AN: Chapter 1 changes were mostly about updating the Paul character that had a rocky start, adding some foreshadowing and some other stuff. Most of it was kept relatively the same. Other chapters will come with some updated words and more concise formatting. There will be notes in the chapters for plot changes if it comes to that.
Tournament chapters always take me a while. I hope to release chapters faster next time. Any comments, critiques, or otherwise, please review. I have a method to my madness.
I will likely in the future omit some actions depending on how important it is. The three big things to tackle are building Paul's team, Team Galactic, and the Pokemon league, so the daily life won't be as worth telling in my eyes. It's gyms, the other 2 Sinnoh movies (not including the Zoroark movie), a few adventures sprinkled in between and the rest from here on out! I hope you enjoy the ride.
Hearthome City was very busy today with hustle and bustle all around despite its relatively serene atmosphere. The reason for that? The Tag Battle Competition.
Hearthome City had its attractions and when those were happening, you could really tell that that it was a place thriving with people and Pokémon.
"Terra, Terra!" my ringtone went off, revealing a message from Hilda. She's by the local department store it seems. I wasn't far, seeing as that particular store is placed strategically near the arena for the competition.
Strolling into the big blue store that I was familiar with, my eyes were drawn to some of the pokeballs on sale. They were still a little expensive, but some Quick Balls or Timer Balls might be worth buying. I scooped up a few to buy and then stood in line,
Wait… that person in front of me. I recognize that ponytail. "Didn't think we'd meet while in line, I said," drawing attention to myself as she jumped in surprise at my words.
"Paul? I didn't think you'd get here so fast! I was going to wait for you to get here after I resupplied." Her energy was high as usual. She must be really looking forward to the competition. Knowing how competitive she was when we first battled, she probably wants to see how much I've improved.
As we bought our supplies and exited the store, she handed me a card. "Here's your proof of entry. I took the liberty of signing you up when I had the chance."
"What if I didn't show?" I said, raising an eyebrow in surprise. Maybe she was a little too enthusiastic about this.
Then the next time you'd see me wouldn't be a pleasant experience," she said, smiling, but giving off a threatening aura.
I snorted. "Was our last meeting pleasant?" I asked before regretting the jab as her threatening aura increased. I didn't react out of fear, but I did hold my hands in surrender for her to stop.
Hilda's expression lifted as her curiosity beamed over her victim, me. "Any changes to your team? My Pokémon have been training hard for a rematch you know. I've also caught a few new friends recently."
"My team is vastly different from when we battled in Celestic Town. You better be prepared for a beatdown if we battle today." Thinking back, my team really has changed a lot from then. The gap between my new Pokémon and my old ones is shortening. There are a few weak links that need to get stronger though. Speaking of which-
"That Pokémon egg you won must've hatched by now," Hilda said, her face thoughtful before turning into a smirk, "Well? What Pokémon came out?"
It's not a secret or anything, but for some reason, I don't really care to tell her. "Let's just say it's a secret weapon."
"Secret weapon?" Hilda said, blinking owl-eyed as realization creeped. "Aww come on. You can tell me!"
I shrugged at her plea and instead walked on. "Come on. It's almost time for the competition's opening."
Hilda muttered a few words that I didn't catch before following along.
(-)
"So it all begins here," I said, looking around the arena. This was the turning point for Chimchar, but that wouldn't happen this time around. Not by a long shot.
"What did you say?" Hilda asked, not quite hearing me.
"Nothing," I muttered, pushing away those thoughts. Things are different now. "So, are you planning on taking your tag team partner to the end?"
"Hopefully, my partner is as competitive as I am. It'd be a real shame to have someone who doesn't really care about winning on my team. I don't want to do all the work in a tag team battle. Then again, you'd probably take your partner to the end even if they were kicking and screaming."
"Ha. I can only hope my partner doesn't slow me down, but you have a point." I should take this as an opportunity to get some extra training for some less experienced Pokémon. While this is going to be harder to win with Hilda likely battling against me, the competition here wasn't going to be as hard as a gym battle.
At this point a crowd of trainers have been gathered. Everyone in the arena was bursting at the seams with excitement.
"IT'S BATTLE TIME!" the announcer said, cueing the audience to cheer and clap. People from all over Sinnoh were here and most of Hearthome City.
The MC opened the competition with the usual pleasantries. The mayor was very enthusiastic to present the main attraction of his city. I wonder if he was or is a Pokémon Trainer.
As the famed "City where hearts meet", or so the mayor is saying, this three day event is supposed to bring random trainers together to cooperate as one. Honestly though, if I wanted to, Torterra could battle by himself and win the whole thing.
I have other plans though…
The mayor went through the explanation about the battling blocks and how the partner is the corresponding number. My registration card happened to be 1 and my partner was number 26.
"Oh, that's a shame. You're not 18," Hilda said, looking over my shoulder.
"And you're not 26," I said, noticing the 7 on her card. Looking up at the brackets, it looked like we were on the opposite side of each other. "You better make it to the finals with your partner. I want a good battle."
"The same goes for you," Hilda said, winking before running off to find number 26. I should do the same. I'm not adding to this shouting match though.
"Where are you, 5?" a built tall man shouted. Hmm, number 26 isn't being shouted over here.
"12, I'm over here!" a sporty girl yelled. Neither over here.
Everyone was holding up their cards and soon, most people were finding each other. My eyes scanned the arena for the number 26. Catching a glance of it, I soon realized who my partner was. With a Piplup in her arms, the Blue-haired beanie-wearing girl just so happened to be holding up 26.
Oh you have to be kidding me.
She looked left and right before her eyes fell to me. She blinked twice before pointing her card at me. "You're my partner?!"
This is going to be a pain in the neck, isn't it? "By the looks of it," I said flatly. Her Piplup was not impressed with my answer as he huffed. We're going to have great chemistry I'm sure.
"Hm, I have to say I didn't even know you were here. I'm just so surprised," Dawn said.
"I flew in. This is a popular event and is a good chance for my Pokémon," I said, my attention drifting to the mayor who was addressing the crowd.
"And so, the team that emerges victorious will receive an award that will be sure to connect trainer and Pokémon even more! Our grand prize!" He announced, showing off twin bells that chimed a sweet melody. The Soothe bell, a rare item indeed.
"Yes, the Soothe Bell which brings peace and joy to all who hear it! This will be the grand prize for the tag battle winners!" He put his arm down along with the bells as he went into the relevant details.
"The battle festivities don't begin until this afternoon, so until then, be sure to test your synergy with your tag partner!" With those words, he left us to strategize. We didn't have that much time left until the battles would begin though, so at most, we were going to get to plan verbally, so our Pokémon are going to have to work with another on the fly.
"Uh, I guess we should come up with a strategy then. Do you have any ideas, Paul?" Dawn asked.
Hmm, Dawn is likely going to use Piplup and while Piplup is powerful, he needs proper setup to perform well. In that case, "My Pokémon will be taking the lead to take the attention. Yours can hang back and counterattack. If any trouble comes up, we should back each other up." I wasn't saying anything too specific here, but given who our opponents could be, this game plan might go out the door immediately.
Dawn hummed as she thought about it. "Sounds like a plan! I hope you don't suddenly forget my name in the heat of battle though," she said, giving a grin.
Geez, she's bringing that up again? This better not be something she tries to hang over my head about. I couldn't help the huff that came out as I waited for our match.
We were in the B block, so we were slated for after A block where our future competition, a Mothim and a Houndoom won their match. E block also went with nothing notable. They were going to face Hilda and her partner in the next match anyway, so I had a feeling they were not going to be a future threat to Dawn and I.
And so it was finally our match with the MC opening the match up with lots of energy.
"Now it's time for our third match! Remember, our trainers can only use one Pokémon with no substitutions! Trainers release your Pokémon.
Our opponents were the pair of a young-looking boy and an older gentleman who looked prepared for hikes. This might be presumptuous, but I think the Pokémon I have planned here can do it. Even if he might stumble slightly, Piplup will be there to help.
They released a plant-cloak Wormadam and a Machoke. Hmm, while grass types could cause some trouble for our team, Wormadam in particular doesn't have a lot of those despite the typing. Machoke also won't be a problem.
"Trapinch, stand by for battle!" I said, releasing him. He may be new to battling, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been watching or training. He's ready for this!
"Piplup, spotlight," she said, releasing her friend. For some reason Piplup was put back into his ball just to be released again? Maybe this is a coordinator thing.
"Battle begin!" the mayor announced.
The young boy hastily ordered his Wormadam into battle. "Use Psychic, Wormadam!" Wormadam's eyes were on Piplup, so it was my job to get it on Trapinch.
"Sand Attack, now!" I commanded. Piplup was picked up by the Psychic attack before quickly falling back down. The sand thrown by Trapinch picked up and flowed through the air, irritating Wormadam's concentration.
Dawn looked ready to counterattack. However, whatever that Machoke has in store will need to be countered by Piplup. "Wait just a moment," I said to her at a volume our opponents wouldn't hear. "Trapinch, use Bite on Wormadam!" I called out, allowing for Trapinch's slow run to Wormadam.
Machoke's trainer quickly attempted to capitalize on this as expected. "Machoke, stop that Trapinch with Cross Chop!" Machoke, much faster than Trapinch, jumped through the air, crossing his arms in preparation for attack.
Trapinch wouldn't be able to dodge. Thankfully, he doesn't need to. Looking over at my partner, she was already giving her command. "Piplup, cover Trapinch's advance with BubbleBeam!" Machoke, having overextended, couldn't avoid the onslaught from Piplup, freeing up the way for Trapinch.
Wormadam's trainer wasn't going to take a Bite sitting down though. "Energy Ball, now!" Wormadam, feeling the pressure charged its attack, but Trapinch was already narrowing in.
"Keep going, Trapinch!" I called out as Trapinch opened those powerful jaws. Wormadam's Energy Ball was just fired off and it fell into Trapinch's jaws, seemingly being swallowed. Trapinch's mouth was clenching over a distressed Wormadam. Trapinch shook around his captive attempting to subdue it.
Machoke's trainer wanted to put an end to this. "Get Wormadam free, Machoke, with Karate Chop!" the man commanded. However, Machoke wouldn't make it in time. There was a bigger threat in the form of a small penguin Pokémon.
"Piplup, use Whirlpool!" Dawn called as her Pokémon ran up and jumped only to form a big pool of water at the tip of its beak before firing it in the trajectory of Machoke.
Machoke's speed wasn't to be underestimated though as it could very possibly dodge it entirely. I wasn't going to let that happen!
"Trapinch, throw Wormadam!" I said. Trapinch understood my intentions as he tossed Wormadam with his powerful jaws towards Machoke.
Machoke was pinned as its flying exhausted partner stopped his pace, knocking him off slightly. Just enough for Piplup's Whirlpool to hit, sending the both of them flying.
The two landed hard, prompting the referee to call it. "Wormadam and Machoke are unable to battle. The winners are Piplup and Trapinch!"
Piplup looked especially pleased with himself, puffing his chest out while Trapinch had his eyes shining in excitement. This was his first battle, so he's likely glad to win it. The crowd roared in applause and the MC followed up with some congratulatory words.
"That. Was. Great!" Dawn enunciated, clapping her hands together as she celebrated. "Good work, Paul!"
I nodded and replied, "You did your part well," Trapinch being the looming threat over their team allowed Piplup the freedom to do whatever Dawn wanted. Trapinch at this point doesn't have the strength to take the two of them so Dawn's inclusion was necessary.
Meeting Trapinch's eyes, he understood my feelings as I returned him to his Pokeball. "Rest up."
I started to walk back to the Pokémon Center, but I was stopped by a certain Bluette. "Leaving already? Don't you want to have a look at our competition? It doesn't look like Brock and Ash have fought yet and we could strategize more. We made a pretty good team, you know!" Dawn said energetically.
I doubt there'd be much strategizing so much as cheering her friends on. Not that I mind, but… "There's going to be a lot of battles before everyone's done. I'm taking a break at the Center. There'll be plenty of time to strategize after the battles."
If I were being honest with my feelings at the moment, I'd race off to the Pokémon Center and would immediately crash. I'm still out of it from flying so far on Straptor's back. I do need to see how one trainer is doing and I'm not talking about Ash.
(-)
After a well-deserved break, it was about time for me to get back to the arena. The Pokémon Center thankfully had a TV to the broadcast of the Tag Team Tournament, so I didn't miss out on much. Brock won his match with his impressive Sudowoodo. His partner was an older girl who is strangely familiar. I'd imagine Brock is happy with his partner even if her flying Pokémon aren't that strong in comparison.
Brock's power and skill as a gym leader should not be underestimated. I battled his father, Flint and he was a challenge without proper preparation.
"Back from your break?" Dawn asked, breaking me out of my thoughts while she stood holding Piplup on the sidelines with Brock and his partner.
I nodded, "Trapinch has a clean bill of health." I looked over to the battle they were facing and to my dreadful surprise, Ash was battling.
…with Hilda. This has to be a joke! I have to face the two of them with her? My eyes shifted to Dawn who seemed taken in by the fight. She's a new trainer with a Piplup that won't evolve and has Whirlpool as his strongest move. I have to carry her to victory against Ash, who is steadily gaining in both strategy and power, and Hilda, who is the rival of the Unova champion.
Hmph, it's not impossible. Ash isn't exactly using his Charizard here. His Pikachu is limited despite its power. Hilda is using a Hippopotas, a new addition to her team by the looks of it. And yet, this annoyance persists.
"Ash and his partner are making quick work of their opponents. I'm surprised by how well that Hippopotas is taken care of," Brock commented.
"Is it that great? I can't tell that anything is different," said Brock's partner.
"You can see it in the claws and the snout. Hippopotas' nostrils are important for blowing sand away when needed and its claws are well-groomed and refined despite how blunt they are," Brock explained.
His partner was very impressed by his knowledge.
Yeah, that Hippopotas was a juggernaut. Pikachu was able to work well with it in both movement and moves.
Ash and Hilda's opponents were defeated pretty soundly, gaining a big cheer from the audience.
"What an exciting match! I hope the next one will show just as much synergy between tag partners," the MC commentated. Even my match didn't get that kind of response.
Ash and Hilda congratulated their Pokémon and then headed over in this direction.
"So, what'd you think of Hippopotas, Paul?" Hilda asked me, surprising Dawn and the others.
"You know Paul too?" Ash asked.
"You know Ash's partner?" Dawn asked.
"Hilda is a competent trainer I've fought before in a small tournament. She invited me here for a rematch," I explained.
"Competent? I guess that's as much of a compliment I'll get out of you," Hilda commented. She'd be right on that point.
"Uh, am I missing something?" Brock's partner asked.
Brock coughed and then said, "I guess introductions are in order. Holly, these are my friends, Ash, Pikachu, Dawn, and Piplup." They all waved and gave their greetings.
"As you've heard, my name's Holly," Holly followed up.
Hilda laughed, "I guess I should introduce myself as well. Hi, I'm Hilda, a trainer of Unova."
It seemed like everyone was then looking to me for my introduction as well. Why? Holly already heard my name and she and Hilda are the only ones that need introductions.
Dawn interjected, "He's Paul, unfortunately my tag partner." If you ask me, I'm the unfortunate one. Why couldn't she become a team with Conway again? Speaking of him, where is he in this tournament? Well, at any rate, he's not really a threat. If you disrupt his strategy, he falls apart.
"Make sure to bring your best tomorrow, Dawn," I announced before walking off again. Trapinch could use some training.
"I have a feeling, I know what he's doing," I could hear Hilda say.
"He's not building our teamwork," Dawn grumbled. Her frustration seems strangely intense.
As I walked on, I couldn't hear them anymore, but if I had to guess, I'd say Hilda is on to me about training Trapinch. This is going to be tough.
(-)
The next morning of the tournament was surprisingly quiet. The next section of the tournament wasn't scheduled until 10:00 so everyone had plenty of time to get ready.
I happened to wake up early. I took that as a sign to work on some moves for Trapinch. I used every Pokémon I had that could teach Trapinch a move. While Trapinch took to some moves, he was still getting used to battle. I might need to adjust for that.
As I lightly trained with Trapinch, I didn't notice a figure quietly watching on the side. "I thought you weren't a morning person like me," Hilda said.
I didn't jump, but I was surprised by her interjection. "I'm still not naturally a morning person, but it's the best time to prepare for a trainer's day," I said. Hilda shrugged at that claim. "I didn't think you'd scout the competition so… blatantly."
"Oh please," Hilda smirked, "You don't think I honed in on your Trapinch the moment I saw you command him yesterday? Maybe I haven't seen everything, but at the moment, your training has just been warming Trapinch up."
So she wasn't here for the move training. Not that I mind either way, but considering I didn't notice her arrival, I didn't want to be caught off guard by just how much she knew. I wonder though… "I assume you're laying off from using your veteran Pokémon?"
Hilda's face turned mischievous once again. "What makes you think that?"
I replied immediately, "For the same reason as me, to grow newer Pokémon. It's a good experience for them unlike with more advanced Pokémon. They require more of a… challenge."
Hilda dropped her smug act and just softly laughed. "Maybe that is the case, but I wonder if Hippopotas can do this by herself. Regardless, I'm not going to artificially restrict myself on who will participate. Keep that in mind," she said, yawning afterwards. "I'm going to sleep some more," she said, going back to the Pokémon Center. Those were just empty words at this time. Soon, the next battles would start.
I should probably wait around the Pokémon Center for my partner so I don't end up waiting around without any benefit. Even if it's shallow, our Pokémon do need to team up to win some of these future battles.
(-)
"How does your group ever get anywhere if your morning routine takes that long," I ask, astonished.
"Hey! It doesn't take that long! Also, it's necessary if I want to look anywhere near presentable for a Pokémon battle! Not everyone can pull off shaggy purple hair!"
What a childish comment. She acts as if I don't take care of my cleanliness. I'm just not a Slowpoke about it.
I thought I felt some sympathetic looks from Ash and Brock in the Pokémon Center lobby when it became obvious I was waiting on her. I don't want to be pitied like that.
"Are you and Piplup ready?" I asked, getting to the topic at hand. Piplup seemed to have been put in his pokeball already in preparation for our battle. We were in the first battle, so there was no time to waste.
"We're as ready as we'll ever be!" Dawn said, raising a clasped fist. She had a lot of energy. I guess I would too if this was the start of my morning. Somehow though, I too was pumped and ready for battle!
The mayor gave a rousing speech to start off the battle, gaining the audience's attention as we called out our Pokémon, Piplup and Trapinch, like last time. Our opponents were expectedly Mothim and Houndoom. Their trainers were a young lady and a man with seemingly Ace Trainer wear, respectively.
As the mayor started his speech to open the match, I whispered, "You're going to have to contend with Mothim." Dawn caught my words and nodded covertly.
The mayor wrapped up his speech with "And let the battle begin!"
Immediately, I threw Trapinch into action. "Trapinch Dig!" Trapinch miraculously with its stubby legs, burrowed into the ground.
Mothim's trainer was obviously not bothered by this, but Houndoom's trainer had a response. "Houndoom, stay on your toes, but use Faint Attack!"
"Mothim, back him up with String Shot!" Mothim's attack launched first, catching Piplup off guard as he was binded in place, unable to move.
Houndoom was creeping into a seemingly defenseless target when Trapinch sprang into action. Erupting out of the ground, Houndoom's advance was blocked. "Crunch, now!" Spiraling through the air, Trapinch instinctively opened his mouth in attack.
"Dodge it, Houndoom!" the trainer called out, Houndoom, surprisingly reacting fast, sidestepping Trapinch.
It appears sneak attacks will not work as well here. Maybe a frontal assault will do better.
Piplup freed himself from the string shot, prompting Dawn to respond. "Piplup, use Bubble Beam." Piplup let out a flurry of bubbles that Houndoom especially didn't wish to get hit by.
"Blow them away with Gust," Mothim's trainer called, neutralizing Piplup's attack,
"Houndoom, now that he's in the open, Flamethrower!" Houndoom's trainer followed up.
Trapinch would have to be quick. "Earth Power, now!" Houndoom's mouth opened only to be faced with a rock pillar. A pillar erupted from underneath the Dark Pokémon, flinging it into the air.
Dawn was not one to miss this chance. "Piplip, jump on those pillars and use Peck!" Piplip eagerly raced through the air to put another blow into Houndoom.
"Back Houndoom up, Mothim! Protect!" Mothim swiftly flew in front of the trajectory of Piplup's peck and raised a shield, blocking the attack.
Mothim couldn't move anywhere now. "Trapinch, Hyper Beam!" Trapinch, having learned few, but powerful moves, fires off one of his most powerful ones, a ray of powerful energy.
Mothim had no time to dodge, having just used Protect, and got hit directly, falling to the floor. With Trapinch and Hyper Beam's strength, Mothim was out for the count from one move.
"Mothim is unable to battle," the referee called out.
Trapinch, however, was feeling the aftereffects of Hyper Beam, something that Houndoom's trainer wanted to capitalize on. "Finish that trapinch with Inferno!" Fire came up from Houndoom's mouth in a fiery blaze as Houndoom's powerful fire came for Trapinch.
Dawn wasn't going to let that happen. "Piplup, defend Trapinch with Whirlpool!" Piplup, still falling in the air, enveloped the space on top of him in a swirl of water, dwarfing the size of even the arena. Piplup pushed all that water on top of Houndoom.
The Inferno, although a powerful attack, only pushed the Whirlpool back slightly before subsiding. The Whirlpool enveloped Houndoom's fire and Houndoom itself, knocking it out. We had won our battle.
We were quickly called the winners and so took our place on the sidelines to watch our competitors.
Our side of the tournament were all unfamiliar faces. We had the semifinals in the afternoon and by the looks of it, our opponents are not going to be anything special. The other side of the tournament though…
"Hey, Ash, Hilda, don't let us down," Brock said, after winning his and Holly's battle. When Ash and Hilda won their battle, they would have to face those two next.
"You can count on it!" Ash said, walking up to their match. Their opponents were a dirty-blonde haired teen and a certain dark haired boy with thick glasses.
That boy could only be Conway. I knew he had to be in this tournament. A shame I didn't get to fight him.
Conway sent out an Aggron while his partner sent out a Golem, powerful Pokémon to be sure. Hilda stayed with Hippopotas while Ash used Turtwig. While seemingly an uneven match, I have little doubt that Hilda and Ash will pull out a win.
Dawn, on the other hand, had worry all over her face as she read out the descriptions of those Pokémon. "Aren't Ash and Hilda in trouble here? Those two look pretty strong!"
Brock chimed in, "Ash has faced tougher enemies in the past and by the looks of it, Hilda is just as experienced although that's only a guess on my part. What do you think, Paul?"
"She's not to be underestimated," I replied, "Ash looks to have improved as well. I don't think the other side has the advantage just by their Pokémon."
"Really? Aggron is something to be worried about last I checked," Holly commented.
I shrugged. "Evolution is useful when the answer to battling is raw power. Aggron is powerful for sure, but also suffers from constraints with being that big of a Pokémon."
Brock expanded. "Just like how Onix, as big as it is, as a species, often struggles to hunt small Pokémon due to being hard to hit." Considering he has one, I'd imagine he's faced problems in battling.
"I see! That must mean that they still have a chance. You can do it guys!" Dawn said, yelling the last part out.
"Whoever wins, I'm sure Brock and I can defeat!" Holly boasted. Somehow, I doubt that, but that showed how much Brock impressed her I guess.
Watching Turtwig and Hippopotas jump into battle, I foresaw tomorrow being an intense battle.
(-)
And so that time came to be.
Ash and Hilda beat Conway and his partner while also narrowly defeating Brock and Holly, to the latter's dismay. Dawn and I also soundly defeated our last opponents, securing our spot into the finals. Ash and Hilda have shown their skill and teamwork with their coordination being commendable. Dawn and I have some work to do if we're going to win.
"Let's hope for a fun battle, right?" Hilda said from across the battlefield."
"Yeah! This should be great!" Dawn replied. I nodded my head.
"I'm going to give it all I got!" Ash asserted. I assume Pikachu will be fighting here then. That works for me.
The mayor hyped up the crowd as they roared in applause. The Soothe Bell was the prize here, but there was more at stake here. Mostly, my pride as a trainer. Losing here would be a big step back in where I am even if Trapinch is battling here.
"Trainers, choose your Pokémon," The mayor called out.
My partner for this tournament didn't change. "Trapinch, stand by for battle!"
"Piplup, spotlight!" Dawn said, striking a pose. She's been unexpectedly a good partner despite her inexperience.
"With our hearts aligned, go Hippopotas!"
"Pikachu, I choose you."
The Pokémon were all set and now all that's left was the Mayor's words to begin. "And now that everyone is ready. Let the final match begin!"
Hippopotas' ability, Sand Stream, kicked up a sandstorm around the stadium. This was a double-edged sword for everyone though. Hippopotas and Trapinch would not be affected, but Pikachu and Piplup would.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!" Ash called out the first move, prompting Pikachu to get running.
Hilda followed up. "Hippopotas, use Dig!" Hippopotas disappeared into the ground.
My first instinct was to send Trapinch after Hippopotas, but leaving PIkachu to Piplup with that type advantage waiting to be a problem was a recipe for disaster. And so an idea formed. "Trapinch, use Sand Attack."
Trapinch quickly kicked up some sand on top of the sandstorm. Pikachu wouldn't be able to hit a thing.
"Piplup, bubble beam!" Piplup attempted to punish Pikachu as it raced blindly across the stadium.
"Oh no you don't. Hippopotas, now!" Interrupting Piplup, Hippopotas arose from the ground, hitting Piplup directly.
"Earth Power!" I called out, aiming to uproot Hippopotas. Pillars of rock formed once again, hitting Hippopotas up into the air.
"Pikachu, hit'em back with Iron Tail!" Ash wanted to get Trapinch off his game. I can't allow that!"
"Crunch!" Trapinch readied his jaws as Pikachu's tail shined and hardened.
Meanwhile, Piplup has recovered enough to be able to deal with the falling Hippopotas. "Whirlpool now!" Piplup summoned a large pool of water which would engulf Hippopotas entirely.
"Pikachu, do it!" With those few words, Pikachu maneuvered around Trapinch, smacking him away and jumped towards the Whirlpool, splitting it in half with his Iron Tail, allowing Hippopotas to land safely.
This Pikachu was really going to be a hassle…
"Trapinch, Sand Tomb!" My Pokémon opened his mouth, summoning an aura of sand to surround Pikachi slowly.
Ash and Hilda realized what was going on though. "Pikachu you gotta get out of there!"
"Hippopotas, assist Pikachu!"
Pikachu, panicking with the attack surrounding him, was saved by Hippopotas who was used as a launchpad to be able to jump out of the attack. In turn, Hippopotas bore the full brunt of the attack. Even if it wasn't super effective, it was one step that we needed to take advantage of.
"Dawn!"
"I got it. Piplup, use Bubble Beam!" The immobilized Hippopotas was the perfect target for Piplup to hit.
Ash wasn't going to let that slide. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Sparks trickled around Pikachu as he sent PIkachu's signature move.
"Hyper Beam!" Trapinch opened his mouth and let out a ray that shot through the electric attack, surprising PIkachu with the speed of it and partially hitting him.
Bubble Beam hit its mark, dealing massive damage to Hippopotas, but it wasn't out just yet.
"Hippopotas, get Trapinch now with Takedown!"
Pikachu quickly recovered as Ash ordered him too. "Pikachu, Quick Attack now!"
Dawn attempted to cover for Trapinch. "Piplup, you gotta shield Trapinch!" Piplup's resolve showed as he placed himself in between Pikachu and Hippopotas and Trapinch.
Trapinch attempted to gain his footing and recover from the after effects of Hyper Beam, giving a proud roar as a white light engulfed him.
I know what that light means. As power surged behind Piplup, Hippopotas and Pikachu's attacks raced for Trapinch, getting closer and closer until…
A figure emerged from what used to be Trapinch. It was Vibrava. The energy from his evolution pulsed, staggering the two incoming attacks.
Dawn pulled out her Pokedex for a quick explanation. I, on the other hand, didn't need a Pokedex to tell me Vibrava's capabilities. This fight was over.
"Dragon Breath, Vibrava!"
"Dodge it, Pikachu/Hippopotas!"
That command was useless for both of them as a mighty gust of breath filled a huge amount of area. The burst of energy from evolution was clearly doing its job.
"No, Hippopotas!"
"Let's not stop now!" Ash called out, "Pikachu, Iron Tail!" Pikachu's tail flashed as one of its few options for attacking were non-electric moves. The die has been cast.
Hilda blinked as a white light emerged in front of her Pokémon. Hippopotas was evolving!
I had to take this chance to get Ash's Pikachu out of this match. Looking over quickly at Dawn, we nodded together as we had the same idea.
"Piplup, Whirlpool!" Piplup, once again, summoned a large torrent, throwing it to Pikachu.
Pikachu, on Ash's command, slashed through the Whirlpool, neutralizing it.
"Now, Vibrava, Superpower!" Vibrava's body pulsed as he flew through the air, confronting Pikachu.
Pikachu was caught having already used Iron Tail and Pikachu couldn't easily use it again. Vibrava's body hit Pikachu spot on, right towards the ground.
Pikachu struggled to pick himself back up, but he couldn't take the hit and fell unconscious. He was finished.
"Pikachu is unable to battle," the referee called.
But with one out of the way, was another more powerful one. Hippowdon emerged from Hippopotas.
"Hippowdon, use Sand Tomb!" The Sandstorm had already subsided by now, but the Sand Tomb forming made it feel as if it had come back. Piplup was the target and was in severe danger of being smothered and knocked out by this attack.
"Dragon Tail." Disrupting the sand, Piplup was unharmed. Now it was time for the big rush.
"Piplup, use Peck!" Piplup hopped on Vibrava, hitching a fast ride as Piplup dived while spinning his head.
"Thunder Fang!" Hippowdon opened its large jaws, welcoming Piplup into them.
"Go, Vibrava!" With those words, Vibrava, as fast as any flying Pokémon, soared through the air, in between Piplup and Hippowdon. Dragon Breath curled up in Vibrava's mouth, hitting inside Hippowdon's mouth, causing Hippowdon to reflexively close it. Piplup, with its falling attack, slammed hard into the newly evolved Pokémon.
Hippowdon then even with the power given with evolution, drew a blank in his eyes as he too went down, unconscious.
We had won.
"Hippowdon is unable to battle," the referee declared.
"Our winners are Vibrava and Piplup," the mayor cheered, prompting the crowd to let out a mighty roar of applause. There, that's the reaction I want.
Our Pokémon were treated immediately after the fight, allowing for a brief moment to talk to Ash and Hilda.
"That. Was. Awesome!" Ash said, loving every aspect of the fight besides losing.
"That was teamwork! You two had some nice synergy, but we really pulled through, huh," Dawn said.
"We got lucky with Vibrava evolving, but you're right, I guess."
"Oh, you don't have to undersell it. Hippowdon evolved too. Just seemingly at an inopportune time," Hilda said, mumbling the last part.
"Don't be too hard on yourself," I said, "It could've gone either way."
"It was a really close match," Ash said, "Somehow, even though I lost, I feel like I learned a lot."
Dawn replied with some taunts, but I zoned out at that point.
Even though I lost, I feel like I learned a lot, huh. Well, I can't say that's not a useful way to take battles.
(-)
"This Tag Battle Challenge is not one I'll soon forget. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that was a treat to witness and because of that, I proudly present to you each a Soothe Bell," the mayor said before bringing up every Pokémon's achievements.
It made for a hilarious sight for only two Pokémon to be present on the stage, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Vibrava evolving made this whole tournament worth participating in.
"Hey Paul, it was a lot of fun!" Dawn said, giving a thumbs up.
For some reason, that made me chuckle. "Yeah, it was."