Chapter 27: Dome Ace Tucker

Two days pass as Paul trains with the Champ Twins using his Torterra and Drapion. "This is going good so far." Feraligatr and Typhlosion were rearing to keep going. It was the last day of training too.

Byran and Ryan nodded sensing their Pokemon's mind. "Let's keep going for a few minutes."

Paul nodded.

M

Hilda is training in another area with her Pokemon Larvesta, Pawniard, and Bulbasaur. "Guys, we'll do some training to get warmed up for our next gym battle in Celadon City!"

All of the three Pokemon roared in excitement. "Bulbasaur, you're up first." The Bulb Pokemon nodded.

Daisy had Thor training. "Thor, Bulk Up!" The Sumo Pokemon pumped its muscles up while its entire body glowed red.

"Bulbasaur use Leech Seed!" Bulbasaur fired a seed at the Sumo Pokemon.

"Double Team!" Daisy commanded.

Thor created about four illusions of itself. "Now use Bulldoze!"

Hilda gasped as Thor began to stomp the ground creating a tremor throughout the area thus inflicting damage to Bulbasaur.

"Bul...Bul..." The Bulb Pokemon groaned in pain with its eyes closed.

"Now grab Bulbasaur!" Daisy commanded.

Thor grabbed Bulbasaur in its arms tightly. "Now Seismic Toss!" Throh leaped into the air falling with it only to let go at the last second leaving Bulbasaur to crash hard on the ground creating a dust cloud.

Once the dust cloud cleared, Bulbasaur was shown on the ground unconscious.

"Bulbasaur is good, but, it still needs more training, on top of that, if you don't react in time to your opponent's moves, your Pokemon won't be able to counter in time, even if you do, the opponent might have other strategies to use if they notice their opponent's Pokemon is wide open."

Hilda groaned in disappointment which Daisy saw. "Don't get down, we're just getting started, but, I can say Erika is a strong gym leader, as a gym leader she has strong Grass-type Pokemon, and she knows the nature of their powers and what they use to survive and scare off enemies that threaten them in the wild. In a gym battle, she has ways of countering and fighting back against her opponents."

Hilda sighed deeply. "If you say so, I will have to keep training not just to level up my Pokemon and come up with ideas to counter her Grass Type Pokemon's moves and be ready for anything."

Daisy giggled. "Let's continue then."

B

Paul was eventually done with his training with the Champ Twins, but before they went their separate ways, they decided to sit down for a snack break while sitting on a wooden bench

Each of their Pokemon ate their Pokemon food.

"Good to have a snack on a bright sunny day!" Byran spoke out chowing on a sandwich.

"You're right about that, bro!" Ryan agreed with a laugh.

Paul groaned in annoyance. "So noisy..." He thought while chewing on a sandwich.

"Anyway, what do you think of eating on a sunny day?" Byran asked looking at Paul.

Paul stopped chewing for a minute and swallowed his food. "Gulp...it's okay I guess."

Ryan was a bit surprised to hear that reply. "Okay...c'mon, surely eating on a sunny day with people is fun, isn't it?"

Paul took a sip of water from his water bottle. "I don't know, I never ate with anyone before during my last journeys. Until I got to Kanto, I was currently traveling with Hilda and Daisy Oak."

Ryan and Byran abruptly jumped up in surprise. "Wait, thee, Daisy Oak, as in Professor Oak's granddaughter!?"

"No way, you're traveling with the famous Kanto Pokemon professor's granddaughter, talk about lucky!"

Paul just stared with a sweatdrop. "No need to get riled up." He muttered slightly annoyed.

"Anyway, Paul, from what you said, you don't seem to socialize with other people much," Ryan said crossing his arms.

Paul didn't reply but just stared at the twins. "Yeah, I mean, it's not bad to socialize more with other people besides those you're traveling with, it's good to know more people." Byran agreed.

Paul put his bottle cap on his water bottle. "I did know one person back then when I started traveling, though, I traveled with that person only for a short period."

Byran and Ryan were intrigued suddenly. "Really, who was that?"

Paul stood up from the bench. "That's for another time." He took out his Pokeballs. "Torterra, Drapion, return now." He recalled them back. "Anyway, see ya."

Byran and Ryan chuckled. "Good luck, Paul."

"Yeah, give Tucker a good butt-kicking."

Paul cringed in annoyance but held it in. "Thanks..."

Paul went back to the Pokemon Center and by the time he did it was night.

Hilda and Daisy were already there waiting for him. "Paul, how did your training with the Champ Twins Ryan and Bryan go?" Hilda asked.

"It would well, I have a few plans in mind, I'm sticking with the same Pokemon I'm going to use," Paul replied.

Daisy smiled. "You always seem to be prepared." Paul didn't reply instead he walked past the two girls. "Anyway, I'll be getting some sleep, my Pokemon will need it too."

"What is your plan?" Hilda asked.

Paul stopped but didn't look back. "I ain't going tell my strategy, if Tucker hears that, he'll be able to counter easily and could give me a problem."

"Good point," Hilda groaned.

Daisy had a question. "Paul, do you know what you'll say at the interview, I'm sure your brother told you what will happen before you battle Tucker, right?"

Paul rubbed his head in annoyance. "Reporters are so noisy, they're like a bunch of little kids asking questions at the same time."

Daisy just giggled. "Well, that's true, but, I can help you know what to say, my grandfather would get approached by a lot of reporters back then and he knew how to deal with them."

Paul sighed. "If it makes things easier, then I guess I've got nothing to lose."

For an hour, they practice questions and how to answer them on certain matters. It was soon close to 8'o clock.

The next morning, Paul was up earlier to go over his plan one last time. "This is it...my battle against Tucker will begin, even though, I have to deal with this interview."

Paul was at the Pokemon Center front desk and had Nurse Joy check out his two Pokemon. "I'll check your Pokemon out if they're rearing to battle, in the meantime, have an early breakfast."

"Thanks..." Paul said with a bow.

Nurse Joy had a question. "I heard you have a battle with Tucker, right?"

"That's right," Paul replied.

"Well, most trainers get excited or just don't care, though, I can see you fall under the 'don't care' category. Either way, I wish you good luck." Nurse Joy said with a smile.

Paul gave her a simple nod and sat down for a quick breakfast.

Hilda and Daisy Oak got dressed and then walked out of the room.

Paul was already at the front desk when Nurse Joy brought out two Pokeballs. "Your Torterra and Drapion are doing just fine."

"Thank you and I'll be going," Paul walked toward the entrance door.

Suddenly out of nowhere, Hilda confronted Paul and started pulling his cheeks. "Hey, you ate without us! Talk about inconsiderate, you jerk!"

Paul was already prepared to battle, now he's got to deal with an angry Hilda. "Cut...that...out..."

Daisy just giggled.

At the Battle Dome, Tucker was getting his hair done by his hairdresser. "You're ready to battle this trainer Paul?"

"I heard about his successful battles at the Sinno League," Tucker replied. "I have a feeling this battle will be interesting."

Paul, Hilda, and Daisy Oak were heading to the location of the Battle Dome, but, as they got further into the city, a mob of reporters waiting for his arrival.

"Here comes the pests," Paul thought annoyingly.

"Now, now, give them some space," Scott was there and managed to get them to settle down. "Long time no see, Paul, you ready for this interview?"

"I suppose," Paul replied sullenly.

Scott led the three trainers into a large room where another crowd of reporters was seated around a desk.

"Hey!" One report pointed out at Daisy. "Aren't you Daisy Oak?"

"No way, thee, Daisy Oak, she's a professor like Samuel Oak!" A female reporter added excitedly.

"Please, we're here for Paul's battle against Tucker," Scott reminded.

Paul sat down in front of the desk with Daisy and Hilda behind him and Scott sat down at the desk too. "Now then, Paul will answer any questions, those that have any, raise their hand."

Countless reporters raised their arms ecstatic as ever.

Paul chooses a reporter holding a microphone. "You ma'am."

"I heard you in the Sinnoh League that in the three-on-three battles, you beat your opponents without any of your Pokemon defeated, how did you manage to pull that kind of streak off?"

"I train the Pokemon I choose to battle whether in a League or tournament, come up with strategies to use against my opponents, and also check out their data to help me plan things."

"Wow, I have to admit you seem like a trainer who's always prepared himself," The female reporter said happily to hear that answer.

A male reporter who was sitting down raised his hand. "Young man, how did your battle against Ash Ketchum feel like?"

"Battling him...to me he was just another opponent who I had to face, so, I battle as though he was any other trainer, gym leader, or Battle Frontier Brain," Paul replied. "Though, I ain't going to admit my battle against Ash was probably one of best ones I had, not to these strangers, I probably wouldn't be able to hear the end of it."

"Can you tell us what you think of Tucker?" Another male reporter asked.

Paul decided to give an almost honest answer, but not too honest. "Tucker is a skilled trainer, he knows how to put on a good battle not just for the challengers but for the crowd."

The reporters liked that answer. Three more reporters couldn't wait, so they stood up from their seats. "Paul, can you answer us in order, what were your previous battles against the previous Battle Frontier Brains?"

"Also, did those battles help you prepare for your upcoming battle with Tucker?"

"Lastly, what kind of plan do you intend to use in this battle?"

Paul thought this over carefully. "First off, battling the previous Battle Frontier Brains was no easy feat, they had shown skill and used strategies to counter and think on their feet."

"Second, yes, I studied more about Double Battles and combinations that are used in that kind of battle."

"Lastly, I've been working with my Pokemon to create a few plans, but, you'll have to wait and see for yourselves."

The reporters were more ecstatic and maybe more than ever.

The interview continued a little longer, once it was over. Paul left feeling glad that the interview was over. "That was a pain."

"C'mon, I can tell that you liked it a bit," Scottie assured.

Paul looked at the man. "Don't push your luck. Anyway, you guys should get to your seats."

About half an hour later, Paul waiting in the lobby room and was escorted by Tucker's assistant Victor to the Battle Dome.

Hilda, Scott, and Daisy Oak were at their seats. "Wow, this arena is bigger than I thought."

Scott chuckled lightly. "It's been so long since I here."

"Not to mention those entire fans are gushing over Tucker," Daisy pointed out hearing the loud cheering.

Little did they know, Barry was sitting in another area. "Well, good thing I came here in time, there was no way I was going to miss this."

"Now, our favorite Frontier Brain. One that is a creator, a master cares about his fans as well as his craft, so feast your eyes on the greatest talent the Battle Dome has to offer. Welcome Tucker, your Dome Ace!"

The fans cheered louder than ever.

Paul saw the crowd getting louder than before.

"I welcome here my friend!" Tucker raised his hand and pointed to a screen behind him. "This battle between us that is worthy that of this Tactic Symbol!"

Paul didn't smile and gave Tucker a challenging expression. "Right, I will win this battle."

Tucker grinned. "I like the confidence that you show, I'll show the hot but cool usually fire and water!"

"Rrrrar!"

"Swampert!"

"Your opponents will be the fiery fleet-footed Arcanine and Swamper the water and ground champion!"

Victor came riding on a platform. "This will be Double Battle. The battle will end when Pokemon on one side is unable to battle." He got next to Paul. "Are you ready?"

Paul gave Tucker's assistant a nod. "Good, then before we begin, I'd like you to reveal your Pokemon, if you need to exchange use this transporter."

"I'll stick with the Pokemon I have right now," Paul replied. "Drapion, Torterra, stand by for battle!"

"Quite the combination, let's start," Tucker said raising his arms.

"Drapion use Poison Cross on Arcanine!" Paul commanded.

The Ogre Scropion released a purple X at the fire-like canine. "Use Protect Swampert!"

The Mud Fish Pokemon raised its arms as a defense stance and a thick barrier formed in front of it, effectively blocking out Drapion's attack.

"Arcanine, use Extremespeed to knock away Drapion!" Arcanine crashed into Drapion at high speed, sending them tumbling.

"Torterra use Stone Edge on Swampert while its protective shield is gone!" Paul commanded.

"Torterra!" The Continent Pokemon summoned countless stone edges and released them at Swampert.

"Swampert, jump into the air!" Tucker commanded.

Swampert sprung into the air just as the stone edges reached where it was.

"Drapion use Pin Missile while Swampert is in the air!" Drapion fired countless pin missiles.

"Arcanine use Aerial Ace on Drapion before it does!" Tucker commanded.

Paul smirked. "Perfect...Torterra change the direction of the Stone Edges!" The stone edges circled and went right behind Arcanine.

"Swampert, quick get down in front of Arcanine and use Protect!"

Swampert made it down in front of its tag partner and shielded from the Stone Edge, though, a few of the stones miraculously broke through the shield seemingly damaging the two Pokemon. "Wow, you broke through Swamper's Protect and your ability to control Stone Edge is incredible, you're more than a challenge than I thought you'd be."

Scott was impressed as well. "Impressive, I never thought Paul's Torterra could control Stone Edge."

"I'd never expect nothing less from one of Ash's strongest rivals," Daisy commented.

Paul smirked. "Toxic Spikes now!" Drapion unleashed its toxic spikes onto the ground which began to inflict massive damage to Swampert and Arcanine.

"So, dealing effect damage using Toxic Spikes, impressive, but, we won't go down easily," Tucker said with a confident tone. "Swampert Dynamic Punch!"

Swampert charged with its left arm pulled back and it's fist glowing orange.

"Torterra counter with Wood Hammer!" Paul commanded.

The two Pokemon collided their attacks against and intended to push against each other until the opposing forces blew them backward.

"Drapion use Swords Dance!" Drapion's pincers began to glow red.

"So, you're powering up your Pokemon's Physical moves, interesting, but, it'll take more than that!" Tucker roared confidently. "Arcanine uses Aerial Ace and Swampert prepares to use Dynamic Punch if Torterra attacks from afar!"

"It's so fast!" Hilda exclaimed.

Paul smirked. "Drapion Agility to dodge!" In a split second, Drapion dodged it with fast speed and quickly grabbed Arcanine. "Now, throw it at Swampert!" Drapion threw Arcanine over in the direction of Swampert, unable to react in time, and crashed into its Tag battle partner.

"Oh no!" Tucker yelled.

"What just happened?" Hilda asked.

"Paul had Drapion Agility to dodge Arcanine's attack and he knew if Torterra attacked from afar, Swampert would use Protect to block it and it would leave Torterra wide open," Scott explained.

"On top of that, if Paul had Drapion attacked while it had Arcanine in a tight grip it would've been distracted, Swampert would be able to attack and if Torterra attacked it then it might've ended up damaging Drapion instead."

Swampert and Arcanine were hurt, but, stood back up. "I must admit that was a good flexible move, throwing Arcanine at Swampert was a good move." Tucker looked like was he getting more serious. "Now, time to use it."

"Use what?" Paul asked.

Swampert's fin-like tail began to glow orange. "This...Swampert can collect moisture from the air and create a powerful water attack...a perfect example of true water entertainment! Honestly, this is what I've been waiting for, you forced me to use this move against you!"

The fans cheered more excitedly.

"Well, quit talking about it and bring it on!" Paul yelled. "Though, in the meantime, Drapion use Sword Dance one more time!"

Drapion's pincers glowed red once more.

"Very well...Swampert use Water Pulse!" Swampert unleashed a water attack from its tail-like fin.

"Arcanine follow it up with Fire Blast!"

The two attacks combined to create a swirling tornado of fire and water that was quickly approaching Torterra and Drapion.

"That looks so overwhelming, if Torterra is hit, it'll be taken out!" Hilda exclaimed.

"Drapion knock away Torterra and prepare to intercept that tornado!" Paul commanded.

"Intercept the attack?" Tucker questioned in confusion.

Drapion slowly nodded and pushed Torterra to the very edge of the field. The fire and water tornado got closer and closer, then once Drapion was close. "Now use Ice Fang with whatever energy you have on that tornado!"

Drapion's front fangs glowed light blue and bit on the tornado. Despite feeling damage from the attack, the water and fire tornado were frozen.

Swampert and Arcanine were utterly stunned at what just happened.

"No way!" Tucker exclaimed completely taken off guard.

"Double no way!" Barry was in awe of what he just saw.

"Whoa, he had Drapion use Ice Fang to freeze the tornado!" Hilda proclaimed in surprise.

"Not only that, he was able to do with such power, that must be why he had Drapion use Swords Dance to increase its Ice Fang," Scott commented.

"Indeed, if he used a different attack, it might been overwhelmed even with that power-up," Daisy added.

Tucker smirked wider than ever. "I must admit, I don't remember anyone doing that move before, you managed to stop the strongest combinations of all. It's time we end this now, Arcanine use Aerial Ace! Swampert use Dynamic Punch!"

The two Pokemon charged at their opponents.

"Drapion jump in the air!" Paul commanded.

Tucker, Acarnine and Swampere gasped in confusion at the command. "Torterra use Earthquake now!" Paul commanded once more.

"Tor-terra!" The Continent Pokemon roared as it stomped it's feet on the ground creating a massive quake that shook the ground violently.

Both Arcanine and Swampert stopped in their tracks right next to the frozen tornado and felt the damage inflicing their bodies. "Ahh! That was just distract!" Tucker exclaimed.

"Drapion use Pin Missile on the frozen tornado!" Paul commanded.

Drapion unleashed countless Pin Missiles at the frozen tornado which began to crack.

"Torterra use Stone Edge to shatter the ice tornado into pieces!"

"What is he planning?" Tucker asked as he saw his Pokemon were close by the frozen tornado and realization hit him. "Oh no, you two get away from the frozen tornado!"

They were just about to do that when the effects of Toxic Spikes began to take their toll on them not to mention the previous damage from the Earthquake.

The frozen tornado was shattered into pieces and countless chunks of ice came falling on Swampert and Arcanine damaging them. "Wow, he used the chunks of ice to fall hard on Swampert and Arcanine!" Hilda cheered.

"Yeah, just like a Pokemon use Hail attack to stop them from moving," Scott added.

"Now, Torterra Leaf Storm on Swampert and Drapion Pin Missile on Arcanine!" Paul commanded.

Torterra unleashed a strong leaf storm at Swamper and Drapion fired Pin Missiles once more. Their attacks made contact with their targets sending them crashing across the field and knocking them out.

Tucker gasped in utter disbelief. "He knocked them at...once."

Victor observed the two Pokemon. "Swampert and Arcanine can't continue, the winner is Paul from Vielstone City!"

"Wow, he managed to pull a victory and overcome Tucker's combinations," Daisy praised.

"He surely did a great job," Hild agreed as she looked around the area seeing how silent the crowd was. "Though, I think don't Tucker's fans will agree."

A pair of hands began to clap which was coming from Tucker. "That was quite a fantastic battle, Paul. You showed quite flexibility and showed strategies I never would see especially freezing my strongtest combinations. Well done!" Tucker praised winking getting the crowd to applaud though, they were cheering for Paul.

Paul felt utterly embarrassed but didn't react to it. "I guess I'll let this noise slide."

Scott, Hilda, and Daisy joined their friend Paul.

"You showed a great battle, I'd never expect nothing from one of Ash's strongest rivals," Daisy praised.

"Yes, honestly, I never saw anyone freeze Tucker's strongest combinations." Scott agreed.

Hilda pumped her hand. "Yeah, I hope we can battle again someday, Paul."

Tucker held out his hand. "Well, I wish you luck in the rest of the Battle Frontier." Paul offered his hand and gave it a firm shake. "Now, I have to get going."

"Wait, did you forget about my Symbol?" Paul asked.

Tucker stopped and grinned. "Take a look at your head."

Paul placed his hand on his head and found a small symbol. "When did he put it there...on second thought...forget it."

Barry was quite ecstatic and proud to see such awesome victory by his rival. "Paul, I'd expect nothing less from my rival, I'm more eager to face you again someday." He then left.

Well, that's it, Paul wins his next Symbol, what will happen next, find out next time.

End of chapter.