"I got her card!" Harmony calls out rushing back into the pokemon center, a card in her hand with the number '28' written on it in black text.
"Great, we should go give it to her now," Ash states, taking it from her.
"I sure hope Zoey's plan will work, she needs a good bounce back after yesterday," Harmony says softly.
"I know what you mean, but I'm sure this will help her, now let's give it to her!" Ash says dragging Harmony off towards where Dawn was sitting, moping about the loss for the contest.
"Here you go Dawn," Ash says holding the card out to her.
"What's this for?" Dawn asks.
"It's an entry card for the tag battle, Harmony went and got it for you this morning," Ash tells her.
"Why me?" she asks.
"Zoey thought it'd be a good idea," Harmony tells her.
"She suggested it right before she left, she thought it would lift your battle spirit up a bit." Brock points out.
"So I quickly went and signed you up!" Harmony says beaming.
"But she didn't say anything to me about it, you didn't tell me you were doing this at breakfast Harmony," Dawn says, taking the card confusion still on her face.
"No matter, it still sounds like a good idea," Ash points out with Pikachu cheering happily.
Dawn glances at the card in her hand thinking a frown on her face until Piplup sets his flipper on her leg with an asking glance "Alright I'm in!" she says standing up.
"Now that's what we want to hear!" Harmony cries out with Ash grinning beside her, the trio giving a three-way high five.
"It's battle time! Get ready for some action!" The Mayor of Hearthome announces.
"It's just like the Pokemon League!" Brock points out.
"Thrilling and going to be just as fun!" Harmony beams with Chu nodding in agreement.
"I can't wait to get this going!" Ash says excitedly Pikachu cheering from his shoulder.
"This is so exciting! Isn't it?" Dawn says in awe.
"Welcome tag battle trainers to Hearthome City, I know you're going to have a fine time! And I should know I'm the MC! The names Enta the Hearthome City Mayor! As you may know, our warm and fine Hearthome City is known as the 'City where Hearts Meet' And with this tag battle those hearts include Pokemon and people alike. Pokemon to Pokemon and person to person. Yes, bringing them all together is what this tag battle is all about. And so for the next three days, this stadium will burn with that spirit! Simple isn't it? So now I want you to make sure you have your registration cards," the Mayor announces.
Harmony glances down at her number, being '14' clearly written, Ash had '15' while Brock had the number '16' as they had registered together.
"On this screen, you'll find everyone's card numbers listed, look for your number and the number right next to yours. This will be your tag team partner throughout the competition. Alright then, time to see who's who!" The mayor says before pushing a button which seemed to shuffle the numbers.
As the numbers revealed Harmony grinning as she saws she was
"Wow, I'm in the A block!" Dawn cheers holding her card up.
"Kay, I'm in the H block," Ash says looking at the screen.
"I'm in the D block!" Harmony says with a grin on her face.
"And I'm in the E block!" Brock points out.
The four of them go to find their partners.
"Huh, okay looking for number 24…" Harmony says glancing around while Chu holds up the number on her head.
"Oh, there we are," A voice calls out to her followed by a happy chirp from a Politoad.
"Woah! A Politoed, you don't see those quite often, you must be my partner, I'm Harmony!"
"Kyle and this is my partner, you using your Pikachu?"
"Actually no, I planned on using my Ampharos, she needed a bit of a lift of spirit so we're doing this," Harmony admits.
"Huh, water and electric that'll be something," he mutters.
"Water pairs with Electric actually really well, I actually specialize in the two types, they're my go-to," Harmony admits.
"So you like double battles then?" Kyle asks Harmony who grins and nods.
"For sure, back home in Galar my one mate always challenges me to a double, he uses weather moves so it's a bit more tricky," she admits
"Mate?" he asks, confused making Harmony groan.
"A friend, colleague, that kind of thing? We call them mates, like best mates, oh forget it... " she says before hearing Ash trying to find his partner.
"Of course you had to be number fifteen," Paul growls out.
"And I'm ready to win!" Ash says enthusiastically before turning around gasping at seeing Paul.
"Oh no, that will not end well…" Harmony says with a sigh.
"Rivals?" Kyle asks.
"You haven't the foggiest on the level of rivals those two are, they butt heads more than they would be getting along," she says with a sigh. "I can't image how the League is gonna look if they end up battling each other. I just hope I won't be battling him because I won't go easy when League happens."
"You're computing for the league too?" Kyle asks, surprised.
"What, a girl can't compete? Of course, I am! This isn't the first league I've entered, I've come runner up twice in Johto and Hoenn the past two years. I'm second in my region as Leon is second best, I won't let amateurs like Paul beat me." Harmony says with a huff. "Now I have to hear him complain…"
"How about we just avoid them and work a strategy out?" Kyle suggests making Harmony beam at him.
"I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship, don't you think Chu?" she asks her Pikachu sliding onto her shoulder and nodding, though glaring and jumping off when Paul's Elekid went to attack Pikachu.
"Hey! Knock it off! Save it for the battlefield you two!" Harmony calls out with a glare, "Chu, no. I know you want to protect your mate but now is not the time. Paul, you best keep that pokemon trained better, the League's don't like it when other trainers pokemon start attacking with malicious intent," she states glaring at him.
"Whatever just stay out of my way," Paul remarks at Ash.
"This is going to be the longest three days ever," Harmony states unamused.
"So you're also a Coordinator? What don't you do?" Kyle jokes.
"I don't do well with gardening, though my Mum swears by it," she jokes. "Okay so if you're using Politoed for the first battle, and I've looked at who we're facing, they aren't that much."
"Wait looked up?" Kyle asks, confused.
"Get out, seriously do you not know how to study your opponents? The League takes into account who participates, especially those with trainer licenses, it's not hard to search names in their database, right Rotom?" she says her phone bringing it up.
Bzzt easy peasy! Blake Roden has a team of rock types, biker trails is where he's been battling the most. As for Carrie, she majors with grass types. Bzzt.
"Wow, I never would have thought...that's a Rotom?" Kyle asks, mesmerized.
"Yeah, they're not really out in the rest of the world yet, but Galar made them, I'm technically a Beta tester so to speak. But I always look up what I need to know prior to Gym and trainers, it works well to come up with a strategy that way, otherwise you risk losing easily," she points out.
"Huh, interesting, I'll keep that in mind….now what shall we do with this information?" he asks.
"Well starting with the rock types we need to plan a way to deal with their abilities…."
The planning with the two did not go unnoticed by Ash who was feeling a bit off with how close Kyle was getting to Harmony. Of course it was Dawn who took notice of it, a smirk forming on her lips at the sight of Ash's jealousy looking face.
The next day was the first round of battles; it started with Dawn and Conway with their Piplup and Slowking against a Koffing and Scyther.
Scyther starts things off with a Razor Wind and Koffing attacks with a Sludge Bomb. Piplup blocks the Razor Wind with a Bubble Beam and Slowking blocks the Sludge Bomb with a Safeguard.
Koffing comes back with a Thunderbolt that Slowking blocks with Protect. Scyther attacks with an X-Scissor but Piplup comes from above with a Peck attack that knocks out Scyther.
Koffing uses Gyro Ball, but it is stopped by Slowking's Psychic. Slowking then slams Koffing into the ground knocking it out. The two-win with a combination of Conway's defense and Dawn's attack and Dawn seemed enamored by him, her eyes sparkling in interest.
When it came to Harmony and Kyle's battle the two were in perfect sync, sending out commands that paired well with one another.
The crowd was in awe by seeing the shiny Ampharos who was not easily defeated and took every move it got hit within stride, especially the rock and ground type moves that it was hit with the Graveler.
But Politoed and Ampharos were in sync and able to team up with moves that actually paired well with each other, like Chargebeam and Scald, or even as far as dragon pulse with a blizzard trailing behind it.
Needless to say, the two wiped the floor within a few minutes of the battle starts.
Brock and Holly were next. It's Sudowoodo and Wingull against a Yanma and Bagon.
Wingull uses a Blizzard attack but is hit by a Steel Wing from Yanma first. While Wingull is falling, Bagon comes in with a Zen Headbutt, which is stopped by a Double-Edge from Sudowoodo.
The other side is arguing about getting in each other's way. Wingull uses an icy Blizzard. Bagon tries to counter with Dragon Breath but is hit by Sudowoodo's Flail first.
Wingull hits Yanma with an Aerial Ace and both Bagon and Yanma faint. They win and advance to the next round. Brock starts to flirt with Holly, then catches himself and stops only for Holly to start flirting with him. Brock is surprised, while Croagunk is left bemused.
With Brock actually getting someone to flirt back Harmony beamed at her friend, "Looks like Brock finally hit it off with someone!" she muses pushing Dawn's side to point it out, "Even Crogunk isn't attacking him like usual!"
Ash and Paul are the last battle of the first round. Ash sends out Pikachu and Paul sends out Chimchar, and the opposition sends out a Rhydon and Magmar.
Ash decides to battle his way and starts things off with a Thunderbolt towards Magmar however the attack is redirected to Rhydon thanks to its Lightning Rod Ability. Rhydon, who is naturally unharmed, then smashes Pikachu with a Megahorn attack.
Magmar attacks with a Lava Plume, an extremely powerful Fire-type move that affects everyone on the field. Rhydon is left barely affected thanks to its type-advantage, but the blaze of fire quickly heads toward Pikachu and Chimchar.
Ash tells Pikachu to dodge but Paul sends Chimchar straight into the fire. The flame on Chimchar's tail becomes bigger and Chimchar gives a powerful blast of Flamethrower, which has very little effect on Rhydon. Rhydon counters with a direct hit from a Hammer Arm.
Pikachu comes down from its dodge with an Iron Tail. Now the two opponents are aware that even without electric attacks, Pikachu shouldn't be taken lightly and have Rhydon strike back with a surprise Surf attack while Magmar uses Protect.
Paul decides to take it head-on with a Flame Wheel. Ash tries to convince him that Chimchar could really get hurt but he does not care. As Pikachu panics, but Ash tells Pikachu to break through the Surf with Iron Tail, which slams into Rhydon.
Pikachu then scores a direct-hit with Iron Tail knocking Rhydon out and leaving Magmar alone. Now free to use electric attacks, Pikachu goes straight for Magmar with a Volt Tackle but Magmar deflects it with a Fire Punch.
While Pikachu and Magmar are fighting, Chimchar comes from beneath with a Dig that knocks out Magmar.
"It's nice that they won...but without teamwork they aren't going to make it, that's the whole point of this. But if Ash and Paul keep clashing with one another…" Harmony says softly looking at the two.
"It might have worked today, but it might not work from now on," Brock points out.
"That's what I'm worried about…" Harmony says softly.
Harmony and Kyle were outside practicing with their partners the night before the second day. However, they were interrupted when they spotted a large blast of the flamethrower in the distance.
"Woah! That was some power…" Harmony says in amazement only to spot Ash who was of training nearby tilt his head confusion before he glanced at Harmony with a bit of confusion written on his face.
"Uh Kyle, I'm gonna go with Ash to check that out...you can come with if you want to?" she offers and Kyle seems to think for a second while glancing at Ash and shakes his head.
"Nah, I'll keep training here, don't worry," Kyle says waving her off.
"Alright! We'll meet back up in the morning to prepare to go against Dawn and her partner!" she says grinning before taking off grabbing Ash's arm. "C'mon Ash, let's check it out!"
When the two teens finally moved through the forest they finally took notice that the flamethrower was Paul's Chimchar taking several attacks from Paul's Pokémon. Elekid uses Thunder, Murkrow uses Shadow Ball, Torterra uses Hyper Beam and Ursaring uses Focus Blast. The tidal wave of attacks converges as Chimchar uses Flame Wheel to defend.
"Hey Paul! What's going on here?" Ash calls out as Harmony and he watches Chimchar deflect the moves.
Paul ignores Ash and calls out to Chimchar, "Use Flamethrower let's go!" but it hits Ash and knocks him backward.
"Ash!" Harmony cries out rushing to his side in worry falling to her knees to check on him, "Are you okay?" she asks. Chimchar seemed to have a similar reaction gasping in worry for hitting Ash.
"Ugh, my head," Ash mumbles as Harmony sits him back up, "Hey Chimchar, man you just keep getting stronger and stronger you know?" Ash compliments the pokemon.
"We're not through yet Chimchar," Paul calls out from behind them, his arms still crossed over his chest.
"What are you doing Paul?" Ash says clear frustration forming on his face causing Harmony to wince.
"Ash, that's rude, they're training, we should go…" she says softly trying to get Ash to back off, no matter how much she disliked the way Paul trained, sometimes tough love worked better.
"Whys Chichar the one who you put through such intensive training anyway?" Ash questions.
"It's none of your business," Paul states and Ash pushes himself up getting angrier.
"Yes, it is! We're a tag team!" Ash points out.
"You're point?" Paul remarks.
"I still don't understand why you entered this thing," Ash states.
"You wouldn't," Paul says with a scoff.
"Huh?"
"It's a good chance for my Pokemon to go against some real combat,"
"What do you mean!?" Dawn's angry voice calls over Ash who was about to speak.
"Oh no...now this could get ugly," Harmony says with a sigh, Chu's ears flattening as she agrees with her trainer.
"Dawn!?" Ash calls out confused by her sudden appearance.
"Don't you think you're being a bit rude to the other trainers and Pokemon in the tag battle?" Dawn asks, pointing at Paul with Piplup mimicking her.
Paul huffs, "I needed Chimchar to be struck by that surf in our match today, get it?"
"Huh?" the three teens say in confusion.
"But what if Chimchar would have lost?" Ash asks thinking the worst.
"Then Chimchar would be useless," Paul says and Chimchar looks down in sorrow.
"Paul, if you want to make Chimchar stronger you have to work on its strong points!" Ash states.
"Ash that's not completely true, it's not completely uncommon to train with pokemon that have super effective moves against you. Gym Leader Kabu does it quite often, though I wouldn't say doing so extreme as a Surf head-on…" Harmony says softly. "It's so the pokemon can build up endurance against super effective moves like that…"
"Who's side are you on Harmony!?" Ash cries out.
"No one's side! It's training Ash, and sometimes you have to figure out a way to work on weaknesses! I'm not saying it's the right way!" Harmony cries out.
"It leads to them being spoiled brats and a complete waste of my time," Paul says harshly.
"I assume you treat all your Pokemon that way?" Dawn says with narrowed eyes, her hands moving to her hips.
"No, this is exactly what Chimchar wants," Paul states.
"Huh? Chimchar is that true?" Ash asks.
"Well there are different kinds of pokemon that thrive with different training regimes, hell I don't train all my pokemon the same way, but sometimes you have to realize as a trainer you're not good at raising some pokemon," Harmony points out softly as Paul scoffs.
"Chimchar there are other ways to get stronger…you don't have to do it the hard way you know?" Ash points out.
"Come on Chimchar don't listen to them," Paul points out walking on with the rest of his Pokemon following.
"Chimchar…"Ash says sadly as Chimchar turns around to follow Paul.
"Poor thing, Chimchar looks so sad," Dawn says softly.
"I wish Paul would listen…" Harmony says softly, "I don't think he's the right fit as a trainer, while his other pokemon can thrive Chimchar seems to not, kinda like how Aipom though a good ana amazing battler would be far suited for contests," she points out, "No offense though, you know?"
Ash gives her a sour look and she shrugs, "Fine, be that way,"
Paul continues training Chimchar as it dodges Ursaring's Hammer Arm. Torterra fires Leaf Storm and Chimchar gets caught in it. Murkrow executes a Sky Attack as Chimchar tries Flamethrower, but it gets hit and collapses. Paul orders Chimchar to stand. It tries but is too weak, collapsing. Paul orders Elekid to use Thunder on it, but Pikachu rushes forward with Volt Tackle to block.
"Knock it off!" Ash calls out Harmony and Dawn trailing behind him.
"You've done more than enough!" Dawn states as Ash picks up the close to fainted Chimchar into his arms.
"That's it I'm taking Chimchar to the Pokemon Center, understand?" Ash says with no room for argument.
Paul huffs turning his head away, "Be my guest,"
Brock was inside one of the rooms treating Chimchar with a Super Potion as Ash, Harmony, Dawn and Holly.
"I feel really bad for Chimchar, he looks so worn out," Harmony says softly.
"I am so impressed with Brock!" Holly praises, "At first I thought he was just flirting with Nurse Joy, but boy was I wrong. It's almost like having another Nurse Joy around!"
"Brock is really serious when it comes to taking care of pokemon, he goes into like a Doctor Brock mode when someone or one of our pokemon get hurt," Harmony says as Holly seems to beam brighter.
"With Brock as my tag team partner, we can't lose I'm sure of it!" Holly states making Harmony grin.
"Oh yeah? You two may be older than us, but we're just as capable as winning too you know!" Harmony states.
"I'm not so sure about that!" Ash says getting his fists together in excitement.
"We plan on winning too!" Dawn says before turning as the door opens.
"How's Chimchar Brock?" Ash asks.
"Much better, Chimchar needs rest though," Brock says.
"Of course!" Dawn says.
"What a relief!" Holly states.
"Wow, you're going to be just fine!" Ash says a smile forming on his lips.
Once everything had settled down everyone sat down at the tables in the cafeteria to start chatting.
Brock had sat across from Paul to strike up a conversation, "So Chimchar went through some intense training huh?"
"I'm sure Ash told you," Paul remarks sarcastically.
"I treated Chimchar so Ash didn't have to tell me a thing," Brock says, his usual friendly face more stern looking at Paul. "At this point, Chimchar will either get a lot stronger or emotionally scarred for life. Why do you need to push so hard anyway?"
Paul refuses to speak which got on Brock's nerves, "I'm not asking because I'm Ash's friend, I'm asking because I'm Chimchar's friend," Brock says his voice sterner.
"Believe it or not we all want the same thing," Paul states his arms across his chest. "I mean it,"
"I don't get it?" Ash says in confusion.
"I'll never forget that first day. It might have been a fight for food, or territory, but the Zangoose wouldn't stop attacking. Chimchar had taken a lot of damage, but what power, I had never seen a Chimchar who had the strength and stamina like that. After witnessing the mind-boggling display of force and determination. I knew I had to have Chimchar for myself. I knew that if I had that kind of firepower I was going to win the pokemon league for certain, but ever since that day we haven't been able to duplicate that power" Paul explains causing Harmony to start laughing.
"No wonder, that actually explains quite a lot. Obviously it's Blaze activating. But not only does Blaze have to be activated, the way you described the pure terror that Chimchar was up against it's no wonder it could unleash that," Harmony explains.
"What do you mean Harmony?" Ash asks.
"Think about it, it was pretty much a life or death situation, pokemon competition battles aren't to the death they neer will be within the league. Therefore even if you were to try and recreate that it wouldn't usually work. It'd take a lot, and I mean a lot of motivation, fear and maybe agony for Chimchar to recreate that. Or in some case for someone close to it to be in danger, like real danger, not Team Rocket level danger for it to get that click and work it out." Harmony states.
"And why would that be?" Paul says with narrowed eyes.
Harmony narrows her eyes right back, "Because, you don't have a strong bond with Chimchar, you're it's trainer sure, but bonds between people and pokemon run much deeper and unlocking that makes it so they reach their full potential. My pokemon wouldn't be where they are without that bond-forming there, and you should look into it, might actually help," she states snarkily at him.
"I need to push Chimchar way beyond the limit," Paul states getting up, "If we could just recapture that power, Chimchar would be the strongest of all my fire-type pokemon,"
"Hold on Paul, you've got to let Chimchar rest!" Ash states.
"If I don't…" Paul trails off.
"You have to! Chimchar's health depends on it!" Brock states from a medical perspective.
"Brock said Chimchar needs lots of rest!" Dawn states holding Piplup a bit closer to herself.
"You've got to listen to them!" Nurse Joy calls out to them.
"Huh?" Everyone turns to her.
"Nurse Joy!" Ash calls out.
"The only reason you're pushing your Chimchar so hard is because you're just so impatient, I'm going to have to insist that you allow Chimchar to get some rest," Nurse Joy says quite sternly, Harmony hadn't ever heard any Nurse Joy use that voice before.
Paul just nods his head and walks off.
The following day was another start with new battles underway. Dawn and Conway had made it to the semi-semi finals, while Harmony and Kyle had as well, making tomorrow them facing each other. Brock and Holly had also made it and the last battle was Ash and Paul's with everyone watching, because if Ash and Paul won, then they'd face off against Brock and Holly.
"I'm nervous...I don't think this is going to end well…" Harmony says softly to Dawn, "I have a bad feeling that Paul didn't heed Nurse Joy's warning…" she says.
"What do you mean?" Dawn asks.
"I er...well I kinda got up in the middle of the night to talk with my mates, cause time difference sucks, and noticed Chimchar wasn't in the resting room, in fact it looked like Chimchar had been moved far earlier than that, and that was around three I think?"
"No!" Dawn cries out once Paul releases Chimchar who was still wounded making Harmony wince as she leaned on the banister.
"I told you, Paul wouldn't heed the warning, gosh if Nurse Joy hears about this he can forget his Pokemon Trainer license…" she says.
"What do you mean?" Dawn asks, confused.
"League standards, what he's doing now with enough evidence could render him as being an abuser towards Pokemon, every League has those standards, he better hope that he doesn't otherwise everything goes away, I've seen it happen before. Someone was upset at their Sylveon for evolving into a 'prissy princess' and kicked it. That was back home, in Galar. 'Course we have league staffed all around the place so because he attacked his pokemon he got kicked out, don't remember what the trial was but it's serious. Anything like this is considered either neglect to treat your pokemon or even abuse." She admits.
Everyone looks at the battlefield with more worry than before.
Ash informs Turtwig to cover Chimchar as their opponents send out Metagross and Zangoose. The sight of a Zangoose scares Chimchar while Paul grins at the situation.
The battle starts as Metagross charges with Bullet Punch. Chimchar fires Flamethrower but Zangoose jumps forward with X-Scissor. Turtwig uses Razor Leaf, but Zangoose swats them away.
Metagross lands a hit on Chimchar as Zangoose hits Turtwig. Chimchar uses Dig as Metagross uses Magnet Rise to dodge. Zangoose jumps in with Crush Claw and sends Chimchar back.
Turtwig attempts to tackle Zangoose, but it dodges and Metagross uses Psychic to send Turtwig back, crashing into Chimchar.
Zangoose jumps forward with Crush Claw as Chimchar is paralyzed by fear. Turtwig uses Bite on Zangoose's arm to stop the attack.
Metagross charges with Bullet Punch as Paul orders Chimchar to use Flame Wheel on Turtwig.
Chimchar refuses to attack its teammate at first, but is forced to comply. Chimchar speeds forwards and hits Turtwig and Zangoose, separating them.
Chimchar is able to keep the momentum going and hits Metagross. Turtwig suffers major damage as a result, and Ash is furious with Paul for intentionally harming his Pokémon.
Zangoose attempts another Crush Claw and Chimchar attempt another Flame Wheel, but Zangoose pins it and stops the attack. Paul orders Chimchar to use Flamethrower, but looking Zangoose in the eye paralyzes it in fear, this was the last straw for Paul as far as Chimchar is concerned.
Turtwig uses Razor Leaf to get Zangoose off Chimchar as Turtwig steps forward but collapses from damage.
Zangoose unleashes Fire Blast as Chimchar intercepts, taking the attack and powering up.
Ash and Chimchar wait for Paul's command, but Paul does nothing and turns away, having completely given up on Chimchar.
Metagross heads with Bullet Punch and Ash, realizing Paul isn't going to be giving any more commands to Chimchar and is willing to let them get knocked out of the tournament, orders Chimchar to use Flamethrower, stunning everyone.
Chimchar does so and hits Metagross, knocking it out. Turtwig charges forward as Zangoose uses Crush Claw. Turtwig spin dodges and uses Razor Leaf and Tackle to knock out Zangoose. Ash and Paul win the duel, advancing to the semifinals.
As Ash praises the two Pokémon, Paul still has his back turned and Chimchar is upset, knowing what is in store for it.
Later that evening the group of teens were walking and talking together just outside the Pokemon Center.
"I don't think that was a good sign, Paul completely gave up with Chimchar, that's not what a trainer does…" Harmony says to Ash later that night, "I just hope he realizes what he's done… Ash, are you even paying attention?"
"Huh? Sorry Harmony," Ash says sheepishly, "I was just thinking…"
"I know it hurts, but really Ash there's nothing we can do...not really we'd have to get a lot more involved in this and it'd get really messy really quickly…"
Ash sighs, as Harmony moves to slip her arms around him in a hug, trying to comfort him.
"You're out of here," Ash and Harmony heard Paul state to Chimchar who looked to be in pure shock and upset.
"Paul? So that's the end of all that 'special training'" Ash states getting visibly upset.
"Yeah, that's right what's the point? Obviously I need to get a new fire type,"
"Huh? You're giving up Chimchar?" Ash asks as Paul walks away.
"What happened to the two of you getting stronger together?" Dawn questions.
"All of that progress and you're throwing it away," Brock points out.
Chimchar gets a sad look on its face as it moves to walk away, "Hey Chimchar! Come with us!" Ash calls out making Chimchar turn around in confusion.
"Are you sure?" Dawn asks.
Ash rushes up to Chimchar kneeling down beside it and holding his hand out, "Of course we'll have a blast and work hard!" he says as Chimchar looks at Ash's hand before looking up at him, "Chimchar come on! You see, the way you give it all you got is awesome! I'd love to work with such a tough pokemon like you!"
"You deserve each other!" Paul states rudely, "you're both pathetic,"
"Why that's an awful thing to say, Paul!" Dawn sates glaring at Paul.
"It's not really surprising though, that he gave up, it got too hard and he wasn't willing to put the effort into it obviously. Ash will be a much better trainer to Chimchar," she says softly kneeling down in front of the pokemon as it stared at her before glancing at Ash again.
"Just ignore him," Ash tells Chimchar, "Chimchar and I are going to show just how wrong he can be! Chimchar! It'll be me and you!" Ash says as Chimchar's eyes start to water.
Before Chimchar could accept, the group of teens were attacked by Bullet Seed and Pin Missile.
Chimchar got stolen by Team Rocket, who were the ones that attacked them.
After finishing their motto, James tells Carnivine and Cacnea to use attack again as they attempt to escape.
However, Ash is intent on rescuing Chimchar, and Chimchar takes action, using Flamethrower to destroy Team Rocket's balloon, but plummets to the ground.
Ash manages to catch Chimchar just in time, and with the day saved, asks again if Chimchar would like to be on his team.
"Alright then, I got Chimchar!" Ash says happily holding the Pokeball in his hand as Harmony moved closer to him resting her hand on his arm.
"And Chimchar is in such good hands now, I meant what I said that you'll be a far better trainer to him than Paul, some pokemon do well with other trainers, I've learned that plenty of times and this is one of those cases," Harmony tells him.
"That's one way to catch a Pokemon," Dawn says with a wide grin on her face.
"Yeah," Brock agrees.
"Hullo Professor Oak!" Harmony says with a grin as the call finished connecting.
Chimchar and Pikachu happily sat on Ash's shoulders, while Chu was in Harmony's arms, though she kept glancing up at Pikachu as if debating about jumping up to be closer to him.
"Ah, so you've got yourself a Chimchar now ey?" Processor Oak states.
"Yeah! And man, what a hard worker!" Ash says beaming at the Professor.
"He really is, and with a bit more practice he's sure to be a really strong and helpful teammate," Harmony says with a grin.
"I see. Well remember just as pokemon and trainer work with each other to get stronger the same thing holds true for trainers," the Professor explains.
"Hold on, what do you mean?" Ash asks.
"I mean speaking of you and your tag battle partner, Ash," the Professor explains.
"Oh you mean Paul…" Ash says.
"With only two battles left to go, I'm sure you'd like to win," the Professor points out.
"Well we all do, but only one of us will, we're all against each other with our partners after all," Harmony says softly.
"You do your best and you'll sure to beat the rest," Professor Oak rhymes.
"Ahhh!" Dawn says with a squeal making Harmony and Ash turn around in confusion,"He just recited a poem,"
"Huh?" Harmony, Ash and Brock question.
"You do your best and you'll sure to beat the rest, see?" Harmony repeated what Professor Oak had said.
Harmony and Kyle were up against Harmony and Conway which they actually ended up winning against, but it was very close in the end.
The next match-up was Ash and Paul versus Brock and Holly.
They each send out their Pokemon, Staravia, Torterra, Croagunk, and Farfetch'd.
Ash commands Staravia to use Aerial Ace, Brock tells Croagunk to use Poison Jab, Holly's Farfetch'd uses Air Slash and Paul's Torterra uses Hyper Beam.
All of the attacks are launched, but only Hyper Beam makes its way through, hitting Farfetch'd, as well as Staravia. However, Farfetch'd is knocked out in an instant. Holly apologizes for letting Brock down, but he tells her not to worry and tells Croagunk to use Brick Break.
Ash tells Staravia once more to use Aerial Ace, trying to catch Croagunk off-guard. However, Croagunk slides under the immobilized Torterra, causing Staravia to miss and have to stop its attack. Croagunk jumps out from behind Torterra, landing a hit with Brick Break on Torterra's head.
However, before Croagunk can use Poison Jab, Torterra is able to move again. Croagunk jumps backwards onto the tree on its back, and Torterra uses Leaf Storm, knocking Croagunk out, and giving victory to Ash and Paul.
"Well that could have gone better...not really any teamwork between the two," Harmony says once the battle was over watching Ash sadly as Paul seems to brush him off once more about their win. "I feel really bad for Brock...Holly looks really upset…"
Everyone returned to the Pokemon Center to go heal their pokemon. However, when Brock went to ask about Holly, Nurse Joy gave him the bad news.
"WHAT!? What do you mean she just left?" Brock says with a gasp his heart shattering more than likely.
"Oh no, poor Brock, he finds a girl who likes him and she leaves," Harmony says with a sigh tuning out mostly to what Nurse Joy was saying about Holly training to be a better tag team partner to Brock.
"But that sounds cool to me!" Ash points out making Harmony shake her head.
"Yeah, but she could have told Brock, how'd you feel if one of us left without telling you?" she points out.
"Uh..well...wait you're not leaving are you!?" Ash says getting a panicked look upon his face confusing Harmony slightly about that outburst.
"If I did it wouldn't be permanent, you're not getting rid of me that easily Ash Ketchum!" Harmony says with a wide grin on her face, not noticing the look Harmony had on her face which was a smirk at noticing how Ash and Harmony were reacting towards one another.
"Anyway, I'm super psyched up! I can't wait to win!"Ash says with a grin.
"Oh yeah? Don't count your eggs before they hatch Ash, I don't plan on losing either!" Harmony states with a wide grin on her face.
Finally, the final battle of Harmony and Kyle versus Ash and Paul begins.
Ash sends out Chimchar, Paul uses Elekid, and Harmony and Kevin call out Heracross and Alice the Ampharos.
Ash's first attack is Flamethrower, followed by Elekid using Thunder.
However, Alice is able to counterattack Flamethrower with a Fire Punch, creating a combination with the flamethrower surrounding the punch making it more powerful.
Kyle backs Alice up by telling Heracross to use Revenge. Heracross gets in to take the Thunder attack and uses the power of Revenge to attack Elekid.
Next, Chimchar uses Dig as Harmony calls for Alice to use Dragon Pulse. Elekid uses Protect, but at the last minute, Alice jumps up and Kyle tells Heracross to use Feint to break the Protect, taking Paul off-guard. Alice then uses Dragon Pulse again, hitting Elekid, but Chimchar finally hits Alice with Dig, which was rather affected.
Alice counters with Dragon Pulse, again hitting Chimchar. Chimchar quickly recovers and uses Flamethrower on Heracross, but Alice jumps in front of Heracross and uses Fire Punch.
The attacks collide, causing an explosion.
Elekid jumps through the smoke and uses Thunder Punch, while Heracross counters with Megahorn. Another explosion is created, sending Elekid flying backwards.
Suddenly, Elekid begins to evolve into Electabuzz, shocking everyone.
The newly evolved Electabuzz then begins to charge up its Thunder. In response, Conway tells Heracross to use Megahorn and Alice uses Dragon Pulse. Ash tells Chimchar to dodge Dragon Pulse and to use Flamethrower on Heracross, while Electabuzz uses Thunder on Alice. All the attacks collide, causing an explosion.
Just when it seems like the battle is over, Alice and Heracross are seen still standing once the smoke clears a smirk forming on Alice as her fist sparks, having absorbed the Thunder into her Fire Punch. With that, she quickly swept herself away landing the hit directly on Paul's Eletabuzz which knocked it out.
Chimchar however was still panting before collapsing which made the judge declare Kyle and Harmony as the winners.
"Alice you did it! I'm so proud!" Harmony cries out rushing towards her partner hugging the sheep pokemon as she cooed at her trainer nuzzling into her stomach, which caused her hair to frizz, not that she cared.
At the awards ceremony, the Mayor gets on stage to give Harmony and Kyle their Soothe Bells. Everyone applauds
That evening, at the Pokémon Center, the group of friends discusses the battles that happened. Although both Ash and Dawn were discouraged about losing, Dawn promises to win her next Contest and Ash his next Gym battle.
Conway then suggests to Ash and Harmony that he could next head for Veilstone City as it has a Gym, seeing as the Hearthome Gym is currently closed.
At that mention, Harmony let out a hiss of unhappiness her arms crossing over her chest and a huff and glare forming on her face.
"For Harmony's sake, I think that's a much better idea…" Ash says wincing at how Harmony was acting, "I don't think we can handle her being upset about this gym...she's quite put off about a gym leader being absent during the time when the league wants them open... "
"Damn right Ash Ketchum, I am seething, I am going to show this gym leader a piece of my mind if I get to even meet them for how disrespectful they are because it's during the season," Harmony says with a huff before leaning against Ash's shoulder, surprising her friend as he shifted to get her more comfortable, knowing comfort was what she was seeking even without her saying anything about it.