Chapter 18: Enter the P1 Grand Prix
Day before.
Paul spent most the of day training Sawk and Hariyama by improving their steadiness, building up energy, different ways to attack, and when to attack at the right moment.
"Sawk!"
"Hari-Yama!"
The two fighting Pokemon collided their attacks and kept doing training punches which seemed to pick up speed. "Great job, their muscles seemed to be stronger which can keep improving their punches at a fast pace." Paul thought.
Hilda was training her Fraxure to improve its attacks. "Quick Fraxure use Dragon Claw on that big rock!"
The Tusk Dragon raised its claw which glowed blue and clawed at the big rock which left a big mark. "Good job!" She saw that the attack did damage the rock but she knew there was more than just strength. "Fraxure let's give it our all!"
Those words get Fraxure more determined and then its left dusk glowed orange and dealt a big blow in the rock which made it crack more. "That was Rock Smash!" Hilda was in awe but excited at the same time. "Do that again Fraxure!"
Her Tusk Dragon nodded. "Go Rock Smash!" The Tusk Dragon used its tusk against the rock and this time it broke into pieces.
Barry was doing his training with Tepig. "Tepig Ember!" The fire pig snorted and blew out embers. "Well keep it up!"
Tepig used Ember again and again then the embers were getting more intense and hot. "Great job! Your Ember is getting stronger!" Barry shouted with excitement.
Tepig stopped its attack and jumped with joy. "Tepig! Tepig!"
Brawly then approached the kids. "Hey what're up little dudes!"
"Brawly!" Barry greeted with a smile.
"Oh, it's Terry!" Brawly said with a big smile.
Barry dropped to the ground anime-style before getting back up and stomping his feet comically. "It's Barry! For that, I'll fine ya!"
Brawly was already gone before Barry continued. "Anyway, how is it Paul's training?"
Hilda rubbed her head. "I suppose it's getting there."
Paul stopped his training and approached the Hoenn gym leader. "It's fine, that said what'd you doing here?"
Brawly then gave a smile. "It's an obvious little man that I'll watch you compete in and see how much you learned in my battle against Greta." He then took out a picture. "Be careful of this guy."
A picture of the man.
"Who's this guy?" Paul asked.
"This is Anthony a fight that uses Fighting Type Pokemon like his Hitmonchan however he lost in the last P1 about a few years but a trainer won this tournament," Brawly said with a smile. "Do you know who that trainer was?'
Paul had a good guess but Brawly spoke before he could. "It was Ash! That little dude won and gave him his Primape for training!"
That caught Paul's interest. "I see..." The purple-haired trainer gazed at the man. "So this guy has a Pokemon that once Ash's..." Knowing the situation that this Primape might've gotten stronger over the past years since his rival was away.
"If that's the case then I'll have to observe what Primape can do so I can come up with a strategy," Paul suggested.
Brawly patted the boy on the back which took him by surprise. "That's the spirit little man!"
"Come on you guys, let's go already!" Barry jumped impatiently like a child. "If you delay any longer I'll fine ya!"
Hilda followed. "He's right for once let's go!"
Paul sighed at the two. "So annoying..."
Brawly just chuckled. "Come on little dude give them a break they want to see you battle!"
Paul shrugged. "Yeah yeah, let's go."
They arrived in the stadium where the P1 Grand Prix was being held at.
Anthony was already there.
"Hi there Brawly!" The browned-haired man waved with a big grin.
Beside him was his Hitmonchan.
"I see you brought company!" He added.
Brawly smiled. "Yeah but only one is entering the tournament."
Anthony was interested in that. "Who is the trainer that's entering then?"
"I am," Paul approached the man with determination in his eyes.
The former champ looked at the boy. "I see you got spunk and determination, young man." He eyed at Sawk and Hariyama. "I see you trained these two very well!"
Hitmonchan stared into the eyes of the two Fighting Pokemon which the two stared back like they were willing to brawl.
"Sorry but only one fighting Pokemon can enter so you'll have to choose which one it'll be," Anthony informed. "So chose carefully."
The man walked with a confident look on his face.
"He sure is confident," Hilda said.
"Yes! Anthony is always fired up when he was training with Hitmonchan at the times," Brawly chuckled with his eyes closed.
Paul could tell this will be a tough match so he'll have to be careful, though he had to choose which Fighting-type he wants to use in the P1 Grand Prix.
He looked at his two Pokemon observing them and giving a deep thought.
A short time later.
The stadium was full of people excited to see the matches that'll take place.
In the center was a wrestling box where the two Pokemon were fought, then an MC's voice came over the microphone.
"We're here to this year's P1 Grand Prix!" The crowd cheered loudly.
"This will be where trainers competing here will show us their Fighting Type Pokemon and their skills!"
"As you know the champion Anthony reclaimed the title last year and now is our current champion!"
Paul was walking towards the area.
"First trainer is Paul from Veilstone City, he'll be using his Hariyama!"
The crowd cheered loudly.'
"Second competitor is Dave from Cherrygrove Town using his Hitmontop!" A boy with blue thick hair showed up with some 2 muscle packs and was a little taller than Paul appeared, the boy was wearing sumo wrestling tight pants.
The crowd cheered even more.
"Third competitor is Jackie from Cianwood City using his Poliwrath!" A trainer with black thick hair wearing a karate outfit with a black belt.
"Fourth competitor is Kicking Fiend Giant and his Hitmonlee!"
A tall giant man and his Hitmonlee arrived in the center.
"Whoever advances to the final round gets to battle the current champion Anthony!" The MC announced excitedly.
The crowd roared with absolute excitement and were all fired up.
"First round is Paul vs Dave!"
Both of the trainers Pokemon get in the ring box.
"Now if both trainers are ready!"
The two Fighting Pokemon were ready staring towards each other with fire in their eyes.
"Then brawl!"
"Triple Kick!" Dave commanded.
The Handstand Pokemon swung on its pointy head and spun around. "Hitmontop Hitmontop!"
"Hariyama stand still!" Paul commanded.
That was a bizarre command, Hilda was the first to speak. "Why won't he tell Hariyama to dodge?"
"Maybe the pressure has gotten to him," Barry guessed.
Brawly just smiled before he spoke with a calm look. "Not quite little dudes." The other two trainers looked at the gym leader in confusion.
Hitmontop continued to spin towards Hariyama, just as it did, the Arm Thrust Pokemon slowly dodged to the left then deflected one of Hitmontop's spinning bodies, causing it to lose control.
"Hitmontop!" Dave shouted in shock.
The Handstand Pokemon lost crashed into the box ring's stretch lines causing it to bounce off.
"Hariyama use Force Palm!" Paul commanded, seeing his chance.
Hariyama put out its hand and pressed it against Hitmontop's body, causing an explosion in a flash.
Dave was taken by surprise, he was about to command his Pokemon to dodge, however, due to the lack of timing, he couldn't call out his order.
Hitmontop was sent back into the ropes and caused it to bounce off again.
"Now use Knock Off!"
Hariyama slammed its large hand onto Hitmontop's head, slamming it into the ring's mat.
Hariyama removed its large hand from Hitmontop, revealing that the Handstand Pokemon was knocked out with dizzy eyes.
"Hitmontop is defeated!" The MC stated excitedly. "Paul's Hariyama is quite strong!"
Dave recalled his Himontop. "Thanks, little man, you did fine."
Paul looked at the other trainer with an expressionless look. "That battle was ok, your Hitmontop is fast, but speed can also be a weakness." He told the trainer. "So, remember it takes more than just speed to have an advantage."
Dave bowed his head in respect and to the advice. "I'll remember that, thanks for the battle."
Paul bowed a little and left with Hariyama.
Hilda heard the advice. "That's also what my old friend Cheren was talking about."
"If you continue to use the same battle style then it'll be predictable, so you need to change that." Cheren's words echoed.
"Right, either way, Paul has won this round!" Barry shouted excitedly.
"Now the Kicking Fiend Giant and Jackie's match will begin in five minutes!"
Paul went over to his group.
Brawly stood up. "You did great, I expect nothing less from Ash's rival."
Paul just gave a serious look. "It's too early to celebrate, I still have to battle in the next round, whoever my next opponent will be, we'll have to see."
"Come on, Brawly was complimenting you," Hilda said with her hands on her hips.
Brawly just chuckled lightly. "The dude's right, it's also best not to get cocky, otherwise the opponent might see that and use it to his/her advantage."
"Right," Paul said closing his eyes. "In the meantime, I'll watch the next round, which gives me some time to prepare a strategy for my next battle."
A short time later.
The Kicking Giant Fiend and Jackie were in their positions, both of their Pokemon were in the ring.
"Poli-wrath!" The large tadpole-like Pokemon said pumping up its arms.
"Hitmon-lee!" The Kicking Pokemon did a few quick kicks.
"Those Pokemon look powerful," Hilda said.
"Yeah, I must say these two must've trained their Pokemon well," Brawly said looking ecstatic, but mostly impressed seeing how to physically fit the two Fighting-type Pokemon are.
Ding
The bell rung.
"Poliwrath use Focus Punch!" Jackie commanded.
The Tadpole Pokemon gathered energy in its fist and started to glow light blue. Then it extended its fist forward.
"Stop that with Rolling Kick!" Kicking Giant Fiend commanded calmly.
The Kick Pokemon swung one of its legs around and roundhouse kicked the Tadpole Pokemon
The attack landed a hit and caused Poliwrath's Focus Punch to lose its power.
"What happened to the Focus Punch?" Hilda asked.
"When a Pokemon using that attacking move is hit, the attack loses its power," Brawly replied. "I admit that was a good strategy."
"Yes, when Poliwrath attacked, he left his body vulnerable," Daisy agreed, really impressed. "Likely this Jackie attacked first and got too close."
Paul was astounded. "I need to remember this."
"Poliwrath, don't give in!" Jackie called out. "Use Mega Punch at full power!"
The Tadpole Pokemon's fist glowed white and leaped towards the Kicking Pokemon to punch it.
"Hitomonlee dodge and use Close Combat!"
Hitomonlee jumped into the air and landed close to Poliwrath, then its eyes glowed metallic red and repeatedly kicks the Tadpole Pokemon over and over again.
"Poliwrath!" Jackie exclaimed in concern.
"Now, wrap this up with Hi-Jump Kick!"
Hitomonlee leaped into the air, kick Poliwrath in the face, making the Tadpole Pokemon fall on its back and knocking it out.
"Poliwrath is out!" The Microphone man proclaimed. "With that, The Kick Giant Fiend moves on the next round!"
"That was quick," Barry said seeing how strong the Hitmonlee was. "That Hitmonlee is strong, though, I bet mine can beat his."
Paul observed the battle. "Sounds like we got a tough opponent." A faint smirk formed on his face. "Just what I want."
"Now, trainers, we'll be taking a 15-minute break, so go rest up and prepare for the next round!"
In the break room.
Paul was sitting on the bench sipping water and a meat sandwich.
Eventually, Hilda and the rest of the group came inside.
"How is it going? Hilda was in front of the purple-haired trainer.
Paul looked at the Unova trainer and went back to drinking his water.
"Hey, not even a "hello"!" Hilda exclaimed with puffed cheeks. "Can't you at least give us a smile!"
"Geez, you're annoying," Paul grumbled in annoyance.
"Anyway..." Brawly began to say. "Your battle was something and showing respect is a good thing too."
Daisy approached the purple-haired trainer with a smile. "I admit you're doing good so far, keep it up."
Paul stood up from the bench he was sitting on. "I intend to." He walked to the exit and went to the area.
A short time later.
Paul and the Giant Kicking Fiend got in their positions.
Hariyama and Hitmonlee stood in the ring.
Ding
"Hariyama Bulk Up!" Paul commanded.
The Arm Thrust Pokemon began to pump and its muscles, its biceps getting bulkier increasing its power and defense.
"Hitmonlee use Bulk Up too!" The Kicking Fiend commanded.
"They used the same move," Hilda pointed out.
"Yes, now both Pokemon have increased their power and defense," Daisy added.
"Right, they're evenly matched in strength and defense," Brawly said.
"Hariyama uses Arm Thrust!"
The Arm Thrust Pokemon put its hands out.
"Hitmonlee jump over Hariyama!" The Kicking Pokemon sprung up over its opponent.
Hilda and the others gasped in surprise.
Barry was surprised. "That Hitmonlee is fast." He wondered if he could do that strategy too.
"Now use Mega Kick!" Hitomonlee did a down kick from the air which hit Hariyama right in the chest.
The Arms Thrust Pokemon groaned in pain holding its chest with one of its hands.
"That looked powerful," Daisy said.
Anthony was watching from one of the area's exits. "It seems like the Kicking Fiend's Hitmonlee has gotten a lot stronger since last time." Even though he knew back then it wasn't him that was competing in the last G1 Prix.
Paul knew this battle would be tough, though, it's obvious this Hitmonlee was on a different level than Barry's. "It seems like this Hitmonlee isn't going to be easy to beat." He paused for a moment and a small smirk formed on his face. "Just what I want."
Hariyama shook off the pain and pumped its arms. "Hari-Yama!" He grunted ready to continue the fight.
Brawly laughed. "Looks like Hariyama is still ready to go, I admire that."
"Hariyama charge in close!" Paul commanded which his companions gasped at the bizarre command.
"Hitmonlee jump again and use Mega Kick!" Kicking Fiend commanded.
"Just what I wanted," Paul whispered. "Hariyama, grab one of Hitmonlee's legs!"
The Arms Thrust Pokemon quickly grabbed one of the Kicking Pokemon's legs.
Kicking Fiend gasped in surprise. "Uh oh."
"Now use Knock Off!" Hariyama slammed one of its large palms right onto Hitmonlee and slammed it onto the ground. "Following it Heavy Slam!"
"Quick Hitmonlee, use High Jump Kick to sent it flying!" Hitomonlee delivered a jumping knee kick which send Hariyama flying upward high into the air.
"Oh no!" Barry exclaimed.
"Is it over?" Hilda questioned.
A faint smile formed on Paul's face. "Wrap this up with Heavy Slam!" Hariyama opened its eyes as it reached the ceiling.
It then kicked its feet against the ceiling and dove down with a strong force which Hitmonlee couldn't dodge in time that it was crushed under the weight of its opponent.
This created the ground to shake with powerful force.
Hariyama then stood up and down on the ground was Hitmonlee completely unconscious.
"That's amazing, Hariyama was seemingly on the verge of defeat but, by falling its Heavy Slam became even strong!" The announcer proclaimed in total excitement.
"That kind of reminds me when Paul had his Gastrodon fire it's Water Pulse from the air and it gained more power the further it fell," Barry pointed out in realization.
"Quite impressive," Brawly said with a laugh.
"I expect no less from one of Ash's rivals," Daisy commented thus agreeing with the Hoenn gym leader's words.
Paul walked over to his Hariyama. "A job well done," His Arm Thrust Pokemon nodded.
The kicking fiend walked over to the two. "I admit young man, your strategy was amazing, I see your Hariyama is strong, I hope to battle you again someday."
Paul nodded despite not smiling. "Same here."
"The final match with the champion Anthony will begin in five minutes!" The announcer stated.
A short time later
Paul and his Hariyama got ready for the final battle against Anthony.
Anthony had a towel hanging behind his neck. "Paul, I must congrats on your wins to get this far," He then had a big smile on his face with his arms crossed. "I hope that you'll give me a challenge."
Paul narrowed his eyes. "I intend, don't worry."
"Quite the serious type, are you?" He joked with a slight chuckle. "But, you got spunk, I admire that."
Paul's Hariyama soon got into the ring.
Anthony took out a Pokeball. "Hitomonchan, come out!" He tossed his Pokeball and out came to his fighting Pokemon.
"Hitmon-chan!" The punching pokemon said thrusting several punches.
"Hitmonchan, huh?" Hilda said as she took out her Pokedex and scanned the Kanto fighting Pokemon.
"Hitmonchan the Punching Pokemon. Hitmochan specializes in punching attacks. its moves are faster than the eye can see."
"This should be good," Barry said looking very eager for the battle to start.
"Yes, I hope Paul's training did improve," Hilda hoped.
"Don't worry little dudes!" Brawly chuckled. "I know this battle will be enough to get us fired up."
"I couldn't agree more," Daisy agreed.
Ding
"My move first, Hariyama use Bulk Up!" Paul commanded.
"He's using Bulk Up again?" Barry questioned.
"Don't forget that Anthony had his Hitmonchan when Ash traveled in Kanto Hitmochan is a high-level Pokemon and Paul knows that too," Brawly pointed out.
Daisy couldn't agree more. "Right, Paul isn't the kind of person to let his guard down, if he gets cocky that could cost him the match not to mention when your opponent sees that, they'll use it to their advantage."
Hariyama's power and defense increased.
"I see, good move since Hitmonchan is high-level Pokemon," Anthony commented. "My turn, Hitmonchan use Mach Punch!"
In a flash, Hitmonchan dashed towards Hariyama.
"Block with one of your palms!" Paul commanded as quickly as he could.
Hariyama blocked the attack but barely.
"Nice try, but, I got a backup plan," Anthony whispered confidently. "Use Sky Uppercut!"
Hitmonchan's fist glowed light blue and he delivered an uppercut punch right into the Hariyama's face.
"Har!" The Arms Thrust Pokemon groaned in pain.
"Great move, he had Hitmonchan use the Mach Punch as a distraction and then used its free hand for another attack," Brawly said putting his hand under his chin.
"Impressive!" Barry exclaimed.
"Anthony isn't the champion for nothing," Hilda added.
Paul smirked. "This battle is getting interesting." He knew that he couldn't let his guard down. "Hariyama use Bulk Up, but, two times in a row!"
Hariyama pumped up its arms and chest as its entire body glowed bright red.
"Hitmonchan use Comet Punch!" Anthony commanded.
The punching Pokemon delivered multiple punches at the Arm Thrust Pokemon's chest dealing some damage.
Hariyama pumped up its arms and chest again. "Hari-Yama! Hari-Yama!"
"Now it's increased its power and defense, but two times," Hilda pointed out.
"Yeah, but in doing so, Hariyama took some damage," Barry added.
"Hitmonchan use Bulk Up too!" Anthony commanded.
His Punching Pokemon pumped up its arms and chest while it glowed bright red "Chan! Chan!" It grunted.
"Now Hitmonchan's power and defense increased this time!" Hilda exclaimed.
"Yeah, but, don't forget, Paul's Hariyama got two power-ups, so, he won't have to worry," Barry said with a cocky expression.
"I beg to differ..." Everyone looked at Brawly. "I spent some training with Anthony in the past two years, so, I know he's the kind of person to take things seriously, in other words, he's got other ideas."
He was right, Anthony was smiling like he had an idea. "Hitmonchan use Agility!"
The Punching Pokemon sped up increasing its speed.
Paul's eyes widened a bit. "Uh oh."
"Use Mach Punch again!" Anthony commanded.
Hitmonchan stopped behind Hariyaman and dashed towards the Arms Thrust pokemon, thus delivering its punch right into its back.
Hariyama was losing his balance and began to over to the ring's rubber-like ropes.
"Uh oh, looks like Hariyama is losing control of its balance!" The announcer proclaimed.
"Hariyama, remember our training, don't let yourself lose control!" Paul called out in a serious tone.
Hearing that got his Pokemon to regain its balance and turned around to face its opponent.
"I must say, Paul, you've trained your Hariyama well," Anthony praised with a smile. "I think it's time we end this battle."
"Yes," Paul replied though he was still concerned about the increased speed that Hitmonchan got. "Hitmonchan's speed was increased, if Anthony keeps using that as I did, it'll be too fast for Hariyama and if we let our guard down, it's over."
"Pondering your next move, well, I can't keep our audience waiting," Anthony said. "Hitmonchan use Mach Punch once more!"
"Hariyama block it again!"
"Didn't you learn using the same strategy won't work," Anthony questioned as his Hitmonchan's attack was blocked again?
"Quick use Arms Thrust to push Hitmonchan away!" Paul commanded quickly.
The Arms Thrust Pokemon began to thrust its palms at the Punching Pokemon multiple times.
"Hitmonchan!" Anthony yelled in shock.
"Good strategy, Paul had his Hariyama block it again, but, Anthony saw that coming. But, what he didn't realize was that Paul had another backup plan," Daisy said impressed.
"Right, plus Hitmonchan was in close-range so the attack dealt more damage," Brawly added.
"Hitmochan hang in there!" Anthony called as his Punching Pokemon stood back and ready to go. "Right, let's go all out!"
"My thoughts exactly," Paul agreed.
"Hariyama!"
"Hitmonchan!"
"Let's finish this!" Both trainers proclaimed.
"Use Agility again!"
Paul was hoping for this. "I was hoping he does that! Hariyama use Force Palm!"
The Arms Thrust Pokemon put out its hand and tried to land to hit on the Punching Pokemon but the moment it reached it, the attack went seemingly missed.
"What?" Paul wondered in surprise.
"Hitmochan's speed increased even more!" Barry exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes, it was able to dodge with ease than ever," Hilda added sharing the same reaction.
"Use Focus Punch!"
In the blink of an eye, Hitmonchan's fist glowed in a light blue and delivered the punch right into Hariyama's chest.
"Hari!" The Arm Thrust Pokemon groaned in pain and was seemingly falling backward.
"Oh no!" Barry cried in shock.
"I-it... it can't be." Hilda stammered nervously.
"This match is mine," Anthony said confidently.
"Hariyama grab Hitmonchan and use Seismic Toss!"
The Arms Thrust Pokemon quickly grabbed the Punching Pokemon in its arms leaped high into the air and began to fall while spinning in a circular pattern.
"Ah!" Anthony exclaimed in shock.
Both Pokemon landed inside the ring.
Hariyama stood up while Hitmonchan stood back up for the moment. Both the Fighting Pokemon looked at each other for a minute and then one fell on the ground.
It was Hitmonchan.
"It's over folks! Hitmonchan and Anthony have lost and the champion for this P1 Prix is Paul from Vielstone City!" The announcer proclaimed.
The audience cheered at the awesome battle.
Anthony sighed but smiled as he took out his Pokemon's Pokeball and returned it. "Hitmochan you did great, now take a good rest."
The others went to congrats the purple-haired trainer.
"Paul, you did it!" Barry cheered excitedly.
"You sure did!" Hilda added rising her arms high.
Brawly laughed proudly. "That was quite a battle little man."
"That battle was breathtaking," Daisy praised with a smile.
Paul smirked. "Thanks."
Scott was watching from one of the exits. "Well, good thing I decided to hang around here for the battle."
Hariyama earned the P1 champion belt.
Paul glanced at his Fighting Pokemon and nodded. "Good job Hariyama."
Anthony walked over to the purple-haired trainer. "Paul, that was an impressive battle, you put on a lot of good moves, I can see why you were one of Ash's toughest rivals."
Hearing that caught Paul's attention. "How did you-"
Anthony chuckled. "Let's just say I watched your battle during the Sinnoh League, your battle was insane and was amazing." He held out his hand. "You have my respect, I look forward to seeing how strong you will improve in the future."
Paul looked at his hand, but, shook the man's hand in respect. "Thanks, this battle was great, I will improve my skills to conquerer the Battle Frontier."
"You sound like Ash!" Barry joked.
"Shut up!" Paul snapped comically.
Anthony nodded and smiled proudly. "Anyway, I wish you and your friends good luck on your journey." He began to walk away.
"What is next?" Barry asked.
"The festival that Scott mentioned won't start in a week, so, let's challenge the Saffron City gym," Hilda answered. "I already made an appointment before we came here,"
"That's not fair, I didn't know we can make appointments!" Barry shouted childishly while rubbing his hair roughly. "You're going to pay a fine."
Daisy giggled at the scene. "Lively as ever."
Brawly cleared his throat. "Well, it's been fun, but, I have to get going, I'm needed back at the Hoenn for a while." He then looked at Paul. "Also, Paul, I wish you luck in your battle with Greta."
"Thanks, I hope we get to battle too," The purple-haired trainer replied with a small smirk.
"Same here little man!"
With that Brawly left the group.
Now the battle with Hilda going up against the gym leader of Saffron City is up, what will happen in the battle, find out next time.
End of chapter.