With mighty gusts of wind blowing past his fur, he was dragged high into the air.
Reaching an apex, the normal flying type opened his wings to stop himself. Spinning he sent Hypno flying high into the sky, helpless to stop it. His beak glew white and he rapid fired drill pecks as the psychic type came back down on top of him.
Crashing into the ice field, Hypno was unmoving on his stomach. While Fearow landed in front of Paul, unflinching as a red light engulfed him.
"Hypno is unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winners Paul and his Fearow. We'll take a fifteen-minute intermission to give both sides a chance to reassess the second half as well as switch the fields!"
Leaning against the wall in the locker room, he glanced down to the ground type by his feet. The patter of footsteps could be heard, and he turned towards the source, to see Paul entering the locker room. His eyes narrowed as he stood in place.
"Ketchum?" he questioned, "what are you doing here?"
"I came to talk," Drake replied.
"Heh, came for tips on how to be a real trainer?" Paul scoff, "that's easy. Ignore the lessons that brother of yours corrupted you with."
"My brother? The one you will be facing in the finals?" he asked, "that's if you make it past this battle."
"Have you even been watching this match?" he asked, "the outcome was decided back before we even entered Silver town before the league. Harrison is just like that brother of yours. He sees me as nothing short of a power-hungry newbie and that is his downfall. The first half even went better than anticipated."
"Humble as ever," he coughed, "but we'll see if that relates back to when you face Ash."
"I'm not scared of your brother," Paul growled, "I already know what team he'll use and have a counter strategy ready for it."
"I don't think even he knows who he'll be using yet," Drake retorted.
"Well... I have more of two possible teams for him to use," he explained, "but one of them, he's unlikely to use."
"And why is that?" he asked.
"Because it's his strongest line up, and he's always tried to prove to me that any Pokémon can be strong. If he went with that line up then it would betray everything, he has tried to show me," he smirked, "but even still, I'll be taking my secret weapon, just in case."
"You still have to win here," Drake added.
"Heh, you sound concerned," Paul scoff, "I never would've thought of you as a supporter."
"I'm not, just making an observation," he smiled.
"Well, I have made an observation for myself," he replied.
"And what's that?" Drake asked.
"In the Indigo league, you tied with your brother after he got in your head and since you've been following his methods, you didn't even make it into the top eight, this time," Paul explained, "if his methods really worked then it would be you and me in the finals this time."
"A little flaw in your observation," he replied, "Ash has made it this far with his methods."
"Maybe but that was more luck than anything," Paul spat, "in the group stages, he was paired with two newbies. Then his top eight opponent was another newbie. He was practically handed the top four position on a silver platter."
"And what about Gary?" Drake asked.
"The one who beat you?" he smirked, "that's simple. Just like you, Oak has had his methods skewered by your brother. You just were affected sooner and thus fell further. No matter how much you try to deny it, you know what I'm saying is true. The sooner you realise that the sooner you can make it as a real trainer... rather than a little kid with a side kick following your heel."
"Maro Marowak!" the ground type cried out.
"We'll see about all that," Drake turned his back, "when you face Ash in the finals."
"And we're back!" the announcer declared, "we've already ran the dice, and the second half will be ran on a desert field!"
"Yeah, I guess we will," Paul replied, "but just so you know, the leagues are just a steppingstone for me. I have a much tougher challenge to overcome."
Glancing back, he saw the purple haired trainer making his way back towards the field. Sighing and relaxing his posture, he turned to his partner. As his main rival back when he first started, he hoped Paul could help him with his new plans on setting out to region by himself but after speaking to him... his head is in just as much of a whirlwind as before. What sort of challenge could Paul even be referring to?
"Come on," he told the ground type, shaking his head before looking forward, "we need to get out of here."
Ash rubbed his hand up and down her shoulder, feeling the goosebumps along her arm. Realising the evening weather was making her cold, he unzipped his jacket and struggled to slide it off. Wrapping it around her as she relaxed back into his embrace. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he placed a kiss on her forehead as she snuggled into him. Smiling, the lights down on the field burst open as the stands light faded, drawing in everyone's attention.
"Who do you think will win?" she whispered in his ear.
"If the first half is anything to go by?" Ash repeated, "it will be Paul. I warned Harrison not to take him lightly."
"I know you did," she nuzzled into the crook of his neck, "but look at it this way. At least you'll get to show Paul the error of his ways, yourself."
"Heh, I guess there is that," he smiled, placing another kiss on her forehead as he pulled her closer into the embrace.
Looking down on the field, he saw the referee already stood on the stand near the middle edge of the field, which was piles of sandy plains . Patiently waiting as both of the other trainers walked out to their respective trainer boxes. Paul looked cool and calm, his hands resting in his jacket pockets as Harrison looked far more agitated, a Pokéball already in hand as his eyes narrowed and locked on the purple haired opponent.
""The battle shall resume with the same rules as before," the ref declared, "as Paul started the first half with his choice, this time Harrison shall be the one to reveal his Pokémon first!"
"Now we're going to start the second round off right," Harrison declared, "so you're up."
In a flash of light, a bipedal, green reptilian Pokémon appeared. On either side of his head are yellow frills, which were connected by lines to his yellow lips and rings around his eyes. There were small ridges on his shoulders, and a red zigzag stripe around his midsection. The hands and feet had three short digits each, and he had yellow soles. A long skinny tail curled up in a spiral rested behind. Ash pulled out his Pokedex to scan him:
Kecleon, The Colour Swap Pokémon. Kecleon alters its body coloration to blend in with its surroundings, allowing it to sneak up on its prey unnoticed. Then it lashes out with its long, stretchy tongue to instantly ensnare the unsuspecting target. Its unable to change the zigzag pattern on his stomach.
"Kecleon are meant to be tricky," Brock explained, "Paul's gonna have his work cut out for him."
"I sure hope so," Ash sighed, "so far Paul has been controlling this battle."
"Fearow, stand by for battle!" Paul shouted, rereleasing his normal flying type. Soaring overhead, the bird let out a loud squawk that echoed around them.
"And Paul brings back his Fearow to hand the tricky Kecleon!" the announcer explained, "question is, will it be enough to handle the normal type even after his bout with Hypno? Or could this be Harrison's chance to turn this battle back around? Only one way to find out so hold onto your seat folks!"
"Fearow verses Kecleon," the ref declared, "let the battle being!"
Paul verses Harrison: Round five
He watched the large bird fly around as a light blue outline of psychic type energy. Speeding up incredibly, he dived down in a straight shot.
Kecleon dived forward, his tongue shooting out of his mouth. Its length was quite incredible as it touched the underbelly of his opponent. The zigzag pattern on his stomach glew, turning into the typical colour used for psychic type energy.
A powerful multicoloured beam shot out of his eyes and struck Fearow. Slowing him down considerably, he the wings shone in a metal coating.
Not stopped completely, Fearow drove through and slammed into him. The zigzag pattern on Kecleon's stomach turned into a metallic grey colour.
Grabbing onto the wing, the Colour Swap Pokémon climbed onto Fearow's back. Barely avoiding being smashed into a wall.
Kecleon crawled over onto his opponents back, extending both his tongue and tail to wrap around his opponent. They shot upwards at a steep ninety degree climb as it became clear, the normal flying type was trying to lose his passenger.
Paul glanced up at the two Pokémon, a smirk forming on his lips, "agility again!"
A light blue outline surrounded both Pokémon once more as they almost disappeared completely. It was clear that Fearow was trying to lose his passenger.
Electricity zapped both Pokémon as Paul's Pokémon let out a loud squawk. Kecleon began falling, the zigzag mark on his stomach back to psychic type energy.
"Why didn't he turned to electric type?" Miette asked, no-one imparticular.
"It's because he was the cause of it," Calem explained, "he was expelling that energy, so he didn't have change for his body to harness it. He has to absorb the blow then his body changes to the energies. When pushing it out as an attack, he can't absorb it or focus on manipulating his own structure.
"Pursuit!" Paul shouted.
Diving straight down, a black outline surrounded him. In the blink of an eye, he appeared below his opponent. Slamming his wing into the current psychic type, he cried out in pain as he went flying down and into a heap of sand. Out of sight.
With a loud squawk, the normal flying type took off once more. Moving much slower, static sparks jumped off his body.
Down on the field, the Colour swap Pokémon scuttered out of the sand hill. Looking disorientated. A red light shot into the sky and Fearow disappeared from sight, as Paul silently put the device away right now.
"Paul has recalled his Sandslash," the referee declared, "he must pick which Pokémon he wants to continue this match with."
Ash clenched his fist as he looked down at the field. He should be used to it by now but the none-chalant way Paul ignores his Pokémon's hard efforts still gets on the raven-haired boy's nerves. Shaking his head, focused down on the field.
"I would've thought you'd be angry that Fearow got paralysed," Harrison called out, "so determined to look good that you couldn't stand to see a second of your team fall."
"You really don't get me at all, you think you do but you just see a stereotypical angry trainer who prioritises power," Paul shrugged, "and that misjudgement is your downfall."
"What are you talking about?" Harrison asked.
"I don't care if one of my Pokémon falls, I would've Sneasel would've proved that to you," he replied, "I was already one up thanks to Sneasel proving effective against yours. So Fearow became my deadweight for this second half. I'll admit, your Kecleon was the Pokémon you have which I feared the most."
"How come?" Harrison asked.
"Because of the way it could change its typing, of course I did research, but I still had holes in my knowledge," Paul explained, expanding a Pokéball in his hand, "and that is why I started with Fearow. He had no specific reason to keep around, so I used him as a way to study our opponent. Because you failed to eliminate him while I collected my information, your one chance of stopping me has fallen through."
Harrison's nostrils flared as his eyes narrowed, if Ash didn't know any better than he would've ran across the field to just punch him in the face and forget about the battle. His fists were white as they clenched tightly shut, shaking in anger.
"And Shinji has claimed to already have won the battle," the announcer explained, among booing crowd, "clearly to the disapproval of the audience."
"Electivire, stand by for battle!" Paul shouted. On the sandy plains, the pure electric type appeared on the field. Stood tall as sparks expanded off his body. His fists slamming together as he let out a battle cry.
"Electivire verses Kecleon," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"
Paul verses Harrison: Round six
He watched the Colour swap Pokémon charge forward across the field. Turning invisible as he crossed the desert field.
Electivire let out a loud battle cry, his tails shooting overhead and sticking in the ground. Electricity engulfed his body, and travelled down the wire-like tails, which erupted through the field, sending sands and Kecleon flying backwards.
The once normal type had his zigzag stomach coloured with electric type energy.
Paul's electric type charged forward before either hit the ground. His fists covered in ice and he delivered a quick double punch. Sending him into the wall.
Crossing his arms over his chest, he charged forward and smash into his opponent. Jumping back, he watched the colour swap Pokémon slide down onto the floor, flat on his stomach with swirls replacing his eyes.
"Kecleon is unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winners of this round, Paul and his Electivire."
He watched the Hoenn native and relaxed into his sea. It was now a two verses five battle. Ash knew, deep down that it had already been decided. This would be difficult to come back from for anyone, let alone when against Paul... he tried to warn Harrison not to underestimate him, he really did.
"Heh, and here I though you wanted to avenge your Sneasel or whatever," Paul scoff, "you really are pathetic. I bet you couldn't even take down Electivire, let alone anyone else."
"I told you before," Harrison growled, "I have planned for your Electivire! So, you're up!"
In a flash of light, a large serpentine Pokémon with a silvery-grey body made up of rock-like sections, which held many chips from past battles. Three of those sections have long rock spikes coming out of them on either side. He had a massive head, mainly made up of his large, wide jaw with sets of large square teeth inside. Along his bottom jaw were two pairs of ridges. Several small, square lumps cover the underside of his lower jaw. His eye sockets are slightly deep-set, and the eyes themselves were red. His head had two long ridges going from the eyes up to the top of his head. The tip of his tail was conical with a blunt tip. Ash pulled out his Pokedex for a refresher, even though he could tell this one was far more battle-hardened than Brock's:
Steelix, The Iron Snake Pokémon. The final evolved of Onix. Steelix lives even further underground than Onix. This Pokémon is known to dig toward the earth's core. There are records of this Pokémon reaching a depth of over six-tenths of a mile underground.
"Why isn't Paul calling back his Electivire?" Miette asked.
"Because he wants to prove a point," Ash grumbled.
"What do you mean?" Calem asked.
"Think back, Harrison said he had a counter ready for Electivire," Ash explained, "Paul is already well ahead in terms of numbers so he wouldn't be concerned about losing him. And he could never pass up an opportunity to prove his dominance, even if he wouldn't risk his battle overall."
"That Paul is something else," his girlfriend's cousin muttered.
"Your tell me," Ash smiled.
"And now we a very unusual matchup between Electivire and Steelix!" the announcer explained, "but with him hardly being backed into a corner, one has to wonder what Shinji could be planning."
"Electivire verses Steelix," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"
Paul verses Harrison: Round seven
He watched the large iron snake Pokémon roar. A powerful dark blue flame-stream shot out of his mouth and engulfed his opponent.
Electivire shot out of the dragon breath. Electricity surrounding his body as he charged across the field. Leaping from the floor, he crossed both arms over his chest as they glew white. An x shape forming in front of him. Smashing into his opponent's chest with a powerful cross chop.
The steel ground type cried out in pain, his tail coming up to swat the electric opponent away. Diving down, he disappeared under the sandy field.
Landing on one knee, Paul's Thunderbolt Pokémon closed his eyes and held a hand against the floor. His eyes burst open and a protect shield contained him.
Erupting out of the earth, Steelix sent the protected opponent high off the ground. His mouth wide open with dark type energy as Electivire fell towards him.
Somersaulting as he fell, he held an arm out which glew with fighting type energy. Brick breaking the top of his opponents, it forced the mouth to close and cancel out the crunch as he began running down the long metal body. Leaping near the bottom he skidding on the sandy field.
A metal tail swung around and swept Paul's thunderbolt Pokémon up off the ground. Wrapping his body around him, the electric type struggled to escape.
Lifting him high off the ground, Harrison's steel ground type loomed overhead. Taking a deep breath, he launched another close ranged dragon breath.
Disappearing from sight, the thunderbolt Pokémon cried out. A series of lightning strikes expanded out, and while the iron snake was unaffected, it blew away the dragon type attack.
Being lifted higher up, Steelix let out a loud victorious cried as he slammed Paul's partner down onto the floor. Bouncing off the ground, he scrapped to a stop.
"Get up," Paul growled.
The pure electric type pushed himself up with his arms, growling in anger. An iron tail slammed down next to him, pushing a pile of sand onto him.
"And it seems like Hazuki is making a comeback already!" the announcer explained, "question is, what is Shinji planning against this obstacle!"
"Enough playing!" Paul commanded, "end this now."
Lightning bolts erupted out of the sand pile, Electivire shot out with incredible speed. He fell down into a skidding slide with his foot leading.
Steelix attempted to dig back underground. Being hit on his underside, he slammed down into the sand as the thunderbolt Pokémon stood back up.
Jumping from the sand pile, he ran across the top of his down iron snake. His fists burst with electricity as he jump down. Scrapping his fist against the rough terrain, the electricity burst into flames. In one swift movement, he jumped back up onto his opponent, using the fire to light up his second fist.
Harrison's steel ground type weakly tried to raise himself back up.
With a mighty jump, delivered a flurry of fire punches onto the top of his head. Forcing him down into the sand once more, he leaped overhead and landed directly in front of him. He powered through with another fiery assault direct to his face.
Jumping from his position, he did a full spin overhead. Crossing his arms in front of him, he fell down onto the head once more.
Harrison's ground steel type cried out in pain as his opponent rolled off. While his opponent walked towards his trainer, the iron snake Pokémon fell forward with swirls in his eyes.
"Steelix is unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winners of this round Paul and his Electivire."
Ash could only watch with disappointment as his purple haired rival, callously recalled his pure electric type. While Steelix seemed to have the edge a few times, it was obvious that the Sinnoh native was just testing it. Clearly attacking his opponents head to increase the damage dealt
"And now Hazuki is down to his last Pokémon, while Shinji still has five remaining!" the announcer explained, "and while two of his Pokémon could be classed as battle weary, it's clear he has plenty of options left for the final match up!"
"I thought you had a plan ready to handle Electivire!" the snide voice echoed out, "you truly are pathetic. A shame your Blaziken got you a place in the quarter finals. Would've been better going to someone actually deserving of the placement, rather than an orange league, second place wannabe."
Harrison was stood next to his ground steel type, whispering comforting words whilst rubbing his head. He quietly recalled him and walked his way back towards his trainers box. Switching devices on his way, he was tightly gripping his Pokéball, shaking in anger.
Ash couldn't help but shake his head at the turn of events. It's clear Paul just wants to end this battle quickly and the fastest way to make that happen is angering the opponent so they can't focus. It's not to different from how Pikachu uses his sarcasm in battle. While its highly unlikely Harrison could make a comeback from being this far down, even if he had Blaziken as an option, but when angry... that is throwing away any chance he might've had.
Harrison silently tossed his Pokéball and his last team member appeared on the sandy field. A quadrupedal, canine Pokémon whose fur was mainly black with a long orange snout and an orange underbelly, barely visible as the camera circled around for the large screen. He had small, red eyes and a black nose. Around his neck was a white band with small, skull-shaped pendant on his throat. There were two white bands on each of his ankles, as well as three rib-like ridges on his back. He had a long, skinny tail with a triangular tip and three clawed toes on each paw. On top of his head was a pair of long, curved grey horns. Despite knowing his own, Ash felt compelled for a refresher in case he got any new information:
Houndoom, The Dark Pokémon. The final evolved form of Houndour. In a Houndoom pack, the one with its horns raked sharply toward the back serves a leadership role. These Pokémon choose their leader by fighting among themselves.
"Aww, not up for a chat?" Paul asked with a sarcastic snarky undertone, holding his device out, "guess this will be over quicker. Nidoking, standby for battle!"
"You can feel the anger radiating from the audience, let alone Hazuki and his Houndoom," the announcer explained, "even if the outcome of the battle is clear, by this point, it's obvious who the audience is supporting despite the score board!"
"Nidoking verses Houndoom," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"
Paul verses Harrison: Round eight
He watched the dark fire type run across the desert field. A black blur being the only thing to make him out.
Paul's ground and poison type slammed a foot down on the field. A crack expanded out and erupted in earth and heat under the dark Pokémon.
His eyes burning red with rage, Houndoom seemed unfazed by the earth power. Leaping the last distance, he slammed into his opponent, biting down on his arm as the drill Pokémon pushed him away. Landing on his side, he rolled over and back onto his feet.
Charging forward, the king stomped across the ground, his horn leading the attack as it extended and glew white. A power barrier forming around it.
Flames struck him head on, but he seemed unfazed. Smashing through the source, he sent Houndoom flying into a nearby sand pile.
Letting out a victorious roar, he held his hands above his head. Cheering himself on. A snide growl drawing his attention to the dark type pushing himself up.
Unamused by the persisted opponent, the drill Pokémon slammed his fists together. A wave of purple sludge erupting out of him and creating a toxic pool with him at the heart. Harrison's canine being caught in the blast and struggling to make his way out.
Stomping across the sludge wave remains. Nidoking picked his opponent up by the scruff of his neck, holding him with one arm extended out.
He launched another flamethrower. It struck the ground poison types chest, but he just chuckled at the efforts. Winding his other fist back, it glew white with fighting type energy. Without mercy, he delivered the focus punch direct into Houndoom's stomach and sent him flying across the field. Rolling to a stop in front of his trainer with swirls replacing his eyes.
"Pathetic," Paul muttered as a red light engulfed his ground poison type.
He cast a look at the ref, who moved closer towards Harrison's Pokémon. Briefly closing his eyes, he raised a flag in the opposite direction.
"Houndoom is unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winner of this battle and the trainer moving on to the final, Paul Shinji from Veilstone City!"
Pushing up from the hospital bed he found himself looking out of the nearby window. He remembered Nurse Joy wanted him and the others for an overnight observation, which is why Ash isn't here right now. A full circular moon covered the night sky above, stars scattered around it, like some sort of tribe dance taking place in the outer atmosphere.
A stray bolt of lightning shot up across the display.
With his attention drawn, he closed his eyes. Feeling a familiar static across his cheeks, he quickly realised the source of that attack. Jumping out of bed, he pushed the window open and climbed out. He'll be able to easily sneak back in but right now he has to meet someone.
Running across the crisp-icy ground he entered the treeline. It didn't take him long, following the electric static in the air to find his way to a clearing next to the Silver town lake. It was really quite breath-taking. The crunching of a twig alerted him to a presence from the side. Turning towards the source, he saw his long-lost brother stepping out of the shrubbery with a less than pleased expression.
"Hey," he muttered, giving a small wave.
"So, you showed up?" he spat.
"Did you call me here just to argue?" Pikachu asked.
"No," he grumbled, turning his back, "just to let you know that not everything is forgive. When I get the chance, I'm going to break that smug face of yours."
"Look, I don't know what set this of tonight but-"
"That friend of your trainers, Harrison," Raichu growled, "after the battle, Paul made it clear he wasn't making the mistake he made in the battle. Anyone with an emotional attachment to either your trainer or one of his Pokémon are benched from the final match. Meaning both myself and Fearow."
"I'm sorry brother-"
"I'm not your brother!" he flipped around and launched a powerful thunder into the night sky. Scaring off some nearby roosting Hoothoot, "you made that decision back when you ran off."
"I was trying to lead our dad away," Pikachu sighed, "and..."
He paused, wondering if he should really tell him about the adventure, he took with Celebi and the fate of their dear old dad. According to the time traveller, it was something that always happened so his brother wasn't in any real threat of their father... but it likely wouldn't help and he doesn't want to be remembered as the one that killed his own parent... even if that parent was a monster. Whatever happens, he'll make sure to never turn when he ends up having kids.
His eyes widened in fear, increasingly glad Sylveon wasn't an Espeon. Just imagine what she would've done if she knew he was thinking about such things.
"And what?" Raichu's voice dragged him back to reality, "and you were too scared. So, you left me alone to face him whilst you ran."
"It-"
"I've heard it all before," his brother began walking away, "I look forward to seeing you put in your place in the final. You and that pathetic human you call a trainer."
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...